KR20230112974A - Printing apparatus, and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

A printing device is provided. The transfer member rotates and moves cyclically. The transfer unit transfers the image formed on the transfer member to a print medium. The liquid absorption unit absorbs a liquid component from the image on the transfer member. The liquid absorbing member has a first surface and a second surface. The liquid removing section includes a first rotating body and a second rotating body. A liquid removing section removes the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member from the portion clamped by the first rotating body and the second rotating body. A liquid imparting section imparts liquid to a location on the first surface. The location is on the upstream side of the gripper with respect to the direction of rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member.

Description

Printing device and printing method {PRINTING APPARATUS, AND PRINTING METHOD}

The present invention relates to a printing device and a printing method.

A technique of forming an ink image on a transfer member and transferring it to a print medium such as paper is proposed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2018-089936 discloses a liquid absorbing member that absorbs a liquid component contained in an ink image formed on a transfer member. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-089936 also discloses a technique for appropriately moisturizing a liquid absorbing member to prevent a decrease in liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member due to thickening of the surface of the liquid absorbing member.

However, depending on the degree of repeated use of the liquid absorbing member, it is presumed that the liquid absorbing performance cannot be maintained even if the method of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-089936 is used.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a technique for more effectively preventing deterioration of liquid absorbing performance of a liquid absorbing member.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a printing apparatus includes a transfer member configured to rotate and move cyclically; a transfer unit configured to transfer the image formed on the transfer member to a print medium; and a liquid absorbing unit configured to absorb a liquid component from the image on the transfer member before transfer by the transfer unit, wherein the liquid absorbing unit is configured to have a first surface in contact with the image and a second surface opposite to the first surface. absorbent member; a moving unit configured to cyclically rotate and move the liquid absorbing member; A liquid removal section configured to include a first rotational body in contact with the first surface and a second rotational body in contact with the second surface, the first rotational body and the second rotational body nip the liquid absorbing member; The liquid removing section removes the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member from the portion clamped by the first rotating body and the second rotating body; and a liquid imparting section arranged above the liquid absorbing member with respect to the direction of gravity and configured to impart the liquid at a location on the first surface, wherein the location is on an upstream side of the gripping portion with respect to the direction of rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member. contains a section

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a printing method includes the steps of transferring an image formed on a transfer member to a print medium; absorbing a liquid component from the image on the transfer member before the transfer by the transfer step to absorb the liquid, wherein the step of absorbing the liquid comprises the steps of cyclically rotating and moving the liquid absorbing member; A step of removing the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member from the portion clamped by the first and second rotating bodies, wherein the first rotating body is in contact with the first surface of the liquid absorbing member and the second rotating body is in contact with the first surface of the liquid absorbing member. two surfaces, the first surface being in contact with the image and the second surface being opposed to the first surface, removing the liquid, applying the liquid to a location on the first surface, wherein the location comprises rotation of the liquid absorbing member and and a liquid imparting step, which is upstream of the gripper with respect to the direction of movement.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the accompanying drawings).

1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system that is a representative embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a printing unit;
Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a displacement mode of the printing unit of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a control system of the printing system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the printing system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the printing system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the printing system of Fig. 1;
8 is a schematic diagram of an absorption unit;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recovery unit;
Fig. 11 is a view schematically showing a relationship between the length in the width direction of a liquid absorbing member and the length in the width direction of each component of a recovery unit;
12A and 12B schematically show the diffusion of liquid at the time of application of the liquid, FIG. 12A is a view from above, and FIG. 12B is a view from the width direction.
Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of an absorption unit of a second embodiment;
Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a recovery unit of the second embodiment;
15A and 15B schematically show the diffusion of the liquid at the time of applying the liquid in the second embodiment, FIG. 15A is a view from above, and FIG. 15B is a view from the width direction.
Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of an absorption unit of a third embodiment;

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions perpendicular to each other. Arrow Z indicates the vertical direction.

<First Embodiment>

<Print system>

1 is a front view schematically showing a printing system (printing device) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 1 is a sheet inkjet printer that forms (manufactures) a printed material P' by transferring an ink image to a printing medium P via a transfer member 2. The printing system 1 includes a printing device 1A and a conveying device 1B. In this embodiment, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction indicate the width direction (total length direction), depth direction, and height direction of the printing system 1, respectively. The print medium P is conveyed in the X direction.

