WO2024080281A1

WO2024080281A1 - Printer and transfer method

Info

Publication number: WO2024080281A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/036770
Authority: WO
Inventors: 勇輝上林; 宏幸鈴木
Original assignee: ローランドディー．ジー．株式会社
Priority date: 2022-10-11
Filing date: 2023-10-10
Publication date: 2024-04-18

Abstract

In the present invention, ink is less likely to be ejected in a precipitated state, and ejected ink is less likely to have uneven density. This printer 10 comprises a first ink-accommodating section 51A in which a first ink is accommodated, a plurality of first nozzle rows 44A including first nozzles 43A that eject the first ink, and a first ink flow path 52A that is connected to the first ink-accommodating section 51A and the first nozzle rows 44A. The first ink flow path 52A is provided with: a forward flow path 53 having a first forward end 53a connected to the first ink-accommodating section 51A, an upstream part 53c, a downstream part 53d disposed downstream of the upstream part 53c, and a second forward end 53b; a return flow path 54 having a first return end 54a connected to the downstream part 53d, and a second return end 54b connected to the upstream part 53c; and a branch flow path 55 having a first branch end 55a connected to the second forward end 53b, and second branch ends 55b connected to the first nozzle rows 44A, the branch flow path 55 being branched from the forward flow path 53.

Description

Printer and transfer method

The present invention relates to a printer and a transfer method.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that includes an ink cartridge that contains ink, and multiple recording heads that are connected to one ink cartridge and eject ink. In this case, multiple ink supply tubes are connected to one ink cartridge.

Each ink supply tube has one main tube section that occupies most of the length on the upstream side, and multiple branch tube sections that branch off from the main tube section on the downstream side. One recording head is connected to each branch tube section. Multiple recording heads are connected to one ink cartridge via multiple ink supply tubes like these.

JP 2013-144461 A

However, in the printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, ink is prone to settling in the ink supply tube. In particular, in the case of ink that is prone to settling, such as white ink, the ink can be prone to settling even during a short standby time. Therefore, in the printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, a circulation flow path for circulating the ink is provided in the ink supply tube, making it difficult for the ink to be ejected from the recording head in a settled state. However, it is necessary to provide a circulation flow path for multiple ink supply tubes. As a result, the degree of ink settling differs in each ink supply tube, and there is a risk of uneven concentration occurring in the ink ejected by each recording head.

The present invention was made in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to provide a printer and transfer method in which ink is less likely to be ejected in a settled state and in which uneven density is less likely to occur in the ejected ink.

The printer according to the present invention comprises a first ink storage section that stores a first ink, a first nozzle row including a plurality of first nozzles that eject the first ink, and a first ink flow path connected to the first ink storage section and the first nozzle row. There are a plurality of first nozzle rows. The first ink flow path comprises a forward flow path, a return flow path, and a branch flow path. The forward flow path has a first forward end connected to the first ink storage section, an upstream portion, a downstream portion disposed closer to the first nozzle row than the upstream portion, and a second forward end. The return flow path has a first return end connected to the downstream portion of the forward flow path, and a second return end connected to the upstream portion of the forward flow path. The branch flow path has a first branch end connected to the second forward end of the forward flow path and a second branch end connected to the first nozzle row, and branches off from the forward flow path.

　According to the above printer, the first ink is ejected from a plurality of first nozzles constituting a plurality of first nozzle rows (hereinafter, also referred to as ejecting the first ink from a plurality of first nozzle rows), so that the amount of the first ink ejected per unit time can be increased, and the concentration of the first ink per unit area can be increased in a short time. Furthermore, according to the above printer, the first ink can be circulated between the forward flow path and the return flow path in the first ink flow path. Therefore, by ejecting the first ink from the first nozzle row in a circulated and agitated state, the first ink can be prevented from being ejected in a settled state. Furthermore, since the first ink after circulation branches off in the branch flow paths and is ejected from each first nozzle row, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the concentration of the first ink ejected from each first nozzle row.

The present invention provides a printer and transfer method that is less likely to eject ink in a settled state and that is less likely to cause uneven density in the ejected ink.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing a schematic configuration of the bottom of the carriage and the ink head. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a first ink supply mechanism of the ink supply mechanisms. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the second ink supply mechanism to the fifth ink supply mechanism among the ink supply mechanisms. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the medium after the image layer and the fill layer have been printed. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the medium showing the print area. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the transfer method.

Below, an embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described here is, of course, not intended to limit the present invention in any particular way. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for components and parts that perform the same function, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

1 is a front view of a printer 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the schematic configuration of the bottom of the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 of the printer 10. Here, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings refer to the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the printer 10, respectively. The symbol Y in the drawings indicates the main scanning direction. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction. The symbol X in the drawings indicates the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction X intersects (here, perpendicular to) the main scanning direction Y in a plan view. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction X is the front-back direction. The symbol Z in the drawings is the height direction, that is, the up-down direction. However, the explanation of these directions is merely the directions determined for convenience, and does not limit the installation mode of the printer 10, nor does it limit the present invention.

