Circulation device, printing device, circulation method, and printing method

Abstract

A circulation device of one aspect includes an ink circulation unit that circulates ink via an ink head that ejects the ink, and a treatment liquid circulation unit that circulates a non-color-developing treatment liquid via a treatment liquid head that ejects the treatment liquid. Also, the circulation device of the embodiment makes the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit different from the circulation flow rate of the treatment liquid in the treatment liquid circulation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a circulation device, a printing device, a circulation method, and a printing method. Background Technology

[0002] As printing devices, inkjet printers and inkjet plotters that utilize inkjet recording methods are known. Such inkjet printing devices are equipped with inkjet heads for ejecting ink.

[0003] In recent years, techniques have been proposed for applying a pretreatment solution to the recording medium before ink is ejected. Additionally, techniques have been proposed for applying a posttreatment solution to the recording medium after ink has been ejected. Pretreatment solutions, for example, are used to improve the fixing properties of the ink on the recording medium and the cohesion of the ink pigments. Posttreatment solutions, for example, are used to improve the durability of printed images. Thus, in recent years, it has become common to eject multiple different types of liquids onto the recording medium.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-094673 Summary of the Invention

[0007] One embodiment of the circulation device includes: an ink circulation unit that circulates ink via an ink nozzle that ejects ink; and a processing liquid circulation unit that circulates a non-color-generating processing liquid via a processing liquid nozzle that ejects processing liquid. The circulation device of this embodiment distinguishes the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit from the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the ejection sequence of ink, pretreatment solution, and posttreatment solution.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the ejection sequence of ink, pretreatment solution, and posttreatment solution.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the ejection sequence of ink, pretreatment solution, and posttreatment solution.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically showing the external structure of the ink head according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6This is a top view of the ink head in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal flow path of the ink head in an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the component part in an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a circulation device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an ink circulation unit according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a table illustrating the driving voltage, electrostatic capacitance, driving frequency, printing rate per unit image, and heat generation ratio of components in the ink head, pre-processing head, and post-processing head.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a table illustrating the ejection volume per unit nozzle, ejection volume per unit time, target heat release ratio, ejection volume per unit time + circulation flow rate, and circulation flow rate for ink heads, pre-processing heads, and post-processing heads.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the control unit in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the recycling apparatus, printing apparatus, recycling method, and printing method disclosed in this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention of this application is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0022] When multiple liquids of different types are ejected onto a recording medium, temperature deviations may occur between the liquids. Therefore, there is a need to provide a circulation device and a printing device that can reduce these temperature deviations.

[0023] <Example of the structure of a printing apparatus>

[0024] Reference Figure 1 An example of the structure of the printing apparatus of the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment prints on the recording medium M using an inkjet method. The recording medium M is, for example, cloth or paper. The printing apparatus 1 includes a transport unit 2 and a carrier 3.

[0026] The transport unit 2 transports the recording medium M along the transport direction, specifically along the positive X-axis. For example, the transport unit 2 may include a feed roller that releases the recording medium M before printing and a winding roller that winds the printed recording medium M. A motor is attached to the winding roller to drive its rotation around an axis, thereby performing the winding action of the recording medium M. The transport unit 2 may also have a tension roller that applies tension to the recording medium M and a transport roller that generates a transport force for intermittently feeding the recording medium M in the transport path between the feed roller and the winding roller.

[0027] The carrier 3 is supported on a guide rail (not shown) extending along a scanning direction that intersects the transport direction of the recording medium M. Here, the transport direction is the positive X-axis, and the scanning direction is the positive Y-axis. It should be noted that the transport direction and the scanning direction only need to intersect, not necessarily be orthogonal. The carrier 3 reciprocates along this guide rail. That is, the carrier 3 can move in the positive Y-axis direction and in the negative Y-axis direction.

[0028] The printing apparatus 1 includes multiple ink heads 10, multiple processing liquid heads 20, and a circulation device 30. The ink heads 10 eject image-forming ink onto the recording medium M. The processing liquid heads 20 eject non-color-producing processing liquid onto the recording medium M. The circulation device 30 circulates the ink and processing liquid. The multiple ink heads 10, multiple processing liquid heads 20, and circulation device 30 are disposed inside the carrier 3. It should be noted that a portion of the circulation device 30 may also be disposed outside the carrier 3. For example, the circulation device 30 may also have a container or similar component disposed outside the carrier 3.

[0029] As an example, the printing apparatus 1 has a first ink head 11, a second ink head 12, a third ink head 13, and a fourth ink head 14 as ink heads 10. The first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14 each spray ink of different colors. As an example, the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14 spray cyan, dark red, yellow, and black ink, respectively.

[0030] In addition, the printing apparatus 1 has a pre-processing liquid head 21 and a post-processing liquid head 22 as processing liquid heads 20.

[0031] The pretreatment liquid head 21 ejects pretreatment liquid. The pretreatment liquid, for example, is a pretreatment liquid that improves the fixing properties of the ink onto the recording medium M and the cohesiveness of the pigments contained in the ink pigment. Such a pretreatment liquid can be a pretreatment liquid containing a binding resin in the solvent, or a pretreatment liquid containing a positively charged cationic resin in the solvent.

[0032] The post-processing fluid head 22 ejects post-processing fluid. Post-processing fluid is a processing fluid that improves the fixing and durability of ink images drawn on the recording medium M. Durability, as referred to here, means resistance to friction and scratching. Silicone-based processing fluids, etc., can be used as such post-processing fluids. It should be noted that post-processing fluid and pre-processing fluid are different processing fluids. Specifically, the components contained in post-processing fluid and pre-processing fluid are different.

[0033] Here, "non-chromatic processing liquid" refers to a liquid that, when applied alone to the recording medium M, will not be perceived as chromatic by the naked eye. This color also includes black, white, and gray, which have a chroma of 0. Non-chromatic processing liquids are generally transparent liquids, but for example, if one liter of processing liquid is observed in its liquid state, it may not be completely transparent and may appear slightly white. Its color is very pale, therefore, when printed alone on the recording medium M, it cannot be perceived as chromatic by the naked eye. It should be noted that, depending on the type of processing liquid, when printed alone on the recording medium M, there may sometimes be changes such as gloss on the recording medium M, but such changes are not chromatic.

[0034] The first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14, the pre-processing ink head 21, and the post-processing ink head 22 are arranged along the scanning direction (positive Y-axis) of the carrier 3. The pre-processing ink head 21 is positioned upstream of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14, specifically on the positive Y-axis side, in the scanning direction of the carrier 3. The post-processing ink head 22 is positioned downstream of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14, specifically on the negative Y-axis side, in the scanning direction of the carrier 3.

