Recording device

Abstract

A problem arose where the pigment coating adhering to the surface of the conveyor belt that transports the recording media could not be removed by simple means. [Solution] The recording device 1 has an adhesive layer Ad to which a fabric P can be attached, a conveyor belt 33 for conveying the fabric P attached to the adhesive layer Ad, a recording mechanism 60 for recording by ejecting pigment ink onto the conveyed fabric P, and a belt cleaning mechanism 100 for cleaning the adhesive layer Ad. The belt cleaning mechanism 100 includes a cleaning tank 107 for storing a cleaning liquid W used for cleaning the adhesive layer Ad, a first brush part 101 that can contact the adhesive layer Ad, and a second brush part 102 that can contact the adhesive layer Ad, characterized in that the second brush part 102 has higher bending rigidity than the first brush part 101.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an inkjet image forming apparatus that forms an image by discharging a liquid such as ink onto a medium such as paper or cloth has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet image forming apparatus including a first cleaning unit that cleans foreign matter adhering to the surface of a conveyance belt that conveys a recording medium while rotating, using a cleaning liquid, and a second cleaning unit provided on the downstream side of the first cleaning unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that foreign matter adhering to the surface of the conveyance belt that conveys the recording medium while rotating cannot be completely removed. Specifically, when a pigment is used as a coloring material of the ink, components containing the pigment may adhere to the surface of the conveyance belt to form a pigment film. The pigment film is difficult to remove with a cleaning liquid such as water or a surfactant, and the above apparatus does not disclose the removal of the pigment film. The removal of the pigment film requires special maintenance work, which may increase the downtime of the apparatus. That is, there has been a demand for a recording apparatus capable of removing foreign matter including the pigment film by simple means.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The recording device has an adhesive layer to which a fabric can be attached, a conveyor belt for conveying the fabric attached to the adhesive layer, a recording mechanism for dispensing pigment ink onto the conveyed fabric to perform recording, and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the adhesive layer. The cleaning mechanism comprises a cleaning tank for storing a cleaning solution used to clean the adhesive layer, a first brush portion partially immersed in the cleaning solution and capable of contacting the adhesive layer, and a second brush portion partially immersed in the cleaning solution and capable of contacting the adhesive layer, wherein the second brush portion has higher bending rigidity than the first brush portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a recording device. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the belt cleaning mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the belt cleaning mechanism. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the belt cleaning mechanism. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the belt cleaning mechanism in the second and third embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments described below illustrate a recording device 1 used for digital printing of woven fabrics, and will be explained with reference to the drawings. Note that the use of the recording device 1 of the present invention is not limited to printing.

[0008] In the following diagrams, mutually orthogonal coordinate axes, the XYZ axes, are added as needed. The direction indicated by each arrow is considered the + direction, and the direction opposite to the + direction is considered the - direction. When the recording device 1 is installed on a horizontal surface such as the floor, the -Z direction is the vertical direction. The +Z direction may also be referred to as upward, and the -Z direction as downward. For illustrative purposes, the sizes of each component are different from those in reality.

[0009] In the transport route of fabric media, where the fabric is unrolled from the original roll, printed, and then wound into a roll, the side where the original roll is unrolled is sometimes called the upstream, and the side where the fabric is wound up is sometimes called the downstream. Furthermore, the direction in which the fabric is transported from upstream to downstream is called the transport direction.

[0010] 1. First Embodiment As shown in Figure 1, the recording device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a control unit 5, a media transport unit 20, a recording mechanism 60, a drying unit 70, an operation panel 80, and a belt cleaning mechanism 100, which is a cleaning mechanism. The recording device 1 also includes a housing (not shown). Each component of the recording device 1 is supported by a frame F.

[0011] The recording device 1 applies a liquid such as ink to a fabric P, which serves as a media, to form an image such as a picture, photograph, text, or pattern on the fabric P and manufacture a printed object. In the explanation of Figure 1, unless otherwise specified, the view from the -X direction will be described.

[0012] The control unit 5 is electrically connected to each component of the recording device 1 and provides integrated control of the operation of each component.

[0013] The control unit 5 includes hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 5 executes a predetermined control program using the CPU. The ROM is a non-volatile storage device that stores the control program executed by the CPU and the data processed by the control program. The RAM constitutes the CPU's work area. The CPU loads the control program read from the ROM or other memory into the RAM and executes the loaded control program.

[0014] The operation panel 80 is also electrically connected to the control unit 5. The operation panel 80 displays various information to the user of the recording apparatus 1 and accepts various operations and input of various settings by the user. The control unit 5 controls the recording apparatus 1 based on the information input to the operation panel 80. In the following description, the user of the recording apparatus 1 is also simply referred to as the user.

[0015] The operation panel 80 is supported by the frame F via a member not shown and is disposed above the recording apparatus 1 and at the end in the +Y direction. The user stands in the +Y direction of the recording apparatus 1 and performs various inputs while visually observing the operation panel 80. The operation panel 80 is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display. The operation panel 80 may have physical buttons in addition to the liquid crystal display.

[0016] The medium transport unit 20 includes a medium supply unit 10, a first transport roller 21, a second transport roller 22, a third transport roller 23, a fourth transport roller 24, a transport mechanism 30, and a winding unit 40. The medium transport unit 20 transports the fabric P along a transport path from upstream to downstream.

[0017] The medium supply unit 10 has a supply shaft portion 11, a bearing portion 12, and a rotation drive unit not shown. The supply shaft portion 11 is substantially cylindrical and holds the core of the fabric P roll. The bearing portion 12 supports both ends of the supply shaft portion 11 in the direction along the X axis in a detachable and rotatable manner.

[0018] The rotation drive unit is, for example, an electric motor and rotationally drives the supply shaft portion 11. Due to the rotation of the supply shaft portion 11 and the second belt rotation roller 32 of the transport mechanism 30 described later, the fabric P is unwound from the roll and sent downstream.

[0019] The fabric P is transported from the medium supply unit 10 in the substantially +Z direction, passes through the first transport roller 21, and reaches the second transport roller 22. The transport direction of the fabric P is changed to substantially the +Y direction at the second transport roller 22.

[0020] Examples of the fibers that are the material of the fabric P include natural fibers such as cotton, silk, hemp, mohair, wool, and cashmere, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, and synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and polyurethane, which are made into single yarns, double yarns, or blended yarns. The fabric P is formed by processing the above fibers into a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric. In order to improve various properties of products manufactured from the printed fabric P, the fabric P may be pre-processed.

[0021] The conveying mechanism 30 includes a first belt rotating roller 31, a second belt rotating roller 32, a conveying belt 33, and a pressure bonding part 50.

