JP5320860B2 - Printed material manufacturing method and printed material manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a waiting image printing time by manufacturing printed matter printed with a first image and a second image placed one over the other. <P>SOLUTION: This printed matter manufacturing method includes a first printing step of printing the first image on the medium positioned in a printing region; a fixing step of fixing the first image by a fixing part; and a second printing step of printing the second image on the first image to manufacture the printed matter printed with the first image and second image superimposed on the medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printed material manufacturing method and a printed material manufacturing apparatus.

As a printed material manufacturing apparatus that prints a large number of printed materials on a long medium, for example, a printed material manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is known.
In this printed material manufacturing apparatus, a large number of printed materials are printed on a medium by repeatedly performing a printing operation for printing a plurality of images on a medium located in a printing area and a conveying operation for conveying the medium to a conveying method. The
JP 2003-118136 A

In some cases, it is desired to print a plurality of images on a medium. When printing a plurality of images in an overlapping manner, the image is blurred unless the next image is printed after the previously printed image is completely fixed. In other words, when printing images in a superimposed manner, a standby operation (standby time) is required to wait until the previously printed image is fixed.
As described above, when the images are overlaid and printed, the standby time may increase the printing time.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it shortens an image printing time.

A main invention for achieving the above object is a printed material manufacturing method for printing a printed material on a medium by discharging a liquid from a head, and has a first image for printing in a first region of the printed region. , While moving the head along the transport direction based on image data having a second image for printing in a second region downstream of the first region of the print region in the transport direction, A printing step of printing the first image on a medium located in a first area, and printing the second image on the medium located in the second area; and the printing on the first area by the printing step A transport step for transporting the first image to the second region, the first image printed in the first region in the printing step, and the second image printed in the second region on the medium. Fixed to be fixed It has a step, a printed matter manufacturing method characterized by the production of printed material that the first image and the second image is printed over the medium by alternating the transport step and the printing step It is.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

=== Summary of disclosure ===
At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
A first printing step for printing a first image on a medium located in a printing area; a fixing step for fixing the first image by a fixing unit; and a second printing step for printing a second image on the first image. And a printed material on which the first image and the second image are superimposed and printed on the medium.
According to such a printed matter manufacturing method, since the time from printing the first image to printing the second image can be set short, the printing time can be shortened.

In this printed matter manufacturing method, the first image is provided in a first area of the print area, and the second image is provided in a second area downstream of the first area of the print area in the transport direction. In the first printing step, the first image and the second image are printed in the first printing step, and the first image printed in the first region in the first printing step is the second image. A transport step for transporting to the region may be included, and the first image and the second image may be printed based on the image data in the second print step after the transport step.
According to such a printed matter manufacturing method, the amount of image data can be reduced.

In this printed matter manufacturing method, it is desirable that there is a period in which the fixing step and the conveying step are performed simultaneously.
According to such a printed matter manufacturing method, the printing time can be shortened.

In this printed matter manufacturing method, it is preferable that the time for fixing the first image by the fixing step is shorter than the time for transporting the first image from the first region to the second region by the transporting step. .
According to such a printed matter manufacturing method, the printing time can be minimized.

In this printed matter manufacturing method, the first image is printed with ultraviolet curable ink that is cured by ultraviolet rays, and the fixing unit irradiates the first image printed in the first printing step with the ultraviolet rays. Is desirable.
According to such a printed matter manufacturing method, the first image can be fixed on the medium in a short time.

  A printing unit that prints an image on a medium located in a printing area; a fixing unit that fixes the printed image; and a printing unit that prints the first image, and the fixing unit fixes the first image. And a controller that causes the printing unit to print a second image on the first image, and produces a printed material in which the first image and the second image are overlaid on the medium. The printed material manufacturing apparatus characterized by the above is clarified.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using a printer which is one of printed matter manufacturing apparatuses.

=== Configuration of Printer ===
<About printer configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the overall configuration of the printer 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the printer 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the vicinity of the print area. Hereinafter, the basic configuration of the printer of this embodiment will be described.

  The printer 1 includes a transport unit 10, a carriage unit 20, a head unit 30, a heater unit 40, a detector group 50, and a controller 60. The printer 1 that has received print data from the computer 110, which is an external device, controls each unit (conveyance unit 10, carriage unit 20, head unit 30, heater unit 40) by the controller 60. The controller 60 controls each unit based on the print data received from the computer 110 and prints an image on a medium. The situation in the printer 1 is monitored by a detector group 50, and the detector group 50 outputs a detection result to the controller 60. The controller 60 controls each unit based on the detection result output from the detector group 50.

  The transport unit 10 transports a roll-shaped medium (for example, roll paper, roll-shaped sticker paper, etc.) in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as a transport direction). The transport unit 10 includes a supply mechanism 11, transport rollers 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> F, and a winding mechanism 13. The conveyance rollers 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> B convey the medium supplied from the supply mechanism 11 to the printing area, and convey the medium printed in the printing area to the winding mechanism 13. When the controller 60 controls a transport motor (not shown), the rotation amount of the transport rollers 12A to 12F is controlled, and the transport amount of the medium is controlled.

  The carriage unit 20 moves the head in the moving direction, and includes a carriage 21 that moves in a predetermined direction (moving direction) and a guide 22 that guides the carriage 21 in the moving direction. The movement of the carriage 21 is controlled by the controller 60 controlling a carriage motor (not shown). In the printer of this embodiment, the carriage 21 moves in the same direction as the medium transport direction of the transport unit 10.

