Patent Description:
Printing apparatuses that performs printing by applying ink on a recording medium are known. A printing apparatus described in <CIT> includes an endless belt that transports a recording medium. The endless belt transports the recording medium in a transport direction. The printing apparatus performs printing on the recording medium by ejecting ink onto the recording medium on the endless belt. The printing apparatus includes a plurality of tensioners that sandwich the endless belt and the recording medium therebetween. Of the plurality of tensioners, one of the tensioners comes into contact with a printed surface.

When a member such as a tensioner comes into contact with the printed surface, image quality of a printed image may deteriorate due to the ink or the like adhering to the member.

<CIT> discloses a recording apparatus including a transport belt that transports a recording medium and a cleaning section that cleans the transport belt, in which the cleaning section has a spiral brush in which a hairlike contact section is spirally provided with respect to a rotation shaft.

A liquid ejecting device according to the invention is defined in claim <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic configuration of a printing system <NUM>. The printing system <NUM> includes a printer <NUM> and a drying device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a partial configuration of the drying device <NUM>. The printer <NUM> performs printing on a printing medium M by ejecting ink. The drying device <NUM> dries the printing medium M printed by the printer <NUM>. The printer <NUM> and the drying device <NUM> are configured as separate bodies. The printer <NUM> corresponds to an example of a liquid ejecting device. The printing medium M corresponds to an example of a medium.

A plurality of drawings including <FIG> are illustrated using an XYZ coordinate system. An X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are orthogonal to one another. The Z-axis is an axis perpendicular to an installation surface (not illustrated) of the printer <NUM>. The X-axis and the Y-axis are parallel to the installation surface. The X-axis is an axis along a direction in which a medium transporting belt <NUM> transports the printing medium M on a surface facing a printing unit <NUM>. The medium transporting belt <NUM> and the printing unit <NUM> will be described later. The Y-axis is an axis orthogonal to the direction in which the medium transporting belt <NUM> transports the printing medium M on the surface facing the printing unit <NUM>. A direction directed upward from the installation surface along the Z-axis is indicated as a + Z direction. A direction directed downward from the installation surface along the Z-axis is indicated as a - Z direction. The direction in which the medium transporting belt <NUM> transports the printing medium M is indicated as a + X direction. A direction opposite to the direction in which the medium transporting belt <NUM> transports the printing medium M is indicated as a - X direction. A direction directed from the rear to the front of the printer <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is indicated as a + Y direction. A direction directed from the front to the rear of the printer <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is indicated as a - Y direction. Note that the + X direction is an example of a first direction.

The printer <NUM> is an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink onto the printing medium M. The printer <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a supplying unit <NUM>, a transporting unit <NUM>, the printing unit <NUM>, a cleansing unit <NUM>, and a drying unit <NUM>. The ink corresponds to an example of a liquid.

The supply unit <NUM> holds a roll body R. The roll body R is a roll around which the printing medium M is wound. The supply unit <NUM> supplies the printing medium M wound around the roll body R to the transporting unit <NUM>. The supply unit <NUM> includes a feeding shaft <NUM>, a shaft support member <NUM>, and a tension adjustment mechanism <NUM>.

The feeding shaft <NUM> rotatably supports the roll body R. The feeding shaft <NUM> is rotated in a predetermined direction by a feeding shaft driving mechanism described later. The feeding shaft <NUM> rotates in the predetermined direction to feed the printing medium M wound around the roll body R to the transporting unit <NUM>. The feeding shaft <NUM> may support the roll body R via a roll core.

The shaft support member <NUM> rotatably supports the feeding shaft <NUM>. The shaft support member <NUM> supports both end portions of the feeding shaft <NUM>. The shaft support member <NUM> detachably supports the feeding shaft <NUM>. By configuring the feeding shaft <NUM> to be detachable, a user can supply the roll body R to the feeding shaft <NUM>.

The tension adjustment mechanism <NUM> adjusts the tension of the printing medium M fed from the roll body R. The tension adjustment mechanism <NUM> adjusts the transport speed and the like of the printing medium M, by adjusting the tension of the printing medium M. The tension adjustment mechanism <NUM> includes a contact member <NUM> and a tension spring <NUM>.

The contact member <NUM> comes into contact with the printing medium M between the roll body R supported by the feeding shaft <NUM> and the transporting unit <NUM>. The contact member <NUM> presses the printing medium M using a spring force of the tension spring <NUM>. The contact member <NUM> is constituted by a cylindrical rod, a roller, or the like. The contact member <NUM> may be rotated by the movement of the printing medium M.

The tension spring <NUM> presses the printing medium M via the contact member <NUM>. The tension spring <NUM> is attached to the contact member <NUM>. The tension spring <NUM> expands and contracts in accordance with the tension of the printing medium M. When the tension of the printing medium M is larger than a predetermined tension, the tension spring <NUM> contracts. When the tension of the printing medium M is smaller than the predetermined tension, the tension spring <NUM> expands. The tension of the printing medium M is adjusted by the expansion and contraction of the tension spring <NUM>.

The transporting unit <NUM> transports the printing medium M supplied by the supply unit <NUM>, to a position facing the printing unit <NUM>. The transporting unit <NUM> is provided at a position in the + X direction of the supply unit <NUM>. The transporting unit <NUM> includes a driving roller <NUM>, a driven roller <NUM>, a belt driving mechanism <NUM>, a pressing roller <NUM>, and the medium transporting belt <NUM>.

The driving roller <NUM> rotationally moves the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The driving roller <NUM> is configured to be rotatable. The medium transporting belt <NUM> is wound over the driving roller <NUM>. The driving roller <NUM> is rotated by a driving force from the belt driving mechanism <NUM>. The driving roller <NUM> is coupled to the belt driving mechanism <NUM>.

The medium transporting belt <NUM> is wound over the driven roller <NUM>. The driven roller <NUM> is rotatably supported. The driven roller <NUM> is rotated by the rotational movement of the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The medium transporting belt <NUM> is stretched by the driven roller <NUM> and the driving roller <NUM>. The driven roller <NUM> or the driving roller <NUM> applies a tension to the medium transporting belt <NUM> by a tension application mechanism (not illustrated).

The belt driving mechanism <NUM> generates a driving force for rotationally moving the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The belt driving mechanism <NUM> includes a driving source such as a motor, and a drive transmission mechanism. The driving source and the drive transmission mechanism are not illustrated in the drawings. The driving force generated by the driving source is transmitted to the driving roller <NUM> via the drive transmission mechanism. The driving roller <NUM> is rotated by the transmitted driving force. The medium transporting belt <NUM> is moved to rotate by the rotation of the driving roller <NUM>.

The belt driving mechanism <NUM> includes an encoder <NUM>. The encoder <NUM> detects the rotation amount, the rotation speed, or the like of the motor used as the driving source, or of the driving roller <NUM>. The belt driving mechanism <NUM> is controlled based on the rotation amount, the rotation speed, or the like detected by the encoder <NUM>.

