Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

The application of liquid suppresses wrinkle formation not only in fabrics that shrink but also in fabrics that stretch. [Solution] A liquid dispensing device 1 comprises a conveying roller 23 for conveying a fabric M in the conveying direction A, a dispensing unit 27 for dispensing liquid onto the fabric M conveyed by the conveying roller 23, and a guide roller 24 positioned in the conveying direction A to sandwich the dispensing unit 27 together with the conveying roller 23, contacting the fabric M with its outer peripheral surface 24a, and applying tension to the fabric M together with the conveying roller 23 to guide the conveying of the fabric so that the fabric M at the position opposite the dispensing unit 27 is conveyed in the air, wherein the outer peripheral surface 24a has a brush-shaped first fiber material F1 that extends inclined to one side in the width direction B, and a brush-shaped second fiber material F2 that is positioned on the other side in the width direction B than the first fiber material F1 and extends inclined to the other side in the width direction B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various liquid ejection devices that eject liquid onto a conveyed medium have been used. Among these, there is a liquid ejection device including a conveyance roller that conveys a medium and a tension applying roller that applies tension to the medium together with the conveyance roller. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet recording device that can convey a medium while constantly applying a certain tension to the medium by a tension roller and a brake roller.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a liquid ejection device including a conveyance roller that conveys a medium and a tension applying roller that applies tension to the medium together with the conveyance roller, wrinkles may occur in the conveyed medium. Therefore, in order to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the conveyed medium, a method of winding a friction member around the surface of the conveyance roller or the tension roller to increase the frictional force on the medium and suppressing the expansion and contraction of the medium by the frictional force of the friction member is conceivable.

[0005] Here, when using fabric as a medium, there are fabrics that shrink when liquid is applied and fabrics that stretch when liquid is applied. When using fabrics that shrink when liquid is applied, the frictional force of the friction member has the effect of suppressing wrinkles. However, when using fabrics that stretch when liquid is applied, the movement of the medium is hindered by the stretching of the fabric on the surface of the conveyor roller or tension roller, which conversely makes it easier for wrinkles to occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The liquid dispensing device of the present invention, which solves the above problems, comprises: a conveying roller for conveying a fabric in a conveying direction; a dispensing unit for dispensing liquid onto the fabric conveyed by the conveying roller; and a guide roller positioned in the conveying direction to sandwich the dispensing unit together with the conveying roller, contacting the fabric with its outer peripheral surface, and applying tension to the fabric together with the conveying roller to guide the conveying of the fabric so that the fabric facing the dispensing unit is conveyed in the air, wherein the outer peripheral surface has a brush-shaped first fiber material that extends inclined in one direction in the width direction intersecting the conveying direction, and a brush-shaped second fiber material that is positioned on the other side of the width direction relative to the first fiber material and extends inclined in the other direction in the width direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic side view showing the liquid dispensing device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Schematic side cross-sectional view of the guide roller of the liquid dispensing device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A schematic front view showing a portion of the guide roller of the liquid dispensing device in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing a part of the guide roller of the liquid dispensing device, illustrating the case when the fabric is stretched. [Figure 5] A schematic front view showing a part of the guide roller of the liquid dispensing device of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] A schematic front view showing a part of the guide roller of the liquid dispensing device of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a schematic front view of a part of the guide roller of the liquid discharge device in Figure 6, but represents a different position from that in Figure 6. [Figure 8] A schematic front view showing a portion of the guide roller of the liquid dispensing device of Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 9] A schematic front view showing a part of the guide roller of the liquid dispensing device of Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 10] A schematic front view showing a portion of the guide roller of the liquid dispensing device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 11] A schematic front view showing a part of the guide roller of a liquid dispensing device in a reference example, illustrating the case when the fabric is stretched. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] First, the present invention will be described in general terms. A liquid dispensing device according to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems comprises: a conveying roller for conveying a fabric in a conveying direction; a dispensing unit for dispensing liquid onto the fabric conveyed by the conveying roller; and a guide roller positioned in the conveying direction to sandwich the dispensing unit together with the conveying roller, contacting the fabric with its outer peripheral surface, and applying tension to the fabric together with the conveying roller to guide the conveying of the fabric so that the fabric facing the dispensing unit is conveyed in the air, wherein the outer peripheral surface has a brush-shaped first fiber material that extends inclined in one direction in the width direction intersecting the conveying direction, and a brush-shaped second fiber material that is positioned on the other side of the width direction relative to the first fiber material and extends inclined in the other direction in the width direction.

