Printing apparatus and printing method

Abstract

To more properly perform printing onto a medium for transfer.SOLUTION: A printer 12 performs printing with an ink jet system onto a transfer medium 50 to be a medium of a film for transfer. The printer includes: a head section 102 which discharges ink to the transfer medium 50; a main scanning driving section 108 which causes the head section 102 to perform a main scanning operation; and a sub-scanning driving section 110 which causes the head section 102 to perform a sub-scanning driving section. The head section 102 has a head 202 for color to be a first ink jet head for discharging color ink and a head 204 for white ink to be a second ink jet head disposed by shifting a position in a sub-scanning direction from the head 202 for color.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a printing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printing apparatus that performs printing by a transfer method has been known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this case, for example, by transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer target medium by a printing apparatus, it becomes possible to express an image on transfer target media of various materials.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When performing printing by a transfer method, in a printing apparatus, in some cases, ink of a predetermined color is ejected onto an image drawn with color ink on a transfer medium. In this case, for example, by ejecting white ink onto an image drawn with color ink, it is conceivable to form a layer of white ink that becomes the background of the image after transfer. However, in this case, it is considered that the printing speed may decrease because it is necessary to eject white ink or the like in addition to the color ink. Therefore, conventionally, a printing apparatus having a configuration that can perform printing more appropriately on a transfer medium has been desired. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a printing system that can solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] <0000As a printing device for printing onto a transfer medium, for example, an inkjet printer that uses an inkjet head to print in an inkjet manner can be suitably used. Furthermore, when using an inkjet printer to form a layer of ink of a predetermined color, such as white, on top of an image drawn with color ink, it is necessary to eject the white or other colored ink in a way that prevents it from mixing with the color ink on the medium. In this case, only some of the nozzles in the nozzle row of the inkjet head become usable, which may reduce the printing speed.

[0006] More specifically, in a printing device that prints on a medium by having an inkjet head perform a main scanning operation in which it moves relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction while ejecting ink, if a layer of white ink is to be superimposed on an image drawn with color ink, it is conceivable to eject white ink from a nozzle row adjacent to the nozzle row ejecting color ink in the main scanning direction. In this case, in order to print without mixing the color ink and white ink on the transfer medium, it is conceivable to use only half of the nozzles in the nozzle row for color ink and only half of the nozzles in the nozzle row for white ink, so that the areas where the color ink is ejected and the areas where the white ink is ejected do not overlap. However, when printing in this way, the number of nozzles used is reduced, which will decrease the printing speed.

[0007] In response to this, the inventors of the present invention have considered using an inkjet head for color ink and an inkjet head for a predetermined color such as white, and arranging the inkjet head for the white or other color at a position offset from the inkjet head for color ink in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. With this configuration, for example, even when printing using the entire nozzle row of each inkjet head, it is possible to appropriately prevent the color ink and the white or other color ink from mixing on the medium. Furthermore, this appropriately prevents the reduction in printing speed that would occur if, for example, white or other color ink were used, and enables more appropriate printing onto the transfer medium.

[0008] Furthermore, the inventors of this application, through further diligent research, have discovered the features necessary to obtain such effects, leading to the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a printing apparatus for printing on a transfer film medium using an inkjet method, comprising: a head unit for ejecting ink onto the medium; a main scanning drive unit for causing the head unit to perform a main scanning operation in which it moves relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction while ejecting ink; and a sub-scanning drive unit for causing the head unit to perform a sub-scanning operation in which it moves relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, wherein the head unit comprises: a first inkjet head for ejecting color ink, which is an ink of a predetermined color; and a second inkjet head arranged to be offset from the first inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction.

[0009] In this configuration, by positioning the second inkjet head offset from the first inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction, it is possible to appropriately eject ink from the second inkjet head while appropriately preventing mixing with color ink on the medium. Furthermore, this appropriately prevents the reduction in printing speed that occurs when using the second inkjet head, and allows for more appropriate printing onto the transfer medium. In this configuration, the second inkjet head ejects, for example, white ink. With this configuration, the second inkjet head can appropriately form, for example, a layer of ink that will serve as the background after transfer. The white ink can be considered, for example, an example of a light-reflective ink. The ink layer formed with the white ink can also be considered, for example, a layer of light-reflective ink. The color of the ink ejected by the second inkjet head may also be other than white. In this case, the second inkjet head may use ink of a color determined according to, for example, the required quality of printing or the purpose of printing.

[0010] Furthermore, if the first and second inkjet heads are positioned with a staggered position in the sub-scanning direction, it is conceivable that the heating conditions for the medium may differ between the position facing the first inkjet head and the position facing the second inkjet head. More specifically, in this configuration, the printing apparatus further comprises, for example, a platen and a heating means. In this case, the platen can be considered, for example, a member that supports the medium at a position facing the head. In this case, the heating means heats the medium via the platen by applying heat to the platen. If the region in which the first inkjet head can eject ink in one main scanning operation is defined as the first ejection region, and the region in which the second inkjet head can eject ink in one main scanning operation is defined as the second ejection region, then it is conceivable that the heating means and the platen can heat the medium by, for example, making the temperature distribution in the first ejection region and the temperature distribution in the second ejection region different. With this configuration, for example, the heating conditions for the medium can be appropriately differentiated between the position facing the first inkjet head and the position facing the second inkjet head.

[0011] Here, regarding temperature distribution, when printing using an inkjet head, the ink that lands on the medium usually spreads out in a dot pattern on the medium before it fixes. In this case, the way the ink spreads on the medium can be affected by, for example, the temperature of the medium. Also, in this case, if there are areas on the medium with a different temperature than the surrounding area (for example, areas with a locally lower temperature), the dots may spread unevenly, which may reduce the print quality. This problem of unevenness is particularly likely to occur when drawing images with color inks. Therefore, regarding the heating conditions for the medium, for example, it is conceivable to set the temperature distribution in the first ejection area to a distribution that is less likely to cause unevenness in the print result compared to the temperature distribution in the second ejection area. More specifically, in this case, for example, it is conceivable to set the temperature distribution in the first ejection area to a distribution that has fewer locally lower temperatures compared to the temperature distribution in the second ejection area. In this case, it can also be considered preferable to set the temperature distribution in the first ejection area to be more uniform compared to the temperature distribution in the second ejection area.