[0035] As an example, the printing apparatus 1 prints the recording medium M in a serial printing manner. The serial printing manner is a printing method in which the movement of the carrier 3 along the scanning direction and the intermittent feeding of the recording medium M in the transport direction are alternately and repeatedly performed.

[0036] Specifically, the printing apparatus 1 prints one line of the recording medium M while the feed of the recording medium M is stopped and the carrier 3 is moved from the initial position in the positive Y-axis direction. The initial position is a position on the negative Y-axis side of the recording medium M. One line refers to the amount of printing width per unit. When the printing of one line is completed, the printing apparatus 1 returns the carrier 3 to the initial position and feeds the recording medium M one line in the transport direction. By repeatedly performing this series of actions, the printing apparatus 1 prints a prescribed image on the recording medium M.

[0037] Reference Figures 2-4 The ejection sequence of ink, pretreatment solution, and posttreatment solution is explained when printing an image of one line. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the ejection sequence of ink, pretreatment solution, and posttreatment solution.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 first ejects pretreatment liquid T1 from the pretreatment liquid head 21 onto the recording medium M. Then, as... Figure 3 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 ejects ink C1 to C4 from the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14 onto the recording medium M. The ink C1 to C4 are ejected onto the pretreatment solution T1 that is being ejected onto the recording medium M. This improves the fixing properties of the ink C1 to C4 and the cohesiveness of the pigments contained in the ink. It should be noted that this example shows all of the ink C1 to C4 being ejected; however, the amount of ink C1 to C4 ejected varies depending on the image being printed, and therefore, it is not always necessary to eject all of the ink C1 to C4.

[0039] After that, as Figure 4 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 ejects post-processing liquid T2 from the post-processing liquid head 22 onto the recording medium M. The post-processing liquid T2 is ejected onto the inks C1 to C4. As a result, the fixing and durability of the ink image drawn on the recording medium M can be improved.

[0040] The pre-processing head 21 and the post-processing head 22 each need to cover the entire ejection area of ​​ink C1 to C4 ejected from the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14 using a single head. Furthermore, the pre-processing liquid T1 and the post-processing liquid T2 are ejected over a range larger than the ink droplet point of ink C1 to C4, taking into account the offset of the ink droplet position. Therefore, there is a tendency for the ejection volume of pre-processing liquid T1 ejected by the pre-processing head 21 and the ejection volume of post-processing liquid T2 ejected by the post-processing head 22 to be greater than the ejection volume of ink C1 to C4 ejected by the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14.

[0041] <Structure example of ink head and processing head>

[0042] Next, the structural examples of the ink head 10 and the processing head 20 will be described. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the structures of the ink head 10 and the processing head 20 are identical. Therefore, here, reference will be made to... Figures 5-8 The structure of the ink head 10 is described, while the structure of the processing ink head 20 is omitted.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically showing the external structure of the ink head 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 6 This is a top view of the ink head 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal flow path of the ink head 10 in an embodiment. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the component part 107 in an embodiment.

[0044] like Figure 5As shown, the ink head 10 has a housing, which includes a box-shaped component 101 and a generally flat component 102. The housing of the ink head 10 is provided with a first flow path RT1 for supplying ink from the first ink circulation unit 311 into the head, and a second flow path RT2 for returning ink recovered inside the head to the first ink circulation unit 311.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, the ink head 10 has a supply reservoir 103, a supply manifold 104, a recovery manifold 105, a recovery reservoir 106, and a component section 107.

[0046] The supply reservoir 103 has an elongated shape extending along the long side of the ink head 10, and here along the X-axis, and is connected to the supply manifold 104. The supply reservoir 103 has internal flow paths. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the liquid supplied to the supply reservoir 103 through the first flow path RT1 and stored in the supply reservoir 103 is sent to the supply manifold 104.

[0047] The supply manifold 104 has an elongated shape extending along the short side of the ink head 10 and along the Y-axis to the front of the recovery reservoir 106. Internally, the supply manifold 104 has a flow path communicating with the flow path of the supply reservoir 103 and the element section 107. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the liquid supplied from the supply reservoir 103 to the supply manifold 104 is supplied from the supply manifold 104 to the component section 107.

[0048] The recovery manifold 105 has an elongated shape extending along the short side of the ink head 10 to the supply reservoir 103. Internally, the recovery manifold 105 has flow paths communicating with the recovery reservoir 106 and the component section 107. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the ink that is not ejected from the element section 107 to the outside is sent to the recovery manifold 105.

[0049] The recovery reservoir 106 has an elongated shape extending along the long side of the ink head 10 and is connected to the recovery manifold 105. The recovery reservoir 106 has internal flow paths. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the ink flowing from the recovery manifold 105 to the recovery reservoir 106 and stored in the recovery reservoir 106 is returned to the ink circulation unit 310 through the second flow path RT2.

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, the element 107 has a nozzle 171, a pressure chamber 172, and a displacement element 173. The nozzle 171 is an ejection orifice that opens on the ejection surface of the ink head 10.

[0051] Pressure chamber 172 is connected to nozzle 171. Pressure chamber 172 has a main body 172a pressurized by displacement element 173 and a descending portion 172b serving as a flow path connecting the main body 172a to nozzle 171. Pressure chamber 172 is connected to supply manifold 104 via a separate supply flow path 174. Ink delivered from supply manifold 104 to element section 107 is supplied to pressure chamber 172 via the separate supply flow path 174. Additionally, pressure chamber 172 is connected to recovery manifold 105 via a separate recovery flow path 175. Ink not ejected from nozzle 171 is recovered from pressure chamber 172 to recovery manifold 105.

[0052] The displacement element 173 is located on the side of the main body 172a of the pressure chamber 172 opposite to the descender 172b. The displacement element 173 is a component that deforms according to a predetermined drive signal. For example, a piezoelectric element such as a pressure-sensitive element can be used as the displacement element 173. The displacement element 173 causes the pressure chamber 172 to eject droplets of ink from the nozzle 171. That is, by deforming the displacement element 173, pressure (positive and negative pressure) is applied to the pressure chamber 172, causing droplets of ink to be ejected from the nozzle 171. The displacement element 173 is electrically connected to and controlled by the control unit 250.

[0053] The component 107 with this structure draws ink from the supply manifold 104 using the negative pressure generated in the pressure chamber 172, and uses the positive pressure generated in the pressure chamber 172 to eject the drawn ink from the nozzle 171 toward the recording medium M.

