Apparatus for dispensing liquid, liquid dispensing unit, and image forming method

Abstract

By heating the medium held in the holding device while maintaining it at the printing height, it becomes unnecessary to set the medium to the printing height multiple times. [Solution] The liquid dispensing device comprises a holding device that holds a medium on a holding surface, a liquid dispensing head that dispenses liquid from a discharge port onto the medium, a first moving device that moves the holding device in the sub-scanning direction and in a vertical direction, a heating device, and a second moving device that moves the heating device in the vertical direction. The first moving device moves the medium in the vertical direction to the printing height, the liquid dispensing head dispenses the liquid onto the medium located at the printing height, the second moving device moves the heating device in the vertical direction to a position where the medium located at the printing height is heated, and the first moving device moves the holding device in the sub-scanning direction while maintaining the holding device at the printing height, and heats the medium with the heating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for discharging a liquid, a liquid discharge unit, and an image forming method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a device for discharging a liquid, such as an inkjet printer, is known. The device can form an image on a medium, for example, by discharging a liquid such as ink from a discharge port of a liquid discharge head onto the medium.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a holding member holds a medium such as a fabric and moves in the sub-scanning direction and the vertical direction. For example, the holding member moves vertically to a predetermined height such that the distance between the medium and the discharge port is an appropriate distance for liquid discharge. The liquid discharge head moves in the main scanning direction and discharges a pretreatment liquid from the discharge port onto the medium.

[0004] The holding member moves the medium to the above-described predetermined height and then moves it in the sub-scanning direction. The liquid discharge head discharges the pretreatment liquid from the discharge port onto the medium on the holding member moving in the sub-scanning direction. After the discharge of the pretreatment liquid, the holding member moves in the sub-scanning direction to a position where the medium faces the heating member and then moves upward, and presses the medium against the heating member to fix the pretreatment liquid on the medium.

[0005] After the fixing of the pretreatment liquid, the holding member descends and moves away from the heating member, and moves to the liquid discharge position in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction. Further, the holding member moves to the above-described predetermined height at the liquid discharge position and moves in the sub-scanning direction again. The liquid discharge head discharges ink from the discharge port onto the medium on the holding member moving in the sub-scanning direction or in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction. After the discharge of the ink, the holding member moves in the sub-scanning direction to a position where the medium faces the heating member again and then moves upward, and presses the medium against the heating member to fix the ink on the medium.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] According to the conventional technology, when the holding member moves to a position opposite the liquid discharge position and a position opposite the heating member as described above, the vertical distance between the medium and the discharge port is set to be maintained at an appropriate distance at each position.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a liquid dispensing device, a liquid dispensing unit, and an image forming method that do not require setting the medium to a predetermined printing height multiple times, by heating the medium with a heating device while the medium held in the holding device is kept at a predetermined printing height. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention provides: a holding device having a holding surface and holding a medium on the holding surface; a liquid dispensing head provided with a discharge port for dispensing liquid from the discharge port onto the medium held on the holding surface; a first moving device for moving the holding device relative to the discharge port of the liquid dispensing head in a sub-scanning direction for transporting the medium and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the holding surface; a heating device disposed so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the holding surface of the holding device and for heating the medium held on the holding surface; and a heating device positioned perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device. The device comprises a second moving device for moving the medium held on the holding surface in the vertical direction to the printing height by moving the holding device in the vertical direction, the liquid discharge head discharges the liquid onto the medium located at the printing height, the second moving device moves the heating device in the vertical direction to a position for heating the medium located at the printing height, and the first moving device moves the holding device in the sub-scanning direction or the opposite direction of the sub-scanning direction while maintaining the holding device at the printing height, thereby heating the medium with the heating device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the medium held in the holding device can be heated by the heating device while maintaining it at a predetermined printing height, eliminating the need to set the medium to the printing height multiple times. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a garment printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing a garment printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing the garment printer of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic front view showing a garment printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the platen of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing the heater moving device and heat roller of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the garment printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the garment printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of print control on a medium by a garment printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic side view showing a garment printer that raises a platen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a garment printer in which a heat roller presses the media, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a garment printer according to the first embodiment, in which a medium is coated with a pretreatment solution. [Figure 13]Figure 13 is a schematic side view of a garment printer in the first embodiment, in which the heat roller is away from the media. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic side view of a garment printer in the first embodiment, on which a medium is coated with ink. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic side view showing a part of the garment printer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic side view showing a part of the garment printer according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 13. In this specification, the vertically upward direction is generally defined as the upward direction, and the vertically downward direction as the downward direction. Furthermore, in this specification, the components of the embodiment and their descriptions may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions used in this specification. Components may also be identified by names different from those used in this specification. Furthermore, components may also be described using expressions different from those used in this specification.

[0012] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the garment printer 1 according to the first embodiment. The garment printer 1 is an example of a device that dispenses liquid. Note that the device that dispenses liquid is not limited to the garment printer 1, but may be another inkjet printer or another device that dispenses liquid.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the garment printer 1 is connected to a terminal device such as a personal computer (PC) 2 via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) (registered trademark) or a network (NW) such as the Internet or an intranet. Thereby, the garment printer 1 and the PC 2 can perform data communication with each other. The communication between the garment printer 1 and the PC 2 may be performed by Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0014] The PC 2 includes a printing application 3. The printing application 3 is application software that can, for example, perform printing and various instructions from the PC 2 to the garment printer 1, set the garment printer 1, and further obtain various information such as the status information of the garment printer 1 on the PC 2.

[0015] In the example of FIG. 1, the control device exemplified as the PC 2 and the printing application 3 included in this control device are shown as separate from the garment printer 1. However, the control device and the printing application 3 may be built into the garment printer 1.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the garment printer 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the garment printer 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing the garment printer 1 of the first embodiment.

[0017] As shown in each drawing, in this specification, for convenience, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the present embodiment, the X-axis and Y-axis are provided substantially horizontally, and the Z-axis is provided substantially vertically. Note that the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are not limited to this example and may be inclined with respect to the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0018] Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions are defined herein. The X direction is the direction along the X axis and includes the +X direction indicated by the X-axis arrow and the -X direction which is the opposite direction of the X-axis arrow. The Y direction is the direction along the Y axis and includes the +Y direction indicated by the Y-axis arrow and the -Y direction which is the opposite direction of the Y-axis arrow. The Z direction (up and down direction, vertical direction) is the direction along the Z axis and includes the +Z direction (up) indicated by the Z-axis arrow and the -Z direction (down) which is the opposite direction of the Z-axis arrow.

[0019] The garment printer 1 forms an image on a medium M using ink, for example. The medium M is, for example, a fabric used for clothing such as a T-shirt. The medium M may also be a textile, leather, or building material such as wallpaper, flooring, or tiles. However, the medium M is not limited to these examples. For example, the medium M may be other materials such as plain paper, glossy paper, specialty paper, an impermeable substrate, ceramics, glass, or metal.

[0020] Non-permeable substrates are substrates with a surface that has low water permeability and absorption. Materials that have numerous internal cavities but do not open to the outside are also included in non-permeable substrates. More quantitatively, in the Bristow method, from the start of contact to 30 msec... 1 / 2 Up to 10 mL / m² of water absorption capacity 2 The following are non-permeable substrates. Examples of non-permeable substrates include plastic films such as polyvinyl chloride resin film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polycarbonate film.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the garment printer 1 comprises a housing 10, a platen 11, a platen moving device 12, a plurality of carriages 13, a plurality of carriage moving devices 14, a heater 15, a heater moving device 16, and a height sensor 17. The platen 11 is an example of a holding device. The platen moving device 12 is an example of a first moving device. The heater 15 is an example of a heating device. The heater moving device 16 is an example of a second moving device.

[0022] The platen 11, platen moving device 12, carriage 13, carriage moving device 14, heater 15, heater moving device 16, and height sensor 17 are at least partially housed within the housing 10. Figures 2 to 4 show the interior of the garment printer 1 with a portion of the housing 10 omitted.

[0023] The garment printer 1 includes a printing unit 1a as an example of a liquid ejection unit. The printing unit 1a is housed in a housing 10 and includes at least a platen mover 12, a carriage 13, a carriage mover 14, a heater 15, and a heater mover 16. The printing unit 1a may have other components. Furthermore, the liquid ejection unit is not limited to the printing unit 1a, but may be other groups of components, modules, or units that eject liquid.

[0024] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a platen 11 of the first embodiment. The platen 11 holds the medium M. As shown in Figure 5, the platen 11 has a platen member 21, a platen frame 22, and a hinge 23. The platen frame 22 is an example of a limiting member. Note that the platen 11 is not limited to this example, and for example, the hinge 23 may be omitted.

[0025] The platen member 21 is formed, for example, in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped plate. However, the shape of the platen member 21 is not limited to this example. The platen member 21 has a holding surface 21a and four side portions 21b.

[0026] The holding surface 21a is formed to be substantially flat. The holding surface 21a is positioned substantially horizontally. Therefore, both the X and Y directions are directions along the holding surface 21a. Furthermore, the Z direction is perpendicular to the holding surface 21a. The medium M is placed on the holding surface 21a.

