KR101549564B1 - Inkjet Recording Device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to perform recording with sufficient luster. The inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a carriage 4 that is movable in the main scanning direction S, an inkjet head 5 mounted on the carriage 4 and discharging ink droplets, An air sucking means 12 (or 18) for sucking air on the side of the medium M or an air blowing means 14 (or 16 (or 18) for blowing off the gas on the side of the medium M) A plurality of UV LEDs 63 are arranged in the sub scanning direction F on the concave portion 62 formed on the lower surface of the ultraviolet irradiating device 6, Plate-shaped partition plate 64 extending in the direction of the arrow. When the clear ink is to be recorded, the UV LEDs 63e to 63h which emit ultraviolet rays are turned off to the band in which the second discharge area A2 of the inkjet head 5 discharging the clear ink is located. Thus, it is possible to perform glossy recording.

Description

Inkjet recording device < RTI ID = 0.0 >

The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus for ejecting ultraviolet curable ink.

Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet recording apparatus using ultraviolet curable ink. A recording head for color ink, a recording head for clear ink, and an ultraviolet light irradiating device are mounted on the carriage mounted on this inkjet recording apparatus, and an ultraviolet light irradiating device is arranged on the downstream side in the recording medium conveying direction from the recording head for color ink , And an ultraviolet irradiating device is disposed downstream from the recording head for clear ink in the recording medium conveying direction. The amount of light to be irradiated by the ultraviolet light irradiating device located between the recording head for color ink and the recording head for clear ink, which first discharges ink, and the recording head which discharges ink later, is controlled according to image quality.

(Patent Literature)

Patent Document 1: JP-A-2005-199563

However, in the inkjet recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, clear ink is ejected and irradiated with ultraviolet rays by one movement (scanning) of the carriage, so ultraviolet rays are irradiated immediately after the ink drops of the clear ink land on the recording medium. As a result, since the clear ink is cured before being leveled, there is a problem that irregularities are generated on the surface of the cured product caused by curing, so that sufficient glossiness can not be obtained.

Here, the inventors of the present invention conducted studies on the image quality of a printed matter in an inkjet recording apparatus using an ultraviolet curable ink. As a result, there was a difference in the image quality of the printed matter according to the curing conditions of the ultraviolet curable ink, When it is desired to gloss the image quality in recording, it is necessary to cure the clear ink immediately after the predetermined time has elapsed without immediately curing the clear ink immediately after the ink droplets land on the medium.

However, when the ink droplet is deposited on the medium and the predetermined time has elapsed until the clear ink is cured, dust may adhere to the surface of the ink droplet during that time, thereby lowering the image quality of the gloss control printing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of recording with sufficient glossiness based on such knowledge.

An inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention includes: a carriage reciprocally movable in a main scanning direction; ink ejection means mounted on the carriage and formed with a plurality of ink nozzles for ejecting ultraviolet curable ink on a recording medium in the sub scanning direction; An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: an ultraviolet light irradiating means for irradiating ultraviolet light to a recording medium; and a control portion for controlling the ink discharging means and the ultraviolet light irradiating means, wherein the carriage or the recording medium moves in a sub scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction Wherein the ink nozzle is provided with a plurality of path regions in which a plurality of bands can be recorded, and the ultraviolet light irradiation means includes a plurality of The control unit has a plurality of light sources for irradiating ultraviolet light corresponding to bands of the plurality of light sources, respectively, And controlling the light sources to be turned on and off for each of the path regions for discharging the external curing-type ink.

According to the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention, since the light sources of the ultraviolet light irradiation means are provided corresponding to the plurality of bands, the presence or absence of the ultraviolet light irradiation can be controlled for each band. Therefore, by extinguishing a light source that emits ultraviolet rays to a band in which a path region for ejecting ink droplets is disposed, ink droplets ejected from the pass region are smoothed without being hardened immediately after landing on the recording medium. As a result, recording with sufficient luster can be performed. On the other hand, by illuminating a light source that emits ultraviolet light to a band where a path region for ejecting ink droplets is lit, the ink droplets ejected from the path region are cured immediately after being deposited on the recording medium, can do.

Further, by operating the air suction means or the air blowing means, dust adheres to the surface of the ink droplets while the ink droplets of the ultraviolet curable ink adhere to the recording medium and then cures the ultraviolet curable ink, . As a result, it is possible to maintain the quality of printing at a high quality.

In this case, it is preferable that the air suction means is disposed at the front end or the rear end of the carriage in the scanning direction.

According to this, the carriage can be scanned in the scanning direction, and the dust can be removed.

Further, it is preferable that the blowing means is disposed at the front end or the rear end of the carriage in the scanning direction and ejects the gas in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction.

According to this, by ejecting the gas in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction, the gas ejected to the ink droplets ejected before landing does not directly touch, so that the so-called flying deflection of ink droplets can be suppressed.

Alternatively, the blowing means may be arranged upstream of the carriage in the scanning direction, and the gas may be ejected in front of the scanning direction.

According to this, the gas can be jetted in front of the scanning direction to remove dust.

When a band is recorded by discharging ultraviolet curable ink from a path region located on the downstream side in the sub scanning direction among a plurality of path regions, a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band is turned off, It is preferable that the carriage is moved in the main scanning direction by turning on a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to a band to be recorded by the path region without ejecting the ultraviolet curable ink from the path region located on the upstream side in the scanning direction. Accordingly, leveling of the ultraviolet curable ink can be performed by turning off the light source immediately after the recording of the ultraviolet curable ink, and furthermore, not all the print areas are printed by the ultraviolet curable ink and hardened, Time lag, it is possible to spread the ultraviolet curable ink more appropriately than to cure the ultraviolet curable ink in other steps after recording the ultraviolet curable ink, so that it is difficult to cause blurring and deviation from the printing range and to cure without time, The influence can be minimized.

Further, in the case of recording a colored ultraviolet curable ink as a lower layer and a light transmitting ultraviolet curable ink as an upper layer and recording a colored ultraviolet curable ink and a light transmitting ultraviolet curable ink on a recording medium, It is preferable that a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band where the discharge path region is located is turned on and a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band where the path region for discharging ultraviolet curable ink having transmissivity is located is turned off. As a result, the colored ultraviolet curable ink cures immediately after the ink droplets ejected from the pass area land on the recording medium, and thus a clear color image can be formed without spreading the ink. On the other hand, the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance is smoothed immediately after the ink droplets ejected from the pass area land on the recording medium without curing, so that sufficient glossiness can be given to the image formed on the lower layer.

The control unit ejects ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance from the pass area disposed on the downstream side of the carriage or the recording medium in the subscanning direction and irradiates ultraviolet light onto the band on which the pass area for ejecting the ultraviolet curable ink having light transparency is located It is preferable to light a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to a band disposed upstream in the sub scanning direction of a path region for ejecting ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance. Thus, when scanning is performed while moving the carriage or the recording medium in one direction, the ink droplets of the ultraviolet curable ink ejected from the pass area are smoothed and smoothed immediately after landing on the recording medium, Ultraviolet rays are irradiated and cured. Thus, the ultraviolet curable ink can be cured in a sufficiently smoothed state without changing the moving direction of the carriage or the recording medium, so that recording with glossiness can be performed efficiently. For this reason, for example, it is possible to form an image with a colored ultraviolet curable ink on the first layer and to coat the image with an ultraviolet curable ink having a light transmissive property on the second layer, This image may be coated with an ultraviolet curable ink having a light transmittance as the first layer to reduce gloss.

In this case, the ultraviolet light irradiating means includes a plurality of bands in which the respective pass regions are located, and a plurality of light sources correspond to the plurality of bands, and the control section controls the bands disposed on the upstream side in the sub- It is preferable that the light source for irradiating ultraviolet light is turned on and the light amount of the downstream light source in the sub scanning direction among the light sources to be turned on is smaller than the light amount of the upstream light source in the sub scanning direction. Thus, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the light-transmitting ultraviolet curable ink can be made stronger step by step at each scan while reducing the initial amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance, so that the ultraviolet curable ink having light transparency is rapidly It is possible to reliably cure the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance while preventing the occurrence of banding by curing. Furthermore, since the curing speed of the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance is lowered, when another ultraviolet curable ink is recorded on the lower layer of the light transmittable ultraviolet curable ink, adhesion with such lower layer curable ink can be improved .

The control unit discharges colored ultraviolet curable ink from the path region disposed on the downstream side of the carriage or the recording medium in the sub scanning direction and irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the band in which the path region for discharging the colored ultraviolet curable ink is located Curing type ink is recorded on a recording medium and ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance is discharged from a path region disposed on the downstream side of the carriage or the recording medium in the sub scanning direction and the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance is irradiated, The light source for irradiating the ultraviolet rays to the band located on the upstream side in the sub scanning direction of the pass area for ejecting the curable ink is turned on and the ultraviolet ray is irradiated onto the band where the pass area for ejecting the ultraviolet curable ink The light source is turned off, and the color ultraviolet light The ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance may be recorded on the upper layer of the curable ink.

According to this method, a colored ultraviolet curable ink is first recorded on a recording medium. Since the colored ultraviolet curable ink is irradiated with ultraviolet light immediately after being deposited on the recording medium, the ink cured in a state in which the impression of the particle shape of the ink droplet remains. Since the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance is recorded on the upper layer of the cured colored ultraviolet curable ink, even if the ultraviolet curable ink having the light transmittance is deposited on the recording medium, the ultraviolet light is not radiated immediately, The surface irregularities are smoothed. As a result, sufficient glossiness can be obtained while ensuring the visibility of the recorded image.

In this case, the control unit moves the carriage or the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, discharges the colored ultraviolet curable ink from the path region disposed on the forward side in the sub-scanning direction, and the pass region for discharging the colored ultraviolet curable ink A light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to a band to be positioned is lighted, a colored ultraviolet curable ink is recorded on a recording medium, a carriage or a recording medium is moved in a direction opposite to the sub scanning direction, And a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to a band located on the upstream side in the sub scanning direction of the pass area for ejecting the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmissivity is lighted and the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance is emitted, The path region for discharging the curable ink is located And off a light source for irradiating ultraviolet light to the DE, it is desirable to record UV-curable ink having a light transmitting property of the upper layer ultraviolet curable ink of the color recording on a recording medium.

As described above, by ejecting the colored ultraviolet curable ink from the path area disposed on the forward side in the sub scanning direction and ejecting the ultraviolet curable ink having the light transmitting property from the path area disposed on the back side in the sub scanning direction, When the colored ultraviolet curable ink is recorded on the recording medium and the carriage or the recording medium moves in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction when moving in the scanning direction, ultraviolet rays having light transmittance to the upper layer of the colored ultraviolet curable ink recorded on the recording medium Curable ink is recorded. As described above, since image formation and luster can be given by reciprocating the carriage or the recording medium once, it is possible to efficiently record a glossy image.

The control unit may be configured to eject the colored ultraviolet curable ink from the path region disposed on the downstream side of the carriage or the recording medium in the sub scanning direction and to emit colored ultraviolet curable ink from the path region disposed on the upstream side of the carriage or the recording medium in the sub- A light source that emits ultraviolet curable ink and irradiates ultraviolet rays to a band where the pass area for ejecting colored ultraviolet curable ink and light transmissive ultraviolet curable ink is lit is lit and a colored ultraviolet curable ink is recorded on the recording medium At the same time, an ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance is recorded on the upper layer of the colored ultraviolet curable ink, and ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance is discharged from a path region disposed on the downstream side of the carriage or the recording medium in the sub scanning direction, The ultraviolet curing type ink A light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to a band located on the upstream side in the sub scanning direction of the pass area is turned on and a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band where the pass area for discharging ultraviolet curable ink having light transparency is located is turned off , And an ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance may be recorded on the upper layer of the light transmissive ultraviolet curable ink recorded on the recording medium.