[0054] The ink circulation unit 310 circulates ink through the ink head 10, specifically through the ink head 10's supply manifold 104, separate supply path 174, pressure chamber 172, separate recovery path 175, and recovery manifold 105. Additionally, the processing liquid circulation unit 320 circulates processing liquid through the processing liquid head 20, specifically through the processing liquid head 20's supply manifold 104, separate supply path 174, pressure chamber 172, separate recovery path 175, and recovery manifold 105.

[0055] <Example of a circulation device structure>

[0056] Next, refer to Figure 9 An example of the structure of the circulation device 30 will be described. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the circulation device 30 according to the embodiment.

[0057] like Figure 9 As shown, the circulation device 30 of the embodiment has a plurality of ink circulation units 310 and a plurality of processing liquid circulation units 320.

[0058] The ink circulation unit 310 circulates ink through the ink nozzle 10 that ejects ink. Specifically, the circulation device 30 includes a first ink circulation unit 311, a second ink circulation unit 312, a third ink circulation unit 313, and a fourth ink circulation unit 314 as the ink circulation unit 310. The first ink circulation unit 311 circulates ink C1 through the first ink nozzle 11. The second ink circulation unit 312 circulates ink C2 through the second ink nozzle 12. The third ink circulation unit 313 circulates ink C3 through the third ink nozzle 13. The fourth ink circulation unit 314 circulates ink C4 through the fourth ink nozzle 14.

[0059] The processing fluid circulation unit 320 circulates the processing fluid through the processing fluid head 20 from which the processing fluid is ejected. Specifically, the circulation device 30 includes a pre-processing fluid circulation unit 321 and a post-processing fluid circulation unit 322 as the processing fluid circulation unit 320. The pre-processing fluid circulation unit 321 circulates the pre-processing fluid T1 through the pre-processing fluid head 21. The post-processing fluid circulation unit 322 circulates the post-processing fluid T2 through the post-processing fluid head 22.

[0060] <Structural Examples of Ink Circulation Units and Processing Liquid Circulation Units>

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 10 The structure of the ink circulation unit 310 and the processing liquid circulation unit 320 will be described. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of the ink circulation unit 310 according to the embodiment. It should be noted that the processing liquid circulation unit 320 has the same structure as the ink circulation unit 310. Therefore, a description of the structure of the processing liquid circulation unit 320 is omitted.

[0062] It should be noted that, Figure 10 This illustration shows one example of the structure of the processing fluid circulation unit 320 according to the embodiment. It is not particularly limited to any structure capable of realizing the various functions of the processing fluid circulation unit 320 according to the embodiment. Figure 10 The example shown. Additionally... Figure 10 The functional blocks represent the constituent elements of the processing fluid circulation unit 320 in this embodiment, omitting descriptions of other common constituent elements. Additionally, Figure 10 The components of the processing fluid circulation unit 320 shown are components of a functional concept and are not limited to... Figure 10 The examples shown do not necessarily have to be physically constructed as illustrated.

[0063] like Figure 10As shown, the ink circulation unit 310, as an example, includes a tank 201, an ejector pump 202, a suction pump 203, a first pressure sensor 204, and a second pressure sensor 205. Furthermore, the ink circulation unit 310 has a first flow path RT1 and a second flow path RT2.

[0064] The first flow path RT1 connects the canister 201 and the ink head 10, allowing ink stored in the canister 201 to flow into the ink head 10. The second flow path RT2 connects the canister 201 and the ink head 10, allowing ink flowing into the ink head 10 to flow back to the canister 201. Ink that is not ejected from the ink head 10 is returned to the canister 201 via the second flow path RT2.

[0065] Canister 201 stores the ink supplied to ink head 10. Canister 201 functions as a storage unit for storing the ink supplied to ink head 10.

[0066] The ejector pump 202 delivers ink stored in the tank 201 to the ink head 10 via the first flow path RT1. The suction pump 203 delivers ink recovered in the ink head 10 back to the tank 201 via the second flow path RT2. The ejector pump 202 and the suction pump 203 can be installed using rotary pumps such as gear pumps or positive displacement pumps such as diaphragm pumps.

[0067] The first pressure sensor 204 measures the pressure of the ink delivered from the ink tank 201 to the ink head 10 by the ejector pump 202. The second pressure sensor 205 measures the pressure of the ink drawn from the ink head 10 and delivered to the ink tank 201 by the suction pump 203.

[0068] Furthermore, the circulation device 30 includes a control unit 250 that controls the ink circulation unit 310 and the processing liquid circulation unit 320. The control unit 250, for example, controls the ejector pump 202 and the suction pump 203 to converge the pressure difference between the first flow path RT1 (supply side) and the second flow path RT2 (recovery side) to a predetermined target value based on the detection values ​​of the first pressure sensor 204 and the second pressure sensor 205. Thus, the circulation flow rate is controlled to the target flow rate.

[0069] Figure 10 The structure of the ink circulation unit 310 shown is one example. For instance, the ink circulation unit 310 could replace the first pressure sensor 204 and the second pressure sensor 205, or, based on the first pressure sensor 204 and the second pressure sensor 205, provide a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the ink head 10 and a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the ink recovered from the ink head 10. In this case, the control unit 250 can control the circulation flow rate based on the detection results of these flow sensors.

[0070] The viscosities of pretreatment solution T1, posttreatment solution T2, and inks C1 to C4 depend on temperature. Therefore, the composition of pretreatment solution T1, posttreatment solution T2, and inks C1 to C4 is adjusted, for example, to achieve the optimal viscosity relative to the intended operating temperature.

[0071] However, the temperatures of the pretreatment liquid T1, posttreatment liquid T2, and inks C1 to C4 vary due to the exothermic effects of ejection and circulation, as well as the heat generated by the head drive system.

[0072] Here, the heat released from ejection and circulation, and the heat generated by the head drive system, differ between the pretreatment liquid T1, posttreatment liquid T2, and inks C1 to C4. Therefore, temperature deviations may occur between the pretreatment liquid T1, posttreatment liquid T2, and inks C1 to C4. When temperature deviations occur between the pretreatment liquid T1, posttreatment liquid T2, and inks C1 to C4, ejection performance may deviate due to changes in the viscosity of these liquids.

[0073] Therefore, the circulation device 30 in this embodiment reduces the temperature deviation between the ink and the processing liquid by making the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit 310 different from the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit 320. Here, "circulation flow rate of the processing liquid" refers to the circulation flow rate of the pre-processing liquid T1 or the circulation flow rate of the post-processing liquid T2. However, it is not limited to this; for example, "circulation flow rate of the processing liquid" can also be the average of the circulation flow rates of the pre-processing liquid T1 and the post-processing liquid T2. Furthermore, "circulation flow rate of the ink" can also be the average of the circulation flow rates of inks C1 to C4. Moreover, it is not limited to this; for example, "circulation flow rate of the ink" can also be the circulation flow rate of the ink with the highest circulation flow rate among inks C1 to C4.