[0022] The conveying belt 33 is between the second conveying roller 22 and the third conveying roller 23 and conveys the fabric P. The conveying belt 33 is an endless belt and is stretched in a region including a position facing the recording mechanism 60 in the vertical direction by the first belt rotating roller 31 and the second belt rotating roller 32. The conveying belt 33 has an outer peripheral surface 33a and an inner peripheral surface 33b. The outer peripheral surface 33a and the inner peripheral surface 33b are in a front-back relationship. The fabric P can be placed and attached to the outer peripheral surface 33a. An adhesive layer Ad (see FIG. 2) is provided on the outer peripheral surface 33a.

[0023] The conveying belt 33 closely adheres and attaches the fabric P to the adhesive layer Ad on the outer peripheral surface 33a so that it can be conveyed in the conveying direction. The conveying belt 33 is rotationally driven counterclockwise by the first belt rotating roller 31 and the second belt rotating roller 32. The conveying direction of the fabric P on the conveying belt 33 is the +Y direction.

[0024] The width of the conveying belt 33 is wider than the width of the fabric P in the direction along the X axis.

[0025] The first belt rotating roller 31 and the second belt rotating roller 32 are substantially cylindrical rotating members and form a pair with each other. The first belt rotating roller 31 and the second belt rotating roller 32 are each rotatable on an axis of rotation along the X-axis. The first belt rotating roller 31 and the second belt rotating roller 32 are arranged opposite each other in the direction along the Y-axis. The first belt rotating roller 31 is located upstream of the conveying mechanism 30 and is positioned near the second transport roller 22 in the +Y direction. The second belt rotating roller 32 is located downstream of the conveying mechanism 30 and is positioned near the third transport roller 23 in the -Y direction. A support member for supporting the conveying belt 33 may be positioned between the first belt rotating roller 31 and the second belt rotating roller 32.

[0026] The first belt rotating roller 31 is a driven roller that rotates counterclockwise when the rotation of the second belt rotating roller 32 is transmitted to it via the conveyor belt 33. The first belt rotating roller 31 is rotatably supported by a roller support (not shown).

[0027] The second belt rotating roller 32 is driven to rotate counterclockwise by a transport drive motor (not shown). The transport drive motor is controlled by a control unit 5. The second belt rotating roller 32 is rotatably supported by a roller support unit 39.

[0028] The fabric P is transferred from the second transport roller 22 to the conveying mechanism 30 and placed on the outer surface 33a of the conveying belt 33 above the first belt rotating roller 31. At this time, the fabric P does not need to be in close contact with the outer surface 33a.

[0029] The outer circumferential surface 33a supports the fabric P from below. The inner circumferential surface 33b is in contact with the first belt rotating roller 31 and the second belt rotating roller 32. The frictional force between the inner circumferential surface 33b and the second belt rotating roller 32 drives the conveyor belt 33 to rotate. The frictional force between the inner circumferential surface 33b and the first belt rotating roller 31 causes the first belt rotating roller 31 to move.

[0030] In the direction along the X-axis, which is the width direction of the conveyor belt 33, the width of the adhesive layer Ad on the outer surface 33a is approximately equal to the width of the conveyor belt 33. The path of the conveyor belt 33 from the first belt rotating roller 31 to the second belt rotating roller 32 is the conveying path of the fabric P. The path of the conveyor belt 33 that returns to the first belt rotating roller 31 after being folded back at the second belt rotating roller 32 is the non-conveying path. The outer surface 33a faces upward in the conveying path and downward in the non-conveying path.

[0031] The adhesive layer Ad on the outer surface 33a adheres to the fabric P by adhesive force. The adhesive layer Ad includes an adhesive material such as silicone resin, acrylic resin, or urethane resin. In the recording device 1, acrylic resin is used as the base material for the adhesive layer Ad. In the transport path, the fabric P adheres to the outer surface 33a of the transport belt 33 and is transported in the +Y direction along with the rotation of the transport belt 33.

[0032] The crimping section 50 is positioned near the first belt rotating roller 31 in the +Y direction. The crimping section 50 comprises a pressing roller 51, a pair of support sections 53, a heating section 54, and a pair of drive sections (not shown). The crimping section 50 brings the fabric P and the adhesive layer Ad of the conveyor belt 33 into close contact.

[0033] The press roller 51 is a roughly cylindrical rotating member. The press roller 51 has its axis of rotation along the X-axis and is positioned above the conveyor belt 33. The support parts 53 are positioned at both ends of the press roller 51 in the direction along the X-axis. The press roller 51 is rotatably supported by the pair of support parts 53. Each of the pair of support parts 53 is supported by the drive unit. In the direction along the X-axis, the length of the press roller 51 is approximately equal to the width of the conveyor belt 33.

[0034] One of the drive units is positioned further in the -X direction relative to the support unit 53 that supports the -X end of the press roller 51. The other of the drive unit is positioned further in the +X direction relative to the support unit 53 that supports the +X end of the press roller 51.

[0035] The pair of drive units move vertically while supporting the pair of support units 53 by a lifting drive motor (not shown). As a result, the pressing roller 51 can be displaced vertically while being supported by the support units 53. This allows for adjustment of the strength of the pressing force applied by the pressing roller 51 when it presses the fabric P against the adhesive layer Ad on the outer surface 33a.

[0036] Although not shown in the diagram, the pair of drive units, driven by the guide member and motor, reciprocate along the Y-axis while supporting the pair of support units 53. Therefore, the pressing roller 51 is supported by the support units 53 and can reciprocate along the Y-axis.

[0037] The heating unit 54 heats the conveyor belt 33. The heating unit 54 is positioned below the press roller 51 via the conveyor belt 33. The upper surface of the heating unit 54 is formed to be substantially flat and contacts the lower inner circumferential surface 33b of the conveyor belt 33 in the conveying path. The distance of the heating unit 54 along the Y-axis is approximately equal to the distance the press roller 51 reciprocates in the conveying direction and the reverse conveying direction. The distance of the heating unit 54 along the X-axis is approximately equal to the width of the conveyor belt 33 along the X-axis.

[0038] The heating unit 54 is, for example, an electric heater. Heating by the heating unit 54 heats the adhesive layer Ad of the conveyor belt 33. Heating increases the flexibility of the adhesive layer Ad and increases its adhesive force to the fabric P. The heating temperature by the heating unit 54 is, for example, 35°C to 60°C on the upper surface of the heating unit 54.

