Inkjet DTF printer system and image forming method

Abstract

This invention provides an inkjet DTF printer system capable of applying high-viscosity adhesive liquids. [Solution] The printer system comprises a liquid ejection unit that ejects ink, a dispenser unit that ejects adhesive liquid from an application port and applies the adhesive liquid onto the image, a first carriage that transports the liquid ejection unit in the main scanning direction, a second carriage that transports the dispenser unit in the main scanning direction, a transport unit that transports the thermal transfer film in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, and a control unit that controls the operation of the liquid ejection unit, the dispenser unit, the first carriage, the second carriage, and the transport unit. The control unit controls the transport unit to move to the next line after both the first carriage and the second carriage have completed the main scanning operation, thereby forming the adhesive layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet DTF printer system and an image forming method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, there is known a transfer medium manufacturing apparatus including an ink ejection unit that ejects ink onto a release sheet, an application unit that applies an adhesive liquid in the form of a release sheet, and a control unit that controls so that ink ejection and adhesive liquid application are performed by a wet-on-wet method using an inkjet head (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In the printer system according to the prior art, since the wet-on-wet method is used, it is not possible to apply a high-viscosity adhesive liquid onto the printed surface formed by ejecting ink. This is because, in the prior art, it is not possible to eject a high-viscosity adhesive from the liquid ejection head.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a printer system capable of applying a high-viscosity adhesive onto the printed surface formed by ejecting ink.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The inkjet printer system according to the present invention is an inkjet DTF printer system that creates a thermal transfer film original by ejecting ink onto a thermal transfer film to form an image and forming an adhesive layer on the image, and comprises a liquid ejection unit that ejects ink onto the thermal transfer film, a non-inkjet type dispenser unit having an application port for discharging adhesive liquid and discharging adhesive liquid from the application port to apply the adhesive liquid onto the image, a first carriage that mounts the liquid ejection unit and transports the liquid ejection unit in the main scanning direction, a second carriage that mounts the dispenser unit and transports the dispenser unit in the main scanning direction, a transport unit that transports the thermal transfer film in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, and a control unit that controls the operation of the liquid ejection unit, the dispenser unit, the first carriage, the second carriage, and the transport unit. The control unit controls the transport unit to move forward after both the first carriage and the second carriage have completed the main scanning operation, thereby forming the adhesive layer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention provides a printer system capable of applying a high-viscosity adhesive to a printed surface formed by the ejection of ink. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an inkjet DTF printer system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of an inkjet DTF printer system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing multiple liquid dispensing heads, a dispenser unit, and line spacing. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a thermal transfer film. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing a dispenser unit according to Example 1. [Figure 6]Figure 6(a) shows a dispenser unit according to Example 2, and Figure 6(b) shows the rotary pump and tubing of the dispenser unit according to Example 2. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing a dispenser unit according to Example 3. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an image printed using a multi-pass recording method by a printer system. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) shows the shape of the coating port according to Example 4, and is a diagram showing the coating port in the "fast" printing mode, while Figure 9(b) shows the shape of the coating port according to Example 4, and is a diagram showing the coating port in the "high-quality" printing mode. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) shows the shape of the coating port according to Example 5, and shows the coating port in the "fast" printing mode; Figure 10(b) shows the shape of the coating port according to Example 5, and shows the coating port in the "high-quality" printing mode; and Figure 10(c) shows the shape of the coating port according to Example 5, and shows the coating port in the "standard" printing mode. [Figure 11] This figure shows the shape of the application port according to Example 6. [Figure 12] This figure shows the state of the adhesive layer's expansion during the transfer process. [Figure 13] This figure shows the relationship between the coating port and the coating resolution according to Example 5. [Figure 14] This figure shows the relationship between the coating port and the coating resolution according to Example 6. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing the processing steps for generating print image data. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows the processing procedure for generating adhesive solution application data. [Figure 17] This flowchart shows the processing procedure for creating application data for applying adhesive liquid using a dispenser unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, an inkjet DTF printer system and image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [Overview of Inkjet DTF Printer System 100] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an inkjet DTF printer system 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the inkjet DTF printer system 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a plan view showing a plurality of liquid ejection heads 10, a dispenser unit 20, and a line spacing W10. Hereinafter, "inkjet DTF printer system" may be abbreviated as "printer system". The dispenser unit 20 may be dispenser unit 20A, dispenser unit 20B, dispenser unit 20C, or have other structures, as will be described later. When "dispenser unit 20A", "dispenser unit 20B", and "dispenser unit 20C" are not distinguished, they will be referred to as "dispenser unit 20".

[0010] Furthermore, arrows indicating the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions may be shown in each figure. The X-axis direction is an example of the main scanning direction and is the direction that intersects the transport direction of the recording medium. The Y-axis direction is an example of the sub-scanning direction and is the direction that aligns with the transport direction of the recording medium. The Z-axis direction aligns with the vertical direction. The X-axis direction includes the direction indicated by the arrow and its reverse direction. Similarly, the Y-axis and Z-axis directions include the direction indicated by the arrow and its reverse direction. The X-axis direction may be referred to as the main scanning direction X. The Y-axis direction may be referred to as the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0011] The base of the printer system 100 is, for example, a Roll to Roll inkjet recording system. The printer system 100 includes a conveyance mechanism 110 that conveys a thermal transfer film 120 serving as a base for a DTF transfer original by the Roll to Roll conveyance mechanism. The conveyance mechanism 110 includes a motor, guide rollers, etc. for conveying the thermal transfer film 120. The thermal transfer film 120 is an example of a resin film. The conveyance mechanism 110 conveys the thermal transfer film 120 at a constant conveyance speed. The conveyance mechanism 110 can convey the thermal transfer film 120 at a constant pitch.

[0012] [Liquid ejection head 10] The printer system 100 includes a plurality of liquid ejection heads 10 as an image printing unit. The printer system 100 includes a first carriage 40 on which the plurality of liquid ejection heads 10 are mounted. The liquid ejection head 10 ejects ink. The plurality of liquid ejection heads 10 include a liquid ejection head 11 that ejects color ink and a liquid ejection head 12 that ejects white ink. The liquid ejection head 12 that ejects white ink ejects white ink that serves as a base for white representation of an image or an image when creating a transfer original for a colored fabric.

[0013] The color ink is not limited to CMYK, and may be so-called light ink (photo ink), RGB, orange, violet and other characteristic inks, or various color inks called metallic ink. The plurality of liquid ejection heads 11 are arranged in the main scanning direction. The arrangement of the color ink is not particularly limited.

[0014] The liquid ejection head 12 that ejects white ink is disposed downstream of the liquid ejection head 11 in the conveyance direction of the recording medium. The liquid ejection head 12 may be disposed side by side with the liquid ejection head 11. "Side by side" means being disposed at the same position in the Y-axis direction and arranged in the X-axis direction. When the liquid ejection head 11 that ejects color ink and the liquid ejection head 12 that ejects white ink are disposed side by side, it is necessary to arrange the liquid ejection heads 11 and 12 and control multi-pass recording so that white ink is printed after the color ink during printing.

[0015] The dispenser unit 20 is disposed downstream of the plurality of liquid ejection heads 11 and 12 in the conveyance direction.

[0016] [Dispenser Unit 20] The printer system 100 includes a non-inkjet type dispenser unit 20 that applies an adhesive liquid to the printing surface. The printer system 100 includes a second carriage 50 on which the dispenser unit 20 is mounted. Similar to the first carriage 40, the second carriage 50 conveys the dispenser unit 20 in the main scanning direction.

[0017] The dispenser unit 20 applies the adhesive liquid in a non-contact manner. "Non-contact application" means applying without contacting the recording medium and the printing surface on the recording medium. For example, in the case of a coating method in which a coating tool physically contacts the inkjet printing surface, such as a coating roller that is contact coating, problems such as damage to the printing surface and adhesion of printing ink to the coating tool may occur, but such problems do not occur in the dispenser unit 20 that performs non-contact application. "Inkjet printing surface" means a printing surface formed by an inkjet. "Printing ink" means the ink on the printing surface formed by ejecting ink. "Application" means discharging the adhesive liquid from the dispenser unit 20 and attaching it to the printing surface and the surrounding fabric.

[0018] The printer system 100 includes a heater unit 70 for drying the applied adhesive liquid. However, if a fast-drying adhesive liquid is used, the printer system 100 does not need to include the heater unit 70.

[0019] [Typical DTF Printing System] Here, we will explain a typical Roll-to-Roll type DTF printing system. The currently dominant DTF printing system combines a large-format inkjet printer developed for sign graphics with a powder dispensing unit called a "shaker," which is manufactured in China and other countries.

[0020] While some general DTF printing systems utilize desktop inkjet printers, their productivity is low because they are limited to A4-A3 size cut sheets and require printing / transferring each image individually. Using a typical roll-to-roll large-format inkjet printer allows for the imposition (an efficient two-dimensional arrangement of images) of multiple prints onto the media, continuous printing, and then passing the resulting prints through a shaker to create multiple thermal transfer originals at once. After the shaker process, each image needs to be divided and cut out individually.

[0021] [Thermal Transfer Film 120] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a thermal transfer film 120. As shown in Figure 4, the thermal transfer film 120 has an antistatic layer 121, a base film 122, a release layer 123, and an ink receiving layer 124. The base film 122 is laminated on the antistatic layer 121, the release layer 123 is laminated on the base film 122, and the ink receiving layer 124 is laminated on the release layer 123.

[0022] The base film 122 is, for example, a polyester resin film.

