Printing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a printing device capable of improving the workability of maintenance work for each member related to removal and recovery of adhesions on a conveyance member.SOLUTION: A printing device 1 comprises a conveyance member 31 that conveys a medium M, a printing unit 4 that is positioned above the conveyance member 31, a liquid tank unit 5 that is positioned below the conveyance member 31, and a recovery unit 6 that is positioned below a liquid tank 51 of the liquid tank unit 5. The recovery unit 6 has a circulation flow path part 6A that forms a flow path through which a liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51 circulates via the liquid tank 51, and recovery members 62, 63 that can recover adhesions A contained in the liquid L flowing through the circulation flow path part 6A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] As a printing apparatus, an apparatus including a conveying member for conveying a printing medium to be printed is known. In this type of printing apparatus, printing ink or the like that has passed through the printing medium may adhere to the surface of the conveying member. Therefore, it is necessary to remove and recover deposits such as ink adhering to the conveying member. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus including a cleaning brush, a coagulation tank, and a filter as a structure for removing and recovering deposits on the conveying member. The cleaning brush removes deposits from the conveying member by cleaning the conveying member using a cleaning liquid stored in a storage tank. The coagulation tank stores the cleaning liquid after cleaning in a state where a coagulant is added. The filter separates aggregates from the cleaning liquid stored in the coagulation tank to recover aggregates containing deposits on the conveying member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a transport member having a transport surface capable of transporting a printing medium while supporting it; a printing unit located above the transport member and capable of printing an image on the printing medium on the transport surface; a liquid tank unit located below the transport member and having a liquid tank capable of storing liquid and a transfer member capable of sending deposits adhering to the transport surface to the liquid tank; and a recovery unit located below the liquid tank and having a circulation channel section that forms a channel through which the liquid stored in the liquid tank circulates, and a recovery member capable of recovering the deposits contained in the liquid flowing through the circulation channel section. According to such a printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the workability of maintenance work on each component related to the removal and recovery of deposits on the transport member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus shown in Figure 1 along the line II-II. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the transport unit, liquid tank unit, and recovery unit installed in the printing apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] In printing equipment, maintenance work is necessary, for example, on the cleaning brush, to maintain the effectiveness of removing deposits from the transport components. Similarly, maintenance work is necessary, for example, on the filter, to maintain the effectiveness of collecting deposits.

[0007] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 as described above, the cleaning brush is installed inside the storage tank, and the filter is connected to the coagulation tank. Therefore, maintenance work on the cleaning brush is performed around the storage tank, and maintenance work on the filter is performed around the coagulation tank, which is far from the storage tank. In this case, there is a problem in that the workability of maintenance work on each component related to the removal and recovery of deposits on the conveying member is poor.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a printing device that can improve the workability of maintenance work on each component related to the removal and recovery of deposits on the conveying components.

[0009] The printing apparatus according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, directional relationships will be explained using mutually orthogonal XY Cartesian coordinates on the horizontal plane. The vertical direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions will be defined as the Z direction.

[0010] The printing apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is equipped with an ink unit capable of adhering ink to a wide and long printing medium, media M. The printing apparatus 1 prints an image by adhering ink to media M using the ink unit. The printing apparatus 1 can be a screen printing apparatus or an inkjet apparatus. If the printing apparatus 1 is a screen printing apparatus, the ink unit includes a screen plate with multiple openings and a squeegee. In this case, the ink unit adheres the ink to media M through the openings of the screen plate by moving the ink along the screen plate in accordance with the movement of the squeegee. On the other hand, if the printing apparatus 1 is an inkjet apparatus, the ink unit adheres the ink to media M by ejecting ink onto media M. The case where the printing apparatus 1 is an inkjet apparatus will be described in detail below.

[0011] The inkjet printing device 1 is suitable for digital textile printing, which prints images such as characters and patterns onto media M, which is a fabric material made of woven or knitted fabric. Of course, the printing device 1 can also be used for printing various images onto printing media such as paper sheets and resin sheets.

[0012] The printing apparatus 1 comprises an apparatus frame 2, a transport unit 3, a printing unit 4, a liquid tank unit 5, and a recovery unit 6. The apparatus frame 2 forms the framework of the printing apparatus 1. In the printing apparatus 1, the transport unit 3, the printing unit 4, the liquid tank unit 5, and the recovery unit 6 are assembled to the apparatus frame 2.

[0013] The transport unit 3 is a unit for transporting media M in the Y direction. The transport unit 3 includes a transport member 31, a first transport roller 32, and a second transport roller 33.

[0014] The transport member 31 is a member capable of transporting media M. In this embodiment, the transport member 31 is an endless belt having a width in the X direction and extending in the Y direction. The transport member 31, which is an endless belt, has a transport surface 311 on its surface that supports and transports media M in an upward-facing region, and is capable of circumferential movement. The transport member 31 forms a transport path 3R for media M along the transport surface 311. The transport path 3R has a width in the X direction and extends linearly in the Y direction. By circumferential movement along the Y direction, the transport member 31 can transport media M, which is in contact with the upward-facing transport surface 311 on its surface, along the transport path 3R in a transport direction H1 which is a linear direction from one side to the other in the Y direction. An adhesive layer made of an adhesive that adheres media M is formed on the surface of the transport member 31.

[0015] The first conveyor roller 32 is a cylindrical roller extending in the X direction, around which the conveying member 31 is wound at the downstream position of the conveying path 3R. The first conveyor roller 32 rotates in response to the circumferential movement of the conveying member 31. The second conveyor roller 33 is a cylindrical roller extending in the X direction, around which the conveying member 31 is wound at the upstream position of the conveying path 3R. The second conveyor roller 33 is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown) to cause the conveying member 31 to circumferentially move. The conveying member 31 is stretched by the first conveyor roller 32 and the second conveyor roller 33 such that the conveying surface 311, formed by the upward-facing region and the non-conveying surface 312, formed by the downward-facing region between the first conveyor roller 32 and the second conveyor roller 33 on its surface, are horizontal and extend in the X and Y directions. The conveying member 31 moves in a circular motion in response to the rotational drive of the second conveying roller 33, thereby enabling it to convey the media M along the conveying path 3R in the conveying direction H1.

