Recording apparatus and recording method

Abstract

A recording device (1) includes a conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium (W) along a conveyance direction; a carriage (3) that reciprocates along a main scanning direction; and a plurality of liquid ejection units arranged along the main scanning direction on the carriage (3). The plurality of liquid ejection units includes a plurality of ink ejection units arranged along the main scanning direction for ejecting ink; and a pair of post-treatment liquid ejection units arranged on both outer sides of the plurality of ink ejection units in the main scanning direction, the pair of post-treatment liquid ejection units each including a post-treatment liquid nozzle region capable of ejecting a post-treatment liquid and a specific nozzle region capable of ejecting a specific liquid different from the post-treatment liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to recording devices and recording methods. Background Technology

[0002] As recording devices such as inkjet printers, recording apparatuses including a printing unit for printing on a recording medium, as described in Patent Document 1, are known. The printing unit has an ink nozzle (ink ejection section) that ejects ink for forming an image toward the recording medium. When the recording medium is a wide-width recording medium, the ink nozzle is mounted on a carriage that reciprocates along the main scanning direction. During printing, the recording medium is intermittently transported along a predetermined direction (sub-scanning direction), and ink is ejected from the ink nozzle while the carriage reciprocates along the main scanning direction during periods when the recording medium stops.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-20536 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a recording apparatus and a recording method that can mount an ejector section for ejecting post-processing liquid and multiple ink ejector sections for ejecting ink on a carriage, and can ensure that the ink and post-processing liquid hit in the same order regardless of the main scanning direction while suppressing an increase in the number of ejector sections.

[0007] The recording apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a transport unit that transports a recording medium along a transport direction; a carriage that reciprocates along a main scanning direction intersecting the transport direction; and a plurality of liquid ejection units arranged on the carriage along the main scanning direction, the plurality of liquid ejection units having: a plurality of ink ejection units arranged along the main scanning direction for ejecting ink; and a pair of post-processing liquid ejection units arranged on both sides of the plurality of ink ejection units in the main scanning direction, the pair of post-processing liquid ejection units each including a post-processing liquid nozzle region capable of ejecting post-processing liquid, and a specific nozzle region arranged in the main scanning direction opposite to the post-processing liquid nozzle region and capable of ejecting a specific liquid different from the post-processing liquid.

[0008] Furthermore, another aspect of the recording apparatus disclosed herein includes: a transport unit that transports a recording medium along a transport direction; a carriage that reciprocates along a main scanning direction intersecting the transport direction; and a plurality of liquid ejection units arranged on the carriage along the main scanning direction, the plurality of liquid ejection units having: a plurality of ink nozzle regions arranged along the main scanning direction for ejecting ink; a pair of post-processing liquid nozzle regions arranged on both sides of the plurality of ink nozzle regions in the main scanning direction for ejecting post-processing liquid; and a pre-processing liquid nozzle region arranged upstream of the plurality of ink nozzle regions and the pair of post-processing liquid nozzle regions in the transport direction for ejecting pre-processing liquid.

[0009] Furthermore, another aspect of the recording method disclosed herein involves reciprocating a carriage and ejecting liquid along a main scanning direction intersecting the transport direction for a recording medium transported along the transport direction. The recording method includes the following steps: preparing a plurality of ink ejector sections arranged along the main scanning direction and ejecting ink, which are arranged on the carriage as a plurality of liquid ejector sections; and a pair of post-processing liquid ejector sections arranged on both sides of the plurality of ink ejector sections in the main scanning direction. In the prepared plurality of liquid ejector sections, each pair of post-processing liquid ejector sections includes a post-processing liquid nozzle region capable of ejecting post-processing liquid, and a specific nozzle region arranged in the main scanning direction with respect to the post-processing liquid nozzle region and capable of ejecting a specific liquid different from the post-processing liquid. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an inkjet recording apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of line II-II.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows an enlarged 3D view of the carriage.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a serial printing method used in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a top view that schematically shows the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing liquid printhead on the carriage according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the nozzle region within an inkjet head according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing liquid printhead on the carriage according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing liquid printhead on the carriage according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing liquid printhead on the carriage according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing liquid printhead on the carriage according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing fluid printhead liquid on the carriage according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing fluid printhead liquid on the carriage according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing fluid printhead liquid on the carriage according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing fluid printhead liquid on the carriage according to the ninth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of the ink printhead and the processing fluid printhead liquid on the carriage according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of the ink printhead and the processing fluid printhead liquid on the carriage according to the eleventh embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 17 This is a schematic top view showing the nozzle area of ​​the ink printhead on the carriage according to the eleventh embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 18A This is a schematic top view showing the nozzle area of ​​the ink printhead on the carriage according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 18B This is a schematic top view showing the nozzle area of ​​the ink printhead on the carriage according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 19 This is a schematic top view showing the nozzle area of ​​the ink printhead on the carriage according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, the printing unit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these embodiments, as specific examples of an apparatus equipped with a printing unit, an inkjet printer (recording device) equipped with an inkjet printhead that ejects ink for forming an image onto a wide and elongated recording medium is illustrated. Inkjet printers are suitable for digital printing of text, patterns, and other images onto recording media made of fabrics such as textiles and woven fabrics using inkjet printing. Of course, the printing unit according to the present disclosure can also be used for printing various images onto recording media such as paper and resin sheets.

[0031] <First Implementation>

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view along line II-II. The inkjet printer 1 is a printer that prints images onto a wide and elongated workpiece W (recording medium) using inkjet technology, and includes a device frame 10, a workpiece transport section 20 (transport section), and a carriage 3 assembled on the device frame 10. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the left-right direction is the main scanning direction S when printing on the workpiece W. Figure 3 The direction from the rear to the front is the secondary scanning direction (F is the conveying direction of the workpiece W, which intersects with the main scanning direction S).

[0033] The device frame 10 forms the skeleton for mounting various structural components of the inkjet printer 1. The workpiece transport section 20 is a mechanism that intermittently transports the workpiece W in the printing area where inkjet printing is performed, in a transport direction F from rear to front. In addition to mounting the inkjet printhead 4, the carriage 3 also mounts the pretreatment liquid printhead, the posttreatment liquid printhead, and the auxiliary tank 7 (described later), and reciprocates along the main scanning direction S (left-right direction) that intersects with the transport direction F of the workpiece W during the inkjet printing process.

[0034] The device frame 10 includes a central frame 111, a right frame 112, and a left frame 113. The central frame 111 forms the skeleton for mounting various structural components of the inkjet printer 1 and has a left-right width corresponding to the workpiece transport section 20. The right frame 112 and the left frame 113 are respectively erected to the right and left of the central frame 111. Between the right frame 112 and the left frame 113 is the printing area 12 for performing printing processing on the workpiece W.

[0035] The right frame 112 forms a maintenance area 13. Maintenance area 13 is the area where the carriage 3 retracts when the printing process is not being performed. Cleaning and wiping of the nozzles (ejection holes) of the inkjet head 4, etc., are performed in maintenance area 13, and a cover is also fitted thereon. The left frame 113 forms a reversal area 14 for the carriage 3. Reversal area 14 is the area where the carriage 3, which has performed a main scan of the printing area 12 from right to left during the printing process, temporarily enters when performing a reverse main scan.

[0036] A carriage guide 15 for reciprocating movement of the carriage 3 in the left-right direction is assembled on the upper side of the device frame 10. The carriage guide 15 is a flat plate-shaped component that is long in the left-right direction and is disposed above the workpiece transport section 20. A timing belt 16 is assembled on the carriage guide 15 so as to be able to move around in the left-right direction (main scanning direction). The timing belt 16 is an annular belt and is driven to move around in the left or right direction.

[0037] The carriage guide 15 is equipped with a pair of upper and lower guide rails 17 extending parallel to each other in the left-right direction. These guide rails 17 hold the carriage 3 in a state where it can reciprocate along the main scanning direction S. The carriage 3 engages with the guide rails 17. In addition, the carriage 3 is fixed to the timing belt 16. The carriage 3 moves to the left or right along the carriage guide 15 while being guided by the guide rails 17, as the timing belt 16 moves around to the left or right.

[0038] Main reference Figure 2 The workpiece transport unit 20 includes a feed roller 21 for extracting the workpiece W before printing and a take-up roller 22 for winding the workpiece W after printing. The feed roller 21 is a take-up shaft located at the lower rear of the device frame 10 and serves as the feed roll WA of the workpiece W before printing. The take-up roller 22 is a take-up shaft located at the lower front of the device frame 10 and serves as the take-up roll WB of the workpiece W after printing. A first motor M1 is attached to the take-up roller 22, which drives the take-up roller 22 to rotate around its axis to perform the take-up action of the workpiece W.

[0039] The path between the feed roller 21 and the take-up roller 22, passing through the printing area 12, forms the transport path for the workpiece W. Along this transport path, starting from the upstream side, a first tension roller 23, a workpiece guide 24, a transport roller 25, a clamping roller 26, a return roller 27, and a second tension roller 28 are arranged sequentially. The first tension roller 23 applies a predetermined tension to the workpiece W upstream of the transport roller 25. The workpiece guide 24 changes the transport direction of the workpiece W from upward to forward, thus moving the workpiece W into the printing area 12.

[0040] The conveyor roller 25 is a roller that generates a conveying force to intermittently convey the workpiece W in the printing area 12. The conveyor roller 25 is driven by the second motor M2 to rotate about an axis, so that the workpiece W is intermittently conveyed in the forward direction (prescribed conveying direction F) through the printing area 12 (image forming position) opposite to the carriage 3. The clamping roller 26 is configured to face the conveyor roller 25 from above and forms a conveying clamping part with the conveyor roller 25.

[0041] The return roller 27 changes the conveying direction of the workpiece W, which has passed through the printing area 12, from forward to downward, guiding the printed workpiece W toward the take-up roller 22. The second tension roller 28 applies a predetermined tension to the workpiece W downstream of the conveyor roller 25. A pressure plate 29 is positioned below the conveying path of the workpiece W in the printing area 12.

[0042] The carriage 3 is cantilevered and supported on the guide rail 17, reciprocating along the main scanning direction S (orthogonal in this embodiment) which intersects (or is orthogonal in this embodiment) the transport direction F. The carriage 3 includes a carriage frame 30, printheads such as inkjet heads 4 mounted on the carriage frame 30, and a secondary canister 7. The carriage frame 30 includes a printhead support frame 31 and a back support frame 32.

