Inkjet recording device

Abstract

To reduce adhesion of mist of process liquid to an ink head when discarding the process liquid.SOLUTION: An inkjet recording device 10A is a scan type inkjet recording device which comprises a process liquid head (a coagulant head 11) for jetting process liquid (a coagulant) with a coagulation action on color material ink and a coloring material, and an ink head 12 for jetting color material ink, in a single carriage 15. A control part 19 of the inkjet recording device 10A controls the ink head 12 so that it does not pass a process liquid discarding part (a coagulant discarding part 21), after discarding the process liquid in the same scan.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1C

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus Place .

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to suppress poor ejection from an ink head due to drying, inkjet recording apparatuses perform ink ejection (flushing) in a printing area and a non-printing area

[0003] Among inkjet recording apparatuses, there is one in which an ink head that ejects ink and a treatment liquid head that ejects a treatment liquid (flocculant) having a flocculating action on the ink are mounted on a single carriage (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, among inkjet recording apparatuses, there is one provided with a disposal section that disposes of ink, a flocculant, and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Patent Document 2 describes an inkjet recording apparatus having a capping device that functions as a container for receiving ink droplets ejected from a recording head by flushing

[0004] Further, among inkjet recording apparatuses, there is one in which a disposal member such as a sponge is disposed in the disposal section, and ink, a flocculant, and the like are ejected from the nozzles of each head above the disposal member

[0005] As the gap between the nozzle of the head and the object increases in this inkjet recording apparatus, the floating amount of mist of ink, a flocculant, and the like generated during disposal also increases. Therefore, generally, the gap between the nozzle of the head and the object is designed to be as small as possible

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0007] However, when using a sponge as the discharge component, due to the processing precision of the discharge component, the gap in the discharge section is designed to be wider than the gap in the printing section. Furthermore, when printing on thick fabric, adjusting the gap between the head nozzle and the target area results in an even larger gap in the discharge section. Consequently, the gap in the discharge section tends to be larger than that in the printing section, and the amount of mist suspended in the discharge section tends to increase.

[0008] In particular, when the ink head and processing fluid head are mounted on a single carriage, the processing fluid mist adheres to the nozzles of the ink head, causing ink aggregation and making nozzle clogging more likely. Also, generally, a small amount of coagulant is used to aggregate the ink relative to the amount of colorant ink, so even with the same amount of mist, nozzle clogging is more likely to occur when the processing fluid mist adheres to the ink head than when the ink mist adheres to the processing fluid head.

[0009] The prior art described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above does not mention the arrangement or position of the discharge section, so nozzle clogging is likely to occur in the ink head due to the adhesion of mist of the processing liquid to the ink head.

[0010] Furthermore, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2 above discharges the processing liquid at the printing unit, resulting in a small gap during discharge and reducing the amount of mist of the processing liquid suspended during discharge. However, because the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2 discharges the processing liquid at the printing unit, it causes unevenness in the concentration of the processing liquid, which degrades the print quality when printing images with a lot of solid color.

[0011] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art described above, and the object of this invention is an inkjet recording device that reduces the adhesion of mist of the processing liquid to the ink head when the processing liquid is discharged. Place The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The above-mentioned problems of the present invention are solved by the following means.

[0013] (1) A scanning inkjet recording device comprising a processing liquid head that ejects colorant ink and a processing liquid that has a coagulating effect on the colorant, and an ink head that ejects the colorant ink, all on a single carriage, wherein the device comprises a processing liquid discharge unit fixed within the scanning path, and within the same scan At the end An inkjet recording apparatus characterized in that, after the ink head passes through the processing liquid discharge section, the processing liquid head discharges the processing liquid as it passes through the processing liquid discharge section, so that after the processing liquid is discharged, the ink head does not pass through the processing liquid discharge section.

[0016] ( 2 ) A scanning inkjet recording device comprising a processing liquid head that ejects a colorant ink and a processing liquid having a coagulating effect on the colorant, and an ink head that ejects the colorant ink, all on a single carriage, wherein the device includes a processing liquid discharge section fixed within the scanning path, and within the same scan, after the ink head has passed the processing liquid discharge section, the processing liquid is discharged as the processing liquid head passes the processing liquid discharge section, so that after the processing liquid is discharged, the ink head does not pass the processing liquid discharge section, and Within the same scan, the processing liquid discharge section is located upstream of the ink discharge section. Rui Inkjet recording device.

[0017] ( 3 )The above-mentioned ( The processing liquid discharge section and the ink discharge section are made of separate components. 2 The inkjet recording device described in ).

[0018] ( 4 ) The above-mentioned ( 3 The inkjet recording device described in ). ( 5)The treatment liquid discharge section and the ink discharge section are arranged on one side of the printing area. The inkjet recording apparatus according to the above ( 3 ).

[0019] ( 6 )At least one of the treatment liquid discharge section and the ink discharge section straddles the printing area. The inkjet recording apparatus according to the above ( 4 ).