[0016] The printing unit 4 is a unit for printing an image onto the media M on the transport surface 311 of the transport member 31. The printing unit 4 is a unit in which an inkjet head 42 having an ink head 421, a pre-treatment liquid head 422, and a post-treatment liquid head 423 is mounted on a carriage 41. The printing unit 4 is located above the transport member 31. Specifically, the printing unit 4 is positioned so as to face the transport surface 311, which faces upward on the surface of the transport member 31, which is made of an endless belt, from above. As shown in Figure 2, the upstream end 4A of the printing unit 4 in the transport direction H1 along the transport surface 311 is located upstream of the central portion 311A ​​of the transport surface 311 in the transport direction H1. The upstream end 4A of the printing unit 4 may be located above the central portion 311A ​​of the transport surface 311.

[0017] The printing device 1 is a so-called serial printer that performs printing on media M using a serial printing method. In the serial printing device 1, the carriage 41 is moved back and forth in the X direction, which is perpendicular to the Y direction, which is the transport direction H1 of the media M, while the inkjet head 42 ejects various liquids, and the transport operation of the media M by the transport member 31 is repeatedly performed. Another embodiment of the printing device 1 is a so-called line printer in which the position of the inkjet head 42 is fixed relative to the media M that is transported in the Y direction by the transport member 31.

[0018] A flat carriage guide 21 having a guide rail 211 extending in the X direction is assembled to a position above the conveying member 31 on the device frame 2. The carriage 41 is fixed to a timing belt 212 which is assembled to the carriage guide 21 so as to be able to move around it. The timing belt 212 is an endless belt and, when assembled to the carriage guide 21, is driven to move around it in the X direction. As the timing belt 212 moves around it in the X direction, the carriage 41 is guided by the guide rail 211 and can reciprocate along the carriage guide 21 in the X direction.

[0019] Each of the ink heads 421, pre-treatment liquid head 422, and post-treatment liquid head 423 included in the inkjet head 42 mounted on the carriage 41 can move relative to the media M in the X and Y directions as the media M is transported in the Y direction by the transport member 31 and the carriage 41 moves back and forth in the X direction.

[0020] The carriage 41 is equipped with multiple ink heads 421. Each of the multiple ink heads 421 is an ink unit capable of adhering ink to the media M on the transport member 31 by ejecting pigment ink containing a pigment as a colorant. Each of the multiple ink heads 421 includes a number of nozzles that eject ink droplets of pigment ink using an ejection method such as a piezoelectric method using a piezoelectric element or a thermal method using a heating element, an ink flow path that guides the pigment ink to these nozzles, and a wiring board for controlling the ejection operation of the pigment ink. The multiple ink heads 421 are mounted on the carriage 41 so as to be arranged in two rows in the X direction. Two ink heads 421 that eject pigment ink of the same color are mounted on the carriage 41 so as to be offset from each other in the X and Y directions. Another embodiment is a configuration in which one ink head 421 is mounted on the carriage 41.

[0021] The pretreatment liquid head 422 is mounted on the carriage 41 so as to be positioned upstream of the ink head 421 in the transport direction H1 of the media M by the transport member 31. The pretreatment liquid head 422 is a pretreatment liquid unit that can adhere the pretreatment liquid to the media M on the transport member 31 before the pigment ink by discharging the pretreatment liquid. The pretreatment liquid head 422 comprises a number of nozzles that discharge the pretreatment liquid using a discharge method such as a piezoelectric method using a piezoelectric element or a thermal method using a heating element, a pretreatment liquid flow path that guides the pretreatment liquid to these nozzles, and a wiring board for controlling the discharge operation of the pretreatment liquid. The pretreatment liquid is a processing liquid that comes into contact with the pigment ink while it is not dry on the media M, and is a non-coloring processing liquid that does not produce color even when it adheres to the media M. Note that the pretreatment liquid unit that adheres the pretreatment liquid to the media M on the transport member 31 is not limited to a head structure like the pretreatment liquid head 422, but may also be a spray type structure that sprays the pretreatment liquid.

[0022] The post-treatment liquid head 423 is mounted on the carriage 41 so as to be disposed on the downstream side of the ink head 421 in the conveyance direction H1 of the media M by the conveyance member 31. The post-treatment liquid head 423 is a post-treatment liquid unit capable of attaching a post-treatment liquid to the media M on the conveyance member 31 after the pigment ink by discharging the post-treatment liquid. The post-treatment liquid head 423 includes a number of nozzles that discharge the post-treatment liquid by a discharge method such as a piezo method using a piezo element, a thermal method using a heating element, etc., a post-treatment liquid flow path that guides the post-treatment liquid to the nozzles, and a wiring board for controlling the discharge operation of the post-treatment liquid. The post-treatment liquid is a treatment liquid that contacts the pigment ink in a non-dried state on the media M, and is a non-color-developing treatment liquid that does not develop color even when attached to the media M. The post-treatment liquid has a function of enhancing the fixing property of the pigment ink on the media M. As such a post-treatment liquid, a treatment liquid containing silicone oil or the like can be used. The silicone oil is stably dispersed in the post-treatment liquid. Note that the post-treatment liquid unit that attaches the post-treatment liquid to the media M on the conveyance member 31 is not limited to a head structure such as the post-treatment liquid head 423, and may be a spray method structure that sprays the post-treatment liquid.

[0023] In the printing unit 4, a liquid discharge operation is performed in which the pretreatment liquid is discharged from the pretreatment liquid head 422, the pigment ink is discharged from the ink head 421, and the post-treatment liquid is discharged from the post-treatment liquid head 423 as necessary, onto the media M on the conveyance surface 311 of the conveyance member 31. Thereby, an image is printed on the media M. That is, on the media M on the conveyance surface 311 of the conveyance member 31, after the pretreatment liquid discharged from the pretreatment liquid head 422 adheres, the pigment ink discharged from the ink head 421 adheres, and then, the post-treatment liquid discharged from the post-treatment liquid head 423 adheres as necessary.

