JP5015305B2 - Ink jet printer and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink-jet printer and a printing method, and more specifically, an ink ink suitable for printing on a medium such as recording paper by numerical control, for example, color printing at a high resolution. The present invention relates to a jet printer and a printing method.

  In this specification, “medium” means various recording papers such as plain paper, various thin papers such as OHP sheets or PVC sheets, and various thicknesses. Including thick media.

  Conventionally, the entire operation is controlled by a micro computer, and the width direction of the recording paper (in this specification, the width direction of the recording paper is referred to as “main scanning direction” on the recording paper supplied by the paper feeding device. Ink jet printers are known in which predetermined printing is performed by an ink jet method using an ink head that moves in the above manner.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an ink jet printer as described above. The ink jet printer 110 is supported by a base member 12 and extends in the main scanning direction. The fixed base member 14 disposed in the right direction, the side members 16L and 16R disposed orthogonally to the base member 14 at the left and right ends of the base member 14, and the 6 disposed in the side member 16R. Tubular ink that inserts and supports two ink cartridges 18-1 to 18-6 and an ink tube (not shown) extended from each of the six ink cartridges 18-1 to 18-6 A tube guide 20, a central wall 22 connecting the left and right side members 16L and 16R, a wire 24 arranged in parallel to the wall surface of the central wall 22 and movable in the main scanning direction, and a wire It is configured to include the ink head holder 130 fixedly disposed 24.

  The overall operation of the ink jet printer 110 is controlled by the micro computer 200, and the operation is set using an operator group (not shown).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the ink head holder 130 has six ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 arranged in a line in a direction that coincides with the main scanning direction. The ultraviolet lamp 34 is applied to the recording paper 100 adjacent to the left side of the ink head 32-1 disposed on the leftmost side in the main scanning direction among the six ink heads 32-1 to 32-6. It arrange | positions so that it may oppose. That is, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 and the ultraviolet lamp 34 are arranged from the left side in the main scanning direction with the ultraviolet lamp 34, the ink head 32-1, the ink head 32-2, and the ink head 32-3. The ink head 32-4, the ink head 32-5, and the ink head 32-6 are arranged in the ink head holder 130 in this order.

  The six ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 are supplied with the liquid ink contained in the six ink cartridges 18-1 to 18-6, respectively, via the ink tubes. The The liquid ink accommodated in each of the six ink cartridges 18-1 to 18-6 is UV ink that is cured with ultraviolet rays having a predetermined color.

  In addition, a plurality of ink jet nozzles (not shown) are arranged on the lower surfaces of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 as ejection ports for ejecting the supplied ink to the recording paper 100.

  On the other hand, the ultraviolet lamp 34 irradiates the recording paper 100 on which the droplets of UV ink ejected from the ink jet nozzles of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 fall, The UV ink is cured at

  Here, the ink head holder 130 fixedly disposed on the wire 24 moves when the wire 24 is wound up by a driving device (not shown) such as a motor and moved in the main scanning direction. As a result, it moves in the main scanning direction along the wall surface of the central wall 22. As the ink head holder 130 moves, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 and the ultraviolet lamp 34 fixedly disposed on the ink head holder 130 also move on the recording paper 100. The side member 16R moves from the side of the ink jet printer 110 through the center of the ink jet printer 110 to the side member 16L in the main scanning direction, and from the side of the side member 16L through the center of the ink jet printer 110. It moves in the return direction in the main scanning direction toward the side member 16R.

  In the above configuration, the case where printing is performed on the recording paper 100 using the ink jet printer 110 will be described. Ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 disposed in the ink head holder 130 and The ultraviolet lamp 34 moves in the main scanning direction and the return direction on the recording paper 100 supplied onto the base member 14 by a paper feeding device (not shown) as the wire 24 is moved by winding the wire 24. To reciprocate together.

  At this time, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 that reciprocate in both directions of the going direction and the returning direction in the main scanning direction are from the side member 16L side to the side member 16R side in the returning direction in the main scanning direction. Only on the return path, the UV ink transported by the ink tube from the ink jet nozzle is ejected, and the ejected droplets of the UV ink fall to a predetermined position on the recording paper 100 to record. Dots are formed at predetermined positions on the paper 100, and predetermined printing is performed by unidirectional printing (see FIG. 3A).

  In this way, when printing is performed on the return path, the ink head holder 130 moves in the return direction in the main scanning direction, and therefore, in the advancing direction of the return path that moves from the left side to the right side in the main scanning direction. The ultraviolet lamp 34 is located on the most rear side.

  Accordingly, the ultraviolet ray from the ultraviolet lamp 34 is irradiated onto the recording paper 100 so as to immediately follow the landing of the UV ink ejected from the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 moving in the return direction of the main scanning direction. (See FIG. 3B).

  As a result, when the droplets of the UV ink ejected from each of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 moving in the return direction of the main scanning direction fall to a predetermined position on the recording paper 100, immediately thereafter, The recording paper 100 is cured by the ultraviolet rays irradiated onto the recording paper 100 from which the ink droplets have dropped from the ultraviolet lamp 34.

  3A and 3B, the droplets of the UV ink immediately after being ejected from each of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 and falling to a predetermined position on the recording paper 100, that is, The uncured UV ink droplets appear on the surface 100a of the recording paper 100, and the UV ink droplets that are cured on the surface 100a of the recording paper 100 are filled with ultraviolet rays. It is shown.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3B, the UV ink cured on the recording paper 100 has a shape immediately after being ejected from the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, that is, the surface 100a of the recording paper 100. It has a shape that remains round and hemispherical due to surface tension. For this reason, since the unevenness in the surface 100a of the recording paper 100 is increased by the UV ink cured in a round and substantially hemispherical shape on the surface 100a, the surface 100a of the recording paper 100 becomes physically rough. It has a grainy feeling and no glossiness.

  In other words, the conventional ink-jet printer 110 has a problem that although it is possible to print with glossiness without graininess, it is impossible to obtain a glossy print result without graininess.

  Further, the conventional ink jet printer 110 has a problem that only a single print result with a grainy feeling and no glossiness can be obtained, and a print result with a different texture cannot be obtained.

  The prior art that the applicant of the present application knows at the time of filing a patent is as described above and is not an invention related to a known literature, so there is no prior art information to be described.

  The present invention has been made in view of the various problems of the conventional techniques as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet capable of obtaining a glossy print result without particle feeling. -To provide a printer and a printing method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printer and a printing method capable of obtaining printing results with different textures.