The pressing roller <NUM> presses the printing medium M against the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The pressing roller <NUM> is provided at a position in the + Z direction of the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The pressing roller <NUM> presses the printing medium M transported from the supply unit <NUM> to the medium transporting belt <NUM>, onto the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The pressing roller <NUM> may be constituted by a rod or the like. The pressing roller <NUM> may reciprocate along the medium transporting belt <NUM> over a predetermined distance to press the printing medium M against the medium transporting belt <NUM>.

The medium transporting belt <NUM> transports the printing medium M. The medium transporting belt <NUM> can transport the printing medium M in the + X direction. The medium transporting belt <NUM> is provided in an endless manner. The medium transporting belt <NUM> transports the printing medium M having a printing surface S1 in the + X direction. The medium transporting belt <NUM> supports a back surface S2 of the printing medium M. The back surface S2 of the printing medium M is a surface opposite to the printing surface S1. The medium transporting belt <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM> and an adhesive layer <NUM>. The medium transporting belt <NUM> corresponds to an example of a transporting belt.

The substrate <NUM> is provided in an endless manner. The substrate <NUM> has a substrate front surface <NUM> and a substrate back surface <NUM>, which is a surface opposite to the substrate front surface <NUM>. The substrate front surface <NUM> is a surface that forms the outer circumferential surface of the substrate <NUM> when the medium transporting belt <NUM> is stretched by the driving roller <NUM> and the driven roller <NUM>. The substrate back surface <NUM> is a surface that forms the inner circumferential surface of the substrate <NUM> when the medium transporting belt <NUM> is stretched by the driving roller <NUM> and the driven roller <NUM>. The substrate back surface <NUM> comes into contact with the driving roller <NUM> and the driven roller <NUM>.

The adhesive layer <NUM> supports the printing medium M on the medium transporting belt <NUM> by adhering to the back surface S2 of the printing medium M. The adhesive layer <NUM> is provided on the substrate front surface <NUM>. The adhesive layer <NUM> has adhesiveness. The adhesive layer <NUM> contains an adhesive having adhesiveness. The adhesive is, for example, a hot-melt adhesive containing thermoplastic elastomer SIS as a main component. SIS is an abbreviation of styrene-isoprene block copolymer. Examples of the adhesive include "Polixresin", "Newdine", and "Aquadine" series manufactured by Yokohama Polymer Co. , "MC Polymer Series" manufactured by Murayama Chemical Laboratory Co. , "Unikensol RV-<NUM> (for screen printing)" manufactured by Union Chemical Industry Co. , "Plaster EH" manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co. , and "ATRASOL GP1 ((ATR code: ATR1717)" manufactured by ATR Chemicals. The adhesive layer <NUM> is formed by applying the adhesive onto the substrate front surface <NUM>. The adhesive layer <NUM> is formed over the entire circumference of the substrate front surface <NUM>. The adhesive force of the adhesive layer <NUM> decreases in accordance with usage conditions of the printer <NUM>, the passage of time, and the like. The adhesive layer <NUM> corresponds to an example of a support surface capable of supporting the printing medium M.

The adhesive layer <NUM> is pressed against the printing medium M supplied from the supply unit <NUM> by the pressing roller <NUM>. As a result of being pressed against the printing medium M by the pressing roller <NUM>, the adhesive layer <NUM> adheres to the back surface S2 of the printing medium M. The medium transporting belt <NUM> transports the printing medium M adhered to the adhesive layer <NUM> in the + X direction. The medium transporting belt <NUM> transports the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M adhered to the adhesive layer <NUM>, to the position facing the printing unit <NUM>.

The printing unit <NUM> performs the printing on the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M. The printing unit <NUM> performs the printing based on print data received from an external device or the like. The printing unit <NUM> can eject the ink onto the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M. The printing unit <NUM> performs the printing by ejecting the ink onto the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M transported by the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The printing unit <NUM> ejects the ink based on the print data. The printing unit <NUM> corresponds to an example of an ejecting unit. The printing surface S1 of the printing medium M corresponds to an example of a first surface of a medium. The printing unit <NUM> includes a printing head <NUM> and a carriage <NUM>. The printing unit <NUM> is supported by a support frame <NUM>.

The printing head <NUM> ejects the ink onto the printing medium M. The printing head <NUM> performs the printing by ejecting the ink onto the printing medium M. The printing head <NUM> is an inkjet head. The printing head <NUM> ejects one or more types of the ink. The printing head <NUM> is controlled by a printing control portion <NUM> described later.

The carriage <NUM> supports the printing head <NUM>, and moves the printing head <NUM> along the Y-axis. The carriage <NUM> moves in the + Y direction and the - Y direction along the Y-axis. The carriage <NUM> moves the printing head <NUM> in the + Y direction and the - Y direction along the Y-axis. When the carriage <NUM> is moving in the + Y direction or the - Y direction, the printing head <NUM> ejects the ink onto the printing medium M. The carriage <NUM> is driven by a printing unit driving mechanism <NUM> described later.

The support frame <NUM> supports the carriage <NUM> so that the carriage <NUM> is movable along the Y-axis. The support frame <NUM> may be constituted by a portion of a main body frame of the printer <NUM>. The support frame <NUM> may be constituted by a member supported by the main body frame.

The printing unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes the carriage <NUM>, but is not limited to this configuration. The printing unit <NUM> need not necessarily include the carriage <NUM>. As an example, when the printing head <NUM> is a line inkjet head including a nozzle row having a width equal to or greater than the width of the printing medium M along the Y-axis, the carriage <NUM> need not necessarily be used.

The cleansing unit <NUM> cleanses the adhesive layer <NUM>. The cleansing unit <NUM> is provided at a position in the - Z direction of the transporting unit <NUM>. The cleansing unit <NUM> faces the medium transporting belt <NUM> moving in the - X direction, at a position in the - Z direction of the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The cleansing unit <NUM> cleanses the medium transporting belt <NUM> from which the printing medium M printed by the printing unit <NUM> has been peeled off. The cleansing unit <NUM> includes a cleansing brush and a storage portion. The cleansing brush and the storage portion are not illustrated in the drawings.

The cleansing brush comes into contact with the adhesive layer <NUM>, and cleanses the adhesive layer <NUM>. The cleansing brush comes into contact with the medium transporting belt <NUM> from below the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The cleansing brush cleanses the adhesive layer <NUM> by coming into contact with the medium transporting belt <NUM> when the medium transporting belt <NUM> is rotationally moving. The cleansing brush removes the ink or the like adhering to the adhesive layer <NUM>.

The storage portion stores a cleansing liquid. The cleansing liquid is water, a water-soluble solvent such as an alcohol aqueous solution, or the like. The cleansing liquid may contain a surfactant, an anti-foaming agent, or the like. The cleansing brush supplies the cleansing liquid stored in the storage portion to the adhesive layer <NUM>, and cleanses the adhesive layer <NUM>. By using the cleansing liquid, the cleansing brush can more easily remove the ink adhering to the adhesive layer <NUM>.