The printer 10 is an inkjet printer, or a so-called inkjet printer. However, the printing method of the printer 10 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a dot impact printer, a laser printer, or a thermal printer. In this embodiment, the printer 10 is a so-called roll-to-roll type printer, which moves a roll-shaped medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X. However, the printer 10 may also be a so-called flatbed type printer, in which the support base 13 (see FIG. 1), described below, moves in the sub-scanning direction X, and the medium 5 also moves in the sub-scanning direction X. The printer 10 may also be a so-called gantry type printer, in which the medium 5 itself supported by the support base 13 does not move, but an ink head 40 (see FIG. 2), described below, moves in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 prints on a medium 5. The medium 5 is, for example, a roll of recording paper, commonly known as roll paper. However, the medium 5 is not limited to roll of recording paper. For example, the medium 5 may be paper such as plain paper or inkjet printing paper, or it may be a resin sheet or film such as polyvinyl chloride or polyester, a plate material, a fabric such as a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric, or other medium. Also, as described below, when the printer 10 is used for transfer printing, the medium 5 is preferably a transparent or translucent film, i.e., a film-like medium.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a printer body 11, a support stand 13, a sub-scanning movement mechanism 20, a guide rail 15, a carriage 17, a main-scanning movement mechanism 30, an ink head 40 (see FIG. 2), and an ink supply mechanism 50 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer body 11 has a casing that extends in the main scanning direction Y. The printer body 11 is supported by legs 12. Here, the legs 12 are provided on the bottom surface of the printer body 11. The legs 12 extend downward from the bottom surface of the printer body 11.

The printer body 11 is provided with an operation panel 14. In this embodiment, the operation panel 14 is located on the front of the right end of the printer body 11. The operation panel 14 is equipped with a display screen 14a that displays the status of the printer 10, and operation keys 14b that are operated and input by the user.

The support table 13 supports the medium 5. Here, the medium 5 is placed on the upper surface of the support table 13. Printing is performed on the medium 5 on the support table 13. The upper surface of the support table 13 extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X.

The medium 5 supported on the support base 13 can be moved in the sub-scanning direction X by the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20. The sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 is a mechanism that moves the medium 5 supported on the support base 13 in the sub-scanning direction X relative to the ink head 40. Here, the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 is configured to move the medium 5 on the support base 13 in the sub-scanning direction X. The configuration of the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 includes a pinch roller 21, a grit roller 22, and a feed motor 23. The pinch roller 21 is provided above the support base 13 and below the guide rail 15, and presses down the medium 5 from above. The pinch roller 21 is disposed behind the carriage 17 in a plan view. The grit roller 22 is provided on the support base 13. Here, the grit roller 22 is embedded in the support base 13 with its upper surface exposed. The grit roller 22 has, for example, a cylindrical outer circumferential shape. The grit roller 22 faces the pinch roller 21 and is disposed below the pinch roller 21. The medium 5 is sandwiched between the grit roller 22 and the pinch roller 21. A feed motor 23 is connected to the grit roller 22. Although two pinch rollers 21 are disposed in FIG. 1, in reality, a plurality of pinch rollers 21 (e.g., three or more) are disposed side by side in the main scanning direction Y. Although two grit rollers 22 are also disposed, in reality, a plurality of grit rollers 22 (e.g., three or more) are disposed side by side in the main scanning direction Y so as to be disposed below the pinch roller 21. The plurality of grit rollers 22 are provided and connected to, for example, a shaft (not shown) extending in the main scanning direction Y. The feed motor 23 is connected to one of the plurality of grit rollers 22 or to the above shaft.

Here, the feed motor 23 is driven with the medium 5 sandwiched between the pinch roller 21 and the grit roller 22. The drive of the feed motor 23 rotates the shaft and the multiple grit rollers 22, and the medium 5 supported by the support table 13 moves in the sub-scanning direction X.

As shown in FIG. 1, the guide rail 15 is disposed above the support base 13. The guide rail 15 is disposed parallel to the upper surface of the support base 13 and extends in the primary scanning direction Y. A carriage 17 is engaged with the guide rail 15. The carriage 17 is provided so as to be slidable on the guide rail 15. The carriage 17 is configured to be movable in the primary scanning direction Y along the guide rail 15.

The main scanning movement mechanism 30 is a mechanism that moves the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 (see FIG. 2) in the main scanning direction Y relative to the medium 5 supported by the support base 13. Here, the main scanning movement mechanism 30 moves the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. Note that the configuration of the main scanning movement mechanism 30 is not particularly limited.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the main scanning movement mechanism 30 includes left and

right pulleys

31a and 31b, a belt 32, and a scan motor 33. The left pulley 31a is provided around the left end of the guide rail 15. The right pulley 31b is provided around the right end of the guide rail 15. The belt 32 is, for example, an endless belt, and is wound around the left and

right pulleys

31a and 31b. The carriage 17 is attached and fixed to the belt 32. The scan motor 33 is connected to the right pulley 31b.

Here, the scan motor 33 is driven to rotate the right pulley 31b, causing the belt 32 to run between the left and

right pulleys

31a and 31b. This causes the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 to move in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 15.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ink head 40 is provided on the carriage 17. Here, the ink head 40 is supported on the carriage 17 so that its bottom surface is exposed downward. The ink head 40 ejects ink. There is no particular limit to the number of ink heads 40. Here, there is one ink head 40. For example, if there are multiple ink heads 40, the multiple ink heads 40 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y.

In this embodiment, the ink head 40 has a plurality of nozzles 43 and a nozzle surface 45 in which the plurality of nozzles 43 are formed. The nozzle surface 45 forms the bottom surface of the ink head 40.

Nozzles 43 are formed on nozzle surface 45 and eject ink. In this embodiment, a plurality of nozzles 43 are formed on nozzle surface 45. Here, some of the plurality of nozzles 43 are arranged in a line in the sub-scanning direction X. A line of nozzles 43 arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is called a nozzle line 44. In this embodiment, the number of nozzle lines 44 formed in ink head 40 is eight. However, the number of nozzle lines 44 is not particularly limited. Hereinafter, when ink is ejected from nozzle line 44, it means that ink is ejected from nozzles 43 that constitute nozzle line 44.

In this embodiment, it is possible to eject ink of multiple colors from the ink head 40. More specifically, it is possible to eject five colors of ink from the ink head 40: a first ink, a second ink, a third ink, a fourth ink, and a fifth ink. However, the number of colors of ink ejected from the ink head 40 is not limited to five, and may be four or less, or six or more. Here, the first ink, second ink, third ink, fourth ink, and fifth ink are inks of different colors.

