JP4413802B2 - Ink jet printer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet printer, and more particularly, to an ink jet printer suitable for use when performing color printing on a medium such as recording paper at a high resolution by numerical control.

  In this specification, the term “media” refers to various recording media such as plain paper, various resin media such as PVC, polyester, and various materials such as aluminum, iron, and wood. It is assumed that the material is included, and includes a medium having a predetermined color, a transparent medium, a medium having various thicknesses, and a medium having various thicknesses.

  In the present specification, the width direction of the medium is appropriately referred to as “main scanning direction”, and the longitudinal direction of the medium is appropriately referred to as “sub-scanning direction”. The main scanning direction which is the width direction of the medium and the sub-scanning direction which is the longitudinal direction of the medium are orthogonal to each other.

  Further, in this specification, the “ink-jet method” is conventionally known, including various continuous methods such as a binary deflection method or a continuous deflection method, and various on-demand methods such as a thermal method or a piezoelectric element method. This means a printing method based on the ink jet technology based on the various methods described above.

  Conventionally, the entire operation is controlled by a microcomputer, and the ink head that moves in the main scanning direction is used for the media that is supplied by the paper feeder and conveyed in the sub-scanning direction. 2. Description of the Related Art A paper move type ink jet printer that performs predetermined printing is known.

  In such an ink jet printer, color printing is performed by inks of various colors ejected from a moving ink head onto a medium (see FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C). .

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, an ink head (not shown) disposed on a carriage movable in the main scanning direction has a color used for color printing on the side facing the medium. Corresponding nozzle rows are arranged. This nozzle row is formed by a plurality of ink jet nozzles that are ejection openings when ink is ejected onto a medium by the ink jet method.

  Each of the plurality of nozzle rows is preset so as to eject ink of a predetermined single color. More specifically, the nozzle row 10B is for discharging black ink to perform black printing, and the nozzle row 12C is discharging blue (cyan) ink to perform blue printing. The nozzle row 14M is for discharging red (magenta) ink to perform red printing, and the nozzle row 16Y is for discharging yellow (yellow) ink to perform yellow printing. The nozzle row 18W is for performing white printing by discharging white ink.

  Thus, the plurality of nozzle rows 10B, 12C, 14M, 16Y, and 18W that eject inks of different colors are sequentially arranged in a line along the main scanning direction without being shifted back and forth in the sub scanning direction. . That is, the nozzle row 10B is arranged on the leftmost side in the main scanning direction, the nozzle row 18W is arranged on the rightmost side in the main scanning direction, and the nozzle row 10B is arranged in the order from the left side to the right side. A nozzle row 12C is arranged adjacent to the right side, a nozzle row 14M is arranged adjacent to the right side of the nozzle row 12C, and a nozzle row 16Y is arranged adjacent to the right side of the nozzle row 14M, A nozzle row 18W is arranged adjacent to the right side of the nozzle row 16Y.

  The color printing process in the conventional ink jet printer having the above-described configuration will be specifically described. First, the medium is transported from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction (FIG. 1 ( a) and the arrow A shown in FIG. 2), white ink is ejected from the nozzle row 18W of the ink head that moves in the main scanning direction, and the base for printing is applied to the medium by solid printing of the white ink. Printing is performed (see the state shown in FIG. 1A).

  When the base printing is completed, the medium is transported from the front side to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction (see arrow B shown in FIG. 1B) and returned to the origin position (FIG. 1B (See the state shown in)). Then, the medium is conveyed again from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction (see the arrow A shown in FIG. 1 (c) and FIG. 2), and on the medium on which the printing base with white ink is printed. In addition, black, blue, red, and yellow inks are ejected from the nozzle rows 10B, 12C, 14M, and 16Y to perform printing using process colors.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a), (b), and (c), the color printing process in which the printing for the base color is performed after the printing for the base is performed first is performed on paper such as plain paper. In the case where the medium is transparent and a printed matter (see FIG. 3D) is obtained in which the transparent medium is visually recognized from the back side of the printing surface on which the ink has dropped. The process is different (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C).

More specifically, when color printing is performed on a transparent medium using a conventional ink jet printer, the medium is first moved in the direction of arrow A (see FIGS. 2 and 3A) along the sub-scanning direction. together to carry the ink head nozzle array 10B which moves along the main scanning direction, 12C, 14M, and eject ink of various colors from 16Y, printing by process color image was horizontally reversed (mirror image printing (See the state shown in FIG. 3A).

  Then, after returning the medium to the origin (see FIG. 3B), the medium is conveyed again in the direction of arrow A (see FIGS. 2 and 3C) along the sub-scanning direction, and in the main scanning direction. The white ink is ejected from the nozzle row 18W of the ink head that moves along the line, and after the image is printed on the medium by the process color printing, the back printing is performed by the solid printing of the white ink ( (See the state shown in FIG. 3C).

  Thus, in order to perform color printing in a conventional ink jet printer, the medium is once transported in the sub-scanning direction by the arrow A regardless of whether the medium is transparent or not (printing for the background). Alternatively, after the process color printing is performed, the medium is returned to the origin position (see FIG. 1B and FIG. 3B), and the medium is conveyed again in the sub-scanning direction by the arrow A, and the process color is Printing (or printing for the groundwork) had to be performed.

  For this reason, in conventional ink jet printers, it is necessary to move the medium along the sub-scanning direction and return it to the origin position during color printing, from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. The medium has to be transported twice, and there is a problem that printing time is consumed.

  The prior art that the applicant of the present application knows at the time of filing a patent is as described above and is not an invention related to a known literature, so there is no prior art information to be described.