The drying unit <NUM> dries the adhesive layer <NUM> to which the cleansing liquid has been applied. The drying unit <NUM> is provided at a position in the - Z direction of the transporting unit <NUM>. The drying unit <NUM> is provided at a position in the - X direction of the cleansing unit <NUM>. The drying unit <NUM> faces the medium transporting belt <NUM> cleansed by the cleansing unit <NUM>. As an example, the drying unit <NUM> includes a hot air blower that blows hot air against the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The hot air blower is not illustrated in the drawings. The hot air blower dries the adhesive layer <NUM> by blowing the hot air from below the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The hot air blower dries the adhesive layer <NUM> by blowing the hot air against the medium transporting belt <NUM> moving in the - X direction.

The regulating unit <NUM> regulates the position along the Z-axis of the printing medium M peeled off from the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The regulating unit <NUM> comes into contact with the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M, and regulates the movement of the printing medium M in the + Z direction. The regulating unit <NUM> is provided at a position between the transporting unit <NUM> and the drying device <NUM>. The printing medium M printed by the printing unit <NUM> moves from the transporting unit <NUM> to the drying device <NUM>. After being peeled off from the medium transporting belt <NUM>, the printing medium M moves to the drying device <NUM>. The regulating unit <NUM> regulates the movement in the + Z direction of the printing medium M peeled off from the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The regulating unit <NUM> includes a regulating member <NUM> and a cleaning unit <NUM>.

The regulating member <NUM> regulates the movement of the printing medium M in the + Z direction by coming into contact with the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M. When the regulating member <NUM> comes into contact with the printing surface S1, the regulating member <NUM> applies its own weight onto the printing medium M. The regulating member <NUM> regulates the movement of the printing medium M in the + Z direction by applying its own weight onto the printing medium M. The regulating member <NUM> may apply a load of a weight <NUM> described later onto the printing medium M. When the regulating member <NUM> is a roller member, the regulating member <NUM> is rotated by the movement of the printing medium M. The regulating member <NUM> may not come into contact with the printing medium M depending on a position at which the printing medium M is peeled off from the medium transporting belt <NUM>. Due to the adhesive force of the adhesive layer <NUM>, a peel-off position P at which the printing medium M is peeled off from the medium transporting belt <NUM> changes in the + Z direction or the - Z direction. When the peel-off position P is shifted further in the - Z direction than a predetermined position, the regulating member <NUM> does not come into contact with the printing medium M. The regulating member <NUM> corresponds to an example of a regulating unit.

The cleaning unit <NUM> cleans the regulating member <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> corresponds to an example of a cleaning unit. When the regulating member <NUM> comes into contact with the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M, the ink on the printing surface S1 may adhere to the regulating member <NUM>. When the ink adhering to the regulating member <NUM> re-adheres to the printing medium M, image quality of an image printed on the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M deteriorates. The cleaning unit <NUM> removes the ink adhering to the regulating member <NUM>. By the cleaning unit <NUM> removing the ink adhering to the regulating member <NUM>, the ink adhering to the regulating member <NUM> is less likely to re-adhere to the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M. The image quality of the image printed on the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M is less likely to deteriorate. The cleaning unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a cleaning roller <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> corresponds to an example of a cleaning member.

The cleaning roller <NUM> cleans the regulating member <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> comes into contact with the regulating member <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> removes the ink adhering to the regulating member <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> may be rotated by a regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM> described later. The outer circumferential surface of the cleaning roller <NUM> is constituted by cloth, sponge, or the like. The cleaning roller <NUM> may hold a cleaning liquid. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which the type of the cleaning roller <NUM> can be replaced with an optimum type, by the user, depending on the type of ink.

The drying device <NUM> dries the printing medium M printed by the printing unit <NUM>. The drying device <NUM> receives the printing medium M printed by the printer <NUM>, and transports the printing medium M to the interior thereof. The drying device <NUM> includes a drying belt <NUM>, a transporting roller <NUM>, a drying unit (not illustrated), and a medium sensor <NUM>. The drying device <NUM> is constituted by a housing different from that of the printer <NUM>.

The printing medium M fed out from the printer <NUM> is placed on the drying belt <NUM>. The drying belt <NUM> receives the printing medium M fed out from the printer <NUM>. The drying belt <NUM> transports the received printing medium M to the drying unit. The drying belt <NUM> is moved to rotate by a drying belt driving mechanism <NUM> described later.

The drying belt <NUM> is wound over the transporting roller <NUM>. The drying belt <NUM> is stretched by the transporting roller <NUM> and a stretching roller (not illustrated). The drying belt <NUM> may be stretched by the transporting roller <NUM> and two or more of the stretching rollers. The transporting roller <NUM> is provided at a position facing the printer <NUM>. Either the transporting roller <NUM> or the stretching roller is rotationally driven by the drying belt driving mechanism <NUM>. By the transporting roller <NUM> or the stretching roller being rotationally driven, the drying belt <NUM> is moved to rotate.

The drying unit dries the printing medium M printed by the printing unit <NUM>. The drying unit is constituted by an infrared heater, a hot air blowing device, an induction heater, or the like. The drying unit dries the printing medium M by heating the printing medium M transported by the drying belt <NUM>. The drying unit is disposed at a position in the - Z direction or at a position in the + X direction of the drying belt <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The medium sensor <NUM> detects the peel-off position P at which the printing medium M is peeled off from the medium transporting belt <NUM>, or a position of the printing medium M. The position of the printing medium M is a movement position of the printing medium M between the transporting unit <NUM> and the drying device <NUM>. The drying device <NUM> controls the medium transport speed by the drying belt <NUM>, based on a detection result of the medium sensor <NUM>. For example, when the peel-off position P is changed to a position further in the + Z direction than the predetermined position, the movement distance of the printing medium M between the transporting unit <NUM> and the drying device <NUM> becomes shorter than a predetermined distance. In this case, the drying device <NUM> causes the medium transport speed by the drying belt <NUM> to be slower than a predetermined speed. The drying device <NUM> performs control such that a movement time period of the printing medium M moving between the transporting unit <NUM> and the drying device <NUM> falls within a predetermined range.

In <FIG>, a height along the Z-axis at which the medium transporting belt <NUM> of the printer <NUM> supports the printing medium M is indicated as a first height H1. In <FIG>, a height along the Z-axis at which the printing medium M is placed on the drying belt <NUM> of the drying device <NUM> is indicated as a second height H2. The second height H2 may be higher than the first height H1. When the regulating unit <NUM> is not provided, there is a possibility that the printing medium M is peeled off from the adhesive layer <NUM> of the medium transporting belt <NUM> at the surface of the medium transporting belt <NUM> facing the printing unit <NUM>. If the printing medium M is peeled off at the surface of the medium transporting belt <NUM> facing the printing unit <NUM>, the printing medium M comes into contact with the printing head <NUM>. The regulating unit <NUM> can prevent the printing medium M from coming into contact with the printing head <NUM>.

