JP6932957B2 - Liquid discharge device, image formation method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for discharging a liquid, an image forming method, and a program.

One of the image forming devices is one that forms an image using an active energy ray-curable liquid. In this device, a stereoscopic image can be formed because the liquid layers are laminated while being sequentially cured by the recording head. In order to shorten the time for laminating the liquid layer, the development of a technique for laminating the liquid layer in the setting of bidirectional printing is underway.

In the setting of bidirectional printing, the image forming apparatus divides the area where the nozzles on the recording are arranged into blocks in the sub-scanning direction, and allocates an area for forming each layer to each block. Then, for example, the recording head is reciprocally scanned in the main scanning direction, the recording medium is fed in the sub-scanning direction at a predetermined pitch, and the liquid forming each layer is discharged from each block in the outward path and the return path of the recording head. .. By repeating this operation, the liquid layers are sequentially laminated in a predetermined order (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

You may want to stack the same layers repeatedly for the purpose of increasing image density. For example, it is a case where a layer of white ink as a base is repeatedly laminated, or a clear layer on the surface is repeatedly laminated. In the conventional bidirectional printing setting, when the same layer is repeatedly laminated, it is necessary to further allocate an area corresponding to the number of repetitions to the area where the nozzle group is arranged, and as a result, the allocated area of each layer. Becomes narrower. Therefore, there is a problem that the number of scans of the recording head increases and the image formation time becomes long.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, an image forming method, and a program for discharging a liquid capable of performing laminating at a high speed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the device for discharging the liquid according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid discharge head having a nozzle group for discharging the liquid and a device to which the liquid can adhere. , A moving mechanism that moves the liquid discharge head or a liquid to which the liquid can adhere relatively in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a layer that identifies each layer of stacked data. A determination to determine an allocation unit that allocates information to each nozzle of the nozzle group, a relative movement step between the liquid discharge head and a liquid to which the liquid can adhere, and a discharge pattern of each nozzle of the liquid discharge head. Based on the unit, the moving process determined by the determination unit, and the ejection pattern, the moving mechanism, the control unit that controls the ejection timing of each nozzle, and the printing conditions for each layer of the laminated data are set. The determination unit has a setting unit, and when information for instructing layer repetition is set as the printing condition , the determination unit scans the layer that is the repetition setting less than the ejection pattern that forms another layer. It is characterized in that the discharge pattern is determined.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that laminating can be performed at high speed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the liquid discharge device of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming portion of the liquid discharge device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transport unit of the liquid discharge device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit of the liquid discharge device of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the functional unit of the repeating means. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 1) of the embodiment. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 2) of the embodiment. FIG. 7C is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 3) of the embodiment. FIG. 7D is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 4) of the embodiment. FIG. 7E is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 5) of the embodiment. FIG. 7F is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 6) of the embodiment. FIG. 7G is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 7) of the embodiment. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 1) of the modified example 1. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 2) of the modified example 1. FIG. 8C is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 3) of the modified example 1. FIG. 8D is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 4) of the modified example 1. FIG. 8E is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 5) of the modified example 1. FIG. 8F is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 6) of the modified example 1. FIG. 8G is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 7) of the modified example 1. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 1) of the modified example 2. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 2) of the modified example 2. FIG. 9C is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 3) of the modified example 2. FIG. 9D is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 4) of the modified example 2. FIG. 9E is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 5) of the modified example 2. FIG. 9F is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 6) of the modified example 2. FIG. 9G is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 7) of the modified example 2. FIG. 9H is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 8) of the modified example 2. FIG. 9I is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 9) of the modified example 2. FIG. 9J is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 10) of the modified example 2. FIG. 9K is a diagram showing an example of the stacking procedure (procedure 11) of the modified example 2.

In the present application, the "device for discharging a liquid" is a device provided with a liquid discharge head or a liquid discharge unit and driving the liquid discharge head to discharge the liquid. The device for discharging the liquid includes not only a device capable of discharging the liquid to a device to which the liquid can adhere, but also a device for discharging the liquid toward the air or the liquid.

The "device for discharging the liquid" can also include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging the liquid to which the liquid can adhere, as well as a pretreatment device, a posttreatment device, and the like.

For example, as a "device that ejects a liquid", an image forming apparatus that ejects ink to form an image on paper, and a three-dimensional object (three-dimensional object) are formed in layers in order to form a three-dimensional object. There is a three-dimensional modeling device (three-dimensional modeling device) that discharges the modeling liquid into the powder layer.

Further, the "device for discharging a liquid" is not limited to a device in which a significant image such as a character or a figure is visualized by the discharged liquid. For example, those that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves and those that form a three-dimensional image are also included.

The above-mentioned "material to which a liquid can adhere" means a material to which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, such as one that adheres and adheres, and one that adheres and permeates. Specific examples include paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, recording media such as cloth, electronic substrates, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and media such as inspection cells. Yes, including anything to which the liquid adheres, unless otherwise specified.

The material of the above-mentioned "material to which liquid can be attached" may be paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics or the like as long as the liquid can be attached even temporarily.

The "liquid" may have a viscosity and surface tension that can be discharged from the head, and is not particularly limited, but has a viscosity of 30 mPa · s or less at room temperature, under normal pressure, or by heating or cooling. It is preferable to have. More specifically, solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, polymerizable compounds, resins, functionalizing materials such as surfactants, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids and proteins, and calcium. , Solvents, suspensions, emulsions, etc. containing edible materials such as natural pigments, etc., for example, inks for inkjets, surface treatment liquids, components of electronic elements and light emitting elements, and formation of electronic circuit resist patterns. It can be used for applications such as a liquid for use and a material liquid for three-dimensional modeling.