[0039] In the crimping section 50, the fabric P is placed on the upper surface of the heating section 54 via the conveyor belt 33. The heating section 54 heats the conveyor belt 33, and the pressing roller 51 presses the fabric P against the adhesive layer Ad from above. In parallel with this, the pressing roller 51 rotates and reciprocates in the +Y and -Y directions. The fabric P and the conveyor belt 33 are sandwiched and pressed between the upper surface of the heating section 54 and the pressing roller 51, causing the fabric P and its outer surface 33a to adhere closely together. The fabric P is conveyed in the +Y direction through the crimping section 50 while adhering closely to the conveyor belt 33. Alternatively, the pressing roller 51 may be equipped with a function to heat the conveyor belt 33 instead of the heating section 54. The heating section 54 may also be omitted.

[0040] The recording mechanism 60 faces the outer surface 33a and the fabric P in the vertical direction at the middle of the Y-axis direction of the conveyor belt 33. The recording mechanism 60 performs printing, i.e., recording, by ejecting pigment ink onto the fabric P supported by the conveyor belt 33. The recording mechanism 60 includes an inkjet head ejection unit 61, a carriage 62, and a guide rail 63.

[0041] The guide rail 63 is a structural member that extends along the X-axis and is positioned above the conveying mechanism 30. The guide rail 63 supports the carriage 62 so that it can move in the direction along the X-axis. Supported by the guide rail 63, the carriage 62 reciprocates in the direction along the X-axis by the drive of a carriage drive motor (not shown). The discharge unit 61 is mounted below the carriage 62 and reciprocates together with the carriage 62 in the direction along the X-axis relative to the conveying belt 33.

[0042] The discharge unit 61 discharges and adheres liquids such as ink and functional liquids to the fabric P that is placed on the outer peripheral surface 33a and transported. The discharge unit 61 has a nozzle surface (not shown) facing downwards. The nozzle surface faces the transport belt 33 and the fabric P in the vertical direction. Multiple nozzle rows are arranged on the nozzle surface. Each of the multiple nozzle rows consists of multiple nozzles. Each of the multiple nozzle rows individually discharges multiple types of inks exhibiting colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and functional liquids to the fabric P.

[0043] In the discharge section 61, a piezoelectric element is used as the actuator, which is the driving means. The driving means is not limited to this. For example, an electromechanical conversion element that displaces a diaphragm acting as an actuator by electrostatic attraction, or an electrothermal conversion element that discharges ink as droplets by generating bubbles through heating may be used as the driving means.

[0044] Although not shown in the diagram, the ink and functional liquid are supplied from the ink tank to the dispensing unit 61 via piping. The ink and functional liquid dispensed from the dispensing unit 61 adhere to the upward-facing surface of the fabric P.

[0045] The discharge unit 61 is moved back and forth along the X-axis while the fabric P is conveyed in the +Y direction by the conveyor belt 33. At this time, liquid such as ink is applied to the fabric P from the discharge unit 61 at a predetermined timing. This forms a desired image on the fabric P.

[0046] The functional liquid is specifically a softener or pretreatment liquid. The functional liquid is dispensed onto the fabric P at a timing that is simultaneous with or preceding / contemporaneous with the ink dispensing.

[0047] A softener has the function of improving the texture of fabric products such as clothing when a printed fabric P is processed into a fabric product. The softener is not particularly limited, and known fabric softeners can be used. If the softener contains cationic components, it may react with the ink components to form aggregates. Therefore, it is preferable to avoid contact or mixing of the softener and the ink.

[0048] The pretreatment solution has the function of coagulating colorants such as pigments in the ink on the surface of the fabric P, thereby improving the color development of the printed material. Such a pretreatment solution is not particularly limited, and known treatment agents can be applied. Since the pretreatment solution coagulates the colorants, it is preferable to avoid contact or mixing of the pretreatment solution with the ink for purposes other than its intended use.

[0049] Other functional liquids besides softeners and pretreatment solutions may be used as functional liquids. Examples of other functional liquids include coating solutions that improve the abrasion resistance and wash fastness of printed fabric P, and penetrating solutions that assist in the penetration of ink into fabric P.

[0050] In the dispensing unit 61, pre-dispensing is performed before dispensing ink and functional liquid onto the fabric P, and in between dispensing operations. Pre-dispensing is performed to suppress drying and solidification of ink and functional liquid at the gas-liquid interface within each nozzle of the dispensing unit 61, and to prevent color mixing after cleaning each nozzle. The execution of pre-dispensing is controlled by the control unit 5. The timing of pre-dispensing, the time interval, and the amount of ink and functional liquid to be pre-dispensed are set appropriately according to the type and characteristics of the ink and functional liquid.

[0051] The printed fabric P is then transported further in the +Y direction from a position opposite the recording mechanism 60. The fabric P is then separated from the transport belt 33 approximately above the second belt rotating roller 32 and transferred to the third transport roller 23 downstream of the second belt rotating roller 32.

[0052] The conveyor belt 33 is folded back from the conveying path to the non-conveying path by the second belt rotating roller 32, and moves in the -Y direction with its outer surface 33a facing downwards.

[0053] The belt cleaning mechanism 100 cleans the outer surface 33a of the conveyor belt 33. The belt cleaning mechanism 100 is positioned below the conveyor belt 33 corresponding to the non-conveyor path and faces the outer surface 33a in the vertical direction.

[0054] Due to the presence of an adhesive layer Ad, the close contact with the fabric P during transport, and the pre-discharge process, the outer surface 33a is prone to the accumulation of liquids such as ink, as well as lint and foreign matter from the fabric P. If the outer surface 33a is significantly soiled, the transport belt 33 may contaminate the fabric P again when it makes contact with it before printing. Furthermore, the soiling of the outer surface 33a could reduce the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer Ad. To address this, the recording device 1 cleans the outer surface 33a of the transport belt 33 using a belt cleaning mechanism 100. Details of the belt cleaning mechanism 100 will be described later.

[0055] The third transport roller 23 separates the printed fabric P from the conveyor belt 33. The fabric P separated from the conveyor belt 33 is transported in approximately the +Y direction, and the third transport roller 23 changes the transport direction to approximately downward. The third transport roller 23 and the fourth transport roller 24 relay the fabric P to the winding section 40.

[0056] A drying section 70 is positioned between the third transport roller 23 and the fourth transport roller 24. The drying section 70 dries the ink and functional liquid adhering to the fabric P. The drying section 70 includes, for example, an infrared heater. The infrared rays emitted by the infrared heater cause volatile components contained in the ink and functional liquid adhering to the fabric P to evaporate. As a result, the droplets of ink and functional liquid dry, making it possible to wind the fabric P onto the winding section 40. The fabric P proceeds to the winding section 40 via the fourth transport roller 24.

