JP3159836B2 - Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink-jet printing apparatus and an ink-jet printing method for printing a color image on a print medium by receiving supply of image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus for printing a color image on a large print medium such as a cloth by an ink jet method has been developed.
You can print your favorite image on wallpaper or woven fabric.

In order to transport such a large print medium, the transport mechanism for the print medium such as fabric and the printing mechanism are separately provided, and ink jet heads are provided in upper and lower two stages. By printing with the thinned image data and complementing it with a subsequent head, the amount of ink ejected onto the fabric at a time is reduced to increase the ink absorption and drying efficiency.

[0004]

Therefore, it is important to synchronize the printing mechanism and the fabric unwinding mechanism, and since the head used in the printer is divided into two upper and lower stages, the printing operation is terminated at a certain point in time. At this point, for example, the portion printed only by the lower head is incomplete. Therefore, in order to convert the unfinished print portion into a complete print image, it is necessary to continue the printing operation to make the portion a complete image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and provides an ink jet printing apparatus and a method thereof that can print a complete print image up to the stopped portion even when the printing operation is stopped. With the goal.

[0006]

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an ink jet printing apparatus according to the present invention has the following arrangement. That is, a transport unit that transports the print medium along the transport direction, and a first print head and a second print head provided at a downstream position in the transport direction with respect to the first print head are substantially moved in the transport direction. An ink jet printing apparatus comprising: a main scanning unit that scans in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning unit; wherein the main scanning unit scans the first and second print heads in the main scanning direction; A printing unit that repeats the conveyance of the print medium and performs printing to complete a print on a predetermined area on the print medium by the first and second print heads; and stops a print operation by the print unit. Instructing means for instructing by an operator, and during the printing operation by the printing means, If the instruction to stop the print operation is met, prior to the instruction to stop the print operation, printing is performed by the second print head on the area printed by the first print head. And control means for controlling so as to stop the printing operation by the printer. In order to achieve the above object, the inkjet printing method of the present invention includes the following steps. That is, a transport unit that transports the print medium in the transport direction, and a first print head and a second print head provided at a downstream position in the transport direction with respect to the first print head, in the transport direction. An ink jet printing method in an ink jet printing apparatus having main scanning means for scanning along a main scanning direction which is substantially orthogonal, wherein the first and second print heads scan in the main scanning direction and transport the print medium. Is repeated for a predetermined area on the print medium.
A printing step of performing printing so as to complete the printing by the print head, and when an instruction to stop the printing operation is given by an operator during the printing step,
A rear end processing step of stopping the printing operation after performing printing by the second printing head on an area printed by the first printing head prior to the instruction to stop the printing operation. It is characterized by.

[0008]

In the above construction, the scanning of the first and second print heads in the main scanning direction and the conveyance of the print medium are repeated, and the first and second print heads print a predetermined area on the print medium. If the instruction to stop the printing operation is made during the printing operation in which the printing is being performed so as to complete the printing, the area printed by the first print head is printed before the instruction to stop the printing operation. (2) An operation is performed so that the printing operation is stopped after printing is performed by the print head.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, a printing system as a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in the following order.

(1) Overall system (FIGS. 1 and 2) (2) Control unit (FIGS. 3 to 12) (2.1) Configuration (2.2) Operation (3) Ink jet recording unit (FIGS. 13 to 13) (Fig. 45) (3.1) Description of printing mechanism (3.2) Description of apparatus configuration (3.3) Print pattern of basic image (3.4) Download of conversion data and parameters (4) Other configuration example ( (FIGS. 46 to 60) (5) Description of Operation of Entire Apparatus (FIGS. 61 to 68) (1) Entire System FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a textile printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. A reading unit 1001 for reading an original image created by the image processing unit 1002; an image processing unit 1002 for processing original image data read by the reading unit 1001;
The image processing apparatus includes a binarization processing unit 1003 that binarizes the image data created in Step 2, and an image printing unit 1004 that prints an image on a cloth based on the binarized image data.

In the reading section 1001, an original image is read by a CCD image sensor and output to the image processing section 1002 as an electric signal. The image processing unit 1002 generates print data for driving an ink jet print unit 1005 that ejects ink of four colors of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black, which will be described later, from the input original image data. When creating the recording data, image processing for reproducing the original image with ink dots, color arrangement for determining the color tone, layout change, and selection of the size of the pattern such as enlargement and reduction are performed.

The image printing unit 1004 includes a pre-processing unit 1010 for performing pre-processing on a fabric to be printed, and an ink-jet recording unit 10 for discharging ink according to print data.
05, a cloth feeding section 1006 for feeding the cloth to the ink jet recording section 1005, a recording / conveying section 1007 provided opposite to the ink jet recording section 1005, for precisely conveying the cloth, and a printed cloth. The post-processing unit 1008 performs post-processing and stores the printed fabric. The configuration of the image printing unit 1004 will be described later in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a printing process that can be performed using the present system. The contents of the processes performed in each step are as follows, for example. Original Image Creation Step This is a step in which the MS1 designer creates an original image, that is, a basic image which is a basic unit of a repeated image on a cloth serving as a print medium, using appropriate means. In the creation, each unit of a data source that supplies image data to the present system, for example, an input unit and a display unit, which will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3, can be used. Original image input step MS3 The original image created in the original document creation step MS1 is read by the reading unit 1.
001, reading original image data stored in an external storage device (see FIG. 3), or receiving original image data from the LAN 16. Original printing step MS5 The printing system in this example enables selection of various repetition patterns for the basic image. However, depending on the selected repetition pattern, undesired image misalignment or discontinuity in color tone at the boundary portion. Can occur. This step is a step of receiving the selection of the repeating pattern and correcting the discontinuity at the boundary of the repeating pattern according to the selection. As a mode of the correction, a designer or an operator may use a mouse or other input means while referring to a screen of a display (not shown) connected to the control unit 1009, and the image processing unit 1002
The automatic correction may be performed by using. Special color designation step MS7 In the image printing section 1004 according to this example, printing is basically performed using yellow (Y), magenta (M) and cyan (C) inks, or further black (BK) ink. In some cases, it may be desired to use a color other than these, for example, a metal color such as gold or silver, or a clear red (R), green (G), or blue (B). Therefore, the printer P of the present embodiment enables printing using the ink of these special colors (hereinafter referred to as special colors), and specifies the special colors in this step. Color Palette Data Creation Step In the MS9 design, the designer creates an original picture while selecting colors from standard color patches. The reproducibility of the selected color at the time of printing greatly affects the productivity of the printing system. Therefore, in this step, data for determining the mixing ratio of Y, M, C or a special color for generating the selected standard color satisfactorily is generated. In the logo input step MS11 cloth, a logo mark such as a designer or a manufacturer brand is often printed at the end. In this step, such a logo mark is specified, and its color, size, and position are specified. Cloth size designation step MS13 Designates the width, length, etc. of the cloth to be printed. Thus, the scanning amount of the print head in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the printer P, the number of repetitions of the original image pattern, and the like are determined. Original image magnification designation step MS15 A magnification ratio for printing on the original image (for example, 100%, 2
00%, 400%, etc.). Cloth Type Designation Step MS17 There are various types of cloth, such as natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and wool, and synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and acryl, which have different characteristics relating to printing. Although it is considered that this is due to the elasticity of the cloth, when the feed amount during printing is made equal, the appearance of the streaks generated at the boundary portion for each main scan differs. Therefore, in this step, the type of the cloth to be printed is input and used for setting an appropriate feed amount in the image printing unit 1004. Ink maximum ejection amount setting step MS19 Even if the same amount of ink is ejected on the cloth, the image density reproduced on the cloth varies depending on the cloth type. Also, the image printing unit 100
The amount of ink that can be ejected also differs depending on the configuration of the fixing system 4 and the like. Therefore, in this step, the maximum ink ejection amount is specified according to the type of cloth, the configuration of the fixing system of the image printing unit 1004, and the like. Print Mode Designation Step MS21 In the image printing unit 1004, whether high-speed printing or normal printing is performed, or one per dot is performed.
Specify whether to perform ink ejection multiple times or multiple times. Furthermore, when printing is interrupted, etc., it is necessary to control whether the pattern is continuous before and after the interruption, or to specify whether to newly start printing regardless of the continuity of the pattern. Can also. Head Shading Mode Designation Step MS23 When a print head having a plurality of ejection ports is used in the image printing unit 1004, variations in ink ejection amount or ejection direction for each ejection port of the head due to manufacturing variations and subsequent use conditions. May occur. Therefore, in order to correct this, a process (head shading) for correcting the drive signal for each discharge port to make the discharge amount constant may be performed. In this step, the timing of the head shading and the like can be designated. Printing is performed by the image printing unit 1004 based on the designation of the print step MS25 or higher.

[0014] If it is not necessary to specify any of the above steps, the steps may be deleted or skipped. Further, a step of performing other designations or the like may be added as necessary. (2) Reading Unit 1001, Image Processing Unit 1002, Binarization Processing Unit 1003, and Control Unit 1009 (2.1) Configuration FIG. 3 shows the entire system centering on the control unit 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1011 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire information processing system, and 1013, a CPU 101.
The main memory 1014 stores a program to be executed by the computer 1 and is used as a work area at the time of the execution. The main memory 1014 transfers data between the main memory 1013 and various devices constituting the system without the intervention of the CPU 1011. It is a DMA controller (hereinafter referred to as DMAC). 1
015 is a LAN interface between the LAN 1016 and this system, 1017 is ROM, SRAM, RS2
It is an input / output device (hereinafter, referred to as I / O) having a 32C interface. Various external devices can be connected to the I / O 1017. 1018 and 1
Reference numeral 019 denotes a hard disk device and a floppy disk device as external storage devices, and 1020 denotes a hard disk device 1018 and a floppy disk device 101.
9 is a disk interface for performing signal connection between the system 9 and the present system. Reference numeral 1022 denotes the image printing unit 100
4 is a scanner / printer interface for performing signal connection between the scanner and the reading unit 1001,
It can be of specification. 1023, a keyboard for inputting various character information, control information, and the like;
4 is a mouse as a pointing device, 1025
Is a key interface for performing signal connection between the keyboard 1023 and the mouse 1024 and this system. Reference numeral 1026 denotes a display device such as a CRT whose display is controlled by the interface 1027. 101
Reference numeral 2 denotes a system bus including a data bus, a control bus, and an address bus for connecting signals between the above-described devices.

(2.2) Operation In a system in which the various devices described above are connected, a designer or an operator performs an operation while corresponding to various information displayed on the display screen of the CRT 26. That is, external devices connected to the LAN 1016, the I / O 1017, a hard disk 1018, a floppy disk 1019, a reading unit 1001, a keyboard 1023, characters and image information supplied from a mouse 1024, etc.
Operation information related to system operation stored in the main memory 1013 is displayed on the display screen of the CRT 1026,
The designer or the operator designates various information and performs an instruction operation to the system while watching the display.

Here, of the steps shown in FIG.
Some details of processing relating to the main part of the present embodiment performed using the system shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the special color designation processing procedure in FIG. This procedure is performed by the control unit 1009 by the image printing unit 10.
Image printing unit 10 for pallet data sent to
04 pallet conversion table (Y, M, C, B)
K) and a palette conversion table as a table indicating the mixing ratio of the special colors). When this procedure is started, it is first determined in step SS7-1 whether or not use of a special color is instructed. I do. Here, if the determination is negative, this procedure is immediately ended. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SS7-3, where information about the current special color in the image printing unit 1004 is displayed on the CRT 1026. In this process, for example, the present applicant proposes that the print head of the printer has means (pattern cutting) for presenting its own information, and the printer body can recognize the information from the means. The invention disclosed in JP-A-2-187343 or the like can be used. As a means for presenting the information, EPR
A device using an OM or a DIP switch may be used. To apply the present embodiment, the information may be the ink color used by the print head, and the information may be read by the image printing unit 1004 and notified to the CPU 1011 of the control unit 1009. The operator looks at the information displayed on the CRT 1026 to know whether or not the print head for the special color is currently used and the special color currently being used, and whether the desired special color is included in step SS-5. Key operation (for example, whether or not the current condition is acceptable) can be performed. If a negative determination is made, step SS7-
The process proceeds to step S9, where a display prompting the user to mount the print head of the desired color is displayed, and the process returns to step SS7-3 according to the mounting.

In step SS7-5, the image printing unit 100
When an instruction indicating that the currently used print head is acceptable is given in step 4, a pallet command specifying a color combination is specified in step SS7-51. This is because, for example, when three colors C, M, and Y are used for printing, and when BK is used, the special colors S1 and S1 are used in addition to the three colors C, M, and Y.
The case where S2 is used and the case where special colors S3 and S4 are used are, for example, "3", "4", "6",
It can be specified using the numerical value of “8”.

In response, in step SS7-53, for example, a pallet conversion table stored in advance in a storage device (main memory 1013, external storage devices 1018, 1019, etc.) is read, and the operator makes appropriate corrections as necessary. To set the mixing amount of each color (step S
In step S7-55, the table data is sent to the image printing unit 1004 together with the pallet command (step SS).
7-57). As the pallet conversion table, for example, those shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 can be used.

The image printing unit 1004 for this procedure
As the processing circuit on the side, those described later with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19 can be used.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a detailed processing procedure of the color pallet data generation step MS9 in FIG.

In this procedure, first, in step SS9-1, a standard color patch of the color selected by the designer is read. For this purpose, the reading unit 1001 can be used, or a reading unit provided in the image printing unit 1004 described later can be used. Next, step SS
In 9-3, based on the code corresponding to the standard color patch, first, palette conversion data including a spot color is calculated from a palette conversion table set in advance so as to be compatible with the image printing unit 1004, and the calculated spot color is included. An image is formed according to the data, and this is printed in the form of a color patch in step SS9-5.

Next, in step SS9-7, the color patch printed by the image printing unit 1004 is read, and the color data is compared with the color data obtained in step SS9-1. If the difference is less than the predetermined value, the color pallet conversion data at that time is adopted in step SS9-11, and this is set in the image printing unit 1004. If the difference is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step SS9-1.
At 3, the pallet data is corrected based on the difference, and the process returns to step SS9-5, and the process is repeated until an affirmative determination is made at step SS9-9. The case where the spot colors S1, S2, S3, and S4 are used in the spot color processing procedure shown in FIG. 4 has been described.
In each of the cases where P.4 is used, the pallet conversion table created by the operator can be corrected based on the data obtained in this procedure. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately select a combination of a plurality of inks including a spot color corresponding to a color patch, that is, a color code selected by the designer.

FIG. 10 shows another example of the detailed processing procedure of the color pallet data generation step.

In this procedure, first, a standard color patch is read in step SS9-21 similar to step SS9-1. Next, in this procedure, in step SS9-23, a plurality of types of color pallet conversion data are prepared, and a plurality of color patches are printed for them. Next, the plurality of color patches are read in step SS9-25, and the color data obtained therefrom is compared with the color data obtained in step SS9-21 in step SS9-27. Then, in step SS9-29, the color data closest to the color data obtained in step SS9-21, that is, the one with the highest color reproducibility is selected, and the color pallet conversion data is adopted and set in the image printing unit 1004.

The plurality of color pallet conversion data prepared in step SS9-23 may be such that the ink mixing amount is changed by a predetermined amount for all color print heads, or the data obtained in step SS9-21 may be used. A predetermined range centered on the data or centered on the data set by the operator in the procedure of FIG. 4 may be selected, and the ink mixing amount may be slightly changed within that range. In this procedure, the processing of performing correction and reprinting can be omitted as compared with the procedure of FIG. 9, so that the processing of generating color pallet conversion data can be performed at high speed.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the logo input processing procedure in FIG.

In this procedure, first, in step SS11-1, an inquiry is made to the operator as to whether or not a logo is to be put on the cloth, and if an affirmative determination is made, designation of a logo color to be printed is received in step SS11-3. . The designation of this color can be selected from eight colors of C, M, Y, BK and special colors S1, S2, S3 or S4.

Next, in step SS11-5, a selection designation from a plurality of types of logos prepared in advance in the image printing unit 1004 described later is received. This can be, for example, a designation for selecting one of the four types.

In step SS11-7, the designation of the size of the logo to be printed is received in the main scanning direction (X direction) and the sub-scanning direction (Y direction). This is, for example, a maximum of 512 per pixel in the X direction.
Up to eight bands can be specified for pixels and in the Y direction in units of the recording width (band) of one main scan of the recording head.

In step SS11-9, the main scanning direction (X
The designation of the logo print start position in the direction) is accepted. This can be specified, for example, up to 512 pixels in units of one pixel.

In step SS11-11, an input for designating a logo start position in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) by, for example, designating a pitch between logos (repetition interval) is received. This means that, for example, a maximum of 25
Up to six bands can be designated. In addition,
Information may be presented to the operator so that the specified value does not become smaller than the Y-direction size specified in step SS11-7.

For each of the above designations, step SS11-
At 13, the control unit 1009 sets the logo information in the image printing unit 1004. As a data format for this, for example, “<WLOGO>, <color>, <pattern
>, <X0>, <Y0>, <L0>, <L1>". Here, <WLOGO> is for causing the image printing unit 1004 to recognize that the data following this is logo information. <Color> is data for color setting. One bit is assigned to each of the eight colors, and is a 1-byte signal that can be output / masked when the color is turned on / off. <Pattern> is data for setting a logo pattern, and can be a 2-bit signal to select one from four types.
>, <Y0>, <L0> and <L1> are data for setting the X-direction logo size, the Y-direction logo size, the X-direction logo start position, and the Y-direction logo repetition interval, respectively. FIG. 12 shows an example of correspondence with the logo output format. (3) Image Printing Unit (3.1) Description of Printing Mechanism The operation of the serial type inkjet recording apparatus as the image printing unit 1004 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 13, a carriage 1 has color print heads 2 corresponding to four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (BK).
a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are mounted, and the guide shaft 3 supports the carriage 1 for moving and guiding. Although not shown for simplicity, in this example, the carriage 1
Can be equipped with up to four special color heads,
Associated mechanisms are also provided. Each head is separately
Alternatively, it may be detachable from the carriage 1 in several units.

A part of the belt 4 which is an endless belt is fixedly connected to the carriage 1 and a carriage driving motor 5 (motor driver 2) which is a pulse motor.
3) is mounted on a gear attached to a drive shaft. Therefore, this carriage drive motor 23
, The belt 4 stretched around the drive shaft is fed, and as a result, the carriage 1 scans the print surface of the print medium along the guide shaft 3. The print medium 6 further includes a transport roller 7 for transporting the print medium 6 (recording paper, cloth, etc.), guide rollers 8A and 8B for guiding the print medium 6, and a print medium transport motor 9.