“Printing” includes not only the formation of meaningful information such as text or graphic patterns, but also the formation of images, designs or patterns on print media or processing of print media in a broader sense, regardless of whether the information is meaningful or nonsensical, or human Note that it is made explicit to allow for visual perception. In this embodiment, the "print medium" is assumed to be a paper sheet, but may also be a fabric, plastic film, or the like.

The ink component is not particularly limited. However, in this embodiment, it is assumed that a water-based pigment ink containing a pigment, water and resin as a colorant is used.

<print device>

The printing device 1A includes a printing unit 3, a transfer unit 4, peripheral units 5A to 5D, and a supply unit 6.

<print unit>

The print unit 3 includes a plurality of print heads 30 and a carriage 31 . Description will refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 . 2 is a perspective view showing the printing unit 3 . The print head 30 discharges liquid ink to the transfer member 2 to form an ink image of a printed image on the transfer member 2 .

In this embodiment, each print head 30 is a full line head elongated in the Y direction, and nozzles are arranged in a range covering the width of an image print area of a print medium having the largest usable size. Each print head 30 has an ink ejection surface with open nozzles on its lower surface, and the ink ejection surface opposes the surface of the transfer member 2 via a fine gap (eg, several mm). In this embodiment, the transfer member 2 is configured to move circularly on a circular orbit, and thus the plurality of print heads 30 are radially arranged.

Each nozzle includes an ejection element. The ejection element is, for example, an element that ejects ink in the nozzle by generating pressure in the nozzle, and the technique of an inkjet head in a known inkjet printer can be applied. For example, as the ejection element, an electrothermal transducer causes film boiling in ink to form bubbles to eject ink, an electromechanical transducer (piezoelectric element) to eject ink, and an electrostatic transducer to eject ink. A device or the like may be provided. An ejection element using an electrothermal transducer can be used from the viewpoint of high-speed and high-density printing.

In this embodiment, nine print heads 30 are provided. Each print head 30 ejects a different type of ink. Different types of inks have different coloring materials, for example, and include yellow ink, magenta ink, cyan ink, black ink, and the like. One print head 30 ejects one type of ink. However, one print head 30 may be configured to eject a plurality of types of ink. Accordingly, when a plurality of print heads 30 are provided, some of them may eject ink (eg, clear ink) not containing a coloring material.

The carriage 31 supports a plurality of print heads 30 . The end of each print head 30 on the side of the ink ejection surface is fixed to the carriage 31 . This makes it possible to keep the gap on the surface between the ink ejection surface and the transfer member 2 more precisely. The carriage 31 is configured to be displaceable while loading the print head 30 by the guidance of each guide unit RL. In this embodiment, the guide units RL are rail-like structures elongated in the Y direction and provided individually in the X direction as a pair. A slide portion 32 is provided on each side of the carriage 31 in the X direction. The slide portion 32 engages with the guide member RL and slides in the Y direction along the guide member RL.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the displacement mode of the printing unit 3, schematically showing the right side of the printing system 1. As shown in FIG. A recovery unit 12 is provided at the rear of the printing system 1 . The recovery unit 12 has a mechanism for recovering the ejection performance of the print head 30 . For example, a cap mechanism for capping the ink ejection surface of each printhead 30, a wiper mechanism for wiping the ink ejection surface, and suction for sucking ink in the printhead 30 by negative pressure from the ink ejection surface. An instrument may be provided as such an instrument.

The guide unit RL elongates from the side of the transfer member 2 across the recovery unit 12 . Guided by the guidance unit RL, the printing unit 3 moves to a discharge position (POS1) where the printing unit 3 is indicated by a solid line and a recovery position (where the printing unit 3 is indicated by a broken line). POS3) and is moved by a driving mechanism (not shown).

