WO2022024347A1 - 画像形成装置 - Google Patents
画像形成装置 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2022024347A1 WO2022024347A1 PCT/JP2020/029439 JP2020029439W WO2022024347A1 WO 2022024347 A1 WO2022024347 A1 WO 2022024347A1 JP 2020029439 W JP2020029439 W JP 2020029439W WO 2022024347 A1 WO2022024347 A1 WO 2022024347A1
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- image
- image forming
- forming apparatus
- irradiation
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
- B41J11/002—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
- B41J11/0021—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation
- B41J11/00214—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation using UV radiation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
- B41J11/002—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
- B41J11/0021—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation
- B41J11/00212—Controlling the irradiation means, e.g. image-based controlling of the irradiation zone or control of the duration or intensity of the irradiation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
- B41J29/38—Drives, motors, controls or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
- B41J29/38—Drives, motors, controls or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
- B41J29/393—Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine ; Controlling or analysing mechanical parameters involving printing of test patterns
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
- B41J29/38—Drives, motors, controls or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
- B41J29/393—Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine ; Controlling or analysing mechanical parameters involving printing of test patterns
- B41J2029/3935—Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine ; Controlling or analysing mechanical parameters involving printing of test patterns by means of printed test patterns
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.
- an inkjet image forming apparatus that ejects ink from an inkjet head and prints on the recording medium.
- an inkjet image forming apparatus a technique of irradiating ink ejected from an inkjet head to a recording medium with energy rays to dry (fix to the recording medium) the ink is known.
- the ink ejected to the recording medium is irradiated with UV light to cure the ink and fix it on the recording medium.
- the ink of each color is irradiated with UV light immediately after being ejected (landed) on the recording medium to obtain the ink of that color.
- the technique of pinning (semi-curing) is known.
- the cause of such a problem is that it does not take into consideration that the physical properties of the ink or the physical properties of the contact surface to which the ink is ejected and contacted with the recording medium differ depending on the color of the ink used or the type of the recording medium. Conceivable.
- the absorption characteristics of light energy differ depending on the color (pigment or colorant) of the ink used.
- the problem of unevenness in the pinning (semi-cured) state also occurs when the same ink is ejected to different types of recording media. That is, the physical characteristics of the contact surface on which the ink is ejected and brought into contact with the recording medium differ depending on the recording medium used.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing or suppressing unevenness of the pinning state for each color by setting fixing conditions based on an objective standard.
- the image forming apparatus is An image forming unit that forms an image by ejecting ink of one or more colors onto a recording medium, A fixing portion having a pre-fixing portion for semi-curing the image by irradiating the formed image with energy rays, and a fixing portion for fixing the image to the recording medium.
- the print job includes a setting unit for setting the irradiation conditions of the fixing unit in the print job based on the print result of the test print executed in the past.
- unevenness in the pinning state can be prevented or suppressed by setting the fixing conditions based on an objective standard.
- FIG. 3A and 3B are tables showing examples of changes in image quality when the UV irradiation amount and the ink curing time in the pinning process are changed. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the gradation chart printed at the time of a test print. It is a table which shows a specific example of the critical value of the concentration input by a user.
- FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.
- the image forming apparatus 1 forms an ink image (hereinafter referred to as “image”) on the recording medium P by an inkjet method and a conveying unit 2 that conveys the recording medium P along the conveying direction of the conveying path.
- image an ink image
- a plurality of head units for five colors W, K, C, M, and Y in this example
- a first UV irradiation unit 25 and a second UV irradiation unit 28 which will be described later, are provided.
- the transport unit 2 is arranged downstream of the feed roller 21 arranged at the uppermost stream of the transport path, the driven roller 22 located downstream of the feed roller 21 and upstream of the head unit 10, and downstream of the second UV irradiation unit 28. It includes a driven roller 24 and a take-up roller 23 arranged at the most downstream of the transport path.
- a long medium such as cloth or roll paper is used as the recording medium P
- the medium is wound in advance on the feeding roller 21, and the driven rollers 22 and 24 are used. It is configured to be wound by a winding roller 23.
- the configuration example of the transport unit 2 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a configuration in which a pickup roller, a transport roller, a transport belt, or the like for transporting cut paper one by one is rotated.
