Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To solve such the problem that, when a member such as a tensioner comes into contact with a printed surface, ink and the like adhering to the member may degrade quality of a printing image.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes: a conveyor belt including a support surface capable of supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium in a first direction; a discharge part capable of discharging liquid to a first surface of the medium conveyed by the conveyor belt; a regulation part for coming into contact with the first surface of the medium to which the discharge part has discharged the liquid to regulate upward movement of the medium; and a cleaning part for cleaning the regulation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A printing device that applies ink onto a recording medium for printing is known. The printing device described in Patent Document 1 includes an endless belt that conveys a recording medium. The endless belt conveys the recording medium in the conveyance direction. The printing device prints the recording medium by ejecting ink onto the recording medium on the endless belt. The printing device includes a plurality of tensioners that sandwich the endless belt and the recording medium. Among the plurality of tensioners, one tensioner contacts the printed surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a member such as a tensioner contacts the printed surface, the print image quality may deteriorate due to ink or the like adhering to the member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The liquid ejection device of the present disclosure has a support surface capable of supporting a medium, a conveyance belt capable of conveying the medium in a first direction, a ejection unit capable of ejecting liquid onto a first surface of the medium conveyed by the conveyance belt, a regulation unit that contacts the first surface of the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected by the ejection unit and restricts upward movement of the medium, and a cleaning unit that cleans the regulation unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1]A diagram showing the schematic configuration of the printing system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the regulating roller supported by the regulating member support section. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the relationship between the transport unit and the regulating member support section. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the support structure of the regulating member by the regulating member support part. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the support structure of the regulating member by the regulating member support part. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the support structure of the regulating member by the regulating member support part. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the block structure of the printing system. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the general configuration of the regulatory unit. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the cleaning brush in contact with the regulating roller. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the cleaning brush detached from the regulating roller. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the general configuration of the regulatory unit. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the cleaning unit in contact with the regulating roller. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the cleaning unit detached from the regulating roller. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the support structure of a regulating member, including a weight. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the support structure of a regulating member, including a weight. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the printing system 1. The printing system 1 comprises a printer 100 and a drying device 200. Figure 1 shows a partial configuration of the drying device 200. The printer 100 prints on the printing medium M by ejecting ink. The drying device 200 dries the printing medium M printed by the printer 100. The printer 100 and the drying device 200 are configured as separate units. The printer 100 corresponds to an example of a liquid ejection device. The printing medium M corresponds to an example of a medium.

[0008] Several figures, including Figure 1, show the XYZ coordinate system. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. The Z axis is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the printer 100 (not shown). The X and Y axes are parallel to the mounting surface. The X axis is the axis along the direction in which the media conveyor belt 30 conveys the printing medium M on the surface facing the printing unit 40. The media conveyor belt 30 and the printing unit 40 will be described later. The Y axis is the axis perpendicular to the direction in which the media conveyor belt 30 conveys the printing medium M on the surface facing the printing unit 40. The direction upward from the mounting surface along the Z axis is denoted as the +Z direction. The direction downward from the mounting surface along the Z axis is denoted as the -Z direction. The direction in which the media conveyor belt 30 conveys the printing medium M is denoted as the +X direction. The direction opposite to the direction in which the media conveyor belt 30 conveys the printing medium M is denoted as the -X direction. The direction from the rear to the front of the printer 100 shown in Figure 1 is represented as the +Y direction. The direction from the front to the rear of the printer 100 shown in Figure 1 is represented as the -Y direction. The +X direction corresponds to an example of the first direction.

[0009] Printer 100 is an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium M. The printer 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a supply unit 10, a transport unit 20, a printing unit 40, a cleaning unit 50, and a drying unit 60. The ink corresponds to an example of a liquid.

[0010] The supply unit 10 holds the roll body R. The roll body R is a roll around which the printing medium M is wound. The supply unit 10 supplies the printing medium M wound around the roll body R to the conveyance unit 20. The supply unit 10 includes a pay-out shaft 11, a shaft support member 13, and a tension adjustment mechanism 15.

[0011] The pay-out shaft 11 rotatably supports the roll body R. The pay-out shaft 11 rotates in a predetermined direction by a pay-out shaft drive mechanism described later. By rotating in the predetermined direction, the pay-out shaft 11 feeds out the printing medium M wound around the roll body R to the conveyance unit 20. The pay-out shaft 11 may support the roll body R via a roll core.

[0012] The shaft support member 13 rotatably supports the pay-out shaft 11. The shaft support member 13 supports both end portions of the pay-out shaft 11. The shaft support member 13 supports the pay-out shaft 11 detachably. By configuring the pay-out shaft 11 to be detachable, the user can supply the roll body R to the pay-out shaft 11.

[0013] The tension adjustment mechanism 15 adjusts the tension of the printing medium M fed out from the roll body R. By adjusting the tension of the printing medium M, the tension adjustment mechanism 15 adjusts the conveyance speed etc. of the printing medium M. The tension adjustment mechanism 15 has a contact member 17 and a tension spring 18.

[0014] The contact member 17 contacts the printing medium M between the roll body R supported by the pay-out shaft 11 and the conveyance unit 20. The contact member 17 presses the printing medium M by the spring force of the tension spring 18. The contact member 17 is constituted by a columnar rod, a roller, or the like. The contact member 17 may rotate passively with respect to the movement of the printing medium M.

[0015] The tension spring 18 presses the printing medium M via the contact member 17. The tension spring 18 is attached to the contact member 17. The tension spring 18 expands and contracts according to the tension of the printing medium M. When the tension of the printing medium M is greater than a predetermined tension, the tension spring 18 contracts. When the tension of the printing medium M is less than a predetermined tension, the tension spring 18 expands. By the expansion and contraction of the tension spring 18, the tension of the printing medium M is adjusted.

[0016] The conveyance unit 20 conveys the printing medium M supplied by the supply unit 10 to a position facing the printing unit 40. The conveyance unit 20 is provided at the +X direction position of the supply unit 10. The conveyance unit 20 includes a drive roller 21, a driven roller 23, a belt drive mechanism 25, a pressing roller 29, and a medium conveyance belt 30.

[0017] The drive roller 21 rotates and moves the medium conveyance belt 30. The drive roller 21 is configured to be rotatable. The drive roller 21 winds the medium conveyance belt 30. The drive roller 21 rotates by the driving force from the belt drive mechanism 25. The drive roller 21 is connected to the belt drive mechanism 25.

[0018] The driven roller 23 winds the medium conveyance belt 30. The driven roller 23 is supported to be rotatable. The driven roller 23 rotates in a driven manner according to the rotational movement of the medium conveyance belt 30. The driven roller 23 and the drive roller 21 stretch the medium conveyance belt 30. The driven roller 23 or the drive roller 21 applies tension to the medium conveyance belt 30 by a tension applying mechanism not shown.

[0019] The belt drive mechanism 25 generates a driving force that rotates the media conveyor belt 30. The belt drive mechanism 25 includes a drive source such as a motor and a drive transmission mechanism. The drive source and drive transmission mechanism are not shown. The driving force generated by the drive source is transmitted to the drive roller 21 via the drive transmission mechanism. The drive roller 21 rotates due to the transmitted driving force. As the drive roller 21 rotates, the media conveyor belt 30 rotates.