  The present invention has been made in view of the various problems of the conventional techniques as described above, and the object of the present invention is to shorten various media without returning the media to the origin position during printing. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet printer that can perform high-precision printing in time.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a plurality of nozzle rows moving in the main scanning direction, and is orthogonal to the main scanning direction with respect to the plurality of nozzle rows. In an ink jet printer having a plurality of nozzle rows for ejecting ink by an ink jet method on a medium relatively moving in the sub-scanning direction, the first nozzle ejects white ink in the plurality of nozzle rows. One nozzle row and a second nozzle that is disposed along the main scanning direction without discharging in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction with respect to the first nozzle row and that discharges process color ink is constituted by a column, and the nozzle array of the first set of the first nozzle row Ru is disposed on either the upstream or downstream of the moving direction of the main scanning direction of the second nozzle array, A third nozzle row for discharging color ink, and a fourth nozzle for discharging process color ink while being arranged along the main scanning direction without being displaced in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the third nozzle row is constituted by a column, and a nozzle row of the second set of the third nozzle array is Ru are disposed on either the upstream or downstream of the moving direction of the main scanning direction of the fourth nozzle array, the while arranged offset without overlapping Oite in the sub-scanning direction by the set unit, a plurality of nozzle rows and staggered so as to partially overlap each other in the main scanning direction, the main scanning direction the plurality of nozzle rows moving means for movably supported along a transport means for moving along the media to the sub-scanning direction, a control means, the direction of movement of the media by the conveying means Without changing, when discharging the white ink from the first nozzle row of the first set and discharging the process color ink from the fourth nozzle row of the second set, Control means for controlling to perform printing by switching between the case where the process color ink is ejected from the second nozzle row of the set and the white ink is ejected from the third nozzle row of the second set. And the direction of movement of the medium by the transport means is controlled so as to move from the nozzle row side of the first set to the nozzle row side of the second set. When mirror image printing is performed on a transparent medium without changing, a process color image is output from the second nozzle row of the first set by the control means. In addition to discharging the ink and controlling the discharge of the white ink from the third nozzle row of the second set, the printing with the white ink after the printing with the process color ink, and the transparent medium On the other hand, when performing printing other than mirror image printing and printing on opaque media, the control means discharges white ink from the first nozzle row of the first set and the second set. Control is performed so that process color ink is ejected from the fourth nozzle row of the set, and printing with the process color ink is selectively performed after printing with white ink, and the medium of the medium by the transport unit is selected. In the case of controlling the movement direction so as to move from the nozzle row side of the second set to the nozzle row side of the first set When mirror image printing is performed on a transparent medium without changing the moving direction of the medium, the control means discharges process color ink from the fourth nozzle row of the second set and the second set. A type of printing in which white ink is controlled to be ejected from the first nozzle row in one set and printing with white ink is performed after printing with process color ink, and printing other than mirror image printing on transparent media And when printing on opaque media, the control means discharges white ink from the third nozzle row of the second set and the second nozzle of the first set. This type of printing is controlled so that process color ink is ejected from the line, and printing with process color ink is performed after printing with white ink. DOO is those as selectively performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plurality of nozzle rows moving in the main scanning direction, relative to the plurality of nozzle rows in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. In the ink jet printer provided with a plurality of nozzle rows for ejecting ink by an ink jet method on a medium moving to the first nozzle row, a plurality of nozzle rows, a first nozzle row for ejecting white ink, is constituted by a second nozzle array for ejecting a process color inks while being arranged along the main scanning direction without displacement in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction with respect to the first nozzle row, the first nozzle array for ejecting nozzle row of the first set that will be placed on either the upstream or downstream of the moving direction of the main scanning direction of the second nozzle row, a white ink 3 of the nozzle array is constituted by a fourth nozzle array for ejecting a process color inks while being arranged along the main scanning direction without displacement in the sub-scanning direction relative to the third nozzle array, and a nozzle row of the second set of the third nozzle array is Ru are disposed on either the upstream or downstream of the moving direction of the main scanning direction of the fourth nozzle array, the sub-scan the set units while arranged offset without overlapping Oite direction, a plurality of nozzle rows and staggered so as to partially overlap each other in the main scanning direction, the plurality of nozzle rows in the main scanning direction and the subscanning direction A moving means for supporting the movement along the sub scanning direction without changing the direction of movement of the plurality of nozzle rows by the moving means in the sub-scanning direction. A case where white ink is ejected from the first nozzle row of the first set and a process color ink is ejected from the fourth nozzle row of the second set; and the second ink of the first set Control means for controlling to perform printing by switching between the case where the process color ink is ejected from the nozzle row and the white ink is ejected from the third nozzle row of the second set, and the moving means The direction of movement of the plurality of nozzle rows in the sub-scanning direction is controlled so that the medium relatively moves from the nozzle row side of the first set to the nozzle row side of the second set. When the mirror image is printed on the transparent medium without changing the direction of movement of the plurality of nozzle rows in the sub-scanning direction, the control means The process color ink is ejected from the second nozzle row of the first set and the white ink is ejected from the third nozzle row of the second set. When performing printing other than mirror image printing on a transparent medium and printing on a non-transparent medium on a transparent medium, the control means performs the first set of the above The white nozzle is ejected from the first nozzle row and the process color ink is controlled to be ejected from the fourth nozzle row of the second set, and the printing with the process color ink is performed after the printing with the white ink. Printing is selectively performed, and the moving direction of the plurality of nozzle rows by the moving means in the sub-scanning direction is When controlling the media to move relatively from the nozzle row side of the second set to the nozzle row side of the first set, the direction of movement of the plurality of nozzle rows in the sub-scanning direction is set. When the mirror image is printed on the transparent medium without being changed, the control means discharges process color ink from the fourth nozzle row of the second set and the first set of the first set. Control to discharge white ink from the nozzle row, and print with a type in which white ink is discharged after printing with process color ink, and printing other than mirror image printing on transparent media and When printing on an opaque medium, the control means ejects white ink from the third nozzle row of the second set and the first set. Controlled so as to discharge the process color inks from the second nozzle array sets, in which a printing type performing printing by process color inks after printing with the white ink so as to selectively performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plurality of nozzle rows moving in the main scanning direction, relative to the plurality of nozzle rows in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. In the ink jet printer provided with a plurality of nozzle rows for ejecting ink by an ink jet method on a medium moving to the first nozzle row, a plurality of nozzle rows, a first nozzle row for ejecting white ink, a plurality of nozzle rows formed by the second nozzle array for ejecting a process color inks while being arranged offset without overlapping Oite in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction with respect to the first nozzle array When the moving means for movably supporting the plurality of nozzle rows along the main scanning direction, a conveying means for moving along the media to the sub-scanning direction, a control unit, the transportable The direction of movement of the medium by the means is controlled so that the medium moves from the first nozzle row side to the second nozzle row side, and white ink is ejected from the first nozzle row. The first type of printing in which process color ink is ejected from the second nozzle row and printing with the process color ink is performed after printing with the white ink, and the direction of movement of the medium by the transport unit is determined by the medium. Control is performed so as to move from the second nozzle row side to the first nozzle row side, white ink is discharged from the first nozzle row, and process color ink is discharged from the second nozzle row. the printing switching between printing of a second type for printing by white ink after printing with process color inks And control means for controlling so Nau, and printing of the first type performing when printing a mirror image to the transparent media, and opacity when printing a non-mirror image printing on transparent media The second type of printing performed when printing on a simple medium is selectively performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plurality of nozzle rows moving in the main scanning direction, relative to the plurality of nozzle rows in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. In the ink jet printer provided with a plurality of nozzle rows for ejecting ink by an ink jet method on a medium moving to the first nozzle row, a plurality of nozzle rows, a first nozzle row for ejecting white ink, a plurality of nozzle rows formed by the second nozzle array for ejecting a process color inks while being arranged offset without overlapping Oite in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction with respect to the first nozzle array A moving means for movably supporting the plurality of nozzle rows along the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and a control means, the plurality of nozzle rows by the moving means. The direction of movement in the sub-scanning direction is controlled so that the medium relatively moves from the first nozzle row side to the second nozzle row side, and white ink is discharged from the first nozzle row. A first type of printing in which process color ink is ejected from the second nozzle row and printing with the process color ink is performed after printing with the white ink, and the sub-scanning of the plurality of nozzle rows with the transport unit The direction of movement in the direction is controlled so that the medium relatively moves from the second nozzle row side to the first nozzle row side, and white ink is ejected from the first nozzle row. discharging the process color inks from the second nozzle array to perform printing by white ink after printing with process color inks And control means for controlling so as to perform printing by switching two types of printing and the printing of the first type performing when printing a mirror image to the transparent media, the transparent media The second type printing that is performed when printing other than mirror image printing and when printing on an opaque medium is selectively performed.

  The ink jet printer according to the present invention has an excellent effect that high-precision printing can be performed in a short time on various media without returning the media to the origin position during printing.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of an ink jet printer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Here, FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration perspective view showing the first embodiment of the ink-jet printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 shows a schematic view taken along the line VV of FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of FIG. 4 corresponding to the Z arrow view of FIG. 4.

  This ink jet printer 100 is a paper move type ink jet printer, and extends in the main scanning direction (corresponding to the Y-axis direction of the reference diagram showing the coordinate system of FIG. 4). The fixed base member 112, the left and right ends of the base member 112, the side members 114L and 114R disposed perpendicular to the base member 112, and the left and right side members 114L and 114R are connected. A central wall 116, a guide rail 118 disposed on the front surface 116F of the central wall 116 so as to extend in the main scanning direction, and a wire disposed so as to be movable in the main scanning direction parallel to the wall surface of the central wall 116. 120 and an ink head fixedly attached to the wire 120 slidably mounted on the guide rail 118 via a movable block 122 provided on the end face portion 130a. Holder 130 and a are configured.

  The overall operation of the ink jet printer 100 including the drive control of the motor that winds the wire 120 is controlled by the micro computer 200.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the medium 300 supplied by the sheet feeding device is placed on the upper surface 112 a of the base member 112. In addition, a flat surface is secured for the facing portion 112b facing the nozzle row (described later) of the ink head of the ink head holder 130 of the base member 112.

  Further, a hole 112c extending in the main scanning direction is formed in the base member 112, and a driving wheel 124 extending in the main scanning direction is located in the hole 112c. A pair of left and right pinch rolls 126 are disposed so as to oppose the left and right ends of the drive wheel 124 in the main scanning direction. The drive wheel 124 holds the medium 300 between the left and right pinch rolls 126. In this state (see the state shown in FIG. 5), the medium 300 placed on the upper surface 112a of the base member 112 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction (X-axis direction) by rotating in a predetermined direction with a predetermined rotation amount. .