[0012] Furthermore, in this configuration, the sub-scanning drive unit moves the head unit relative to the medium by, for example, transporting the medium in a transport direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. In this case, the sub-scanning drive unit changes the range on the medium that faces the head unit in the next main scan operation by, for example, transporting the medium between main scan operations. Also, in this case, the second inkjet head is, for example, positioned downstream of the first inkjet head in the transport direction. With this configuration, for example, a layer of ink formed by the ink ejected from the second inkjet head can be appropriately formed on top of the layer of ink formed by the color ink ejected from the first inkjet head. Also, in this case, for example, a platen with adsorption holes for adsorbing the medium can be used. In this case, for example, the platen can not adsorb the medium during transport, but adsorb the medium by the adsorption holes during the main scan operation. With this configuration, for example, the medium can be held more appropriately during the main scan operation. However, in this case, a temperature difference may occur between the platen and its surroundings due to differences in thermal conductivity, for example, at the location of the suction holes. More specifically, in this case, a decrease in temperature at the location of the suction holes compared to the surroundings may cause unevenness in the printing result.

[0013] To achieve higher quality printing, for example, it is conceivable to minimize the number of adsorption holes in the area overlapping with the first ejection area. More specifically, if the number of adsorption holes per unit area is defined as the adsorption hole density, it is conceivable to make the adsorption hole density in the area overlapping with the first ejection area smaller than the adsorption hole density in the area overlapping with the second ejection area. In this case, the difference in adsorption hole density can be thought to cause differences in the temperature distribution of the heating means and platen, for example, between the temperature distribution in the first ejection area and the temperature distribution in the second ejection area. With this configuration, by reducing the adsorption hole density in the area overlapping with the first ejection area, it is possible to reduce unevenness caused by the influence of adsorption holes in images drawn with color ink, for example. Furthermore, this makes it possible to perform high-quality printing more appropriately. In addition, it is preferable not to form adsorption holes in the area overlapping with the first ejection area. In this case, for example, it can be thought that no adsorption holes are formed in the area overlapping with the first ejection area of ​​the platen, and adsorption holes are formed in the area overlapping with the second ejection area. This configuration allows for more effective prevention of unevenness caused by the effects of adhesive holes in images drawn with colored inks.

[0014] Furthermore, by configuring the density of adsorption holes to be small in the area overlapping with the first discharge area, it can be suitably used, for example, in printing apparatuses that print on media other than transfer film media. In this case, with respect to the configuration of the present invention, for example, in a printing apparatus that performs printing using an inkjet method, the head unit comprises a head unit that discharges ink onto a medium, a main scanning drive unit that causes the head unit to perform a main scanning operation in which it moves relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction and discharges ink, a sub-scanning drive unit that causes the head unit to perform a sub-scanning operation in which it moves relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, a platen that supports the medium at a position opposite to the head unit, and a heating means that heats the medium via the platen by applying heat to the platen, wherein the head unit comprises a first inkjet head and a second inkjet head that is positioned offset from the first inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction. The present invention includes an inkjet head, and the sub-scanning drive unit moves the head relative to the medium by transporting the medium in a transport direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction, and the platen has adsorption holes formed therein for adsorbing the medium, and if the area in which the first inkjet head can eject ink in one main scanning operation is defined as the first ejection area, and the area in which the second inkjet head can eject ink in one main scanning operation is defined as the second ejection area, and if the number of adsorption holes per unit area is defined as the adsorption hole density, then the adsorption hole density in the area overlapping with the first ejection area is smaller than the adsorption hole density in the area overlapping with the second ejection area. Furthermore, it is conceivable to use a printing method or printing system having the same features as described above as part of the present invention. In this case, the printing system further includes, for example, a powder coating device and a transfer device in addition to the printing device. In these cases as well, for example, the same effects as described above can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, for example, printing onto a transfer medium can be performed more appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates a printing system 10 equipped with a printing device 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. Figure 1(b) shows an example of the printing operation performed in the printing system 10. [Figure 2] This figure provides a more detailed explanation of the printing device 12. Figure 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing device 12. Figure 2(b) shows an example of the configuration of the head unit 102 in the printing device 12. [Figure 3] This figure shows a more specific example of the configuration of the printing device 12. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates the features of the print head 102 and variations in the configuration of the print head 102. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate the printing operation when using a print head 102 with a different configuration than the print head 102 in this example. Figure 4(c) shows a variation in the configuration of the print head 102. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates how the adsorption holes 312 in the platen 104 are formed. Figure 5(a) shows an example of the structure of the platen 104. Figure 5(b) shows another example of the structure of the platen 104. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 10 equipped with a printing device 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. Except for the points described below, the printing system 10 and each component of the printing system 10 may have the same or similar characteristics as known printing systems and their configurations. In this example, the printing system 10 is a printing system that performs printing by a transfer method and comprises a printing device 12, a control device 14, a powder coating device 16, and a transfer device 18. Printing by a transfer method can be considered, for example, as a method of creating a final printed product by transferring an image drawn on a transfer medium 50, which is a transfer medium, to another medium, which is a transfer medium 150.

[0018] Furthermore, in the configuration of the printing system 10 in this example, the printing device 12 is an inkjet printer that draws an image on the transfer medium 50, and draws an image on the transfer medium 50 by performing inkjet printing. In this case, the transfer medium 50 can be thought of as, for example, the object to be printed on by the printing device 12. In this example, the transfer medium 50 is, for example, a transfer film medium. In this case, the printing device 12 can be thought of as, for example, a DTF (Direct To Film) printer that directly prints on the film-like transfer medium 50. The printing device 12 also performs the operation of printing on the transfer medium 50 based on the print data supplied from the control device 14, for example. As the transfer medium 50, for example, a known transfer film can be suitably used. The transfer medium 50 can also be thought of as, for example, a transfer sheet. The configuration of the printing device 12 will be explained in more detail later. The control device 14 is a device that controls the operation of the printing device 12. In this example, the control device 14 controls the operation of the printing device 12 by supplying print data indicating the image to be printed on the transfer medium 50. As the control device 14, for example, a computer that executes a program to control the operation of the printing device 12 can be suitably used. The control device 14 may also perform further control of other devices in the printing system 10.

[0019] The powder coating device 16 is a device (powdering device) that applies (imparts) powder to the transfer medium 50 after an image has been drawn by the printing device 12. This powder can be considered, for example, as an adhesive powder for transfer or the like. As the powder coating device 16, for example, a known powder coating device used for printing by a transfer method can be preferably used. Also, as this powder, for example, a known powder used for printing by a transfer method can be preferably used. More specifically, as this powder, for example, a powder of a resin that exhibits adhesiveness by melting upon heating can be preferably used. The powder used in the powder coating device 16 can also be considered, for example, as an adhesive member or the like for adhering the transfer medium 50 to the transfer target medium 150.