The printer <NUM> includes the medium transporting belt <NUM> that includes the adhesive layer <NUM> capable of supporting the printing medium M and that can transport the printing medium M in the + X direction, the printing unit <NUM> that can eject the ink onto the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M transported by the medium transporting belt <NUM>, the regulating member <NUM> that comes into contact with the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M ejected with the ink by the printing unit <NUM> and that regulates the movement of the printing medium M in the + Z direction, and the cleaning unit <NUM> that cleans the regulating member <NUM>. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the image quality of the image printed on the printing medium M deteriorates as a result of the ink adhering to the regulating member <NUM> re-adhering to the printing medium M.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a support structure of the regulating member <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a regulating roller <NUM> as an example of the regulating member <NUM>. The regulating roller <NUM> is supported by a regulating member support portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the regulating roller <NUM> supported by the regulating member support portion <NUM>. The regulating roller <NUM> is a roller member. The regulating member support portion <NUM> includes a first support member 91a and a second support member 91b. The first support member 91a is disposed at a position in the + Y direction of the printer <NUM>. The second support member 91b is disposed at a position in the - Y direction of the printer <NUM>. The first support member 91a includes a first guide portion 92a. The second support member 91b includes a second guide portion 92b. The first guide portion 92a and the second guide portion 92b are guide portions <NUM> that guide movement of the regulating roller <NUM>. The first support member 91a and the second support member 91b correspond to an example of a support member.

The regulating member support portion <NUM> supports the regulating member <NUM> in a replaceable manner. The regulating member <NUM> regulates the movement of the printing medium M along the Z-axis by its own weight. The user can change a load applied to the printing medium M by installing the regulating member <NUM> having a different mass at the regulating member support portion <NUM>. As an example, the user replaces the regulating member <NUM> installed at the regulating member support portion <NUM> in accordance with the type of the printing medium M printed by the printer <NUM>. The user can install the regulating member <NUM> corresponding to the type of the printing medium M.

<FIG> illustrates a relationship between the transporting unit <NUM> and the regulating member support portion <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an X-Z cross section. <FIG> illustrates the transporting unit <NUM> and the regulating member support portion <NUM>. The transporting unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes the driving roller <NUM> and the medium transporting belt <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the second support member 91b as the regulating member support portion <NUM>. The second support member 91b supports the regulating roller <NUM>, which is an example of the regulating member <NUM>.

The regulating roller <NUM> is supported by the second support member 91b so as to be movable along the second guide portion 92b. The regulating roller <NUM> moves in the + Z direction or the - Z direction. The regulating roller <NUM> moves in the + Z direction or the - Z direction by the tension applied to the printing medium M and its own weight of the regulating roller <NUM>. The regulating roller <NUM> moves in the + Z direction or the - Z direction at the medium transport speed of the drying device <NUM>. As an example, when the drying device <NUM> transports the printing medium M at a speed faster than the transport speed of the printing medium M by the printer <NUM>, the regulating roller <NUM> moves in the + Z direction. The regulating roller <NUM> may be moved to a predetermined position by operation of the user.

<FIG> illustrates a case where the regulating roller <NUM> is positioned at an upper limit position of the second guide portion 92b. <FIG> illustrates an uppermost surface position P1 of the medium transporting belt <NUM> and a lower end position P2 of the regulating roller <NUM>. When the regulating roller <NUM> is positioned at the upper limit position of the second guide portion 92b, the lower end position P2 of the regulating roller <NUM> is below the uppermost surface position P1 of the medium transporting belt <NUM>. Since the restriction roller <NUM> is restricted from moving above the upper limit position, the printing medium M on the medium transporting belt <NUM> does not move above the lower end position P2 of the restriction roller <NUM>. The regulating roller <NUM> can prevent the printing medium M from being peeled off at the surface of the medium transporting belt <NUM> facing the printing unit <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a support structure of the regulating member <NUM> by the regulating member support portion <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate the regulating roller <NUM> as an example of the regulating member <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate the first support member 91a, which is a part of the regulating member support portion <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate the regulating roller <NUM>, the first support member 91a, and a regulating spring <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the support structure of the regulating member <NUM> by the regulating member support portion <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a front view in the + X direction. <FIG> illustrates the regulating roller <NUM>, the first support member 91a, the regulating spring <NUM>, a spring receiver <NUM>, and a retaining member <NUM>. Although <FIG> illustrates a support structure of the first support member 91a, which is a part of the regulating member support portion <NUM>, a support structure of the second support member 91b may be the same as the configuration of the first support member 91a illustrated in <FIG>.

The regulating roller <NUM>, which is an example of the regulating member <NUM>, includes a regulating roller shaft 73a. An end portion of the regulating roller shaft 73a is supported by the regulating member support portion <NUM>. The end portion of the regulating roller shaft 73a corresponds to an example of a shaft end portion. <FIG> illustrates a configuration in which the regulating roller shaft 73a is supported by the first support member 91a. The regulating roller <NUM> is rotatably supported by the regulating member support portion <NUM>. The regulating roller <NUM> is supported by the regulating member support portion <NUM> so as to be movable along the Y-axis. The Y-axis corresponds to an example of an axis intersecting the first direction and extending along the support surface. When the printing medium M moves in a skewed manner, the regulating roller <NUM> moves along the Y-axis following the skewed movement of the printing medium M. A shaft member (not illustrated), which regulates the movement of the regulating roller <NUM> along the Y-axis, may be provided. The rotation center of the regulating roller <NUM> substantially coincides with the geometric center of the shaft member. The shaft member supports the regulating roller <NUM> so that the regulating roller <NUM> is movable along the Y-axis. The regulating roller <NUM> can be rotated by the movement of the printing medium M, about the shaft member as the center of rotation. By the regulating roller <NUM> moving along the Y-axis following the movement of the printing medium M, it is possible to reduce rubbing of the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M by the regulating roller <NUM>. The regulating roller <NUM> can reduce the deterioration in the image quality of the image printed on the printing surface S1.

The regulating member <NUM> is movable along the Y-axis intersecting the X-axis and extending along the adhesive layer <NUM>.

The regulating member <NUM> can move along the Y-axis following the skewed movement of the printing medium M. The rubbing of the image caused by the skewed movement is unlikely to occur.

The regulating spring <NUM> presses the regulating roller <NUM> along the Y-axis. The regulating spring <NUM> is inserted into the regulating roller shaft 73a. The regulating spring <NUM> presses a regulating roller end surface 73b of the regulating roller <NUM> in the - Y direction along the Y-axis. The regulating roller end surface 73b is a surface that couples a regulating roller surface 73c, which comes into contact with the printing medium M, and the regulating roller shaft 73a. The regulating spring <NUM> presses the first support member 91a via the spring receiver <NUM>. The regulating spring <NUM> is provided at a position facing the first support member 91a. The regulating spring <NUM> is provided at a position between the regulating roller end surface 73b and the spring receiver <NUM>. When the regulating roller <NUM> moves in the + Y direction due to the skewed movement of the printing medium M, the regulating spring <NUM> presses the regulating roller <NUM> in the - Y direction. The regulating spring <NUM> presses the regulating roller <NUM> in the - Y direction to reduce an amount of movement of the regulating roller <NUM> when the regulating roller <NUM> moves in the + Y direction. The regulating spring <NUM> reduces the amount of movement when the printing medium M moves in a skewed manner. The restriction spring <NUM> corresponds to an example of an elastic member. Although <FIG> illustrates the regulating spring <NUM>, the configuration is not limited to this example. Instead of the regulating spring <NUM>, a member having an elastic function such as rubber may be provided.