The first ink is an ink that tends to settle over time. The first ink has a tendency to settle more easily than the other inks (e.g., the second to fifth inks). The first ink is also an ink that is used in greater amounts than the second to fifth inks, and is the ink that is ejected when forming, for example, the fill layer L2 (see FIG. 6) described below. The first ink is, for example, a white ink. However, the first ink is not limited to white ink, and may be a gloss ink, a base ink (e.g., a primer ink), etc.

The second to fifth inks are inks that are less prone to settling than the first ink. The second to fifth inks are inks that are ejected when printing an image and are used to form the image. The second to fifth inks are inks that are ejected when forming the image layer L1 (see FIG. 6), which is described below and is formed so as to overlap the fill layer L2. The second to fifth inks are, for example, process color inks. For example, the second, third, fourth, and fifth inks are black, yellow, magenta, and cyan inks, respectively.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, among the nozzles 43, the nozzles 43 that eject the first ink, the second ink, the third ink, the fourth ink, and the fifth ink are referred to as the first nozzle 43A, the second nozzle 43B, the third nozzle 43C, the fourth nozzle 43D, and the fifth nozzle 43E, respectively. The nozzles 43 include the first nozzle 43A, the second nozzle 43B, the third nozzle 43C, the fourth nozzle 43D, and the fifth nozzle 43E.

Here, the first nozzles 43A are arranged in a plurality of rows in the sub-scanning direction X, and the row of the plurality of first nozzles 43A arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is referred to as the first nozzle row 44A. Similarly, the second nozzles 43B to the fifth nozzles 43E are arranged in a plurality of rows in the sub-scanning direction X. The row of the plurality of second nozzles 43B arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is referred to as the second nozzle row 44B, and the row of the plurality of third nozzles 43C arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is referred to as the third nozzle row 44C. Also, the row of the plurality of fourth nozzles 43D arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is referred to as the fourth nozzle row 44D, and the row of the plurality of fifth nozzles 43E arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is referred to as the fifth nozzle row 44E. In this embodiment, the nozzle row 44 has the first nozzle row 44A, the second nozzle row 44B, the third nozzle row 44C, the fourth nozzle row 44D, and the fifth nozzle row 44E.

In this embodiment, the number of first nozzle rows 44A is multiple. For example, the number of first nozzle rows 44A is three or more, and here is four. The number of each of the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E is less than the number of first nozzle rows 44A. Here, the number of each of the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E is one. However, the number of each of the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E may be multiple. The number of each of the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E may be the same or different. Here, the multiple first nozzle rows 44A are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction (here, the main scanning direction Y). Here, "adjacent" refers to a state in which other nozzle rows (here, the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E) are not arranged between the first nozzle rows 44A arranged in the main scanning direction Y. The first nozzle rows 44A are arranged on one side (here, the right side) of the second nozzle row 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E in the main scanning direction Y. The second nozzle row 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y on the other side (here, the left side) of the first nozzle row 44A in the main scanning direction Y.

Next, the ink supply mechanism 50 will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the first ink supply mechanism 50A of the ink supply mechanism 50. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the second ink supply mechanism 50B to the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E of the ink supply mechanism 50. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ink supply mechanism 50 is a mechanism that supplies ink toward the nozzles 43 of the ink head 40. In this embodiment, one ink supply mechanism 50 is provided for each color of ink. Here, five colors of ink can be ejected, so there are five ink supply mechanisms 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the ink supply mechanism 50 has a first ink supply mechanism 50A connected to the first nozzles 43A that constitute the first nozzle row 44A. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the ink supply mechanism 50 has a second ink supply mechanism 50B connected to the second nozzles 43B constituting the second nozzle row 44B, a third ink supply mechanism 50C connected to the third nozzles 43C constituting the third nozzle row 44C, a fourth ink supply mechanism 50D connected to the fourth nozzles 43D constituting the fourth nozzle row 44D, and a fifth ink supply mechanism 50E connected to the fifth nozzles 43E constituting the fifth nozzle row 44E.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first ink supply mechanism 50A supplies the first ink to the first nozzles 43A that constitute the four first nozzle rows 44A. The first ink supply mechanism 50A includes a first ink storage section 51A, a first ink flow path 52A, and a circulation pump 58.

In the following description, the ink storage section side is referred to as the upstream side, and the nozzle row side is referred to as the downstream side. The first ink storage section 51A stores the first ink. Here, the ink storage section refers to, for example, an ink tank or an ink cartridge. The first ink storage section 51A is stored in, for example, a storage section (not shown) provided in the printer body 11 (see Figure 1), and is supported by the printer body 11.

The first ink flow path 52A is connected to the first ink storage section 51A and the first nozzle row 44A (more specifically, the first nozzles 43A that make up the four first nozzle rows 44A). The first ink stored in the first ink storage section 51A flows through the first ink flow path 52A, and the first ink is supplied to the first nozzle row 44A through the first ink flow path 52A. The first ink flow path 52A is formed, for example, by a flexible tube. The first ink flow path 52A has a circulation function that circulates the first ink.

In this embodiment, the first ink flow path 52A includes a forward flow path 53, a return flow path 54, and a branch flow path 55. The forward flow path 53 is a flow path that is mainly used when supplying the first ink from the first ink storage section 51A to the first nozzle row 44A. The forward flow path 53 has a first forward end 53a, a second forward end 53b, an upstream portion 53c, and a downstream portion 53d.

Here, the first forward end 53a constitutes the upstream end of the forward flow path 53. The first ink storage section 51A is connected to the first forward end 53a. The second forward end 53b constitutes the downstream end of the forward flow path 53. The second forward end 53b is located downstream of the first forward end 53a, i.e., on the first nozzle row 44A side. In this embodiment, a branch flow path 55 is connected to the second forward end 53b.