[0009] According to this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the guide roller has a brush-shaped first fiber material that extends inclined to one side in the width direction, and a brush-shaped second fiber material that is positioned to the other side in the width direction relative to the first fiber material and extends inclined to the other side in the width direction. That is, the outer circumferential surface of the guide roller is provided with both the first fiber material and the second fiber material that extend inclined outward in the width direction. Therefore, when using a fabric that stretches when liquid is applied, even if the fabric stretches, the movement of the fabric in the width direction due to the stretching of the fabric on the surface of the guide roller is not hindered. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles not only in fabrics that shrink when liquid is applied, but also in fabrics that stretch.

[0010] A liquid dispensing device according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in an aspect dependent on the first aspect, the outer circumferential surface is composed of an attachment including the first fiber material and the second fiber material, and the attachment is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the guide roller.

[0011] According to this embodiment, the attachment is composed of a first fiber material and a second fiber material, and the attachment is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the guide roller. With this configuration, the first fiber material and the second fiber material can be easily cleaned and replaced.

[0012] A liquid dispensing device according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in an aspect dependent on the first or second aspect, the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material is located at the center of the fabric in the width direction.

[0013] According to this embodiment, the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material is positioned at the center of the fabric in the width direction. With this configuration, even when the fabric is stretched, the fabric can be effectively moved in the width direction from the center in the width direction, and the occurrence of wrinkles can be effectively suppressed.

[0014] The liquid ejection device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in an aspect subordinate to the first or second aspect, the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material is arranged at a position deviated from the center of the fabric in the width direction.

[0015] According to this aspect, the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material is arranged at a position deviated from the center of the fabric in the width direction. By adopting such a configuration, even when the fabric is stretched, the fabric can be moved in the width direction from a position deviated from the center in the width direction. For example, when positioning a fabric conveyed in any direction in the width direction, or when it is not desired to move the fabric significantly in any direction in the width direction, the generation of wrinkles can be suppressed.

[0016] The liquid ejection device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in an aspect subordinate to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the outer peripheral surface includes a first region located on one side in the circumferential direction of the guide roller and a second region located on the other side in the circumferential direction than the first region, and the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material in the first region and the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material in the second region are arranged at different positions in the width direction.

[0017] According to this aspect, the outer peripheral surface of the guide roller includes a first region located on one side in the circumferential direction of the guide roller and a second region located on the other side in the circumferential direction than the first region, and the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material in the first region and the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material in the second region are arranged at different positions in the width direction. By adopting such a configuration, the movement of the fabric in the width direction due to the elongation of the fabric is allowed between the first region and the second region, and the difference in the positions in the width direction of the boundaries of the first region and the second region can make the movement of the fabric in the width direction particularly easy.

[0018] The liquid ejection device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to fifth aspects, and in the width direction, a range in which the first fiber material and the second fiber material are provided is longer than a range in which the liquid is ejected by the ejection unit.

[0019] According to this aspect, in the width direction, the range in which the first fiber material and the second fiber material are provided is longer than the range in which the liquid is ejected by the ejection unit. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to allow the movement of the fabric in the width direction over the entire range where the fabric extends when the liquid is applied, and it is possible to particularly effectively suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the fabric.

[0020] The liquid ejection device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to sixth aspects, and at least one of the first fiber material and the second fiber material has a higher bending rigidity in a fiber material located at the center of the fabric in the width direction than in a fiber material located at an end of the fabric in the width direction.

[0021] According to this aspect, at least one of the first fiber material and the second fiber material has a higher bending rigidity in a fiber material located at the center of the fabric in the width direction than in a fiber material located at an end of the fabric in the width direction. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to particularly effectively allow the movement of the fabric in the width direction, and it is possible to particularly effectively suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the fabric.

[0022] The liquid ejection device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to seventh aspects, and includes a reinforcing member that reinforces by supporting at least a part of at least one of the first fiber material and the second fiber material.

[0023] According to this aspect, it includes a reinforcing member that reinforces by supporting at least a part of at least one of the first fiber material and the second fiber material. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to finely adjust the bending rigidity of the first fiber material and the second fiber material, and it is possible to particularly effectively suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the fabric.

[0024] A liquid dispensing device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in an embodiment dependent on any one of the first to eighth aspects, both the outer circumferential surface and the contact surface of the conveying roller with the fabric extend in a straight line in the width direction when viewed from the conveying direction.