[0020] <000009​​​​Furthermore, the specific configuration of the printing system 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1(a), and can be variously changed. For example, the printing system 10 may further include devices other than those described above. Also, regarding the plurality of devices in the configuration shown in FIG. 1(a), they may be realized by a single device having the functions of the plurality of devices. Also, regarding a part of the devices constituting the printing system 10, it is also conceivable to install them at a location different from other devices. More specifically, in this case, for example, the printing device 12, the control device 14, and the powder application device 16 may be installed at the same location (for example, the same factory, etc.), and the transfer device 18 may be installed at a location different from the printing device 12, etc. (for example, a different factory, etc.).

[0022] Subsequently, the printing operation and the like executed in the printing system 10 will be described in more detail. In the printing system 10 of this example, for example, as shown in FIG. 1(b), it is conceivable to execute a printing operation in a transfer method. FIG. 1(b) shows an example of the printing operation executed in the printing system 10.

[0023] In the printing system 10, when performing a transfer printing operation, a transfer medium 50 is prepared as the object to be printed in the printing device 12. In this example, the transfer medium 50 is, for example, a sheet-like medium having a film layer 52, a release layer 54, and a receiving layer 56. The film layer 52, release layer 54, and receiving layer 56 can preferably be the same or similar layers as those in known transfer media. The film layer 52 can be considered, for example, a thin film structure that serves as the base (foundation) of the transfer medium 50. The film layer 52 can preferably be a layer composed of various resins. In this example, the film layer 52 supports the receiving layer 56 via the release layer 54. The release layer 54 is a layer that removably joins the film layer 52 and the receiving layer 56. The release layer 54 can also be considered, for example, a layer for separating the receiving layer 56 from the transfer medium 50 when peeling off the transfer medium 50 that is in close contact with the transfer medium 150. As the release layer 54, a layer composed of a release agent such as a fluorine-based or silicone-based agent can be suitably used. The receiving layer 56 is a layer that receives the transfer ink ejected by the printing apparatus 12. The receiving layer 56 can be considered, for example, a layer made of a material or structure that readily adsorbs the transfer ink. More specifically, as the receiving layer 56, a layer composed of a porous material can be suitably used.

[0024] In this example, the printing device 12 forms an ink layer 62 on the transfer medium 50 by printing on the transfer medium 50 using transfer ink. In this case, the formation of the ink layer 62 on the transfer medium 50 can be considered as forming the ink layer 62 on a predetermined surface of the transfer medium 50 while appropriately receiving ink in the receiving layer 56 of the transfer medium 50. In this case, the ink layer 62 can be considered as being formed on the surface or inside the receiving layer 56. The printing device 12 may also form multiple ink layers on the transfer medium 50. More specifically, the printing device 12 may, for example, draw an image on the transfer medium 50 using transfer color ink and then form a layer of ink of a predetermined color, such as white, on top of it. In this case, the layer of ink of a predetermined color, such as white, can be considered as functioning as the background of the image after transfer. Also, in this case, with respect to Figure 2(b), for example, multiple ink layers can be considered as being grouped together as the ink layer 62 for the sake of illustration.

[0025] Furthermore, after the printing device 12 forms an ink layer 62 on the transfer medium 50, the powder coating device 16 applies powder. The powder coating device 16 then forms a powder layer 64 on top of the ink layer 62 on the transfer medium 50. After the powder layer 64 is formed, the transfer device 18 performs a transfer (thermal transfer). In this case, as shown in the figure, the transfer device 18 places the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 150 on top of each other with the powder layer 64 on the transfer medium 50 in contact with the transfer medium 150, and applies heat and pressure to melt the adhesive powder in the powder layer 64. Afterward, when the heating is stopped and the powder layer 64 cools, the powder solidifies, and the transfer medium 50 adheres to the transfer medium 150.

[0026] Furthermore, after the transfer medium 50 is adhered to the transfer medium 150 in the transfer device 18, the transfer medium 50 is peeled off (detached) from the transfer medium 150. In this case, with the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 150 overlapping, the film layer 52 on the transfer medium 50, which is outside the release layer 54, separates from the part inside the release layer 54, thereby peeling off the film layer 52 from the transfer medium 50. As a result, the part of the transfer medium 50 corresponding to the receiving layer 56, as well as the ink layer 62 and powder layer 64, remain on the transfer medium 150. In this case, the ink layer 62 is transferred onto the transfer medium 150, and the image drawn with color ink in the ink layer 62 is transferred to the transfer medium 150. Therefore, according to this example, for example, an image can be appropriately transferred to the transfer medium 150. Furthermore, this enables, for example, the printing system 10 to appropriately perform printing using the transfer method.

[0027] Furthermore, in this case, it becomes possible to use a medium that is difficult to print directly on in the printing device 12 as the transfer medium 150. More specifically, for example, a cloth medium can be suitably used as the transfer medium 150. As a cloth medium, for example, clothing such as nylon garments or towels can be used. As a garment, for example, a T-shirt can be used. Also, when printing by transfer, it is possible to print more easily on media of various shapes. For this reason, it is also possible to use media of various shapes, such as enamel bags or umbrellas, as the transfer medium 150. According to this example, for example, printing by transfer can be appropriately performed on various transfer mediums 150.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the printing device 12 will be explained in more detail. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the printing device 12 in more detail. Figure 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing device 12. Figure 2(b) shows an example of the configuration of the head unit 102 in the printing device 12. In this example, the printing device 12 comprises a head unit 102, a platen 104, a Y-bar unit 106, a main scanning drive unit 108, a sub-scanning drive unit 110, a heating means 112, a suction means 114, and a control unit 120. In addition to the illustrated configuration, the printing device 12 may further include configurations that are the same as or similar to those of a known inkjet printer.

[0029] The head unit 102 is a part having an inkjet head that ejects ink onto the transfer medium 50. For example, a known transfer ink can be suitably used as the ink ejected from the head unit 102. In this example, an evaporation-drying type ink is used. An evaporation-drying type ink can be considered, for example, an ink that fixes to the medium (transfer medium 50, etc.) by drying. The head unit 102 also has an inkjet head, for example, a color head 202 and a white ink head 204, as shown in Figure 2(b). In this case, the head unit 102 may further have, for example, a carriage that holds the color head 202 and the white ink head 204. For simplicity of illustration and explanation, Figure 2(b) illustrates a configuration in which the head unit 102 has one color head 202 and one white ink head 204. The head unit 102 may also have multiple color heads 202 and multiple white ink heads 204. A modified example of a configuration in which the head unit 102 has multiple color heads 202, etc., will be described later.

[0030] The color head 202 is an example of a first inkjet head and ejects color ink, which is an ink of a predetermined color. In this example, the color head 202 has a plurality of nozzle rows 302, and ejects black (K), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and magenta (M) inks as color inks from these nozzle rows 302. In this case, the KCYM inks can be thought of as, for example, the process color inks which are the basic colors of color expression. More specifically, in this example, the color head 202 has eight nozzle rows 302, and ejects ink from two nozzle rows 302 for each color, for example, as shown in the figure. The nozzle rows can be thought of as, for example, rows in which multiple nozzles are arranged with their positions shifted in a predetermined nozzle row direction. In this example, the nozzle row direction is parallel to the sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) that is set in advance in the printing device 12. Furthermore, in the color head 202, the multiple nozzle rows 302 are aligned in the sub-scanning direction and then aligned in the main scanning direction which is perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction.