[0057] The winding unit 40 is positioned downstream and below the fourth transport roller 24. The winding unit 40 collects the printed material, which is the printed fabric P. The winding unit 40 has a winding shaft 41, a bearing 42, and a rotary drive unit (not shown). The winding shaft 41 is substantially cylindrical and winds the printed material into a roll. The bearing 42 rotatably supports both ends of the winding shaft 41 in the direction along the X axis. The winding shaft 41 is also detachable from the bearing 42. The rotary drive unit rotates the winding shaft 41 counterclockwise. The winding shaft 41 rotates due to the rotary drive unit, and the printed material is wound up. As a result, the printed material is produced in the recording device 1.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the belt cleaning mechanism 100 is a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the adhesive layer Ad provided on the outer circumferential surface 33a of the conveyor belt 33. The belt cleaning mechanism 100 includes a first brush section 101, a second brush section 102, a cleaning tank 107, a supply section 105, a discharge section 109, a wiping section 111, a wiping section 113, a lifting mechanism 100m, a first displacement section 101m, and a second displacement section 102m. The first brush section 101, the second brush section 102, the wiping section 111, and the wiping section 113 are arranged in the above order toward the -Y direction. That is, the second brush section 102 is positioned downstream of the first brush section 101 in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 33. Note that in Figure 2, the conveyor belt 33 in the non-conveyor path is shown by a dashed line. In the non-conveyor path, the conveyor belt 33 moves in the -Y direction.

[0059] The belt cleaning mechanism 100 is responsible for cleaning off dirt attached to the outer surface 33a of the conveyor belt 33, i.e., the adhesive layer Ad, by bringing the first brush portion 101 and the second brush portion 102 into contact with the surface.

[0060] The cleaning tank 107 is bathtub-shaped with an open top and stores cleaning liquid W for cleaning the outer surface 33a. The cleaning tank 107 is positioned below the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102, which are substantially cylindrical brush rollers. Parts of the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102 are immersed in the cleaning liquid W stored in the cleaning tank 107. In the direction along the X axis, the width of the cleaning tank 107 is greater than the width of the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102.

[0061] A cleaning solution W is stored in the cleaning tank 107. In this embodiment, the cleaning solution W is water. The cleaning solution W is not particularly limited, but a liquid other than water that has the property of swelling the adhesive layer Ad may be used. Examples of liquids that have the property of swelling the adhesive layer Ad include alcohol-based or glycol ether-based organic solvents such as (2-methoxyethoxy)propanol (also known as dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether), 2-butoxyethanol, ethoxylated propoxylated alcohol (C=16~18), 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and (R)-4-isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexa-1-ene. Additives such as water and defoamers may also be included in the above organic solvents. The cleaning solution W is supplied to the recording device 1 from a supply source not shown, such as a water tap or a cleaning solution tank.

[0062] In the cleaning tank 107, the liquid level Lv of the cleaning liquid W stored therein is controlled by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 controls the supply unit 105 and the discharge unit 109 according to the liquid level Lv of the cleaning liquid W detected by a level sensor (not shown) to maintain a constant liquid level Lv.

[0063] When the liquid level Lv of the cleaning liquid W is lower than a predetermined lower limit, the control unit 5 controls the supply unit 105 and supplies the cleaning liquid W to the cleaning tank 107. The supply unit 105 has a pipe 105a, an opening / closing unit 105b, and a supply pipe 105c, and is attached to the upstream side of the cleaning tank 107 in the +Y direction, i.e., in the non-transport path. The cleaning liquid W is introduced from the pipe 105a, passes through the opening / closing unit 105b, and is supplied to the cleaning tank 107 from the supply pipe 105c.

[0064] The piping 105a connects the supply source of the cleaning fluid W to the on / off unit 105b. The piping 105a is connected to an external cleaning fluid tank or a water tap, for example, via a flexible hose. The inside of the piping 105a and the inside of the on / off unit 105b are in communication. The cleaning fluid W is introduced from the piping 105a to the on / off unit 105b.

[0065] The opening / closing unit 105b changes the amount of cleaning liquid W supplied to the cleaning tank 107 based on the control of the control unit 5. The opening / closing unit 105b switches between an open state, which supplies cleaning liquid W to the cleaning tank 107, and a closed state, which does not supply cleaning liquid W.

[0066] The flow path of the opening / closing section 105b (not shown) is fully open in the open state and fully closed in the closed state. The degree to which the flow path is open in the opening / closing section 105b is defined as the opening degree. The opening degree in the open state is 100%, and the opening degree in the closed state is 0%. In addition to 0% and 100%, the opening degree may be arbitrarily adjusted within the range of greater than 0% and less than 100%. A known valve mechanism, such as an electromagnetic valve, is applied to the opening / closing section 105b.

[0067] The supply pipe 105c connects the opening / closing section 105b to the cleaning tank 107. The supply pipe 105c is connected to the side wall on the +Y direction of the cleaning tank 107, i.e., the upstream side of the non-transport path, and communicates with the flow path of the opening / closing section 105b and the inside of the cleaning tank 107. The cleaning liquid W supplied from the supply pipe 105c flows along the side wall of the cleaning tank 107 and is stored in the cleaning tank 107. Note that the arrangement of the supply section 105 is not limited to the above.

[0068] The discharge section 109 has a pipe 109a, a discharge opening / closing section 109b, and a discharge pipe 109c, and is attached to the washing tank 107 in the -Z direction.

[0069] The discharge pipe 109c connects the washing tank 107 to the discharge opening / closing unit 109b, which controls the discharge of the washing liquid W.

[0070] The flow path (not shown) of the discharge opening / closing section 109b is fully open in the open state and fully closed in the closed state. The degree to which the flow path in the discharge opening / closing section 109b is opened is defined as the opening degree. The opening degree in the open state is 100%, and the opening degree in the closed state is 0%. In addition to 0% and 100%, the opening degree may be arbitrarily adjusted within the range of greater than 0% and less than 100%. A known valve mechanism, such as an electromagnetic valve, is applied to the discharge opening / closing section 109b. The cleaning liquid W is discharged from the discharge pipe 109c through the discharge opening / closing section 109b, through a flexible hose (not shown) connected to the piping 109a, to a waste liquid treatment tank (not shown) outside the belt cleaning mechanism 100.