The ejection position POS1 is a position where the printing unit 3 ejects ink to the transfer member 2 and a position where the ink ejection surface of each print head 30 faces the surface of the transfer member 2 . The recovery position POS3 is a position retracted from the discharge position POS1 and a position where the printing unit 3 is located above the recovery unit 12 . The recovery unit 12 may perform performance recovery processing on the print head 30 when the print unit 3 is positioned at the recovery position POS3. In this embodiment, the recovery unit 12 can also perform recovery processing during movement before the printing unit 3 reaches the recovery position POS3. There is a preliminary recovery position POS2 between the discharge position POS1 and the recovery position POS3. The recovery unit 12 may perform preliminary recovery processing on the print head 30 at the preliminary recovery position POS2 while the print head 30 moves from the discharge position POS1 to the recovery position POS3.

<warrior unit>

The transfer unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 . The transfer unit 4 includes a transfer cylinder 41 and a pressure drum 42 . Each of these drums is a rotating body that rotates around a rotation axis in the Y direction and has a columnar outer circumferential surface. In Fig. 1, arrows shown in respective views of the transfer cylinder 41 and the pressure drum 42 indicate their rotational directions. The transfer cylinder 41 rotates clockwise, and the pressure drum 42 rotates counterclockwise.

The transfer cylinder 41 is a support member that supports the transfer member 2 on its outer circumferential surface. The transfer member 2 is continuously or intermittently provided on the outer circumferential surface of the transfer cylinder 41 in the circumferential direction. If the transfer member 2 is continuously provided, it is formed into an endless strip. If the transfer member 2 is provided intermittently, it is divided into a plurality of segments to form a band shape having ends. Each segment may be arcuately arranged at the same pitch on the outer circumferential surface of the transfer cylinder 41 .

The transfer member 2 moves circularly on a circular orbit by rotating the transfer cylinder 41 . By the rotational phase of the transfer cylinder 41, the position of the transfer member 2 is changed to the pre-discharge processing area R1, the discharge area R2, the post-discharge processing area R3, R4, the transfer area R5, and the transfer area. It can be distinguished as a post-processing region R6. The transfer member 2 passes through these areas cyclically.

The pre-ejection processing area R1 is an area in which pre-processing is performed on the transfer member 2 before the printing unit 3 ejects ink, and an area in which the peripheral unit 5A performs the processing. In this embodiment, a reactive liquid is imparted. The ejection area R2 is a formation area where the printing unit 3 ejects ink to the transfer member 2 to form an ink image. The post-ejection processing areas R3 and R4 are processing areas in which processing is performed on an ink image after ink ejection. The post-discharge processing area R3 is an area where the peripheral unit 5B performs processing, and the post-discharging processing area R4 is an area where the peripheral unit 5C performs processing. The transfer area R5 is an area where the transfer unit 4 transfers the ink image on the transfer member 2 to the print medium P. The post-transfer treatment area R6 is an area where post-processing is performed on the transfer member 2 after transfer and an area where the peripheral unit 5D performs the process.

In this embodiment, the discharge region R2 is a region having a predetermined section. The other regions R1, R3 to R6 have narrower sections than the discharge region R2. Compared to the face of a watch, in this embodiment, the pre-discharge processing region R1 is located at approximately 10:00, the discharge region R2 is located at approximately 11:00 to 1:00, and the post-discharge processing region R3 ) is located at approximately 2:00, and the treatment region R4 after ejection is located at approximately 4:00. The transfer area R5 is located at approximately 6 o'clock, and the post-transfer treatment area R6 is located at approximately 8 o'clock.

The transfer member 2 may be formed by a single layer, but may also be a laminate of a plurality of layers. If the transfer member 2 is formed by a plurality of layers, it may include, for example, three layers of a surface layer, an elastic layer and a compressive layer. The surface layer is the outermost layer having an image forming surface on which an ink image is formed. By providing a compressive layer, the compressive layer absorbs strain and disperses local pressure fluctuations, making it possible to maintain transferability even at high-speed printing. The elastic layer is a layer between the surface layer and the compressive layer.

As the material of the surface layer, various materials such as resins and ceramics can be suitably used. However, from the viewpoint of durability and the like, a material having a high compressive elastic modulus may be used. More specifically, an acrylic resin, an acrylic silicone resin, a fluorine-containing resin, a condensate obtained by condensing a hydrolysable organosilicon compound, and the like can be provided. A surface layer that has undergone surface treatment may be used to improve wettability of a reactive liquid, transferability of an image, and the like. As the surface treatment, flame treatment, corona treatment, plasma treatment, polishing treatment, roughening treatment, active energy beam irradiation treatment, ozone treatment, surfactant treatment, silane coupling treatment and the like can be provided. A plurality of the above processes may be combined. It is also possible to provide the surface layer with any desired surface shape.