Delete

Delete

Delete

Delete

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is the main scanning direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction on the medium conveyed in the sub-scanning direction which is perpendicular to the width direction of the medium. A first moving means that reciprocates between a forward path that moves in a direction from one end to the other end and a return path that moves in a return direction from the other end to the one end; An ink head which is disposed in the first moving means and ejects ink onto the medium from an ink jet nozzle; a light irradiating means for irradiating light on the medium; a motor for driving the rotation; A driving belt that transmits the rotational drive of the motor to the light irradiation means; and a guide rail that guides the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction; and the light irradiation means is adjacent to the ink head in the sub-scanning direction. Move to yourself The second moving means disposed on the first moving means is integrally printed with the ink jet method while reciprocating between the one end and the other end. In this method, the distance traveled in the main scanning direction by the ink head is defined as a length, and the total length of the ink head in the sub scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction of the ink jet nozzle is defined as a width. Glossy printing by single-pass printing that completes printing of the unit print area by moving once between the one end and the other end in the going direction or the returning direction, and the single pass Glossy printing by printing and gloss printing by multi-pass printing that completes printing in the unit printing area by moving twice or more between the one end and the other end in the going direction and the returning direction. A print and the When glossy printing by several pass printing is selected and glossy printing by single pass printing is selected, the light irradiation unit is irradiated with light from the light irradiation unit in the sub-scanning direction. The irradiation area on the medium is located downstream of the print area on the medium where ink is ejected from the ink jet nozzle of the ink head in the transport direction of the medium, and the irradiation area By controlling the movement of the second moving means so that the print area does not overlap with each other, the ink ejected from the ink jet nozzles falls on the medium for a predetermined time. When light is emitted from the light irradiating means after a lapse of time and non-glossy printing by single pass printing is selected, the position of the light irradiating means in the sub-scanning direction is the irradiation area. And the print area overlap each other, and the ink jet nozzle is controlled by controlling the movement of the second moving means so that the irradiation area covers the entire length of the print area in the sub-scanning direction. After the ink ejected from the medium falls on the medium, the light irradiation means immediately irradiates the light, and when glossy printing by multi-pass printing is selected, the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction. The position is such that the irradiation area is located downstream of the printing area in the conveyance direction of the medium, and the irradiation area and the printing area do not overlap each other at all, or only partially overlap each other, By controlling the movement of the second moving means, the ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle has dropped on the medium and a predetermined time has elapsed. After the light is irradiated by the light irradiating means or dropped on the medium, the ink irradiated with the light after a predetermined time has passed and the light immediately after falling on the medium When ink that is irradiated with light by the irradiation unit is mixed and non-glossy printing by multi-pass printing is selected, the position of the light irradiation unit in the sub-scanning direction is determined by the irradiation region and the printing region. The ink ejected from the ink jet nozzles is controlled by controlling the movement of the second moving means so that they overlap each other and the irradiation area covers the entire length of the printing area in the sub-scanning direction. The light irradiation means immediately irradiates light after falling on the medium.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention , it is possible to obtain print results having different textures between glossy print and dull print. In particular, when glossy printing by multi-pass printing is selected, after being ejected from an ink jet nozzle and falling on a medium, ink that is irradiated with light immediately by the light irradiation means and a predetermined time By changing the ratio in which the ink irradiated with light by the light irradiating means is mixed after the passage of time, the higher the ratio of ink irradiated by the light irradiating means after a predetermined time elapses, the higher the ratio. Glossy and glossy print results with no grain feeling can be obtained, and even if glossy print results are obtained, print results with different textures can be obtained by arbitrarily adjusting the gloss level .

  In this case, the main scanning direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction is moved in the direction from one end to the other end on the medium transported in the sub-scanning direction that is orthogonal to the medium width direction. And a first moving means that reciprocally moves in a return path that moves in the return direction from the other end portion to the one end portion, and the first moving means. An ink head that ejects ink from the nozzles onto the medium; and a first moving means that is disposed adjacent to the ink head via a second moving means so as to be movable in the sub-scanning direction. A printing method for performing printing by an ink-jet method while reciprocating between the one end and the other end integrally with a light irradiation means for irradiating light on a medium, The ink head moves in the main scanning direction. Printing the unit print area with the total length in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction of the ink jet nozzle of the ink head as the length. Glossy printing by single pass printing that is completed by moving once in the forward or backward direction between the edges of the paper, glossless printing by the single pass printing, and printing of the unit printing area Glossy printing by multi-pass printing completed by moving two times or more between the one end and the other end in the going direction and the return direction, and matte printing by the multi-pass printing And when the glossy printing by single pass printing is selected, the position of the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction is the irradiation area on the medium irradiated with light from the light irradiation means. The print area on the medium where ink is ejected from the ink jet nozzle of the head is located downstream in the transport direction of the medium, and the irradiation area and the print area do not overlap each other. By controlling the movement of the second moving means, the ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle is dropped on the medium, and after a predetermined time has passed, the light is emitted by the light irradiating means. Is selected and the glossy printing by single pass printing is selected, the position of the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction is such that the irradiation area and the printing area overlap each other, and the irradiation area is Ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle is controlled by controlling the movement of the second moving means so as to cover the entire length of the printing area in the sub-scanning direction. Is immediately irradiated with light by the light irradiation means after falling on the medium, and when glossy printing by multi-pass printing is selected, the position of the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction is The second movement so that the area is located downstream of the print area in the medium conveyance direction, and the irradiation area and the print area do not overlap each other or only partially overlap each other. By controlling the movement of the means, the ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle is irradiated on the light irradiation means after a predetermined time has elapsed after falling on the medium, Alternatively, ink that is irradiated with light after a predetermined time has passed after dropping on the medium and ink that is irradiated with light immediately after falling on the medium are mixed. When the glossless printing by multi-pass printing is selected, the position of the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction is such that the irradiation area and the printing area overlap each other, and the irradiation area is the printing area. By controlling the movement of the second moving means so as to cover the entire length in the sub-scanning direction, the ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle is dropped on the medium and immediately after the light Light may be irradiated by the irradiation means. Further, in these cases, the ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle of the ink head may be UV ink, and the light irradiation means may be an ultraviolet lamp.

  The ink jet printer and the printing method according to the present invention have an excellent effect that it is possible to obtain a glossy print result having no particle feeling.

  In addition, the ink jet printer and the printing method according to the present invention have an excellent effect that print results with different textures can be obtained.

It is a schematic configuration explanatory view showing a conventional ink-jet printer. It is explanatory drawing which expanded and showed the principal part of FIG. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the process of the printing in the conventional ink jet printer. 1 is a schematic configuration explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an embodiment of an ink jet printer according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of FIG. 4 expanded and which shows the initial state. (A) is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the principal part of FIG. 4, (b) is explanatory drawing which expands and shows an ink head. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the position of the 1st ultraviolet lamp and the 2nd ultraviolet lamp in the case of single pass printing and glossy printing mode, (b) is in the state of (a) It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the effective irradiation area | region E and the printing area | region S on the recording paper. (A) (b) (c) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the process of printing in the case of the printing mode with glossiness by single pass printing. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the UV ink which has not hardened | cured when it injects from the ink jet nozzle, and falls to the predetermined position on recording paper, (b) is in the surface of recording paper. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the UV ink which is not hardened | cured when it spread | diffuses gradually, (c) The UV ink hardened | cured with the shape which the droplet which fell to the predetermined position on a recording paper spread and was connected mutually is typically shown (D) is an explanatory view schematically showing UV ink cured in a shape that remains round and hemispherical due to surface tension on the surface of the recording paper. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the position of the 1st ultraviolet lamp and 2nd ultraviolet lamp in the case of non-glossy printing mode by single pass printing, (b) is in the state of (a) It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the effective irradiation area | region E and the printing area | region S on the recording paper. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the process of printing in the case of non-glossy printing mode by single pass printing. (A), (b), (c), (d), and (e) are explanatory diagrams schematically showing a printing process in the case of the multi-pass printing and the glossy printing mode (high gloss type). (A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the position of the 1st ultraviolet lamp and the 2nd ultraviolet lamp in the case of multi-pass printing and glossy printing mode (medium gloss type), (b) is (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the effective irradiation area | region E and the printing area | region S on a recording paper in the state of this. (A), (b), (c), (d), and (e) are explanatory views schematically showing a printing process in the case of a glossy print mode (medium gloss type) in multi-pass printing. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the position of the 1st ultraviolet lamp and the 2nd ultraviolet lamp in the case of multi-pass printing and glossy printing mode (low gloss type), (b) is (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the effective irradiation area | region E and the printing area | region S on a recording paper in the state of this. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the position of the 1st ultraviolet lamp in the case of obtaining a glossless printing result, and a 2nd ultraviolet lamp, (b) is on the recording paper in the state of (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the effective irradiation area | region E and the printing area | region S. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of an ink jet printer and a printing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an embodiment of an ink-jet printer according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an enlarged main part of FIG. Has been.