According to this, an image is formed on the recording medium by firstly recording a colored ultraviolet curable ink on a recording medium, and the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmission property is superimposed on the upper layer of the image. Next, an ultraviolet curable ink further having transparency is recorded on the upper layer of the ultraviolet curable ink having transparency. Since this ultraviolet curable ink has transparency and cures immediately after the ink droplets are deposited, the visibility of the image recorded on the recording medium The thickness of the ultraviolet curable ink is increased. The ultraviolet curable ink having further transmittance is recorded on the upper layer of the ultraviolet curable ink having the light transmitting property. Since the ultraviolet curable ink having the light transmittance is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays even if it is deposited on the recording medium, The surface irregularities are smoothed. Thus, it is possible to increase the thickness of the ultraviolet curable ink while ensuring the visibility of the recorded image, and at the same time, provide a sufficient glossiness.

In addition, the control section lights up a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to a band in which a path region for ejecting ultraviolet curable ink to be recorded in a lower layer is located, and irradiates ultraviolet rays to a band in which a path region for ejecting ultraviolet curable ink, It is preferable to turn off the light source. According to this, since the ultraviolet curable ink to be recorded on the lower layer is cured in the form of particles, the ultraviolet curable ink to be recorded in the upper layer spreads between the ultraviolet curable inks cured in the lower layer and bonds with adjacent ink droplets, . As a result, more glossy recording is performed.

The printing method according to the present invention is a printing method using any one of the above inkjet recording apparatuses, wherein a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to a band in which a path region for ejecting ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance is located is turned off, And a light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to a band in which a path region disposed on the upstream side of the carriage or the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction is located is lighted rather than a path region for ejecting the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmissivity A step of curing the ultraviolet curable ink recorded on the recording medium at the time of the next or subsequent scanning, and a step of curing the ultraviolet curable ink recorded on the recording medium after the next time, A step of sucking or blowing the gas to the recording medium side by operating the blowing means It is characterized by having a step.

According to the printing method of the present invention, the ink droplets of the ultraviolet curable ink ejected from the pass area are smoothed without curing immediately after being deposited on the recording medium, and cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays in the subsequent scanning. As a result, it is possible to perform recording with sufficient luster. Furthermore, since there is no need to change the moving direction of the carriage or the recording medium, it is possible to efficiently perform recording with glossiness.

Further, by operating the air suction means or the blowing means, dust adheres to the surface of the ink droplets while the ink droplets of the ultraviolet curable ink are deposited on the recording medium, and then the ultraviolet curable ink is cured, It is possible to prevent it from going away. As a result, it is possible to maintain the quality of printing at a high quality.

In this case, a light source for irradiating ultraviolet light is turned on to a band in which a path region disposed on the upstream side of the sub-scanning direction is adjacent to a path region for discharging ultraviolet curable ink having light transmissivity, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the ultraviolet curable ink , It is preferable that the light amount of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source disposed on the downstream side in the sub scanning direction is made smaller than the light amount of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source arranged on the upstream side in the sub scanning direction. Thus, the light amount of the ultraviolet light irradiated to the light-transmitting ultraviolet curable ink can be made stronger step by step for each scan while the initial light quantity of the ultraviolet light irradiated to the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance is reduced, The ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance can be reliably cured while preventing the occurrence of banding by curing. Furthermore, since the curing rate of the light-transmitting ultraviolet-curable ink is lowered, when another ultraviolet-curable ink is recorded on the lower layer of the light-permeable ultraviolet-curable ink, adhesion of the lower layer to the ultraviolet-curable ink can be improved .

According to the present invention, recording with sufficient luster can be performed.

1 is a schematic view showing an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment.
2 is an enlarged view of the carriage shown in Fig.
3 is a bottom perspective view of the ultraviolet irradiation device.
4 is a bottom perspective view of an ultraviolet irradiator in which a partition plate is removed.
5 is a sectional view taken along the line VV in Fig.
6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI shown in Fig.
Fig. 7 is a view showing irradiation directions of ultraviolet rays when a partition plate is provided between all the UV LEDs. Fig.
8 is a sectional view of the ultraviolet irradiator in which three partition plates are provided at equal intervals in the sub scanning direction.
9 is a view showing the relationship between the ink jet head and the ultraviolet irradiating apparatus.
10 is a flowchart showing a print processing method in the matte image quality mode.
11 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the operation of the carriage in the matte image mode.
12 is a flowchart showing a print processing method in the gloss image quality mode.
13 (a) and 13 (b) are conceptual diagrams showing an embodiment of the operation of the carriage in the gloss image quality mode.
14 (a) and 14 (b) are diagrams showing examples of lighting control of the UV LED.
Figs. 15A to 15C are diagrams showing states of ink droplets landed on the medium. Fig.
16 is a flowchart showing a print processing method in the single-layer gloss image quality mode.
17 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the operation of the carriage in the single-layer gloss image quality mode.
18 is a flowchart showing a print processing method in the thickness-formed image quality mode.
19 (a) to 19 (c) are conceptual diagrams showing an embodiment of the operation of the carriage in the thickness-formed image quality mode.
20 is a view showing an ultraviolet irradiating apparatus provided with seven partition plates.
21 is a cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet irradiator in the sub-scanning direction in which the partition plate can enter and exit the concave portion from the main body.
22 is a diagram showing an example of control of lighting of a UV LED in an image recording process in a gloss image quality mode.
23 (a) and 23 (b) are diagrams showing other structural examples of the ultraviolet irradiation device.
24 is a schematic view showing an example of dust removing means of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.
25 (a) and 25 (b) are schematic views showing another example of the dust removing means of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.
26 is a schematic view showing another example of the dust removing means of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.
27 is a schematic view showing another example of the dust removing means of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.
28 is a schematic view showing another example of the dust removing means of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the ink-jet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail. An inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment is an inkjet printer that performs printing using ultraviolet curable ink, and records an image by multipass printing in which a single band image is completed in a plurality of passes. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

1 is a schematic view showing an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the carriage shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the ink-jet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a flat bed 2 on which a medium M as a recording medium is placed, A carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 and movable in the main scanning direction S orthogonal to the sub scanning direction F, a carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3, A plurality of ink jet heads 5a to 5f mounted on the carriage 4 to eject ink droplets and a plurality of ink jet heads 5a to 5f mounted forward of the inkjet head 5 in the main scanning direction S A pair of ultraviolet irradiators 6 (6a and 6b) arranged at the back (right side in FIG. 1), and a control unit 7 for controlling the ink jet recording apparatus 1 in an integrated manner. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide a dust removing means (to be described later in detail). The main scanning direction S is a direction in which the carriage 4 is reciprocated to record a band of an image on the medium M and the sub scanning direction F is a direction in which the Y bar 3 is relatively So that the position of the band to be recorded on the medium M is shifted. This inkjet recording apparatus 1 is capable of moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction (the sub scanning direction F) while conveying the Y bar 3 in the sub scanning direction F by a predetermined path width under the control of the control unit 7. [ S, an image is recorded on the medium by ejecting the ultraviolet curable ink from the inkjet head 5 and irradiating ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiator 6. [ The forward direction in the main scanning direction S is a direction in which the carriage 4 moves toward the main scanning direction S (left side in FIG. 1) and a rear direction in the main scanning direction S is a carriage 4) is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S (right side in Fig. 1). The forward direction in the sub-scanning direction F is a direction in which the Y bar 3 moves toward the sub-scanning direction F (upward in Fig. 1), and the rear in the sub-scanning direction F is Y And the direction in which the bar 3 moves toward the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (downward in Fig. 1).

The Y bar 3 transports the carriage 4 in the sub scanning direction F with respect to the flatbed 2. [ The Y bar 3 is placed movably in a guide rail (not shown) extending in the sub scanning direction F and is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a drive motor, It is possible to reciprocate in the sub-scanning direction F corresponding to the sub-scanning direction F. On the other hand, when the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub-scanning direction F, the back side of the sub-scanning direction F is the upstream side of the sub-scanning direction F of the Y bar 3, F is in the downstream side of the sub-scanning direction F of the Y bar 3. When the Y bar 3 is moved in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F, the front side of the sub scanning direction F is the upstream side of the sub scanning direction F of the Y bar 3, The back side of the scanning direction F is the downstream side of the sub scanning direction F of the Y bar 3. [

The carriage 4 transports the ink jet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 or the like in the main scanning direction S with respect to the flatbed 2. [ The carriage 4 is movably held on a guide rail 9 extending in the main scanning direction S and is driven by a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a driving motor to drive the guide rail 9, It is possible to reciprocate in the main scanning direction S along the scanning direction. On the other hand, when the carriage 4 moves in the main scanning direction S, the trailing side of the main scanning direction S becomes the upstream side of the main scanning direction S of the carriage 4, The front side becomes the downstream side of the main scanning direction S of the carriage 4. [ When the carriage 4 moves in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the front side in the main scanning direction S becomes the upstream side of the main scanning direction S of the carriage 4, The rear side of the carriage 4 is the downstream side of the main scanning direction S of the carriage 4.

The inkjet heads 5a to 5f are juxtaposed along the main scanning direction S and are arranged in the main scanning direction S from the inkjet head 5a, the inkjet head 5b, the inkjet head 5c, the inkjet head 5d An inkjet head 5e, and an inkjet head 5f in this order. On the other hand, since each ink-jet head 5 is mounted on the carriage 4, it is possible to eject the ultraviolet curable ink while moving in the main scanning direction S in accordance with the scanning of the carriage 4. [

Each of the inkjet heads 5 is provided with a plurality of ink nozzles 8 for ejecting ultraviolet curable ink as ink droplets. The plurality of ink nozzles 8 are arranged so as to extend in the sub-scanning direction F to constitute a nozzle array. Colored ultraviolet curable inks (hereinafter also referred to as "color inks") are ejected from the respective ink nozzles 8 of the inkjet heads 5a to 5d arranged in the main scanning direction S, (Hereinafter also referred to as " clear ink ") is emitted from each of the ink nozzles 8 of the inkjet heads 5e and 5f arranged at the rear side of the inkjet heads 5a and 5f. More specifically, the color ink of black K is ejected from each ink nozzle 8 of the inkjet head 5a and the color ink of the cyan C is ejected from each ink nozzle 8 of the inkjet head 5b. Magenta (M) color ink is ejected from each ink nozzle 8 of the inkjet head 5c and yellow (Y) color ink is ejected from each ink nozzle 8 of the inkjet head 5d, Ink is ejected. The clear ink CL is discharged from each of the ink nozzles 8 of the inkjet heads 5e and 5f.

Of the ink nozzles 8 formed in the inkjet heads 5a to 5d, color ink is ejected only from the ink nozzles 8 of the first ejection area A1 arranged in the first half in the sub scanning direction F, No color ink is ejected from the ink nozzles 8 disposed in the second half in the scanning direction F. [ On the other hand, among the ink nozzles 8 formed in the inkjet heads 5e and 5f, clear ink is ejected only from the ink nozzles 8 in the second ejection area A2 disposed in the second half in the sub- Clear ink is not ejected from the ink nozzles 8 arranged in the first half in the scanning direction F. [ Therefore, when the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub-scanning direction F, the color of the color M ejected from the first ejection area A1 of the inkjet heads 5a to 5d is ejected to the medium M mounted on the flatbed 2, The ink droplets of the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2 of the inkjet heads 5e and 5f are recorded on the surface (upper layer) of the color ink.

The ultraviolet irradiator 6a is disposed in front of the main scanning direction S of the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b is disposed behind the main scanning direction S of the inkjet head 5. [ The ultraviolet ray irradiating device 6a and the ultraviolet ray irradiating device 6b are constructed in the same manner and irradiate ultraviolet ray-curing ink recorded on the medium to cure the ultraviolet ray-curable ink. Therefore, the ultraviolet ray irradiating device 6a and the ultraviolet ray irradiating device 6b will be collectively referred to as an ultraviolet ray irradiating device 6 hereinafter. On the other hand, since the ultraviolet irradiator 6 is mounted on the carriage 4, ultraviolet rays can be emitted while moving in the main scanning direction S in accordance with the scanning of the carriage 4. [

Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the ultraviolet irradiator, and Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the ultraviolet irradiator with the partition plate removed. Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line V-V in Fig. 2, and Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig.