[0025] According to this embodiment, both the outer surface of the guide roller and the contact surface of the transport roller with the fabric extend linearly in the width direction when viewed from the transport direction. With this configuration, the fabric can be transported in a planar manner between the transport roller and the guide roller, the displacement of the liquid discharged from the discharge section can be suppressed, and the print quality can be improved.

[0026] [Example 1] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the liquid dispensing device 1A of Embodiment 1, which is an example of the liquid dispensing device 1 of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment includes a holding unit 2 capable of rotatably holding a roll body 5 in which a fabric M, which serves as a medium on which an image is formed, is wound in a roll shape. It also includes a transport roller 23 for transporting the fabric M in the transport direction A, and a head 27 as a dispensing unit that forms an image by dispensing liquid ink onto the fabric M transported by the transport roller 23. Furthermore, it includes a winding unit 3 capable of forming a roll body 6 by winding the fabric M on which the image has been formed into a roll shape.

[0027] The holding unit 2 holds the paper tube that constitutes the rotation axis of the roll body 5, and can rotate in the rotation direction C to feed the fabric M from the roll body 5 to the conveyor roller 23 of the liquid dispensing device 1A. The holding unit 2 may be configured separately from the liquid dispensing device 1A, or it may be part of the components of the liquid dispensing device 1A.

[0028] The liquid ejection device 1A of this embodiment is an inkjet printer capable of forming an image on a fabric M by ejecting liquid ink in droplet form. The liquid ejection device 1A includes a transport roller 23 located upstream of the transport direction A of the fabric M as a transport section for the fabric M, and a tension-applying roller 24 located downstream of the transport roller 23 in the transport direction A, which applies tension to the fabric M together with the transport roller 23.

[0029] A platen 25 is provided between the transport roller 23 and the tension-applying roller 24. Since tension is applied to the fabric M along the transport direction A between the transport roller 23 and the tension-applying roller 24, the fabric M is transported while floating above the platen 25. Because the fabric M is transported while floating above the platen 25, even if ink bleeds through to the back of the fabric M after ink has been discharged, it is possible to suppress the ink from adhering to the platen 25. The detailed configuration of the tension-applying roller 24 will be described later.

[0030] When transporting the fabric M, the transport roller 23 and tension-applying roller 24 move in the rotational direction C, and the media support area between the transport roller 23 and the tension-applying roller 24 becomes the ink ejection area from the head 27. It is also possible to rotate the transport roller 23 and tension-applying roller 24 in the opposite direction to the rotational direction C, thereby moving the fabric M in the opposite direction to the transport direction A, except when forming an image on the fabric M.

[0031] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment includes a carriage 26 that can reciprocate in the width direction B intersecting the transport direction A, and a head 27 attached to the carriage 26. The head 27 is a printing unit that can form an image by dispensing liquid ink onto a fabric M that is transported in the transport direction A based on print data.

[0032] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment can form an image on the conveyed fabric M by dispensing ink from the head 27 onto the conveyed fabric M while reciprocating the carriage 26 in the width direction B intersecting the conveying direction A. By having a carriage 26 configured in this way, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment can form a desired image on the fabric M by repeatedly conveying the fabric M in the conveying direction A at a predetermined conveying amount, and dispensing ink while moving the carriage 26 in the width direction B with the fabric M stopped. However, there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the dispensing unit. For example, a so-called line head in which nozzles for dispensing ink are provided over the entire width direction B of the fabric M may be used as the dispensing unit.

[0033] Furthermore, as described above, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment includes a winding unit 3. The fabric M, on which an image is formed by dispensing ink from the head 27, is wound up as a roll 6 in the winding unit 3. The winding unit 3 holds a paper tube as a rotation axis for forming the roll 6, and can form the roll 6 by rotating in the rotation direction C and winding the fabric M onto the paper tube. Note that the winding unit 3 may be configured separately from the liquid dispensing device 1A, or it may be part of the components of the liquid dispensing device 1A. In addition, a drying device or the like for drying the ink dispensed onto the fabric M may be provided between the winding unit 3 and the liquid dispensing device 1A.

[0034] Here, a material to be printed can preferably be used as the medium fabric M. A material to be printed refers to fabrics, clothing, and other fashion products that are to be printed. Fabrics include woven, knitted, and nonwoven fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and wool, or synthetic fibers such as nylon, or composite fibers that are a mixture of these. Clothing and other fashion products include not only sewn items such as T-shirts, handkerchiefs, scarves, towels, tote bags, cloth bags, curtains, sheets, bedspreads and other furniture, but also fabrics before and after cutting that exist as parts before sewing.

