Printer and transfer method

Abstract

The ink is less likely to be ejected in a settled state, and the ejected ink is less likely to have uneven density. [Solution] The printer 10 includes a first ink storage section 51A in which first ink is stored, a plurality of first nozzle rows 44A including a first nozzle 43A for ejecting first ink, and a first ink flow path 52A connected to the first ink storage section 51A and the first nozzle rows 44A. The first ink flow path 52A includes a forward flow path 53 having a first forward end 53a connected to the first ink storage section 51A, an upstream section 53c, a downstream section 53d located downstream of the upstream section 53c, and a second forward end 53b, a return flow path 54 having a first return end 54a connected to the downstream section 53d and a second return end 54b connected to the upstream section 53c, and a branch flow path 55 branching off from the forward flow path 53 having a first branch end 55a connected to the second forward end 53b and a second branch end 55b connected to the first nozzle row 44A.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer and a transfer method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer including an ink cartridge containing ink and a plurality of recording heads connected to one ink cartridge and discharging ink. Here, a plurality of ink supply tubes are connected to one ink cartridge.

[0003] Each ink supply tube includes a main pipe portion that occupies most of the length on the upstream side and a plurality of branch pipe portions branched from the main pipe portion on the downstream side. One recording head is connected to each branch pipe portion. A plurality of recording heads are connected to one ink cartridge via such a plurality of ink supply tubes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in the printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, ink tends to settle in the ink supply tube. In particular, with inks that tend to settle, such as white ink, the ink can settle even with a short waiting time. Therefore, in the printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, by providing a circulation channel in the ink supply tube to circulate the ink, it is possible to make it less likely for the ink to be ejected from the recording head in a settled state. However, it is necessary to provide circulation channels for multiple ink supply tubes. As a result, the degree of ink settling differs in each ink supply tube, and there is a risk of unevenness in the density of the ink ejected by each recording head.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and its purpose is to provide a printer and a transfer method that are less likely to dispense ink in a settled state and less likely to cause unevenness in ink density in the dispensed ink. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The printer according to the present invention comprises a carriage movable in the main scanning direction, an ink head provided on the carriage and having a nozzle surface, a first ink storage section containing first ink, a first nozzle row including a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting the first ink, and a first ink flow path connected to the first ink storage section and the first nozzle row. There are a plurality of first nozzle rows. The plurality of first nozzle rows are provided on the nozzle surface so as to be aligned in the main scanning direction. The first ink flow path comprises a forward flow path, a return flow path, and a branch flow path. The forward flow path has a first forward end connected to the first ink storage section, an upstream section, a downstream section located on the first nozzle row side of the upstream section, and a second forward end. The return flow path has a first return end connected to the downstream section of the forward flow path and a second return end connected to the upstream section of the forward flow path. The branch flow path has a first branch end connected to the second forward end of the forward flow path and a second branch end connected to the first nozzle row, and branches off from the forward flow path.

[0008] According to the above printer, since the first ink is ejected from multiple first nozzles constituting multiple first nozzle rows (hereinafter also referred to as the ejection of first ink from multiple first nozzle rows), the amount of first ink ejected per unit time can be increased, and the density of the first ink per unit area can be increased in a short time. Furthermore, according to the above printer, the first ink can be circulated between the forward channel and the return channel in the first ink flow path. Therefore, by circulating and agitating the first ink before ejecting it from the first nozzle rows, it is possible to prevent the first ink from being ejected in a settled state. In addition, since the first ink after circulation branches out in the branch channels and is ejected from each first nozzle row, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the density of the first ink ejected from each first nozzle row.

[0009] The transfer method according to the present invention is a transfer method that uses a printer. The printer comprises a first ink storage section containing first ink, a first nozzle row including a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting the first ink, a first ink flow path connected to the first ink storage section and the first nozzle row, a second ink storage section containing second ink of a different color from the first ink, a second nozzle row including a plurality of second nozzles for ejecting the second ink, and a second ink flow path connected to the second ink storage section and the second nozzle row. There are a plurality of first nozzle rows. The first ink flow path comprises a forward flow path, a return flow path, and a branch flow path. The forward flow path has a first forward end connected to the first ink storage section, an upstream section, a downstream section located on the first nozzle row side of the upstream section, and a second forward end. The return flow path has a first return end connected to the downstream section of the forward flow path and a second return end connected to the upstream section of the forward flow path. The branch channel has a first branch end connected to the second forward end of the forward channel and a second branch end connected to the first nozzle row, and branches off from the forward channel. The transfer method includes a first printing step, a second printing step, a powder coating step, a heating step, and a transfer step. In the first printing step, an image layer is printed on a film-like medium by ejecting the second ink from a plurality of second nozzles having at least the second nozzle row. In the second printing step, a solid color layer is printed on the medium so as to overlap the image layer by ejecting the first ink from a plurality of first nozzles having a plurality of first nozzle rows. In the powder coating step, a powder that melts when heated is applied to the solid color layer printed on the medium. In the heating step, the medium is heated to melt the powder. In the transfer step, with the powder melted, the medium is placed on the object to be transferred, and the image layer and the solid color layer are transferred to the object to be transferred. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer and a transfer method that make it difficult for ink to be ejected in a settled state and that make it difficult for unevenness in ink density to occur in the ejected ink. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic bottom view showing the configuration of the carriage and ink head bottom. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the first ink supply mechanism of the ink supply system. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the second to fifth ink supply mechanisms of the ink supply system. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which an image layer and a fill layer have been printed on the medium. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the medium showing the printing area. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the transfer method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for components and parts that perform the same function, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] Figure 1 is a front view showing the printer 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic bottom view showing the configuration of the carriage 17 and the bottom of the ink head 40 of the printer 10. Here, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent the front, back, left, right, top, and bottom of the printer 10, respectively. The symbol Y in the drawings indicates the main scanning direction. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction. The symbol X in the drawings indicates the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction X intersects (is perpendicular in this case) the main scanning direction Y in a plan view. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction X is the front-back direction. The symbol Z in the drawings represents the height direction, i.e., the up-down direction. However, these directions are merely defined for convenience and do not limit the installation configuration of the printer 10 or the present invention in any way.