[0074] Specifically, the circulation device 30 of this embodiment ensures that the relationship between the total ink ejection volume and circulation flow rate and the total processing liquid ejection volume and circulation flow rate corresponds to the relationship between the heat generated by the ink head 10 and the processing liquid head 20, thereby making the ink circulation flow rate different from the processing liquid circulation flow rate. For example, if the heat generated by the ink head 10 is greater than that of the processing liquid head 20, the circulation device 30 ensures that the total ink ejection volume and circulation flow rate is greater than the total processing liquid ejection volume and circulation flow rate, thus making the ink circulation flow rate different from the processing liquid circulation flow rate. Conversely, if the heat generated by the ink head 10 is less than that of the processing liquid head 20, the circulation device 30 ensures that the total ink ejection volume and circulation flow rate is less than the total processing liquid ejection volume and circulation flow rate, thus making the ink circulation flow rate different from the processing liquid circulation flow rate. This reduces the temperature deviation between the ink and the processing liquid.

[0075] More specifically, as described above, there is a tendency for the amount of processing liquid ejected by the processing head 20 to be greater than the amount of ink ejected by the ink head 10. In other words, there is a tendency for the number of drive components 107 in the processing head 20 to be greater than the number of drive components 107 in the ink head 10. Since the drive components 107 are heat sources, the more drive components 107 there are, the more heat is generated. Therefore, there is a tendency for the heat generated in the processing head 20 to be greater than the heat generated in the ink head 10.

[0076] Therefore, in the circulation device 30 of the embodiment, the delivery pressure of the ejector pump 202 and the suction pressure of the suction pump 203 are adjusted so that the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit 320 is greater than the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit 310.

[0077] It should be noted that the "heat generation" mentioned here refers to the heat generation estimated based on the electrostatic capacitance of the component 107, the driving voltage of the component 107, and the number of driven component 107s. In other words, the "heat generation" mentioned here refers to the heat generation without considering the heat released by the ejection and circulation of ink or processing liquid. It should also be noted that in the calculation of heat generation, "component 107" can also be referred to as "displacement element 173".

[0078] It should be noted that the circulation flow rate in the pretreatment liquid circulation unit 321 or the posttreatment liquid circulation unit 322 can, for example, be compared with the average circulation flow rate of ink C1 to C4 in the first to fourth ink circulation units 311 to 314. That is, the circulation flow rate of pretreatment liquid T1 in the pretreatment liquid circulation unit 321 can also be greater than the average circulation flow rate of ink C1 to C4 in the first to fourth ink circulation units 311 to 314. Similarly, the circulation flow rate of posttreatment liquid T2 in the posttreatment liquid circulation unit 322 can also be greater than the average circulation flow rate of ink C1 to C4 in the first to fourth ink circulation units 311 to 314.

[0079] In addition, the circulation flow rate of pretreatment liquid T1 in pretreatment liquid circulation unit 321 and the circulation flow rate of posttreatment liquid T2 in posttreatment liquid circulation unit 322 may also be different.

[0080] Specifically, the circulation flow rate of pretreatment liquid T1 is made different from that of posttreatment liquid T2 in such a way that the relationship between the heat generated by pretreatment liquid head 21 and the heat generated by posttreatment liquid head 22 is consistent with the relationship between the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of pretreatment liquid head 21 and the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of posttreatment liquid head 22. For example, if the heat generated by pretreatment liquid head 21 is greater than the heat generated by posttreatment liquid head 22, the circulation device 30 makes the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of pretreatment liquid T1 greater than the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of posttreatment liquid T2. Conversely, when the heat generated by the pretreatment head 21 is less than that of the posttreatment head 22, the circulation device 30 makes the total spray volume and circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid T1 less than the total spray volume and circulation flow rate of the posttreatment liquid T2, thus making the circulation flow rates of the pretreatment liquid T1 and the posttreatment liquid T2 different. This reduces the temperature deviation between the pretreatment liquid T1 and the posttreatment liquid T2.

[0081] Here, there is a case where the amount of post-processing liquid T2 ejected from one nozzle of the post-processing head 22 is set to be less than the amount of pre-processing liquid T1 ejected from one nozzle of the pre-processing head 21. As will be described later, the processing head 20 generates heat due to the ejection of processing liquid from the processing head 20 and the circulation of processing liquid by the processing liquid circulation unit 320. Specifically, the more processing liquid ejected from the processing head 20 and the greater the circulation flow rate of processing liquid by the processing liquid circulation unit 320, the more heat is generated by the processing head 20. It should be noted that this is also the case in the ink head 10. Therefore, when the amount of post-processing liquid T2 ejected is less than that of pre-processing liquid T1, the heat generated by the post-processing head 22 may be less than that generated by the pre-processing head 21. That is, the temperature of the post-processing liquid T2 may be higher than the temperature of the pre-processing liquid T1.

[0082] Therefore, under such conditions, the circulation flow rate of the post-treatment liquid T2 in the post-treatment liquid circulation unit 322 can be greater than the circulation flow rate of the pre-treatment liquid T1 in the pre-treatment liquid circulation unit 321. This reduces the temperature deviation between the pre-treatment liquid T1 and the post-treatment liquid T2.

[0083] Alternatively, the heat generation of the ink head 10, the heat generation of the pre-treatment liquid head 21, and the heat generation of the post-treatment liquid head 22 can be made consistent with the total amount of ink ejected and the total amount of circulating flow, the total amount of ink ejected and the total amount of circulating flow of the pre-treatment liquid head 21, and the total amount of ink ejected and the total amount of circulating flow of the post-treatment liquid head 22. This allows the circulating flow rates of ink C1 to C4 circulated by the ink circulation unit 310, the circulating flow rate of pre-treatment liquid T1 circulated by the pre-treatment liquid circulation unit 321, and the circulating flow rate of post-treatment liquid T2 circulated by the post-treatment liquid circulation unit 322 to be different. To illustrate specifically, for example, when the heat generation is in the order that the heat generation of ink head 10 < the heat generation of post-processing liquid head 22 < the heat generation of pre-processing liquid head 21, the circulation device 30 makes the total amount of ink ejected and the total amount of circulating flow rate different from the total amount of ink ejected and the total amount of circulating flow rate to the total amount of ink ejected and the total amount of circulating flow rate to the total amount of post-processing liquid T2 ejected and the total amount of circulating flow rate to the total amount of pre-processing liquid T1 ejected and the total amount of circulating flow rate.