[0035] As described above, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment includes a conveying roller 23 that conveys the fabric M in the conveying direction A, and a head 27 that dispenses liquid ink onto the fabric M conveyed by the conveying roller 23. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, it includes a tension-applying roller 24 positioned to sandwich the head 27 together with the conveying roller 23 in the conveying direction A, which contacts the fabric M with its outer peripheral surface 24a, and applies tension to the fabric M in the conveying direction A together with the conveying roller 23 so that the fabric M facing the head 27 is conveyed in the air. Here, the tension-applying roller 24 also serves as a guide roller that guides the conveyance of the fabric M.

[0036] The details of the tension-applying roller 24A of this embodiment, which is an example of a tension-applying roller 24, will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 4. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the tension-applying roller 24A of this embodiment is equipped with fiber material F arranged in a row along the width direction B. By arranging the fiber material F in a row along the width direction B, eight fiber material rows, Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd, Fe, Ff, Fg, and Fh, are configured on the tension-applying roller 24A.

[0037] Here, the fiber material F is a friction member provided to prevent wrinkles from occurring in the fabric M as it stretches by applying frictional force to the fabric M. The basic configuration of the tension-applying roller 24A as a friction member is a brush shape in which the fiber material F rises from the outer surface 24a of the tension-applying roller 24A for the following reasons. The first reason is to reduce contamination of the inside of the device by ink seeping through to the back of the fabric M when ink is ejected from the head 27 onto the fabric M, by making it a point contact with a small contact area. The second reason is that, due to its structure, the fabric M is composed of warp and weft threads, and its surface is three-dimensional, so the contact area of ​​the outer surface 24a that contacts the fabric M is small. For this reason, frictional force is obtained with a small contact area by inserting the friction member between the fibers that make up the fabric M and applying frictional force.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the tension-applying roller 24A of this embodiment is divided in the circumferential direction of the tension-applying roller 24 into regions R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8, and fiber material F is provided in each of these regions R1 to R8. Here, fiber material row Fa is formed in region R1, fiber material row Fb in region R2, fiber material row Fc in region R3, fiber material row Fd in region R4, fiber material row Fe in region R5, fiber material row Ff in region R6, fiber material row Fg in region R7, and fiber material row Fh in region R8. With this configuration, the tension-applying roller 24A of this embodiment has a cylindrical brush shape.

[0039] In this embodiment, the circumferential direction of the tension-applying roller 24A is divided into eight equal parts, from region R1 to region R8. However, the region may be represented by seven or fewer divisions, or by nine or more divisions. In other words, there are no particular limitations on the number of fiber material rows provided on the tension-applying roller 24 or the density of the fiber material F.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, each fiber material row from fiber material row Fa to fiber material row Fh is arranged such that the fiber material F is angled outward when viewed from the conveying direction A, with the central part 11 in the width direction B of the tension-applying roller 24A as the boundary 12. In other words, the outer circumferential surface 24a of the tension-applying roller 24A has a brush-shaped first fiber material F1 that extends inclined in one direction in the width direction B intersecting the conveying direction A (to the left in Figures 3 and 4), and a brush-shaped second fiber material F2 that is positioned to the other direction in the width direction B (to the right in Figures 3 and 4) than the first fiber material F1 and extends inclined in the other direction in the width direction B (to the right in Figures 3 and 4).

[0041] In other words, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment has a first fiber material F1 and a second fiber material F2 that both extend inclined outward in the width direction B provided on the outer circumferential surface 24a of the tension-applying roller 24A. Therefore, when using a fabric M that stretches when ink is applied, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment does not hinder the movement of the fabric M in the width direction B due to the stretching of the fabric M on the surface of the tension-applying roller 24A, even if the fabric M stretches. Thus, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment can suppress the occurrence of wrinkles not only in fabric M that shrinks when ink is applied, but also in fabric M that stretches.

[0042] Here, referring to Figures 4 and 11, we will compare the tension-applying roller 24A of the liquid dispensing device 1A in this embodiment with the tension-applying roller 24G of the reference example liquid dispensing device 1G and explain the advantages of the tension-applying roller 24A. In the tension-applying roller 24G shown in Figure 11, the fiber material F is arranged to extend perpendicularly to the outer surface 24a.