  The ink head holder 130 is provided with an ink head so as to face the medium 300 on the base member 112 while being accommodated in the ink head case 132.

  In this ink head, a plurality of nozzle rows corresponding to colors used for color printing are arranged on the side facing the medium 300 (see FIG. 6). Each of the plurality of nozzle rows has the same configuration, and is formed by a plurality of ink jet nozzles that are ejection openings when ink is ejected onto the medium 300 by the ink jet method.

  Then, from each of a plurality of ink cartridges (not shown) storing liquid inks of different colors in each of the plurality of nozzle rows, black (black) ink, blue (cyan) ink, red Liquid inks of (magenta) ink, yellow (yellow) ink, and white (white) ink are transported and supplied by an ink tube (not shown).

  Thus, when the ink supplied to each of the plurality of nozzle arrays is ejected from the ink jet nozzles forming the nozzle array, the ejected ink droplets fall on the medium 300 to form dots. Thus, color printing is performed with inks of various colors ejected from the ink head onto the medium 300.

  More specifically, the ink head provided in the ink head holder 130 is provided with ten nozzle rows, and each of these ten nozzle rows discharges black (black) ink. Nozzle rows 10-1, 10-2 for black printing, nozzle rows 12-1, 12-2 for discharging blue (cyan) ink to perform blue printing, and red ( Nozzle rows 14-1 and 14-2 for ejecting magenta ink to perform red printing, and nozzle rows 16-1 and 16 for ejecting yellow (yellow) ink to perform yellow printing. -2 and nozzle rows 18-1 and 18-2 for performing white printing by discharging white ink.

  That is, in order to eject five colors of ink, two nozzle arrays that eject the same color are provided, so a total of ten nozzle arrays are provided. The ten nozzle rows are arranged in such a manner that two sets (see reference numerals S1 and S2) that can eject inks of five colors by five nozzle rows are shifted back and forth in the sub-scanning direction. ing.

  Each of these 10 nozzle rows is divided into two sets S1 and S2, each of which includes a nozzle row 18-1 that discharges white ink, and a plurality of nozzle rows 10-1 and 12 that respectively discharge different colors of ink. -1, 14-1, and 16-1, and the different colors discharged from the five nozzle rows 10-1, 12-1, 14-1, 16-1, and 18-1 of the set S 1. A set S2 composed of five nozzle rows 10-2, 12-2, 14-2, 16-2, and 18-2 that respectively eject inks of the same color as that of the ink in the sub-scanning direction. In each of the sets S1 and S2, the nozzle row 10-1 (10-2) and the nozzle row 1 are arranged in the order from the left side to the right side in the main scanning direction. -1 (12-2), the nozzle rows 14-1 (14-2), the nozzle rows 16-1 (16-2), the nozzle rows 18-1 (18-2) is arranged.

  The nozzle row 10-1 that discharges black ink is arranged on the leftmost side in the main scanning direction, and the nozzle row 10-2 that discharges black ink, like the nozzle row 10-1, is the nozzle row 10-. 1 is shifted to the right side in the main scanning direction and shifted to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction.

  Further, the nozzle row 12-1 that discharges blue ink is arranged so as to be shifted to the right side in the main scanning direction of the nozzle row 10-2 and to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. The nozzle row 12-2 that ejects ink is arranged to be shifted to the right side in the main scanning direction of the nozzle row 12-1 and to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction.

  Further, the nozzle row 14-1 that discharges red ink is arranged so as to be shifted to the right side in the main scanning direction of the nozzle row 12-2 and to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. The nozzle row 14-2 that ejects ink is arranged to be shifted to the right side in the main scanning direction of the nozzle row 14-1 and to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction.

  Further, the nozzle row 16-1 that discharges yellow ink is arranged so as to be shifted to the right side in the main scanning direction of the nozzle row 14-2 and to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. The nozzle row 16-2 that ejects ink is arranged to be shifted to the right side in the main scanning direction of the nozzle row 16-1 and to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction.

  Further, the nozzle row 18-1 that discharges white ink is arranged so as to be shifted to the right side in the main scanning direction of the nozzle row 16-2 and to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. The nozzle row 18-2 for ejecting ink is arranged to the right of the nozzle row 18-1 in the main scanning direction and shifted to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction, and the nozzle row 18-2 is the rightmost in the main scanning direction. The ink head holder 130 is arranged in a checkered pattern so that the nozzle rows from which the ten nozzle rows discharge the same color in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction do not overlap each other. Is placed inside.

  The nozzle rows 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2 are arranged. The ink head can be raised and lowered in the height direction (Z-axis direction) by a driving force of a driving device (not shown) such as a motor.

  Further, the ink head holder 130 fixedly disposed on the wire 120 moves when the wire 120 is wound in a main scanning direction by being wound up by a driving device (not shown) such as a motor. Accordingly, the main wall 116 moves in the main scanning direction along the guide rail 118 on the wall surface.

  Therefore, the nozzle rows 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1 of the ink heads fixedly disposed on the ink head holder 130 are used. , 16-2, 18-1, and 18-2 also move in the main scanning direction on the medium 300 as the ink head holder 130 moves. That is, it moves in the main scanning direction from the side member 114R side to the side member 114L side, and also moves in the return direction in the main scanning direction from the side member 114L side to the side member 114R side (FIG. 4 and FIG. 6).

  Note that the ink jet printer 100 is provided with an operator group (not shown) for inputting a user's desired instruction. The contents of various settings performed by the operation of the operator group are as follows. Processed by the computer 200 and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 206 described later as information used for various processes for printing realized by the micro computer 200.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the microcomputer 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 202 that executes processing according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 204 described later, and a CPU 202 A ROM 204 in which a program storage unit for storing various processing programs to be executed is set, and an ink jet printer 100 for storing various data used when the ink jet printer 100 operates under the control of the CPU 202. And a random access memory (RAM) 206 in which an area as a working area when the above operation is performed is set.

  That is, the CPU 202 performs processing for executing various processing in color printing processing to be described later realized by the micro computer 200, that is, a program for realizing processing for covering all the printing procedures.

  In the above configuration, the nozzle arrays 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2 shown in FIG. A case where color printing is performed on the medium 300 using the ink jet printer 100 having the above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing color printing processing realized by the micro computer 200 of the ink jet printer 100 according to the first embodiment.

  Note that printing data indicating a predetermined image to be color-printed on the medium 300 is generated under the control of the micro computer 200 or input from the outside, and the micro computer 200 is generated at a predetermined timing. And color printing based on the printing data is performed.

In addition, the user performs various settings necessary for printing in advance using an operator (not shown) of the ink jet printer 100. At this time, the type and print type of media 300 that color printing is performed, specifically, the media 300 is transparent, and whether to print a white ink on the process color printed mirror images , The user can arbitrarily set.

  In the color printing process, first, in step S702, a process of reading data indicating the type and printing type of the medium 300 set by the user is performed.

Following the processing of step S702, in step S704, based on the processing result read data in step S702, the media 300 is transparent, and to print the white ink process colors on the printed mirror images Determine whether or not. By the determination process, the media 300 is transparent, and, if it is determined that not to print a white ink on the process color printed mirror image, the process proceeds to step S706, the media 300 is transparent There, and, when it is determined that on the process color printed mirror image is to print a white ink, the process proceeds to step S 708.

  In step S706, since the medium 300 is not transparent, a process of performing color printing on an opaque medium such as plain paper based on print data is performed.

  Specifically, in the ink jet printer 100, the medium 300 supplied onto the base member 112 by a paper feeding device (not shown) is moved from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction by the driving wheel 124. While being conveyed (see arrow A shown in FIG. 6), the ink head mounted on the ink head holder 130 moves in the main scanning direction on the medium 300 as the wire 120 is moved by winding the wire 120. Reciprocate along (see arrows in the direction of return and the direction of return shown in FIG. 6).