[0023] The color ink is ejected onto the ink receiving layer 124, and after the color ink has been ejected, the white ink is ejected.

[0024] The ink receiving layer 124 is provided because the base film 122 does not absorb the water-based ink used for printing; therefore, an absorbent layer is provided to hold the ink on the surface. The absorbent layer is mainly composed of silica or the like. The ink receiving layer 124 is an absorbent layer for holding the ink.

[0025] Furthermore, since DTF printing is used for clothing such as T-shirts that come into direct contact with the skin, skin sensitivity is paramount, and water-based inks are used. The solvents contained in water-based inks are also harmless to the human body.

[0026] The release layer 123 is provided to allow the image layer (inkjet ink absorbed into the ink-receiving layer 124) to easily peel off the base substrate film 122 when thermal transfer is performed. Some products (resin films) have both the functions of an ink-receiving layer and a release layer.

[0027] An antistatic layer 121 is present to prevent the thermal transfer films 120 from sticking together (blocking) due to static electricity when the thermal transfer films 120 are rolled into a roll shape.

[0028] [Printing with white ink] In the thermal transfer film 120, the side with the ink-receiving layer 124 is pressed against, for example, a T-shirt fabric. Therefore, in the printer system 100, after printing with color ink, white ink is printed.

[0029] White ink functions as a base layer to eliminate the effect of the fabric color on the printed image (fabric color showing through) when the T-shirt fabric is a colored fabric other than white. Furthermore, white ink may also be formed as a base layer on white T-shirt fabric to facilitate the adhesion of hot melt powder in subsequent processes.

[0030] [Process of applying hot melt powder] Conventional printer systems involve a process of spraying hot melt powder. The printer system 100 according to this embodiment does not involve a process of spraying hot melt powder.

[0031] In the process of applying hot melt powder, the hot melt powder is applied to the printed surface and its surrounding areas. Since it is very time-consuming to accurately apply dry powder to the fine details of an image, in the process of applying hot melt powder, the powder is applied regardless of whether it is an image area or a non-image area. The "image area" may be the printed area formed by the ejection of ink. The "non-image area" may be a surface to which no ink has adhered. In the image area, since moisture from the ink that has soaked into the ink receiving layer 124 remains, the powder that adheres to the image area absorbs the moisture contained in the ink receiving layer 124 and aggregates.

[0032] [Step to remove hot melt powder] In conventional printer systems, a process of spraying hot melt powder is performed, followed by a process of brushing off the hot melt powder. In the printer system 100 according to this embodiment, the process of brushing off the hot melt powder is not performed.

[0033] In the process of removing the hot melt powder, the powder in the "non-image areas" that did not aggregate is removed. In the process of removing the hot melt powder, for example, a rotating rod is struck against the back of the film to remove the unwanted powder. At this time, the hot melt powder on the image area is adhered to the image area.

[0034] [Process of melting hot melt powder] In conventional printer systems, a process of melting hot melt powder is performed. In the printer system 100 according to this embodiment, a process of melting hot melt powder is not performed.

[0035] In the process of melting the hot melt powder, after the process of brushing off the hot melt powder, the hot melt powder remaining on the image area is melted to form an adhesive layer. If the powder is only aggregated by moisture, it will revert to a powder that easily scatters once the moisture evaporates. Therefore, in the process of melting the hot melt powder, the hot melt powder is melted and reformed as an adhesive layer.

[0036] [Thermal transfer process] In the heat transfer process, the heat transfer film 120 is determined to be either front or back so that the inkjet printed side (the side with the ink receiving layer 124) is in contact with the fabric surface to be transferred, and then heated and pressurized. As a result, the white ink and color ink contained in the ink receiving layer 124 are transferred to the fabric.

[0037] [Process of peeling off the base film] After the heat transfer process, the base film 122 is peeled off. The base film 122 is also called the base film. An adhesive layer is formed only in the areas where color ink or white ink is printed. The areas where the adhesive layer is formed are transferred to the fabric. The areas where the adhesive layer is not formed are peeled off from the fabric along with the base film 122. The image remains on the T-shirt fabric, and the transfer is complete.

[0038] [Thickness of adhesive layer 127] Next, we will explain the thickness of the adhesive layer 127. Specifically, we will explain the mechanism by which the thickness of the adhesive layer 127 affects abrasion resistance and wash fastness.

[0039] The adhesive layer 127 returns to a liquid state when heated during heat pressing. If the adhesive layer 127 is thick enough, the liquefied adhesive penetrates deep into the fabric fibers during pressing, and then re-solidifies upon cooling after heat pressing, taking root between the fibers like an anchor.

[0040] The anchoring effect created by the anchors entangled in these fibers allows the printed image (ink-soaked ink-receiving layer 124) to be firmly held on the fabric surface even when subjected to physical stress such as friction during wear, stretching / bending, and washing and drying.

[0041] On the other hand, if the amount of adhesive is small and the adhesive layer 127 is thin, during heat pressing, the adhesive will only penetrate to a portion of the fibers on the surface of the fabric, resulting in the printed image merely resting on the fabric surface. The adhesion of the ink receiving layer 124 will be insufficient. In this case, when the T-shirt fabric is subjected to physical stress such as washing, the printed surface may easily peel off from the fabric.

[0042] [Ink ejection characteristics based on resin content] Next, we will explain the ejection characteristics based on the resin content in the ink. Typical inkjet inks contain pigments, other components, and resin components. If the resin content in the ink is excessive, the resin can clog the nozzles, preventing liquid from being ejected from the liquid ejection head. Excessive resin content in the ink affects the ejection characteristics.

[0043] [Dispenser Unit 20A] Figure 5 shows a dispenser unit 20A according to Example 1. The printer system 100 includes the dispenser unit 20A shown in Figure 5. As the resin content in the adhesive liquid increases, the adhesive liquid becomes more viscous and acquires properties such as becoming a non-Newtonian fluid. The dispenser unit 20A can apply such an adhesive liquid to the printing surface. The dispenser unit 20A is an example of a non-inkjet dispenser unit. The non-inkjet method does not include methods that use a liquid ejection head.

[0044] The dispenser unit 20A uses a syringe system and applies adhesive liquid to the printed surface by controlling the supply of air from the controller 250. The dispenser unit 20A includes a syringe 22 for storing the adhesive liquid. A tube 21 for supplying air is connected to the syringe 22. The controller 250 can supply air into the syringe 22 via the tube 21. The printer system 100 may also include a pressurization mechanism for supplying air.

[0045] [Dispenser Unit 20B] Figure 6(a) shows a dispenser unit 20B according to Example 2, and Figure 6(b) shows the rotary pump 24 and tube 25 of the dispenser unit 20B according to Example 2. The printer system 100 may be equipped with the dispenser unit 20B shown in Figure 6(a) instead of the dispenser unit 20A shown in Figure 5. The dispenser unit 20B is an example of a non-inkjet type dispenser unit.

[0046] The dispenser unit 20B applies adhesive liquid to the printed surface by applying sliding pressure to the tube 25 using a rotary pump 24. The dispenser unit 20B includes a tank 23 for storing adhesive liquid, a tube 25 for transferring adhesive liquid, a rotary pump 24 for transferring adhesive liquid from the tube 25, and an application unit 26.

[0047] The rotary pump 24 has a rotating body 24a that rotates around its axis. The outer surface of the rotating body 24a is provided with a plurality of radially projecting protrusions 24b. The protrusions 24b contact the tube 25 as they rotate, transferring the adhesive liquid inside the tube 25. The tube 25 is flexible and deforms when pressed by the protrusions 24b. The adhesive liquid inside the tube 25 is pushed out as the protrusions 24b move. The adhesive liquid in the tank 23 flows through the tube 25 and is supplied to the application unit 26. The adhesive liquid in the application unit 26 is applied onto the printed surface. The dispenser unit 20B does not require an air supply to generate liquid delivery pressure, so it can have a compact unit structure.

[0048] [Dispenser Unit 20C] Figure 7 shows a dispenser unit 20C according to Example 3. The printer system 100 may be equipped with the dispenser unit 20C shown in Figure 7 instead of the dispenser unit 20A shown in Figure 5. The dispenser unit 20C is an example of a non-inkjet type dispenser unit.

[0049] The dispenser unit 20C uses compressors 27A and 27B to independently supply and apply the adhesive liquid using compressed air.

[0050] The dispenser unit 20C comprises compressors 27A and 27B, a controller 250, a tank 23, a dispensing unit 26, and tubes 28a, 28b, 29a, and 29b. Tube 28a connects compressor 27A to controller 250. Tube 28b connects controller 250 to dispensing unit 26. Tube 29a connects compressor 27B to tank 23. Tube 29b connects tank 23 to dispensing unit 26.

[0051] The compressor 27B pressurizes the air and supplies it to the liquid discharge head 10. The adhesive liquid in the tank 23 is pressurized by the air and supplied to the application section 26 through the tube 29b.

[0052] The compressor 27A pressurizes the air and supplies it to the controller 250. The controller 250 supplies the pressurized air to the coating unit 26. The air supplied to the coating unit 26 pressurizes the adhesive liquid inside the coating unit 26, and the adhesive liquid is applied onto the printed surface.

[0053] The dispenser unit 20C can utilize high-pressure air, allowing it to apply high-viscosity adhesive liquid to the printed surface.

[0054] Dispenser units 20A, 20B, and 20C can generate higher coating pressure compared to liquid dispensing heads with piezoelectric elements or thermal inkjet printers. Dispenser units 20A, 20B, and 20C can apply high-viscosity adhesive liquids with a resin ratio of 50% or more by weight to the printed surface. The resin ratio is a value indicating the proportion of resin contained in the adhesive liquid.