[0014] Printer 10 is an inkjet printer, a so-called inkjet printer. However, the printing method of printer 10 is not particularly limited; for example, it may be a dot impact printer, a laser printer, or a thermal printer. In this embodiment, printer 10 is a so-called roll-to-roll type printer, which moves a roll-shaped medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X. However, printer 10 may also be a so-called flatbed type printer, in which the medium 5 moves in the sub-scanning direction X as the support base 13 (see Figure 1), described later, moves in the sub-scanning direction X. Furthermore, printer 10 may also be a so-called gantry type printer, in which the medium 5 itself, supported by the support base 13, does not move, but the ink head 40 (see Figure 2), described later, moves in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 performs printing on a medium 5. The medium 5 is, for example, a roll-shaped recording paper, i.e., so-called roll paper. However, the medium 5 is not limited to roll-shaped recording paper. For example, in addition to papers such as plain paper and inkjet printing paper, the medium 5 may be a resin sheet or film such as polyvinyl chloride or polyester, a plate material, a fabric such as a woven fabric or non-woven fabric, or other media. Also, as will be described later, when the printer 10 is used for transfer printing, the medium 5 may be a transparent or translucent film, i.e., a film-shaped medium.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a printer main body 11, a support base 13, a sub-scanning movement mechanism 20, a guide rail 15, a carriage 17, a main-scanning movement mechanism 30, an ink head 40 (see FIG. 2), and an ink supply mechanism 50 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer main body 11 has a casing extending in the main-scanning direction Y. The printer main body 11 is supported by legs 12. Here, the legs 12 are provided on the bottom surface of the printer main body 11. The legs 12 extend downward from the bottom surface of the printer main body 11.

[0018] An operation panel 14 is provided on the printer main body 11. In the present embodiment, the operation panel 14 is disposed on the front surface of the right end portion of the printer main body 11. The operation panel 14 includes a display screen 14a on which the state of the printer 10 and the like are displayed, and operation keys 14b that are operated and input by the user.

[0019] The support base 13 supports the medium 5. Here, the medium 5 is placed on the upper surface of the support base 13. Printing is performed on the medium 5 on the support base 13. The upper surface of the support base 13 extends in the main-scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X.

[0020] The medium 5 supported on the support base 13 is movable in the sub-scanning direction X by the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20. The sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 is a mechanism that moves the medium 5 supported on the support base 13 relative to the ink head 40 in the sub-scanning direction X. Here, the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 is configured to move the medium 5 on the support base 13 in the sub-scanning direction X. The configuration of the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 includes a pinch roller 21, a grit roller 22, and a feed motor 23. The pinch roller 21 is provided above the support base 13 and below the guide rail 15, and presses down on the medium 5 from above. In a plan view, the pinch roller 21 is positioned behind the carriage 17. The grit roller 22 is provided on the support base 13. Here, the grit roller 22 is embedded in the support base 13 with its upper surface exposed. The grit roller 22 has, for example, a cylindrical outer circumference shape. The grid roller 22 faces the pinch roller 21 and is positioned below the pinch roller 21. The medium 5 is sandwiched between the grid roller 22 and the pinch roller 21. A feed motor 23 is connected to the grid roller 22. In Figure 1, two pinch rollers 21 are shown, but in reality, multiple (e.g., three or more) pinch rollers 21 are arranged in the main scanning direction Y. Similarly, although two grid rollers 22 are shown, in reality, multiple (e.g., three or more) grid rollers 22 are arranged in the main scanning direction Y, positioned below the pinch rollers 21. The multiple grid rollers 22 are connected, for example, to a shaft (not shown) extending in the main scanning direction Y. The feed motor 23 is connected to one of the multiple grid rollers 22, or to the shaft.

[0021] Here, with the medium 5 sandwiched between the pinch roller 21 and the grid roller 22, the feed motor 23 is driven. The drive of the feed motor 23 causes the shaft and the multiple grid rollers 22 to rotate, and the medium 5 supported by the support base 13 moves in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the guide rail 15 is positioned above the support base 13. The guide rail 15 is positioned parallel to the upper surface of the support base 13 and extends in the main scanning direction Y. A carriage 17 is engaged with the guide rail 15. The carriage 17 is slidably mounted on the guide rail 15. The carriage 17 is configured to be movable along the guide rail 15 in the main scanning direction Y.

[0023] The main scanning movement mechanism 30 is a mechanism that moves the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 (see Figure 2) relative to the medium 5 supported on the support base 13 in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the main scanning movement mechanism 30 moves the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. The configuration of the main scanning movement mechanism 30 is not particularly limited.

[0024] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the main scanning movement mechanism 30 comprises left and right pulleys 31a and 31b, a belt 32, and a scan motor 33. The left pulley 31a is provided around the left end of the guide rail 15. The right pulley 31b is provided around the right end of the guide rail 15. The belt 32 is, for example, an endless belt and is wrapped around the left and right pulleys 31a and 31b. A carriage 17 is attached and fixed to the belt 32. The scan motor 33 is connected to the right pulley 31b.

[0025] Here, the scan motor 33 is driven, causing the right pulley 31b to rotate, and the belt 32 to travel between the left and right pulleys 31a and 31b. As a result, the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 move along the guide rail 15 in the main scanning direction Y.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the ink head 40 is mounted on the carriage 17. Here, the ink head 40 is supported by the carriage 17 such that its bottom surface is exposed downwards. The ink head 40 ejects ink. The number of ink heads 40 is not particularly limited. Here, there is one ink head 40. For example, if there are multiple ink heads 40, the multiple ink heads 40 are arranged in a line in the main scanning direction Y.

[0027] In this embodiment, the ink head 40 has a plurality of nozzles 43 and a nozzle surface 45 on which the plurality of nozzles 43 are formed. The nozzle surface 45 constitutes the bottom surface of the ink head 40.

[0028] The nozzles 43 are formed on the nozzle surface 45 and eject ink. In this embodiment, a plurality of nozzles 43 are formed on the nozzle surface 45. Here, some of the nozzles 43 among the plurality of nozzles 43 are arranged in a line in the sub-scanning direction X. A row of nozzles 43 arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is called a nozzle row 44. In this embodiment, there are eight nozzle rows 44 formed on the ink head 40. However, the number of nozzle rows 44 is not particularly limited. Hereinafter, when we say that ink is being ejected from a nozzle row 44, we mean that ink is being ejected from the nozzles 43 that make up the nozzle row 44.