  4 to 5, the same or corresponding components as those in FIGS. 1 to 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 to 2, and detailed descriptions of the configurations and operations are omitted. .

  In the ink jet printer according to the present invention, a recording paper is used as a medium. The recording paper has a predetermined length in the main scanning direction which is the width direction and is orthogonal to the main scanning direction. In the direction, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the recording paper. The direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction (that is, the recording paper conveyance direction and the recording paper longitudinal direction) is hereinafter referred to as “sub-scanning direction”.

  Here, when comparing the conventional ink jet printer 110 with the ink jet printer 10 according to the present invention, the conventional ink jet printer 110 is provided with an ultraviolet lamp 34 in the ink head holder 130. In contrast, in the ink jet printer 10 according to the present invention, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are movably disposed in the ink head holder 30. Is different.

  That is, in the ink jet printer 10 according to the present invention, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 is the main of the six ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 disposed in the interior 30a of the ink head holder 30. The second ultraviolet lamp 38 is movably disposed adjacent to the left side of the ink head 32-1 disposed on the leftmost side in the scanning direction, and six ink heads 32-1 to 32-32. −6 is movably disposed adjacent to the right side of the ink head 32-6 disposed on the rightmost side in the main scanning direction.

  Further, in the ink jet printer 10 according to the present invention, an operation element group 40 is disposed as an operation element group related to the implementation of the present invention.

  The overall operation of the ink jet printer 10 is controlled by the micro computer 200.

  More specifically, the ink head holder 30 of the ink jet printer 10 is formed in a substantially box-like body having a hollow interior 30a, and the bottom portion 30b having a substantially rectangular shape is formed in the interior 30a. , Left side 30c, right side 30d, front 30e, back 30f and top 30g. In FIG. 5, the front portion 30e and the upper surface portion 30g of the ink head holder 30 are omitted in order to facilitate the explanation.

  The back surface portion 30f extends in a direction coinciding with the main scanning direction, and the left side surface portion 30c and the right side surface portion 30d positioned orthogonal to the back surface portion 30f extend in the sub scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. Yes. Further, a wire 24 that is movably disposed in the main scanning direction is fixedly disposed on the back surface portion 30f.

  In the ink head holder 30, six ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 are sequentially arranged in a line in a direction coinciding with the main scanning direction from the left side surface 30 c side.

  These six ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 have the same configuration, and the supplied ink is applied to the lower surfaces 32a-1 to 32a-6 of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6. A plurality of ink jet nozzles 42 are disposed as ejection ports for ejecting the recording paper 100 (see FIG. 6B). The plurality of ink jet nozzles 42 are arranged in a line in the sub-scanning direction to form an ink jet nozzle array 44 having a total length L in the sub-scanning direction, and the ink head holder 30. The ink head holder 30 is disposed outside the ink head holder 30 through a hole formed in the bottom surface portion 30b.

  On the other hand, both the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 have the same configuration, and are disposed in the cases 33 and 35 having a substantially hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and in the cases 33 and 35 and predetermined. Lamp body 37, 39 provided with filaments 37a, 39a having the length of. The cases 33 and 35 include engaging portions 33b and 35b formed on the side surfaces 33a and 35a so that guide rails 62 and 68 described later can be engaged, and mounting portions 33c and 35c formed on the upper surface. It has.

  The first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are provided on the recording paper 100 on which droplets of UV ink ejected from the ink jet nozzles 42 of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 fall. The UV ink emitted from the light sources 37 and 39 is irradiated to cure the UV ink on the recording paper 100. The first and second ultraviolet lamps 36 and 38 are turned on and off by the microcomputer 200.

  In addition, a motor 50 is disposed on the left side surface portion 30c of the ink head holder 30 so as to be positioned in the interior 30a. The rotation shaft 50a of the motor 50 passes through the left side surface 30c and protrudes to the outside of the ink head holder 30. A pulley 52 is fixed to the tip of the rotation shaft 50a.

  Further, the rotary shaft 54 is rotatably disposed in the ink head holder 30 with both end portions thereof penetrating the left side surface portion 30c and the right side surface portion 30d, respectively, with the axis line direction aligned with the main scanning direction. ing. A pulley 56 is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 54 that protrudes outside the ink head holder 30 through the left side surface portion 30c, and passes through the right side surface portion 30d of the rotating shaft 54 so as to pass through the ink head head. A pulley 58 is fixed to the other end protruding to the outside of the holder 30.

  A drive belt 60 is stretched endlessly between the pulley 52 and the pulley 56 on the left side surface portion 30 c of the ink head holder 30. A guide rail 62 extended in the scanning direction is provided. On the other hand, in the right side surface portion 30 d of the ink head holder 30, a pulley 66 and a pulley 58 fixed to the tip end portion of the rotating shaft 64 disposed so as to be located outside the ink head holder 30. A drive belt 70 is stretched endlessly therebetween, and a guide rail 68 extending in the sub-scanning direction is disposed on the lower right side surface portion 30d of the drive belt 70.

  Next, the mounting state of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 to the ink head holder 30 will be described. In the first ultraviolet lamp 36, the engaging portion 33b of the side surface 33a of the case 33 is connected to the left side surface portion 30c. And the attachment portion 33c is fixed to the drive belt 60, and is arranged on the left side surface portion 30c of the ink head holder 30 so that the extending direction of the filament 37a coincides with the sub-scanning direction. ing. Further, the second ultraviolet lamp 38 engages the engaging portion 35b of the side surface 35a of the case 35 with the guide rail 68 and fixes the attaching portion 35c to the drive belt 70, and the extending direction of the filament 39a is the sub-scanning direction. The ink head holder 30 is disposed on the right side surface portion 30d so as to match.

  Accordingly, when the motor 50 is driven to rotate the pulley 52 together with the rotating shaft 50a, the driving belt 60 also rotates with the rotation of the pulley 52, and the first ultraviolet lamp 36 fixed to the driving belt 60 is applied to the guide rail 62. Along the sub-scanning direction. The rotation of the driving belt 60 is transmitted to the pulley 58 via the pulley 56 and the rotating shaft 54, and the driving belt 70 is also rotated along with the rotation of the pulley 58, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 fixed to the driving belt 70 is It is moved along the guide rail 68 in the sub-scanning direction.

  Specifically, when the rotating shaft 50a of the motor 50 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the pulley 56 rotates in the direction of arrow B, and the first ultraviolet lamp 36 fixed to the drive belt 60 moves in the sub-scanning direction. The second ultraviolet lamp 38 fixed to the drive belt 70 moves from the rear side in the sub-scanning direction to the front side as the pulley 58 rotates in the arrow D direction from the rear side to the front side. Moves in the direction of arrow E (see FIG. 5).