Further, the "device for discharging the liquid" may be a device in which the liquid discharge head and the device to which the liquid can adhere move relatively. Specific examples include a serial type device that moves the liquid discharge head, a line type device that does not move the liquid discharge head, and the like.

In addition, as a "device for ejecting liquid", a treatment liquid coating device for ejecting a treatment liquid to the paper in order to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper for the purpose of modifying the surface of the paper, raw materials. There is an injection granulation device that granulates fine particles of raw materials by injecting a composition liquid in which the above-mentioned material is dispersed in a solution through a nozzle.

(First Embodiment)
A device for discharging a liquid (hereinafter, abbreviated as a liquid discharge device), an image forming method, and an embodiment of a program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, an example of application to a serial type device as the liquid discharge device is shown.

1 to 3 are views for explaining the configuration of the liquid discharge device of the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the liquid discharge device of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming portion of the liquid discharge device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transport unit of the liquid discharge device. The "rear side (rear side) of the device" in FIG. 2 corresponds to the back side of the paper surface of FIG. 1, and the "front side (front side) of the device" corresponds to the front side of the paper surface of FIG.

FIG. 1 shows an image forming unit 2, a sub-scanning transport unit 3, and a paper feeding unit 4. The recording medium 14 of the paper feed tray 105 is conveyed along the transfer paths 310, 305, and 306, and is discharged to the output tray 104. In the transport path 305, the recording medium (an example of "an example of" a liquid can adhere to ") 14 is transported by the transport belt 13, and an image is formed by the image forming unit 2 including the carriage 23 and the like. Hereinafter, a moving mechanism for relatively moving the carriage 23 and the recording medium 14 will be described in detail.

The carriage 23 includes a recording head 24, a sub tank 25, an irradiation unit (UV lamps 51 and 52 (see FIG. 2)), and the like.

The recording head 24 includes a plurality of liquid discharge heads 24k, 24w, 24c, 24m and 24y (see FIG. 2) arranged in the main scanning direction Y1 (see FIG. 2). Each of the plurality of liquid discharge heads 24k, 24w, 24c, 24m and 24y has a liquid discharge region in which a large number of nozzles for discharging liquid are arranged. The liquid ejection head 24k ejects black (Bk) ink. The liquid ejection head 24w ejects white (W) ink. The liquid ejection head 24c ejects cyan (C) ink. The liquid ejection head 24m ejects magenta (M) ink. The liquid ejection head 24y ejects yellow (Y) ink. The ink of each color is supplied from the sub tank 25 mounted on the carriage 23 for each color. The color and number of inks may be arbitrary and can be changed as needed.

The ink of each color of the sub tank 25 is supplied from the ink cartridges 26 (26k, 26w, 26c, 26m and 26y). The ink cartridges 26 (26k, 26w, 26c, 26m and 26y) contain black (Bk) ink, white (W) ink, cyan (C) ink, magenta (M) ink and yellow (Y) ink, respectively. It is a liquid cartridge. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridges 26 (26k, 26w, 26c, 26m and 26y) are detachably mounted on, for example, a cartridge mounting portion on the front surface (front side of the paper surface) of the apparatus main body. The ink cartridge 26 in FIG. 1 is schematically shown, and the size ratio with the sub tank 25 is different from the actual size ratio between the sub tank 25 and the ink cartridge 26.

Ink droplets of each color (ink droplets) are cured by being irradiated with active energy rays. Examples of the active energy ray include ultraviolet rays and electron beams, and among them, ultraviolet rays are preferable.

Here, the configuration related to the irradiation of active energy rays will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 23 scans in the main scanning direction Y1 which is the first direction, and the paper 5 (recording medium 14) is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction Y2 which is the second direction. The main scanning direction Y1 is orthogonal to the sub scanning direction Y2. Irradiating units (UV lamps 51 and 52) are arranged on both sides of the recording head 24. The UV lamp 51 is arranged behind the recording head 24 in the main scanning direction Y1 in the outward direction. The UV lamp 52 is arranged behind the recording head 24 in the main scanning direction Y1 in the return direction.

The UV lamps 51 and 52 irradiate the active energy ray-curing ink discharged from the recording head 24 with active energy rays. In the description of the present embodiment, an ultraviolet lamp unit (UV lamp) is taken as an example as an irradiation unit, and ultraviolet rays are taken as an example as an active energy ray, but the present invention is not limited to this.

When the ink droplets ejected onto the paper 5 (recording medium 14) are irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the ink droplets are cured and fixed on the paper 5 (recording medium 14).

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid discharge device 1 has an image forming unit 2, a sub-scanning transport unit 3, and the like inside the apparatus main body (inside the housing). The recording medium 14 is fed one by one from the paper feed unit 4 provided on the right side surface of the apparatus main body, and is transported to the transport path 305 of the sub-scanning transport unit 3 via the transport path 310. When the sub-scanning transport unit 3 conveys the recording medium 14, the carriage 23 of the image forming unit 2 ejects ink while moving the carriage as required, so that an image is formed (recorded) on the recording medium 14. ). The recorded material (recorded medium 14 on which the image is formed) is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 104 provided on the left side surface of the apparatus main body through the transport path 306. The order of forming the above images will be described later.

The carriage 23 that holds the recording head 24 is movably held in the main scanning direction Y1 by the guide rod 22 and the guide stay. The main scanning motor 27 moves and scans the carriage 23 in the main scanning direction Y1 via a timing belt 29 bridged between the drive pulley 28A and the driven pulley 28B.

Further, the carriage 23 makes it possible to adjust the vertical distance between the recording head 24 and the recording medium 14 according to the number of layers of the target image, that is, according to the thickness of the liquid layer. Here, the "number of layers" is the number of layers when the liquid layer is laminated on the liquid layer.