[0043] The nozzle support frame 31 is a horizontal plate that holds the nozzles 4-6 as shown above. The back support frame 32 is a vertical plate extending upward from the rear end edge of the nozzle support frame 31. The rear end of the nozzle support frame 31 is cantilevered and supported by the back support frame 32. As described above, the timing belt 16 is fixed to the back support frame 32. In addition, the guide rail 17 engages with the back support frame 32.

[0044] It should be noted that the cantilever state refers to the following state, that is, in the carriage 3, the guide rail 17 holding the carriage 3 exists only on one side upstream or downstream of the center of the carriage 3 in the conveying direction F, and the side of the carriage 3 opposite to the side where the guide rail 17 exists is not held.

[0045] [Details about the carriage]

[0046] Further explanation is needed regarding carriage 3. Figure 3 yes Figure 1An enlarged perspective view of the carriage 3 shown. Figure 3 The diagram shows the conveying direction F (secondary scanning direction) of workpiece W and the moving direction S (main scanning direction) of carriage 3. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an example where multiple ink nozzles 4 eject ink for forming an image onto a workpiece W, and multiple auxiliary canisters 7 supplying the ink to these nozzles 4, are mounted on a carriage 3. It should be noted that, as described later, a processing liquid nozzle ejecting a non-color-developing processing liquid is further mounted on the carriage 3. Furthermore, the carriage 3 and the multiple nozzles (liquid ejection sections) mounted on the carriage 3 constitute the liquid ejection unit of this disclosure. The liquid ejection unit reciprocates along the main scanning direction S and ejects liquid onto the workpiece W.

[0047] Each ink printhead 4 includes: multiple nozzles (ink ejection orifices) that eject ink droplets using methods such as pressure-sensitive methods using pressure-sensitive elements or thermal methods using heating elements; and an ink passage that guides ink to the nozzles. For example, water-based pigment inks containing water-based solvents, pigments, and binder resins can be used as inks. In this embodiment, the multiple ink printheads 4 are capable of ejecting different inks separately. Each printhead is mounted on the printhead support frame 31 of the carriage 3. It should be noted that the detailed configuration of each printhead will be described in detail later.

[0048] The arrangement of printheads along the main scanning direction S, consisting of ink printhead 4 and the processing liquid printhead described later, is called a column of printheads, or simply a column. Furthermore, the arrangement of printheads along the transport direction F, consisting of ink printhead 4 and the processing liquid printhead, is called a row of printheads, or simply a row.

[0049] The ink ejected by the inkjet head 4 is not particularly limited, and inks containing pigments and dyes can be used. For example, inks containing pigments and water-based media can be used. The ink may also, as needed, contain at least one selected from the group consisting of surfactants, polyols, and binder resin particles. Examples of pigments include yellow, orange, red, blue, purple, and black pigments. The ink may also contain anionic pigments. In such cases, the cationic polymer contained in the post-treatment liquid reacts with the anionic pigment on the surface of the recording object, thus inhibiting the penetration of the binder resin (binder resin) contained in the ink into the recording medium. When the recording medium is fabric, this reduces the risk of the binder resin penetrating the gaps between fibers and causing the fibers to stick together. This improves the hand feel (skin feel, etc.) of the fabric being printed.

[0050] As anionic pigments, more preferably, they are anionic pigments having anionic groups such as carboxyl, sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, phenylsulfonic acid, and phenylcarboxyl groups. The aqueous medium contained in the ink is a medium primarily composed of water. The aqueous medium can function as a solvent or as a dispersion medium. Specific examples of aqueous media include water or a mixture of water and a polar solvent. Examples of polar solvents contained in the aqueous medium include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, and methyl ethyl ketone. Furthermore, by containing surfactants, the wettability of the ink on the recording object is improved.

[0051] The binder resin particles contained in the ink exist in a dispersed state in an aqueous medium. These binder resin particles function as a binder, binding the printed object to the pigment. Therefore, by containing binder resin particles in the ink, printed materials with excellent pigment adhesion can be obtained. Examples of resins contained in the binder resin particles include polyurethane resins, (meth)acrylic resins, styrene-(meth)acrylic resins, styrene-maleic acid copolymers, vinylnaphthalene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymers, and vinylnaphthalene-maleic acid copolymers. Polyurethane resins are preferred as the resins contained in the binder resin particles.

[0052] The content of binder resin relative to the total weight of the ink can be 1% or more and 20% or less, or 2% or more and 10% or less. When the content of binder resin particles is 1% or more, a recording object with excellent pigment adhesion can be obtained. On the other hand, when the content of binder resin particles is 20% or less, ink can be stably ejected onto the recording object.

[0053] The pretreatment fluid nozzle sprays pretreatment fluid, used for performing the prescribed pretreatment, onto the workpiece W. The pretreatment fluid is sprayed from the pretreatment fluid nozzle onto a position on the workpiece W where ink has not yet been received from the ink printhead 4.

[0054] Additionally, the processing liquid nozzle sprays a post-treatment liquid onto the ink-coated workpiece W to perform the prescribed post-treatment. The post-treatment liquid is sprayed from the processing liquid nozzle to the position on the workpiece W after the ink has been received by the ink nozzle 4.

[0055] Any pretreatment solution can be used. For example, a pretreatment solution that causes the ink pigment to agglomerate, thereby improving color development and adhesion, as described later, can be used. In addition, the pretreatment solution can also inhibit the penetration of ink into the recording medium, or conversely promote the penetration of ink into the recording medium, or thicken the print to form a three-dimensional shape, or impart gloss.

[0056] The pretreatment solution may contain, for example, a water-soluble cationic polymer, organic acid salts, and an aqueous medium. Using such a pretreatment solution, the pigments contained in the ink used for subsequent printing can react and aggregate, improving color development. Additionally, wash fastness and the hand feel of the fabric can be improved. The content of the water-soluble cationic polymer can be 0.1% by weight or more and less than 10% by weight relative to the total pretreatment solution. Sufficient wet rubbing fastness can be obtained by keeping the content of the water-soluble cationic polymer less than 10% by weight. The aqueous medium contained in the pretreatment solution can be the same aqueous medium as the ink.

[0057] Any post-processing solution can be used. For example, a post-processing solution that improves the feel, as described later, can be used. Additionally, the post-processing solution can be used for coatings such as protecting printed ink, thickening the print to create a three-dimensional shape, or imparting gloss. Furthermore, it can be used for treatments unrelated to ink printing, such as imparting hydrophobicity to the recording medium.

[0058] The post-treatment solution may also contain, for example, emulsified particles containing silicone oil; surfactants; and an aqueous medium. That is, the post-treatment solution is an emulsion in which emulsified particles are dispersed in an aqueous medium, more specifically, an oil-droplet (O / W) emulsion in water. The silicone oil may also include unmodified silicone oil. Examples of unmodified silicone oils include dimethylpolysiloxane, methylphenyl silicone oil, and methyl hydrogen silicone oil. Using such a post-treatment solution can improve the feel of the surface.

[0059] As a surfactant, the surfactant may also contain: a first surfactant comprising an alkyl group having 12 to 14 carbon atoms; and a second surfactant comprising an alkyl group having 16 to 18 carbon atoms. Both may be polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers.

[0060] The water-based medium in the post-treatment solution can be the same as that used for ink. The post-treatment solution is essentially a non-color-developing solution that does not show color even when adhered to the workpiece W. It should be noted that the post-treatment solution is fundamentally different from the pre-treatment solution. Specifically, the components contained in the post-treatment solution and the pre-treatment solution are different.

[0061] The processing fluid is essentially a non-color-developing processing fluid that does not show color even when adhered to the workpiece W. Here, "non-color-developing processing fluid" means a processing fluid that, when printed alone on a recording medium, is not perceptible to the naked eye as showing color. This color also includes colors with a chroma of 0, such as black, white, and gray. Non-color-developing processing fluids are generally transparent liquids, but sometimes, for example, when viewed as a liquid in 1 liter, they are not completely transparent but appear slightly whitish. Such a color is very thin, and therefore, when printed alone on a recording medium, it is not perceptible to the naked eye as showing color. It should be noted that, depending on the type of processing fluid, sometimes when printed alone on a recording medium, changes such as gloss may occur on the recording medium, but this is not considered color development.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pretreatment liquid and posttreatment liquid can be sprayed onto approximately the entire surface of the workpiece W. The pretreatment liquid and posttreatment liquid can also be selectively sprayed in accordance with the printed image, similar to ink.

[0063] Here, we will explain the case where the pretreatment and posttreatment solutions are selectively sprayed. As described above, the pretreatment solution, ink, and posttreatment solution are sequentially sprayed onto the workpiece W, where colors are printed to match the image. In this case, the ink is a single color or multiple colors. In areas where no color is printed, i.e., areas where ink is not sprayed, the pretreatment and posttreatment solutions are also generally not sprayed. It should be noted that, in order to adjust the image quality of the printed image, the feel of the workpiece W, etc., the selection of the spraying of the pretreatment and posttreatment solutions can differ from that of the ink. For example, the pretreatment and posttreatment solutions can be printed over a slightly wider area than the ink printing area (e.g., an amount corresponding to a few pixels).

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, an opening 31H is provided at the nozzle mounting position of the printhead support frame 31. The ink printhead 4 and the liquid processing printhead are assembled to the printhead support frame 31 by being embedded in each of the openings 31H. The nozzles disposed on the lower end face of each printhead protrude from each of the openings 31H.

[0065] The auxiliary tank 7 is supported on the carriage 3 above each printhead via a concealed retaining frame. Each auxiliary tank 7 is correspondingly positioned to each printhead. Ink or processing fluid (sometimes referred to as liquid) is supplied to each auxiliary tank 7 from a concealed container or main tank containing ink and processing fluid, and then supplied to each printhead. Each auxiliary tank 7 and each printhead is connected by a... Figure 3 Piping connections are omitted from the diagram.

