Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and image forming program

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus which expresses a high-gloss image in a hue like a metallic color.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus comprises: a metallic ink discharge head; a color ink discharge head; an irradiation unit which irradiates the metallic ink on a recording medium with light; a carriage which is provided with the metallic ink discharge head, the color ink discharge head, and the irradiation unit; and a movement unit which alternately performs a main scanning movement that relatively moves the carriage in the main-scanning direction with respect to the recording medium and a sub-scanning movement that relatively moves the carriage in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main-scanning direction with respect to the recording medium. The metallic ink discharge head discharges the metallic ink to a first region of the recording medium in the first main-scanning movement of the main-scanning movement. The irradiation unit irradiates the first region with the light in the second main-scanning movement subsequent to the first main-scanning movement of the main-scanning movement. The color ink discharge head discharges the color ink to the first region irradiated with the light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an image forming device that ejects liquid onto a recording medium while moving the recording medium and a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto the recording medium relative to each other in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, thereby forming an image on the recording medium.

[0003] Furthermore, a printing method has been disclosed in which, when forming an image by ejecting metallic ink containing ultraviolet-curable metal particles, a leveling process, a pre-curing process, and a main curing process are carried out to improve the brightness of the image (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the printing method of Patent Document 1 only discloses image formation using metallic ink, and is unable to produce images with high gloss and color such as metallic colors, which are produced by overlapping metallic ink and color ink in a certain area.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of expressing colorful, high-gloss images such as metallic colors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] an irradiation unit that irradiates the metallic ink on the recording medium with light; a carriage provided with the metallic ink ejection head, the color ink ejection heads, and the irradiation unit; and a movement unit that alternately performs a main scanning movement that moves the carriage relatively to the recording medium in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning movement that moves the carriage relatively to the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, wherein the metallic ink ejection head ejects the metallic ink onto a first region of the recording medium in a first main scanning movement of the main scanning movement, and the irradiation unit irradiates the first region with light in a second main scanning movement of the main scanning movement that is subsequent to the first main scanning movement, and the color ink ejection head In the second main scanning movement The first area irradiated with the light , in the second main scanning movement The color ink is ejected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to produce a high-gloss image with metallic colors and other colors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view seen from the front side of the apparatus, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view seen from the rear side of the apparatus. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a carriage according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a controller unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]6A to 6C are diagrams showing how an image is formed on a sheet, and are diagrams showing examples of image formation in the first to third main scanning movements. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a carriage according to a comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a carriage according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0010] Furthermore, the embodiments shown below are examples of image forming apparatuses that embody the technical concepts of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative locations, etc. of the components described below are intended to be illustrative and not to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the sizes and positional relationships of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0011] The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment includes a metallic ink ejection head that ejects metallic ink onto a recording medium, a color ink ejection head that ejects color ink onto the recording medium, an irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the metallic ink on the recording medium, a carriage equipped with the metallic ink ejection head, the color ink ejection head, and the irradiation unit, and a movement unit that alternately performs main scanning movement to move the carriage relative to the recording medium in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning movement to move the carriage relative to the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction.

[0012] The metallic ink is, for example, ultraviolet curable, and the irradiating unit irradiates the metallic ink with ultraviolet light to cure the ink.

[0013] In another embodiment, the metallic ink ejection head ejects liquid onto a first region of the recording medium during a first main scanning movement, the irradiation unit irradiates the first region with light during a second main scanning movement that follows the first main scanning movement, and the color ink ejection head ejects the color ink onto the first region irradiated with the light. This ensures a long time between the ejection of the metallic ink and the start of curing, allowing for the expression of colorful, high-gloss images such as metallic colors.

[0014] Here, metallic refers to something that has a metallic luster.

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described using an inkjet image forming apparatus as an example, which forms an image by ejecting ultraviolet-curable ink onto paper. Here, ink is an example of a liquid, and paper is an example of a recording medium. Paper includes various types of paper, such as plain paper and glossy paper. However, the recording medium is not limited to paper, and may be a plastic film, prepreg, silver foil, or the like.

[0016] Furthermore, the terms "image formation," "recording," "printing," "imaging," and "printing" used in the embodiments are all synonymous. Furthermore, the liquid is not particularly limited as long as it has a viscosity and surface tension that allows it to be ejected from a liquid ejection head, but it is preferable that the viscosity of the liquid be 30 mPa s or less at room temperature and normal pressure, or upon heating or cooling.

[0017] More specifically, these include solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and the like containing solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, polymerizable compounds, resins, surfactants, and other functionality-imparting materials, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids, proteins, and calcium, edible materials such as natural dyes, and the like, and these can be used for applications such as inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, liquids for forming components of electronic elements and light-emitting elements, and electronic circuit resist patterns, and material liquids for three-dimensional modeling.

[0018] A liquid ejection head is a functional component that ejects and sprays liquid from a nozzle. Examples of liquid ejection heads include those that use piezoelectric actuators (laminated piezoelectric elements and thin-film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators that use electrothermal conversion elements such as heating resistors, and electrostatic actuators that consist of a vibration plate and an opposing electrode as energy sources for ejecting liquid.

[0019] In the following description, the main scanning direction is referred to as the X-axis direction, the sub-scanning direction that is approximately perpendicular to the main scanning direction is referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the direction that is perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is referred to as the Z-axis direction. Note that the direction in which the arrow points on the X-axis direction is referred to as the +X direction, and the direction opposite to the +X direction is referred to as the -X direction, the direction in which the arrow points on the Y-axis direction is referred to as the +Y direction, and the direction opposite to the +Y direction is referred to as the -Y direction, and the direction in which the arrow points on the Z-axis direction is referred to as the +Z direction, and the direction opposite to the +Z direction is referred to as the -Z direction. However, these do not limit the orientation of the image forming device, and the orientation of the image forming device is arbitrary.