[0031] Furthermore, the white ink head 204 is an example of a second inkjet head and ejects white ink, which is an example of a spot color ink. The spot color ink can be thought of as, for example, an ink of a different color from each of the process colors. For the white ink head 204, for example, an inkjet head with the same structure as the color head 202 can be suitably used. In this case, the fact that the inkjet heads have the same structure can be thought of as, for example, that they are the same product. More specifically, in this example, the white ink head 204 has eight nozzle rows 304 that are the same as or similar to the nozzle row 302 in the color head 202, and ejects white ink from these nozzle rows 304.

[0032] In this example, the white ink head 204 is positioned offset from the color head 202 in the sub-scanning direction. This offset in the sub-scanning direction can be achieved, for example, by offsetting the nozzle row 302 of the color head 202 and the nozzle row 304 of the white ink head 204 so that their positions do not overlap in the sub-scanning direction. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the position of the white ink head 204 in the main scanning direction can also be offset from that of the color head 202. The arrangement of the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 can also be considered as a staggered arrangement of two inkjet heads (2 heads). The printing operation using such an arrangement of the color head 202 and white ink head 204 will be explained in more detail later.

[0033] The platen 104 is a platform-shaped support member that supports the transfer medium 50 at a position opposite the head unit 102. In this example, the platen 104 has adsorption holes formed therein for adsorbing the transfer medium 50. In addition, the platen 104 adsorbs and holds the transfer medium 50 as needed. The Y-bar unit 106 is a member that extends in the main scanning direction and holds the head unit 102 so that it can move in the main scanning direction. In addition, the Y-bar unit 106 guides the movement of the head unit 102 during the main scanning operation. The main scanning operation can be considered, for example, as an operation in which ink is ejected while moving relative to the transfer medium 50 in the main scanning direction. The main scanning drive unit 108 is a drive unit that causes the head unit 102 to perform the main scanning operation. Instructing the head unit 102 to perform the main scanning operation can be considered as, for example, causing the inkjet heads of the head unit 102, namely the color head 202 and the white ink head 204, to perform the main scanning operation. In this example, the main scanning drive unit 108 causes the head unit 102 to perform the main scanning operation by moving the head unit 102 along the Y-bar unit 106 and ejecting ink from the color head 202 and the white ink head 204.

[0034] The sub-scanning drive unit 110 is a drive unit that causes the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation can be thought of as, for example, an operation in which the head unit 102 moves relative to the transfer medium 50 in the sub-scanning direction. The operation of the head unit 102 to perform the sub-scanning operation can be thought of as, for example, causing the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 in the head unit 102 to perform the sub-scanning operation. In this example, the sub-scanning drive unit 110 moves the head unit 102 relative to the transfer medium 50 by transporting the transfer medium 50 in a transport direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. In this case, the sub-scanning drive unit 110 also transports the transfer medium 50 between main scanning operations, thereby changing the range of the transfer medium 50 that faces the head unit 102 in the next main scanning operation. Furthermore, considering the relationship between the arrangement of the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 in the head section and the transport direction, in this example, the white ink head 204 is positioned downstream of the color head 202 in the transport direction. With this configuration, for example, a layer of ink formed by white ink ejected from the white ink head 204 can be appropriately formed on top of a layer of ink formed by color ink ejected from the color head 202. The heating means 112 is a means for heating to fix the ink to the transfer medium 50. In this example, the heating means 112 heats the transfer medium 50 via the platen 104 by applying heat to the platen 104. The heating means 112 has, for example, a heater positioned on the opposite side of the head section 102 from the platen 104, and heats the transfer medium 50 via the platen 104 by transferring heat from the heater to the platen 104. For example, a known heater can be suitably used as such a heater.

[0035] The suction means 114 is a means for sucking the transfer medium 50 through the adsorption holes of the platen 104. A known pump or the like can be suitably used as the suction means 114. In this example, the suction means 114, for example, switches the suction on and off in accordance with the control of the control unit 120, thereby causing the transfer medium 50 to be adsorbed onto the adsorption holes of the platen 104 at a predetermined timing. More specifically, the suction means 114 turns off the suction during, for example, the sub-scanning operation. Also, the suction means 114 turns on the suction during, for example, the main scanning operation. With this configuration, for example, the transfer medium 50 can be transported more easily and appropriately during the sub-scanning operation, while the transfer medium 50 can be held more reliably by the platen 104 during the main scanning operation. Furthermore, in this case, it can be considered that, for example, the platen 104 does not adsorb the transfer medium 50 during transport, but adsorbs the transfer medium 50 through the adsorption holes during the main scanning operation. Furthermore, the control unit 120 includes, for example, the CPU of the printing device 12 and controls the operation of each part of the printing device 12. According to this example, for example, the printing operation on the transfer medium 50 can be properly performed in the printing device 12.

[0036] Here, Figure 2 mainly illustrates an example of the configuration of the printing device 12, focusing on its functional configuration. In contrast, when focusing on the specific structure of the printing device 12, it is conceivable that the printing device 12 could be configured as shown in Figure 3, for example. Figure 3 shows a more specific example of the configuration of the printing device 12. For the sake of illustration and explanation, Figure 3 omits some of the functional configuration shown in Figure 2, and also illustrates some of the configuration of the printing device 12 that was omitted in Figure 2. More specifically, in the configuration shown in Figure 3, the printing device 12 uses a transfer medium 50 wound in a roll on a paper tube 224. Furthermore, as a configuration for this, the printing device 12 is equipped with a roll holder 222. The roll holder 222 can be thought of as, for example, a member that rotatably holds the paper tube 224 on which the transfer medium 50 is wound. In this case, the printing device 12 sequentially unwinds the transfer medium 50 wound on the paper tube 224 and transports it to a position facing the head unit 102 to perform printing on the transfer medium 50. The printing device 12 also includes a transport roller 206 and a pinch roller 208 for transporting the transfer medium 50. The transport roller 206 is a roller that moves the transfer medium 50 by rotation. The pinch roller 208 is a driven roller that sandwiches the transfer medium 50 between itself and the transport roller 206. In this case, the sub-scanning drive unit 110 (see Figure 2) moves the transfer medium 50 in the transport direction by, for example, rotating the transport roller 206.