[0084] Furthermore, the circulation device 30 can also vary the circulation flow rates of inks C1 to C4. That is, the circulation flow rates of ink C1 in the first ink circulation unit 311, ink C2 in the second ink circulation unit 312, ink C3 in the third ink circulation unit 313, and ink C4 in the fourth ink circulation unit 314 can also be different. Ink C1 is an example of the first ink. Ink C2 is an example of the second ink. In this case, the circulation device 30 varies the circulation flow rates of inks C1 to C4 in a manner that aligns the relationship between the heat generated by each of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14 with the sum of the ejection volume and circulation flow rate of each ink C1 to C4. To illustrate specifically, for example, if the heat generation ratio is: heat generation of the first ink head 11 < heat generation of the second ink head 12 < heat generation of the third ink head 13 < heat generation of the fourth ink head 14, the circulation device 30 can also make the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate in the following order: total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of ink C1 < total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of ink C2 < total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of ink C3 < total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of ink C4. This makes the circulation flow rate of each ink C1 to C4 different. This reduces the temperature deviation between inks C1 and C4.

[0085] Next, refer to Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 An example of a method for setting the circulation flow rate in the circulation device 30 of the embodiment will be described. First, refer to... Figure 11 The method for calculating the heat generated by the ink head 10, the pre-treatment ink head 21, and the post-treatment ink head 22 is explained. Figure 11 This is a table illustrating the driving voltage, electrostatic capacitance, driving frequency, printing rate per unit image, and heat generation ratio of the component section 107 in the ink head 10, pre-processing ink head 21, and post-processing ink head 22.

[0086] The heat generated QE when a single pulse driving voltage is applied to one of the components 107 in each head can be expressed as QE = CV. 2 The symbol "C" represents the capacitance of component 107, and "V" represents the driving voltage of component 107. The capacitance of component 107 can be measured, for example, by contacting the measuring instrument with component 107. In this case, the result obtained by measuring the capacitance of any single component 107 can be used, or the average value can be used by measuring the capacitance of multiple component 107s. The driving voltage of component 107 can be, for example, the central value of the rated voltage, or it can be measured directly.

[0087] In the above formula, the number of pulses constituting 1 pixel is assumed to be 1. Additionally, the driving voltage and electrostatic capacitance of ink head 10 can be the average of the driving voltage and electrostatic capacitance of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14.

[0088] exist Figure 11 For ease of understanding, an example is shown where the driving voltage and electrostatic capacitance are the same across the ink head 10, pre-processing head 21, and post-processing head 22. However, this is not a limitation; the driving voltage and electrostatic capacitance of the component 107 may also differ among the ink head 10, pre-processing head 21, and post-processing head 22.

[0089] The heat generated Q of the ink head 10, pre-treatment ink head 21, and post-treatment ink head 22 T Able to be Q T = QE × Drive Frequency × Total Number of Components × Printing Rate. "Drive Frequency" refers to the number of pulses applied to component 107 per second. "Total Number of Components" is the total number of component 107s in each head. "Printing Rate" is expressed as the number of ejected pixels per unit image / (number of ejected pixels + number of non-ejected pixels). Figure 11 In the example shown, the printing rate of the pre-processing head 21 and the post-processing head 22 is "100%". This means that the pre-processing liquid T1 and the post-processing liquid T2 are sprayed onto all pixels in the unit image; in other words, the pre-processing liquid T1 and the post-processing liquid T2 are sprayed onto the entire unit image. The printing rate of the ink head 10 can also be, for example, the average of the printing rates of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14.

[0090] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, the driving voltage, electrostatic capacitance, and driving frequency are the same across the ink head 10, pre-treatment ink head 21, and post-treatment ink head 22. Additionally, in Figure 11 In the example shown, the printing rate of ink head 10 is 50%, while the printing rates of pre-processing ink head 21 and post-processing ink head 22 are 100%. Here, the printing rate of ink head 10 is, for example, the average printing rate of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14. Therefore, the heat generation ratio among ink head 10, pre-processing ink head 21, and post-processing ink head 22, when the heat generation of ink head 10 is set to 100%, is 100%:200%:200%, or 1:2:2. That is, the heat generation of pre-processing ink head 21 and post-processing ink head 22 is twice that of ink head 10.

[0091] Next, refer to Figure 12 The method for calculating the heat release of the ink head 10, the pre-treatment ink head 21, and the post-treatment ink head 22 is explained. Figure 12This is a table illustrating the ejection volume per unit nozzle, ejection volume per unit time, target heat release ratio, ejection volume per unit time + circulation flow rate, and circulation flow rate of ink head 10, pretreatment head 21, and posttreatment head 22.

[0092] The heat output of each head is proportional to the sum of the ejection volume per unit time and the circulation flow rate. The circulation flow rate is the amount circulated in the head per unit time. The ejection volume per unit time can be expressed as the amount of ink or processing liquid consumed divided by the time required for printing. The amount of ink or processing liquid consumed can be determined, for example, by measuring the amount of ink or processing liquid consumed when a unit image is printed, i.e., the amount of ink or processing liquid reduced in tank 201. The amount of ink consumed can also be the average of the consumption of each ink C1 to C4. The time required for printing can be determined by measuring the time required to print a unit image. The time required for printing is the time from the start to the end of the printing process and is set to be the same in each head.

[0093] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, the amount of post-processing fluid T2 ejected from one nozzle of post-processing head 22 during a single pulse application is "9 pL," which is less than the amount of pre-processing fluid T1 ejected from one nozzle of pre-processing head 21 during a single pulse application is "18 pL." Therefore, although both pre-processing head 21 and post-processing head 22 have a printing rate of 100%, the ejection rate per unit time in post-processing head 22 is "43 mL / min," which is less than the ejection rate per unit time in pre-processing head 21 is "86.1 mL / min." In other words, the heat released by ejecting post-processing fluid T2 in post-processing head 22 is less than the heat released by ejecting pre-processing fluid T1 in pre-processing head 21.

[0094] The target heat dissipation ratio among the ink head 10, pre-processing ink head 21, and post-processing ink head 22 is set in a manner consistent with the heat generation ratio among the ink head 10, pre-processing ink head 21, and post-processing ink head 22. That is, if... Figure 11 As shown, the heat generation ratio among the ink head 10, pre-processing head 21, and post-processing head 22 is 100%:200%:200%, and the target heat release ratio among the ink head 10, pre-processing head 21, and post-processing head 22 is also set to 100%:200%:200%.