2 to 6, the ultraviolet irradiator 6 includes a main body 61 and a concave portion (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the main body 61 opposite to the medium M, A plurality of UV LEDs 63 (ultraviolet light emitting diodes) arranged in the concave portion 62 and a plurality of partitioning plates 64 disposed in the recesses 62. [

5, the concave portion 62 reflects the ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV LED 63 in the main scanning direction S toward the flat bed 2 in the downward direction in the vertical direction, and the mirror surface treatment is performed . The concave portion 62 is formed into a bowl shape that is elongated in the sub-scanning direction F. Specifically, the concave portion 62 is formed as an umbrella shape having a small bottom portion and a large opening side, each inner side extending at an angle of about 60 degrees with respect to the downward direction in the vertical direction. 5), and the cross section of the sub scanning direction F becomes a trapezoid having a wide width (see Fig. 6 (a)), and the cross section of the concave section 62 becomes a trapezoid with a narrow width in the main scanning direction S Reference).

A transparent cover 65 (for example, quartz glass) having ultraviolet light transmittance is inserted in the rectangular opening formed in the lower end surface of the concave portion 62 in the vertical direction. Thus, ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV LED 63 can be transmitted while closing the opening of the concave portion 62.

Each of the UV LEDs 63 is disposed at the deepest position of the center bottom of the concave portion 62 and is arranged in a line at equal intervals along the sub scanning direction F. [ A plurality of UV LEDs 63 are arranged at positions corresponding to the first discharge area A1 of the inkjet heads 5a to 5d and the second discharge area A2 of the inkjet heads 5e and 5f in the main scanning direction S, Respectively.

However, in the case of multipass printing by the inkjet recording apparatus 1, a plurality of bands can be recorded by the ink droplets ejected from the first ejection area A1 and the second ejection area A2 in a plurality of passes . Therefore, the first discharge area A1 and the second discharge area A2 become the pass areas.

Thus, in the present embodiment, eight UV LEDs 63 are mounted on the ultraviolet irradiator 6, and in the main scanning direction S, at positions corresponding to the first discharge area A1 and the second discharge area A2, 4 UV LEDs 63 are arranged. Here, the arrangement of four UV LEDs 63 at positions corresponding to the first discharge area A1 means that ink droplets ejected from the first ejection area A1 and landed on the medium M are divided into four UV LEDs And the ink droplets are discharged from the first discharge area A1 while the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d are disposed at positions that can be cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the bands recorded by the first discharge area A1. The arrangement of the four UV LEDs 63 at the positions corresponding to the second discharge area A2 means that the ink droplets discharged from the second discharge area A2 and landed on the medium M are supplied to the four UV LEDs 63b and 63h, that is, the UV LEDs 63e, 63f, 63g and 63h, and the ink droplets are discharged from the second discharge area A2 while moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63e, 63f, 63g, and 63h are disposed at positions that can be cured by irradiating the bands recorded by the second discharge area A2 with ultraviolet rays. The UV LED 63 disposed at the position corresponding to the first discharge area A1 is provided with the UV LED 63a, the UV LED 63b, the UV LED 63c, the UV LED 63d, And the UV LED 63 disposed at a position corresponding to the second discharge area A2 is arranged in the order of the UV LED 63e, the UV LED 63f, the UV LED 63g, , And a UV LED 63h. For this reason, in the case of multipass printing of 8 passes, one UV LED 63 corresponds to one band, and in the case of performing multipass printing in 4 passes, two UV LEDs 63 In the case of performing multipass printing in two passes, four UV LEDs 63 correspond to one band.

On the other hand, since each UV LED 63 emits ultraviolet rays having high directivity, the illuminance in a direction inclined by 60 占 with respect to the vertical direction is about 50% with respect to the illuminance in the vertical direction.

The partition plate 64 controls the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays in the sub scanning direction F and is formed in a flat plate shape standing upright in the vertical direction and extending in the main scanning direction S. [ The partition plate 64 is formed in a trapezoid having a substantially same dimension as the cross section of the concave portion 62 in the main scanning direction S and is in close contact with the inner surface of the concave portion 62, To the vicinity of the opening. Therefore, by providing the partition plate 64 on the recessed portion 62, the space between the recessed portion 62 and the partition plate 64 is closed without any gap, and the space between the recessed portion 62 and the partition plate 64 Ultraviolet rays are prevented from leaking to function as a shielding portion. On the other hand, the partition plate 64 preferably extends as far as possible to the opening side of the recessed portion 62 within a range not obstructing the fitting of the cover 65 to the opening of the recessed portion 62. For example, The partition plate 64 may be in contact with the cover 65 exactly when the cover 65 is fitted to the opening of the partition plate 62. [

The partition plate 64 is disposed between the adjacent UV LEDs 63 and is provided so as to be capable of being individually inserted into and removed from the ultraviolet irradiating device 6. [ Therefore, a maximum of seven partition plates 64 (see FIG. 3) are provided in the ultraviolet irradiator 6 on which the eight UV LEDs 63 are mounted, and all the partition plates 64 can be removed (See FIG. 4).

FIG. 7 is a view showing the direction of ultraviolet irradiation when a partition plate is provided between all the UV LEDs. FIG. 7, when the partition plate 64 is provided between all the UV LEDs 63, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the respective UV LEDs 63 proceed only downward in the vertical direction, It is prevented from intruding downward in the vertical direction of the UV LED 63 adjacent to the front and rear. For this reason, ultraviolet rays are irradiated only on the UV LED 63 disposed in the vertical direction above the medium M, and ultraviolet rays are not irradiated from the UV LED 63 disposed adjacent to the media M before and after the sub scanning direction F.

The control unit 7 controls the Y bar 3, the carriage 4, the inkjet head 5, the ultraviolet irradiator 6 and the like and records an image or the like on the medium M placed on the flatbed 2 And performs print control. Then, the control section 7 performs recording of the image quality of matte, gloss, and thickness coating by these controls. On the other hand, a mode in which a matte image is formed is referred to as a matte image quality mode, a mode in which a gloss image is formed is referred to as a gloss image quality mode, a one-layer gloss image quality mode is directed only to recording of a gloss image quality without forming an image, Is referred to as a thickness-formed image quality mode. The control unit 7 is mainly composed of a computer including a CPU, a ROM and a RAM. Each of the above-described controls of the control unit 7 reads predetermined computer software on a CPU or a RAM And is operated under the control of the CPU.

Next, an embodiment in which the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is provided with dust removing means will be described. The dust removing means generates a dust removing action on the medium M by removing dust on the recording medium (here, the medium M) or by preventing dust from entering onto the medium M, This is a mechanism for preventing adhesion of dust to ink droplets. Hereinafter, a representative embodiment will be described.

24 is a schematic view showing an example in which the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes the air suction means 12 for sucking the air on the side of the medium M as the first embodiment of the dust removing means. As shown in Fig. 24, the air suction means 12 is provided in the carriage 4. Fig. For example, it is preferable that the air suction means 12 is disposed at the front end or the rear end of the carriage 4 in the scanning direction (here, the main scanning direction S). The air suction means 12 and 12b are examples of the air suction means 12 and 12a provided at the front end and the air suction means 12 and 12b are provided at the rear end. .

As the air suction means 12, a fan, a pump, etc., a known suction mechanism and a pressure reducing mechanism can be adopted. The air on the medium M is sucked by operating the air suction means 12 before and after the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the carriage 4 or after being discharged, It is possible to suck dust existing in the air. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dust before the ink droplets of the clear ink discharged onto the medium M are cured by the ultraviolet irradiating device 6. [

25A and 25B show a top view and a left side view of FIG. 25B. The inkjet recording apparatus 1 is a second embodiment of the dust removing means, And air blowing means 14 for blowing a gas (for example, air) to the side of the medium M are provided. As shown in Figs. 25A and 25B, the blowing means 14 (14a and 14b) are provided in the carriage 4. As shown in Fig. For example, it is preferable that the blowing means 14 is disposed at the front end or the rear end of the carriage 4 in the scanning direction (here, the main scanning direction S). (A) in Fig. 25) for the sake of convenience of explanation, and the blowing means 14, 14b are examples of the case where the air blowing means 14, Respectively.

As the blowing means 14, a known blowing means such as a fan can be employed. As a function thereof, a gas is ejected onto the medium M by operating the blowing means 14 before or after the ink droplets of the clear ink are ejected from the carriage 4, The dust present in the air on the surface M can be removed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dust before the ink droplets of the clear ink discharged onto the medium M are cured by the ultraviolet irradiating device 6. [

Particularly, as shown in Figs. 25A and 25B, the blowing means 14 is preferably configured to eject gas in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction (here, the main scanning direction S) . According to this, since the gas ejected in the direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction S and ejected and ejected by the ink droplet before landing does not directly touch, the flying deflection of the ink droplet can be suppressed.

Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 26, the blowing means 14 and 14c may be arranged in front of the carriage 4 in the scanning direction (here, the sub-scanning direction F). According to this, it becomes possible to remove dust existing in the air on the medium M by ejecting the gas in front of the sub-scanning direction F. [

27 is a schematic view showing an example of the case where the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes the blowing means 16 for ejecting a gas (for example, air) on the side of the medium M as a third embodiment of the dust removing means to be. As shown in Fig. 27, the blowing means 16 is provided in the Y bar 3. As shown in Fig.

On the other hand, as the blowing means 14, a known blowing means such as a fan can be employed. The gas is ejected onto the medium M by operating the blowing means 16 before or after the ink droplets of the clear ink are ejected from the carriage 4 in the ejected state or after ejection, The dust present in the air on the surface M can be removed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dust before the ink droplets of the clear ink discharged onto the medium M are cured by the ultraviolet irradiating device 6. [

On the other hand, as a modified example, the blowing means 16 may be arranged in a region other than the Y bar 3 and the carriage 4 (for example, the flat bed 2) in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (Not shown).

28 is a schematic view showing an example in which the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is provided with air suction means 18 for sucking air on the side of the medium M as a fourth embodiment of the dust removing means. As shown in Fig. 28, the air suction means 18 is provided in the Y bar 3. As shown in Fig.

On the other hand, as with the air suction means 12, the air suction means 18 can adopt a known suction mechanism such as a fan and a pump, or a pressure reducing mechanism. The air on the medium M is sucked by operating the air suction means 18 before the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the carriage 4 or after the discharged ink droplets are discharged from the carriage 4, It is possible to suck dust existing in the air. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dust before the ink droplets of the clear ink discharged onto the medium M are cured by the ultraviolet irradiating device 6. [

On the other hand, as a modified example, the air suction means 18 is configured to be installed in a portion other than the Y bar 3 and the carriage 4 (for example, the flatbed 2) in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (Not shown).

For example, according to the configuration provided with the dust removing means exemplified above, the following effects are obtained. That is, even if the ink droplet of the clear ink is deposited on the medium M and then the predetermined time elapses until the clear ink is hardened, dust adheres to the surface of the ink droplet during the predetermined time, Can be prevented from deteriorating. As a result, it is possible to maintain the image quality of the gloss-adjusting printing at a high quality, and realize a recording with sufficient glossiness.

Next, a printing method using the inkjet recording apparatus 1 will be described. In this description, as shown in Fig. 8, three partition plates 64 are provided at equally spaced intervals in the ultraviolet irradiating device 6, and an image is recorded by color ink in two passes, Pass multi-pass printing in which an image is coated by clear ink. For this reason, the first discharge area A1 and the second discharge area A2 in FIG. 2 perform recording by two bands, respectively. 9, the first half of the sub-scanning direction F in the first discharge area A1 is referred to as a "first discharge area A1-a ", the sub-scan in the first discharge area A1 The second half of the direction F is referred to as a "first discharge area A1-b", the first half of the sub-scan direction F in the second discharge area A2 is referred to as a "second discharge area A2-a" And the second half of the sub scanning direction F is referred to as "second ejection area A2-b ".