Each of the print heads 2a, 2b, 2
The c, 2d and spot color print heads have, for example, 40 ejection ports for ejecting ink droplets toward the print medium 6.
256 dots are provided at a density of 0 DPI (dot / inch). Each print head 2a, 2b, 2c,
For 2d (and the head for a special color), the supply tube 12 from the corresponding ink tank 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d (and the ink tank for a special color) is used.
The ink is supplied via a, 12b, 12c, and 12d (and further a special color supply tube). Each of the head drivers 24a, 24a is connected to an energy generating means (not shown) provided in a liquid passage communicating with each discharge port.
b, 24c, 24d (and further special color driver) from the flexible cables 13a, 13b, 13c, 13
The ink ejection signal is selectively supplied via d (and further, a special color flexible cable).

Further, each of the print heads 2a, 2b, 2
c, 2d, etc., the head heaters 14a, 14b, 14
c, 14d (14b, 14c, 14d, etc. are not shown) and temperature detecting means 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d (15
b, 15c, 15d, etc. are not shown).
Detection signals from the temperature detection means 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d and the like are input to a control circuit 16 having a CPU. The control circuit 16 determines the driver 1 based on this signal.
7 and the head heaters 14a, 14
The heating in b, 14c, 14d, etc. is controlled.

The capping means 20 comes into contact with the ejection opening surfaces of the print heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d during non-recording, and suppresses the drying and entry of foreign substances, or removes them. Specifically, at the time of non-recording, the print heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d move to positions facing the capping unit 20. The capping means 20 is driven forward by the cap driver 25, and performs capping by pressing the elastic member 44 against the discharge port surface. It is needless to say that capping means for a special color head which is omitted in the drawing is also provided.

The clogging prevention means 31 receives the discharged ink when the print heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d perform the idle discharge operation. This clogging prevention means 31
Is provided with a liquid receiving member 2 that faces the print heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, etc., and absorbs and receives the idlely discharged ink, and is disposed between the capping means 20 and the recording start position. I have. In addition, as a material of the liquid receiving member 32 and the liquid holding member 45, a sponge-like porous member, a plastic sintered body, or the like is effective.

A water discharge solenoid valve 61 and an air pump driver 62 are connected to the capping means 20.
Under the control of the control circuit 16, the nozzles for discharging the water for cleaning and the nozzles for jetting the air disposed in the capping means 20 are driven. FIG. 14 is a plan view for explaining the operation of the print head according to the present embodiment.
The same elements as those shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Also, in this figure, the configuration related to the special color heads 2S1 to 2S4 is not shown.

In FIG. 14, the recording start detecting sensor 34
The capping means detection sensor 36 is for detecting the position of each of the print heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. The idle discharge position detection sensor 35 detects a reference position of an idle discharge operation performed while the print heads 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d move in the scanning direction.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a head characteristic measuring means which can be used not only for head shading (step MS23 in FIG. 2) but also for color pallet data creation (step MS9), and includes a head shading test pattern and a color recorded by the head. It has a transport unit for transporting a print medium or the like on which the patch is printed, and a reading unit for reading the information. The head characteristic measuring means is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
The one shown in FIG. 31 of the publication can be used.

Next, the ink jet printing operation will be described.

First, the printer is on standby. In this case, the print heads 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are capped by the capping means 20. When a print signal is input to the control circuit 16, the motor 5 is driven by the motor driver 23, and the carriage 1 starts moving. In accordance with this movement, when each of the print heads is detected by the idle discharge position detecting sensor 35, the clogging prevention means 31 performs idle discharge of ink for a predetermined time. Then, after that, the carriage 1 moves again in the direction of arrow D, and when it is detected by the recording start detection sensor 34, the respective ejection ports of the print heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and the like are selectively driven. As a result, ink droplets are ejected, and an image is printed in a dot matrix pattern on the print width portion p of the print medium 103. Thus, the predetermined width (determined by the vertical nozzle spacing of the print head and its number)
, The carriage 1 moves to a position on the right end side of the drawing (which can be detected by counting the number of pulses applied to the motor 5). A pulse is applied so that the print head 2a at the rear end of the carriage 1 crosses the print medium. Thereafter, the carriage 1 is reversed and driven in the direction of arrow E to return to the idle discharge position, and the print medium 1
03 is conveyed in the direction of arrow F by the width of the print width portion p or more, and the above-described operation is repeated again.

(3.2) Description of Apparatus Configuration FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of the configuration of an ink jet printer which is the image printing unit 104 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part thereof. The image printing section (printer) of this example is roughly divided into a cloth feeding section 1006 for sending out a cloth on a roll which has been subjected to a pretreatment for printing, and an ink jet head for precisely feeding the sent cloth. And a post-processing unit 1008 for drying and winding the printed cloth. The main unit A further includes a recording / conveying unit 1007 for precisely feeding the cloth including the platen.
And an ink jet recording unit 1005.

The pre-treated roll-shaped cloth 103 is sent out to the cloth feeding section 1006 and is step-feeded to the main body section A. The cloth 103 that has been step-fed is the first
In the printing section 111, the printing surface is regulated flat by the platen 112, and printing is performed by the inkjet head 2 from the front side. Each time one line of printing is completed, the printing paper is stepped by a predetermined amount, and then dried by heating by the heating plate 114 and hot air from the surface supplied / discharged by the hot air duct 115. Subsequently, in the second printing section 111 ', the first printing section 1
Overprinting is performed in the same manner as in No. 11.

The cloth 103 printed in this manner is subjected to a post-drying unit 11 comprising a heating plate and a heater (or warm air).
In step 6, the sheet is dried again, guided by a guide roll 117, and taken up by a take-up roll 118. And the wound cloth 1
03 is removed from the apparatus, and is colored, washed, and dried in a batch process to become a product.

In FIG. 16, cloth 1 as a print medium is used.
Numeral 03 is step-fed upward in the figure. Y, M, C,
BK and ink jet heads for spot colors S1 to S4 can be mounted, that is, a total of eight ink jet heads 2
(A Y, M, C, BK, and S1-S4 head are mounted in the figure). The ink jet head (print head) 2 according to the present embodiment uses an element having an element for generating thermal energy for causing film boiling of ink as energy used for discharging ink.
An arrangement in which 256 ejection ports are arranged at a density of 0 DPI (dot / inch) is used.

Downstream of the first printing unit 111, a drying unit 125 including a heating plate 114 for heating from the back and a hot air duct 115 for drying from the front is provided. The heat transfer surface of the heating plate 114 is strongly heated from the back by high-temperature and high-pressure steam passing through the hollow inside. Fins 114 'for collecting heat are provided on the inner side of the surface of the heating plate, so that heat can be efficiently removed from the cloth 1.
You can concentrate on the back of 03. The side opposite to the cloth 103 is covered with a heat insulating material 126 to prevent loss due to heat radiation.

On the front side, the cloth 1 being dried is blown by blowing dry warm air from the supply duct 127 on the downstream side.
03 is exposed to lower humidity air to enhance the drying effect. Then, air flowing in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the cloth 103 and sufficiently containing water is supplied to the suction duct 1 on the upstream side.
From 28, a much larger amount of suction than the amount of spray is used to prevent moisture from leaking and condensing on the surrounding machinery. The hot air supply source is located on the back side of FIG. 16, and suction is performed from the near side.
The pressure difference between the blowout port 129 and the suction port 130 facing 03 is made uniform over the entire area in the longitudinal direction. The air blow / suction unit is offset downstream with respect to the center of the backside heating plate so that the air hits the well heated area. As a result, the first print unit 111 strongly dries a large amount of water in the ink including the thinning liquid received by the cloth 103.

Downstream (upper) of the second printing unit 1
11 ', and a second print section 111' is formed by a second carriage 124 'having the same configuration as the first carriage 124. Note that the first carriage 124 and the second carriage 124 'may be integrated in advance or integrated via an appropriate connecting member, and a drive source, a transmission mechanism, and the like for driving the same may be shared.

Although not shown in FIG. 16, there is provided an ink supply device for storing ink and supplying a required amount of ink to the head, and has an ink tank, an ink pump, and the like. The main body and the heads 2 and 2 'are connected by an ink supply tube or the like, and are usually automatically supplied to the head by an amount discharged from the head by capillary action. Further, at the time of the head recovery operation, ink is forcibly supplied to the head using the ink pump. And
The head and the ink supply device are mounted on separate carriages, respectively, and are configured to reciprocate in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 16 by a driving device (not shown).

Although not shown in FIG. 16, a head recovery device is provided at a position where the head can be opposed to the head at a home position (standby position) in order to maintain the ink ejection stability of the head. The following operation is performed. That is, first, capping of the head is performed at the home position in order to prevent evaporation of ink from the nozzles of the head 2 during non-operation (capping operation). Alternatively, an operation of pressurizing an ink flow path in a head by using an ink pump to forcibly discharge ink from the nozzles by using an ink pump in order to discharge air bubbles and dust in the nozzles before starting image printing (pressure recovery operation). Or operation to forcibly suck and discharge ink from nozzles (suction recovery operation)
It performs functions such as collecting ink discharged when performing the above. Next, the configuration of the control system of the present apparatus will be described. FIG.
18 shows the configuration of the image printing unit 1004 of the embodiment and an example of the configuration of its operation unit.
7 conceptually shows an example of the internal configuration of the control board 142 along the flow of data.

The control circuit 16 shown in FIG. 13 is transmitted from the control unit 1009 via an interface (here, GPIB).
Is sent to the control board 142 having the same. The device for transmitting the image data is not particularly limited, and the transfer form may be a transfer via a network or an off-line via a magnetic tape or the like. The control board 142 includes a CPU 142A, a ROM 142B storing various programs, a RAM 14C having various register areas and a work area, and the respective units shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 and controls the entire apparatus. An operation / display unit 143 includes an operation unit for the operator to give necessary instructions to the image printing unit 1004 and a display for displaying a message or the like to the operator.
Reference numeral 144 denotes a cloth transporter including a motor for transporting a print medium such as a cloth to be printed. Reference numeral 145 denotes a driver unit input / output unit (I / O) for driving various motors (suffixed with "M") and various solenoids (denoted by "SOL") shown in FIG. 1
Reference numeral 47 denotes a relay board for supplying a drive signal to each head, receiving information on each head (information on the presence / absence of the head, information on the color presented by the head, and the like) and supplying the information to the control board 142. The information is stored in the control unit 1009
In addition to being used to request transfer of color pallet data of colors to be used after being transferred to the carriages 124 and 12
4 'is used for recognizing the mounting range of the head or setting the scanning range. 151 is the carriage 12
4, 124 'for driving a motor or the like for scanning.

Upon receiving information on image data to be printed from the control unit 1009, the image data is transmitted to the GPIB interface 501 and the frame memory controller 50.
4 is stored in the image memory 505 (see FIG. 19). The image memory 505 of the embodiment has a capacity of 124 Mbytes, and has an A1 size of 8-bit palette data. That is, 8 bits are assigned to one pixel. Reference numeral 503 denotes a DMA controller for speeding up memory transfer. When the data transfer from the control unit 1009 is completed, printing can be started after predetermined processing.

Before and after the description, the image printing unit 1 of the embodiment will be described.
The control unit 1009 connected to 004 transfers the image data as a raster image. Each print head 2
Since multiple ink ejection nozzles are lined up in the vertical direction,
The sequence of image data must be converted to match the printhead. This data conversion is performed by the raster / BJ conversion controller 506. And this raster ＠B
The data converted by the J conversion controller 506 is supplied to the pallet conversion controller 508 through the enlargement function of the next enlargement controller 507 for scaling the image data. Note that data up to the enlargement controller 507 is data sent from the control unit 1009, and in this embodiment, is an 8-bit pallet signal. Then, the pallet data (8 bits) is commonly passed to and processed by a processing unit (described below) for each print head.

19 to 21, it is assumed that a head for printing special colors S1 to S4 is provided in addition to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

The pallet conversion controller 508 stores the pallet data and the corresponding color conversion table input from the control unit 1009 in the conversion table memory 50.
9. In the case of an 8-bit palette, there are 256 reproducible color types from 0 to 255, and an appropriate table is developed in a table memory 509 corresponding to each color. For example, when 0 is input Light gray print 1 is input Solid print 1 of special color 1 is input Solid print 2 of special color 2 is input Blue color of mixed color of cyan and magenta When 4 is input Cyan solid printing When 5 is input Red color printing with a mixture of magenta and yellow (omitted) When 254 is input Yellow solid printing When 255 is input What No printing is performed.

As a specific circuit configuration, the pallet conversion table memory 509 performs its function by writing the conversion data at the address position corresponding to the pallet data. That is, when the pallet data is actually supplied as the address, the memory is accessed in the read mode. Note that the pallet conversion controller 508 manages the pallet conversion table memory 509 and interfaces between the control board 142 and the pallet conversion table memory 509. In addition, a circuit (a circuit for multiplying the output by 0 to 1) for setting the mixed amount of the special color is interposed between the HS controller 510 of the next stage and the HS system including the HS conversion table memory 511 for the special color. May be variable.

The HS conversion controller 510 and the HS conversion table memory 511 store the print density variation corresponding to each ejection port of each head based on data measured by the head characteristic measuring device 148 including an appropriate density unevenness correction unit. Make corrections. For example, data is converted to a darker density for a discharge port with a low density (small discharge amount), data is converted to a low density for a discharge port with a high density (high discharge amount), and Is performed as it is. This processing will be described later.

The following γ conversion controller 512 and γ conversion table memory 513 are table conversions for increasing or decreasing the overall density for each color. For example, when nothing is performed, a linear table indicates that 0 input is 0 output, 100 input is 100 output, 210 input is 210 output, 255 output is 255 output.

The next-stage binarization controller 514 has a pseudo gray scale function, inputs 8-bit gray scale data, and outputs binary 1-bit pseudo gray scale data. is there. The multivalued data is converted into binary data by a dither matrix, an error diffusion method, etc., but these are also adopted in the embodiments, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. What is necessary is just to express the gradation by the number of dots per area.

Here, the binarized data is stored in the link memory 515 and then used for driving each print head. Then, the binary data output from each connection memory is output as C, M, Y, BK, S1 to S4. Since the same processing is performed on the binarized signal of each color, the description will be made with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows a configuration for the print color cyan, and has the same configuration for each color. FIG. 21 shows the connection memory 515 shown in FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration at a later stage than that of FIG.

The signal C binarized by the binarization controller 514 is output to a sequential multi-scan generator (hereinafter referred to as an SMS generator) 522. When the test printing of the apparatus alone is performed by the pattern generators 517 and 518, Therefore, the data is supplied to the selector 519. Of course, this switching is controlled by the CPU of the control board 142. When the operator performs a predetermined operation on the operation display unit 143 (see FIG. 17), the binary pattern controller is used to perform test printing. Select the data from 517. Therefore, normally, the data from the binary controller 514 (connection memory 516) is selected. 520 is a selector 520 and the SMS generator 52
This is a logo input section interposed between the printer and the printer 2. In the case of textile printing, a logo mark such as a brand of a maker or a designer is often put on an end of the cloth, so that it corresponds to this. The configuration may include, for example, a memory for storing logo data, a controller for managing print positions, and the like.

Note that the SMS generator 522 prevents unevenness in image density due to a change in the discharge amount of each nozzle. Multi-scan is performed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-79858.
No. has been proposed. Whether to perform multi-scan, that is, to give priority to image quality by performing ink ejection from a plurality of ejection openings for one pixel, or to give priority to high-speed without performing such multi-scan, appropriately , For example, by using the operation display unit 103 or the host computer H.

The link memory 524 is a buffer memory for correcting the physical position of the head, that is, the position between the upper and lower print units in FIG. 16 and the position between the heads, and temporarily inputs image data here. Output at a timing corresponding to the physical position of the head. Therefore, the capacity of the link memory 524 differs for each print color.
After performing the above data processing, data is sent to the head via the head relay board 147.

Conventionally, data for pallet conversion, HS conversion, and γ conversion have been fixedly held in a memory provided in the apparatus main body. For this reason, the image data may not match the image data to be output, and an image of sufficient quality may not be obtained. Therefore, in this embodiment, these conversion data can be input from the outside, and are stored in each conversion table memory. For example, pallet conversion data as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 is downloaded to the conversion table memory 509. That is, the conversion table memories 509, 511, and 513 of the embodiment are all configured by RAM. The data for pallet conversion and γ conversion is sent from the control unit 1009, for example. The data for HS conversion is input from an externally provided head characteristic measuring device 148 (see FIG. 17) so that data adapted to the state of the head can be always obtained. In order to obtain the head characteristics of each recording color by the head characteristics measuring device 148, a test print (printing of a uniform predetermined halftone density) is performed by each print head. The measurement is performed by measuring the density distribution corresponding to the print width.
The state of the head is a variation in the ejection state of a plurality of nozzles included in the head, or how much the density of an image printed by the head differs from a desired density.

In this embodiment, even if data is input, the output is set to "0" as shown in FIG. 22 in order to prevent abnormal output or the like until the conversion parameter is input. Was not done. The same applies to γ conversion and the like.

FIG. 23 shows the logo input section 520 in FIG.
Is shown, and is configured in accordance with the processing procedure of FIG. 11 performed by the control unit 1009.

In the above procedure, <color>, <pattern>, <X0>, <Y0>, <L0> transmitted from the control unit 1009
> And <L1> are set in the register 520A by the CPU 142A provided on the control board 142 of the image printing unit 1004. Controller 52
OB is configured using a counter and the like, and receives a signal (for example, an address signal) for managing the feed of the print head in the main scanning direction (X direction) and the feed of the cloth 103 in the sub scanning direction (Y direction). A logo is formed at a position defined by L1 (see FIG. 12). In addition, X0,
The blanking processing circuit 5 of the binarized image data 516 in order to blank the range determined by Y0, ie, the logo printing range.
20C is controlled. The blanking processing circuit 520C receives the control signal and deactivates the image data in the range.

The controller 520B has a register 520A.
The logo memory 520D that stores the logo to be printed is specified based on the pattern stored in. In this example, there are four types of logo patterns, that is, four logo memories are provided. Each logo memory 520D has 4M in this example.
The maximum value of X0 (512 pixels) and the maximum value of Y0 (the number of discharge ports of the print head: 256 × 8 bands = 20)
(For 48 pixels).

FIGS. 24A and 24B show two ROMs (ROM ROM) for the logo image output range and the logo memory.
A, ROMB), and the hatched area is a part that is not output because it exceeds the designated X0, Y0.

As shown in FIG. 25, one pixel in the ROM is composed of 8 bits, and one bit of ON / OFF data of the pixel is assigned to each bit.

The data read from the logo memory 520D designated by the controller 520B is supplied to a logo sending circuit 520E. The logo transmission circuit is constituted by a selector or the like, and makes only the data of the color designated by the logo color designation data (color) stored in the register 520A valid for the pixel data shown in FIG.
Supply to 20F. The data transmission circuit 520F, which can be configured by using an OR circuit or the like, transmits data for printing a logo of a specified pattern in a specified color to a blanked area, and transmits image data in other areas. 516 as it is and supplied to the next stage SMS generator.