  At this time, out of a total of ten nozzle rows of the ink head that reciprocates in the main scanning direction, the nozzle rows 10-1, 12-1, 14-1, 16-1 of the set S1, and the nozzle row 18 of the set S2. -2, only black, blue, red, yellow, and white ink conveyed by an ink tube (not shown) are ejected toward the medium 300, and the ejected ink droplets of each color are It falls to a predetermined position on the medium 300.

  Here, the five nozzle rows 10-1, 12-1, 14-1, 16-1, and 18-2 from which ink is ejected are different from the nozzle row 18-2 that ejects white ink in the main scanning direction. The group of nozzle rows 10-1, 12-1, 14-1, and 16-1 arranged in a line in the matching direction are shifted to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction.

  As a result, white ink is first ejected from the nozzle row 18-2 to the medium 300 conveyed in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 6) from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. A base for printing is printed by solid printing of the ink, and the nozzle rows 10-1, 12-1, and 14-1 are formed on the medium 300 on which the base is printed as the medium 300 is transported. 16-1, black, blue, red, and yellow inks are ejected, and process color printing is performed to complete color printing.

On the other hand, in step S 708, the media 300 is transparent, and, since the type of printing the white ink process colors on the printed mirror image, for printing so as to correspond to the print type transparent media A process of performing color printing is performed based on the data.

Specifically, when the ink jet printer 100, which is a medium 300 described above is transparent, and is determined not to print a white ink on the process color printed mirror images (step Similarly to S706, the medium 300 supplied onto the base member 112 by the paper feeding device (not shown) is conveyed from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction by the driving wheel 124 (see FIG. 6). As the wire 120 moves, the ink head mounted on the ink head holder 130 reciprocates along the main scanning direction on the medium 300 (the direction of return and the return shown in FIG. 6). See direction arrow).

In this case, a media 300 as described above is transparent, and, unlike the case where it is determined that not to print a white ink on the process color printed mirror images (see step S706), in the main scanning direction Among the total of 10 nozzle rows of the reciprocating ink head, the five nozzle rows of the nozzle row 18-1 of the set S1 and the nozzle rows 10-2, 12-2, 14-2, 16-2 of the set S2 The black, blue, red, yellow, and white inks conveyed by the ink tube (not shown) are ejected toward the medium 300, and the ejected ink droplets of the respective colors are ejected at predetermined positions on the medium 300. Fall into.

  Here, the five nozzle rows 10-2, 12-2, 14-2, 16-2, and 18-1 from which ink is ejected are different from the nozzle row 18-1 that ejects white ink in the main scanning direction. A group of nozzle rows 10-2, 12-2, 14-2, and 16-2 arranged in a line in the matching direction are arranged shifted to the front side in the sub-scanning direction.

As a result, for the medium 300 conveyed in the direction of the arrow A from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction, first, black from the nozzle rows 10-2, 12-2, 14-2, 16-2, blue, red, is injected ink of yellow various color printing by process color image was horizontally reversed (mirror image printing) is performed, as the conveyance of the medium 300 is advanced, printing with the process color The white ink is ejected from the nozzle array 18-1 onto the medium 300 on which the image is printed, and the printing base is printed on the back by solid printing of the white ink, and the color printing is completed.

  When the processing in step S706 or step S708 is completed, this color printing processing routine is terminated.

As described above, in the ink jet printer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle rows 18-1 and 18-2 that discharge white ink, and the nozzle that discharges the white ink. Nozzle rows 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2 that eject ink of a different color from the rows 18-1, 18-2. two sets S1, S2 respectively constituted by a, so as to be arranged offset back and forth in the sub-scanning direction, the media 300 is transparent, and a white ink process colors on the printed mirror images If not for printing, i.e., the above-mentioned when the media 300 is opaque as in embodiment i when printing white ink on the process color printed mirror image on the media 300 of the transparent Performs printing by ejecting ink from the nozzle array ejecting the click is prohibited (see step S706 in FIG. 7), on the contrary, when printing the white ink on the process color printed mirror image on the media 300 of the transparent In other words, printing is performed by ejecting ink from a nozzle row that is prohibited from ejecting ink when printing on the opaque medium 300 (see step S708 in FIG. 7), so that the medium 300 is not transparent. In any case, regardless of the type of the medium 300, when performing color printing, the medium 300 is transported only once in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 6) from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. The substrate printing and the process color printing can be performed simultaneously during the transport process.

  That is, according to the ink jet printer 100 of the present invention, the printing for the ground is performed first without moving the medium 300 along the sub-scanning direction and returning to the origin position during printing. Realizes printing and printing with process color first, that is, different types of printing, and completes color printing as the media 300 is transported from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to transport the medium 300 twice from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction, and printing can be performed in a single time.

  Moreover, according to the ink jet printer 100 of the present invention, printing can be performed with high accuracy. The effect of the present invention that a good printing result can be obtained will be described in detail with reference to an example of a nozzle array configuration as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9A shows an explanatory view schematically shown corresponding to the IXa arrow view of FIG. 6, and FIG. 9B shows the IXb arrow view of FIG. An explanatory diagram schematically showing the correspondence is shown.

  Further, the configuration of each of the plurality of nozzle rows shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the configuration of the nozzle rows of the ink jet printer 100 according to the present invention described above, and the total number of nozzle rows and their arrangement state are as follows. The nozzle row shown in FIG. 8 is different from the nozzle row according to the present invention (see FIG. 6).

  More specifically, the total of six nozzle rows shown in FIG. 8 is a group of nozzle rows in which black, blue, red, and yellow inks are respectively ejected and arranged in a row in a direction that coincides with the main scanning direction. 10B, 12C, 14M, and 16Y, the nozzle array 18W-1 that ejects white ink that is shifted to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction of the group of nozzle arrays 10B, 12C, 14M, and 16Y, and the group of nozzles The nozzle rows 18W-2 are arranged so as to be shifted to the front side in the sub-scanning direction of the rows 10B, 12C, 14M, and 16Y and eject white ink.

  The medium 300 is transported from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction in the direction of arrow A, and the ink head on which the nozzle array having such a configuration is disposed is mounted on the ink head holder 131. When printing on an opaque medium while reciprocating along the main scanning direction on the medium 300, the nozzle row 18W-1 and the nozzle rows 10B, 12C, 14M, and 16Y out of the total of six nozzle rows. , Black, blue, red, yellow, and white inks are respectively ejected toward the medium 300, and process color printing is performed on the medium 300 on which the printing base is printed by solid printing of the white ink. Color printing is complete.

On the other hand, when printing on a transparent medium, black, blue, red, yellow, and white inks from the nozzle row 18W-2 and the nozzle rows 10B, 12C, 14M, and 16Y out of the total of six nozzle rows. There discharged toward the media 300, respectively, the image on the media 300 which horizontally inverted process printing by color (mirror image printing) is been a base for printing is backed printed by solid printing of a white ink, color Printing is complete.

  Therefore, even when the ink jet printer having the nozzle array shown in FIG. 8 is used, the medium 300 is moved along the sub-scanning direction in the middle of printing to the opaque or transparent medium 300 to obtain the origin position. Color printing is performed without returning to step (1).

  However, in the nozzle row shown in FIG. 8, the nozzle row 18W-1 is located on the rear side of the group of nozzle rows 10B, 12C, 14M, and 16Y along the sub-scanning direction, and the nozzle row 18W-2 is located on the front side. Therefore, the nozzle rows are positioned in three stages along the sub-scanning direction, and the total length of the nozzle rows along the sub-scanning direction is L1 (see FIGS. 8 and 9B).

  On the other hand, the nozzle rows of the ink jet printer 100 according to the present invention are staggered so that the nozzle rows ejecting the same color do not overlap each other, so that they are arranged in two stages along the sub-scanning direction. The nozzle row is located, and the total length of the nozzle row along the sub-scanning direction is L2 (see FIGS. 6 and 9A). The total length L2 of the two nozzle rows of the present invention is shorter than the total length L1 of the three nozzle rows shown in FIG.