[0021] ( 7 ) A scanning inkjet recording device comprising a processing liquid head that ejects a colorant ink and a processing liquid having a coagulating effect on the colorant, and an ink head that ejects the colorant ink, all on a single carriage, wherein the device includes a processing liquid discharge section fixed within the scanning path, and within the same scan, after the ink head has passed the processing liquid discharge section, the processing liquid is discharged as the processing liquid head passes the processing liquid discharge section, so that after the processing liquid is discharged, the ink head does not pass the processing liquid discharge section, and The presence or absence of discharge of the treatment liquid is determined based on the duty ratio of the treatment liquid in the previous scan. The inkjet recording apparatus Rui characterized by this.

[0022] ( 8 ) A scanning inkjet recording device comprising a processing liquid head that ejects a colorant ink and a processing liquid having a coagulating effect on the colorant, and an ink head that ejects the colorant ink, all on a single carriage, wherein the device includes a processing liquid discharge section fixed within the scanning path, and within the same scan, after the ink head has passed the processing liquid discharge section, the processing liquid is discharged as the processing liquid head passes the processing liquid discharge section, so that after the processing liquid is discharged, the ink head does not pass the processing liquid discharge section, and further, Another treatment liquid different from the treatment liquid, and having no aggregating action on the coloring material ink and the coloring material is printed by inkjet, and the discharge of the other treatment liquid is performed in the same manner as the coloring material ink. The inkjet recording apparatus Rui characterized by this.

[0024] (9) The inkjet recording apparatus according to (3) above, characterized in that, within the same scan, the processing liquid discharge section is located upstream of the printing area.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, by reducing the adhesion of mist of the treatment liquid to the ink head during discharge of the treatment liquid, nozzle clogging due to mist generated during discharge of the treatment liquid can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1A] It is an explanatory diagram (1) of the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1B]This is a diagram (2) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1C] This is a diagram (3) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1D] This is a diagram (4) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A] This is a diagram (1) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is a diagram (2) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2C] This is a diagram (3) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2D] This is a diagram (4) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3A] This is a diagram (1) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is a diagram (2) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 3C] This is a diagram (3) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 3D] This is a diagram (4) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 4A] This is a diagram (1) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 4B] This is a diagram (2) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 4C] This is a diagram (3) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 4D] This is a diagram (4) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 4E] This is a diagram (5) illustrating the configuration and operation of an inkjet recording device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5]This is a diagram showing the configuration of the inkjet recording device of the first modified example. [Figure 6A] This is a diagram (1) illustrating the configuration and operation of the second modified inkjet recording device. [Figure 6B] This is a diagram (2) illustrating the configuration and operation of the second modified inkjet recording device. [Figure 6C] This is a diagram (3) illustrating the configuration and operation of the second modified inkjet recording device. [Figure 6D] This is a diagram (4) illustrating the configuration and operation of the second modified inkjet recording device. [Figure 6E] This is a diagram (5) illustrating the configuration and operation of the second modified inkjet recording device. [Figure 6F] This is a diagram (6) illustrating the configuration and operation of the second modified inkjet recording device. [Figure 6G] This is a diagram (7) illustrating the configuration and operation of the second modified inkjet recording device. [Figure 6H] This is a diagram (8) illustrating the configuration and operation of the second modified inkjet recording device. [Figure 7A] This is a diagram (1) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the first comparative example. [Figure 7B] This is a diagram (2) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the first comparative example. [Figure 7C] This is a diagram (3) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the first comparative example. [Figure 8A] This is a diagram (1) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the second comparative example. [Figure 8B] This is a diagram (2) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the second comparative example. [Figure 8C] This is a diagram (3) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the second comparative example. [Figure 9A] This is a diagram (1) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the third comparative example. [Figure 9B] This is a diagram (2) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the third comparative example. [Figure 9C] This is a diagram (3) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the third comparative example. [Figure 10A] This is a diagram (1) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the fourth comparative example. [Figure 10B] This is a diagram (2) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the fourth comparative example. [Figure 10C] This is a diagram (3) illustrating the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device of the fourth comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are merely schematic representations to allow for a thorough understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Furthermore, in each drawing, common or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0028] The present invention provides a scan-type inkjet recording device equipped with a processing liquid head that ejects a colorant ink and a processing liquid (coagulant) that has a coagulating effect on the colorant, and an ink head that ejects the colorant ink, all on a single carriage, wherein the control unit of the inkjet recording device controls the ink head so that it does not pass through the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section) after the processing liquid (coagulant) has been discharged within the same scan.

[0029] The inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to the first to fourth embodiments described below have the feature of "controlling the ink head so that it does not pass through the discharge section of the processing liquid (coagulant) after the processing liquid (coagulant) has been discharged within the same scan." Because the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to the first to fourth embodiments have the above feature, the adhesion of processing liquid mist to the ink head when the processing liquid (coagulant) is discharged can be reduced.

[0030] [First Embodiment] First, the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 1D. Figures 1A to 1D are explanatory diagrams of the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment, respectively. Figures 1A to 1D schematically show the configuration near the carriage 15 (the same applies to other drawings below). Here, the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment will be described as being configured as a scan-type printer.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1A, the inkjet recording apparatus 10A according to the first embodiment includes a carriage 15 on which a coagulant head 11 and an ink head 12 are mounted, a control unit 19, a printing area 20, a coagulant discharge unit 21, and an ink discharge unit 22.