[0024] The pretreatment liquid discharged from the pretreatment liquid head 422 is a treatment liquid containing water, or an aqueous solvent consisting of water and an organic solvent, and an aggregate-forming component that is capable of forming aggregates with the pigment. Examples of organic solvents that the pretreatment liquid may contain include glycols, alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, ethers, and vegetable oils. The aggregate-forming component is soluble in the aqueous solvent. Examples of aggregate-forming components include ionic resins with different ionic properties from the pigments contained in the pigment ink. Examples of ionic resins include positively charged cationic resins. Examples of cationic resins include ammonium-containing resins, amine-containing resins, polyallylamine, polyvinylamine, polyimine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethyleneimine, polyvinylpyridine, aminoacetalized polyvinyl alcohol, ionene polymer, polyvinylimidazole, polyvinylbenzylphosphonium, polyalkylallylammonium, polyamidine, and polyamine sulfone. In the pretreatment solution, the aggregate-forming components react and aggregate with the pigments contained in the pigment ink, ensuring excellent color development.

[0025] The pigment ink ejected from the ink head 421 is an ink containing an aqueous medium, a pigment, and a binder resin. The aqueous medium is a medium mainly composed of water. Specific examples of the aqueous medium include water or a mixture of water and a polar solvent. Examples of the polar solvent contained in the aqueous medium include methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, butanol, and methyl ethyl ketone. The binder resin exists in a state of being dispersed in the aqueous medium as resin particles. The resin particles of the binder resin function as a binder that binds the medium M and the pigment. The volume median diameter of the resin particles of the binder resin is, for example, 50 nm or more and 150 nm or less. Examples of the binder resin include urethane resin, (meth)acrylic resin, styrene-(meth)acrylic resin, styrene-maleic acid copolymer, vinyl naphthalene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer, and vinyl naphthalene-maleic acid copolymer. As the pigment, a dispersible pigment that is dispersed in the aqueous medium as pigment particles can be used. From the viewpoint of obtaining a pigment ink excellent in image density, hue, and color stability, the volume median diameter of the pigment is, for example, 50 nm or more and 150 nm or less. The pigment may be an anionic pigment. Examples of the anionic pigment include pigments having anionic groups such as carboxyl group, sulfonic acid group, phosphoric acid group, phosphonic acid group, phenylsulfonic acid group, and phenylcarboxyl group. Since the anionic pigment causes electro-reactive aggregation with the cationic resin as an aggregate-forming component contained in the pretreatment liquid ejected from the pretreatment liquid head 422 on the medium M, it is possible to suppress the penetration of the binder resin contained in the pigment ink into the medium M. Thereby, when the medium M is a cloth member, it is possible to reduce the penetration of the binder resin into the gaps between the fibers and the binding of the fibers to each other. For this reason, the texture such as the feel of the cloth member can be enhanced.

[0026] In the printing apparatus 1, if the media M is, for example, a thin cloth material or a cloth material finished with a coarse weave or knit, at least pigment ink, pre-treatment liquid and post-treatment liquid, and fibers detached from the cloth material that have permeated the media M during the liquid ejection operation of the printing unit 4 to the media M may adhere to the transport member 31. The adhering substances A, such as pigment ink and post-treatment liquid, present on the transport member 31 can cause contamination of the media M and reduce the tackiness of the media M due to the adhesive layer formed on the surface of the transport member 31, thereby degrading the print quality of the media M. For this reason, it is necessary to remove the adhering substances A present on the transport member 31 and to recover the adhering substances A.

[0027] The printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a liquid tank unit 5 as a unit for removing adhering material A from the transport member 31, and a recovery unit 6 as a unit for recovering the adhering material A. The liquid tank unit 5 and the recovery unit 6 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2, as well as Figure 3.

[0028] The liquid tank unit 5 is a unit for removing deposits A present on the transport member 31 from the transport member 31. The liquid tank unit 5 is located below the transport member 31. Specifically, the liquid tank unit 5 is positioned so as to face from below the downward-facing non-transport surface 312 on the surface of the transport member 31, which is made of an endless belt. The liquid tank unit 5 is located below the transport member 31, downstream of the upstream end 4A of the printing unit 4 in the transport direction H1 along the transport surface 311. In this case, the liquid tank unit 5 is located below the transport member 31, downstream of the central portion 311A ​​of the transport surface 311 of the transport member 31 in the transport direction H1. Because the liquid tank unit 5 is located below the transport member 31, deposits A can be efficiently removed from the transport member 31.

[0029] A pair of guide rails 22 extending in the Y direction along the transport path 3R are assembled to a position below the transport member 31 on the apparatus frame 2. Each of the pair of guide rails 22 is positioned at a predetermined distance in the X direction. The liquid tank unit 5 is supported by the pair of guide rails 22 so as to be movable in the Y direction. This allows the liquid tank unit 5 to move along the transport path 3R along the transport surface 311 below the transport member 31. Specifically, the liquid tank unit 5 is movable between a first position below the transport member 31 and a second position below the transport member 31 and downstream of the transport direction H1 in the transport path 3R along the transport surface 311. When the liquid tank unit 5 is positioned at the first position below the transport member 31, the liquid tank unit 5 is capable of removing deposits A present on the transport member 31. On the other hand, when the liquid tank unit 5 is positioned at the second position downstream of the transport path 3R below the transport member 31, the liquid tank unit 5 is located outside the apparatus frame 2. In this case, the worker can easily perform maintenance work on the liquid tank unit 5.

[0030] The liquid tank unit 5 includes a liquid tank 51, a transfer member 52, and a blade 53.

[0031] The liquid tank 51 is located below the transport member 31 and is a tank capable of holding liquid L. The liquid L is, for example, water. The liquid tank 51 is located below the transport member 31 and downstream of the upstream end 4A of the transport direction H1 along the transport surface 311 of the printing unit 4. In this case, the liquid tank 51 is located below the transport member 31 and downstream of the central portion 311A ​​of the transport surface 311 of the transport member 31 in the transport direction H1. The liquid tank 51 has a liquid tank body 51A that is located within the installation area of ​​the transport member 31 when the transport member 31 is viewed from above. That is, as long as the liquid tank 51 has a liquid tank body 51A that is located within the installation area of ​​the transport member 31 when the transport member 31 is viewed from above, there may be a portion of the liquid tank 51 that is located outside the installation area of ​​the transport member 31. In this embodiment, the entire liquid tank 51 is located within the installation area of ​​the transport member 31 when the transport member 31 is viewed from above. The liquid tank 51 has a flat bottom wall 511 that extends in the X and Y directions, and a peripheral wall 512 that extends upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall 511. The liquid tank 51 is a box-shaped tank with its top open so that the bottom wall 511 faces the conveying member 31. The width dimension of the liquid tank 51 along the X direction is approximately the same as the width dimension of the conveying member 31 along the X direction.