[0029] In this embodiment, it is possible to eject multiple colors of ink from the ink head 40. Specifically, it is possible to eject five colors of ink from the ink head 40: first ink, second ink, third ink, fourth ink, and fifth ink. However, the number of ink colors ejected from the ink head 40 is not limited to five colors; it may be four or fewer colors, or six or more colors. Here, the first ink, second ink, third ink, fourth ink, and fifth ink are different colors.

[0030] The first ink is an ink that tends to settle over time. The first ink has a property that makes it more prone to settling than the other inks (e.g., the second to fifth inks). Also, the first ink is used in larger quantities compared to the second to fifth inks, and is the ink that is dispensed, for example, when forming the opaque layer L2 (see Figure 6) described later. The first ink is, for example, white ink. However, the first ink is not limited to white ink, and may be gloss ink, undercoat ink (e.g., primer ink), etc.

[0031] Inks 2 through 5 are less prone to settling compared to ink 1. Inks 2 through 5 are inks ejected when printing an image and are used to form the image. Inks 2 through 5 are inks ejected when forming the image layer L1 (see Figure 6), which is formed on top of the fill layer L2, as described later. Inks 2 through 5 are, for example, process color inks. For example, inks 2, 3, 4, and 5 are black ink, yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink, respectively.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, among the nozzles 43, the nozzles 43 that eject the first ink, second ink, third ink, fourth ink, and fifth ink are referred to as the first nozzle 43A, second nozzle 43B, third nozzle 43C, fourth nozzle 43D, and fifth nozzle 43E, respectively. The nozzle 43 has the first nozzle 43A, the second nozzle 43B, the third nozzle 43C, the fourth nozzle 43D, and the fifth nozzle 43E.

[0033] Here, the first nozzles 43A are arranged in a row in the sub-scanning direction X, and the row of multiple first nozzles 43A arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is called the first nozzle row 44A. Similarly, the second nozzles 43B to the fifth nozzles 43E are each arranged in a row in the sub-scanning direction X. The row of multiple second nozzles 43B arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is called the second nozzle row 44B, and the row of multiple third nozzles 43C arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is called the third nozzle row 44C. Also, the row of multiple fourth nozzles 43D arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is called the fourth nozzle row 44D, and the row of multiple fifth nozzles 43E arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is called the fifth nozzle row 44E. In this embodiment, the nozzle row 44 has the first nozzle row 44A, the second nozzle row 44B, the third nozzle row 44C, the fourth nozzle row 44D, and the fifth nozzle row 44E.

[0034] In this embodiment, there are multiple first nozzle rows 44A. For example, there are three or more first nozzle rows 44A, and in this case, there are four. The number of each of the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E is less than the number of first nozzle rows 44A. In this case, there is one of each of the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E. However, there may be multiple second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E. The number of each of the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the multiple first nozzle rows 44A are arranged adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction (in this case, the main scanning direction Y). Here, "adjacent" means that there are no other nozzle rows (in this case, the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E) arranged between the first nozzle rows 44A aligned in the main scanning direction Y. Multiple first nozzle rows 44A are arranged on one side (in this case, the right side) of the main scanning direction Y relative to the second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E. The second nozzle rows 44B to the fifth nozzle rows 44E are arranged in line with the main scanning direction Y on the other side (in this case, the left side) of the main scanning direction Y relative to the first nozzle rows 44A.

[0035] Next, the ink supply mechanism 50 will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the first ink supply mechanism 50A of the ink supply mechanism 50. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the second ink supply mechanism 50B to the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E of the ink supply mechanism 50. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the ink supply mechanism 50 is a mechanism that supplies ink to the nozzles 43 of the ink head 40. In this embodiment, one ink supply mechanism 50 is provided for each ink color. Here, since it is possible to eject five colors of ink, there are five ink supply mechanisms 50. As shown in Figure 3, the ink supply mechanism 50 has a first ink supply mechanism 50A connected to the first nozzle 43A that constitutes the first nozzle row 44A. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the ink supply mechanism 50 includes a second ink supply mechanism 50B connected to the second nozzle 43B constituting the second nozzle row 44B, a third ink supply mechanism 50C connected to the third nozzle 43C constituting the third nozzle row 44C, a fourth ink supply mechanism 50D connected to the fourth nozzle 43D constituting the fourth nozzle row 44D, and a fifth ink supply mechanism 50E connected to the fifth nozzle 43E constituting the fifth nozzle row 44E.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the first ink supply mechanism 50A supplies first ink to a plurality of first nozzles 43A that constitute four first nozzle rows 44A. The first ink supply mechanism 50A includes a first ink storage section 51A, a first ink flow path 52A, and a circulation pump 58.

[0037] In the following description, the ink storage section side will be referred to as the upstream side, and the nozzle row side as the downstream side. The first ink storage section 51A contains the first ink. Here, the ink storage section refers to, for example, an ink tank or an ink cartridge. The first ink storage section 51A is housed in, for example, a storage section (not shown) provided in the printer body 11 (see Figure 1), and is supported by the printer body 11.

[0038] The first ink channel 52A is connected to the first ink storage section 51A and the first nozzle row 44A (more specifically, to the four first nozzles 43A that make up the first nozzle row 44A). The first ink stored in the first ink storage section 51A flows through the first ink channel 52A, and the first ink is supplied to the first nozzle row 44A through the first ink channel 52A. The first ink channel 52A is made up of, for example, a flexible tube. The first ink channel 52A has a circulation function that circulates the first ink.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first ink channel 52A comprises a forward channel 53, a return channel 54, and a branch channel 55. The forward channel 53 is the channel mainly used when supplying the first ink from the first ink storage section 51A to the first nozzle row 44A. The forward channel 53 has a first forward end 53a, a second forward end 53b, an upstream section 53c, and a downstream section 53d.

[0040] Here, the first forward end 53a constitutes the upstream end of the forward flow path 53. The first ink storage section 51A is connected to the first forward end 53a. The second forward end 53b constitutes the downstream end of the forward flow path 53. The second forward end 53b is located downstream of the first forward end 53a, i.e., on the side of the first nozzle row 44A. In this embodiment, a branch flow path 55 is connected to the second forward end 53b.