For example, as a material for the compression layer, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, acrylic rubber, chloroprene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber and the like can be provided. When such a rubber material is formed, a porous rubber material may be formed by blending a predetermined amount of a vulcanizing agent, a vulcanization accelerator, and the like, and further blending a foaming agent or a filler such as hollow fine particles or salts as necessary. Therefore, the cell portion is compressed with volume changes for various pressure fluctuations, and thus deformation in directions other than the compression direction is small, making it possible to obtain more stable transferability and durability. As the porous rubber material, there is a material having an open cell structure in which each pore is continuous with each other and a material having a closed cell structure in which each pore is independent of each other. However, either structure may be used, or all of these structures may be used.

As a member for the elastic layer, various materials such as resin and ceramic can be used as appropriate. In terms of processing properties, various materials of elastomeric materials and rubber materials can be used. More specifically, for example, fluorosilicone rubber, phenyl silicone rubber, fluororubber, chloroprene rubber, urethane rubber, nitrile rubber and the like can be provided. Besides, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, styrene rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, ethylene/propylene/butadiene copolymer, nitrile-butadiene rubber and the like can be provided. In particular, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber and phenyl silicone rubber are advantageous in terms of dimensional stability and durability because their compression set is small. These are also advantageous in terms of transferability because their change in elasticity with temperature is small.

Between the surface layer and the elastic layer and between the elastic layer and the compressive layer, various adhesives or double-sided adhesive tapes may also be used to secure them to each other. The transfer member 2 may also include a reinforcing layer having a high compressive modulus in order to suppress elongation in the horizontal direction or to maintain elasticity when attached to the transfer cylinder 41. A woven fabric may also be used as the reinforcing layer. The transfer member 2 can be manufactured by combining the respective layers formed by the materials described above in any desired manner.

The outer circumferential surface of the pressure drum 42 is pressed against the transfer member 2 . At least one gripping mechanism for gripping the front end of the print medium P is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the pressure drum 42 . A plurality of gripping mechanisms may be provided individually in the circumferential direction of the pressure drum 42 . The ink image on the transfer member 2 is transferred to the print medium P when passing through the clamping portion between the pressure drum 42 and the transfer member 2 while being conveyed in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the pressure drum 42. .

The transfer cylinder 41 and the pressure drum 42 may share a driving source such as a motor that drives them, and a driving force may be transmitted by a transmission mechanism such as a gear mechanism.

<Nearby units>

Peripheral units 5A to 5D are arranged around the transfer cylinder 41 . In this embodiment, the peripheral units 5A to 5D are specifically imparting units, absorbing units, heating units and cleaning units in order.

The imparting unit 5A is a mechanism that imparts a reactive liquid onto the transfer member 2 before the printing unit 3 ejects ink. A reactive liquid is a liquid containing a component that increases ink viscosity. Here, the increase in ink viscosity means that a colorant, resin, etc. forming the ink chemically reacts or physically adsorbs by contacting a component that increases ink viscosity, thereby recognizing an increase in ink viscosity. The increase in ink viscosity includes not only a case where an increase in the viscosity of the entire ink is recognized, but also a case where a local increase in viscosity occurs due to aggregation of some components such as a coloring material and a resin forming the ink.

The component that increases the ink viscosity is not particularly limited, and a metal ion or polymer coagulant that induces a change in the pH of the ink and aggregates the coloring material in the ink may be used, and an organic acid may be used. As a mechanism for applying the reactive liquid, for example, a roller, a print head, a die coating device (die coater), a blade coating device (blade coater), and the like can be provided. If the reactive liquid is applied to the transfer member 2 before ink is ejected onto the transfer member 2, it is possible to immediately fix the ink reaching the transfer member 2. This makes it possible to suppress bleeding caused by mixing adjacent inks.