[0027] The four side portions 21b are provided at the ends of the platen member 21 in the horizontal direction (X and Y directions). Two side portions 21b are provided at both ends of the platen member 21 in the Y direction and extend in the X direction. The other two side portions 21b are provided at both ends of the platen member 21 in the X direction and extend in the Y direction. In this embodiment, each of the four side portions 21b is formed in a substantially stepped shape. Note that the side portions 21b may be formed in other shapes, such as simple planes.

[0028] The platen frame 22 is attached to the platen member 21 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge 23. When the platen frame 22 is closed, the medium M is held between the platen frame 22 and the side portion 21b of the platen member 21. This allows the platen 11 to hold the medium M on the holding surface 21a and restricts the medium M from moving along the holding surface 21a relative to the platen 11.

[0029] A roughly rectangular opening 25 is provided in the platen frame 22. The opening 25 allows the holding surface 21a of the platen member 21, or the medium M on the holding surface 21a, to be exposed to the outside of the platen frame 22.

[0030] The platen 11 may be deformable to hold media M of various sizes. For example, the platen member 21 may be deformable so that the length of the diagonal of the holding surface 21a expands or contracts. Also, the platen frame 22 may be deformable so that the length of the diagonal of the opening 25 expands or contracts.

[0031] The portion of the platen member 21 including the holding surface 21a has a predetermined heat resistance. The material of the platen member 21 is, for example, a heat-resistant sponge rubber such as silicone rubber or fluororubber. The material of the platen member 21 may also be various heat-resistant resins, felt, calcium silicate board, Calhon, Callite, gypsum board, melamine sponge, glass wool, or glass.

[0032] As shown by the arrows in Figures 3 and 4, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 relative to the housing 10 in the Y and Z directions. As a result, the medium M held on the holding surface 21a of the platen 11 also moves relative to the housing 10 in the Y and Z directions. The platen moving device 12 may also move the platen 11 diagonally, as long as the position of the platen 11 in the Y and Z directions can be changed. The platen moving device 12 includes, for example, a slide rail 31 as shown in Figure 3, and a slider 32 and lifting platform 33 as shown in Figure 4.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the slide rail 31 extends in the Y direction. The slide rail 31 is fixed to, for example, the bottom surface of the housing 10.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the slider 32 is mounted on the slide rail 31. The slider 32 can move in the Y direction relative to the housing 10 along the slide rail 31.

[0035] For example, a timing belt is stretched across multiple pulleys positioned between the ends of a slide rail 31, and a slider 32 is connected to the timing belt. An electric motor rotates one of the pulleys in forward and reverse directions, causing the timing belt and the slider 32 connected to the timing belt to move along the slide rail 31 in the Y direction. Note that the slider 32 is not limited to this example.

[0036] The lifting platform 33 is attached to the slider 32. The platen 11 is also attached to the lifting platform 33, for example, in a removable manner. As a result, the slider 32 can move in the Y direction relative to the housing 10 together with the lifting platform 33 and the platen 11. The lifting platform 33 can move (raise and lower) the platen 11 in the Z direction relative to the housing 10.

[0037] For example, a component attached to the slider 32 of the lifting platform 33 is connected to the shaft of the ball screw mechanism. Also, a component attached to the platen 11 of the lifting platform 33 is connected to the nut of the ball screw mechanism. The electric motor rotates the shaft in forward and reverse directions, causing the lifting platform 33 to move the platen 11 in the Z direction relative to the housing 10. Note that the lifting platform 33 is not limited to this example.

[0038] The platen moving device 12 adjusts the position of the platen 11 and the medium M in the Y direction using the slider 32. Furthermore, the platen moving device 12 adjusts the position of the platen 11 and the medium M in the Z direction using the lifting platform 33.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the multiple carriages 13, the heater 15, and the height sensor 17 are arranged in a line in the Y direction. In the Y direction, the heater 15 is located between the carriages 13 and the height sensor 17.

[0040] In the Y direction, the carriage 13, heater 15, and height sensor 17 are located between the ends of the slide rail 31. The platen moving device 12 can move the platen 11 so that it crosses the carriage 13 and heater 15 in the Y direction.

[0041] Each of the multiple carriages 13 is provided with a liquid dispensing head 41. Each liquid dispensing head 41 is provided with multiple discharge ports 42. The liquid dispensing head 41 can dispense liquid from the discharge ports 42 in the -Z direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the multiple carriages 13 include, for example, carriage 13A and carriage 13B. The liquid ejection head 41 of carriage 13A is an example of a first liquid ejection head. The liquid ejection head 41 of carriage 13B is an example of a second liquid ejection head. The garment printer 1 may have one carriage 13 or three or more carriages 13.

[0043] Carriage 13A and carriage 13B are arranged side by side in the Y direction. In the Y direction, carriage 13B is spaced apart from carriage 13A in the -Y direction.

[0044] The liquid discharge head 41 of carriage 13A discharges a pre-treatment liquid from its discharge port 42 onto a medium M held on the holding surface 21a of the platen 11, for example. The liquid discharge head 41 of carriage 13B discharges ink from its discharge port 42 onto a medium M held on the holding surface 21a of the platen 11, for example. The liquid discharge head 41 may also discharge a post-treatment liquid onto the medium M. The pre-treatment liquid, ink, and post-treatment liquid are examples of liquids.

[0045] The pretreatment solution is not particularly limited as long as it can be discharged from the liquid discharge head 41, and can be appropriately selected from known solutions. The pretreatment solution may contain, for example, polyvalent metal ions. The pretreatment solution may also contain other components, such as resins.

[0046] The polyvalent metal ions can be appropriately selected from known ones. Examples of polyvalent metal ions include calcium ions, magnesium ions, and aluminum ions. The pretreatment solution may contain one type of polyvalent metal ion or multiple types of polyvalent metal ions.

[0047] Polyvalent metal ions can be incorporated into the pretreatment solution, for example, by dissolving water-soluble polyvalent metal salts. The polyvalent metal salt can be appropriately selected from known examples. Examples of polyvalent metal salts include carboxylates (acetic acid, lactic acid, etc.), sulfates, nitrates, chlorides, and thiocyanates. One type of polyvalent metal salt may be used alone, or multiple types may be used in combination. For example, carboxylates, sulfates, nitrates, and chlorides with good solubility in water and water-soluble organic solvents can be used as polyvalent metal salts from the viewpoint of image quality and discharge reliability, such as color development and bleed resistance.

[0048] The ink is not particularly limited as long as it can be ejected from the liquid ejection head 41, and can be appropriately selected from known inks. The ink includes, for example, an organic solvent, water, a colorant, a resin, and additives.

[0049] The organic solvent is not particularly limited. Examples of organic solvents include water-soluble organic solvents such as polyhydric alcohols, ethers such as polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers and polyhydric alcohol aryl ethers, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, amides, amines, and sulfur-containing compounds.

[0050] The colorants are not particularly limited. Examples of colorants include pigments and dyes. Examples of pigments include inorganic pigments and organic pigments. One type of pigment may be used alone, or multiple types of pigments may be used in combination. Mixed crystals may also be used. Examples of pigments include black pigment, yellow pigment, magenta pigment, cyan pigment, white pigment, green pigment, orange pigment, glossy pigments such as gold and silver, and metallic pigments.

[0051] The dyes are not particularly limited. Examples of dyes include acid dyes, direct dyes, reactive dyes, and basic dyes. One type of dye may be used alone, or multiple types of dyes may be used in combination.

[0052] Methods for obtaining ink by dispersing pigments include, for example, introducing hydrophilic functional groups into the pigment to create a self-dispersible pigment, coating the surface of the pigment with a resin to disperse it, and using a dispersant to disperse it.

[0053] Ink can be obtained by mixing pigment with materials such as water and organic solvents. Alternatively, ink can be obtained by mixing a pigment dispersion (formed by mixing pigment with water and a dispersant) with water or an organic solvent. Pigment dispersions are obtained by mixing and dispersing water, pigment, a pigment dispersant, and other components as needed, and adjusting the particle size. Dispersion machines are used for dispersion.

[0054] The resin contained in the ink is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of resins include urethane resin, polyester resin, acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, styrene resin, butadiene resin, styrene-butadiene resin, vinyl chloride resin, acrylic styrene resin, or acrylic silicone resin.

[0055] Resin particles made from the aforementioned resins may be used. Ink can be obtained by mixing the resin particles, dispersed in water as a dispersion medium to form a resin emulsion, with materials such as colorants and organic solvents. The resin particles may be synthesized as appropriate, or commercially available ones may be used. Furthermore, one type of resin particle may be used alone, or multiple types of resin particles may be combined.

[0056] Examples of additives include surfactants, defoamers, preservatives and fungicides, rust inhibitors, and pH adjusters.

[0057] The post-treatment solution is not particularly limited as long as it can form a transparent layer. The post-treatment solution can be obtained by mixing materials selected as needed from, for example, organic solvents, water, resins, surfactants, defoamers, pH adjusters, antiseptics, and rust inhibitors. The post-treatment solution may be applied to the entire printing area of ​​the medium M, or only to the area where the image has been formed.