[0020] The belt drive mechanism 25 has an encoder 27. The encoder 27 detects the amount of rotation and rotational speed of the motor or drive roller 21 used as the drive source. The belt drive mechanism 25 is controlled based on the amount of rotation and rotational speed detected by the encoder 27.

[0021] The press roller 29 presses the printing medium M against the medium conveyor belt 30. The press roller 29 is positioned in the +Z direction of the medium conveyor belt 30. The press roller 29 presses the printing medium M, which is conveyed from the supply unit 10 to the medium conveyor belt 30, onto the medium conveyor belt 30. The press roller 29 may be composed of a rod or the like. The press roller 29 may reciprocate along the medium conveyor belt 30 for a predetermined distance, pressing the printing medium M against the medium conveyor belt 30.

[0022] The media conveyor belt 30 conveys the printing medium M. The media conveyor belt 30 is capable of conveying the printing medium M in the +X direction. The media conveyor belt 30 is provided in an endless manner. The media conveyor belt 30 conveys the printing medium M having the printing surface S1 in the +X direction. The media conveyor belt 30 supports the back surface S2 of the printing medium M. The back surface S2 of the printing medium M is the opposite surface to the printing surface S1. The media conveyor belt 30 has a base material 31 and an adhesive layer 32. The media conveyor belt 30 corresponds to an example of a conveyor belt.

[0023] The base material 31 is provided in an endless manner. The base material 31 has a base material surface 33 and a base material back surface 34 which is the surface opposite to the base material surface 33. The base material surface 33 is the outer surface of the base material 31 when the media conveying belt 30 is stretched by the drive roller 21 and the driven roller 23. The base material back surface 34 is the inner surface of the base material 31 when the media conveying belt 30 is stretched by the drive roller 21 and the driven roller 23. The base material back surface 34 is in contact with the drive roller 21 and the driven roller 23.

[0024] The adhesive layer 32 supports the printing medium M on the medium conveyor belt 30 by adhering to the back surface S2 of the printing medium M. The adhesive layer 32 is provided on the substrate surface 33. The adhesive layer 32 is tacky. The adhesive layer 32 contains an adhesive. The adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive mainly composed of thermoplastic elastomer SIS. SIS is an abbreviation for styrene-isoprene block copolymer. Examples of adhesives include "Polyx Resin," "Newdyne," and "Aquadyne" series manufactured by Yokohama Polymer Research Institute Co., Ltd., "MC Polymer Series" manufactured by Murayama Chemical Research Institute Co., Ltd., "Unikenzol RV-30 (for screen printing)" manufactured by Union Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., "Plaster EH" manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., and "ATRASOL GP1 (ATR code: ATR1717)" manufactured by ATR CHEMICALS. The adhesive layer 32 is formed by applying the adhesive to the substrate surface 33. The adhesive layer 32 is formed around the entire circumference of the substrate surface 33. The adhesive strength of the adhesive layer 32 decreases with use of the printer 100 and over time. The adhesive layer 32 corresponds to an example of a support surface capable of supporting the printing medium M.

[0025] The adhesive layer 32 is pressed against the printing medium M supplied from the supply unit 10 by the pressure roller 29. The adhesive layer 32 adheres to the back surface S2 of the printing medium M by being pressed against the printing medium M by the pressure roller 29. The media transport belt 30 transports the printing medium M, which is attached to the adhesive layer 32, in the +X direction. The media transport belt 30 transports the printed surface S1 of the printing medium M, which is attached to the adhesive layer 32, to a position facing the printing unit 40.

[0026] The printing unit 40 prints on the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M. The printing unit 40 prints based on print data received from an external device or the like. The printing unit 40 is capable of ejecting ink onto the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M. The printing unit 40 prints by ejecting ink onto the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M, which is transported by the medium transport belt 30. The printing unit 40 ejects ink based on print data. The printing unit 40 corresponds to an example of an ejection unit. The printing surface S1 of the printing medium M corresponds to an example of the first surface of the medium. The printing unit 40 has a print head 41 and a carriage 43. The printing unit 40 is supported by a support frame 120.

[0027] The print head 41 ejects ink onto the printing medium M. The print head 41 performs printing by ejecting ink onto the printing medium M. The print head 41 is an inkjet head. The print head 41 ejects one or more types of ink. The print head 41 is controlled by a print control unit 135, which will be described later.

[0028] The carriage 43 supports the print head 41 and moves it along the Y-axis. The carriage 43 moves along the Y-axis in the +Y direction and the -Y direction. The carriage 43 moves the print head 41 along the Y-axis in the +Y direction and the -Y direction. When the carriage 43 is moving in the +Y direction or the -Y direction, the print head 41 ejects ink onto the printing medium M. The carriage 43 is driven by a printing unit drive mechanism 123, which will be described later.

[0029] The support frame 120 supports the carriage 43 so that it can move along the Y-axis. The support frame 120 may be part of the main frame of the printer 100. The support frame 120 may be composed of members supported by the main frame.

[0030] The printing unit 40 shown in Figure 1 includes a carriage 43, but is not limited to this configuration. The printing unit 40 does not need to include a carriage 43. For example, if the print head 41 is a line inkjet head having a nozzle row with a width greater than or equal to the width along the Y axis of the printing medium M, the carriage 43 may not be used.

[0031] The cleaning unit 50 cleans the adhesive layer 32. The cleaning unit 50 is located in the -Z direction of the transport unit 20. The cleaning unit 50 is located in the -Z direction of the media transport belt 30 and faces the media transport belt 30 which moves in the -X direction. The cleaning unit 50 cleans the media transport belt 30 from which the printing medium M printed by the printing unit 40 has been peeled off. The cleaning unit 50 has a cleaning brush and a storage section. The cleaning brush and storage section are not shown.

[0032] The cleaning brush comes into contact with the adhesive layer 32 and cleans it. The cleaning brush comes into contact with the media conveyor belt 30 from below. The cleaning brush comes into contact with the media conveyor belt 30 as it rotates and cleans the adhesive layer 32. The cleaning brush removes ink and other substances adhering to the adhesive layer 32.

[0033] The reservoir stores the cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is a water-soluble solvent such as water or an alcohol aqueous solution. The cleaning solution may also contain surfactants, defoamers, etc. The cleaning brush supplies the cleaning solution stored in the reservoir to the adhesive layer 32 and cleans the adhesive layer 32. The use of the cleaning solution makes it easier for the cleaning brush to remove ink adhering to the adhesive layer 32.

[0034] The drying unit 60 dries the adhesive layer 32 to which the cleaning solution has been applied. The drying unit 60 is located in the -Z direction of the conveying unit 20. The drying unit 60 is located in the -X direction of the washing unit 50. The drying unit 60 faces the media conveying belt 30 that has been washed by the washing unit 50. The drying unit 60, as an example, has a hot air blower that blows hot air onto the media conveying belt 30. The hot air blower is not shown. The hot air blower dries the adhesive layer 32 by blowing hot air onto the media conveying belt 30 as it moves in the -X direction.

