JP7388984B2 - printing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique has been known in which a printing apparatus forms a plurality of printed layers on a printing medium by stacking them on each other. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an instruction device that rearranges multiple versions of print data (units of print images) to create multiple layers (units of processing), and a printer that executes printing according to instructions from the instruction device. Disclosed. According to Patent Document 1, the user decides the order of execution of the plates and the execution conditions, and in some cases, instead of performing multiple start operations, the instruction device automatically creates layers, which reduces the complexity of settings. It is said that it is possible to reduce the

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-159470

For example, even if the instruction device and printer disclosed in Patent Document 1 make it easier to set up settings for printing multiple print layers one on top of the other, the quality of each print layer may not necessarily be the desired quality. do not have. For example, when printing on a transparent printing material, a problem may occur where the density of the base layer is so low that the base layer becomes transparent. Alternatively, there may be cases where it is desired to achieve even higher quality with respect to a particular printing layer, for example, where it is desired to impart even more gloss to the top coat layer. However, in conventional printing apparatuses, printing conditions are set for each job, and it is difficult to meet all requests regarding multiple printing layers.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing device that can form a plurality of printed layers and easily adjusts the quality of each printed layer to a desired quality. .

The printing apparatus disclosed herein includes a printing unit that forms a printing layer on a substrate using multiple types of ink including process color ink and special color ink, and a control device that controls the printing unit. The control device includes a printing layer setting section, an image setting section, and a printing condition setting section. The printed layer setting section is configured to be able to set the number of printed layers to be formed. The image setting section is configured to be able to set the image formed in each printing layer and the type of ink used. The printing condition setting section is configured to be able to set printing conditions for each printing layer.

According to the above-mentioned printing apparatus, since the printing conditions for each printing layer can be set individually, it is easier to set the quality of each printing layer to a desired quality than before.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the printer with the front cover open. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the lower surface of the carriage. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a printer. This is an image of the standard set selection screen. This is an image of the settings screen when the standard set of primer, base, image, and top coat is selected. This is an image of the settings screen after customizing the standard set. It is an image of a setting screen according to a first modification. FIG. 7 is an image of a setting screen according to a second modification example, showing a state in which a layer that only hardens ink dots is set.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described here are, of course, not intended to particularly limit the present invention. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to members and parts that have the same function, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an inkjet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) 10 according to an embodiment. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, when the printer 10 is viewed from the front, the direction away from the printer 10 will be referred to as the front, and the direction closer to the printer 10 will be referred to as the rear. Left, right, top, and bottom mean the left, right, top, and bottom, respectively, when the printer 10 is viewed from the front. Further, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings mean front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom, respectively. The symbol Y in the drawing indicates the main scanning direction. The main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction. The symbol X indicates the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction X is the front-back direction. The symbol Z indicates the vertical direction. The main scanning direction Y, the sub-scanning direction X, and the vertical direction Z are orthogonal to each other. However, the above-mentioned direction is merely a direction determined for convenience of explanation, and does not limit the installation mode of the printer 10 in any way, nor does it limit the present invention in any way.

In this embodiment, the printer 10 is an inkjet printer. In this embodiment, the "inkjet method" refers to various conventionally known methods including various continuous methods such as a binary deflection method or continuous deflection method, and various on-demand methods such as a thermal method or a piezoelectric element method. This refers to the inkjet type. However, the printer 10 is not limited to an inkjet printer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 is formed into a box shape. In this embodiment, the printer 10 includes a case 11 and a front cover 12. FIG. 2 is a front view of the printer 10 with the front cover 12 open. As shown in FIG. 2, an opening is formed in the front part of the case 11. The front cover 12 is provided so that the opening of the case 11 can be opened and closed. Here, the front cover 12 is supported by the case 11 so as to be rotatable about its rear end. The front cover 12 is provided with a window portion 12a. The window portion 12a is formed of, for example, a transparent acrylic plate. The user can visually check the interior space of the case 11 through the window 12a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the internal space of the printer 10 includes a flat bed 20, a bed moving device 25, a carriage 30, a carriage moving device 35, an inkjet head 40, a light irradiation device 50, and a control device 100. (See FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the printing unit U1 (see FIG. 4) that forms a printing layer on the printing material 5 includes a flat bed 20, a bed moving device 25, a carriage 30, a carriage moving device 35, an inkjet head 40, and a light irradiation device 50. Contains. The printing unit U1 forms a printing layer on the printing material 5 using a plurality of types of inks including process color inks and special color inks. Control device 100 controls printing unit U1.

The flatbed 20 is a support base that supports the printing material 5. The printer 10 according to this embodiment is a so-called flatbed type printer. The flat bed 20 is a flat member. The flatbed 20 extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. A printing medium 5 is placed on the top surface of the flatbed 20 . The shape of the printing material 5 is not particularly limited, and may have various three-dimensional shapes in addition to a flat shape. Further, the material of the printing material 5 is not particularly limited, and the printing material 5 may be, for example, resin, wood, metal, glass, paper, cloth, or the like. The flat bed 20 is arranged approximately at the center of the main scanning direction Y in the internal space of the case 11.