[0020] [First embodiment] (Example of overall configuration of image forming apparatus 10) First, the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view seen from the front side of the apparatus, and Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view seen from the rear side of the apparatus.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a carriage 200 and a mounting table 13 on which a sheet of paper P is placed. The carriage 200 is provided with an ink ejection head and an irradiation unit. The ink ejection head forms an image by ejecting ink from nozzles. The nozzles are provided to face the mounting table 13. The irradiation unit is also provided to face the mounting table 13. The ink ejection head and the irradiation unit will be described in detail separately with reference to FIG. 2.

[0022] A guide rod 19 is hung between the left and right side plates 18a, 18b, and the guide rod 19 holds a carriage 200 so that the carriage 200 can move in the X-axis direction. The carriage 200 performs main scanning movement along the guide rod 19, moving relative to the paper P in the main scanning direction.

[0023] The carriage 200, guide rod 19, and side plates 18a and 18b are integrally movable in the Y-axis direction along guide rails 29 provided at the bottom of the mounting table 13. The carriage 200 performs sub-scanning movement along the guide rails 29, moving relative to the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction.

[0024] Furthermore, the carriage 200 is held so as to be movable in the Z direction (up and down direction).

[0025] The image forming apparatus 10 performs unidirectional printing, forming an image only in the forward path, which is the main scanning movement along the +X direction.

[0026] (Example of the carriage 200 configuration) Next, the configuration of the carriage 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the carriage. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the carriage 200 in Fig. 1 as viewed from the -Z direction side.

[0027] The carriage 200 is a box-shaped member that is open on the -Z direction side. As shown in Figure 2, the carriage 200 is equipped with a metallic ink ejection head 300, color ink ejection heads 301a and 301b, and irradiation units 400a and 400b inside the box-shaped member.

[0028] The color ink ejection heads 301a and 301b have the same configuration except for the color of ink they eject and their positions, and therefore, hereinafter, unless otherwise distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as the color ink ejection head 301. Similarly, the irradiation units 400a and 400b have the same configuration except for their positions, and therefore, hereinafter, unless otherwise distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as the irradiation unit 400.

[0029] The metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection head 301 have the same configuration except for the type of ink they eject and their positions, but they do not necessarily have to have the same configuration.

[0030] The carriage 200 holds the metallic ink ejection head 300, the color ink ejection head 301, and the irradiation unit 400 so that they face the paper P placed on the −Z direction side of the carriage 200.

[0031] The metallic ink ejection head 300 is an example of a liquid ejection head in which a plurality of nozzles that eject metallic ink onto the paper P are arranged as a nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction.

[0032] The metallic ink ejection head 300 has a piezoelectric element as a pressure generating unit, and contracts in response to a drive signal. The pressure change caused by the contraction causes metallic ink to be ejected in the −Z direction through each nozzle included in the nozzle row 300n.

[0033] The metallic ink according to the embodiment is an ultraviolet-curable ink containing at least a monomer or oligomer, a photopolymerization initiator, and metallic particles. For example, an ink containing a methacrylate-based monomer can be used as the ultraviolet-curable ink. Methacrylate-based monomers have the characteristics of being relatively sensitive to the skin and undergoing a large degree of shrinkage upon curing.

[0034] The ultraviolet curable ink may further contain additives, such as a sensitizer, a dispersant, a leveling agent, and a polymerization inhibitor, which can be selected as appropriate.

[0035] In the embodiment, the metallic particles are aluminum particles having an outer diameter of about 5 μm and a thickness of about 0.1 μm to 0.2 μm, and are flaky or flat particles. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and metal particles other than aluminum can be used, and the shape does not have to be flaky.

[0036] The color ink ejection head 301 has a plurality of nozzles that eject color ink onto the paper P, arranged as a nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction.

[0037] The color ink ejection head 301 has a piezoelectric element as a pressure generating unit, and contracts in response to a drive signal. The pressure change caused by the contraction causes color ink to be ejected in the −Z direction through each nozzle included in the nozzle row 301n.

[0038] The color ink according to the embodiment is an ultraviolet-curable ink containing at least a monomer or oligomer, a photopolymerization initiator, and colored particles. The colored particles are particles of dyes or pigments. The colors of the colored particles are, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, but are not limited thereto, and can be selected appropriately depending on the application of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0039] The materials constituting the ultraviolet curable ink are not particularly limited to those mentioned above, and various materials can be used as appropriate depending on the application of the image forming apparatus 10. The same applies to the viscosity and surface tension of the ink.

[0040] It is preferable that at least one of the metallic ink and the color ink contains a solvent, as this increases volatility and improves curing efficiency or drying efficiency, and it is also preferable that at least one of the metallic ink and the color ink contains water, as this improves environmental resistance.

[0041] The irradiation unit 400 is an example of an irradiation section that irradiates the metallic ink and color ink on the paper P with light.

[0042] In this embodiment, the irradiation unit 400 irradiates ultraviolet light to cure the metallic ink and color ink on the paper P. The cured metallic ink and color ink adhere to and are fixed on the paper P. For example, a UV (Ultra Violet) lamp can be used as the irradiation unit 400.

[0043] The length of the irradiation unit 400 in the sub-scanning direction is preferably longer than the lengths in the sub-scanning direction of the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection head 301. This allows the metallic ink ejection head 300 or the color ink ejection head 301 to irradiate the entire ink in the sub-scanning direction ejected onto the paper P in one main scanning movement with ultraviolet light.