  On the contrary, when the rotating shaft 50a of the motor 50 rotates in the direction of arrow F, the pulley 56 rotates in the direction of arrow G, and the first ultraviolet lamp 36 fixed to the drive belt 60 moves forward in the sub-scanning direction. And the pulley 58 rotates in the direction of arrow I, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 fixed to the drive belt 70 moves from the front side to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction. To move in the direction of arrow J (see FIG. 6A).

  Of course, as the ink head holder 30 is moved, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are moved to the recording paper at a predetermined scanning position. 100 in the main scanning direction from one end portion in the main scanning direction on the side member 16R side to the other end portion in the main scanning direction on the side member 16L side through the center of the ink jet printer 10. In the outward direction in the forward direction of the ink, and from the other end portion in the main scanning direction on the side member 16L side to one end portion in the main scanning direction on the side member 16R side through the center of the ink jet printer 10. Moves on the return path in the return direction in the main scanning direction.

  That is, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 integrally reciprocate between one end and the other end in the main scanning direction, If it moves in the direction of the direction and reaches the other end in the main scanning direction, the direction of movement is changed to the return direction and moved to one end. The movement in the forward path, the backward path, the forward path, the backward path,... Is repeated at a predetermined scanning position, such as moving in the direction. Note that the scanning position sequentially changes at a predetermined interval when the recording paper 100 as a medium is conveyed from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction.

  As is apparent from the drawings, when the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are integrally moved in the forward direction, the ink head 32-1 is used. The first ultraviolet lamp 36 is located in the preceding stage of .about.32-6, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 is located in the succeeding stage of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6. On the other hand, when the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 integrally move in the return direction on the return path, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6. The second ultraviolet lamp 38 is positioned at the front stage of the first head, and the first ultraviolet lamp 36 is positioned at the rear stage of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6.

  Next, the operator group 40 will be described. The operator group 40 is disposed on the side member 16R, and the user refers to a display device (not shown) that displays a predetermined menu on the screen. The operator group 40 is operated to input a desired instruction of the user who uses the ink jet printer 10. The contents of various settings made by operating the operator group 40 are processed by the microcomputer 200 and stored in a predetermined area as information used for the printing process according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, the user can select either single-pass printing or multi-pass printing by operating the operator group 40, and in either single-pass printing or multi-pass printing. Both glossy printing and non-glossy printing can be selected and set. In other words, in the ink jet printer 10, by operating the operator group 40,
(I) Glossy printing mode with single pass printing (ii) Glossy printing mode with single pass printing (iii) Glossy printing mode with multiple pass printing (iv) Glossy printing mode with multiple pass printing Can be set.

  Here, single pass printing and multi-pass printing that can be set in the ink-jet printer 10 will be described in detail.

  In the ink jet printer 10, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are integrally formed at one end in the main scanning direction and the other at a predetermined scanning position. When the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 are main-scanned, the maximum range that can be printed on the recording paper 100 with the movement is one time in the forward or backward direction. One whose length is the distance moved in the direction and whose total length L (see FIG. 6B) in the sub-scanning direction of the ink jet nozzle row 44 of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 is the width. Matches the line.

  This one line is referred to as a “band” as a printing unit, and a range on the recording paper 100 where one band is to be printed is referred to as a unit printing region P. The ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are integrally formed between one end and the other end in the main scanning direction. Moving in the direction is referred to as a “pass”.

  For printing of one band as described above, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are integrally formed with one end and the other end in the main scanning direction. Single pass printing is completed by moving once between the two in the forward direction or in the return direction.

  On the other hand, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are integrally formed with one end and the other end in the main scanning direction. Multi-pass printing is completed by moving two times or more in the going direction and the returning direction.

  In the ink jet printer 10, in the case of single pass printing, printing for one band is performed in one pass, so the recording paper 100 is sub-scanned by the unit print area P for each pass. It is set so as to feed from the rear side to the front side in the direction. Therefore, in the case of single pass printing, the printing area S and the unit printing area having the total length L in the sub-scanning direction of the ink jet nozzle row 44 on the recording paper 100 on which the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 are opposed. It always matches P.

  Further, in the case of multi-pass printing, printing for one band is performed in a plurality of passes, so the recording paper is printed by “the total number of passes for completing printing for one unit print area P / 1 band” for each pass. 100 is set to be sent out from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction. For example, when printing for one band in four passes, the recording paper 100 is conveyed by “unit printing area P / 4” for each pass, and the recording paper 100 is sent four times in four passes. The recording paper 100 for the unit printing area P is conveyed. Therefore, in the case of multi-pass printing, the print area S and the unit print area P do not always coincide.

  The case where printing is performed on the recording paper 100 in the above-described four modes (i) to (iv) using the ink jet printer 10 in the above configuration will be described.

  First, an operation common to the whole will be described. As the wire 24 is moved by winding the wire 24, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 disposed in the ink head holder 30 and the first ultraviolet ray are arranged. The lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are integrally formed on the recording paper 100 supplied onto the base member 14 by a paper feeding device (not shown) at the predetermined scanning position in the main scanning direction and the return direction. Move back and forth in the direction.

  At this time, the ejection of ink from the ink jet nozzles of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp are performed by the processing of the microcomputer 200 corresponding to each mode. The position 38 is controlled and predetermined printing is performed.

  In this embodiment, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are set to always light during printing by the processing of the microcomputer 200.

  In this embodiment, the predetermined printing is set to be performed by bidirectional printing by the processing of the microcomputer 200. That is, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are integrally formed with the ink head holder 30 on the side member 16R side as one end in the main scanning direction. The ink head 32-is moved both in the forward direction from the side member 16L to the side member 16L and in the return direction from the side member 16L side to the side member 16R. The UV ink conveyed by the ink tube is ejected from the ink jet nozzles of 1-32-6.

  Next, the above four modes will be described in detail. In the following description, the positions of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 in the sub-scanning direction are the rearmost positions in the sub-scanning direction. The case shown in FIG. 5 will be described as an initial state of the ink jet printer 10.

(I) Case of Glossy Print Mode with Single Pass Printing In this mode, the recording paper 100 is sent from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction by the unit print area P every pass. In addition, printing of one band is performed in one pass by ejection of UV ink from the ink jet nozzles 42 of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6.

  Before starting printing on the recording paper 100, in the initial state of the ink jet printer 10 described above, the drive of the motor 50 is controlled to rotate the rotating shaft 50a in the direction of arrow A and the pulley 56 in the direction of arrow B. And the pulley 58 is rotated in the direction of arrow D. Then, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 disposed on the drive belt 60 moves in the arrow C direction in the sub-scanning direction, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 disposed on the drive belt 70 in the arrow E direction in the sub-scanning direction. Move (see FIG. 5).

  In this way, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are moved from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction, and the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 disposed in the ink head holder 30. 5 is changed from the initial state shown in FIG. 5 to the frontmost position in the sub-scanning direction (see FIG. 6A and FIG. 7A).

  When the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are positioned at the foremost side in the sub-scanning direction, the effective irradiation area E on the recording paper 100 irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the lamp bodies 37 and 39 is the ink. The heads 32-1 to 32-6 do not overlap the print area S that coincides with the unit print area P1 for one band on the opposing recording paper 100, and are positioned in front of the print area S in the sub-scanning direction. (See FIG. 7B and FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C).