A bed moving device 25 is arranged below the flat bed 20. The bed moving device 25 moves the flat bed 20 in the sub-scanning direction X and the vertical direction Z. The flat bed 20 is supported from below by a bed moving device 25. The bed moving device 25 includes a sub-scanning direction moving mechanism 25X and a vertical direction moving mechanism 25Z. The vertical movement mechanism 25Z supports the flat bed 20 and moves it in the vertical direction Z. The vertical movement mechanism 25Z is supported from below by the sub-scanning direction movement mechanism 25X. The sub-scanning direction movement mechanism 25X supports the vertical movement mechanism 25Z and moves it in the sub-scanning direction X. However, the configuration of the bed moving device 25 is not limited. For example, the vertical positional relationship between the sub-scanning direction moving mechanism 25X and the vertical direction moving mechanism 25Z may be reversed.

The carriage 30 is equipped with an inkjet head 40 and a light irradiation device 50. The carriage 30 is arranged above the flat bed 20. The carriage 30 is provided to face the flat bed 20. The carriage 30 is moved in the main scanning direction Y by a carriage moving device 35. The carriage moving device 35 includes a guide rail 36, a belt 37, left and right pulleys (not shown), and a carriage motor 38 (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 2, the guide rail 36 extends in the main scanning direction Y. The carriage 30 is slidably engaged with a guide rail 36. An endless belt 37 is fixed to the carriage 30. The belt 37 is wound around pulleys (not shown) provided on the right and left sides of the guide rail 36. A carriage motor 38 is attached to one pulley. When the carriage motor 38 is driven, the pulley rotates and the belt 37 runs. Thereby, the carriage 30 moves in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 36.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the bottom surface of the carriage 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the inkjet head 40 is provided on the lower surface of the carriage 30. The inkjet head 40 faces the flatbed 20. The inkjet head 40 forms ink dots of a plurality of types of ink, including process color inks and special color inks, on the printing material 5. The inkjet head 40 includes a first head 41, a second head 42, a third head 43, and a fourth head 44. The first head 41 , the second head 42 , the third head 43 , and the fourth head 44 are each configured to eject ink toward the flatbed 20 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the first head 41 to the fourth head 44 all extend in the sub-scanning direction X. The first head 41 to the fourth head 44 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. Note that although the number of heads included in the inkjet head 40 is four here, the number of heads is not limited. Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of heads 41 to 44 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y, but the position of some heads in the sub-scanning direction X is shifted from the position of other heads in the sub-scanning direction X. Alternatively, they may be arranged in a so-called staggered arrangement.

The first head 41 to the fourth head 44 each include a plurality of nozzles NZ arranged in the sub-scanning direction X. The nozzle NZ is a fine hole through which ink is ejected. Each nozzle NZ communicates with a pressure chamber in which ink is stored. The ink is ejected from the nozzle NZ when the pressure chamber is expanded/contracted by driving an actuator such as a piezoelectric element. The first head 41 to the fourth head 44 of the inkjet head 40 each include a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles NZ are arranged in line in the sub-scanning direction X. In the first head 41, the plurality of nozzles NZ form two nozzle rows 41C and 41M. The nozzle rows 41C and 41M both extend in the sub-scanning direction X. The nozzle rows 41C and 41M are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. In the second head 42, the plurality of nozzles NZ form two nozzle rows 42Y and 42K that extend in the sub-scanning direction X and are arranged side by side in the main-scanning direction Y. In the third head 43, the plurality of nozzles NZ form two nozzle rows 43W and 43P that extend in the sub-scanning direction X and are arranged side by side in the main-scanning direction Y. In the fourth head 44, the plurality of nozzles NZ form two nozzle rows 44G1 and 44G2 that extend in the sub-scanning direction X and are arranged side by side in the main-scanning direction Y.

Here, the number of nozzle rows in each of the plurality of heads 41 to 44 is two rows, but it may be one row or three or more rows. In addition, in FIG. 3, the number of nozzles NZ forming one nozzle row is shown as 10, but in reality, they are formed in a larger number and at a higher density (for example, 360 nozzles per inch = 360 dpi). There is. The number and density of nozzles NZ forming one nozzle row are not limited.

An ink cartridge 45 is connected to each of the plurality of nozzle rows 41C to 44G2 by an ink tube (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridge 45 is housed in an ink cartridge housing section 46. Different ink cartridges 45 are connected to the nozzles NZ of the plurality of nozzle rows 41C to 44G2, respectively. In this embodiment, an ink cartridge 45 that stores cyan ink is connected to the nozzle NZ of the nozzle row 41C. An ink cartridge 45 that stores magenta ink is connected to the nozzle NZ of the nozzle row 41M. An ink cartridge 45 that stores yellow ink is connected to the nozzle NZ of the nozzle row 42Y. An ink cartridge 45 that stores black ink is connected to the nozzle NZ of the nozzle row 42K. Cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink (CMYK) are examples of process color inks. However, process color inks are not limited to CMYK. For example, a light color ink such as light cyan may be used as the process color ink.

Similarly, an ink cartridge 45 that stores white ink is connected to the nozzle NZ of the nozzle row 43W. An ink cartridge 45 that stores primer ink is connected to the nozzle NZ of the nozzle row 43P. The primer ink is an undercoating ink for improving the adhesion between the printing material 5 and the ink. An ink cartridge 45 that stores gross ink is connected to the nozzle NZ of the nozzle row 44G1. Gloss ink is a transparent ink. Another ink cartridge 45 that stores gross ink is connected to the nozzle NZ of the nozzle row 44G2. White ink, primer ink, and gloss ink are examples of spot color inks. However, the special color ink is not limited to the above ink. For example, metallic ink may be used as the special color ink.