  In the three-stage nozzle row shown in FIG. 8, the total length L1 along the sub-scanning direction of the nozzle row becomes long, and the nozzle rows 10B, 12C, 14M, 16Y, 18W-1, and 18W-2 are arranged. The weight balance of the ink head holder 131 becomes heavy. As a result, the ink head holder 131 slidably mounted on the guide rail 118 on the end surface portion 131 a side of the ink head holder 131 is supported on the end surface portion 131 a side supported by the ink jet printer 100. It tilts as it hangs down.

  In the nozzle array shown in FIG. 8, in the ink jet printer 100, the ink head nozzle arrays 10B, 12C, 14M, 16Y, 18W-1, and 18W-2 of the ink head holder 131 are opposed to each other. The region E1 for securing the flat surface of the member 112 becomes longer corresponding to the total length L1 of the nozzle row (see FIG. 9B).

  As described above, in the nozzle rows 10B, 12C, 14M, 16Y, 18W-1, and 18W-2 shown in FIG. 8, the ink head holder 131 tilts forward along the sub-scanning direction, or the base member 112 makes a plane. Since the area E1 to be secured becomes longer along the sub-scanning direction, the space between the medium 300 placed on the upper surface 112a of the base member 112 and the nozzle rows 10B, 12C, 14M, 16Y, 18W-1, and 18W-2. For example, the distance of the medium 300 may not be kept constant, or the transportability of the medium 300 on the upper surface 112a may deteriorate on the long flat surface portion of the base member 112 (see the area E1). The image quality of printing may be deteriorated.

  In order to prevent the deterioration of the image quality, for example, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 9B, the side of the end surface portion 131b facing the end surface portion 131a of the ink head holder 131 is also interposed via the movable block 123. A guide rail 119 is slidably mounted. The inclination of the ink head holder 131 can be corrected by supporting the ink head holder 131 with the two guide rails 118 and 119 in this way. In this case, a new guide rail 119 must be provided, which causes a new problem of cost increase.

  On the other hand, the nozzle arrays 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2 according to the present invention are 8, the total length L2 is shorter than the total length L1 of the nozzle row, so that the ink head holder 130 does not tilt forward along the sub-scanning direction, and the ink head nozzles of the ink head holder 130 The rows 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2 face each other to secure the plane of the base member 112. The region E2 of the opposing portion 112b that is corresponding to the entire length L2 of the nozzle row can be shorter than the region E1 along the sub-scanning direction.

  Therefore, in the ink jet printer 100 having the nozzle row according to the present invention, the medium 300 and the nozzle rows 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2 placed on the upper surface 112a of the base member 112. , 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2 are always kept constant, and the plane portion of the base member 112 is short, so that the medium 300 is formed on the upper surface 112 a. Are accurately transported and the ejected ink droplets accurately fall on the medium 300 to form dots with high precision, so that the image quality is stable and printing can be performed with high precision.

  Furthermore, according to the nozzle rows 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2 of the present invention, the nozzles. Since the total length L2 of the row is short, the two guide rails 118 and 119 (see FIG. 9B) like the nozzle rows 10B, 12C, 14M, 16Y, 18W-1, and 18W-2 shown in FIG. It is not necessary to support the ink head holder 130, and an increase in cost can be prevented.

  In addition, when UV ink that is cured by ultraviolet rays is used as the ink, an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays is provided, but since the ultraviolet lamp is also provided corresponding to the nozzle row, the total length L2 is short. If the nozzle rows 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2 of the present invention are small, An ultraviolet lamp may be used, and light weight and cost reduction can be realized.

  Next, a second embodiment of the ink jet printer 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configuration as in the first embodiment is indicated by using the reference numerals used in the first embodiment, and the detailed configuration and operation are described. Is omitted.

  The second embodiment and the first embodiment described above are the nozzle arrays 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, and the first embodiment described above. 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, and 18-2 are divided into two sets S <b> 1 and S <b> 2 and are shifted forward and backward in the sub-scanning direction, and the conveyance direction of the medium 300 is not changed. On the other hand, while the control is performed so as to switch the nozzle row for ejecting ink (see FIG. 6), the nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 in the second embodiment are the predetermined nozzle rows 18. Are arranged so as to be shifted rearward in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the remaining nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, and 16, and are controlled so as to change the transport direction of the medium 300 (see FIG. 10). They are different from each other.

  Accordingly, five nozzle rows are arranged in the ink head arranged in the ink head holder 130, and each of these five nozzle rows is the nozzle row of the first embodiment described above. 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2. A nozzle row 10 for discharging black ink to perform black printing, a nozzle row 12 for discharging blue (cyan) ink to perform blue printing, and a red (magenta) ink Nozzle array 14 for performing red printing by discharging, nozzle array 16 for performing yellow printing by ejecting yellow ink, and white printing by ejecting white (white) ink And a nozzle row 18 for performing the above.

  That is, in order to eject five colors of ink, a nozzle row that ejects one of each of the five colors is provided, so a total of five nozzle rows are provided. The arrangement state of these five nozzle rows is such that the nozzle row 10 is arranged on the leftmost side in the main scanning direction and is adjacent to the right side of the nozzle row 10 in order from the left side to the right side. The nozzle row 12 is arranged, the nozzle row 14 is arranged adjacent to the right side of the nozzle row 12, and the nozzle row 16 is arranged adjacent to the right side of the nozzle row 14. These four nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, and 16 are sequentially arranged in a line along the main scanning direction without shifting back and forth in the sub-scanning direction.

  Of the five nozzle rows, the nozzle row 18 arranged on the rightmost side in the main scanning direction and supplied with white ink is not adjacent to the right side of the nozzle row 16 and coincides with the main scanning direction. With respect to the group of nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16 arranged in a line in the direction, the nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16 are arranged so as to be shifted rearward in the sub-scanning direction. 16 and 18 are arranged in the ink head holder 130.

  A case will be described in which color printing is performed on the medium 300 using the ink jet printer 100 having the nozzle arrays 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a color printing process realized by the micro computer 200 of the ink jet printer 100 according to the second embodiment.

Similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the color printing based on the printing data is performed, and the type and printing of the medium 300 on which the color printing is performed in advance by the user. type, specifically, the media 300 is transparent, and, since it is intended to set whether to print the white ink is performed on the process color printed mirror images, incorporated the above description Detailed description will be omitted.

  In the color printing process, first, in step S1102, a process of reading data indicating the type and printing type of the medium 300 set by the user is performed.

Following the processing of step S1102, at step S1104, on the basis of the processing result read data in step S1102, the media 300 is transparent, and to print the white ink process colors on the printed mirror images Determine whether or not. By the determination process, the media 300 is transparent, and, if it is determined that not to print a white ink on the process color printed mirror image, the process proceeds to step S1106, the media 300 is transparent There, and, when it is determined that on the process color printed mirror image is to print a white ink, the process proceeds to step S1108.

  In step S1106, since the medium 300 is not transparent, a process of performing color printing on an opaque medium such as plain paper based on print data is performed.

  Specifically, in the ink jet printer 100, the medium 300 supplied onto the base member 112 by a paper feeding device (not shown) is moved from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction by the driving wheel 124. While being conveyed (see arrow A shown in FIGS. 10 and 12A), the ink head mounted on the ink head holder 130 is moved to the medium 300 as the wire 120 is moved by winding the wire 120. It reciprocates along the main scanning direction (see the arrow in the direction of return and the direction of return shown in FIG. 10).

  At this time, black, blue, red, yellow, and white of black, blue, red, yellow, and white conveyed by an ink tube (not shown) from a total of five nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 of the ink head that reciprocates in the main scanning direction. Each ink is ejected toward the medium 300, and the ejected droplets of each color ink fall to a predetermined position on the medium 300.

  Here, the five nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 from which ink is ejected are arranged such that the nozzle rows 18 that eject white ink are aligned in a direction that coincides with the main scanning direction. The group of nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, and 16 are arranged shifted to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction.