The concave portion 62 is divided into a region B1 in which the UV LED 63a and the UV LED 63b are arranged by the partition plates 64 and a region B2 in which the UV LED 63c and the UV LED 63d are arranged. An area B3 in which the UV LED 63e and the UV LED 63f are disposed and an area B4 in which the UV LED 63g and the UV LED 63h are disposed. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, the area B1 corresponds to one band of the first discharge area A1-a, the area B2 corresponds to one band of the first discharge area A1-b, 2 corresponds to the gap of only one band of the discharge area A2-a, and the area B4 corresponds to one band of the second discharge area A2-b. Here, the region B1 corresponds to one band of the first discharge region A1-a. The ink droplets ejected from the first ejection region A1-a and landed on the medium M are divided into two UV LEDs, that is, a UV LED Quot ;, and the area B2 corresponds to one band of the first discharge area A1-b. The reason why the area B2 corresponds to one band of the first discharge area A1-b is that the discharge area A1- The ink droplets are curable by the two UV LEDs, that is, the UV LEDs 63c and 63d, and that the region B3 corresponds to one band of the second discharge region A2-a means that the second discharge region A2- quot; a " refers to a placement relationship in which ink droplets ejected from the first ejection area A2-a and landed on the medium M are curable by two UV LEDs, i.e., the UV LEDs 63e and 63f, Means that the ink droplets ejected from the second ejection area A2-b and landed on the medium M are divided into two UV LEDs, that is, the UV LED 6 3g and 63h, respectively. Therefore, when recording the band by ejecting ink droplets from the first ejecting area A1 while moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S, the band recorded by the first ejecting area A1-a is irradiated with ultraviolet rays The UV LEDs 63a and 63b of the area B1 are arranged at positions that can be cured and the bands recorded by the first discharge area A1-b are irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be irradiated with the UV LEDs 63c and 63d of the area B2, And the UV LEDs 63e and 63f of the region B3 are arranged at positions where the bands recorded by the second discharge area A2-a are irradiated with ultraviolet rays and are curable, The UV LEDs 63g and 63h of the region B4 are disposed at positions where the band can be cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays.

On the other hand, the printing operation of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 described below is carried out under the control of the control unit 7 as shown in Fig. That is, in the control unit 7, a processing unit (not shown) constituted by a CPU or the like is controlled by the Y bar 3, the carriage 4, the inkjet head 5, (6) and so forth, the following processing is performed.

[Matte picture mode]

A print processing method in the matte-quality mode will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a print processing method in the matte image quality mode. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the operation of the carriage in the matte image mode. In Fig. 11, the thick arrow indicates the moving direction of the Y bar 3 in the sub-scanning direction F. As shown in Fig. That is, in Fig. 11, the Y bar 3 moves in the sub-scanning direction F. Fig. On the other hand, in the matte image quality mode, the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected only when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S. When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, It is assumed that the curable ink is not ejected.

In the mat image quality mode, first, the medium M is placed on the flatbed 2 and the Y bar 3 is set to the end (print start position) after the sub scanning direction F in the recording area of the medium M .

11, ink droplets of the color ink are discharged from the first discharge area A1-a at the time of moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S, and at the same time, the ultraviolet irradiator 6b And the UV LEDs 63a and 63b disposed in the region B1 of the light emitting diodes (step S1). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S1 is turned on (step S2). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. Then, the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a performs the first pass printing, and the color ink is irradiated with ultraviolet light immediately after being adhered to the medium M and cured in the form of particles.

When the carriage 4 has been reciprocated in the main scanning direction S, it is determined whether or not the Y bar 3 has been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F (step S3). Here, in the matte image quality mode, the print data is divided into a plurality of bands while the Y bar (3) is successively conveyed in the sub scanning direction (F). Then, in each band, recording is performed in two passes by the first two scans and then in two passes by the second ink in the subsequent two scans. Thus, writing to each band is completed by four scans. Therefore, it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F in step S3 after the fourth scanning, and the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub-scanning direction F ) Is equal to the print data division number + 3 times.

It is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F because the scanning is the first scanning (step S3: NO) (Path width) by one band (step S4), and the process returns to step S1. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances in the sub scanning direction F forward.

The ink droplets of the color ink are ejected from the first ejection area A1-a when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, and the ink droplets of the UV The LEDs 63a and 63b are turned on and the ink droplets of the color ink are discharged from the first discharge area A1-b and the UV LEDs 63c and 63d disposed in the area B2 of the ultraviolet irradiating device 6b are turned on (Step S1). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S1 is turned on (step S2). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. Then, in the band in which the first-pass printing is performed by the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a in the first scan, the second-pass printing is performed by the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1- And this color ink is cured in the form of particles irradiated with ultraviolet rays immediately after being deposited on the medium (M). This completes the recording of the image by the color ink in the band. In this second scanning, similarly to the first scanning, the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a performs the first pass printing.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is terminated, since the current scanning is the second scanning (step S3: NO), the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub scanning direction F by one band (Path width) (step S4), and the process returns to step S1. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances forward in the sub-scanning direction F. [

At the third scanning, ink droplets of the color ink are discharged from the first discharge areas A1-a and A1-b when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63a to 63d disposed in the area B3 of the ultraviolet irradiating device 6b are turned on and the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharging area A2- (63e, 63f) (step S1). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S1 is turned on (step S2). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. Thus, in the band in which the second pass has been performed by the color ink ejected from the first ejection area A1-b in the second scanning, the recording in the third pass by the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2- And the clear ink is irradiated with ultraviolet light immediately after adhering to the medium M to be cured in the form of particles. Thus, the first layer of the image is coated with the clear ink. In this third scanning, similarly to the first scanning, recording is performed in the first pass by the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a, and in the same manner as in the second scanning, The second pass is performed by the color ink.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed, since the current scanning is the third scanning (step S3: NO), the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub scanning direction F by one band (Path width) (step S4), and the process returns to step S1. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances in the sub scanning direction F forward.

The ink droplets of the color ink are ejected from the first ejection areas A1-a and A1-b at the time of moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63a to 63d disposed on the first discharge area A2-a and the UV LEDs 63a to 63d disposed on the second discharge area A2-a are discharged and the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge area A2- 63e, and 63f, and further discharges ink droplets of the clear ink from the second discharge area A2-b and turns on the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the area B4 of the ultraviolet irradiating device 6b Step S1). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S1 is turned on (step S2). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. Thus, in the band in which the third pass has been performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-a in the previous scan, the fourth ink droplet is discharged by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2- And the clear ink is irradiated with ultraviolet light immediately after adhering to the medium M to be cured in the form of particles. Thus, the image is coated with the second layer by the clear ink, and all the recording (discharge of the ultraviolet curable ink and curing of the ultraviolet curable ink by ultraviolet irradiation) in the band is completed. In this fourth scan, similarly to the first scan, the color ink ejected from the first ejection area A1-a performs the first pass printing, and similarly to the second scan, the color ink ejected from the first ejection area A1-b The second pass is performed by the color ink, and the third pass is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-a as in the third scan.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed, it is judged whether or not the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F since it is the fourth scanning (Step S3).

When it is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F (step S3: NO), the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub scanning direction F by one band (Step S4), and the process returns to step S1. In this case, since the carriage 4 moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F, the ink jet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, (F). Then, in step S3, the above-described steps S1 to S3 are repeated until it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F. [

On the other hand, when it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F (step S3: YES), the printing process in the matte image quality mode is terminated.

As a result, clear ink having a rugged surface is recorded on the upper layer of the image to be recorded on the medium M, so that the image can be matte finished while securing the visibility of the image.

[Gloss image quality mode]

A print processing method in the gloss image quality mode will be described with reference to Figs. 12, 13 (a), and 13 (b). 12 is a flowchart showing a print processing method in the gloss image quality mode. 13 (a) and 13 (b) are conceptual diagrams showing an embodiment of the operation of the carriage in the gloss image quality mode. 13A and 13B, the thick arrow indicates the moving direction of the Y bar 3 in the sub-scanning direction F. As shown in FIG. 13A shows that the Y bar 3 moves in the sub scanning direction F while FIG. 13B shows that the Y bar 3 moves in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F As shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the gloss image quality mode, the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected only when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, and when the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, It is assumed that the curable ink is not ejected.

As shown in Figs. 12, 13A and 13B, in the gloss image quality mode, the Y bar 3 is sequentially transported in the sub scanning direction F sequentially in steps S11 to S14, And then the Y bar 3 is sequentially transported in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F in steps S15 to S18 to coat the image by the clear ink. That is, in the gloss image quality mode, an image is recorded by the color ink in a fine path of the Y bar 3 conveyed in the sub-scanning direction F, and the Y bar (Y) conveyed in the direction opposite to the sub- 3, the image is coated by the clear ink. Therefore, steps S11 to S14 are referred to as an image recording step alpha 1, and an example of the operation of the carriage in this image recording step alpha 1 is shown in Fig. 13 (a). Steps S15 to S18 are referred to as a coating step alpha 2, and an example of the operation of the carriage in this coating step alpha 2 is shown in FIG. 13 (b).

Hereinafter, the print processing method in the gloss image quality mode will be described in detail.

First, the medium M is placed on the flatbed 2 and the Y bar 3 is set to the end (printing start position) in the sub-scanning direction F in the recording area of the medium M, 3 in the sub-scanning direction F in succession.

As shown in Fig. 13A, when the carriage 4 is moved to the main scanning direction S in the first scanning of the image recording step? 1, ink droplets of the color ink are ejected from the first ejecting area A1- And the UV LEDs 63a and 63b disposed in the region B1 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned on (step S11). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S11 is turned on (step S12). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. Then, the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a performs the first pass printing, and the color ink is irradiated with ultraviolet light immediately after being adhered to the medium M and cured in the form of particles.

When the carriage 4 has been reciprocated in the main scanning direction S, it is determined whether or not the Y bar 3 has been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F (step S13). Here, in the image recording step? 1, the print data is divided into a plurality of bands and recorded while the Y bars 3 are successively carried in the sub-scanning direction F. Fig. Then, each band is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by two-pass printing with color inks and ultraviolet light irradiation by the first two scans, and further with ultraviolet light irradiation in the subsequent two scans. Thus, Is completed. Therefore, it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F in step S13 after the fourth scanning, and the Y bar 3 in the image recording step? F) is the number of divisions of print data + 3 times.

It is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times (m) in the sub-scanning direction F (step S13: NO) since the scanning of this time is the first scanning of the image recording step alpha 1, (Path width) in the sub-scanning direction F by one band (step S14), and the process returns to step S11. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances in the sub scanning direction F forward.

The ink droplets of the color ink are ejected from the first ejection area A1-a when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S while the ink droplets of the color ink are ejected from the first ejection area A1- The UV LEDs 63a and 63b disposed in the region B1 are turned on and further the ink droplets of the color ink are discharged from the first discharge region A1-b and the UV LEDs 63a and 63b disposed in the region B2 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6b 63c, and 63d (step S11). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S11 is turned on (step S12). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. In this manner, in the previous scanning, the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a is ejected from the first ejecting area A1-b to the band where the first- And this color ink is cured in the form of particles irradiated with ultraviolet rays immediately after being deposited on the medium (M). Thus, all the recording by the color ink in the band (ejection of the culry ink and curing of the color ink by irradiation of the ultraviolet ray) is ended. In this second scanning, similarly to the first scanning, the first-pass printing is performed by the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a.

It is judged that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F (step S13: NO) since the scanning of this time is the second scanning of the image recording step? 1, (Path width) by one band in the scanning direction F (step S14), and the process returns to step S11. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances forward in the sub-scanning direction F. [

In the third scanning of the image recording step alpha 1, ink droplets of color ink are discharged from the first discharge areas A1-a and A1-b when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63a to 63d arranged in the regions B1 and B2 of the region 6b are turned on and the UV LEDs 63e and 63f arranged in the region B3 are turned on (Step S11). When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 that emits ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S11 and the UV LEDs 63e and 63f that are disposed in the area B3 (Step S12). Then, ultraviolet rays are emitted from the UV LEDs 63e and 63f arranged in the area B3 as the third pass in the band in which the color ink discharged from the first discharge area A1-b in the previous scanning is recorded in the second pass And the color ink recorded on the band is further cured. In this third scanning, similarly to the first scanning, the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a performs the first pass printing, and similarly to the second scanning, the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-b The second pass is performed by the color ink.