Special color ink is ink for imparting special visual effects or design effects to printed images. White ink is used, for example, to form a white base layer on a transparent printing material or a colored printing material other than white. Gloss ink is used, for example, as a top coat that covers a main image (for example, an object to be displayed such as text, graphics, or photographs). Gloss inks may also be used, for example, to form three-dimensional texture patterns. For example, when a texture pattern is formed using gloss ink as a base layer, a visual effect can be obtained in which the color tone of the image is partially changed due to the texture pattern. Ink in the ink cartridges 45 connected to each of the nozzles NZ of the plurality of nozzle rows 41C to 44G2 is ejected. Each ink that lands on the printing material 5 forms an ink dot of each ink.

In this embodiment, the ink ejected from the inkjet head 40 is photocurable ink. The photocurable ink here is an ultraviolet curing ink that hardens when irradiated with ultraviolet light. The components, characteristics, etc. of the photocurable ink are not particularly limited.

The light irradiation device 50 is fixed to the carriage 30. Here, the light irradiation device 50 is provided to the left of the inkjet head 40. The light irradiation device 50 irradiates the printing material 5 on the flatbed 20 with light that cures the photocurable ink. As shown in FIG. 3, the light irradiation device 50 includes a light source 51 that generates light and an irradiation port 52 that irradiates the light from the light source 51 to the outside. The light source 51 is composed of, for example, a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation LEDs. The irradiation port 52 here is an opening provided with a cover that allows light to pass through. However, the irradiation port 52 may be a simple opening that is not covered with a cover or the like. The irradiation port 52 extends in the sub-scanning direction X.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 100 may include, for example, a computer built into the main body of the printer 10 and a computer connected to the main body of the printer 10. The computer built into the main body of the printer 10 and the computer connected to the main body of the printer 10 may be communicably connected. The control device 100 may include a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU), a ROM storing programs executed by the CPU, and a RAM. Each part of the control device 100 may be configured by software or hardware. Moreover, each part may be a processor or a circuit. The configuration of control device 100 is not particularly limited.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 100 according to this embodiment includes an image processing section 100A and a print control section 100B. The function of the image processing section 100A may be performed by, for example, a computer connected to the main body of the printer 10. In that case, the image processing unit 100A may be realized by application software installed on the computer. The image processing unit 100A creates and processes image data to be printed by the printer 10, and sends the created image data to the printer 10.

The function of the print control unit 100B may be performed by, for example, a computer built into the main body of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the print control section 100B is electrically connected to a printing unit U1 including a sub-scanning direction movement mechanism 25X, a vertical movement mechanism 25Z, a carriage motor 38, an inkjet head 40, and a light irradiation device 50. , prints the transmitted image on the printing medium 5 by controlling the operation of the printing unit U1. The control device 100 may include other control units, but their description and illustration are omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 4, the image processing section 100A includes a printing layer setting section 110, an image setting section 120, a printing condition setting section 130, a set registration section 140, and a set selection section 150. The print layer setting unit 110 is configured to be able to set the number of print layers to be formed. Here, the printing layer refers to a collection of ink dots corresponding to individual images included in image data. For example, the main image printing layer refers to a collection of ink dots corresponding to the main image. A collection of these ink dots may be formed by laminating a plurality of layers. Multiple layers can be realized by so-called multi-pass printing. The printer 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to form a plurality of printing layers on the printing material 5 in an overlapping manner. For example, in the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, a top coat printing layer can be formed by overlapping the main image printing layer.

The print layer setting unit 110 causes a display device of a computer connected to the main body of the printer 10 to display a setting screen for setting the number of print layers to be formed. The user operates the setting screen to set the number of printed layers to be formed. In this embodiment, the number of printed layers to be formed depends on the number of printed layers to be formed, the image formed in each printed layer, the type of ink used in each printed layer, and the printing conditions for each printed layer. It can be set by selecting one set from predetermined sets (described later). Note that the contents of the set can be changed. Processing units related to such a setting method will be explained after the set registration unit 140 and set selection unit 150 are explained.

The image setting section 120 is configured to be able to set the image formed in each printing layer and the type of ink used. According to the settings in the image setting unit 120, for example, a main image is assigned to one print layer, and process color ink (here, CMYK) is specified as the ink used in this print layer. Further, for example, a base image (for example, a solid image) is assigned to another printing layer, and white ink is specified as the ink used in this printing layer. In this manner, in this embodiment, images are classified in advance into main images, base images, top coat images, etc., and the images to be formed on each printing layer are selected from among them. Other examples of images are discussed in the process description. In this embodiment, the image formed in each printing layer and the ink used can also be set by selecting one set from predetermined sets. However, the image formed in each printing layer and the type of ink used may be freely set. Note that inappropriate settings (for example, settings that assign one of the special color inks to the printing layer of the main image) may be prohibited.

The printing condition setting unit 130 is configured to be able to set printing conditions for each printing layer. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing condition setting section 130 according to the present embodiment includes a first condition setting section 131, a second condition setting section 132, and a third condition setting section 133. The first condition setting unit 131 is configured to be able to set the resolution of ink dots in each printing layer. By changing the resolution of the ink dots, the density of the image changes. Specifically, increasing the resolution of the ink dots increases the density of the image, and decreasing the resolution of the ink dots decreases the density of the image.

The second condition setting unit 132 is configured to be able to set the size of ink dots in each printing layer. By changing the size of the ink dots, the density of the image changes. Specifically, increasing the size of the ink dots increases the density of the image, and decreasing the size of the ink dots decreases the density of the image. In this embodiment, the size of the ink dot can be selected from the smallest S dot, the next largest M dot, and the largest L dot. A method for controlling the size of ink dots will be described later.