[0058] In this embodiment, the multiple carriage moving devices 14 include carriage moving devices 14A and carriage moving devices 14B. The garment printer 1 may have one carriage moving device 14, or it may have three or more carriage moving devices 14.

[0059] In the Y and Z directions, the carriage moving device 14A is positioned approximately the same as the carriage 13A, and the carriage moving device 14B is positioned approximately the same as the carriage 13B. That is, in the Y direction, the carriage moving device 14 is located between the ends of the slide rail 31.

[0060] The carriage moving device 14A moves the carriage 13A in the X direction. That is, the carriage moving device 14A moves the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13A relative to the housing 10 in the X direction.

[0061] The carriage moving device 14B moves the carriage 13B in the X direction. That is, the carriage moving device 14B moves the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13B relative to the housing 10 in the X direction. The carriage moving device 14 may also move the carriage 13 diagonally if it is possible to change the position of the carriage 13 in the X direction.

[0062] Each of the multiple carriage moving devices 14 has, for example, a guide rail 45. The guide rail 45 extends in the X direction and is fixed to, for example, the housing 10. In the X direction, the guide rail 45 extends across the platen 11 and the slide rail 31. In the X direction, the guide rail 45 is longer than the platen 11. The guide rail 45 supports the carriage 13 so that it can move in the X direction.

[0063] For example, a timing belt is stretched across multiple pulleys positioned between the ends of a guide rail 45, and a carriage 13 is connected to the timing belt. An electric motor rotates one of the pulleys in forward and reverse directions, causing the timing belt and the carriage 13 connected to the timing belt to move along the guide rail 45 in the X direction. Note that the carriage moving device 14 is not limited to this example.

[0064] Since the guide rail 45 is fixed to the housing 10, the carriage 13 is positioned at approximately constant positions (coordinates) in the Y and Z directions. Therefore, the platen moving device 12 can move the medium M held on the holding surface 21a in the Y and Z directions relative to the discharge port 42 of the liquid discharge head 41.

[0065] The heater 15 has a heat roller 51. The heat roller 51 is an example of a roller. The heater 15 may have multiple heat rollers 51, or it may have other heating devices such as a heat press. The heat roller 51 is formed in a roller shape. The central axis of the heat roller 51 extends approximately in the X direction. The heat roller 51 is rotatable about this central axis.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2, the heat roller 51 has a substantially cylindrical outer surface 51a extending around its central axis. The heat roller 51 may have various heaters, such as a mica heater or a silicone rubber heater. The heat roller 51 may also have other heat sources, such as an electric heating wire.

[0067] The heat roller 51 can be heated at least on its outer surface 51a by applying an electric current. The temperature of the outer surface 51a is, for example, 100 to 200°C. However, the temperature of the heat roller 51 is not limited to this example. The outer surface 51a may be treated with, for example, a fluororesin coating or a water-repellent coating to prevent liquid adhesion.

[0068] In the Y direction, the heat roller 51 is spaced apart from the carriage 13B in the -Y direction. Thus, the heater 15 is spaced apart from the liquid discharge head 41 of carriage 13A and the liquid discharge head 41 of carriage 13B in the -Y direction. In the Y direction, the distance between carriage 13B and the heat roller 51 is shorter than, for example, the length of the printing area of ​​the medium M. Note that the position of the heat roller 51 is not limited to this example.

[0069] The heater moving device 16 moves the heater 15 relative to the housing 10. Specifically, the heater moving device 16 moves the heat roller 51 of the heater 15 relative to the housing 10 in the Z direction. The heater moving device 16 may also move the heater 15 diagonally, as long as the position of the heater 15 in the Z direction can be changed.

[0070] Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing the heater moving device 16 and heat roller 51 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the heater moving device 16 includes, for example, a support member 61, a spring 62, and a solenoid actuator 63.

[0071] The support member 61 supports both ends of the heat roller 51 so that they can rotate around the central axis of the heat roller 51. The support member 61 can move integrally with the heat roller 51 in the Z direction relative to the housing 10.

[0072] The spring 62 is supported, for example, by the housing 10 and biases the support member 61 in the +Z direction. The solenoid actuator 63 has a solenoid 63a and a plunger 63b. The solenoid 63a is supported, for example, by the housing 10. The end of the plunger 63b in the +Z direction is connected to the support member 61.

[0073] When the solenoid 63a is energized, the solenoid actuator 63 pulls the support member 61 connected to the plunger 63b in the -Z direction. As a result, the support member 61 and the heat roller 51 move in the -Z direction relative to the housing 10, and the spring 62 is compressed in the Z direction between the housing 10 and the support member 61.

[0074] When the power to the solenoid is released, the spring 62 pushes the support member 61 upward in the +Z direction due to its elastic force. As a result, the support member 61 and the heat roller 51 move in the +Z direction relative to the housing 10.

[0075] The heater moving device 16 can move the heat roller 51 in the -Z direction relative to the housing 10 with a force corresponding to the current input to the solenoid 63a. Note that the heater moving device 16 is not limited to this example; for example, an electric motor and a ball screw mechanism may be used to move the heat roller 51 in the Z direction relative to the housing 10.

[0076] The height sensor 17 shown in Figure 2 is fixed to the housing 10, for example. The height sensor 17 can detect the position of the medium M held by the platen 11 in the Z direction relative to the housing 10. For example, the height sensor 17 is an optical sensor and has a light source and a light-receiving element. The height sensor 17 is not limited to this example. For example, the height sensor 17 may mechanically detect the position of the medium M by an interlock switch.

[0077] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the garment printer 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the garment printer 1 includes a controller board 100. The controller board 100 is connected to the print engine 101 and the operation unit 102.

[0078] The print engine 101 comprises a platen moving device 12, a carriage 13, a carriage moving device 14, a heater 15, a heater moving device 16, and various other components, and forms an image on the medium M. When forming an image on the medium M, the print engine 101 is fitted with a platen 11 on which the medium M is placed on the holding surface 21a. The print engine 101 then ejects pre-treatment liquid and ink from the liquid ejection head 41 onto the medium M according to the print instructions input from the operation unit 102 or PC 2. This forms an image on the medium M.

[0079] The control unit 102 accepts input from the user regarding various operations such as print instructions and heating instructions. The control unit 102 also displays various information, such as the status of various parts of the garment printer 1, such as the print engine 101, and the printing results from the garment printer 1.

[0080] The controller board 100, which acts as the control unit, is configured as a computer or the like, equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, storage device 114, and external interface (I / F) 115.

[0081] The CPU 111 uses the RAM 113 as a workspace and executes programs stored in, for example, the ROM 112. This allows the CPU 111 to control the input and output of various information in the operation unit 102. Furthermore, the CPU 111 performs printing processes, including image formation and heating, on the medium M according to user instructions received from the operation unit 102 or the PC 2.

[0082] In the printing process, the CPU 111 uses the print engine 101 to eject pretreatment liquid and ink onto the medium M to form an image. The CPU 111 also uses the heater 15 to heat the medium M, fixing the pretreatment liquid and ink to the medium M. At this time, the CPU 111 performs the heating process based on conditions selected by the user from among the conditions set for each type of medium M stored in the storage device 114, for example.

[0083] The storage device 114 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and is used as auxiliary storage. The storage device 114 stores a garment catalog that holds conditions set for each type of media M.

[0084] External I / F115 enables communication between garment printer 1 and external devices such as PC2. Communication between garment printer 1 and external devices such as PC2 may be performed using standards such as Ethernet® or USB.

[0085] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the garment printer 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the CPU 111 on the controller board 100 of the garment printer 1 executes a program, thereby realizing, for example, the system control unit 121, the print control unit 122, and the GUI 123.

[0086] The system control unit 121 acquires the print data generated from the print image by the RIP software 124. The RIP software 124 is included in, for example, the print application 3. Alternatively, the garment printer 1 may also be equipped with the RIP software 124.

[0087] The system control unit 121 controls the entire garment printer 1 based on the print data. Specifically, the system control unit 121 controls the electric motor of the platen mover 12, the electric motor of the carriage mover 14, the solenoid 63a of the heater mover 16, the print control unit 122, and the GUI 123. The print control unit 122 controls the liquid ejection head 41 based on commands from the system control unit 121.

[0088] GUI123 is displayed on the control unit 102, for example, and accepts input from the user to the control unit 102. The system control unit 121 accepts input from the height sensor 17 and GUI123.

[0089] The system control unit 121 can, for example, acquire the position of the platen 11 based on the detection signal from the height sensor 17. Furthermore, the system control unit 121 can calculate and control the position of the platen 11 in the Y and Z directions by, for example, controlling the current value and rotational speed of the electric motor of the platen moving device 12.

[0090] The system control unit 121 can calculate and control the position of the carriage 13 in the X direction by, for example, controlling the current value and rotational speed of the electric motor of the carriage moving device 14. The system control unit 121 may also detect the position of the carriage 13 using, for example, various sensors.