It is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F (step S13: NO) since the scanning of this time is the third scanning of the image recording step alpha 1, (Path width) by one band in the scanning direction F (step S14), and the process returns to step S11. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances forward in the sub-scanning direction F. [

Ink droplets of color ink are ejected from the first ejection areas A1-a and A1-b when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S by the fourth scanning of the image recording step alpha 1, The UV LEDs 63a to 63d disposed in the regions B1 and B2 of the region B4 are turned on and the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the region B3 are turned on and the UV LEDs 63g and 63h (Step S11). When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 that emits ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S11 and the UV LEDs 63e to 63h (Step 12). By doing so, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UV LEDs 63g and 63h arranged in the region B4 as the fourth pass on the band irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the UV LEDs 63e and 63f arranged in the region B3 in the previous scanning, The color ink recorded on the band is further cured. In this fourth scan, similarly to the first scan, the color ink ejected from the first ejection area A1-a performs the first pass printing, and similarly to the second scan, the color ink ejected from the first ejection areas A1-b The second pass is performed by the color ink and ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the region B4 on the band where the second pass has been performed as in the third scan.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed, since the current scanning is the fourth scanning in the image recording step? 1, the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub scanning direction F a predetermined number of times (Step S13).

When it is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F (step S13: NO), the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub scanning direction F by one band (Step S14), and the process returns to step S11. In this case, since the carriage 4 moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F, the ink jet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, And proceeds forward in the direction F. [ Then, the above-described steps S11 to S13 are repeated until it is determined in step S13 that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction (F).

Here, a description will be given of a method of recording a final band by the image recording process? 1 when the final scan is m-th scanning.

The ejection of the color ink from the first ejection area A1-a is stopped when the carriage 4 is moved from the final scan to the (m-2) th scan before the two-sided scan in the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63c and 63d disposed in the region B2 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned on while the ink droplets of the color ink are discharged from the region A1b and the UV LEDs 63e- 63h (step S11). When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 that emits ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S11 and the UV LEDs 63e to 63h (Step S12). By this, in the last band in which the first-pass printing was performed by the color ink discharged from the first discharge area A1-a in the previous scanning, the color inks discharged from the first discharge area A1- Is recorded. Ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UV LEDs 63e and 63f arranged in the region B3 to the band where the second-pass recording is performed by the color ink discharged from the first discharge area A1-b in the previous scanning, Ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 to the band irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the regions B3 and B3.

When the carriage 4 is moved from the carriage 4 to the main scanning direction S, the ejection of color ink from the first ejection areas A1-a and A1-b is stopped at the (m-1) , The UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the regions B3 and B4 are turned on (step S11). When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the areas B3 and B4 are turned on (step S12). Then, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the area B3 to the final band where the second-pass printing was performed by the color ink discharged from the first discharge area A1-b in the previous scanning . Ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 to the band irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the region B3 in the previous scanning.

In the final scan, the m-th scan stops the ejection of the color ink from the first ejection areas A1-a and A1-b when the carriage 4 is moved to the main scanning direction S, The LEDs 63e and 63f are extinguished and only the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 are lit (step S11). Further, only the UV LEDs 63g and 63h arranged in the area B4 are lit when the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S (step S12). Then, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 to the final band irradiated with the ultraviolet rays from the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the region B3 in the previous scanning.

Thus, the image recording step alpha 1 is ended with the second discharge area A2-b being disposed in the pass line of the final band.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F (YES in step S13), the Y bar 3 is successively conveyed in the direction opposite to the sub- While performing the coating step alpha 2.

As shown in FIG. 13 (b), in the first scanning of the coating step? 2, when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge area A2- And the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 6a and the ultraviolet irradiation device 6b are turned off (step S15). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the band in which the clear ink is recorded are turned off in step S15 (step S16). At this time, the second discharge area A2-b is arranged in the pass line of the last band in the image recording step alpha 1. For this reason, the fifth band is recorded by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-b to the band which is the last band of the image recording step alpha 1 and which is disposed in front of the sub-scanning direction F at most. At this time, since the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band in which the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-b is recorded are turned off, The clear ink gradually spreads without curing, the thickness becomes thin, and the unevenness of the surface is smoothed. On the other hand, in the first scanning, the UV LEDs 63a to 63d disposed in the regions B1 and B2 may be turned on or off.

When the carriage 4 has been reciprocated in the main scanning direction S, it is determined whether or not the Y bar 3 has been transported a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F (step S17). Here, in the coating step alpha 2, the print data is divided into a plurality of bands while sequentially conveying the Y bar 3 in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F, and recorded. Then, each band is subjected to two passes of the clear ink in the first two scans, and ultraviolet light is applied to the clear ink recorded in each band in the subsequent two scans, The recording is completed. Therefore, it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been transported a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F in step S17 after the fourth scanning. In the coating step alpha 2, The predetermined number of times of conveyance in the direction opposite to the direction F is the number of divisions of the print data + 3 times.

It is judged that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (step S17: NO) (Path width) in the opposite direction of the sub-scanning direction F (step S18), and the process returns to step S15. Since the carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 are moved to the next pass line And the recording position to the medium advances in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

The ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge area A2-b at the time of moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S, and at the same time, the ink droplets of the ultraviolet ray irradiating device 6a and the ultraviolet ray The UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 of the irradiation device 6b are turned off and further the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge region A2- The UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the area B3 of the device 6b are turned off (step S15). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the band in which the clear ink is recorded are turned off in step S15 (step S16). In this way, in the band in which the fifth ink is ejected from the second ejection area A2-b and the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2-a in the first scan, Records are made. At this time, since the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the region B3 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band in which the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-a is recorded are turned off, The clear ink of the second pass spreads gradually along with the clear ink of the fifth pass so that the thickness becomes thinner and the irregularities of the surface are smoothed. In this second scanning, similarly to the first scanning, the fifth pass is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-b. On the other hand, in the second scanning, the UV LEDs 63a to 63d disposed in the regions B1 and B2 may be turned on or off.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is terminated, the Y-bar 3 is moved in the sub-scanning direction F as the second scanning of the coating step alpha 2 (step S17: NO) (Path width) in the direction opposite to that of the first band (step S18), and the process returns to step S15. Since the carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 are moved to the next pass line And the recording position to the medium advances in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

Ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge areas A2-a and A2-b at the time of moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S in the third scanning of the coating step alpha 2, The UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the regions B3 and B4 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the UV LEDs 63c and 63d disposed in the region B2 are turned off. When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63c and 63d arranged in the region B2 are turned on (step S16). On the other hand, the UV LEDs 63c and 63d to be turned on may be either of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b, or may be either of them. As a result, the UV LEDs 63c and 63d (63d, 63d) arranged in the region B2 as the seventh pass are arranged in the bands in the sixth pass by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2- ), And the clear ink of the fifth pass and the sixth pass starts to cure in a state in which the clear ink is sufficiently smoothed. In the third scanning, similarly to the first scanning, the fifth ink is ejected from the second ink-ejecting area A2-b, and the second ink-ejecting area A2- And the sixth pass is performed by the clear ink.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is terminated, the scanning of this time is the third scanning of the coating process? 2 (step S17: NO) (Path width) in the opposite direction of the band (path width) (step S18), and the process returns to step S15. Since the carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 are moved to the next pass line And the recording position to the medium advances in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

Ink droplets of the clear ink are ejected from the second ejection areas A2-a and A2-b at the time of moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S at the fourth scanning of the coating step alpha 2, The UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the regions B3 and B4 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned off and the UV LEDs 63c and 63d disposed in the region B2 are turned on, The UV LEDs 63a and 63b are turned on (step S15). The UV LEDs 63a to 63d arranged in the areas B1 and B2 are turned on when the carriage 4 moves in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S (step S16). On the other hand, the UV LEDs 63a to 63d to be turned on may be either of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b, or may be either of them. Then, ultraviolet rays are emitted from the UV LEDs 63a and 63b arranged in the region B1 as the eighth pass to the bands irradiated with the ultraviolet rays from the UV LEDs 63c and 63d arranged in the region B2 in the third scanning before one scan And the curing of the clear ink is sufficiently promoted. In this fourth scanning, similarly to the first scanning, the fifth ink-jet recording is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second ink-discharging area A2-b, and in the same manner as the second scanning, The sixth pass is performed by the clear ink, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the band on which the sixth pass has been written before one scan as in the third scan.

When the reciprocating movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed in this way, since the scanning of this time is the fourth scanning of the coating step alpha 2, the Y bar 3 is moved in the reverse direction of the sub scanning direction F Direction (step S17).

When it is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (step S17: NO), the Y bar 3 is moved in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (Path width) by one band (step S18), and the process returns to step S15. Since the carriage 4 moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F, the ink jet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, In the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction (F). Then, the above-described steps S15 to S17 are repeated until it is determined in step S17 that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

On the other hand, if it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been transported a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (step S17: YES), the printing process in the gloss quality mode is terminated.

Thus, since the smoothed clear ink is recorded on the upper layer of the image to be recorded on the medium M, glossiness can be imparted to the image while ensuring the visibility of the image.

In step S15 and step S16, the amount of light emitted from the UV LEDs 63 (UV LEDs 63c and 63d) disposed in the area B2 is set to the amount of light emitted from the UV LEDs 63 (UV LEDs 63a and 63b ) Of the light emitted from the light source. Such light amount control of ultraviolet light can be realized by separately controlling the respective UV LEDs 63. For example, as shown in Fig. 14 (a), it is possible to reduce the amount of current supplied to the UV LEDs 63c and 63d to lower the amount of light of the UV LEDs 63c and 63d, The UV LED 63c can be realized by lighting in the same manner as the UV LEDs 63a and 63b and turning off the UV LED 63d as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the case of an ink having excellent curability, only the UV LEDs 63a and 63b may be lighted.

By controlling the lighting of the UV LED 63 as described above, the initial amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the clear ink is reduced, and the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated to the clear ink can be increased stepwise. Therefore, It is possible to surely cure the clear ink while preventing the occurrence of banding accompanying thereto. Further, since the curing speed of the clear ink directly superimposed on the color ink is slow, the adhesion between the color ink and the clear ink can be improved.

Here, the cured state of the clear ink will be described with reference to Figs. 15 (a) to 15 (c). Figs. 15A to 15C are diagrams showing states of ink droplets landed on the medium. Fig. As described above, in the image recording step? 1, the ink droplets of the color ink harden immediately after adhering to the medium M, so that the color ink Ink1 is cured in the form of particles as shown in Fig. 15A. 15 (b) and (c), the clear ink Ink2 is hardened in the form of particles, as shown in Figs. 15 (b) and 15 (c), since the ink droplets of the clear ink land on the medium M, The ink droplets are spread between adjacent color inks (Ink1) and bonded to adjacent ink droplets. On the other hand, if the color ink of the lower layer is in a planar shape, the movement of the clear ink in the upper layer is not activated, so that the speed at which the clear ink is smoothed is slowed down. By thus curing the color ink of the lower layer in the form of particles, Since the movement is activated, the speed at which the clear ink is smoothed can be accelerated. Then, the clear ink (Ink2) is sufficiently smoothed and then hardened, so that an image of glossiness is obtained.

Further, in steps S15 and S16, it is preferable to perform the dust removing process using the dust removing device (the dust removing device and the dust removing function have been described above). According to this, it is possible to prevent the dust from adhering to the surface of the ink droplet of the clear ink until the clear ink is ejected to the medium M and then cured by irradiating the clear ink with ultraviolet light. In other words, since it is possible to prevent the image quality of the gloss-adjusting printing from being lowered, it is possible to realize a glossy image quality of high quality with sufficient glossiness.

[1-layer gloss image quality mode]

The print processing method in the one-layer gloss image quality mode will be described with reference to Figs. 16 and 17. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing a print processing method in the single-layer gloss image quality mode. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the operation of the carriage in the single-layer gloss image quality mode. 17, the thick arrow indicates the moving direction of the Y bar 3 in the sub-scanning direction F. As shown in Fig. That is, FIG. 17 shows that the Y bar 3 moves in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the single-gloss gloss image quality mode, the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected only when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, and the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S The ultraviolet curable ink is not ejected.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the single-layer gloss image quality mode, the Y bar 3 is transported in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F to perform only recording of the gloss image quality, Is set on the flatbed 2 and the Y bar 3 is set to the front end (print start position) in the sub scanning direction F in the recording area of the medium M. [

17, in the first scanning of the single-gloss gloss image quality mode, ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge area A2-b when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S At the same time, the UV LEDs 36g and 36h disposed in the region B4 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned off (Step S21). When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the band in which the clear ink is recorded in step S21 are turned off (step S22). By doing so, the first-pass printing is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-b to the band disposed in front of the sub-scanning direction F at most. At this time, since the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band in which the clear ink ejected from the second ejection region A2-b is recorded are turned off, The clear ink gradually spreads without curing, the thickness becomes thin, and the unevenness of the surface is smoothed. On the other hand, in the first scanning, the UV LEDs 63a to 63d disposed in the regions B1 and B2 may be turned on or off.