[0043] Furthermore, in the tension-applying roller 24G of the reference example liquid dispensing device 1G shown in Figure 11, the frictional force of the fiber material F rising vertically from the outer surface 24a can suppress the planar movement of the fabric M relative to the outer surface 24a. Therefore, when the fabric M is a medium that shrinks in direction D1 when ink is applied to the ink application area RI, it has the effect of suppressing wrinkles. On the other hand, when the fabric M is a medium that stretches in direction D2 when ink is applied to the ink application area RI, the stretched portion G of the fabric M has nowhere to go and bulges, resulting in wrinkles.

[0044] In the tension-applying roller 24A of the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment shown in Figure 4, the fiber material F rises diagonally from the outer peripheral surface 24a in the width direction B, generating frictional force when the fabric M shrinks. Therefore, when the fabric M is a medium that shrinks in direction D1 when ink is applied to the ink application area RI, it has the effect of suppressing wrinkles, similar to the tension-applying roller 24G of the liquid dispensing device 1 of the reference example. On the other hand, when the fabric M is a medium that stretches in direction D2 when ink is applied to the ink application area RI, the fiber material F rises diagonally from the outer peripheral surface 24a in the width direction B, reducing the frictional force associated with the outward movement of the fabric M in response to stretching. Furthermore, the fiber material F tilts further outward, allowing the stretching G of the fabric M to escape outward and suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles. Note that this does not depend on the position of the ink application area RI.

[0045] Here, the tension-applying roller 24A, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, is composed of a cylindrical main body 240 and an attachment 241 that is attached to the main body 240 so as to cover the periphery of the main body 240. In other words, in the liquid discharge device 1A of this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface 24a of the tension-applying roller 24A is composed of an attachment 241 that includes a first fiber material F1 and a second fiber material F2, and the attachment 241 is configured to be detachably attached to the main body 240 of the tension-applying roller 24A.

[0046] The liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment has such a configuration that the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 can be easily cleaned and replaced. When replacing the attachment 241, it may be replaced with one having the same configuration of first fiber material F1 and second fiber material F2, or it may be replaced with one of the first fiber material F1 and second fiber material F2 with a different shape, size, density, length, rigidity, material, inclination, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment, the boundary 12 between the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 is positioned at the central part 11 in the width direction B of the tension-applying roller 24A, which corresponds to the center position of the fabric M in the width direction B. This applies to all of the fiber material rows Fa in region R1, Fb in region R2, Fc in region R3, Fd in region R4, Fe in region R5, Ff in region R6, Fg in region R7, and Fh in region R8. With this configuration, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment can effectively move the fabric M in the width direction B from its center position in the width direction B even when the fabric M is stretched, thereby effectively suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles.

[0048] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the liquid dispensing device 1A has a range L2 in the width direction B where the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 are provided, which is longer than the ink dispensing range L1 by the head 27. With this configuration, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment can allow the fabric M to move in the width direction B over the entire range that is stretched by the application of ink, and can particularly effectively suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the fabric M.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the transport roller 23 and the tension-applying roller 24A of the liquid dispensing device 1A are cylindrical. In other words, in this embodiment, both the outer circumferential surface 24a of the tension-applying roller 24A and the contact surface 23a of the transport roller 23 with the fabric M are configured to extend in a straight line in the width direction B when viewed from the transport direction A. With this configuration, the liquid dispensing device 1A of this embodiment can transport the fabric M in a planar manner between the transport roller 23 and the tension-applying roller 24A, thereby suppressing misalignment of the ink ejected from the head 27 and improving print quality. For example, if rollers with a shape in which the outer circumferential surface 24a of the tension-applying roller 24A or the contact surface 23a of the transport roller 23 with the fabric M bulge in the center in the width direction B are used, the fabric M cannot be transported in a planar manner, a difference in distance between the head 27 and the surface of the fabric M will occur, and there is a risk of misalignment of the ink ejected from the head 27.

[0050] In this embodiment, the liquid dispensing device 1A consists of resin fiber materials F, both of which are first fiber material F1 and second fiber material F2. However, there are no particular limitations on the material of the fiber material F, and it may be made of metal or other materials in addition to resin. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 are inclined outward in the width direction B, and there are no particular limitations on the inclination of the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 in the direction along the transport direction A.

[0051] [Example 2] Next, the liquid dispensing device 1B of Example 2 will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 corresponds to Figure 3 in the liquid dispensing device 1A of Example 1. In Figure 5, components common to Example 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted. Here, the liquid dispensing device 1B of this example has the same configuration as the liquid dispensing device 1A of Example 1, except for the parts described below. Therefore, with respect to parts other than those described below, the liquid dispensing device 1B of this example has the same characteristics as the liquid dispensing device 1A of Example 1.