[0044] 2, the carriage 200 is provided with an irradiation unit 400a, a color ink ejection head 301a, a color ink ejection head 301b, a metallic ink ejection head 300, and an irradiation unit 400b, in this order from upstream to downstream on the outgoing path of the main scanning movement. The color ink ejection heads 301a and 301b are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction.

[0045] The metallic ink ejection head 300 is disposed downstream (+Y direction) of the color ink ejection head 301 in the sub-scanning direction, at a position offset by approximately a predetermined sub-scanning width from the position where the color ink ejection head 301 is disposed. This sub-scanning width is approximately equal to the length of the nozzle rows 300n and 301n in the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning width is also an example of the predetermined width.

[0046] The color ink ejection head 301 and the irradiation unit 400 are arranged so as to overlap in the sub-scanning direction, and the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the irradiation unit 400 are arranged so as not to overlap in the sub-scanning direction.

[0047] Specifically, the metallic ink ejection head 300 is disposed downstream (+Y direction side) of the irradiation unit 400 along the sub-scanning direction, at a position shifted by the sub-scanning width from the position where the irradiation unit 400 is disposed.

[0048] (Example of hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 10) Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a controller unit 3, a detection group 4, a transport unit 100, a carriage 200, a metallic ink ejection head 300, a color ink ejection head 301, an irradiation unit 400, and a maintenance unit 500.

[0050] Of these, the controller unit 3 includes a unit control circuit 31, a memory 32, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 33, and an I / F (Interface) .

[0051] The I / F 34 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 10 to an external device, such as a PC (Personal Computer) 2. The image forming apparatus 10 and the PC 26 may be connected in any manner, such as via a network or by directly connecting the two via a communication cable.

[0052] The CPU 33 uses the memory 32 as a working area and controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 via the unit control circuit 31. Specifically, the CPU 33 controls each unit based on image data received from the PC 26 and data detected by the detection group 4, and forms an image on the paper P.

[0053] The detection group 4 includes various sensors provided in the image forming apparatus 10, such as an encoder sensor that detects the position of the carriage 200 in the main scanning direction.

[0054] A printer driver is installed in PC 26. The printer driver generates image data to be sent to image forming apparatus 10. The image data includes command data for operating carriage 200 and the like of image forming apparatus 10, and pixel data relating to the image to be formed.

[0055] The transport unit 100 is a unit that includes a transport mechanism for transporting the paper P. The transport unit 100 is also an example of a moving section that performs main scanning movement, which moves the carriage 200 relative to the paper P in the main scanning direction, and sub-scanning movement, which moves the carriage 200 relative to the paper P in the sub-scanning direction. The transport unit 100 includes a guide rod 19, a guide rail 29, etc.

[0056] The maintenance unit 500 has a maintenance and recovery mechanism for maintaining and recovering the ejection functions of the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection head 301. The maintenance and recovery mechanism includes a cap for covering the nozzle surface to protect the nozzles from drying out during periods when the image forming apparatus 10 is not forming images.

[0057] This cap includes a moisturizing cap that has the sole function of covering the nozzle surface and protecting it from drying out, and a suction cap that, in addition to the moisturizing cap function, is connected to a suction pump and sucks up thickened ink from the metallic ink ejection head 300 and color ink ejection head 301.

[0058] (Example of functional configuration of controller unit 3) Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the controller unit 3 included in the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the controller unit 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the controller unit 3 has an image processing unit 12 and a control unit 30.

[0059] The image processing unit 12 includes a data receiving unit 121 , a data generating unit 122 , and a data output unit 123 .

[0060] The data receiving unit 121 receives image data from the PC 26. The image data includes information such as the pattern or color of the image to be formed. The data generating unit 122 performs predetermined data processing such as CMYK conversion processing, gradation reduction processing, and image conversion processing on the image data received by the data receiving unit 121, and generates recording data for forming an image on paper P based on the image data. The data output unit 123 outputs the generated recording data to the control unit 30.

[0061] The control unit 30 includes a discharge control unit 14, a print mode receiving unit 21, an irradiation driving unit 22, a first driving unit 23, a second driving unit 24, and a formation control unit 25.

[0062] The ejection control unit 14 ejects ink from the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection head 301 based on the recording data. The print mode receiving unit 21 receives information related to the print mode. The print mode is information indicating color or monochrome printing, single-sided or double-sided printing of the paper P, etc.

[0063] The irradiation driver 22 drives the irradiation unit 400 to irradiate ultraviolet light.

[0064] The first drive unit 23 moves the carriage 200 in the sub-scanning direction, thereby moving the carriage 200 and the paper P relative to each other in the sub-scanning direction. The second drive unit 24 moves the carriage 200 in the main scanning direction, thereby moving the carriage 200 and the paper P relative to each other in the main scanning direction.

[0065] The formation control unit 25 receives recording data from the image processing unit 12, and controls the ejection control unit 14, the irradiation driving unit 22, the first driving unit 23, and the second driving unit 24 to eject ink corresponding to each pixel of the recording data from the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection head 301 according to the received recording data.

[0066] <Example of operation of image forming apparatus 10> Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 5 shows the operation triggered by the timing when the image forming apparatus 10 receives image data from the PC 26, forms the recording data, and then starts image formation control. Fig. 5 also shows the operation when the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image by moving in the main scanning direction three times.

[0067] First, in step S51, the formation control unit 25 moves the carriage 200 in the sub-scanning direction and stops it at an initial position for recording an image.