The third condition setting unit 133 is configured to be able to set the intensity of light irradiated from the light irradiation device 50 in forming each printed layer. By changing the intensity of the light emitted from the light irradiation device 50, the gloss of the printed layer changes. Basically, if the intensity of the light irradiated from the light irradiation device 50 is increased, the gloss on the surface of the printing layer will decrease, and the surface of the printing layer will become so-called matte. This is because the ink hardens before it spreads and becomes smooth. Conversely, if the intensity of the light irradiated from the light irradiation device 50 is weakened, the surface gloss of the printed layer increases, resulting in a so-called glossy appearance. This is because the ink hardens after it spreads and becomes smooth. The third condition setting unit 133 is configured here to set a ratio (for example, %) to the maximum output of the light source 51.

The set registration unit 140 stores a plurality of predetermined numbers of print layers to be formed, images to be formed in each print layer, types of ink used in each print layer, and printing conditions for each print layer. The set is registered. For example, in one preferred set, the bottom printed layer contains the base image and white ink, the second printed layer contains the main image and process color inks (here CMYK), and the third printed layer contains the base image and white ink. A top coat image and gloss ink may be set. Printing conditions are set in advance for each printing layer. The contents of the set may be set appropriately and are not particularly limited. The set selection unit 150 is configured to be able to select one set from among the plurality of sets.

As shown in FIG. 4, the print layer setting section 110 is a first print layer setting section that sets the number of print layers to be the same as the number of print layers defined in the set selected by the set selection section 150. It is equipped with 111. The image setting section 120 sets the image to be formed in each printing layer to be the same as the image defined in the set selected by the set selection section 150, and also sets the image defined in the set selected by the set selection section 150. The first image setting section 121 is provided for setting the ink used in each printing layer so that the type of ink is the same as the type of ink specified for printing. As a result, a set is formed that is one of the sets registered in the set registration section 140 and that is selected by the user in the set selection section 150, the number of printing layers, the image of each printing layer, and the ink used for each printing layer. It is set as the printing layer to be printed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the printing condition setting section 130 includes a fourth condition setting section 134 that sets the printing conditions for each printing layer so that the printing conditions are the same as the printing conditions defined for the set selected by the set selection section 150. It is equipped with

In this embodiment, the contents of the above set can be changed by the user. As shown in FIG. 4, the print layer setting section 110 according to this embodiment includes a second print layer setting section 112. The image setting section 120 includes a second image setting section 122. The second print layer setting section 112 is configured to be able to delete part or all of the print layer set by the first print layer setting section 111 and to add a new print layer. The second image setting unit 122 changes the image and ink type of each print layer set by the first image setting unit 121, and changes the image and ink type of each print layer set by the first image setting unit 121. The image and ink type can be set. The printing condition setting section 130 changes the printing conditions for each printing layer set by the fourth condition setting section 134, and sets the printing conditions for a new printing layer added by the second printing layer setting section 112. It is configured so that it can be done.

Furthermore, the image processing unit 100A according to this embodiment is configured to be able to select the base color of the print layer to which the base image is assigned. In this embodiment, the base color of the plurality of sets registered in the set registration section 140 is set to white. As shown in FIG. 4, the image setting section 120 includes a third image setting section 123 configured to be able to change the background color. The third image setting section 123 is configured to be able to change the white ink to an ink containing process color ink when the ink used in the set selected by the set selection section 150 includes white ink. There is. Here, the selectable colors are CMYK single colors and a predetermined mixture of CMYK and special color inks. However, the selectable colors are not particularly limited.

Note that parameters that do not require setting due to the selection of the image formed on the print layer may be made unchangeable and may not be displayed on the setting screen. For example, if the ink used in the print layer to which the main image is assigned can only be process color ink, the ink type selection tool will not be displayed in the setting screen for that print layer. Good too.

As shown in FIG. 4, the print control section 100B includes a first print control section 160, a second print control section 170, and a third print control section 180. The first print control unit 160 of the print control unit 100B controls the resolution of ink dots formed by the inkjet head 40. Here, the first print control section 160 controls the printing unit U1 to achieve the same resolution as the resolution set by the first condition setting section 131 or the fourth condition setting section 134. Specifically, the first print control unit 160 controls the inkjet head 40 and the carriage moving device 35 to form ink dots at a resolution set in the main scanning direction Y. Regarding the sub-scanning direction X, the set resolution is achieved as follows. That is, when the nozzles NZ of the nozzle row are arranged at the first resolution (dpi), the approximate length of the nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction The printing material 5 is moved in the sub-scanning direction X by a distance of 1/N (N is a natural number). By repeating this, a resolution N times the first resolution is achieved.

The second print control unit 170 controls the size of ink dots formed by the inkjet head 40. Here, the second print control section 170 controls the inkjet head 40 to achieve the same ink dot size as the size set by the second condition setting section 132 or the fourth condition setting section 134. The size of the ink dot is controlled, for example, by controlling the timing of applying a drive signal to an actuator. For example, if the drive signal has a waveform that causes the actuator to form an S dot and a waveform that causes the actuator to form an M dot, if the drive signal is applied to the actuator at the timing when the waveform that causes the S dot to be formed, the S dot of ink droplets are ejected. When a drive signal is applied to the actuator at the timing when a waveform for forming M dots is generated, M dot ink droplets are ejected. L dot ink droplets are formed, for example, by applying a drive signal to an actuator at both the timing when a waveform for forming an S dot is generated and the timing when a waveform for forming an M dot is generated. Ru. However, various techniques for controlling the size of ink dots are known and are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the size of the ink dots is not limited to three types.