[0032] A float sensor 54 is provided inside the liquid tank 51. The float sensor 54 is a sensor for detecting the height position of the liquid level LS of the liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51 from the bottom wall 511. The liquid tank 51 is capable of storing liquid L such that the liquid level LS of the liquid L is located within a range between a preset upper height position P1 and a lower height position P2.

[0033] A first flow path joint 5111 and a second flow path joint 5112 are connected to the bottom wall 511 of the liquid tank 51. The first connecting flow path section 71 of the connecting flow path member 7 in the recovery unit 6, described later, is connected to the first flow path joint 5111. The second connecting flow path section 72 of the connecting flow path member 7 in the recovery unit 6 is connected to the second flow path joint 5112. As shown in Figure 2, the upper end of the first flow path joint 5111 connected to the bottom wall 511 is located on the inner surface of the bottom wall 511. The upper end of the second flow path joint 5112 connected to the bottom wall 511 is located above the upper limit height position P1 of the liquid level LS of the liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51 from the bottom wall 511.

[0034] Furthermore, a third flow path joint 5113 is connected to the bottom wall 511 of the liquid tank 51. A liquid supply member 73 is connected to the third flow path joint 5113. The liquid supply member 73 is a member that forms a flow path for supplying liquid L to the liquid tank 51. The liquid supply member 73 is a flexible member. The liquid level LS of the liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51 drops due to evaporation of the liquid L. When the float sensor 54 detects that the liquid level LS of the liquid L in the liquid tank 51 has reached the lower limit height position P2, liquid L is supplied to the liquid tank 51 through the liquid supply member 73 so that the liquid level LS is located within the range between the upper limit height position P1 and the lower limit height position P2.

[0035] The transfer member 52 is a member capable of removing deposits A present on the transport member 31 by sending them to the liquid tank 51. In this embodiment, the transfer member 52 is located inside the liquid tank body 51A of the liquid tank 51, and is capable of sending deposits A present on the transport member 31 to the liquid tank 51 using the liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51. Because the transfer member 52 is located inside the liquid tank body 51A, it is located within the installation area of ​​the transport member 31 when viewed from above. In the example shown in Figure 2, two transfer members 52 are installed inside the liquid tank body 51A of the liquid tank 51. The transfer member 52 has a cylindrical shaft portion 521 extending in the X direction and a brush portion 522 extending radially from the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 521. The shaft portion 521 is rotatably supported on the peripheral wall 512 of the liquid tank 51. In the transfer member 52, the brush portion 522 is partially immersed in the liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51 and contacts the downward-facing non-transport surface 312 on the surface of the transport member 31. In this state, the brush portion 522 rotates around the shaft portion 521 in accordance with the rotation of the shaft portion 521, thereby enabling it to send the deposits A present on the transport member 31 to the liquid tank 51 using the liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51. The transfer member 52 can remove the deposits A present on the transport member 31 by sending them to the liquid tank 51, thereby cleaning the transport member 31.

[0036] The blade 53 is a plate-shaped rubber member extending in the X direction, attached to the peripheral wall 512 of the liquid tank 51 so as to contact the non-conveying surface 312 facing downward on the surface of the conveying member 31. In this embodiment, two blades 53 are attached to the peripheral wall 512. The blade 53 is capable of removing the liquid L remaining on the conveying member 31 after cleaning of the conveying member 31 by the transfer member 52, in accordance with the circumferential movement of the conveying member 31.

[0037] In the printing apparatus 1, deposits A on the transport member 31, such as pigment ink, pre-treatment liquid, post-treatment liquid, and fibers derived from media M, are sent to the liquid tank 51 by the transfer member 52. In this case, the liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51 contains deposits A. Deposits A include fibers derived from media M, pigment ink, pre-treatment liquid, and post-treatment liquid, as well as aggregates formed on the transport member 31 or in the liquid L. Aggregates are formed when the pigment ink and the pre-treatment liquid come into contact, causing a reaction and aggregation between the pigment contained in the pigment ink and the aggregate-forming components contained in the pre-treatment liquid. Aggregates are formed by the contact between the pigment ink used for image printing on media M and the pre-treatment liquid, even without the addition of a coagulant to the liquid L.

[0038] When a transport member 52, which is immersed in liquid L containing attached matter A such as fibers and aggregates derived from media M, comes into contact with a transport member 31, there is a risk that the attached matter A in liquid L will reattach to the transport member 31, making it impossible to accurately remove the attached matter A from the transport member 31. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 is equipped with a recovery unit 6.

[0039] The recovery unit 6 is a unit capable of recovering the deposits A contained in the liquid L that has flowed out of the liquid tank 51. The recovery unit 6 is located below the liquid tank 51. Specifically, the recovery unit 6 is positioned so as to face the bottom wall 511 of the liquid tank 51 from below. Below the liquid tank 51, the recovery unit 6 is located downstream of the upstream end 4A of the printing unit 4 in the transport direction H1 along the transport surface 311. In this case, below the liquid tank 51, the recovery unit 6 is located downstream of the central portion 311A ​​of the transport surface 311 of the transport member 31 in the transport direction H1.

[0040] The recovery unit 6 includes a circulation channel section 6A, a strainer 62, a filtration filter 63, and a pump 64.

[0041] The circulation channel section 6A forms a channel through which the liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51 circulates. The circulation channel section 6A includes a recovery channel member 61 and a connecting channel member 7.

[0042] The recovery channel member 61 is a channel member to which the strainer 62, filtration filter 63, and pump 64 are connected. The recovery channel member 61 is located below the liquid tank 51 and forms a channel through which the liquid L flowing out of the liquid tank 51 flows in the flow direction D1. The recovery channel member 61 is located below the liquid tank 51 and downstream of the upstream end 4A of the printing unit 4 in the transport direction H1 along the transport surface 311. In this case, the recovery channel member 61 is located below the liquid tank 51 and downstream of the central portion 311A ​​of the transport surface 311 of the transport member 31 in the transport direction H1.