[0068] Next, in step S52, the formation control unit 25 drives the lifting mechanism to move the carriage 200 to a height suitable for ink ejection by the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection head 301. The height refers to a position along the Z direction.

[0069] This height is, for example, a height at which the gap between the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection head 301 and the paper P is 1 mm. It is preferable that the formation control unit 25 controls the driving of the lifting mechanism based on a detection signal from a height sensor that detects the height of the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection head 301.

[0070] Subsequently, in step S53, the formation control unit 25 moves the carriage 200 in the outward direction as the first main scanning movement.

[0071] During the first main scanning movement, in step S54, the metallic ink ejection head 300 ejects metallic ink onto a first region of the paper P. After the first main scanning movement is completed, the formation control unit 25 stops the carriage 200, then moves it in the main scanning direction in the backward direction, and stops it at its original position in the main scanning direction. Note that during the main scanning movement in the backward direction in unidirectional printing, the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection head 301 do not eject ink. This also applies to the main scanning movement in the backward direction in unidirectional printing.

[0072] Subsequently, in step S55, the formation control unit 25 moves the carriage 200 in the sub-scanning direction by the sub-scanning width.

[0073] Subsequently, in step S56, the formation control unit 25 moves the carriage 200 in the outward direction as the second main scanning movement.

[0074] During the second main scanning movement, in step S57, the irradiation unit 400b irradiates ultraviolet light onto the metallic ink ejected onto the first area of ​​the paper P. As a result, the metallic ink ejected onto the first area of ​​the paper P is cured and fixed to the paper P.

[0075] After the start of formation control, the irradiation unit 400b keeps the UV lamp on and continues to irradiate ultraviolet light. When the irradiation unit 400b faces the metallic ink ejected onto the first region of the paper P, the ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the metallic ink. The irradiation unit 400b facing the metallic ink ejected onto the first region of the paper P means that the first region and the irradiation unit 400b overlap in the direction in which the paper P is viewed in a plane.

[0076] However, the irradiation unit 400b may be controlled to turn on the UV lamp only when the irradiation unit 400b faces the metallic ink ejected onto the first region of the paper P, and to turn off the UV lamp at other times. These points also apply to the irradiation of ultraviolet rays by the irradiation units 400a and 400b described below.

[0077] Here, the metallic ink ejection head 300 is positioned offset by the sub-scanning width on the +Y direction side of the irradiation unit 400b. Therefore, during the first main scanning movement, the irradiation unit 400b does not face the metallic ink ejected onto the paper P during the first main scanning movement, and therefore ultraviolet light is not irradiated onto the metallic ink.

[0078] On the other hand, during the second main scanning movement, the ink droplets face the metallic ink ejected onto the paper P during the first main scanning movement, and thus ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the metallic ink.

[0079] In other words, the metallic ink ejection head 300 ejects metallic ink during the first main scanning movement, and the irradiation unit 400b irradiates ultraviolet light during the second main scanning movement after the first main scanning movement.

[0080] This ensures a long time from the ejection to the start of hardening of the metallic ink ejected onto the first area of ​​the paper P during the first main scanning movement. The first main scanning movement is an example of a first main scanning movement, and the second main scanning movement is an example of a second main scanning movement.

[0081] Furthermore, during the second main scanning movement, in step S58, the metallic ink ejection head 300 ejects metallic ink onto a second region of the paper P. The second region is an area shifted by the sub-scanning width downstream in the sub-scanning direction (toward the +Y direction) relative to the first region.

[0082] Furthermore, during the second main scanning movement, the color ink ejection head 301 ejects color ink onto the first area of ​​the paper P in step S59.

[0083] Furthermore, during the second main scanning movement, in step S60, the irradiation unit 400a irradiates ultraviolet light onto the color ink ejected onto the first region of the paper P. As a result, the color ink ejected onto the first region of the paper P is cured and fixed to the paper P.

[0084] In other words, the metallic ink applied to the paper P by the metallic ink ejection head 300 during the first main scanning movement is irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation unit 400b during the second main scanning movement, and then the color ink ejection head 301 ejects color ink onto the area of ​​the paper P where the metallic ink has been applied.

[0085] After the second main scanning movement is completed, the formation control unit 25 stops the carriage 200, then causes it to move in the main scanning direction in the backward direction, and returns it to its original position in the main scanning direction and stops it.

[0086] Next, in step S61, the formation control unit 25 moves the carriage 200 in the sub-scanning direction by the sub-scanning width.

[0087] Subsequently, in step S62, the formation control unit 25 moves the carriage 200 in the outward direction as the third main scanning movement.

[0088] During the third main scanning movement, in step S63, the irradiation unit 400b irradiates ultraviolet light onto the metallic ink ejected onto the second region of the paper P. As a result, the metallic ink ejected onto the second region of the paper P is cured and fixed to the paper P.

[0089] This ensures a long time from the ejection to the start of hardening of the metallic ink ejected onto the second region of the paper P during the second main scanning movement. In the second region, the second main scanning movement is an example of a first main scanning movement, and the third main scanning movement is an example of a second main scanning movement.

[0090] Note that the first main scanning movement does not have to be the first main scanning movement, but simply refers to the main scanning movement in which metallic ink is ejected.Similarly, the second main scanning movement does not have to be the second main scanning movement, but simply refers to the main scanning movement in which ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the metallic ink after the first main scanning movement.

[0091] Furthermore, during the third main scanning movement, the color ink ejection head 301 ejects color ink onto the second region of the paper P in step S64.