Further, the UV lamp 51 (52) is locked to the carriage 23 by a ball screw rod 53 (54) that is spirally threaded. The UV lamp 51 (52) can move along the ball screw rod 53 (54) and is arranged at a predetermined distance from the recording head 24.

The UV lamps 51 and 52 are provided with a predetermined distance from the carriage 23, and move and scan in the main scanning direction Y1 together with the carriage 23. The liquid discharge device 1 of the present embodiment performs UV curing by a shuttle method. That is, the liquid discharge device 1 moves the carriage 23 in the main scanning direction Y1, feeds the recording medium 14 in the paper transport direction (sub-scanning direction Y2) by the sub-scanning transport unit 3, and mounts the recording head on the carriage 23. Ink droplets are ejected from 24. At the same time, the liquid ejection device 1 uses the UV lamps 51 and 52 mounted on the carriage 23 to cure the ink droplets while irradiating them with ultraviolet rays to form an image.

The recording head 24 is driven by, for example, a piezo type drive system. In the piezo type drive system, a piezoelectric element is used as a pressure generating means (actuator means) for pressurizing the ink in the ink flow path (pressure generating chamber). The recording head 24 uses a piezoelectric element to deform the diaphragm forming the wall surface of the ink flow path, and changes the volume inside the ink flow path to eject ink droplets.

The drive system of the recording head 24 is not limited to the piezo system, and any drive system may be used. The drive system of the recording head 24 may be, for example, an electrostatic drive system. In the electrostatic drive system, the diaphragm forming the wall surface of the ink flow path and the electrode are arranged to face each other, and the diaphragm is deformed by the electrostatic force generated between the diaphragm and the electrode to deform the ink flow path. Ink droplets are ejected by changing the internal volume.

As shown in FIG. 2, a maintenance / recovery mechanism 121 for maintaining and recovering the state of the nozzle of the recording head 24 is arranged in the non-printing area on one side of the carriage 23 in the scanning direction. The maintenance / recovery mechanism 121 includes moisturizing caps 122y, 122m, 122k, 122w and 122c, a wiper member 124, an empty discharge receiving member 125 and the like. Each of the moisturizing caps 122y, 122m, 122k, 122w and 122c caps the nozzle surfaces of the liquid discharge heads 24y, 24m, 24k, 24w and 24c. The wiper member 124 wipes the nozzle surfaces of the five liquid discharge heads 24y, 24m, 24k, 24w and 24c. The empty discharge receiving member 125 is a member that receives a liquid discharge (empty discharge) that does not contribute to recording (image formation).

Further, in the non-printing area on the other side of the carriage 23 in the scanning direction, liquids that do not contribute to recording (image formation) are discharged (empty discharge) from the five liquid discharge heads 24y, 24m, 24k, 24w and 24c. An empty discharge receiving member 126 for the purpose is arranged. The empty discharge receiving member 126 is formed with five openings 127y, 127m, 127k, 127w and 127c corresponding to the five liquid discharge heads 24y, 24m, 24k, 24w and 24c.

The liquid discharge device 1 may include a maintenance unit for performing maintenance on each head of the carriage 23, if necessary. In this case, a waste liquid tank for collecting the waste liquid discharged after maintenance may be provided.

The description of the tension roller 15, the paper ejection roller 16, the paper ejection roller 17, the transport roller 19, and the sub-scanning motor 131 included in FIG. 1 is an example of the sub-scanning transport unit 3 of the liquid discharge device 1 of the present embodiment. It will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the sub-scanning transport unit 3 of the liquid discharge device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the sub-scanning transport unit 3 of the liquid discharge device 1 of the present embodiment. The sub-scanning transport unit 3 has a transport belt 13 that attracts the recording medium 14 and transports it so as to face the image forming unit 2. The transport belt 13 is hung between the transport roller 19 and the driven roller 21, and tension is applied by the tension roller 15 so as to maintain an appropriate tension.

The tension roller 15 is held by the arm 37b. The arm 37b is arranged so that it can rotate and move around the rotation fulcrum 37a as a fulcrum. Therefore, for example, the tension of the transport belt 13 can be adjusted by moving the tension roller 15 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The sub-scanning motor 131 rotates the transport belt 13 by rotating the transport roller 19.

Further, the arrangement position of the driven roller 21 can be changed, and the transport surface formed by the transport roller 19 and the driven roller 21 can be lowered by, for example, the distance a shown in FIG.

The platen member 40 is arranged to guide the transport belt 13 in a region facing the image forming portion 2 and maintain an appropriate flatness.

The transport belt 13 preferably has a two-layer structure of, for example, a front layer and a back layer. The surface layer is a medium resistance layer which is a paper adsorption surface formed of a pure resin material whose resistance is not controlled. A pure resin material without resistance control is, for example, ETFE pure material. The back layer is an earth layer made of the same material as the surface layer and whose resistance is controlled by carbon. The transport belt 13 may have a one-layer structure or a three-layer or more structure.

On the upstream side of the sub-scanning transport unit 3, a pressure roller 38 that presses the recording medium 14 against the transport belt 13 at a position facing the transport roller 19 is arranged. The pressurizing roller 38 pressurizes the recording medium 14 to bring it into close contact with the transfer belt 13, and causes the recording medium 14 to be attracted to the transfer belt 13 by static electricity.

Further, in order to charge the surface of the transport belt 13, the charging roller 18 is arranged on the upstream side of the pressurizing roller 38 in the circumferential direction of the transport belt 13. The charging roller 18 is charged by supplying a DC voltage or a high voltage in which alternating current is superimposed on direct current from a high-voltage power supply (DC or a superimposed bias supply unit of DC and AC).