- the head unit 10 ejects ink to the recording medium P conveyed by the conveying unit 2 from a nozzle opening provided on the ink ejection surface facing the recording medium P, and forms an image on the recording medium P. do.
- five colors of white (W), black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) are used from the upstream side along the transport direction of the recording medium P.
- Five head units 10 corresponding to the inks are arranged in order so as to be arranged at predetermined intervals.
- Each head unit 10 includes an inkjet head 102 (see FIG. 2).
- the inkjet head 102 is provided with a plurality of recording elements each having a pressure chamber for storing ink, a piezoelectric element provided on the wall surface of the pressure chamber, and a nozzle.
- a drive signal for deforming the piezoelectric element is input to this recording element, the pressure chamber is deformed due to the deformation of the piezoelectric element, the pressure in the pressure chamber changes, and ink is ejected from a nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber.
- orthogonal direction is a region of the recording medium P conveyed by the transfer unit 2 in which an image is formed. Covers the width of the orthogonal direction.
- the head unit 10 is used with its position fixed with respect to the rotation axis of the feed roller 21 or the take-up roller 23 at the time of image formation. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 is a single-pass type inkjet image forming apparatus.
- the amount of energy supplied to the recording medium P as the ink ejected from the inkjet head 102 to the recording medium P (in this example, ultraviolet rays supplied from the first UV irradiation unit 25 and the second UV irradiation unit 28 described later (in this example).
- UV UV curable ink whose viscosity changes according to the amount of light of UltraViolet) is used.
- the recording medium P in addition to paper such as plain paper and coated paper, various media such as cloth or sheet-shaped resin capable of fixing the ink landed on the surface can be used.
- the image forming apparatus 1 includes a head drive unit 101 and an inkjet head 102 included in the head unit 10, a first UV irradiation unit 25, a second UV irradiation unit 28, an operation display unit 34, a control unit 40, and a transport drive unit 51. , The input / output interface 52 and the like are provided.
- the head drive unit 101 outputs a drive signal for deforming the piezoelectric element according to the image data to the recording element of the inkjet head 102 at an appropriate timing based on the control of the control unit 40, so that the inkjet head 102 An amount of ink corresponding to the pixel value of the image data is ejected from the nozzle.
- the control unit 40 has a CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit), a RAM 42 (Random Access Memory), a ROM 43 (Read Only Memory), and a storage unit 44.
- CPU 41 Central Processing Unit
- RAM 42 Random Access Memory
- ROM 43 Read Only Memory
- the CPU 41 reads various control programs and setting data stored in the ROM 43 and stores them in the RAM 42, executes the program, and performs various arithmetic processes. Further, the CPU 41 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1.
- the RAM 42 provides a working memory space to the CPU 41 and stores temporary data.
- the RAM 42 may include a non-volatile memory.
- the ROM 43 stores various control programs, setting data, etc. executed by the CPU 41.
- rewritable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or flash memory may be used.
- the storage unit 44 stores a print job (image formation instruction including various user setting information such as the number of prints) input from the external device 200 via the input / output interface 52 and image data related to the print job. ..
- a print job image formation instruction including various user setting information such as the number of prints
- an HDD Hard Disk Drive
- a DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory
- the transport drive unit 51 supplies drive signals to the first drive motor, the second drive motor, and the like described above based on the control signal supplied from the control unit 40, and causes the feed roller 21 and the take-up roller 23 to have a predetermined speed. And rotate at the timing.
- the input / output interface 52 mediates the transmission / reception of data between the external device 200 and the control unit 40.
- the input / output interface 52 is composed of, for example, any of various serial interfaces, various parallel interfaces, or a combination thereof.
- the external device 200 is, for example, a personal computer (PC), and supplies a print job, image data, and the like to the control unit 40 via the input / output interface 52.
- PC personal computer
- the first UV irradiation unit 25 irradiates the recording medium P on which the image is formed (that is, the ink is landed) by the image forming unit, that is, the inkjet head 102 of the head unit 10 with UV light (ultraviolet rays).
- the image forming unit that is, the inkjet head 102 of the head unit 10 with UV light (ultraviolet rays).