[0092] Furthermore, during the third main scanning movement, in step S65, the irradiation unit 400a irradiates ultraviolet light onto the color ink ejected onto the second region of the paper P. As a result, the color ink ejected onto the second region of the paper P is cured and fixed to the paper P.

[0093] In this way, the image forming apparatus 10 can form images in the first and second areas of the paper P by three main scanning movements.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state of image formation on paper P, and FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams showing an example of image formation in the first to third main scanning movements.

[0095] First, the carriage 200 performs a first main scanning movement in the outward direction, during which the metallic ink ejection head 300 ejects metallic ink onto the first region 61, as shown in FIG.

[0096] Next, the carriage 200 performs a sub-main scanning movement, and then performs a main scanning movement in the outgoing direction as a second main scanning movement. At this time, the irradiation unit 400b irradiates ultraviolet light onto the metallic ink applied to the first region 61. This hardens the metallic ink in the first region 61.

[0097] 6(b), in the second main scanning movement, the metallic ink ejection head 300 ejects metallic ink onto the second region 62. The color ink ejection head 301 ejects color ink onto the first region 61, and the irradiation unit 400a irradiates the color ink applied to the first region 61 with ultraviolet light. This hardens the color ink in the first region 61.

[0098] The color ink ejection head 301 may eject color ink onto the metallic ink ejected in the first region 61, or may eject color ink to complement the area in the first region 61 where the metallic ink has not been ejected.

[0099] Next, the carriage 200 performs a sub-main scanning movement, and then performs a main scanning movement in the outgoing path as a third main scanning movement. At this time, the irradiation unit 400b irradiates ultraviolet light onto the metallic ink applied to the second region 62. This hardens the metallic ink in the second region 62.

[0100] 6(c), in the third main scanning movement, the color ink ejection head 301 ejects color ink onto the second region 62, and the irradiation unit 400a irradiates ultraviolet light onto the color ink applied to the second region 62. As a result, the color ink in the second region 62 is cured.

[0101] In this way, the image forming apparatus 10 can form images in the first and second areas of the paper P by three main scanning movements.

[0102] 5 and 6 show an example of an operation of forming an image by three main scanning movements, but the image forming apparatus 10 can also increase the number of main scanning movements by repeating the operations of steps S56 to S61 in Fig. 5. By increasing the number of main scanning movements, an image can be formed on a larger area of ​​the paper P.

[0103] (Operations and Effects of Image Forming Apparatus 10) Next, the effects of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0104] When forming images using inks such as metallic inks containing metal particles, it is important to improve the glossiness of the metallic ink. In particular, UV-curable inks tend to be thick, and the glossiness varies depending on the thickness, so there is room for improvement in glossiness.

[0105] As a result of extensive research by the inventors into the glossiness of such metallic ink, it was found that the glossiness of the image can be improved by extending the time between the ejection of the metallic ink and the irradiation of light by the irradiation unit 400. The reason for this is presumed to be as follows.

[0106] If the metallic ink is irradiated with light immediately after it lands on the medium, the metallic ink will harden immediately after it lands on the paper P. On the other hand, if the time between when the metallic ink lands on the paper P and when it is irradiated with light is lengthened, the metallic ink will wet and spread on the paper P before it hardens. As a result, the ink film thickness becomes thinner, and the numerous metal foil flakes contained in the metallic ink tend to be oriented parallel to the medium. Furthermore, the numerous metal foil flakes oriented parallel to the medium tend to reflect light in the same direction without scattering it, improving the glossiness of the image.

[0107] Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has a metallic ink ejection head 300 (liquid ejection head) in which a plurality of nozzles that eject metallic ink onto a paper P (recording medium) are arranged as a nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction, an irradiation unit 400 (irradiation section) that irradiates the metallic ink on the paper P with ultraviolet light (light), and a carriage 200 equipped with the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the irradiation unit 400.

[0108] The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a transport unit 100 (movement unit) that alternately performs main scanning movement, which moves the carriage 200 relative to the paper P in the main scanning direction, and sub-scanning movement, which moves the carriage 200 relative to the paper P in the sub-scanning direction.

[0109] The metallic ink ejection head 300 ejects metallic ink during the first main scanning movement (first main scanning movement) of the main scanning movement, and the irradiation unit 400 irradiates ultraviolet light during the second main scanning movement (second main scanning movement) after the first main scanning movement of the main scanning movement.

[0110] The metallic ink ejection head 300 irradiates the metallic ink with ultraviolet light during a main scanning movement after the main scanning movement in which the metallic ink is ejected to cure it, thereby ensuring a long time between the ejection of the metallic ink and the start of curing, thereby improving the glossiness of images formed using the metallic ink.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to ensure a long time from the ejection of the metallic ink until the start of curing, the speed of the carriage 200 is not slowed down, and the carriage 200 is not stopped. As a result, it is possible to increase the glossiness of the image while ensuring high productivity in image formation.

[0112] In this embodiment, the carriage 200 has a color ink ejection head 301 (colored liquid ejection head) that ejects color ink onto the paper P, and the color ink ejection head 301 is positioned at a position offset by the sub-scanning width from the metallic ink ejection head 300 along the sub-scanning direction.

[0113] This allows for a longer time between when the metallic ink is ejected onto the paper and when it is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and then the color ink is ejected onto the area where the metallic ink was irradiated with ultraviolet light. As a result, a longer time can be secured between when the metallic ink is ejected and when it starts to harden, improving the glossiness of images formed using the metallic ink and enabling the expression of colorful, high-gloss images like metallic colors.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the main scanning movement in which the color ink is ejected is the same as the main scanning movement in which the metallic ink is irradiated with ultraviolet light, i.e., the second main scanning movement, which reduces the number of main scanning movements, making it possible to increase the productivity of image formation and produce a highly glossy image.