  The head unit 30 has a head 31 that ejects ink onto a medium. Since the head 31 is mounted on the carriage 21, when the carriage 21 moves in the movement direction, the head 31 also moves in the movement direction. A nozzle row is provided on the lower surface of the head 31 along the medium width direction. This nozzle row is provided over a length corresponding to the width of the medium. By ejecting ink while the head 31 is moving in the movement direction, the medium is printed in the printing area.

  Although not shown, on the lower surface of the head 31, a nozzle row for discharging color inks such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is provided. Further, on the lower surface of the head 31, a nozzle row for discharging white ink, a nozzle row for discharging a fixing agent, a nozzle row for discharging a coating agent, and the like are also provided. Note that some or all of the liquids described above may be UV curable UV inks.

  The heater unit 40 includes a hot platen 41 (corresponding to the fixing unit), a downstream fixing mechanism 42, and a UV light source 43 (corresponding to the fixing unit). The hot platen 41 supports the medium in the printing area. The hot platen 41 has a built-in heater, and heats the medium on the print area to promote fixing by drying the printed image on the print area. The downstream fixing mechanism 42 is provided on the downstream side of the printing area, and promotes drying, that is, fixing of the printed material outside the printing area by heating the medium printed in the printing area. The maximum heating range of the downstream fixing mechanism 42 is not less than the range corresponding to the printing area. However, the heating range of the downstream fixing mechanism 42 can be switched by the controller 60. For example, the printed material can be heated only in a range corresponding to two regions (for example, region A to region B in FIG. 3). The power consumption of the downstream fixing mechanism 42 is higher when only the range corresponding to the two regions is heated than when the range corresponding to the print region (six regions in FIG. 3) is heated. small.

  The UV light source 43 is provided on the carriage 21 so as to be upstream of the head 31 in the movement direction. Therefore, when the carriage 21 and the head 31 move in the movement direction during the printing operation, the UV light source 43 also moves in the movement direction. When the carriage 21 moves, the UV light source 43 emits UV light (ultraviolet light) toward the medium. Note that UV curing of the UV curable liquid causes the liquid to be fixed from the liquid state on the medium. This is also referred to as drying the liquid on the medium. Further, the UV light source 43 may be anything that irradiates the medium with UV light in the vicinity of the platen other than the one in the present embodiment. For example, a UV light source provided on a carriage different from the carriage 21 on which the head 31 is mounted may be used, or a UV light source not mounted on the carriage may be used.

  The hot platen 41 and the downstream fixing mechanism 42 may be any device that can dry a printed image or printed matter on a medium. For example, the hot platen 41 and the downstream fixing mechanism 42 may apply electromagnetic waves such as warm air, infrared rays, UV, and microwaves to the medium. It may be a simple device.

  Further, when each of the liquids to be ejected is not of a UV curing type, the UV light source 43 may be omitted. On the other hand, when the liquid to be ejected is of the UV curing type and the UV light source 43 is provided, a fixing unit such as the hot platen 41 in the platen is not provided, and even a simple platen (ordinary platen described later). Good. In this case, the UV light source 43 corresponds to the fixing unit. In this case, the downstream fixing mechanism 42 may irradiate UV.

  The detector group 50 includes, for example, a mark detection sensor 51. The mark detection sensor 51 is used to detect a mark printed on the medium, and the conveyance amount of the medium by the conveyance unit 10 is controlled based on the detection result. The detector group 50 also includes an encoder for detecting the rotation amount of the transport rollers 12A to 12F, a linear encoder for detecting the position of the carriage 21 in the moving direction, and the like.

  The controller 60 is a control unit (control unit) for controlling the printer. The controller 60 includes an interface unit 61, a CPU 62, a memory 63, and a unit control circuit 64. The interface unit 61 transmits and receives data between the computer 110 which is an external device and the printer 1. The CPU 62 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire printer. The memory 63 is for securing an area for storing a program of the CPU 62, a work area, and the like. The memory 63 stores image data to be printed. The CPU 62 controls each unit via the unit control circuit 64 according to a program stored in the memory 63, and executes a printing process described later. Further, the CPU 62 prints an image indicated by the image data on the medium by ejecting ink or the like from each nozzle (not shown) of the head 31 according to the image data stored in the memory 63.

When the printing process is executed, the printer 1 discharges ink from the head 31 based on the image data based on the transport operation in which the transport unit 10 transports the medium in the transport direction, and the head 31 is moved by the carriage unit 20. A printing operation for printing an image on a medium is performed, and a printed matter is printed on the medium at regular intervals. As will be described later, the printed matter is printed by superimposing a plurality of images.
In the following description, the print area is divided into six areas, and an image is printed in each area. The six areas are an area A, an area B, an area C, an area D, an area E, and an area F in order from the upstream area in the transport direction (see FIG. 3).
Note that the number of print area divisions is not limited to six. Further, the range of the print area is variable according to the size of the printed matter, and is not necessarily the maximum printable range of the printer 1 (the movable range of the carriage 21).