[0052] As described above, in the liquid dispensing device 1A of Example 1, the tension-applying roller 24A had the boundary 12 between the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 positioned at the center (central part 11) of the fabric M in the width direction B for all fiber material rows Fa to Fh. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, in the liquid dispensing device 1B of this embodiment, the tension-applying roller 24B had the boundary 12 between the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 positioned at a location (to the left of the central part 11) away from the center (central part 11) of the fabric M in the width direction B for all fiber material rows Fa to Fh.

[0053] With this configuration, even if the fabric M stretches, it is possible to move the fabric M in the width direction B from a position off-center in the width direction B. This configuration is particularly effective, for example, when positioning the fabric M being transported in one direction in the width direction B. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles when it is not desired to move the fabric M far toward the positioning side in the width direction B. For example, in the liquid dispensing device 1B of this embodiment, as the fabric M stretches, it is possible to move the fabric M far to the right side rather than the left side in the figure. Therefore, by positioning the fabric M on the left side in the figure, it is possible to suppress the fabric M from moving far toward the positioning side.

[0054] Furthermore, even in a configuration like the liquid dispensing device 1B of Example 2, wrinkle formation can be suppressed even when using a fabric M that shrinks when ink is applied, regardless of the position of the ink application area RI. This is because, for example, even if shrinkage of the fabric M occurs in a region supported by only one of the first fiber material F1 or the second fiber material F2 in the width direction B, the shrinkage of the ink application area RI causes the entire fabric M to shrink in the width direction B. As a result, frictional force is generated by the fiber material F in regions other than the ink application area RI, i.e., in the other region of the first fiber material F1 or the second fiber material F2.

[0055] Furthermore, even in a configuration like the liquid dispensing device 1B of Example 2, wrinkle formation can be suppressed even when using a fabric M that stretches when ink is applied, regardless of the position of the ink application area RI. This is because, for example, even if stretching of the fabric M occurs in a region supported by only one of the first fiber material F1 or the second fiber material F2 in the width direction B, the stretching of the ink application area RI causes the entire fabric M to stretch in the width direction B. As a result, in regions other than the ink application area RI, i.e., the other region of the first fiber material F1 or the second fiber material F2, a force acts to stretch the fabric M outward, such as the fiber material F collapsing, thereby releasing the stretched portion of the fabric M.

[0056] [Example 3] Next, the liquid dispensing device 1C of Example 3 will be described using Figures 6 and 7. Figures 6 and 7 correspond to Figure 3 in the liquid dispensing device 1A of Example 1. In Figures 6 and 7, components common to Examples 1 and 2 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted. Here, the liquid dispensing device 1C of this example has the same configuration as the liquid dispensing device 1 of Examples 1 and 2, except for the parts described below. Therefore, with respect to parts other than those described below, the liquid dispensing device 1C of this example has the same characteristics as the liquid dispensing device 1 of Examples 1 and 2.

[0057] As described above, the liquid dispensing devices 1 of Example 1 and Example 2 all had the same configuration for the fiber array Fa in region R1, Fb in region R2, Fc in region R3, Fd in region R4, Fe in region R5, Ff in region R6, Fg in region R7, and Fh in region R8. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the liquid dispensing device 1C of this embodiment had the same configuration for the fiber array Fa in region R1, Fc in region R3, Fe in region R5, and Fg in region R7, and the same configuration for the fiber array Fb in region R2, Fd in region R4, Ff in region R6, and Fh in region R8.

[0058] Specifically, in the fiber row Fa of region R1, the fiber row Fc of region R3, the fiber row Fe of region R5, and the fiber row Fg of region R7, as shown in Figure 6, the boundary 12 between the first fiber F1 and the second fiber F2 is located to the left of the center (central part 11) of the fabric M in the width direction B. On the other hand, in the fiber row Fb of region R2, the fiber row Fd of region R4, the fiber row Ff of region R6, and the fiber row Fh of region R8, as shown in Figure 7 viewed from the same direction as Figure 6, the boundary 12 between the first fiber F1 and the second fiber F2 is located to the right of the center (central part 11) of the fabric M in the width direction B.

[0059] In other words, in the liquid dispensing device 1C of this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface 24a of the tension-applying roller 24C includes a first region (e.g., region R1) located on one side in the circumferential direction of the tension-applying roller 24C, and a second region (e.g., region R2) located on the other side in the circumferential direction from the first region. The boundary 12 between the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 in the first region and the boundary 12 between the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 in the second region are positioned at different locations in the width direction B. With this configuration, the liquid dispensing device 1C of this embodiment particularly allows movement of the fabric M in the width direction B due to stretching of the fabric M in the first region and the second region, and the movement of the fabric M in the width direction B is particularly facilitated because the positions of the boundary 12 of the first region and the boundary 12 of the second region are different in the width direction B.