[0032] The coagulant head 11 is a head that ejects a coagulant from its lower surface. The coagulant is a processing liquid that has a coagulating effect on the colorant ink and the colorant. Here, "colorant ink" is the liquid ejected from the coagulant head 11 onto the recording medium, and "colorant" is the liquid coated onto the recording medium. The ink head 12 is a head that ejects colorant ink from its lower surface. The carriage 15 is a component that mounts the coagulant head 11 and the ink head 12 and moves in the main scanning direction (left-right direction in the drawing). Here, the direction from the center of the carriage 15 toward the position of the processing liquid head (coagulant head 11) will be described as upstream.

[0033] The control unit 19 is a means for controlling the ejection operation of the coagulant head 11, the ejection operation of the ink head 12, the movement operation of the carriage 15, etc. Within the same scan, the control unit 19 controls the ink head 12 so that it does not pass through the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) after the processing liquid (coagulant) has been discharged.

[0034] The printing area 20 is the area where an image can be printed. The coagulant discharge section 21 is the part where the coagulant is discharged. A discharge material such as a sponge or cloth is placed in the coagulant discharge section 21. The ink discharge section 22 is the part that discharges the colorant ink. A discharge material such as a sponge or cloth is placed in the ink discharge section 22.

[0035] Figures 1A to 1D show the operation when the coagulant (processing liquid) is discharged into the coagulant discharge section 21 (the same applies to the drawings of other embodiments below). The coagulant (processing liquid) can be discharged at any time. For example, when printing an image, that is, when printing an image by spraying colorant ink from the ink head 12 onto a recording medium such as cloth or sheet-like resin placed on the printing area 20, it is possible to decide whether or not to discharge the coagulant (processing liquid) based on predetermined conditions. As a predetermined condition, for example, since the coagulant (processing liquid) dries more easily when the duty cycle is low, it can be used that the duty cycle of the coagulant (processing liquid) in the previous scan was below an arbitrarily defined threshold.

[0036] In this embodiment, the duty cycle is a value calculated using the following formula (1). Duty cycle (%) = Actual number of printed dots / (Vertical resolution × Horizontal resolution) × 100 …(1) In equation (1) above, "actual printable dots" is the actual number of printable dots per unit area, and "vertical resolution" and "horizontal resolution" are the resolution per unit area, respectively. A duty cycle of 100% means the maximum ink weight of a single color per pixel.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1A, in the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment, the carriage 15 is equipped with a coagulant head 11 and four ink heads 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color inks, arranged from right to left in the drawing (the same applies to other embodiments below). In addition, a coagulant discharge unit 21 is located on the right side of the printing area 20, and an ink discharge unit 22 is located on the left side of the printing area 20.

[0038] Here, the path by which the carriage 15 moves from outside the left side of the printing area 20 to outside the right side is referred to as the "forward path," and the path by which the carriage 15 moves from outside the right side of the printing area 20 to outside the left side is referred to as the "return path" (the same applies to other embodiments below). However, the inkjet recording device can also be configured in the reverse order, that is, the path by which the carriage 15 moves from outside the right side of the printing area 20 to outside the left side is referred to as the "forward path," and the path by which the carriage 15 moves from outside the left side of the printing area 20 to outside the right side is referred to as the "return path" (the same applies to other embodiments below). In the example shown in Figure 1A, the carriage 15 is equipped with a coagulant head 11 on the right side and an ink head 12 on the left side. In other words, the carriage 15 is equipped with a coagulant head 11 on the upstream side and an ink head 12 on the downstream side in the forward path direction.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 1A, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment positions the carriage 15 outside the left-hand area of ​​the printing area 20. Here, as shown in Figure 1B, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment controls the carriage 15 to move outside the right-hand area of ​​the printing area 20 in the forward direction (see white arrow D11A), which is from left to right in the drawing.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figure 1C, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording apparatus 10A according to the first embodiment controls the carriage 15 to move in the return direction (see white arrow D12A), which is from right to left in the drawing, so that the coagulant head 11 is positioned above the coagulant discharge section 21. Furthermore, it controls the coagulant head 11 to eject the coagulant towards the coagulant discharge section 21. At this time, the coagulant mist M floats above the coagulant discharge section 21.

[0041] Next, as shown in Figure 1D, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment is controlled to move in the return direction (see white arrow D13A). In this case, the ink head 12 does not pass over the coagulant discharge section 21, so the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment can reduce the adhesion of coagulant mist M to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12. Since such an inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment can suppress the aggregation of colorant ink on the head surface, it can suppress the occurrence of nozzle clogging.