When the carriage 4 has been reciprocated in the main scanning direction S, it is determined whether or not the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F (step S23). Here, in the single-layer gloss image quality mode, the print data is divided into a plurality of bands while sequentially conveying the Y bar (3) in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction (F). Then, each band is subjected to two passes of the clear ink in the first two scans, and ultraviolet light is applied to the clear ink recorded in each band in the subsequent two scans, The recording is completed. Therefore, it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F in the step S23 after the fourth scanning, and the Y bar 3 in the single- The predetermined number of times of conveyance in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F is the number of times of division of print data + 3 times.

It is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F (NO in step S23) since the scanning of this time is the first scanning in the single-layer gloss image quality mode, 3) by one band (pass width) in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F (step S24), and the process returns to step S21. Since the carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 are moved to the next pass line And the recording position to the medium advances in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

The second droplet of the clear ink is discharged from the second discharge area A2-b when the carriage 4 is moved to the main scanning direction S at the second scanning in the one-layer gloss image quality mode, And the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned off and the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge region A2- And the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the region B3 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned off (Step S21). When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the band in which the clear ink is recorded in step S21 are turned off (step S22). By this, in the band in which the first pass is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-b in the first scan, the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2- Records are made. At this time, since the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the region B3 for irradiating the ultraviolet rays to the band in which the clear ink ejected from the second ejection region A2-a is recorded are turned off, The clear ink gradually spreads along with the clear ink of the first pass without being cured, so that the thickness becomes thin, and the unevenness of the surface is smoothed. In this second scanning, similarly to the first scanning, the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2-b is used to perform the first pass printing. On the other hand, in the second scanning, the UV LED 63 disposed in the areas B1 and B2 may be turned on or off.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed, since the scanning is the second scanning in the one-layer gloss image quality mode (step S23: NO) F (path width) by one band (step S24), and the process returns to step S21. Since the carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 are moved to the next pass line And the recording position to the medium advances in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

The third droplet of the clear ink is ejected from the second ejection areas A2-a and A2-b when the carriage 4 is moved to the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the areas B3 and B4 of the apparatus 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned off and the UV LEDs 63c and 63d disposed in the area B2 are turned on (step S21) . When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63c and 63d arranged in the region B2 are turned on (step S22). On the other hand, the UV LEDs 63c and 63d to be turned on may be either of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b, or may be either of them. As a result, the UV LEDs 63c, 63d (63d, 63d) arranged in the region B2 as the third pass are arranged in the bands in the second pass by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2- ), And the clear ink of the first pass and the second pass starts to cure in a state in which the clear ink is sufficiently smoothed. In this third scan, similarly to the first scan, the first-pass recording is performed by the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2-b, and similarly to the second scan, ejected from the second ejection area A2-a The second pass is performed by the clear ink.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is terminated, the scanning of this time is the third scanning of the one-layer gloss image quality mode (step S23: NO) F (path width) by one band (step S24), and the process returns to step S21. Since the carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 are moved to the next pass line And the recording position to the medium advances in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

Ink droplets of the clear ink are ejected from the second ejection areas A2-a and A2-b when the carriage 4 is moved to the main scanning direction S at the fourth scanning in the single-layer gloss image quality mode, The UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the regions B3 and B4 of the apparatus 6a and the ultraviolet irradiation device 6b are turned off and the UV LEDs 63c and 63d disposed in the region B2 are turned on in Step S22. On the other hand, the UV LEDs 63a to 63d to be turned on may be either of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b, or may be either of them. Then, ultraviolet rays are emitted from the UV LEDs 63a and 63b arranged in the region B1 as the fourth path to the band irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the UV LEDs 63c and 63d arranged in the region B2 in the third scanning before one scan And the curing of the clear ink is sufficiently promoted. In this fourth scan, similarly to the first scan, recording is performed in the first pass by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-b, and in the same manner as in the second scan, The second pass is performed by the clear ink and ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the band on which the second pass has been written before one scan as in the third scan.

When the reciprocating movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed in this way, since the scanning is the fourth scanning in the one-layer gloss image quality mode, the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub scanning direction F, (Step S23). If the predetermined number of times has passed,

When it is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (step S23: NO), the Y bar 3 is moved in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (Path width) by one band (step S24), and the process returns to step S21. Since the carriage 4 moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F, the ink jet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, In the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction (F). Then, the above-described steps S21 to S23 are repeated until it is determined in step S23 that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

On the other hand, when it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (step S23: YES), the print processing in the single-layer gloss image quality mode is terminated.

Thus, since the clear ink smoothed on the medium M on which the image is formed is recorded, glossiness can be imparted to the image while ensuring the visibility of the image formed on the medium M.

However, in steps S21 and S22, it is preferable to perform the dust removing process using the dust removing device (the dust removing device and the dust removing function have been described above). According to this, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the surface of the ink droplet of the clear ink until the clear ink is ejected to the medium M and then cured by irradiating the clear ink with ultraviolet light. In other words, it is possible to prevent degradation of the image quality of the gloss-adjusted printing, and thus it is possible to realize a glossy image quality of high quality with sufficient glossiness.

[Thickness formation image quality mode]

A print processing method in the thickness-formed image quality mode will be described with reference to Figs. 18 and 19 (a) to 19 (c). 18 is a flowchart showing a print processing method in the thickness-formed image quality mode. 19 (a) to 19 (c) are conceptual diagrams showing an embodiment of the operation of the carriage in the thickness-formed image quality mode. The thick arrows in Figs. 19 (a) to 19 (c) show the moving direction of the Y bar 3 in the sub-scanning direction F. Fig. 19A shows that the Y bar 3 moves in the sub scanning direction F and FIG. 19B shows that the Y bar 3 moves in the sub scanning direction F (C) of FIG. 19 shows that the Y bar 3 moves in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the thickness-formed image quality mode, when the ultraviolet curable ink is discharged only when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S and the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S It is assumed that the ultraviolet curable ink is not ejected.

As shown in Figs. 18 and 19A to 19C, in the thickness-formed image quality mode, the Y bar 3 is successively carried in the sub-scanning direction F in steps S31 to S34, And then the image is coated by the clear ink. Next, in steps S35 to S40, the Y bar 3 is successively carried in the sub-scanning direction F to form the thickness by the clear ink, In steps S41 to S44, the Y bar 3 is successively transported in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F to perform the gloss processing by the clear ink. Therefore, steps S31 to S34 are referred to as an image recording coating process? 1, and an operation example of the carriage in this image recording coating process? 1 is shown in Fig. 19 (a). Steps S35 to S40 are referred to as a thickness forming step? 2, and an example of the operation of the carriage in this thickness forming step? 2 is shown in Fig. 19 (b). Steps S41 to S44 are referred to as a gloss processing step, and an example of the operation of the carriage in this gloss processing step? 3 is shown in Fig. 19 (c).

Hereinafter, the print processing method in the thickness-formed image quality mode will be described in detail.

First, the medium M is placed on the flatbed 2 and the Y bar 3 is set to the rear end (printing start position) in the sub scanning direction F in the recording area of the medium M, (3) are successively transferred in the sub-scanning direction (F) while performing the image recording coating process? 1.

As shown in Fig. 19 (a), in the first scanning of the image recording coating process? 1, when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63a and 63b arranged in the region B1 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned on (step S31). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S31 is turned on (step S32). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. Then, the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a performs the first pass printing, and the color ink is irradiated with ultraviolet light immediately after being adhered to the medium M and cured in the form of particles.

When the carriage 4 has been reciprocated in the main scanning direction S, it is determined whether or not the Y bar 3 has been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F (step S33). Here, in the image recording coating process? 1, print data is divided into a plurality of bands and recorded while the Y bar 3 is successively carried in the sub-scanning direction (F). Then, in each band, two passes are recorded by the first two scans and two passes are recorded by the clear ink in the subsequent two scans, so that recording for each band is completed with a total of four scans . Therefore, it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F in the step S33 after the fourth scanning, and the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub- (F) is the number of divisions of print data + 3 times.

It is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F (step S33: NO) since the scanning of this time is the first scanning of the image recording coating process? 1, (Path width) in the sub scanning direction (step S34), and the process returns to step S31. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances in the sub scanning direction F forward.

In the second scanning of the image recording coating process? 1, when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, ink droplets of the cull ink are discharged from the first discharge area A1-a, The UV LEDs 63a and 63b disposed in the region B1 are turned on and further the ink droplets of the color ink are discharged from the first discharge region A1-b and the UV LEDs 63a and 63b disposed in the region B2 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6b 63c, and 63d (step S31). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S31 is turned on (step S32). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. In this way, in the band in which the first pass is performed by the color ink ejected from the first ejection area A1-a in the first scan, the color ink ejected from the first ejection area A1- Recording is performed, and this color ink is cured in the form of particles irradiated with ultraviolet rays immediately after being deposited on the medium (M). Thus, all the recording by the color ink in the band (discharge of the color ink and curing of the color ink by irradiation of the ultraviolet ray) is ended. In this second scanning, similarly to the first scanning, the first-pass printing is performed by the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is terminated, since the scanning of this time is the second scanning of the image recording coating process? 1 (step S33: NO) F (path width) by one band (step S34), and the process returns to step S31. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances forward in the sub-scanning direction F. [

In the third scanning of the image recording coating process? 1, ink droplets of the color ink are discharged from the first discharge areas A1-a and A1-b when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63a to 63d disposed in the regions B1 and B2 of the apparatus 6b are turned on and the ink droplets of the clear ink are further discharged from the second discharge area A2- The UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed at B3 are turned on (step S31). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S31 is turned on (step S32). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. By this, in the band in which the second pass has been performed by the color ink ejected from the first ejection area A1-b in the second scanning, the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2- Recording is performed, and the clear ink is irradiated with ultraviolet light immediately after adhering to the medium (M) and cured in the form of particles. Thus, the first layer of the image is coated with the clear ink. In this third scanning, similarly to the first scanning, the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-a causes the first pass to be written, and similarly to the second scanning, the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1-b The second pass is performed by the color ink.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is terminated, since the scanning of this time is the third scanning of the image recording coating process? 1 (step S33: NO) F (path width) by one band (step S34), and the process returns to step S31. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances forward in the sub-scanning direction F. [

In the fourth scan of the image recording coating process? 1, ink droplets of color ink are discharged from the first discharge areas A1-a and A1-b when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63a to 63d disposed in the areas B1 and B2 of the apparatus 6b are turned on to discharge the ink droplets of the clear ink from the second discharge area A2-a and the area B3 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6b The UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the area B4 of the ultraviolet irradiating device 6b are illuminated and further the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharging area A2- 63h (step S31). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S31 is turned on (step S32). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. Then, in the band in which the third-pass printing is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-a in the previous scanning, the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2- Recording is performed, and the clear ink is irradiated with ultraviolet light immediately after adhering to the medium (M) and cured in the form of particles. As a result, the image is coated with the second layer by the clear ink. In this fourth scan, similarly to the first scan, the color ink ejected from the first ejection area A1-a performs the first pass printing, and similarly to the second scan, the color ink ejected from the first ejection area A1-b The second pass is performed by the color ink, and the third pass is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-a as in the third scan.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed, since this scanning is the fourth scanning of the image recording coating process? 1, the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub scanning direction F (Step S33).