In this example, the logo data is managed independently of the basic image data.
The desired logo data can be inserted at the repetition cycle desired by the operator, regardless of the type of the repetition pattern as shown in FIG. Also, immediately before sending the basic image data to the head,
That is, since the designated area is blanked after the binarization and the logo is inserted therein, the logo mark is not affected by various conversions and can be printed as desired (for example, clearly). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, since the space of 1 byte (8 bits) for one pixel is configured by allocating each color to each bit, the memory use efficiency is improved.

The contents of the logo memory are stored in the control unit 1009.
Alternatively, the CPU of the image printing unit 1004 reads and reads the control unit 1
A configuration that can be displayed on the CRT 1026 of 009 or the operation / display unit 143 of the image printing unit 1004 can also be adopted.

Although the logo memory is a ROM in this embodiment, the logo memory is constituted by a memory such as a RAM and an EPROM.
The contents may be rewritable by 009. In this case, the control unit 1009 can file the logo data, store it in an external storage with a management number attached thereto, and access it as appropriate. When a RAM is used, the stored contents may be backed up by a battery or the like to save the stored contents even when the power is turned off, or the control unit 1009 transfers the logo data and develops the data in the storage area as needed. It may be.

Further, the number of the logo memories, that is, the types of the logo data patterns are not limited to the above four.

In addition, in the image printing unit 1004 according to this example, a mode in which two or more ejection operations are performed for one pixel such as multi-scan can be selected. However, if high image quality is not required for the logo, For logo, for example,
It is also possible to control not to perform the ejection operation after the first time. In this case, for example, the data transmission circuit 52 of FIG.
For 0F, a gate circuit or the like for deactivating the logo data may be added so that the second and subsequent ejection operations are not performed according to the mode.

(3.3) Print Pattern of Basic Image When inputting the image data of the basic image, the CPU 1010 of the control unit 1009 sends the input image size (X _in , Y _in ) to the image printing unit 1004 using the command and the parameter. Send in format. Accordingly, the CPU 142A of the image printing unit 1004
Secures an input area in the image memory 505,
The input image size is stored in a predetermined parameter storage unit of C. Next, when the control unit 1009 sequentially transmits the image data to the image printing unit 1004, the image printing unit 1004 receives the image data and stores it in the image memory 505 via the FM controller 504. On the other hand, the control unit 1009
Transmits the output format of the image data to the image printing unit 1004. Thereby, the image printing unit 1004 stores the image output format in the parameter storage unit of the RAM 142C. Here, an output type as shown in FIG. 26 is handled as an image output format.

FIGS. 26A to 26E are diagrams showing an image output format in this embodiment.

FIG. 26A shows a format in which the basic image 300 is printed out so as to be periodically repeated in the X direction (the feed direction of the carriage 1) and the Y direction (the feed direction of the print medium) as shown in FIG. Indicates type 1). FIG. 26B shows a case where the basic image 300 is repeatedly printed.
A predetermined offset amount (shift amount) every other in the X direction
A format (type 2) for printing and outputting by shifting in the Y direction by Δy is shown. FIG. 26C shows the above-mentioned type 2
Almost in the same manner as (FIG. 26 (B)), a format (type 3) is shown in which the basic images 300 are printed every other one in the Y direction and shifted in the X direction by a predetermined offset amount Δx. FIG. 26D shows the rotation of the basic image 300 (in FIG.
0 °), and a format (type 4) in which the print output is shifted by an offset amount (offset “0” in FIG. 26 (D)) in the Y direction in the same manner as type 2 ((B) of FIG. 26). . Finally, FIG. 26 (E) shows that the basic image 300 is rotated (90 degrees in FIG. 26 (E)), and then the offset amount in the X direction (FIG. 26 (E)) as in type 3 of FIG. 26 (C). )
In this example, a format (type 5) for printing and outputting by shifting by "0") is shown.

The output format output from the control unit 1009 is
In addition to the parameters specified above,
Output types like Ip 1-5, basic image size (X
_b , Y _b ), Total output image size (X_OUT , Y_OUT ), X
Direction offset amount Δx, Y direction offset amount Δy, rotation
Quantity (here, in units of 90 degrees) and the like. These
The parameters are set under the following conditions.

X _in × Y _in ≦ capacity of memory 505, X _b ≦
X _in , Y _b ≦ Y _in , X _OUT ≧ X _b , Y _OUT ≧ Y _b , Δ
x ≦ X _b , Δy ≦ Y _b , etc.

The control unit 1009 executes step MS2 in FIG.
In step 5, an image data printing instruction is issued to the image printing unit 1004.
, Whereby the image printing unit 1004 enters a printing operation.

More specifically, the CPU 142A controls the read timing of the memory 505 of the address control unit provided in the FM controller 504, the start timing of the motor driver 23, and the start timing of the head driver 24, so that the print medium can be used. The printing timing on a certain cloth 103 is controlled. The address control unit sequentially reads out image data from the memory 505 according to the parameters set in the parameter storage unit and outputs the image data to the head driver 24. Thus, the head driver 24 forms a drive signal for the print heads 2a to 2d or a special color head according to the image data and outputs the drive signal to each print head. Thus, each print head is driven by the drive signal, discharges ink droplets onto the cloth 103, and prints an image corresponding to the image data.

On the other hand, the motor driver 23 drives the transport motor 9 to feed the cloth 103 to a position where printing can be performed, and rotates the carriage motor 5 in a predetermined direction to move the carriage 1 in the D direction. (See FIG. 13). When printing for one scan is completed, the carriage motor 5 is rotated in the reverse direction, the carriage 1 is moved in the direction E, and the cloth 103 is returned to the home position.
The transport motor 9 is rotated in order to move in the Y direction by the width of the scan in the Y direction, or by an amount smaller than that during multi-scan. The above timing is based on one reciprocation of the carriage 1 as a basic cycle, and the printing operation speed of the print head is a reference of the printing timing.

As described above, the image printing unit 1004 repeatedly executes the above-described operation, and when the image of the size specified by the total output image size (X _OUT , Y _OUT ) is printed, the mode driver and the head The operation of the driver, the FM controller 504, and the like is stopped to end the print mode, and the control unit 1009 and the operation display unit 143 wait for an input again.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the parameter storage unit and the address control unit of this embodiment.

In FIG. 27, that of 830 to 836
Each is a storage unit such as a register in the parameter storage unit.
And the register 830 stores the total output image size (X
_OUT , Y _OUT ), Register 831 contains basic image size
(X_b , Y_b ), The basic image is repeatedly stored in the register 832.
The number of outputs in the X and Y directions (N_x , N_y ),
Register 833 has output type, and register 834 has X
The offset amount Δx in the direction, the Y direction
The offset amount Δy and the rotation amount R are recorded in the register 836 respectively.
Remembered.

Note that N _x = INT (X _OUT / X B), N
_y = INT (Y _OUT / Y _b ). However, INT
(A) indicates that when the number a is a decimal, the first decimal place of the number a is rounded up to an integer. For example, IN
T (1.2) = 2.

These registers are connected to each section of the address control section in accordance with the output format of the input image data (specifically, they are used as reference values of a comparator described below).

In FIG. 27, reference numeral 837 denotes an X address generator A, which is the address (XADR) of the basic image 300 in the X direction.
A) is counted. 838 is a Y address generator A
The address of the basic image 300 in the Y direction (YADRA)
Is counting. Reference numerals 839 and 840 denote an X address generator B and a Y address generator B, respectively, as in the aforementioned image output types 2 and 3 (FIGS. 26B and 26C).
The X-direction address (XADRB) of the basic image 300 shifted in the X- or Y-direction and the Y-direction address (YADR)
B) is counted. These address generators 837
840 are mainly composed of a counter for actually outputting an address, and a comparator for comparing whether the address exceeds the size of the basic image or the size of all images.

Reference numeral 841 denotes the X direction and Y of the basic image 300.
A block counter that counts each repetition of the direction,
It mainly consists of a counter and a comparator. A selector 842 selects one of the X-direction address (XADRA) and the X-direction shifted X-address (XADRB). 843 similarly has an address (YADR) in the Y direction.
A) and the Y address shifted in the Y direction (YADRB)
Is a selector for selecting. Reference numeral 844 denotes a timing generator, which is an address (XAD) from the selectors 842 and 843.
R) and (YADR), various read signals (CS, ADR, RAS, CAS, WE, etc.) and various timing signals (IN, OUT, VE, PE, etc.) of the memory section.
Is output.

Here, the memory 505 is configured using one or more commercially available D-RAM (dynamic RAM) modules. In the read signal of the memory unit, CS is a chip select signal for selecting a module, ADR is a signal obtained by temporally assigning a row address (YADR) and a column address (XADR), RAS is a row address strobe signal, and CAS is The column address strobe signal WE is a write enable (write enable) signal, and the details of the timing of these signals are shown in FIG.

In the various timing signals described above, IN is a latch timing signal of a latch circuit for temporarily holding image input data, OUT is a latch timing signal of a latch circuit for temporarily holding image output data, and VE is 1
A video enable signal indicating valid image data for each raster, and PE is a page enable signal indicating a valid raster in one page (see FIGS. 28 and 29).

Next, the operation of each part of the address control unit in the case of the type 1 image output shown in FIG.
8 will be described.

Control unit 1009 or operation / display unit 143
When the print start is instructed by the CPU 142A, the CPU 142A
An RT signal is output to the address control unit to clear both the X address generator A837 and the Y address generator A838 ((XADRA) and (YADRA) are both set to "0"), and these address generators 837, 838 And the timing generator 844 and the block counter 841 are also enabled.

Output reference timing signals (image output clock CLK, raster synchronization signal HSYNC, start signal S
When the START signal becomes high level (enable) and the horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC rises, as shown in FIG.
Is high level (enable) for both VE signal and PE signal
To Further, while both the VE signal and the HSYNC signal are at the high level, the RA signal is synchronized with the CLK as shown in FIG.
Each signal of S, CAS, ADR, WE, OUT is stored in the memory 5
05, and the image data is read from the memory 505. Further, while the VE signal and the PE signal are both at the high level, the address read from the memory 505 is controlled to determine the read position and the output position of the image data.

Next, address control in the address control unit will be described.

The output of X address generator A 837 is cleared to "0" when horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC goes high, and its output (XADR) is synchronized with the rising edge of CLK.
A) is counted up by one, and the count value becomes “X”.
_b "(the length of the basic image size in the X direction), a ripple carry signal (XARC) is output to the block counter 41, and its output address (XADRA) is cleared to" 0 "(at timings T1 to T1 in FIG. 28). T3).
The carry signal (XARC) includes the basic image size “X _b ” stored in the basic image size register 831 and
This is the result of comparing the output value of the counter that counts CLK with a comparator (not shown).

During this operation, the block counter 841
The selector 842 selects the address signal (XADRA) from the X address generator A837, and the selector 843 selects the Y signal.
The address signal (YADR) from the address generator A838
The selection signals XSEL and YSEL are both output at a high level so as to select A). And an X address generator 8
Receiving a carry signal (XARC) from 37 When advanced by one block count X in the X direction, if equal to the X-direction of the repetition number N _x (timing T3), the Y address generator 838 1 only for counting up YC
An NT signal is output, and an XEND signal indicating that the output of image data for one raster in the X direction is completed is set to 1 (enable).

During this time, the timing generator 844 determines the address based on the address signal (XADR) from the selector 842 and the address signal (YADR) from the selector 843.
An address signal ADR and a chip select signal CS for the memory 505 are generated, and signals such as RAS, CAS, WE, ADR, CS, and OUT are output to the memory 505 in synchronization with the output reference timing signal 500 to read image data. It is carried out. Then, when the XEND signal input from the block counter 841 becomes "1", the VE signal is set to a low level (disable) (timing T3), and the output of each signal is temporarily stopped to stop reading image data from the memory unit. To stop. Here, when the VE signal goes low, the counts of the X address generator 837, the Y address generator 838, and the block counter 841 also stop.

Next, when the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC which is the head of the next raster rises, the above operation is repeated, and the Y address generator A 838 is sequentially counted up. Thus, the printing process of each raster is performed, and the Y address generator A83
When the value of the Y address (YADRA) output from 8 coincides with the basic image size in the Y direction length "Y _b" (timing T5 to T7), the Y-address generator 838, carry signal a (YARC) block counter 841 and clears the signal (YADRA) to "0".

Upon receiving a carry signal (YARC) from Y address generator 838, block counter 841 sets
Advanced by one block count Y in the Y direction, indicating that the value is examined whether becomes equal to the number of repetitions N _y, equals the the Y direction read was completed YEN
The D signal is set to a high level (enable) (timing T7). When the YEND signal becomes 1, the timing generator 844 sets both the VE and PE signals to low level (disable), stops outputting each signal, and completes the image reading for one unit of cloth. When the PE signal goes low, the counting operations of the X address generator A837, the Y address generator A838 and the block counter 841 also stop.

The number of repetitions N _y may be sent together with a command from control unit 1009, or may be transmitted from step MS.
13 (FIG. 2), or may be set by the operation / display unit 143.

Next, the type 2 shown in FIG.
The operation of the address control unit in the case of the image output is described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

The basic operation of this timing chart is shown in FIG.
8 is the same as the case of the type 1 image output shown in FIG. 8, except that the operation of the Y address generator B 840 is made valid and the selector 843 selects.

More specifically, the block counter 841
By switching the selector 843 between high level / low level in synchronization with the block count of the block counter 841 in the X direction by the selection signal YSEL, the signal (YADRA) from the Y address generator A 838 and the signal (YADRA) from the Y address generator B 840 ( YADRB) and the Y address YADR is switched for each block.

The Y address generator B 840 does not clear to “0” at the rise of the horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC, but at this timing, the offset amount Δy in the Y direction.
Is loaded. Also, the Y address generator B840
The length “Y _b ” of the basic image size in the Y direction is compared with the output (YADRB) of the Y address generator B840, and (YA)
DRB) is cleared to be equal to "Y _b" "0". At this time, carry signal YBRC is not output, and block counter 41 outputs X address generator A837.
Block counter Y with carry signal (YARC)
Is incremented.

This timing is shown in detail in FIG. 29. For example, when printing the first one scan of the basic image 300 shown in FIG.
As for the Y address (YADR) input to the counter 4, the output (YADRA) of the Y address generator A 838 is selected to “0”.
And then the right image area (offset)
When printing the first one scan, the output (YADRB) of the Y address generator B 840 is selected and set to “Δy”. Similarly, in the third image area (there is no offset), the Y address (YADR) returns to “0”, and in the next offset area, “Δy” is returned again.
Becomes

Next, in the second scan for printing these image areas, the output (YADRA) of the Y address generator A 838 is selected to become "1" in the image area where the Y address (YADR) is not offset, and In the offset area, the output (YADRB) of the Y address generator B 840 is selected and becomes “Δy + 1”.

After outputting the line 301 in FIG. 26B, the output (YADR) of the Y address generator B840 is output.
B) is equal to the basic image size “Y _b ”,
Cleared to "0".

The type 3 shown in FIG.
Is different from the type 2 in that the offset is in the Y direction, whereas the type 3 is offset in the X direction. Therefore, in the type 2 described above, the selector 843 selects the output of the Y address generator A 838 and the output of the Y address generator B 840 and selects the Y address (YADR).
Is devised in the formation of the selector 84.
2 is an X address generator A 837 and an X address generator B
839 is selected and the X address (XAD
R) requires control to be output.

More specifically, the block counter 841 switches the selection signal XSEL of the selector 842 between a high level and a low level in synchronization with the Y count value of the block counter 841, so that the address (XADRA) output from the X address generator A 837 is output. ) And X address generator B8
The address (XADRB) output by 39 is switched for each block and output to the timing generator 44 as (XADR). Also, the X address generator B839 has the HSY
Instead of being cleared to “0” at the rise of NC, the offset amount “Δx” in the X direction is loaded at this timing. Further, X address generator B839 includes a width "X _b" of the X direction of the basic image size is compared with its output (XADRB), and (XADRB) exceeds "X _b" ripple Carry (XBRC) Without outputting, the X address generator B839 is cleared to "0". Further, the block counter 841 increments the value of the block counter X by the carry (XARC) from the X address generator A837.

[0117] Type 4 and Type 5, the ratio between the vertical "Y _b" the horizontal "X _b" of the basic image size is beautifully useful for geometrically when an integer. In particular, if X _b = Y _b (the basic image is a square), it can be arranged neatly in a grid pattern, and it is relatively easy in configuration, and it is possible to exchange XADR and YADR,
The counting direction (down / up counting) of the address generators 837 to 840 can be realized according to the rotation amount R.

When rotating the basic image, not only the address control but also a rotation processing unit can be inserted in a pipeline manner. Further, by the address control, before the image data is actually output, for example, the basic
By creating and storing the rotated images rotated by degrees for the basic image in the image memory, image data including these rotated images can be output more easily and at high speed.

The block counter 841 has a basic image
Count the blocks of the image and calculate the total output image size (X
_OUT , Y_OUT ) Is output.
Absent. In particular, X_OUT , Y_OUT Is X_b , Y_b In multiples of
When there isn't, just count the block and X_OUT , Y_OUT 
Can not be specified. Therefore, the remaining pixel Xr = X_OUT −
N_x × X_b , But N_x = INT (X_OUT / X_b ) -1
And the number of repetitions N _x And the remaining pixel Xr
X by comparison_OUT Judge if has been reached
I can do it. This is the same for the Y direction.

When the printing speed of the print head is slow and the image output clock is slow, the above-mentioned address formation can be realized by software processing such as a CPU. In particular, it is also possible to replace part of the configuration in FIG. 27 with software by using a part of the memory as a counter by software.

In this embodiment, the arrangement of the image data to be output to the print head is performed in a raster format, and the change of the image data array depending on the print head is changed to the raster {BJ
Although the conversion is performed by the conversion controller 506 (FIG. 19), the present invention is not limited to this.
05 may be the same as the arrangement of the image data to be output to the print head. If the arrangement is different, the arrangement of the print data may be matched to the arrangement of the print head at the time of output to the head driver. Good.

[0122] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 28 is actually in the mechanical construction of the image printer 1004 according to this embodiment, by scanning the print (recording) head in the X direction having a recording range of the width H _y in the Y-direction To output images.

In such a case, the FM controller 50
4 in the Y direction Y address generator 838, Y address generator B840 of the address control portion included in a counter for counting only H _y (and a comparator), second counter for counting the ripple Carry (and a comparator) It is also possible to realize by a step configuration.

[0124] Further, a width of H _y in the Y direction, X in the X direction
It is also possible to read and print an image in _OUT units (referred to as band units). At this time, the above Y direction Y
Without requiring higher counter of the address generator 838, Y address generator B 840, can be configured with only the lower counter (counter for H _y). Specifically, each time an image is output in band units, the CPU 142
A loads specified address Y direction (Y address of image data at the beginning of turn printing band unit) counter for H _y, may be from there to perform counting up.