[0042] [Second Example] The configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 10B according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 2A to 2D. Figures 2A to 2D are explanatory diagrams of the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 10B according to the second embodiment, respectively.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2A, in the inkjet recording apparatus 10B according to the second embodiment, an ink discharge unit 22 is located to the right of the printing area 20, and furthermore, a coagulant discharge unit 21 is located to the right of the ink discharge unit 22.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 2A, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10B according to the second embodiment positions the carriage 15 outside the left-hand area of ​​the printing area 20. Here, as shown in Figure 2B, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10B according to the second embodiment controls the carriage 15 to move in the forward direction (see white arrow D11B) to outside the right-hand area of ​​the printing area 20.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 2C, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording apparatus 10B according to the second embodiment controls the carriage 15 to move in the return direction (see white arrow D12B) so that the coagulant head 11 is positioned above the coagulant discharge section 21, and further controls the coagulant head 11 to eject the coagulant towards the coagulant discharge section 21. At this time, the coagulant mist M floats above the coagulant discharge section 21.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figure 2D, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10B according to the second embodiment is controlled to move in the return direction (see white arrow D13B). In this case, the ink head 12 does not pass over the coagulant discharge section 21, so the inkjet recording device 10B according to the second embodiment can reduce the adhesion of coagulant mist M to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12. Since the inkjet recording device 10B according to the second embodiment can suppress the aggregation of colorant ink on the head surface, it can suppress the occurrence of nozzle clogging.

[0047] [Third Embodiment] The configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 10C according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3A to 3D. Figures 3A to 3D are explanatory diagrams of the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 10C according to the third embodiment, respectively.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3A, in the inkjet recording apparatus 10C according to the third embodiment, a coagulant discharge unit 21 is located to the right of the printing area 20, and further, an ink discharge unit 22 is located to the right of the coagulant discharge unit 21.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 3A, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10C according to the third embodiment positions the carriage 15 outside the left-hand area of ​​the printing area 20. Now, as shown in Figure 3B, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10C according to the third embodiment controls the carriage 15 to move outside the right-hand area of ​​the printing area 20 in the forward direction (see white arrow D11C).

[0050] Next, as shown in Figure 3C, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording apparatus 10C according to the third embodiment controls the carriage 15 to move in the return direction (see white arrow D12C) so that the coagulant head 11 is positioned above the coagulant discharge section 21, and further controls the coagulant head 11 to eject the coagulant towards the coagulant discharge section 21. At this time, the coagulant mist M floats above the coagulant discharge section 21.

[0051] Next, as shown in Figure 3D, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10C according to the third embodiment is controlled to move in the return direction (see white arrow D13C). In this case, the ink head 12 does not pass over the coagulant discharge section 21, so the inkjet recording device 10C according to the third embodiment can reduce the adhesion of coagulant mist M to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12. Since the inkjet recording device 10C according to this third embodiment can suppress the aggregation of colorant ink on the head surface, it can suppress the occurrence of nozzle clogging.

[0052] [Fourth embodiment] The configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 10D according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 4A to 4E. Figures 4A to 4E are explanatory diagrams of the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 10D according to the fourth embodiment, respectively.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4A, in the inkjet recording apparatus 10D according to the fourth embodiment, a coagulant discharge unit 21 is located to the left of the printing area 20, and further, an ink discharge unit 22 is located to the left of the coagulant discharge unit 21.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 4A, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10D according to the fourth embodiment positions the carriage 15 outside the left-hand area of ​​the printing area 20. Now, as shown in Figure 4B, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10D according to the fourth embodiment controls the carriage 15 to move outside the right-hand area of ​​the printing area 20 in the forward direction (see white arrow D11D).

[0055] Next, as shown in Figure 4C, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording apparatus 10D according to the fourth embodiment controls the carriage 15 to move in the return direction (see white arrow D12D) so that the coagulant head 11 is positioned above the coagulant discharge section 21, and further controls the coagulant head 11 to eject the coagulant towards the coagulant discharge section 21. At this time, the coagulant mist M floats above the coagulant discharge section 21.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 4D, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10D according to the fourth embodiment is controlled to move in the return direction (see white arrow D13D). In this case, since the ink head 12 does not pass over the coagulant discharge section 21, the inkjet recording device 10D according to the fourth embodiment can reduce the adhesion of coagulant mist M to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12. Also, in this case, the coagulant mist M falls and adheres to the coagulant discharge section 21, so the density of coagulant mist M floating on the coagulant discharge section 21 decreases.

[0057] Next, as shown in Figure 4E, the control unit 19 of the inkjet recording device 10D according to the fourth embodiment is controlled to move the carriage 15 in the forward direction (see white arrow D14D). At this time, the density of the flocculant mist M floating on the flocculant discharge section 21 is reduced, so the inkjet recording device 10D according to the fourth embodiment can reduce the adhesion of the flocculant mist M to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12. Since the inkjet recording device 10D according to the fourth embodiment can suppress the aggregation of colorant ink on the head surface, it can suppress the occurrence of nozzle clogging.

[0058] Here, in order to explain the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to the first to fourth embodiments in an easy-to-understand manner, we will now explain the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording devices 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D of the first to fourth comparative examples, which do not have the feature described above of "controlling the ink head so that it does not pass through the processing liquid discharge section after the processing liquid (coagulant) has been discharged within the same scan." Because the inkjet recording devices 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D of the first to fourth comparative examples do not have the above feature, they cannot reduce the adhesion of processing liquid mist to the ink head when the processing liquid (coagulant) is discharged.