The spring receiver <NUM> is pressed by the regulating spring <NUM>. The spring receiver <NUM> is in contact with one end portion of the regulating spring <NUM>. The spring receiver <NUM> is provided between the regulating spring <NUM> and the first support member 91a. The spring receiver <NUM> need not necessarily be provided. When the spring receiver <NUM> is not provided, the regulating spring <NUM> is in contact with the first support member 91a and presses the first support member 91a.

The retaining member <NUM> prevents the regulating roller shaft 73a from coming off from the first support member 91a. When the regulating roller <NUM> moves in the - Y direction, the retaining member <NUM> prevents the regulating roller <NUM> from coming off from the first support member 91a. Note that the retaining member <NUM> need not necessarily be provided. In this case, it is sufficient that the dimension of the regulating roller shaft 73a in the Y direction be adjusted to a dimension with which the regulating roller <NUM> does not come off from the first support member 91a when the regulating roller <NUM> moves in the - Y direction.

<FIG> illustrates the support structure of the regulating member <NUM> by the regulating member support portion <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a surface of the first support member 91a in the - Y direction. <FIG> illustrates the first guide portion 92a provided at the first support member 91a. Although <FIG> illustrates the support structure of the first support member 91a, which is a part of the regulating member support portion <NUM>, the support structure of the second support member 91b may be the same as the configuration of the first support member 91a illustrated in <FIG>.

The regulating roller <NUM>, which is an example of the regulating member <NUM>, is supported so as to be movable along the first guide portion 92a. The spring receiver <NUM> is supported by the regulating roller shaft 73a of the regulating roller <NUM>. When the regulating roller <NUM> moves along the first guide portion 92a, the spring receiver <NUM> moves along the first guide portion 92a following the movement of the regulating roller <NUM>. When moving along the first guide portion 92a, the spring receiver <NUM> comes into contact with the first support member 91a and receives the pressing force of the regulating spring <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the support structure of the regulating member <NUM> by the regulating member support portion <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a surface of the first support member 91a in the + Y direction. <FIG> illustrates the first guide portion 92a provided at the first support member 91a. Although <FIG> illustrates the support structure of the first support member 91a, which is a part of the regulating member support portion <NUM>, the support structure of the second support member 91b may be the same as the configuration of the first support member 91a illustrated in <FIG>.

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 in the + Z direction or the - Z direction along the first guide portion 92a.

The printer <NUM> includes the first support member 91a that supports the regulating roller shaft 73a of the regulating roller <NUM>, and the regulating spring <NUM> that faces the first support member 91a and presses the regulating spring <NUM> along the Y-axis.

Since the regulation spring <NUM> presses the regulating roller <NUM>, it is possible to reduce the movement of the regulating roller <NUM> along the Y-axis caused by the skewed movement of the printing medium M.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing system <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the printing system <NUM> that couples the printer <NUM> and the drying device <NUM> such that the printer <NUM> and the drying device <NUM> can communicate with each other. The printer <NUM> and the drying device <NUM> need not necessarily be communicatively coupled to each other. The printer <NUM> and the drying device <NUM> may be individually controlled by the user.

The printer <NUM> includes a paper feed driving mechanism <NUM>, the belt driving mechanism <NUM>, the printing unit driving mechanism <NUM>, a regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM>, a printer communication interface <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>. In <FIG>, interface is abbreviated as I/F. The printer <NUM> may include a cleansing unit driving mechanism that drives the cleansing unit <NUM>. The cleansing unit driving mechanism and the like are not illustrated in the drawings.

The paper feed driving mechanism <NUM> drives the supply unit <NUM>. The paper feed driving mechanism <NUM> includes a feeding shaft driving mechanism (not illustrated) and the tension adjustment mechanism <NUM>. The paper feed driving mechanism <NUM> feeds the printing medium M to the transporting unit <NUM> based on a detection result of a tension detection mechanism (not illustrated). The tension detection mechanism detects the tension of the printing medium M between the roll body R and the transporting unit <NUM>.

The feeding shaft driving mechanism rotates the feeding shaft <NUM> in a predetermined direction. The feeding shaft driving mechanism feeds the printing medium M from the roll body R by rotating the feeding shaft <NUM>. The feeding shaft driving mechanism adjusts the rotation speed of the feeding shaft <NUM> based on the detection result of the tension detecting mechanism.

The paper feed driving mechanism <NUM> feeds the printing medium M to the transporting unit <NUM> at a predetermined transport speed using the feeding shaft driving mechanism and the tension adjustment mechanism <NUM>. The paper feed driving mechanism <NUM> adjusts the transport speed of the printing medium M based on the detection result of the tension detection mechanism.

The printing unit driving mechanism <NUM> drives the printing unit <NUM>. The printing unit driving mechanism <NUM> drives the printing head <NUM> and the carriage <NUM>. The printing unit driving mechanism <NUM> drives the printing head <NUM> to eject the ink onto the printing medium M. The printing unit driving mechanism <NUM> moves the carriage <NUM> along the Y-axis. The printing unit driving mechanism <NUM> causes the printing head <NUM> to eject the ink while moving the carriage <NUM>. The printing unit driving mechanism <NUM> causes the printing unit <NUM> to eject the ink to perform the printing on the printing medium M.

The regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM> drives the regulating unit <NUM>. The regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM> drives the regulating member <NUM>. The regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM> drives the cleaning unit <NUM>. The operation of the regulating unit <NUM> by the regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM> will be described later. The regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM> corresponds to an example of a driving unit.

The printer communication interface <NUM> is communicatively coupled to an external device such as the drying device <NUM>. The printer communication interface <NUM> is coupled to the external apparatus in a wired or wireless manner in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The printer communication interface <NUM> receives the print data, print setting conditions, a program, and the like from the external device. The printer communication interface <NUM> transmits the print setting conditions, a print result, and the like of the printer <NUM> to the external device. The printer communication interface <NUM> receives drying conditions such as the medium transport speed transmitted from the drying device <NUM>. The printer communication interface <NUM> transmits the received drying conditions to the control unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> is a controller that controls each unit of the printer <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> includes a control processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and the like. The control unit <NUM> operates as a functional unit by executing a program by the control processor. The RAM and the ROM function as a work area. The control unit <NUM> corresponds to an example of a control unit. The control unit <NUM> controls driving of each of the driving mechanisms based on detection results detected by various sensors.

The control unit <NUM> includes a printer storage portion <NUM>. The printer storage portion <NUM> stores various programs such as a control program that operates in the control unit <NUM>, and various data. The printer storage portion <NUM> stores various types of data such as the print data. The RAM and the ROM may operate as the printer storage portion <NUM>. The printer storage portion <NUM> may include a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, or the like.

The control unit <NUM> functions as a supply control portion <NUM>, a transport control portion <NUM>, a printing control portion <NUM>, and a regulation control portion <NUM> by executing a control program. The supply control portion <NUM>, the transport control portion <NUM>, the printing control portion <NUM>, and the regulation control portion <NUM> are functional units. The control unit <NUM> functions as the functional units to control operations of various units. The control unit <NUM> controls the operations of various units based on detection results of various sensors such as the encoder <NUM>.