=== First Embodiment ===
<Printed matter of the first embodiment>
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a printed matter according to the first embodiment.
The medium is composed of a sealing member (base material), one of which is a printing surface and the other of which is an adhesive surface, and a peeling member that covers the adhesive surface of the sealing member. The seal member is made of a transparent film. However, the sealing member does not need to be transparent, and may be a translucent member or an opaque member. Further, the medium may not be a sticker sheet, may be a transparent film without an adhesive surface, or may be paper.
This printed matter is obtained by printing two images on a medium in an overlapping manner. The first image printed on the medium is a rectangular image (hereinafter, “white image”) formed by applying white ink. The image printed on the white image is a character image of “ABC” (hereinafter “image ABC”). In other words, this printed matter is obtained by forming a first layer of a white image and a second layer of an image ABC on the medium.

<Printing Method of First Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, as will be described later, the image data used for the odd-numbered printing operation is different from the image data used for the even-numbered printing operation. For this reason, two types of image data are stored in the memory 63 of the printer 1.

  FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of image data for an odd-numbered printing operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of image data for an even-numbered printing operation according to the first embodiment. The image data for the odd-numbered printing operation has six white images for printing in the areas A to F. The image data for the even-numbered printing operation includes six images ABC for printing in the areas A to F.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the printing method of the first embodiment.
In the first embodiment, during the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints six white images in each area while moving the head 31 in the movement direction.

  After the first printing operation (after printing the white image), the printer 1 waits until the white image printed on the medium is dried (standby operation). This is because if the image ABC is printed before the white image is dried, the image ABC is blurred. Note that the printer 1 of the present embodiment includes a hot platen 41, and the medium located on the print region is heated by the hot platen 41. Thereby, drying of the white image is promoted.

  After the standby operation, the printer 1 performs a second printing operation. During the second printing operation, the printer 1 prints six images ABC in each area while moving the head 31 in the movement direction. Since a white image is already printed in each area, the image ABC is printed over the white image. By the second printing operation, six printed products are completed in the printing area. Note that a mark is also printed in the region B in the second printing operation.

  After the second printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of six printed products (transport operation). If the medium is conveyed until the sensor detects the mark printed in the area B during the second printing operation, the conveying operation corresponding to the length of the six printed materials has been performed. Become. By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the print area. For this reason, the next printing operation can be performed without performing the standby operation.

  After the transport operation, the printer 1 performs an odd-numbered (for example, third) printing operation. In the odd-numbered printing operation, the printer 1 prints six white images in each area. After the odd number of printing operations (after printing the white image), the printer 1 performs a standby operation. At this time, the hot platen 41 promotes drying of the white image printed by the odd number of printing operations. After the standby operation, the printer 1 performs an even-numbered (for example, fourth) printing operation. In the even-numbered printing operation, the printer 1 prints six images ABC in each area. After the even-numbered printing operation, the printer 1 performs a transport operation for transporting the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of six printed products. By repeating such an operation, printed matter is printed on the medium at regular intervals.

  In the first embodiment, six printed products are completed for every even number of printing operations. That is, an average of three printed materials are completed for each printing operation.

<About printing time>
In the case of printing with overlapping images, if the next image is printed before the previously printed image is dried, the image is blurred. Therefore, it is necessary to print the next image after drying the previously printed image. In other words, when the images are printed in an overlapping manner, a standby operation for drying the previously printed image is required, and the next printing operation cannot be performed immediately.
If the printing process of FIG. 6 is performed using a platen (not shown: hereinafter, also referred to as a normal platen) that does not have a function of promoting drying and only supports a medium on the printing area, Since the printed white image is naturally dried after the printing operation, the standby operation time (standby time) becomes long. This increases the printing time.

  On the other hand, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a hot platen 41 that supports the medium on the print area and heats the medium on the print area. The hot platen 41 promotes drying of the six white images printed in the printing area by the odd number of printing operations after the odd number of printing operations and before the even number of printing operations. As a result, the white image printed by the odd-numbered printing operation dries faster than when the normal platen is used.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the images are overlaid and printed, the hot platen 41 promotes drying of the image on the medium in the print region. Therefore, it is possible to set a short standby time from printing the previous image (white image) to printing the next image (image ABC). Thereby, the printing time can be shortened.

In the first embodiment, two types of image data are used to print two images, but three or more types of image data are used to print three or more images. May be. Further, a plurality of the same images may be printed and further different images may be printed. For example, a white image may be printed by overlapping a plurality of times, and the image ABC may be printed thereon. This makes it easier to view the image ABC.
As described above, when three or more images are overlaid and printed, the number of standby operations increases as the number of images to be overlaid (number of printing operations) increases. Therefore, the printing time becomes longer accordingly. However, since the hot platen 41 is used in this embodiment, each standby operation can be shortened. Therefore, the larger the number of images to be printed, the more the printing time can be shortened compared to the case of using a normal platen.

  In the present embodiment, the drying is promoted by the hot platen 41, but any device that can dry the medium on the printing area may be used. For example, a device that applies warm air to the medium may be used. Also in this case, the printing time can be shortened.

=== Second Embodiment ===
<Printed matter of the second embodiment>
The printed material manufactured in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the printed material (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment. That is, the printed matter of the second embodiment can be obtained by forming the first layer of the white image and the second layer of the image ABC on the medium.
However, the printing method and the image data used for printing are different from those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a printing method for printed matter according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Printing Method of Second Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the second embodiment. The image data for the printing operation according to the second embodiment includes three white images for printing in the areas A to C and three images ABC for printing in the areas D to F. The image data also has a mark for printing in the area E.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a printing operation according to the second embodiment. As described below, in the second embodiment, the printer prints a white image in each of the areas A to C and prints an image ABC in each of the areas D to F, and the lengths of the three printed materials. The transport operation corresponding to the transport amount corresponding to is repeated. That is, the carry amount of the second embodiment is ½ of the carry amount of the first embodiment.