[0091] The system control unit 121 can calculate and control the position and load of the heat roller 51 in the Z direction by, for example, controlling the current value of the solenoid 63a of the heater moving device 16. The system control unit 121 may also detect the positions of the platen 11 and the heat roller 51 using, for example, various sensors.

[0092] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print control on media M by the garment printer 1 in the first embodiment. The following description of printing on media M by the garment printer 1 will refer to Figure 9. Before printing on media M begins, while the garment printer 1 is in standby mode (initial state), the platen moving device 12 positions the platen 11 in its initial position. Furthermore, the carriage moving device 14 positions the carriage 13 in its initial position.

[0093] Figures 3 and 4 show the platen 11 in its initial position, indicated by a dashed line. As shown in Figure 3, in the initial position, the platen 11 is located above the end of the slide rail 31 in the -Y direction. Also, as shown in Figure 4, in the initial position, the platen 11 is located at the lowest point within its movable range in the Z direction.

[0094] In its initial position, the platen 11 is located below the carriage 13, carriage moving device 14, heater 15, and height sensor 17. During printing, the platen moving device 12 may temporarily move at least a portion of the platen 11 above the carriage 13, heater 15, and height sensor 17.

[0095] At least a portion of the platen 11 in its initial position may be located outside the housing 10, for example, to allow a user to insert the media M. The initial position of the platen 11 is not limited to the above examples.

[0096] In Figure 3, carriage 13B is in its initial position. That is, in the initial position, carriage 13 is located at the end of the guide rail 45 in the -X direction. In the initial position, carriage 13 is spaced apart from platen 11 in the -X direction. The initial position of carriage 13 is not limited to the above example.

[0097] When printing is performed on the medium M by the garment printer 1, the medium M is first set on the platen 11 in its initial position. For example, the platen frame 22 is opened and the medium M is placed on the holding surface 21a of the platen member 21. Parts outside the printing area, such as both sleeves, the collar, and the hem of the T-shirt, are folded over, for example, to cover the sides 21b of the platen member 21. Furthermore, the platen frame 22 is closed so that the platen 11 holds the medium M.

[0098] Figure 10 is a schematic side view of a garment printer 1 in the first embodiment that raises the platen 11. When printing starts, the system control unit 121 drives the electric motor of the lifting platform 33 of the platen moving device 12. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 from its initial position in the +Z direction relative to the housing 10. That is, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 in the +Z direction relative to the discharge port 42 of the liquid discharge head 41, changing the distance in the Z direction of the medium M held on the holding surface 21a relative to the discharge port 42.

[0099] The platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 in the +Z direction relative to the discharge port 42 of the liquid discharge head 41 by a control signal from the system control unit 121, and positions the printing area of ​​the medium M held by the platen 11 at a predetermined position in the Z direction (hereinafter referred to as the printing height) (S1 shown in Figure 9). The printing height is the position (height) of the liquid discharge head 41 in the Z direction when the liquid discharge head 41 discharges liquid onto the medium M. The distance in the Z direction between the medium M positioned at the printing height and the discharge port 42 of the liquid discharge head 41 is preset so that the liquid discharge head 41 can print liquid from the discharge port 42 onto the medium M with a predetermined resolution. Note that the height in this specification is the position in the Z direction perpendicular to the holding surface 21a, and is not limited to the position in the vertical direction.

[0100] The thickness of the medium M varies, for example, depending on the type of medium M. Therefore, the position of the platen 11 in the Z direction is set based on, for example, the thickness of the medium M and various other conditions set by the user.

[0101] When the medium M reaches the printing height in the Z direction, for example, the platen 11 blocks the light emitted by the light source of the height sensor 17, and the light-receiving element of the height sensor 17 no longer receives light from the light source. As a result, the height sensor 17 detects that the medium M has reached the printing height.

[0102] For example, when the height sensor 17 outputs a detection signal, the system control unit 121 stops the electric motor of the platen moving device 12. As a result, the platen moving device 12 stops the movement of the platen 11 in the Z direction and positions the printing area of ​​the medium M at the printing height.

[0103] When the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 in the +Z direction, the heat roller 51 of the heater 15 is positioned at a location separated from the printing height in the +Z direction by the elastic force of the spring 62 of the heater moving device 16. In other words, even when the medium M reaches the printing height, the heat roller 51 is separated from the medium M in the +Z direction.

[0104] Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a garment printer 1 in the first embodiment, in which a heat roller 51 presses against the medium M. Next, as shown in Figure 11, the system control unit 121 drives the electric motor of the slider 32 of the platen moving device 12. This causes the platen moving device 12 to move the platen 11 relative to the housing 10 in the +Y direction. That is, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 relative to the heater 15 in the Y direction. The platen moving device 12 moves the edge of the medium M in the +Y direction to below the heat roller 51 according to the control signal from the system control unit 121 (S2 shown in Figure 9).

[0105] Next, the system control unit 121 drives the solenoid actuator 63 by energizing the solenoid 63a. This causes the heater moving device 16 to move the heat roller 51 in the -Z direction relative to the housing 10. That is, the heater moving device 16 moves the heater 15 relative to the holding surface 21a of the platen 11, changing the distance of the heater 15 in the Z direction relative to the medium M positioned at the printing height by the platen moving device 12. The heater moving device 16 positions the edge of the outer circumferential surface 51a of the heat roller 51 in the -Z direction near the printing height, based on the control signal from the system control unit 121.

[0106] Since both the media M and the heat roller 51 are positioned at the printing height, the outer surface 51a of the heat roller 51 comes into contact with the media M. That is, the platen moving device 12 moves the heat roller 51 to a position where the outer surface 51a of the heat roller 51 comes into contact with the media M located at the printing height, and presses the heat roller 51 against the media M. As a result, the heat roller 51 heats the media M held by the holding surface 21a.

[0107] Next, the system control unit 121 drives the electric motor of the slider 32. This causes the slider 32 of the platen moving device 12 to move the platen 11 relative to the housing 10 in the +Y direction.

[0108] The platen moving device 12 moves the medium M, which is pressed by the heat roller 51, in the +Y direction. As a result, the heat roller 51 rolls on the medium M. That is, the heat roller 51 rolls and presses on the medium M as the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 in the Y direction, thereby heating it (S3 shown in Figure 9).

[0109] The heat roller 51 applies load and heat to the medium M, thereby removing wrinkles in the medium M and reducing fluffiness. By reducing fluffiness in the medium M, for example, unwanted spreading (bleeding) of ink on the fluffed fibers of the medium M is reduced. In other words, the heater 15 can improve print quality during ink application by reducing fluffiness in the medium M.

[0110] Specifically, improved print quality means that the pre-treatment solution, which ensures even and beautiful color reproduction and even and prominent design, can be uniformly applied across the entire printing area of ​​the medium M during ink application.

[0111] The pressing of the medium M by the heat roller 51 described above may be omitted. In this case, the system control unit 121 does not drive the solenoid actuator 63. The spring 62 keeps the heat roller 51 separated from the medium M. This prevents the heater moving device 16 from the heat roller 51 interfering with the platen 11 and the medium M.

[0112] Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a garment printer 1 in the first embodiment, to which a medium M is coated with a pretreatment solution. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 12, the platen moving device 12 moves the end of the medium M in the -Y direction to below the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13A in the +Y direction according to the control signal of the system control unit 121 (S4 shown in Figure 9). In other words, the medium M reaches the position of the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13A in the Y direction. Alternatively, the platen moving device 12 may move the platen 11 in the -Y direction after the medium M has passed through the carriage 13A, moving the end of the medium M to below the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13A.

[0113] Next, the system control unit 121 drives the electric motor of the carriage moving device 14A. As a result, the carriage 13A is scanned over the medium M in the X direction (main scanning direction) by the carriage moving device 14A. When the carriage 13A is positioned above the medium M, the print control unit 122 discharges the pretreatment liquid from the discharge port 42 of the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13A onto the medium M at the printing height.

[0114] Once the scanning of the carriage 13A is complete, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 and the medium M relative to the housing 10 in the -Y direction (sub-scanning direction) according to the control signal from the system control unit 121.

[0115] The system control unit 121 repeatedly scans the carriage 13A in the main scanning direction and moves the medium M in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13A applies the pretreatment liquid to the entire printing area of ​​the medium M (S5 shown in Figure 9).

[0116] As described above, when the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13A is applying the pretreatment liquid to the medium M, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 in the -Y direction relative to the housing 10. As a result, the edge of the medium M in the -Y direction reaches below the heat roller 51.

[0117] The heater moving device 16 maintains the heat roller 51 at the printing height according to the control signal from the system control unit 121. As a result, the outer surface 51a of the heat roller 51 is in contact with the medium M. If the heat roller 51 has moved in the +Z direction, the heater moving device 16 moves the heat roller 51 in the -Z direction according to the control signal from the system control unit 121.

[0118] As the platen moving device 12 moves the medium M in the -Y direction relative to the housing 10, the heat roller 51 rolls on the medium M. As the heat roller 51 rolls, it pushes against the medium M, heating the medium M to which the pretreatment liquid has been applied (S6 shown in Figure 9). This dries the pretreatment liquid applied to the medium M, and the pretreatment liquid adheres to the medium M. In this way, after the liquid has been discharged from the liquid discharge head 41 onto the medium M held in the platen 11, the platen moving device 12 moves the medium M held in the platen 11 to the heater 15.