[0115] In this embodiment, the color ink ejection head 301 is disposed at a position offset by the sub-scanning width from the metallic ink ejection head 300 in the sub-scanning direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. The same effects can be obtained even if the color ink ejection head 301 is disposed at a position offset by an integer multiple of the sub-scanning width from the metallic ink ejection head 300 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the metallic ink applied to the paper P by the metallic ink ejection head 300 during the first main scanning movement is irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation unit 400b during the second main scanning movement, and then the color ink ejection head 301 ejects color ink onto the area of ​​the paper P where the metallic ink has been applied. This ensures a long time from the ejection of the metallic ink until the start of curing, improving the glossiness of the image formed using the metallic ink and enabling the expression of a colorful, high-gloss image such as metallic colors.

[0117] (Comparative Example) 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a carriage 200X according to a comparative example. In FIG. 7, components having the same functions as those of the carriage 200 according to this embodiment are denoted by the same part numbers for convenience.

[0118] 7, in the carriage 200X, the color ink ejection head 301 and the irradiation unit 400 are arranged to overlap in the sub-scanning direction. The metallic ink ejection head 300 and the irradiation unit 400 are also arranged to overlap in the sub-scanning direction.

[0119] In this configuration, the irradiation unit 400 irradiates the metallic ink ejected onto the paper P with ultraviolet light during the same main scanning movement as the main scanning movement during which the metallic ink ejection head 300 ejected the metallic ink.

[0120] In this embodiment, the metallic ink ejection head 300 irradiates the metallic ink with ultraviolet light during a main scanning movement subsequent to the main scanning movement during which the metallic ink is ejected, so that the time from ejection of the metallic ink to the start of curing can be secured longer than in the comparative example. As a result, in this embodiment, the glossiness of the image formed using the metallic ink can be further improved compared to the comparative example.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration using ultraviolet curable ink has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, ink that is cured by light energy such as infrared light or thermal energy may be used, but from the viewpoint of curing efficiency, it is preferable to use ultraviolet curable ink.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, the operation of the image forming apparatus in which the carriage is moved in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction is exemplified, but this is not limiting. For example, it is also possible to configure the carriage to move in the main scanning direction and the paper P to move in the sub-scanning direction.

[0123] Here, Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of the configuration of such an image forming apparatus, in which the image forming apparatus is partially seen through from diagonally above.

[0124] 8, image forming apparatus 10a includes apparatus main body 101, feeding device 102, and winding device 103. Feeding device 102 is a medium supplying device that supplies rolled sheet-like paper P located below apparatus main body 101. The rolled paper P is an example of a recording medium.

[0125] The feeding device 102 holds a roll 112 in which paper P is wound around a hollow shaft 115. The winding device 103 is provided with a hollow shaft 114 that winds up the paper P, and the roll 112 is wound up around this hollow shaft 114. The feeding device 102 and the winding device 103 may be configured integrally with the device main body 101 rather than being separate entities.

[0126] The feeding device 102 supplies paper P into the device main body 101. Inside the device main body 101, an image forming unit 104 is arranged, which forms an image on paper P supplied in the transport direction indicated by the arrow B. The image forming unit 104 has guide members, a guide rod 1 and a guide stay 2, suspended between both side plates, and these guide rod 1 and guide stay 2 support a carriage 200 so that it can move in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow A. A winding device 103 winds up the paper P on which an image has been formed.

[0127] A main scanning motor 8, which is a drive source for reciprocating the carriage 200, is disposed on one side in the main scanning direction. A timing belt 11 is wound around a drive pulley 9 that is rotationally driven by the main scanning motor 8 and a driven pulley 20 that is disposed on the other side in the main scanning direction. A belt holding portion of the carriage 200 is fixed to the timing belt 11, and the carriage 200 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by driving the main scanning motor 8.

[0128] Even with such a configuration of the image forming apparatus 10a, by applying the carriage 200 shown in FIG. 2, the same effects as those of the image forming apparatus 10 described above can be obtained.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the carriage 200 moves in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and a configuration in which the carriage moves in the main scanning direction and the paper P moves in the sub-scanning direction are exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to these. As long as the paper P and the carriage can move relative to each other, a configuration in which the paper P moves in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, or a configuration in which the paper P moves in the main scanning direction and the carriage moves in the sub-scanning direction, are also possible.

[0130] [Second embodiment] Next, an image forming apparatus 10b according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0131] The image forming apparatus 10b is capable of so-called bidirectional printing, in which images are formed on both the forward path, which is a main scanning movement along the +X direction, and the return path, which is a main scanning movement along the -X direction. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10b can be applied to the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 10a described above.

[0132] (Example of operation of image forming apparatus 10b) The operation of the image forming apparatus 10b will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10b.

[0133] The operation of the image forming apparatus 10a shown in FIG. 9 is the same as the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 5, except that the second main scanning movement is switched from the forward main scanning movement to the return main scanning movement.

[0134] That is, in step S96, the formation control unit 25 moves the carriage 200 in the backward direction as the second main scanning movement.

[0135] During the second main scanning movement, in step S97, the irradiation unit 400a irradiates ultraviolet light onto the metallic ink ejected onto the first area of ​​the paper P. As a result, the metallic ink ejected onto the first area of ​​the paper P is cured and fixed to the paper P.

[0136] Furthermore, during the second main scanning movement, the color ink ejection head 301 ejects color ink onto the first area of ​​the paper P in step S98.