  As a result, first, white ink is ejected from the nozzle row 18 to the medium 300 conveyed in the arrow A direction (see FIGS. 10 and 12A) from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. Then, a base for printing is printed by solid printing of white ink, and the nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16 are formed on the medium 300 on which the base is printed as the medium 300 is transported. Then, inks of various colors of black, blue, red, and yellow are ejected, printing by process colors is performed, and color printing is completed (see FIG. 12A).

On the other hand, in step S1108, the media 300 is transparent, and, since the type of printing the white ink process colors on the printed mirror image, for printing so as to correspond to the print type transparent media A process of performing color printing is performed based on the data.

Specifically, when the ink jet printer 100, which is a medium 300 described above is transparent, and is determined not to print a white ink on the process color printed mirror images (step Unlike S1106), the medium 300 supplied onto the base member 112 by a paper feeding device (not shown) is conveyed from the front side to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction by the drive wheels 124 (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 10). 12B), the ink head mounted on the ink head holder 130 reciprocates along the main scanning direction along with the movement of the wire 120 (FIG. 10). (See the direction of return and return direction arrows).

In this case, a media 300 as described above is transparent, and, like the case where it is determined that not to print a white ink on the process color printed mirror images (see step S1106), in the main scanning direction Black, blue, red, yellow, and white ink conveyed by an ink tube (not shown) from a total of five nozzle heads 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 of the reciprocating ink heads are directed toward the medium 300. The ejected ink droplets of each color fall to a predetermined position on the medium 300.

  Here, the five nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 from which ink is ejected are arranged such that the nozzle rows 18 that eject white ink are aligned in a direction that coincides with the main scanning direction. The group of nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, and 16 are arranged shifted to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction.

As a result, the nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16 are first applied to the medium 300 conveyed in the arrow B direction (see FIGS. 10 and 12B) from the front side to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction. a black, blue, red, and yellow ink of various colors emitted, printing by process color image was horizontally reversed (mirror image printing) is performed, as the conveyance of the medium 300 is advanced, the process White ink is ejected from the nozzle array 18 onto the medium 300 on which an image is printed by color printing, and the printing base is printed on the back side by solid printing of the white ink, thereby completing the color printing (FIG. 12). (See (b)).

  When the processing in step S1106 or step S1108 is completed, this color printing processing routine is terminated.

As described above, in the ink jet printer 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle row 18 that ejects white ink has a different color from the nozzle row 18 that ejects the white ink. the nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16 for ejecting the ink, so as to be arranged offset to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction, the media 300 is transparent, and, on the process color printed mirror images white and when the ink is determined not to print a, and the case of printing the white ink on the printed mirror image process color on the media 300 of the transparent, and the conveying direction of the medium 300 in the opposite (the (See arrow A and arrow B shown in FIG. 10) By performing printing, the type of the medium 300 can be selected regardless of whether the medium 300 is transparent or not. Instead, during color printing, the medium 300 is moved in the arrow A direction (see step S1106) from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction, or in the arrow B direction (see step S1108) from the front side to the rear side. Is transported once, it is possible to simultaneously perform printing for the base and printing of the process color in the one-time transport process.

  That is, according to the ink jet printer 100 of the second embodiment of the present invention, the medium 300 is moved along the sub-scanning direction during printing, as in the first embodiment. Without returning to the origin position, each of the different types of printing can be realized and printing can be performed in a single time.

  Further, in the ink jet printer 100 of the second embodiment according to the present invention, as described in detail by taking the configuration of the nozzle array shown in FIG. 8 as an example in the first embodiment described above, Since the nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 of the present invention are two-stage nozzle rows and the total length L2 of the nozzle row (see FIG. 10) is short, the ink head holder 130 tilts forward along the sub-scanning direction. The region E2 (see FIG. 9A) in which the nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 of the ink head of the ink head holder 130 face each other to secure the flat surface of the base member 112 is also short. As a result, the image quality is stable and printing can be performed with high accuracy.

  Also, in the ink jet printer 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, two guide rails 118 and 119 (see FIG. 9B) as in the first embodiment described above. It is not necessary to support the ink head holder 130, and it is possible to prevent an increase in cost. When UV ink that is cured with ultraviolet rays is used as the ink, a small ultraviolet lamp may be used. Reduction can be realized.

  Furthermore, since the second embodiment according to the present invention is composed of a total of five nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18, the total of ten nozzle rows 10 in the first embodiment described above. -1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2, the total number of nozzle rows can be reduced. it can. In particular, with respect to the nozzle row that discharges the white ink for the base, two nozzle rows 18-1 and 18-2 in the first embodiment are not necessary, and only one nozzle row 18 is required. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of base nozzle rows. Therefore, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the structure is simplified and the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of nozzle rows, and the weight is reduced, so that it is suitable for high-speed printing.

  The embodiment described above may be modified as described in the following (1) to (9).

  (1) In the first and second embodiments described above, the ink heads are the nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14 -1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2, but it is not limited to this, and depending on the color required for printing, etc. Thus, the total number of nozzle rows that eject ink of various colors may be increased or decreased as appropriate. Further, the color of the ink ejected from the nozzle row is not limited to the above-described black, blue, red, yellow, and white, and ink of any color necessary for printing may be ejected.

  In addition to inks of different colors, various inks, for example, a transparent ink (transparent ink) for providing transparency, a nozzle row is provided so that a clear ink is used after color printing. When printing is performed, a clear feeling can be given to a portion printed with clear ink, and for example, an effect such as silk screen printing can be obtained.

  Further, a nozzle row for discharging liquid laminate ink may be provided. By discharging the laminating ink after the process color printing, it is not necessary to perform a general laminating process with a laminating film after printing, and it is possible to prevent the printing from fading or being damaged.

  In addition, instead of the white ink of the above-described embodiment, the coating agent can be applied from the nozzle row so that the undercoat is printed by the coating agent used as an undercoat when printing with UV ink or the like. You may comprise as follows.

  That is, the color printing of the above-described embodiment is completed by the base printing and the process color printing, but is not limited to this, printing with inks of various colors and printing with clear ink, or According to various combinations such as printing with inks of various colors and printing with laminate inks, the nozzle rows that are shifted back and forth in the sub-scanning direction may be appropriately selected and changed.

  (2) In the first and second embodiments described above, liquid ink contained in an ink cartridge (not shown), that is, as ink supplied to the nozzle row, for example, solvent ink or UV ink As described above, various inks having a property of solidifying or thickening by irradiated light may be used.

  However, depending on the type of ink to be used, it is necessary to ensure the drying time, or to change the arrangement of the nozzle rows in order to mount the light irradiation means such as an ultraviolet lamp on the ink head holder 130. Good. In the present invention, as the medium 300 is transported, the background printing with the white ink and the printing with the process color can be performed at the same time (see FIGS. 12A and 12B). This is suitable for printing using UV ink, for which securing is not essential.

  In addition, when ink is easily peeled off when the ink is directly applied to the medium 300 to be printed, the nozzle array is increased or various configurations are added so that the primer used for the surface treatment of the medium 300 can be applied. May be.

  (3) In the first and second embodiments described above, various input settings are performed by the operator group (not shown) arranged in the ink jet printer 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, it may be configured such that various input settings can be made by a control device such as a personal computer connected to the ink jet printer.

In the above-described embodiment, the type of media 300 and the type of printing on which color printing is performed by the user who uses the ink-jet printer 100, specifically, the medium 300 is transparent, and the process Although the color of whether or not to print a white ink on printed mirror image setting is to be made, it is of course not limited to this type of various media in the ink jet printer In addition to the media type, you can select and set the type of printing, such as the type that prints for the background first and the type that prints using process color first. It may be configured. It should be noted that the color printing process shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 can be appropriately changed in accordance with the change in conditions such as the type of media and the printing type.

(4) In the first and second embodiments described above, in response to whether the media 300 is transparent, printing by process color type and destination of performing printing for the underlying first (mirror image However, this is not limited to this, and for example, in the above-described embodiment, the printing is performed on the opaque medium 300. Printing can be performed on the transparent medium 300, and the process color can be printed on the transparent medium 300 after the background is printed with white ink.