[0119] The platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 even after the entire printing area of ​​the medium M has been coated with pretreatment liquid, until the entire printing area of ​​the medium M is heated by the heat roller 51. After the entire printing area of ​​the medium M has been coated with pretreatment liquid, the carriage 13A is not scanned. However, the platen moving device 12 may move the platen 11 at approximately the same speed as during the application of the pretreatment liquid so that the fixing time is approximately the same across the entire printing area of ​​the medium M.

[0120] The heat roller 51 of the heater 15 is located downstream of the liquid discharge head 41 in the sub-scanning direction (-Y direction) in which the medium M is transported when the liquid discharge head 41 discharges liquid into the medium M. Since the downstream heater 15 heats the medium M, liquid discharge by the liquid discharge head 41 and heating of the medium M by the heater 15 can be performed simultaneously.

[0121] Figure 13 is a schematic side view of the garment printer 1 in the first embodiment, showing the heat roller 51 away from the medium M. When the entire printing area of ​​the medium M is heated by the heat roller 51, the system control unit 121 deactivates the power supply to the solenoid 63a. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the spring 62 moves the heat roller 51 in the +Z direction relative to the housing 10, and the heat roller 51 moves away from the medium M in the +Z direction (S7 shown in Figure 9). In other words, the platen 11 and the heat roller 51 move away from each other without the platen moving device 12 moving the platen 11 in the -Z direction relative to the discharge port 42 of the liquid discharge head 41.

[0122] Next, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 in the +Y direction relative to the housing 10 according to the control signal from the system control unit 121. The platen moving device 12 moves the end of the medium M in the -Y direction to below the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13B (S8 shown in Figure 9). In other words, the medium M reaches the position of the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13B in the Y direction. Alternatively, the platen moving device 12 may move the platen 11 in the -Y direction after the medium M has passed through the carriage 13B, moving the end of the medium M to below the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13B.

[0123] Figure 14 is a schematic side view of a garment printer 1 in the first embodiment, on which ink is applied to a medium M. Next, the system control unit 121 drives the electric motor of the carriage movement device 14B. As a result, the carriage 13B is scanned over the medium M in the main scanning direction by the carriage movement device 14B. When the carriage 13B is positioned above the printing area of ​​the medium M, the print control unit 122 discharges white ink from the discharge port 42 of the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13B onto the medium M at the printing height. A pre-treatment liquid is fixed to the printing area of ​​the medium M. Therefore, the ink adheres more easily to the medium M, improving wash fastness and the color development of the ink.

[0124] Once the scanning of the carriage 13B is complete, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 and the medium M relative to the housing 10 in the sub-scanning direction according to the control signal from the system control unit 121.

[0125] The system control unit 121 repeatedly scans the carriage 13B in the main scanning direction and moves the medium M in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, the liquid ejection head 41 of the carriage 13B applies white ink to the printing area of ​​the medium M (S9 shown in Figure 9).

[0126] The system control unit 121 drives the solenoid actuator 63 of the heater moving device 16 when the edge of the medium M in the -Y direction reaches below the heat roller 51. This causes the heater moving device 16 to move the heat roller 51 in the -Z direction, bringing the heat roller 51 into contact with the medium M.

[0127] As the platen moving device 12 moves in the -Y direction relative to the housing 10, the heat roller 51 rolls on the medium M, positioning itself at the printing location and pressing and heating the medium M coated with white ink (S10 shown in Figure 9). This dries the white ink applied to the medium M, and the white ink is fixed to the medium M.

[0128] Next, the system control unit 121 deactivates the power supply to the solenoid 63a, causing the heater moving device 16 to move the heat roller 51 away from the medium M in the +Z direction (S11 shown in Figure 9). Furthermore, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 relative to the housing 10 in the +Y direction based on the control signal from the system control unit 121. The platen moving device 12 then positions the medium M again below the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13B (S12 shown in Figure 9).

[0129] Next, the system control unit 121 drives the electric motor of the carriage moving device 14B. As a result, the carriage 13B is scanned in the main scanning direction by the carriage moving device 14B. The print control unit 122 ejects color ink from the ejection port 42 of the liquid ejection head 41 of the carriage 13B onto the white ink on the medium M located at the printing height.

[0130] Once the scanning of the carriage 13B is complete, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 and the medium M relative to the housing 10 in the sub-scanning direction according to the control signal from the system control unit 121.

[0131] The system control unit 121 repeatedly scans the carriage 13B in the main scanning direction and moves the medium M in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, the liquid discharge head 41 of the carriage 13B applies color ink onto the white ink on the medium M (S13 shown in Figure 9).

[0132] When colored ink is applied on top of wet white ink, the white ink may lift off the surface. However, in this embodiment, the garment printer 1 dries and fixes the white ink of the medium M using the heater 15, thus preventing the white ink from lifting off the surface.

[0133] The system control unit 121 drives the solenoid actuator 63 of the heater moving device 16 when the edge of the medium M in the -Y direction reaches below the heat roller 51. This causes the heater moving device 16 to move the heat roller 51 in the -Z direction, bringing the heat roller 51 into contact with the medium M.

[0134] As the platen moving device 12 moves the medium M in the -Y direction relative to the housing 10, the heat roller 51 rolls on the medium M, pressing against the medium M which is at the printing height and coated with color ink, thereby heating the medium M (S14 shown in Figure 9). This dries the color ink coated on the medium M and fixes it to the medium M.

[0135] For example, if the color ink on the medium M is not completely dry, the garment printer 1 may dry the medium M using a heat press or a heat oven during post-processing. In this embodiment, the heat roller 51 dries the ink, thus shortening the post-processing time. Post-processing may be omitted.

[0136] Once the heat roller 51 has finished rolling over the entire printing area of ​​the medium M, the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 in the -Y and -Z directions according to the control signal from the system control unit 121. This returns the platen 11 to its initial position, making it possible to remove the medium M from the platen 11 (S15 shown in Figure 9).

[0137] As described above, the garment printer 1 moves the platen 11 in the Z direction (vertical direction) relative to the discharge port 42 of the liquid discharge head 41, thereby moving the medium M held on the holding surface 21a of the platen 11 to the print height in the Z direction (S1 shown in Figure 9). Furthermore, the garment printer 1 moves the platen 11 in the -Y direction (sub-scanning direction) relative to the discharge port 42 (movement of the platen 11 in the -Y direction in S3, S5, S6, S9, S10, S13, and S14 shown in Figure 9). Furthermore, the garment printer 1 discharges liquid from the discharge port 42 onto the medium M that has been moved to the print height (discharge of liquid in S5, S9, and S13 shown in Figure 9). Furthermore, the garment printer 1 moves the heater 15 in the Z direction relative to the holding surface 21a of the platen 11 to a position where the heater 15 heats the medium M which is located at the printing height (movement of the heat roller 51 in S3, S10, and S14 shown in Figure 9). Furthermore, the garment printer 1 heats the medium M, which is located at the printing height and has liquid applied to it, with the heater 15 (heating of the medium M by the heater 15 in S3, S10, and S14 shown in Figure 9).

[0138] The heat roller 51 is moved relative to the holding surface 21a of the platen 11 by the heater moving device 16, thereby pressing the medium M. The solenoid actuator 63 of the heater moving device 16 pulls the heat roller 51 with a force corresponding to the input current. In other words, the heater moving device 16 can change the load from the heater 15 on the medium M at the printing height by changing the current input to the solenoid actuator 63.

[0139] The platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 relative to the heater 15 in the sub-scanning direction. The platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 relative to the heater 15 in the sub-scanning direction at a speed corresponding to, for example, the current input to the electric motor of the slider 32. In other words, the platen moving device 12 can change the moving speed of the platen 11 in the sub-scanning direction (-Y direction).

[0140] For example, when generating print data using the RIP software 124, the user sets the type of media M and the print mode. The RIP software 124 sets whether or not to use the heater 15, the fixing pressure and fixing time using the heat roller 51, and the movement speed of the platen 11 according to the user's settings. The user may also input the fixing pressure and fixing time into the GUI 123 via the operation unit 102.

[0141] For example, if the fixing pressure is strong, traces of pretreatment are more likely to remain on the medium M. On the other hand, if the fixing pressure is weak, insufficient color development and reduced wash fastness are more likely to occur. Furthermore, with medium M such as colored T-shirts, traces of pretreatment tend to remain on the medium M.

[0142] For example, when the RIP software 124 is input that the type of medium M is a colored T-shirt, it sets the load on the heat roller 51 that presses against the medium M to be relatively weak. This prevents the garment printer 1 from leaving marks on the medium M, which is a colored T-shirt.

[0143] Whether or not heating is performed by the heater 15, the fixing pressure and fixing time by the heat roller 51, and the movement speed of the platen 11 may be manually input by the user from the control unit 102. This allows the pretreatment liquid and ink to be fixed to the medium M at the desired fixing pressure and fixing time.