The upstream portion 53c constitutes a portion of the forward flow path 53 disposed downstream of the first forward end 53a. Here, the first forward end 53a is disposed upstream of the upstream portion 53c. However, the upstream portion 53c may include the first forward end 53a. In other words, the upstream portion 53c may include the upstream end of the forward flow path 53. The downstream portion 53d is disposed on the first nozzle row 44A side, i.e., downstream side, of the upstream portion 53c. The downstream portion 53d is disposed downstream of the first forward end 53a. Also, the downstream portion 53d constitutes a portion of the forward flow path 53 disposed upstream of the second forward end 53b. Here, the second forward end 53b is disposed downstream of the downstream portion 53d. However, the downstream portion 53d may include the second forward end 53b. In other words, the downstream portion 53d may include the downstream end of the forward flow path 53.

The return flow path 54 is a flow path for returning the first ink from the downstream side to the upstream side. Here, the first ink flows through the return flow path 54 and the forward flow path 53, so that the first ink is circulated and agitated. The return flow path 54 is connected to the forward flow path 53 so as to form a ring shape together with the forward flow path 53. In this embodiment, the return flow path 54 has a first return end 54a and a second return end 54b. The first return end 54a constitutes the downstream end of the return flow path 54. The downstream section 53d of the forward flow path 53 is connected to the first return end 54a. In this embodiment, a downstream Y-shaped branch 53da is provided in the middle of the downstream section 53d. The first return end 54a is connected to the downstream Y-shaped branch 53da and is connected to the downstream section 53d via the downstream Y-shaped branch 53da. The first return end 54a is connected to the downstream section 53d via the downstream Y-shaped branch 53da.

The second return end 54b constitutes the upstream end of the return flow path 54. The second return end 54b is located upstream of the first return end 54a, i.e., on the first ink storage section 51A side. In this embodiment, the upstream section 53c of the forward flow path 53 is connected to the second return end 54b. In this embodiment, an upstream Y-branch 53ca is provided in the middle of the upstream section 53c. The second return end 54b is connected to the upstream Y-branch 53ca, and is connected to the upstream section 53c via the upstream Y-branch 53ca. The second return end 54b is in communication with the upstream section 53c via the upstream Y-branch 53ca.

The branch flow path 55 connects the forward flow path 53 and the four first nozzle rows 44A. The branch flow path 55 is disposed downstream of the forward flow path 53. Here, the branch flow path 55 branches, and each branched flow path is connected to each first nozzle row 44A. In this embodiment, the branch flow path 55 has a first branch end 55a and a second branch end 55b. The first branch end 55a constitutes the upstream end of the branch flow path 55. The second forward end 53b of the forward flow path 53 is connected to the first branch end 55a. The second branch end 55b constitutes the downstream end of the branch flow path 55 and is the end connected to each first nozzle row 44A. The second branch end 55b is disposed downstream of the first branch end 55a. In this embodiment, the first nozzle 43A constituting the first nozzle row 44A is connected to the second branch end 55b.

Here, the branch flow path 55 branches into several branches as it moves downstream. In this embodiment, the branch flow path 55 has a first branch flow path 56a, a second branch flow path 56b, a third branch flow path 56c, a fourth branch flow path 56d, a fifth branch flow path 56e, and a sixth branch flow path 56f.

The first branch flow path 56a and the second branch flow path 56b are flow paths branched off from the forward flow path 53. In this embodiment, a first Y-shaped branch 57a is connected to the second forward end 53b of the forward flow path 53. The upstream end of the first branch flow path 56a and the upstream end of the second branch flow path 56b are connected to the first Y-shaped branch 57a, and are connected to the second forward end 53b of the forward flow path 53 via the first Y-shaped branch 57a. In this embodiment, the upstream end of the first branch flow path 56a and the upstream end of the second branch flow path 56b constitute the first branch end 55a.

The third branch flow path 56c and the fourth branch flow path 56d are flow paths branched off from the first branch flow path 56a. In this embodiment, the second Y-branch 57b is connected to the downstream end of the first branch flow path 56a. The upstream end of the third branch flow path 56c and the upstream end of the fourth branch flow path 56d are connected to the second Y-branch 57b, and are connected to the first branch flow path 56a via the second Y-branch 57b.

Similarly, the fifth branch flow path 56e and the sixth branch flow path 56f are flow paths branched off from the second branch flow path 56b. In this embodiment, the third Y-branch 57c is connected to the downstream end of the second branch flow path 56b. The upstream end of the fifth branch flow path 56e and the upstream end of the sixth branch flow path 56f are connected to the third Y-branch 57c, and are connected to the second branch flow path 56b via the third Y-branch 57c.

In this embodiment, one first nozzle row 44A is connected to each of the third branch flow path 56c, the fourth branch flow path 56d, the fifth branch flow path 56e, and the sixth branch flow path 56f. In more detail, of the four first nozzle rows 44A, the first nozzle row 44Aa is connected to the downstream end of the third branch flow path 56c, the first nozzle row 44Ab is connected to the downstream end of the fourth branch flow path 56d, the first nozzle row 44Ac is connected to the downstream end of the fifth branch flow path 56e, and the first nozzle row 44Ad is connected to the downstream end of the sixth branch flow path 56f.

The circulation pump 58 is a pump for circulating the first ink between the forward flow path 53 and the return flow path 54. The circulation pump 58 is provided, for example, in the middle of the return flow path 54. The circulation pump 58 is configured to flow the first ink from the downstream side to the upstream side of the return flow path 54 when driven. The first ink that reaches the second return end 54b of the return flow path 54 flows into the forward flow path 53 and flows to the downstream side of the forward flow path 53. When the circulation pump 58 is driven, the first ink that reaches the second forward end 53b of the forward flow path 53 flows toward the return flow path 54. In this way, when the circulation pump 58 is driven, the first ink circulates between the forward flow path 53 and the return flow path 54.