First, in the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints a white image in each of the areas A to C while moving the head 31 in the moving direction, and is located downstream of the areas A to C in the transport direction. The images ABC are printed in the areas D to F, respectively. Note that a mark is printed in the region E during the first printing operation.
After the first printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of the three printed materials (transport operation). If the medium is conveyed until the sensor detects the mark printed in the area E during the first printing operation, the conveying operation corresponding to the length of the three printed materials has been performed. Become. By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to areas A to C, and a white image printed in areas A to C during the first printing operation is transported to areas D to F. Is done. This transport operation also serves as a standby operation for drying the white image. In the present embodiment, the medium located on the printing area is heated by the hot platen 41. As a result, drying of the white images printed in the areas A to C in the first printing operation is promoted.

Also in the second printing operation, similarly to the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints a white image in each of the areas A to C, and prints an image ABC in each of the areas D to F. However, in the second printing operation, regions D to F include white images printed by the first printing operation. For this reason, three printed materials are completed in the region D to the region F by the second printing operation.
After the second printing operation, the same conveyance operation and printing operation are alternately repeated to print the printed material on the medium at equal intervals. In the second and subsequent printing operations, white images are printed in the areas A to C, and three printed materials are completed in the areas D to F. In the second and subsequent transport operations, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to regions A to C, and white images printed in regions A to C during the previous printing operation are regions D to It is conveyed to area F. In addition, during the transport operation (and standby operation), the hot platen 41 accelerates the drying of the white images printed in the areas A to C in the immediately preceding printing operation.
In the second embodiment, three printed products are completed for each printing operation.

<Printing Time 1 (Comparison with First Embodiment)>
Hereinafter, a comparison between the printing time according to the printing process of the second embodiment and the printing time according to the printing process of the first embodiment will be described. In the following description, the standby time in the first embodiment is T and the transport time is H. Further, the standby time in the second embodiment is T ′, and the transport time is H ′. In addition, the conveyance speed is assumed to be constant.

As can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 8, the transport amount of the transport operation of the second embodiment is half of the transport amount of the transport operation of the first embodiment. Since the conveyance speed is constant, the relationship between the conveyance time H and the conveyance time H ′ is H ′ = ½H.
The first embodiment and the second embodiment differ in the number of white images printed in one printing operation, but the drying time for each white image is the same. In other words, the waiting time (drying time) required from printing a white image to printing an image ABC is substantially the same in both the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the relationship between the standby time T and the standby time T ′ is T ′ = T.

  FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of processing times of the first and second embodiments when the standby time T is shorter than the transport time H (T <H) in the first embodiment. As described above, since T = T ′, the standby time T ′ is also shorter than the transport time H (T ′ <H). Further, the conveyance time H ′ is half of the conveyance time H (H ′ = ½H). Therefore, as shown in the drawing, the printing process of the second embodiment can print more printed matter in a shorter time than the printing process of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of processing times of the first embodiment and the second embodiment when the standby time T and the transport time H are the same (T = H) in the first embodiment. Since T = T ′, the standby time T, the transport time H, and the standby time T ′ are equal (T = T ′ = H), and the transport time H ′ is half of that. In this case, as shown in the figure, the printing process speed of the first embodiment and the printing process speed of the second embodiment are approximately the same.

  FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram of processing times of the first embodiment and the second embodiment when the standby time T is longer than the transport time H (T> H) in the first embodiment. As described above, since T = T ′, the standby time T ′ is also longer than the transport time H (T ′> H). Further, the conveyance time H ′ is half of the conveyance time H (H ′ = ½H). Therefore, as shown in the figure, the printing process of the first embodiment can print more printed matter in a shorter time than the printing process of the second embodiment.

  As described above, when the standby time T is shorter than the transport time H in the first embodiment (T <H), the printing process of the second embodiment is effective (the second embodiment is the first embodiment). Printing time can be reduced compared to the form). On the other hand, when the standby time T is longer than the transport time H (T> H) in the first embodiment, the printing process of the first embodiment is more effective (the first embodiment is more effective than the second embodiment). Can also reduce printing time).

<About printing time 2 (effect by using hot platen 41)>
Next, the effect of using the hot platen 41 in the printing process of the second embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A to 9C, the printing operation and the conveying operation are alternately repeated. Each transport operation also serves as a standby operation for drying the image printed in the previous printing operation. In other words, in the second embodiment, there is a period in which a transport operation for transporting a medium and a standby operation for drying a printed image are performed simultaneously between print operations. This makes it possible to shorten the printing time.

  However, in the second embodiment, if the standby time T ′ is longer than the transport time H ′, the next printing operation cannot be performed immediately after the transport operation. That is, in the case of the second embodiment, it is desirable that the standby time T ′ is shorter than the transport time H ′ (T ′ <H ′). When this condition is satisfied, the next printing operation can be performed immediately after the carrying operation, and the printing time can be minimized.