[0071] The control unit 5 controls the liquid level Lv of the cleaning solution W stored in the cleaning tank 107. By controlling the liquid level Lv of the cleaning solution W stored in the cleaning tank 107 by the control unit 5, it is prevented that more cleaning solution W than necessary is stored in the cleaning tank 107. In addition, by supplying cleaning solution W to the cleaning tank 107 while simultaneously discharging the cleaning solution W, the cleanliness of the stored cleaning solution W can be maintained.

[0072] The lifting mechanism 100m is a lifting device that raises or lowers the belt cleaning mechanism 100 in the Z-axis direction. The lifting mechanism 100m has a drive unit (not shown), and the control unit 5 controls the drive unit to raise or lower the belt cleaning mechanism 100. The belt cleaning mechanism 100 can be moved by the lifting mechanism 100m to a cleaning position in which the adhesive layer Ad can be cleaned, and to a separated position located in the -Z direction from the cleaning position. In the cleaning position, the first brush section 101, the second brush section 102, the wiping section 111, and the wiping section 113 are in contact with the adhesive layer Ad. When the belt cleaning mechanism 100 is in the separated position, the first brush section 101, the second brush section 102, the wiping section 111, and the wiping section 113 are not in contact with the adhesive layer Ad.

[0073] The first displacement unit 101m displaces the first brush unit 101 in the Z-axis direction relative to the belt cleaning mechanism 100. The first displacement unit 101m has a drive unit (not shown), and the control unit 5 raises and lowers the first brush unit 101 by controlling the drive unit. When the first brush unit 101 is lowered below a predetermined reference position, the first brush unit 101 does not come into contact with the adhesive layer Ad even when the belt cleaning mechanism 100 is in the cleaning position. On the other hand, when the first brush unit 101 is in the reference position, the first brush unit comes into contact with the adhesive layer Ad when the belt cleaning mechanism 100 is in the cleaning position.

[0074] The second displacement unit 102m displaces the second brush unit 102 in the Z-axis direction relative to the belt cleaning mechanism 100. The second displacement unit 102m has a drive unit (not shown), and the control unit 5 raises and lowers the second brush unit 102 by controlling the drive unit. When the second brush unit 102 descends below a predetermined reference position, the second brush unit 102 does not come into contact with the adhesive layer Ad, even when the belt cleaning mechanism 100 is in the cleaning position.

[0075] The first brush section 101 is responsible for cleaning the outer surface 33a of the conveyor belt 33, i.e., the adhesive layer Ad, by contacting it. The first brush section 101 is a brush roller with a nearly cylindrical shape, whose central axis is aligned with the X-axis, and which is fitted with numerous nylon bristles. Although not shown in the illustration, the first brush section 101 is supported by a support member and rotates around its central axis by a drive motor (not shown). Specifically, the first brush section 101 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the -X direction.

[0076] Since the first brush section 101 is partially immersed in the cleaning liquid W stored in the cleaning tank 107, it rotates around its central axis, pumping up the cleaning liquid W and cleaning the adhesive layer Ad while applying the cleaning liquid W. By cleaning the adhesive layer Ad while applying the cleaning liquid W, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the adhesive layer Ad can be lifted and washed away. The washed-away foreign matter falls into the cleaning tank 107.

[0077] The numerous bristles implanted in the first brush section 101 have lower bending rigidity than the bristles of the second brush section 102, which will be described later. By using brush bristles with low bending rigidity, the contact force with the adhesive layer Ad can be kept low, allowing cleaning to be performed without damaging the adhesive layer Ad. Therefore, when the recording mechanism 60 performs continuous recording operations, it becomes possible to continuously remove foreign matter such as fine dust and lint adhering to the outer surface 33a of the conveyor belt 33 by conveying the fabric P.

[0078] The second brush section 102, like the first brush section 101, is responsible for cleaning the outer circumferential surface 33a of the conveyor belt 33, i.e., the adhesive layer Ad, by contacting it. The second brush section 102 is a brush roller with a nearly cylindrical shape whose central axis is aligned with the X-axis, and which is fitted with numerous nylon bristles. Although not shown in the illustration, the second brush section 102 is supported by a support member and rotates around its central axis by a drive motor (not shown). Specifically, the second brush section 102 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the -X direction.

[0079] The bristles of the second brush section 102 have higher bending rigidity than the bristles of the first brush section 101. For example, if the material and length of the bristles of the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102 are the same, the diameter of the bristles of the second brush section 102 is greater than the diameter of the bristles of the first brush section 101. Also, if the material and diameter of the brushes of the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102 are the same, the length of the bristles of the second brush section 102 is shorter than the length of the bristles of the first brush section 101. By attaching bristles with higher bending rigidity to the second brush section 102 than to the first brush section 101, it becomes possible to clean foreign matter that has solidified and adhered to the adhesive layer Ad. Foreign matter that has solidified and adhered to the adhesive layer Ad is, for example, ink that has adhered to the adhesive layer Ad when a recording operation is performed by the recording mechanism 60, or a pigment film formed by solidified ink components.

[0080] Since the second brush section 102 is partially immersed in the cleaning liquid W stored in the cleaning tank 107, it rotates around its central axis, pumping up the cleaning liquid W and cleaning the adhesive layer Ad while applying the cleaning liquid W. By cleaning the adhesive layer Ad while applying the cleaning liquid W, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the adhesive layer Ad can be lifted and washed away. The washed-away foreign matter falls into the cleaning tank 107.

[0081] The wiping section 111 scrapes off the cleaning liquid W and dried material adhering to the outer circumferential surface 33a from the outer circumferential surface 33a that is in contact with the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102. The wiping section 111 is a roughly plate-shaped rubber member that is aligned in the X-axis direction. The cleaning liquid W and dried material scraped off from the outer circumferential surface 33a fall downward and are discharged from the discharge section 109.

[0082] The belt cleaning mechanism 100 has a plurality of wiping sections 113. Each wiping section 113 is a substantially cylindrical sponge member along the X-axis. The width of each wiping section 113 is shorter than the width of the outer circumferential surface 33a of the conveyor belt 33. When viewed from above, the wiping sections 113 are arranged in two alternating rows and are able to contact the outer circumferential surface 33a over the entire X-direction.

[0083] In this embodiment, the belt cleaning mechanism 100 uses the first brush section 101 to clean the adhesive layer Ad while the recording mechanism 60 is recording on the conveyed fabric P. In other words, the recording device 1 performs the recording operation on the fabric P using the recording mechanism 60 while simultaneously cleaning the adhesive layer Ad with the first brush section 101. Furthermore, when the recording mechanism 60 is not performing the recording operation, i.e., when the conveying mechanism 30 is not conveying the fabric P, the belt cleaning mechanism 100 uses the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102 to perform a coating removal operation to remove the pigment coating from the adhesive layer Ad.