- UV light ultraviolet rays
- the first UV irradiation unit 25 has white (W), black (K), cyan (C), and white (W), black (K), and cyan (C) from the upstream side along the transport direction of the recording medium P.
- Four first UV irradiation units 25w, 25k, 25c, and 25m are arranged in the vicinity of each downstream side of the head unit 10 corresponding to the four color inks of magenta (M).
- the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w, 25k, 25c, and 25m) corresponds to the "pre-fixing unit" of the present invention.
- the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25y) is not provided in the vicinity of the downstream side of the head unit 10 corresponding to the yellow (Y) ink.
- the reason for this is that since the yellow (Y) image is the most downstream, it is not necessary to perform the pre-curing process, and it is sufficient to perform the main curing process at once in the second UV irradiation unit 28.
- the second UV irradiation unit 28 irradiates the recording medium P that has passed the position of the head unit 10 that ejects the yellow (Y) ink with UV light (ultraviolet rays), whereby the recording medium P It plays a role of completely curing (mainly curing) the above (image) to complete fixing to the recording medium P.
- the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w, 25k, 25c, and 25m) and the second UV irradiation unit 28 correspond to the "fixing unit" of the present invention.
- the operation display unit 34 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit and an operation unit.
- the display unit displays various operation screens, an image status display, an operation status of each function, and the like according to a display control signal input from the control unit 40.
- the operation unit includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, receives various input operations by the user, and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 40.
- the operation display unit 34 and the control unit 40 have a function as a "setting unit" in the present invention, and the details of the setting unit will be described later.
- the image forming apparatus 1 performs the following operations under the control of the control unit 40.
- control unit 40 controls the transfer drive unit 51 of the transfer unit 2 so as to start the paper feeding and transfer operation of the recording medium P, and starts the transfer of the recording medium P.
- control unit 40 controls to eject ink from the inkjet head 102 of the corresponding color of the head unit 10. By such an operation, an image of the color and shape specified by the print job is formed on the recording medium P.
- control unit 40 irradiates the recording medium P on which the image is formed with UV light for pinning and main curing by controlling the first UV irradiation unit 25 and the second UV irradiation unit 28, and the control unit 40 irradiates the recording medium P with UV light for pinning and main curing. Perform the steps of pinning (pre-fixing) and main curing of the image.
- the recording medium P for which the pinning and main curing processes have been completed is taken up by the take-up roller 23 via the driven roller 24. Then, when the image formation for the amount specified in the print job is executed, the series of processes described above is completed.
- the inkjet type image forming apparatus 1 that performs color printing with inks of a plurality of colors as described above, for example, due to the difference in light energy absorption characteristics depending on the color (colorant) of the ink used, for example. Image quality deterioration such as streaks or blurring in the image may occur in the high density portion.
- the light energy absorption characteristics differ depending on the color (coloring agent) of the ink used.
- various contained substances are contained in addition to the colorant, such as a drying inhibitor for preventing clogging of nozzles and the like.
- the pinning conditions irradiation of UV with respect to the unit ejection amount of ink
- the first UV irradiation unit 25 25w to 25m
- the problem of unevenness in the pinning (semi-cured) state also occurs when the same ink is ejected to different types of recording media P. That is, the physical characteristics of the contact surface on which the ink is ejected and brought into contact with the recording medium P differ depending on the recording medium P used.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B show an outline of an example of setting pinning conditions related to ink characteristics as a table.
- FIG. 3A is a table showing a general setting example of the pinning condition (strength and weakness of the UV irradiation light amount) when adjusting the wetting and spreading of the ink.
- the stronger (more) the amount of UV irradiation output from the first UV irradiation unit 25 the smaller the wetting and spreading of the ink in the pinning step, and vice versa.
- the weaker (less) the amount of UV irradiation that is output the greater how the ink gets wet and spreads in the pinning process.
- FIG. 3B is a table showing a general setting example of pinning conditions (time until pre-curing) when adjusting the glossiness of the ink and the detailed reproducibility of the ink.
- the amount of UV irradiation output from the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m) is increased so that the curing time of the ink is shortened (2). Many). In this case, the detailed reproducibility of the ink is also relatively good.
- the amount of UV irradiation output from the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m) is weakened (reduced) so that the curing time of the ink is delayed.