[0060] In this embodiment, the liquid dispensing device 1C has the same boundary 12 position in the width direction B for fiber row Fa in region R1, fiber row Fc in region R3, fiber row Fe in region R5, and fiber row Fg in region R7, and the same boundary 12 position in the width direction B for fiber row Fb in region R2, fiber row Fd in region R4, fiber row Ff in region R6, and fiber row Fh in region R8. However, the configuration is not limited to this. The boundary 12 position in the width direction B may differ for any of the fiber row Fa in region R1, fiber row Fb in region R2, fiber row Fc in region R3, fiber row Fd in region R4, fiber row Fe in region R5, fiber row Ff in region R6, fiber row Fg in region R7, and fiber row Fh in region R8, or the boundary 12 position in the width direction B may be the same for fiber rows different from those in this embodiment. Furthermore, it may include a row of fiber material where the position of boundary 12 is the position of the central part 11.

[0061] [Example 4] Next, the liquid dispensing device 1D of Example 4 will be described using Figure 8. Note that Figure 8 corresponds to Figure 3 in the liquid dispensing device 1A of Example 1. In Figure 8, components common to Examples 1 to 3 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted. Here, the liquid dispensing device 1D of this example has the same configuration as the liquid dispensing device 1 of Examples 1 to 3, except for the parts described below. Therefore, with respect to parts other than those described below, the liquid dispensing device 1D of this example has the same characteristics as the liquid dispensing device 1 of Examples 1 to 3.

[0062] In the liquid dispensing devices 1 of Examples 1 to 3, the fiber material F constituting all first fiber material F1 and second fiber material F2 had the same configuration. Therefore, all fiber material F had the same bending rigidity. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, in the liquid dispensing device 1D of this embodiment, fiber material F of different thicknesses is arranged on the outer circumferential surface 24a of the tension-applying roller 24D. Specifically, in all fiber material rows from fiber material row Fa in region R1 to fiber material row Fh in region R8, the fiber material F becomes thicker and has higher bending rigidity as it moves from the end to the center 11 in the width direction B of the tension-applying roller 24D. With this configuration, the liquid dispensing device 1D of this embodiment can particularly effectively allow movement of the fabric M in the width direction B, and can particularly effectively suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the fabric M.

[0063] [Example 5] Next, the liquid dispensing device 1E of Example 5 will be described using Figure 9. Note that Figure 9 corresponds to Figure 3 in the liquid dispensing device 1A of Example 1. In Figure 9, components common to Examples 1 to 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted. Here, the liquid dispensing device 1E of this example has the same configuration as the liquid dispensing device 1 of Examples 1 to 4, except for the parts described below. Therefore, with respect to parts other than those described below, the liquid dispensing device 1E of this example has the same characteristics as the liquid dispensing device 1 of Examples 1 to 4.

[0064] In the liquid dispensing devices 1 of Examples 1 to 4, all the fiber materials F constituting the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 were of the same length and arranged at the same angle with respect to the outer peripheral surface 24a. On the other hand, in the liquid dispensing device 1E of this embodiment, in all fiber material rows from fiber material row Fa in region R1 to fiber material row Fh in region R8, the fiber material becomes shorter and the angle of the fiber material F with respect to the outer peripheral surface 24a decreases as you move from the end to the center in the width direction B of the fabric M, in other words, from the end to the center 11 in the width direction B of the tension-applying roller 24E, and the bending rigidity increases. With this configuration, the liquid dispensing device 1E of this embodiment can particularly effectively allow movement of the fabric M in the width direction B and can particularly effectively suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the fabric M.

[0065] Thus, it is preferable that at least one of the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2 has higher bending rigidity in the fiber material F located in the center of the fabric M in the width direction B than in the fiber material F located at the edge of the fabric M in the width direction B. This configuration allows for particularly effective movement of the fabric M in the width direction B, and particularly effective suppression of wrinkle formation in the fabric M. "High bending rigidity" can be defined by factors such as being thick, short in length, or having a small incline, as shown in the liquid dispensing device 1D of Example 4 and the liquid dispensing device 1E of Example 5, as well as being made of a hard material even if it has the same shape.