[0059] [Comparative Example 1] First, the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 110A of the first comparative example will be described with reference to Figures 7A to 7D. Figures 7A to 7D are explanatory diagrams of the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 110A of the first comparative example, respectively.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7A, the inkjet recording device 110A of the first comparative example differs from the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D of the first to fourth embodiments (see Figures 1A to 4E) in that it has a control unit 119 instead of a control unit 19. The control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110A of the first comparative example is a means for controlling the ejection operation of the coagulant head 11, the ejection operation of the ink head 12, the movement operation of the carriage 15, etc., similar to the control unit 19. However, the control unit 119 may perform an operation in which the ink head 12 passes through the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) after the processing liquid (coagulant) has been discharged within the same scan.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7A, in the first comparative example inkjet recording device 110A, the carriage 15 is equipped with a coagulant head 11 and four ink heads 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color inks, arranged from right to left in the drawing (the same applies to the other comparative examples below). In addition, a coagulant discharge unit 21 is located on the right side of the printing area 20, and an ink discharge unit 22 is located on the left side of the printing area 20.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 7A, the control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110A of the first comparative example stops the carriage 15 with the coagulant head 11 positioned above the coagulant discharge section 21. Now, as shown in Figure 7B, the control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110A of the first comparative example controls the coagulant head 11 to eject the coagulant towards the coagulant discharge section 21. At this time, the coagulant mist M floats above the coagulant discharge section 21.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 7C, the control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110A of the first comparative example is controlled to move the carriage 15 in the forward direction (see white arrow D111A). At this time, since the ink head 12 passes over the coagulant discharge section 21, there is a possibility that the coagulant mist M will adhere to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12 (especially the ink head 12a). If the coagulant mist M adheres to the head surface of the ink head 12, coagulation of the colorant ink will occur on the head surface, making nozzle clogging more likely. For this reason, the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 110A of the first comparative example are undesirable.

[0064] [Comparative Example 2] Next, the configuration and operation of the second comparative example inkjet recording device 110B will be described with reference to Figures 8A to 8D. Figures 8A to 8D are explanatory diagrams of the configuration and operation of the second comparative example inkjet recording device 110B, respectively.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8A, in the second comparative example inkjet recording device 110B, a coagulant discharge unit 21 is located to the left of the printing area 20, and further, an ink discharge unit 22 is located to the left of the coagulant discharge unit 21.

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 8A, the control unit 119 of the second comparative example inkjet recording device 110B has stopped the carriage 15 with the coagulant head 11 positioned above the coagulant discharge section 21. Now, as shown in Figure 8B, the control unit 119 of the second comparative example inkjet recording device 110B is controlled to eject the coagulant from the coagulant head 11 toward the ink discharge section 22. At this time, the coagulant mist M floats above the coagulant discharge section 21.

[0067] Next, as shown in Figure 8C, the control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110B of the second comparative example is controlled to move the carriage 15 in the forward direction (see white arrow D111B). At this time, since the ink head 12 passes over the coagulant discharge section 21, there is a possibility that the coagulant mist M will adhere to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12 (especially the ink head 12a). If the coagulant mist M adheres to the head surface of the ink head 12, coagulation of the colorant ink will occur on the head surface, making nozzle clogging more likely. For this reason, the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 110B of the second comparative example are undesirable.

[0068] [Third Comparative Example] Next, the configuration and operation of the third comparative example inkjet recording device 110C will be described with reference to Figures 9A to 9D. Figures 9A to 9D are explanatory diagrams of the configuration and operation of the third comparative example inkjet recording device 110C, respectively.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9A, in the third comparative example inkjet recording device 110C, an ink discharge unit 22 is located to the left of the printing area 20, and furthermore, a coagulant discharge unit 21 is located to the left of the ink discharge unit 22.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 9A, the control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110C of the third comparative example stops the carriage 15 with the coagulant head 11 positioned above the coagulant discharge section 21. Now, as shown in Figure 9B, the control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110C of the third comparative example controls the coagulant head 11 to eject the coagulant towards the coagulant discharge section 21. At this time, the coagulant mist M floats above the coagulant discharge section 21.

[0071] Next, as shown in Figure 9C, the control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110C of the third comparative example is controlled to move the carriage 15 in the forward direction (see white arrow D111C). At this time, since the ink head 12 passes over the coagulant discharge section 21, there is a possibility that the coagulant mist M will adhere to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12 (especially the ink head 12a). If the coagulant mist M adheres to the head surface of the ink head 12, coagulation of the colorant ink will occur on the head surface, making nozzle clogging more likely. For this reason, the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 110C of the third comparative example are undesirable.

[0072] [Comparative Example 4] Next, the configuration and operation of the fourth comparative example inkjet recording device 110D will be described with reference to Figures 10A to 10D. Figures 10A to 10D are explanatory diagrams of the configuration and operation of the fourth comparative example inkjet recording device 110D, respectively.