On the other hand, on the downstream side of the sub-scanning transport unit 3, a paper ejection mechanism having a paper ejection roller 16, a paper ejection roller 17, and a paper ejection tray 104 is arranged. The paper ejection roller 16 conveys the recording medium 14 for ejecting paper. The paper ejection roller 17 presses the recording medium 14. The output tray 104 stocks the output recording medium 14.

Next, an example of the configuration of the control unit of the liquid discharge device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 200 of the liquid discharge device 1 of the present embodiment. The control unit 200 of the liquid discharge device 1 of the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, an NVRAM 204, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 205. Scanner control unit 206, external interface (I / F) 207, head drive control unit 208, head driver 209, droplet detection control unit 210, motor drive unit 211-215, clutch drive unit 216, AC (Alternating Current) bias It includes a supply unit 217, an I / O (Input / Output) 221; a motor drive unit 317, a curl correction (drying) control unit 311, a suction transfer control unit 312, and a lamp unit control unit 313.

The control unit 200 includes an operation panel 222, an image reading unit 11, sensors such as a temperature / humidity sensor 300, a recording head 24, a droplet detection device 61, a main scanning motor 27, a sub-scanning motor 131, a paper feed motor 45, and a discharge motor. It is connected to a paper motor 271, a double-sided transfer motor 291 and clutches 241, a charging roller 18, a transfer motor 318, a heater 425, a fan 426, a pressure roller 38, a fan 424, and UV lamps 51 and 52.

The CPU 201 executes a program that controls the operation of the liquid discharge device 1. The ROM 202 stores programs, drive waveform data, and other fixed data. The RAM 203 temporarily stores image data and the like. The NVRAM 204 is a non-volatile memory that stores data that needs to be retained even while the power supply of the liquid discharge device 1 is cut off. The ASIC 205 performs various signal processing on image data, image processing for sorting and the like, and other input / output signal processing for controlling the entire device.

The external I / F 207 transmits / receives data and signals to / from an external device.

The head drive control unit 208 and the head driver 209 drive and control the recording head 24 of the image forming unit 2. The droplet detection control unit 210 controls the droplet detection device 61. The motor drive unit 211 drives and controls the main scanning motor 27. The motor drive unit 212 drives and controls the sub-scanning motor 131. The motor drive unit 213 drives and controls the paper feed motor 45. The motor control unit 214 drives and controls the paper ejection motor 271. The motor control unit 215 drives and controls the double-sided transfer motor 291.

The AC bias supply unit 217 drives and controls the charging roller 18 by applying an AC bias to the charging roller 18.

The I / O 221 includes a temperature / humidity sensor 300 that detects environmental temperature and environmental humidity (either one may be used), an encoder that outputs a detection signal according to the movement amount and movement speed of the transport belt 13, and other sensors. Receives the detection signal from.

The operation panel 222 is an operation unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that inputs and outputs information.

The motor drive unit 317 drives and controls the transfer motor 318 that conveys the recording medium 14. The curl correction (drying) control unit 311 controls the heater 425 and the fan 426 used for the curl correction (drying) process. The suction transfer control unit 312 controls the pressure roller 38 and the fan 424 used for the suction transfer process. The lamp unit control unit 313 controls the lighting of the UV lamps 51 and 52.

Next, the operation flow of the control unit 200 will be described. First, the external I / F 207 transmits print data or the like from an information processing device such as a personal computer, an image reading device such as an image scanner, and a host-side device such as an imaging device such as a digital camera via a cable, a network, or the like. To receive. The image reading device may be, for example, an image reading unit 11 controlled by the scanner control unit 206. In the present embodiment, in order to explain the process of laminating layers to form an image, the print data will be described as laminated data indicating information on each layer to be laminated.

The CPU 201 reads and analyzes the print data in the reception buffer included in the external I / F 207, and performs necessary image processing, data rearrangement processing, and the like by the ASIC 205. Then, the CPU 201 generates dot pattern data from the image data of each layer processed by the ASIC 205, and one scan movement of the recording head 24 (one movement of moving the carriage 23 in the outward path or the return path in the main scanning direction Y1). ) Corresponds to the clock signal and is transmitted to the head drive control unit 208.

Through the head driver 209, the head drive control unit 208 selectively drives the piezoelectric element of the nozzle corresponding to the dot pattern corresponding to one scan movement of the recording head 24 in synchronization with the one scan movement of the recording head 24. Discharge droplets. Specifically, the head drive control unit 208 outputs a drive waveform to the head driver 209, and by turning on the selection switch of the piezoelectric element of the nozzle corresponding to the dot pattern, the voltage of each corresponding nozzle is set to the voltage of the drive waveform. Driven by.

Further, the head drive control unit 208 transfers a droplet detection command issued by the CPU 201 to the droplet detection control unit 210, and the droplet detection control unit 210 controls the droplet detection device 61 according to the timing of the command. The droplet detection device 61 detects the ejection state of droplets from the recording head 24 through a light emitting unit that is a light emitting means, a light receiving unit that is a light receiving means, and an optical axis deflector, and obtains detection data based on the detection result. The data is transferred to the CPU 201 via the droplet detection control unit 210.

The CPU 201 transmits irradiation data to the lamp unit control unit 313 based on the detection data. The lamp unit control unit 313 irradiates the UV lamps 51 and 52 based on the irradiation data to cure the ultraviolet curable ink (active energy ray curable ink) discharged from the recording head 24. As a result, an image is formed (recorded).

In the liquid discharge device 1 configured in this way, as described above, the recording medium 14 is fed one by one from the paper feed unit 4. The recording medium 14 is pressed against the transport belt 13 by the pressure roller 38 and transported. Then, the recording medium 14 is electrostatically attracted to the transfer belt 13, and the recording medium 14 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction Y2 by the orbital movement of the transfer belt 13.