[0055] [Image printing using multi-pass recording method] Figure 8 shows an example of an image printed using the multi-pass recording method by the printer system 100. The transport mechanism 110 transports the thermal transfer film 120 at a constant speed.

[0056] The liquid ejection head 10 has a nozzle row the width of the media. The liquid ejection head 10 is transported in the main scanning direction X by the first carriage 40. The liquid ejection head 10 ejects ink to form an image as it moves in the main scanning direction X. The liquid ejection head 10 may perform unidirectional printing or bidirectional printing.

[0057] When printing with the liquid ejection head 10, the landing position of the ink droplets (=dot formation position) may deviate from the ideal due to various error factors such as deflection of ejected droplets due to rolling, yawing, and pitching of the liquid ejection head 10 accompanying the main scanning operation, superposition of natural vibrations due to the machining accuracy of the guide rods and rails for moving the first carriage 40 in the main scanning direction X, and feed variations in the sub-scanning direction Y accompanying the transport of the recording medium. If the landing position of the ink droplets deviates from the ideal, band-like image fluctuations (banding) may occur on the printed image.

[0058] In typical inkjet serial head printers, banding can be reduced by employing a distributed printing method called multi-pass recording.

[0059] In "multi-pass recording," instead of completing image formation with a single movement of the liquid ejection head 10 in the main scanning direction X, the recording area of ​​the image is divided into multiple passes (number of divisions in the main scanning direction X) and interlacing (number of divisions in the sub-scanning direction Y), and printing is performed by intermittently feeding the recording medium with a fixed line spacing (line spacing amount) W10.

[0060] "Intermittent feeding" refers to a process where, after moving the recording medium by a line width W10, the transport of the recording medium is temporarily stopped, the liquid ejection head 10 is moved in the main scanning direction X to perform printing, and then the recording medium is moved again by a line width W10, and this process is repeated.

[0061] The example shown in Figure 8 illustrates a case where an image is completed in one main scan (pass) and four sub-scans (interlaced transport). This is called a 4-scan multi-recording example. "One main scan (pass)" means moving the liquid discharge head 10 once in the main scan direction X. "Four sub-scans (interlaced transport)" means performing the transport of the recording medium with a line width W10 four times. "Scan" indicates the number of "passes × interlaces," and Figure 8 shows a multi-pass recording example where image formation is completed in four scans. For example, "four main scans (passes) and one sub-scan (interlaced transport)" may be written as "4 scans." Furthermore, in the case of "4 scans," it can also be defined as "2 passes × 2 interlaces," "4 passes × 1 interlace," or "1 pass × 4 interlaces," depending on whether it is divided in the main scan direction X or the sub-scan direction Y. Note that "1 interlace" means that the image is not divided in the sub-scan direction Y.

[0062] In roll-to-roll printing, multiple images are continuously printed on the imposition, resulting in continuous intermittent transport of the recording medium in multi-pass recording. The transport of the recording medium in roll-to-roll printing differs from that in cut-sheet printing, where each image is completed on a separate recording medium.

[0063] In the adhesive liquid coating process, which is performed after the image forming process in which the image is formed by the liquid discharge head 10, the coating operation is also performed in accordance with this intermittent transport.

[0064] [Shape of the applicator opening] The printer system 100 can apply adhesive liquid in accordance with the line spacing W10 of the multi-pass recording. The inner diameter of the application port in the dispenser unit 20A is the same as the line spacing W10. "Same" includes approximately the same. For example, the inner diameter of the application port 31 may be 95% or more and 105% or less of the line spacing W10.

[0065] The printer system 100 can execute multiple multi-pass recording modes to suit image quality and productivity. The printer system 100 assumes, for example, multiple inner diameters for the dispensing ports. The printer system 100 may change the inner diameter of the dispensing ports depending on the multi-pass recording mode.

[0066] For example, the way dots spread on the ink receiving layer 124 varies depending on the combination of ink and the ink receiving layer 124. Therefore, depending on the user's choice, if a thermal transfer film 120 other than the recording medium recommended by the manufacturer is used, the ink may not spread sufficiently.

[0067] For example, if the dots are not spread sufficiently, streaks and banding will become more noticeable, so you will need to select the "High Quality" mode, which has a higher resolution and number of scans than the "Standard" mode.

[0068] For example, Table 1 below shows an example of inkjet printing modes. Further detailed classifications of printing modes may be set, including multi-pass overlap recording modes that enhance banding resistance by overlapping line breaks.

[0069] [Table 1]

[0070] The printer system 100 is equipped with a means for switching the inner diameter of the dispensing port of the dispenser unit 20A to accommodate these printing modes. The means for switching the inner diameter may change the opening width in the sub-scanning direction, or it may change the number of dispensing ports 31 from which adhesive liquid can be discharged.

[0071] [Shape of the applicator nozzle in Example 4] Figure 9(a) shows the shape of the coating port 31A according to Example 4, and is a diagram showing the coating port 31A in the "fast" printing mode. Figure 9(b) shows the shape of the coating port 31B according to Example 4, and is a diagram showing the coating port 31B in the "high-quality" printing mode. The coating port 31A shown in Figure 9(a) is set to match the line spacing W10 = 16 mm. The coating port 31B shown in Figure 9(b) is set to match the line spacing W = 4 mm. The coating ports 31A and 31B are, for example, circular in shape.

[0072] The dispenser unit 20A may have, for example, the dispensing ports 31A and 31B according to Example 4. In this case, the dispenser unit 20A may comprise a dispensing port module 30A on which dispensing port 31A is formed, and a dispensing port module 30B on which dispensing port 31B is formed. For example, the user can replace the dispensing port module 30A and the dispensing port module 30B. The dispensing port modules 30A and 30B have a structure that allows them to be attached to and detached from the syringe 22. When "dispensing port 31A" and "dispensing port 31B" are not distinguished, they will be referred to as dispensing port 31. Similarly, when "dispensing port module 30A" and "dispensing port module 30B" are not distinguished, they will be referred to as dispensing port module 30.

[0073] Figure 10(a) shows the shape of the coating port 31C according to Example 5, and shows the coating port 31C in the "fast" printing mode; Figure 10(b) shows the shape of the coating port 31D according to Example 5, and shows the coating port 31D in the "high-quality" printing mode; and Figure 10(c) shows the shape of the coating port 31E according to Example 5, and shows the coating port 31E in the "standard" printing mode.

[0074] [Shape of the applicator nozzle in Example 5] The opening width of the coating port 31C shown in Figure 10(a) is set to match the line spacing W10 = 16 mm. The opening width of the coating port 31D shown in Figure 10(b) is set to match the line spacing W = 4 mm. The opening width of the coating port 31E shown in Figure 10(c) is set to match the line spacing W = 8 mm. The coating ports 31C, 31D, and 31E are, for example, rectangular in shape. Although the coating ports 31C, 31D, and 31E are given different reference numerals, they are the same, differing only in their angle around a predetermined axis (Z axis). The longitudinal direction of the coating port 31C is aligned with the sub-scanning direction Y. The longitudinal direction of the coating port 31D is aligned with the main scanning direction X. The longitudinal direction of the coating port 31E is positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the main scanning direction X. If "application port 31C," "application port 31D," and "application port 31E" are not distinguished, they should be written as "application port 31."

[0075] The dispenser unit 20A may have, for example, the dispensing ports 31C, 31D, and 31E according to Embodiment 5. In this case, the dispenser unit 20A can rotate the dispensing port module 30, on which the dispensing ports 31C, 31D, and 31E are formed, around its axis. This allows the longitudinal position of the dispensing ports 31C, 31D, and 31E to be changed. The dispenser unit 20A has a motor or guide mechanism for rotating the dispensing port module 30. The guide mechanism may have, for example, a spirally formed uneven shape. The dispenser unit 20A having a motor mechanism for rotation may automatically rotate the dispensing port module 30 according to the printing mode.

[0076] [Shape of the applicator nozzle in Example 6] Figure 11 shows the shapes of the dispensing ports 31G to 31J according to Example 6. The dispenser unit 20A may include a dispensing port module 30 on which the dispensing ports 31G to 31J are formed. The dispensing ports 31G and 31H are located at the same position in the main scanning direction X and are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction Y. The dispensing ports 31I and 31J are located at the same position in the main scanning direction X and are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction Y. The dispensing ports 31I and 31J are offset from the dispensing ports 31G and 31H in the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y. The dispensing ports 31I and 31J may be arranged in a single line with respect to the sub-scanning direction Y. Note that when "dispensing port 31G", "dispensing port 31H", "dispensing port 31I", and "dispensing port 31J" are not distinguished, they are referred to as "dispensing port 31".

[0077] The dispenser unit 20A may have a shutter that selectively opens and closes the dispensing ports 31G to 31J. This allows the dispenser unit 20A to select the dispensing ports 31G to 31J from which the adhesive is discharged and discharge the adhesive liquid.

[0078] The dispensing ports 31G to 31J are circular in shape. The dispenser unit 20A may be rectangular in shape, as shown in Figure 10. The opening width is 1 mm or more to allow for the discharge of high-viscosity liquids. In the "fast" printing mode, the dispensing port module 30A discharges adhesive liquid from dispensing ports 31G to 31J. In the "high-quality" printing mode, the dispensing port module 30A discharges adhesive liquid from dispensing port 31J. In the "standard" printing mode, the dispensing port module 30A discharges adhesive liquid from dispensing ports 31H and 31J.