[0066] Each auxiliary tank 7 may also have a supply auxiliary tank and a recovery auxiliary tank. The supply auxiliary tank supplies liquid to the corresponding nozzle. The recovery auxiliary tank recovers liquid that was not ejected from the corresponding nozzle. Liquid supply and recovery are performed, for example, by applying pressure to the liquid via gas (air) present above the liquid contained in the supply and recovery auxiliary tanks. Liquid supply and recovery are performed using the pressure difference between the pressure applied to the supply auxiliary tank and the pressure applied to the recovery auxiliary tank. The pressure applied to each of them is controlled so that the pressure in the nozzle of each nozzle is approximately 0 (zero, the same as atmospheric pressure), or slightly negative or positive. As a result, the nozzle can maintain a state that retains a curved surface, and the nozzle can maintain a state that allows liquid to be ejected.

[0067] The transfer of liquid between the supply auxiliary tank, the recovery auxiliary tank, and the main tank can also be performed as follows: If the liquid level in the supply auxiliary tank decreases below the specified amount, the liquid in the recovery auxiliary tank is transferred to the supply auxiliary tank by a pump or the like. This allows the liquid to circulate among the supply auxiliary tank, the nozzle, and the recovery auxiliary tank. If the liquid level in the recovery auxiliary tank decreases below the specified amount, the liquid in the main tank is supplied to the recovery auxiliary tank by a pump or the like.

[0068] If a liquid adjusted to a constant temperature is supplied to the nozzle, the nozzle temperature can be stabilized. The liquid supplied to the nozzle reaches a separate flow path equipped with nozzles via a common flow path (manifold) within the nozzle. Regarding the recovery of liquid from the nozzle, it is possible not to recover the liquid supplied to the separate flow path, or to recover only the liquid that has passed through the common flow path. Alternatively, liquid supply and recovery can be performed on the separate flow path equipped with nozzles, making it less likely for liquid to stagnate within and around the nozzles. In this case, the liquid recovered from the separate flow path is recovered, for example, through the common flow path.

[0069] As described above, the inkjet printer 1 according to this embodiment is an integrally formed printer in which the ink printhead 4 and the processing liquid printhead (liquid ejection section) are mounted on a carriage 3. According to this inkjet printer 1, in a printing and dyeing process such as digital printing where inkjet printing is performed on fabric, the pretreatment liquid ejection process and the posttreatment liquid ejection process can be performed integrally. Therefore, the printing process can be simplified, and the printing apparatus can be made more compact.

[0070] [Printing Method]

[0071] Next, the printing method performed by the inkjet printer 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The inkjet printer 1 prints the workpiece W in a serial printing manner. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the serial printing method. Figure 4 In the drawing, the treatment fluid nozzle is omitted and the carriage 3 is simply drawn.

[0072] When the workpiece W has a wide dimension, printing cannot be performed while continuously feeding the workpiece W. The serial printing method involves repeatedly moving the carriage 3, equipped with inkjet heads 4 of various colors, back and forth along the main scanning direction S, while the workpiece W is intermittently fed along the transport direction F. Here, the inkjet head 4 has a predetermined printing width Pw in the transport direction F. The printing width Pw is approximately equal to the length of the transport direction F of the area where the ink ejection nozzles of the inkjet head 4 are arranged. It should be noted that... Figure 4 In the diagram, the length of the conveying direction F of each nozzle is drawn to be approximately equal to the printing width Pw. However, in reality, the length of the conveying direction F of each nozzle is larger than the length of the printing width Pw and the length of the conveying direction F of the nozzle configuration area.

[0073] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows the state where the carriage 3 moves in the main scanning direction S towards the path SA, and the printing of the strip image G1 with a printing width Pw is completed. During the main scanning in the path SA, the transport of the workpiece W stops. After the printing of the strip image G1, the workpiece W is transported in the transport direction F with a distance equivalent to the printing width Pw. At this time, the carriage 3 waits in the reversing area 14 on the left end side. After the workpiece W is delivered, the carriage 3 reverses in the return path direction SB along with the reverse movement of the timing belt 16. The workpiece W is in a stopped state. Then, as... Figure 4 As shown, while the carriage 3 moves in the return path direction SB, it prints a strip image G2 with a printing width Pw on the upstream side of the strip image G1. The same operation is repeated below.

[0074] The workpiece W, after printing has finished at the inkjet printer 1, can also be dried by heating with a heater (not shown) installed in the inkjet printer 1. Alternatively, the finished printing portion of the workpiece W can be conveyed to a separate dryer relative to the inkjet printer 1 instead of being wound onto the take-up roller 22, where it is dried. The heating temperature is, for example, 120°C or higher and 180°C or lower. The heating time is, for example, 1 minute or higher and 10 minutes or lower. By heating, the volatile components contained in the ink and processing liquid dry, promoting the fixation of the ink and processing liquid to the printed object P. That is, drying is not performed during the printing of the pretreatment liquid, ink, and posttreatment liquid, but is performed collectively after their printing is completed. Furthermore, the printing of the pretreatment liquid, ink, and posttreatment liquid is performed on the workpiece W that has not undergone other treatments such as coating with other pretreatment liquids and drying before printing.

[0075] [Detailed configuration of the nozzle]

[0076] Figure 5This is a top view that schematically shows the arrangement of the ink printhead (ink ejection section) and the processing liquid printhead (processing liquid ejection section) on the carriage 3 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the nozzle region within the ink printhead according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, multiple printheads are arranged in a row along the main scanning direction S on the carriage 3, and from left to right, they are arranged as follows: post-processing liquid printhead 61, first ink printhead 41, second ink printhead 42, and post-processing liquid printhead 62. Post-processing liquid printheads 61 and 62 are examples of processing liquid printheads and constitute the post-processing liquid ejection section of this disclosure. Each printhead includes two nozzle regions (a first nozzle region and a second nozzle region) arranged along the main scanning direction S.

[0077] As for the two nozzle areas, from Figure 5 From left to right, the post-processing liquid nozzle 61 includes a first post-processing liquid nozzle area P2 and a black ink nozzle area KI. The first ink nozzle 41 includes an orange ink nozzle area OI and a green ink nozzle area GI. The second ink nozzle 42 includes a yellow ink nozzle area YI and a magenta ink nozzle area MI. The post-processing liquid nozzle 62 includes a cyan ink nozzle area CI and the first post-processing liquid nozzle area P2. Hereinafter, each nozzle area will sometimes be referred to by its designation.

[0078] Reference Figure 6 ,by Figure 5 Taking the second ink printhead 42 as an example, we will illustrate the two ink nozzle areas. It should be noted that... Figure 6 In the diagram, the length of the conveying direction F is shown in a reduced scale. Each printhead has a generally cuboid shape, and its lower surface has a rectangular printhead outline H. Furthermore, two ink nozzle regions YI and MI are arranged inside this printhead outline H. The yellow ink nozzle region YI is a region equipped with multiple nozzles capable of ejecting yellow ink, and the magenta ink nozzle region MI is a region equipped with multiple nozzles capable of ejecting magenta ink. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6 As shown, two rows of nozzle groups are arranged in a zigzag pattern along the conveying direction F in each nozzle area. In this case, the dimension of each nozzle group in the conveying direction F is equivalent to 300 npi (nozzles per inch). It should be noted that, as... Figure 6As shown by the baseline RL, the nozzles of the yellow ink nozzle region YI and the corresponding magenta ink nozzle region MI are positioned at the same location in the transport direction F, i.e., overlapping along the main scanning direction S. Using this nozzle configuration, the third ink printhead 43, when printing at 600 dpi as an inkjet printer 1, can, for example, print a 300 dpi image in one main scan, and then in another main scan, overlay the previously printed 300 dpi image with a 300 dpi image obtained by offsetting the pixel position in the transport direction F by an amount corresponding to one pixel of 600 dpi. Alternatively, the fourth ink printhead 44 can be configured with an offset in the transport direction F relative to the third ink printhead 43 by an amount corresponding to one pixel of 600 dpi, thus using two printheads to print a 600 dpi image. It should be noted that, as described later, the nozzles of the two colors can also be offset in the transport direction F. In this case, there is the advantage that the nozzle configuration does not need to be different from that of a printhead capable of printing at 600 dpi with a single printhead. With that configuration, if the same color ink is ejected from both nozzle areas, it is possible to print a 600dpi image using a single printhead.

[0079] It should be noted that, in Figure 6 The second ink nozzle 42 has an ink flow path (not shown) as follows, which is used to collect yellow ink to be ejected from the yellow ink nozzle region YI from the outside of the second ink nozzle 42, and to discharge the yellow ink to the outside of the second ink nozzle 42 through each nozzle. Similarly, the second ink nozzle 42 has an ink flow path (not shown) as follows, which is used to collect magenta ink to be ejected from the magenta ink nozzle region MI from the outside of the second ink nozzle 42, and to discharge the magenta ink to the outside of the second ink nozzle 42 through each nozzle. These two ink flow paths are independently configured.

[0080] like Figure 6 As shown, two nozzle regions disposed on a single nozzle head (liquid ejection section) form a nozzle surface on the lower surface of the carriage 3, and their relationship can be represented as follows. The first nozzle region and the second nozzle region are arranged and positioned close to each other at least in the main scanning direction S. In this case, the arrangement or close positioning described above can be such that, if liquid remains on the nozzle surface due to nozzle ejection defects, the liquid from one nozzle may come into contact with the liquid from the other.

[0081] Furthermore, the arrangement described above, or the close arrangement, can be considered in situations where the nozzle area has been wiped using a wiper (not shown), and liquid has been extruded from the nozzles through cleaning, regarding the relative positional relationship of the degree to which liquid on one nozzle surface may come into contact with liquid on the other. In this case, the liquid spreads widely on the nozzle surface, so regardless of the distance between the nozzles, if the first nozzle area and the second nozzle area are on the same surface, the positional relationship described above is included. Even if the two nozzle areas are separated by a groove or the like between them, the positional relationship is included if it is conceivable that liquid will cross the groove (e.g., width and depth of about 1 mm).

[0082] It should be noted that, regarding Figure 5 Other nozzles also use the same... Figure 6 The same nozzle configuration. That is, in this embodiment, multiple nozzles have the same shape and structure. By arranging such shared nozzles on the carriage 3, multiple nozzles (areas) that spray different liquids can be formed.

[0083] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the content includes Figure 5 In each of the diagrams, the spacing between adjacent nozzles in the main scanning direction S (the spacing between the nearest parts of each nozzle, or the spacing between the centers of each nozzle) is the same. Similarly, regarding the multi-row nozzle configuration described later, the spacing between adjacent nozzles in the transport direction F (the spacing between the centers of each nozzle) is the same.