[0066] [Example 6] Next, the liquid dispensing device 1F of Example 6 will be described using Figure 10. Note that Figure 10 corresponds to Figure 3 in the liquid dispensing device 1A of Example 1. In Figure 10, components common to Examples 1 to 5 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted. Here, the liquid dispensing device 1F of this example has the same configuration as the liquid dispensing device 1 of Examples 1 to 5, except for the parts described below. Therefore, with respect to parts other than those described below, the liquid dispensing device 1F of this example has the same characteristics as the liquid dispensing device 1 of Examples 1 to 5.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, the liquid dispensing device 1F of this embodiment is equipped with a reinforcing member 242 on the outer circumferential surface 24a of the tension-applying roller 24F, which reinforces the device by supporting the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2. It is preferable to have a reinforcing member 242 that reinforces the device by supporting at least a portion of at least one of the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2. This configuration allows for fine adjustment of the bending rigidity of the first fiber material F1 and the second fiber material F2, and is particularly effective in suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles in the fabric M.

[0068] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1...Liquid dispensing device, 1A...Liquid dispensing device, 1B...Liquid dispensing device, 1C...Liquid dispensing device, 1D...Liquid dispensing device, 1E...Liquid dispensing device, 1F...Liquid dispensing device, 1G...Liquid dispensing device, 2...Holding part, 3...Winding part, 5...Roll body, 6...Roll body, 11...Center part, 12...Boundary, 23...Conveying roller, 23a...Contact surface, 24...Tensioning roller (guide roller), 24A...Tensioning roller (guide roller), 24B...Tensioning roller (guide roller), 24C...Tensioning roller (guide roller), 24D...Tensioning roller (guide roller), 24E...Tensioning roller (guide roller), 24F...Tension Tension roller (guide roller), 24G... Tension-applying roller (guide roller), 24a... Outer surface, 25... Platen, 26... Carriage, 27... Head (discharge section), 240... Main body, 241... Attachment, 242... Reinforcement member, F... Fiber material, F1... First fiber material, F2... Second fiber material, Fa... Fiber material row, Fb... Fiber material row, Fc... Fiber material row, Fd... Fiber material row, Fe... Fiber material row, Ff... Fiber material row, Fg... Fiber material row, Fh... Fiber material row, L1... Ink discharge range, L2... Range, M... Fabric, R1... Area, R2... Area, R3... Area, R4... Area, R5... Area, R6... Area, R7... Area, R8... Area, RI... Ink application area

Claims

1. A conveying roller that conveys the fabric in the conveying direction, A discharge unit for dispensing liquid onto the fabric being transported by the transport roller, A guide roller is positioned in the aforementioned transport direction to sandwich the discharge section together with the transport roller, and contacts the fabric with its outer surface, applying tension to the fabric together with the transport roller so that the fabric facing the discharge section is transported in the air, thereby guiding the transport of the fabric. Equipped with, The liquid dispensing device is characterized in that the outer circumferential surface has a brush-shaped first fiber material that extends inclined in one direction in the width direction intersecting the conveying direction, and a brush-shaped second fiber material that is positioned on the other side of the width direction relative to the first fiber material and extends inclined in the other direction in the width direction.

2. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, The outer surface is composed of an attachment including the first fiber material and the second fiber material. The liquid dispensing device is characterized in that the attachment is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the guide roller.

3. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, A liquid dispensing device characterized in that the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material is located at the center of the fabric in the width direction.

4. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, A liquid dispensing device characterized in that the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material is positioned off-center from the center of the fabric in the width direction.

5. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, The outer circumferential surface includes a first region located on one side in the circumferential direction of the guide roller, and a second region located on the other side in the circumferential direction relative to the first region. A liquid dispensing device characterized in that the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material in the first region and the boundary between the first fiber material and the second fiber material in the second region are arranged at different positions in the width direction.

6. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, A liquid dispensing device characterized in that, in the width direction, the range in which the first fiber material and the second fiber material are provided is longer than the range of liquid discharged by the discharge section.

7. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, A liquid dispensing device characterized in that at least one of the first fiber material and the second fiber material has higher bending rigidity in the fiber material located in the central part of the fabric in the width direction than in the fiber material located at the edges of the fabric in the width direction.

8. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, A liquid dispensing device characterized by comprising a reinforcing member that reinforces the first fiber material and the second fiber material by supporting at least a portion of at least one of them.

9. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, The liquid dispensing device is characterized in that both the outer peripheral surface and the contact surface of the conveying roller with the fabric extend in a straight line in the width direction when viewed from the conveying direction.

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