[0041] The upstream section 53c constitutes the portion of the forward flow path 53 located downstream of the first forward end 53a. Here, the first forward end 53a is located upstream of the upstream section 53c. However, the upstream section 53c may include the first forward end 53a. That is, the upstream section 53c may include the upstream end of the forward flow path 53. The downstream section 53d is located downstream of the upstream section 53c, on the side of the first nozzle row 44A. The downstream section 53d is located downstream of the first forward end 53a. Furthermore, the downstream section 53d constitutes the portion of the forward flow path 53 located upstream of the second forward end 53b. Here, the second forward end 53b is located downstream of the downstream section 53d. However, the downstream section 53d may include the second forward end 53b. That is, the downstream section 53d may include the downstream end of the forward flow path 53.

[0042] The return channel 54 is a channel for returning the first ink from the downstream side to the upstream side. Here, the first ink is circulated and agitated by flowing through the return channel 54 and the forward channel 53. The return channel 54 is connected to the forward channel 53 so as to form a ring together with the forward channel 53. In this embodiment, the return channel 54 has a first return end 54a and a second return end 54b. The first return end 54a constitutes the downstream end of the return channel 54. The downstream section 53d of the forward channel 53 is connected to the first return end 54a. In this embodiment, a downstream Y-shaped branch 53da is provided in the middle of the downstream section 53d. The first return end 54a is connected to the downstream Y-shaped branch 53da and is connected to the downstream section 53d via the downstream Y-shaped branch 53da. The first return end 54a is in communication with the downstream section 53d via the downstream Y-shaped branch 53da.

[0043] The second return end 54b constitutes the upstream end of the return channel 54. The second return end 54b is located upstream of the first return end 54a, i.e., on the side of the first ink storage section 51A. In this embodiment, the upstream section 53c of the forward channel 53 is connected to the second return end 54b. In this embodiment, an upstream Y-shaped branch 53ca is provided in the middle of the upstream section 53c. The second return end 54b is connected to the upstream Y-shaped branch 53ca and is connected to the upstream section 53c via the upstream Y-shaped branch 53ca. The second return end 54b is in communication with the upstream section 53c via the upstream Y-shaped branch 53ca.

[0044] The branch channel 55 connects the forward channel 53 to the four first nozzle rows 44A. The branch channel 55 is located downstream of the forward channel 53. Here, the branch channel 55 branches out, and each branched channel is connected to each first nozzle row 44A. In this embodiment, the branch channel 55 has a first branch end 55a and a second branch end 55b. The first branch end 55a constitutes the upstream end of the branch channel 55. The second forward end 53b of the forward channel 53 is connected to the first branch end 55a. The second branch end 55b constitutes the downstream end of the branch channel 55 and is the end that is connected to each first nozzle row 44A. The second branch end 55b is located downstream of the first branch end 55a. In this embodiment, the first nozzle 43A that constitutes the first nozzle row 44A is connected to the second branch end 55b.

[0045] Here, the branch channel 55 branches out into several paths as it moves downstream. In this embodiment, the branch channel 55 has a first branch channel 56a, a second branch channel 56b, a third branch channel 56c, a fourth branch channel 56d, a fifth branch channel 56e, and a sixth branch channel 56f.

[0046] The first branch channel 56a and the second branch channel 56b are channels that branch off from the forward channel 53. In this embodiment, the first Y-shaped branch 57a is connected to the second forward end 53b of the forward channel 53. The upstream end of the first branch channel 56a and the upstream end of the second branch channel 56b are connected to the first Y-shaped branch 57a, and via the first Y-shaped branch 57a, they are connected to the second forward end 53b of the forward channel 53. In this embodiment, the upstream end of the first branch channel 56a and the upstream end of the second branch channel 56b constitute the first branch end 55a.

[0047] The third branch channel 56c and the fourth branch channel 56d are channels that branch off from the first branch channel 56a. In this embodiment, the second Y-shaped branch 57b is connected to the downstream end of the first branch channel 56a. The upstream ends of the third branch channel 56c and the upstream end of the fourth branch channel 56d are connected to the second Y-shaped branch 57b, and via the second Y-shaped branch 57b, they are connected to the first branch channel 56a.

[0048] Similarly, the fifth branch channel 56e and the sixth branch channel 56f are channels that branch off from the second branch channel 56b. In this embodiment, the third Y-shaped branch 57c is connected to the downstream end of the second branch channel 56b. The upstream ends of the fifth branch channel 56e and the sixth branch channel 56f are connected to the third Y-shaped branch 57c, and via the third Y-shaped branch 57c, they are connected to the second branch channel 56b.

[0049] In this embodiment, one first nozzle row 44A is connected to each of the third branch channel 56c, the fourth branch channel 56d, the fifth branch channel 56e, and the sixth branch channel 56f. Specifically, of the four first nozzle rows 44A, the first nozzle row 44Aa is connected to the downstream end of the third branch channel 56c, the first nozzle row 44Ab is connected to the downstream end of the fourth branch channel 56d, the first nozzle row 44Ac is connected to the downstream end of the fifth branch channel 56e, and the first nozzle row 44Ad is connected to the downstream end of the sixth branch channel 56f.

[0050] The circulation pump 58 is a pump for circulating the first ink between the forward channel 53 and the return channel 54. The circulation pump 58 is installed, for example, in the middle of the return channel 54. When the circulation pump 58 is driven, it is configured to flow the first ink from the downstream side to the upstream side of the return channel 54. The first ink that reaches the second return end 54b of the return channel 54 flows into the forward channel 53 and flows downstream of the forward channel 53. When the circulation pump 58 is driven, the first ink that reaches the second forward end 53b of the forward channel 53 flows towards the return channel 54. In this way, when the circulation pump 58 is driven, the first ink circulates between the forward channel 53 and the return channel 54.