  Here, if the printing process of the second embodiment is performed using a normal platen, the image (white image) printed by the printing operation is naturally dried. Therefore, the waiting time T ′ becomes longer. In the second embodiment, the conveyance time H ′ is short (half the conveyance time H in the first embodiment). Thus, when using a normal platen, it is difficult to satisfy the above condition (T ′ <H ′). That is, there is a high possibility that the printing operation cannot be performed immediately after the carrying operation.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, the hot platen 41 is used to heat the medium on the print area. Thereby, drying of the image (white image) printed by the printing operation is promoted. Therefore, by using the hot platen 41, the above condition (T ′ <H ′) can be more easily satisfied than when the normal platen is used. Even if T ′ <H ′ cannot be satisfied, the waiting time T ′ can be shortened compared to the case of using a normal platen. As described above, also in the printing process according to the second embodiment in which the printing operation and the conveyance operation (and the standby operation) are alternately repeated, the use of the hot platen 41 can shorten the printing time.

<Others (Comparison with the first embodiment)>
The conveyance amount of the conveyance operation of the second embodiment is half of the conveyance amount of the conveyance operation of the first embodiment. For this reason, in the first embodiment, the downstream fixing mechanism 42 (see FIG. 2) needs to heat the medium in a range corresponding to the print region (region of six printed materials), but in the second embodiment, the downstream fixing is performed. The mechanism 42 only needs to be able to heat the medium in a range corresponding to three regions (for example, region A to region C), so that power saving can be achieved.
Also, in the first embodiment, two types of image data are required, whereas in the second embodiment, only one type of image data is required. That is, the capacity for storing the image data to be printed in the print area can be reduced.

=== Third Embodiment ===
<Printed matter of the third embodiment>
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a printed matter according to the third embodiment. Compared with the printed matter of the first embodiment, the order of the white image and the image ABC is different. Along with this, the image ABC is a mirror image.
The medium is composed of a sealing member, one of which is a printing surface and the other of which is an adhesive surface, and a peeling member that covers the adhesive surface of the sealing member. The seal member is made of a transparent film. However, the sealing member does not need to be transparent and may be a translucent member. Further, the medium may not be a sticker sheet, and may be a transparent film having no adhesive surface.

This printed matter is obtained by printing two images on a medium in an overlapping manner. The first image printed on the medium is a mirror image of the characters “ABC” (hereinafter “mirror image ABC”). The image printed on the mirror image ABC is a white image. In other words, this printed matter is obtained by overlapping the first layer of the mirror image ABC and the second layer of the white image.
In addition, if the peeling member of this printed matter is removed and the adhesive surface of the seal member is pasted on the window from the indoor side, for example, the letters “ABC” can be seen from the outdoor side through the seal member (opposite to the printed surface of the seal member). You can see the letters “ABC” from the side). When the printed material is used in this way, the sealing member may be a transparent or translucent member, and the first layer image may be a mirror image.

<Printing Method of Third Embodiment>
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image data includes three mirror images ABC for printing in the areas A to C, and three white images for printing in the areas D to F. The image data also has a mark for printing in the area E.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a printing method according to the third embodiment. As will be described below, in the third embodiment, the printer performs a printing operation based on the image data in FIG. 11 (printing printing a mirror image ABC in each of regions A to C and printing a white image in each of regions D to F). Operation) and a conveying operation corresponding to the length of three printed materials are repeated.

First, at the time of the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in each of the areas A to C while moving the head 31 in the moving direction, and is further downstream in the transport direction than the areas A to C. White images are printed in areas D to F, respectively. Note that a mark is printed in the region E during the first printing operation.
After the first printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of the three printed materials (transport operation). If the medium is conveyed until the sensor detects the mark printed in the area E during the first printing operation, the conveying operation corresponding to the length of the three printed materials has been performed. Become. By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the areas A to C, and the mirror image ABC printed in the areas A to C during the first printing operation is transported to the areas D to F. Is done. This conveyance operation also serves as a standby operation for drying the mirror image ABC. In the present embodiment, the medium located on the printing area is heated by the hot platen 41. Accordingly, drying of the mirror image ABC printed in the areas A to C in the first printing operation is promoted.

Also in the second printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in each of the areas A to C and the white image in each of the areas D to F, as in the first printing operation. However, in the second printing operation, there are mirror images ABC printed in the first printing operation in the regions D to F. For this reason, three printed materials are completed in the region D to the region F by the second printing operation.
After the second printing operation, the same conveyance operation and printing operation are alternately repeated to print the printed material on the medium at equal intervals. In the second and subsequent printing operations, the mirror image ABC is printed in the areas A to C, and three printed products are completed in the areas D to F. In the second and subsequent transport operations, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the areas A to C, and the mirror image ABC printed in the areas A to C during the previous printing operation is the areas D to D. It is conveyed to area F. In addition, during the transport operation (and standby operation), the hot platen 41 accelerates the drying of the mirror image ABC printed in the areas A to C in the immediately preceding printing operation.

In the third embodiment, three printed products are completed for each printing operation. In the third embodiment, another printed material can be printed while obtaining the same effect as that of the second embodiment.
Note that the standby operation performed in conjunction with the transport operation in the printing process of the third embodiment is for drying the first layer image (the image printed in the region A to the region C). Here, comparing the images of the first layer of the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the first layer was a white image in the second embodiment, whereas the first layer was a mirror image in the third embodiment. ABC. In this case, generally, the mirror image ABC is easier to dry than the white image which is a so-called solid image. Therefore, in the third embodiment, there is a high possibility that the standby time can be shortened compared to the second embodiment.