- the detailed reproducibility of the ink is relatively poor as compared with the case where the curing time of the ink is fast.
- the user (worker) of the image forming apparatus 1 examines the pinning conditions of the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m) every time he / she handles a new type of recording medium P or ink, and obtains the desired quality.
- sample printing and setting change were repeated by trial and error to determine the final setting contents to be used in the main printing.
- the present inventors have decided to provide the image forming apparatus 1 with the following configurations or functions.
- the fixing unit (first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m) and second UV irradiation is performed based on the print result of the test printing executed in the past.
- the configuration is provided with a setting unit for setting (selecting or changing) the irradiation conditions (output, time, etc.) in the unit 28).
- the operation display unit 34 and the control unit 40 in FIG. 2 function as the above-mentioned "setting unit”.
- control unit 40 executes the process for executing the above-mentioned "test print”. Further, the control unit 40 performs a process of reflecting the print result of the executed test print mainly on the irradiation conditions (output, time, etc.) of the pinning in the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m).
- control unit 40 sets the irradiation energy amount of the UV light irradiated by the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m) when the print job is executed as the irradiation condition of the fixing unit.
- the irradiation conditions of the fixing portion to be set include the presence / absence of UV light irradiation and the setting of the irradiation energy amount in each of the first UV irradiation portions 25w, 25k, 25c, and 25m. For example, when printing an image that does not eject white (W) ink when a print job is executed (during main printing), the control unit 40 does not irradiate UV light from the first UV irradiation unit 25w (irradiation energy). Is set to zero).
- control unit 40 sets the irradiation energy amount of the UV light emitted by the corresponding first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m) for each ink ejected from the head unit (image forming unit) 10.
- the operation display unit 34 displays a setting screen or an input screen for allowing the user to make various settings (selection or change) at the time of executing the test print or at the time of executing the print job (that is, main printing). It plays a role of facilitating the user.
- the operation display unit 34 displays a database (data content to be accumulated or updated) related to the irradiation conditions of pinning in the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m).
- a database data content to be accumulated or updated
- Such a database can be stored, for example, in the storage unit 44 in FIG.
- the data of the image (inspection chart) printed at the time of test printing can also be stored in the storage unit 44.
- FIG. 4 shows a specific example of a test image (gradation chart) printed at the time of test printing in the present embodiment.
- the head unit 10 that ejects YMCK color ink is driven to obtain a solid image of each color of YMCK and an image of each color of RGB that is a complementary color (mixing). , Each of which is continuously formed at a concentration of 5% increments until the concentration reaches 100%.
- Such a gradation chart is a chart in which the density of an image consisting of a single color or a mixed color of ink ejected from an image forming unit (inkjet head 102 of the head unit 10) is gradually changed, and is a chart for "inspection” of the present invention. Corresponds to "Chart”.
- the control unit 40 operates all the head units 10 for ejecting the above-mentioned five colors of ink.
- An inspection chart (gradation chart) can be printed.
- control unit 40 sets the irradiation conditions for pinning in the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m) to a predetermined standard value (for example, 50% output).
- the operator visually recognizes the test image printed on the recording medium P (in this example, a seven-color gradation chart of Y, M, C, K, R, G, and B), and blurs or streaks.
- the state of image quality such as image deterioration or the strength of gloss is confirmed, and the confirmed result is input through the input screen displayed on the operation display unit 34.
- the input result is stored in the above-mentioned storage unit 44 of the image forming apparatus 1 and stored as a database.
- FIG. 5 shows an example of a database in which the confirmation result input by the operator through the input screen is stored (stored) in the storage unit 44 of the image forming apparatus 1.
- the seven-color gradation chart formed by using Y, M, C, and K color inks of the same manufacturer is displayed on four different recording media P, that is, PET paper manufactured by A company, B.
- the results of printing on PET paper manufactured by Company C, PP paper manufactured by C company, and coated paper manufactured by D company are shown.
- control unit 40 determines the density at which image streaks occur for each of the above seven colors after printing the above-mentioned gradation chart in FIG. 4, and the type of recording medium P used (paper type).
- An input screen is displayed on the operation display unit 34 so that the operator can input the manufacturer, product name, and the like.