[0079] For example, under the conditions based on Table 1, the opening width R11 of the coating port 31 in the "fast" printing mode may be, for example, 16 mm. The opening width R12 in the "high-quality" printing mode may be, for example, 4 mm. The opening width R13 in the "standard" printing mode may be, for example, 8 mm.

[0080] Dispenser units 20B and 20C, like dispenser unit 20A, are equipped with dispensing port modules 30, 30A, and 30B, and their inner diameter can be changed according to the printing mode.

[0081] [Spreading of adhesive liquid during the transfer process] Figure 12 shows the state of expansion of the adhesive layer during the transfer process. In the liquid ejection head 10 that ejects ink, if the accuracy of the impact position is low, streaks and banding are likely to occur in the printed image, and in order to prevent this, high accuracy of the impact position is required. The accuracy of the impact position in the liquid ejection head 10 is, for example, at the level of several tens of microns. In contrast, the dispenser unit 20A that discharges the adhesive liquid is involved in the formation of the adhesive layer, which is ultimately not directly visible, so it may have some margin in the application width. The dispenser unit 20A does not require the same level of impact position accuracy as the liquid ejection head 10, so the dispenser unit 20A applies the liquid with lower positional accuracy compared to the impact position in the liquid ejection head 10.

[0082] In the heat press process, when the molten adhesive layer is pressed against the T-shirt fabric, the side closest to the heat press machine is blocked by a smooth, heat-deformable base film 122. Therefore, if the adhesive liquid application width is excessive, the adhesive liquid will simply penetrate into the fabric. Conversely, even if the adhesive layer is slightly insufficient, the softened adhesive will be pressed and spread to fill the gaps. Therefore, even if the line spacing W10 does not match the actual application width of the adhesive liquid, an approximate match with a certain degree of accuracy (approximately ±5%) is sufficient. The "application width" may also be the opening width of the application port. Alternatively, if there are multiple openings as shown in Figure 11, the "application width" may be the total width of the openings used.

[0083] [Resolution of printed images and resolution of adhesive application data] Next, we will explain the difference between the resolution of the printed image and the adhesive application data. The resolution of the image print in the printer system 100 is, for example, 600 x 600 dpi or higher. This is because the large-format inkjet printer that forms the base of the image printing section is a high-resolution product mainly used for sign graphics, and because it is necessary to print on film. When the recording medium is film, misalignment of the dot placement is easily noticeable, so the resolution is set to accommodate this.

[0084] For example, with a DTG (Direct to Garment) printer, which directly prints ink droplets onto the fabric, the ink bleeds along the fabric fibers, resulting in a slightly blurred image, and minor inaccuracies in dot positioning are less noticeable. A resolution of around 300 x 300 dpi is sufficient for image printing with a DTG printer.

[0085] In contrast, with a DTF printer, ink droplets are fired into an ink-receiving layer 124 formed on a smooth substrate film 122, creating perfectly circular dots on the ink-receiving layer 124 and clearly highlighting the contrast between the dropleted and undropped areas. This is no different from printing on sign graphics media, and since this image quality is directly transferred to the fabric via the adhesive layer, dot shapes, streaks, unevenness, banding, etc., are all reflected directly on the DTF image. Therefore, high image quality is required for the image printing area of ​​a DTF. The "image printing area" may be the part where the image is formed. The "dropped area" is the part where the ink droplet has landed. The "undropped area" is the part where the ink droplet has not landed.

[0086] In contrast, the coating resolution of the dispenser unit 20 may be a rough resolution based on the line spacing W10. For example, the adhesive layer 127 will be transparent or a very light milky white unless intentional coloring is applied, so even if the adhesive layer 127 extends slightly beyond the printed image area, it will have little effect on the finished quality of the printed material. For this reason, the coating resolution of the dispenser unit 20 may be coarse.

[0087] [Relationship between the coating port and coating resolution in Example 5] Figure 13 shows the relationship between the coating port 31C and the coating resolution according to Example 5. As shown in Figure 13, since the coating data corresponds one-to-one with the coating port 31C, the coating data has a small number of divisions. The opening width of the coating port 31C corresponds to the length of the coating data in the sub-scanning direction Y. "Coating data" may also refer to data regarding whether or not to apply adhesive liquid. "Coating resolution" may also refer to the resolution of the coating data.

[0088] [Relationship between the coating port and coating resolution in Example 6] Figure 14 shows the relationship between the coating ports 31G to 31J and the coating resolution according to Example 6. As described above, the coating port module 30 according to Example 6 has a plurality of coating ports 31G to 31J. The dispenser unit 20 can selectively open or close the coating ports 31G to 31J in accordance with the line break width W10 of the multipath recording. The smallest unit of coating data may be the opening width of the coating ports 31G to 31J. The opening width of the coating ports 31G to 31 is smaller than the opening width of the coating port 31C in the sub-scanning direction Y. The opening width in the sub-scanning direction Y is an example of the inner diameter of the coating port.

[0089] The coating resolution in the main scanning direction X of the dispenser unit 20 does not necessarily need to match the inner diameter of the coating port.

[0090] In Figures 13 and 14, the "coating resolution in the main scanning direction X" and the "coating resolution in the sub-scanning direction Y" are shown with the same width. However, the "coating resolution in the main scanning direction X" may be divided into finer segments compared to the "coating resolution in the sub-scanning direction Y". However, considering that variable resolution conversion increases data size and computational load, and the responsiveness of the dispensing capacity of the dispenser unit 20, it is preferable to use a 1:1 resolution.

[0091] [Hardware configuration of printer system 100 according to the embodiment] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the printer system 100 includes a control unit 200, an operation panel 220, a sensor 230, a head driver 240, a main scanning motor 261, a sub-scanning motor 262, a first carriage 40, a second carriage 50, a transport mechanism 110, a printer driver 270, and a heater unit 70.

[0092] The control unit 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203.

[0093] The CPU 201 controls the entire printer system 100. The ROM 202 stores fixed data such as programs executed by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 temporarily stores image data and other data.

[0094] The control unit 200 includes an NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 204 and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 205.

[0095] NVRAM204 is a non-volatile memory that retains data even when the printer system 100 is powered off. ASIC205 processes image data, including various signal processing and sorting, as well as input / output signals to control the entire printer system 100. ASIC205 is an image processing module.

[0096] The control unit 200 includes a printing control unit 206. The printing control unit 206 transfers data for driving the liquid ejection head 10 to the head driver 240. The head driver 240 drives the liquid ejection head 10, which is located on the first carriage 40, and ejects ink from the liquid ejection head 10.

[0097] The control unit 200 has a motor drive unit 207. The motor drive unit 207 drives the main scanning motor 261 and the sub-scanning motor 262. The main scanning motor 261 moves and scans the first carriage 40 by driving it. The sub-scanning motor 262 drives the transport mechanism 110 to transport the thermal transfer film 120 in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0098] The control unit 200 includes a coating control unit 206B. The coating control unit 206B transfers data for driving the dispenser unit 20 to the driver 240B. The driver 240B drives the dispenser unit 20, which is located on the second carriage 50, and causes the adhesive liquid to be dispensed from the dispenser unit 20.

[0099] The control unit 200 has a motor drive unit 207B. The motor drive unit 207B drives the main scanning motor 261B. The main scanning motor 261B moves and scans the second carriage 50 by being driven.

[0100] The control unit 200 has an I / O 208. The I / O 208 acquires information from the sensor 230 and extracts information used to control various parts of the printer system 100. For example, the sensor 230 may be a group of sensors including multiple types of sensors, such as a photosensor, temperature sensor, encoder sensor, etc. The operation panel 220 handles the input and output of various types of information.

[0101] The control unit 200 has a host interface 209. The host interface 209 transmits and receives data and signals to and from the host. Specifically, it transmits and receives data and signals from the printer driver 270 of the host, such as an information processing device (e.g., client PC), image reading device, or imaging device, via cable or network. The CPU 201 reads and analyzes the print data in the receive buffer included in the host interface 209. Then, the ASIC 205 performs image processing and data rearrangement, and the image data is transferred from the print control unit 206 to the head driver 240.

[0102] The print control unit 206 transfers image data as serial data and outputs the transfer clock, latch signal, control signal, etc. required for the transfer of image data to the head driver 240. Based on the image data corresponding to one line of the liquid ejection head 10 input serially, the head driver 240 selectively supplies drive pulses that constitute the drive waveform provided by the print control unit 206 to the pressure generating means of the liquid ejection head 10. As a result, the liquid ejection head 10 is driven and liquid is ejected.

[0103] Furthermore, by selecting some or all of the pulses that make up the drive waveform, or some or all of the waveform elements that form the pulses, it is possible to create dots of different sizes, such as large, medium, and small droplets.

[0104] The control unit 200 includes a heater control unit 211. The heater control unit 211 controls the heater unit 70 to reach a set temperature.

[0105] The control unit 200 can control the operation of the liquid dispensing head 10, the dispenser unit 20, the first carriage 40, the second carriage 50, and the transport mechanism 110. The control unit 200 can control the movement of the second carriage 50 in synchronization with the liquid dispensing operation of the liquid dispensing head 10, causing the dispenser unit 20 to perform a coating operation and form the adhesive layer 127. The control unit 200 controls the transport mechanism 110 to move forward after both the first carriage 40 and the second carriage have completed their main scanning operation, thereby forming the adhesive layer 127.