[0084] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the belt cleaning mechanism 100 during recording. When the control unit 5 receives an instruction from an external control device (not shown) to start the recording operation, it starts the transport operation to transport the fabric P and the recording operation by the recording mechanism 60, and also causes the belt cleaning mechanism 100 to perform the operation shown in Figure 3. When the recording operation is not being performed, the belt cleaning mechanism 100 is positioned at a distanced position, and the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102 are positioned above a predetermined reference position.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 5 controls the second displacement unit 102m to lower the second brush unit 102 below a predetermined reference position (step S101). Next, the control unit 5 controls the lifting mechanism 100m to raise the belt cleaning mechanism 100 to the cleaning position (step S102) and rotate the first brush unit 101 (step S103). As a result, the first brush unit 101, the wiping unit 111, and the rinsing unit 113 of the belt cleaning mechanism 100 come into contact with the adhesive layer Ad of the conveyor belt 33, and cleaning by the first brush unit 101 begins. The control unit 5 continues cleaning by the first brush unit 101 while the recording mechanism 60 is performing a recording operation (step S104:NO).

[0086] When the recording operation by the recording mechanism 60 is completed (step S104: YES), the control unit 5 stops the rotation of the first brush section 101 (step S105) and lowers the belt cleaning mechanism 100 to a separated position (step S106). Then, the control unit 5 controls the second displacement section 102m to raise the second brush section 102 above a predetermined reference position (step S107), and ends the cleaning operation.

[0087] Furthermore, since the second brush section 102 is lowered below a predetermined reference position in step S101, the second brush section 102 does not come into contact with the adhesive layer Ad during the recording operation by the recording mechanism 60. In other words, the control unit 5 controls the second displacement section 102m so that the second brush section 102 does not come into contact with the adhesive layer Ad when the recording mechanism 60 is recording on the fabric P.

[0088] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the belt cleaning mechanism 100 when removing the pigment coating. When the recording mechanism 60 is not performing a recording operation, the control unit 5, when instructed by the operation panel 80 to start the coating removal operation, causes the belt cleaning mechanism 100 to perform the operation shown in Figure 4.

[0089] As shown in Figure 4, first, the control unit 5 controls the transport drive motor of the second belt rotating roller 32 to rotate the second belt rotating roller 32, thereby causing the transport belt 33 to circulate (step S201). Next, the control unit 5 controls the lifting mechanism 100m to raise the belt cleaning mechanism 100 to the cleaning position (step S202) and rotate the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102 (step S203). As a result, the first brush section 101, the second brush section 102, the wiping section 111, and the removing section 113 of the belt cleaning mechanism 100 come into contact with the adhesive layer Ad of the transport belt 33, and the coating removal operation by the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102 begins. The control unit 5 continues the coating removal operation until the transport belt 33 has completed a predetermined number of circumferences (step S204:NO). The predetermined number is, for example, 8 circumferences.

[0090] When the conveyor belt 33 has completed a predetermined number of rotations (step S204: YES), the control unit 5 stops the rotation of the conveyor belt 33 by stopping the rotation of the second belt rotating roller 32 (step S205). Then, the control unit 5 stops the rotation of the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102 (step S206), lowers the belt cleaning mechanism 100 to a separated position (step S207), and ends the coating removal operation.

[0091] The coating removal operation is not limited to instructions from the control panel 80, but may also be initiated in response to instructions from an external control device. Furthermore, the coating removal operation may be automatically initiated after the recording operation of the recording mechanism 60 is completed. The number of rotations of the conveyor belt 33 required for the coating removal operation may also be specified by the control panel 80 or an external control device. Additionally, the coating removal operation may continue until the control panel 80 or an external control device instructs it to end.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0093] According to this embodiment, by cleaning the surface of the conveyor belt 33 that conveys the fabric P while rotating in the recording device 1 with a belt cleaning mechanism 100 that includes a second brush portion 102 having higher bending rigidity than the first brush portion 101 in addition to the first brush portion 101, foreign matter including pigment coatings can be removed by simple means.

[0094] According to this embodiment, in the recording device, the control unit 5 individually controls the first displacement unit 101m, which changes the position of the first brush unit 101, and the second displacement unit 102m, which changes the position of the second brush unit 102. Therefore, it is possible to use different brushes for cleaning depending on the operating state of the recording device 1 and the level of contamination of the conveyor belt 33.

[0095] According to this embodiment, in the recording device described above, since the second brush portion 102 does not come into contact with the adhesive layer Ad while the recording device 1 is in recording operation, it is possible to suppress excessive scraping of the adhesive layer Ad, which would affect the adhesion of the fabric P.

[0096] According to this embodiment, since the recording device is equipped with a supply unit 105 in the cleaning tank 107, it is possible to supply the cleaning liquid W necessary for cleaning to the cleaning tank 107 in the required amount using the supply unit 105.

[0097] According to this embodiment, since the second brush section 102 is positioned downstream of the first brush section 101 in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 33, foreign matter that could not be cleaned by the first brush section 101 can be cleaned by the second brush section 102, which has bristles with high bending rigidity.

[0098] 2. Second Embodiment The belt cleaning mechanism 100 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the cleaning tank 107 is divided into two parts. The configurations common to the first embodiment will not be described.

[0099] As shown in Figure 5, the cleaning tank 107 in the belt cleaning mechanism 100 of this embodiment comprises a first cleaning tank 107a and a second cleaning tank 107b. The first cleaning tank 107a and the second cleaning tank 107b are bathtub-shaped with open tops, with the first cleaning tank 107a located below the first brush section 101 and the second cleaning tank 107b located below the second brush section 102. The first cleaning tank 107a and the second cleaning tank 107b are separated by a partition wall 107c. The first cleaning tank 107a stores the first cleaning liquid W1, and the second cleaning tank 107b stores the second cleaning liquid W2.

[0100] The first cleaning tank 107a is connected to a first supply unit 205 for supplying the first cleaning liquid W1 and a first discharge unit 209 for discharging the first cleaning liquid W1 from the first cleaning tank 107a. The first supply unit 205 comprises a first pipe 205a, a first opening / closing unit 205b, and a first supply pipe 205c, and is attached to the first cleaning tank 107a in the +Y direction, i.e., upstream of the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 33. The first discharge unit 209 comprises a first pipe 209a, a first discharge opening / closing unit 209b, and a first discharge pipe 209c, and is attached to the first cleaning tank 107a in the -Z direction.