[0051] Although not shown in the diagram, in the first ink supply mechanism 50A, a shut-off valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) capable of opening and closing the forward flow path 53 may be provided in the portion of the forward flow path 53 downstream of the first return end 54a of the return flow path 54. Here, by driving the circulation pump 58 with the shut-off valve closed, the first ink can be easily circulated between the forward flow path 53 and the return flow path 54. In addition, in the first ink supply mechanism 50A, a liquid transfer pump (not shown) may be provided in the forward flow path 53 to facilitate the supply of the first ink toward the first nozzle row 44A. Here, by driving the liquid transfer pump with the above-mentioned shut-off valve open, the supply of the first ink from the first ink storage section 51A to the first nozzle row 44A can be facilitated.

[0052] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the second ink supply mechanism 50B to the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E will be described. The second ink supply mechanism 50B supplies second ink to a plurality of second nozzles 43B that constitute the second nozzle row 44B. The third ink supply mechanism 50C supplies third ink to a plurality of third nozzles 43C that constitute the third nozzle row 44C. The fourth ink supply mechanism 50D supplies fourth ink to a plurality of fourth nozzles 43D that constitute the fourth nozzle row 44D, and the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E supplies fifth ink to a plurality of fifth nozzles 43E that constitute the fifth nozzle row 44E.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second ink supply mechanism 50B to the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E have the same configuration, but differ in configuration from the first ink supply mechanism 50A and do not have a circulation function for circulating ink.

[0054] The second ink supply mechanism 50B includes a second ink storage section 51B and a second ink flow path 52B. The second ink storage section 51B has the same configuration as the first ink storage section 51A (see Figure 3), except that it stores the second ink. The second ink flow path 52B is connected to the second ink storage section 51B and the second nozzle row 44B. In this embodiment, the second ink is not circulated by the second ink flow path 52B.

[0055] The third ink supply mechanism 50C includes a third ink storage section 51C containing the third ink, and a third ink flow path 52C connected to the third ink storage section 51C and the third nozzle row 44C. One end of the third ink flow path 52C is connected to the third ink storage section 51C, and the other end is connected to the third nozzle 43C which constitutes the third nozzle row 44C. The fourth ink supply mechanism 50D includes a fourth ink storage section 51D containing the fourth ink, and a fourth ink flow path 52D connected to the fourth ink storage section 51D and the fourth nozzle row 44D. One end of the fourth ink flow path 52D is connected to the fourth ink storage section 51D, and the other end is connected to the fourth nozzle 43D which constitutes the fourth nozzle row 44D. Furthermore, the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E includes a fifth ink storage section 51E in which the fifth ink is stored, and a fifth ink flow path 52E connected to the fifth ink storage section 51E and the fifth nozzle row 44E. One end of the fifth ink flow path 52E is connected to the fifth ink storage section 51E, and the other end is connected to the fifth nozzle 43E which constitutes the fifth nozzle row 44E.

[0056] Although not shown in the diagram, in the second ink supply mechanism 50B to the fifth ink supply mechanism 50E, a liquid supply pump or an on-off valve may be provided in the second ink flow path 52B to the fifth ink flow path 52E. In this case, by driving the liquid supply pump with the on-off valve open, the supply of ink to the second nozzle row 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E can be accelerated.

[0057] In this embodiment, the sizes of the first ink storage section 51A to the fifth ink storage section 51E are the same. In other words, the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the first ink storage section 51A to the fifth ink storage section 51E is the same.

[0058] In this embodiment, the printer 10 includes a control device 70. The control device 70 is a device that performs control related to printing. The configuration of the control device 70 is not particularly limited. The control device 70 is, for example, a microcomputer. The configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited. The control device 70 includes, for example, an interface (I / F) for receiving print data from an external device such as a host computer, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions for the control program, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the program executed by the CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a working area for expanding the program, and a memory that stores the program and various data. The control device 70 is located inside the printer body 11. However, the control device 70 may be implemented by a computer (for example, a personal computer) installed outside the printer body 11. In this case, the control device 70 is preferably connected to the control board (not shown) of the printer 10 via wired or wireless communication.

[0059] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the printer 10. As shown in Figure 5, the control device 70 is communicatively connected to the operation panel 14 (specifically the display screen 14a and operation keys 14b), the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 (specifically the feed motor 23), the main scanning movement mechanism 30 (specifically the scan motor 33), the ink head 40, and the circulation pump 58 of the first ink supply mechanism 50A. The control device 70 controls the operation panel 14, the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20, the main scanning movement mechanism 30, the ink head 40, and the circulation pump 58.

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the ink head 40 has four first nozzle rows 44A and one second nozzle row 44B to a fifth nozzle row 44E, as described above. The control device 70 can control the ejection or non-ejection of ink for each of the first nozzle rows 44A to the fifth nozzle rows 44E. Here, for example, a piezo is provided for each of the first nozzle rows 44A to the fifth nozzle rows 44E. The control device 70 is configured to control the piezo, and by controlling each piezo, it can control the ejection or non-ejection of ink for each of the first nozzle rows 44A to the fifth nozzle rows 44E. Furthermore, the control device 70 can control the ejection or non-ejection of the first ink for each of the four first nozzle rows 44A. Here, for example, a piezo is provided for each of the four first nozzle rows 44A. By controlling each piezo, the control device 70 can control the ejection or non-ejection of the first ink for each of the four first nozzle rows 44A.

[0061] In this embodiment, the control device 70 includes a storage unit 71, an image printing unit 73, and a fill printing unit 75. Here, the storage unit 71, the image printing unit 73, and the fill printing unit 75 may be configured by software or by hardware. For example, the storage unit 71, the image printing unit 73, and the fill printing unit 75 may be implemented by one or more processors or incorporated into a circuit.

[0062] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 printed on the medium 5. Figure 7 is a plan view of the medium 5 showing the printing area AR1. Incidentally, it is possible to perform so-called overprinting using the printer 10 according to this embodiment. Here, as shown in Figure 6, the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 are superimposed and overprinted on the medium 5.

[0063] Image layer L1 is the layer that forms the print image 99 (see Figure 5) to be printed. Here, as shown in Figure 5, the print image 99 is, for example, an image prepared by the user and stored in the storage unit 71. The print image 99 is saved in, for example, PDF (Portable Document Format) format and is an image created by image creation software. The image layer L1 shown in Figure 6 is a layer formed by process color inks, specifically the second to fifth inks. The image layer L1 is formed by the second to fifth inks ejected from the second nozzles 43B to 5th nozzles 43E, which constitute the second to fifth nozzle rows 44B to 44E.