Note that, although not shown, in the first ink supply mechanism 50A, an on-off valve (e.g., an electromagnetic valve) capable of opening and closing the forward flow path 53 may be provided in the portion of the forward flow path 53 downstream of the first return end 54a of the return flow path 54. Here, by driving the circulation pump 58 with the on-off valve closed, it is possible to facilitate circulation of the first ink between the forward flow path 53 and the return flow path 54. Also, in the first ink supply mechanism 50A, a liquid feed pump (not shown) for promoting the supply of the first ink toward the first nozzle row 44A may be provided in the forward flow path 53. Here, by driving the liquid feed pump with the on-off valve open, it is possible to promote the supply of the first ink from the first ink storage section 51A to the first nozzle row 44A.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the second ink supply mechanism 50B to the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E will be described. The second ink supply mechanism 50B supplies the second ink to the second nozzles 43B that make up the second nozzle row 44B. The third ink supply mechanism 50C supplies the third ink to the third nozzles 43C that make up the third nozzle row 44C. The fourth ink supply mechanism 50D supplies the fourth ink to the fourth nozzles 43D that make up the fourth nozzle row 44D, and the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E supplies the fifth ink to the fifth nozzles 43E that make up the fifth nozzle row 44E.

In this embodiment, the second ink supply mechanism 50B to the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E have the same configuration, but differ from the first ink supply mechanism 50A in configuration and do not have a circulation function for circulating ink.

The second ink supply mechanism 50B includes a second ink storage section 51B and a second ink flow path 52B. The second ink storage section 51B has a similar configuration to the first ink storage section 51A (see FIG. 3) except that the second ink is stored therein. The second ink flow path 52B is connected to the second ink storage section 51B and the second nozzle row 44B. Here, the second ink is not circulated by the second ink flow path 52B. In this embodiment, the second ink flow path 52B has one end connected to the second ink storage section 51B and the other end connected to the second nozzles 43B that constitute the second nozzle row 44B.

The third ink supply mechanism 50C includes a third ink storage section 51C in which the third ink is stored, and a third ink flow path 52C connected to the third ink storage section 51C and the third nozzle row 44C. One end of the third ink flow path 52C is connected to the third ink storage section 51C, and the other end is connected to the third nozzle 43C constituting the third nozzle row 44C. The fourth ink supply mechanism 50D includes a fourth ink storage section 51D in which the fourth ink is stored, and a fourth ink flow path 52D connected to the fourth ink storage section 51D and the fourth nozzle row 44D. One end of the fourth ink flow path 52D is connected to the fourth ink storage section 51D, and the other end is connected to the fourth nozzle 43D constituting the fourth nozzle row 44D. The fifth ink supply mechanism 50E includes a fifth ink storage section 51E in which the fifth ink is stored, and a fifth ink flow path 52E connected to the fifth ink storage section 51E and the fifth nozzle row 44E. One end of the fifth ink flow path 52E is connected to the fifth ink storage section 51E, and the other end is connected to the fifth nozzle 43E that constitutes the fifth nozzle row 44E.

Although not shown, in the second ink supply mechanism 50B to the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E, the second ink flow path 52B to the fifth ink flow path 52E may be provided with a liquid delivery pump or an on-off valve. In this case, the supply of ink to the second nozzle row 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E can be promoted by driving the liquid delivery pump with the on-off valve open.

In this embodiment, the first ink storage section 51A to the fifth ink storage section 51E are all the same size. In other words, the maximum amount of ink that can be stored is the same in the first ink storage section 51A to the fifth ink storage section 51E.

In this embodiment, the printer 10 includes a control device 70. The control device 70 is a device that performs control related to printing. The configuration of the control device 70 is not particularly limited. The control device 70 is, for example, a microcomputer. The configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited. The control device 70 includes an interface (I/F) that receives print data from an external device such as a host computer, a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) that executes instructions of a control program, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the program executed by the CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a working area for expanding the program, and a memory that stores the above-mentioned program and various data. The control device 70 is provided inside the printer body 11. However, the control device 70 may be realized by a computer (for example, a personal computer) installed outside the printer body 11. In this case, the control device 70 may be connected to the control board (not shown) of the printer 10 via a wired or wireless connection so as to be able to communicate with it.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 70 is communicatively connected to the operation panel 14 (more specifically, the display screen 14a and operation keys 14b), the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 (more specifically, the feed motor 23), the main-scanning movement mechanism 30 (more specifically, the scan motor 33), the ink head 40, and the circulation pump 58 of the first ink supply mechanism 50A. The control device 70 controls the operation panel 14, the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20, the main-scanning movement mechanism 30, the ink head 40, and the circulation pump 58.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, as described above, the ink head 40 has four first nozzle rows 44A and one each of the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E. The control device 70 can control the ejection or non-ejection of ink for each of the first nozzle rows 44A to the fifth nozzle rows 44E. Here, for example, a piezo is provided for each of the first nozzle rows 44A to the fifth nozzle rows 44E. The control device 70 is configured to be able to control the piezo, and by controlling each piezo, it is possible to control the ejection or non-ejection of ink for each of the first nozzle rows 44A to the fifth nozzle rows 44E. The control device 70 can also control the ejection or non-ejection of the first ink for each of the four first nozzle rows 44A. Here, for example, a piezo is provided for each of the four first nozzle rows 44A. The control device 70 can control the ejection or non-ejection of the first ink for each of the four first nozzle rows 44A by controlling each piezo.