[0043] The recovery channel member 61 is located within the installation area of ​​the liquid tank 51 when the liquid tank 51 is viewed from above. In this embodiment, the entire recovery channel member 61 is located within the installation area of ​​the liquid tank 51 when the liquid tank 51 is viewed from above.

[0044] The recovery channel member 61 extends linearly along the X direction, which is the width direction of the liquid tank 51, with the strainer 62, filtration filter 63, and pump 64 connected to it. The recovery channel member 61 is a rigid member capable of maintaining its linear extension. In this case, the flow direction D1 of the liquid L flowing through the recovery channel member 61 is a linear direction along the X direction. Because the recovery channel member 61 is a linearly extending member, the pressure loss when the liquid L flows through the recovery channel member 61 can be reduced compared to cases where the recovery channel member 61 is bent.

[0045] The connecting channel member 7 connects the recovery channel member 61 and the liquid tank 51, forming a circulation channel for the liquid L that passes through the liquid tank 51 and the recovery channel member 61. The connecting channel member 7 directly connects the liquid tank 51 and the recovery channel member 61. That is, the connecting channel member 7 directly connects the liquid tank 51 and the recovery channel member 61 without any storage section or other intervening between the liquid tank 51 and the recovery channel member 61 capable of storing liquid L. The connecting channel member 7 may have a curved portion when the liquid tank 51 and the recovery channel member 61 are directly connected. Also, when the connecting channel member 7 is directly connected to the liquid tank 51 and the recovery channel member 61, it may have a portion that is located outside the installation area of ​​the liquid tank 51 when viewed from above. The liquid L that flows out of the liquid tank 51 flows through the circulation channel section 6A, which includes the recovery channel member 61 and the connecting channel member 7, and is returned to the liquid tank 51. Since the recovery channel member 61 is located within the installation area below the liquid tank 51, and the connecting channel member 7 directly connects the liquid tank 51 and the recovery channel member 61, the length of the connecting channel member 7 can be made as short as possible. This reduces the pressure loss when the liquid L circulates through the liquid tank 51, the recovery channel member 61, and the connecting channel member 7.

[0046] Pump 64 is connected to the recovery channel member 61. Pump 64 is a circulation pump capable of circulating liquid L through the liquid tank 51, the recovery channel member 61, and the connecting channel member 7. Liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51 flows out of the liquid tank 51 when driven by pump 64, and is also circulated through the liquid tank 51, the recovery channel member 61, and the connecting channel member 7.

[0047] The recovery channel member 61 includes a first recovery channel section 611 and a second recovery channel section 612 located downstream of the first recovery channel section 611 in the flow direction D1 of the liquid L. The first recovery channel section 611 and the second recovery channel section 612 are located within the installation area of ​​the liquid tank 51 when viewed from above. Each of the first recovery channel section 611 and the second recovery channel section 612 extends linearly in the X direction, which is the width direction of the liquid tank 51. In this case, the flow direction D1 of the liquid L flowing through each of the first recovery channel section 611 and the second recovery channel section 612 is a linear direction along the X direction. The first recovery channel section 611 has a first upstream end 611A indicating the upstream end in the flow direction D1 and a first downstream end 611B indicating the downstream end opposite to the first upstream end 611A. Similarly, the second recovery channel section 612 has a second upstream end 612A that indicates the upstream end in the flow direction D1, and a second downstream end 612B that indicates the downstream end opposite to the second upstream end 612A.

[0048] Pump 64 is connected between the first downstream end 611B of the first recovery channel section 611 and the second upstream end 612A of the second recovery channel section 612. Specifically, pump 64 is connected to the first downstream end 611B of the first recovery channel section 611 via a first connecting member 641, and to the second upstream end 612A of the second recovery channel section 612 via a second connecting member 642. The first connecting member 641 is a flexible channel member that connects pump 64 and the first recovery channel section 611. Similarly, the second connecting member 642 is a flexible channel member that connects pump 64 and the second recovery channel section 612.

[0049] The connecting channel member 7 includes a first connecting channel section 71 and a second connecting channel section 72. The first connecting channel section 71 directly connects the first upstream end 611A of the first recovery channel section 611 to the first channel joint 5111 of the bottom wall 511 of the liquid tank 51. The second connecting channel section 72 directly connects the second downstream end 612B of the second recovery channel section 612 to the second channel joint 5112 of the bottom wall 511 of the liquid tank 51.

[0050] The liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51 flows through the first connecting channel section 71, which is connected to the first flow joint 5111 on the bottom wall 511, in response to the operation of the pump 64, and flows into the first recovery channel section 611 through the first upstream end 611A. Since the first connecting channel section 71 is connected to the first flow joint 5111 on the bottom wall 511, the liquid L, including deposits A that settle on the bottom wall 511, flows into the first recovery channel section 611.

[0051] The liquid L that flows into the first recovery channel section 611 flows in the flow direction D1 through the first recovery channel section 611 and is introduced to the pump 64 through the first downstream end 611B. The liquid L that has passed through the pump 64 flows into the second recovery channel section 612 through the second upstream end 612A. The liquid L that has flowed into the second recovery channel section 612 flows in the flow direction D1 through the second recovery channel section 612. The liquid L that has passed through the second recovery channel section 612 flows through the second connecting channel section 72 connected to the second flow joint 5112 of the bottom wall 511 and flows into the liquid tank 51 through the second flow joint 5112.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the first recovery channel section 611 and the second recovery channel section 612 extend linearly in the X direction, which is the width direction of the liquid tank 51, and are positioned apart from each other in a direction intersecting the X direction. The first downstream end 611B of the first recovery channel section 611, which is connected to the pump 64, is located downstream of the second upstream end 612A of the second recovery channel section 612 in the flow direction D1 of the liquid L. In this case, the distance along the flow direction D1 from the first upstream end 611A of the first recovery channel section 611 to the second downstream end 612B of the second recovery channel section 612 is shorter than in a structure where the first recovery channel section 611 and the second recovery channel section 612 are aligned in a straight line with the pump 64 in between. Therefore, the length of the first connecting channel 71 connecting the first upstream end 611A of the first recovery channel 611 to the liquid tank 51, and the length of the second connecting channel 72 connecting the second downstream end 612B of the second recovery channel 612 to the liquid tank 51, can be made shorter than in the case where the first recovery channel 611 and the second recovery channel 612 are aligned in a straight line. This reduces the pressure loss when the liquid L circulates through the liquid tank 51, the first connecting channel 71, the first recovery channel 611, the second recovery channel 612, and the second connecting channel 72.