(3.4) Download of Conversion Data and Parameters Various types of parameters described above for downloading each conversion data to a conversion table via each conversion controller, or using the control unit 1009 or the operation / display unit 143 Is stored in the corresponding predetermined register, the apparatus according to the present embodiment processes according to the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the operation will be described. A program for performing the processing is stored in the ROM 142B provided in the control board 142, and is executed by the CPU 142A.

First, when the power of the present system is turned on,
In step SP1, the image printing unit 1004 is initialized. This initialization process includes a conversion table 50 for each recording color.
9, 511 and 513 are also included.

In the next step SP2, the control unit 1
It is determined whether a test print instruction has been received from 009 or the operation / display unit 143. If it is determined that the instruction has been received, test print is performed in step SP3. In this case, as described above, the selector 51 for each recording color is used.
9 outputs an instruction signal to select data from the binary PG controller, and performs print processing.

The control unit 1009 and the operation / display unit 14
If no instruction has been received from step 3, the process proceeds to step SP4 to determine whether data has been received via the GPIB interface 501, and waits for the reception. If there is data reception, the process proceeds to step SP4, and it is determined whether the received data is image data, data for each conversion table or parameters. Incidentally, whether or not the data is image data is determined by interpreting a control command located at the head of the received data. In particular, in the case of data or parameters for a conversion table, identification data indicating which data to be subsequently transmitted is data for which conversion table of which recording color or which parameter is used for control is added. You.

If it is determined that the received data is image data, the flow advances to step SP6 to execute a printing process based on the image quality.

If it is determined that the data is a conversion table data and a parameter, the process proceeds to step SP7.
The control command is interpreted to determine which conversion table of which recording color is to be used or a parameter. At step SP8, based on the determination result, the received data is converted via the corresponding conversion controller or CPU into the conversion table. And store it in a register.

The control unit 1009 and the operation / display unit 14
The information and the like set in 3 can also be displayed on the display of the operation / display unit 143. FIG. 32 shows an example of the display. The display 143D in the figure displays the printed length of the cloth 103, the total length of the cloth, the feed amount of the cloth, and the like. The setting is performed using the control unit 1009 or the operation buttons of the main operation / display unit. Of course, various parameters, modes, and the like can also be displayed. In FIG. 32, reference numeral 143E denotes various error lamps. Reference numerals 143A and 143B denote a stop button and an emergency stop button, respectively, which can be used to enable selection between a stop mode that protects the continuity of the print output and a stop mode that does not. (4) Other Configuration Examples In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 1009 uses the image printing unit 100
4 is supplied to the image printing unit 1004 based on the color pallet conversion table, and outputs the C, M, Y, BK and spot colors S1 to S1.
Although printing using S4 is performed, an example in which the control unit 1009 supplies image data to the image printing unit 1004 as R, G, and B luminance data will be described below.

In this example, the configuration can be almost the same as that of the above-mentioned system. However, the image memory 505 in FIG. 19 is not represented by palletized image data but expressed by R, G, B luminance data. The stored image data is stored, and the configuration of FIG. 21 is used in place of the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 33 shows C, M, and C signals from R, G, and B signals.
An example of an image processing unit that performs conversion into Y and BK signals or generation of S1 to S4 special color signals will be described.

In this example, the control unit 1009 sends color image data to the image printing unit 1004 in R, G, B, and the image printing unit 1004 receives the image data R, G, B via the interface. The CPU 142A takes the timing of the image data processing unit, the recording head driver 24, the motor driver 23, and the like provided on the control board 142, and controls these to thereby control the cloth 1.
03: Cyan C, Magenta M, Yellow Y, Black B
A color image is printed by applying K or further inks of special colors S1 to S4.

In FIG. 33, the image data (luminance data) R, G, and B supplied from the controllers 504, 506, and 507 from the memory 505 are input-corrected by the input correction unit 6.
Reference numeral 32 performs conversion into standard luminance data R ', G', B '(for example, R, G, B in the color television NTSC system) in consideration of the spectral characteristics and dynamic range of the input image. The density converter 633 converts the standard luminance data R ', G', B 'into density data C, M, Y using non-linear transformation such as logarithmic transformation. The under color removal unit 634 and the black generation unit 635 perform under color removal and black generation from the density data C, M, Y, the UCR amount β, and the sum amount σ as in the following calculation example.

[0136]

C (1) = C−β × MIN (C, M, Y) M (1) = M−β × MIN (C, M, Y) Y (1) = Y−β × MIN (C , M, Y) K (1) = σ × MIN (C, M, Y) Next, the masking unit 636 outputs C (1),
Unnecessary absorption characteristics of ink are corrected for M (1) and Y (1) by the following calculation example.

[0137]

## EQU2 ## C (2) = A11 × C (1) + A12 × M
(1) + A13 × Y (1) M (2) = A21 × C (1) + A22 × M (1) + A2
3 × Y (1) Y (2) = A31 × C (1) + A32 × M (1) + A3
3 × Y (1) where Aij (ij = 1 to 3) is a masking coefficient.

Next, the γ conversion section 641 calculates C (2), M
C (3), M (3), Y (3), K (3) in which output gamma is adjusted for (2), Y (2), and BK (1), respectively.
(C (3), M (3), Y (3), BK)
(3) Correction is made so as to be linear with the image density output by the ink corresponding to each signal).

Here, since the print head is a binary recording means having only two states, ie, whether or not to eject ink, the binarization processing unit 642 performs multi-value data C
(3), M (3), Y (3), and K (3) are converted into C ', M', Y ', and BK', respectively, so that a pseudo gradation is formed.
A value conversion process is performed, and the result is output to the circuit unit shown in FIG.

Further, in this example, a predetermined range of R, G, B on the chromaticity diagram (R ′, G ′, R ′ given from the input correction section 632) is specified in accordance with the spot color instruction given from the CPU 142A.
A color detection unit 631 for generating an instruction to replace B ′) with the special colors S1 to S4 and to perform printing is provided. The instruction is signal S
Is supplied to the γ-conversion unit 637, the γ-conversion unit 631 outputs appropriate spot color signals S1 (3) to S4 (3), and further binarizes them in a binarization processing unit 638 to generate a signal S1 ′. ~
S4 'is generated.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram of the control unit 10 shown in FIG.
9 shows an example of a special color designation processing procedure performed by the printer driver 09. This procedure is, in principle, a process of designating a desired chromaticity range of three colors of R, G, and B to determine a desired range in a chromaticity diagram, and replacing colors included in the range with a desired spot color.

In this procedure, steps SS7-1 to SS7-7 similar to those shown in FIG. 4 are provided in front, and if a print head of a desired color is mounted, the process proceeds to step SS7-11. , It is determined whether or not the color in the original image data to be displayed on the CRT 1026 is directly designated. Here, if the determination is affirmative, the designation is prompted in step SS7-13, and if it is determined in step SS7-15 that the designation has been input, step SS7-1 is performed.
At 7, wait for designation of the conversion width of each of the R, G, and B colors to a special color. In the specification, a minimum value (min) and a maximum value (max) of the conversion width are specified for each of R, G, and B colors. Next, a desired spot color is selected in step SS7-19. For example, if there are four special colors S1 to S4, they can be designated by numerical values assigned to each color.

When the conversion range and the special color are designated in this way, designation is made to the image printing unit 1004 in step SS7-21. As a format of the command used for this instruction, for example, following the identification code <WCOLOR>,
"<Rmin>, <Rmax>, <Gmin>, <Gmax>, <Bmin
>, <Bmax>, <byte> ”. This means that the values within the range of the chromaticity diagram determined by Rmin ≦ R ≦ Rmax, Gmin <G <Gmax, Bmin <B <Bmax For data, "<byte
This is an instruction to use the special color indicated by “>”.

If a negative determination is made in step SS7-11, the process proceeds to step SS7-23, in which a CRT employed in a computer having a color graphic function is used.
It is determined whether or not to specify a color to be converted in the color sample table on the screen. If an affirmative determination is made here, step SS7-2
At 5, the user is prompted for the designation, and then the process proceeds to step SS7-15 to perform the same processing as described above.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step SS7-23, the process advances to step SS7-27 to determine whether or not color information relating to conversion is designated by a key. Prompting that, step SS7-15
Move to Further, when a negative determination is made in step SS7-27, the process ends assuming that the spot color currently used in the image printing unit 1004 is used as it is.

The circuit of the color detection section 631 of the image printing section 1004 for the above-described designation processing on the control section 1009 side can employ the circuit shown in FIG.

In FIG. 35, the data transmitted by the control unit 1009 is set by the CPU 142A in a comparison circuit 641 which can be configured using a register, a comparator, and the like. The comparison circuit 641 outputs R ′,
When the signals of G 'and B' are inputted, they are compared with the set values, and a signal α which becomes "0" if it is within a specified range and "1" otherwise is generated. I do. The signal α is supplied to the density conversion unit 633 and the special color signal generation circuit 643. If α = 0, the density conversion unit 633 does not generate C, M, and Y signals for the R ′, G ′, and B ′.

The signals of R ', G', B 'are also supplied to a luminance signal generation circuit 645. The luminance signal generation circuit 645 calculates, for example, (R '+ G' + B ') / 3 and supplies it to the special color signal generation circuit 643 so that the density can be reproduced well even in the range where the spot color is replaced. Also, the selector 64
7 is a CPU according to the data indicated by the <byte>.
The special color signal generation circuit 643 instructs the special color signal generation circuit 643 to use the special color. Accordingly, when the α output from the comparison circuit 641 is “0”, the spot color signal generation circuit 643 outputs the spot color specified by the selector 647 at a density corresponding to the brightness signal supplied from the brightness signal generation circuit 645. Of data S is generated.

If it is desired to mix a spot color with C, M, Y, etc., the data of the <byte> is increased in this example, and the comparison circuit 641 indicates that only the spot color is used. = 0 and α using only C, M, Y, etc.
= 1, data for determining the respective mixing ratios may be generated.

FIG. 36 shows still another example of the special color designation processing procedure performed by the control unit 1009. This process is a process for designating a specific area on the original image data and printing the range with a desired special color.

In this procedure, also in step SS7
-1 to SS7-9 are prefixed. Then, when the recording head of the special color to be used is mounted, step S
In S7-41, input of coordinate data indicating a desired area on the original image is prompted. Then, when the input is determined in step SS7-43, a special color is selected in step SS7-45, and the area data and the special color designation data are notified to the image printing unit 1004 in step SS7-47. I do. The format of the command at this time is, for example, following the identification code <WAREA>, if the area is a triangular area, “<X1>, <X1>
Y1>, <X2>, <Y2>, <X3>, <Y3>, <byte>",where"<byte>"is special color designation data as described above.

The image printing unit 1004 for this procedure
As a processing circuit on the side, the color detection unit 631 in FIG.
7 can be used.

In FIG. 37, the data relating to the above-mentioned area transmitted by the control unit 1009 is compared by the CPU 142A with a comparison circuit 6 which can be constructed using a register, a comparator and the like.
It is set to 51. When the image address is input from the CPU bus, the comparison circuit 651 compares the image address with the set values. If the image address is within the specified range, the signal α becomes “0”; otherwise, the signal α becomes “1”. Is generated, and the density conversion unit 63
3 and a special color signal generation circuit 643. If α = 0, the density converter 633 does not generate C, M, and Y signals. Note that the comparison circuit 651 may be configured to generate data for determining the ratio of the mixture of C, M, Y, etc. and the special color.

The configurations of the spot color signal generation circuit 653, the luminance signal generation circuit 655, and the selector 657 are the same as those of the sections 643, 645, and 647 in FIG. 35, and the comparison circuit 651 outputs the spot color signal generation circuit 653. When α is “0”, the luminance signal generation circuit 65
5 generates the special color data S specified by the selector 657 at a density corresponding to the luminance signal supplied from the selector 5.

The spot color designation procedure described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
In accordance with the configuration of the fourth side, that is, for example, one of them can be activated based on information presented by the image printing unit 1004, or the image printing unit 1004 has a circuit capable of responding to any procedure. If so, any of them can be activated as desired by the operator.

In each of the above embodiments, the "special color"
Means Y, M, ordinarily used in a color printer.
In C, metal colors that cannot be reproduced or are difficult to reproduce, and colors such as vivid R, G, B, violet, and orange were used, and these colors were expressed using a dedicated head.
In addition to the characteristics described in the present invention, even if reproducible or easily reproducible by mixing Y, M, C, etc., the amount of the color recording agent used for mixing is low due to high frequency of use. In a case where the amount becomes large, a color used for the purpose of suppressing the usage amount may be used. Further, the color may be a color expressed by mixing Y, M, or C with a special color, or a mixture of the recording agents of the special colors.

Also, with respect to the processing for faithfully reproducing the color selected by the designer, the procedure of generating the color pallet data has been described in the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10, but as in the embodiments of FIG. 33 and thereafter. The control unit 1009 sets R,
In the case where the G and B luminance signals are to be transmitted to the image printing unit 1004, the correction as shown in FIG.
The R, G, and B signals for performing good color reproduction may be transmitted by the selection described in (1). (5) Others The image output apparatus (printer) according to the present invention can employ not only the ink jet recording method but also various recording methods. In the case where the ink jet recording method is adopted, among them, ink ejection is performed. A recording head and a recording apparatus of a type that includes means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for causing the ink to change state of the ink by the thermal energy. Is to bring. This is because according to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

The main part of the image printing unit 1004 according to the present embodiment based on the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 38 schematically shows a so-called recovery means for performing a process for improving the ejection state of the ink jet head shown in FIGS. The capping member 51 of the capping means 20 has a function of preventing the ejection surface of the head from drying, and caps and covers the ejection surface of the head during non-printing or during standby. The empty ejection box 53 is where the thickened ink is ejected inside the ejection opening of the head, and the carriage 124 or 124 ′ moves from the S4 head to the C head one after another while moving along the shaft 3. Discharge ink. The wiping member 57 of the clogging prevention means 31 is an elastic member or a porous member for removing foreign substances adhered to the ejection surface of the head. The wiping member 57 is sequentially moved from the S4 head to the C head during the movement of the carriage 124 or 124 '. Wiping is performed by engaging with the respective discharge surfaces up to.

In the case of textile printing, cyan, which is the basic color of printing,
In addition to the four primary colors of magenta, yellow, and black, a color that is difficult to express by mixing these colors is added in the form of a special color. For example, bright cobalt blue, gold, silver or the like. Which color is added as a special color depends on the requirements of the design original image, so it can be said that the special color changes each time depending on the print pattern. However, assuming that the apparatus can handle almost all designs if the maximum number of special colors used is four, in this example, four areas for mounting the special color heads are secured.

In FIG. 39, when four heads for the special color are mounted in addition to the basic color for printing, (c) the carriage movement range required for the discharging operation to the empty discharge box 53 and two cyan heads without using the special color are used. When multiple heads are mounted (i
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a movement range of the carriage of FIG. As is apparent from this figure, it is preferable to switch the moving distance of the carriage by recognizing the number of mounted heads or the mounting range in order to improve the printing speed, that is,
It can be seen that the moving distance L1 required when eight are mounted is L2 when five are mounted.

It goes without saying that this can be applied not only to the idle ejection operation but also to the wiping operation and the printing operation.

In printing for swimwear, ski wear, and the like,
Very dark printing may be required. In such a case, the same print surface is scanned multiple times to perform overprinting,
It is conceivable to improve the density, but this will inevitably lower the printing speed. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 39, a plurality of heads corresponding to the color desired to be printed darkly are mounted using a special color head mounting area on the carriage.

In this case, the image processing systems shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 may be adapted as follows. That is, regarding the pallet conversion table of FIG. 20, the C conversion table is left as it is, the M conversion table is a C conversion table, the Y conversion table is an M conversion table, the K conversion table is a Y conversion table, and the S1 conversion table is a K conversion table. Replace with each table, and spot colors S2 to S4
What is necessary is just to set "00" in the conversion table so that no output occurs. Also, the HS conversion table in the next and subsequent stages,
The replacement may be performed similarly for each of the γ conversion tables.

By performing the above processing, 2 in FIG.
The value output 516 is C, C, M, Y, K. here,
If only cyan is printed twice, the density will be doubled and if you want to lower the density a little more,
What is necessary is just to make the inclination of the conversion table small enough to obtain a desired density reduction.

By arranging a head whose density is to be increased in the special color area as described above, the density of the color can be increased. In this case, since the order of the print heads, that is, the order at the time of color mixing is not changed, there is no change in the tint. FIG. 40 shows an example in which two magenta heads are mounted on the upper carriage 124 'and two special color heads S1 are mounted on the lower carriage 124. The table of the image processing system may be appropriately switched even when the heads mounted on the upper and lower carriages are different as described above.

FIG. 41 shows an example of a processing procedure for setting the contents of the conversion table and the scanning range according to the heads mounted on the carriages 124 and 124 '.

First, in step S1, the carriage 12
Recognition of the head mounted on 4,124 ', that is, recognition of its color, number, or mounting range is performed. For example, as means for recognizing the number or range of mounted heads, the CPU 142A determines the impedance between certain lines of the head from the signal line between the relay board 147 and the head in FIG. Alternatively, the determination can be made by turning on / off a switch provided at the head mounting position on the carriage. In addition, the print head of the inkjet recording unit 1005 has a unit (pattern cutting) for presenting its own information,
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-18, proposed by the present applicant, in which the image printing unit 1004 can recognize the information by the means.
The invention disclosed in No. 7343 and the like can also be used. Means for presenting the information include EPROM and D
A device using an IP switch or the like may be used. To apply this example, the information may be the ink color used by the print head, and by reading the information with a printer, it is possible to recognize the color and the number or range in addition to the color.
Further, the operator may input such information using the operation display unit 143 or the like.

On the basis of such a recognition result, the control board 142 notifies the control unit 1009 of a required notification, and performs processing for expanding the conversion data transmitted in response to the notification into the conversion tables 509, 511, and 513. Then, according to the number or range of mounted heads, a process of setting the scanning range in the idle discharge, wiping, and printing area is performed as described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40 (step S5).

In the present invention, all or a part of the print head may be detachable on the carriage, or may be a fixed one that does not assume easy detachment. In order to be able to set the scanning range only with information on the number of heads when it is removable,
What is necessary is just to arrange them side by side so as not to create a space in the head mounting portion on the carriage. When all of the heads are fixed or when only a part of the mounted head is used for printing, information on the head to be used is input, or the control unit 1004 analyzes the color of the original image. It is also possible to recognize the information of the head to be used and set the scanning range and the like in accordance with the information. (Second Embodiment) Next, an embodiment focusing on improvement of print density will be described. In this embodiment, the same apparatus configuration and processing procedure as those of the above-described first embodiment can be adopted. In particular, this embodiment is an embodiment suitable for securing a desired print density when printing on fabric. It is.