=== Fourth Embodiment ===
<Printed matter of 4th Embodiment>
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a printed matter according to the fourth embodiment. Compared with the printed matter of the first embodiment, the image below the image ABC is not a white image but a different image.
The medium is composed of a sealing member, one of which is a printing surface and the other of which is an adhesive surface, and a peeling member that covers the adhesive surface of the sealing member. The seal member is made of a transparent film. However, the sealing member does not need to be transparent, and may be a translucent member or an opaque member. Further, the medium may not be a sticker sheet, may be a transparent film without an adhesive surface, or may be paper.
This printed matter is obtained by printing two images on a medium in an overlapping manner. The first image printed on the medium is a rectangular image formed by applying a fixing agent (hereinafter referred to as “background image”). An image printed on the base image is an image ABC. In other words, the printed matter is obtained by forming a first layer of the base image and a second layer of the image ABC on the medium.
The fixing agent has a function of promoting ink absorption. By printing the base image on the medium with such a fixing agent, it becomes easy to print the image (here, the image ABC) on the medium that hardly absorbs ink. A fixing agent having another function may be used.

<Printing Method of Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image data includes three background images for printing in the areas A to C, and three images ABC for printing in the areas D to F. The image data also has a mark for printing in the area E.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a printing method according to the fourth embodiment. As described below, in the fourth embodiment, the printer performs a printing operation based on the image data in FIG. 14 (printing a background image in each of regions A to C and printing an image ABC in each of regions D to F). Operation) and a conveying operation corresponding to the length of three printed materials are repeated.
FIG. 15 shows that the printing method of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment (FIG. 8) and the third embodiment (FIG. 12). Therefore, the description about the printing method is omitted. Also in the fourth embodiment, three printed products are completed for each printing operation. In the fourth embodiment, another printed matter can be printed while obtaining the same effect as that of the second embodiment.

=== Fifth Embodiment ===
<Printed matter of 5th Embodiment>
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a printed matter according to the fifth embodiment. Compared with the printed matter of the above-described embodiment, the number of images (number of layers) printed on the medium and the type of image are different.
The medium is composed of a sealing member, one of which is a printing surface and the other of which is an adhesive surface, and a peeling member that covers the adhesive surface of the sealing member. The seal member is made of a transparent film. However, the sealing member does not need to be transparent, and may be a translucent member or an opaque member. Further, the medium may not be a sticker sheet, may be a transparent film without an adhesive surface, or may be paper.
This printed matter is obtained by printing three images on a medium in a superimposed manner. The first image printed on the medium is a white image. An image printed on the white image is an image ABC. The image printed on the image ABC is a rectangular image formed by applying a coating agent (hereinafter, “coating image”). In other words, the printed material is obtained by forming a first layer of a white image, a second layer of an image ABC, and a third layer of a coating image on the medium.
A coating agent has the effect | action which improves glossiness, the effect | action which improves water resistance, etc. That is, by forming such a coating agent as the third layer, it is possible to improve the glossiness of the white image or the image ABC, or to improve the water resistance of the printed matter. In addition, you may use the coating agent with another effect | action.

<Printing Method of Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the fifth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image data is printed in two white images for printing in areas A and B, two images ABC for printing in areas C and D, and in areas E and F. And two coating images. The image data also has a mark for printing in the area F.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a printing method according to the fifth embodiment. As will be described below, in the fifth embodiment, the printer repeats the printing operation based on the image data of FIG. 17 and the conveying operation of the conveying amount corresponding to the length of two printed materials.

First, in the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints a white image in each of the areas A and B while moving the head 31 in the moving direction, and is further downstream in the transport direction than the areas A and B. An image ABC is printed in each of the regions C and D, and a coating image is printed in each of the regions E and F downstream of the regions C and D in the transport direction. In the first printing operation, a mark is printed in the area F.
After the first printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of the two printed materials (transport operation). If the medium is transported until the sensor detects the mark printed in the area F during the first printing operation, the transport operation corresponding to the length of the two printed materials has been performed. Become. By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to areas A and B, and white images printed in areas A and B during the first printing operation are transported to areas C and D. Then, the image ABC printed in the region C and the region D in the first printing operation is conveyed to the region E and the region F. This conveying operation also serves as a standby operation for drying the white image and the image ABC. In the present embodiment, the medium located on the printing area is heated by the hot platen 41. As a result, drying of the white image and the image ABC is promoted.

Also in the second printing operation, similarly to the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints a white image in each of the areas A and B, and prints an image ABC in each of the areas C and D, and the areas E and A coating image is printed in each region F. However, in the second printing operation, the region C and the region D have a white image printed by the first printing operation, and the region E and the region F have an image ABC printed by the first printing operation. . Therefore, in the second printing operation, the image ABC is printed on the white image in the regions C and D, and the coating image is printed on the image ABC in the regions E and F.
After the second printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of the two printed materials (transport operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to region A and region B, and a white image printed in region A and region B during the second printing operation is transported to region C and region D. In the second printing operation, the image ABC printed on the white image in the region C and the region D is conveyed to the region E and the region F. This conveying operation also serves as a standby operation for drying the white image and the image ABC. In the present embodiment, the medium located on the printing area is heated by the hot platen 41. As a result, drying of the white image and the image ABC is promoted.