[0064] Image layer L1 is a layer formed by control of the image printing unit 73 in Figure 5. Based on the print image 99 stored in the storage unit 71, the image printing unit 73 forms image layer L1 within a pre-set print area AR1 (see Figure 7) on the medium 5. The image printing unit 73 controls the main scanning movement mechanism 30 to move the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. While the ink head 40 is moving in the main scanning direction Y, the image printing unit 73 ejects the second to fifth inks from the second nozzle row 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E to print one line of image layer L1. After printing one line, the image printing unit 73 controls the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 to move the support base 13 supporting the medium 5 by a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction X. After that, the image printing unit 73 moves the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y to print the next line of image layer L1. In this way, by repeatedly alternating between printing one line of image layer L1 and moving the medium 5 supported by the support base 13 in the sub-scanning direction X, the image layer L1 can be printed and formed on the medium 5.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, the fill layer L2 is a layer formed to cover and overlap the image layer L1. The fill layer L2 is a layer formed by a first ink, which is a white ink. The fill layer L2 is formed by the first ink ejected from the first nozzles 43A that constitute the four first nozzle rows 44A.

[0066] The solid fill layer L2 is a layer formed by the control of the solid fill printing unit 75 shown in Figure 5. The solid fill printing unit 75 forms the solid fill layer L2 by filling the printing area AR1 with the first ink. The solid fill printing unit 75 forms the solid fill layer L2 so as to overlap with the image layer L1 by solidly filling the printing area AR1 with the first ink. Here, the solid fill printing unit 75 controls the main scanning movement mechanism 30 to move the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. While the ink head 40 is moving in the main scanning direction Y, the solid fill printing unit 75 ejects the first ink from the four first nozzle rows 44A to print one line of the solid fill layer L2. After printing one line, the solid fill printing unit 75 controls the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 to move the support base 13 supporting the medium 5 by a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction X. Subsequently, the fill printing unit 75 moves the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y to print the next line of fill layer L2. In this way, by repeatedly alternating between printing one line of fill layer L2 and moving the medium 5 supported by the support base 13 in the sub-scanning direction X, a fill layer L2 can be formed on the medium 5.

[0067] As in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a printer 10 equipped with multiple first nozzle rows 44A can eject more first ink during one reciprocal movement of the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. By utilizing these characteristics of the printer 10, the printer 10 can perform transfer printing on the medium 5. For example, the printer 10 is a DTF (Direct to Film) printer. Here, DTF refers to a technology for printing images onto a transparent film for DTF. Therefore, in the case of a DTF printer 10, the medium 5 is a transparent or translucent film (in this case, a DTF film).

[0068] Next, a transfer method for transferring an object to be transferred 98 using the printer 10 according to this embodiment will be described in accordance with the flowchart in Figure 8. Here, the object to be transferred 98 is, for example, clothing made of cloth (e.g., a T-shirt), but the type of object to be transferred is not particularly limited. As shown in Figure 8, the transfer method according to this embodiment includes a first printing step S101, a second printing step S102, a powder coating step S103, a heating step S104, and a transfer step S105.

[0069] First, in the first printing step S101, an image layer L1 with a printed image 99 (see Figure 5) is printed onto the film-like medium 5, as shown in Figure 6. Here, the printer 10 prints the image layer L1 onto the medium 5. The image printing unit 73 in Figure 5 ejects the second to fifth inks from the second nozzle row 44B to the fifth nozzle row 44E based on the printed image 99 stored in the storage unit 71, and prints the image layer L1 onto the medium 5.

[0070] Subsequently, in the second printing step S102 shown in Figure 8, a solid fill layer L2 is printed on the medium 5 as shown in Figure 6. Here, the solid fill layer L2 is printed on the medium 5 so as to cover the image layer L1 printed on the medium 5. The solid fill layer L2 is printed on the medium 5 so as to overlap with the image layer L1. Here, the printer 10 prints the solid fill layer L2 on the medium 5. The solid fill printing unit 75 in Figure 5 can form a solid fill layer L2 and print it on the medium 5 by ejecting first ink from multiple first nozzle rows 44A (in this case, four first nozzle rows 44A). In this embodiment, the first ink ejected from the four first nozzle rows 44A has four times the ejection volume and a density of about 400% compared to the second to fifth inks ejected from each second nozzle row 44B to fifth nozzle row 44E. Therefore, the solid fill layer L2 dries more slowly than the image layer L1.

[0071] After printing the opaque layer L2 onto the medium 5 in this manner, the powder coating step S103 in Figure 8 involves applying powder onto the opaque layer L2. Here, the powder is applied to the opaque layer L2 by the user. The powder referred to here is a powder that melts when heated, and is a heat powder (or hot melt powder) for DTF. In this embodiment, the powder is applied to the opaque layer L2 while it is still wet. Therefore, the applied powder adheres easily to the opaque layer L2 and blends in well.

[0072] After applying the powder in this manner, the medium 5 is heated in heating step S104 in Figure 8. Here, the medium 5, on which the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 are printed and on which the powder is applied to the fill layer L2, is heated. The method of heating the medium 5 is not particularly limited. For example, the medium 5 may be heated by a heating device (not shown). For example, the support base 13 of the printer 10 is provided with a heater for heating the support base 13, and this heater may be the heating device. In this case, the support base 13 and the medium 5 supported by the support base 13 can be heated by driving the heater while the medium 5 is supported on the support base 13. Also, the heating device may be separate from the printer 10.

[0073] When this heating process S104 is performed, the powder applied to the opaque layer L2 printed on the medium 5 melts. The melting of the powder imparts adhesive properties to the opaque layer L2. In other words, the opaque layer L2 with the melted powder has adhesive properties.

[0074] Next, in the transfer step S105 shown in Figure 8, the image layer L1 and the solid color layer L2 printed on the heated medium 5 are transferred to the object to be transferred 98. In this embodiment, for example, a transfer device (not shown) can be used to transfer to the object to be transferred 98. The type of transfer device is not particularly limited and may be a conventionally known device. Here, the transfer device is a device that can transfer to the object to be transferred 98 by pressing the medium 5 toward the object to be transferred 98 while the object to be transferred 98 is placed on top of the medium 5. Here, the object to be transferred 98 is placed in contact with the side of the solid color layer L2 of the medium 5 where the powder is applied. Then, the part of the medium 5 that overlaps with the object to be transferred 98 is pressed. At this time, since the powder applied to the solid color layer L2 has melted, the solid color layer L2 adheres to the object to be transferred. After pressing, the medium 5 is peeled off the object to be transferred 98. At this time, the image layer L1 and the fill layer L2 peel off from the medium 5, allowing them to be transferred to the object to be transferred 98.