- streaks are generated in the images having a density of 90% in each of the Y (Ye) color and the C (Cy) color, and G ( In the Green) color, streaks occur in the image with a density of 80%, in the M (Mg) color, K (Bk) color, and R (Red) color, streaks occur in the image with a density of 70%, and in B (Blue). It can be seen that streaks are generated in the image having a density of 60%.
- control unit 40 together with the type and manufacturer of the recording medium P to be used, the image quality (of the image) desired in the main printing through the setting screen displayed on the operation display unit 34 at the time of the print job, that is, the setting operation of the main printing. Performs a process to display a message prompting the user (worker) to select (gloss, sharpness, etc.).
- control unit 40 performs pinning irradiation conditions in the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m) so as to realize the image quality (designated image characteristics) selected by the user (worker) through the operation display unit 34. Calculate the optimum value (output, etc.) for and set the optimum value.
- the control unit 40 uses ink.
- the outputs of the first UV irradiation unit 25 and the second UV irradiation unit 28 are set to be high (for example, 1.1 times the normal time) so as to cure faster.
- the control unit 40 increases the output of the first UV irradiation unit 25 m (see FIG. 2 as appropriate) for the magenta (M) color in which image defects occur at a relatively low density (for example, 1 in the normal state). .4 times).
- control unit 40 controls each unit as follows when the print job, that is, the main printing is executed.
- control unit 40 controls the transfer drive unit 51 of the transfer unit 2 so as to start the paper feeding and transfer operation of the recording medium P, and starts the transfer of the recording medium P, as before.
- control unit 40 controls to eject ink from the inkjet head 102 of the corresponding color of the head unit 10. By such an operation, an image of the color and shape specified by the print job is formed on the recording medium P.
- control unit 40 irradiates the recording medium P on which the image is formed with UV light for pinning and main curing by controlling the first UV irradiation unit 25 and the second UV irradiation unit 28, and the control unit 40 irradiates the recording medium P with UV light for pinning and main curing. Perform the steps of pinning (pre-fixing) and main curing of the image.
- control unit 40 performs UV irradiation by the respective first UV irradiation units 25k, 25c, 25m (and 25w if necessary) under the conditions (output, UV light amount, etc.) according to the set optimum value.
- the first UV irradiation unit 25 is controlled.
- control unit 40 may control the transfer drive unit 51 so as to change the transfer speed of the recording medium P by the transfer unit 2 (in this example, the take-up roller 23 or the like), if necessary. For example, when the transport speed of the recording medium P is lowered, the amount of UV light emitted from the first UV irradiation unit 25 can be increased as compared with the case of the normal transport speed.
- the recording medium P for which the pinning and main curing processes have been completed is taken up by the take-up roller 23 via the driven roller 24. Then, when the image formation for the amount specified in the print job is executed, the series of processes described above is completed.
- control unit 40 determines the manufacturer and product name of the ink to be used, the type and manufacturer of the recording medium P to be used, and the like through the setting screen displayed on the operation display unit 34 at the time of the print job, that is, the setting operation of the main printing. After performing the process of prompting the user (worker) to make a selection, the same process as described above is performed.
- the print result of the output test image (multicolor gradation chart) is input, when the main print is performed again using the same ink and the recording medium P, the print is performed again. It is possible to reproduce desired image characteristics without performing complicated setting work of pinning conditions as in the conventional case.
- the density at which image defects occur when a predetermined common inspection chart (gradation chart) is printed using a specific ink and a recording medium P is set based on the objective criteria and the result, it is possible to effectively prevent the setting contents of the pinning conditions from being different for each worker.
- the specified image characteristics are specified based on the print result of the image for test printing (multicolor gradation chart) executed in the past. Since the irradiation conditions of the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25 w to 25 m in this example) are calculated and set for each color so as to satisfy the image quality quality such as, etc., the unevenness of the pinning state for each color is prevented or suppressed. be able to.
- the print job when the print job is executed, it becomes possible to perform detailed correspondence in response to the customer's request for image quality (emphasis on gloss, emphasis on sharpness, etc.) in a small number of processes.
- the operator evaluates the printed matter of the output test image (gradation chart of a plurality of colors), and works on the color in which the image deterioration (streak in this example) occurs and the density of the image. It was configured so that the person could manually input it.