  In other words, in the case of printing in which the background is printed with white ink and the process color is printed, the medium 300 can be printed regardless of whether it is transparent or opaque. Depending on the type of various media such as media having different states and thickness, and the type of ink used, two or more different types of printing may be performed without being limited to front printing and back printing. .

  It should be noted that the printing data required according to the type of printing may be generated by various processes executed by the CPU 202, or may be input as appropriate.

(5) In the second embodiment described above, the media 300 is transparent, and the conveying direction of the medium 300 in response to whether or not to print a white ink on the process color printed mirror images Although the direction is reversed (see arrows A and B shown in FIG. 10), for example, in the ink jet printer 100, the mounting position of the roll-shaped medium 300 is fixed, and the medium 300 is a paper feeding device. if the supplied on the base member 112 in the arrow a direction toward the front side from the rear side in the sub-scanning direction (not shown), the media 300 is transparent, and a process color and printing mirror images When printing white ink on the top, the medium 300 is printed in advance from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. Te after postponed by an arrow A direction, may be conveyed to the media 300 as rewind the arrow B direction from the front side toward the rear side in the sub-scanning direction.

Further, if the ink jet printer configuration which can change the mounting position of the roll-shaped media 300, media 300 is transparent, and, when printing the white ink process colors on the printed mirror image and In other cases, the conveyance direction of the medium 300 can be changed by simply changing the setting position of the medium 300 to the front side or the rear side in the sub-scanning direction.

  (6) In the first embodiment described above, ten nozzle rows 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2. , 18-1 and 18-2 are arranged in the ink head holder 130 in a checkered pattern so that nozzle rows that discharge the same color do not overlap each other (see FIG. 6). Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, 10 nozzle rows may be arranged so as to be gathered in every two sets S1, S2 along the main scanning direction (FIG. 13 ( a)).

  In the second embodiment, for example, the nozzle row 18 is arranged so as to be shifted forward in the sub-scanning direction between the nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, and 16 along the main scanning direction. It is also possible (see FIG. 13B).

  That is, according to the conveyance direction of the medium 300, the total number of nozzle rows, and other configurations arranged in the ink head holder 130, in the first embodiment, the two sets S1 and S2 are sub- In the second embodiment, the predetermined nozzle row is arranged so as to be shifted back and forth in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the remaining nozzle rows in the second embodiment. That's fine.

  (7) In the first and second embodiments described above, the ink jet printer 100 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) is a paper move type ink jet printer. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and a flat bed type ink jet printer 400 that performs printing on the medium 300 arranged on the flat bed may be used (see FIG. 14 and FIG. 14). (See FIG. 15).

  An ink jet printer 400 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 has a flat bed 412 on which a medium 300 is placed and arranged to be movable in the sub-scanning direction, and is movable in the main scanning direction (see FIGS. 14 and 15). The ink head holder 430 is arranged on the ink head holder 430, and the ink head holder 430 includes the nozzle rows 10-1 and 10- of the first embodiment. 2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2 (see FIG. 6), the nozzle 10 of the second embodiment, 12, 14, 16, 18 (see FIG. 10) are arranged.

For example, when the ink head holder 430 having a nozzle 10,12,14,16,18 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 10), a medium 300 is transparent and the mirror image process colors In the case where the white ink is not printed on the printed sheet, for example, when the medium 300 is opaque, the flat bed 412 is moved along the sub-scanning direction so that the medium 300 is moved along the sub-scanning direction in advance. The flat bed 412 moves from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction after being positioned behind the ink head holder 430 (see the state shown in FIG. 14A). Accordingly, the medium 300 is conveyed in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 14) from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction, and printing is performed (shown in FIG. 14B). Reference state).

On the other hand, the media 300 is transparent, and, when printing white ink on the process color printed mirror image, move along the flat bet 412 in the sub-scanning direction, advance the media 300 is sub After being positioned on the front side of the ink head holder 430 along the scanning direction (see the state shown in FIG. 15A), the flat bed 412 moves from the front side to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction. Along with the movement, the medium 300 is transported in the direction of arrow B (see FIG. 15) from the front side to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction to perform printing (see the state shown in FIG. 15B).

  As shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b) and FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b), the paper of the second embodiment described above is used even for the flat-bed type ink jet printer 400. The same effect as the move-type ink jet printer 100 can be obtained.

  Further, unlike the flat bet type ink jet printer 400 described above, a fixed flat bed 412 ′, a main scanning direction (see arrow C shown in FIG. 16), and a sub-scanning direction (see FIG. 16). There is also known a flat bed type ink jet printer 400 ′ having an ink head holder 430 ′ movably disposed on an arrow D shown in FIG. 16 (see FIG. 16). ).

In the case of the ink jet printer 400 ′, by changing the direction in which the ink head holder 430 ′ moves along the arrow D direction shown in FIG. 16, that is, along the sub-scanning direction, Each of a type that prints a process color on a non-transparent medium 300 or a transparent medium 300 after printing the background with white ink, and a type that prints white ink on a mirror image printed by reversing the process color horizontally Different types of color printing can be performed.

  (8) In the first and second embodiments described above, the nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14 -2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, and 18-2 are formed by a plurality of ink jet nozzles, and the total number of ink jet nozzles forming this nozzle row. There is no particular limitation on the arrangement state, shape, size, etc., and various configurations may be used as appropriate.

  Further, the total number of ink heads in which the nozzle rows are arranged and the structure thereof are not particularly limited. For example, the five nozzle rows 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 (see FIG. 10) of the second embodiment are shown in the figure when an ink head provided with one nozzle row is used. As shown in FIG. 17A, five ink heads H1, H2, H3, H4, and H5 are required, and when an ink head having two nozzle arrays is used, FIG. 3), three ink heads H1, H2 and H3 are required.

  (9) The above-described embodiment and the modifications shown in (1) to (8) above may be combined as appropriate.

  The present invention can be used for ink jet printers using various inks.

1A, 1B, and 1C are explanatory views schematically showing a printing process in a conventional ink jet printer. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a main part of the ink-jet printer shown in FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C are explanatory views schematically showing a printing process in a conventional ink jet printer. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an ink jet printer according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the schematic configuration taken along line VV in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing the main part of FIG. 4 corresponding to the view of the arrow Z in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the color printing process in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of another nozzle row corresponding to FIG. FIG. 9A is an explanatory view schematically shown corresponding to the IXa arrow view of FIG. 6, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory view schematically shown corresponding to the IXb arrow view of FIG. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing a second embodiment of the ink-jet printer according to the present invention, corresponding to the Z arrow view of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating color printing processing according to the second embodiment. 12 (a) and 12 (b) are explanatory views schematically showing a printing process corresponding to the XII arrow view of FIG. FIGS. 13A and 13B are explanatory views schematically showing another embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIGS. 6 and 10. FIGS. 14A and 14B are explanatory views schematically showing another embodiment of the present invention. 15 (a) and 15 (b) are explanatory views schematically showing another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an explanatory view schematically showing another embodiment of the present invention. 17 (a) and 17 (b) are explanatory diagrams schematically showing another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 14-1, 14-2, 16-1, 16-2, 18-1, 18-2 nozzle Row 112 Base member 114L, 114R Side member 116 Central wall 118 Guide rail 120 Wire 122 Movable block 124 Drive wheel 126 Pinch roll 130 Ink head holder 132 Ink head case 100 Ink jet printer 200 Micro computer 300 media

Claims (4)