FIG. 42 shows the relationship between the amount of ink applied to the cloth 103 and the dyeing density. In this figure, the horizontal axis represents the ink ejection amount, which is a value when the maximum ejection amount per unit area is “100”. The vertical axis is a function of the reflectance R of the dyed material after printing on the fabric, and after finishing the coloring process and the washing process,

[0172]

## EQU3 ## This is a quantification of a visual staining concentration called K / S (Kavers S) value represented by K / S = (1−R) ² / 2R.

In the figure, the maximum value of cyan is set to “100”, and other values are normalized and expressed. The larger the value, the darker the color. FIG. 5 shows the characteristics of a total of five colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, which are standard colors, and blue, which is a special color.

As is clear from this figure, it can be seen that even with the same shot amount, the density of blue, which is a special color of black, is only about half that of yellow, magenta, and cyan.

[0175] However, in printing for swimwear, ski wear, and the like, very dense printing may be required. In such a case, if it is required to use a special color such as black or blue which is difficult to secure the density in the design, as described above, the dye density of such a color is increased, or the size of the ink droplet is controlled. Or by scanning the same printing surface multiple times and performing overprinting,
Although it is conceivable to improve the density, this may hinder the ejection, lower the print quality due to streaks, or lower the printing speed.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 43, a plurality of heads corresponding to the color to be printed dark, ie, two black and blue heads, are mounted on the head mounting area on the carriage.

In this case, the image processing systems shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 may be adapted as follows. That is, regarding the pallet conversion table 508 in FIG.
The C, M, Y, and K conversion tables are left as they are, the S1 conversion table is replaced with a K conversion table, the S2 and S3 conversion tables are replaced with a BL (blue) conversion table, and the S4 conversion table is set to “00”. May be set so that no output occurs. Also, the HS after the next stage
The conversion table and the γ conversion table may be similarly replaced.

By performing the above processing, 2 in FIG.
The value output 516 is C, M, Y, K, K, BL, BL. Here, if only black and blue have a doubled density and it is desired to further reduce the density, the inclination of the γ conversion table for black and blue may be made small enough to obtain a desired density reduction.

FIG. 44 shows the density when two black and blue heads are mounted in FIG. It is clear that black and blue can express the same density as the other three colors.

By arranging the head whose density is to be increased in the special color area, the density of the color can be improved. In this example, since the order of the print heads, that is, the order at the time of color mixing is not changed, there is no change in tint.

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the contents of the conversion table can be set according to the head mounted on the carriage by using the processing procedure shown in FIG. .

That is, first, in step S1, recognition of the head mounted on the carriage, that is, recognition of its color, number, or mounting range is performed, and based on such recognition results, the control board 142 controls the control unit 1004. Is transmitted to the conversion tables 509, 511, and 51.
3 (step S3). 39 and 40 according to the number or range of mounting heads.
When the processing for setting the scanning range in the idle area, the wiping, and the print area is performed as described in
5 is performed, and if not performed, it may be deleted or skipped.

In this embodiment, the case where two print heads are mounted for black and blue to obtain a desired density has been described.
In addition, an appropriate number of heads of an appropriate color can be mounted according to the density, and it is a matter of course that appropriate settings can be made in the image processing system in accordance with this. (Embodiment of Ink) Next, Embodiments 1 and 2 above are described.
Preferred inks for use in the printing apparatus described above will be described.

As a typical example of a conventional printing apparatus, there is a screen printing method of directly printing on a cloth or the like using a silk screen plate. The screen printing method is a method in which a screen plate is prepared for an original image to be printed for each color used in the original image, and the ink is directly dyed on a fabric through a silk screen.

However, such a screen printing method requires a lot of man-hours and days to prepare a screen plate, and also requires operations such as preparation of inks of respective colors required for printing and alignment of the screen plate. Furthermore, the size of the apparatus is large, the size is increased in proportion to the number of colors used, and an installation space is required. In addition, a space for storing the screen version is required.

Therefore, as a recording apparatus having functions such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile, or a recording apparatus used as an output device of a decoding type electronic device or a workstation including a computer or a word processor, etc., an ink jet type recording device is used. The apparatus has been put to practical use, and a system that utilizes such an ink jet type recording apparatus for printing and directly discharges ink onto a fabric to perform recording, that is, a system as described in the first and second embodiments is described. It is valid. That is, according to such a system, a plate used for screen printing is not required, and the process and the number of days required for printing on the fabric can be significantly reduced, and the size of the apparatus can be reduced. Naturally, image information for printing can be stored on a medium such as a tape, a floppy disk, or an optical disk.
Excellent storage stability. Further, processing such as color change, layout change, and enlargement / reduction of the original image can be easily performed.

In particular, an ink jet type recording means (recording head) for discharging ink by using thermal energy includes:
Electrothermal converters, electrodes, and the like formed on substrates through semiconductor manufacturing processes such as etching, evaporation, and sputtering.
By forming the liquid path wall, the top plate, and the like, it is possible to easily manufacture a liquid path having a high-density liquid path arrangement (discharge port arrangement), further reduce the size, and further reduce the recording speed. Higher speed and higher definition of image quality can be achieved, and it is promising as an inkjet printing method.

The ink used in such an ink-jet printing method is to provide a sufficient density for color development, compared to the ink used for conventional ink-jet recording on a recording material such as paper, It does not cause clogging of the discharge port or ink passage, etc. ・ There is little irregular bleeding on the fabric. ・ The discharge characteristics do not change even in long-term durability. In the case of the method of discharging, in order to satisfy the requirements that there is no deposition of foreign matter on the heater that applies thermal energy and that the heater does not break due to cavitation at the time of defoaming, etc.
Strict conditions are required, and inks such as Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-57750 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-179269 have been proposed.

However, these techniques can satisfy individual performances to some extent, but at present, there is no known ink jet printing method capable of simultaneously satisfying these performances.

Further, in trying to put the ink jet printing method to practical use, new problems have been raised as described below.

As an apparatus used for ink jet recording, there is a serial type recording apparatus employing a serial scan system in which main scanning is performed in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) of a recording material. In this apparatus, an image is recorded by a recording unit mounted on a carriage that moves in a main scanning direction along a recording material, and after one line of recording is completed, a predetermined amount of paper feed (pitch) is performed in the sub-scanning direction. Then, the operation of recording the image of the next row on the recording material stopped again is repeated, whereby the entire recording material is recorded.

In order to put this ink jet recording apparatus into practical use as an apparatus used for textile printing, the production speed and the requirements of the final product form, such as clothing, require that the ink jet recording apparatus be compared with the ink jet recording apparatus usually used in printers and the like. ,
The continuous printing length (scan length) must be very long (about 0.5 m or more). For this reason, in the ink jet recording method in which the head discharges the ink by the heat energy generated in the heating element of the head by the application of the drive signal, the temperature of the head is greatly increased because one scan is long, and thus the ink is discharged. Since the viscosity greatly changes, it is difficult to maintain stable ejection during one main scan. As a result, non-discharge is likely to occur.

Further, the amount of ink mist deposited on the head orifice surface which is generated at the time of ink ejection becomes very large because one scan is long, so that the nozzle orifice surface is blocked and non-ejection (wetting failure) occurs. Vomiting).
Further, even the ink mist deposited near the nozzle is dragged to the nozzle opening due to contact with fibers such as fluff and lint present on the surface of the fabric, and closes the nozzle opening of the head, resulting in non-ejection of ink. In addition, the aforementioned lint itself,
The chances of contact and adhesion to the nozzle opening increased, and new problems such as blocking the nozzle opening and causing non-ejection of ink occurred. This is a remarkable problem in a recording apparatus having a long printing length in which at least one of the nozzles of the head ejects ink by applying a drive signal at least 5 × 10 ⁻³ times during one scan.

Therefore, in ink-jet printing recording with a long printing length, stable discharge without occurrence of non-discharge and the like can be performed, and an excellent printed material free from image defects can be obtained. It satisfies the problem of the ink jet printing described above, that is, it is possible to obtain a high-density printed material without bleeding, without causing clogging of the head, etc. It is important to use a suitable ink.

Such a problem is solved by the following configuration.

That is, the thermal energy generated in the heating element of the recording head by the application of the drive signal causes the recording head to discharge ink onto the fabric for ink-jet printing, and the recording head is applied to the fabric. Relative to the recording head, at least one of the nozzles included in the recording head ejects the ink by applying a drive signal at least 5 × 10 ⁻³ times during one scan, and the ink is discharged. The dye contains 2% by weight to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the ink, and has a viscosity of 1.5 cp to 4 cp.
Below, the surface tension is 35 dyn / cm or more and 65 dyn / c.
m or less.

Further, using at least black, magenta, cyan, and yellow inks or inks of required special colors, the recording head emits the ink by heat energy generated in the heating element of the recording head by application of a drive signal. In the color ink jet printing to perform printing by discharging on the fabric, the recording head scans relative to the fabric, at least one of the nozzles included in the recording head, during one scan, 5x1
The ink is ejected by applying a drive signal 0 to ³ times or more, and each of the inks contains a dye in an amount of 2% by weight to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the ink, and has a viscosity of 1.5% or less.
cp or more and 4 cp or less, and a surface tension of 35 dyn / cm or more and 65 dyn / cm or less.

The present inventors have studied a printing method which simultaneously satisfies the various problems as described above when performing ink-jet printing recording using the above-described ink-jet printing apparatus. Is contained in an amount of 2 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the ink, the viscosity is 1.5 to 4 cp, and the surface tension is 35 dyn.
It has been found that when the ratio is not less than / dyn / cm and not more than 65 dyn / cm, stable ejection without occurrence of non-ejection and the like can be performed, and a high-density printed material without bleeding or the like can be obtained.

Next, the ink which can be used in the ink jet recording apparatus as described in Examples 1 and 2 will be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments.

The ink used in this example is a dye,
It consists of water, organic solvents, additives and the like. The dye is preferably a dye, as long as it can be dyed on a fabric. Acid dyes, cationic dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, vat dyes and the like can be used. These dyes are present in the ink
It can be used in combination with those containing more than one kind and having different hues. In order to obtain sufficient color development on the fabric, the amount used is generally 2% by weight based on the total amount of the ink.
The range is from 30% by weight to 30% by weight, preferably from 4% by weight to 25% by weight, and particularly preferably from 6% by weight to 20% by weight for black ink.

Water, which is preferable as the main component of the ink, is in the range of 10 to 93% by weight, preferably 25 to 87% by weight, more preferably 30 to 80% by weight based on the total amount of the ink.

As the organic solvent, for example, acetone,
Ketone or keto alcohols such as diacetone alcohol; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,
Tetraethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,
Tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol,
An oxyethylene or oxypropylene addition polymer such as polypropylene glycol; an alkylene group such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, butylene glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, or hexylene glycol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms Thiodiglycol; glycerin; lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether, and triethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether; Lower dial of polyhydric alcohol such as ethylene glycol dimethyl (or ethyl) ether and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl (or ethyl) ether Ethers; sulfolane, N-
Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolinodine, and the like.

The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is generally in the range of 5 to 60%, preferably 5 to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the ink.

When the above-mentioned media are used in combination, they can be used alone or as a mixture. The most preferred liquid medium composition is one in which the solvent contains at least one polyhydric alcohol. Among them, thiodiglycol alone or a mixture of diethylene glycol and thiodiglycol is particularly preferable.

The main components of the ink used are as described above, and various other known dispersants, surfactants, viscosity modifiers, surface tension modifiers, fluorescent brighteners and the like are added as necessary. be able to.

For example, viscosity modifiers such as polyvinyl alcohol, celluloses and water-soluble resins; various surfactants of cationic or nonionic type; surface tension modifiers such as diethanolamine and triethanolamine;
H regulators, fungicides, and the like.

It is particularly important in the ink jet printing method as in this example that the viscosity of the ink is 1.5 cp to 4 cp, preferably 2.0 cp to 3.8 cp, and the surface tension is 35 dyn / cm to 65 dyn / cm. It should be adjusted to the following range. By setting it in such a range, good ink jet printing can be realized.

That is, as in the ink jet printing method of the above example, in order to carry out ink jet printing recording with a long print length, the ink used in the conventional printing is required.
The physical properties of the ink must be controlled under more strict conditions.

Here, when the viscosity of the ink is set to 4 cp or more, non-discharge during scanning rapidly increases. This is because the ejection force is weak, and the force for performing stable ejection due to ink thread debris or the like accumulated near the ejection port is insufficient (wet ejection failure, etc.). On the other hand, if it is set to 1.5 cp or less, blurring tends to occur in the image and the ejection becomes unstable (the generation of satellites or the like due to splash).

Even if only the viscosity of the ink is set in the above range, if the surface tension is 35 dyn / cm or less, the length of non-discharge (the length of a white spot formed on the cloth) at the time of non-discharge is several tens cm. It goes over. That is, the recovery after the ejection failure does not go smoothly. If there is at least one such non-discharge over several tens of cm, the fabric cannot be used, which is not preferable.

On the other hand, when the surface tension is 65 dyn / cm or more, the frequency response is reduced and the ejection becomes unstable.

Therefore, the effect in ink-jet printing recording with a long print length can be obtained by setting both the viscosity and the surface tension within the range of the present invention. Cannot be obtained.

Adjustment of the viscosity and surface tension of the ink used
Those skilled in the art can easily carry out by appropriately selecting and combining the types and amounts of the dye and the organic solvent to be used, and adding various additives.

Examples of the material constituting the fabric used in ink-jet printing include natural fibers such as cotton, silk, nylon, and polyester; regenerated fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, and synthetic fibers. Among them, natural fibers such as cotton and silk Is preferred.
The fibers can be used in any form such as a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, and a nonwoven fabric.

In order to obtain a better printed material, it is preferable to subject the above-mentioned fabric to a conventional pretreatment. In particular, a fabric containing 0.01 to 5% by weight of an alkaline substance or a substance selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble metal salt, a water-soluble polymer, urea, and thiourea is used in an amount of 0.01 to 20%. What contained by weight% is more preferable.

The alkaline substance includes, for example, alkali metals such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, amines such as mono, di and triethanolamine, and carbonic acid or carbonic acid such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate. Hydrogen alkali metals and the like can be mentioned. There are organic acid metal salts such as calcium acetate and barium acetate, ammonia and ammonia compounds. Further, sodium trichloroacetate which becomes an alkaline substance under steaming and dry heat may be used. Particularly preferred alkaline substances are sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate used for dyeing reactive dyes.

Examples of the water-soluble polymer include starch substances such as corn and wheat; cellulosic substances such as carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose; sodium alginate;
Examples include polysaccharides such as guar gum and tamarind seeds, protein substances such as gelatin and casein, and natural water-soluble polymers such as tannin substances and lignin substances.

Examples of the synthetic polymer include a polyvinyl alcohol-based compound, a polyethylene oxide-based compound, an acrylic acid-based water-soluble polymer, and a maleic anhydride-based water-soluble polymer. Among them, polysaccharide polymers and cellulose polymers are preferable.

Examples of the water-soluble metal salts include compounds which form typical ionic crystals and have a pH of 4 to 10, such as halides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. Representative examples of such compounds include, for example, NaCl, Na ₂ S
O ₄ , KCL, CH ₃ COONa and the like.
Examples of the alkaline earth metal include CaCl ₂ and MgCl ₂ . Among them, salts of Na, K, and Ca are preferable.

Next, a more specific description will be given of working examples and comparative examples of the ink. In the description, “parts” and “%” are based on weight. 1. Ink preparation The following components were mixed, the mixture was adjusted to pH 8.4 with sodium hydroxide, stirred for 2 hours, and then filtered through a Fluoropore filter FP-100 (trade name, manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.) to obtain an aqueous ink. A to H were obtained.

The viscosity and surface tension of each ink are shown below.

Ink A: C. I. Reactive Black39 15.0 parts Thiodiglycol 15.0 parts Diethylene glycol 10.0 parts Water 60 parts Ink B: C.I. I. Reactive Red 24 11.0 parts Thiodiglycol 10.0 parts Diethylene glycol 20.0 parts Water 59.0 parts Ink C: C.I. I. Reactive Blue 72 8.0 parts Thiodiglycol 20.0 parts Diethylene glycol 10.0 parts Water 62.0 parts Ink D: C.I. I. Reactive Yellow 95 11.0 parts Thiodiglycol 25.0 parts Diethylene glycol 10.0 parts Water 54.0 parts Ink E: C.I. I. Reactive Black39 15.0 parts Thiodiglycol 15.0 parts Diethylene glycol 15.0 parts Water 55.0 parts Ink F: C.I. I. Reactive Black 39 15.0 parts Thiodiglycol 10.0 parts Water 75.0 parts Ink G: C.I. I. Reactive Red 24 11.0 parts Isopropyl alcohol 10.0 parts Thiodiglycol 10.0 parts Diethylene glycol 20.0 parts Water 49.0 parts Ink H: C.I. I. Reactive Red24 11.0 parts Glycerin 10.0 parts Water 79.0 parts The following components were mixed, the mixture was adjusted to pH 4.8 with acetic acid, stirred for 2 hours, and then Fluoropore Filter FP-10.
0 (trade name, manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.).
J was obtained.

Ink I: C.I. I. Acid Blue 40 4.0 parts Diethylene glycol 36.0 parts Water 60.0 parts Ink J: C.I. I. Acid Black 26 6.0 parts Diethylene glycol 36.0 parts Water 58.0 parts 2. Inkjet Textile Apparatus The apparatus shown in FIG. 15 or FIG. 16 was used under the following printing conditions (textile apparatus a).

Print head: 400 dpi, 256
Nozzle, orifice (22 μm × 33 μm) Drive voltage: 24.0 V Head temperature: 25-60 ° C. Drive pulse width: 10 μs Drive frequency: 1.5 KHz-4.0 KHz Distance between nozzle and fabric: 1 mm Ink Discharge amount: 20 pl to 50 pl / dot. Print length (length of one scan): 1.6 m. Further, except for a short print length of 310 mm, the printing apparatus b under the above conditions was also used. 3. Fabrics The following two types of fabrics were used, and a was immersed in a 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and b was immersed in a 15% aqueous urea solution, and then dried.

A. Flat ground cloth (100% cotton) b. 3. With 8 double hame (100% silk) Operation Apply each of the above inks A to J to the cloth
Prints 30 continuous scans using a printing machine.
Print (the printing device is 1 when solid printing)
1.8 × 10 by scanning^Four Pulse / nozzle, printing device b
Is 4.0 × 10 ^Three Pulse / nozzle), frequent occurrence of non-discharge
The degree and average length of non-discharge were examined. In addition, print
Fixing by steaming (104 ° C, 10 minutes)
After washing with a neutral detergent and drying, bleeding of the printed matter
Was evaluated. Also, the head orifice after printing
The surface was also observed. These results are shown in FIG. The figure
At 45, pre-printing with inks of different viscosities
Examples are shown in Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4.