- an image reading unit (CCD scanner or the like) (not shown) is arranged in the transport path on the downstream side of the second UV irradiation unit 28 and on the upstream side of the take-up roller 23, and is based on the reading result by the image reading unit.
- the control unit 40 may evaluate (determine) the presence or absence of streaks in the image for each density constituting the above-mentioned gradation chart of each color, and automatically input the evaluation result.
- the above-mentioned input screen and setting screen are displayed on the external terminal 200 (PC in the example of FIG. 2) connected to the image forming apparatus 1, and the output test image (gradation of a plurality of colors) is displayed.
- the evaluation of the printed matter of the chart may be input by the operator through the input screen displayed on the external terminal.
- the output and evaluation of the printed matter of the test image are performed when the ink used in the image forming apparatus 1 changes or the type of the recording medium P used changes. It was assumed that.
- the timing of the output of the test image (gradation chart of multiple colors) and the execution of the evaluation is not limited to the above, and it is preferable to execute the test image (gradation chart of multiple colors) at any time based on the user's instruction, for example.
- the components of the head unit 10 described above, particularly the inkjet head 102 are deteriorated due to durability, image deterioration such as streaks is likely to occur. It is desirable to process the output and evaluation of a multi-color gradation chart).
- the control unit 40 relates to the irradiation conditions of pinning in the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m). , A more optimum value (output, etc.) according to the durability of the current device can be calculated, and such an optimum value can be set.
- the value of the irradiation condition of the new pinning calculated in this way can be updated by overwriting the existing setting contents.
- the value of the irradiation condition of the new pinning may be registered (saved in the storage unit 44) with a name different from the existing setting content, and in this case, the existing setting content (for example, a component of the head unit 10) may be registered. Is the setting value in the new state) can be saved.
- the temperature environment may affect the spread of dots during pinning.
- the temperature environment may change at various times, such as when the image forming apparatus 1 is relocated to another place in the factory, when the season changes, or when the condition of the air conditioner at the installation place changes.
- control unit 40 is configured to be capable of executing the output and evaluation processing of the test image (multicolor gradation chart) at any time as described above, so that the control unit 40 is the first UV irradiation unit 25 (25w to 25m). ), A more optimum value (output, etc.) according to the current temperature environment can be calculated and the optimum value can be set.
- a print management unit that prints the above-mentioned test image (multicolor gradation chart) and prompts input of print results when the image formation conditions or the environment around the image formation device 1 changes. It may be configured to include.
- control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with the function as the above-mentioned print management unit.
- the control unit 40 monitors, for example, the detection value of a temperature / humidity sensor (not shown) in the image forming apparatus 1, and at the time of executing the above-mentioned test printing, together with the contents of the above-mentioned test result (see FIG. 5 as appropriate).
- the ambient temperature and humidity values according to the detection values of the temperature / humidity sensor are stored as additional information.
- control unit 40 refers to or searches the above-mentioned database stored in the storage unit 44, and the recording medium P and the ink used in the print job are executed in the past. Determine if it is used in a test print.
- control unit 40 may not be able to calculate the accurate irradiation conditions of the first UV irradiation unit 25. It is determined that the operation display unit 34 displays a message to the effect that test printing should be performed.
- control unit 40 when the control unit 40 is used in the recording medium P used in the print job and the test printing executed in the past, the control unit 40 is based on the detected value of the temperature / humidity sensor and is located around the current image forming apparatus 1. Get temperature and humidity.
- the control unit 40 when the ambient temperature (or humidity) of the current image forming apparatus 1 exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 40, for example, has a difference of more than 10 degrees with respect to the temperature at the time of executing the test printing performed in the past. If this is the case, it is determined that the accurate irradiation conditions of the first UV irradiation unit 25 may not be calculated from the print results of the past test print, and a message to the effect that the test print should be performed again is displayed on the operation display unit 34. Let me.
- UV curable ink is used and UV light is irradiated as the pre-fixing portion
- the present invention is not limited to this.
- an ink that is cured by electron beam irradiation may be used, and an electron beam may be irradiated as a pre-fixing portion.