Then, while the main scanning motor 27 moves the carriage 23, the head drive control unit 208 drives each piezoelectric element of the recording head 24 based on the image signal (dot pattern data). The recording head 24 performs one scan (one scan movement) on the stopped recording medium 14, and during the one scan movement, ink droplets are ejected by driving each piezoelectric element to generate a dot pattern for one scan. Recording is performed on the recording medium 14. When the recording for one scan is completed, the sub-scanning motor 131 rotates the transport roller 19 to rotate the transport belt 13 to rotate the recording medium 14 by the number of lines corresponding to one scan in the sub-scanning direction Y2. Send to. In this way, the liquid discharge device 1 intermittently conveys the recording medium 14 to form an image.

The CPU 201 ends the recording operation when it receives a recording end signal or a signal that the rear end of the recording medium 14 reaches the recording area. The recording medium 14 on which the image is formed is sent out to the output tray 104, which is the transfer destination.

In the description of the above-described embodiment, the transfer belt 13 that performs electrostatic suction is used as the transfer means, but a transfer belt that performs suction by a suction fan can also be used. Further, instead of using the transport belt 13, the transport roller 19 and the pressurizing roller 38 may be configured to transport the paper facing the image forming unit 2.

Subsequently, a repeating means for executing repeated stacking of the liquid discharge device 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, an example in which the CPU 201 realizes the above-mentioned repeating means is shown as an example. The CPU 201 realizes the repeating means as the following functional unit by reading the program of the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing the program.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the functional unit of the repeating means. In FIG. 5, as an example, a setting reception unit (an example of the “setting unit”) 501, a block allocation unit (an example of the “allocation unit”) 502, and a discharge order determination unit (an example of the “determination unit”) 503. , A stacking control unit (an example of a "control unit") 504.

The setting reception unit 501 outputs the display information of the setting screen for setting the print conditions to the operation panel 222, and receives the setting information set by the operator on the setting screen. The display information on the setting screen is provided with a setting item for instructing the repetition of the layer, a setting item for instructing the number of repetitions, a switching specification box for instructing the switching to the conventional stacking mode, and the like.

The block allocation unit 502 divides the liquid discharge area of the recording head 24 into blocks, and forms hierarchical information (information for identifying the layer) as a liquid discharge area that forms each layer of stacked data in each block. Etc.) are assigned. For example, the block allocation unit 502 divides each nozzle of the recording head 24 into blocks according to the nozzle number, and stores the hierarchical information in association with each block in a storage unit such as the RAM 203. In this embodiment, an example of allocating hierarchical information for each block is shown for the “allocation unit”, but the allocation is not limited to each block. When the nozzles forming a certain layer are mixed in the same area as the other layers, the layer information may be associated with each nozzle number.

The ejection order determination unit 503 determines the scanning path (moving step) of the recording head 24 on the recording medium and the scanning of the entire surface of the recording medium 14 by the recording head 24 according to the setting received by the setting reception unit 501. A discharge pattern indicating a series of nozzle discharge timings is determined. For example, when switching to the stacking mode is specified by the conventional method in the above setting, the discharge order determination unit 503 determines the discharge pattern according to the stacking procedure of the conventional method. The discharge pattern shall be determined according to the nozzle arrangement of each block. Further, scanning the entire surface means the entire process of one process.

The stacking control unit 504 controls the movement of the recording head 24 and the recording medium 14 based on the movement process, and ejects ink from the recording head 24 in the ejection pattern (ejection timing). Specifically, the stacking control unit 504 controls various motor drive units according to the movement process determined by the discharge order determination unit 503, and one scan determined by the discharge order determination unit 503 for each scan movement period of the recording head 24. The movement discharge pattern (dot pattern) is output to the head drive control unit 208.

Although an example in which the CPU 201 realizes the above-mentioned repeating means is shown here, some or all of the functions may be mounted on the ASIC 205, the head drive control unit 208, or the like.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. The setting screen 1000 shown in FIG. 6 is provided with a print information display field 1001, a repeating layer selection field 1002, a number of times designation field 1003, a mode switching check box 1004, and the like. The print information display column 1001 is a column for displaying print information such as the number of layers. The repeating layer selection field 1002 is a field for selecting a repeating layer for each layer information. The number of times designation column 1003 is a column for designating the number of repetitions of the repeating layer selected in the repeating layer selection column 1002. The mode switching check box 1004 is a column for instructing switching to the stacking mode according to the conventional method. When the operator sets the necessary information for each and presses the print execution button 1005, each setting is saved in the RAM 203 as the setting information and printed in the block allocation unit 502, the discharge order determination unit 503, and the stacking control unit 504. Execution is instructed.

Next, the block allocation by the block allocation unit 502 and the determination of the discharge pattern by the discharge order determination unit 503 in the repetitive setting will be described. Here, for the sake of clarity, any one of the plurality of liquid discharge heads 24y (24m, 24k, 24w, 24c) arranged in the main scanning direction Y1 on the recording head 24. explain.

7A to 7G are diagrams showing an example of a stacking procedure using the recording head 24 (arbitrary liquid discharge head). First, the configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 7A. FIG. 7A shows an example of a liquid discharge head in which a row of nozzle groups N is provided in the liquid discharge region. The number of nozzles in the nozzle group N is set to 12 here for the sake of explanation. The recording head 24 scans and moves in the main scanning direction Y1 together with the liquid discharge head, and the recording medium 14 has a predetermined block width in the sub-scanning direction Y2 for each scanning movement in the outward or return path by the recording head 24. It moves with.