[0073] As shown in Figure 10A, in the fourth comparative example inkjet recording device 110D, a coagulant discharge unit 21 is located to the right of the printing area 20, and further, an ink discharge unit 22 is located to the right of the coagulant discharge unit 21.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 10A, the control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110D of the fourth comparative example positions the carriage 15 outside the area to the left of the printing area 20. Here, as shown in Figure 10B, the control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110D of the fourth comparative example controls the carriage 15 to move in the forward direction (see white arrow D111D) so that the coagulant head 11 is positioned above the coagulant discharge section 21, and further controls the coagulant head 11 to eject coagulant towards the coagulant discharge section 21. At this time, the coagulant mist M floats above the coagulant discharge section 21.

[0075] Next, as shown in Figure 10C, the control unit 119 of the inkjet recording device 110D of the fourth comparative example is controlled to move the carriage 15 in the forward direction (see white arrow D112D). At this time, since the ink head 12 passes over the coagulant discharge section 21, there is a possibility that the coagulant mist M will adhere to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12 (especially the ink head 12a). If the coagulant mist M adheres to the head surface of the ink head 12, coagulation of the colorant ink will occur on the head surface, making nozzle clogging more likely. For this reason, the configuration and operation of the inkjet recording device 110D of the fourth comparative example are undesirable.

[0076] [Main features of the inkjet recording device according to each embodiment] The inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment have the following characteristics.

[0077] In each embodiment, the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D have an ink head 12 for ejecting colorant ink and a processing liquid head (coagulant head 11) for ejecting processing liquid (coagulant) mounted on a single carriage 15. Furthermore, the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D in each embodiment are configured to discharge ink and processing liquid (coagulant) at the edges during printing. Furthermore, the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment have a configuration in which the colorant ink discharge area (ink discharge section 22) and the processing liquid (coagulant) discharge area (coagulant discharge section 21) are separated. Furthermore, the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment are controlled so that the ink head does not pass over the processing liquid discharge section after the processing liquid (coagulant) has been discharged within the same scan. Furthermore, the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D in each embodiment are configured such that the discharge section for the processing liquid (coagulant) is located upstream of the printing area within the same scan. Furthermore, the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment are configured to discharge the processing liquid when switching at the end of the return or forward path.

[0078] Furthermore, the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment have the following characteristics.

[0079] (1) The inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment are scan-type inkjet recording devices equipped with a processing liquid head (coagulant head 11) that ejects colorant ink and a processing liquid (coagulant) that has a coagulating effect on the colorant, and an ink head 12 that ejects colorant ink, all on a single carriage 15, and are configured such that within the same scan, the ink head does not pass through the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) after the processing liquid has been discharged.

[0080] The inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each of these embodiments can reduce the adhesion of mist M of the processing liquid (coagulant) to the nozzle surface of the ink head 12. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the aggregation of colorant ink on the head surface, and thus the occurrence of nozzle clogging can be suppressed.

[0081] (2) The inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment are configured such that the discharge of the processing liquid is performed in the main scanning direction, either during the return path or when switching at the end.

[0082] The inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each of these embodiments can further reduce the adhesion of mist M of the processing liquid (coagulant) to the nozzle surface of the ink head 12.

[0083] (3) The inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, and 10C according to the first to third embodiments are configured such that when the processing liquid (coagulant) is ejected, the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) is located upstream of the printing area 20 in the main scanning direction.

[0084] The inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, and 10C according to these first to third embodiments can further reduce the adhesion of mist M of the processing liquid (coagulant) to the nozzle surface of the ink head 12.

[0085] (4) The inkjet recording devices 10A and 10B according to the first and second embodiments are configured such that, when ejecting the processing liquid (coagulant), the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) is located upstream of the ink discharge section 22 in the main scanning direction.

[0086] The inkjet recording devices 10A and 10B according to these first and second embodiments can reduce the adhesion of colorant ink mist (not shown) to the nozzle surface of the ink head 12. Therefore, a decrease in print quality can be suppressed.

[0087] (5) In each embodiment, the inkjet recording apparatus 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D have a processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) and an ink discharge section 22 which are made of separate components.

[0088] In the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each of these embodiments, the colorant ink can be prevented from agglomerating by mixing the processing liquid (coagulant) with the colorant ink in the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) and the ink discharge section 22. Furthermore, since colorant ink agglomeration does not occur, maintenance of the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) and the ink discharge section 22 can be easily performed.

[0089] (6) The inkjet recording apparatus 10A according to the first embodiment is configured to have a processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) on one side of the printing area and an ink discharge section 22 on the other side.

[0090] The inkjet recording apparatus 10A according to this first embodiment can further reduce the adhesion of colorant ink mist (not shown) to the nozzle surface of the processing liquid head (coagulant head 11). As a result, the aggregation of colorant ink on the head surface of the processing liquid head (coagulant head 11) can be suppressed, and thus the occurrence of nozzle clogging can be suppressed.

[0091] (7) The inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment may be configured to determine whether or not to discharge the processing liquid based on predetermined conditions. For example, the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment may be configured to determine whether or not to discharge the processing liquid based on the duty cycle of the processing liquid during the previous scan.

[0092] In the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each of these embodiments, the amount of mist M of the processing liquid (coagulant) floating above the coagulant discharge section 21 is reduced, thereby reducing the adhesion of the processing liquid (coagulant) mist M to the nozzle surface of the ink head 12. As a result, the aggregation of colorant ink on the head surface can be suppressed, and thus the occurrence of nozzle clogging can be suppressed.