[0101] The second cleaning tank 107b is connected to a second supply unit 305 for supplying the second cleaning liquid W2 and a second discharge unit 309 for discharging the second cleaning liquid W2 from the second cleaning tank 107b. The second supply unit 305 comprises a second pipe 305a, a second opening / closing unit 305b, and a second supply pipe 305c, and is attached to the second cleaning tank 107b in the -Y direction, i.e., downstream of the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 33. The second discharge unit 309 comprises a second pipe 309a, a second discharge opening / closing unit 309b, and a second discharge pipe 309c, and is attached to the second cleaning tank 107b in the -Z direction. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first cleaning solution W1 is a liquid that has the property of swelling the adhesive layer Ad, and the second cleaning solution W2 is water. In other words, the second cleaning solution W2 is a liquid that does not have the property of swelling the adhesive layer Ad, and is a different liquid from the first cleaning solution W1.

[0103] Examples of the first cleaning solution W1 include alcohol-based or glycol ether-based organic solvents such as (2-methoxyethoxy)propanol (also known as dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether), 2-butoxyethanol, ethoxylated propoxylated alcohol (C=16-18), 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and (R)-4-isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexa-1-ene. Alternatively, the above organic solvents may be used in combination, or additives such as water or defoamers may be included. When the first cleaning solution W1 is an organic solvent, it is selected according to the type of adhesive layer Ad, etc.

[0104] The first cleaning solution W1 is supplied to the first cleaning tank 107a from a supply source (not shown), such as a cleaning solution tank, via the first supply unit 205.

[0105] In this embodiment, the second cleaning solution W2 is water. The second cleaning solution W2 is supplied to the second cleaning tank 107b via the second supply unit 305 from a supply source (not shown), such as a water tap or a cleaning solution tank.

[0106] The belt cleaning mechanism 100 of this embodiment is used when there is significant contamination on the adhesive layer Ad, such as a thick, solidified layer of foreign matter.

[0107] First, the first cleaning solution W1, which has the property of swelling the adhesive layer Ad, is applied using the first brush section 101. Since the bristles of the first brush section 101 have lower bending rigidity than the bristles of the second brush section 102, the contact force with the adhesive layer Ad can be kept low. Therefore, the first cleaning solution W1 can be applied without damaging the adhesive layer Ad. Specifically, the control unit 5 rotates the conveyor belt 33, and then controls the second displacement section 102m to lower the second brush section 102 below the reference position. After the second brush section 102 has lowered below the reference position, the belt cleaning mechanism 100 is raised to the cleaning position and the first brush section 101 is rotated to apply the first cleaning solution W1 to the adhesive layer Ad. The control unit 5 makes the conveyor belt 33 make multiple turns, and after the adhesive layer Ad has swelled, it stops the rotation of the first brush section 101 and controls the first displacement section 101m to lower the first brush section 101 below a predetermined reference position.

[0108] Next, the control unit 5 controls the second displacement unit 102m to raise the second brush unit 102 above a predetermined reference position and rotate the second brush unit 102 to clean the pigment film attached to the adhesive layer Ad. Since the bristles of the second brush unit 102 have higher bending rigidity than the bristles of the first brush unit 101, they can powerfully remove the lifted ink and the pigment film, which is solidified ink components, from the adhesive layer Ad. In addition, since a part of the second brush unit 102 is immersed in the second cleaning tank 107b, the stored second cleaning liquid W2 can be pumped up and washed away together with the pigment film removed from the adhesive layer Ad.

[0109] 3-1. Variation 1 The belt cleaning mechanism 100 in this modified example has the same configuration as the second embodiment, but the cleaning liquids stored in the first cleaning tank 107a and the second cleaning tank 107b are different from those in the second embodiment. In this modified example, the first cleaning liquid W1 stored in the first cleaning tank 107a is water. The second cleaning liquid W2 stored in the second cleaning tank 107b is a liquid that has the property of swelling the adhesive layer.

[0110] The belt cleaning mechanism 100 of this embodiment is used both when the recording mechanism 60 is performing recording and when the pigment coating is removed from the adhesive layer Ad.

[0111] When recording is performed continuously by the recording mechanism 60, the first brush section 101 performs cleaning by applying the first cleaning solution W1, i.e., water. When removing the pigment film from the adhesive layer Ad, the second brush section 102 cleans the adhesive layer Ad with the second cleaning solution W2, i.e., a liquid cleaning solution having the property of swelling the adhesive layer Ad.

[0112] 3-2. Variation 2 The belt cleaning mechanism 100 in this modified example has the same configuration as in Modified Example 1. The belt cleaning mechanism 100 in this modified example is used when the recording mechanism 60 is performing recording.

[0113] When the recording mechanism 60 performs continuous recording, the first brush section 101 performs cleaning by applying the first cleaning liquid W1, i.e., water, while the second brush section 102 cleans the adhesive layer Ad with the second cleaning liquid W2, i.e., a liquid cleaning solution that has the property of swelling the adhesive layer Ad.

[0114] 3-3. Modified Example 3 In this modified version of the belt cleaning mechanism 100, the material of the first brush portion 101 and the second brush portion 102 can be changed from that of the first embodiment.

[0115] The materials used for the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102 include resin materials such as silicone resin, acrylic resin, or urethane resin, as well as metal materials. Suitable metal materials for the first brush section 101 include iron, copper, steel, and aluminum, as well as alloys such as brass, stainless steel alloys, and aluminum alloys, which are mixtures of these materials.

[0116] 3-4. Variation 4 In this modified version of the belt cleaning mechanism 100, the positions of the first brush section 101 and the second brush section 102 can be changed from those of the first embodiment.

[0117] The belt cleaning mechanism 100 can also be configured such that the position of the first brush section 101 is downstream of the second brush section 102 with respect to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 33.

[0118] The following describes the conclusions drawn from the embodiment.

[0119] The recording device has an adhesive layer to which a fabric can be attached, a conveyor belt for conveying the fabric P attached to the adhesive layer, a recording mechanism for dispensing pigment ink onto the conveyed fabric to perform recording, and a belt cleaning mechanism for cleaning the adhesive layer. The belt cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning tank for storing a cleaning solution used to clean the adhesive layer, a first brush section partially immersed in the cleaning solution and capable of contacting the adhesive layer, and a second brush section partially immersed in the cleaning solution and capable of contacting the adhesive layer. The second brush section is characterized by having higher bending rigidity than the first brush section.

[0120] With this configuration, the belt cleaning mechanism includes a second brush section with higher bending rigidity than the first brush section, in addition to the first brush section. Therefore, foreign matter, including the pigment coating formed on the adhesive layer, can be removed with a simple structure. Thus, a recording device can be provided that can remove foreign matter, including the pigment coating, by simple means.