The supply control portion <NUM> controls the supply of the printing medium M by the supply unit <NUM>. The supply control portion <NUM> controls the supply of the printing medium M by the paper feed driving mechanism <NUM>. The supply control portion <NUM> controls the feeding amount of the printing medium M from the roll body R by the feeding shaft driving mechanism, based on the detection result of the tension detection mechanism. The supply control portion <NUM> adjusts the transport speed of the printing medium M by controlling the tension applied to the printing medium M using the tension adjustment mechanism <NUM>.

The transport control portion <NUM> controls the transport of the printing medium M by the transporting unit <NUM>. The conveyance control unit <NUM> controls the moving speed of the medium transporting belt <NUM> at a time when the medium transporting belt <NUM> is moved by the belt driving mechanism <NUM>. The transport control portion <NUM> controls the transport speed of the printing medium M transported by the medium transporting belt <NUM>. The transport control portion <NUM> controls the transport speed of the printing medium M based on a detection result detected by the encoder <NUM>.

The printing control portion <NUM> controls the ejection of the ink by the printing unit <NUM>. The printing control portion <NUM> controls the ejection of the ink to perform the printing on the printing medium M. The printing control portion <NUM> controls the ejection of the ink based on the print data. The printing control portion <NUM> controls driving of the printing unit driving mechanism <NUM>. The printing control portion <NUM> controls an ejection amount and an ejection position of the ink to be ejected from the printing head <NUM>, which is operated by the printing unit driving mechanism <NUM>. The printing control portion <NUM> controls the movement position along the Y-axis of the carriage <NUM> that is moved by the printing unit driving mechanism <NUM>, and the like.

The printing control portion <NUM> may calculate the ejection amount of the ink to be ejected onto the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M, based on the print data. The printing control portion <NUM> analyzes the print data acquired from the external device or the like. The printing control portion <NUM> calculates the ejection amount of the ink to be ejected onto the printing surface S1 by analyzing the print data. The ejection amount of the ink is, for example, an ejection amount of ink per unit length of the printing medium M. The unit length of the printing medium M is a predetermined length of the printing medium M along the X-axis. The ejection amount of the ink may be an ejection amount of ink ejected per unit area of the printing surface S1, or the like. The printing control portion <NUM> calculates the ejection amount of the ink, and stores it in the printer storage portion <NUM>. The ejection amount of the ink corresponds to an example of an ejection amount.

The regulation control portion <NUM> controls various operations of the regulating unit <NUM>. The regulation control portion <NUM> controls operations of the regulating member <NUM> and the cleaning unit <NUM> included in the regulating unit <NUM>. The regulation control portion <NUM> controls operations of various members included in the cleaning unit <NUM>. When the cleaning unit <NUM> includes the cleaning roller <NUM>, the regulation control portion <NUM> controls rotation, movement, and the like of the cleaning roller <NUM>. The regulation control portion <NUM> controls various driving operations by the regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM>. The regulation control portion <NUM> corresponds to an example of the control unit.

The drying device <NUM> includes the drying belt driving mechanism <NUM>, the medium sensor <NUM>, a drying device communication interface <NUM>, and a drying control portion <NUM>. The drying device <NUM> includes a heating mechanism that heats the drying unit, a winding driving mechanism that drives a winding unit that takes up the medium, and the like. The heating mechanism and the winding driving mechanism are not illustrated in the drawings.

The drying belt driving mechanism <NUM> rotationally moves the drying belt <NUM>. The drying belt driving mechanism <NUM> rotates the transporting roller <NUM> or the stretching roller, to rotationally move the drying belt <NUM>.

The drying device communication interface <NUM> is communicatively coupled to a peripheral device such as the printer <NUM>. The drying device communication interface <NUM> is coupled to the peripheral device in a wired or wireless manner in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The drying device communication interface <NUM> receives information regarding the type of the printing medium M, a program, and the like from the peripheral device. The drying device communication interface <NUM> transmits the drying conditions such as the medium transport speed to the peripheral device.

The drying control portion <NUM> is a device control portion that controls each unit of the drying device <NUM>. The drying control portion <NUM> includes a device control processor such as a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The drying control portion <NUM> operates as a functional unit by executing a program by the device control processor. The RAM and the ROM function as a work area.

The drying control portion <NUM> includes a device storage portion <NUM>. The device storage portion <NUM> stores various programs such as a control program that operates in the drying control portion <NUM>, and various data. The device storage portion <NUM> stores various types of data such as the drying conditions. The RAM and the ROM included in the drying control portion <NUM> may operate as the device storage portion <NUM>. The device storage portion <NUM> may include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

The drying control portion <NUM> functions as a drying control portion <NUM> by executing the control program. The drying control portion <NUM> is a functional unit. The drying control portion <NUM> functions as the functional unit to control operations of various units. The drying control portion <NUM> controls the operations of various units based on detection results of various sensors such as the medium sensor <NUM>.

The drying control portion <NUM> controls driving of the drying belt driving mechanism <NUM>. The drying control portion <NUM> controls the medium transport speed of the printing medium M at a time when the printing medium M is transported by the drying belt driving mechanism <NUM>. The drying control portion <NUM> controls the medium transport speed based on the detection result of the medium sensor <NUM>. The drying control portion <NUM> calculates a speed difference between the transport speed of the printer <NUM> and the medium transport speed of the drying device <NUM> based on the detection result of the medium sensor <NUM>. The transport speed of the printer <NUM> is the transport speed of the printing medium M by the transporting unit <NUM>. The medium transport speed of the drying device <NUM> is the medium transport speed of the printing medium M by the drying belt <NUM>. The drying control portion <NUM> controls the medium transport speed by the drying belt <NUM> so that the speed difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic configuration of the regulating unit <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a first configuration example of the regulating unit <NUM>. The regulating member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes the cleaning roller <NUM> and an application member <NUM>.

The regulating roller <NUM> comes into contact with the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M at the regulating roller surface 73c. The regulating roller <NUM> is rotated by the movement of the printing medium M. The regulating roller <NUM> 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 <NUM> moves in the + Z direction or the - Z direction along the guide portion <NUM> provided at the regulating member support portion <NUM>.

The cleaning roller <NUM> cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> comes into contact with the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>, and applies the cleaning liquid to the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> is rotated by the rotation of the regulating roller <NUM>. By the cleaning roller <NUM> being rotated by the rotation of the regulating roller <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM> cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> corresponds to an example of the cleaning member.

The regulating roller <NUM> and the cleaning roller <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are unitized. The cleaning roller <NUM> moves in the + Z direction or the - Z direction integrally with the regulating roller <NUM> in accordance with the movement of the regulating roller <NUM> along the guide portion <NUM>. When the regulating roller <NUM> is positioned at the upper limit position of the guide portion <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM> faces the application member <NUM>.