The third print control unit 180 controls the intensity of light emitted by the light irradiation device 50. The third printing control unit 180 controls the intensity of light emitted by the light irradiation device 50, for example, by controlling the value of the current flowing through the light source 51. However, various techniques for controlling the intensity of light are known and are not particularly limited.

An example of a printing layer and printing condition setting process will be described below. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which a primer layer, a base layer, an image layer (referring to the main image layer, the same applies hereinafter), and a top coat layer are formed on a transparent acrylic plate. Note that the image of the setting screen presented below is merely an example, and does not limit the form of the setting screen.

FIG. 5 is an image of the standard set selection screen. As shown in FIG. 5, the selection screen illustrated here is configured so that one standard set can be selected from a pull-down menu listing a plurality of predetermined standard sets. Examples of the standard set include a standard set of "image-top coat," a standard set of "base-image-top coat," and a standard set of "primer-base-image-top coat." Note that there is no limit to what kind of standard set is prepared. Further, the name of the standard set is not particularly limited.

The case where the standard set of "primer - base - image - top coat" is selected from the above pull-down menu will be described below. FIG. 6 is an image of the setting screen when the standard set of primer, base, image, and top coat (hereinafter referred to as the resin plate standard set) is selected. As shown in FIG. 6, in the standard set of resin plates, a primer layer is set on the first printing layer, which is the lowest layer. A base layer is set on the second printed layer directly above the first printed layer. An image layer is set on the third print layer directly above the second print layer. A top coat layer is set in the fourth printing layer, which is the printing layer directly above the third printing layer and is the uppermost layer.

In each standard set, the image formed by each printing layer is also set. In the resin plate standard set, as shown in FIG. 6, a solid image is preset as the image formed by the first printing layer. A solid image is also set as the base image formed in the second printing layer. A main image is set as the image formed in the third printing layer. A solid image is set as the top coat image formed by the fourth printing layer. The setting screen in FIG. 6 is configured so that the user can register the main image to be formed on the third print layer. Here, the main image is created in advance outside the application using image drawing software or the like.

Furthermore, each standard set also sets the type of ink used in each printing layer. In the resin plate standard set, as shown in FIG. 6, primer ink is preset as the ink used in the first printing layer. White ink is set as the ink used in the second printing layer. Process color ink is set as the ink used in the third printing layer. Gloss ink is set as the ink used in the fourth printing layer.

In each standard set according to the present embodiment, printing conditions for each printing layer are also set in advance. As will be described in detail later, predetermined printing conditions can be adjusted by the user. In this embodiment, print resolution, ink dot size, and intensity of light emitted by the light irradiation device 50 are registered as adjustable print conditions. Regarding the image layer, the image quality can be adjusted. However, the printer 10 may be configured to be able to adjust other printing conditions, or may be configured such that some of the above printing conditions cannot be adjusted. There are no limitations on what printing conditions can be adjusted.

In the resin plate standard set illustrated here, the printing resolutions of the first to fourth printing layers are all set to "standard". The print resolution "standard" corresponds to a predetermined print resolution (for example, 720 dpi). Further, in the resin plate standard set illustrated here, the ink dot size of the first printed layer, second printed layer, and fourth printed layer is set to "M". The ink dot size "M" indicates that M ink dots are formed. The third printing layer ink dot size is set to "automatic". The ink dot size "automatic" indicates that the composition ratios of S dots, M dots, and L dots are automatically set according to the ink value. Furthermore, in the resin plate standard set illustrated here, the light intensity (indicated as "UV") of the first printed layer, second printed layer, and third printed layer is set to "100%." The light intensity "A%" indicates that it is A% when the maximum output of the light irradiation device 50 is 100%. The light intensity of the fourth printing layer is set to "80%". Note that in this embodiment, if the intensity of light is approximately 80% or more, the gloss ink will be cured immediately. The image layer print quality setting tool is included in the print resolution menu here, and the third print layer image quality is set to "standard".

However, the printing conditions described above are merely examples, and do not limit how to set the initial state of the printing conditions of each standard set.

In this embodiment, the user can change the settings of the standard set described above. FIG. 7 is an image of the setting screen after customizing the resin plate standard set. As shown in FIG. 7, in the settings after customization, a fifth printing layer is added on top of the fourth printing layer. The method of adding a printed layer is not particularly limited, but may be performed, for example, by pressing the "+" button shown in FIG. The setting screen may be configured such that if a user wants to delete a print layer, the user only has to press the "-" button shown in FIG. 6.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, a top coat layer is assigned to the fifth printing layer. In this way, on the setting screen according to this embodiment, the user can set the type of print layer to be formed in the newly created print layer. The type of printing layer can be selected from a pull-down menu consisting of "primer," "base," "image," and "top coat." You can also change the type of an existing print layer as well as the settings for a newly created print layer. However, the setting screen may be provided with restrictions, such as prohibiting selection of "primer" in print layers other than the first print layer, for example. With the modification illustrated in FIG. 7, the top coat layer becomes two layers, so-called "thick coating". Although the type of image is not changed from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. 7, the type of image can also be changed. However, inappropriate combinations with printed layers may be prohibited.