[0106] The scanning speeds and travel distances of the first carriage 40 and the second carriage 50 may differ, but the timing of line breaks and scan start-ups for the first carriage 40 and the second carriage 50 must be synchronized. The first carriage 40 and the second carriage 50 start scanning simultaneously from the same position, for example, in the main scanning direction X.

[0107] Furthermore, even if either the first carriage 40 or the second carriage 50 finishes scanning first, the first carriage 40 or the second carriage 50 will enter a waiting state so that line breaks and scanning can be started simultaneously.

[0108] [Operation of the printer system 100 according to the embodiment] Next, an example of the operation of the printer system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0109] The CPU 201 reads and analyzes the print data in the receive buffer of the host I / F 209, performs necessary image processing and data rearrangement processing using the ASIC 205, and then transfers the data to the print control unit 206.

[0110] The print control unit 206 outputs image data and drive waveforms to the head driver 240 at the required timing. Specifically, the print control unit 206 generates a drive waveform consisting of one or more drive pulses by D / A conversion and amplification of the drive pulse pattern data stored in the ROM 202 and read by the CPU 201.

[0111] Furthermore, the generation of image data for image output can be done, for example, by storing font data and image processing data in ROM202, or by using a host-side printer driver or RIP (Raster Image Processor) software to expand the image data into a bitmap and transfer it to the printer system 100.

[0112] The head driver 240 drives the liquid ejection head 10 by selectively applying drive pulses, which constitute a drive waveform provided by the print control unit 206 based on the input image data, to the pressure generating means (piezoelectric element) of the liquid ejection head 10.

[0113] The coating control unit 206B outputs coating data to the driver 240B at the required timing.

[0114] The heater unit 70 lights up when it wakes from sleep mode and is controlled to a set temperature according to the thermal transfer film 120 and the printing mode. When the heater unit 70 is turned on, the printer system 100 becomes ready to form the print surface and starts the initial operation for forming the print surface.

[0115] The thermal transfer film 120 is transported in the sub-scanning direction Y, and an image is formed by the ejection of ink from the liquid ejection head 10. The thermal transfer film 120 may be, for example, a roll type or a sheet type.

[0116] The thermal transfer film 120 is transported in the sub-scanning direction Y, and the first carriage 40 moves in the main scanning direction X, forming an image. As the film is transported and the adhesive application area reaches below the second carriage 50, the second carriage 50 moves in the main scanning direction X in sync with the movement timing of the first carriage 40, forming an adhesive layer on the printed surface.

[0117] Furthermore, when forming an image, the number of scans can be changed according to the resolution of the image to be formed, thereby creating a high-resolution image.

[0118] [Processing procedure for generating print image data and adhesive solution application data] Figures 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure for generating print image data and adhesive solution application data. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for generating application data for applying the adhesive solution using the dispenser unit 20.

[0119] The coating data in the dispenser unit 20 is created from input image data, just like the image printing data for the liquid ejection head 10. "Image printing data" refers to the data necessary for image printing to form an image. However, unlike the color ink data and white ink data for image printing, the application of adhesive by the dispenser unit 20 does not require fine gradation expression or fine resolution. "Color ink data" may be color image data separated by processing from step S13 onwards, or data used in step S17 related to the ejection of color ink. "White ink data" may be the generation data for "white representation" and "white as a base" executed in parallel with the processing in step S13, or the printing data in step S17 related to the ejection of white ink.

[0120] As mentioned above, the "coating data" is data used to ensure that the adhesive liquid is transparent or a pale milky white and does not affect the printed image, and that the adhesive liquid adheres to the fabric over the entire area of ​​the image, maintaining a uniform thickness with a fixed line spacing W10. In this case, the coating width applied by the dispenser unit 20 is the same as the line spacing W10 of the printed image area, and is far larger than the print resolution of the printed image area, thus requiring a different resolution conversion than that of the printed image data.

[0121] "Resolution conversion is necessary" specifically means that the resolution of the input image is not necessarily the same as the print resolution, so a resolution conversion to match the print resolution is required in step S12. Furthermore, while the aspect ratio of the input image is basically 1:1, depending on the print mode settings, the aspect ratio of the print resolution may not be 1:1 in order to obtain the desired image quality. This print resolution with an aspect ratio that is not 1:1 is called "scaled resolution." In step S12, a resolution conversion of "1:1" or "non-1:1" is performed. The image data for printing using the liquid ejection head 10 is high-resolution data based on multi-pass recording. In contrast, the data for forming the adhesive layer using the dispenser unit 20 is low-resolution data based on the application nozzle diameter. Therefore, different scaling processes are required. "Different scaling processes" may include all of the following: 1:1 scaling, scaled scaling, and a resolution different from that of the liquid ejection head 10.

[0122] The print resolution of the printed image area is, for example, 600 dpi to 1200 dpi, and the image pitch is 42 μm to 21 μm. The coating width in the dispenser unit 20 depends on the multi-pass recording conditions, but for example, in the example in Table 1, it may be several 4 mm to several 16 mm.

[0123] The printing data processing in the liquid ejection head 10 is generally known. In the printing data processing, if white ink printing is required for the white representation of the image or as a base for the printed image area in a DTF transfer film for colored fabrics, white plate data is also created as inkjet printing data as appropriate. "White plate data" may also be printing data related to the ejection of white ink.

[0124] Referring to Figure 17, the processing procedure for generating application data for applying adhesive liquid using the dispenser unit 20 will be described. The flow of the processing procedure for generating application data may also be referred to as the "application data generation flow."

[0125] The input of raw image data for creating coating data for the dispenser unit 20 may be performed at any of the following stages: Route A1, Route A2, and Route A3. In Route A1, image data input is performed after the processing in step S11. In Route A2, image data input is performed after the processing in step S12. In Route A3, image data input is performed after the processing in step S13. However, Route A1 is preferred because the data size handled increases in the order of Route A1, Route A2, and Route A3 due to resolution scaling and color conversion. In the case of Route A1, the image data is the image data before resolution scaling, so the data size of Route A1 is smaller compared to the image data in the cases of Route A2 and Route A3.

[0126] The printer system 100 executes the processes shown in steps S11 to S17 in Figure 15. The printer system 100 inputs image data (step S11). For example, the printer system 100 inputs image data (PDF, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, PNG files, etc.) to be printed on the host PC to a printer driver or RIP software dedicated to the printer system 100. If the printer system 100 is equipped with a hardware image processing module such as an ASIC, the image data is input to the image processing module from the host PC via a network or external storage media.

[0127] Next, the printer system 100 performs a print resolution scaling process (step S12). Since the image data input to the printer system 100 does not necessarily match the print resolution of the printer system 100, the control unit 200 scales the resolution of the input image data to match the print resolution. "Input image data" may sometimes be written as "input image data".

[0128] The printer system 100 performs CMM processing (step S13). The control unit 200 performs CMM processing and generates white plate data as needed. Most of the input image data is based on the RGB color system, which is a different dimension from the color inks (CMYK color system) of the printer system 100, so a color space conversion is performed using an ICC profile or the like.

[0129] In addition, sometimes input image data based on the CMYK color system is provided from the beginning. However, in this case, the CMYK is based on offset printing standards such as JapanColor or CRPC6, and does not match the CMYK of inkjet inks. Therefore, a CMYK to CMYK conversion is performed using an ICC profile or similar method.

[0130] Regarding the generation of white ink data, if it is to be formed as an underlayer for color ink, it is sufficient that it is generated under an AND condition with the color data (white is always printed under the color), so it can be based on either the RGB color system or the CMYK color system. In this case, the control unit 200 may adjust the gradation of white according to the color to be printed on top, or it may fix the gradation of white.

[0131] Regarding "white" other than the background, there are two types of image data: one for when all "white" on the image is included (Case 1 image data), and another for when you want to distinguish between "areas where you want to print white" and "areas where you don't want to print anything" (Case 2 image data).

[0132] When processing image data in Case 1 (the former), the operator must choose whether to process it using the printer driver 270, RIP software, or the built-in image processing module (ASIC205). In Case 1, even if the input image data contains image areas that do not contain color information (including transparent layers), everything is treated as "white" and white ink is applied. Therefore, there is no choice between "make white" or "do nothing"; "make white" is the only option. When processing image data in Case 1 (the former), the operator selects "make white".

[0133] When processing the image data in Case 2 (the latter case), since the areas to be "not printed" are designated as "transparent layers," the control unit 200 generates white ink data for the "white" areas outside the designated "transparent layer" region. Subsequent white ink processing is performed in the same way as for color ink. In Case 2, if there are no areas to be unprinted (transparent layers), the control unit 200 creates the data as described above. However, if no transparent layers exist in Case 2, the operator must choose whether to "output white pixels as white" or "treat white pixels as transparent." The control unit 200 can only automatically determine this if a transparent layer exists.

[0134] The printer system 100 performs gamma correction processing (step S14). The control unit 200 adjusts the output for each ink (color and white) ejected from the liquid ejection head 10 as part of the gamma correction processing. Originally, this function was intended to fine-tune variations in color output between devices and changes over time, but adjustments may also be made based on the operator's judgment.

[0135] The printer system 100 performs halftone processing (step S15). Up to the processing in step S14, the amount of information per pixel of the image data increases from 8 bits (256 gradations) to 16 bits (65,536 gradations), but inkjet (using the liquid ejection head 10) can only express about 1 bit (2 values) to 2 bits (4 values) per pixel at most. Therefore, the control unit 200 performs halftone processing as a conversion process to distribute the high-bit information used upstream from step S15 to multiple pixels of the print resolution so that it can be expressed with low-bit ejection dots.