The absorption unit 5B is a mechanism that absorbs liquid components from the ink image on the transfer member 2 before transfer. For example, it is possible to suppress blur of an image printed on the print medium P by reducing the liquid component of the ink image. Describing the reduction of the liquid component from another point of view, it is also possible to express it as concentrating the ink forming an ink image on the transfer member 2. Concentrating the ink means increasing the content of a solid component such as a coloring material or resin contained in the ink relative to the liquid component by reducing the liquid component contained in the ink.

The absorbing unit 5B includes, for example, a liquid absorbing member that reduces the amount of a liquid component of an ink image by coming into contact with the ink image. The liquid absorbing member may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the roller, or may be formed in an endless sheet-like shape and run cyclically. From the standpoint of protecting the ink image, the liquid absorbing member may be moved synchronously with the transferring member 2 by making the moving speed of the liquid absorbing member equal to the peripheral speed of the transferring member 2 .

The liquid absorbing member may include a porous body in contact with the ink image. The pore size of the porous body on the surface in contact with the ink image may be 10 [mu]m or less in order to suppress adhesion of ink solids to the liquid absorbing member. Here, the pore size refers to the average diameter and can be measured by known means such as mercury porosimetry, nitrogen adsorption, SEM image observation, and the like. Note that the liquid component is not particularly limited as long as it does not have a fixed shape and has fluidity and a substantially constant volume. For example, water, organic solvents, etc. contained in the ink or reactive liquid may be provided as the liquid component.

The heating unit 5C is a mechanism for heating the ink image on the transfer member 2 before transfer. The resin in the ink image is melted by heating the ink image, improving transferability to the print medium P. The heating temperature may be equal to or higher than the minimum film forming temperature (MFT) of the resin. MFT can be measured by each device conforming to a generally known method such as JIS K 6828-2:2003 or ISO 2115:1996. From the viewpoints of transferability and image solidity, the ink image may be heated at a temperature 10 DEG C or more higher than the MFT, or may also be heated at a temperature 20 DEG C or more higher than the MFT. As the heating unit 5C, known heating devices such as various lamps such as infrared rays, warm air fans, and the like can be used, for example. Infrared heaters can be used from the standpoint of heating efficiency.

The cleaning unit 5D is a mechanism that cleans the transfer member 2 after transfer. The cleaning unit 5D removes ink remaining on the transfer member 2, dust on the transfer member 2, and the like. The cleaning unit 5D is, for example, a method of contacting a porous member with the transfer member 2, a method of scraping the surface of the transfer member 2 with a brush, and a method of scraping the surface of the transfer member 2 with a blade. A known method such as a method of scratching can be used as needed. A known shape such as a roller shape or a web shape can be used for the cleaning member used for cleaning.

As described above, in this embodiment, the imparting unit 5A, the absorbing unit 5B, the heating unit 5C and the cleaning unit 5D are included as peripheral units. However, the cooling function of the transfer member 2 may be imparted, or a cooling unit may be added to these units. In this embodiment, the temperature of the transfer member 2 may be increased by heat from the heating unit 5C. If the ink image exceeds the boiling point of water, the main solvent of ink, after the printing unit 3 ejects ink to the transfer member 2, the performance of absorbing liquid components by the absorption unit 5B may deteriorate. It is possible to maintain the performance of absorbing liquid components by cooling the transfer member 2 so that the temperature of the ejected ink is maintained below the boiling point of water.

The cooling unit may be an air blowing mechanism that blows air to the transfer member 2, or a mechanism that brings a member (e.g., a roller) into contact with the transfer member 2 and cools the member by air or water cooling. The cooling unit may be a mechanism that cools the cleaning member of the cleaning unit 5D. The cooling timing may be a period after transferring and before applying the reactive liquid.

<supply unit>

The supply unit 6 is a mechanism that supplies ink to each print head 30 of the print unit 3 . The supply unit 6 may be provided on the rear side of the printing system 1 . The supply unit 6 includes a reservoir TK for storing ink for each type of ink. Each storage tank TK may be composed of a main tank and a sub tank. Each reservoir TK and a corresponding one of the print head 30 communicate with each other via a liquid passage 6a, and ink is supplied to the print head 30 from the reservoir TK. The liquid passage 6a may circulate ink between the reservoir TK and the print head 30 . The supply unit 6 may include a pump for circulating ink, for example. A degassing mechanism for degassing air bubbles in the ink may be provided in the middle of the liquid passage 6a or in each reservoir TK. A valve for adjusting the fluid pressure and atmospheric pressure of the ink may be provided in the middle of the liquid passage 6a or in each reservoir TK. The height of each reservoir TK and each print head 30 in the Z direction may be designed such that the liquid surface of the ink in the reservoir TK is located lower than the ink ejection surface of the print head 30 .