In the base layer (second printing layer in the example of FIG. 6), the base color can be changed. The user can change the base color by selecting one color from the color menu commercial (see Figure 6) (a color is displayed inside each rectangular frame of the color menu commercial). can. For example, if cyan is selected, the base color is changed from white to cyan. The colors prepared in the color menu CM may include only a single process color ink, or may include a mixture of multiple process color inks and special color inks. The colors prepared in the color menu CM may be set as appropriate.

Inks that can be used for the base layer may include gloss ink. Further, the image of the base layer may be changed from a solid image. For example, if the image formed on the base layer is a texture pattern and the ink used in the base layer is gloss ink, a special visual effect can be imparted to the image. Texture patterns, like the main image, may be created outside the application and moved into the application. Alternatively, the texture pattern may be selected from a plurality of texture patterns registered in advance. Although the types of ink at locations other than those described above may also be changeable, inappropriate combinations with the types of printing layers and images may be prohibited.

In this embodiment, the printing resolution of each printing layer can be selected from a pull-down menu consisting of "standard", "high resolution", and "low resolution". "High resolution" corresponds to a predetermined printing resolution that is larger than "standard" (eg, 1440 dpi). If you select "High resolution", you can increase the density of the image compared to "Standard". For example, if the base layer is transparent at the "standard" printing resolution, by selecting "high resolution" the degree to which the base layer is transparent can be reduced or it can be made not transparent. "Low resolution" corresponds to a predetermined printing resolution (for example, 360 dpi) that is smaller than "standard". Selecting "low resolution" allows you to reduce the density of the image. By selecting "low resolution", for example, the time required to form a printing layer can be shortened. However, the print resolutions prepared as selectable ones are not limited to three types. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the printing resolution of the second printing layer is changed to "high resolution". This increases the density of the base layer and makes it difficult to see through the base layer.

Further, in this embodiment, the ink dot size of each printing layer can be selected from a pull-down menu consisting of "Auto", "S", "M", and "L". By increasing the dot size, the density of the image can be increased. Conversely, by reducing the dot size, the density of the image can be reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the dot size of the second printing layer is changed to "L". This further increases the concentration of the underlying layer. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the dot size of the fourth printing layer is changed to "L", and the dot size of the fifth printing layer is set to "L". This increases the thickness of the fourth printed layer and the fifth printed layer, allowing efficient thick coating. Note that the image layer may be configured such that ink dot sizes other than "automatic" cannot be selected. However, the setting screen may be configured so that an ink dot size other than "automatic" can be selected even in the image layer. Other possibilities and prohibitions regarding selection of ink dot size are not particularly limited.

The setting screen according to this embodiment is configured to allow the user to directly input the intensity of the light emitted by the light irradiation device 50. When the intensity of the light is made stronger than the initial setting, the ink tends to harden before it spreads and the glossiness of the printed layer decreases. When the light intensity is made weaker than the initial setting, the ink tends to be cured after being wetted and spread, and the glossiness of the printed layer is improved. However, in either case, depending on the relationship between the initial setting and the changed setting, the glossiness of the printed layer may not change much. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the user can directly input the light intensity, but it may also be selected from predetermined intensities. Alternatively, the setting screen may be configured to change the intensity of light by operating, for example, a volumetric indicator.

In the setting example shown in FIG. 7, the light intensity in the second printing layer is changed to 50%. This improves the glossiness of the base layer.

Furthermore, in the setting example shown in FIG. 7, the light intensity in forming the fourth printed layer, which is the lower layer of the top coat layer, is changed to 50%. This improves the glossiness of the fourth printed layer. In forming the fifth printing layer, which is the upper layer of the top coat layer, the gloss ink is completely cured by setting the light intensity to 80%. As mentioned above, 80% light intensity is the light intensity that instantly cures the gloss ink. This prevents the ink in the uppermost layer from becoming uncured after printing is completed.

In the setting example shown in FIG. 7, the image quality of the third print layer, which is an image layer, is changed to "high image quality." In this embodiment, the image quality of the image layer can be selected from "standard", "high quality", and "high speed". "High speed" is a mode in which printing is performed at high speed with reduced image quality. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the image quality of the image layer is also changed using the print resolution menu, but a separate menu for setting the image quality of the image layer may be provided.

In this way, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment can set the number of printed layers to be formed, set the image formed in each printed layer and the type of ink used, and print each printed layer. It is configured so that conditions can be set. According to this configuration, printing conditions can be set individually for each printing layer. Therefore, it is easier to achieve the desired quality of each printing layer than with conventional printers.

In conventional printers, printing conditions are set for each job, and cannot be set for each printing layer as in the printer 10 according to this embodiment. Therefore, it has been difficult to make all of the plurality of printed layers have the desired quality. In order to achieve the desired quality in all of the multiple printing layers, the printing conditions for some of the printing layers must be different from the others, in which case conventional printers can print with different printing conditions. It was necessary to form the layer in a separate job from the formation of other printing layers. As a result, the setup between multiple jobs has become complicated. However, according to the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, overlapping printing with different printing conditions for some or all of the printing layers can be performed in one job.