In this example, based on two images (first image and second image) specified as layer information in the laminated data, layers corresponding to the respective images are laminated to generate a laminated image. This is an example. It is assumed that the recording medium 14 is sent by 3 dots in the sub-scanning direction Y2 for each scanning movement of the recording head 24. In addition, the order of the layers is called from the lower layer to the upper layer so as to increase in order such as 1 layer, 2 layers, and so on.

Here, the block allocation by the block allocation unit 502 and the determination of the discharge pattern by the discharge order determination unit 503 will be described.

When "Repeat of the same layer" is not set in the layer information, the block allocation unit 502 forms the first image for three nozzles from the bottom of the liquid discharge area by scanning in one direction. And the subsequent 3 nozzles are assigned to the second block B2 which forms the first image by scanning in the opposite direction. Further, the block allocation unit 502 allocates three nozzles following the second block B2 to the third block B3 that forms the second image by scanning in one direction, and allocates the subsequent three nozzles to the second image. Is assigned to the fourth block B4 formed by scanning movement in the opposite direction.

The discharge order determination unit 503 follows the information of the number of scans for scanning the recording head 24 to form each layer, the first block B1, the second block B2, the third block B3, and the fourth block B4. The discharge pattern for each of the above is determined.

In this example, the layer of the first image is formed as the first layer by two scans of the scanning movement in one direction and the scanning movement in the opposite direction. Therefore, the discharge order determination unit 503 uses the discharge pattern of the first block B1 and the second block B2 as the discharge pattern of the liquid landed from the first block B1 in the one-way scanning movement and the subsequent scanning movement in the opposite direction. The discharge pattern of the high-quality arrangement in which the first layer is formed by the liquid landed from the second block B2 is determined. The same applies to the discharge patterns of the third block B3 and the fourth block B4. That is, since the layer of the second image is formed as the second layer by two scans of the scanning movement in one direction and the scanning movement in the opposite direction thereafter, the ejection pattern of the high image quality arrangement is determined.

When "Repeat of the same layer" is set in the layer information, it is as follows. However, this is an example of a case where the same image (first image) is repeatedly laminated on the first layer and the second layer, and another image (second image) is laminated on the third layer. Further, as the layer to be repeatedly designated, a layer whose image quality may be deteriorated shall be selected.

In this case, the discharge order determination unit 503 discharges the first block B1 with a low image quality arrangement in which the first layer is formed by the liquid landed from the first block B1 by scanning movement in one direction. Determine the pattern. Regarding the discharge pattern of the second block B2, the discharge pattern of the low image quality arrangement in which the second layer is formed by the liquid landed from the second block B2 by the subsequent scanning movement in the opposite direction is determined. Regarding the discharge patterns of the third block B3 and the fourth block B4, the discharge patterns of the high image quality arrangement are left as they are.

In this way, when "repetition of the same layer" is set, the number of scans of the layers formed by both the first block B1 and the second block B2 is reduced from two to one. The discharge order determination unit 503 determines the discharge pattern of the low image quality arrangement.

On each of the recording media 14 of FIGS. 7A to 7G, an example of the stacking state when the first layer and the second layer are set to "repeat the same layer" is shown in the stacking order.

The first and second layers (each of which is indicated by a group of white dots) formed on the recording medium 14 by the first block B1 and the second block B2, respectively, are layers such as a base. It is possible to select low image quality. The third layer (layer indicated by a group of shaded dots) formed by the third block B3 and the fourth block B4 on the recording medium 14 is, for example, an image layer containing figures, characters, and the like. It is preferable to select high image quality.

In FIGS. 7A to 7G, the recording medium 14 is fed in the sub-scanning direction Y2 by a print width of 3 dots, and the recording head 24 scans in one direction of either the outward path or the return path while the transfer is stopped. It moves, and during the movement, the liquid is discharged from the nozzles of each block toward the recording medium 14 in a predetermined discharge pattern.

Specifically, the stacking procedure will be described focusing on the region having a width of 3 dots at the upper end on the recording medium 14. First, the recording head 24 scans and moves in the outward direction to form the first underlying layer by the first block B1 (FIG. 7A), and the recording head 24 scans and moves in the return direction to form the second block B2. A second underlying layer is formed on top of the first underlying layer (FIG. 7B).

Subsequently, the recording head 24 scans and moves in the outward path direction, the third block B3 ejects a liquid having a high-quality dot pattern constituting the third layer (FIG. 7C), and the recording head 24 further moves in the return path direction. The fourth block B4 scans and moves to eject a liquid having a high-quality dot pattern that also constitutes the third layer (FIG. 7D). Since the dot patterns of the third block B3 and the fourth block B4 are arranged with high image quality, the first dot pattern arranged with high image quality on the second layer by scanning movement in the outward path direction by the recording head 24. The liquid of the above landed, and further, by scanning movement in the return path direction by the recording head 24, the liquid of the dot pattern of the second high image quality arrangement was filled in the gap of the liquid that landed the first time, and the third layer was formed. ..

By repeating the above laminating procedure in the same manner, a laminated image is completed on the recording medium 14 (FIG. 7G).

Here, as an example, the nozzle group N is set to one row, but it may be a plurality of rows. Further, although the number of nozzles in the nozzle group N is set to 12, it may be changed to any number. Further, an example in which the recording medium 14 is fed in the sub-scanning direction Y2 by a print width of 3 dots is shown, but the feed width is the width in the sub-scanning direction of the block forming the layer set to "Repeat of the same layer". For example, in the example of the first block B1, the width may be changed to an arbitrary width according to the number of three nozzles.