<Conveyance device>

The conveying device 1B is a device that feeds the print medium P to the transfer unit 4 and discharges the print P' onto which the ink image is transferred from the transfer unit 4 . The conveying device 1B includes a feeding unit 7, a plurality of conveying drums 8 and 8a, two sprockets 8b, a chain 8c and a recovery unit 8d. In Fig. 1, arrows on the inside of the figure of each component in the conveying device 1B indicate the direction of rotation of the component, and arrows on the outside of the figure of each component indicate the print medium P or printed matter P'. Indicates the return path of The print medium P is conveyed from the feeding unit 7 to the transfer unit 4, and the printed matter P' is conveyed from the transfer unit 4 to the recovery unit 8d. The side surface of the feeding unit 7 may be referred to as the upstream side in the conveying direction, and the side surface of the recovery unit 8d may be referred to as the downstream side.

The feeding unit 7 includes a loading unit on which a plurality of print media P is loaded and a feeding mechanism for feeding the print media P sheet by sheet from the loading unit to the uppermost transport drum 8 . Each conveying drum 8, 8a is a rotating body that rotates in the Y direction around a rotating shaft and has a columnar outer circumferential surface. At least one gripping mechanism for gripping the front end of the print medium P (printed material P') is provided on the outer circumferential surface of each conveying drum 8, 8a. The gripping operation and release operation of each gripping mechanism may be controlled so that the print medium P is fed between adjacent conveying drums.

The two conveying drums 8a are used to reverse the print medium P. When the print medium P undergoes double-sided printing, it is not fed to the conveying drum 8 adjacent to the downstream side, but is fed from the pressure drum 42 to the conveying drum 8a after transfer on the surface. The print medium P is reversed via the two conveying drums 8a and fed to the pressure drum 42 again via the conveying drum 8 on the upstream side of the pressure drum 42 . Therefore, the back side of the print medium P faces the transfer cylinder 41, and the ink image is transferred to the back side.

A chain 8c is wound between two sprockets 8b. One of the two sprockets 8b is a drive sprocket and the other is a driven sprocket. The chain 8c travels cyclically by rotating the drive sprocket. The chain 8c includes a plurality of gripping mechanisms spaced apart from each other in its longitudinal direction. Each gripping mechanism grips the end of the printed material P'. The printed material P' is fed from the conveying drum 8 located at the downstream end to each gripping mechanism of the chain 8c, and the printed material P' gripped by the gripping mechanism is recovered by running the chain 8c. It is conveyed to the unit 8d, and the holding is released. Thus, the printed matter P' is loaded into the recovery unit 8d.

<Post-processing device>

The conveying device 1B includes post-processing units 10A and 10B. The post-processing units 10A and 10B are mechanisms that are arranged on the downstream side of the transfer unit 4 and perform post-processing on the printed matter P'. The post-processing unit 10A performs processing on the surface of the printed material P', and the post-processing unit 10B performs processing on the back surface of the printed material P'. The content of the post-processing includes, for example, coating for the purpose of protection, gloss, etc. of the image on the image printing surface of the printed material P'. For example, as examples of coating, liquid application, sheet welding, lamination, and the like can be provided.

<Inspection unit>

The conveying device 1B includes inspection units 9A and 9B. The inspection units 9A and 9B are mechanisms arranged on the downstream side of the transfer unit 4 to inspect the printed matter P'.

In this embodiment, the inspection unit 9A is an image capture device that captures an image printed on the printed material P' and includes an image sensor such as a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, and the like, for example. The inspection unit 9A captures a print image while a print operation is continuously performed. Based on the image captured by the inspection unit 9A, it is possible to check the temporal change of color tone or the like of the print image, and to determine whether to correct image data or print data. In this embodiment, the inspection unit 9A has an imaging range set on the outer circumferential surface of the pressure drum 42, and is arranged so as to partially capture a print image immediately after transfer. The inspection unit 9A may inspect all print images or may inspect images for each predetermined sheet.