- Image forming device 2 Transport unit 10 Head unit (image forming unit) 21 Feeding roller 22, 24 Driven roller 23 Winding roller 25 (25w, 25k, 25c, 25m) 1st UV irradiation part (pre-fixing part) 28 Second UV irradiation part (fixing part) 34 Operation display unit 40 Control unit (setting unit, print management unit) 51 Transport drive unit 51 102 Inkjet head (image forming unit) 200 External device P Recording medium
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Ink Jet (AREA)
Abstract
Description
記録媒体に1以上の色のインクを吐出して画像を形成する画像形成部と、
形成された前記画像にエネルギー線を照射して当該画像を半硬化させるプレ定着部を有し前記画像を前記記録媒体に定着させる定着部と、
印刷ジョブの実行の際、過去に実行されたテスト印刷の印刷結果に基づいて、当該印刷ジョブにおける前記定着部の照射条件を設定する設定部と、を備える。
2 搬送部
10 ヘッドユニット(画像形成部)
21 給送ローラー
22,24 従動ローラー
23 巻取りローラー
25(25w,25k,25c,25m) 第1UV照射部(プレ定着部)
28 第2UV照射部(定着部)
34 操作表示部
40 制御部(設定部、印刷管理部)
51 搬送駆動部51
102 インクジェットヘッド(画像形成部)
200 外部装置
P 記録媒体
Claims (11)
- 記録媒体に1以上の色のインクを吐出して画像を形成する画像形成部と、
形成された前記画像にエネルギー線を照射して当該画像を半硬化させるプレ定着部を有し前記画像を前記記録媒体に定着させる定着部と、
印刷ジョブの実行の際、過去に実行されたテスト印刷の印刷結果に基づいて、当該印刷ジョブにおける前記定着部の照射条件を設定する設定部と、
を備える画像形成装置。 - 前記設定部は、前記印刷ジョブの実行時に前記プレ定着部が照射する前記エネルギー線の照射エネルギー量を、前記照射条件として設定する、
請求項1記載の画像形成装置。 - 前記設定部は、画像形成部によって吐出される前記インクごとに、対応する前記プレ定着部の前記照射条件を設定する、
請求項1または2記載の画像形成装置。 - 前記設定部は、前記テスト印刷の印刷結果が入力された値から前記照射条件の値を求めて設定する、
請求項1から3の何れか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 - 前記設定部は、前記テスト印刷において、予め定められた検査用チャートを印刷し、該印刷結果に基づいて前記照射条件を設定する、
請求項1から4の何れか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 - 前記検査用チャートは、前記画像形成部から吐出される前記インクの単体色または混色色からなる画像の濃度を段階的に変化させたチャートである、
請求項5に記載の画像形成装置。 - 前記設定部は、ユーザーによって入力された前記印刷結果に基づいて、前記定着部の前記照射条件を設定する、
請求項1から6の何れか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 - 前記設定部は、前記テスト印刷において、画像読み取り部によって読み取られた画像の読み取り結果に基づいて、前記定着部の照射条件を設定する、
請求項1から6の何れか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 - 前記設定部は、前記印刷ジョブの実行時に、指定された画像特性を満たすように、前記定着部の照射条件を設定する、
請求項1から8の何れか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 - 前記テスト印刷の前記印刷結果を、前記インクの種類および前記記録媒体の種類に応じて記憶する記憶部を備え、
前記設定部は、印刷ジョブの実行時に、前記記憶部に記憶された前記テスト印刷の前記印刷結果に基づいて前記定着部の照射条件を設定する、
請求項1から9の何れか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 - 画像形成条件に応じて前記テスト印刷の実行を促す処理を行う印刷管理部を備える、
請求項1から10の何れか一項に記載の画像形成装置。
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EP20947515.1A EP4190564A4 (en) | 2020-07-31 | 2020-07-31 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE |
JP2022539944A JP7494915B2 (ja) | 2020-07-31 | 画像形成装置 | |
PCT/JP2020/029439 WO2022024347A1 (ja) | 2020-07-31 | 2020-07-31 | 画像形成装置 |
CN202080103099.1A CN115989148A (zh) | 2020-07-31 | 2020-07-31 | 图像形成装置 |
US18/014,441 US20230249476A1 (en) | 2020-07-31 | 2020-07-31 | Image formation device |
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