[0093] Furthermore, in the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment, if the configuration is such that the presence or absence of discharge of the processing liquid is determined based on the duty cycle of the processing liquid during the previous scan, the processing liquid (coagulant) dries out more easily when the duty cycle is low. Therefore, the lower the duty cycle of the processing liquid (coagulant), the more likely it is that the disposal of the processing liquid (coagulant) will be encouraged. In other words, if the duty cycle of the processing liquid is below an arbitrarily set threshold, the device can be processed as if discharge is required.

[0094] (8) The inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment should have a solid content concentration of 10% or more of the colorant ink.

[0095] Since colorant inks with a high solid content concentration are more affected by aggregation on the nozzle surface of the ink head 12, it is preferable to apply the present invention.

[0096] As described above, the inkjet recording devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D according to each embodiment can reduce the adhesion of mist M of the processing liquid (coagulant) to the ink head 12 when the processing liquid is discharged. In addition, nozzle clogging caused by the mist M generated when the processing liquid is discharged can be suppressed.

[0097] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0098] For example, the embodiments described above are explained in detail to make the gist of the present invention easier to understand. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the components described. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified by adding other components to one component, or by changing some components to other components. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified by deleting some components.

[0099] [First variation] For example, the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment described above (see Figure 1A) can be modified to resemble the first modified inkjet recording device 10E shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of the first modified inkjet recording device 10E.

[0100] As shown in Figure 5, the first modified inkjet recording device 10E has a configuration in which the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) and the ink discharge section 22 extend to the printing area 20. Note that at least one of the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) and the ink discharge section 22 can extend to the printing area 20. Inkjet recording devices according to other embodiments can also be similarly modified.

[0101] In this first modified inkjet recording device 10E, when bucket-shaped storage sections 26 and 27 are arranged below the printing area 20, the discharged processing liquid (coagulant) and colorant ink can be recovered in the storage sections 26 and 27. Furthermore, the configuration can be simplified by integrating the processing liquid discharge section (coagulant discharge section 21) and the storage section 26, and the ink discharge section 22 and the storage section 27. The storage section 26 is a component that stores the excess coagulant liquid sprayed onto the recording medium, such as fabric or sheet-like resin, placed on top of the printing area 20. The storage section 27 is a component that stores the excess colorant ink sprayed onto the recording medium, such as fabric or sheet-like resin, placed on top of the printing area 20.

[0102] [Second variation] Furthermore, for example, the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment described above (see Figure 1A) can be modified to resemble the second modified inkjet recording device 10F shown in Figures 6A to 6H. Figures 6A to 6H are explanatory diagrams of the configuration and operation of the second modified inkjet recording device 10F, respectively.

[0103] As shown in Figure 6A, the second modified inkjet recording device 10F differs from the inkjet recording device 10A according to the first embodiment (see Figure 1A) in that it has an overcoat head 13 and an overcoat discharge unit 23.

[0104] The overcoat head 13 is a head that sprays the overcoat agent. Unlike the coagulant (processing liquid), the overcoat agent is a processing liquid that does not have a coagulating effect on the colorant ink and colorants, and it covers the image printed on the recording medium (such as cloth or sheet-like resin) placed on the printing area 20 to protect the image.

[0105] The overcoat agent discharge section 23 is the part where the overcoat agent is discharged. A discharge material such as a sponge or cloth is placed in the overcoat agent discharge section 23.

[0106] Figures 6A to 6D show the operation when the coagulant (processing liquid) is discharged into the coagulant discharge section 21. In the example shown in Figure 6A, the control unit 19 of the second modified inkjet recording device 10F positions the carriage 15 outside the left side of the printing area 20. Here, as shown in Figure 6B, the control unit 19 of the second modified inkjet recording device 10F controls the carriage 15 to move in the forward direction (see white arrow D11A) to outside the right side of the printing area 20.

[0107] Next, as shown in Figure 6C, the control unit 19 of the second modified inkjet recording device 10F controls the carriage 15 to move in the return direction (see white arrow D12A) so that the coagulant head 11 is positioned above the coagulant discharge section 21, and further controls the coagulant head 11 to eject the coagulant towards the coagulant discharge section 21. At this time, the coagulant mist M floats above the coagulant discharge section 21.

[0108] Next, as shown in Figure 6D, the control unit 19 of the second modified inkjet recording device 10F is controlled to move in the return direction (see white arrow D13A). At this time, the overcoat head 13 passes over the coagulant discharge section 21 where the coagulant mist M is suspended, but since the coagulant does not have a coagulating effect on the overcoat agent, the overcoat head 13 does not experience nozzle clogging. Also, at this time, the ink head 12 does not pass over the coagulant discharge section 21, so the second modified inkjet recording device 10F can reduce the adhesion of the coagulant mist M to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12. Since this second modified inkjet recording device 10F can suppress the aggregation of colorant ink on the head surface, it can suppress the occurrence of nozzle clogging.