In this embodiment, the inspection unit 9B is also an image capture device that captures an image printed on the printed material P', and includes an image sensor, for example, a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor or the like. The inspection unit 9B captures a print image in a test print operation. The inspection unit 9B can capture the entire print image. Based on the image captured by the inspection unit 9B, it is possible to perform basic settings for various correction operations on print data. In this embodiment, the inspection unit 9B is arranged at a position for capturing the print P' conveyed by the chain 8c. When the inspection unit 9B captures the print image, it captures the entire image by temporarily stopping the running of the chain 8c. The inspection unit 9B may be a scanner that scans the printed matter P'.

<control unit>

Next, the control unit of the printing system 1 will be explained. 4 and 5 are block diagrams respectively showing the control unit 13 of the printing system 1 . The control unit 13 is communicatively connected to a host device (DFE) HC2, and the host device HC2 is communicatively connected to a host device HC1.

Original data serving as a source of a print image is created or stored in the host device HCl. Here, the original data is generated in the format of an electronic file such as a document file or an image file, for example. This original data is transmitted to the host device HC2. At the host device HC2, the received original data is converted by the control unit 13 into a usable data format (e.g., RGB data representing an image by RGB). The converted data is transmitted from the host device HC2 to the control unit 13 as image data. The control unit 13 starts a print operation based on the received image data.

In this embodiment, the control unit 13 is largely divided into a main controller 13A and an engine controller 13B. The main controller 13A includes a processing unit 131, a storage unit 132, an operation unit 133, an image processing unit 134, a communication I/F (interface) 135, a buffer 136, and a communication I/F. Includes F(137).

The processing unit 131 is a processor such as a CPU, executes programs stored in the storage unit 132, and controls the entire main controller 13A. The storage unit 132 is a storage device such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, or SSD, and stores programs and data executed by the processing unit (CPU) 131 and allows the processing unit (CPU) 131 to perform tasks. provide an area. The operation unit 133 is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse, and accepts user instructions.

The image processing unit 134 is an electronic circuit including, for example, an image processing processor. Buffer 136 is, for example, RAM, hard disk or SSD. The communication I/F 135 communicates with the upper device HC2, and the communication I/F 137 communicates with the engine controller 13B. In Fig. 4, broken line arrows exemplify processing sequences of image data. Image data received from the host device HC2 via the communication I/F 135 is accumulated in the buffer 136. The image processing unit 134 reads image data from the buffer 136, performs predetermined image processing on the read image data, and stores the processed data in the buffer 136 again. Image data after image processing stored in the buffer 136 is transmitted from the communication I/F 137 to the engine controller 13B as print data used by the print engine.

As shown in Fig. 5, the engine controller 13B includes control units 14 and 15A to 15E, obtains the detection result of the sensor group/actuator group 16 of the printing system 1, and control the drive. Each of these control units includes a processor such as a CPU, a storage device such as RAM or ROM, and an interface with an external device. The division of the control unit is merely exemplary, and a plurality of subdivided control units may perform part of the control operation, or conversely, a plurality of control units may be integrated with each other, and one control unit may perform their control contents. Note that it may be configured to implement

The engine control unit 14 controls the entire engine controller 13B. The print control unit 15A converts the print data received from the main controller 13A into raster data or the like in a data format suitable for driving the print head 30. The print control unit 15A controls ejection of each print head 30 .

The transfer control unit 15B controls the imparting unit 5A, the absorption unit 5B, the heating unit 5C and the cleaning unit 5D.

The reliability control unit 15C controls a drive mechanism that moves the supply unit 6, the recovery unit 12, and the printing unit 3 between the discharge position POS1 and the recovery position POS3.

The conveying control unit 15D controls driving of the transfer unit 4 and controls the conveying device 1B. The inspection control unit 15E controls the inspection unit 9B and the inspection unit 9A.

Among the sensor group/actuator group 16, the sensor group includes a sensor for detecting the position and speed of the movable part, a sensor for detecting temperature, an image sensor, and the like. The actuator group includes a motor, an electromagnetic solenoid, an electromagnetic valve, and the like.