[0144] In the above example, garment printer 1 forms an image on medium M by DTG printing, which directly applies ink to medium M. However, garment printer 1 can also transfer the image formed on the film to medium M in DTF printing. That is, the heat roller 51 of heater 15 presses the film against medium M and heats it, thereby transferring the image on the film to medium M.

[0145] In the garment printer 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the platen 11 has a holding surface 21a and holds the medium M on the holding surface 21a. The liquid discharge head 41 is provided with a discharge port 42 and discharges liquid from the discharge port 42 onto the medium M held on the holding surface 21a. The platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 relative to the discharge port 42 of the liquid discharge head 41 in the -Y direction (sub-scanning direction) which transports the medium M, and in the Z direction (vertical direction) which is perpendicular to the holding surface 21a. The heater 15 is arranged to be movable in the Z direction relative to the holding surface 21a of the platen 11 and heats the medium M held on the holding surface 21a. The heater moving device 16 moves the heater 15 in the Z direction relative to the holding surface 21a of the platen 11. By moving the platen 11 in the Z direction, the platen moving device 12 moves the medium M held on the holding surface 21a to the printing height in the Z direction. The liquid discharge head 41 discharges liquid onto the medium M located at the printing height. The heater moving device 16 moves the heater 15 in the Z direction to a position where it heats the medium M located at the printing height. The platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 in the sub-scanning direction or the opposite direction of the sub-scanning direction while maintaining the platen 11 at the printing height, and heats the medium M with the heater 15.

[0146] The heater 15 can, for example, dry the liquid dispensed onto the medium M by the liquid discharge head 41, thereby fixing the liquid to the medium M. For example, by fixing the pre-treatment liquid to the medium M with the heater 15, the garment printer 1 can improve the color development of the ink on the medium M and improve the wash fastness of the ink on the medium M. In addition, the garment printer 1 can reduce the fluffing of the medium M, thereby enabling high-resolution printing. Furthermore, by drying the ink with the heater 15, the garment printer 1 can shorten or eliminate the time required for ink fixing by heat pressing in a later process, for example, thereby improving productivity. Also, by pressing and heating the medium M with the heater 15 before liquid discharge, the garment printer 1 can smooth out wrinkles in the medium M, thereby preventing printing defects.

[0147] The platen moving device 12 moves the media M held on the holding surface 21a in the Z direction toward the printing height relative to the discharge port 42, while the heater moving device 16 moves the heater 15 toward the media M located at the printing height. By being moved by the heater moving device 16, the heater 15 can come into contact with the media M or move away from the platen 11. Therefore, the garment printer 1 can heat the media M with the heater 15 while keeping the media M at the printing height.

[0148] For example, if the position of the heater 15 in the Z direction is constant, the platen 11 will move in the Z direction relative to the discharge port 42 in order to press the medium M against the heater 15 after the liquid discharge head 41 has discharged liquid onto the medium M. Furthermore, the platen 11 will move again in the Z direction to return the medium M to the printing position. In this embodiment, the platen moving device 12 does not need to move the platen 11 multiple times in this manner; it is sufficient to set the medium M to the printing height once.

[0149] Furthermore, the garment printer 1 can prevent the heater 15 from interfering with the moving platen 11 and the media M by separating the heater 15 from the platen 11. For example, if the position of the heater 15 in the Z direction is constant, the platen 11 will move in the Y and Z directions relative to the housing 10 to avoid the heater 15 when the media M is not being heated. In this embodiment, the platen moving device 12 does not need to move the platen 11 in this way.

[0150] As described above, since the platen 11 and the heater 15 can move independently of each other in the Z direction, the garment printer 1 can heat the medium M with the heater 15 while keeping the medium M at a predetermined printing height, and the frequency of movement of the platen 11 in the Z direction can be reduced. In other words, the garment printer 1 does not need to set the medium M to the printing height multiple times. Therefore, the garment printer 1 can simplify the movement of the platen 11 and improve productivity.

[0151] The heater 15 has a rotatably supported heat roller 51. The heater moving device 16 moves the heat roller 51 to a position where the outer peripheral surface 51a of the heat roller 51 contacts the medium M located at the printing height.

[0152] For example, when a plate-shaped heater heats the medium M, the platen 11 and the medium M are kept in a constant position in the X and Y directions during heating. On the other hand, when the heat roller 51 heats the medium M, the platen 11 and the medium M are moved in the -Y direction (sub-scanning direction) or +Y direction relative to the housing 10. When the liquid discharge head 41 discharges liquid from the discharge port 42 onto the medium M, the platen 11 and the medium M also move in the -Y direction relative to the housing 10. In other words, the garment printer 1 can perform, for example, the discharge of liquid onto the medium M by the liquid discharge head 41 and the heating of the medium M by the heat roller 51 simultaneously. Therefore, the garment printer 1 can improve productivity. In addition, the heat roller 51 is generally long in one direction (axial direction) but small in the other direction (radial direction), saving space. Therefore, the garment printer 1 can be miniaturized.

[0153] The heater movement device 16 can change the load from the heater 15 on the medium M located at the printing height. This allows the garment printer 1 to prevent marks from being left on the medium M due to a strong load. Furthermore, the garment printer 1 can prevent the fixation of the pretreatment solution from being weakened due to a weak load, thereby preventing a decrease in the color development and wash fastness of the ink on the medium M. For example, when pressing a colored T-shirt, which is prone to noticeable marks, with the heater 15, the heater movement device 16 can be used to lower the load.

[0154] The platen moving device 12 can change the moving speed of the platen 11 in the -Y direction (sub-scanning direction) and the +Y direction (opposite direction of the sub-scanning direction). This allows the garment printer 1 to adjust the time for the heater 15 to heat the medium M held on the platen 11 and fix the liquid to the medium M.

[0155] The heater 15 is spaced apart from the liquid discharge head 41 in the -Y direction. Therefore, the garment printer 1 can heat the medium M with the heater 15 without moving the platen 11 in the +Y direction after the liquid has been applied to the medium M. Furthermore, the garment printer 1 can simultaneously perform the discharge of liquid onto the medium M by the liquid discharge head 41 and the heating of the medium M by the heater 15.

[0156] The platen 11 has a platen frame 22. The platen frame 22 restricts the movement of the medium M relative to the platen 11 in at least one of the following directions: the -Y direction (sub-scanning direction) and the X direction (main scanning direction) which is perpendicular to the -Y direction. This prevents the platen 11 from displacing the medium M due to friction between the medium M and the heater 15, for example.

[0157] The liquid ejection head 41 includes a liquid ejection head 41 on carriage 13A that ejects a pretreatment liquid onto the medium M, and a liquid ejection head 41 on carriage 13B that ejects ink onto the medium M. The heater 15 can improve print quality and productivity as described above by heating the medium M, for example, before printing, after applying the pretreatment liquid, and after applying the ink.

[0158] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 15. In the following descriptions of multiple embodiments, components having the same function as those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those previously described, and their descriptions may be omitted. Furthermore, multiple components denoted by the same reference numerals do not necessarily share all functions and properties, and may have different functions and properties depending on the embodiment.

[0159] Figure 15 is a schematic side view showing a part of the garment printer 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the garment printer 1 of the second embodiment further includes an intermediate sheet 201 and a transport device 202. The intermediate sheet 201 is an example of a sheet.

[0160] The intermediate sheet 201 is a strip-shaped sheet. The intermediate sheet 201 is arranged such that its width extends in the X direction. In the X direction, the width of the intermediate sheet 201 is longer than the width of the heat roller 51.

[0161] The intermediate sheet 201 has two surfaces 201a and 201b located on opposite sides of each other. The intermediate sheet 201 has predetermined heat resistance and at least surface 201a has predetermined water-repellent and oil-repellent properties. The intermediate sheet 201 is, for example, Teflon® coated paper. However, the intermediate sheet 201 is not limited to this example.

[0162] The conveying device 202 has a first support member 211 and a second support member 212. The first support member 211 and the second support member 212 are, for example, shafts or bobbins. The central axis of the first support member 211 and the central axis of the second support member 212 each extend in a substantially X direction. The first support member 211 and the second support member 212 are rotatably supported, for example, by a support member 61 of the heater moving device 16.

[0163] In the Y direction, the first support member 211 is located between the carriage 13B and the heat roller 51. The second support member 212 is spaced apart from the first support member 211 in the -Y direction. In the Y direction, the heat roller 51 is located between the first support member 211 and the second support member 212. In the Z direction, the first support member 211 and the second support member 212 are spaced further apart from the platen 11 in the +Z direction than the heat roller 51.

[0164] One end of the intermediate sheet 201 is wrapped around the first support member 211. The other end of the intermediate sheet 201 is wrapped around the second support member 212. The intermediate sheet 201 is stretched between the first support member 211 and the second support member 212 so as to be interposed between the holding surface 21a of the platen 11 and the heat roller 51 of the heater 15.

[0165] The conveying device 202 can convey the intermediate sheet 201 between the first support member 211 and the second support member 212 by rotating the first support member 211 and the second support member 212. The conveying device 202 has, for example, an electric motor that rotates the first support member 211 or the second support member 212.