[0095] In the circulation device 30, the circulation flow rate for each head is set in such a way that the ratio of the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate per unit time among the ink head 10, the pre-processing head 21, and the post-processing head 22 is consistent with the target heat release ratio among the ink head 10, the pre-processing head 21, and the post-processing head 22.

[0096] For example, with the circulation flow rate of ink head 10 set as "15 mL / min" as the baseline, the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of pretreatment head 21 and posttreatment head 22 are set to 116.1 mL / min, which is twice the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of ink head 10, which is "58.0 mL / min".

[0097] The ejection rate of the pretreatment fluid head 21 is 86.1 mL / min. Therefore, the circulation flow rate of the pretreatment fluid T1 in the pretreatment fluid head 21 is set to 116.1 - 86.1 = 30.0 mL / min. Meanwhile, the ejection rate of the posttreatment fluid head 22 is 43.0 mL / min. Therefore, the circulation flow rate of the posttreatment fluid T2 in the posttreatment fluid head 22 is set to 116.1 - 43.0 = 73.0 mL / min.

[0098] Thus, in the circulation device 30 of this embodiment, by differentiating the circulation flow rates in the ink head 10 and the processing liquid head 20, the heat release ratio between the ink head 10 and the processing liquid head 20 is made close to the heat generation ratio between the ink head 10 and the processing liquid head 20. This reduces the temperature deviation between the ink C1 to C4 and the processing liquid.

[0099] Furthermore, in the circulation device 30 of the embodiment, the circulation flow rates in the pretreatment liquid head 21 and the posttreatment liquid head 22 are different. This reduces the temperature deviation between the pretreatment liquid T1 and the posttreatment liquid T2.

[0100] Furthermore, this example illustrates the case where the circulation flow rates of ink C1 to C4 are set to the same value for the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14. However, it is also possible to make the circulation flow rates of ink C1 to C4 different for the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14. In this case, the heat generation ratio of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14 is calculated, and the circulation flow rates of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14 are set individually in a manner that makes the ratio of the total ejection volume per unit time and the total circulation flow rate of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14 consistent with the heat generation ratio.

[0101] The control unit 250 controls the circulation flow rate of ink in the ink circulation unit 310 and the circulation flow rate of processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit 320 according to the preset information.

[0102] For example, the control unit 250 can also control the circulation flow rate of ink and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in a manner that makes the relationship between the heat generated by the ink head 10 and the heat generated by the processing liquid head 20 consistent with the relationship between the total amount of ink ejection and circulation flow rate and the total amount of processing liquid ejection and circulation flow rate.

[0103] Alternatively, the control unit 250 can control the circulation flow rate of the ink and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit 320 to be greater than the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit 310.

[0104] Alternatively, the control unit 250 can control the circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid in the pretreatment liquid circulation unit 321 and the circulation flow rate of the posttreatment liquid in the posttreatment liquid circulation unit 322 in a manner that makes the circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid in the pretreatment liquid circulation unit 321 different from the circulation flow rate of the posttreatment liquid in the posttreatment liquid circulation unit 322.

[0105] Alternatively, the control unit 250 can control the circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid and the circulation flow rate of the posttreatment liquid in such a way that the relationship between the heat generated by the pretreatment liquid head 21 and the heat generated by the posttreatment liquid head 22 is consistent with the relationship between the total amount of the spray volume and circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid head 21 and the total amount of the spray volume and circulation flow rate of the posttreatment liquid head 22.

[0106] Alternatively, the control unit 250 can control the circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid and the circulation flow rate of the posttreatment liquid in the posttreatment liquid circulation unit 322 to be greater than the circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid in the pretreatment liquid circulation unit 321.

[0107] Alternatively, the control unit 250 can control the circulation flow rate of both the pretreatment liquid and the ink in such a way that the circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid in the pretreatment liquid circulation unit 321 is greater than the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit 310. The circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid can also be compared, for example, with the average circulation flow rate of inks C1 to C4. Furthermore, the circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid can also be compared, for example, with the circulation flow rate of the ink among inks C1 to C4 that has the highest circulation flow rate.

[0108] Alternatively, the control unit 250 can control the circulation flow rate of both the post-processing liquid and the ink in such a way that the circulation flow rate of the post-processing liquid in the post-processing liquid circulation unit 322 is greater than the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit 310. The circulation flow rate of the post-processing liquid can also be compared, for example, with the average circulation flow rate of inks C1 to C4. Furthermore, the circulation flow rate of the post-processing liquid can also be compared, for example, with the circulation flow rate of the ink among inks C1 to C4 that has the highest circulation flow rate.

[0109] Alternatively, the control unit 250 can control the circulating flow rate of the ink, the circulating flow rate of the pre-treatment liquid, and the circulating flow rate of the post-treatment liquid in a manner that aligns with the relationship between the heat generated by the ink head 10, the heat generated by the pre-treatment liquid head 21, and the heat generated by the post-treatment liquid head 22 and the total amount of ink ejection and circulation flow rate, the total amount of pre-treatment liquid head 21 ejection and circulation flow rate, and the total amount of post-treatment liquid head 22 ejection and circulation flow rate.

[0110] Alternatively, the control unit 250 can also control the circulation flow rate of the ink in the multiple ink circulation units 310 in a way that makes the circulation flow rate of the ink in the multiple ink circulation units 310 different.

[0111] In addition, the control unit 250 can also control the circulation flow rate of the ink in the multiple ink heads 10 in such a way that the relationship between the heat generated by the multiple ink heads 10 is consistent with the relationship between the total amount of ink ejected and the circulation flow rate in the multiple ink heads 10.

[0112] (Another implementation method)

[0113] In the above embodiments, an example was described where the circulation flow rate of each head is preset, i.e., constant regardless of the printed image. However, this is not a limitation; the circulation flow rate of each head can also be set for each printed image. See reference. Figure 13 An example of this situation will be provided.

[0114] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the control unit 250 according to another embodiment. It should be noted that the structure of the control unit 250 is not limited to... Figure 13 The examples shown do not necessarily have to be physically structured as illustrated. For instance, the specific way in which the functional blocks are distributed or integrated is not limited to the way shown in the diagram. They can be distributed or integrated in any unit, either functionally or physically, depending on various loads and usage conditions.

[0115] In another embodiment, the control unit 250 controls the circulation flow rate of ink C1 to C4 in the ink circulation unit 310 and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit 320 based on the image data D of the recording medium. Figure 13 As shown, the control unit 250 includes a heat generation calculation unit 251, a circulation flow calculation unit 252, and a circulation flow control unit 253.