In this embodiment, the control device 70 includes a memory unit 71, an image printing unit 73, and a fill printing unit 75. Here, the memory unit 71, the image printing unit 73, and the fill printing unit 75 may be configured by software or by hardware. For example, the memory unit 71, the image printing unit 73, and the fill printing unit 75 may be realized by one or more processors, or may be incorporated into a circuit.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 have been printed on the medium 5. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the medium 5 showing the print area AR1. Incidentally, the printer 10 according to this embodiment can be used to perform so-called overprinting. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 are overlaid on each other, and overprinting is performed on the medium 5.

The image layer L1 is a layer that forms the print image 99 (see FIG. 5) to be printed. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the print image 99 is, for example, an image prepared by the user and stored in the storage unit 71. The print image 99 is, for example, saved in PDF (Portable Document Format) format, and is an image created by image creation software. The image layer L1 shown in FIG. 6 is a layer formed by the second ink to the fifth ink, which are process color inks. The image layer L1 is formed by the second ink to the fifth ink ejected from the second nozzles 43B to 43E that constitute the second nozzle row 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E.

The image layer L1 is a layer formed by the control of the image printing unit 73 in FIG. 5. The image printing unit 73 forms the image layer L1 in a printing area AR1 (see FIG. 7) preset on the medium 5 based on the print image 99 stored in the memory unit 71. The image printing unit 73 controls the main scanning movement mechanism 30 to move the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. While the ink head 40 is moving in the main scanning direction Y, the image printing unit 73 ejects the second ink to the fifth ink from the second nozzle row 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E to print one line of the image layer L1. After printing one line, the image printing unit 73 controls the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 to move the support table 13 supporting the medium 5 by a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction X. Thereafter, the image printing unit 73 moves the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y to print the next line of the image layer L1. In this way, by alternately repeating the printing of one line of image layer L1 and the movement of the medium 5 supported by the support table 13 in the sub-scanning direction X, the image layer L1 can be printed and formed on the medium 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, the fill layer L2 is a layer formed so as to cover the image layer L1 and overlap the image layer L1. The fill layer L2 is a layer formed from the first ink, which is a white ink. The fill layer L2 is formed by the first ink ejected from the first nozzles 43A that make up the four first nozzle rows 44A.

The fill layer L2 is a layer formed by the control of the fill printing unit 75 in FIG. 5. The fill printing unit 75 forms the fill layer L2 by filling the printing area AR1 with the first ink. The fill printing unit 75 forms the fill layer L2 so as to overlap the image layer L1 by solidly filling the printing area AR1 with the first ink. Here, the fill printing unit 75 controls the main scanning movement mechanism 30 to move the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. While the ink head 40 is moving in the main scanning direction Y, the fill printing unit 75 ejects the first ink from the four first nozzle rows 44A to print one line of the fill layer L2. After printing one line, the fill printing unit 75 controls the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 to move the support table 13 supporting the medium 5 a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction X. The fill printing unit 75 then moves the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y to print the next line of fill layer L2. In this way, by alternately repeating the printing of one line of fill layer L2 and the movement of the medium 5 supported by the support table 13 in the sub-scanning direction X, the fill layer L2 can be formed on the medium 5.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the printer 10 equipped with multiple first nozzle rows 44A can eject a larger amount of the first ink during one reciprocating movement of the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. By utilizing such characteristics of the printer 10, the printer 10 can perform transfer printing on the medium 5. For example, the printer 10 is a DTF (Direct to Film) printer. Here, DTF refers to a technology for printing an image on a transparent film for DTF. Therefore, in the case of a DTF printer 10, the medium 5 is a transparent or semi-transparent film (here, a film for DTF).

Next, a transfer method for transferring an image to a transfer object 98 using the printer 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 8. Here, the transfer object 98 is, for example, clothing made of cloth (e.g., a T-shirt), but the type of the transfer object is not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 8, the transfer method according to this embodiment includes a first printing step S101, a second printing step S102, a powder application step S103, a heating step S104, and a transfer step S105.

First, in the first printing step S101, as shown in FIG. 6, an image layer L1 on which a print image 99 (see FIG. 5) is formed is printed on a film-like medium 5. Here, the image layer L1 is printed on the medium 5 by the printer 10. The image printing unit 73 in FIG. 5 ejects the second ink to the fifth ink from the second nozzle row 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E based on the print image 99 stored in the memory unit 71, to print the image layer L1 on the medium 5.

Then, in the second printing step S102 in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 6, a fill layer L2 is printed on the medium 5. Here, the fill layer L2 is printed on the medium 5 so as to cover the image layer L1 printed on the medium 5. The fill layer L2 is printed on the medium 5 so as to overlap the image layer L1. Here, the fill layer L2 is printed on the medium 5 by the printer 10. The fill printing unit 75 in FIG. 5 can form the fill layer L2 and print it on the medium 5 by ejecting the first ink from a plurality of first nozzle rows 44A (four first nozzle rows 44A in this case). Note that in this embodiment, the first ink ejected from the four first nozzle rows 44A has four times the ejection amount and a density of about 400% compared to the second ink to the fifth ink ejected from each of the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E. Therefore, the fill layer L2 is more difficult to dry than the image layer L1.

After printing the fill layer L2 on the medium 5 in this manner, in the powder application step S103 in FIG. 8, powder is applied onto the fill layer L2. Here, the powder is applied onto the fill layer L2 by the user. The powder here is a powder that has the property of melting when heated, and is heat powder (or hot melt powder) for DTF. In this embodiment, the powder is applied onto the fill layer L2 in a wet state. Therefore, the applied powder easily adheres to the fill layer L2 and blends in easily.

After the powder is applied in this manner, the medium 5 is heated in heating step S104 in FIG. 8. Here, the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 are printed, and the medium 5 on which the powder has been applied onto the fill layer L2 is heated. There is no particular limitation on the method of heating the medium 5. For example, the medium 5 is heated by a heating device (not shown). For example, the support table 13 of the printer 10 is provided with a heater that heats the support table 13, and this heater may be the heating device. In this case, the support table 13 and the medium 5 supported by the support table 13 can be heated by driving the heater while the medium 5 is supported on the support table 13. The heating device may also be separate from the printer 10.