[0035] The regulating unit 70 restricts the position of the printing medium M along the Z-axis after it has detached from the media conveyor belt 30. The regulating unit 70 contacts the printed surface S1 of the printing medium M and restricts the movement of the printing medium M in the +Z direction. The regulating unit 70 is located between the conveyor unit 20 and the drying device 200. The printing medium M printed in the printing unit 40 moves from the conveyor unit 20 to the drying device 200. After the printing medium M has detached from the media conveyor belt 30, it moves to the drying device 200. The regulating unit 70 restricts the movement of the printing medium M detached from the media conveyor belt 30 in the +Z direction. The regulating unit 70 comprises a regulating member 71 and a cleaning unit 80.

[0036] The restricting member 71 restricts the movement of the printing medium M in the +Z direction by contacting the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M. When the restricting member 71 contacts the printing surface S1, it applies its own weight to the printing medium M. The restricting member 71 restricts the movement in the +Z direction by applying its own weight to the printing medium M. The restricting member 71 may also apply the load of the weight 110, which will be described later, to the printing medium M. When the restricting member 71 is a roller member, the restricting member 71 rotates in accordance with the movement of the printing medium M. The restricting member 71 may not contact the printing medium M depending on the position where the printing medium M peels off from the medium conveyor belt 30. Due to the adhesive force of the adhesive layer 32, the peeling position P where the printing medium M peels off from the medium conveyor belt 30 changes in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. When the peeling position P is in a position in the -Z direction more than a predetermined position, the restricting member 71 does not contact the printing medium M. The restricting member 71 corresponds to an example of a restricting part.

[0037] The cleaning unit 80 cleans the restricting member 71. The cleaning unit 80 corresponds to an example of a cleaning unit. When the restricting member 71 comes into contact with the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M, ink on the printing surface S1 may adhere to the restricting member 71. If the ink adhering to the restricting member 71 re-adheres to the printing medium M, the image quality of the image printed on the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M will deteriorate. The cleaning unit 80 removes the ink adhering to the restricting member 71. By removing the ink adhering to the restricting member 71, the cleaning unit 80 makes it less likely for the ink adhering to the restricting member 71 to re-adhere to the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M. This makes it less likely for the image quality of the image printed on the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M to deteriorate. The cleaning unit 80 shown in Figure 1 has a cleaning roller 81. The cleaning roller 81 corresponds to an example of a cleaning member.

[0038] The cleaning roller 81 cleans the regulating member 71. The cleaning roller 81 comes into contact with the regulating member 71. The cleaning roller 81 removes ink adhering to the regulating member 71. The cleaning roller 81 may be rotated by a regulating unit drive mechanism 125, which will be described later. The outer surface of the cleaning roller 81 is made of cloth, sponge, or the like. The cleaning roller 81 may hold cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the type of cleaning roller 81 may be replaceable by the user in a manner that is more optimal depending on the type of ink.

[0039] The drying device 200 dries the printing medium M printed by the printing unit 40. The drying device 200 receives the printing medium M printed by the printer 100 and transports the printing medium M inside. The drying device 200 includes a drying belt 211, transport rollers 213, a drying section (not shown), and a medium sensor 215. The drying device 200 is housed in a different enclosure from the printer 100.

[0040] The drying belt 211 carries the printing medium M fed from the printer 100. The drying belt 211 receives the printing medium M fed from the printer 100. The drying belt 211 transports the received printing medium M to the drying section. The drying belt 211 rotates and moves by the drying belt drive mechanism 221, which will be described later.

[0041] The conveyor roller 213 wraps around the drying belt 211. The conveyor roller 213 tensions the drying belt 211 with tension rollers (not shown). Two or more tension rollers and the conveyor roller 213 may tension the drying belt 211. The conveyor roller 213 is positioned opposite the printer 100. Either the conveyor roller 213 or the tension roller is rotationally driven by the drying belt drive mechanism 221. The drying belt 211 rotates as the conveyor roller 213 or the tension roller rotates.

[0042] The drying unit dries the printing medium M printed by the printing unit 40. The drying unit consists of an infrared heater, a hot air device, an induction heating heater, etc. The drying unit dries the printing medium M by heating the printing medium M that is conveyed by the drying belt 211. The drying unit is positioned at the -Z direction or the +X direction of the drying belt 211 as shown in Figure 1.

[0043] The media sensor 215 detects the peeling position P where the printing medium M detaches from the media conveyor belt 30, or the position of the printing medium M. The position of the printing medium M is the position of the printing medium M between the conveyor unit 20 and the drying device 200. Based on the detection result of the media sensor 215, the drying device 200 controls the media conveying speed by the drying belt 211. For example, when the peeling position P changes to a position in the +Z direction from a predetermined position, the distance the printing medium M travels between the conveyor unit 20 and the drying device 200 becomes shorter than the predetermined distance. In this case, the drying device 200 slows down the media conveying speed by the drying belt 211 to a speed lower than the predetermined speed. The drying device 200 controls the movement time of the printing medium M moving between the conveyor unit 20 and the drying device 200 to be within a predetermined range.

[0044] Figure 1 shows the height along the Z-axis of the media transport belt 30 of the printer 100, which supports the printing medium M, as the first height H1. Figure 1 also shows the height along the Z-axis of the drying belt 211 of the drying device 200, on which the printing medium M is placed, as the second height H2. The second height H2 may be higher than the first height H1. If the regulating unit 70 is not provided, the printing medium M may peel off from the adhesive layer 32 of the media transport belt 30 on the surface of the media transport belt 30 facing the printing unit 40. If the printing medium M peels off on the surface of the media transport belt 30 facing the printing unit 40, the printing medium M will come into contact with the print head 41. The regulating unit 70 can prevent the printing medium M from coming into contact with the print head 41.

[0045] The printer 100 includes a media transport belt 30 having an adhesive layer 32 capable of supporting a printing medium M and transporting the printing medium M in the +X direction, a printing unit 40 capable of ejecting ink onto the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M transported by the media transport belt 30, a restricting member 71 that contacts the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M from which ink has been ejected by the printing unit 40 and restricts the movement of the printing medium M in the +Z direction, and a cleaning unit 80 for cleaning the restricting member 71. The possibility of the image quality of the printed material degrading due to ink adhering to the regulating member 71 re-adhering to the printing medium M can be reduced.

[0046] Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 show the support structure of the restricting member 71. Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 show a restricting roller 73, which is an example of the restricting member 71. The restricting roller 73 is supported by the restricting member support portion 91.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a regulating roller 73 supported by a regulating member support section 91. The regulating roller 73 is a roller member. The regulating member support section 91 has a first support member 91a and a second support member 91b. The first support member 91a is positioned in the +Y direction of the printer 100. The second support member 91b is positioned in the -Y direction of the printer 100. The first support member 91a has a first guide section 92a. The second support member 91b has a second guide section 92b. The first guide section 92a and the second guide section 92b are guide sections 92 that guide the movement of the regulating roller 73. The first support member 91a and the second support member 91b correspond to examples of support members.

[0048] The restricting member support section 91 supports the restricting member 71 in a replaceable manner. The restricting member 71 restricts the movement of the printing medium M along the Z-axis by its own weight. The user can change the load applied to the printing medium M by installing restricting members 71 of different masses on the restricting member support section 91. For example, the user can replace the restricting member 71 installed on the restricting member support section 91 depending on the type of printing medium M printed by the printer 100. The user can install a restricting member 71 corresponding to the type of printing medium M.