[0037] Furthermore, in this configuration, the heating means 112 (see Figure 2) has a plurality of heaters 212, 216 and a plurality of heated members 214, 218. Heater 212 is a heater (preheater, rear heater) located upstream of the head unit 102 in the transport direction of the transfer medium 50. Heated member 214 is a member heated by heater 212, and by contacting the transfer medium 50, it transfers the heat from heater 212 to the transfer medium 50, thereby heating the transfer medium 50. Heater 216 is a heater (afterheater) located downstream of the head unit 102 in the transport direction. Heated member 218 is a member heated by heater 216, and by contacting the transfer medium 50, it transfers the heat from heater 216 to the transfer medium 50, thereby heating the transfer medium 50. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the heated members 214 and 218 are positioned adjacent to the platen 104 in the transport direction, and the heat generated by the heaters 212 and 216 is also transferred to the platen 104. In this case, as explained above, the heating means 112 can be considered to heat the transfer medium 50 via the platen 104 by applying heat to the platen 104. Also, as shown in the figure, the heated members 214 and 218 can be considered to support the transfer medium 50 at a position facing the head unit 102, for example. Therefore, the heated members 214 and 218 can be considered to constitute a part of the platen 104, for example. By using a printing apparatus 12 with such a specific configuration, it is possible to print appropriately on the transfer medium 50, for example.

[0038] Next, the printing operation using the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 will be explained in more detail. As explained above, when printing by transfer method, the printing device 12, for example, draws an image on the transfer medium 50 using transfer color ink, and then forms a layer of ink of a predetermined color, such as white, on top of it. In this case, the layer of ink of a predetermined color, such as white, can be used, for example, to function as the background of the image after transfer. More specifically, in this example, the printing device 12 forms a color ink layer on the transfer medium 50, which is a layer of ink formed with color ink, and then forms a white ink layer on top of it, which is a layer of ink formed with white ink. In this case, the color ink layer can be considered, for example, as a layer on which an image is drawn with color ink. The white ink layer can be considered, for example, as a layer on which an image is drawn with color ink. Furthermore, the white ink layer can be considered, for example, as a layer to conceal the color of the transfer medium 150 (see Figure 1) after transfer. In this case, the printing apparatus 12 would need to eject ink from the head unit 102 in such a way that, for example, the color ink and the white ink do not mix on the transfer medium 50.

[0039] In this regard, as described above, in this example, the printing apparatus 12 ejects ink from the head unit 102 to each position on the transfer medium 50 by causing the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation and a sub-scanning operation. In this case, ink ejected from nozzle rows whose positions are aligned in the sub-scanning direction, such as the nozzle rows 302 for each color in the color head 202 of the head unit 102 (see Figure 2), is usually more likely to mix on the transfer medium 50. In contrast, as explained above, in the head unit 102 of this example, the white ink head 204 is positioned offset from the color head 202 in the sub-scanning direction. In this case, for example, the range in which the white ink head 204 ejects ink and the range in which the color head 202 ejects ink in a single main scanning operation performed simultaneously can be considered not to overlap. Therefore, according to this example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the color ink and white ink from mixing on the transfer medium 50 while appropriately ejecting white ink from the white ink head 204. Furthermore, this makes it possible to appropriately form a white ink layer on top of the color ink layer. In addition, in this case, as will be explained below with reference to Figure 4, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the decrease in printing speed that occurs when using the white ink head 204 and to print on the transfer medium 50 more appropriately.

[0040] Figure 4 illustrates the features of the print head 102 in this example and shows modified configurations of the print head 102. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate the printing operation when using a print head 102 with a different configuration from the print head 102 in this example. When performing transfer printing, as mentioned above, white ink is often used in addition to color ink. In this case, it is usually necessary to eject white ink from one of the inkjet heads in the print head 102. Also, if we are simply considering ejecting white ink, it is conceivable to allocate some of the nozzle rows of the color print head 202 that ejects color ink for white ink, as shown in Figure 4(a).

[0041] However, in this case, if printing is performed using all the nozzles in the nozzle row 302, it is possible that the color ink and white ink will mix on the transfer medium 50. As a result, it may become difficult to properly form a white ink layer on top of the color ink layer. Therefore, for example, when using the color head 202 as shown in Figure 4(a), printing to the transfer medium 50 is performed using only about half of all the nozzles, for example, by not using the nozzles in the area enclosed by the dashed line in the figure. In this case, printing using only a portion of the nozzle row 302 will result in a lower printing speed compared to, for example, using the entire nozzle row 302.

[0042] Furthermore, when using a white ink head 204 in addition to the color head 202, it is conceivable to arrange the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 so that their positions in the sub-scanning direction are aligned, as shown in Figure 4(b). However, even in this case, if an attempt is made to form a white ink layer on top of the color ink layer, the same problems as in the configuration shown in Figure 4(a) will occur. Therefore, in this case as well, it is usually necessary to use only the nozzles in half the range in the sub-scanning direction for both the nozzle row 302 of the color head 202 and the nozzle row 304 of the white ink head 204. As a result, the printing speed will also decrease in this case.

[0043] In contrast, as in this example, when the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 are positioned with their positions offset in the sub-scanning direction, printing can be performed on the transfer medium 50 using all the nozzles of the color head 202 and the white ink head 204. In this case, using all the nozzles may mean using virtually all of the nozzles (almost all of them), except for a small number of nozzles that are not used for reasons such as controlling the printing operation. Therefore, according to this example, even when forming a white ink layer on top of a color ink layer, printing can be performed appropriately on the transfer medium 50 while preventing a decrease in printing speed.

[0044] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the print head 102 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2(b), and can be changed in various ways. For example, the color print head 202 and the white ink print head 204 can be spaced apart in the sub-scanning direction. In this case, widening the gap between the color print head 202 and the white ink print head 204 increases the time between the ejection of the color ink and the ejection of the white ink at each position on the transfer medium 50, which is advantageous in terms of ink drying and can more effectively prevent ink bleeding. However, in this case, more space will be required for the print head 102 and the printing surface, which may lead to a larger print apparatus 12. Therefore, when widening the gap between the color print head 202 and the white ink print head 204 in the sub-scanning direction, it is preferable to set the gap while taking the above points into consideration.