[0137] Furthermore, during the second main scanning movement, the metallic ink ejection head 300 ejects metallic ink onto a second region of the paper P in step S99.

[0138] Furthermore, during the second main scanning movement, in step S100, the irradiation unit 400b irradiates ultraviolet light onto the color ink ejected onto the first region of the paper P. As a result, the color ink ejected onto the first region of the paper P is cured and fixed to the paper P.

[0139] In this way, the image forming apparatus 10b can form an image on the return path of the main scanning movement, and by alternately forming images on the forward path and the return path, it is possible to form an image on the paper P by bidirectional printing.

[0140] As described above, in this embodiment, the irradiation unit 400 includes an irradiation unit 400a (first irradiation section) and an irradiation unit 400b (second irradiation section), and the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection head 301 are provided between the irradiation unit 400a and the irradiation unit 400b in the main scanning direction, and form an image during main scanning movement in both the forward and backward directions.

[0141] During the forward path, i.e., main scanning movement in the +X direction, the irradiation unit 400b irradiates ultraviolet light onto the metallic ink ejected onto the paper P by the metallic ink ejection head 300 to harden it before ejection by the color ink ejection head 301. This allows color ink to be ejected onto the area of ​​the image formed with metallic ink, thereby forming an image with color ink.

[0142] Furthermore, in the return pass, i.e., in the main scanning movement in the -X direction, the irradiation unit 400a irradiates ultraviolet light to harden the metallic ink ejected onto the paper P by the metallic ink ejection head 300 before ejection by the color ink ejection head 301. This allows color ink to be ejected onto the area of ​​the image formed with metallic ink, thereby forming an image with color ink.

[0143] In this way, bidirectional printing becomes possible. Note that other effects are the same as those shown in the first embodiment.

[0144] [Third embodiment] Next, an image forming apparatus 10c according to a third embodiment will be described.

[0145] The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10c according to this embodiment can be the same as that of the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 10a. In the image forming apparatus 10c, the arrangement of the ink ejection heads on the carriage is different from that of the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 10a.

[0146] (Example of the carriage 200c) Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a carriage 200c included in an image forming apparatus 10c. As shown in Fig. 10, the carriage 200c is provided with two irradiation units 400, and a metallic ink ejection head 300 and color ink ejection heads 301a and 301b are provided between the two irradiation units 400. The metallic ink ejection head 300 is provided with nozzle rows n5 and n6, the color ink ejection head 301a is provided with nozzle rows n1 and n2, and the color ink ejection head 301b is provided with nozzle rows n3 and n4.

[0147] The metallic ink ejection head 300 ejects metallic ink onto a first region during a first main scanning movement. The irradiation unit 400 has multiple light sources L1 to L8 arranged in the Y direction. During a second main scanning movement, the irradiation unit 400 irradiates ultraviolet light using a portion of the irradiation unit 400, i.e., the light sources L1 to L4 on the -Y direction side. The color ink ejection heads 301a and 301b eject color ink onto the first region irradiated with ultraviolet light by the light sources L1 to L4 of the irradiation unit 400. In this embodiment, the irradiation unit 400 is arranged in the Y direction, i.e., the sub-scanning direction, to include all of the regions where the metallic ink ejection head 300 and the color ink ejection heads 301a and 301b are provided. In this embodiment, the irradiation unit 400 may be configured to allow the user to switch between a mode for outputting a high-gloss image and a mode for outputting a non-high-gloss image. The control unit 30 controls the irradiation unit 400 to switch the light sources that are lit according to the selected mode. In a mode for outputting a high-gloss image, the light sources L5 to L8 in the sub-scanning direction region of the irradiation unit 400 where the metallic ink ejection head 300 is provided are not used, and only the light sources L1 to L4 in the sub-scanning direction region where the color ink ejection heads 301a and 301b are provided are turned on to form an image. On the other hand, in a mode for outputting a non-high-gloss image, all the light sources L1 to L8 included in the irradiation unit 400 are turned on to form an image. With this configuration, it is possible to selectively output a high-gloss image or a non-high-gloss image, for example, according to the user's preference.

[0148] This configuration also provides the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments described above.

[0149] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiments of the present invention described in the claims.

[0150] The embodiments also include an image forming method, for example, including the steps of: ejecting metallic ink onto a recording medium using a metallic ink ejection head; ejecting color ink onto the recording medium using color ink ejection heads; irradiating the metallic ink on the recording medium with light using an irradiation unit; and alternately performing a main scanning movement in which a carriage provided with the metallic ink ejection head, the color ink ejection heads, and the irradiation unit is moved relative to the recording medium in a main scanning direction perpendicular to a sub-scanning direction; and a sub-scanning movement in which the carriage is moved relative to the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, wherein the metallic ink ejection head ejects the metallic ink onto a first region of the recording medium during a first main scanning movement, the irradiation unit irradiates the first region with light during a second main scanning movement subsequent to the first main scanning movement, and the color ink ejection head ejects the color ink onto the first region irradiated with the light. Such an image forming method can provide the same effects as the image forming apparatus described above. Note that such an image forming method may be realized by a CPU, a circuit such as an LSI, an IC card, or a standalone module.

[0151] The embodiments also include an image forming program, for example, that causes a computer to execute a process of ejecting metallic ink onto a recording medium using a metallic ink ejection head, ejecting color ink onto the recording medium using color ink ejection heads, irradiating the metallic ink on the recording medium with light using an irradiation unit, and alternately performing a main scanning movement in which a carriage provided with the metallic ink ejection head, the color ink ejection heads, and the irradiation unit is moved relative to the recording medium in a main scanning direction perpendicular to a sub-scanning direction, and a sub-scanning movement in which the carriage is moved relative to the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, wherein the metallic ink ejection head ejects the metallic ink onto a first region of the recording medium during a first main scanning movement, the irradiation unit irradiates the first region with light during a second main scanning movement subsequent to the first main scanning movement, and the color ink ejection head ejects the color ink onto the first region irradiated with the light. Such an image forming program can provide the same effects as those of the image forming apparatus described above.