[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, a plurality of nozzles (liquid ejection sections) are arranged on the carriage 3 along the main scanning direction S. The plurality of nozzles include: a plurality of ink nozzles 41 and 42 (ink nozzles 4), which are arranged along the main scanning direction S for ejecting ink; and a pair of post-processing liquid nozzles 61 and 62, which are arranged on both sides of the plurality of ink nozzles 41 and 42 in the main scanning direction S.

[0085] In particular, each of the post-processing liquid nozzles 61 and 62 includes: a first post-processing liquid nozzle region P2, which is capable of ejecting a first post-processing liquid; and a nozzle region (specific nozzle region) arranged in the main scanning direction S with the first post-processing liquid nozzle region P2, which is capable of ejecting a specific liquid different from the first post-processing liquid. The first post-processing liquid is an example of a post-processing liquid.

[0086] Conventionally, in structures where multiple ink ejector units are mounted on a carriage, there are problems such as an increase in the number of ejector units and variations in the ink-to-post-processing liquid impact order depending on the carriage's scanning direction when additional ejector units for dispensing post-processing liquid are added. However, in this embodiment, among the multiple printheads arranged along the main scanning direction S, post-processing liquid printheads 61 and 62 are positioned on both outer sides, and each of the post-processing liquid printheads 61 and 62 has two nozzle regions. Furthermore, the first post-processing liquid can be ejected from one of the nozzle regions. Therefore, while mounting the printhead for dispensing the first post-processing liquid and the multiple ink printheads for dispensing ink on the carriage 3, an increase in the number of printheads can be suppressed. In other words, if a printhead specifically for dispensing the first post-processing liquid is provided, the number of printheads increases solely for the first post-processing liquid. In this embodiment, the post-processing liquid printheads 61 and 62 each have nozzle regions capable of dispensing liquids other than the first post-processing liquid, thus allowing the dispensing of liquids such as ink using these nozzle regions.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, post-processing liquid nozzles 61 and 62 are arranged on both outer sides of the main scanning direction S of the first ink nozzle 41 and the second ink nozzle 42. Therefore, regardless of the main scanning direction S, the order in which ink and the first post-processing liquid hit the workpiece W can be the same. Specifically, when the carriage 3 moves to the right (first direction) of the main scanning direction S, ink can be ejected from the blue ink nozzle area CI of the post-processing liquid nozzle 62, the two ink nozzle areas of the second ink nozzle 42, the two ink nozzle areas of the first ink nozzle 41, and the black ink nozzle area KI of the post-processing liquid nozzle 61. Then, the first post-processing liquid is ejected from the first post-processing liquid nozzle area P2 of the post-processing liquid nozzle 61. Conversely, when the carriage 3 moves to the left (second direction) of the main scanning direction S, ink can be ejected from the black ink nozzle area KI of the post-processing liquid nozzle 61, the two ink nozzle areas of the first ink nozzle 41, the two ink nozzle areas of the second ink nozzle 42, and the cyan ink nozzle area CI of the post-processing liquid nozzle 62, and then the first post-processing liquid is ejected from the first post-processing liquid nozzle area P2 of the post-processing liquid nozzle 62.

[0088] It should be noted that, in the case where the first post-treatment liquid can hit the workpiece W before the ink, the first post-treatment liquid can also be ejected first from the first post-treatment liquid nozzle area P2 of the post-treatment liquid nozzle 62 when moving to the right as described above. Similarly, the first post-treatment liquid can also be ejected first from the first post-treatment liquid nozzle area P2 of the post-treatment liquid nozzle 61 when moving to the left as described above.

[0089] In particular, in this embodiment, the specific liquid is ink. Specifically, black ink is ejected from the black ink nozzle region KI of the post-treatment liquid nozzle 61, and cyan ink is ejected from the cyan ink nozzle region CI of the post-treatment liquid nozzle 62. Therefore, the nozzle regions of the post-treatment liquid nozzles 61 and 62 can be used to increase the color and amount of ink that can be ejected.

[0090] Furthermore, in the post-processing liquid nozzles 61 and 62, the first post-processing liquid nozzle region P2 is positioned further outward in the main scanning direction S than the black ink nozzle region KI and the cyan ink nozzle region CI. Therefore, each ink ejection region is arranged between a pair of first post-processing liquid nozzle regions P2, thus enabling the first post-processing liquid to be applied after all the ink has applied to the workpiece W during the movement of the carriage 3 in one direction.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the post-processing liquid nozzles 61 and 62 are positioned at the same location as the first ink nozzle 41 and the second ink nozzle 42 in the transport direction F. Therefore, the dimensions of the carriage 3 in the transport direction F can be made compact, and the size of the inkjet printer 1 can also be reduced.

[0092] In addition, each of the multiple ink printheads 41 and 42 includes: a first nozzle region capable of ejecting a specified ink; and a second nozzle region arranged in the main scanning direction S with the first nozzle region and capable of ejecting ink different from that of the first nozzle region.

[0093] As a result, the supply path, recovery path, and maintenance mechanism of the liquid connected to each printhead can be shared, thus simplifying the design and control of the inkjet printer 1. Furthermore, it reduces the likelihood of malfunctions caused by differences in ejection characteristics due to variations in printhead type and shape.

[0094] Furthermore, by providing two nozzle areas for each printhead as described above, the number of printheads required to eject inks and processing liquids of multiple colors can be reduced. As a result, the carriage 3 and even the inkjet printer 1 can be reduced in size. In addition, by reducing the carriage (the range of printhead configuration), the setting accuracy of each printhead can be improved, thereby also improving printing accuracy.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, the multiple ink nozzles 4 arranged along the main scanning direction S in the carriage 3 form only one column, so the dimensions of the carriage 3 in the transport direction F can be compact, and the size of the inkjet printer 1 can also be reduced.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple ink nozzles 4 (ink ejection sections) are arranged at the same position in the transport direction F, which makes the dimensions of the carriage 3 in the transport direction F more compact and further reduces the size of the inkjet printer 1.

[0097] <Second Implementation>

[0098] Figure 7 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing fluid printhead on the carriage 3 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. It should be noted that in the following embodiments, the description will focus on the differences between the embodiments and the foregoing embodiments, and the description of common points will be omitted.

[0099] In previous embodiments, a scheme was described in which a first ink printhead 41 and a second ink printhead 42 were arranged between the post-processing liquid printhead 61 and the post-processing liquid printhead 62. However, in this embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, multiple ink printheads 4 are configured, including an orange ink printhead 40A, a green ink printhead 40B, a yellow ink printhead 40C, and a magenta ink printhead 40D. Each ink printhead has an ink nozzle area capable of ejecting ink of one color.

[0100] In this embodiment, as well as Figure 7 As shown, a pair of post-processing liquid nozzles 61 and 62 are respectively arranged on both outer sides of the main scanning direction S of the ink printheads 40A-40D. In each post-processing liquid nozzle 61 and 62, a first post-processing liquid can be ejected from the first post-processing liquid nozzle region P2 on the outer side of the main scanning direction S, and ink of various colors can be ejected from the ink nozzle region on the inner side of the main scanning direction S. In this case, similar to the first embodiment, the hitting order of the ink and the first post-processing liquid can be made consistent.

[0101] When using printheads with approximately the same number of nozzles for each printhead, the printing resolution of the pretreatment and posttreatment liquids is half that of the ink printing resolution. For example, the ink printing resolution is 600 dpi, and the pretreatment and posttreatment liquid printing resolution is 300 dpi. This can also be achieved when the first posttreatment liquid is applied without patterning during printing, or when the first posttreatment liquid can be printed with patterning at a lower resolution than the ink. Figure 7 That way, each ink nozzle can spray out a structure of ink of a certain color.

[0102] <Third Implementation Method>

[0103] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of the ink printhead and the processing fluid printhead on the carriage 3 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, as... Figure 8 As shown, in addition to the nozzle array in the first embodiment, multiple nozzles also include pretreatment liquid nozzles 51 (pretreatment liquid ejection sections). It should be noted that in... Figure 8In the diagram, the nozzle area formed on the lower surface of the nozzle is marked with a pattern. On the other hand, the white portions on the upstream and downstream sides of the conveying direction F of each nozzle indicate areas where no nozzles are installed. The same applies to the other diagrams described later.

[0104] The pretreatment fluid nozzle 51 is the nozzle that sprays the aforementioned pretreatment fluid. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the pretreatment fluid nozzle 51 is positioned upstream of the plurality of ink nozzles 41, 42 and the pair of posttreatment fluid nozzles 61, 62 in the transport direction F. The nozzle areas of the pretreatment fluid nozzle 51 and the other nozzles are arranged continuously in the transport direction F, and when viewed along the main scanning direction S, the upstream and downstream nozzle areas do not overlap.

[0105] In addition, the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51 is disposed on the outside of the area including multiple ink nozzles 41, 42 and a pair of posttreatment liquid nozzles 61, 62 in the main scanning direction S.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pretreatment fluid nozzle 51 also has two nozzle regions. Specifically, the pretreatment fluid nozzle 51 includes: a first nozzle region capable of ejecting a predetermined liquid; and a second nozzle region arranged in the main scanning direction S alongside the first nozzle region, capable of ejecting a liquid different from the first nozzle region. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the pretreatment fluid nozzle 51 ejects pretreatment fluid from either the first nozzle region or the second nozzle region.

[0107] According to such Figure 8 With this configuration, pretreatment liquid can be sprayed from the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51 onto the workpiece W while the carriage 3 moves in the first direction (e.g., the right direction) of the main scanning direction S. Then, the workpiece W is conveyed in the transport direction F for one transport interval. Afterwards, while the carriage 3 moves in the second direction (e.g., the left direction) of the main scanning direction S, each liquid is sprayed onto the workpiece W from the posttreatment liquid nozzle 61, the first ink nozzle 41, the second ink nozzle 42, and the posttreatment liquid nozzle 62. The same applies when the carriage 3 moves in the second direction and the pretreatment liquid is sprayed from the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51, and when the carriage 3 moves in the first direction and the liquids are sprayed onto the workpiece W from the posttreatment liquid nozzle 61, the first ink nozzle 41, the second ink nozzle 42, and the posttreatment liquid nozzle 62. Therefore, regardless of which direction the carriage 3 moves in the main scanning direction S, the order in which the pretreatment liquid and ink hit the workpiece W can be the same.