[0045] As explained above, Figure 2(b) illustrates a configuration in which the head unit 102 has one color head 202 and one white ink head 204. However, the head unit 102 may have multiple color heads 202 and multiple white ink heads 204, for example, as shown in Figure 4(c). Figure 4(c) shows a modified configuration of the head unit 102. In the illustrated configuration, the head unit 102 has four color heads 202 and four white ink heads 204. In this case, the multiple color heads 202 in the head unit 102 are aligned in the sub-scanning direction and lined up in the main scanning direction. The multiple white ink heads 204 are aligned in the sub-scanning direction and lined up in the main scanning direction. In the illustrated configuration, the color head 202 has two nozzle rows 302. The white ink head 204 also has two nozzle rows 304. Even with this configuration, by arranging the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 with their positions offset in the sub-scanning direction, it is possible to properly print on the transfer medium 50 while preventing a decrease in printing speed, for example, when forming a white ink layer on top of a color ink layer. Furthermore, in a further modification of the head unit 102 configuration, for example, a color head 202 having only one nozzle row 302 and a white ink head 204 having only one nozzle row 304 may be used. Also, in the head unit 102, the number of color heads 202 and the number of white ink heads 204 may be different. In this case, for example, the number of white ink heads 204 may be less than the number of color heads 202.

[0046] Furthermore, as explained above, in this example, the heating means 112 (see Figure 2) heats the transfer medium 50 via the platen 104. When the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 are positioned with their positions offset in the sub-scanning direction, as in this example, the area of ​​the platen 104 facing the color head 202 and the area facing the white ink head 204 are different areas. Therefore, in this case, for example, it is conceivable to make the heating conditions for the area of ​​the platen 104 facing the color head 202 different from the heating conditions for the area facing the white ink head 204. More specifically, for example, when using a platen 104 with adsorption holes formed therein, it is conceivable that a temperature difference will occur in the cavity portion of the holes compared to the surrounding area. Therefore, for example, by making the presence or absence of adsorption holes or the density of adsorption holes different in different areas of the platen 104, the heating conditions for each area can be made different. In this case, the adsorption holes in the platen 104 can be formed, for example, as shown in Figure 5.

[0047] Figure 5 illustrates the method of forming the adsorption holes 312 in the platen 104. Figure 5(a) shows an example of the structure of the platen 104. Regarding the method of forming the adsorption holes 312 in the platen 104, the inventors of the present application confirmed that the temperature at the location of the adsorption holes 312 decreases compared to the surrounding area through experiments measuring the temperature at each position in the transfer medium 50 (see Figure 1) held in the platen 104. In this experiment, it was confirmed that the temperature at the location of the adsorption holes 312 decreases by, for example, about 10 degrees (8 degrees or more). In this case, it is thought that a temperature difference occurs between the platen 104 and the surrounding area due to, for example, a difference in thermal conductivity compared to the surrounding area at the location of the adsorption holes 312.

[0048] Furthermore, regarding this temperature distribution, when printing using inkjet heads such as the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 (see Figure 2), the ink that lands on the transfer medium 50 usually spreads in a dot-like pattern on the transfer medium 50 before it is fixed to the transfer medium 50. In this case, the way the ink spreads on the transfer medium 50 can be affected, for example, by the temperature of the transfer medium 50. Therefore, if a temperature drop occurs at the location of the adsorption holes 312, the way the ink dots spread before being fixed to the transfer medium 50 may not be the way they were originally intended in the design. Also, in this case, for example, the location of the adsorption holes 312 may become a locally lower temperature area, and the temperature difference compared to the surrounding area may cause uneven dot spread, which may reduce the print quality. In addition, the inventors of this application have confirmed through actual experiments that the adsorption holes 312 tend to cause unevenness (vertical unevenness) in the print result. Therefore, when considering how to prevent a decrease in print quality due to the adsorption holes, it is preferable to avoid using the adsorption holes 312 as much as possible. However, when considering how to properly hold the transfer medium 50 during the main scanning operation, it can be said that it is preferable to use a certain number of adsorption holes 312.

[0049] In this regard, the problem of unevenness described above can be considered particularly problematic when drawing images with colored inks. In contrast, when forming an ink layer using only white ink, for example, unevenness is less likely to be a problem. Furthermore, since the white ink layer will be underneath the colored ink layer after transfer, unevenness is also less likely to be a problem in that respect. In this case, for example, the method of forming the adsorption holes on the platen 104 can be made different at the position facing the color head 202 and the position facing the white ink head 204. With this configuration, for example, by making the method of forming the adsorption holes on the platen 104 different, the heating conditions for heating the transfer medium 50 via the heating means 112 (see Figure 2) on the transfer medium 50 can be appropriately differentiated between the position facing the color head 202 and the position facing the white ink head 204 on the transfer medium 50. In this case, for example, it can be made to avoid forming adsorption holes as much as possible at the position facing the color head 202. Furthermore, it is preferable not to form, for example, an adsorption hole at the position opposite the color head 202.

[0050] More specifically, in this case, for example, as shown in Figure 5(a), it is conceivable not to form the suction holes 312 in the color head 202 passage area 402, which is the area on the platen 104 through which the color head 202 passes during the main scanning operation. Alternatively, in this case, it is conceivable to form the necessary number of suction holes 312 in the white ink head 204 passage area 404, which is the area on the platen 104 through which the white ink head 204 passes during the main scanning operation. With this configuration, for example, the influence of the suction holes 312 at a position facing the color head 202 can be appropriately prevented, while the transfer medium 50 can be appropriately held on the platen 104. Furthermore, this can appropriately prevent the occurrence of unevenness, such as vertical unevenness, and enable higher quality printing. Also, if only the reduction of the influence of the suction holes 312 is considered, it seems even more preferable not to form the suction holes 312 in the white ink head 204 passage area 404. However, in this case, the number of adsorption holes 312 in the platen 104 may become too small, making it difficult to hold the transfer medium 50 with high precision. In contrast, in this example, by forming adsorption holes 312 in the passage area 402 of the white ink head 204, the transfer medium 50 can be held more reliably.

[0051] As explained above, in this example, the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 eject ink while moving in the main scanning direction during the main scanning operation. In this case, the passage areas 402 and 404 can be considered to correspond to the areas in which the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 can eject ink during the main scanning operation. More specifically, if the area in which the color head 202 can eject ink during one main scanning operation is defined as the color ink ejection area, and the area in which the white ink head 204 can eject ink during one main scanning operation is defined as the white ink ejection area, then the passage area 402 of the color head 202 can be considered to be, for example, the area on the platen 104 that overlaps with the color ink ejection area. The passage area 404 of the white ink head 204 can be considered to be, for example, the area on the platen 104 that overlaps with the white ink ejection area. In this case, the color ink ejection area is an example of the first ejection area. The white ink ejection region is an example of a second ejection region. In this case, by differentiating the formation of the adsorption holes 312 (presence or absence of adsorption holes 312) for the passage area 402 and the passage area 404, it can be considered that the heating means 112 (see Figure 2) and platen 104 in the printing apparatus 12 can be made to have different temperature distributions in the color ink ejection region and the white ink ejection region, thereby heating the transfer medium 50. Therefore, according to this example, for example, the heating conditions for the transfer medium 50 can be appropriately differentiated between the position facing the color head 202 and the position facing the white ink head 204.