[0049] Figure 3 shows the relationship between the transport unit 20 and the restricting member support section 91. Figure 3 shows the XZ cross section. Figure 3 shows the transport unit 20 and the restricting member support section 91. The transport unit 20 shown in Figure 3 includes a drive roller 21 and a media transport belt 30. Figure 3 shows the second support member 91b as the restricting member support section 91. The second support member 91b supports a restricting roller 73, which is an example of a restricting member 71.

[0050] The regulating roller 73 is supported by the second support member 91b so as to be movable along the second guide portion 92b. The regulating roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. The regulating roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction due to the tension applied to the printing medium M and the weight of the regulating roller 73. The regulating roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction depending on the medium transport speed of the drying device 200. For example, if the drying device 200 transports the printing medium M at a speed faster than the transport speed of the printing medium M by the printer 100, the regulating roller 73 moves in the +Z direction. The regulating roller 73 may also be moved to a predetermined position by user operation.

[0051] Figure 3 shows the case where the regulating roller 73 is positioned at the upper limit of the second guide section 92b. Figure 3 shows the uppermost surface position P1 of the media conveyor belt 30 and the lower end position P2 of the regulating roller 73. When the regulating roller 73 is positioned at the upper limit of the second guide section 92b, the lower end position P2 of the regulating roller 73 is below the uppermost surface position P1 of the media conveyor belt 30. Since the regulating roller 73 is restricted from moving above its upper limit, the printing medium M on the media conveyor belt 30 does not move above the lower end position P2 of the regulating roller 73. The regulating roller 73 can prevent the printing medium M from peeling off the surface of the media conveyor belt 30 facing the printing unit 40.

[0052] Figures 4, 5, and 6 show the support structure of the restricting member 71 by the restricting member support portion 91. Figures 4, 5, and 6 show a restricting roller 73, which is an example of the restricting member 71. Figures 4, 5, and 6 show a first support member 91a, which is part of the restricting member support portion 91. Figures 4, 5, and 6 show the restricting roller 73, the first support member 91a, and the restricting spring 93.

[0053] Figure 4 shows the support structure of the restricting member 71 by the restricting member support portion 91. Figure 4 shows a front view in the +X direction. Figure 4 shows the restricting roller 73, the first support member 91a, the restricting spring 93, the spring receiver 95, and the retaining member 97. Figure 4 shows the support structure of the first support member 91a, which is part of the restricting member support portion 91, but the support structure of the second support member 91b may be the same as the configuration of the first support member 91a shown in Figure 4.

[0054] An example of a restricting member 71, a restricting roller 73, has a restricting roller shaft 73a. The end of the restricting roller shaft 73a is supported by a restricting member support 91. The end of the restricting roller shaft 73a corresponds to an example of a shaft end. Figure 4 shows a configuration in which the restricting roller shaft 73a is supported by a first support member 91a. The restricting roller 73 is rotatably supported by the restricting member support 91. The restricting roller 73 is supported by the restricting member support 91 so as to be movable along the Y axis. The Y axis corresponds to an example of an axis that intersects the first direction and lies along the support surface. When the printing medium M is oblique, the restricting roller 73 moves along the Y axis in accordance with the oblique movement of the printing medium M. An axis member (not shown) may be provided to define the movement of the restricting roller 73 along the Y axis. The rotation center of the restricting roller 73 substantially coincides with the geometric center of the axis member. The axis member supports the restricting roller 73 so as to be movable along the Y axis. The regulating roller 73 can rotate with the shaft member as its center of rotation. As the regulating roller 73 moves along the Y-axis in accordance with the printing medium M, friction of the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M by the regulating roller 73 can be reduced. The regulating roller 73 can reduce the degradation of image quality printed on the printing surface S1.

[0055] The regulating member 71 is movable along the Y-axis, which intersects the X-axis and runs along the adhesive layer 32. The regulating member 71 can move along the Y-axis to follow the skew of the printing medium M. This reduces the likelihood of image smudging caused by skew.

[0056] The regulating spring 93 presses the regulating roller 73 along the Y axis. The regulating spring 93 is fitted onto the regulating roller shaft 73a. The regulating spring 93 presses the regulating roller end face 73b of the regulating roller 73 in the -Y direction along the Y axis. The regulating roller end face 73b is the surface that connects the regulating roller surface 73c that contacts the printing medium M and the regulating roller shaft 73a. The regulating spring 93 presses the first support member 91a via the spring receiver 95. The regulating spring 93 is provided at a position opposite to the first support member 91a. The regulating spring 93 is provided at a position between the regulating roller end face 73b and the spring receiver 95. When the regulating roller 73 moves in the +Y direction due to the oblique movement of the printing medium M, the regulating spring 93 presses the regulating roller 73 in the -Y direction. The restricting spring 93 reduces the amount of movement of the restricting roller 73 when it moves in the +Y direction by pressing it in the -Y direction. The restricting spring 93 also reduces the amount of movement of the printing medium M when it is skewed. The restricting spring 93 corresponds to an example of an elastic member. Figure 4 shows, but is not limited to, the restricting spring 93. Instead of the restricting spring 93, an elastic member such as rubber may be provided.

[0057] The spring support 95 is pressed against the regulating spring 93. The spring support 95 is in contact with one end of the regulating spring 93. The spring support 95 is provided between the regulating spring 93 and the first support member 91a. The spring support 95 is optional. When the spring support 95 is not provided, the regulating spring 93 is in contact with the first support member 91a and presses against it.

[0058] The retaining member 97 prevents the regulating roller shaft 73a from coming out of the first support member 91a. The retaining member 97 also prevents the regulating roller 73 from coming out of the first support member 91a when the regulating roller 73 moves in the -Y direction. However, the retaining member 97 is not required. In this case, when the regulating roller 73 moves in the -Y direction, the dimensions of the regulating roller shaft 73a in the Y direction should be adjusted so that the regulating roller 73 does not come out of the first support member 91a.

[0059] Figure 5 shows the support structure of the restricting member 71 by the restricting member support portion 91. Figure 5 shows the -Y direction surface of the first support member 91a. Figure 5 shows the first guide portion 92a provided on the first support member 91a. Although Figure 5 shows the support structure of the first support member 91a, which is part of the restricting member support portion 91, the support structure of the second support member 91b may be the same as the configuration of the first support member 91a shown in Figure 5.

[0060] An example of a regulating member 71, a regulating roller 73, is supported so as to be movable along the first guide portion 92a. The spring retainer 95 is supported on the regulating roller shaft 73a of the regulating roller 73. When the regulating roller 73 moves along the first guide portion 92a, the spring retainer 95 moves along the first guide portion 92a in accordance with the movement of the regulating roller 73. As the spring retainer 95 moves along the first guide portion 92a, it comes into contact with the first support member 91a and receives the pressing force of the regulating spring 93.

[0061] Figure 6 shows the support structure of the restricting member 71 by the restricting member support portion 91. Figure 6 shows the +Y direction surface of the first support member 91a. Figure 6 shows the first guide portion 92a provided on the first support member 91a. Although Figure 6 shows the support structure of the first support member 91a, which is part of the restricting member support portion 91, the support structure of the second support member 91b may be the same as the configuration of the first support member 91a shown in Figure 6.

[0062] The regulating roller shaft 73a is fitted into the first guide portion 92a. The first guide portion 92a guides the regulating roller shaft 73a. The regulating roller shaft 73a moves along the first guide portion 92a in the +Z direction or the -Z direction.