[0075] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the printer 10 includes a first ink storage section 51A, a first nozzle row 44A, and a first ink flow path 52A. The first ink storage section 51A contains first ink. As shown in Figure 2, the first nozzle row 44A includes a plurality of first nozzles 43A that eject the first ink. As shown in Figure 3, the first ink flow path 52A is connected to the first ink storage section 51A and the first nozzle row 44A. There are a plurality of first nozzle rows 44A. The first ink flow path 52A includes a forward flow path 53, a return flow path 54, and a branch flow path 55. The forward flow path 53 has a first forward end 53a connected to the first ink storage section 51A, an upstream end 53c, a downstream end 53d located on the first nozzle row 44A side of the upstream end 53c, and a second forward end 53b. The return channel 54 has a first return end 54a connected to the downstream part 53d of the forward channel 53 and a second return end 54b connected to the upstream part 53c of the forward channel 53. The branch channel 55 has a first branch end 55a connected to the second forward end 53b of the forward channel 53 and a second branch end 55b connected to the first nozzle row 44A. The branch channel 55 branches off from the forward channel 53.

[0076] In this embodiment, since the first ink is discharged from multiple first nozzles 43A constituting multiple first nozzle rows 44A, the amount of first ink discharged per unit time can be increased, and the concentration of the first ink per unit area can be increased in a short time. In addition, in this embodiment, the first ink can be circulated between the forward channel 53 and the return channel 54 in the first ink flow path 52A. Therefore, by discharging the first ink from the first nozzle row 44A while it is circulated and agitated, it is less likely that the first ink will be discharged in a settled state. Furthermore, since the first ink after circulation branches out in the branch channels 55 and is discharged from each first nozzle row 44A, it is less likely that unevenness in the concentration of the first ink discharged from each first nozzle row 44A will occur.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first ink is white ink. Compared to other inks (e.g., process color inks), white ink is more prone to settling. Therefore, by circulating the white ink between the forward channel 53 and the return channel 54 of the first ink channel 52A, it is possible to prevent the white ink from being discharged in a settled state. Thus, it is possible to prevent unevenness in density caused by the white ink.

[0078] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the printer 10 includes a second ink reservoir 51B, a second nozzle row 44B, and a second ink channel 52B. The second ink reservoir 51B contains a second ink that is a different color from the first ink. The second ink is, for example, process color ink. As shown in Figure 2, the second nozzle row 44B includes a plurality of second nozzles 43B that eject the second ink. As shown in Figure 4, the second ink channel 52B is connected to the second ink reservoir 51B and the second nozzle row 44B. As a result, the second ink is process color ink, which is less prone to settling than the first ink. Therefore, even if the second ink is not circulated in the second ink channel 52B through which the second ink flows, it is less likely that the second ink will be ejected in a settled state. Thus, since the second ink channel 52B does not need to have a return channel 54 like the first ink channel 52A, the number of parts in the printer 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the printer 10 can be reduced.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first ink storage section 51A and the second ink storage section 51B (specifically, the first to fifth ink storage sections 51A and 51E) are the same size. As a result, even in the case of the first ink, which has a large discharge rate per unit time, the size of the first ink storage section 51A containing the first ink is the same as that of the second ink storage section 51B and is not relatively large. Therefore, the first ink is less likely to settle in the first ink storage section 51A.

[0080] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, multiple first nozzle rows 44A are arranged in a predetermined direction (here, the main scanning direction Y). No other nozzle rows (second nozzle rows 44B to fifth nozzle rows 44E) are arranged between the first nozzle rows 44 arranged in the main scanning direction Y. By arranging multiple first nozzle rows 44A, which eject the same first ink, together on one side of the main scanning direction Y (the right side in Figure 2), it is possible to reduce the likelihood of misalignment in the landing position of the first ink on the medium 5.

[0081] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the branch channel 55 has a first branch channel 56a and a second branch channel 56b branching off from the forward channel 53, a third branch channel 56c and a fourth branch channel 56d branching off from the first branch channel 56a, and a fifth branch channel 56e and a sixth branch channel 56f branching off from the second branch channel 56b. The third branch channel 56c, the fourth branch channel 56d, the fifth branch channel 56e, and the sixth branch channel 56f are each connected to one first nozzle row 44A. This prevents the configuration of the branch channel 55 from becoming complicated and makes it easier to supply the first ink from the first ink storage section 51A to each first nozzle row 44A.

[0082] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the printer 10 includes a control device 70. The control device 70 includes an image printing unit 73 and a fill printing unit 75. The image printing unit 73 ejects second ink from at least the second nozzle 43B (here, second to fifth ink from the second nozzle 43B to the fifth nozzle 43E) to print an image layer L1 (see Figure 6) within a predetermined printing area AR1 (see Figure 7) of the medium 5. The fill printing unit 75 ejects first ink from the first nozzle 43A to fill the printing area AR1, thereby printing a fill layer L2 (see Figure 6) on the medium 5 so as to overlap with the image layer L1. As a result, since the fill layer L2 is a layer formed only of first ink, more first ink is ejected. In this embodiment, since there are multiple first nozzle rows 44 from which the first ink is ejected, even when printing a solid fill layer L2 with a large amount of first ink ejected, the amount of first ink ejected per unit time can be increased, thus shortening the printing time.

[0083] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, there are four first nozzle rows 44A that eject the first ink. This makes it possible to increase the amount of first ink ejected per unit time by approximately four times compared to, for example, the case where there is one first nozzle row 44A. Therefore, the printing time can be shortened.