[0116] Upon acquiring image data D from the recording medium, the heat generation calculation unit 251 calculates the heat generation of the ink head 10 and the heat generation of the processing head 20 based on the acquired image data D. Here, the circulation device 30 includes a storage unit 260. In the storage unit 260, the driving voltage, electrostatic capacitance, driving frequency, and number of element sections 107 (in other words, the number of nozzles) are stored for each of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14, the pre-processing head 21, and the post-processing head 22. The heat generation calculation unit 251 calculates the print rate based on the acquired image data D. Furthermore, based on the calculated print rate and the information stored in the storage unit 260, the heat generation calculation unit 251 calculates the average heat generation of the ink head 10, the heat generation of the pre-processing head 21, and the heat generation of the post-processing head 22. Additionally, the heat generation calculation unit 251 calculates the heat generation ratio among the ink head 10, the pre-processing head 21, and the post-processing head 22.

[0117] The circulation flow calculation unit 252 calculates the circulation flow rates of ink C1 to C4 and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid. Specifically, in the storage unit 260, the ejection volume per unit nozzle is stored for each of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14, the pre-processing liquid head 21, and the post-processing liquid head 22. Based on the acquired image data D and the ejection volume per unit nozzle stored in the storage unit 260, the circulation flow calculation unit 252 calculates the average consumption of ink C1 to C4, the consumption of pre-processing liquid T1, and the consumption of post-processing liquid T2 required to depict an image on the recording medium. In addition, based on the acquired image data D, the circulation flow calculation unit 252 calculates the time required to depict an image on the recording medium. Furthermore, based on the calculated consumption and time, the circulation flow calculation unit 252 calculates the average ejection volume of ink C1 to C4, the ejection volume of pre-processing liquid T1, and the ejection volume of post-processing liquid T2 per unit time.

[0118] Furthermore, the circulation flow calculation unit 252 calculates the circulation flow rates of inks C1 to C4, pretreatment liquid T1, and posttreatment liquid T2 in such a way that the ratio of the average ejection volume of inks C1 to C4 and the total circulation flow rate, the ejection volume of pretreatment liquid T1 and the total circulation flow rate, and the ejection volume of posttreatment liquid T2 and the total circulation flow rate are consistent with the calorific value ratio calculated by the calorific value calculation unit 251.

[0119] The circulation flow control unit 253 uses the circulation flow calculated by the circulation flow calculation unit 252 as the target flow rate and controls the circulation flow rate for each of the ink head 10, the pretreatment head 21, and the posttreatment head 22. For example, based on the detection values ​​of the first pressure sensor 204 and the second pressure sensor 205, the circulation flow control unit 253 controls the ejector pump 202 and the suction pump 203 in a manner that brings the pressure difference between the first flow path RT1 (supply side) and the second flow path RT2 (recovery side) to converge to the circulation flow rate calculated by the circulation flow calculation unit 252. Thus, the circulation flow rate is controlled to the target flow rate.

[0120] Thus, in another embodiment, the control unit 250 can also control the circulation flow rate of ink C1 to C4 in the ink circulation unit 310 and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit 320 based on the image data of the image depicted on the recording medium M.

[0121] It should be noted that, here, an example is shown where the circulation flow rates of ink C1 to C4 are set to the same value for the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14. However, the circulation flow rates of ink C1 to C4 can also be different for the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14. In this case, the control unit 250 calculates the heat generation ratio of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14, and calculates the circulation flow rates of the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14 in a manner that makes the ratio of the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate per unit time between the first to fourth ink heads 11 to 14 consistent with the heat generation ratio.

[0122] As described above, the circulation device of the embodiment (for example, circulation device 30) includes an ink circulation unit (for example, first to fourth ink circulation units 311 to 314) and a processing liquid circulation unit (for example, pre-processing liquid circulation unit 321 and post-processing liquid circulation unit 322). The ink circulation unit circulates ink through ink nozzles (for example, first to fourth ink nozzles 11 to 14) that eject ink (for example, inks C1 to C4). The processing liquid circulation unit circulates non-color-developing processing liquids (for example, pre-processing liquid T1 and post-processing liquid T2) through processing liquid nozzles (for example, pre-processing liquid nozzle 21 and post-processing liquid nozzle 22). Furthermore, the circulation device of the embodiment makes the circulation flow rate of ink in the ink circulation unit different from the circulation flow rate of processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit. Therefore, according to the circulation device of the embodiment, the temperature deviation between ink and processing liquid can be reduced.

[0123] Characteristic embodiments have been described to fully and clearly disclose the technology of the appended technical solutions. However, the appended technical solutions should not be limited to the above embodiments, but should be realized through all modifications and alternative structures that can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the basic matters shown in this specification.

[0124] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0125] 1 Printing apparatus

[0126] 2. Transport Department

[0127] 3 racks

[0128] 10 ink heads

[0129] 11 First ink head

[0130] 11 Fourth ink head

[0131] 12 Second ink head

[0132] 13 Third ink head

[0133] 14 Fourth ink head

[0134] 20 processing liquid head

[0135] 21 Pretreatment head

[0136] 22 Post-treatment head

[0137] 30 Circulation Device

[0138] 250 Control Unit

[0139] 310 Ink Circulation Unit

[0140] 311 First Ink Circulation Unit

[0141] 312 Second Ink Circulation Unit

[0142] 313 Third Ink Circulation Unit

[0143] 314 Fourth Ink Circulation Unit

[0144] 320 Processing Fluid Circulation Unit

[0145] 321 Pretreatment Fluid Circulation Unit

[0146] 322 aftertreatment fluid circulation unit

[0147] C1~C4 ink

[0148] M recording medium

[0149] RT1 first flow path

[0150] RT2 second flow path

[0151] T1 pretreatment solution

[0152] T2 post-treatment solution.

Claims

1. A circulation device, wherein, The circulation device includes: An ink circulation unit that circulates ink through an ink nozzle that ejects the ink; A treatment liquid circulation unit that circulates the non-color-developing treatment liquid through a treatment liquid head that ejects the treatment liquid; and The control unit controls the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit. The circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit is different from the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit. The control unit calculates the heat generated by the ink head, the heat generated by the processing liquid head, the ink ejection volume, the processing liquid ejection volume, and the time required for drawing based on the image data of the recording medium. Based on the calculation results, it calculates the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit.

2. The circulation device according to claim 1, wherein, The relationship between the heat generated by the ink head and the heat generated by the processing head is consistent with the relationship between the total ink output and circulation flow rate and the total processing flow rate and circulation flow rate.