[0063] The printer 100 includes a first support member 91a that supports the regulating roller shaft 73a of the regulating roller 73, and a regulating spring 93 that faces the first support member 91a and presses the regulating roller 73 along the Y axis. The restricting spring 93 presses against the restricting roller 73, thereby reducing the movement of the restricting roller 73 along the Y-axis caused by the skew of the printing medium M.

[0064] Figure 7 shows the block configuration of printing system 1. Figure 7 shows printing system 1 in which the printer 100 and the drying unit 200 are connected in a communicative manner. The printer 100 and the drying unit 200 do not necessarily have to be connected by communication. The printer 100 and the drying unit 200 may be controlled individually by the user.

[0065] The printer 100 includes a paper feed drive mechanism 121, a belt drive mechanism 25, a print unit drive mechanism 123, a regulation unit drive mechanism 125, a printer communication interface 127, and a control unit 130. In Figure 7, the interface is represented as I / F. The printer 100 may also include a cleaning unit drive mechanism for driving the cleaning unit 50, etc. The cleaning unit drive mechanism, etc., is not shown.

[0066] The paper feed drive mechanism 121 drives the supply unit 10. The paper feed drive mechanism 121 includes a feed shaft drive mechanism (not shown) and a tension adjustment mechanism 15. Based on the detection result of a tension detection mechanism (not shown), the paper feed drive mechanism 121 feeds the printing medium M to the transport unit 20. The tension detection mechanism detects the tension of the printing medium M between the roll body R and the transport unit 20.

[0067] The feed shaft drive mechanism rotates the feed shaft 11 in a predetermined direction. By rotating the feed shaft 11, the feed shaft drive mechanism feeds the printing medium M from the roll body R. The feed shaft drive mechanism adjusts the rotation speed of the feed shaft 11 based on the detection result of the tension detection mechanism.

[0068] The paper feed drive mechanism 121 uses the feed shaft drive mechanism and the tension adjustment mechanism 15 to feed the printing medium M to the transport unit 20 at a predetermined transport speed. The paper feed drive mechanism 121 adjusts the transport speed of the printing medium M based on the detection result of the tension detection mechanism.

[0069] The printing unit drive mechanism 123 drives the printing unit 40. The printing unit drive mechanism 123 drives the print head 41 and the carriage 43. The printing unit drive mechanism 123 drives the print head 41 to eject ink onto the printing medium M. The printing unit drive mechanism 123 moves the carriage 43 along the Y axis. The printing unit drive mechanism 123 ejects ink from the print head 41 while moving the carriage 43. The printing unit drive mechanism 123 prints on the printing medium M by ejecting ink from the printing unit 40.

[0070] The regulating unit drive mechanism 125 drives the regulating unit 70. The regulating unit drive mechanism 125 drives the regulating member 71. The regulating unit drive mechanism 125 drives the cleaning unit 80. The operation of the regulating unit 70 by the regulating unit drive mechanism 125 will be described later. The regulating unit drive mechanism 125 corresponds to an example of a drive unit.

[0071] The printer communication interface 127 communicates with an external device such as the drying device 200. The printer communication interface 127 connects with the external device by wire or wireless connection according to a predetermined communication protocol. The printer communication interface 127 receives print data, print settings, programs, etc. from the external device. The printer communication interface 127 transmits the print settings and print results of the printer 100 to the external device. The printer communication interface 127 receives drying conditions such as media transport speed transmitted from the drying device 200. The printer communication interface 127 transmits the received drying conditions to the control unit 130.

[0072] The control unit 130 is a controller that controls various parts of the printer 100. The control unit 130 includes a control processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The control unit 130 operates as a functional unit by executing a program on the control processor. The RAM and ROM function as work areas. The control unit 130 corresponds to an example of a control unit. The control unit 130 controls the driving of each drive mechanism based on the detection results detected by various sensors.

[0073] The control unit 130 includes a printer memory unit 139. The printer memory unit 139 stores various programs, such as control programs, that operate in the control unit 130, as well as various data. The printer memory unit 139 stores various data, such as print data. RAM and ROM may also function as the printer memory unit 139. The printer memory unit 139 may also include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, etc.

[0074] The control unit 130 functions as a supply control unit 131, a transport control unit 133, a printing control unit 135, and a regulation control unit 137 by executing a control program. The supply control unit 131, transport control unit 133, printing control unit 135, and regulation control unit 137 are functional units. The control unit 130 controls the operation of various units by functioning as a functional unit. The control unit 130 controls the operation of various units based on the detection results of various sensors such as the encoder 27.

[0075] The supply control unit 131 controls the supply of the printing medium M by the supply unit 10. The supply control unit 131 controls the supply of the printing medium M by the paper feed drive mechanism 121. Based on the detection result of the tension detection mechanism, the supply control unit 131 controls the amount of printing medium M fed out from the roll body R by the feed shaft drive mechanism. The supply control unit 131 adjusts the transport speed of the printing medium M by controlling the tension applied to the printing medium M using the tension adjustment mechanism 15.

[0076] The transport control unit 133 controls the transport of the printing medium M by the transport unit 20. The transport control unit 133 controls the movement speed of the medium transport belt 30 when the medium transport belt 30 is moved by the belt drive mechanism 25. The transport control unit 133 controls the transport speed of the printing medium M transported by the medium transport belt 30. The transport control unit 133 controls the transport speed of the printing medium M based on the detection result detected by the encoder 27.

[0077] The print control unit 135 controls the ejection of ink by the print unit 40. The print control unit 135 causes printing to be performed on the printing medium M by controlling the ejection of ink. The print control unit 135 controls the ejection of ink based on the print data. The print control unit 135 controls the drive of the print unit drive mechanism 123. The print control unit 135 controls the amount and position of ink ejected from the print head 41, which is operated by the print unit drive mechanism 123. The print control unit 135 controls the movement position of the carriage 43 along the Y axis, etc., which is moved by the print unit drive mechanism 123.

[0078] The print control unit 135 may calculate the amount of ink to be ejected onto the print surface S1 of the print medium M based on the print data. The print control unit 135 analyzes the print data acquired from an external device or the like. By analyzing the print data, the print control unit 135 calculates the amount of ink to be ejected onto the print surface S1. The amount of ink to be ejected is, for example, the amount of ink ejected per unit length of the print medium M. The unit length of the print medium M is a predetermined length of the print medium M along the X axis. The amount of ink to be ejected may also be the amount of ink ejected per unit area of ​​the print surface S1, etc. The print control unit 135 calculates the amount of ink to be ejected and stores it in the printer storage unit 139. The amount of ink to be ejected corresponds to an example of the ejection amount.

[0079] The control unit 137 controls various operations of the control unit 70. The control unit 137 controls the operation of the control member 71 included in the control unit 70 and the cleaning unit 80. The control unit 137 controls the operation of various components included in the cleaning unit 80. If the cleaning unit 80 includes a cleaning roller 81, the control unit 137 controls the rotation and movement of the cleaning roller 81. The control unit 137 controls various drive operations by the control unit drive mechanism 125. The control unit 137 corresponds to an example of a control unit.