  Thus, when printing is started in a state where the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are located at the foremost side in the sub-scanning direction, the side member 16R, which is one end in the main scanning direction serving as the printing start position, is started. The ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 move together with the ink head holder 30 in the outward direction toward the side member 16L. The UV ink conveyed by the ink tube is ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42. Then, the ejected droplets of the UV ink fall to a predetermined position in the unit print region P1 on the recording paper 100 opposed to the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 (see FIG. 8A). .

  Here, when UV ink is ejected in the outward path, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are lit, but the effective irradiation area E of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 and the outward path. In this case, the printing area S that is the same as the unit printing area P1 to be printed in FIG. The ultraviolet rays from the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 on the recording paper 100 on which the droplets of the UV ink ejected from the jet nozzle 42 have dropped, that is, to the unit printing area P1, in the forward path, Not irradiated.

  As a result, the droplets of the UV ink ejected in the forward path remain dropped at a predetermined position in the unit print area P1 on the recording paper 100 and are not cured on the recording paper 100 (FIG. 9A )reference).

  Then, when printing in the unit print area P1 for one band is performed in one pass in the forward path, the recording paper 100 is sent from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction by the unit print area P. As a result, the ink head 32-1 is placed on the next unit print area P2 adjacent to the unit print area P1 on the recording paper 100 on which the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 have been printed facing each other in the forward path. 32-6 come to face each other (see FIG. 8B).

  Here, the effective irradiation area E does not overlap with the unit print area P2 as the print area S on the recording paper 100 to be printed in the return pass, and is positioned in front of the unit print area P2 in the sub-scanning direction. Yes. Therefore, the effective irradiation area E overlaps with the unit print area P1 on the recording paper 100 on which printing has already been performed with the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 facing each other in the forward path (FIG. 8B). (See the state shown in)).

  Next, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 together with the ink head holder 30 in the return direction on the return path from the side member 16L side to the side member 16R side. When the ink moves integrally, the UV ink conveyed by the ink tube is ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42 in the same manner as in the direction of travel. The ejected droplets of the UV ink thus dropped fall to a predetermined position in the unit print region P2 on the recording paper 100 opposed to the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 (see FIG. 8B).

  Here, when UV ink is ejected on the return path, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are lit, but the effective irradiation area E and the return path of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are returned. Since the print area S that coincides with the unit print area P2 where printing is performed does not overlap on the recording paper 100, the ink of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 that moves in the return direction of the main scanning direction on the return path The ultraviolet rays from the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 on the recording paper 100 on which the droplets of the UV ink ejected from the jet nozzle 42 have dropped, that is, to the unit printing area P2, in the return path. Not irradiated.

  As a result, the droplets of the UV ink ejected in the return path remain falling on a predetermined position in the unit print area P2 on the recording paper 100 and are not cured on the recording paper 100 (FIG. 9A )reference).

  On the other hand, when the UV ink is ejected in the return path, the effective irradiation area E of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 that are lit is located ahead of the unit printing area P2 in the sub-scanning direction. In the forward path, the unit print area P1 on the recording paper 100 on which the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 have been printed facing each other overlaps.

  As a result, the return path to the unit print area P1 on the recording paper 100 where the droplets of UV ink ejected from each of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 moving in the main scanning direction in the forward path has dropped. The ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 that move in the return direction in FIG. 5, and the droplets of the UV ink ejected in the forward path are cured in the unit print region P1 on the recording paper 100.

  Thus, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 that move integrally move from one end in the main scanning direction, which is the printing start position, in the outward direction. When the ink reaches the other end, moves in the return direction opposite to the going direction and returns to the print start position, the forward path (see FIG. 8A) in which UV ink is ejected from the ink jet nozzle. In the return path immediately after (see FIG. 8B), ultraviolet rays are radiated from the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 onto the recording paper 100 on which the UV ink ejected in the forward path has dropped.

  Here, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are integrally moved from one end in the main scanning direction in the direction of the side member 16 </ b> L. In the case of a reciprocating movement in which the movement direction is changed and the return direction is changed, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 moving in the forward direction are ejected from the UV ink in the forward path, and the ink A predetermined time t has elapsed before the ultraviolet rays are irradiated on the recording paper 100 on which the droplets of droplets fall on the return path.

  For example, the total length of the ink jet printer 10 in the main scanning direction (that is, the distance between one end and the other end in the main scanning direction) is about 1 m, and the ink head holder 30 is about 500 mm. When moving in the main scanning direction at / sec, the predetermined time t is approximately 2 seconds.

  For this reason, during the predetermined time t, the shape when the UV ink falls to a predetermined position on the recording paper 100 (see FIG. 9A), that is, the surface 100a of the surface 100a of the recording paper 100 by surface tension. The UV ink in the shape of a round and hemispherical shape gradually diffuses (see FIG. 9B).

  As a result, the UV ink cured on the recording paper 100 by the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 in the return path is a predetermined amount on the recording paper 100 as shown in FIG. The ink droplets dropped at the position spread and hardened in a connected shape. For this reason, the unevenness on the surface 100a of the recording paper 100 is reduced by the UV ink that is connected to each other and cured in a flat shape on the surface 100a. Result.

  If printing in the unit print area P2 for one band is performed in one pass on the return path, the recording paper 100 is sent out by the unit print area P, and in the same way as above, The ultraviolet rays irradiated from the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 while performing printing in the unit print area P3 for one band by the pass and the droplets of the UV ink ejected to the unit print area P2 in the previous return pass. Is cured on the recording paper 100 (see FIG. 8C).

  Thus, the conveyance of the recording paper 100 in the sub-scanning direction and the printing by the reciprocating movement of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 in the main scanning direction are repeated. By doing so, desired printing is performed in a desired range on the recording paper 100 with a glossy finish.

(Ii) In case of non-glossy printing mode in single pass printing When the glossy printing mode is set in single pass printing by the operator group 40, the conveyance amount of the recording paper 100 or the ink jet nozzle 42 is used. The UV ink is ejected in the same manner as in the above-described (i) single pass printing and glossy printing mode.

  The positions of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 arranged in the ink head holder 30 are set to the initial state shown in FIG. 5 (see FIG. 10A).

  The effective irradiation area E of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 in the initial state located on the most rear side in the sub-scanning direction is on the recording paper 100 on which the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 are opposed. Are overlapped with the print region S that coincides with the unit print region P1 to be printed, and the entire length of the print region S in the sub-scanning direction (that is, the total length L of the ink jet nozzle row 44 in the sub-scanning direction). ) (See FIG. 10B and FIGS. 11A and 11B).

  Thus, when printing is started in a state where the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are located at the most rearward side in the sub-scanning direction, the side member 16R side, which is one end in the main scanning direction, which is the printing start position. Ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 together with the ink head holder 30, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, the second ultraviolet ray 36, and the ink head holder 30 in the outward direction through the center of the ink jet printer 10 to the side member 16 L side. The ultraviolet lamp 38 moves integrally, and at this time, the UV ink conveyed by the ink tube is ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42. Then, the ejected droplets of the UV ink fall to a predetermined position in the unit print region P1 on the recording paper 100 opposed to the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 (see FIG. 11A). .

  Here, when UV ink is ejected in the outward path, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are lit, and in the effective irradiation area E of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 and in the outward path. Since the printing area S that coincides with the unit printing area P1 to be printed overlaps on the recording paper 100, the ink jets of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 that move in the forward direction of the main scanning direction in the forward path. The ultraviolet rays from the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are irradiated onto the recording paper 100 on which the droplets of the UV ink ejected from the nozzle 42 have dropped, that is, the unit printing area P1.