[0053] As previously described, the liquid tank unit 5 is movably supported by a pair of guide rails 22 assembled to the apparatus frame 2. This allows the liquid tank unit 5 to move along the transport path 3R that runs along the transport surface 311 below the transport member 31, with the connecting flow path member 7 connecting the liquid tank 51 and the recovery flow path member 61. As shown in Figure 3, a first connecting member 221 extending in the X direction is fixed to the lower surface of the pair of guide rails 22. A second connecting member 222 extending in the X direction is fixed to the upstream end of the pair of guide rails 22 in the transport direction H1 along the transport path 3R. The first connecting member 221 and the second connecting member 222 are members that connect the pair of guide rails 22.

[0054] The recovery channel member 61, including the first recovery channel section 611 and the second recovery channel section 612, is fixed to a first connecting member 221 which is fixed to a pair of guide rails 22. In this case, while the liquid tank unit 5 is movable along the pair of guide rails 22, the movement of the recovery unit 6 is restricted because the recovery channel member 61 is fixed to the first connecting member 221. The recovery unit 6 may also be movable together with the liquid tank unit 5. Furthermore, the recovery unit 6 may be movable independently of the liquid tank unit 5, between a position below the liquid tank 51 and a position downstream of the liquid tank 51 in the transport direction H1 along the transport path 3R.

[0055] The connecting channel member 7, including the first connecting channel section 71 and the second connecting channel section 72, is a flexible member. The length of the connecting channel member 7 is set to a sufficiently long allowable length that allows movement of the liquid tank unit 5 while the movement of the recovery unit 6 is restricted. In this case, the connecting channel member 7 can deform in accordance with the movement of the liquid tank unit 5 along the transport path 3R while the liquid tank 51 and the recovery channel member 61 are directly connected. This allows the liquid tank unit 5 to move while the liquid tank 51 and the recovery channel member 61 are connected by the connecting channel member 7.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the first connecting channel section 71 is in contact with the second connecting member 222, which is fixed to a pair of guide rails 22, while connecting the first upstream end 611A of the first recovery channel section 611 to the first channel joint 5111 of the liquid tank 51. The portion of the first connecting channel section 71 that is in contact with the second connecting member 222 is fixed to the second connecting member 222 using a cable tie BM or the like. Similarly, the second connecting channel section 72 is in contact with the second connecting member 222 while connecting the second downstream end 612B of the second recovery channel section 612 to the second channel joint 5112 of the liquid tank 51. The portion of the second connecting channel section 72 that is in contact with the second connecting member 222 is fixed to the second connecting member 222 using a cable tie BM or the like.

[0057] The strainer 62 is connected to the recovery channel member 61. Specifically, the strainer 62 is connected to the first recovery channel section 611. A channel through which liquid L flows is formed inside the strainer 62. The strainer 62 is a recovery member that can recover fibers derived from media M from the deposits A contained in the liquid L flowing through the first recovery channel section 611 by filtration separation. The filtration accuracy of the strainer 62 is, for example, about 180 μm. Therefore, although the strainer 62 can filter and separate fibers from the deposits A in liquid L, it cannot separate aggregates with a volume median diameter smaller than the filtration accuracy. The volume median diameter of the aggregates in the deposits A is larger than the volume median diameter of the pigment particles and smaller than the fibers derived from media M. The volume median diameter of the aggregates has a wide distribution depending on the degree of reaction and aggregation between the pigment in the pigment ink and the aggregate-forming components in the pretreatment liquid, for example, between 20 μm and 50 μm.

[0058] The filtration filter 63 is connected to the recovery channel member 61. Specifically, the filtration filter 63 is connected to the second recovery channel section 612. A channel through which liquid L flows is formed inside the filtration filter 63. The filtration filter 63 is a recovery member that can recover aggregated deposits A contained in the liquid L flowing through the second recovery channel section 612 by filtering and separating them.

[0059] In this embodiment, the filtration filter 63 includes a first filter 631 and a second filter 632. The first filter 631 and the second filter 632 can be, for example, deep filtration type wound filters in which resin threads are wound around a core. The first filtration accuracy of the first filter 631 is set to approximately 50 μm, for example, near the upper limit of the distribution of the median volume diameter of the aggregates to be recovered. The second filtration accuracy of the second filter 632 is higher than the first filtration accuracy and is set to approximately 20 μm, for example, near the lower limit of the distribution of the median volume diameter of the aggregates to be recovered. By using two first filters 631 and second filters 632 with different filtration accuracies, it is possible to accurately recover aggregates among the deposits A contained in the liquid L, and filter clogging can be suppressed compared to using a single filter.

[0060] As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the deposits A contained in the liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51 are recovered by the strainer 62 and the filtration filter 63. This reduces the amount of deposits A present in the liquid L stored in the liquid tank 51. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the ability of the liquid L to remove deposits A from the transport member 31.

[0061] In particular, if the pigment contained in the pigment ink is contained in liquid L in the form of pigment particles, as mentioned above, the pigment particles are very small particles, making it difficult to separate them from liquid L. When separating pigment particles from liquid L, one possible method is to introduce the liquid L containing the pigment particles into a designated storage tank and add a flocculant to the storage tank to floccate the pigment particles. However, in this case, it is necessary to install a separate storage tank and flow path for adding the flocculant, which would necessitate a major redesign of the printing apparatus 1.

[0062] In contrast, the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment utilizes the reaction and aggregation of pigments in the pigment ink used for image printing on media M with aggregate-forming components in the pretreatment solution, and recovers the aggregates generated by this reaction and aggregation using a filtration filter 63. The filtration filter 63 can recover the aggregates more accurately compared to recovering them in the form of pigment particles.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a first pressure sensor 81, a second pressure sensor 82, and a third pressure sensor 83 are connected to the recovery channel member 61. The first pressure sensor 81 is connected to a portion of the first recovery channel section 611 upstream of the strainer 62 in the flow direction D1 of the liquid L. The first pressure sensor 81 is a sensor that detects the pressure of the liquid L flowing into the strainer 62. Based on the detection result of the first pressure sensor 81, the degree of clogging of the strainer 62 can be determined. The second pressure sensor 82 is connected to a portion of the second recovery channel section 612 upstream of the first filter 631 in the flow direction D1 of the liquid L. The second pressure sensor 82 is a sensor that detects the pressure of the liquid L flowing into the first filter 631. Based on the detection result of the second pressure sensor 82, the degree of clogging of the first filter 631 can be determined. The third pressure sensor 83 is connected to a portion of the second recovery channel section 612 upstream of the second filter 632 in the flow direction D1 of the liquid L. The third pressure sensor 83 is a sensor that detects the pressure of the liquid L flowing into the second filter 632. Based on the detection result of the third pressure sensor 83, the degree of clogging of the second filter 632 can be determined.