[0080] The drying apparatus 200 includes a drying belt drive mechanism 221, a media sensor 215, a drying apparatus communication interface 223, and a drying control unit 230. The drying apparatus 200 also includes a heating mechanism for heating the drying section, a winding drive mechanism for driving the winding section for winding the media, etc. The heating mechanism and the winding drive mechanism are not shown.

[0081] The drying belt drive mechanism 221 rotates the drying belt 211. The drying belt drive mechanism 221 rotates the drying belt 211 by rotating the conveyor roller 213 or the tension roller.

[0082] The drying device communication interface 223 communicates with peripheral devices such as the printer 100. The drying device communication interface 223 connects with peripheral devices via wired or wireless connection according to a predetermined communication protocol. The drying device communication interface 223 receives information such as the type of printing medium M and the program from the peripheral device. The drying device communication interface 223 transmits drying conditions such as the medium transport speed to the peripheral device.

[0083] The drying control unit 230 is a device controller that controls various parts of the drying apparatus 200. The drying control unit 230 includes a device control processor such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The drying control unit 230 operates as a functional unit by executing a program on the device control processor. The RAM and ROM function as work areas.

[0084] The drying control unit 230 includes a device storage unit 235. The device storage unit 235 stores various programs, such as control programs, that operate in the drying control unit 230, as well as various data. The device storage unit 235 also stores various data, such as drying conditions. The RAM and ROM included in the drying control unit 230 may function as the device storage unit 235. The device storage unit 235 may also include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

[0085] The drying control unit 230 functions as a drying control unit 233 by executing a control program. The drying control unit 233 is a functional unit. By functioning as a functional unit, the drying control unit 230 controls the operation of various units. The drying control unit 230 controls the operation of various units based on the detection results of various sensors such as the medium sensor 215.

[0086] The drying control unit 233 controls the drive of the drying belt drive mechanism 221. The drying control unit 233 controls the media transport speed of the printing medium M when the printing medium M is transported by the drying belt drive mechanism 221. The drying control unit 233 controls the media transport speed based on the detection result of the media sensor 215. Based on the detection result of the media sensor 215, the drying control unit 233 calculates the speed difference between the transport speed of the printer 100 and the media transport speed of the drying device 200. The transport speed of the printer 100 is the transport speed of the printing medium M by the transport unit 20. The media transport speed of the drying device 200 is the media transport speed of the printing medium M by the drying belt 211. The drying control unit 233 controls the media transport speed by the drying belt 211 and controls the speed difference to be less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0087] Figure 8 shows a schematic configuration of the regulating unit 70. Figure 8 shows a first configuration example of the regulating unit 70. The regulating member 71 shown in Figure 8 is a regulating roller 73. The cleaning unit 80 shown in Figure 8 comprises a cleaning roller 81 and an application member 83.

[0088] The regulating roller 73 contacts the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M with its regulating roller surface 73c. ​​The regulating roller 73 rotates in response to the movement of the printing medium M. The regulating roller 73 corresponds to an example of a rotating body. The regulating roller surface 73c corresponds to an example of an outer circumferential surface. The regulating roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction along the guide portion 92 provided on the regulating member support portion 91.

[0089] The cleaning roller 81 cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 comes into contact with the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 and applies cleaning fluid to the regulating roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 rotates in a driven manner in accordance with the rotation of the regulating roller 73. By rotating in a driven manner, the cleaning roller 81 cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 corresponds to an example of a cleaning member.

[0090] The regulating roller 73 and cleaning roller 81 shown in Figure 8 are unitized. The cleaning roller 81 moves in the +Z or -Z direction together with the regulating roller 73 as the regulating roller 73 moves along the guide portion 92. When the regulating roller 73 is at the upper limit position of the guide portion 92, the cleaning roller 81 faces the coating member 83.

[0091] The coating member 83 applies cleaning fluid to the cleaning roller 81. The cleaning fluid is a water-soluble solvent such as water or an alcohol aqueous solution. The cleaning fluid may also contain surfactants, defoamers, etc. The cleaning fluid may be the same as the cleaning fluid used in the cleaning unit 50. The coating member 83 supplies cleaning fluid to the cleaning roller 81 by spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning roller 81. The coating member 83 applies cleaning fluid to the cleaning roller 81 when the cleaning roller 81 rises to a position opposite to the coating member 83. The coating member 83 is fixedly positioned in the printer 100.

[0092] The printer 100 may include a storage section (not shown) for storing cleaning fluid. The printer 100 may have multiple storage sections. In this case, the printer 100 may include multiple coating members 83 corresponding to the multiple storage sections. Each of the multiple coating members 83 is directly or indirectly connected to each of the multiple storage sections so that the cleaning fluid can flow. When each of the multiple coating members 83 is indirectly connected to each of the multiple storage sections, known components such as tubes and valves may be used. Furthermore, each of the multiple storage sections may store different types of cleaning fluid. This allows different types of cleaning fluid to be sprayed onto the cleaning roller 81 from each of the multiple coating members 83.

[0093] The control unit 130 may further include a coating control unit as a functional unit. The coating control unit controls the operation of the coating member 83. The coating control unit may change the type of cleaning liquid applied to the cleaning roller 81 based on the type of ink. Specifically, the coating control unit selects the coating member 83 capable of spraying the optimal cleaning liquid from among a plurality of coating members 83, depending on the type of ink, by controlling the on / off state of the coating member 83 as an example of the operation of the coating member 83, or by controlling the opening and closing of a valve. For example, if the type of ink is pigment, the coating member 83 capable of spraying an alcohol aqueous solution is operated from among the plurality of coating members 83, and if the type of ink is dye, the coating member 83 capable of spraying water is operated from among the plurality of coating members 83. The type of ink may be input by the user, for example, via a touch panel (not shown) electrically connected to the control unit 130. The touch panel is an example of an operation unit that can be operated by the user. The printer 100 may also include a single coating member 83 corresponding to multiple storage units. In this case, for example, multiple electromagnetic valves may be provided in multiple flow paths of the cleaning fluid from the multiple storage units to the single coating member 83, and the coating control unit may switch between the multiple electromagnetic valves so that the selected cleaning fluid is supplied to the single coating member 83.

[0094] The regulating member 71 is a regulating roller 73 that has a regulating roller surface 73c that contacts the printing surface S1 and is driven by the movement of the printing medium M, and the cleaning unit 80 has a cleaning roller 81 that cleans the regulating roller surface 73c by contacting the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 can clean the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 when the regulating roller 73 is regulating the movement position of the printing medium M.

[0095] Figures 9 and 10 show a schematic configuration of the regulating unit 70. Figures 9 and 10 show a second configuration example of the regulating unit 70. The regulating member 71 shown in Figures 9 and 10 is a regulating roller 73. The cleaning unit 80 shown in Figures 9 and 10 comprises an application member 83 and a cleaning brush 85.

[0096] Figure 9 shows the state in which the cleaning brush 85 is in contact with the regulating roller 73. Figure 9 shows the relationship between the regulating roller 73, the cleaning brush 85, and the coating member 83.

[0097] The regulating roller 73 is in contact with the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M at the regulating roller surface 73c. ​​The regulating roller 73 rotates in response to the movement of the printing medium M. The regulating roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction along the guide portion 92 provided on the regulating member support portion 91.