Further, here, an example in which the same layer as the first layer is formed in the second layer is shown. As an example of this case, the groundwork is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a clear layer located on the lower surface when printing on both sides. Further, the layer to be repeated is not limited to the lower layers such as the first layer and the second layer, but may be an intermediate layer or an upper layer. Further, not limited to the background and the clear layer, a monotonous image such as a figure or a character that can obtain sufficient quality even if the image quality is lowered may be set as the repeating layer. In such a case, a high-density image can be obtained.

Further, here, the number of repetitions is set to "2 times" as an example, but it may be 3 times or more.

Further, here, a method of schematically dividing one liquid discharge head into a plurality of blocks and laminating a plurality of image layers is shown, but a plurality of images are used by using a plurality of liquid discharge heads in the same carriage. Needless to say, the same effect of high-speed stacking can be obtained when a plurality of image layers are laminated by assigning.

(Modification example 1)
In the embodiment, an example in which the lower layer such as the base layer is repeatedly laminated is shown, but the upper layer may be repeatedly laminated, not limited to the lower layer. For example, the clear layer on the surface corresponds to this.

8A to 8G are diagrams showing an example of the laminating procedure according to the first modification. 8A to 8G show a stacking procedure in which an image (first image) is laminated on the first layer and the same image (second image) is repeatedly laminated on the second layer and the third layer. Is.

In this case, the discharge order determination unit 503 discharges the third block B3 with a low image quality arrangement in which a second layer is formed by the liquid landed from the third block B3 by scanning movement in one direction. Determine the pattern. Regarding the discharge pattern of the fourth block B4, the discharge pattern of the low image quality arrangement in which the third layer is formed by the liquid landed from the fourth block B4 by the subsequent scanning movement in the opposite direction is determined. The discharge patterns of the first block B1 and the second block B2 are the discharge patterns arranged in high image quality.

As described above, for both the third block B3 and the fourth block B4, the number of scans of the layers formed by them is reduced from two to one, so that the ejection order determination unit 503 has an ejection pattern with a low image quality arrangement. To determine.

On each of the recording media 14 of FIGS. 8A to 8G, an example of the stacking state when the second layer and the third layer are set to "repeat the same layer" is shown in the stacking order.

The first layer (layer indicated by a group of white dots) formed by the first block B1 and the second block B2 on the recording medium 14 is, for example, an image layer such as a figure or a character. High image quality can be selected. The third and fourth layers (the layers indicated by diagonal lines and x dots, respectively) formed on the recording medium 14 by the third block B3 and the fourth block B4, respectively, are, for example, clear layers. And can be selected for low image quality.

The stacking procedure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8G, focusing on a region having a width of 3 dots at the upper end of the recording medium 14. First, the recording head 24 scans and moves in the outward path direction, and the first block B1 ejects a liquid having a high-quality dot pattern constituting the first layer (FIG. 8A), and further, the recording head 24 scans in the return path direction. The second block B2 moves and discharges a liquid having a high-quality dot pattern that also constitutes the first layer (FIG. 8B).

Since the dot patterns of the first block B1 and the second block B2 are arranged with high image quality, the first dot pattern arranged with high image quality on the recording medium 14 by scanning movement in the outward path direction by the recording head 24. The liquid of the above landed, and further, the liquid of the dot pattern of the second high image quality arrangement was filled in the gap of the liquid that landed the first time by the scanning movement in the return path direction by the recording head 24, and the first layer was formed. ..

Subsequently, the recording head 24 scans and moves in the outward path direction to form a second layer by the third block B3 (FIG. 8C), and the recording head 24 scans and moves in the return path direction to form the fourth block B4. A third layer is formed on the second layer (FIG. 8D).

By repeating the above laminating procedure in the same manner, a laminated image is completed on the recording medium 14 (FIG. 8G).

(Modification 2)
In the embodiment, an example is shown in which the repeating layer is formed with a lower image quality than the other layers, but the target for lowering the image quality may not be limited to the repeating layer.

9A to 9K are diagrams showing an example of the laminating procedure according to the second modification. 9A to 9K show a case where two layers (first and second images) of a large number of images included in the laminated image data are formed with lower image quality than the layers of the other images. It shows the laminating procedure of.

Here, an example is shown in which the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer are formed based on the first image, the second image, the third image, and the fourth image, respectively. It is assumed that the recording medium 14 is sent by 2 dots in the sub-scanning direction Y2 for each scanning movement of the recording head 24. Further, it is assumed that the layer information of each of the first image layer and the second image layer is set to low image quality. Here, the low image quality setting is a setting in which it is instructed that the image quality may be lowered.

The block allocation unit 502 allocates two nozzles from the bottom of the liquid discharge region to the first block B1 that forms the first image by scanning in one direction, and allocates the subsequent two nozzles to the second image in the opposite direction. It is assigned to the second block B2 formed by the scanning movement of. Further, the block allocation unit 502 allocates two nozzles following the second block B2 to the third block B3 that forms the third image by scanning in one direction, and allocates the subsequent two nozzles to the third image. Is assigned to the fourth block B4 formed by scanning movement in the opposite direction. Further, the block allocation unit 502 allocates two nozzles following the fourth block B4 to the fifth block B5 which forms the fourth image by scanning in one direction, and allocates the subsequent two nozzles to the fourth image. Is assigned to the sixth block B6 formed by scanning movement in the opposite direction.

The discharge order determining unit 503 forms the layer of the first image as the first layer by one scanning of the scanning movement in one direction. Therefore, as the discharge pattern of the first block B1, a discharge pattern having a low image quality arrangement in which the first image layer of the first layer is formed by the liquid landed from the first block B1 by scanning movement in one direction is used. decide. The same applies to the discharge pattern of the second block B2, which is a low-quality discharge pattern in which a second image layer of the second layer is formed by the liquid landed from the second block B2 by scanning movement in one direction. To determine.