When it is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F (step S33: NO), the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub scanning direction F by one band (Step S34), and the process returns to step S31. In this case, since the carriage 4 moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F, the ink jet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, And proceeds forward in the direction F. [ Then, the above-described steps S31 to S33 are repeated until it is determined in step S33 that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction (F).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F (YES in step S33), the Y bar 3 is transported in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F, (The position of step S31 to be the printing start position) (step S35), and the thickness forming step? 2 is performed while the Y bar 3 is successively transported in the sub-scanning direction F. [

The carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S and the main scanning direction S without performing ink ejection and irradiation with ultraviolet light in the first scanning of the thickness forming step? 2 as shown in FIG. 19 (b) And reciprocates in the opposite direction (steps S36 and S37). Then, an air shot is performed as the fifth pass in the band disposed at the rear of the sub-scanning direction F at most. Here, the air shot refers to reciprocating the carriage 4 without ejecting ink and irradiating ultraviolet rays.

When the carriage 4 has been reciprocated in the main scanning direction S, it is determined whether or not the Y bar 3 has been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F (step S38). Here, in the thickness forming step? 2, the print data is divided into a plurality of bands while recording the Y bar 3 in the sub scanning direction F, and recorded. Then, two-pass air shot is performed with the first two scans and two-pass recording is performed with the clear ink by the subsequent two scans, so that writing to each band is completed with four scans (four passes). Therefore, it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F in step S38 after the fourth scanning, and the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub-scanning direction F) is the division number of the print data +3.

Then, it is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F (step S38: NO) since the scanning of this time is the first scanning of the thickness forming step? (Path width) by one band in the scanning direction F (step S39), and the process returns to step S36. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances forward in the sub-scanning direction F. [

The carriage 4 is reciprocated in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S and the main scanning direction S without performing ink ejection and irradiation with ultraviolet light in the second scanning of the thickness forming step? S37). As a result, an air shot is performed as the sixth scan on the band disposed at the rear of the sub-scan direction F at most and a band adjacent to the front of the sub-scan direction F of this band is set as the fifth- .

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed, since the scanning of this time is the second scanning of the thickness forming step? 2, the Y bar 3 is not conveyed in the sub scanning direction F a predetermined number of times (Step S38: NO), the Y bar 3 is conveyed by one band (pass width) in the sub-scanning direction F (step S39), and the process returns to step S36. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances forward in the sub-scanning direction F. [

The ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge area A2-a at the time of moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S while the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge area A2- The UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the area B3 are turned on (step S35). When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S35 is turned on (step S36). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. Then, the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2-a to the band disposed at the rear of the sub-scanning direction F is used to perform the seventh pass, and this clear ink is ejected onto the medium M Ultraviolet rays are irradiated immediately after it is cured in the form of particles. Thus, a thickness of one layer is formed in the image formed in the image recording coating process? 1.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed, since the scanning of this time is the third scanning of the thickness forming step? 2, the Y bar 3 is not conveyed in the sub scanning direction F a predetermined number of times (Step S38: NO), the Y bar 3 is conveyed by one band (pass width) in the sub-scanning direction F (step S39), and the process returns to step S36. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances forward in the sub-scanning direction F. [

The ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge area A2-a at the time of moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S while the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge area A2- The UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the area B3 are turned on and the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge area A2-b and the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the area B4 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6b 63g, and 63h (step S35). When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band recorded in step S35 is turned on (step S36). On the other hand, when moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63 of both the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b may be turned on, The UV LED 63 may be turned on. Thus, the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2-b to the band where the seventh pass has been performed by the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2-a before one scan makes the eighth- And this clear ink is cured in the form of particles irradiated with ultraviolet rays immediately after being deposited on the medium (M). As a result, the image formed in the image recording coating process? 1 has a thickness of two layers. Then, in the fourth scan, similarly to the third scan, the seventh pass is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-a.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed, since the scanning of this time is the fourth scanning in the thickness forming step? 2, the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub scanning direction F a predetermined number of times (Step S38).

When it is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub scanning direction F (step S38: NO), the Y bar 3 is moved in the sub scanning direction F by one band (Step S39), and the process returns to step S36. The carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, The recording position to the medium advances forward in the sub-scanning direction F. [ Then, the above-described steps S36 to S38 are repeated until it is determined in step S38 that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F. [

Here, a description will be given of a method of recording a final band by the image recording step alpha 1 when the last scan is m-th scanning.

In the final scan, the m-th scan stops the ejection of the clear ink from the second ejection area A2-a when the carriage 4 is moved to the main scanning direction S, and the ejection of the clear ink from the UV LED 63e And 63f are turned off, only the clear ink is ejected from the second ejection area A2-b, and only the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the area B4 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 6b are turned on (step S36). Further, only the UV LEDs 63g and 63h arranged in the area B4 are lit when the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S (step S37). Then, in the last scanning, the eighth pass is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-b to the last band recorded by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-a , And ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4.

Thus, in the state in which the second discharge area A2-b is disposed in the pass line of the final band, the one image recording step? 1 in the thickness forming step? 2 ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been transported a predetermined number of times in the sub-scanning direction F (step S38: YES), it is next judged whether or not the thickness forming step? 2 has been performed a predetermined number of times (step S40). Here, in order to deposit the clear ink at a predetermined thickness, the thickness forming step? 2 is repeated as many times as necessary. The predetermined number of times of repeating the thickness forming step? 2 is determined by a predetermined set value, a value specified in the print data, or the like. Therefore, if it is determined in step S40 that the number of times of the thickness forming step? 2 has not reached the predetermined number of times, it is determined that the predetermined number of times has not been performed. If the number of times of the thickness forming step? It is determined that the number of times has elapsed.

If it is determined that the thickness forming step? 2 has not been performed a predetermined number of times (step S40: NO), the process returns to step S35 and the above-described steps S35 to S40 are repeated again.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the thickness forming step? 2 has been performed a predetermined number of times (step S40: YES), the gloss processing step? 3 is performed while sequentially transporting the Y bar 3 in the direction opposite to the sub-

As shown in Fig. 19C, when the carriage 4 is moved to the main scanning direction S in the first scanning of the glossing process? 3, the ink droplets of the clear ink from the second discharging area A2- And the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the area B4 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned off (step S41). When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the band in which the clear ink is recorded in step S41 are turned off (step S42). At this time, the second discharge area A2-b is disposed in the pass line of the last band in the thickness forming step? 2. Therefore, if the number of passes in the thickness-forming image quality mode is n, the band which is disposed at the front of the sub-scanning direction F as the last band in the thickness forming step? (N-3) -th pass is performed by the clear ink. At this time, since the UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band in which the clear ink ejected from the second ejection region A2-b is recorded are turned off, 3) Clear ink on the pass The ink spreads slowly without curing, so that the thickness becomes thinner, and the unevenness of the surface is smoothed. On the other hand, the UV LEDs 63a to 63d arranged in the areas B1 and B2 may be turned on or off in the first scan.

When the carriage 4 has been reciprocated in the main scanning direction S, it is determined whether or not the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F (step S43). Here, in the gloss processing step? 3, the print data is divided into a plurality of bands and recorded while sequentially conveying the Y bar 3 in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction (F). Then, each band is subjected to two passes of the clear ink in the first two scans, and ultraviolet light is applied to the clear ink recorded in each band in the subsequent two scans, The recording is completed. Therefore, it is determined that the Y bar 3 is conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F in step S43 after the fourth scanning, and the Y bar 3 is moved to the sub- The predetermined number of times of conveyance in the direction opposite to the scanning direction F is the number of divisions of the print data + 3 times.

It is judged that the Y bar 3 has not been transported a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (step S43: NO), and the Y bar 3 (Path width) in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F by one band (step S44), and the process returns to step S41. Since the carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 are moved to the next pass line And the recording position to the medium advances in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

The ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge area A2-b at the time of moving the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S while the second scanning of the gloss processing step? The UV LEDs 63g and 63h disposed in the region B4 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned off and further the ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge region A2- The UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the area B3 of the irradiation device 6b are turned off (step S41). When moving the carriage 4 in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the band in which the clear ink is recorded in step S41 are turned off (step S42). In this way, by the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2-a to the band in which the (n-3) -th pass is written by the clear ink ejected from the second ejection area A2-b in the first scanning (n-2) -th pass is recorded. At this time, since the UV LEDs 63e and 63f disposed in the region B3 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band in which the clear ink ejected from the second ejection region A2-a is recorded are turned off, 2) clear ink on the pass does not harden but gradually spreads together with the clear ink of the (n-3) th pass, the thickness becomes thin, and the unevenness of the surface is smoothed. In this second scanning, similarly to the first scanning, the (n-3) -th recording is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2-b. On the other hand, in the second scanning, the UV LEDs 63a to 63d disposed in the areas B1 and B2 may be turned on or off.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is terminated, the scanning of this time is the second scanning of the gloss processing step? 3 (step S43: NO) (Path width) in the opposite direction of the band (path width) (step S44), and the process returns to step S41. Since the carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 are moved to the next pass line And the recording position to the medium advances in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

In the third scanning of the glossing process? 3, ink droplets of the clear ink are discharged from the second discharge areas A2-a and A2-b when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S, The UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the regions B3 and B4 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned off and the UV LEDs 63c and 63d disposed in the region B2 are turned on. When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63c and 63d arranged in the area B2 are turned on (step S42). On the other hand, the UV LEDs 63c and 63d which are turned on may be either of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b, or may be either of them. (N-2) -th pass by the clear ink ejected from the second ejecting area A2-a in the second scanning before one scan, and to the area B2 as the (n-1) Ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the arranged UV LEDs 63c and 63d and the clear ink of the (n-3) th path and the (n-2) th path is cured in a sufficiently smoothed state. As in the first scanning, the (n-3) -th recording is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharging area A2-b, and the second discharging area A2- (n-2) -th pass is performed by the clear ink ejected from the recording head 12a.

When the reciprocal movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is terminated, the scanning of this time is the third scanning of the glossing process? 3 (step S43: NO) (Path width) in the opposite direction of the band (path width) (step S44), and the process returns to step S41. Since the carriage 4 mounted on the Y bar 3 also moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F so that the inkjet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 are moved to the next pass line And the recording position to the medium advances in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

Ink droplets of the clear ink are ejected from the second ejection areas A2-a and A2-b when the carriage 4 is moved in the main scanning direction S by the fourth scanning of the gloss processing step? 3, The UV LEDs 63e to 63h disposed in the regions B3 and B4 of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b are turned off and the UV LEDs 63c and 63d disposed in the region B2 are turned on, And turns on the UV LEDs 63a and 63b (step S41). When the carriage 4 is moved in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction S, the UV LEDs 63a to 63d arranged in the areas B1 and B2 are turned on (step S42).

On the other hand, the UV LEDs 63a to 63d to be turned on may be either of the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b, or may be either of them. By doing so, the UV LEDs 63a and 63b arranged in the region B1 as the n-th pass, which is the last pass, are irradiated to the band irradiated with the ultraviolet rays from the UV LEDs 63c and 63d arranged in the region B2 in the third scanning, Is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the curing of the clear ink is sufficiently accelerated. As in the first scanning, the (n-3) -th recording is performed by the clear ink discharged from the second discharging area A2-b, and the second discharging area A2- (n-2) -th pass is performed by the clear ink discharged from the first ink-jet recording head, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the band on which the (n-2) -th recording has been performed before one scan as in the third scanning.

When the reciprocating movement of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction S is completed, since the scanning of this time is the fourth scanning of the gloss processing step? 3, the Y bar 3 is moved in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (Step S43).

When it is determined that the Y bar 3 has not been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (step S43: NO), the Y bar 3 is moved in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F (Path width) by one band (step S44), and the process returns to step S41. Since the carriage 4 moves by one band in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F, the ink jet head 5 and the ultraviolet irradiating device 6 correspond to the next pass line, In the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction (F). Then, the above-described steps S41 to S43 are repeated until it is determined in step S43 that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F. [

On the other hand, if it is determined that the Y bar 3 has been conveyed a predetermined number of times in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F (step S43: YES), the printing process in the gloss image quality mode is terminated.

As a result, the thickness-forming layer of clear ink having a thickness is laminated on the upper layer of the image to be recorded on the medium M, and furthermore, the clear ink smoothed on the upper layer is recorded. Therefore, while ensuring the visibility of the image, And it is also possible to give a gloss to this image.