* 1 Average length of non-discharge: Σl / n (cm) 1: Length of non-discharge n: Number of non-discharges * 2 Irregular disturbance of the linear portion of the solid edge is visually observed. Judged.

Δ: No disturbance at all Δ: Little disturbance ×: Many disturbance * 3 Dischargeability and head orifice surface were observed.

X: A large number of ink droplets adhered, making ejection difficult.

Δ: Ink droplets are attached, but there is no problem in ejection.

Δ: No ink droplets adhered.

When full-color printing was carried out using the above inks A to D, a printed matter having stable coloring and good color development without blurring was obtained.

As described above, when the ink of the present example is used, in ink jet printing with a long print length, stable discharge without occurrence of non-discharge and the like can be performed, and a high-density print without bleeding can be obtained. . (Others) In addition, the present invention can adopt not only the inkjet printing method but also various printing methods,
In the case where the ink jet printing method is employed, among them, a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for performing ink ejection is provided. The present invention brings about an excellent effect in a print head and a printing apparatus of a type which causes a change in the state of the print head. This is because such a method can achieve higher density and higher definition of the print.

Next, the ink jet recording unit 1 of this embodiment
The configuration of the recording unit 005 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the ink jet recording unit 1005 of this embodiment.

The ink jet recording unit 1005 includes a main body, a head carriage 334, and a head carriage base 3.
35, two head carriage slide rails 3,
3, a head carriage driving system, an ink tank carriage 330, an ink tank carriage base 331,
Slide rail 333 for ink tank carriage
333, an ink tank carriage drive system, and a recovery system device 20, wherein the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 are moved in the main scanning direction (the direction of arrow P) along separate slide rails. It is characterized by.

Next, each component of the ink jet recording unit 1005 will be described.

(1) The head carriage 334, the head carriage base 335, the slide rails 3 and 3 for the head carriage, and the head carriage drive system As described above, the recording head for ejecting ink droplets from the plurality of ejection ports is provided on the head carriage 334. However, about eight for cyan, magenta, yellow, black and other special four colors are mounted. The head carriage 334 is mounted on a head carriage table 335. The head carriage base 335 is slidably supported by two head carriage slide rails 3. The head carriage drive system includes an endless main carriage main scanning belt 4 and a head carriage main scanning motor 5 for rotating the head carriage main scanning belt 4.

Therefore, while the head carriage table 335 is fixed to the main scanning belt 4 for the head carriage,
The head carriage main scanning belt 4 is rotated by the head carriage main scanning motor 5 to move the head carriage 334 in the main scanning direction.

(2) To the ink tank carriage 330, the ink tank carriage base 331, the slide rails 333 and 333 for the ink tank carriage, and the ink tank carriage driving system, a predetermined ink is supplied to each of the recording heads. And eight ink tanks for each. Further, the ink tank carriage 330 is mounted on the ink tank carriage base 331. The ink tank carriage table 331 is provided with two slide rails 333 and 333 for the ink tank carriage.
Slidably supported by The ink tank carriage drive system includes an endless main scanning belt for the ink tank carriage (not shown) and a main scanning motor for the ink tank carriage (not shown) for rotating the main scanning belt for the ink tank carriage.

Therefore, the ink tank carriage table 331
Is fixed to the main scanning belt for the ink tank carriage, and the main scanning belt for the ink tank carriage is rotated by the main scanning motor for the ink tank carriage, so that the ink tank carriage 330 is moved in the main scanning direction. During recording, the ink tank carriage 330 is moved in the main scanning direction in synchronization with the head carriage 334.

Next, the advantage of moving the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 in the main scanning direction along separate slide rails, which is a feature of the ink jet recording unit 1005, will be described with reference to FIG.
7 (A), (B) and (C).

The present inventors have proposed an ink jet recording unit 10
47, the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330, as shown in FIG.
Was considered to be moved along the same two slide rails 340 and 341 in the main scanning direction (the direction of the arrow in the drawing). However, in order to realize an ink jet recording apparatus that performs continuous recording on a print having a recording width of 1 m or more for a long time, the weight of the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 is several kg to several tens kg. The following problems were found.

(1) Head carriage 334, ink tank carriage 330 and slide rails 340, 3
Due to the weight of 41 itself, each slide rail 340, 34
1 is small, the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 are
When the slide rails 41 are moved to the vicinity of the center in the main scanning direction, the slide rails 340 and 341 bend. As a result, as shown in FIG. 47 (B), the pixel 342 is shifted for each scan (line) from the center to the end in the main scanning direction of the printed matter, and the image quality is degraded.
In order to prevent this deterioration in image quality, for example, one pixel 3
In a case where the width of the pixel 42 in the main scanning direction is 60 μm and the maximum displacement of the pixel 342 for each scan is suppressed to 30 μm or less, in one design example, each of the slide rails 34 of 100φ is used.
0,341 is required, and each slide rail 340,3
The weight of 41 is also about 240 kg.

(2) The ink tank carriage 3 is driven by the fluctuation of the ink level due to the consumption of ink in each ink tank.
30 vibrates. As a result, the ink tank carriage 3
Vibration of 30 is transmitted to the head carriage 334 via the slide rails 340 and 341, thereby deteriorating recording quality.

(3) The head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 are connected to the respective slide rails 340, 3
In order to move in the main scanning direction along
As shown in (A), the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 are arranged side by side. As a result, the width of the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus with respect to the main scanning direction is defined as the ink tank carriage 33.
An extra width of 0 in the main scanning direction is required.

On the other hand, by moving the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 in the main scanning direction along separate slide rails as in the ink jet recording unit 1005 of this embodiment,
The following advantages are obtained.

(1) Slide rails 3 and 3 for each head carriage and slide rail 33 for each ink tank
Since the weight of each of the slide rails 3,3,333,333 can be reduced, the diameter of each of the slide rails 3,3,333,333 can be reduced.
3,333 (70 kg in one design example) can be achieved.

(2) The ink tank carriage 3 is driven by the fluctuation of the ink level due to the consumption of ink in each ink tank.
Even if 30 vibrates, the vibration of the ink tank carriage 330 can be prevented from being transmitted to the head carriage 334.

(3) As shown in FIG. 47C, by arranging the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 vertically and moving the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 in the main scanning direction. In addition, the width of the main body of the inkjet recording unit 1005 in the main scanning direction can be minimized.

In the above description, the ink jet recording unit 1
Although 005 has an ink tank carriage drive system, the ink tank carriage drive system may not be provided, and the ink tank carriage base 331 may be fixed to the head carriage base 335 and move together with the head carriage base 335. However, by having the ink tank carriage drive system, for example, as shown in FIG. 47C, the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 are arranged vertically to connect the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330. When the head carriage 334 is replaced in the main scanning direction, only the ink tank carriage 330 is automatically moved by the ink tank carriage driving system when the head carriage 334 is replaced.
Since it can be removed from the side, workability can be improved.

B. About the inkjet recording apparatus of the present embodiment and the method of manufacturing the second inkjet recorded matter FIG. 48 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the second inkjet recording apparatus of the present embodiment.

The ink jet recording apparatus 1005 ′ has a main body, a head carriage 334, two head carriage slide rails 122 ₁ , 122 ₂ , a head carriage drive system (not shown), and an ink tank carriage 330.
And slide rails 13 for two ink tank carriages
2 ₁ , 132 ₂ and ink tank carriage drive system (not shown)
And a recovery system (not shown), and the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 are moved in the main scanning direction along separate slide rails. Part 1
Same as 005.

[0253] However, the first and I steel 129 _1, 129 _2, each first support platform 128 _1, 128 ₂ is fixed respectively, each second support bars 138 _1, 138 ₂ is fixed respectively 2 I steel 139 ₁ , 13
9 ₂ a point having a, and the head carriage 334 4
Slide bush for head carriage 125 _{1 to} 125
₄ (Two slide bushes for head carriage 125 ₁ , 1
25 ₂ only) are slidably supported by the head carriage slide rails 122 ₁ and 122 ₂ , and the ink tank carriage 330 has four ink tank carriage slide bushes 135 _{1 to} 135 ₄ ( The ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 46 is slidably supported on each ink tank carriage slide rail 132 ₁ , 132 ₂ via _two ink tank carriage slide bushes 135 ₁ , 135 ₂ . This is different from the recording unit 1005.
Here, the first I steel 128 ₁ , 128 ₂ and the second I steel 138 ₁ ,
Each 138 ₂ at both ends, the support attached to the window 151 _{1-151 4} provided on both sides of the main body, 152 _{1 to} 152 ₄ (only window 151 _{1-151 4} provided on one side) It is fixed to a member (not shown).

Although not shown in FIG. 46, an ink tube bundle 160 and an electric cable bundle 161 are provided between the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330.
Are provided.

The ink jet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment
5 ′, as shown in FIG. 49A, slide rails 122 ₁ , 122 ₂ for each head carriage are connected to the first support base 128 ₁ , 128 ₁ , respectively.
128 ₂ , and slide rails 132 ₁ , 132 ₂ for each ink tank carriage on the second support base.
138 _1, 138 by respective fixing ₂ has the advantage described below.

As shown in FIG. 49 (B), the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 are separated from each other by the same slide rails 172 ₁ , 172 ₂ , 182 ₁ , as in the ink jet recording section 1005 shown in FIG. 182 by ₂ be slidably supported by the vibration of the head of the head carriage 334 and the ink tank carriage 330 and lighter and each slide rail than is slidably supported on the same slide rail ink tank carriage 330 Transmission to the carriage 334 can be prevented. However, as each of the slide rails 172 _1, 172 _2, 182 _1, 182 _2, the slide rail 172 ₁ by weight of the weight or the ink tank carriage 330 of the head carriage 334,
172 _2, 182 _1, 182 ₂ of the deflection amount is required to have a sufficient diameter to a degree that does not cause a deterioration of image quality.
Furthermore, the four slide bushes provided on the head carriage 334 175 _{1-175 4} (two slide bush 17
5 _1, 175 ₂ only shown) and the ink tank carriage 33
0 are provided with four slide bushes 185 _{1 to} 185 ₄ (2
Number of the slide bush 185 _1, 185 even ₂ only shown),
Each slide rail 172 _1, 172 _2, 182 _1, of a size is required in accordance with the 182 _second diameter. For example, in one design example, the maximum deflection amount of a slide rail having a length of 3500 mm is set to 0.
To make it 3 mm or less, a slide rail of 100φ is required, and the weight of the slide bush is also 10 kg.

[0257] In contrast, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1005 'of the present embodiment, it is possible to support the weight of the head carriage 334 in the first I steel 129 _1, 129 _2, the weight of the ink tank carriage 330 Each second I
It is possible to support steel 139 _1, 139 _2, it is possible to slide rails 122 ₁ for each head carriage, 122 ₂ of diameter and the ink tank carriage slide rails 132 _1, 132 ₂ of the diameter smaller. As a result, the weight of each slide rail 122 ₁ , 122 ₂ , 132 ₁ , 132 ₂ can be reduced. In addition, the slide bush 12 for each head carriage
5 _1, 125 ₂ and the ink tank carriage slide bushes 135 _1, 135 ₂ of miniaturization can be achieved. For example, in one design example, each of the slide rails 122 ₁ , 122 ₂ , 132 ₁ , 132 ₂ can be configured with a diameter of 20 to 30 φ, and each of the slide bushes 125 ₁ , 125 ₂ , 135 ₁ , 135 ₂ Weight is 300g ~
It can be 800 g.

FIG. 50 is a view showing the construction of a main part of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The ink jet recording apparatus 1210 of this embodiment
Are points having a positioning mechanism and the ink tank carriage slide rails 232 _1, 232 ₂ of the alignment mechanism of the head carriage slide rails 222 _1, 222 _2, the ink jet of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 48 Recording device 10
Different from 05. Since the two alignment mechanisms are those having the same structure, below, the alignment mechanism of Figure 50 illustrated right end of the ink tank carriage slide rails 232 ₂ will be described the configuration and operation as an example.

Slide rail for ink tank carriage
232 ₂ alignment mechanism comprises a rail base 1310, a first adjusting member 1320, the second adjusting member 1330 (refer to FIG. 51). Here, the rail base 1310 has a mounting surface 1311 on which the _second I-steel 2392 is mounted and fixed, and a window on the side surface of the main body 1211.
252 and the first slide hole 1312 in which the first dowel 1291 provided upward in the drawing of ₄ is fitted, a second dowel 1292 provided downward in the drawing of the window 252 ₄ side of the body 1211 is fitted Second
And a slide hole 1313. Also, the first adjusting member 13
Reference numeral 20 denotes a disk-shaped first handle 1321, and the center of the shaft is the first handle 1321.
A first shaft 1322 whose one end is attached to the first handle 1321 so as to coincide with the center of the handle 1321, and the center of the shaft is shifted from the center of the first shaft 1322 so that one end is the first shaft 1322. A first fitting shaft 1323 attached to the other end of the shaft portion 1322. Note that the first fitting shaft 1323 is provided with a first fitting hole provided below the second dowel 1292 on the side surface of the main body 1211 in the figure.
Fitted in 1293. 51. Further, as shown in FIG. 51, the second adjustment member 1330 has a disk-shaped second handle 1331 and one end of the second handle 1331 so that the center of the shaft coincides with the center of the second handle 1331. Second mating shaft attached to 1331
1332 and a second shaft in which the center of the shaft is shifted from the center of the second fitting shaft 1332 and one end is attached to the other end of the second fitting shaft 1332.
And a shaft portion 1333. Note that the second fitting shaft 1332 is provided with a second fitting hole 1319 provided on the mounting surface 1311 of the rail base 1310.
And the second shaft portion 1333 is connected to the second I-steel 239 ₂
Is fitted in a long hole 1350 provided in the.

Slide rail for ink tank carriage
232 ₂ alignment shown horizontal direction, the second engaging shaft 1333
Into the second fitting hole 1319 and the second shaft portion 13
33 After fitted to the elongated hole 1350, the second handle 1331 is rotated, carried out by moving the second I steel 239 ₂ in shown the left-right direction. In this manner, when the alignment of the illustrated left and right directions is completed, is fixed by two fixing screws a second I steel 239 ₂ on the placement surface 1311 of the rail base 1310. The ink tank slide rails 232 ₂ shown vertical alignment carriage, the first engaging shaft 1323 first fitting hole 1293
After the first handle 1321 is rotated,
Push-up surface 1351 of rail base 1310 in contact with first shaft portion 1322
Is moved up and down. When the vertical alignment is completed in this manner, the rail base 13
10 is fixed to the side surface of the main body 1211 with four fixing screws. Incidentally, the alignment mechanism of the ink tank carriage slide rail ₂₃₂₂ is also provided on the other side of the body 1211.

[0262] In analogy to the above-described ink tank positioning of the carriage slide rails 232 _2, two head carriage slide rails 222 _1, 222 ₂ and the other ink tank slide rails 232 _first alignment carriage of By doing each, each slide rail 22
2 _1, 222 _2, 232 _1, 232 ₂ of parallelism and horizontal resistance can be secured.

C. Regarding Third Inkjet Recording Apparatus of the Present Invention and Method for Producing Third Inkjet Recorded Product FIG. 52 is a schematic configuration diagram showing one embodiment of the third inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention.

The ink jet recording apparatus 410 has a main body 411
When, a head carriage 420, two head carriage slide rails 422 _1, and 422 _2, the head carriage driving system (not shown), an ink tank carriage 430, two ink tank carriage slide rails 432 _1, 432 ₂
, An ink tank carriage drive system (not shown), and a recovery system device (not shown), and the head carriage 420 and the ink tank carriage 430 are moved in the main scanning direction along separate slide rails. Point, the first I-steel 42 to which the first support bases 428 ₁ , 428 ₂ are respectively fixed.
9 _1, 429 ₂ and in that each second support table 438 _1, 438 ₂ comprises a second I steel 439 _1, 439 ₂ and which is fixed respectively, and,
Head carriage 420 is four for the head carriage slide bushes 425 _{1-4254 (1} two head carriage slide bushes 425, 425 ₂ only shown) slide rails 422 ₁ for each head carriage through, 422 ₂ to the sliding The ink tank carriage 430 is freely supported and has four ink tank carriage slide bushes 435 _1.
～435 ₄ for (two ink tank carriage slide bushes 435 _1, 435 ₂ shown only) ₁ Each ink tank carriage slide rails 432 via, 432 ₂ that are slidably supported in the FIG. This is the same as the ink jet recording apparatus 1005 'shown in FIG.

However, the ink jet recording apparatus 410
A concave portion 411b provided on a bottom plate 411a of the main body 411;
The main body 411 is provided with a float sensor 1510 provided therein and electrical members such as a head driving means 1501 for driving a recording head, a head carriage driving system, an ink tank carriage driving system, and a power supply (not shown). It differs from the ink jet recording apparatus 1005 ′ shown in FIG. 48 in that it is provided outside. In addition, for example, a head carriage
Recording head and head driving means 1501 built in 420
Are electrically connected to each other through a first electric bundle 1502, a second electric bundle 1503, and an electric cable bundle 461.

The ink jet recording apparatus 410 thus configured has the following advantages.

(1) In the ink jet recording apparatus 410,
If the ink in the ink tank mounted on the ink tank carriage 430 runs out, ink is supplied from the external main tank. At this time, the ink leaks into the main body 411 for some reason. May occur. At this time, if various electrical components are provided inside the main body 411, the leaked ink may cause an electrical short and may cause the various electrical components to be destroyed. It is necessary to provide a mechanism for performing this. However, in an ink jet recording apparatus 410 that continuously performs recording on a recording medium having a recording width of 1 m or more for a long time, unlike a word processor or the like, it is not always necessary to provide various electrical components inside the main body 411. Therefore, the above-mentioned problem can be easily solved by providing various electrical components outside the main body 411 as much as possible.

(2) If the ink leaks into the main body 411 without the knowledge of the operator, the inside of the main body 411 is contaminated, and the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 410 is stopped during the cleaning of the inside of the main body 411. I have to do it.
This causes a problem that productivity is reduced when the inkjet recording apparatus 411 is operated continuously for a long time for business use. Therefore, by providing the concave portion 411b in the bottom plate 411a of the main body 411 and providing the float sensor 1510 in the concave portion 411b, it is possible to detect ink leakage at an early stage and minimize the contamination inside the main body 411. Can be prevented from decreasing.

D. Regarding Fourth Inkjet Recording Apparatus of the Present Invention and Method for Producing Fourth Inkjet Recorded Product FIG. 53 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a two-stage head configuration in an embodiment of the fourth inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention.