Further, the layer of the third image is formed as the third layer by two scans of the scanning movement in one direction and the scanning movement in the opposite direction. Therefore, the discharge order determination unit 503 uses the discharge pattern of the third block B3 and the fourth block B4 as the discharge pattern of the liquid landed from the third block B3 in the one-way scanning movement and the subsequent scanning movement in the opposite direction. The discharge pattern of the high-quality arrangement in which the third layer is formed by the liquid landed from the fourth block B4 is determined.

The same applies to the discharge patterns of the fifth block B5 and the sixth block B6. That is, since the layer of the fourth image is formed as the fourth layer by two scans of the scanning movement in one direction and the scanning movement in the opposite direction thereafter, the ejection pattern of the high image quality arrangement is determined for each.

In this example, focusing on the region having a width of 2 dots at the upper end of the recording medium 14, the recording head 24 forms the first image layer of the first layer when the recording head 24 moves one scan on the recording medium 14 in the outward path direction. Further, when the recording head 24 moves one scan on the recording medium 14 in the return path direction, a second layer of the second image is formed (FIG. 9B). Further, when the recording head 24 scans and moves on the recording medium 14 twice on the outward path and the return path, a third image layer of the third layer is formed (FIG. 9D), and the recording head 24 further scans the recording medium 14 twice. When the scanning movement is performed twice on the outward route and the return route, a fourth image layer of the fourth layer is formed (FIG. 9F).

By repeating the above laminating procedure in the same manner, a laminated image is completed on the recording medium 14 (FIG. 9K).

As described above, according to the present embodiment and each modification, the number of scans when the layer corresponding to the repeat setting is formed by the discharge pattern having a small number of scans is the number of scans when the other layers are formed. Is divided by the number of repetitions to correspond to the number of scans. Therefore, if the number of scans is reduced in the case where the image quality may be low, the lamination can be performed at high speed.

The program of this embodiment and each modification is a file in an installable format or an executable format and can be read by a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versaille Disk). It is recorded on a recording medium and provided.

Further, the programs of the present embodiment and each modification may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the programs of the present embodiment and each modification may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Further, the programs of the present embodiment and each modification may be configured to be provided by incorporating them into a ROM or the like in advance.

501 Setting reception unit 502 Block allocation unit 503 Discharge order determination unit 504 Stacking control unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-181163

Claims (9)

A liquid discharge head having a group of nozzles for discharging liquid,
Those to which the liquid can adhere and
A moving mechanism that moves the liquid discharge head or a substance to which the liquid can adhere relatively in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
An allocation unit that assigns hierarchical information that identifies each layer of stacked data to each nozzle of the nozzle group, and
A determination unit that determines a relative movement step between the liquid discharge head and a liquid to which the liquid can adhere, and a discharge pattern of each nozzle of the liquid discharge head.
A control unit that controls the movement mechanism and the discharge timing of each nozzle based on the movement process and the discharge pattern determined by the determination unit.
It has a setting unit for setting printing conditions for each layer of the laminated data.
The decision unit
When information for instructing layer repetition is set as the print condition, the layer that is the repeat setting is determined to be a discharge pattern that has a smaller number of scans than the discharge patterns that form other layers.
A device that discharges a liquid. The decision unit
When the layered data includes a layer with a low image quality setting as a layer that is a repetitive setting, the layer is determined to be a discharge pattern having a smaller number of scans than the discharge patterns of the other layers.
The device for discharging a liquid according to claim 1. As before Symbol printing conditions, including the information indicating the number of times information and the repetition of instructing repeating layers,
The device for discharging the liquid according to claim 1. The number of scans of the hierarchy, which is the setting of the repetition, corresponds to the number of scans of the other layers divided by the number of repetitions.
The device for discharging the liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liquid is discharged. The setting unit further selectively accepts a setting for switching to the conventional method.
When the setting for switching to the conventional method is selected, the determination unit determines the layer of the repeating setting to be a discharge pattern having the same number of scans as the number of scans of the discharge patterns of the other layers.
The device for discharging the liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid is discharged. Based on the relative operation, the liquid discharge head scans the liquid-attachable material in the first direction, and discharges the liquid to which the liquid-attachable material moves in the second direction to the liquid discharge head. This is an image forming method for forming an image by laminating a plurality of layers of an apparatus for forming an image.
Steps to set the print conditions for each layer of stacked data,
A step of forming a layer in which the layer information is not set to be repeated by a plurality of scans for each layer, and
When information for instructing layer repetition is set as the print condition, a step of forming a layer in which the layer information is set to repeat by reducing the number of scans is performed.
An image forming method comprising. A step of forming the lower layer by reducing the number of scans, and
A step of forming the upper layer by increasing the number of scans as compared with the lower layer, and
The image forming method according to claim 6. A step of forming the upper layer by reducing the number of scans as compared with the lower layer.
The image forming method according to claim 6. Computer,
An allocation unit that assigns hierarchical information that identifies each layer of stacked data to each nozzle of the nozzle group provided in the liquid discharge head.
A determination unit that determines the relative movement step between the liquid discharge head and the one to which the liquid can adhere, and the discharge pattern of each nozzle.
Based on the moving process and the discharge pattern determined by the determination unit, the liquid discharge head or the one to which the liquid can adhere is relatively orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. a control unit for controlling the moving mechanism before Symbol ejection timing of each nozzle moving in bets,
It functions as a setting unit for setting the print conditions of each layer of the laminated data.
Further, the determination part
When information instructing layer repetition is set as the print condition, the function is to determine the layer for which the layer information is set to repeat to a discharge pattern having a smaller number of scans than the discharge pattern forming another layer. Let,
A program characterized by that.

Images