3. The circulation device according to claim 1, wherein, The circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit is greater than the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit.

4. The circulation device according to claim 3, wherein, The circulation device has multiple ink circulation units. The circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit is greater than the average circulation flow rate of the ink in the plurality of ink circulation units.

5. The circulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The ink dispenser has: Multiple component sections, each component section including a nozzle, a pressure chamber connected to the nozzle, and a displacement element that applies pressure to the pressure chamber; A supply manifold is connected to the plurality of pressure chambers and supplies the ink to the plurality of pressure chambers; as well as A recovery manifold, connected to the plurality of pressure chambers, recovers the ink from the plurality of pressure chambers. The ink circulation unit circulates the ink through the supply manifold, the pressure chamber, and the recovery manifold in the ink head.

6. The circulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The processing head has: Multiple component sections, each component section including a nozzle, a pressure chamber connected to the nozzle, and a displacement element that applies pressure to the pressure chamber; A supply manifold is connected to the plurality of pressure chambers and supplies the treatment fluid to the plurality of pressure chambers; as well as A recovery manifold, connected to the plurality of pressure chambers, recovers the treatment fluid from the plurality of pressure chambers. The processing fluid circulation unit circulates the processing fluid through the supply manifold, the pressure chamber, and the recovery manifold in the processing fluid head.

7. The circulation device according to claim 2, wherein, The ink head and the processing head have multiple component sections, each component section including a nozzle, a pressure chamber connected to the nozzle, and a displacement element that applies pressure to the pressure chamber. The heat generated by the ink head is calculated based on the electrostatic capacitance of the components of the ink head, the driving voltage of the components of the ink head, the driving frequency of the components of the ink head, the number of components of the ink head, and the printing rate of the ink head per unit image. The heat generated by the processing head is calculated based on the electrostatic capacitance of the element portion of the processing head, the driving voltage of the element portion of the processing head, the driving frequency of the element portion of the processing head, the number of the element portions of the processing head, and the printing rate of the processing head per unit image.

8. The circulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The treatment solution includes: A pretreatment solution, which is ejected before the ink is ejected; and Post-processing fluid, which is ejected after the ink is ejected.

9. The circulation device according to claim 8, wherein, The treatment fluid circulation unit includes: A pretreatment fluid circulation unit that circulates the pretreatment fluid via a pretreatment fluid head that serves as a spray nozzle for discharging the pretreatment fluid; and The post-treatment fluid circulation unit circulates the post-treatment fluid via a post-treatment fluid head that serves as the nozzle from which the post-treatment fluid is ejected. The circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid in the pretreatment liquid circulation unit is different from the circulation flow rate of the posttreatment liquid in the posttreatment liquid circulation unit.

10. The circulation device according to claim 9, wherein, The relationship between the heat generation of the pretreatment head and the heat generation of the posttreatment head is consistent with the relationship between the total spray volume and circulation flow rate of the pretreatment head and the total spray volume and circulation flow rate of the posttreatment head.

11. The circulation device according to claim 9, wherein, The circulation flow rate of the post-treatment liquid in the post-treatment liquid circulation unit is greater than the circulation flow rate of the pre-treatment liquid in the pre-treatment liquid circulation unit.

12. The circulation device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The circulation flow rate of the pretreatment liquid in the pretreatment liquid circulation unit is greater than the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit.

13. The circulation device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The circulation flow rate of the post-processing liquid in the post-processing liquid circulation unit is greater than the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit.

14. The circulation device according to claim 9, wherein, The relationship between the heat generated by the ink head, the heat generated by the pre-processing head, and the heat generated by the post-processing head is consistent with the relationship between the total ink ejection volume and circulation flow rate, the total ink ejection volume and circulation flow rate of the pre-processing head, and the total ink ejection volume and circulation flow rate of the post-processing head.

15. The circulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The ink comprises: First ink; and The second ink has a different color than the first ink. The ink circulation unit includes: A first ink circulation unit circulates the first ink via a first ink head, which serves as the ink nozzle from which the first ink is ejected; and The second ink circulation unit circulates the second ink via a second ink head, which serves as the ink head that ejects the second ink. The circulation flow rate of the first ink in the first ink circulation unit is different from the circulation flow rate of the second ink in the second ink circulation unit.

16. The circulation device according to claim 15, wherein, The relationship between the heat generated by the first ink head and the heat generated by the second ink head is consistent with the relationship between the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of the first ink and the total ejection volume and circulation flow rate of the second ink.

17. The circulation device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit calculates the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit in such a way that the relationship between the heat generated by the ink head and the heat generated by the processing liquid head is consistent with the relationship between the total amount of ink ejection and circulation flow rate and the total amount of processing liquid ejection and circulation flow rate.

18. The circulation device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit calculates the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit in such a way that the ratio of the total ink ejection volume and circulation flow rate to the total processing liquid ejection volume and circulation flow rate is consistent with the ratio of the heat generated by the ink head to the heat generated by the processing liquid head.

19. A printing apparatus, wherein, The printing apparatus has: The transport department, its transport recording media; and The circulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A loop method, wherein, The loop method includes: The ink circulation process uses an ink circulation unit that circulates the ink through an ink nozzle that ejects the ink to circulate the ink. The treatment liquid circulation process circulates the treatment liquid using a treatment liquid circulation unit that circulates the non-color-developing treatment liquid through a treatment liquid head that sprays the treatment liquid; and The control process controls the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit. The circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit is different from the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit. In the control process, based on the image data of the recording medium, the heat generation of the ink head, the heat generation of the processing liquid head, the ink ejection volume, the processing liquid ejection volume, and the time required for drawing are calculated. Based on the calculated results, the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit are calculated.

21. A printing method, wherein, The printing method includes: The ink circulation process uses an ink circulation unit that circulates the ink through an ink nozzle that ejects the ink to circulate the ink. The processing liquid circulation process uses a processing liquid circulation unit that circulates the non-color-generating processing liquid through a processing liquid head that sprays out the processing liquid to circulate the processing liquid. Handling process, handling recording media; In the ink ejection process, ink is ejected from the ink head onto the transported recording medium. The process fluid ejection process involves ejecting the process fluid from the process fluid head onto the transported recording medium; and The control process controls the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit. The circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit is different from the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit. In the control process, based on the image data of the recording medium, the heat generation of the ink head, the heat generation of the processing liquid head, the ink ejection volume, the processing liquid ejection volume, and the time required for drawing are calculated. Based on the calculated results, the circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit and the circulation flow rate of the processing liquid in the processing liquid circulation unit are calculated.

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