More specifically, according to the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, the printing resolution, the size of ink dots, and the intensity of light emitted by the light irradiation device 50 can be set for each printing layer. By changing the printing resolution or the size of the ink dots, the density of the image in the printing layer can be changed. By changing the intensity of the light emitted by the light irradiation device 50, the glossiness of the printed layer can be changed.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of sets regarding the number of printing layers, the type of each printed image, the type of ink used in each printing layer, and the printing conditions of each printing layer are registered in advance. This allows the user to easily set the number of printed layers, the type of each printed image, the type of ink used in each printed layer, and the printing conditions for each printed layer that are close to the desired number. Additionally, the user can change the number of printed layers in the selected set, the type of each printed image, the type of ink used in each printed layer, and the printing conditions for each printed layer. Thereby, the user can further bring the number of printed layers, the type of each printed image, the type of ink used in each printed layer, and the printing conditions of each printed layer closer to desired ones.

The printer 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to change the white ink to an ink containing process color ink when the ink used in the selected set includes white ink. This allows you to change the color of the base layer, which is set to white, to a color other than white. Note that although white ink is used in the base layer in this embodiment, it may be used in other types of printing layers, and in that case, white may also be able to be changed to another color.

Modified sets may be saved. For example, the set after the above change may be saved with a name given by the user, such as "acrylic board standard set", and added to the registered set. By being able to save the settings used, it becomes easy to perform the same printing repeatedly.

After completing the settings, when the user performs the start operation, printing will begin. In this embodiment, the printer 10 forms the first printing layer while moving the flatbed 20 forward intermittently. When the formation of the first printing layer is completed, the printer 10 moves the flatbed 20 backward and returns it to the printing start position. Thereafter, the printer 10 forms the second printing layer while again intermittently moving the flatbed 20 forward. Similarly, the third printing layer, fourth printing layer, and fifth printing layer are formed while returning the flatbed 20 to the printing start position each time one printing layer is formed.

However, the method of forming the plurality of printed layers is not limited to the above. For example, some of the printing layers may be formed while intermittently moving the flatbed 20 backward. Alternatively, the plurality of printing layers may be formed simultaneously by ejecting ink from staggered inkjet heads, inkjet heads divided in the sub-scanning direction X, or the like.

(First modification)
The printer described above can also be implemented with several variants. In the first modified example, the printing conditions are set by selecting a mode with a name that represents the finished image of printing, rather than setting the printing conditions directly. In the following description of the first modification, members having functions common to those of the above-described embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as those of the above-described embodiment. In addition, duplicate explanations will be omitted or simplified. The same applies to the second modification.

FIG. 8 is an image of a setting screen according to the first modification. As shown in FIG. 8, the setting screen according to the first modification does not include a menu related to print resolution and a menu related to dot size, but includes a menu for setting image density. Here, the image density is the density (%) of an image, where the image density when forming an image with the maximum print resolution and maximum dot size is 100%. However, the maximum value of image density may be set as appropriate. Image densities that are selectably provided are not particularly limited, but may be provided in 10% increments from 50% to 100%, as shown in FIG. 8, for example. The prepared image density is associated with print resolution and dot size. Therefore, by selecting the image density, the printing resolution and dot size are selected.

Note that the image density setting menu described above is merely an example, and other embodiments may be used. For example, the image density setting menu may include modes such as "standard", "high density", and "low density".

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the setting screen according to the first modification does not include a menu related to the intensity of light emitted by the light irradiation device 50, but includes a menu for setting the surface finish of the printing layer. The menu here includes modes such as "standard finish," "glossy finish," and "matte finish." When the "glossy finish" is selected, the intensity of the light emitted by the light irradiation device 50 is set to a predetermined intensity lower than that of the "standard finish". When the "matte finish" is selected, the intensity of the light emitted by the light irradiation device 50 is set to a predetermined intensity stronger than that of the "standard finish". Note that this surface finish setting menu is also merely an example, and other aspects may be used.

In this way, the setting screen may be configured to allow selection of a mode with a name representing a print finish image, and may be configured such that printing conditions are selected by selecting the mode. According to this configuration, the user can intuitively understand the setting method, making the setting work easier.

(Second modification)
The printer 10 according to the second modification is configured to be able to set a layer in which no ink is ejected and only the formed ink dots are cured. A layer has the same meaning as a print layer when it involves the formation of an image, but in this modification, since it may not involve an image, the term "layer" includes the print layer on which an image is formed. A plurality of layers may be formed by a method of repeatedly returning the flatbed 20 to the printing start position each time one layer is formed. Alternatively, the plurality of layers may be formed during one movement of the printing medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X by controlling the inkjet head 40 and the light irradiation device 50 in a divided manner in the sub-scanning direction X.

FIG. 9 is an image of the setting screen according to the second modification, showing a state in which a layer that only hardens ink dots is set. As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 100 according to the present modification is configured to be able to set a layer in which no ink dots are formed and the light irradiation device 50 irradiates light onto the printing material 5. A setting section 124 is provided.

In the settings shown in FIG. 9, the settings for the first layer are similar to the settings for the first printed layer shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, white ink is ejected in the second layer, and ink dots of the white ink are formed on the printing material 5. As shown in FIG. In the example shown here, the formed ink dots are not irradiated with light in the second layer. In the second layer settings, the UV setting is 0%. However, even if the ink dots are not cured in the same layer where the ink dots are formed, a weak light of 10% or the like may be set, for example, to prevent ink from bleeding.

As shown in FIG. 9, the third layer is not ejected with ink but is irradiated with light from the light irradiation device 50. In order not to eject ink, it is preferable to select the image "None" or the ink type "None" as shown in FIG. However, the method of setting the layer so that ink is not ejected is not limited. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the fourth layer and the fifth layer are similar to the third printed layer and fourth printed layer of FIG. 6, respectively. Here, the third layer is a layer added between the second printed layer and the third printed layer in FIG.