[0166] Hereinafter, a portion of the intermediate sheet 201 located between the holding surface 21a of the platen 11 and the heat roller 51 of the heater 15 will be referred to as the intervening portion 221 for convenience. Note that the intervening portion 221 is not a fixed part of the intermediate sheet 201, and the portion referred to as the intervening portion 221 changes as the intermediate sheet 201 is transported.

[0167] In the intervening portion 221, the surface 201a of the intermediate sheet 201 faces the medium M held by the platen 11. On the other hand, in the intervening portion 221, the surface 201b of the intermediate sheet 201 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 51a of the heat roller 51. The entire area of ​​the outer peripheral surface 51a in the X direction is in contact with surface 201b.

[0168] The heater moving device 16 moves the heat roller 51, the intermediate sheet 201, and the conveying device 202 together in the Z direction relative to the housing 10. The intermediate sheet 201 and the conveying device 202 may be moved in the Z direction relative to the housing 10 by other moving devices, or they may be kept in a predetermined position in the Z direction.

[0169] When the heater 15 presses the medium M held in the platen 11, the surface 201a of the intervening portion 221 of the intermediate sheet 201 comes into contact with the medium M. The heat roller 51 presses and heats the medium M through the intervening portion 221.

[0170] The system control unit 121 drives the electric motor of the transport device 202 when the platen moving device 12 moves the platen 11 in the -Y direction relative to the housing 10. As a result, the transport device 202 transports the intermediate sheet 201 between the first support member 211 and the second support member 212 in response to the movement of the platen 11 in the sub-scanning direction. The intermediate sheet 201 may also be moved between the first support member 211 and the second support member 212 by friction between the intermediate sheet 201 and the medium M.

[0171] The pretreatment liquid and ink applied to the medium M may partially adhere to the intermediate sheet 201. The conveying device 202 conveys the intermediate sheet 201, winding up the portion to which the liquid has adhered and refreshing the intervening portion 221. In this way, the intermediate sheet 201 can prevent the adhered pretreatment liquid and ink from being transferred to the medium M.

[0172] In the garment printer 1 of the second embodiment described above, the first support member 211 and the second support member 212 are spaced apart from each other. The intermediate sheet 201 is stretched between the first support member 211 and the second support member 212 so as to be interposed between the holding surface 21a and the heater 15, and is transportable between the first support member 211 and the second support member 212. Therefore, the garment printer 1 can prevent liquid from being transferred from the medium M to the heater 15. By transporting the intermediate sheet 201 between the first support member 211 and the second support member 212, the liquid can be prevented from being transferred from the intermediate sheet 201 to the medium M.

[0173] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16 is a schematic side view showing a part of the garment printer 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, the garment printer 1 of the third embodiment further includes a cleaning device 301 in addition to the intermediate sheet 201 and the transport device 202.

[0174] In the third embodiment, the intermediate sheet 201 is stretched endlessly between the first support member 211 and the second support member 212. Alternatively, the intermediate sheet 201 may be supported at one end by the first support member 211 and at the other end by the second support member 212, similar to the second embodiment.

[0175] The cleaning device 301 removes liquids and various contaminants adhering to the intermediate sheet 201. The cleaning device 301 is positioned, for example, to face the surface 201a of the intermediate sheet 201. For example, the cleaning device 301 has a blade for scraping off pretreatment liquids, inks, and other contaminants from the surface 201a. The cleaning device 301 may also have a suction device, a cloth, or other cleanable components. As the intermediate sheet 201 is transported, the cleaning device 301 cleans the surface 201a of the intermediate sheet 201.

[0176] The cleaning device 301 is spaced apart from the platen 11, the heat roller 51, and the intervening portion 221 of the intermediate sheet 201. The cleaning device 301 is positioned, for example, above the intermediate sheet 201. This allows the user to easily remove dirt accumulated in the cleaning device 301 and replace its components.

[0177] In the garment printer 1 of the third embodiment described above, the cleaning device 301 removes the liquid adhering to the intermediate sheet 201. Therefore, the garment printer 1 can reuse the intermediate sheet 201 repeatedly, thereby reducing costs.

[0178] The embodiments have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, this disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Modifications made to these specific examples by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of this disclosure, as long as they retain the features of this disclosure. The elements and their arrangement, conditions, shapes, etc., of each of the aforementioned specific examples are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. The elements of each of the aforementioned specific examples can be combined in different ways as appropriate, as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0179] A "liquid dispensing head" is a functional component that dispenses or sprays liquid from a nozzle. The dispensed liquid can be any liquid that has the viscosity and surface tension to be dispensed from the head, and is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that its viscosity becomes 30 mPa·s or less at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, or when heated or cooled. More specifically, it is a solution, suspension, emulsion containing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, a colorant such as a dye or pigment, a polymerizable compound, a functional material such as a resin or surfactant, a biocompatible material such as DNA, amino acids or proteins, calcium, or an edible material such as a natural pigment. These can be used, for example, in inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, components for electronic elements and light-emitting elements, liquids for forming electronic circuit resist patterns, and material liquids for 3D molding.

[0180] The energy source for discharging liquid includes piezoelectric actuators (multilayer piezoelectric elements and thin-film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators using electrothermal conversion elements such as heating resistors, and electrostatic actuators consisting of a diaphragm and a counter electrode.

[0181] A "liquid dispensing unit" is a collection of components related to liquid dispensing, in which functional parts and mechanisms are integrated with a liquid dispensing head. For example, a "liquid dispensing unit" may include a combination of a liquid dispensing head with at least one of the following components: a head tank, carriage, supply mechanism, maintenance and recovery mechanism, and main scanning and moving mechanism.

[0182] Here, integration includes, for example, cases where the liquid dispensing head and functional components or mechanisms are fixed to each other by fastening, bonding, engaging, etc., or where one is held movably relative to the other. Furthermore, the liquid dispensing head and functional components or mechanisms may be configured to be detachable from each other.

[0183] For example, some liquid dispensing units have a liquid dispensing head and head tank integrated into one unit. Others have a liquid dispensing head and head tank integrated into one unit, connected to each other by tubes or similar means. In these liquid dispensing units, a unit including a filter can also be added between the head tank and the liquid dispensing head.

[0184] Additionally, some liquid dispensing units have an integrated liquid dispensing head and carriage.

[0185] Furthermore, some liquid dispensing units integrate the liquid dispensing head and the scanning mechanism by movably holding the liquid dispensing head in a guide member that constitutes part of the scanning mechanism. Others integrate the liquid dispensing head, carriage, and main scanning mechanism.

[0186] Furthermore, some liquid dispensing units integrate the liquid dispensing head, carriage, and maintenance / recovery mechanism by fixing a cap component, which is part of the maintenance / recovery mechanism, to a carriage to which the liquid dispensing head is attached.

[0187] Furthermore, some liquid discharge units have a head tank or a liquid discharge head to which flow path components are attached, to which a tube is connected, integrating the liquid discharge head and the supply mechanism. Through this tube, the liquid from the liquid storage source is supplied to the liquid discharge head.

[0188] The main scanning movement mechanism shall include the guide member alone. The supply mechanism shall also include the tube alone and the loading section alone.

[0189] In this application, "liquid dispensing device" refers to a device that includes a liquid dispensing head or liquid dispensing unit and drives the liquid dispensing head to dispense liquid. A liquid dispensing device includes not only devices that can dispense liquid onto objects to which liquid can adhere, but also devices that dispense liquid into air or into liquid.

[0190] This "liquid dispensing device" may also include means for feeding, transporting, and dispensing paper onto materials to which liquid can adhere, as well as pre-treatment devices, post-treatment devices, etc.

[0191] For example, "devices that dispense liquids" include image forming machines, which dispense ink to form images on paper, and three-dimensional molding machines, which dispense molding liquid into a powder layer formed in layers to create three-dimensional objects.

[0192] Furthermore, "devices that dispense liquid" are not limited to those that visualize meaningful images such as letters or figures through the dispensed liquid. For example, devices that form patterns that do not have meaning in themselves, or devices that create three-dimensional images, are also included.

[0193] The term "materials to which liquid can adhere" above refers to materials to which liquid can adhere, at least temporarily, including materials that adhere and solidify, or materials that adhere and penetrate. Specific examples include recording media such as paper, recording paper, film, and cloth; electronic components such as electronic circuit boards and piezoelectric elements; powder layers; organ models; and inspection cells. Unless otherwise specified, it includes all materials to which liquid can adhere.

[0194] The materials referred to as "materials to which liquid can adhere" above include paper, thread, fibers, fabrics, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, etc., as long as liquid can adhere to them, even temporarily.

[0195] Furthermore, the "liquid" is not particularly limited, as long as it has the viscosity and surface tension to be dispensed from the head, but it is preferable that its viscosity becomes 30 mPa·s or less at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, or when heated or cooled. More specifically, it is a solution, suspension, emulsion, etc. containing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, a colorant such as a dye or pigment, a polymerizable compound, a resin, a functional material such as a surfactant, a biocompatible material such as DNA, amino acids or proteins, calcium, or an edible material such as a natural pigment. These can be used, for example, as inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, liquids for forming components of electronic elements and light-emitting elements or electronic circuit resist patterns, and material liquids for 3D molding.