[0052] Furthermore, regarding these heating conditions, for example, it is possible to consider setting the temperature distribution in the color ink ejection area to be such that unevenness in the print result is less likely to occur compared to the temperature distribution in the white ink ejection area. For example, regarding the temperature distribution in the color ink ejection area, it is possible to consider setting the distribution to be such that there are fewer locally low-temperature areas compared to the temperature distribution in the white ink ejection area. Also, in this case, it is possible to consider that the temperature distribution in the color ink ejection area is more uniform compared to the temperature distribution in the white ink ejection area. In addition, regarding the passage area 402 of the color head 202, for example, as shown in the figure, it is possible that the width in the main scanning direction is smaller than the width of the platen 104. And in this case, for example, as shown in the figure, it is possible to form adsorption holes 312 as needed in the part of the platen 104 that overlaps with the passage area 402 of the color head 202 in the sub-scanning direction, but is outside the passage area 402 in the main scanning direction. With this configuration, for example, the transfer medium 50 can be held more reliably in the platen 104.

[0053] Furthermore, depending on the required print quality, it is possible to form a small number of suction holes 312 in the pass area 402 of the color head 202, rather than not forming any suction holes 312 at all, as shown in Figure 5(b). Figure 5(b) shows another example of the configuration of the platen 104. In this case, the platen 104 can be configured such that, for example, the number of suction holes 312 in the area overlapping with the color ink ejection area is kept to a minimum. Even with this configuration, for example, the influence of the suction holes 312 on print quality can be appropriately reduced. In addition, this makes it possible to appropriately perform printing at a higher quality, for example.

[0054] Furthermore, regarding the configuration for forming the adsorption holes 312 as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), we can also consider, for example, the density of the adsorption holes 312. More specifically, if we define the number of adsorption holes 312 per unit area as the adsorption hole density, then regarding the method of forming the adsorption holes 312 in the platen 104, we can consider making the adsorption hole density in the passage area 402 of the color head 202 smaller than the adsorption hole density in the passage area 404 of the white ink head 204. In this case, by having different adsorption hole densities, we can consider making the temperature distribution in the color ink ejection area and the white ink ejection area different for the heating means 112 and the platen 104. In this case, by making the adsorption hole density in the passage area 402 of the color head 202 smaller, we can consider making it less likely for unevenness to occur in images drawn with color ink due to the influence of the adsorption holes 312. Furthermore, a configuration that reduces the density of adsorption holes in the passage area 402 of the color head 202 can be considered particularly preferable when, for example, there is a large difference between the temperature at the adsorption holes 312 and the ambient temperature. More specifically, focusing on the temperature drop that occurs at the location of the adsorption holes 312 formed in the passage area 404 of the white ink head 204, in this example, the heating means 112 heats the platen 104 under conditions such that the temperature at the center of the adsorption holes 312 is 8 degrees or more lower than the temperature around the adsorption holes.

[0055] Furthermore, in the platen 104, it is conceivable that local temperature changes (e.g., temperature drops) may occur due to configurations other than the adsorption holes 312. More specifically, if screws are used in the platen 104, it is conceivable that the thermal conductivity at the location of the screw holes will differ from the surrounding area, causing temperature unevenness. For this reason, it is more preferable not to form screw holes in the pass area 402 for the color head 202 in the platen 104. Also, in this case, focusing on holes such as the adsorption holes 312 and screw holes, it is considered preferable to reduce the number of hole-like configurations in the pass area 402 for the color head 202 in the platen 104 compared to the pass area 404 for the white ink head 204. It is more preferable not to form any hole-like configurations in the pass area 402 for the color head 202.

[0056] Next, we will provide supplementary explanations regarding each of the components described above. As explained above, in this example, the printing device 12 uses a head unit 102 (see Figure 2) having a color head 202 and a white ink head 204 to perform printing operations on the transfer medium 50. In this case, color ink is ejected from the color head 202 to each position on the transfer medium 50, and then white ink is ejected from the white ink head 204. Therefore, the white ink head 204 can be considered, for example, an inkjet head that ejects ink that is ejected after the color ink in the image printing area. In this case, the image printing area can be considered, for example, the area on the transfer medium 50 where the color ink is ejected.

[0057] Furthermore, in modified configurations of the printing apparatus 12, an inkjet head that ejects ink of a color other than white may be used as an inkjet head other than the color head 202. In this case, this inkjet head can be considered, for example, an example of a second inkjet head. In this case as well, an inkjet head that ejects ink to form a background ink layer for the image may be used as an inkjet head other than the color head 202. In this case, the ink ejected by the inkjet head other than the color head 202 can be considered, for example, an ink of a color determined according to the quality required for printing and the purpose of printing. When an inkjet head other than the color head 202 is used, this inkjet head may eject ink to each position on the transfer medium 50, for example, before the color ink. Furthermore, as an inkjet head other than the color head 202, it is also conceivable to use an inkjet head for other colors in addition to the white ink head 204. In this case, the color head 202, the white ink head 204, and the inkjet heads for other colors may be arranged with their positions offset from each other in the sub-scanning direction. Furthermore, such a configuration can be considered, for example, as a staggered arrangement with three or more stages.

[0058] Furthermore, as explained above, in the platen 104 of this example, by not forming adsorption holes 312 (see Figure 5) in the passage area 402 of the color head 202, more uniform heating is achieved to the color ink ejection area in the transfer medium 50. In this regard, if we focus on making the heating conditions for the color ink ejection area and the white ink ejection area different, for example, it is conceivable to adjust the temperature at which the heating means 112 heats the platen 104 to make the heating conditions different. In this case, for example, by appropriately adjusting the temperature of the heaters in the heating means 112, such as heaters 212 and 216 in the configuration shown in Figure 3, it is conceivable to make the temperature in the passage area 402 of the color head 202 higher than the temperature in the passage area 404 of the white ink head 204 with respect to the temperature at each position of the platen 104. Even with this configuration, for example, the heating conditions for the color ink ejection area and the white ink ejection area can be appropriately made different. Furthermore, this makes it possible to appropriately differentiate the drying conditions for colored inks and white inks, depending on, for example, the required fixing method for colored inks and white inks.

[0059] Furthermore, the above description mainly concerns the configuration of the printing system 10 when printing is performed using the transfer method. However, in a modified configuration of the printing system 10, printing may be performed using a method other than the transfer method. In this case, the printing device 12 may, for example, print on a medium other than the transfer medium 50. In such a case, it is conceivable to use multiple inkjet heads that are arranged with their positions offset in the sub-scanning direction, such as the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 in this example. Also, as the platen 104, it is conceivable to use a platen 104 with a configuration that reduces the number of adsorption holes 312 in the passage area 402 of the color head 202, such as the configuration shown in Figure 5. Even with this configuration, for example, it is possible to reduce unevenness caused by the adsorption holes 312 in images drawn with color ink.