By carrying out this heating step S104, the powder applied to the fill layer L2 printed on the medium 5 melts. The melting of the powder imparts adhesiveness to the fill layer L2. In other words, the fill layer L2 with the melted powder has an adhesive function.

Next, in the transfer step S105 of FIG. 8, the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 printed on the heated medium 5 are transferred to the transfer target 98. In this embodiment, the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 can be transferred to the transfer target 98 using, for example, a transfer device (not shown). The type of the transfer device is not particularly limited, and may be a conventionally known device. Here, the transfer device is a device that can transfer to the transfer target 98 by pressing the medium 5 toward the transfer target 98 while the transfer target 98 is overlapped on the medium 5. Here, the transfer target 98 is placed in contact with the surface of the fill layer L2 of the medium 5 on which the powder is applied. Then, the portion of the medium 5 that overlaps with the transfer target 98 is pressed. At this time, since the powder applied to the fill layer L2 is melted, the fill layer L2 is adhered to the transfer target. After pressing, the medium 5 is peeled off from the transfer target 98. At this time, the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 are peeled off from the medium 5, allowing the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 to be transferred to the transfer target 98.

As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the printer 10 includes a first ink storage section 51A, a first nozzle row 44A, and a first ink flow path 52A. The first ink storage section 51A stores the first ink. As shown in FIG. 2, the first nozzle row 44A includes a plurality of first nozzles 43A that eject the first ink. As shown in FIG. 3, the first ink flow path 52A is connected to the first ink storage section 51A and the first nozzle row 44A. There are multiple first nozzle rows 44A. The first ink flow path 52A includes a forward flow path 53, a return flow path 54, and a branch flow path 55. The forward flow path 53 has a first forward end 53a connected to the first ink storage section 51A, an upstream portion 53c, a downstream portion 53d arranged on the first nozzle row 44A side from the upstream portion 53c, and a second forward end 53b. The return flow path 54 has a first return end 54a connected to the downstream portion 53d of the forward flow path 53 and a second return end 54b connected to the upstream portion 53c of the forward flow path 53. The branch flow path 55 has a first branch end 55a connected to the second forward end 53b of the forward flow path 53 and a second branch end 55b connected to the first nozzle row 44A. The branch flow path 55 branches off from the forward flow path 53.

In this embodiment, the first ink is ejected from the multiple first nozzles 43A constituting the multiple first nozzle rows 44A, so that the amount of the first ink ejected per unit time can be increased, and the concentration of the first ink per unit area can be increased in a short time. In addition, in this embodiment, the first ink can be circulated between the forward flow path 53 and the return flow path 54 in the first ink flow path 52A. Therefore, by ejecting the first ink from the first nozzle row 44A in a circulated and agitated state, the first ink can be made less likely to be ejected in a settled state. In addition, since the first ink after circulation branches off at the branch flow paths 55 and is ejected from each of the first nozzle rows 44A, it is made less likely that unevenness in the concentration of the first ink ejected from each of the first nozzle rows 44A will occur.

In this embodiment, the first ink is white ink. White ink is an ink that is more likely to settle than other inks (e.g., process color inks). Therefore, by circulating the white ink between the forward flow path 53 and the return flow path 54 of the first ink flow path 52A, it is possible to make it difficult for the white ink to be ejected in a settled state. This makes it difficult for density unevenness to occur due to the white ink.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the printer 10 includes a second ink storage section 51B, a second nozzle row 44B, and a second ink flow path 52B. The second ink storage section 51B stores a second ink having a different color from the first ink. The second ink is, for example, a process color ink. As shown in FIG. 2, the second nozzle row 44B includes a plurality of second nozzles 43B that eject the second ink. As shown in FIG. 4, the second ink flow path 52B is connected to the second ink storage section 51B and the second nozzle row 44B. As a result, the second ink is a process color ink, and is an ink that is less likely to settle than the first ink. Therefore, even if the second ink is not circulated in the second ink flow path 52B through which the second ink flows, the second ink is less likely to be ejected in a settled state. Therefore, the second ink flow path 52B does not need to be provided with a return flow path 54 like the first ink flow path 52A, so the number of parts of the printer 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the printer 10 can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the first ink containing section 51A and the second ink containing section 51B (more specifically, the first ink containing section 51A to the fifth ink containing section 51E) are the same size. As a result, even in the case of a first ink that has a large ejection volume per unit time, the size of the first ink containing section 51A in which the first ink is contained is the same as that of the second ink containing section 51B and is not relatively large. This makes it possible to prevent the first ink from settling in the first ink containing section 51A.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, multiple first nozzle rows 44A are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction (here, the main scanning direction Y). No other nozzle rows (second nozzle row 44B to fifth nozzle row 44E) are arranged between the first nozzle rows 44 arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. In this way, by arranging multiple first nozzle rows 44A that eject the same first ink together on one side of the main scanning direction Y (the right side in FIG. 2), it is possible to reduce the likelihood of deviation in the landing position of the first ink on the medium 5.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the branch flow path 55 has a first branch flow path 56a and a second branch flow path 56b branched off from the forward flow path 53, a third branch flow path 56c and a fourth branch flow path 56d branched off from the first branch flow path 56a, and a fifth branch flow path 56e and a sixth branch flow path 56f branched off from the second branch flow path 56b. The third branch flow path 56c, the fourth branch flow path 56d, the fifth branch flow path 56e, and the sixth branch flow path 56f are each connected to one first nozzle row 44A. This makes it possible to prevent the configuration of the branch flow paths 55 from becoming complicated, and makes it easier to supply the first ink from the first ink storage section 51A to each first nozzle row 44A.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the printer 10 includes a control device 70. The control device 70 includes an image printing unit 73 and a fill printing unit 75. The image printing unit 73 ejects the second ink (here, the second ink to the fifth ink from the second nozzle 43B to the fifth nozzle 43E) from at least the second nozzle 43B to print an image layer L1 (see FIG. 6) in a predetermined printing area AR1 (see FIG. 7) of the medium 5. The fill printing unit 75 ejects the first ink from the first nozzle 43A to fill the printing area AR1, thereby printing a fill layer L2 (see FIG. 6) on the medium 5 so as to overlap with the image layer L1. As a result, since the fill layer L2 is a layer formed only of the first ink, a larger amount of the first ink is ejected. In this embodiment, the number of first nozzle rows 44 from which the first ink is ejected is multiple, so even when printing the fill layer L2, which requires a large amount of first ink ejected, the amount of first ink ejected per unit time can be increased, thereby shortening the printing time.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the number of first nozzle rows 44A that eject the first ink is four. This makes it possible to increase the amount of first ink ejected per unit time by approximately four times compared to, for example, when there is only one first nozzle row 44A. This makes it possible to further shorten the printing time.