The application member <NUM> applies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller <NUM>. The cleaning liquid is water, a water-soluble solvent such as an alcohol aqueous solution, or the like. The cleaning liquid may contain a surfactant, an anti-foaming agent, or the like. The cleaning liquid may be the same as the cleansing liquid used in the cleansing unit <NUM>. The application member <NUM> supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller <NUM> by spraying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller <NUM>. The application member <NUM> applies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller <NUM> when the cleaning roller <NUM> has moved up to a position facing the application member <NUM>. The application member <NUM> is fixed to the printer <NUM>.

The printer <NUM> may include a storage unit (not illustrated) that stores the cleaning liquid. The printer <NUM> may include a plurality of the storage units. In this case, the printer <NUM> may include a plurality of the application members <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of storage units. Each of the plurality of application members <NUM> is directly or indirectly coupled to each of the plurality of storage units such that the cleaning liquid can flow therethrough When each of the plurality of application members <NUM> is indirectly coupled to each of the plurality of storage units, a known member such as a tube or a valve may be used for the coupling. In addition, the plurality of storage units may store different types of the cleaning liquid, respectively. In this way, the different types of the cleaning liquid can be sprayed from the plurality of application members <NUM> to the cleaning roller <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may further include an application control unit as a functional unit. The application control unit controls the operation of the application member <NUM>. The application control unit may change the type of the cleaning liquid applied to the cleaning roller <NUM> based on the type of the ink. Specifically, the application control unit controls turning on/off of the application member <NUM> as an example of the operation of the application member <NUM>, or controls opening and closing of a valve, thereby selecting, in accordance with the type of the ink, the application member <NUM> capable of spraying the optimum cleaning liquid among the plurality of application members <NUM>. For example, when the type of the ink is pigment, the application member <NUM> capable of spraying the alcohol aqueous solution is operated among the plurality of application members <NUM>, and when the type of the ink is dye, the application member <NUM> capable of spraying water is operated among the plurality of application members <NUM>. The type of ink may be input by the user via a touch panel (not illustrated) electrically coupled to the control unit <NUM>, for example. The touch panel is an example of an operation unit that can be operated by the user.

Note that the printer <NUM> may include the single application member <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of storage units. In this case, for example, a plurality of electromagnetic valves may be provided in a plurality of flow paths, of the cleaning liquid, from the plurality of storage units to the single application member <NUM>, and the application control unit may switch the plurality of electromagnetic valves so that the selected cleaning liquid is supplied to the single application member <NUM>.

The regulating member <NUM> is the regulating roller <NUM> that has the regulating roller surface 73c that comes into contact with the printing surface S1 and follows the movement of the printing medium M, and the cleaning unit <NUM> includes the cleaning roller <NUM> that cleans the regulating roller surface 73c by coming into contact with the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>.

The cleaning roller <NUM> can clean the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> when the regulating roller <NUM> regulates the movement position of the printing medium M.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a schematic configuration of the regulating unit <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a second configuration example of the regulating unit <NUM>. The regulating member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> includes the application member <NUM> and a cleaning brush <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the cleaning brush <NUM> is in contact with the regulating roller <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a relationship between the regulating roller <NUM>, the cleaning brush <NUM>, and the application member <NUM>.

The regulating roller <NUM> comes into contact with the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M at the regulating roller surface 73c. The regulating roller <NUM> is rotated by the movement of the printing medium M. The regulating roller <NUM> moves in the + Z direction or the - Z direction along the guide portion <NUM> provided at the regulating member support portion <NUM>.

The cleaning brush <NUM> cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning brush <NUM> comes into contact with the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> and applies the cleaning liquid thereto. The cleaning brush <NUM> is rotated by the regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM>. When the cleaning brush <NUM> is located at a position in contact with the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>, the cleaning brush <NUM> can be rotated by the regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM>. The regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM> rotationally drives the cleaning brush <NUM>. The cleaning brush <NUM> clean the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> by rotating in a predetermined direction. The cleaning brush <NUM> corresponds to an example of the cleaning member. The regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM> corresponds to an example of a driving unit.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the cleaning brush <NUM> is moving away from the regulating roller <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a relationship between the regulating roller <NUM>, the cleaning brush <NUM>, and the application member <NUM>.

The application member <NUM> applies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning brush <NUM>. The application member <NUM> supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning brush <NUM> by spraying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning brush <NUM>. The application member <NUM> is fixed to the printer <NUM>.

The cleaning brush <NUM> is configured to be movable along the Z-axis. The cleaning brush <NUM> is moved in the + Z direction or the - Z direction by the regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM>. The cleaning brush <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is moving in the + Z direction. The cleaning brush <NUM> faces the application member <NUM> by moving in the + Z direction. When the cleaning brush <NUM> moves to a position facing the application member <NUM>, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the application member <NUM> to the cleaning brush <NUM>.

The printer <NUM> includes the regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM> that rotationally drives the cleaning brush <NUM>, and the cleaning brush <NUM> rotationally driven by the regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM> cleans the regulating roller surface 73c by coming into contact with the regulating roller surface 73c. The cleaning performance of the cleaning brush <NUM> with respect to the regulating roller <NUM> is improved as a result of the cleaning brush <NUM> being rotationally driven.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic configuration of the regulating unit <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a third configuration example of the regulating unit <NUM>. The regulating member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes the cleaning roller <NUM> and the application member <NUM>.

The cleaning roller <NUM> cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> comes into contact with the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>, and applies the cleaning liquid thereto. The cleaning roller <NUM> is rotationally driven by the regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> by rotating in a predetermined direction.

The application member <NUM> applies the cleaning liquid to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>. The application member <NUM> supplies the cleaning liquid to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> by spraying the cleaning liquid to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>.

The regulating roller <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM>, and the application member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are unitized. The cleaning roller <NUM> and the application member <NUM> move in the + Z direction or the - Z direction integrally with the regulating roller <NUM>, in accordance with the movement of the regulating roller <NUM> along the guide portion <NUM>. The regulating roller <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM>, and the application member <NUM> may be integrally configured so as be detachable from the printer <NUM>.

With the regulation unit driving mechanism <NUM>, the rotational driving of the cleaning roller <NUM> may be adjusted by the regulation control portion <NUM>. As an example, the regulation control portion <NUM> adjusts the number of rotations of the cleaning roller <NUM>. The number of rotations of the cleaning roller <NUM> is the number of rotations per unit time. The regulation control portion <NUM> reads the ejection amount of the ink stored in the printer storage portion <NUM>. The regulation control portion <NUM> adjusts the number of rotations of the cleaning roller <NUM> based on the read ejection amount of the ink.