The ink jet recording apparatus of this embodiment is characterized in that it has a two-stage head configuration. That is, as one of the problems of the ink jet recording apparatus that continuously performs recording for a long time on a recording medium having a recording width of 1 m or more, improvement of an image forming speed is mentioned as described above. Therefore, a two-stage head configuration is more advantageous than a one-stage head configuration in terms of improvement in image forming speed. Therefore, in the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment, a two-stage head configuration is realized as described below.

The inner space of the head carriage 1000 is
The head is divided into internal spaces, and head holders 1100 and 1200 each having a built-in recording head are mounted in each internal space.
At this time, the mounting and positioning of the head holders 1100 and 1200 are performed as follows.

The head holder 1100 is used as a positioning member.
And two front fixing members 1111₁ , 1111 _Two (Front fixing member
1111₁ Only shown) and two rear fixing members 1115₁ , 1115
_Two (Rear fixing member 1115₁ Only shown) and two positioning
Axis 1120₁ , 1120_Two (Positioning axis 1120₁ Only shown)
I can.

[0273] Here, the front fixing member ₁₁₁₁₁ is attached to the recording head side of the side surface of the head holder frame 1101 of the head holder 1100 (the left side). Front fixing member 1111
_A click mountain 11121 is attached to the upper surface of ₁ . Further, as shown in FIG. 54, the surface of the recording head side of the front fixing member _11111, two-stage recess and the through hole of are formed. The recess of the first-stage front fixing member _11111, the nut member 1113 _1, as shown in FIG. 56, detent is made, and is fitted with a front fixing member ₁₁₁₁₁ and the predetermined backlash. Thereby, the nut member 11
The center of the screw of the nut member 1113 ₁ and the center of the positioning shaft 1120 ₁ always coincide with each other without the influence of the eccentricity of the adjustment screw 1121 ₁ (described later) generated when the 13 ₁ is fixed to the front fixing member 1111 _1. Therefore, the positioning accuracy can be improved. The same applies to the rest of the front fixing member 1111 _2.

[0274] The rear fixing member 1115 ₁ is attached to the head holder frame 11
It is attached to the side opposite to the recording head (right side in the figure) on the side of 01. The rear fixing member 1115 _1, as shown in FIG. 54, a through hole is drilled, the set screw 11
There are 30 ₁ provided. The same applies to the rest of the rear fixing member 1115 _2.

Positioning shaft 1110₁ Of the opposite side of the recording head
The end face has a driver mating hole 1125₁ Are formed. Rank
Positioning axis 1110₁ Near the recording head side end of the
Slot on the pad side 1122₁ Formed, nut member 1113₁ When
Adjusting screw 1121₁ Is attached. Also,
Positioning axis 1110₁ Of the recording head side and the adjustment screw 1121 ₁ 
Between the parallel pin 1123₁ Is provided. Positioning
Spindle 1110₁ The end opposite to the recording head has a front fixing member
1111₁ Through hole and rear fixing member 1115₁ And through holes
After penetrating, adjust screw 1121₁ Is nut member 1113₁ When
The front fixing member 1111 is rotated by being screwed.
₁ And rear fixing member 1115₁ And attached to. Remaining position
Spindle 1110_Two The same applies to.

As shown in FIG. 53, the head carriage 1000 has two Z stages 1211 ₁ ,
1211 ₂ (only Z stage 1211 ₁ is shown) and two front support members 1212 ₁ and 1212 ₂ (only front support member 1212 ₁ is shown)
, Two front pressing members 1220 ₁ , 1220 ₂ (only the front pressing member 12201 ₁ is shown), and two rear support members 1231 ₁ , 1
231 includes ₂ (only rear support member 1231 _1), two rear pressing member 1240 _1, 1240 ₂ and (only rear pressing member 1240 _1).

Here, each Z stage 1211 ₁ , 1211 ₂
The head carriage 1000 is provided on the recording surface side (left side in the drawing) of the internal space in the lower part of the drawing in parallel with the recording surface. Also, each front support member 1212 ₁ , 12122
Each of the Z stages 1211 ₁ and 1211 ₂ is fixed with fixing screws, and a through hole is formed.

[0278] front pressing member 1220 _1, the front supporting member 12
It is provided above the 12 _{1 in} the figure. Further, the front pressing member 1220 ₁ includes a shaft 1221 ₁ near one end is supported by the fulcrum 12221 of the recording surface, a click roller 1224 ₁ provided via the roller shaft 1223 ₁ to the other end of the shaft 1221 _1, and a pressure spring 1225 ₁ for biasing the shaft 1221 ₁ the other end downward in the drawing.
The same applies to the rest of the front pressing member 1220 _2.

[0279] Each rear supporting member 1231 _1, 1240 _2, are provided parallel to each and the recording surface on the recording surface opposite the inner space of the illustrated lower head carriage 1000 (shown right). Also, on the upper surface of each rear support member 1231 ₁ , 1240 ₂ ,
Recesses are respectively formed.

The rear pressing member 1240 ₁ is connected to the rear supporting member 12
31 ₁ is provided above the figure. The rear pressing member 1240 ₁ includes a shaft 1241 ₁ whose recording surface side is supported by a fulcrum 1242 ₁ from the center, and a pressure spring 1243 ₁ for urging one end of the shaft 1241 ₁ on the opposite side to the recording surface downward in the drawing. Is provided. In addition,
Rear pressing member 1240 ₁ at the other end, moving upward in the drawing is restricted. The same applies to the rest of the rear pressing member 1240 _2.

The head carriage 1000 of the head holder 1100
Mounting on each positioning axis 1120₁ , 1120_Two Of the recording side
One end of each front support member 1212₁ , 1212_Two Each through hole
After being pierced, each positioning shaft 1120₁ , 1120_Two The other end of
Near each rear support member 1231₁, 1231_Two Each in the recess
It is performed by being put on. Note that the head holder 11
In a state where 00 is mounted on the head carriage 1000, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
20₁ Click Roller 1224₁ Press diagonally downward left
Attached and rear fixing member 1115₁ The upper surface of the back
Pressing member 1240 ₁ The axis of 1241₁ Press down
The head holder 1100 is
Fixed to di 1000.

As shown in FIG. 55, the head holder 1100 is positioned in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 53 by inserting the tip of a driver 1300 into a driver fitting hole 1125 ₁ of a positioning shaft 1120 ₁ , and by using the driver 1300. ₁ is rotated, carried out by rotating the adjusting screw 1121 _1. When the positioning shaft 1120 ₁ is rotated in a direction to increase the distance between the front fixing member 1111 ₁ and the front support member 1212 ₁ ,
The tip surface of the adjustment screw 1121 _{1 on} the long hole side is the front support member 1212 ₁
After that, the head holder 1100 is
₁ , direction away from the front support member 1212 ₁ together with the rear fixing member 1115 ₁ and the positioning shaft 1120 ₁ (right direction in the figure)
Go to On the other hand, the positioning axis 1120 is
_In the same manner, when the head holder 1100 is rotated in the opposite direction so as to push in, the head holder 1100 approaches the front support member 1212 ₁ together with the front fixing member 1111 ₁ , the rear fixing member 1115 ₁ and the positioning shaft 1120 ₁ (shown in FIG. Left).
In this way, after performing the positioning of Figure 53 shown the left-right direction of the head holder 1100, tighten the set screw 1130 ₁ as positioning shaft 1120 ₁ does not rotate.

As shown in FIG. 57, the front support member 1212 ₁ is moved in the vertical direction by rotating the adjustment knob 1310 ₁ of the Z stage 1211 ₁ as shown in FIG. Do it. After that, the long holes 13301 ₁ , 1331 formed in the main body of the head carriage 1000
₁ support member by fixing screws 13201 ₁ and 1321 ₁ through ₁
1212 ₁ is fixed.

In the above description, a two-stage head configuration is taken as an example. However, the number of head stages is not limited to two, but may be many.

E. Fifth Inkjet Recording Apparatus of the Present Invention and Method of Replacing Head Holder of Inkjet Recording Apparatus FIG. 58 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the fifth inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention.

The ink jet recording apparatus 2000 of this embodiment
47, a head carriage and an ink tank carriage as shown in FIG. 47C are vertically arranged and moved in the main scanning direction, and a head holder having a recording head as shown in FIG. 53 is mounted on the head carriage. In an ink jet recording apparatus which performs recording by mounting, the head holder is mounted from the ink tank carriage side, thereby improving the work efficiency of the head holder replacing operation.

FIG. 58 shows an ink jet recording apparatus 2010.
As shown, the main body 2011 and the head holder 2050 (see FIG. 59)
(Head) 2020 with two heads
Slide rail for carriage₁ , 2022_Two And
Drive carriage (not shown) and ink tank carry
Cartridge 2030 and two ink tank carriage slides
Rail 2032₁ , 2032_Two And ink tank carriage drive
System (not shown) and a recovery system device 2040 (see FIG. 59).
Equipped, head carriage 2020 and ink tank carriage
2030 and main scanning along separate slide rails
Moved in the direction. Here, the head carriage 2020 is
Slide bush 2025 for 4 head carriages₁ ~ 20
twenty five_Four (Slide bush 2025 for two head carriages
₁ , 2025 _Two (Only shown))
Ride rail 2022₁ , 2022_Two Slidably supported by
You. Also, the ink tank carriage 2030 has four ink tanks.
Slide bush 2035 for tank carriage₁ ~ 2035_Four 
(Slide bush 20 for three ink tank carriages
35₁ , 2035_Two , 2035_Four (Only shown) via each ink tank
Slide rail 2032 for carriage₁ , 2032_Two Sliding on
It is supported.

In addition, the ink jet recording apparatus 2010 is provided for holding the ink tube bundle 2060 and the electric cable bundle 2061 provided between the head carriage 2020 and the ink tank carriage 2030, and for holding the ink tube bundle 2060 and the electric cable bundle 2061. , Bundle holding member 20 that can be opened at one end
62. Here, the ink tube bundle 2060 and the electric cable bundle 2061 have a length longer than the width of the head carriage 2020 and the ink tank carriage 2030 in the main scanning direction.

In the ink jet recording apparatus 2010,
As shown in FIG. 58, while the ink tube bundle 2060 and the electric cable bundle 2061 are held down by the bundle holding member 2062, the head carriage 2020 and the ink tank carriage 2030 are vertically arranged and moved in the main scanning direction to perform printing. Is performed. Therefore, during recording, the ink tube bundle 20
60 and electrical cable bundle 2061
Further, it is possible to prevent the movement of the ink tank carriage 2030 from being hindered.

On the other hand, when exchanging the head holder 2050, as shown in FIG. 59, one end of the bundle pressing member 2062 is opened to make the ink tube bundle 2060 and the electric cable bundle 2061 free. The head carriage 2020 and the ink tank carriage 2030 are shifted by moving only the ink tank carriage 2030 in the main scanning direction. Then, the ink tank carriage of the head carriage 2020
After taking out the head holder 2050 from the 2030 side, a new head holder 2050 is mounted from the ink tank carriage 2030 side of the head carriage 2020. The configurations of the head carriage 2020 and the head holder 2050 are the same as those shown in FIG.

Thus, the ink jet recording apparatus 2010
In this case, since the mounting of the head holder 2050 can be performed from the ink tank carriage 2030 side, in particular, when replacing a large number of head holders 2050 to the head carriage 2020 as shown in FIG. Work efficiency can be dramatically improved.

If the amount of movement of the ink tank carriage 2030 in the main scanning direction when replacing the head holder 2050 is too large, an excessive load may be applied to the ink tube bundle 2060 and the electric cable bundle 2061. .
However, as shown in FIG.
Stopper 209 for 2020 and ink tank carriage 2030
By providing 1,2092 respectively, FIG.
As shown in (B), the amount of movement of the ink tank carriage 2030 can be limited within the width of the head carriage 2020 and the ink tank carriage 2030 in the main scanning direction, so that the ink tube bundle 2060 and the electric cable bundle 2061
Can be prevented from being overloaded.

The movement of the ink tank carriage 2030 when replacing the head holder 2050 may be performed using an ink tank carriage drive system, or may be performed manually. Further, the ink tank carriage drive system is not always necessary.

As described above, the first to fifth ink jet recording apparatuses of the present invention and the methods for producing the first to fifth ink jet recorded matter have been individually described. However, it is also possible to use the inventions in combination. [Explanation of the operation of the textile printing system (FIGS. 61 to 68)] Next, the operation of the textile printing system of this embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 61 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the textile printing system of this embodiment. Compared with FIG. 1, the reading unit 1001, the image processing unit 1002, and the binarization processing unit 10 shown in FIG.
03 and the control unit 1009 are the host computer 3000
The ink jet recording unit 1005 corresponds to the ink jet recording apparatus 3001 in FIG.
Numeral 02 denotes a cloth feeding unit 1006 and a recording and conveying unit 1007 in FIG.
And a pre-processing unit 1010 and a post-processing unit 1008.
In this embodiment, the host computer 3000 and the ink jet printing apparatus 3001 are connected by a GPIB, and the cloth feeder 3002 and the ink jet printing apparatus 3001 are connected by a dedicated interface.

The cloth feeder 3002 of this embodiment is a device for conveying a print object such as the same cloth as the cloth feeder 144 in FIG. 17, and is an input / output for controlling an interface with the recording apparatus 3001. It has a port 3010, an operation panel 3015 provided with various switches and displays operated by an operator, a motor 3014 as a drive source for transporting the fabric, a seam sensor 3013 for detecting a seam of the fabric, and the like. . Reference numeral 3011 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire cloth feeder 3002, and reference numeral 3012 denotes a ROM that stores a control program of the CPU 3011 and various data. The operation panel 3015 includes:
A start key 3016 for instructing start of printing, a stop key 3017 for instructing stop of print operation, a pause key 3018 for instructing temporary stop of print operation, and an emergency stop key 3019 for instructing emergency stop are provided.

FIG. 62 is a view for explaining the exchange of signals between the host computer 3000 and the ink jet recording apparatus 3001.

First, the host computer 300 such as a personal computer is first equipped with the ink jet recording apparatus 3001.
A remote command is transmitted to set the inkjet recording apparatus 3001 in the remote state. Next, an initialization command (INIT) is output to the inkjet printing apparatus 3001 to initialize the printing apparatus 3001. Then, a color setting command (WPALETTE) is output to set each color according to the arrangement of the ink jet heads, and pallet data is transmitted and set in the recording apparatus 3001. Next, image data to be printed is transferred from the host computer 3000 to the ink jet recording apparatus 3001 and registered as a basic image (SAVE command).

Next, the magnification (DMODE) for printing the image data is output to the ink jet recording apparatus 3001, and the print width, print length, and the basic image repetition mode (D / A) are set by the input / output state setting command (WAREA). FIG.
Reference), and whether or not to print once or twice. If you want to print a logo,
The command (WLOGO) for setting the logo output is output, and the designation of the logo to be printed, the print color, the logo size to be printed, the logo print position, and the like are transmitted from the host computer 3000 to the ink jet recording apparatus 3001.
To instruct. Thus, the ink jet recording apparatus 3001
When the setting of various data in the inkjet recording apparatus 3001 is completed, the inkjet recording apparatus 3001 is set to the local state by the REMOTE command, and the host computer 3000 and the inkjet recording apparatus 3001 are disconnected. Thereafter, as described later, an actual printing operation is started by pressing a start key 3016 of the cloth feeder 3002.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing the printing process in the ink jet recording apparatus 3001 of this embodiment.
42 is controlled by an instruction from the CPU 142A.

When the start of the printing operation is instructed, the flow advances to step S21, in which the air pump driver 62 (FIG. 13) drives the recovery means 20 to perform ink pressure circulation while capping the ink jet heads 2 and 2 '. And the carriages 124 and 124 'are moved in the scanning direction to perform wiping (cleaning) of the ink jet head (step S22). Next, the process proceeds to step S23, where the carriage 12 is moved to start a printing operation for one scan.
4 and 124 ', and when the printing process for one scan is completed, the process proceeds to step S24, where the carriage is returned to the home position. Next, the process proceeds to step S25, in which preliminary ejection for ejecting ink from the inkjet head is performed.

Then, the flow advances to step S26 to determine whether or not wiping has been performed before the previous scan. If the previous wiping has not been performed, the flow advances to step S27 to perform wiping. If no, the process proceeds to step S28. As a result, the wiping of the inkjet head is executed every other scan. In step S28, print processing for the next one scan is executed,
Next, in step S29, it is checked whether or not all the printing processes have been completed.
Check whether the print processing for the line has been performed. 10
If it has not reached the 0 line, the process returns to step S24,
The above-described processing is executed. When the number of lines reaches 100, the process returns to step S21 to cap the inkjet head and perform ink pressurization circulation. As described above, in the ink jet recording apparatus 3001 of this embodiment, the preliminary ejection is performed for each scan, the wiping is performed for every other scan, and the ink pressurization circulation processing (head recovery processing) is performed for every 100 scans. are doing.

When all printing is completed in step S29, the flow advances to step S31 to check whether wiping has been performed in the last row. If wiping has not been performed in the last row, the flow advances to step S32 to execute wiping. Thus, wiping is always performed when the printing operation is completed.

Next, the operation of the cloth feeder 3002 and the ink jet recording apparatus 3001 during actual printing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S41, the cloth feeder 3002
Is pressed, the cloth feeder 30 is pressed.
02, a (START) signal for instructing the start of the printing operation is output to the inkjet recording apparatus 3001 (step S42). Then, in step S43, the process shifts to a state of waiting for a cloth feed request signal (REQ SEND) from the inkjet recording apparatus 3001.

On the other hand, the ink jet recording apparatus 3001
Starts the print sequence in step S51 in response to the (START) signal. In step S52, it is determined whether or not the ink jet head is on the cloth 103.
When the head is not above the cloth 103, the head is moved to the position above the cloth 103, and then, in step S53, the fact that the head is above the cloth 103 is notified to the cloth feeder 3002 (CR ENB is set to a high level). Next, proceeding to step S54, the cloth feeder 300
In step 2, it is determined whether the cloth is being conveyed. If the cloth is not being fed (ACK SEND is low), the flow advances to step S55 to start the printing operation. This printing operation is shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the printing process for one scan is completed in step S56, the flow advances to step S57 to check whether the cloth feeder 3002 is ready. If the cloth feeder 3002 is ready, the flow advances to step S58. Request signal (REQ S
END). The cloth feed amount at this time is determined by the cloth feeder 3
002, the feed amount specified on the operation panel 3015,
Alternatively, it can be specified as 1/2, 1/4, or twice the amount.

In response to the cloth feed request, the cloth feeder 300
The operation 2 goes out of the loop of step S43 and proceeds to step S44, in which the cloth is fed according to the feed amount specified by the ink jet recording apparatus 3001. When the cloth feeding is completed in step S45, the process proceeds to step S46, where the end of the cloth feeding (ACK SEND is set to the low level) is notified to the ink jet recording apparatus 3001 and step S4 is performed.
Return to 3.

Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus 3001, after outputting the cloth feed request to the cloth feeder 3002 in step S58, it is checked in step S59 whether the cloth feed has started based on the signal (ACK SEND). Then, in step S60, the cloth feed request is turned off (REQ SEND is set to high level). Here, since the carriage return is executed simultaneously with the output of the cloth feed request, step S61 is executed.
Waits for the carriage return to end. When the carriage return ends, the process proceeds to step S62 to check whether all print processing has been completed.
Returning to step 4, the operation proceeds to the next printing operation. As described above, the ink jet recording apparatus 3001 and the cloth feeder 3002 are separately formed, and various signals are exchanged between them, whereby the cloth feed and the print control can be performed independently.

Next, with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 65, a description will be given of the print processing at the joint required when printing the fabric.

When the ink jet recording apparatus 3001 issues a cloth feed command to the cloth feeder 3002 during printing or in response to a cloth feed instruction or the like (step S83), the flow proceeds to a cloth feed request accepting process in step S71. Step S
In step 71, it is determined whether or not the joint is a joint. When the joint is not a joint, a normal process is executed.
Proceeding to 72, it is determined whether the inkjet head is on the cloth. This is an inkjet recording device 300
In step 1, after outputting the cloth feeding request (REQSEND) in step S83, it is determined whether the cloth feeding has actually started based on whether the signal ACK SEND is at a high level. If the cloth feed is not started by the cloth feeder 3002, it is determined in step S85 whether or not the ink jet head is positioned on the cloth. If not, the flow returns to step S84. If it is located, the process proceeds to step S86, where the carriage is returned to the home position,
When the head comes off the cloth, it outputs a signal indicating that the head is not present on the cloth (sets CR ENB to low level).

[0311] Thus, the cloth feeder 3002 detects that the ink jet head has deviated from the cloth position in step S72, and starts driving the cloth 103 by rotating the motor 3014 in step S73. This is because when the cloth is transported while the ink jet head is positioned on the cloth, the cloth may come into contact with the nozzle tip of the ink jet head due to the vibration of the cloth, and the cloth may be stained.

[0312] When the cloth is started to be conveyed by the cloth feeder 3002, the process of the ink jet recording apparatus 3001 proceeds to step S88, and the cloth feed request is turned off (REQ
SEND is set to the high level), and in step S89, the process waits for the cloth feeding process to end.

On the other hand, in the cloth feeder 3002, step S
When the cloth feed processing is performed at 74 and the cloth feed processing is completed after passing through the joint portion of the cloth 103, the process proceeds to step S75,
The end of the cloth feeding is notified to the ink jet recording apparatus 3002 (ACK SEND is set to low level). Accordingly, when the inkjet recording apparatus 3001 detects the end of the cloth feeding in step S89, the process proceeds to step S90, and starts processing for the next printing operation.

As described above, the ink jet recording apparatus 300
In step 1, if there is a seam portion of the cloth 103, step S8
At 9, the printing process can be executed simply without waiting for the joint portion to be sent without considering the joint portion of the cloth at all.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing the processing when the stop key 3017 of the cloth feeder 3002 is pressed.

First, in step S101, the stop key 3017
If the key is not pressed, other processing is executed.
When the button 017 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S103, and a stop signal (STOP) is output to the inkjet recording apparatus 3001. As a result, the inkjet recording apparatus 3001 executes the processing after step S107. Step S10
If printing is being performed in step S7, the process proceeds to step S108, where the printing process for one scan currently being printed is continued. When the printing process for one scan is completed, the process proceeds to step S109 to perform a carriage return.

Here, the ink jet recording apparatus 3001
As shown in FIG. 15, printing is performed by an upper head and a lower head, and a cloth 103 to be printed is conveyed upward from below. Further, in this printing process, after the thinning-out printing is performed by the lower head 2, the printing is performed by the upper head 2 ′ so as to complement the thinned-out printing. Processing for printing using the upper head (rear end processing) is required.

This process will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 67A shows the positional relationship between the upper inkjet head 2 ′ and the lower inkjet head 2, and the interval between these heads is 10.
It is set to 5 times (170.688 mm). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 67 (B), the portion printed by the upper head 2 ′ is shifted by half the recording width (band width) from the portion printed by the lower head 2. become. Therefore, the portion indicated by the diagonal line 6701 is printed using the lower half nozzles of the upper head 2 ′, and the portion indicated by 6702 is printed using the upper half nozzles of the upper head 2 ′. . In this manner, by printing the normal image up to the rear end of the image printed on the cloth 103, the user can press the stop key 3017 of the operation panel 3015 to end the printing operation at an arbitrary position. There is an effect that a normal print image can be obtained.

[0320] Such rear end processing is executed in steps S110 to S111 of the flowchart in FIG. That is, the printed area between the upper and lower heads 2 and 2 'is sequentially printed by the upper head 2', and in the final scan line, printing is performed using the lower half or upper half nozzles of the upper head 2 '. Be executed.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 68,
Processing when the pause key 3018 of the operation panel 3015 is pressed will be described.

At step S121, the pause key 3018
Is pressed, the process proceeds to step S122, where the cloth feeder 30
02 is in a busy state (NUNO RDY is at a high level). As a result, in the ink jet recording apparatus 3001, FIG.
In step S57, the cloth feeder 3002 remains in the busy state, so that it is not possible to proceed to the next printing operation and the apparatus enters a waiting state. Then, again, step S12 in FIG.
3, when the pause key 3018 is turned off to release the pause state, the process proceeds to step S124, where the busy state becomes low (NUNO RDY is low), and the cloth feeder 3002 becomes ready. Goes from step S57 to step S58, and the cloth is fed for the next print. Thus, the cloth feeder 30
From 02, it is possible to instruct the start and pause of the printing operation.

Although not shown in the figure, the operation panel 3
When the emergency stop key 3019 of 015 is pressed, the cloth feeder 3002 sends an emergency stop signal (EM STOP) to the ink jet recording apparatus 3001, and the printing operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 3001 can be immediately stopped. In this case, it goes without saying that the rear end processing described above is not executed.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a heating plate 114 and a hot air duct 115 are provided between the lower first printing section 111 and the upper second printing section 111 '. Thus, the cloth 103 printed by the lower inkjet head 2 is dried before being printed by the upper inkjet head 2 '. However, as shown in FIG. 69, this drying unit can be omitted.

[0325] Next, as the fabric for ink-jet printing, (1) the ink can be colored to a sufficient concentration;
(2) high ink dyeing rate; (3) quick drying of the ink on the fabric; (4) less occurrence of irregular ink bleeding on the fabric; And high performance such as excellent transportability. In order to satisfy these required performances, the cloth can be pre-treated beforehand as necessary. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho 62-53492 discloses fabrics having an ink receiving layer.
No. 589 proposes a fabric containing a reduction inhibitor and an alkaline substance. As an example of such a pretreatment, there can be mentioned a treatment in which a cloth contains a substance selected from an alkaline substance, a water-soluble polymer, a synthetic polymer, a water-soluble metal salt, urea and thiourea.

Examples of the alkaline substance include an alkali metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide;
Examples include amines such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine, and alkali metal carbonates or bicarbonates such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Further, there are organic acid metal salts such as calcium acetate and barium acetate, ammonia and ammonia compounds. Further, sodium trichloroacetate which becomes an alkaline substance under steaming and dry heat may be used. Particularly preferred alkaline substances include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate used for dyeing reactive dyes. Examples of the water-soluble polymer include starch substances such as corn and wheat, cellulose substances such as carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium alginate,
Gum arabic, locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum, polysaccharides such as tamarind seeds, gelatin,
Examples include natural water-soluble polymers such as protein substances such as casein, tannin-based substances, and lignin-based substances.

Examples of the synthetic polymer include a polyvinyl alcohol-based compound, a polyethylene oxide-based compound, an acrylic acid-based water-soluble polymer, and a maleic anhydride-based water-soluble polymer. Among them, polysaccharide polymers and cellulose polymers are preferred.

Examples of the water-soluble metal salt include compounds which form typical ionic crystals and have a pH of 4 to 10, such as halides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. Representative examples of such compounds include, for example, NaCl, Na2 S
O4, KCl and CH3 COONa, and the like, and alkaline earth metals such as CaCl2 and MgC
l2 and the like. Among them, salts of Na, K and Ca are preferred.

The method of incorporating the above substances into the fabric in the pretreatment is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a commonly used dipping method, pad method, coating method, spray method and the like.

Further, since the printing ink applied to the ink-jet printing cloth is merely attached when applied to the cloth, the step of reacting and fixing the dye such as the dye in the ink to the fiber (dyeing) is continued. Is preferred. Such a reaction fixing step may be a conventionally known method, for example, a steaming method, an HT steaming method,
When a thermofix method or a fabric previously treated with an alkali is not used, an alkali pad steaming method, an alkali blotting steaming method, an alkali shock method, an alkali cold fixing method and the like can be mentioned. The fixing step may or may not include a reaction process depending on the dye. As an example of the latter, there is a method in which fibers are impregnated and do not physically separate. Further, as the ink, any suitable ink can be used as long as it has a required coloring matter. The ink is not limited to a dye, but may include a pigment.

Further, the removal of unreacted dye and the substance used in the pretreatment can be carried out after the above-mentioned reaction fixing step by washing according to a conventionally known method. In addition, it is preferable to use a conventional fixing process in combination with this cleaning. The printed material that has been subjected to the post-processing steps described above is then cut into a desired size, and the cut pieces are subjected to steps for obtaining a final processed product such as sewing, bonding, and welding. As a result, clothes, duvet covers, sofa covers, handkerchiefs, curtains, and the like can be obtained. The method of processing cloth by sewing or the like to produce clothing or other daily necessities is described in, for example, known books such as "Latest Knit Sewing Manual" (published by Sensei Journal) and monthly magazine "Soen" (published by Bunka Publishing Bureau). Many have been described.

[0332] Examples of the print medium include cloth, wall cloth, yarn used for embroidery, wallpaper, paper, OHP film, and the like. The cloth may be any rug, regardless of material, weaving method, or knitting method. Includes woven fabrics and other fabrics.

The present invention particularly provides an excellent effect in an ink jet recording head and a recording apparatus in which a flying liquid droplet is formed by utilizing thermal energy and recording is performed.

The typical configuration and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, liquid (ink)
By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to an electrothermal transducer arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path in which This is effective because heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, causing film boiling on the heat-acting surface of the recording head, and as a result, air bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding one-to-one to this drive signal can be formed. It is. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.

As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, The present invention also includes a configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.

In addition, JP-A-59-123670, which discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, or absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration in which an opening corresponds to a discharge unit.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the printhead, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like provided as components of the printing apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If you list these specifically,
Capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means for the printhead, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof, and a preliminary ejection mode for performing ejection other than recording Is also effective for performing stable recording.

Further, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, and the recording head may be integrally formed or a combination of a plurality of recording heads. The present invention is also extremely effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of full colors by color mixture.

In the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the ink is described as a liquid. However, an ink which solidifies at room temperature or below and which softens at room temperature, or which is liquid, In general, in the ink jet method, the temperature of the ink itself is controlled within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. What is necessary is just liquid thing.

In addition, the temperature rise due to thermal energy is positively prevented by using it as energy for changing the state of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or the ink is solidified in a standing state for the purpose of preventing evaporation of the ink. Either ink may be used, or in any case, the ink may be liquefied by application of heat energy according to the recording signal and ejected as a liquid ink, or may already start to solidify when reaching the recording medium. The use of an ink having a property of being liquefied for the first time by thermal energy is also applicable to the present invention. In such a case, the ink is disclosed in JP-A-54-5684.
No. 7 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-71260, in which the porous sheet is opposed to the electrothermal converter while being held in a liquid or solid state in the concave portions or through holes of the porous sheet. It is good. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

Note that the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or to an apparatus composed of one device. The present invention can of course be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a system or an apparatus with a program for implementing the present invention.

As described above, according to this embodiment, there is an effect that printing at a joint of print media can be prevented.

In addition, even when the printing operation is stopped, there is an effect that the stopped portion can be printed as a complete print image.

In addition, there is an effect that the fabric transport mechanism and the ink jet printing mechanism are synchronized with each other so that the printing process can be performed efficiently.

[0346]

As described above, according to the present invention, even when the printing operation is stopped, there is an effect that a complete print image can be formed up to the stopped portion.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a printing process.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system with a focus on a configuration of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a special color designation processing procedure in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pallet conversion table (CMY only) created by the procedure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pallet conversion table (CMYK).

FIG. 7 is also a pallet conversion table (CMYS ₁ S)
It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of ₂ ).

FIG. 8 is also a pallet conversion table (CMYS ₁ S ₂₎
Is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the S ₃ S _4).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a color pallet data generation procedure in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a color pallet data generation procedure.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a logo input processing procedure in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of correspondence between data designated in FIG. 11 and a logo print format.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a mechanical schematic configuration of an ink jet recording unit applied to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the ink jet recording unit.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view schematically showing a mechanical configuration of an ink jet recording unit and a fabric feeding unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a configuration example around the print head.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the ink jet recording unit shown in FIG.

18 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical schematic configuration of the inkjet recording unit illustrated in FIG.

19 is a block diagram showing a part of the internal configuration of the control board in FIG. 17 focusing on the flow of data.

20 is a block diagram showing a part of the internal configuration of the control board in FIG. 17 focusing on the flow of data.

21 is a block diagram showing a part of the internal configuration of the control board in FIG. 17 focusing on the flow of data.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for describing data set in each memory shown in FIG. 20 to prevent abnormal output until a conversion parameter is input.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a logo input unit in FIG. 21;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a correspondence between a logo image output range and a logo memory space.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure for one pixel in a logo memory.

FIGS. 26A to 26E are explanatory views showing examples of formation patterns of a basic image on a recording medium.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a parameter storage unit and an address control unit.

FIG. 28 is a timing chart showing the output timing of each signal of the memory control unit when outputting an image output (type 1) by the printer of the embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a timing chart showing the output timing of each signal of the memory control unit when outputting an image output (type 2) by the printer of this embodiment.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an actual image output by the inkjet recording unit of the present example.

31 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for setting conversion data and parameters in each memory and each unit register shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 32 is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of a main part of an operation / display unit in the inkjet recording unit.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the main part of the control board in FIG. 17 focusing on the flow of data.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a special color designation processing procedure that can be adopted by the host computer for the configuration in FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a color detection unit in FIG. 33 for the processing.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the special color designation processing procedure.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an area detection unit that is disposed in place of the color detection unit in FIG. 33 for the processing.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing recovery means for the head shown in FIG.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement range of the carriage when all the special color heads are mounted and only one special color head is mounted on the carriage in addition to the basic colors for printing. It is.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram in a case where mounting heads are different between upper and lower carriages.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating an example of various setting processing procedures according to a mounting head.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the density when each color ink is printed.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a plurality of heads of a color whose density is desired to be increased in addition to a basic color of printing are mounted on a carriage.

44 is an explanatory diagram of the density when each color ink is printed under the head mounting conditions as in FIG. 43 with respect to FIG. 42.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a comparative example of a printing result in the textile printing system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a first inkjet recording unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a view for explaining advantages of the ink jet recording section shown in FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a second inkjet recording unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a view for explaining advantages of the ink jet recording section shown in FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a main part configuration diagram showing a second inkjet recording unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a view for explaining the horizontal alignment of the slide rail for the ink tank carriage shown in FIG. 50 in the illustrated left-right direction.

FIG. 52 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a third inkjet recording unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a two-stage head configuration in a fourth inkjet recording unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 54 is a view for explaining mounting and positioning of the head holder shown in FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a view for explaining mounting and positioning of the head holder shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 56 is a view for explaining mounting and positioning of the head holder shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 57 is a diagram illustrating mounting and positioning of the head holder shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 58 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a fifth inkjet recording unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 59 is a view for explaining the operation of the ink jet recording section shown in FIG. 58 when the ink holder is replaced.

60 is a view for explaining one means for restricting the amount of movement of the ink tank carriage when replacing the ink holder in the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 58.

FIG. 61 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a textile printing system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 62 is a diagram illustrating exchange of signals between the host computer and the inkjet recording apparatus.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing a printing process in the ink jet recording apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing a link operation between the cloth feeder and the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing the joint processing in the textile printing system of this embodiment.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing a stop process in the textile printing system of this embodiment.

FIG. 67 is a diagram for explaining the trailing edge processing in the textile printing system of this embodiment.

FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing a temporary stop process in the textile printing system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 69 is a side sectional view schematically showing a mechanical configuration of an ink jet recording unit and a fabric feeding unit according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1001 reading unit 1002 image processing unit 1003 binarization processing unit 1005 inkjet recording unit 1006 cloth feeding unit 1007 recording / transporting unit 1008 post-processing unit 3000 host computer 3001 inkjet recording device 3002 cloth feeder 3013 joint sensor 3015 operation panel

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Eiichi Takagi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Toshiaki Mabuchi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Endo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-60-105546 (JP, A) JP-A-4-187478 ( JP, A) JP-A-5-138970 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/01 B41J 2/21

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A print medium is transported in a transport direction.
Transport means, a first print head and the first print
A second head provided at a downstream position in the conveyance direction with respect to the head;
2 Main run with print head almost perpendicular to the transport direction
Main scanning means for scanning along a scanning direction , wherein said first and second print heads are provided by said main scanning means.
Scanning in the main scanning direction, and
Repeating the transfer of the print medium,
The first and second printheads for a predetermined area of
Printing means for performing printing so as to complete printing by the user, and stopping the printing operation by the printing means to the operator
Instruction means for further instructing , and said instruction during a printing operation by said printing means.
If the instruction to stop the printing operation is
Prior to the instruction to stop the printing operation, the first printing
For the area printed by the printhead, the second
Control means for controlling so as to stop the printing operation by the printing means after printing by the print head . 2. A pre-Symbol the first and second print heads of ink used as the recording agent, the ink jet printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the ink jet print head for ejecting the ink. 3. The ink jet print head according to claim 1,
3. The ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising an element for generating thermal energy for causing film boiling of the ink as energy used for discharging the ink. 4. The ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cloth is used as the print medium. 5. A print medium is transported in a transport direction.
Transport means, a first print head and the first print
A second head provided at a downstream position in the conveyance direction with respect to the head;
(2) a main printhead that is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction
Ink and a main scanning means for scanning I along the scanning direction
An inkjet printing method in a jet printing apparatus , wherein the first and second print heads move in the main scanning direction.
Scanning and conveyance of the print medium are repeated,
The first and second prints for a predetermined area on the print medium.
Print to complete the print with the printhead
Between the printing process to be performed and the printing process ,
When a stop instruction is given, the print operation is stopped.
Printing by the first print head prior to instruction
The second print head presses the
Rear end to stop the printing operation after performing lint
And a processing step .