[0196] Furthermore, "liquid dispensing devices" include devices in which the liquid dispensing head and the surface to which the liquid can adhere move relative to each other, but are not limited to these. Specific examples include serial-type devices in which the liquid dispensing head moves, and line-type devices in which the liquid dispensing head does not move.

[0197] Other examples of "devices that dispense liquids" include processing liquid coating devices that dispense processing liquid onto the surface of paper for purposes such as modifying the surface of the paper, and injection granulation devices that granulate fine particles of raw materials by spraying a composition liquid, in which raw materials are dispersed in a solution, through a nozzle.

[0198] In this application, "distance of the medium held on the holding surface relative to the discharge port" refers to the distance in a direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device. Also, in this application, "distance of the heating device relative to the medium positioned by the first moving device" refers to the distance in a direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device.

[0199] Examples of the present invention are as follows: [1] A holding device having a holding surface and holding a medium on said holding surface, A liquid dispensing head is provided with a discharge port, and dispenses liquid from the discharge port into the medium held on the holding surface, A first moving device moves the holding device relative to the discharge port of the liquid discharge head in a sub-scanning direction for transporting the medium and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the holding surface, A heating device is disposed so as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device, and heats the medium held on the holding surface. A second moving device for moving the heating device in the direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device, Equipped with, The first moving device moves the holding device in the vertical direction, thereby moving the medium held on the holding surface in the vertical direction to the printing height. The liquid dispensing head dispenses the liquid onto the medium located at the printing height. The second moving device moves the heating device in the vertical direction to a position where the medium located at the printing height is heated. The first moving device moves the holding device in the sub-scanning direction or the opposite direction of the sub-scanning direction while maintaining the holding device at the printing height, and heats the medium with the heating device. A device for dispensing liquid characterized by the following. [2] The heating device has a rotatably supported roller, The second moving device moves the roller to a position where the outer surface of the roller contacts the medium located at the printing height. A device for dispensing liquid according to [1], characterized in that [3] The second moving device is capable of changing the load from the heating device on the medium located at the printing height. A device for dispensing the liquid described in [1] or [2], characterized in that [4] The first moving device is capable of changing the moving speed of the holding device in the sub-scanning direction and in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction. A device for dispensing liquid according to any one of [1] to [3], characterized in that... [5] The heating device is spaced apart from the liquid discharge head in the sub-scanning direction. A device for dispensing any one of the liquids described in [1] to [4]. [6] The holding device includes a limiting member that restricts the medium from moving in at least one of the following directions relative to the holding device: the sub-scanning direction and the main scanning direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. A device for dispensing liquid according to any one of [1] to [5], characterized in that... [7] The first support member and A second support member spaced apart from the first support member, A sheet is provided, which is interposed between the holding surface and the heating device, stretched between the first support member and the second support member, and is transportable between the first support member and the second support member. A device for dispensing liquid according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising the above. [8] A cleaning device for removing the liquid adhering to the sheet, A liquid dispensing device according to [7], further comprising the following: [9] The liquid dispensing head comprises a first liquid dispensing head for dispensing a pretreatment liquid onto the medium, and a second liquid dispensing head for dispensing ink onto the medium. A device for dispensing liquid according to any one of [1] to [8], characterized in that...

[10] A liquid dispensing unit comprising at least a liquid dispensing head, which is provided with a dispensing port and dispenses liquid from the dispensing port onto a medium held on the holding surface of a holding device, A first moving device moves the holding device relative to the discharge port of the liquid discharge head in a sub-scanning direction for transporting the medium and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the holding surface, A heating device is disposed so as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device, and heats the medium held on the holding surface. A second moving device for moving the heating device in the direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device, Equipped with, The first moving device moves the holding device in the vertical direction, thereby moving the medium held on the holding surface in the vertical direction to the printing height. The liquid dispensing head dispenses the liquid onto the medium located at the printing height. The second moving device moves the heating device in the vertical direction to a position where the medium located at the printing height is heated. The first moving device moves the holding device in the sub-scanning direction or the opposite direction of the sub-scanning direction while maintaining the holding device at the printing height, and heats the medium with the heating device. A liquid dispensing unit characterized by the following features.

[11] A step of moving the holding device relative to the discharge port of the liquid discharge head in a vertical direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device, thereby moving the medium held on the holding surface to the printing height in the vertical direction, A step of moving the holding device relative to the discharge port in the sub-scanning direction for transporting the medium, The process involves discharging liquid from the discharge port onto the medium located at the aforementioned printing height, A step of moving the heating device in the vertical direction relative to the holding surface of the holding device to a position where the heating device heats the medium located at the printing height, The steps include: moving the holding device in the sub-scanning direction or the opposite direction of the sub-scanning direction while maintaining the holding device at the printing height, and heating the medium with the heating device; An image forming method including [specific details omitted]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 1. Garment printer 1a Printing Unit 11 Platen 12 Platen transfer device 15 Heater 16 Heater relocation device 21a Holding surface 22 Platen frame 41 Liquid dispensing head 42 Discharge port 51 Heat Roller 51a Outer surface 201 Intermediate Seat 211 First support member 212 Second support member 301 Cleaning equipment M medium [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0201] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7155799

Claims

1. A holding device having a holding surface and holding a medium on said holding surface, A liquid dispensing head is provided with a discharge port, and dispenses liquid from the discharge port into the medium held on the holding surface, A first moving device moves the holding device relative to the discharge port of the liquid discharge head in a sub-scanning direction for transporting the medium and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the holding surface, A heating device is disposed so as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device, and heats the medium held on the holding surface. A second moving device for moving the heating device in the direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device, Equipped with, The first moving device moves the holding device in the vertical direction, thereby moving the medium held on the holding surface in the vertical direction to the printing height. The liquid dispensing head dispenses the liquid onto the medium located at the printing height. The second moving device moves the heating device in the vertical direction to a position where the medium located at the printing height is heated. The first moving device moves the holding device in the sub-scanning direction or the opposite direction of the sub-scanning direction while maintaining the holding device at the printing height, and heats the medium with the heating device. A device for dispensing liquid characterized by the following.

2. The heating device has a rotatably supported roller, The second moving device moves the roller to a position where the outer surface of the roller contacts the medium located at the printing height. A device for dispensing liquid according to feature 1.

3. The second moving device is capable of changing the load from the heating device on the medium located at the printing height. A device for dispensing liquid according to feature 1.

4. The first moving device is capable of changing the moving speed of the holding device in the sub-scanning direction and in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction. A device for dispensing liquid according to feature 1.

5. The heating device is spaced apart from the liquid discharge head in the sub-scanning direction. A device for dispensing liquid according to claim 1.

6. The holding device includes a limiting member that restricts the medium from moving in at least one of the following directions relative to the holding device: the sub-scanning direction and the main scanning direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. A device for dispensing liquid according to feature 1.

7. The first support member and A second support member spaced apart from the first support member, A sheet is provided, which is interposed between the holding surface and the heating device, stretched between the first support member and the second support member, and is transportable between the first support member and the second support member. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

8. A cleaning device for removing the liquid adhering to the sheet, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 7, further comprising the above.

9. The liquid dispensing head comprises a first liquid dispensing head for dispensing a pretreatment liquid onto the medium, and a second liquid dispensing head for dispensing ink onto the medium. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A liquid dispensing unit comprising at least a liquid dispensing head, which is provided with a dispensing port and dispenses liquid from the dispensing port onto a medium held on the holding surface of a holding device, A first moving device moves the holding device relative to the discharge port of the liquid discharge head in a sub-scanning direction for transporting the medium and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the holding surface, A heating device is disposed so as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device, and heats the medium held on the holding surface. A second moving device for moving the heating device in the direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device, Equipped with, The first moving device moves the holding device in the vertical direction, thereby moving the medium held on the holding surface in the vertical direction to the printing height. The liquid dispensing head dispenses the liquid onto the medium located at the printing height. The second moving device moves the heating device in the vertical direction to a position where the medium located at the printing height is heated. The first moving device moves the holding device in the sub-scanning direction or the opposite direction of the sub-scanning direction while maintaining the holding device at the printing height, and heats the medium with the heating device. A liquid dispensing unit characterized by the following features.

11. A step of moving the holding device relative to the discharge port of the liquid discharge head in a vertical direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the holding device, thereby moving the medium held on the holding surface to the printing height in the vertical direction, A step of moving the holding device relative to the discharge port in the sub-scanning direction for transporting the medium, The process involves discharging liquid from the discharge port onto the medium located at the aforementioned printing height, A step of moving the heating device in the vertical direction relative to the holding surface of the holding device to a position where the heating device heats the medium located at the printing height, The steps include: moving the holding device in the sub-scanning direction or the opposite direction of the sub-scanning direction while maintaining the holding device at the printing height, and heating the medium with the heating device; An image forming method including [specific details omitted].

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