[0136] The printer system 100 performs multi-pass recording rendering (step S16). The printer system 100 determines the line break width W10. In multi-pass recording rendering, the control unit 200 divides the print resolution ejection data into a main scanning operation (pass) and a sub-scanning operation (interlace) according to the configuration of the liquid ejection head 10, and redistributes them as ejection data for the liquid ejection head 10. The line break width W is uniquely determined by the multi-pass recording sequence at this time.

[0137] For example, data related to the configuration of the liquid ejection head 10 includes data such as nozzle pitch and the number of nozzles. As an example, the nozzle pitch is 150 dpi, and the total number of nozzles is 378. "dpi" is an abbreviation for "nozzle per inch". In the case of this liquid ejection head 10 configuration, when printing print data with a main scanning direction of 600 dpi and a sub-scanning direction of 600 dpi, the main scanning operation (pass), sub-scanning operation (interlacing), and line spacing will be as follows.

[0138] Number of interlaces required for sub-scan print resolution: 600dpi = 150dpi × 4 times When printing with two passes (main scan), Line spacing W = Total number of nozzles / (Number of passes × Interlace) = 378 frames / (2 passes × 4 interlaces) = 47 + 1 / 4 nozzle = (47 + 1 / 4 nozzles) × (1 inch / 150 dpi) = 8.0001 mm From the above, the line spacing W = 8 mm is determined. Since the line spacing W is uniquely determined once the multi-pass recording sequence is determined, the printer system 100 has line spacing information corresponding to the print mode from the beginning.

[0139] The printer system 100 generates inkjet print data (step S17). In step S17, the control unit 200 packages the result of step S16 as a print data file. Packaging is necessary so that the data can be transferred from the host PC. Even when the printer system 100, which has a built-in image processing module (ASIC 205), generates print data, the generated result can be stored on the RAM 203 and reused by reading it. The data size increases depending on the print resolution. If the data is interrupted due to a memory overflow or other reasons during processing, the print data will be lost. To prevent this, packaging is necessary as a way to mark the completion of the process.

[0140] The printer system 100 executes the process shown in Figure 15, and then executes the processes S21 to S25 shown in Figure 16. Note that if the system is capable of parallel processing, the processes in Figures 15 and 16 may be performed in parallel.

[0141] The printer system 100 inputs various data (step S21). Specifically, the control unit 200 inputs image data (route A1 shown in Figure 17). The control unit 200 may also input image data after processing in step S12 (route A2), or after processing in step S13 (route A3). Furthermore, the control unit 200 inputs data related to the line break width W after processing in step S16. The term "line break width" may also be written as "line break amount".

[0142] The printer system 100 accepts various types of data input depending on the usage. Examples of such data include the following: For example, the data may be fully processed print data processed by RIP software, or unprocessed image data when the processing from step S11 onwards in Figure 17 is performed by an ASIC. The printer system 100 may also retrieve the processing parameters from step S11 onwards in Figure 17 from ROM 202. The printer system 100 may also accept the processing parameters from step S11 onwards in Figure 17 from an external device (such as a host PC or an operation panel).

[0143] Furthermore, the various data include "data relating to the dispensing nozzle diameter of the dispenser unit 20." The control unit 200 may, for example, read the dispensing nozzle diameter data stored in the ROM 202. The control unit 200 may also input the dispensing nozzle diameter data entered by the operator. When performing printing, the operator may input the dispensing nozzle diameter data by operating the input unit (operation panel 220) of the printer system 100.

[0144] The printer system 100 determines whether the inner diameter of the dispensing port is appropriate (step S22). The printer system 100 determines whether the inner diameter of the dispensing port of the dispenser unit 20 is appropriate with respect to the line spacing W10 of the inkjet print data. For example, the printer system 100 may determine that the inner diameter of the dispensing port is appropriate if the inner diameter of the dispensing port is the same as the line spacing W10, or if the inner diameter of the dispensing port is within a certain range. If the inner diameter of the dispensing port is appropriate, the printer system 100 executes the process in step S23. If the inner diameter of the dispensing port is not appropriate, the printer system 100 executes the process in step S26.

[0145] In step S23, the printer system 100 performs a resolution scaling process for the dispenser unit 20.

[0146] In step S24, the printer system 100 performs the process of binarizing the image data.

[0147] In step S25, the printer system 100 generates coating data.

[0148] In step S26, the printer system 100 issues an instruction to change the inner diameter of the dispensing port of the dispenser unit 20. The printer system 100 may, for example, display an instruction on the monitor prompting a change in the inner diameter of the dispensing port. The user can then view the display on the monitor and replace the dispensing port module 30 to change the size of the dispensing port of the dispensing port.

[0149] The printer system 100 may automatically change the inner diameter of the dispensing port in step S26. The printer system 100 can rotate the dispensing port module 30 to switch between dispensing ports 31C to 31E. If the printer system 100 is equipped with an automatic rotation mechanism, the switching between dispensing ports 31C to 31E can be performed automatically. The printer system 100 may also open and close dispensing ports 31G to 31J. The printer system 100 may partially close the dispensing port to change its inner diameter.

[0150] In the above processing procedure, the determination process in step S22 is executed after the execution of step S16, based on the results of the multi-pass rendering process. However, the determination process in step S22 may be executed before the execution of step S16. For example, if the user specifies a print mode, the printer system 100 may determine the line spacing W10 based on the print mode before executing step S16.

[0151] [Effects and Effects of the Printer System 100 According to the Embodiment] The printer system 100 according to this embodiment is an inkjet DTF printer system 100 that creates a thermal transfer film original by ejecting ink onto a thermal transfer film (resin film) 120 having a release layer 123 and an ink receiving layer 124 to form an image, and then forming an adhesive layer 127 on the image. The system has a liquid ejection head (liquid ejection unit) 10 that ejects ink onto the thermal transfer film 120 and an application port 31 that discharges adhesive liquid, and the adhesive liquid is discharged from the application port 31 to apply the adhesive liquid onto the image using a non-inkjet method. The device comprises a dispenser unit 20, a first carriage 40 that carries the liquid dispensing head 10 and transports the liquid dispensing head 10 in the main scanning direction X, a second carriage 50 that carries the dispenser unit 20 and transports the dispenser unit 20 in the main scanning direction X, a transport mechanism (transport section) 110 that transports the thermal transfer film 120 in the sub-scanning direction Y intersecting the main scanning direction X, and a control unit 200 that controls the operation of the liquid dispensing head 10, the dispenser unit 20, the first carriage 40, the second carriage 50, and the transport mechanism (transport section) 110. The control unit 200 controls the movement of the second carriage 50 so that the timing of the start of the main scan to execute the liquid dispensing operation by the liquid dispensing head 10 and the line break timing in the sub-scan after the end of the main scan are synchronized, thereby causing the dispenser unit 20 to execute the coating operation and form the adhesive layer 127. The control unit 200 controls the movement of the second carriage 50 so that the timing of the line break in the sub-scan after the main scan by the liquid discharge head 10 is synchronized. The control unit 200 controls the transport mechanism 110 to break line after both the first carriage 40 and the second carriage 50 have finished their main scan operations, thereby forming the adhesive layer 127.

[0152] In such a printer system 100, a non-inkjet dispenser unit 20 is provided, allowing a high-viscosity adhesive liquid to be applied onto the image (print surface). In the printer system 100, the timing of the start of scanning of the first carriage 40 equipped with the liquid ejection head 10, the timing of the start of scanning of the dispenser unit 20, and the timing of line breaks can be synchronized.

[0153] Synchronizing the timing of line breaks specifically means that both the liquid ejection head 10 and the dispenser unit 20 have finished their main scanning operation and are ready to start the line break operation at any time. In the printer system 100, adhesive liquid can be applied onto the ink in conjunction with the ejection operation. Since scanning is not performed on the same part of the image area, the timing of the start of the main scanning operation by the first carriage 40, the timing of the start of the main scanning operation by the second carriage 50, and the timing of line breaks must be synchronized. Regardless of which of the first carriage 40 or the second carriage 50 finishes its main scanning operation first, the first carriage 40 or the second carriage 50 that has finished its main scanning operation first will wait for the first carriage 40 or the second carriage 50 that is still operating to finish, so that line breaks and scanning can start simultaneously.

[0154] In the printer system 100, the inner diameter of the ink dispensing port 31 may be the same size as the line break width W10 based on the multi-pass recording method by the liquid ejection head 10. In such a printer system 100, by making the inner diameter of the ink dispensing port 31 and the line break width W10 the same size, it is easier to synchronize the ink ejection operation, the adhesive liquid application operation, and the timing of line breaks.

[0155] If the coating nozzle diameter is larger than the line spacing W, some means are needed to mask the area exceeding the line spacing W. If such means are not available, a large mismatch will occur between the printed image and the area where the adhesive layer is applied. Unwanted overflow of the adhesive layer may be recognized as an anomaly in the image after DTF transfer, so it is undesirable for the coating nozzle diameter to be larger than the line spacing W. In the printer system 100, by making the inner diameter of the coating nozzle 31 (coating nozzle diameter) and the line spacing W10 the same size, it is easier to synchronize the ink ejection operation, the adhesive application operation, and the timing of line breaks.