[0098] The cleaning brush 85 cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73. The cleaning brush 85 contacts the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 and applies cleaning fluid. The cleaning brush 85 is rotated by the regulating unit drive mechanism 125. When the cleaning brush 85 is positioned to contact the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73, it becomes rotatable by the regulating unit drive mechanism 125. The regulating unit drive mechanism 125 rotates the cleaning brush 85. By rotating in a predetermined direction, the cleaning brush 85 cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73. The cleaning brush 85 corresponds to an example of a cleaning member. The regulating unit drive mechanism 125 corresponds to an example of a drive unit.

[0099] Figure 10 shows the state in which the cleaning brush 85 is separated from the regulating roller 73. Figure 10 shows the relationship between the regulating roller 73, the cleaning brush 85, and the coating member 83.

[0100] The coating member 83 applies cleaning fluid to the cleaning brush 85. The coating member 83 supplies cleaning fluid to the cleaning brush 85 by spraying it onto the cleaning brush 85. The coating member 83 is fixedly positioned on the printer 100.

[0101] The cleaning brush 85 is configured to be movable along the Z-axis. The cleaning brush 85 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction by the regulating unit drive mechanism 125. In Figure 10, the cleaning brush 85 is moving in the +Z direction. By moving in the +Z direction, the cleaning brush 85 comes into contact with the coating member 83. When the cleaning brush 85 moves to a position facing the coating member 83, cleaning fluid is supplied from the coating member 83.

[0102] The printer 100 has a regulating unit drive mechanism 125 that rotates a cleaning brush 85, and the cleaning brush 85, which is rotated by the regulating unit drive mechanism 125, comes into contact with the regulating roller surface 73c, thereby cleaning the regulating roller surface 73c. The rotational drive of the cleaning brush 85 improves the cleaning performance of the regulating roller 73 by the cleaning brush 85.

[0103] Figure 11 shows a schematic configuration of the regulating unit 70. Figure 11 shows a third configuration example of the regulating unit 70. The regulating member 71 shown in Figure 11 is a regulating roller 73. The cleaning unit 80 shown in Figure 11 comprises a cleaning roller 81 and an application member 83.

[0104] The regulating roller 73 contacts the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M with its regulating roller surface 73c. ​​The regulating roller 73 rotates in response to the movement of the printing medium M. The regulating roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction along the guide portion 92 provided on the regulating member support portion 91.

[0105] The cleaning roller 81 cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 comes into contact with the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 and applies cleaning fluid. The cleaning roller 81 is rotationally driven by the regulating unit drive mechanism 125. The cleaning roller 81 cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 by rotating in a predetermined direction.

[0106] The coating member 83 applies cleaning liquid to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73. The coating member 83 supplies cleaning liquid to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 by spraying the cleaning liquid onto the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73.

[0107] The regulating roller 73, cleaning roller 81, and coating member 83 shown in Figure 11 are unitized. The cleaning roller 81 and coating member 83 move together with the regulating roller 73 in the +Z or -Z direction as the regulating roller 73 moves along the guide section 92. The regulating roller 73, cleaning roller 81, and coating member 83 may be configured to be detachable from the printer 100 as a single unit.

[0108] The regulating unit drive mechanism 125 may adjust the rotational drive of the cleaning roller 81 by the regulating control unit 137. For example, the regulating control unit 137 adjusts the rotational speed of the cleaning roller 81. The rotational speed of the cleaning roller 81 is the number of rotations per unit time. The regulating control unit 137 reads the amount of ejected ink stored in the printer storage unit 139. Based on the read amount of ejected ink, the regulating control unit 137 adjusts the rotational speed of the cleaning roller 81.

[0109] As an example, the regulation control unit 137 increases the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81 when the amount of ejected ink read out is greater than a predetermined standard amount of ink. When the amount of ejected ink is greater than the standard amount of ink, the amount of ink adhering to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 tends to increase. The regulation control unit 137 reduces the amount of ink adhering to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 by increasing the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81. This suppresses the deterioration of image quality caused by the increase in the amount of adhering ink. When the amount of ejected ink read out is less than a predetermined standard amount of ink, the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81 decreases. When the amount of ejected ink is less than the standard amount of ink, the amount of ink adhering to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 tends to decrease. When the amount of ink adhering to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 decreases, the cleaning roller 81 becomes a rotational resistance to the regulating roller 73. When the cleaning roller 81 and the restrictor roller surface 73c of the restrictor roller 73 slide against each other, the rotational resistance makes it difficult for the restrictor roller 73 to rotate smoothly. This can cause the restrictor roller 73 to slide against the printing surface S1, potentially resulting in a decrease in image quality. The restrictor control unit 137 maintains the amount of ink adhering to the restrictor roller surface 73c of the restrictor roller 73 by reducing the rotational speed of the cleaning roller 81. This suppresses a decrease in the image quality of the image printed on the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M.

[0110] The printer 100 has a regulation control unit 137 that controls the regulation unit drive mechanism 125, and the regulation control unit 137 adjusts the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81 based on the amount of ink ejected from the printing unit 40. By adjusting the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81 according to the amount of ink ejected, the degradation of image quality printed on the printing medium M can be suppressed. The control unit 137 may also adjust the rotation speed of the cleaning roller 81 based on the type of ink ejected from the printing unit 40.

[0111] Figures 12 and 13 show a schematic configuration of the regulating unit 70. Figures 12 and 13 show a fourth configuration example of the regulating unit 70. The regulating member 71 shown in Figures 12 and 13 is a regulating roller 73. The cleaning unit 80 shown in Figures 12 and 13 comprises a cleaning roller 81 and a coating member 83. The cleaning roller 81 and the coating member 83 are integrally constructed.

[0112] Figure 12 shows the state in which the cleaning unit 80 is in contact with the regulating roller 73. Figure 12 shows the relationship between the regulating roller 73, the cleaning roller 81, and the coating member 83.

[0113] The regulating roller 73 contacts the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M with its regulating roller surface 73c. ​​The regulating roller 73 rotates in response to the movement of the printing medium M. The regulating roller 73 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction along the guide portion 92 provided on the regulating member support portion 91.

[0114] The cleaning roller 81 cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 comes into contact with the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73 and applies cleaning fluid. The cleaning roller 81 rotates in a driven motion in accordance with the rotation of the regulating roller 73. By rotating in a driven motion, the cleaning roller 81 cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller 73.

[0115] The coating member 83 applies cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller 81. The coating member 83 supplies cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller 81 by spraying the cleaning liquid onto the cleaning roller 81.

[0116] Figure 13 shows the cleaning unit 80 separated from the regulating roller 73. Figure 13 shows the relationship between the regulating roller 73 and the cleaning unit 80, which includes the cleaning roller 81 and the coating member 83.

[0117] The cleaning unit 80 is configured to be movable along the Z-axis. The cleaning unit 80 moves in the +Z direction or the -Z direction by the restricting unit drive mechanism 125. In Figure 13, the cleaning unit 80 is moving in the +Z direction. As the cleaning unit 80 moves in the +Z direction, the cleaning roller 81 moves away from the restricting roller 73. The cleaning roller 81 and the coating member 83 move together along the Z-axis. The cleaning unit 80 may be detachably integrated with the printer 100.