[0108] In other words, in Figure 8In this structure, the time from the impact of the pretreatment liquid on the workpiece W to the impact of the ink on the workpiece W is approximately one scan time. Therefore, the ratio of the time interval from the impact of the pretreatment liquid to the final impact of the ink to the time interval from the impact of the pretreatment liquid to the first impact of the ink can be reduced. At this point, it can be said that the range of variation of each time interval is the same, and their ratio becomes smaller.

[0109] It should be noted that the pretreatment liquid and ink tend to stick together when mixed on the nozzle surface of a single printhead. Therefore, it is preferable not to place the pretreatment liquid and ink in the two nozzle areas of a single printhead.

[0110] To solve this problem, in this embodiment, the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51 and each ink nozzle are arranged at different positions in the transport direction F, as described above, thereby preventing the ink in the nozzle area of ​​one nozzle from sticking with the pretreatment liquid.

[0111] Furthermore, by adopting this structure, the physical distance between the ink-ejecting printhead and the pretreatment liquid-ejecting printhead is increased, thus further extending the contact time between the two liquids. Additionally, during the movement of the carriage 3 based on a single scan, the printhead position shifts in the transport direction F, preventing the ink printhead 4 from entering the liquid mist that might form in the space around the nozzle after pretreatment liquid is ejected. Therefore, the mixing and adhesion of ink and pretreatment liquid within the printhead can be further suppressed.

[0112] Furthermore, when wiping the nozzle surfaces of each nozzle along the transport direction F (the long side direction of the nozzle), there is no ink nozzle 4 on the movement line of the wiper of the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51, so ink and pretreatment liquid adhesion is also less likely to occur. Moreover, waste liquid that falls off during wiping can be easily separated and recovered in the main scanning direction S.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pretreatment fluid nozzle 51 is positioned outside the region including multiple ink nozzles in the main scanning direction S. Therefore, the possibility of pretreatment fluid mixing with ink at the periphery of the nozzle can be further reduced.

[0114] Furthermore, in the post-processing liquid nozzle 61, the nozzle area closest to the pre-processing liquid nozzle 51 is the first post-processing liquid nozzle area P2. Therefore, the physical distance between the pre-processing liquid nozzle 51 and the ink nozzle 41 is extended, which can further reduce the possibility of the pre-processing liquid affecting the ink nozzle 41.

[0115] It should be noted that, in the above description, the pretreatment liquid exemplified is one that primarily induces ink aggregation on the workpiece W. However, the pretreatment liquid may also contain more resin components than ink, thus possessing the characteristic of bonding the fabric and pigment. In this case, since the possibility of the pretreatment liquid clogging the ink nozzle and adhering to the nozzle surface increases, the above-described nozzle and nozzle area configuration is preferred.

[0116] <Fourth Implementation>

[0117] Figure 9 This is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of ink printheads and processing fluid printheads on the carriage 3 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the difference from the previous third embodiment lies in the arrangement of the printhead array downstream of the pre-processing fluid printhead 51 in the transport direction F. Specifically, in this printhead array, from left to right, are the post-processing fluid printhead 63, the third ink printhead 43, the fourth ink printhead 44, the fifth ink printhead 45, the first ink printhead 41, the second ink printhead 42, and the post-processing fluid printhead 62.

[0118] From left to right, the post-processing liquid nozzle 63 has a first post-processing liquid nozzle area P2 and a cyan ink nozzle area CI; the third ink nozzle 43 has a magenta ink nozzle area MI and a yellow ink nozzle area YI; the fourth ink nozzle 44 has a green ink nozzle area GI and an orange ink nozzle area OI; and the fifth ink nozzle 45 has two black ink nozzle areas KI. It should be noted that the first ink nozzle 41, the second ink nozzle 42, and the post-processing liquid nozzle 62 have the same structure as described above.

[0119] In this embodiment, post-treatment fluid nozzles 63 and 62 are arranged on both sides of the main scanning direction S of the multiple ink nozzles, thus achieving the same effect as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, by arranging the pre-treatment fluid nozzle 51 upstream of the transport direction F of the nozzle array including these nozzles, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be achieved.

[0120] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the multiple ink printheads 41-45, the pair of post-processing liquid printheads 62 and 63, and the nozzle regions contained therein are arranged in a line-symmetric manner with the central part of the main scanning direction S of the region where the multiple printheads are arranged as the boundary.

[0121] Regarding the above-mentioned Figure 9 In other words, the configuration of the printhead and nozzle area is as follows: a pair of second ink printheads 42 and third ink printheads 43 (same color ink nozzle area) are provided. The pair of second ink printheads 42 and third ink printheads 43 are respectively arranged inside the post-processing liquid nozzle area of ​​the pair of post-processing liquid printheads 62 and 63 in the main scanning direction S, and spray ink of the same color from each other.

[0122] Moreover, in Figure 9 In the area not arranged with the post-processing liquid nozzles 62 and 63 at one end and the other end of the main scanning direction S relative to the center, a pair of first ink nozzles 41 and fourth ink nozzles 44 (same-color ink nozzle area, same-color ink nozzle) that spray ink of the same color are also arranged. At least one pair of them may also be arranged.

[0123] For example, in Figure 9 In the main scanning direction S, the orange and green ink nozzle areas are arranged from left to right, with green and orange respectively, and from right to left, with orange and green respectively, on the left side of the main scanning direction S. Therefore, the printing order (hitting order) remains constant for both colors regardless of the main scanning direction S. In other words, in the main scan regardless of whether the carriage 3 is facing left or right, the areas are arranged in the order of green ink nozzle area GI, orange ink nozzle area OI, orange ink nozzle area OI, and green ink nozzle area GI.

[0124] Furthermore, in the aforementioned pair of ink nozzle regions of the same color, the distance between the ink nozzle region of the same color and the post-processing liquid nozzle 62 (63) on one end of the main scanning direction S is the same as the distance between the ink nozzle region of the same color and the post-processing liquid nozzle 62 (63) on the other end of the main scanning direction S. Specifically, in Figure 9 In this configuration, the distance in the main scanning direction S between the fourth ink printhead 44 and the post-processing liquid printhead 63 is equal to the distance in the main scanning direction S between the first ink printhead 41 and the post-processing liquid printhead 62. It should be noted that the same positional relationship applies to the nozzle areas contained within each printhead.

[0125] The distance between the nozzles, the distance between the nozzle areas, and the distance between the nozzles and the nozzle areas are, for example, distances along the main scanning direction S, and are the distances between the closest parts of each nozzle. Alternatively, the distance between the centroids of the areas they occupy, viewed from above, along the main scanning direction S can also be considered.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in all the same-color ink nozzle regions included in the plurality of ink printheads (at least one pair of same-color nozzle regions), the distance between the same-color ink nozzle region and the post-processing liquid printhead 62 (63) on one end of the main scanning direction S is the same as the distance between the same-color ink nozzle region and the post-processing liquid printhead 62 (63) on the other end of the main scanning direction S. In other words, as described above, the plurality of ink printheads are arranged in a line-symmetrical manner.

[0127] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are two or more pairs of ink nozzle regions of the same color. Regarding each pair of colors in the two or more pairs of ink nozzle regions of the same color, the relationship between the distance from the post-processing liquid nozzle 63 on one end to the ink nozzle region of each pair of colors is the same as the relationship between the distance from the post-processing liquid nozzle 62 on the other end to the ink nozzle region of each pair of colors.

[0128] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51 and the posttreatment liquid nozzle 63 in the main scanning direction S is greater than the distance between the posttreatment liquid nozzle 63 and the third ink nozzle 43, or the distance between other ink nozzles. With this structure, by moving the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51 (pretreatment liquid nozzle area P1) away from the ink nozzles (ink nozzle areas), the mixing and adhesion of ink and pretreatment liquid can be further suppressed.

[0129] <Fifth Implementation>

[0130] Figure 10 This is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of ink printheads and pretreatment fluid printheads on the carriage 3 according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, a posttreatment fluid printhead 64 and a posttreatment fluid printhead 65 are arranged as a printhead row on the downstream side of the conveying direction F of the pretreatment fluid printhead 51.

[0131] The post-processing liquid nozzle 64 has, from left to right, a first post-processing liquid nozzle area P2, a green ink nozzle area GI, a yellow ink nozzle area YI, and a magenta ink nozzle area MI. Similarly, the post-processing liquid nozzle 65 has a black ink nozzle area KI, a blue ink nozzle area BI, an orange ink nozzle area OI, and the first post-processing liquid nozzle area P2. That is, the post-processing liquid nozzles 64 and 65 have four nozzle areas arranged in the main scanning direction S.

[0132] In other words, in this embodiment, the plurality of printheads 64 and 65 on the carriage 3 have: a plurality of ink nozzle regions arranged along the main scanning direction S for ejecting ink; a pair of first post-processing liquid nozzle regions P2 (post-processing liquid nozzle regions) arranged on both sides of the plurality of ink nozzle regions in the main scanning direction S for ejecting first post-processing liquid; and a pre-processing liquid nozzle region P1 arranged upstream of the plurality of ink nozzle regions and the pair of first post-processing liquid nozzle regions P2 in the transport direction F for ejecting pre-processing liquid.

[0133] In this structure, a pair of first post-processing liquid nozzle regions P2 are positioned on both outer sides of the main scanning direction S of the plurality of ink nozzle regions, and the pre-processing liquid nozzle 51 is positioned upstream of the other nozzle regions in the transport direction F, thus achieving the same effect as in the previous embodiment. Similarly, the pre-processing liquid nozzle 51 is located on the outer side of the main scanning direction S compared to the post-processing liquid nozzles 64 and 65.

[0134] <Sixth Implementation Method>

[0135] Figure 11 This is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of ink printheads and processing fluid printheads on the carriage 3 according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, as a plurality of ink printheads, a first ink printhead 41, a second ink printhead 42, and a sixth ink printhead 46 are arranged from one end (left side) of the main scanning direction S. Furthermore, a post-processing fluid printhead 66 and a post-processing fluid printhead 67 are arranged on both outer sides of the plurality of ink printheads in the main scanning direction S. It should be noted that the first ink printhead 41, the second ink printhead 42, and... Figure 8 The first ink printhead 41 and the second ink printhead 42 are the same. The sixth ink printhead 46 has a cyan ink nozzle area CI and a black ink nozzle area KI from left to right.