Ink is ejected onto a plurality of nozzle rows moving in the main scanning direction and moving relative to the plurality of nozzle rows in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction by an ink jet method. In an ink jet printer having a plurality of nozzle rows
A plurality of nozzle rows,
A first nozzle row that discharges white ink and a process color ink that is disposed along the main scanning direction without shifting in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction with respect to the first nozzle row. It is constituted by a second nozzle array for ejecting, the first set of the first nozzle row Ru is disposed to either the upstream or downstream of the moving direction of the main scanning direction of the second nozzle array A nozzle row;
A third nozzle row that discharges white ink, and a fourth nozzle that is disposed along the main scanning direction without being displaced in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the third nozzle row and that discharges process color ink is constituted by a column, and a nozzle row of the third second set of nozzle rows Ru is disposed to either the upstream or downstream of the moving direction of the main scanning direction of the fourth nozzle array, the while arranged offset without overlapping Oite the sub-scanning direction by the set unit, a plurality of nozzle rows and staggered so as to partially overlap each other in the main scanning direction,
Moving means for supporting the plurality of nozzle rows movably along the main scanning direction;
Conveying means for moving along the medium to the sub-scanning direction,
Control means,
Without changing the direction of movement of the media by the transport means,
Discharging white color ink from the first nozzle row of the first set and discharging process color ink from the fourth nozzle row of the second set;
Control is performed such that printing is performed by switching between discharging the process color ink from the second nozzle row of the first set and discharging the white ink from the third nozzle row of the second set. Control means, and
In the case of controlling the moving direction of the medium by the transport means so as to move from the nozzle row side of the first set to the nozzle row side of the second set, the moving direction of the medium is not changed. In addition,
When performing mirror image printing on a transparent medium, the control means ejects process color ink from the second nozzle row of the first set and from the third nozzle row of the second set. A type of printing in which printing with white ink is performed after printing with process color ink by controlling to discharge white ink,
When printing other than mirror image printing on transparent media and printing on opaque media, white ink is ejected from the first nozzle row of the first set by the control means. A type of printing in which process color ink is controlled to be ejected from the fourth nozzle row of the second set, and printing with process color ink is performed after printing with white ink;
Selectively
In the case of controlling the moving direction of the medium by the conveying means to move from the nozzle row side of the second set to the nozzle row side of the first set, the moving direction of the medium is not changed. ,
When mirror image printing is performed on a transparent medium, the control unit ejects process color ink from the fourth nozzle row of the second set and from the first nozzle row of the first set. A type of printing in which printing with white ink is performed after printing with process color ink by controlling to discharge white ink,
When printing other than mirror image printing on transparent media and printing on opaque media, white ink is ejected from the third nozzle row of the second set by the control means. A type of printing in which process color ink is controlled to be ejected from the second nozzle row of the first set, and printing with process color ink is performed after printing with white ink;
An ink jet printer characterized by selectively performing the above. Ink is ejected onto a plurality of nozzle rows moving in the main scanning direction and moving relative to the plurality of nozzle rows in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction by an ink jet method. In an ink jet printer having a plurality of nozzle rows
A plurality of nozzle rows,
A first nozzle row that discharges white ink and a process color ink that is arranged along the main scanning direction without shifting in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction with respect to the first nozzle row the second is constituted by the nozzle array, the first nozzle of the first set of nozzle rows Ru is disposed to either the upstream or downstream of the moving direction of the main scanning direction of the second nozzle array for Columns,
A third nozzle row that discharges white ink, and a fourth nozzle that is disposed along the main scanning direction without being displaced in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the third nozzle row and that discharges process color ink is constituted by a column, and a nozzle row of the third second set of nozzle rows Ru is disposed to either the upstream or downstream of the moving direction of the main scanning direction of the fourth nozzle array, the while arranged offset without overlapping Oite the sub-scanning direction by the set unit, a plurality of nozzle rows and staggered so as to partially overlap each other in the main scanning direction,
Moving means for movably supporting the plurality of nozzle rows along the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction;
Control means,
Without changing the direction of movement in the sub-scanning direction of the plurality of nozzle rows by the moving means,
Discharging white color ink from the first nozzle row of the first set and discharging process color ink from the fourth nozzle row of the second set;
Control is performed such that printing is performed by switching between discharging the process color ink from the second nozzle row of the first set and discharging the white ink from the third nozzle row of the second set. Control means, and
The moving direction of the plurality of nozzle rows in the sub-scanning direction by the moving means is such that the medium relatively moves from the nozzle row side of the first set to the nozzle row side of the second set. When controlling, without changing the direction of movement of the plurality of nozzle rows in the sub-scanning direction,
When mirror image printing is performed on a transparent medium, the control means causes the process color ink to be ejected from the second nozzle row of the first set and white from the third nozzle row of the second set. A type of printing in which printing is performed with white ink after printing with process color ink by controlling to eject ink,
When printing other than mirror image printing on transparent media and printing on opaque media, white ink is ejected from the first nozzle row of the first set by the control means. A type of printing in which process color ink is controlled to be ejected from the fourth nozzle row of the second set, and printing with process color ink is performed after printing with white ink;
Selectively
Controlling the moving direction of the plurality of nozzle rows in the sub-scanning direction by the moving means so that the medium relatively moves from the nozzle row side of the second set to the nozzle row side of the first set. When doing so, without changing the direction of movement of the plurality of nozzle rows in the sub-scanning direction,
When mirror image printing is performed on a transparent medium, the control means causes the process color ink to be ejected from the fourth nozzle row of the second set and white from the first nozzle row of the first set. A type of printing in which printing is performed by ejecting white ink after printing with process color ink by controlling to eject ink,
When printing other than mirror image printing on transparent media and printing on opaque media, white ink is ejected from the third nozzle row of the second set by the control means. A type of printing in which process color ink is controlled to be ejected from the second nozzle row of the first set, and printing with process color ink is performed after printing with white ink;
An ink jet printer characterized by selectively performing the above. Ink is ejected onto a plurality of nozzle rows moving in the main scanning direction and moving relative to the plurality of nozzle rows in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction by an ink jet method. In an ink jet printer having a plurality of nozzle rows
A plurality of nozzle rows,
Second for ejecting a first nozzle array for ejecting the white ink, the process color inks while being arranged offset without overlapping Oite in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction with respect to the first nozzle array A plurality of nozzle rows composed of:
Moving means for supporting the plurality of nozzle rows movably along the main scanning direction;
Conveying means for moving along the medium to the sub-scanning direction,
Control means,
The direction of movement of the medium by the transport means is controlled so that the medium moves from the first nozzle row side to the second nozzle row side, and white ink is discharged from the first nozzle row. A first type of printing in which process color ink is ejected from the second nozzle row and printing with the process color ink is performed after printing with the white ink;
The direction of movement of the medium by the conveying means is controlled so that the medium moves from the second nozzle row side to the first nozzle row side, and white ink is discharged from the first nozzle row. And control means for controlling to perform printing by switching process type ink from the second nozzle row and switching to the second type printing in which printing by white ink is performed after printing by process color ink. Have
The first type of printing performed when mirror image printing is performed on a transparent medium, and the second type performed when printing other than mirror image printing is performed on a transparent medium and when printing is performed on an opaque medium. An ink jet printer characterized by selectively performing printing of any type. Ink is ejected onto a plurality of nozzle rows moving in the main scanning direction and moving relative to the plurality of nozzle rows in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction by an ink jet method. In an ink jet printer having a plurality of nozzle rows
A plurality of nozzle rows,
Second for ejecting a first nozzle array for ejecting the white ink, the process color inks while being arranged offset without overlapping Oite in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction with respect to the first nozzle array A plurality of nozzle rows composed of:
Moving means for movably supporting the plurality of nozzle rows along the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction;
Control means,
Controlling the direction of movement of the plurality of nozzle rows in the sub-scanning direction by the moving means so that the medium relatively moves from the first nozzle row side to the second nozzle row side, and discharging the process color inks from the second nozzle array with eject white ink from the first nozzle row, the first type print and performing printing by process color inks after printing with white ink,
While controlling the direction of movement of the plurality of nozzle rows in the sub-scanning direction by the transport means so that the medium moves relatively from the second nozzle row side to the first nozzle row side, Switching between the second type of printing in which white ink is ejected from the first nozzle row and process color ink is ejected from the second nozzle row, and printing with white ink is performed after printing with the process color ink. Control means for controlling to perform printing, and
The first type of printing performed when mirror image printing is performed on a transparent medium, and the second type performed when printing other than mirror image printing is performed on a transparent medium and when printing is performed on an opaque medium. An ink jet printer characterized by selectively performing printing of any type.