[0152] Furthermore, all ordinal numbers, quantitative numbers, and other figures used in the description of the embodiments are merely examples for specifically explaining the technology of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the exemplified figures. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the components are merely examples for specifically explaining the technology of the present invention, and the connection relationships for realizing the functions of the present invention are not limited to these.

[0153] The division of blocks in the functional block diagram is an example, and multiple blocks may be realized as a single block, one block may be divided into multiple blocks, and / or some functions may be moved to another block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0154] Furthermore, each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the above-described functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 3 Controller Unit 10, 10a, 10b, 10c image forming device 12 Image processing section 13 Mounting table 14 Discharge control section 18a, 18b side plate 19 Guide rod 21 Print mode reception unit 22 Irradiation drive unit 23 First drive unit 24 Second drive unit 25 Formation Control Department 29 Guide rail 61 1st area 62 Second area 100 Transport unit (an example of a moving part) 200 carriages 300, 300a, 300b metallic ink ejection head 301, 301a, 301b color ink ejection heads 400 Irradiation unit (example of irradiation section) 400a irradiation unit (an example of a first irradiation unit) 400b Irradiation unit (an example of a second irradiation unit) 300n, 301n nozzle rows P paper [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0156] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-230626

Claims

1. a metallic ink ejection head that ejects metallic ink onto a recording medium; a color ink ejection head that ejects color ink onto the recording medium; an irradiation unit that irradiates the metallic ink on the recording medium with light; a carriage provided with the metallic ink ejection head, the color ink ejection head, and the irradiation unit; a moving unit that alternately performs a main scanning movement in which the carriage moves relative to the recording medium in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning movement in which the carriage moves relative to the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, the metallic ink ejection head ejects the metallic ink onto a first region of the recording medium during a first main scanning movement of the main scanning movement; the irradiation unit irradiates the first region with the light during a second main scanning movement that is subsequent to the first main scanning movement, among the main scanning movements; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the color ink ejection head ejects the color ink during the second main scanning movement onto the first region irradiated with the light during the second main scanning movement.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the metallic ink is an ultraviolet curable metallic ink.

3. The sub-scanning movement is a movement of the carriage relative to the recording medium by a predetermined width, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the metallic ink ejection head is disposed at a position offset from the color ink ejection head in the sub-scanning direction by an integral multiple of the predetermined width.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit is located at the same position as the color ink ejection head in the sub-scanning direction and is arranged side by side in the main scanning direction.

5. the irradiation unit includes a first irradiation unit and a second irradiation unit, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the color ink ejection head is provided between the first irradiation unit and the second irradiation unit in the main scanning direction.

6. An image forming device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the moving unit moves the carriage in a first direction during the first main scanning movement, and moves the carriage in a second direction opposite to the first direction during the second main scanning movement.

7. The metallic ink ejection head ejects the metallic ink onto a second area different from the first area of ​​the recording medium during the second main scanning movement; the irradiation unit irradiates the second region with the light during a third main scanning movement that is subsequent to the second main scanning movement among the main scanning movements, the color ink ejection head ejects the color ink during the third main scanning movement onto the second region irradiated with the light during the third main scanning movement; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the moving unit moves the carriage in a first direction during the first main scanning movement and the third main scanning movement, and moves the carriage in a second direction opposite to the first direction during the second main scanning movement.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the metallic ink and the color ink contains a solvent.

9. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the metallic ink and the color ink contains water.

10. ejecting metallic ink onto a recording medium using a metallic ink ejection head; a step of ejecting color inks onto the recording medium using a color ink ejection head; a step of irradiating the metallic ink on the recording medium with light by an irradiation unit; a step of alternately performing a main scanning movement in which a carriage provided with the metallic ink ejection head, the color ink ejection head, and the irradiation unit is moved relative to the recording medium in a main scanning direction perpendicular to a sub-scanning direction, and a sub-scanning movement in which the carriage is moved relative to the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, the metallic ink ejection head ejects the metallic ink onto a first region of the recording medium during a first main scanning movement of the main scanning movement; the irradiation unit irradiates the first region with the light during a second main scanning movement that is subsequent to the first main scanning movement, among the main scanning movements; The image forming method, wherein the color ink ejection head ejects the color inks during the second main scanning movement onto the first region irradiated with the light during the second main scanning movement.

11. A metallic ink is ejected onto a recording medium by a metallic ink ejection head, Discharging color inks onto the recording medium using a color ink discharge head; an irradiation unit irradiating the metallic ink on the recording medium with light; a program for causing a computer to execute processing that alternately performs a main scanning movement in which a carriage provided with the metallic ink ejection head, the color ink ejection head, and the irradiation unit is moved relative to the recording medium in a main scanning direction perpendicular to a sub-scanning direction, and a sub-scanning movement in which the carriage is moved relative to the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, the metallic ink ejection head ejects the metallic ink onto a first region of the recording medium during a first main scanning movement of the main scanning movement; the irradiation unit irradiates the first region with the light during a second main scanning movement that is subsequent to the first main scanning movement, among the main scanning movements; The image forming program is characterized in that the color ink ejection head ejects the color ink during the second main scanning movement onto the first region irradiated with the light during the second main scanning movement.

Images