[0064] In the printing apparatus 1, maintenance work on the liquid tank unit 5 is necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the liquid tank unit 5 in removing deposits A from the transport member 31. Maintenance work on the liquid tank unit 5 includes cleaning the liquid tank 51 and the transport member 52. When maintenance work on the liquid tank unit 5 is performed, the liquid tank unit 5 is moved from a first position below the transport member 31 to a second position downstream of the transport member 31 in the transport direction H1 along the transport path 3R.

[0065] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1, maintenance work on the recovery unit 6 is necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the recovery unit 6 in collecting the adhering material A. Maintenance work on the recovery unit 6 includes clearing blockages in the strainer 62 and replacing the clogged first filter 631 and second filter 632.

[0066] As previously described, in the printing apparatus 1, the liquid tank unit 5 is located below the transport member 31, and the recovery unit 6 is located below the liquid tank 51 of the liquid tank unit 5. In particular, the liquid tank unit 5 has a liquid tank body 51A that is located within the installation area of ​​the transport member 31 when the transport member 31 is viewed from above, and the transport member 52 is located inside this liquid tank body 51A. In the recovery unit 6, the recovery channel member 61 of the circulation channel section 6A is located within the installation area of ​​the liquid tank 51 when the liquid tank 51 is viewed from above, and a strainer 62 and a filtration filter 63 are connected to this recovery channel member 61. In this case, each unit of the liquid tank unit 5 and the recovery unit 6 is installed in a concentrated state within the area below the transport member 31 without moving out of the area below the transport member 31. This makes it possible to improve the workability of maintenance work on each unit of the liquid tank unit 5 and the recovery unit 6.

[0067] In this embodiment, the liquid tank unit 5 is located below the transport member 31, downstream of the upstream end 4A in the transport direction H1 of the printing unit 4. The recovery unit 6 is located below the liquid tank 51, downstream of the upstream end 4A in the transport direction H1 of the printing unit 4. In this case, the liquid tank unit 5 and the recovery unit 6 are installed in a concentrated state below the transport member 31, within a region downstream of the central part 311A ​​in the transport direction H1 of the transport member 31. In this case, maintenance work can be performed by accessing the liquid tank unit 5 and the recovery unit 6 from a position downstream of the transport path 3R in the transport direction H1 from the transport member 31.

[0068] As shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus 1 further comprises a display unit 91 and a control unit 92. The display unit 91 is a display capable of displaying various types of information. The display of information on the display unit 91 is controlled by the control unit 92.

[0069] The control unit 92 is a personal computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), storage areas such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and flash memory for storing processing programs, and RAM (Random Access Memory) used as the CPU's workspace. The control unit 92 performs the process of printing an image onto media M based on the control of the transport unit 3 and the printing unit 4, by having the CPU execute the processing programs stored in the HDD and flash memory. The control unit 92 also performs the process of transferring the deposits A on the transport member 31 to the liquid tank 51 based on the control of the transport member 52 of the liquid tank unit 5. Furthermore, the control unit 92 performs the process of recovering the deposits A during the circulation of liquid L through the liquid tank 51, the recovery channel member 61, and the connecting channel member 7 based on the control of the pump 64 of the recovery unit 6.

[0070] The control unit 92 may monitor the detection results of the first pressure sensor 81, the second pressure sensor 82, and the third pressure sensor 83 when controlling the pump 64 of the recovery unit 6. If the detection results of the first pressure sensor 81, the second pressure sensor 82, and the third pressure sensor 83 exceed a predetermined threshold, the control unit 92 displays recovery maintenance information on the display unit 91, indicating that maintenance work should be performed on the recovery unit 6. The operator can perform maintenance work on the recovery unit 6 by confirming the recovery maintenance information displayed on the display unit 91. At this time, the operator accesses the recovery unit 6, which is located below the liquid tank 51, from a position downstream of the transport member 31 in the transport direction H1 along the transport path 3R.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 92 may periodically display liquid tank maintenance information on the display unit 91, indicating information that requires maintenance work to be performed on the liquid tank unit 5. By checking the liquid tank maintenance information displayed on the display unit 91, the operator can perform maintenance work on the liquid tank unit 5. At this time, the operator moves the liquid tank unit 5, which is located at a first position below the transport member 31, to a second position downstream of the transport member 31 in the transport direction H1 along the transport path 3R. As a result, the liquid tank unit 5 is pulled out to the outside of the device frame 2. The operator can then perform maintenance work on the liquid tank unit 5 in the state where it has been pulled out to the outside of the device frame 2.

[0072] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the following modified embodiments may be taken.

[0073] In a liquid tank unit 5 for removing deposits A from a transport member 31 having an adhesive layer formed on its surface, the liquid L, which is water stored in the liquid tank 51, may contain a surfactant. The surfactant has the function of enhancing the removal effect of deposits A from the transport member 31, particularly the removal of silicone oil from the post-treatment liquid. Such surfactants can be appropriately selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, etc., but nonionic surfactants can be particularly preferably selected. Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers.

[0074] In the liquid tank unit 5, as the brush portion 522 of the transfer member 52 rotates, foam is generated in the liquid L in the liquid tank 51 due to the foaming action of the surfactant. The amount of surfactant in the liquid L in the liquid tank 51 is set to a range that can prevent the foam generated in the liquid L from overflowing from the liquid tank 51. For example, the amount of surfactant can be set to 20 milliliters or less per 40 liters of liquid L. On the other hand, in order to maintain the cleaning effect, the amount of surfactant can be set to 0.02 milliliters or more per 40 liters of liquid L.