[0136] On the other hand, in the post-processing liquid nozzles 66 and 67, the nozzle region located outside the main scanning direction S in the first nozzle region and the second nozzle region is the first post-processing liquid nozzle region P2, and the nozzle region located inside the main scanning direction S is the base color ink nozzle region UI that sprays the base color ink (base ink).

[0137] With this structure, when the carriage 3 moves along any path in the main scanning direction S, either the outgoing or returning path, the base color ink can be struck on the workpiece W before other colors of ink are struck. In particular, by striking the workpiece W after the pretreatment liquid and before other colors of ink are struck, the ink image can be stably fixed on the workpiece W, and regardless of the color of the workpiece W, such as that made of cloth, other colors of ink can be well developed. It should be noted that the base color is, for example, white, skin tone, etc., and in this case, white includes several white shades such as ivory.

[0138] <Seventh Implementation>

[0139] Figure 12 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and processing liquid printhead on the carriage 3 according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the difference from the previous sixth embodiment is that the configuration of the first post-processing liquid nozzle region P2 and the base color ink nozzle region UI in the post-processing liquid printheads 66 and 67 is reversed.

[0140] In this structure, even when the carriage 3 moves on any path in the main scanning direction S, whether it is the outgoing path or the return path, the base color ink can hit the workpiece W before other colors of ink hit.

[0141] <Eighth Implementation Method>

[0142] Figure 13 This is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of the ink printhead and pretreatment fluid printhead on the carriage 3 according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the pretreatment fluid printhead 51 is distinctive.

[0143] Specifically, the pretreatment fluid nozzle 51 is configured to be offset upstream of the plurality of ink nozzle regions in the transport direction F by a length L of one ink nozzle region, which is A times the length L of the transport direction F (0 < A < 1). In particular, when n is set to an integer greater than or equal to 2, the relationship A = 1 / n is satisfied. It should be noted that... Figure 13 The configuration is equivalent to the case where n=2.

[0144] In this case, the pretreatment fluid nozzle 51 can spray pretreatment fluid from both sides using two pretreatment fluid nozzle areas P1, or it can spray pretreatment fluid from one pretreatment fluid nozzle area P1.

[0145] Here, Figure 13 The areas at the four corners of each printhead, indicated by dashed lines, show the actual area of ​​liquid ejected from each nozzle. For example, this area can be switched by the control unit of the inkjet printer 1 through the control of the liquid ejection from the nozzle.

[0146] In this structure, during the movement of the carriage 3 in the first direction (right direction) of the main scanning direction S, from Figure 13 The pretreatment liquid nozzle 51 sprays pretreatment liquid onto the workpiece W through the area enclosed by the dashed line. Afterwards, the workpiece W is transported in the transport direction F by half a nozzle unit. In other words, the workpiece W is transported along half the length of the ink nozzle area of ​​the ink nozzle in the transport direction F. Then, during the movement of the carriage 3 in the second direction (left direction) of the main scanning direction S, liquids are sprayed from the nozzle areas upstream of the transport direction F of each of the posttreatment liquid nozzles 61, 41, 42, and 62. Afterwards, the workpiece W is transported again in the transport direction F by half a nozzle unit. Furthermore, during the movement of the carriage 3 in the first direction (right direction) of the main scanning direction S, liquids are sprayed from the nozzle areas downstream of the transport direction F of each of the posttreatment liquid nozzles 62, 42, 41, and 61.

[0147] In this case, assuming that one drop of pretreatment liquid is required for one drop of ink on workpiece W, 300 dpi × 2 scans of ink (and posttreatment liquid) are applied to workpiece W. The pretreatment liquid ejected from the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51 is within the area within the dashed box, therefore 600 dpi × 1 scans of pretreatment liquid are applied to workpiece W. That is, the amounts of ink and pretreatment liquid are equal. Thus, in this embodiment, pretreatment liquid is not ejected from the area of ​​the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51 that overlaps with the ink nozzle area in the main scanning direction S. That is, the inkjet printer 1 is configured as described above. Specifically, the control unit of the inkjet printer 1 does not control the ejection of pretreatment liquid from the aforementioned area by the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51. This control is maintained at least during normal printing. It can also be ejected as needed when printing is stopped for maintenance, such as when the carriage 3 is stopped and each printhead is wiped.

[0148] In this embodiment, by offsetting the pretreatment liquid nozzle 51 on the upstream side of the transport direction F towards the ink nozzle (ink nozzle area), the depth of the carriage 3 can be shortened without preparing a nozzle with a length of half that in the transport direction F. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the supply and recovery systems and maintenance mechanisms for each liquid can be shared, simplifying design and control. Additionally, the separation of the pretreatment liquid from the ink can be largely achieved. Moreover, since the pretreatment liquid nozzle area P1, which overlaps with the ink nozzle area in the main scanning direction S, does not eject pretreatment liquid, it is also possible to prevent the ink nozzle from entering the liquid mist after the pretreatment liquid has been ejected.

[0149] <Ninth Implementation Method>

[0150] Figure 14 This is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of the ink printhead and the processing fluid printhead liquid on the carriage 3 according to the ninth embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the actual area in the first post-processing fluid nozzle region P2 that ejects the first post-processing fluid differs from the previous eighth embodiment.

[0151] In the case where it is desired that the first post-treatment fluid is not ejected in the second scan of the aforementioned carriage 3, but only in the third scan, such as Figure 14 In this way, the first post-treatment liquid can be ejected only from the area downstream of the conveying direction F in the first post-treatment liquid nozzle area P2.

[0152] <Tenth Implementation>

[0153] Figure 15 This is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of the ink printhead and the processing fluid printhead liquid on the carriage 3 according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, instead of Figure 12In the seventh embodiment, post-processing liquid nozzles 66 and 67 are respectively provided with processing liquid nozzles 71 (post-processing liquid ejection section). Each processing liquid nozzle 71 is disposed on both sides of the main scanning direction S of the first ink nozzle 41, the second ink nozzle 42, and the sixth ink nozzle 46.

[0154] Each processing liquid nozzle 71 has a first post-processing liquid nozzle area P2 on the outside of the main scanning direction S, and a second post-processing liquid nozzle area P3 (specific nozzle area) on the inside of the main scanning direction S.

[0155] The second post-treatment liquid is ejected from nozzle area P3. This second post-treatment liquid is an example of a specific liquid in this disclosure. The second post-treatment liquid is a different liquid from the first post-treatment liquid. The second post-treatment liquid has the function of basically softening the workpiece W (cloth). In addition, the second post-treatment liquid may also have the function of intensifying the color on the workpiece W. Preferably, based on this function, the second post-treatment liquid hits the workpiece W essentially after the ink fixing effect by the pre-treatment liquid has ended.

[0156] On the other hand, the first post-treatment liquid ejected from the first post-treatment liquid nozzle area P2, as described above, has the function of giving the ink and the workpiece W (cloth) a firm bond. Therefore, the first post-treatment liquid can be used not only to prevent the ink from peeling off the workpiece W, but also to increase the amount of the first post-treatment liquid hitting the surface to build up the printed surface and implement a three-dimensional shape.

[0157] Alternatively, printing can be performed by changing the ratio of the first and second post-treatment liquids while keeping the total amount of each liquid approximately the same, thereby adjusting the durability and softness of the finishing.

[0158] It could also be, in Figure 15 In the structure, pretreatment liquid is sprayed from pretreatment liquid nozzle 51 onto workpiece W in the first scan. Then, in the second scan, ink is sprayed from the sixth ink nozzle 46, the second ink nozzle 42, and the first ink nozzle 41, respectively. Second posttreatment liquid is sprayed from the second posttreatment liquid nozzle area P3 of the treatment liquid nozzle 71, and first posttreatment liquid is sprayed from the first posttreatment liquid nozzle area P2.

[0159] It should be noted that, in cases where the necessary amount or type of treatment solution increases, as Figure 15In a modified embodiment, other treatment fluid nozzles may be arranged on the outside or inside of the pair of treatment fluid nozzles 71. When the treatment fluid nozzle has two nozzle regions, it may be a nozzle that sprays only pretreatment fluid in either nozzle region, or it may be a nozzle that sprays at least posttreatment fluid (other posttreatment fluid spraying sections). Alternatively, it may be a nozzle with the same nozzle region as the treatment fluid nozzle 71, or it may be a nozzle obtained by swapping the first posttreatment fluid nozzle region P2 and the second posttreatment fluid nozzle region P3 of the treatment fluid nozzle 71. Regarding... Figure 15 The same applies to the treatment fluid nozzle 71.

[0160] <Eleventh Implementation Method>

[0161] Figure 16 This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the ink printhead and the processing liquid printhead on the carriage 3 according to the eleventh embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 17 This is a schematic top view showing the nozzle area of ​​the ink printhead on the carriage 3 according to this embodiment.

[0162] In this embodiment, a processing liquid nozzle 72, a seventh ink nozzle 47, and a post-processing liquid nozzle 73 are arranged along the main scanning direction S as printheads. The processing liquid nozzle 72 has four nozzle regions from left to right: a first post-processing liquid nozzle region P2, a second post-processing liquid nozzle region P3, a yellow ink nozzle region Y1, and a magenta ink nozzle region MI. The ink nozzle 47 has four nozzle regions: a green ink nozzle region GI, an orange ink nozzle region OI, a blue ink nozzle region BI, and a red ink nozzle region RI. The processing liquid nozzle 73 has four nozzle regions: a cyan ink nozzle region CI, a black ink nozzle region KI, a second post-processing liquid nozzle region P3, and a first post-processing liquid nozzle region P2.

[0163] Thus, in this embodiment, processing liquid nozzles 72 and 73 are arranged on both outer sides of the main scanning direction S of the seventh ink nozzle 47, and the processing liquid nozzles 72 and 73 respectively have a first post-processing liquid nozzle area P2 and a second post-processing liquid nozzle area P3. As a result, the order of ink and each processing liquid is the same in both the outgoing and returning paths in the main scanning direction S. In addition, the pre-processing liquid nozzle 51 is located upstream of the transport direction F to correspond to different main scans, thus suppressing the mixing of pre-processing liquid and ink around the nozzle. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the width of the nozzle area of ​​each ink in the main scanning direction S is smaller than the width of the nozzle area of ​​the pre-processing liquid in the main scanning direction S, thus reducing the width of the carriage 3 in the main scanning direction S while ejecting ink of multiple colors.