[0121] The recording device described above is characterized by comprising: a first displacement unit for changing the position of the first brush unit with respect to the conveyor belt; a second displacement unit for changing the position of the second brush unit with respect to the conveyor belt; and a control unit for individually controlling the first displacement unit and the second displacement unit.

[0122] With this configuration, the control unit individually controls the first displacement unit that changes the position of the first brush unit and the second displacement unit that changes the position of the second brush unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide a recording device that can use different brushes for cleaning depending on the operating state of the recording device and the contamination status of the conveyor belt.

[0123] In the recording device described above, the control unit controls the second displacement unit so that the second brush unit does not come into contact with the adhesive layer when the recording mechanism is recording on the fabric.

[0124] With this configuration, the second brush portion does not come into contact with the adhesive layer during recording, thus preventing excessive scraping of the adhesive layer and thus reducing the impact on the attachment of the fabric. Therefore, it is possible to provide a recording device that allows for the removal of foreign matter, including pigment coatings, by simple means.

[0125] In the recording device described above, the cleaning mechanism is characterized by having a supply unit that supplies cleaning fluid to the cleaning tank. With this configuration, since the cleaning mechanism is equipped with a supply unit, it is possible to supply the cleaning fluid necessary for cleaning to the cleaning tank in the required amount using the supply unit.

[0126] With this configuration, the amount of the first cleaning solution supplied to the cleaning tank is controlled based on the control of the control unit, making it possible to supply only the amount necessary for cleaning to the cleaning tank. Therefore, it is possible to provide a recording device that can remove foreign matter, including pigment coatings, by simple means.

[0127] The recording device described above is characterized in that the second brush section is positioned downstream of the first brush section in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt.

[0128] With this configuration, the second brush section is positioned downstream of the first brush section in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt, making it possible to clean foreign matter that could not be cleaned by the soft first brush section with the hard second brush section. Therefore, it is possible to provide a recording device that can remove foreign matter, including pigment coatings, by simple means.

[0129] In the recording device described above, the cleaning tank includes a first cleaning tank and a second cleaning tank, the cleaning solution includes a first cleaning solution stored in the first cleaning tank and a second cleaning solution stored in the second cleaning tank, and the first brush portion is partially immersed in the first cleaning solution, and the second brush portion is partially immersed in the second cleaning solution.

[0130] With this configuration, the first brush section and the second brush section are immersed in different cleaning solutions, allowing the use of cleaning solutions suited to the characteristics of each brush. Therefore, a recording device is provided that can remove foreign matter, including pigment coatings, by simple means.

[0131] In the recording device described above, the first cleaning solution has the property of swelling the adhesive layer, and the second cleaning solution is a liquid different from the first cleaning solution.

[0132] With this configuration, the first cleaning solution has the property of swelling the adhesive layer, which makes it easier to lift and remove ink and pigment films formed from solidified ink components that have adhered to the adhesive layer. In other words, it becomes possible to remove foreign matter, including pigment films, by simple means. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 1...Recording device, 5...Control unit, 10...Media supply unit, 11...Supply shaft unit, 12...Bearing unit, 20...Media transport unit, 21...First transport roller, 22...Second transport roller, 23...Third transport roller, 24...Fourth transport roller, 30...Conveying mechanism, 31...First belt rotating roller, 32...Second belt rotating roller, 33...Conveying belt, 33a...Outer surface, 33b...Inner surface, 39...Roller - Support section, 40... Winding section, 41... Winding shaft section, 42... Bearing section, 50... Crimping section, 51... Pressing roller, 53... Support section, 54... Heating section, 60... Recording mechanism, 61... Discharge section, 62... Carriage, 63... Guide rail, 70... Drying section, 80... Operation panel, 100... Belt cleaning mechanism, 100m... Lifting mechanism, 101... First brush section, 101m... First displacement section, 102... Second brush section ,102m...Second displacement section, 105...Supply section, 105a...Piping, 105b...Opening / closing section, 105c...Supply pipe, 107...Washing tank, 107c...Partition wall, 107a...First washing tank, 107b...Second washing tank, 109...Discharge section, 109a...Piping, 109b...Discharge opening / closing section, 109c...Discharge pipe, 111...Wiping section, 113...Wiping section, 205...First supply section, 205a...First piping, 205b...Second 1 opening / closing section, 205c...first supply pipe, 305...second supply section, 305a...second piping, 305b...second opening / closing section, 305c...second supply pipe, 209...first discharge section, 209a...first piping, 209b ...First discharge opening / closing part, 209c...First discharge pipe, 309...Second discharge part, 309a...Second piping, 309b...Second discharge opening / closing part, 309c...Second discharge pipe, Ad...Adhesive layer, Lv...Liquid level, P...Fabric.

Claims

1. A conveyor belt having an adhesive layer to which a fabric can be attached, and the fabric attached to the adhesive layer is conveyed. A recording mechanism that ejects pigment ink onto the conveyed fabric to record information, The system includes a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the adhesive layer, The cleaning mechanism is A cleaning tank for storing the cleaning solution used to clean the adhesive layer, A first brush portion is partially immersed in the cleaning solution and is capable of contacting the adhesive layer, It comprises a second brush portion which is partially immersed in the cleaning solution and is capable of contacting the adhesive layer, A recording device characterized in that the second brush portion has higher bending rigidity than the first brush portion.

2. A recording device according to claim 1, A first displacement unit that changes the position of the first brush portion with respect to the conveyor belt, A second displacement unit that changes the position of the second brush portion with respect to the conveyor belt, A recording device comprising a control unit that individually controls the first displacement unit and the second displacement unit.

3. A recording device according to claim 2, The recording apparatus is characterized in that the control unit controls the second displacement unit so that the second brush unit does not come into contact with the adhesive layer when the recording mechanism is recording on the fabric.

4. A recording device according to claim 1, The recording device is characterized in that the cleaning mechanism includes a supply unit for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning tank.

5. A recording device according to claim 1, The recording device is characterized in that the second brush section is positioned downstream of the first brush section in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt.

6. A recording device according to claim 1, The aforementioned cleaning tank includes a first cleaning tank and a second cleaning tank. The cleaning solution comprises a first cleaning solution stored in the first cleaning tank and a second cleaning solution stored in the second cleaning tank. The first brush portion is partially immersed in the first cleaning solution, A recording device characterized in that a portion of the second brush portion is immersed in the second cleaning solution.

7. A recording device according to claim 6, The first cleaning solution is a liquid having the property of swelling the adhesive layer, A recording device characterized in that the second cleaning solution is a different liquid from the first cleaning solution.

Images