In the third printing operation, similarly to the first and second printing operations, the printer 1 prints a white image in each of the areas A and B, and prints an image ABC in each of the areas C and D. A coating image is printed in each of region E and region F. However, in the third printing operation, the area C and the area D have a white image, and the area E and the area F have an image ABC printed on the white image. Therefore, in the third printing operation, the image ABC is printed on the white image in the regions C and D, and two printed materials are completed in the regions E and F.
After the third printing operation, the same conveyance operation and printing operation are alternately repeated to print a printed matter on the medium at equal intervals. In the third and subsequent printing operations, a white image is printed in areas A and B, an image ABC is printed on the white image in areas C and D, and two prints are completed in areas E and F. To do. In the third and subsequent transport operations, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to region A and region B, and white images printed in region A and region B during the previous printing operation are region C and region B. The image ABC that has been transported to the region D and printed on the white image in the regions C and D during the previous printing operation is transported to the regions E and F. In the fifth embodiment, two printed products are completed for each printing operation.

<About printing time>
In the fifth embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the printing operation and the transport operation (also serving as a standby operation) are alternately repeated. As described above, when the image is printed by alternately repeating the printing operation and the conveyance operation (and the standby operation), the standby time between the printing operations is shorter than the conveyance time as described in the second embodiment. Is desirable.
Here, the printing process according to the fifth embodiment is compared with the printing process according to the second embodiment. It is assumed that the white image is more difficult to dry than the image ABC. That is, the standby time in the fifth embodiment is a time required for drying the white image, and this is equal to the standby time in the second embodiment.

Further, the carry amount (corresponding to two printed materials) of the fifth embodiment is shorter than the carry amount (corresponding to three printed products) of the second embodiment. That is, the conveyance time of the fifth embodiment is shorter than the conveyance time of the second embodiment.
Thus, when the printing process of the fifth embodiment and the printing process of the second embodiment are compared, the transport time is the second embodiment in the fifth embodiment even though the waiting time is required to be the same. Shorter than form. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, it is more difficult to make the standby time shorter than the transport time than in the second embodiment.
Here, if the printing process of the fifth embodiment is performed using a normal platen, the image (white image) printed by the printing operation is naturally dried, so that the standby time becomes long.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, drying of the image (white image) printed by the printing operation is promoted by heating the medium on the printing region using the hot platen 41. Thereby, the standby time can be shortened compared with the case of using a normal platen. Therefore, even when three images are overlaid as in the fifth embodiment, by using the hot platen 41, the waiting time between the printing operations can be shortened, and the printing time can be shortened. be able to.

  Similarly, in the case where four or more images are overlapped and printed by alternately performing a printing operation and a conveying operation based on image data having four or more images, the hot platen 41 similarly prints the print area. The printing time can be shortened by promoting the drying of the image.

=== Sixth Embodiment ===
You may make it print each image (for example, image ABC) of embodiment mentioned above using UV light source 43 (equivalent to a fixing part) which irradiates UV ink and UV light which harden | cure with UV light. In FIG. 2, when the carriage 21 moves in the movement direction during the printing operation, the head 31 and the UV light source 43 also move in the movement direction. The UV light source 43 irradiates the medium with UV light during this movement.
The UV ink discharged from the head 31 is irradiated with the UV light from the UV light source 43 after landing on the medium. Thereby, the UV ink is cured and fixed to the medium in a short time.
As described above, by performing printing using the UV ink and the UV light source 43, the image printed on the medium can be fixed on the medium in a short time. Thereby, the standby time can be further shortened, and the printing time can be shortened.

  Note that UV curing of the UV ink is started by irradiating the UV ink on the medium with the UV light source 43. However, since the curing (fixing) proceeds after a predetermined time, a fixing time is secured after the UV irradiation. It may be desirable. In that case, a predetermined waiting time may be provided after the carriage operation for the printing operation and the UV irradiation is completed. Alternatively, UV irradiation may be further performed during this waiting time in order to further accelerate UV curing. For example, carriage movement for performing UV irradiation without printing may be further performed. Even in these cases, the standby time may be short.

  In the present embodiment, the UV light source 43 is moved in the moving direction during the printing operation. However, the UV irradiation may be performed after the printing operation without performing the UV irradiation during the printing operation. For example, after the printing operation, scanning for moving the UV light source 43 in the moving direction for UV irradiation may be performed. In this case, the time required for UV irradiation after printing is the standby time. That is, the time provided for fixing the UV ink after printing is the standby time. Also in this case, the printed image can be fixed on the medium in a short time by UV curing.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The above-described embodiment is mainly described for a printer. Among them, a printing apparatus, a recording apparatus, a liquid ejection apparatus, a printing method, a recording method, a liquid ejection method, a printing system, a recording system, and a computer system are included. Needless to say, the disclosure includes a program, a storage medium storing the program, a method for producing a printed material, and the like.
Moreover, although the printer etc. as one embodiment were demonstrated, said embodiment is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and is not for limiting and interpreting this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

<About printing devices>
In the above-described embodiment, the image data is stored in the memory 63 of the printer 1. However, the memory for storing the image data may not be the memory 63 of the printer 1. For example, the image data may be stored in a memory (not shown) of the external computer 110.