[0164] It should be noted that, as Figure 17As shown, for example, in the seventh ink printhead 47, nozzles with a spacing of 150 dpn in the transport direction F are respectively arranged in the four nozzle regions: green ink nozzle region GI, orange ink nozzle region OI, blue ink nozzle region BI, and red ink nozzle region RI. Furthermore, as an example, the nozzles are offset in the transport direction F for different colors.

[0165] <Regarding modified implementations of the nozzle area>

[0166] Figure 18A , Figure 18B This is a schematic top view showing the nozzle area of ​​the ink printhead on the carriage 3 according to a modified embodiment of this disclosure. In the previous first embodiment, as described... Figure 6 As shown by the baseline RL, the nozzles of the yellow ink nozzle region YI and the corresponding nozzles of the magenta ink nozzle region MI are arranged in the same position in the transport direction F, that is, overlapping when viewed along the main scanning direction S. This disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0167] It can also be like Figure 18A As shown, the nozzles in the nozzle area between the two colors are offset in the conveying direction F. In this case, there is an advantage that the nozzle configuration does not need to differ from the 600 npi case. Furthermore, when nozzles spraying different liquids are close together, the liquid mist generated during spraying may drift in the air or adhere to the nozzle surface and expand and flow, potentially mixing with the liquid in the nozzles spraying different liquids. With the above-described configuration, the possibility of such a phenomenon occurring can be reduced.

[0168] It can also be like Figure 18B Thus, within the printhead, one color (yellow ink nozzle area YI) is positioned at one end along the main scanning direction S, and another color (magenta ink nozzle area MI) is positioned at the other end along the main scanning direction S, with the two nozzle areas overlapping each other along the main scanning direction S. Figure 18B In the example, two rows of nozzles of different colors are alternately arranged in the main scanning direction S.

[0169] Here, it could also be, in Figure 18B In such ink printheads, compared to other ink printheads, the difference in brightness between the ink ejected from the first nozzle region and the ink ejected from the second nozzle region is greater. For example, in the case of black and yellow ink, the difference in brightness is greater compared to combinations of other inks. By dividing the nozzle regions of such two inks as... Figure 18B That configuration allows for the suppression of concentration differences during printing on any path in the forward and return paths along the main scanning direction S. It should be noted that this also applies to printing on... Figure 18BThe four nozzle rows extending along the conveying direction F have black ink nozzles arranged in the two outer rows on the main scanning direction S, and yellow ink nozzles arranged in the two inner rows on the main scanning direction S.

[0170] Figure 19 This is a schematic top view showing the nozzle area of ​​the ink printhead on the carriage 3 according to other modified embodiments of this disclosure. In the previous first embodiment, it was described that each printhead was composed of a generally cuboid shape. Figure 6 The printhead outline H is arranged in the main scanning direction S to form ink nozzle areas of two colors, but this disclosure is not limited to this. It could also be, for example... Figure 19 As shown, for example, in a printhead, the magenta ink nozzle region MI and the black ink nozzle region KI are offset in both the transport direction F and the main scanning direction S. Alternatively, it is also possible that... Figure 19 In the magenta ink nozzle area MI, the magenta ink nozzles and the black ink nozzles are arranged in two columns, one for each. Figure 19 In the black ink nozzle area KI, the nozzles for magenta ink and the nozzles for black ink are each arranged in one row, while other nozzles are arranged in two rows.

[0171] The combination of ink colors ejected from each printhead is arbitrary, but a specific combination can be chosen considering the following: The time difference between different colored inks ejected from a single printhead hitting the workpiece W is smaller than the time difference between different colored inks ejected from different printheads hitting the workpiece W. This is because the distance between the nozzle region ejecting the first ink and the nozzle region ejecting the second ink (more specifically, the distance between the centers of each region along the main scanning direction S) within a single printhead is shorter than the distance between the nozzle regions ejecting the first ink and the nozzle regions ejecting the third ink (more specifically, the distance between the centers of each region along the main scanning direction S) between different printheads.

[0172] When the time difference between impacts is small, and the previously impacted ink has not yet penetrated the workpiece W, subsequent impacts can easily cause ink mixing. Therefore, when selecting inks from a single printhead that are more prone to mixing, one can choose a combination of inks that do not easily cause mixing, or a combination of inks that do not easily cause mixing.

[0173] If the inks used are arranged on the color wheel so that the inks ejected from a single printhead are groups of adjacent colors, then color mixing will be less noticeable. If, when counting the types of printheads with different color combinations, more than half of the color combinations are adjacent on the color wheel, then color mixing will be less noticeable. If the color combinations in all printheads are adjacent on the color wheel, then color mixing will be even less noticeable.

[0174] It should be noted that black, white, and gray are not colors on the color wheel. Therefore, when counting the types of printheads that combine these colors with each other and with colors on the color wheel, they are excluded from the count. Furthermore, in the case of printheads that eject three or more colors of ink, if the combination of colors ejected in one printhead is an adjacent combination on the color wheel, then color mixing can be made less noticeable. Moreover, the order of colors along the main scanning direction S within a printhead can be made to match the order of the colors on the color wheel.

[0175] In addition, unlike other colors, yellow is a color that brings a sense of brightness to people even with the same amount of ink. Therefore, it is easy to see when mixed with black, which brings a sense of darkness. Thus, yellow and black can also be configured in different printheads.

[0176] Furthermore, black conveys a sense of darkness, making color mixing with other colors more noticeable. However, by positioning the black nozzle area at the end of the ink nozzle areas arranged along the main scanning direction S, it is possible to eliminate the nozzle areas of other colors on one side. This makes black color mixing less noticeable.

[0177] Furthermore, white, like yellow, is a color that evokes a sense of brightness in human perception. Therefore, when the ink contains white, white and yellow can be combined in a single printhead. This makes the mixing of white with other colors less noticeable. It should be noted that besides being used as a color in printed images, white is also frequently used as a background color (base). Compared to its use as a base color, it is necessary to combine white and yellow in a single printhead when used as a color in printed images.

[0178] Furthermore, even with the same amount of ink, cyan produces a darker appearance. Placing cyan in the same printhead as black makes the color mixing less noticeable. On the other hand, when configured this way, cyan is less prominent than black, making it difficult to identify as cyan in an image. By placing cyan and black in different printheads, or by positioning them at greater distances from each other in the nozzle area, cyan can be made more easily identifiable in an image.

[0179] Specifically, it can also be that, as mentioned above, the black nozzle area is located at one end of the ink nozzle areas arranged along the main scanning direction S, and the cyan nozzle area is located at the opposite end of the black nozzle area.

[0180] The ink configuration can also be determined by considering the surface tension of the inks. When different inks come into contact, the ink with the largest difference in surface tension is more prone to mixing, while the ink with the smallest difference in surface tension is less likely to mix. If the group of inks with the largest difference in surface tension is placed in different printheads, the possibility of mixing can be reduced. Furthermore, the group of inks with the second largest difference in surface tension can also be placed in different printheads. And the group of inks with the third largest difference in surface tension can also be placed in different printheads. Moreover, when inks are placed in the same printhead, adjacent inks can be selected when the inks are arranged in order of their surface tension.

[0181] Additionally, the surface tension of the post-treatment solution can also be considered. This isn't because the post-treatment solution mixes with the ink, but because mixing progresses more easily when the surface tension difference is large, and slower when the difference is small. Ideally, the post-treatment solution should act equally on all inks, but inks that are hit by the post-treatment solution at similar temporal intervals may experience a stronger effect than other inks.

[0182] When the post-treatment liquid and ink are placed in the same printhead, if the ink used has a small difference in surface tension with the post-treatment liquid, the effect of the post-treatment liquid on inks that are hit by it at similar times is weakened, thus making the effect of the post-treatment liquid on other inks more similar. Such inks can also be used where, when inks are arranged in order of their surface tension difference with the post-treatment liquid, half of the inks with the smallest difference are present. Furthermore, inks with surface tension closest to both the pre- and post-treatment liquids can also be used.

[0183] The recording method of the inkjet printer 1 in the above embodiments is a recording method for reciprocatingly moving the carriage 3 along the main scanning direction S, which intersects the transport direction F, and ejecting liquid for a workpiece W transported along the transport direction F. This recording method includes the following steps: preparing a plurality of ink ejection units arranged along the main scanning direction S and ejecting ink, which are arranged along the main scanning direction S, as a plurality of liquid ejection units on the carriage 3; and a pair of post-processing liquid ejection units arranged on both sides of the plurality of ink ejection units in the main scanning direction S. In the prepared plurality of liquid ejection units, each pair of post-processing liquid ejection units includes a post-processing liquid nozzle area capable of ejecting post-processing liquid, and a specific nozzle area arranged in the main scanning direction S with the post-processing liquid nozzle area capable of ejecting a specific liquid different from the post-processing liquid.

[0184] Furthermore, the recording method includes the following steps during the movement of the carriage 3 in the first direction of the main scanning direction S:

[0185] Ink is ejected from at least one of the plurality of ink ejection sections toward a predetermined target position on the workpiece W; and

[0186] Post-treatment fluid is ejected from the post-treatment fluid nozzle area of ​​the post-treatment fluid ejection section disposed on the rear end side in the first direction of the pair of post-treatment fluid ejection sections toward the target position.

[0187] During the movement of the carriage 3 in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the main scanning direction S, the following steps are also performed:

[0188] Ink is ejected from at least one of the plurality of ink ejection sections toward a predetermined target position on the workpiece W; and

[0189] Post-treatment fluid is ejected from the post-treatment fluid nozzle area of ​​the post-treatment fluid ejection section disposed on the rear end side in the second direction of the pair of post-treatment fluid ejection sections toward the target position.

[0190] It should be noted that the structure of the inkjet printer 1 in the previously described embodiments can also constitute part of the disclosure of the above-described method.

[0191] It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following embodiments may also be adopted.