[0060] Furthermore, the above description mainly concerns a configuration in the printing apparatus 12 that uses evaporation-drying ink. In this case, the heating by the heating means 112 can be considered, for example, as heating to dry the ink. In contrast, in the printing apparatus 12 of a modified configuration of the printing system 10, it is also possible to use ink other than evaporation-drying ink. In this case as well, the printing apparatus 12 may heat the medium via the platen 104 using the heating means 112. More specifically, in this case, it is also possible to use ultraviolet-curing ink in the printing apparatus 12. In this case, the heating means 112 may be used to heat the medium to adjust its temperature to a predetermined temperature. With this configuration, for example, the ink can be cured at a constant temperature. This also makes it possible to print with the desired quality more appropriately. In this case as well, it is also possible to use multiple inkjet heads that are arranged with their positions offset in the sub-scanning direction, such as the color head 202 and the white ink head 204 in this example. Furthermore, as the platen 104, it is conceivable to use a platen 104 with a reduced number of adsorption holes 312 in the passage area 402 of the color head 202, such as the configuration shown in Figure 5. With this configuration, for example, the color ink ejected from the color head 202 can be cured under more uniform conditions. In addition, this makes it less likely for unevenness to occur in images drawn with color ink due to the influence of the adsorption holes 312. [Industrial applicability]

[0061] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in printing apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10...Printing system, 102...Head unit, 104...Platen, 106...Y-bar unit, 108...Main scanning drive unit, 110...Sub-scanning drive unit, 112...Heating means, 114...Suction means, 12...Printing device, 120...Control unit, 14...Control device, 150...Transfer medium, 16...Powder coating device, 18...Transfer device, 202...Color head, 204...White ink head, 206...Transfer rod -ra, 208...pinch roller, 212...heater, 214...heated component, 216...heater, 218...heated component, 222...roll holder, 224...paper core, 302...nozzle row, 304...nozzle row, 312...suction hole, 402...passage area, 404...passage area, 50...transfer medium, 52...film layer, 54...release layer, 56...receiving layer, 62...ink layer, 64...powder layer

Claims

1. A printing apparatus that performs inkjet printing on a transfer film medium, A head unit that ejects ink onto the aforementioned medium, A main scanning drive unit causes the head unit to perform a main scanning operation, which involves moving relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction while ejecting ink. A sub-scanning drive unit causes the head unit to perform a sub-scanning operation, which moves relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. A platen that supports the medium at a position opposite to the head portion, A heating means for heating the medium through the platen by applying heat to the platen. Equipped with, The head portion is, A first inkjet head that ejects color ink, which is a predetermined colored ink, The first inkjet head and the second inkjet head, which is positioned offset from each other in the sub-scanning direction, It has, If the area in which the first inkjet head can eject ink during one main scanning operation is defined as the first ejection area, and the area in which the second inkjet head can eject ink during one main scanning operation is defined as the second ejection area, A printing apparatus characterized in that the heating means and the platen heat the medium by making the temperature distribution in the first discharge region and the temperature distribution in the second discharge region different.

2. The sub-scanning drive unit moves the head unit relative to the medium by transporting the medium in a transport direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. The platen has adsorption holes formed therein that adsorb the medium. If the number of adsorption holes per unit area is defined as the adsorption hole density, The adsorption pore density in the area overlapping with the first discharge area is smaller than the adsorption pore density in the area overlapping with the second discharge area. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating means and the platen cause the temperature distribution in the first discharge region to be different from the temperature distribution in the second discharge region.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, in the platen, the adsorption holes are not formed in the area overlapping with the first discharge area, and the adsorption holes are formed in the area overlapping with the second discharge area.

4. A printing apparatus that performs printing using an inkjet method, The print head unit ejects ink onto the medium, A main scanning drive unit causes the head unit to perform a main scanning operation, which involves moving relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction while ejecting ink. A sub-scanning drive unit causes the head unit to perform a sub-scanning operation, which moves relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. A platen that supports the medium at a position opposite to the head portion, A heating means for heating the medium through the platen by applying heat to the platen. Equipped with, The head portion is, The first inkjet head, The first inkjet head and the second inkjet head, which is positioned offset from each other in the sub-scanning direction, It has, The sub-scanning drive unit moves the head unit relative to the medium by transporting the medium in a transport direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. The platen has adsorption holes formed therein that adsorb the medium. If the area in which the first inkjet head can eject ink during one main scanning operation is defined as the first ejection area, the area in which the second inkjet head can eject ink during one main scanning operation is defined as the second ejection area, and the number of adsorption holes per unit area is defined as the adsorption hole density, A printing apparatus characterized in that the density of adsorption holes in the area overlapping with the first discharge area is smaller than the density of adsorption holes in the area overlapping with the second discharge area.

5. A printing method that prints on a transfer film medium using an inkjet method, The head unit that ejects ink onto the aforementioned medium, A main scanning operation in which ink is ejected while moving relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction, A sub-scanning operation that moves relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and Have them do it, and, A platen that supports the medium at a position opposite to the head portion, A heating means for heating the medium through the platen by applying heat to the platen. Using, The head portion is, A first inkjet head that ejects color ink, which is a predetermined colored ink, The first inkjet head and the second inkjet head, which is positioned offset from each other in the sub-scanning direction, It has, If the area in which the first inkjet head can eject ink during one main scanning operation is defined as the first ejection area, and the area in which the second inkjet head can eject ink during one main scanning operation is defined as the second ejection area, A printing method characterized by heating the medium by using the heating means and the platen to make the temperature distribution in the first discharge region and the temperature distribution in the second discharge region different.

6. A printing method that uses an inkjet method, The print head that ejects ink onto the medium, A main scanning operation in which ink is ejected while moving relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction, A sub-scanning operation that moves relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and Have them do it, and, A platen that supports the medium at a position opposite to the head portion, A heating means for heating the medium through the platen by applying heat to the platen. Using, The head portion is, The first inkjet head, The first inkjet head and the second inkjet head, which is positioned offset from each other in the sub-scanning direction, It has, In the aforementioned sub-scanning operation, the head unit is moved relative to the medium by transporting the medium in a transport direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. The platen has adsorption holes formed therein that adsorb the medium. If the area in which the first inkjet head can eject ink during one main scanning operation is defined as the first ejection area, the area in which the second inkjet head can eject ink during one main scanning operation is defined as the second ejection area, and the number of adsorption holes per unit area is defined as the adsorption hole density, A printing method characterized in that the density of adsorption holes in the area overlapping with the first discharge area is smaller than the density of adsorption holes in the area overlapping with the second discharge area.

Images