The transfer method according to this embodiment is a transfer method using the printer 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the transfer method includes a first printing step S101, a second printing step S102, a powder application step S103, a heating step S104, and a transfer step S105. In the first printing step S101, the second ink (here, the second ink to the fifth ink from the second nozzles 43B to the fifth nozzles 43E of the second nozzle row 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E) is ejected from at least the second nozzles 43B of the second nozzle row 44B onto the film-like medium 5 to print an image layer L1 (see FIG. 6). In the second printing step S102, the first ink is ejected from the first nozzles 43A of the first nozzle rows 44A to print a fill layer L2 (see FIG. 6) onto the medium 5 so as to overlap the image layer L1. In the powder application step S103, a powder that melts when heated is applied onto the fill layer L2 printed on the medium 5. In the heating step S104, the medium 5 is heated to melt the powder. In the transfer step S105, while the powder is in a melted state, the medium 5 is placed on the transfer target 98, and the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 are transferred to the transfer target 98.

In this embodiment, in the second printing step S102, the first ink is ejected from the multiple first nozzle rows 44A to print the fill layer L2. As a result, the first ink has a high concentration in the fill layer L2 and is difficult to dry. Therefore, in the powder application step S103, powder can be applied onto the fill layer L2 in a wet state, making it easier for the powder to adhere to the fill layer L2. Therefore, the printer 10 according to this embodiment is particularly useful when performing transfer printing on a film-like medium 5.

10 Printer 43A First nozzle 43B Second nozzle 44A First nozzle row 44B Second nozzle row 51A First ink storage section 51B Second ink storage section 52A First ink flow path 52B Second ink flow path 53 Forward flow path 53a First forward end 53b Second forward end

53c Upstream section

53d Downstream section 54 Return flow path 54a First return end 54b Second return end 55 Branch flow path 55a First branch end 55b Second branch end 56a First branch flow path 56b Second branch flow path 56c Third branch flow path 56d Fourth branch flow path 56e Fifth branch flow path 56f Sixth branch flow path 70 Control device 73 Image printing section 75 Fill-in printing section

Claims

a first ink storage section that stores a first ink;
a first nozzle row including a plurality of first nozzles that eject the first ink;
a first ink flow path connected to the first ink storage portion and the first nozzle row;
Equipped with
the first nozzle row is a plurality of rows,
The first ink flow path is
a forward flow path including a first forward end connected to the first ink storage portion, an upstream portion, a downstream portion disposed on the first nozzle row side relative to the upstream portion, and a second forward end;
a return flow path having a first return end connected to the downstream portion of the forward flow path and a second return end connected to the upstream portion of the forward flow path;
a branch flow path branched off from the forward flow path, the branch flow path having a first branch end connected to the second forward end of the forward flow path and a second branch end connected to the first nozzle row;
A printer equipped with
a second ink container containing a second ink having a different color from the first ink;
a second nozzle row including a plurality of second nozzles that eject the second ink;
a second ink flow path connected to the second ink storage portion and the second nozzle row;
The printer of claim 1 , comprising:
The printer according to claim 2, wherein the first ink storage section and the second ink storage section are the same size.
The printer of claim 2, wherein the second ink is a process color ink.
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first ink is a white ink.
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the first nozzle rows are arranged adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction.
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the number of the first nozzle rows is four.
The branch flow path is
a first branch flow path and a second branch flow path branched off from the forward flow path;
a third branch flow path and a fourth branch flow path branched from the first branch flow path;
a fifth branch flow path and a sixth branch flow path branched from the second branch flow path;
having
The printer according to claim 7 , wherein each of the third branch flow path, the fourth branch flow path, the fifth branch flow path and the sixth branch flow path is connected to one of the first nozzle rows.
A control device is provided,
The control device includes:
an image printing unit that ejects the second ink from at least the second nozzles to print an image layer within a predetermined printing area of a medium;
a fill-in printing unit that prints a fill-in layer on the medium so as to overlap the image layer by ejecting the first ink from the first nozzles to fill in the printing area;
3. The printer of claim 2, comprising:
A transfer method using the printer according to claim 2, comprising the steps of:
a first printing step of printing an image layer on a film-like medium by ejecting the second ink from a plurality of second nozzles included in at least the second nozzle row;
a second printing step of ejecting the first ink from a plurality of the first nozzles of a plurality of the first nozzle rows to print a fill layer on the medium so as to overlap the image layer;
a powder coating process for coating a powder that melts when heated onto the fill layer printed on the medium;
a heating step of heating the medium to melt the powder;
a transfer step of placing the medium on an object to be transferred while the powder is in a molten state, and transferring the image layer and the fill layer to the object to be transferred;
The transfer method includes the steps of: