Liquid ejection device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a liquid ejecting apparatus that solves the problem of a decrease in print quality due to ink or the like adhering to a component when the component such as a tensioner is in contact with a printed surface. The liquid ejecting apparatus includes a conveyance belt that has a support surface capable of supporting a medium and is capable of conveying the medium in a first direction; an ejecting portion that is capable of ejecting a liquid toward a first surface of the medium conveyed by the conveyance belt; a restricting portion that is in contact with the first surface of the medium on which the liquid is ejected by the ejecting portion and restricts upward movement of the medium; and a cleaning portion that cleans the restricting portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] A printing apparatus that applies ink to a recording medium to perform printing is known. The printing apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 is provided with a endless belt that conveys the recording medium. The endless belt conveys the recording medium in a conveying direction. The printing apparatus performs printing on the recording medium by ejecting ink to the recording medium on the endless belt. The printing apparatus is provided with a plurality of tensioners that hold the endless belt and the recording medium. One of the plurality of tensioners is in contact with the surface on which printing is performed.

[0003] There is a case where the print quality is reduced due to ink or the like adhering to a component such as a tensioner when the component is in contact with the surface on which printing is performed.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-182802 SUMMARY

[0005] The liquid ejecting apparatus of the present disclosure is provided with: a conveying belt that has a support surface capable of supporting a medium and is capable of conveying the medium in a first direction; an ejecting section that is capable of ejecting a liquid to a first surface of the medium conveyed by the conveying belt; a restricting section that is in contact with the first surface of the medium on which the liquid is ejected by the ejecting section and restricts upward movement of the medium; and a cleaning section that cleans the restricting section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 A diagram showing an outline structure of a printing system.

[0007] Figure 2 A diagram showing a restricting roller supported by a restricting member support section.

[0008] Figure 3 A diagram showing a relationship between a conveying unit and a restricting member support section.

[0009] Figure 4 A diagram showing a support structure of a restricting member supported by a restricting member support section.

[0010] Figure 5 A diagram showing a support structure of a restricting member supported by a restricting member support section.

[0011] Figure 6 A diagram showing a support structure of a restricting member supported by a restricting member support section.

[0012] Figure 7 A diagram showing a module structure of a printing system.

[0013] Figure 8 A diagram showing the outline structure of the limiting unit.

[0014] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the contact state between the cleaning brush and the limiting roller.

[0015] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating the state of the cleaning brush leaving the limiting roller.

[0016] Figure 11 A diagram showing the outline structure of the limiting unit.

[0017] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the contact state between the cleaning unit and the limiting roller.

[0018] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the state in which the cleaning unit leaves the limiting roller.

[0019] Figure 14 A diagram illustrating the support structure including a counterweight restraint component.

[0020] Figure 15 A diagram illustrating the support structure including a counterweight restraint component. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Figure 1 The outline structure of printing system 1 is shown. Printing system 1 includes a printer 100 and a drying unit 200. Figure 1 A portion of the structure of the drying apparatus 200 is shown. The printer 100 prints on a printing medium M by ejecting ink. The drying apparatus 200 dries the printing medium M that has been printed in the printer 100. The printer 100 and the drying apparatus 200 are configured as separate units. The printer 100 corresponds to an example of a liquid ejection device. The printing medium M corresponds to an example of a medium.

[0022] include Figure 1The XYZ coordinate system is shown in the plurality of drawings inside. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis is an axis that is perpendicular with respect to a placement surface of the printer 100 that is not shown. The X-axis and the Y-axis are parallel with the placement surface. The X-axis is an axis in the direction in which the medium conveying belt 30 conveys the print medium M with the face opposite to the printing unit 40. The medium conveying belt 30 and the printing unit 40 are described below. The Y-axis is an axis orthogonal to the direction in which the medium conveying belt 30 conveys the print medium M with the face opposite to the printing unit 40. The direction along the Z-axis and upward from the placement surface is indicated as the +Z direction. The direction along the Z-axis and downward from the placement surface is indicated as the -Z direction. The direction in which the medium conveying belt 30 conveys the print medium M is indicated as the +X direction. The direction opposite to the direction in which the medium conveying belt 30 conveys the print medium M is indicated as the -X direction. The direction in which the print medium M is conveyed by the printing unit 40 is indicated as the +Y direction. The direction opposite to the direction in which the print medium M is conveyed by the printing unit 40 is indicated as the -Y direction. The +X direction corresponds to one example of the first direction. Figure 1 The direction in which the printer 100 shown is oriented from the rear to the front is indicated as the +Y direction. The direction in which the printer 100 shown is oriented from the front to the rear is indicated as the -Y direction. The +X direction corresponds to one example of the first direction. Figure 1 The direction in which the printer 100 shown is oriented from the front to the rear is indicated as the -Y direction. The +X direction corresponds to one example of the first direction.

[0023] The printer 100 is an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a print medium M. Figure 1 The printer 100 shown has a supply unit 10, a conveying unit 20, a printing unit 40, a cleaning unit 50, and a drying unit 60. Ink corresponds to one example of a liquid.

[0024] The supply unit 10 holds a spool body R. The spool body R is a spool on which a print medium M is wound. The supply unit 10 supplies the print medium M wound on the spool body R to the conveying unit 20. The supply unit 10 has a spooling shaft 11, a shaft support member 13, and a tension adjustment mechanism 15.

[0025] The spooling shaft 11 rotatably supports the spool body R. The spooling shaft 11 is rotated in a predetermined direction by a spooling shaft drive mechanism described later. The spooling shaft 11 unwinds the print medium M wound on the spool body R to the conveying unit 20 by being rotated in the predetermined direction. The spooling shaft 11 can also support the spool body R via a spool core.

[0026] The shaft support member 13 rotatably supports the spooling shaft 11. The shaft support member 13 supports both end portions of the spooling shaft 11. The shaft support member 13 rotatably supports the spooling shaft 11. By being configured so that the spooling shaft 11 is detachable, the user can supply the spool body R to the spooling shaft 11.

[0027] The tension adjusting mechanism 15 adjusts the tension of the printing medium M unwound from the roll body R. The tension adjusting mechanism 15 adjusts the conveyance speed of the printing medium M or the like by adjusting the tension of the printing medium M. The tension adjusting mechanism 15 has a contact member 17 and a tension spring 18.

[0028] The contact member 17 contacts the printing medium M between the roll body R supported by the unwinding shaft 11 and the conveyance unit 20. The contact member 17 presses the printing medium M by the spring force of the tension spring 18. The contact member 17 is constituted by a cylindrical rod or a roller or the like. The contact member 17 can also be driven to rotate with respect to the movement of the printing medium M.

[0029] The tension spring 18 presses the printing medium M via the contact member 17. The tension spring 18 is installed on the contact member 17. The tension spring 18 is stretched and contracted in accordance with the tension of the printing medium M. When the tension of the printing medium M is greater than a predetermined tension, the tension spring 18 contracts. When the tension of the printing medium M is less than the predetermined tension, the tension spring 18 expands. The tension of the printing medium M is adjusted by causing the tension spring 18 to stretch and contract.

[0030] The conveyance unit 20 conveys the printing medium M supplied by the supply unit 10 to a position opposite the printing unit 40. The conveyance unit 20 is provided at a position in the +X direction of the supply unit 10. The conveyance unit 20 has a drive roller 21, a driven roller 23, a belt drive mechanism 25, a press roller 29, and a medium conveyance belt 30.

[0031] The drive roller 21 moves the medium conveyance belt 30 in rotation. The drive roller 21 is constituted so as to be rotatable. The drive roller 21 is hung around the medium conveyance belt 30. The drive roller 21 is rotated by a driving force from the belt drive mechanism 25. The drive roller 21 is connected to the belt drive mechanism 25.

[0032] The driven roller 23 is hung around the medium conveyance belt 30. The driven roller 23 is supported so as to be rotatable. The driven roller 23 is driven to rotate with the rotational movement of the medium conveyance belt 30. The driven roller 23 and the drive roller 21 span the medium conveyance belt 30. The driven roller 23 or the drive roller 21 applies tension to the medium conveyance belt 30 by a tension applying mechanism not shown.

[0033] The belt drive mechanism 25 generates a driving force that moves the medium conveyance belt 30 in rotation. The belt drive mechanism 25 has a driving source such as a motor and a drive transmission mechanism. The driving source and the drive transmission mechanism are not shown. The driving force generated in the driving source is transmitted to the drive roller 21 via the drive transmission mechanism. The drive roller 21 is rotated by the transmitted driving force. The medium conveyance belt 30 is moved in rotation by the drive roller 21 being rotated.

[0034] The belt driving mechanism 25 has an encoder 27. The encoder 27 detects a rotation amount, a rotation speed, or the like of the motor or the driving roller 21 used as a driving source. The belt driving mechanism 25 is controlled on the basis of the rotation amount, the rotation speed, or the like detected by the encoder 27.

[0035] The press roller 29 presses the print medium M toward the medium conveying belt 30. The press roller 29 is provided at a position in the +Z direction of the medium conveying belt 30. The press roller 29 presses the print medium M conveyed from the supply unit 10 toward the medium conveying belt 30 on the medium conveying belt 30. The press roller 29 can also be constituted by a rod or the like. The press roller 29 can also reciprocate within a predetermined distance along the medium conveying belt 30 and press the print medium M toward the medium conveying belt 30.

[0036] The medium conveying belt 30 conveys the print medium M. The medium conveying belt 30 can convey the print medium M in the +X direction. The medium conveying belt 30 is provided in a jointless manner. The medium conveying belt 30 conveys the print medium M having the printing surface S1 toward the +X direction. The medium conveying belt 30 supports the back surface S2 of the print medium M. The back surface S2 of the print medium M is a surface opposite to the printing surface S1. The medium conveying belt 30 has a base material 31 and an adhesive layer 32. The medium conveying belt 30 corresponds to one example of a conveying belt.

[0037] The base material 31 is provided in a jointless manner. The base material 31 has a base material surface 33 and a base material back surface 34 as a surface opposite to the base material surface 33. The base material surface 33 is a surface that becomes an outer peripheral surface of the base material 31 when the medium conveying belt 30 is spanned by the driving roller 21 and the driven roller 23. The base material back surface 34 is a surface that becomes an inner peripheral surface of the base material 31 when the medium conveying belt 30 is spanned by the driving roller 21 and the driven roller 23. The base material back surface 34 is in contact with the driving roller 21 and the driven roller 23.

[0038] The adhesive layer 32 supports the print medium M by adhering to the back surface S2 of the print medium M. The adhesive layer 32 is provided on the base surface 33. The adhesive layer 32 has adhesiveness. The adhesive layer 32 contains an adhesive having adhesiveness. The adhesive is a hot-melt type adhesive containing a thermoplastic elastomer SIS as a main component, or the like. SIS is an abbreviation of Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene Block Copolymer. The adhesive is, for example, "Polix Resin", "New Dain", and "Aquadain" series manufactured by Yamanouchi Polymer Co., Ltd., "MC Polymer Series" manufactured by Muramatsu Chemical Industries Co., Ltd., "Unicen Sol RV-30 (for screen printing)" manufactured by Union Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., "Plaster EH" manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd., "ATR ASOL GP1 (ATR code: ATR1717)" manufactured by ATR CHEMICALS Co., Ltd., or the like. The adhesive layer 32 is formed by applying the adhesive on the base surface 33. The adhesive layer 32 is formed so as to span the entire circumference of the base surface 33. The adhesiveness of the adhesive layer 32 decreases with the use condition of the printer 100, the passage of time, or the like. The adhesive layer 32 corresponds to one example of a support surface capable of supporting the print medium M.

[0039] The print medium M supplied from the supply unit 10 is pressed against the adhesive layer 32 by the press roller 29. The adhesive layer 32 has the back surface S2 of the print medium M adhered thereto by being pressed thereagainst by the press roller 29. The medium conveying belt 30 conveys the print medium M adhered to the adhesive layer 32 in the +X direction. The medium conveying belt 30 conveys the print surface S1 of the print medium M adhered to the adhesive layer 32 to a position opposite the print unit 40.

[0040] The print unit 40 performs printing on the print surface S1 of the print medium M. The print unit 40 performs printing based on print data received from an external device or the like. The print unit 40 is capable of ejecting ink toward the print surface S1 of the print medium M. The print unit 40 performs printing by ejecting ink toward the print surface S1 of the print medium M conveyed by the medium conveying belt 30. The print unit 40 ejects ink based on the print data. The print unit 40 corresponds to one example of an ejection section. The print surface S1 of the print medium M corresponds to one example of a first surface of a medium. The print unit 40 has a print head 41 and a carriage 43. The print unit 40 is supported by the support frame 120.

[0041] The print head 41 ejects ink toward the print medium M. The print head 41 performs printing by ejecting ink toward the print medium M. The print head 41 is an inkjet head. The print head 41 ejects one or more kinds of ink. The print head 41 is controlled by the print control section 135 described later.

[0042] The carriage 43 supports the print head 41 and moves it along the Y axis. The carriage 43 moves in the +Y direction and the -Y direction along the Y axis. The carriage 43 moves the print head 41 in the +Y direction and the -Y direction along the Y axis. The print head 41 ejects ink toward the print medium M while the carriage 43 is moving in the +Y direction or the -Y direction. The carriage 43 is driven by the print unit drive mechanism 123 described later.

[0043] The support frame 120 supports the carriage 43 so as to be movable along the Y axis. The support frame 120 can also be constituted by a part of the main body frame of the printer 100. The support frame 120 can also be constituted by a member supported by the main body frame.

[0044] Although Figure 1 The print unit 40 illustrated in the drawing is provided with the carriage 43, but is not limited to this structure. The print unit 40 can also not be provided with the carriage 43. As one example, in the case where the print head 41 is a line-type inkjet head having a nozzle row with a width of the print medium M or more along the Y axis, the carriage 43 can also not be used.

[0045] The cleaning unit 50 cleans the adhesive layer 32. The cleaning unit 50 is provided at a position in the -Z direction of the conveyance unit 20. The cleaning unit 50 opposes the medium conveyance belt 30 moving in the -X direction at a position in the -Z direction of the medium conveyance belt 30. The cleaning unit 50 cleans the medium conveyance belt 30 from which the print medium M printed by the print unit 40 has been peeled. The cleaning unit 50 has a cleaning brush and a storage section. The cleaning brush and the storage section are not illustrated.

[0046] The cleaning brush contacts the adhesive layer 32 and cleans the adhesive layer 32. The cleaning brush contacts the medium conveyance belt 30 from below the medium conveyance belt 30. The cleaning brush contacts the medium conveyance belt 30 while the medium conveyance belt 30 is moving in rotation, and cleans the adhesive layer 32. The cleaning brush removes ink and the like adhering to the adhesive layer 32.

[0047] The storage section stores a cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is water, an aqueous solution of ethanol, an aqueous solvent, or the like. The cleaning liquid can also contain a surfactant, an antifoaming agent, or the like. The cleaning brush supplies the cleaning liquid stored in the storage section to the adhesive layer 32 and cleans the adhesive layer 32. By using the cleaning liquid, the cleaning brush becomes easier to remove ink adhering to the adhesive layer 32.

[0048] The drying unit 60 dries the adhesive layer 32 to which the cleaning liquid adheres. The drying unit 60 is provided at a position in the -Z direction of the conveying unit 20. The drying unit 60 is provided at a position in the -X direction of the cleaning unit 50. The drying unit 60 opposes the medium conveying belt 30 cleaned by the cleaning unit 50. As one example, the drying unit 60 has a warm air blower that blows warm air toward the medium conveying belt 30. The warm air blower is not illustrated. The warm air blower dries the adhesive layer 32 by blowing warm air from below the medium conveying belt 30. The warm air blower dries the adhesive layer 32 by blowing warm air toward the medium conveying belt 30 moving in the -X direction.

[0049] The restricting unit 70 restricts the position of the printed medium M peeled from the medium conveying belt 30 along the Z axis. The restricting unit 70 contacts the printed surface SI of the printed medium M and restricts movement of the printed medium M in the +Z direction. The restricting unit 70 is provided at a position between the conveying unit 20 and the drying device 200. The printed medium M printed by the printing unit 40 moves from the conveying unit 20 to the drying device 200. The printed medium M moves toward the drying device 200 after being peeled from the medium conveying belt 30. The restricting unit 70 restricts movement of the printed medium M peeled from the medium conveying belt 30 in the +Z direction. The restricting unit 70 has a restricting member 71 and a cleaning unit 80.

[0050] The restricting member 71 restricts movement of the printed medium M in the +Z direction by contacting the printed surface SI of the printed medium M. The restricting member 71 applies the weight of the printed medium M when contacting the printed surface SI. The restricting member 71 restricts movement of the printed medium M in the +Z direction by applying the weight to the printed medium M. The restricting member 71 can also apply the load of the counterweight 110 described later to the printed medium M. When the restricting member 71 is a roller member, the restricting member 71 rotates as a driven roller in accordance with movement of the printed medium M. Depending on the position at which the printed medium M is peeled from the medium conveying belt 30, there are cases in which the restricting member 71 does not contact the printed medium M. Depending on the adhesion of the adhesive layer 32, the peeling position P at which the printed medium M is peeled from the medium conveying belt 30 changes in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. When the peeling position P becomes a position in the -Z direction from a predetermined position, the restricting member 71 does not contact the printed medium M. The restricting member 71 corresponds to one example of a restriction.

[0051] The cleaning unit 80 cleans the limiting member 71. The cleaning unit 80 corresponds to one example of a cleaning section. When the limiting member 71 contacts the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M, ink from the printing surface S1 may adhere to the limiting member 71. When the ink adhering to the limiting member 71 re-adheres to the printing medium M, the image quality printed on the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M deteriorates. The cleaning unit 80 removes the ink adhering to the limiting member 71. By removing the ink adhering to the limiting member 71, the cleaning unit 80 makes it difficult for the ink adhering to the limiting member 71 to re-adhere to the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M. This reduces the likelihood of image quality degradation on the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M. Figure 1 The cleaning unit 80 shown has a cleaning roller 81. The cleaning roller 81 corresponds to an example of a cleaning component.

[0052] The cleaning roller 81 cleans the restricting member 71. The cleaning roller 81 contacts the restricting member 71. The cleaning roller 81 removes ink adhering to the restricting member 71. The cleaning roller 81 can also be rotated by the restricting unit drive mechanism 125 described later. The outer peripheral surface of the cleaning roller 81 is made of cloth, sponge, etc. The cleaning roller 81 may also retain cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the type of cleaning roller 81 can be changed by the user to the most suitable type of ink.

[0053] The drying device 200 dries the printing medium M printed by the printing unit 40. The drying device 200 accepts the printing medium M printed by the printer 100 and conveys the printing medium M into its interior. The drying device 200 includes a drying belt 211, a conveyor roller 213, a drying section (not shown), and a media sensor 215. The drying device 200 is constructed with a housing different from that of the printer 100.

[0054] The drying belt 211 carries the printing medium M delivered from the printer 100. The drying belt 211 receives the printing medium M delivered from the printer 100. The drying belt 211 conveys the received printing medium M to the drying section. The drying belt 211 rotates via the drying belt drive mechanism 221, which will be described later.

[0055] The conveyor roller 213 winds up the drying belt 211. The conveyor roller 213, together with a support roller (not shown), supports the drying belt 211. Alternatively, two or more support rollers and the conveyor roller 213 can support the drying belt 211. The conveyor roller 213 is positioned opposite the printer 100. The conveyor roller 213 or the support roller is driven to rotate via the drying belt drive mechanism 221. The rotational drive of the conveyor roller 213 or the support roller causes the drying belt 211 to rotate and move.

[0056] The drying section dries the print medium M on which printing has been performed by the printing unit 40. The drying section is configured by an infrared heater, a warm air device, an induction heater, or the like. The drying section dries the print medium M by heating the print medium M conveyed by the drying belt 211. The drying section is disposed at a position in the -Z direction or a position in the +X direction of the drying belt 211. Figure 1 The drying section dries the print medium M on which printing has been performed by the printing unit 40. The drying section is configured by an infrared heater, a warm air device, an induction heater, or the like. The drying section dries the print medium M by heating the print medium M conveyed by the drying belt 211. The drying section is disposed at a position in the -Z direction or a position in the +X direction of the drying belt 211.

[0057] The medium sensor 215 detects the peeling position P at which the print medium M is peeled from the medium conveying belt 30 or the position of the print medium M. The position of the print medium M is the moving position of the print medium M between the conveying unit 20 and the drying device 200. The drying device 200 controls the medium conveying speed of the drying belt 211 on the basis of the detection result of the medium sensor 215. For example, when the peeling position P changes to a position in the +Z direction from a predetermined position, the moving distance of the print medium M between the conveying unit 20 and the drying device 200 is shorter than a predetermined distance. In such a case, the drying device 200 slows down the medium conveying speed of the drying belt 211 from a predetermined speed. The drying device 200 performs control to make the moving time of the print medium M moving between the conveying unit 20 and the drying device 200 converge within a predetermined range.

[0058] Figure 1 In the embodiment, the height along the Z axis at which the medium conveying belt 30 of the printer 100 supports the print medium M is referred to as a first height H1. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the height along the Z axis at which the drying belt 211 of the drying device 200 places the print medium M is referred to as a second height H2. There is a case where the second height H2 is higher than the first height H1. In the case where the limiting unit 70 is not provided, there is a possibility that the print medium M is peeled from the adhesive layer 32 of the medium conveying belt 30 at the surface of the medium conveying belt 30 opposite to the printing unit 40. When the print medium M is peeled at the surface of the medium conveying belt 30 opposite to the printing unit 40, the print medium M comes into contact with the print head 41. The limiting unit 70 can prevent the contact of the print medium M with the print head 41.

[0059] The printer 100 includes a medium conveying belt 30 having an adhesive layer 32 capable of supporting a print medium M and capable of conveying the print medium M in the +X direction, a printing unit 40 capable of ejecting ink to a print surface S1 of the print medium M conveyed by the medium conveying belt 30, a limiting member 71 coming into contact with the print surface S1 of the print medium M on which ink has been ejected by the printing unit 40 and restricting the movement of the print medium M in the +Z direction, and a cleaning unit 80 cleaning the limiting member 71.

[0060] The likelihood of a decrease in the quality of an image printed on the print medium M due to ink adhering to the restriction member 71 again adhering to the print medium M can be reduced.

[0061] Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 A support configuration of the restriction member 71 is shown. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 A restriction roller 73 as one example of the restriction member 71 is shown. The restriction roller 73 is supported by a restriction member support 91.

[0062] Figure 2 The restriction roller 73 supported by the restriction member support 91 is shown. The restriction roller 73 is a roller member. The restriction member support 91 has a first support member 91a and a second support member 91b. The first support member 91a is disposed at a position in the +Y direction of the printer 100. The second support member 91b is disposed at a position in the -Y direction of the printer 100. The first support member 91a has a first guide 92a. The second support member 91b has a second guide 92b. The first guide 92a and the second guide 92b are guides 92 that guide movement of the restriction roller 73. The first support member 91a and the second support member 91b correspond to one example of a support member.

[0063] The restriction member support 91 supports the restriction member 71 in a replaceable manner. The restriction member 71 restricts movement of the print medium M in the Z axis direction by its own weight. The user can change the load applied to the print medium M by setting a restriction member 71 of different mass on the restriction member support 91. As one example, the user replaces the restriction member 71 set on the restriction member support 91 according to the type of print medium M printed by the printer 100. The user can set the restriction member 71 corresponding to the type of print medium M.

[0064] Figure 3 The relationship between the conveyance unit 20 and the restriction member support 91 is shown. Figure 3 An X-Z cross section is shown. Figure 3 The conveyance unit 20 and the restriction member support 91 are shown. Figure 3 The conveyance unit 20 shown shows the drive roller 21 and the medium conveyance belt 30. Figure 3 The second support member 91b as the restriction member support 91 is shown. The second support member 91b supports the restriction roller 73 as one example of the restriction member 71.

[0065] The restriction roller 73 is supported by the second support member 91b so as to be movable along the second guide portion 92b. The restriction roller 73 is moved in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. The restriction roller 73 is moved in the +Z direction or the -Z direction in accordance with the tension applied to the print medium M and the weight of the restriction roller 73. The restriction roller 73 is moved in the +Z direction or the -Z direction in accordance with the medium conveyance speed of the drying device 200. As one example, when the drying device 200 conveys the print medium M at a speed faster than the conveyance speed of the print medium M in the printer 100, the restriction roller 73 is moved in the +Z direction. The restriction roller 73 can also be moved to a predetermined position by the user's operation.

[0066] Figure 3 A case where the restriction roller 73 is located at the upper limit position of the second guide portion 92b is shown. Figure 3 The uppermost position Pl of the medium conveyance belt 30 and the lower end position P2 of the restriction roller 73 are shown. When the restriction roller 73 is located at the upper limit position of the second guide portion 92b, the lower end position P2 of the restriction roller 73 is located below the uppermost position Pl of the medium conveyance belt 30. Since the restriction roller 73 is restricted from moving upward of the upper limit position, the print medium M on the medium conveyance belt 30 is not moved upward of the lower end position P2 of the restriction roller 73. The restriction roller 73 can prevent the print medium M from being peeled at the face of the medium conveyance belt 30 opposite to the print unit 40.

[0067] Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 A support configuration of the restriction member 71 supported by the restriction member support 91 is shown. Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 A restriction roller 73 as one example of the restriction member 71 is shown. Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 A first support member 91a as a part of the restriction member support 91 is shown. Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 The restriction roller 73, the first support member 91a, and the restriction spring 93 are shown.

[0068] Figure 4 A support configuration of the restriction member 71 supported by the restriction member support 91 is shown. Figure 4 A front view in the +X direction is shown. Figure 4 The restriction roller 73, the first support member 91a, the restriction spring 93, the spring seat 95, and the anti-escape member 97 are shown. Figure 4 ​​​​​​​​The support configuration of the first support member 91a, which is a part of the restriction member support portion 91, is shown. The support configuration of the second support member 91b can be the same as that of the first support member 91a. Figure 4 The structure of the first support member 91a shown is the same as that of the second support member 91b.

[0069] The restriction roller 73, which is an example of the restriction member 71, has a restriction roller shaft 73a. The end portion of the restriction roller shaft 73a is supported by the restriction member support portion 91. The end portion of the restriction roller shaft 73a corresponds to an example of the shaft end portion. Figure 4 The structure in which the restriction roller shaft 73a is supported by the first support member 91a is shown. The restriction roller 73 is supported in a rotatable manner by the restriction member support portion 91. The restriction roller 73 is supported in a movable manner along the Y axis by the restriction member support portion 91. The Y axis corresponds to an example of an axis that crosses the first direction and that is along the support surface. When the printing medium M performs skewed travel, the restriction roller 73 moves along the Y axis along with the skewed travel of the printing medium M. An unillustrated shaft member that defines the movement of the restriction roller 73 along the Y axis can also be provided. The center of rotation of the restriction roller 73 substantially coincides with the geometric center of this shaft member. This shaft member supports the restriction roller 73 in a movable manner along the Y axis. The restriction roller 73 can be driven to rotate with this shaft member as the center of rotation. By moving the restriction roller 73 along the Y axis along with the printing medium M, it is possible to reduce the friction of the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M caused by the restriction roller 73. The restriction roller 73 can reduce the occurrence of a reduction in the image quality of the image printed on the printing surface S1.

[0070] The restriction member 71 crosses the X axis and is movable along the Y axis along the adhesive layer 32.

[0071] The restriction member 71 is movable along the Y axis along with the skewed travel of the printing medium M. It is difficult for the friction of the image caused by the skewed travel to occur.

[0072] A limiting spring 93 presses against the limiting roller 73 along the Y-axis. The limiting spring 93 is inserted into the limiting roller shaft 73a. The limiting spring 93 presses the limiting roller end face 73b of the limiting roller 73 along the Y-axis in the -Y direction. The limiting roller end face 73b is the surface that connects the limiting roller surface 73c, which contacts the printing medium M, and the limiting roller shaft 73a. The limiting spring 93 presses against the first support member 91a via the spring seat 95. The limiting spring 93 is positioned opposite the first support member 91a. The limiting spring 93 is positioned between the limiting roller end face 73b and the spring seat 95. When the limiting roller 73 moves in the +Y direction due to the skew of the printing medium M, the limiting spring 93 presses the limiting roller 73 in the -Y direction. By pressing the limiting roller 73 in the -Y direction, the limiting spring 93 reduces the amount of movement of the limiting roller 73 in the +Y direction. The limiting spring 93 reduces the amount of movement of the printing medium M when it travels at an angle. The limiting spring 93 corresponds to an example of an elastic component. Although Figure 4 The limiting spring 93 is shown, but it is not a limitation. Instead of the limiting spring 93, a component with elastic properties such as rubber may be used.

[0073] The spring seat 95 is pressed by the limiting spring 93. The spring seat 95 contacts one end of the limiting spring 93. The spring seat 95 is disposed between the limiting spring 93 and the first support member 91a. Alternatively, the spring seat 95 may not be provided. When the spring seat 95 is not provided, the limiting spring 93 contacts the first support member 91a and presses the first support member 91a.

[0074] The anti-detachment component 97 prevents the limiting roller shaft 73a from detaching from the first support member 91a. The anti-detachment component 97 prevents the limiting roller 73 from detaching from the first support member 91a when the limiting roller 73 moves in the -Y direction. Alternatively, the anti-detachment component 97 may not be provided. In this case, when the limiting roller 73 moves in the -Y direction, the size of the limiting roller shaft 73a in the Y direction can be adjusted to a size that prevents the limiting roller 73 from detaching from the first support member 91a.

[0075] Figure 5 The support structure of the limiting member 71 supported by the limiting member support 91 is shown. Figure 5 The surface of the first support member 91a in the -Y direction is shown. Figure 5 A first guide portion 92a is shown that is provided on the first support member 91a. Figure 5 The support structure of the first support member 91a, which is part of the limiting member support portion 91, is shown, while the support structure of the second support member 91b can be combined with... Figure 5 The structure of the first support component 91a shown is the same.

[0076] The restriction roller 73, which is one example of the restriction member 71, is supported so as to be movable along the first guide portion 92a. The spring seat 95 is supported by the restriction roller shaft 73a of the restriction roller 73. When the restriction roller 73 moves along the first guide portion 92a, the spring seat 95 moves along the first guide portion 92a in accordance with the movement of the restriction roller 73. The spring seat 95, when moving along the first guide portion 92a, comes into contact with the first support member 91a and receives the pressing force of the restriction spring 93.

[0077] Figure 6 A support configuration in which the restriction member 71 is supported by the restriction member support portion 91 is shown. Figure 6 A +Y direction face of the first support member 91a is shown. Figure 6 A first guide portion 92a provided on the first support member 91a is shown. Figure 6 A support configuration of the first support member 91a, which is a part of the restriction member support portion 91, is shown, and a support configuration of the second support member 91b can be the same as that of the first support member 91a shown. Figure 6 The first support member 91a shown has the same structure as that of the second support member 91b.

[0078] The restriction roller shaft 73a is embedded in the first guide portion 92a. The first guide portion 92a guides the restriction roller shaft 73a. The restriction roller shaft 73a moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction along the first guide portion 92a.

[0079] The printer 100 has the first support member 91a that supports the restriction roller shaft 73a of the restriction roller 73 and the restriction spring 93 that is opposed to the first support member 91a and presses the restriction roller 73 in the Y axis direction.

[0080] The restriction roller 73 is pressed by the restriction spring 93, and thus movement of the restriction roller 73 in the Y axis direction due to skewed feeding of the print medium M can be reduced.

[0081] Figure 7 A module configuration of the printing system 1 is shown. Figure 7 The printing system 1 in which the printer 100 and the drying device 200 are communicably connected is shown. The printer 100 and the drying device 200 can also be communicatively disconnected. The printer 100 and the drying device 200 can also be separately controlled by a user.

[0082] The printer 100 has a paper feed drive mechanism 121, a tape drive mechanism 25, a print unit drive mechanism 123, a restriction unit drive mechanism 125, a printer communication interface 127, and a control unit 130. Figure 7In the present embodiment, the interface is denoted as I / F. The printer 100 can also be provided with a cleaning unit driving mechanism or the like that drives the cleaning unit 50. The cleaning unit driving mechanism or the like is not illustrated.

[0083] The paper feeding driving mechanism 121 drives the feeding unit 10. The paper feeding driving mechanism 121 has a spool shaft driving mechanism and a tension adjusting mechanism 15, which are not illustrated. The paper feeding driving mechanism 121 feeds the print medium M to the conveying unit 20 based on a detection result of a tension detection mechanism, which is not illustrated. The tension detection mechanism detects the tension of the print medium M between the spool body R and the conveying unit 20.

[0084] The spool shaft driving mechanism rotates the spool shaft 11 in a predetermined direction. The spool shaft driving mechanism unwinds the print medium M from the spool body R by rotating the spool shaft 11. The spool shaft driving mechanism adjusts the rotation speed of the spool shaft 11 based on a detection result of the tension detection mechanism.

[0085] The paper feeding driving mechanism 121 feeds the print medium M to the conveying unit 20 at a predetermined conveying speed using the spool shaft driving mechanism and the tension adjusting mechanism 15. The paper feeding driving mechanism 121 adjusts the conveying speed of the print medium M based on a detection result of the tension detection mechanism.

[0086] The print unit driving mechanism 123 drives the print unit 40. The print unit driving mechanism 123 drives the print head 41 and the carriage 43. The print unit driving mechanism 123 drives the print head 41 to eject ink to the print medium M. The print unit driving mechanism 123 moves the carriage 43 along the Y axis. The print unit driving mechanism 123 causes the print head 41 to eject ink while moving the carriage 43. The print unit driving mechanism 123 prints the print medium M by causing the print unit 40 to eject ink.

[0087] The restriction unit driving mechanism 125 drives the restriction unit 70. The restriction unit driving mechanism 125 drives the restriction member 71. The restriction unit driving mechanism 125 drives the cleaning unit 80. The operation of the restriction unit 70 achieved by the restriction unit driving mechanism 125 is described below. The restriction unit driving mechanism 125 corresponds to one example of the driving section.

[0088] The printer communication interface 127 is communicatively connected to the drying device 200 and the like. The printer communication interface 127 is connected to the external device in a wired or wireless manner in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The printer communication interface 127 receives print data, print setting conditions, programs, and the like from the external device. The printer communication interface 127 transmits print setting conditions, print results, and the like of the printer 100 to the external device. The printer communication interface 127 receives the drying conditions such as the medium conveyance speed transmitted from the drying device 200. The printer communication interface 127 transmits the received drying conditions to the control unit 130.

[0089] The control unit 130 is a controller that controls each unit of the printer 100. The control unit 130 has a control processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The control unit 130 functions as a functional unit by executing a program by the control processor. The RAM and the ROM function as a work area. The control unit 130 corresponds to one example of the control unit. The control unit 130 controls the driving of each driving mechanism on the basis of a detection result detected by various sensors.

[0090] The control unit 130 includes a printer storage unit 139. The printer storage unit 139 stores various programs such as a control program by which the control unit 130 functions, and various data. The printer storage unit 139 stores various data such as print data. The RAM and the ROM can function as the printer storage unit 139. The printer storage unit 139 can include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, and the like.

[0091] The control unit 130 functions as a supply control unit 131, a conveyance control unit 133, a print control unit 135, and a restriction control unit 137 by executing a control program. The supply control unit 131, the conveyance control unit 133, the print control unit 135, and the restriction control unit 137 are functional units. The control unit 130 controls the operation of each unit by functioning as a functional unit. The control unit 130 controls the operation of each unit on the basis of a detection result of each sensor such as the encoder 27.

[0092] The supply control section 131 controls the supply of the print medium M performed by the supply unit 10. The supply control section 131 controls the supply of the print medium M performed by the paper feed drive mechanism 121. The supply control section 131 controls the amount of the print medium M unwound from the roll body R performed by the unwinding shaft drive mechanism based on the detection result of the tension detection mechanism. The supply control section 131 adjusts the conveyance speed of the print medium M by controlling the tension applied to the print medium M by the tension adjustment mechanism 15.

[0093] The conveyance control section 133 controls the conveyance of the print medium M performed by the conveyance unit 20. The conveyance control section 133 controls the moving speed of the medium conveyance belt 30 when the medium conveyance belt 30 moves by the belt drive mechanism 25. The conveyance control section 133 controls the conveyance speed of the print medium M conveyed by the medium conveyance belt 30. The conveyance control section 133 controls the conveyance speed of the print medium M based on the detection result detected by the encoder 27.

[0094] The print control section 135 controls the ejection of the ink performed by the print unit 40. The print control section 135 performs printing on the print medium M by controlling the ejection of the ink. The print control section 135 controls the ejection of the ink based on the print data. The print control section 135 controls the driving of the print unit drive mechanism 123. The print control section 135 controls the ejection amount and the ejection position of the ink ejected from the print head 41 that operates by the print unit drive mechanism 123. The print control section 135 controls the moving position of the carriage 43 along the Y axis and the like that moves by the print unit drive mechanism 123.

[0095] The print control section 135 can also calculate the ejection ink amount ejected to the print surface S1 of the print medium M based on the print data. The print control section 135 analyzes the print data acquired from an external device or the like. The print control section 135 calculates the ejection ink amount ejected to the print surface S1 by analyzing the print data. As one example, the ejection ink amount is the ink ejection amount per unit length of the print medium M. The unit length of the print medium M is a predetermined length of the print medium M along the X axis. The ejection ink amount can also be the ink ejection amount per unit area ejected to the print surface S1, or the like. The print control section 135 calculates the ejection ink amount and causes it to be stored in the printer storage section 139. The ejection ink amount corresponds to one example of the ejection amount.

[0096] The restriction control section 137 controls various actions of the restriction unit 70. The restriction control section 137 controls actions of the restriction member 71 included in the restriction unit 70 and the cleaning unit 80. The restriction control section 137 controls actions of various members included in the cleaning unit 80. In a case where the cleaning unit 80 includes the cleaning roller 81, the restriction control section 137 controls rotation, movement, and the like of the cleaning roller 81. The restriction control section 137 controls various driving actions performed by the restriction unit driving mechanism 125. The restriction control section 137 corresponds to one example of the control section.

[0097] The drying device 200 includes a drying belt driving mechanism 221, a medium sensor 215, a drying device communication interface 223, and a drying control unit 230. The drying device 200 includes a heating mechanism that heats the drying section, a winding driving mechanism that drives the winding section that winds the medium, and the like. The heating mechanism and the winding driving mechanism are not illustrated.

[0098] The drying belt driving mechanism 221 moves the drying belt 211 in rotation. The drying belt driving mechanism 221 moves the drying belt 211 in rotation by rotating the convey roller 213 or the spanning roller.

[0099] The drying device communication interface 223 is communicably connected to a peripheral device such as the printer 100. The drying device communication interface 223 is connected to the peripheral device in a wired or wireless manner in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The drying device communication interface 223 receives type information of the print medium M, a program, and the like from the peripheral device. The drying device communication interface 223 transmits a drying condition such as a medium conveyance speed to the peripheral device.

[0100] The drying control unit 230 is a device controller that controls each section of the drying device 200. The drying control unit 230 has a device control processor such as a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The drying control unit 230 functions as a functional section by executing a program by the device control processor. The RAM and the ROM function as a work area.

[0101] The drying control unit 230 includes a device storage section 235. The device storage section 235 stores various programs such as a control program by which the drying control unit 230 functions, and various data. The device storage section 235 stores various data such as a drying condition. The RAM and the ROM included in the drying control unit 230 can function as the device storage section 235. The device storage section 235 can include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, a semiconductor memory, and the like.

[0102] The drying control unit 230 functions as a drying control section 233 by executing a control program. The drying control section 233 is a functional section. The drying control unit 230 controls the operation of various units by functioning as a functional section. The drying control unit 230 controls the operation of various units on the basis of the detection results of various sensors such as the medium sensor 215.

[0103] The drying control section 233 controls the driving of the drying belt driving mechanism 221. The drying control section 233 controls the medium conveyance speed of the print medium M when the print medium M is conveyed by the drying belt driving mechanism 221. The drying control section 233 controls the medium conveyance speed on the basis of the detection result of the medium sensor 215. The drying control section 233 calculates the speed difference between the conveyance speed of the printer 100 and the medium conveyance speed of the drying device 200 on the basis of the detection result of the medium sensor 215. The conveyance speed of the printer 100 is the conveyance speed of the print medium M by the conveyance unit 20. The medium conveyance speed of the drying device 200 is the medium conveyance speed of the print medium M by the drying belt 211. The drying control section 233 controls the medium conveyance speed of the drying belt 211 and performs control to make the speed difference a predetermined value or less.

[0104] Figure 8 An outline structure of the restriction unit 70 is shown. Figure 8 A first structure example of the restriction unit 70 is shown. Figure 8 The restriction member 71 shown is a restriction roller 73. Figure 8 The cleaning unit 80 shown is provided with a cleaning roller 81 and an application member 83.

[0105] The restriction roller 73 is in contact with the print surface S1 of the print medium M at a restriction roller surface 73c. The restriction roller 73 is driven to rotate with respect to the movement of the print medium M. The restriction roller 73 corresponds to one example of a rotating body. The restriction roller surface 73c corresponds to one example of an outer circumferential surface. The restriction roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction along a guide portion 92 provided on a restriction member support portion 91.

[0106] The cleaning roller 81 cleans the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 is in contact with the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 and applies a cleaning liquid to the restriction roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 is driven to rotate with the rotation of the restriction roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 cleans the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 by being driven to rotate. The cleaning roller 81 corresponds to one example of a cleaning member.

[0107] Figure 8The restriction roller 73 and the cleaning roller 81 are unitized. The cleaning roller 81 moves integrally with the restriction roller 73 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction as the restriction roller 73 moves along the guide portion 92. When the restriction roller 73 is positioned at the upper limit position of the guide portion 92, the cleaning roller 81 opposes the application member 83.

[0108] The application member 83 applies a cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller 81. The cleaning liquid is water, an aqueous solution of ethanol, or the like. The cleaning liquid can also include a surfactant, an antifoaming agent, or the like. The cleaning liquid can also be the same as the cleaning liquid used in the cleaning unit 50. The application member 83 supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller 81 by spraying the cleaning liquid toward the cleaning roller 81. The application member 83 applies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller 81 when the cleaning roller 81 is raised to the opposing position. The application member 83 is fixedly disposed on the printer 100.

[0109] The printer 100 can also have a not-shown storage portion that stores the cleaning liquid. The printer 100 can also have a plurality of storage portions. In this case, the printer 100 can also have a plurality of application members 83 corresponding to the plurality of storage portions. The plurality of application members 83 are directly or indirectly connected to the plurality of storage portions in a manner that the cleaning liquid can flow. In the case where the plurality of application members 83 are indirectly connected to the plurality of storage portions, known members such as tubes and valves can be used. In addition, the plurality of storage portions can each store a cleaning liquid of a different kind. Thus, cleaning liquids of different kinds can be sprayed from the plurality of application members 83 toward the cleaning roller 81.

[0110] The control unit 130 can also have an application control portion as a functional portion. The application control portion controls the operation of the application member 83. The application control portion can also change the kind of the cleaning liquid applied to the cleaning roller 81 based on the kind of the ink. Specifically, the application control portion selects the most appropriate application member 83 that can spray the cleaning liquid from among the plurality of application members 83 according to the kind of the ink by controlling the opening and closing of the application member 83, which is one example of the operation of the application member 83, or by controlling the opening and closing of a valve. For example, in the case where the kind of the ink is a pigment, the application control portion causes the application member 83 that can spray an aqueous solution of ethanol from among the plurality of application members 83 to operate, and in the case where the kind of the ink is a dye, the application control portion causes the application member 83 that can spray water from among the plurality of application members 83 to operate. The kind of the ink can be input by a user, for example, via a not-shown touch panel electrically connected to the control unit 130. The touch panel is one example of an operation portion operable by the user.

[0111] In addition, the printer 100 can also have one application member 83 corresponding to the plurality of storage sections. In this case, for example, a plurality of solenoid valves can be provided in a plurality of flow paths of the cleaning liquid from the plurality of storage sections to the one application member 83, and the application control section can switch the plurality of solenoid valves in such a manner that the selected cleaning liquid is supplied to the one application member 83.

[0112] The restriction member 71 is a restriction roller 73 that has a restriction roller surface 73c that contacts the print surface S1 and that is driven in relation to the movement of the print medium M, and the cleaning unit 80 has a cleaning roller 81 that cleans the restriction roller surface 73c by contacting the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73.

[0113] The cleaning roller 81 is able to clean the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 when the restriction roller 73 restricts the position of the movement of the print medium M.

[0114] Figure 9 In addition, the printer 100 can also have one application member 83 corresponding to the plurality of storage sections. In this case, for example, a plurality of solenoid valves can be provided in a plurality of flow paths of the cleaning liquid from the plurality of storage sections to the one application member 83, and the application control section can switch the plurality of solenoid valves in such a manner that the selected cleaning liquid is supplied to the one application member 83. Figure 10 An outline structure of the restriction unit 70 is shown. Figure 9 In addition, the printer 100 can also have one application member 83 corresponding to the plurality of storage sections. In this case, for example, a plurality of solenoid valves can be provided in a plurality of flow paths of the cleaning liquid from the plurality of storage sections to the one application member 83, and the application control section can switch the plurality of solenoid valves in such a manner that the selected cleaning liquid is supplied to the one application member 83. Figure 10 An outline structure of the restriction unit 70 is shown. Figure 9 In addition, the printer 100 can also have one application member 83 corresponding to the plurality of storage sections. In this case, for example, a plurality of solenoid valves can be provided in a plurality of flow paths of the cleaning liquid from the plurality of storage sections to the one application member 83, and the application control section can switch the plurality of solenoid valves in such a manner that the selected cleaning liquid is supplied to the one application member 83. Figure 10 The restriction member 71 shown is a restriction roller 73. Figure 9 In addition, the printer 100 can also have one application member 83 corresponding to the plurality of storage sections. In this case, for example, a plurality of solenoid valves can be provided in a plurality of flow paths of the cleaning liquid from the plurality of storage sections to the one application member 83, and the application control section can switch the plurality of solenoid valves in such a manner that the selected cleaning liquid is supplied to the one application member 83. Figure 10 The cleaning unit 80 shown has an application member 83 and a cleaning brush 85.

[0115] Figure 9 A state in which the cleaning brush 85 contacts the restriction roller 73 is shown. Figure 9 The relationship of the restriction roller 73, the cleaning brush 85, and the application member 83 is shown.

[0116] The restriction roller 73 contacts the print surface S1 of the print medium M at the restriction roller surface 73c. The restriction roller 73 is driven to rotate in relation to the movement of the print medium M. The restriction roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction along a guide portion 92 provided on a restriction member support portion 91.

[0117] The cleaning brush 85 cleans the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73. The cleaning brush 85 is in contact with the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 and applies the cleaning liquid. The cleaning brush 85 is rotated by the restriction unit driving mechanism 125. The cleaning brush 85 is able to be rotated by the restriction unit driving mechanism 125 when the cleaning brush 85 is positioned at a position in contact with the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73. The restriction unit driving mechanism 125 rotationally drives the cleaning brush 85. The cleaning brush 85 cleans the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 by rotating in a predetermined direction. The cleaning brush 85 corresponds to one example of a cleaning member. The restriction unit driving mechanism 125 corresponds to one example of a driving section.

[0118] Figure 10 A state in which the cleaning brush 85 is separated from the restriction roller 73 is shown. Figure 10 The relationship of the restriction roller 73, the cleaning brush 85, and the application member 83 is shown.

[0119] The application member 83 applies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning brush 85. The application member 83 supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning brush 85 by spraying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning brush 85. The application member 83 is fixedly arranged on the printer 100.

[0120] The cleaning brush 85 is configured to be able to move along the Z-axis. The cleaning brush 85 is moved in the +Z direction or the -Z direction by the restriction unit driving mechanism 125. Figure 10 The cleaning brush 85 is shown as being moved in the +Z direction. The cleaning brush 85 is moved in the +Z direction so as to be opposed to the application member 83. The cleaning brush 85 is supplied with the cleaning liquid from the application member 83 when the cleaning brush 85 is moved to a position opposed to the application member 83.

[0121] The printer 100 has the restriction unit driving mechanism 125 that rotationally drives the cleaning brush 85, and the restriction roller surface 73c is cleaned by the cleaning brush 85 that is in contact with the restriction roller surface 73c by being rotationally driven by the restriction unit driving mechanism 125. The cleaning performance of the restriction roller 73 by the cleaning brush 85 is improved by rotationally driving the cleaning brush 85.

[0122] Figure 11 An outline structure of the restriction unit 70 is shown. Figure 11 A third structure example of the restriction unit 70 is shown. Figure 11 The restriction member 71 is shown as the restriction roller 73. Figure 11 The cleaning unit 80 shown has the cleaning roller 81 and the application member 83.

[0123] The restriction roller 73 is in contact with the printing surface S1 of the print medium M at the restriction roller surface 73c. The restriction roller 73 is driven to rotate with respect to the movement of the print medium M. The restriction roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction along the guide portion 92 provided on the restriction member support portion 91.

[0124] The cleaning roller 81 cleans the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 is in contact with the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 and applies a cleaning liquid. The cleaning roller 81 is rotationally driven by the restriction unit driving mechanism 125. The cleaning roller 81 cleans the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 by rotating in a predetermined direction.

[0125] The application portion 83 applies a cleaning liquid to the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73. The application portion 83 supplies the cleaning liquid to the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 by spraying the cleaning liquid toward the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73.

[0126] Figure 11 The restriction roller 73, the cleaning roller 81, and the application portion 83 shown are unitized. The cleaning roller 81 and the application portion 83 move in the +Z direction or the -Z direction integrally with the restriction roller 73 along with the movement of the restriction roller 73 along the guide portion 92. The restriction roller 73, the cleaning roller 81, and the application portion 83 can also be configured to be detachable with respect to the printer 100 in an integrated manner.

[0127] The restriction unit driving mechanism 125 can also adjust the rotational drive of the cleaning roller 81 by the restriction control portion 137. As one example, the restriction control portion 137 adjusts the rotational speed of the cleaning roller 81. The rotational speed of the cleaning roller 81 is the number of rotations per unit time. The restriction control portion 137 reads the amount of ejected ink stored in the printer storage portion 139. The restriction control portion 137 adjusts the rotational speed of the cleaning roller 81 based on the read amount of ejected ink.

[0128] As one example, the restriction control section 137 increases the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81 when the ejected ink amount read out is more than the predetermined reference ink amount. When the ejected ink amount is more than the reference ink amount, there is a tendency for the amount of ink adhering to the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 to increase. The restriction control section 137 reduces the amount of ink adhering to the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 by increasing the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81. A decrease in the quality of the image due to an increase in the amount of adhering ink can be suppressed. When the ejected ink amount read out is less than the predetermined reference ink amount, the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81 is decreased. When the ejected ink amount is less than the reference ink amount, there is a tendency for the amount of ink adhering to the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 to decrease. When the amount of ink adhering to the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 decreases, the cleaning roller 81 becomes a rotational resistance for the restriction roller 73. When the cleaning roller 81 and the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 slide, the restriction roller 73 becomes difficult to smoothly perform driven rotation due to this rotational resistance. As a result, there is a possibility that the restriction roller 73 slides with the print surface S1 and a decrease in the quality of the image occurs. The restriction control section 137 maintains the amount of ink adhering to the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 by decreasing the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81. A decrease in the quality of the image printed on the print surface S1 of the print medium M can be suppressed.

[0129] The printer 100 has a restriction control section 137 that controls the restriction unit driving mechanism 125, and the restriction control section 137 adjusts the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81 based on the ejected ink amount of the ink ejected from the print unit 40.

[0130] By adjusting the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81 according to the ejected ink amount, a decrease in the quality of the image printed on the print medium M can be suppressed.

[0131] In addition, the restriction control section 137 can also adjust the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81 based on the kind of ink ejected from the print unit 40.

[0132] Figure 12 and Figure 13 An outline structure of the restriction unit 70 is shown. Figure 12 and Figure 13 A fourth structure example of the restriction unit 70 is shown. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The restriction member 71 shown is a restriction roller 73. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The cleaning unit 80 shown has a cleaning roller 81 and an application member 83. The cleaning roller 81 and the application member 83 are integrally configured.

[0133] Figure 12 A state in which the cleaning unit 80 is in contact with the restriction roller 73 is shown.Figure 12 The relationship of the restriction roller 73, the cleaning roller 81, and the application member 83 is shown.

[0134] The restriction roller 73 is in contact with the printing surface SI of the print medium M at the restriction roller surface 73c. The restriction roller 73 is driven to rotate with respect to the movement of the print medium M. The restriction roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction along the guide portion 92 provided on the restriction member support portion 91.

[0135] The cleaning roller 81 cleans the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 is in contact with the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 and applies the cleaning liquid. The cleaning roller 81 is driven to rotate with the rotation of the restriction roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 cleans the restriction roller surface 73c of the restriction roller 73 by being driven to rotate.

[0136] The application member 83 applies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller 81. The application member 83 supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller 81 by spraying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller 81.

[0137] Figure 13 A state in which the cleaning unit 80 is separated from the restriction roller 73 is shown. Figure 13 The relationship between the restriction roller 73 and the cleaning unit 80 including the cleaning roller 81 and the application member 83 is shown.

[0138] The cleaning unit 80 is configured to be movable along the Z axis. The cleaning unit 80 is moved in the +Z direction or the -Z direction by the restriction unit driving mechanism 125. Figure 13 The cleaning unit 80 is shown as being moved in the +Z direction. The cleaning unit 80 is moved in the +Z direction, and thus the cleaning roller 81 is separated from the restriction roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 and the application member 83 are moved along the Z axis in an integrated manner. The cleaning unit 80 can also be unitized in a detachable manner with respect to the printer 100.

[0139] Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4, the restriction roller 73 is shown as the restriction member 71, but is not limited thereto. The restriction member 71 can also be constituted by a fixed rod or the like. Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13A cleaning roller 81 or a cleaning brush 85 in contact with the limiting roller 73 is shown, but the cleaning unit 80 is not limited to these. The cleaning unit 80 may also include an air brush or the like that blows air onto the limiting member 71. The air brush cleans the limiting member 71 while it is in contact with the limiting member 71.

[0140] The load on the limiting component 71 can also be added by the counterweight 110. Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 The structure is shown to apply a load to the limiting member 71 using a counterweight 110. Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 The peripheral structure of the limiting roller shaft 73a of the limiting roller 73, which is an example of a limiting component 71, is shown. Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 The peripheral structure of the first support member 91a is shown, but the peripheral structure of the second support member 91b can also be set as follows: Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 The structure shown.

[0141] Figure 14 A support structure including a limiting member 71 with a counterweight 110 is shown. Figure 14 The counterweight 110 shown is set at the end of the limiting roller 73a. Figure 14 In the diagram, a counterweight 110 and a shaft 112 are shown as components attached to the limiting roller 73a.

[0142] The counterweight 110 adds a load to the limiting roller 73. When the limiting roller 73 comes into contact with the printing medium M, it applies its own weight to the printing medium M. The counterweight 110 adds a load to the printing medium M on which the limiting roller 73 applies its own weight. The counterweight 110 adds the load applied to the printing medium M. The counterweight 110 is composed of multiple plate-shaped components 110a. The plate-shaped components 110a can be installed and removed by the user. The user can adjust the load applied to the printing medium M by adjusting the number of plate-shaped components 110a constituting the counterweight 110.

[0143] Shaft 112 supports counterweight 110. Shaft 112 is positioned in the +Y direction of limiting roller shaft 73a. Shaft 112 supports plate-shaped member 110a in a detachable manner. Shaft 112 can also be configured to be detachable relative to limiting roller shaft 73a.

[0144] Figure 15 The support structure including the limiting member 71 of the counterweight 110 is shown. Figure 15 The counterweight 110 shown is connected with Figure 14 They are supported by different support structures. Figure 15 In the diagram, a counterweight 110, a bearing 114, and a counterweight support component 116 are shown as components attached to the limiting roller 73a.

[0145] Figure 15 The weight 110 shown is also composed of a plurality of plate-like members 110a. The plate-like members 110a are capable of being attached and detached by the user. The weight 110 is supported by a weight support member 116. Figure 14 The weight 110 shown is also composed of a plurality of plate-like members 110a. The plate-like members 110a are capable of being attached and detached by the user. The weight 110 is supported by a weight support member 116.

[0146] The bearing 114 supports the weight 110. The bearing 114 is provided on the restriction roller shaft 73a. The bearing 114 supports one end of the weight support member 116. The bearing 114 can also support the weight support member 116 in a detachable manner.

[0147] The weight support member 116 supports the weight 110. One end of the weight support member 116 is supported by the bearing 114. The weight support member 116 is suspended from the bearing 114. The weight support member 116 supports the plate-like members 110a in a detachable manner.

[0148] By providing a structure in which the weight 110 is attached to the restriction member 71, it is possible to adjust the load applied to the print medium M. The user can adjust the load applied to the print medium M according to the type, size, and the like of the print medium M.

[0149] Symbol Explanation

[0150] 1… printing system; 10… supply unit; 11… unwinding shaft; 13… shaft support member; 15… tension adjusting mechanism; 17… contact member; 18… tension spring; 20… conveyance unit; 21… drive roller; 23… driven roller; 25… belt driving mechanism; 27… encoder; 29… press roller; 30… medium conveyance belt; 31… base material; 32… adhesive layer; 33… base material surface; 34… base material back surface; 40… printing unit; 41… print head; 43… carriage; 50… cleaning unit; 60… drying unit; 70… restriction unit; 71… restriction member; 73… restriction roller; 73a… restriction roller shaft; 73b… restriction roller end surface; 73c… restriction roller surface; 80… cleaning unit; 81… cleaning roller; 83… application member; 85… cleaning brush; 91… restriction member support portion; 91a… first support member; 91b… second support member; 92… guide portion; 92a… first guide portion; 92b… second guide portion; 93… restriction spring; 95… spring seat; 97… anti-coming-off member; 100… printer; 110… counterweight; 110a… plate-like member; 112… shaft; 114… bearing; 116… counterweight support member; 120… support frame; 121… paper feed driving mechanism; 123… printing unit driving mechanism; 125… restriction unit driving mechanism; 127… printer communication interface; 130… control unit; 131… supply control portion; 133… conveyance control portion; 135… printing control portion; 137… restriction control portion; 139… printer storage portion; 200… drying device; 211… drying belt; 213… conveyance roller; 215… medium sensor; 221… drying belt driving mechanism; 223… drying device communication interface; 230… drying control unit; 233… drying control portion; 235… device storage portion; H1… first height; H2… second height; M… print medium; P… peeling position; P1… uppermost position; P2… lower end position; R… roll body; S1… print surface; S2… back surface.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, comprising: A conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium in a first direction; The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquid onto the first surface of the medium being conveyed by the conveyor belt; A limiting part contacts the first surface of the medium from which the liquid has been ejected by the ejection part, and restricts the upward movement of the medium. The cleaning section cleans the restricting section by being positioned above it. The limiting part is movable along an axis that intersects the first direction and is along the support surface, and is also rotatable about the axis.

2. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The limiting part is a rotating body having an outer peripheral surface that contacts the first surface and being driven by the movement of the medium. The cleaning section has a cleaning component that cleans the outer peripheral surface by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the limiting section.

3. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 2, wherein, It has a drive unit that drives the cleaning component to rotate. The cleaning component, which is driven to rotate by the drive unit, contacts the outer peripheral surface and thereby cleans the outer peripheral surface.

4. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 3, wherein, It has a control unit that controls the drive unit. The control unit adjusts the rotational speed of the cleaning component based on the amount of liquid ejected from the ejector.

5. The liquid ejection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cleaning unit includes an application component for applying cleaning fluid to the restricted portion. The liquid spraying device includes a control unit that controls the operation of the coating component. The control unit changes the type of cleaning fluid based on the type of liquid ejected from the ejector.

6. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, have: A support member that supports the end of the axially extending restrictor; An elastic member is positioned opposite the support member and presses the limiting portion along the axis.

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