[0084] The transfer method according to this embodiment is a transfer method that uses the printer 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the transfer method includes a first printing step S101, a second printing step S102, a powder coating step S103, a heating step S104, and a transfer step S105. In the first printing step S101, an image layer L1 (see Figure 6) is printed on a film-like medium 5 by ejecting a second ink (here, a second ink to a fifth ink from a plurality of second nozzles 43B to 5th nozzles 43E, which are at least a plurality of second nozzles 44B to 5th nozzle rows 44E) onto the medium 5. In the second printing step S102, a first ink is ejected from a plurality of first nozzles 43A, which are a plurality of first nozzle rows 44A, to print a fill layer L2 (see Figure 6) onto the medium 5 so as to overlap with the image layer L1. In the powder coating step S103, a powder that melts when heated is applied to the solid color layer L2 printed on the medium 5. In the heating step S104, the medium 5 is heated to melt the powder. In the transfer step S105, with the powder still melted, the medium 5 is placed on the object to be transferred 98, and the image layer L1 and the solid color layer L2 are transferred to the object to be transferred 98.

[0085] In this embodiment, in the second printing step S102, the first ink is ejected from a plurality of first nozzle rows 44A to print the solid color layer L2. As a result, the density of the first ink is high in the solid color layer L2, making it difficult to dry. Therefore, in the powder coating step S103, powder can be applied to the solid color layer L2 while it is still wet, making it easier for the powder to adhere to the solid color layer L2. Thus, the printer 10 according to this embodiment is particularly useful when performing transfer printing on a film-like medium 5.

[0086] <Other Inventions> A printer according to another invention comprises a first ink storage section containing first ink, a first nozzle row including a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting the first ink, and a first ink flow path connected to the first ink storage section and the first nozzle row. The first nozzle row is plurality. The first ink flow path comprises a forward flow path, a return flow path, and a branch flow path. The forward flow path has a first forward end connected to the first ink storage section, an upstream section, a downstream section located on the first nozzle row side of the upstream section, and a second forward end. The return flow path has a first return end connected to the downstream section of the forward flow path and a second return end connected to the upstream section of the forward flow path. The branch flow path has a first branch end connected to the second forward end of the forward flow path and a second branch end connected to the first nozzle row, and branches off from the forward flow path. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10 Printers 43A Nozzle No. 1 43B Nozzle No. 2 44A Nozzle Row 1 44B Second Nozzle Row 51A First ink reservoir 51B Second ink reservoir 52A First Ink Flow Channel 52B Second Ink Channel 53 Forward flow path 53a First forward end 53b Second forward end 53c upstream part 53d downstream 54 Return flow path 54a 1st return end 54b 2nd return end 55 Branch channel 55a First branch end 55b Second branch end 56a 1st branch channel 56b 2nd branch flow path 56c 3rd branch channel 56d 4th branch flow path 56e 5th branch flow path 56f 6th branch flow path 70 Control device 73 Image Printing Department 75. Solid color printing area

Claims

1. A carriage that can move in the main scanning direction, The carriage is provided with an ink head having a nozzle surface, A first ink storage section containing the first ink, A first nozzle row including a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting the first ink, The first ink storage section and the first ink flow path connected to the first nozzle row, Equipped with, The first nozzle row consists of multiple nozzles. Multiple rows of the first nozzles are provided on the nozzle surface so as to be aligned in the main scanning direction. The first ink channel is A forward flow path having a first forward end connected to the first ink storage section, an upstream section, a downstream section located on the first nozzle row side of the upstream section, and a second forward end, A return channel having a first return end connected to the downstream portion of the forward channel and a second return end connected to the upstream portion of the forward channel, A branch channel having a first branch end connected to the second forward end of the forward channel and a second branch end connected to the first nozzle row, and branching off from the forward channel, A printer equipped with [a specific feature / ability].

2. The number of the first nozzle rows is four, The aforementioned branch channel is A first branch channel and a second branch channel branch off from the aforementioned forward channel, The third and fourth branch channels branch off from the first branch channel, The fifth and sixth branch channels branch off from the second branch channel, It has, The printer according to claim 1, wherein the third branch channel, the fourth branch channel, the fifth branch channel, and the sixth branch channel are each connected to one of the first nozzle rows.

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein at least two or more of the multiple first nozzle rows are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction on the same ink head.

4. A second ink storage section containing a second ink of a different color from the first ink, A second nozzle row including a plurality of second nozzles for ejecting the second ink, The second ink storage section and the second ink flow path connected to the second nozzle row, A printer according to claim 1, comprising:

5. Equipped with a control device, The control device is An image printing unit that ejects the second ink from at least the second nozzle to print an image layer within a predetermined printing area of ​​a medium, A filling print unit that prints a filling layer on the medium so as to overlap the image layer by ejecting the first ink from the first nozzle to fill the printing area, A printer according to claim 4, comprising:

6. A transfer method using a printer, The aforementioned printer is A first ink storage section containing the first ink, A first nozzle row including a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting the first ink, The first ink storage section and the first ink flow path connected to the first nozzle row, A second ink storage section containing a second ink of a different color from the first ink, A second nozzle row including a plurality of second nozzles for ejecting the second ink, The second ink storage section and the second ink flow path connected to the second nozzle row, Equipped with, The first nozzle row consists of multiple nozzles. The first ink channel is A forward flow path having a first forward end connected to the first ink storage section, an upstream section, a downstream section located on the first nozzle row side of the upstream section, and a second forward end, A return channel having a first return end connected to the downstream portion of the forward channel and a second return end connected to the upstream portion of the forward channel, A branch channel having a first branch end connected to the second forward end of the forward channel and a second branch end connected to the first nozzle row, and branching off from the forward channel, Equipped with, A first printing step involves printing an image layer onto a film-like medium by ejecting the second ink from at least a plurality of the second nozzles of the second nozzle row, A second printing step involves ejecting the first ink from a plurality of first nozzles in a plurality of first nozzle rows to print a fill layer onto the medium so as to overlap the image layer, A powder coating step involves applying a powder that melts when heated onto the solid color layer printed on the medium, A heating step of heating the medium to melt the powder, A transfer step in which, while the powder is dissolved, the medium is placed on the object to be transferred, and the image layer and the fill layer are transferred to the object to be transferred, A transcription method that includes this.

7. The transfer method according to claim 6, wherein the amount of ink discharged for forming the solid layer in the second printing step is greater than the amount of ink discharged for forming the image layer in the first printing step.

Images