[0109] Figures 6E to 6H show the operation when the overcoat agent (other processing liquid) is discharged into the overcoat agent discharge section 23. In the example shown in Figure 6E, the control unit 19 of the second modified inkjet recording device 10F positions the carriage 15 outside the left side of the printing area 20. Here, as shown in Figure 6F, the control unit 19 of the second modified inkjet recording device 10F controls the carriage 15 to move in the forward direction (see white arrow D21A) to outside the right side of the printing area 20.

[0110] Next, as shown in Figure 6G, the control unit 19 of the second modified inkjet recording device 10F controls the carriage 15 to move in the return direction (see white arrow D22A) so that the overcoat head 13 is positioned above the overcoat discharge section 23, and further controls the overcoat head 13 to eject the overcoat towards the overcoat discharge section 23. At this time, the overcoat mist Ma floats above the overcoat discharge section 23.

[0111] Next, as shown in Figure 6H, the control unit 19 of the second modified inkjet recording device 10F is controlled to move in the return direction (see white arrow D23A). In this case, the ink head 12 does not pass over the coagulant discharge section 21, so the second modified inkjet recording device 10F can reduce the adhesion of coagulant mist M to the head surface (bottom surface) of the ink head 12. Since this second modified inkjet recording device 10F can suppress the aggregation of colorant ink on the head surface, it can suppress the occurrence of nozzle clogging.

[0112] In this second modified inkjet recording device 10F, a processing liquid different from the processing liquid (coagulant) and another processing liquid (overcoat agent) that does not have a coagulating effect on the colorant ink is printed by inkjet, and the other processing liquid is discharged in the same way as the colorant ink. Note that inkjet recording devices according to other embodiments can be similarly modified.

[0113] Even when the inkjet recording device is equipped with an overcoat head 13 that ejects an overcoat agent (other processing liquid), as in the second modified inkjet recording device 10F, the influence of the flocculant (processing liquid) mist M can be suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D Inkjet Recording Device 11. Coagulant head (treatment liquid head) 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d ink heads 13. Overcoat agent head (other processing liquid head) 15 Carriage 19,119 Control Unit 20 Printing area 21. Coagulant discharge section (processing liquid discharge section) 22 Ink Disposal Section 23. Overcoat agent discharge section (discharge section for other processing liquids) 26,27 Storage section M,Ma Mist

Claims

1. A scan-type inkjet recording device comprising a processing liquid head that ejects a colorant ink and a processing liquid that has a coagulating effect on the colorant, and an ink head that ejects the colorant ink, all on a single carriage, It is equipped with a processing fluid discharge unit fixed within the scanning path, At the end of the same scan, after the ink head passes the processing fluid discharge section, the processing fluid head discharges the processing fluid as it passes the processing fluid discharge section, so that after the processing fluid is discharged, the ink head does not pass the processing fluid discharge section. An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. A scan-type inkjet recording apparatus comprising a processing liquid head for ejecting a colorant ink and a processing liquid having a coagulating effect on the colorant, and an ink head for ejecting the colorant ink, all on a single carriage, It is equipped with a processing fluid discharge unit fixed within the scanning path, Within the same scan, after the ink head passes the processing liquid discharge section, the processing liquid head discharges the processing liquid as it passes the processing liquid discharge section, so that after the processing liquid is discharged, the ink head does not pass the processing liquid discharge section. Furthermore, within the same scan, the processing liquid discharge section is located upstream of the ink discharge section. An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by the following features.

3. The aforementioned processing liquid discharge section and ink discharge section are composed of separate components. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The processing liquid discharge section is located on one side of the printing area, and the ink discharge section is located on the other side. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 3.

5. The processing liquid discharge section and the ink discharge section are arranged on one side of the printing area. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 3.

6. At least one of the processing liquid discharge section and the ink discharge section extends into the printing area. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 4.

7. A scan-type inkjet recording apparatus comprising a processing liquid head for ejecting a colorant ink and a processing liquid having a coagulating effect on the colorant, and an ink head for ejecting the colorant ink, all on a single carriage, It is equipped with a processing fluid discharge unit fixed within the scanning path, Within the same scan, after the ink head passes the processing liquid discharge section, the processing liquid head discharges the processing liquid as it passes the processing liquid discharge section, so that after the processing liquid is discharged, the ink head does not pass the processing liquid discharge section. Furthermore, whether or not the processing liquid is discharged is determined based on the duty cycle of the processing liquid during the previous scan. An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by the following features.

8. A scan-type inkjet recording apparatus comprising a processing liquid head for ejecting a colorant ink and a processing liquid having a coagulating effect on the colorant, and an ink head for ejecting the colorant ink, all on a single carriage, It is equipped with a processing fluid discharge unit fixed within the scanning path, Within the same scan, after the ink head passes the processing liquid discharge section, the processing liquid head discharges the processing liquid as it passes the processing liquid discharge section, so that after the processing liquid is discharged, the ink head does not pass the processing liquid discharge section. Furthermore, another processing liquid, different from the processing liquid, and which does not have a coagulating effect on the colorant ink and the colorant, is printed using an inkjet printer. The other processing liquids mentioned above are disposed of in the same manner as the colorant inks. An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by the following features.

9. Within the same scan, the processing liquid discharge section is located upstream of the printing area. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 3.

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