On the other hand, in steps S41 and S42, the amount of light emitted from the UV LEDs 63 (UV LEDs 63c and 63d) arranged in the area B2 is arranged in the area B1 similarly to steps S15 and S16 of the gloss image quality mode (UV LEDs 63a and 63b) of the light emitting diode (LED). In the same manner as in the gloss image quality mode, the clear ink of the lower layer is cured in the form of particles in the thickness forming step? 2 prior to the gloss processing step? 3, so that the movement of the clear ink in the upper layer is activated to speed up the rate at which the clear ink is smoothed .

Furthermore, in steps S41 and S42, it is preferable to carry out the dust removing process using the dust removing device as in steps S15 and S16 of the gloss image quality mode (the dust removing device and the dust removing function have been described above) . According to this, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the surface of the ink droplet of the clear ink until the clear ink is ejected to the medium M and then cured by irradiating the clear ink with ultraviolet light. In other words, it is possible to prevent degradation of the image quality of the gloss-adjusted printing, and thus it is possible to realize a glossy image quality of high quality with sufficient glossiness.

As described above, according to the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, since the UV LED 63 is provided corresponding to each band, it is possible to control the irradiation of ultraviolet rays for each band. Therefore, by extinguishing the UV LED 63 for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band where the path region for ejecting the ink droplet is located, ink droplets ejected from the path region are not hardened but smoothed immediately after landing on the medium M do. As a result, recording with sufficient luster can be performed. On the other hand, by turning on the UV LED 63 that emits ultraviolet rays to the band where the path region for ejecting the ink droplet is located, the ink droplets ejected from the path region cure immediately after adhering to the medium M, An image of an image quality can be formed.

By turning on the UV LEDs 63 of the areas B1 and B2, the color ink ejected from the first ejecting area A1 is cured immediately after adhering to the medium M, so that a clear color image can be formed without ink smearing have. On the other hand, by turning off the UV LED 63 of the areas B2 and B3, the clear ink discharged from the second discharge area A2 is smoothed and smoothed immediately after being deposited on the medium M, You can give.

At this time, by ejecting clear ink from the second ejection area A2 and moving the Y bar 3 in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction F, clear ink deposited on the medium M is ejected Ultraviolet rays are irradiated and cured. As a result, clear ink can be ejected and the smoothed clear ink can be cured without changing the moving direction of the Y bar (3), so that recording with glossiness can be efficiently performed.

In the gloss image quality mode, since the clear ink smoothed in the upper layer of the image to be recorded on the medium M is recorded as described above, glossiness can be imparted to the image while ensuring the visibility of the image.

At this time, when the Y bar 3 moves in the sub scanning direction F by discharging the color ink from the first discharge area A1 and discharging the clear ink from the second discharge area A2, And then, when the Y bar 3 moves in the direction opposite to the sub scanning direction F, clear ink is recorded on the upper layer of the color ink. As described above, image formation and glossiness can be imparted by one reciprocation of the Y bar 3, so that it is possible to efficiently record a glossy image.

Further, by operating the air suction means or the air blowing means, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the surface of the ink droplet of the clear ink until the clear ink is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays. Thus, Image quality can be realized.

Further, in the thickness-formed image quality mode, as described above, the thickness-forming layer of the clear ink having a thickness in the upper layer of the image to be recorded in the medium M is laminated, and the clear ink smoothed in the upper layer is recorded, A thickness can be imparted to the clear ink while visibility is ensured, and glossiness can be imparted to this image.

By arranging the ultraviolet light irradiating device 6 in front of and behind the first discharging area A1 and the second discharging area A2 in the main scanning direction S, All the ink droplets ejected from the nozzles can be cured.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the number and arrangement of the UV LEDs 63 provided in the ultraviolet irradiation device 6, the number and arrangement of the partition plates 64 provided in the ultraviolet irradiation device 6, The control and the like are appropriately set in accordance with the illuminance distribution desired to be obtained and the image quality of an image to be obtained.

In the above-described embodiment, three partition plates 64 are provided in the ultraviolet irradiator 6 as an explanation of the print processing method. However, a number of partition plates 64 may be provided, As shown in Fig. 20, seven partition plates 64 may be provided. In this case, the amount of light emitted from the UV LED 63 disposed in the region B2 is reduced by turning on the UV LEDs 63a to 63c and turning off the UV LEDs 63d to 63h in the coating process? 2 in the gloss image quality mode It is possible to obtain an effect equivalent to the above.

In the above-described embodiment, ink droplets are ejected only in the shortest path of the carriage 4 that moves in the main scanning direction S in the description of the print control method. However, in the carriage 4 moving in the main scanning direction S, The ink droplets may be ejected from both sides of the path of the recording medium 4 and on the way.

In the above embodiment, all of the UV LEDs 63 are turned on in the gloss recording mode image recording step? 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, The UV LED 63 disposed in the region B3 and the region B4 may be turned off. As a result, ultraviolet rays are not irradiated to the color ink until the coating step alpha 2 after the ultraviolet rays are irradiated at the time of the second pass printing, so that the color ink is prevented from being excessively cured and the adhesion between the color ink and the clear ink is improved .

In the above embodiment, the three steps of the image recording coating process? 1, the thickness forming process? 2 and the gloss process? 3 are performed as the thickness forming image quality mode. However, the thickness forming process? 2 is not necessarily required, Only the two processes of the image recording coating process? 1 and the gloss process process 3 may be performed as the formation image quality mode.

Although the insertion and removal operation of the partition plate 64 with respect to the ultraviolet irradiator 6 is not described in detail in the above embodiment, it is also possible to separate the cover 65 from the opening of the recess 62 The partition plate 64 may be inserted and removed from the main body 61 and the partition plate 64 may be inserted into the interior of the body 61 as shown in Fig. (62). In this case, the entry / exit of each partition plate 64 may be controlled by an actuator, a lead screw, or the like, and a handle fixed physically to each partition plate 64 may be protruded from the main body 61, As shown in Fig.

Although the partition plate 64 is described as being formed in a trapezoidal flat plate shape in the above embodiment, any shape may be used as long as it can shield ultraviolet rays directed toward the sub scanning direction F. [

In the above embodiment, the partition plate 64 is provided in the ultraviolet irradiator 6 to control the progress of the ultraviolet light emitted from the UV LED 63 in the sub-scanning direction F. However, The plate 64 is not an indispensable component and it is only necessary to change the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light irradiated to the ultraviolet curable ink in the sub scanning direction F by individually controlling the respective UV LEDs 63 to be turned on. Shielding means 66a to 66h are provided below the respective UV LEDs 63a to 63h in the vertical direction as shown in the ultraviolet irradiating device 6A shown in Fig. The irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet rays in the sub scanning direction F may be changed by suppressing the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV LED 63 adjacent to the LED 63 in the vertical direction below. As shown in the ultraviolet irradiator 6B shown in Fig. 23 (b), by disposing the UV LEDs 63a to 63h on the bottom surface of the ultraviolet irradiator 6B without forming recesses, The irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet rays in the sub scanning direction F may be changed by suppressing the irradiation of ultraviolet rays emitted from the adjacent UV LEDs 63 below the vertical direction of the UV LEDs 63. [

In the above embodiment, it is described that the ultraviolet irradiator 6 is disposed both in front of and behind the main scanning direction S of the inkjet head 5. However, in the main scanning direction S It is also possible to arrange them on either the front side or the rear side.

In the above embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b have the same configuration. However, the ultraviolet irradiator 6a and the ultraviolet irradiator 6b do not necessarily have to be of the same configuration, but may be appropriately configured differently from the scope of the present invention It is also good.

In the above embodiment, by specifying the region in which ink droplets are ejected from the ink nozzles 8 formed in each ink-jet head 5, the bands in which the color ink is to be printed and the bands in which the clear ink is printed are set in the sub- The ink jet head for ejecting the color ink and the ink jet head for ejecting the clear ink are physically shifted in the sub scanning direction F so that the bands in which the color ink is recorded and the bands in which the clear ink is recorded are sub- And may be shifted in the direction F.

In the above embodiment, the nozzle rows of the ink nozzles 8 forming the respective bands are arranged in a line in the sub-scanning direction F. However, the ink-jet heads 5 may be arranged in plural in the main scanning direction S The nozzle rows of the ink nozzles 8 may be shifted in the main scanning direction S for one or a plurality of bands. In the above embodiment, the ink nozzles 8 through which the cull ink is ejected and the ink nozzles 8 through which the clear ink is ejected are arranged to be shifted in the main scanning direction S. However, May be arranged in a line in the scanning direction (F). In this case, the ink nozzle from which the color ink is ejected and the ink nozzle from which the clear ink is ejected may be formed in another ink-jet head, or may be formed in the same ink-jet head.

Although the UV LED 63 is used as the light source of the ultraviolet irradiator 6 in the above embodiment, any means such as a UV lamp may be used as long as it can emit ultraviolet rays.

In the above embodiment, the inkjet head 5 and the medium M are relatively moved in the sub-scanning direction F by moving the ink-jet head 5 by transporting the Y bar 3. However, The inkjet head 5 and the medium M may be actually moved, or both of them may be moved. For example, the ink-jet head 5 and the medium M may be of the grid rolling type in which the medium M is moved relative to the sub-scanning direction F by transporting the medium M.

M: Media
1: ink jet recording apparatus
2: Flatbed
3: Y bar
4: Carriage
5: Inkjet head
6: Ultraviolet irradiator
7:
8: Ink nozzle
9: Guide rail
12: air suction means

Claims (7)

A carriage reciprocally movable in the main scanning direction,
Ink ejecting means mounted on the carriage and having a plurality of ink nozzles for ejecting ultraviolet curable ink on a recording medium in a sub scanning direction;
An ultraviolet light irradiation means mounted on the carriage for irradiating the recording medium with ultraviolet light,
And a controller for controlling the ink discharging means and the ultraviolet irradiating means,
Wherein the carriage or the recording medium moves in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to a main scanning direction,
Furthermore, it is preferable that air suction means for sucking air on the recording medium side or blowing means for ejecting a gas on the recording medium side is provided,
Wherein the ink nozzle has a plurality of path regions in which a plurality of bands can be recorded,
The ultraviolet light irradiation means has a plurality of light sources for respectively irradiating ultraviolet rays corresponding to the plurality of bands,
Wherein the control unit controls the lighting and the light-off of the light source for each of the path regions for discharging the ultraviolet curable ink,
Wherein the ultraviolet light irradiation means is provided between the plurality of light sources and has a partition plate for irradiating ultraviolet light for each printing band so that the plurality of light sources can be turned on / Device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the air suction means is disposed at a front end or a rear end of the carriage in the scanning direction. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the blowing means is disposed at a front end or a rear end of the carriage in the scanning direction and ejects the gas in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the blowing means is disposed at a front end in the scanning direction of the carriage and ejects the gas forward in the scanning direction. The method according to claim 1,
The ink nozzles formed in plural in the sub scanning direction of the ink discharging means include nozzles for discharging ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance to the recording medium and nozzles for discharging ultraviolet curable ink having color to the recording medium,
Wherein the number of nozzles for ejecting the light-transmitting ultraviolet curable ink is two times larger than the number of nozzles for ejecting the colored ultraviolet curable ink having a specific color. A printing method using the ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Curing type ink having light transmittance is recorded on the recording medium by turning off the light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band in which the pass area for discharging ultraviolet curing ink having light transmittance is located,
The light source for irradiating ultraviolet light to the band in which the path region disposed on the upstream side of the carriage or the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction is located than the path region for ejecting the ultraviolet curable ink having light transparency, Curing the ultraviolet curable ink recorded on the recording medium at the time of scanning of the recording medium,
A step of sucking air on the recording medium side by operating the air suction means before or after the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected, a state in which the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected, or after the ejection of the ultraviolet curable ink, And a step of ejecting a gas onto the recording medium. The method according to claim 6,
Irradiating the ultraviolet curable ink with ultraviolet light by turning on the light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the band in which the path region disposed on the upstream side of the sub scanning direction is located adjacent to the path region for discharging the ultraviolet curable ink having light transmittance, The amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source disposed on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction is made smaller than the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source disposed on the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction.

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