  As a result, the UV ink ejected from each of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 moving in the outward direction of the main scanning direction in the outward path moves in the outward direction on the recording paper 100 on which the droplets of UV ink have dropped. The ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the second ultraviolet lamp 38 and the droplets of the UV ink ejected in the outward path are cured in the unit print region P1 on the recording paper 100.

  Here, in the unit print area P1 on the recording paper 100 where the droplets of UV ink ejected from each of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 moving in the outward direction of the main scanning direction in the forward path have fallen, Immediately thereafter, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the second ultraviolet lamp 38 located at the rear stage of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 in the going direction.

  That is, in the case of the above-described (i) single pass printing and glossy printing mode, from the time when UV ink is ejected in the forward path to the time when ultraviolet light is irradiated in the backward path, or from the time when UV ink is ejected in the backward path. If the UV ink is ejected in the forward path in the non-glossy printing mode within a very short time compared to the predetermined time t that elapses before the ultraviolet ray is irradiated in the forward path. For example, ultraviolet rays are irradiated on the same outward path.

  As a result, the UV ink cured on the recording paper 100 by the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the second ultraviolet lamp 38 in the forward path is ejected from the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 as shown in FIG. The recording paper 100 is cured in a shape that remains round and hemispherical on the surface 100a of the recording paper 100 due to surface tension. For this reason, the unevenness of the surface 100a of the recording paper 100 is large and the surface 100a of the recording paper 100 becomes physically rough due to the UV ink cured in a round and substantially hemispherical shape on the surface 100a. There will be a glossy print result.

  Then, if printing in the unit print area P1 for one band is performed in one pass in the forward path, the recording paper 100 is sent out for the unit print area P, and in the next return path, one band for one band. While printing in the unit print area P2, the droplets of the UV ink ejected in the return path are cured in the unit print area P2 on the recording paper 100 (see FIG. 11B).

  Thus, the conveyance of the recording paper 100 in the sub-scanning direction and the printing by the reciprocating movement of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36, and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 in the main scanning direction are repeated. By doing so, desired printing is performed in a desired range on the recording paper 100 with a non-glossy finish.

(Iii) Case of Glossy Print Mode with Multipass Printing In this embodiment, a case where printing for one band is performed with four passes will be described as an example. Note that the total number of passes for completing printing for one band is not limited to four passes, and can be set arbitrarily such as eight passes and sixteen passes.

  Therefore, when the glossy print mode is set for the multi-pass printing by the operator group 40, the recording paper 100 moves from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction by the unit print area P / 4 for each pass. In addition, printing of one band is performed in four passes by the ejection of UV ink from the ink jet nozzles 42 of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6.

  In the case of multi-pass printing and the glossy printing mode, the operator group 40 can set the gloss level of the glossy print result. The following three types can be set by the operator group 40: Each of (iii-A) high gloss type, (iii-B) medium gloss type, and (iii-C) low gloss type will be described in detail.

(Iii-A) High-gloss type When this high-gloss type is selected, a printing result with a high glossiness can be obtained.

  First, before the printing on the recording paper 100 is started, the positions of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 arranged in the ink head holder 30 are glossy by the above (i) single pass printing. As in the print mode, the position changes from the initial state shown in FIG. 5 to the foremost position in the sub-scanning direction (see FIGS. 6A and 7A).

  Accordingly, in the effective irradiation area E of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 that are positioned at the foremost position in the sub-scanning direction, recording in which the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 are opposed to each other. The ink jet nozzle row 44 on the paper 100 does not overlap with the print region S having the entire length L in the sub-scanning direction, and is positioned in front of the printable region S in the sub-scanning direction (FIG. 7 ( b) and FIGS. 12 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)).

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 12A, in the first pass, the print area S coincides with the unit print area P1.

  The droplets of the UV ink ejected in the first pass are dropped to a predetermined position in the unit print area P1 on the recording paper 100, but the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are effective. Since the print area S that coincides with the irradiation area E and the unit print area P1 does not overlap on the recording paper 100, the recording paper 100 remains dropped at a predetermined position in the unit print area P1 on the recording paper 100. It does not cure on 100 (see FIG. 9 (a)).

  Since the first pass in the forward path is completed, the recording paper 100 is sent out from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction by the unit printing area P / 4. As a result, in the second pass, the print area S and the unit print area P do not coincide with each other, and the unit on the recording paper 100 on which the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 have been printed facing each other in the previous forward path. The rear side 3/4 portion of the print area P1 in the sub-scanning direction (see symbols P1-b, P1-c, and P1-d shown in FIG. 12B) and the next unit print adjacent to the unit print area P1 The ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 are opposed to a front 1/4 portion of the region P2 in the sub-scanning direction (see reference symbol P2-a shown in FIG. 12B).

  Here, the effective irradiation area E is 1 / the front side in the sub-scanning direction in the unit printing area P1 on the recording paper 100 that has already been printed in the first pass, and is located outside the printing area S. 4 overlaps (refer to reference symbol P1-a shown in FIG. 12B).

  Therefore, in the second pass on the return path, in the portion of the front side 1/4 in the sub-scanning direction of the unit print area P1 on the recording paper 100 overlapping the effective irradiation area E, the first movement that moves in the return direction on the return path is the first. Ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38, and the droplets of the UV ink ejected in the first pass of the outward path are cured on the recording paper 100 (see FIG. 9C).

  On the other hand, ultraviolet light is irradiated on the rear side 3/4 portion of the unit print region P1 in the sub-scanning direction in the print region S and the front side 1/4 portion of the next unit print region P2 in the sub-scanning direction. In other words, the UV ink ejected in the return path remains dropped at a predetermined position and does not cure on the recording paper 100 (see FIG. 9A).

  When the second pass printing is completed, the recording paper 100 is conveyed by the unit print area P / 4 in the sub-scanning direction, and the third pass printing is performed (see FIG. 12C). When the printing of the pass is completed, the recording paper 100 is transported by the unit printing area P / 4 in the sub-scanning direction, and the printing of the fourth pass (see FIG. 12D) is performed. Are conveyed by the unit printing area P / 4 in the sub-scanning direction (see FIG. 12E).

  In this way, the unit print area P1 (see the state shown in FIG. 12A) that coincides with the print area S immediately below the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 in the first pass gradually starts from the print area S. The recording paper 100 sent out into the effective irradiation area E and having the ink droplets dropped in the printing area S is irradiated with ultraviolet rays after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the surface 100a of the recording paper 100 is in a smooth state. (See FIG. 9C), the grainy feeling is lost, and a glossy print result is obtained.

  At this time, since the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are located in the foremost position in the sub-scanning direction, the print area S and the effective irradiation area E have no overlapping portion. For this reason, in the case of the high gloss type, the UV ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42 is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the same pass as the UV ink is ejected. The UV ink is ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42 and dropped onto the recording paper 100, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be cured (see the state shown in FIG. 9C). Printing results with high glossiness can be obtained.

(Iii-B) Medium Gloss Type When this medium gloss type is selected, a print result with a medium gloss level can be obtained.

  First, before the printing on the recording paper 100 is started, the positions of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 disposed in the ink head holder 30 are moved forward from the initial state shown in FIG. It moves toward the side, and changes from the position on the most front side in the sub-scanning direction to the position on the rear side by a distance W1 (see FIG. 13A).