<About the printer>
In the printer 1 described above, it is possible to perform a single printing operation for printing the entire surface of the printing area by moving the carriage once in the transport direction. However, the printer is not limited to such a printer. For example, a single printing operation for printing the entire surface of the printing area may be performed by moving the carriage a plurality of times in the transport direction. Alternatively, the printer may be a printer that performs a one-time printing operation of printing the print area by moving the carriage two-dimensionally over the print area. With such a printer, although the printing operation takes longer time than the above-described printer, for example, the size of the head can be reduced.

<About images>
In the above-described embodiment, the image ABC, the mirror image ABC, and the like are printed. However, the image to be printed is not limited to a character image, and may be a graphic or the like.
In the above-described embodiment, a white image is printed as a background image for making the image ABC or the like easier to see. However, the background image is not limited to a white image (white), and may be an image of another color. When the image ABC is printed on a transparent medium, the image ABC is particularly easy to see due to the presence of the background image, and the image ABC is further easy to see by forming the background thick.
In the above-described embodiment, the undercoat image such as the background image, the background image, the coating image, or the like is a rectangle, but is not limited to a rectangle. For example, such an undercoat image may have a shape similar to ABC or a shape that borders ABC in accordance with the image ABC.
In the above-described embodiment, the base image and the coating image are formed to perform processing for improving the ink absorbency, glossiness, and water resistance, but the processing image for processing is the above-described base image. It is not limited to images and coating images. For example, the processing image may be an adhesive layer image for forming an adhesive layer, or a concealing layer for forming a concealing layer for a scratch card (a card that appears when a silver concealing layer is shaved with a coin). It may be an image.

<About printed matter>
As an example of use of a printed material on which a mirror image ABC is printed, the application to a window or the like has been described. However, the method of using the printed material is not limited to this. For example, it can be used as a tag. Assuming that the printed material is used like a tag, it will be understood that the medium does not have to have an adhesive surface like a sticker sheet.

<About the downstream fixing mechanism>
In the above-described embodiment, the heating range of the downstream fixing mechanism 42 can be switched by the controller 60. However, for example, when two printed products are completed by one printing operation, a downstream fixing mechanism 42 having a small heating range from the beginning (for example, a downstream fixing mechanism 42 having a heating range corresponding to two regions) is prepared. May be. Thereby, space saving and cost reduction can be achieved.

1 is a block diagram of an overall configuration of a printer 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a printer 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the printing area vicinity. It is explanatory drawing of the printed matter of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of image data for an odd-numbered printing operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of image data for an even-numbered printing operation according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of processing times of the first embodiment and the second embodiment when the standby time is shorter than the transport time in the first embodiment. FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of processing times of the first embodiment and the second embodiment when the standby time conveyance time is the same in the first embodiment. FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram of processing times of the first embodiment and the second embodiment when the standby time is longer than the transport time in the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printed matter of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printed matter of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printed matter of 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 5th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 printer, 10 transport unit, 11 supply mechanism,
12A-12F Conveyance roller, 13 Winding mechanism,
20 Carriage unit, 21 Carriage, 22 Guide,
30 head units, 31 heads,
40 heater unit, 41 hot platen, 42 downstream fixing mechanism, 43 UV light source 50 detector group, 51 mark detection sensor,
60 controller, 61 interface unit, 62 CPU,
63 memory, 64 unit control circuit,
110 computers

Claims (5)

  A printed matter manufacturing method for printing a printed matter on a medium by discharging liquid from a head,
  An image having a first image for printing in a first area of the print area and having a second image for printing in a second area downstream of the first area of the print area in the transport direction. Based on the data, the first image is printed on the medium located in the first area while moving the head along the transport direction, and the second image is printed on the medium located in the second area. A printing step for printing;
  A conveying step of conveying the first image printed in the first area to the second area by the printing step;
  A fixing step of fixing the first image printed in the first area in the printing step and the second image printed in the second area to the medium;
A printed material manufacturing method comprising: manufacturing a printed material on which the first image and the second image are superimposed and printed on the medium by alternately performing the printing step and the conveying step.   It is a printed matter manufacturing method according to claim 1,
  The fixing unit used in the fixing step includes a hot platen that heats the medium while supporting the medium in the printing region, and a UV light source that irradiates the medium with ultraviolet rays while moving along the transport direction, In the fixing step, the first image and the second image are fixed by the hot platen and the UV light source.
A printed matter manufacturing method characterized by the above. It is a printed matter manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2,
There is a period in which the fixing step and the conveying step are performed simultaneously.
A printed matter manufacturing method characterized by the above. It is a printed matter manufacturing method according to claim 3,
The method for producing a printed material, wherein a time for drying the first image by the fixing step is shorter than a time for transporting the first image from the first region to the second region by the transporting step. A head that prints an image on a medium located in a print area while moving along the transport direction ;
A fixing unit for fixing the printed image;
A transport roller for transporting the medium in the transport direction;
An image having a first image for printing in a first area of the print area and having a second image for printing in a second area downstream of the first area of the print area in the transport direction. Based on the data, the first image is printed on the medium located in the first area while moving the head along the transport direction, and the second image is printed on the medium located in the second area. Causing the head to perform a printing operation for printing,
Causing the transport roller to perform a transport operation for transporting the first image printed in the first region to the second region by the printing operation;
A controller for causing the fixing unit to perform a fixing operation for fixing the first image printed in the first area in the printing operation and the second image printed in the second area to the medium ;
And a printed material produced by superimposing the first image and the second image on the medium.

Images