As an example, when the read ejection amount of the ink is larger than a predetermined reference ink amount, the regulation control portion <NUM> increases the number of rotations of the cleaning roller <NUM>. When the ejection amount of the ink is larger than the reference ink amount, an amount of the ink adhering to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> tends to increase. The regulation control portion <NUM> reduces the amount of the ink adhering to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> by increasing the number of rotations of the cleaning roller <NUM>. The deterioration in the image quality due to an increase in the amount of the adhering ink is suppressed. When the read ejection amount of the ink is smaller than the predetermined reference ink amount, the number of rotations of the cleaning roller <NUM> is decreased. When the ejection amount of the ink is smaller than the reference ink amount, the amount of the ink adhering to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> tends to decrease. When the amount of the ink adhering to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> is reduced, the cleaning roller <NUM> becomes a rotational resistance with respect to the regulating roller <NUM>. When the cleaning roller <NUM> and the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> slide against each other, due to the rotational resistance, it becomes difficult for the regulating roller <NUM> to be smoothly rotated by the movement of the printing medium M. As a result, there is a possibility that the regulating roller <NUM> slides against the printing surface S1 and the image quality deteriorates. The regulation control portion <NUM> maintains the amount of the ink adhering to the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM> by reducing the number of rotations of the cleaning roller <NUM>. The deterioration in the image quality of the image printed on the printing surface S1 of the printing medium M is suppressed.

The printer <NUM> includes the regulation control portion <NUM> that controls the regulation unit driving mechanism <NUM>, and the regulation control portion <NUM> adjusts the number of rotations of the cleaning roller <NUM> based on the ejection amount of the ink to be ejected from the printing unit <NUM>.

By adjusting the number of rotations of the cleaning roller <NUM> in accordance with the ejection amount of the ink, the deterioration in the image quality of the image printed on the printing medium M is suppressed.

Note that the regulation control portion <NUM> may adjust the number of rotations of the cleaning roller <NUM> based on the type of the ink to be ejected from the printing unit <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a schematic configuration of the regulating unit <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a fourth configuration example of the regulating unit <NUM>. The regulating member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> includes the cleaning roller <NUM> and the application member <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> and the application member <NUM> are integrally configured.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the cleaning unit <NUM> is in contact with the regulating roller <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a relationship between the regulating roller <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM>, and the application member <NUM>.

The cleaning roller <NUM> cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> comes into contact with the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>, and applies the cleaning liquid thereto. The cleaning roller <NUM> is rotated by the rotation of the regulating roller <NUM>. By the cleaning roller <NUM> being rotated by the rotation of the regulating roller <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM> cleans the regulating roller surface 73c of the regulating roller <NUM>.

The application member <NUM> applies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller <NUM>. The application member <NUM> supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller <NUM> by spraying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the cleaning unit <NUM> is moving away from the regulating roller <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a relationship between the regulating roller <NUM>, and the cleaning unit <NUM> including the cleaning roller <NUM> and the application member <NUM>.

The cleaning unit <NUM> is configured to be movable along the Z-axis. The cleaning unit <NUM> is moved in the + Z direction or the - Z direction by the regulating unit driving mechanism <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is moving in the + Z direction. When the cleaning unit <NUM> moves in the + Z direction, the cleaning roller <NUM> moves away from the regulating roller <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> and the application member <NUM> integrally move along the Z-axis. The cleaning unit <NUM> may be unitized so as to detachable from the printer <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate the regulating roller <NUM> as the regulating member <NUM>, but the regulating member <NUM> is not limited to this example. The regulating member <NUM> may be constituted by a fixing rod or the like. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate the cleaning roller <NUM> or the cleaning brush <NUM> in contact with the regulating roller <NUM>, but the configuration is not limited to these examples. The cleaning unit <NUM> may include an air brush or the like that blows air against the regulating member <NUM>. The air brush cleans the regulating member <NUM> in a non-contact state with respect to the regulating member <NUM>.

A load may be applied to the restricting member <NUM> by the weight <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a configuration in which the weight <NUM> applies a load to the regulating member <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a peripheral configuration of the regulating roller shaft 73a of the regulating roller <NUM>, which is an example of the regulating member <NUM>. Although <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a peripheral configuration of the first support member 91a, a peripheral configuration of the second support member 91b may be the configuration illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a support structure of the regulating member <NUM> including the weight <NUM>. The weight <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is provided at a shaft end portion of the regulating roller shaft 73a. <FIG> illustrates the weight <NUM> and a shaft <NUM> as members added to the regulating roller shaft 73a.

The weight <NUM> applies a load to the regulating roller <NUM>. When the regulating roller <NUM> comes into contact with the printing medium M, the regulating roller <NUM> applies its own weight to the printing medium M. The weight <NUM> applies a load to the printing medium M to which the regulating roller <NUM> applies its own weight. The weight <NUM> applies a load to the printing medium M. The weight <NUM> is constituted by a plurality of plate-shaped members 110a. The plate-shaped member 110a is detachable by the user. The user can adjust the load applied to the printing medium M by adjusting the number of the plate members 110a constituting the weight <NUM>.

The shaft <NUM> supports the weight <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is provided at a position in the + Y direction of the regulating roller shaft 73a. The shaft <NUM> detachably supports the plate-shaped members 110a. The shaft <NUM> may be configured to be detachable from the regulating roller shaft 73a.

<FIG> illustrates a support structure of the regulating member <NUM> including the weight <NUM>. The weight <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is supported by a support structure different from that illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates the weight <NUM>, a bearing <NUM>, and a weight support member <NUM> as members added to the regulating roller shaft 73a.

Similarly to the weight <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the weight <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is constituted by the plurality of plate-shaped members 110a. The plate-shaped member 110a is detachable by the user. The weight <NUM> is supported by the weight support member <NUM>.

The bearing <NUM> supports the weight <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> is provided at the regulating roller shaft 73a. The bearing <NUM> supports one end of the weight support member <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> may detachably support the weight support member <NUM>.

The weight support member <NUM> supports the weight <NUM>. One end of the weight support member <NUM> is supported by the bearing <NUM>. The weight support member <NUM> is suspended from the bearing <NUM>. The weight support member <NUM> detachably supports the plate-shaped members 110a.

Claim 1:
A liquid ejecting device (<NUM>) comprising:
a transporting belt (<NUM>) having a support surface (<NUM>) configured to support a medium (M), the transporting belt being configured to transport the medium in a first direction (X);
an ejecting unit (<NUM>) configured to eject a liquid onto a first surface (S1) of the medium transported by the transporting belt;
a regulating unit (<NUM>) configured to come into contact with the first surface of the medium to which the liquid is ejected by the ejecting unit, and configured to regulate upward movement of the medium; and
a cleaning unit (<NUM>) configured to clean the regulating unit, wherein
the regulating unit (<NUM>) has an outer circumferential surface configured to come into contact with the first surface (S1), the regulating unit being a rotating body driven in accordance with movement of the medium, and
the cleaning unit (<NUM>) includes a cleaning member (<NUM>) configured to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the regulating unit to clean the outer circumferential surface,
the liquid ejecting device (<NUM>) further comprising
a driving unit (<NUM>) configured to rotationally drive the cleaning member (<NUM>), and
a control unit (<NUM>) configured to control the driving unit, wherein
the cleaning member (<NUM>) rotationally driven by the driving unit comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface to clean the outer circumferential surface, and characterized in that
the control unit (<NUM>) adjusts the number of rotations of the cleaning member (<NUM>) based on an ejection amount of the liquid ejected from the ejecting unit (<NUM>).