  Therefore, the effective irradiation area E of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 that is located at the rear side by the distance W1 from the most forward position in the sub-scanning direction overlaps with a part of the printing area S. And is located so as to cover only the distance W1 of the total length of the printing region S (that is, the total length L of the ink jet nozzle row 44 in the sub-scanning direction) (FIG. 13B and FIG. 14). (See (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e)).

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 14A, in the first pass, the print area S coincides with the unit print area P1.

  Accordingly, the rear side of the unit print area P1 on the recording paper 100 in the sub-scanning direction (a part of the reference symbol P1-b shown in FIG. 14A, P1-c, P1-d) overlaps the effective irradiation area E. Although not shown, the front side of the unit printing area P1 in the sub-scanning direction (see part of the reference signs P1-a and P1-b shown in FIG. 14A) overlaps the effective irradiation area E.

The droplets of the UV ink ejected in the first pass are dropped to a predetermined position in the unit printing area P1 on the recording paper 100, a part of which is located in the effective irradiation area E. .

  As a result, the UV ink that has fallen to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction of the unit printing area P1 that does not overlap the effective irradiation area E in the first pass, is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and is at a predetermined position on the recording paper 100. It does not harden on the recording paper 100 while falling on the recording paper 100 (see FIG. 9A). On the other hand, the UV ink dropped to the front side in the sub-scanning direction of the unit print region P1 overlapping the effective irradiation region E is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the second ultraviolet lamp 38 and cured on the recording paper 100 (FIG. 9 ( d)).

The UV ink that has dropped to the rear side in the sub-scanning direction of the unit printing area P1 that does not overlap the effective irradiation area E in the outward path of the first pass is the second pass (see FIG. 14B), 3 As the pass (see FIG. 14C) and the unit print area P1 are gradually sent out from the print area S into the effective irradiation area E, the recording is performed by irradiating ultraviolet rays after a predetermined time has passed. It hardens | cures on the paper 100 (refer FIG.9 (c)).

  As described above, in the case of the medium gloss type, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are located on the rear side by the distance W1 from the most front position in the sub-scanning direction. And a part of the effective irradiation area E overlap each other. For this reason, a part of all the UV inks ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the same path as the path where the UV ink is ejected, and ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42. The UV ink of the remaining portion is cured immediately after falling on the recording paper 100, and after the predetermined time has passed without being irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the same pass as the UV ink was ejected. It is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  As a result, after being ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42 and dropped onto the recording paper 100, the ultraviolet ray is immediately irradiated and cured (see FIG. 9D) and the ultraviolet ray is irradiated after a predetermined time has passed. The hardened ink (see FIG. 9C) is mixed at a ratio corresponding to the position of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38, and the above (iii-A) high gloss type Thus, all the UV inks ejected as described above are less glossy than a case where ultraviolet rays are irradiated and cured after a predetermined time, and a printing result with a medium glossiness can be obtained.

(Iii-C) Low Gloss Type When this low gloss type is selected, a print result with a low gloss level can be obtained.

  First, before the printing on the recording paper 100 is started, the positions of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 disposed in the ink head holder 30 are the front positions in the sub-scanning direction from the initial state shown in FIG. It moves toward the side and changes to the position on the rear side (see FIG. 15A) by the distance W2 from the position on the most front side in the sub-scanning direction.

  Therefore, the effective irradiation area E of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 which are positioned rearward from the position on the most front side in the sub-scanning direction by the distance W2 overlaps a part of the printing area S. It is positioned so as to cover only the distance W2 of the total length of the printing area S (that is, the total length L in the sub-scanning direction of the ink jet nozzle row 44) (see FIG. 15B).

  Here, the distance W2 is set longer than the above-described (iii-B) medium gloss type distance W1 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B) (distance W2> distance W1). Therefore, the portion where the effective irradiation area E and the printing area S overlap is greater in the low gloss type than in the middle gloss type.

  Then, in the case of the low gloss type, when printing proceeds in the same manner as the above (iii-B) medium gloss type, the ultraviolet rays are emitted immediately after being ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42 and dropped onto the recording paper 100. The amount of ink that has been cured by irradiation is greater than the amount of ink that has been cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  As a result, most of the UV ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42 is ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42 and dropped onto the recording paper 100, and then the ink is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays. (See FIG. 9 (d)), and the ratio of the mixture of the ink cured immediately after being irradiated with ultraviolet rays and the ink cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays after a predetermined time has elapsed is as described in (iii-B) above. It becomes different from the gloss type, and a print result with less gloss than the medium gloss type and a low gloss level can be obtained.

(Iv) In the case of the multi-pass printing and the glossless printing mode When the glossy printing mode is set in the multi-pass printing by the operator group 40, the transport amount of the recording paper 100 and the UV from the ink jet nozzle 42 are set. The ink is ejected in the same manner as (iii) in the case of the multi-pass printing and the glossy printing mode.

  Before the printing on the recording paper 100 is started, the positions of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 disposed in the ink head holder 30 are in the initial state shown in FIG. a)). This is the same as the setting position in the case of (ii) single pass printing and the glossless printing mode.

  The effective irradiation area E of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 positioned at the most rearward position in the sub-scanning direction in the initial state overlaps the printing area S, and the entire length of the printing area S (In other words, the ink jet nozzle row 44 is positioned so as to cover the entire length L in the sub-scanning direction (see FIG. 10B)).

  Then, the droplets of UV ink ejected in the forward path of the first pass fall to a predetermined position in the unit print region P1 on the recording paper 100, and are effectively irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38. Since the area E and the print area S that coincides with the unit print area P1 overlap each other on the recording paper 100, the second ultraviolet lamp 38 that is positioned downstream of the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 in the forward direction. Is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be cured in the unit print region P1 on the recording paper 100 (see FIG. 9D).

  Thus, in the first pass, the unit print area P1 that coincides with the print area S immediately below the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 is gradually sent out from the effective irradiation area E that coincides with the print area S, and the ink. The UV ink ejected from the jet nozzle 42 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the same pass as the UV ink is ejected, and all of the ejected UV inks are exposed to ultraviolet rays within a very short period of time. Is cured by irradiation (see the state shown in FIG. 9D), resulting in a print result with a sense of particles and no gloss.

  As described above, in the ink jet printer 10 according to the present invention, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are disposed on the ink head holder 30 so as to be movable along the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, by changing the positions where the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are disposed in the ink head holder 30, the positional relationship between the effective irradiation area E irradiated with the ultraviolet rays and the printing area S is changed. Can be changed.

  Accordingly, the effective irradiation area E and the printing area S do not overlap each other as in (i) the single-pass printing mode with glossy printing mode and (iii) the multiple-pass printing mode with glossy printing mode. Then, after the UV ink is ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42 and dropped onto the recording paper 100, ultraviolet rays are irradiated after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the ejected droplets of the ejected UV ink are recorded. The UV ink can be used to obtain a glossy print result without graininess without falling to a predetermined position on the paper 100 and then being cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  In the ink jet printer 10 according to the present invention, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are moved along the sub-scanning direction so that the effective irradiation area E and the printing area S overlap each other. For example, it is possible to obtain a printing result having a grainy feeling and no glossy feeling, and obtaining a printing result having a different texture.

  Further, in the ink jet printer 10 according to the present invention, the positions of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 in the sub-scanning direction can be continuously changed, so that (iii-B) medium gloss type and (iii) -C) As in the case of the low gloss type, the effective irradiation area E and the print area S are ejected from the ink jet nozzle 42 by adjusting the amount of overlap (see W1 in FIG. 13 and W2 in FIG. 15). The ink that has been cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays immediately after falling on the recording paper 100 and the ink that has been cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays after a predetermined time have passed are positioned at the positions of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38. Even if the print result is glossy, you can adjust the degree of gloss arbitrarily by changing the mixing ratio accordingly. Always it is possible to obtain a printing result of a variety of textures.

The embodiment described above may be modified as described in the following (1) to (7).

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are arranged movably along the sub-scanning direction with the configuration shown in FIG. Of course, it is not limited to the above, and the ink can be moved in the sub-scanning direction according to other configurations by changing the shape of the ink head holder or the case of the ultraviolet lamp, etc. -It may be arranged in the head holder.

  At this time, the movement of the ultraviolet lamp in the sub-scanning direction is not limited to being automatically performed by the processing of the microcomputer 200 as in the above-described embodiment, and may be configured to be manually adjustable. .

  Further, the ultraviolet lamp and the ink head are not limited to be disposed in a single ink head holder, and the ultraviolet lamp can be disposed movably along the sub-scanning direction. The moving means that moves in the scanning direction may be provided separately from the ink head holder.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, in the case of (ii) the single pass printing in the glossless printing mode and (iv) the multiple pass printing in the glossless printing mode, the effective irradiation area E is in the sub-scanning direction. It is located so as to cover the entire length of the printing region S (see FIG. 10B). More specifically, the central portion of the effective irradiation area E coincides with the central portion of the printing area S along the sub-scanning direction, and the effective irradiation area E corresponds to the front side and the rear side in the sub-scanning direction of the printing area S. In any case, the effective irradiation area E and the printing area S overlap each other.

  In the case of such a positional relationship, the central portion of the effective irradiation area E corresponds to the center position of the filaments 37a and 39a where the irradiation intensity of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 is strong. The central portion of the region S is effectively irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and good printing results can be obtained particularly in single pass printing.

  Here, when a glossy print result is obtained, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the effective irradiation area E does not protrude from the rear side in the sub-scanning direction of the print area S, and the front side The effective irradiation area E may be positioned so as to cover the entire length of the printing area S in the sub-scanning direction so as to protrude beyond only the side.

  With such a positional relationship, the recording paper 100 is fed from the rear side to the front side in the sub-scanning direction, so printing is performed as compared with the positional relationship shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). It takes a long time for the remaining portion to stay in the effective irradiation region E, which is effective for curing the UV ink.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are integrally moved in the main scanning direction in the middle of the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction. UV ink was ejected from the ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 in the forward path (or the backward path) by stopping at one end or the other end of the ink and waiting, or changing the moving speed thereof. You may make it adjust so that the predetermined | prescribed time t from time to irradiation with an ultraviolet-ray may become more than predetermined time. The longer the time from ink ejection to ultraviolet irradiation, the higher the quality image with glossiness can be obtained.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the six ink heads 32-1 to 32-6 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Various changes may be made such as increasing or decreasing the total number of ink heads.

In the above-described embodiment, bidirectional printing is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to perform printing by unidirectional printing, unidirectional printing, and bidirectional printing. May be configured, and various configurations may be changed accordingly.

  For example, in the case of an apparatus capable of only unidirectional printing, either one of the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 is provided, or the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 are disposed. Only one of 38 may be lit during printing.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, both the glossy print mode and the glossless print mode are made possible. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration may be such that only the print result is obtained, and various configurations may be changed accordingly.

  (6) In the above-described embodiment, the first ultraviolet lamp 36 and the second ultraviolet lamp 38 that irradiate the recording paper 100 with ultraviolet rays and the UV ink are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, by using means for irradiating visible light, electron beam or other light of radiation different from ultraviolet light, various inks having the property of solidifying or thickening by the light irradiated on the medium should be used. Also good.

  (7) You may make it combine the above-mentioned embodiment and the modification shown in said (1) thru | or (6) suitably.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in a printing apparatus that prints a printed matter excellent in water resistance and scratch resistance using UV ink or the like.

10, 110 Ink jet printer 12 Base member 14 Base member 16L, 16R Side members 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, 18-4, 18-5, 18-6 Ink cartridge 20 Ink cartridge 20 Tube guide 22 Central wall 24 Wire 30 Ink head holder 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, 32-4, 32-5, 32-6 Ink head 34 UV lamp 36 First UV lamp 38 2 UV lamp 40 Operating element group 42 Ink jet nozzle 44 Ink jet nozzle array 100 Recording paper 200 Micro computer

Claims (1)

On the medium conveyed in the sub-scanning direction that is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the medium, the forward path that moves in the direction from the one end to the other end in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction; A first moving means that reciprocates in a return path that moves in a return direction from the other end to the one end;
An ink head disposed on the first moving means and ejecting ink onto the medium from an ink jet nozzle;
A light irradiation means for irradiating the medium with light;
A motor that rotates, a drive belt that transmits the rotational drive of the motor to the light irradiation means, and a guide rail that guides the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction; Adjacent to the second moving means disposed adjacent to the first moving means so as to be movable in the sub-scanning direction, while reciprocating between the one end and the other end. A printing method for performing printing by an ink jet method,
Printing of a unit print area having a length that is a distance traveled by the ink head in the main scanning direction and a total length of the ink head in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction of the ink jet nozzle Glossy printing by single pass printing which is completed by moving once between the one end and the other end in the forward or backward direction, and no gloss by the single pass printing Printing and glossy printing by multi-pass printing that completes the printing of the unit printing area by moving twice or more between the one end and the other end in the going direction and the returning direction; and Select matte printing with multi-pass printing,
When glossy printing by single pass printing is selected, the position of the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction is the irradiation area on the medium irradiated with light from the light irradiation means. The print area on the medium where the ink is ejected from the ink jet nozzle is located downstream in the conveyance direction of the medium, and the irradiation area and the print area do not overlap each other. By controlling the movement of the second moving means, after the ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle has dropped onto the medium, light is irradiated by the light irradiation means after a predetermined time has passed. And
When glossless printing by single pass printing is selected, the position of the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction is such that the irradiation area and the printing area overlap each other, and the irradiation area is the same as the printing area. By controlling the movement of the second moving unit so as to cover the entire length in the sub-scanning direction, the ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle is dropped on the medium and immediately after the light irradiation. Light is irradiated by means,
When glossy printing by multi-pass printing is selected, the position of the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction is such that the irradiation area is located downstream of the printing area in the medium transport direction, and By controlling the movement of the second moving means so that the irradiation region and the printing region do not overlap each other at all or only partially overlap each other, the ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle is The light irradiation means irradiates the light after a predetermined time has elapsed after falling on the medium, or the light is irradiated after the predetermined time has elapsed after falling on the medium. Mixed with the ink to be irradiated with light by the light irradiation means immediately after falling on the medium,
When glossless printing by multi-pass printing is selected, the position of the light irradiation means in the sub-scanning direction is such that the irradiation region and the printing region overlap each other, and the irradiation region is a sub-portion of the printing region. By controlling the movement of the second moving means so as to cover the entire length in the scanning direction, the ink ejected from the ink jet nozzle is immediately dropped on the medium and then the light irradiation means. The printing method, wherein light is irradiated by the printing method.