By setting a layer in which no ink dots are formed and the light irradiation device 50 irradiates light onto the printing material 5, the time from when the ink dots are formed to when the ink dots are cured is lengthened. I can do it. As a result, the ink dots are flattened before being cured, and the glossiness of the layer can be improved. If you want to take a particularly long time from when an ink dot is formed to when the ink dot is cured, for example, after forming the second layer in FIG. It is advisable to start processing (curing) related to the layer.

(Modification of the second modification)
The method of controlling the time from ejecting ink to irradiating light to the ink dots formed on the printing material 5 does not have to be the method of the second modification. In a further modification of the second modification, the printer 10 includes light irradiation devices 50 on the left and right sides of the carriage 30. In this modification, when the carriage 30 is traveling in the main scanning direction Y and ink is being ejected from the inkjet head 40, the rear side in the traveling direction of the carriage 30 (for example, when the carriage 30 is moving to the right) By lighting up the light irradiation device 50 (on the left), the ink is cured in a short time after being ejected. Thereby, the glossiness of the printed layer can be reduced. Moreover, when it is desired to improve the glossiness of the printed layer, the light irradiation device 50 on the front side in the direction of movement of the carriage 30 is turned on. As a result, the ink that has landed on the printing material 5 is irradiated with light when the carriage 30 returns in the direction opposite to the direction in which the ink is ejected. Therefore, the ink hardens after a relatively long period of time after being ejected. Thereby, the glossiness of the printed layer can be improved.

Alternatively, the time from ejecting ink to irradiating light to the ink dots formed on the substrate 5 may be controlled by partially turning on and turning off the light irradiation device 50. In this way, the printer is configured such that the time from when an ink dot is formed on the printing substrate 5 to when the ink dot is irradiated with light can be controlled using various methods, and the time can be set by the user. You can leave it there. The method of controlling the time from ink ejection to curing is not limited.

Several preferred embodiments have been described above. However, the printer of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the embodiment described above, the printer 10 is an inkjet printer, but it may be a printer of another type, such as a laser printer. Further, although the printer 10 described above is a flatbed type printer, the configuration of the printer is not particularly limited. For example, the techniques disclosed herein may be applied to a type of printer in which the printing substrate is supplied from a roll.

In the embodiment described above, the ink is a photocurable ink, and the printer 10 includes the light irradiation device 50, but the configuration of the printer 10 is not limited to this. The ink may be, for example, a solvent ink, and the printer may include a heating device that heats the substrate on which ink dots are formed. For example, a printer may have a platen on which a printing material supplied from a roll is supported, and a heating device may be provided below the platen. The control device may include a temperature control section that controls the temperature of the heating device. The printing condition setting section may include a setting section configured to be able to set the temperature of the heating device in forming each printing layer. The printing condition setting section may be able to set the temperature of the heating device in a range from "no heating" to 55° C., for example. If the heating temperature is high, the curing of the ink will be accelerated and the glossiness of the image will be reduced. If the heating temperature is low, the curing of the ink will be delayed and the glossiness of the image will improve. This makes it possible to bring the glossiness of the image to a desired level. Note that the ink may be, for example, a water-based ink.

In the embodiment described above, the number of printing layers, the type of image of each printing layer, the type of ink used in each printing layer, and the printing conditions of each printing layer are set in one of a plurality of pre-registered sets. or by changing the selected set, it may be set freely by the user without being based on a set. The user may be able to select whether to use the set or not.

Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments described above do not limit the present invention.

5 Print material 10 Printer (printing device)
40 Inkjet head 50 Light irradiation device 100 Control device 110 Print layer setting section 111 First print layer setting section 112 Second print layer setting section 120 Image setting section 121 First image setting section 122 Second image setting section 123 Third image setting Section 124 Fourth image setting section 130 Printing condition setting section 131 First condition setting section 132 Second condition setting section 133 Third condition setting section 134 Fourth condition setting section 140 Set registration section 150 Set selection section 160 First print control section 170 Second printing control section 180 Third printing control section U1 Printing unit

Claims (7)

A control device that creates a print setting screen for forming a plurality of print layers on a printing substrate, the control device comprising:
The print setting screen is
a plurality of rows, each corresponding to each printing layer;
a column in which a pull-down menu for image settings configured to enable selection of the type of image used in each printing layer is arranged in each row of the plurality of rows;
A pull-down menu for setting the ink type, which allows the type of ink used in each printing layer to be selected from multiple types of ink including process color inks and special color inks, is arranged in each of the plurality of rows. column and
a column in which a pull-down menu for setting printing conditions configured to enable selection of printing conditions for each printing layer is arranged in each row of the plurality of rows;
Control device. The pull-down menu for setting printing conditions is configured to allow selection of the resolution of ink dots in each printing layer.
The control device according to claim 1. The pull-down menu for setting printing conditions is configured so that the size of ink dots in each printing layer can be selected.
The control device according to claim 1 or 2. The pull-down menu for setting printing conditions is configured to enable selection of the intensity of light irradiated in forming each printing layer.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Each row of the plurality of rows is provided with a button to increase the row when adding a print layer and a button to decrease the row when deleting the print layer.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The pull-down menu for image settings is configured such that it is possible to select not to use an image in each printing layer.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The pull-down menu for setting the ink type is configured such that it is possible to select not to use ink in each printing layer.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images