[0156] Furthermore, if the coating port diameter is smaller than the line spacing W, the dispenser unit 20 needs to move in the sub-scanning direction Y as well to cover the insufficient coating area. Moreover, the dispenser unit 20 also needs to perform a main scanning operation that is faster than the liquid ejection head 10. This increases costs and significantly impacts productivity. If the insufficient coating area is not covered, the adhesive layer necessary for transfer cannot be formed, so it is undesirable for the coating port diameter to be smaller than the line spacing W. In the printer system 100, by making the inner diameter of the coating port 31 (coating port diameter) and the line spacing W10 the same size, it is easier to synchronize the ink ejection operation, the adhesive liquid application operation, and the timing of line spacing.

[0157] In the printer system 100, the control unit 200 can control the dispensing operation based on dispensing data generated with a resolution corresponding to the inner diameter of the dispensing port 31. The dispenser unit 20 can form an adhesive layer 127 by dispensing the adhesive liquid based on the dispensing data.

[0158] In the printer system 100, the control unit 200 can control the coating operation based on coating data generated with a resolution corresponding to the aperture width of the coating port 31 in the sub-scanning direction Y. The dispenser unit 20 can form an adhesive layer 127 by coating the adhesive based on the coating data generated with a resolution corresponding to the aperture width in the sub-scanning direction Y. If the coating port diameter is much larger than the print image resolution, even if the resolution is increased to match the print image resolution, the resolving power cannot be fully utilized. In the printer system 100, the burden of the coating data generation process can be reduced by lowering the resolution of the coating data to match the coating port diameter.

[0159] In the printer system 100, the dispenser unit 20 may have a storage section 26a for storing adhesive liquid, and application port modules 30A and 30B having application ports 31A and 31B, which can be attached to and removed from the storage section 26a. The liquid discharge head 10 includes an application port module 30A with an application port 31A and an application port module 30B with an application port 31B, and the inner diameter of the application port can be changed by exchanging the application port module 30A and the application port module 30B. In the printer system 100, the inner diameter of the application port 31 can be changed according to the printing mode.

[0160] Generally, high-productivity printing modes result in larger line spacing, while high-image-quality printing modes result in smaller line spacing. The printer system 100 can provide application nozzles for various printing modes, thus meeting diverse user needs. The printer system 100 allows for changing the application nozzles according to the printing mode, enabling printing without being affected by the quality of the fabric being used for DTF transfer.

[0161] The dispenser unit 20 has a rotating mechanism that rotates the non-circular dispensing ports 31C to 31E, and by rotating the dispensing ports 31C to 31E, the opening width of the dispensing ports 31C to 31E in the sub-scanning direction Y can be changed to the same size as the line spacing W10. In the printer system 100, the line spacing W10 can be changed according to the printing mode, and the opening width of the dispensing ports in the sub-scanning direction Y can be changed according to the change in the line spacing W10.

[0162] With a rectangular dispensing nozzle as shown in Figure 10, two different dispensing widths can be achieved using the long and short sides without changing the nozzle. Furthermore, by rotating it to an intermediate angle, a dispensing width between the long and short sides can also be achieved. For example, the dispensing nozzle can be rotated by automatic control using a motor. Alternatively, the operator may rotate the dispensing nozzle manually. For example, the rotation position of the dispensing nozzle can be easily set by engraving a mark indicating the rotation position on the outer surface of the dispensing nozzle module.

[0163] In the printer system 100, the dispenser unit 20 has a plurality of dispensing ports 31G to 31J arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction Y, the inner diameter of the dispensing ports 31G to 31J is 1 / n of the line spacing W10, where n is a natural number of 2 or more, and the plurality of dispensing ports 31G to 31J can be selectively opened or closed according to the line spacing W10. "n" may be, for example, "4". In the printer system 100, the opening width can be switched to R11, R12, or R13 depending on the printing mode.

[0164] In such a printer system 100, having multiple selectively openable and closable coating ports eliminates the need to rotate the coating ports each time, thereby achieving the desired coating width. Furthermore, in the case of a rotating coating port as shown in Figure 10, the coating thickness changes depending on the orientation of the coating port. Structurally, a thicker coating is achieved when the port diameter is smaller, and a thinner coating is achieved when the port diameter is larger. When controlled by the number of coating ports, the coating thickness can be kept constant regardless of the number of ports used.

[0165] In the printer system 100, the dispenser unit 20 has a plurality of dispensing ports 31G to 31J arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction Y, and the dispensing data may be generated with a resolution based on the inner diameter of one dispensing port 31 with respect to the sub-scanning direction Y. The data generation unit of the control unit 200 can generate dispensing data based on a resolution based on the inner diameter of the dispensing ports 31. Based on the dispensing data, the dispenser unit 20 can select the dispensing ports 31G to 31J from which to discharge the adhesive liquid and change the width to which the adhesive liquid is applied according to the line break width W10.

[0166] Furthermore, the printer system 100 generates coating data with a resolution corresponding to the inner diameter of each coating port, allowing the coating range to be set for each individual coating port, thus enabling more precise application of the adhesive layer.

[0167] As shown in Figure 11, with a configuration having multiple application ports 31G to 31J, it is possible not only to adjust the application width in the sub-scanning direction Y according to the number of application ports (effective openings) from which adhesive liquid can be discharged, but also to control the application area in the main scanning direction X for each application port (opening) by controlling the opening and closing (ON / OFF) of the application ports.

[0168] The printer system 100 according to this embodiment includes a dispenser unit 20, so it is not necessary to apply hot melt powder to the printing surface. Therefore, it does not need to include a shaker like conventional DTF printing systems. As a result, the printer system 100 can be constructed with excellent workability and environmental friendliness, and the image printing by the liquid ejection head 10 and the formation of the adhesive layer 127 by the dispenser unit 20 can be smoothly synchronized, realizing a printer system 100 that takes advantage of the high productivity of roll-to-roll printing.

[0169] [Adhesive liquid] The adhesive liquid discharged from the dispenser unit 20 may be, for example, a thermoplastic rubber material. The thermoplastic rubber material may contain one or more of the following: thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPC), polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT), or acrylic elastomer. The viscosity of the adhesive liquid is, for example, 30 Pa·s (similar to mayonnaise). With the dispenser unit 20 shown in Figures 5 to 7, a high-viscosity adhesive liquid with a viscosity of approximately 1 Pa·s to 100 Pa·s can be applied to the image.

[0170] [Image forming method according to an embodiment] The image forming method according to the embodiment is an image forming method for forming a thermal transfer film original by ejecting ink onto a thermal transfer film (resin film) 120 which is a recording medium to form an image and forming an adhesive layer 127 on the image, and includes: a first transport step of transporting a first carriage 40 equipped with a liquid ejection head 10 for ejecting ink in the main scanning direction X; a second transport step of transporting a second carriage 50 equipped with a non-inkjet type dispenser unit 20 for applying adhesive liquid in the main scanning direction X; a liquid ejection step of ejecting ink from the liquid ejection head 10 onto the thermal transfer film 120 while executing the first transport step; and an adhesive application step of discharging adhesive liquid from the application port 31 of the dispenser unit 20 and applying the adhesive liquid on the image while executing the second transport step.

[0171] In the image forming method, the start timing of the transport operation of the liquid discharge head 10 in the first transport process and the start timing of the transport operation of the dispenser unit 20 in the second transport process are synchronized, so that the thermal transfer film 120 can be transported as a line break operation after the liquid discharge process and the adhesive application process are performed. In the image forming method, the transport mechanism 110 is controlled to break line after both the first carriage 40 and the second carriage 50 have finished their main scanning operation, thereby forming the adhesive layer 127.

[0172] [Challenges in conventional technology] While conventional adhesive layer formation using hot melt powder offers very strong adhesion in terms of image durability, it requires the use of a difficult-to-handle material (a powder) and a large-scale device called a shaker. Therefore, there has been a long-standing desire for a powderless solution.

[0173] [Challenges associated with using hot melt powder (shaker)] The large size of the shaker itself is a challenge. The large-format inkjet printer itself is shallow and doesn't take up much space, but when the shaker is connected, a considerable amount of foot space is required in the depth direction as well.

[0174] A major issue is the loud operating noise of the shaker. Because it shakes off the powder using physical vibrations, it generates continuous noise such as striking sounds.

[0175] A challenge is the scattering of hot melt powder within the shaker. Although there is a mechanism to reuse powder that is scattered in non-image areas and brushed off, powder scattering occurs inside the machine and dirt adheres to each unit, requiring frequent cleaning. "Inside the machine" can also refer to the inside of the device's casing.

[0176] The odor generated during heating and melting is a problem. Because the resin is heated and melted, an unpleasant odor is produced. A ventilation duct is necessary to release the odor.

[0177] [Powderless ink] One of the earliest approaches to eliminating powder is the development of powderless ink.

[0178] The main components of hot melt powder are polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, and ethylene vinyl acetate resin, and the goal is to create an inkjet ink with adhesive properties by using inkjet inks that contain these resin components.

[0179] However, in order to actually produce ink that can be ejected from an inkjet head, the amount of resin contained must be significantly limited. In typical inkjet inks, the resin content is at most about 10% by weight of the total ink, and if the content exceeds 20%, the ejection stability and high-frequency ejection capability will decrease significantly.

[0180] At typical inkjet ink formulation levels (e.g., less than 10% by weight), the ink exhibits Newtonian fluid properties and does not affect ejection from the inkjet head.

[0181] However, as the proportion of resin used as an adhesive increases, the ink gradually begins to exhibit non-Newtonian fluid properties, making it impossible to eject properly from the inkjet head.

[0182] In recent years, research has been conducted on inkjet head structures capable of ejecting high-viscosity liquids, and valve jet type heads that utilize the high pressure of a compressor have also been developed. However, the cost and scale of these technologies differ significantly from those used in large-format inkjet printers for DTF (Digital Textiles), making them difficult to incorporate into such applications.