[0075] The surfactant contained in liquid L is adsorbed onto the silicone oil on the adhesive layer on the surface of the transport member 31, and the silicone oil is peeled off the transport member 31 and dispersed in liquid L. As a result, the liquid L containing the surfactant is more effective at removing silicone oil from the transport member 31.

[0076] Alternatively, the liquid tank unit 5 may be configured to remove deposits A on the transport member 31 using liquid L that has generated microbubbles. In this case, when supplying liquid L to the liquid tank 51 through the liquid supply member 73 connected to the bottom wall 511 of the liquid tank 51, liquid L that has generated microbubbles using a microbubble generator is supplied to the liquid tank 51. Alternatively, liquid L that has generated microbubbles using a microbubble generator may be sprayed onto the transport member 31.

[0077] Microbubbles are tiny bubbles with a diameter of approximately 1 μm to 100 μm. Because microbubbles have a negatively charged surface potential, they repel each other in liquid L. Therefore, there is no bonding between microbubbles in liquid L, and the decrease in bubble density is suppressed.

[0078] When the liquid L containing microbubbles comes into contact with the transport member 31, the negatively charged microbubbles capture the deposits A on the transport member 31, thereby detaching the deposits A from the transport member 31 and dispersing them into the liquid L. This enhances the removal effect of the liquid L containing microbubbles on the deposits A on the transport member 31. Furthermore, when the liquid L containing microbubbles is sprayed onto the transport member 31, the physical impact of the sprayed liquid L on the transport member 31 further enhances the removal effect of the deposits A on the transport member 31.

[0079] Furthermore, the inclusion of a surfactant in the liquid L and the generation of microbubbles may be used in combination. That is, microbubbles may be generated using a microbubble generator with a liquid L containing a surfactant. In this case, the synergistic effect of the surfactant and microbubbles further enhances the removal effect of the deposits A on the transport member 31. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 Printing device 3. Transport Unit 31 Conveying Member 4 Printing Units 5. Liquid Tank Unit 51 Liquid tank 52 Transfer member 6 Recovery Unit 6A Circulation channel section 61 Recovery channel component 611 First recovery channel section 612 Second Recovery Channel Section 62. Strainer (recovery component) 63 Filtration filter (recovery component) 7. Connecting channel member 71 First connecting channel section 72 Second connecting channel section

Claims

1. A transport member having a transport surface capable of supporting and transporting a printing medium, and capable of transporting the printing medium in the transport direction while in contact with the transport surface, A liquid tank unit having a liquid tank located below the transport member and capable of storing liquid, and a transfer member capable of sending deposits adhering to the transport surface to the liquid tank, The system comprises a circulation channel section located below the liquid tank, which forms a channel through which the liquid stored in the liquid tank circulates, and a recovery unit having a recovery member capable of recovering the deposits contained in the liquid flowing through the circulation channel section, The aforementioned circulation channel section is A recovery channel member that forms a channel through which the liquid flows when the recovery member is connected, The connecting channel member includes a first connecting channel section that connects the upstream end of the recovery channel member to the bottom wall of the liquid tank, and a second connecting channel section that connects the downstream end of the recovery channel member to the bottom wall of the liquid tank, A first flow joint to which the first connecting flow channel is connected and a second flow joint to which the second connecting flow channel is connected are connected to the bottom wall of the liquid tank. The upper end of the first flow path joint is located at the bottom wall, A printing apparatus in which the upper end of the second flow channel joint is located above the upper limit height position of the liquid surface of the liquid stored in the liquid tank from the bottom wall.

2. A transport member having a transport surface capable of supporting and transporting a printing medium, and capable of transporting the printing medium in the transport direction while in contact with the transport surface, A liquid tank unit having a liquid tank located below the transport member and capable of storing liquid, and a transfer member capable of sending deposits adhering to the transport surface to the liquid tank, The system comprises a circulation channel section located below the liquid tank, which forms a channel through which the liquid stored in the liquid tank circulates, and a recovery unit having a recovery member capable of recovering the deposits contained in the liquid flowing through the circulation channel section, The circulation channel section is located within the installation area of ​​the liquid tank when the liquid tank is viewed from above, and has a recovery channel member that extends linearly in the width direction of the liquid tank perpendicular to the transport direction when the recovery member is connected, forming a channel through which the liquid flows in the width direction.

3. The recovery channel member includes a first recovery channel section and a second recovery channel section located downstream of the first recovery channel section, The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first recovery channel and the second recovery channel are located within the installation area of ​​the liquid tank when the liquid tank is viewed from above.

4. The recovery member includes a first recovery member and a second recovery member, The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first recovery channel is connected to the first recovery channel and the second recovery channel is connected to the second recovery channel.

5. The recovery unit is connected between a first downstream end indicating the downstream end of the first recovery channel and a second upstream end indicating the upstream end of the second recovery channel, and has a pump capable of circulating the liquid through the liquid tank and the recovery channel member. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first downstream end of the first recovery channel is located downstream of the second upstream end of the second recovery channel.

6. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid tank unit is movable between a first position below the conveying member and a second position below the conveying member and downstream of the conveying member in the conveying direction.

7. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a guide rail below the transport member that supports the liquid tank unit so as to be movable in the transport direction.

8. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid stored in the liquid tank contains a surfactant that adsorbs to the deposits adhering to the transport surface.

9. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transfer member is capable of sending the deposits adhering to the transfer surface to the liquid tank using the liquid that generates microbubbles.

10. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid tank has a liquid tank body located within the installation area of ​​the conveying member when the conveying member is viewed from above.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the transfer member is located inside the liquid tank body.

12. The system further comprises a printing unit located above the transport member and capable of printing an image onto the printing medium on the transport surface, The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid tank unit is located downstream of the printing unit with respect to the upstream end in the transport direction.

13. The system further comprises a printing unit located above the transport member and capable of printing an image onto the printing medium on the transport surface, The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the recovery unit is located downstream of the printing unit with respect to the upstream end in the transport direction.

14. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid tank unit is located downstream of the central portion of the conveying surface of the conveying member in the conveying direction.

15. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the recovery unit is located downstream of the central portion of the conveying surface of the conveying member in the conveying direction.

16. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting channel member is a flexible member that can be deformed in accordance with the movement of the liquid tank unit.

17. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printing medium is a cloth member made of cloth fabric.

Images