[0118] Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 show a regulating roller 73 as the regulating member 71, but are not limited to this. The regulating member 71 may be composed of a fixed rod or the like. Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 show a cleaning roller 81 or cleaning brush 85 that contacts the regulating roller 73, but are not limited to this. The cleaning unit 80 may include an airbrush or the like that blows air onto the regulating member 71. The airbrush cleans the regulating member 71 in a non-contact manner.

[0119] The restricting member 71 may be loaded with a weight 110. Figures 14 and 15 show a configuration in which a load is applied to the restricting member 71 with a weight 110. Figures 14 and 15 show the peripheral configuration of the restricting roller shaft 73a of a restricting roller 73, which is an example of a restricting member 71. Figures 14 and 15 show the peripheral configuration of the first support member 91a, but the peripheral configuration of the second support member 91b may be as shown in Figures 14 and 15.

[0120] Figure 14 shows the support structure of the regulating member 71 including the weight 110. The weight 110 shown in Figure 14 is provided at the shaft end of the regulating roller shaft 73a. Figure 14 shows the weight 110 and the shaft 112 as members added to the regulating roller shaft 73a.

[0121] The weight 110 applies a load to the regulating roller 73. When the regulating roller 73 contacts the printing medium M, it applies its own weight to the printing medium M. The weight 110 adds a load to the printing medium M on which the regulating roller 73 applies its own weight. The weight 110 adds a load to the printing medium M. The weight 110 is composed of a plurality of plate-shaped members 110a. The plate-shaped members 110a are removable by the user. The user can adjust the load applied to the printing medium M by adjusting the number of plate-shaped members 110a that make up the weight 110.

[0122] The shaft 112 supports the weight 110. The shaft 112 is positioned in the +Y direction of the regulating roller shaft 73a. The shaft 112 detachably supports the plate-shaped member 110a. The shaft 112 may be configured to be detachably attached to the regulating roller shaft 73a.

[0123] Figure 15 shows the support structure of the regulating member 71, including the weight 110. The weight 110 shown in Figure 15 is supported by a different support structure than that in Figure 14. Figure 15 shows the weight 110, the bearing 114, and the weight support member 116 as components attached to the regulating roller shaft 73a.

[0124] The weight 110 shown in Figure 15 is composed of multiple plate-shaped members 110a, similar to the weight 110 shown in Figure 14. The plate-shaped members 110a are removable by the user. The weight 110 is supported by a weight support member 116.

[0125] The bearing 114 supports the weight 110. The bearing 114 is mounted on the regulating roller shaft 73a. The bearing 114 supports one end of the weight support member 116. The bearing 114 may detachably support the weight support member 116.

[0126] The weight support member 116 supports the weight 110. The weight support member 116 is supported at one end by the bearing 114. The weight support member 116 is suspended from the bearing 114. The weight support member 116 detachably supports the plate-shaped member 110a.

[0127] By adding the weight 110 to the regulating member 71, the load applied to the printing medium M can be adjusted. The user can adjust the load applied to the printing medium M depending on the type and size of the printing medium M. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1…Printing system, 10…Supply unit, 11…Feeding shaft, 13…Shaft support member, 15…Tension adjustment mechanism, 17…Contact member, 18…Tension spring, 20…Conveying unit, 21…Drive roller, 23…Driven roller, 25…Belt drive mechanism, 27…Encoder, 29…Pressing roller, 30…Media conveying belt, 31…Substrate, 32…Adhesive layer, 33…Substrate surface, 34…Substrate back surface, 40…Printing unit, 41…Print head, 43…Carriage 50...Washing unit, 60...Drying unit, 70...Regulating unit, 71...Regulating member, 73...Regulating roller, 73a...Regulating roller shaft, 73b...Regulating roller end face, 73c...Regulating roller surface, 80...Cleaning unit, 81...Cleaning roller, 83...Coating member, 85...Cleaning brush, 91...Regulating member support part, 91a...First support member, 91b...Second support member, 92...Guide part, 92a...First guide part, 92b...Second guide part, 93 ...regulating spring, 95...spring holder, 97...retaining member, 100...printer, 110...weight, 110a...plate-shaped member, 112...shaft, 114...bearing, 116...weight support member, 120...support frame, 121...paper feed drive mechanism, 123...printing unit drive mechanism, 125...regulating unit drive mechanism, 127...printer communication interface, 130...control unit, 131...supply control unit, 133...transport control unit, 135...printing control unit, 1 37...regulation control unit, 139...printer memory unit, 200...drying device, 211...drying belt, 213...conveyor roller, 215...media sensor, 221...drying belt drive mechanism, 223...drying device communication interface, 230...drying control unit, 233...drying control unit, 235...device memory unit, H1...first height, H2...second height, M...printing medium, P...peeling position, P1...top surface position, P2...bottom end position, R...roll body, S1...printing surface, S2...back side.

Claims

1. A conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium in a first direction, The first surface of the medium being transported by the conveyor belt is provided with a discharge unit capable of dispensing liquid, A restricting unit that contacts the first surface of the medium from which the liquid has been discharged at the discharge unit and restricts its upward movement of the medium, The system includes a cleaning unit for cleaning the aforementioned regulating unit, The regulating portion has an outer peripheral surface that contacts the first surface and is a rotating body that is driven by the movement of the medium. The cleaning unit has a cleaning member that cleans the outer surface of the regulating unit by contacting it. The cleaning member is equipped with a drive unit that rotates it, The cleaning member, which is rotationally driven by the drive unit, comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface, thereby cleaning the outer circumferential surface. The drive unit is equipped with a control unit that controls the drive unit, The control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the cleaning member based on the amount of liquid discharged from the discharge unit, in a liquid discharge device.

2. The cleaning unit includes an application member for applying cleaning fluid to the regulating unit. The control unit, Control the operation of the coating member, The type of cleaning fluid is changed based on the type of liquid discharged from the discharge unit. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1.

3. The restricting portion is movable along an axis that intersects the first direction and is aligned with the support surface. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A support member that supports the end of the restricting portion in the axial direction, The system comprises an elastic member that faces the support member and presses the restricting portion along the axis, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 3.

5. A conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium in a first direction, The first surface of the medium being transported by the conveyor belt is provided with a discharge unit capable of dispensing liquid, A restricting unit that contacts the first surface of the medium from which the liquid has been discharged at the discharge unit and restricts its upward movement of the medium, The system includes a cleaning unit for cleaning the aforementioned regulating unit, The cleaning unit includes an application member for applying cleaning fluid to the regulating unit. The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the coating member, The control unit changes the type of cleaning liquid based on the type of liquid discharged from the discharge unit.

6. The regulating portion is a rotating body having an outer peripheral surface that contacts the first surface and that is driven by the movement of the medium, The cleaning unit has a cleaning member that cleans the outer surface of the regulating unit by contacting the outer surface of the regulating unit. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 5.

7. Having a drive unit for rotating the cleaning member, The cleaning member, which is rotationally driven by the drive unit, comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface to clean the outer circumferential surface. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 6.

8. The control unit is Control the aforementioned drive unit, The rotation speed of the cleaning member is adjusted based on the amount of liquid discharged from the discharge section. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 7.

9. The restricting portion is movable along an axis that intersects the first direction and is aligned with the support surface. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. A support member that supports the end of the restricting portion in the axial direction, The system comprises an elastic member that faces the support member and presses the restricting portion along the axis, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 9.

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