[0183] Powderless inks can only contain a resin content that is acceptable for inkjet inks, and can only form a "thin adhesive layer." With a "thin adhesive layer," the print image does not adhere well to the fabric, and the transferred image is easily damaged or peeled off when subjected to physical stress from wearing or washing.

[0184] While some believe that a thick adhesive layer can be formed by repeatedly applying adhesive liquid with a low resin content, the base film of the DTF film itself has poor ink-receiving capacity (i.e., moisture-receiving capacity), and even with an ink-receiving layer, it is impossible to expect the same ink-receiving capacity as plain paper or inkjet coated paper. The adhesive liquid that overflows from the ink-receiving layer spills out as the film is being transported on the roll, contaminating the printed side of the DTF film, including the printed image area. Here, "printed image area" refers to the image portion printed on the DTF film by the inkjet head.

[0185] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0186] Each function performed by the control unit 200 in the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" in this specification includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as CPUs implemented by electronic circuits, and devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

[0187] One aspect of the present invention may be as follows: <1> An inkjet DTF printer system that creates a thermal transfer film original by ejecting ink onto a thermal transfer film to form an image, and then forming an adhesive layer on top of the image, A liquid dispensing unit that dispenses ink onto the thermal transfer film, A non-inkjet dispenser unit having an application port for dispensing adhesive liquid, which dispenses the adhesive liquid from the application port and applies the adhesive liquid onto the image, A first carriage is provided which the liquid discharge unit is mounted and which transports the liquid discharge unit in the main scanning direction, A second carriage is provided on which the dispenser unit is mounted and which transports the dispenser unit in the main scanning direction, A transport unit that transports the thermal transfer film in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, The system comprises a liquid dispensing unit, a dispenser unit, a first carriage, a second carriage, and a control unit that controls the operation of the transport unit, The control unit, An inkjet DTF printer system that controls the transport unit to perform a line break after both the first carriage and the second carriage have completed their main scanning operation, thereby forming the adhesive layer. <2> The inner diameter of the dispensing port is the same size as the line break width based on the multi-pass recording method by the liquid dispensing unit. <1> The inkjet DTF printer system described above. <3> The control unit, The above controls the dispensing operation by the dispenser unit based on dispensing data generated with a resolution corresponding to the inner diameter of the dispensing port. <2> The inkjet DTF printer system described above. <4> The control unit, The above controls the coating operation based on the coating data generated with a resolution corresponding to the opening width of the coating port in the sub-scanning direction. <3> The inkjet DTF printer system described above. <5> The dispenser unit is, A storage section for storing the aforementioned adhesive liquid, The above-mentioned coating port is formed and comprises a coating port module that can be attached to and removed from the storage portion. <2> ~ <4> An inkjet DTF printer system as described in any one of the following. <6> The dispenser unit has a rotating mechanism that rotates the non-circular dispensing nozzle, By rotating the coating port, the opening width of the coating port in the sub-scanning direction can be changed to the same size as the line break width. <2> ~ <4> An inkjet DTF printer system as described in any one of the following. <7> The dispenser unit has a plurality of dispensing ports arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction, The inner diameter of the coating opening is 1 / n of the line break width. The above n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, The multiple dispensing ports are selectively opened or closed according to the line spacing, as described above. <2> ~ <5> An inkjet DTF printer system as described in any one of the following. <8> The dispenser unit has a plurality of dispensing ports arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction, The coating data is generated with a resolution based on the inner diameter of one of the coating ports with respect to the sub-scanning transport direction, as described above. <7> The inkjet DTF printer system described above. <9> The control unit, when the difference between the inner diameter of the coating opening and the line spacing exceeds a determination threshold, The system reports that the combination of the inner diameter of the application opening and the line spacing is inappropriate. Alternatively, change the inner diameter of the application opening. The above <3> ~ <8> An inkjet DTF printer system as described in any one of the following. <10> The control unit controls a rotation mechanism that can change the orientation of the application opening, or a switching mechanism that switches the number of application openings used, when the difference between the inner diameter associated with the application opening and the line width exceeds a determination threshold, thereby changing the application width. <3> ~ <9> An inkjet DTF printer system as described in any one of the following. <11> The adhesive liquid includes a thermoplastic rubber material, as described above. <1> ~ <10> An inkjet DTF printer system as described in any one of the following. <12> The aforementioned thermoplastic rubber material is Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPC), Polybutylene adipate coterephthalate (PBAT), Acrylic elastomer Includes one or more of the following: The above <11> The inkjet DTF printer system described above. <13> An image forming method for creating a thermal transfer film original by ejecting ink onto a thermal transfer film to form an image, and then forming an adhesive layer on top of the image, A first transport step involves transporting a first carriage equipped with a liquid ejection unit that ejects ink in the main scanning direction, A second transport step involves transporting a second carriage equipped with a non-inkjet dispenser unit for applying adhesive liquid in the main scanning direction, A recording medium transport process in which a transport unit transports the thermal transfer film in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, While performing the first transport step, a liquid ejection step is performed in which ink is ejected from the liquid ejection unit onto the thermal transfer film, The process includes an adhesive application step in which, while performing the second transport step described above, adhesive liquid is discharged from the application port of the dispenser unit and applied to the image, An image forming method comprising controlling the transport unit to perform a line break after both the first carriage and the second carriage have completed the main scanning operation, thereby forming the adhesive layer. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0188] 100 Printer Systems 10. Liquid dispensing head (liquid dispensing section) 11. Liquid dispensing head (liquid dispensing section) 12. Liquid dispensing head (liquid dispensing section) 20 Dispenser Units 20A~20C Dispenser Unit 31 Application opening 31A~31E, 31G~31J application opening 40 First Carriage 50 Second Carriage 120 Heat Transfer Film (Resin Film) 127 Adhesive layer [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0189] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-54709

Claims

1. An inkjet DTF printer system that creates a thermal transfer film original by ejecting ink onto a thermal transfer film to form an image, and then forming an adhesive layer on top of the image, A liquid dispensing unit that dispenses ink onto the thermal transfer film, A non-inkjet dispenser unit having an application port for dispensing adhesive liquid, which dispenses the adhesive liquid from the application port and applies the adhesive liquid onto the image, A first carriage is provided on which the liquid discharge unit is mounted and which transports the liquid discharge unit in the main scanning direction, A second carriage, which mounts the dispenser unit and transports the dispenser unit in the main scanning direction, A transport unit that transports the thermal transfer film in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, The system comprises a liquid dispensing unit, a dispenser unit, a first carriage, a second carriage, and a control unit that controls the operation of the transport unit, The control unit, An inkjet DTF printer system that controls the transport unit to perform a line break after both the first carriage and the second carriage have completed their main scanning operation, thereby forming the adhesive layer.

2. The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the coating port is the same size as the line break width based on the multi-pass recording method by the liquid ejection unit.

3. The control unit, The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 2, which controls the dispensing operation by the dispenser unit based on dispensing data generated with a resolution corresponding to the inner diameter of the dispensing port.

4. The control unit, The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 3, which controls the coating operation based on the coating data generated with a resolution corresponding to the opening width of the coating port in the sub-scanning direction.

5. The dispenser unit is, A storage section for storing the aforementioned adhesive liquid, The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a dispensing port module having the dispensing port formed therein and being attachable to and detachable from the storage unit.

6. The dispenser unit has a rotating mechanism that rotates the non-circular dispensing nozzle, The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the opening width of the coating port in the sub-scanning direction can be changed to the same size as the line break width by rotating the coating port.

7. The dispenser unit has a plurality of dispensing ports arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction, The inner diameter of the coating opening is 1 / n of the line spacing, The aforementioned n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of coating ports are selectively opened or closed according to the line spacing.

8. The dispenser unit has a plurality of dispensing ports arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction, The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 7, wherein the coating data is generated with a resolution based on the inner diameter of one of the coating ports with respect to the sub-scanning direction.

9. The control unit, when the difference between the inner diameter associated with the coating opening and the line spacing exceeds a determination threshold, The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 3, which provides notification that the combination of the inner diameter of the coating port and the line spacing is inappropriate.

10. The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls a rotation mechanism that can change the orientation of the coating port, or a switching mechanism that switches the number of coating ports used, when the difference between the inner diameter associated with the coating port and the line spacing exceeds a determination threshold, thereby changing the coating width.

11. The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adhesive liquid comprises a thermoplastic rubber material.

12. The aforementioned thermoplastic rubber material is Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPC), Polybutylene adipate coterephthalate (PBAT), Acrylic elastomer Includes one or more of the following: The inkjet DTF printer system according to claim 11.

13. An image forming method for creating a thermal transfer film original by ejecting ink onto a thermal transfer film to form an image, and then forming an adhesive layer on top of the image, A first transport step involves transporting a first carriage equipped with a liquid ejection unit that ejects ink in the main scanning direction, A second transport step involves transporting a second carriage equipped with a non-inkjet dispenser unit for applying adhesive liquid in the main scanning direction, A recording medium transport step in which the thermal transfer film is transported by a transport unit in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, While performing the first transport step, a liquid ejection step is performed in which ink is ejected from the liquid ejection unit onto the thermal transfer film, The process includes an adhesive application step in which, while performing the second transport step described above, adhesive liquid is discharged from the application port of the dispenser unit and applied to the image, An image forming method comprising controlling the transport unit to perform a line break after both the first carriage and the second carriage have completed the main scanning operation, thereby forming the adhesive layer.

Images