[0192] (1) The ink printhead 4 is not limited to being arranged in one or two rows in the carriage 3. The ink printhead 4 may also be arranged in three or more rows.

[0193] (2) In the above embodiments, a scheme in which multiple nozzles, each comprising multiple nozzle regions, are constructed with the same structure and shape has been described. However, such generally similar nozzles (liquid ejection sections) can also have the following relationships: That is, the length of the long side of the nozzle arrangement range of each liquid ejection section can be approximately the same. Furthermore, the length of the short side of the nozzle arrangement range of each liquid ejection section can also be approximately the same. Additionally, the shape of the nozzle arrangement range of each liquid ejection section can also be approximately the same. Moreover, the planar shape of each liquid ejection section and nozzle can also be approximately the same. Furthermore, the nozzle arrangement of each liquid ejection section can also be approximately the same.

[0194] (3) In the above embodiments, a scheme in which multiple printheads are mounted on the carriage 3 and multiple nozzle regions are formed has been described. However, it is also possible to mount one printhead on the carriage 3 and form multiple nozzle regions on the lower surface of the printhead. In this case, a nozzle region including a first nozzle region and a second nozzle region may be arranged with other nozzle regions including other first nozzle regions and other second nozzle regions. That is, the liquid ejection section, ink ejection section, etc. in this disclosure do not necessarily have to be printhead units.

[0195] (4) In the above embodiments, the relationship between the first nozzle region and the second nozzle region, which can eject a liquid different from that of the first nozzle region, can be expressed as follows: The second nozzle region can independently eject a liquid different from that ejected by the first nozzle region. Here, "independently ejecting a different liquid" means that, in a printing process, for example, during a scan of the carriage 3, different liquids (inks) can be ejected from the first nozzle region and the second nozzle region.

[0196] Furthermore, the second nozzle region ejects liquid held by a second liquid holding section that exists independently of the first liquid holding section that holds the liquid ejected from the first nozzle region. These first and second liquid holding sections correspond to flow paths formed within the printhead. That is, as part of the printhead's construction, by having the same number of shared flow paths as the nozzle regions and inlet and outlet holes connected to these shared flow paths, it is possible to eject different liquids in the same number as the nozzle regions. It should be noted that the first and second liquid holding sections may also include the aforementioned auxiliary tanks, or may be limited to flow paths within the printhead. For example, a printhead may include a first nozzle region and a second nozzle region, but if the same liquid is ejected from both nozzle regions during printing, liquid can be supplied from one auxiliary tank 7 to both shared flow paths. Therefore, the auxiliary tanks 7 corresponding to the two nozzle regions can be independent or shared. It should be noted that, as described above, the above explanation is not limited to the case where a printhead has two nozzle regions; multiple nozzle regions, including the first and second nozzle regions, can also be configured in a single printhead.

[0197] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0198] 1. Inkjet printer (recording device)

[0199] 3. Carriage

[0200] 4 inkjet heads

[0201] 10. Device Frame

[0202] 12 Printing Area

[0203] 13 Maintenance Area

[0204] 14 Turnaround Area

[0205] 20. Workpiece conveying section

[0206] H nozzle configuration area

[0207] W is the workpiece.

Claims

1. A recording device, wherein, The recording device includes: The conveying unit transports the recording medium along the conveying direction; The carriage reciprocates along a main scanning direction that intersects the transport direction; and Multiple liquid ejection sections are arranged on the carriage along the main scanning direction. The plurality of liquid ejection sections have: Multiple ink ejection sections, arranged along the main scanning direction, are used to eject ink; and A pair of post-processing liquid ejection sections are disposed on both sides of the plurality of ink ejection sections in the main scanning direction. The pair of post-processing liquid ejection sections each include a post-processing liquid nozzle region capable of ejecting post-processing liquid and a specific nozzle region arranged in the main scanning direction with the post-processing liquid nozzle region and capable of ejecting a specific liquid different from the post-processing liquid.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein, The specific liquid is ink. The post-processing fluid nozzle area is positioned outside the main scanning direction compared to the specific nozzle area.

3. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of ink ejector sections and the pair of post-processing liquid ejector sections are arranged at the same position in the transport direction.

4. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of ink ejection sections includes: a first nozzle region capable of ejecting a specified ink; and a second nozzle region arranged in the main scanning direction with the first nozzle region and capable of ejecting ink different from that of the first nozzle region.

5. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of liquid ejection sections also include a pretreatment liquid ejection section, which is positioned upstream of the plurality of ink ejection sections and the pair of posttreatment liquid ejection sections in the transport direction, for ejecting pretreatment liquid.

6. The recording device according to claim 5, wherein, The pretreatment liquid ejection section is disposed on the outside of the region including the plurality of ink ejection sections and the pair of posttreatment liquid ejection sections in the main scanning direction.

7. The recording device according to claim 5, wherein, The pretreatment liquid ejection section includes: a first nozzle region capable of ejecting a specified liquid; and a second nozzle region arranged in the main scanning direction with the first nozzle region and capable of ejecting a liquid different from the first nozzle region, wherein the pretreatment liquid is ejected from either the first nozzle region or the second nozzle region.

8. The recording device according to claim 5, wherein, In the main scanning direction, the distance between the pre-processing liquid ejection section and the post-processing liquid ejection section is greater than the distance between the post-processing liquid ejection section and the ink ejection section, or the distance between the ink ejection sections.

9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, On the carriage, the multiple ink ejector sections arranged along the main scanning direction form only one column.

10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of ink ejector sections is positioned at the same location in the transport direction.

11. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The specific liquid is a base ink.

12. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It has a pair of ink nozzle regions of the same color, which are arranged inside the main scanning direction relative to the post-processing liquid nozzle regions of the pair of post-processing liquid ejection sections, and eject ink of the same color from each other.

13. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It has at least one pair of ink nozzle regions of the same color, which are respectively arranged on one end side and the other end side of the main scanning direction relative to the center of the plurality of ink ejection portions, and eject ink of the same color from each other.

14. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, In the at least one pair of ink nozzle regions of the same color, the distance between the ink nozzle region of the same color and the post-treatment liquid ejection portion on one end side and the distance between the ink nozzle region of the same color and the post-treatment liquid ejection portion on the other end side are the same.

15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, In all the same-color ink nozzle regions included in the at least one pair of same-color ink nozzle regions, the distance between the same-color ink nozzle region and the post-treatment liquid ejection portion on one end side and the distance between the same-color ink nozzle region and the post-treatment liquid ejection portion on the other end side are the same.

16. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one pair of ink nozzle regions of the same color has two or more pairs. Regarding each pair of colors in the two or more pairs of ink nozzle regions of the same color, the relationship between the distance from the post-processing liquid ejection section to the ink nozzle region of each pair of colors on one end side is the same as the relationship between the distance from the post-processing liquid ejection section to the ink nozzle region of each pair of colors on the other end side.

17. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the plurality of ink ejection sections includes: a first nozzle region capable of ejecting ink; and a second nozzle region arranged in the main scanning direction alongside the first nozzle region and capable of ejecting ink different from that of the first nozzle region. The first nozzle region and the second nozzle region are configured to overlap in the main scanning direction.

18. The recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, In the at least one ink ejection section, the difference in brightness between the ink ejected from the first nozzle region and the ink ejected from the second nozzle region is greater compared to the other ink ejection sections.

19. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The pretreatment liquid ejection section is configured to be offset upstream of the plurality of ink ejection sections in the transport direction by A times the length (L) of one of the ink ejection sections in the transport direction, where 0 < A < 1.

20. The recording apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, When n is set to an integer greater than 2, the relationship A = 1 / n is satisfied.

21. The recording apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The n=2.

22. The recording apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The pretreatment liquid is not ejected from the area of ​​the pretreatment liquid ejection section that overlaps with the ink ejection section in the main scanning direction.

23. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The specific liquid is a different post-treatment liquid from the post-treatment liquid.

24. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of liquid ejection sections also include a separate post-treatment liquid ejection section that ejects a different post-treatment liquid than the post-treatment liquid.

25. A recording device, wherein, The recording device includes: The conveying unit transports the recording medium along the conveying direction; The carriage reciprocates along a main scanning direction that intersects the transport direction; and Multiple liquid ejection sections are arranged on the carriage along the main scanning direction. The plurality of liquid ejection sections have: Multiple ink nozzle regions, arranged along the main scanning direction, are used to eject ink; and A pair of post-processing liquid nozzle regions are arranged on both sides of the plurality of ink nozzle regions in the main scanning direction for ejecting post-processing liquid.

26. The recording apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, It has a pretreatment liquid nozzle area, which is positioned upstream of the plurality of ink nozzle areas and the pair of posttreatment liquid nozzle areas in the conveying direction, for dispensing pretreatment liquid.

27. A recording method wherein, for a recording medium conveyed along a transport direction, a carriage is reciprocated and liquid is ejected along a main scanning direction intersecting the transport direction, wherein, The recording method includes the following steps: As a plurality of liquid ejection sections arranged on the carriage along the main scanning direction, a plurality of ink ejection sections are prepared to be arranged along the main scanning direction and eject ink, and a pair of post-processing liquid ejection sections are arranged on both sides of the plurality of ink ejection sections in the main scanning direction. In the plurality of prepared liquid ejection sections, each pair of post-processing liquid ejection sections includes a post-processing liquid nozzle region capable of ejecting post-processing liquid, and a specific nozzle region arranged in the main scanning direction with the post-processing liquid nozzle region and capable of ejecting a specific liquid different from the post-processing liquid.

28. The recording method according to claim 27, wherein, During the movement of the carriage in the first direction of the main scanning direction, the following steps are also performed: Ink is ejected from at least one of the plurality of ink ejection sections toward a predetermined target position on the recording medium; and Post-treatment fluid is ejected from the post-treatment fluid nozzle area of ​​the post-treatment fluid ejection section disposed on the rear end side in the first direction of the pair of post-treatment fluid ejection sections toward the target position. During the movement of the carriage in a second direction opposite to the first direction of the main scanning direction, the following steps are also performed: Ink is ejected from at least one of the plurality of ink ejection sections toward a predetermined target position on the recording medium; and Post-treatment fluid is ejected from the post-treatment fluid nozzle area of ​​the post-treatment fluid ejection section disposed on the rear end side in the second direction of the pair of post-treatment fluid ejection sections toward the target position.

Images