<Operation example>

6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a printing operation. Each of the following steps is cyclically performed while rotating the transfer cylinder 41 and the pressure drum 42. As shown in state ST1, first, the reactive liquid L is applied onto the transfer member 2 from the application unit 5A. The portion applied with the reactive liquid L on the transfer member 2 moves according to the rotation of the transfer cylinder 41 . When the portion to which the reactive liquid L is applied reaches below the print head 30, ink is ejected from the print head 30 to the transfer member 2 as shown in state ST2. Thus, an ink image IM is formed. At this time, the discharged ink is mixed with the reactive liquid L on the transfer member 2, promoting aggregation of the color material. The ejected ink is supplied to the print head 30 from the reservoir TK of the supply unit 6 .

The ink image IM on the transfer member 2 moves according to the rotation of the transfer member 2 . When the ink image IM reaches the absorbing unit 5B, as shown in state ST3, the absorbing unit 5B absorbs the liquid component from the ink image IM. When the ink image IM reaches the heating unit 5C, as shown in state ST4, the heating unit 5C heats the ink image IM, and the resin in the ink image IM becomes It melts, and a film of the ink image IM is formed. Synchronized with the formation of such an ink image IM, the conveying device 1B conveys the print medium P.

As shown in state ST5, the ink image IM and the print medium P reach the clamping portion between the transfer member 2 and the pressure drum 42, and the ink image IM is the print medium (P), and a print (P') is formed. After passing the clamping portion, the inspection unit 9A captures a print image on the printed matter P' and inspects the print image. The conveying device 1B conveys the printed matter P' to the recovery unit 8d.

When the portion where the ink image IM on the transfer member 2 is formed reaches the cleaning unit 5D, it is cleaned by the cleaning unit 5D as shown in state ST6. After cleaning, the transfer member 2 is rotated once, and transfer of the ink image to the print medium P is repeatedly performed in the same procedure. The above description has been given that the transfer of the ink image IM onto one print medium P is performed once per rotation of the transfer member 2 for easy understanding. However, it is possible to continuously perform transfer of the ink image IM to a plurality of print media P at one rotation of the transfer member 2 .

If such a printing operation continues, each print head 30 requires maintenance. Fig. 7 shows an example of operation at the time of maintenance of each print head 30. State ST11 shows a state in which the print unit 3 is located at the discharge position POS1. State ST12 shows a state in which the print unit 3 passes through the preliminary recovery position POS2. During passage, the recovery unit 12 performs processing to recover the ejection performance of each print head 30 of the print unit 3 . Afterwards, as shown in state ST13, the recovery unit 12 restores the ejection performance of each print head 30 in the state where the print unit 3 is located at the recovery position POS3. do the processing

<Absorption unit>

A detailed example of the absorption unit 5B will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an absorption unit 5B. The absorption unit 5B is a liquid absorption device that absorbs a liquid component from an ink image formed on an ink accommodating medium. In this embodiment, the absorption unit 5B absorbs a liquid component from the ink image IM formed on the transfer member 2 before the ink image IM is transferred to the print medium P. When water-soluble pigment ink is used as in this embodiment, the absorption unit 5B mainly aims at absorbing moisture in the ink image. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of curl or cockling of the print medium P.

The absorbing unit 5B includes a liquid absorbing member 50, a driving unit 51 that cyclically moves the liquid absorbing member 50, a displacement unit 512, a plurality of types of recovery units 52 to 54, and a pretreatment unit. (55) and a detection unit (56).

The liquid absorbing member 50 is an absorber that absorbs a liquid component from the ink image IM, and in the example of Fig. 8 is a liquid absorbing sheet formed of an endless belt. The liquid absorbing position A is a position where the liquid absorbing member 50 absorbs a liquid component from the ink image IM on the transfer member 2, and the liquid absorbing member 50 is closest to the transfer member 2. represents the part to be Arrow d1 indicates the moving direction of the transfer member 2, and arrow d2 indicates the moving direction of the liquid absorbing member 50.

The liquid absorbing member 50 may be formed by a single layer or may be formed by a plurality of layers. A two-layer structure of a surface layer and a back layer is exemplified here. The surface layer forms a first surface 50a in contact with the ink image IM, and the back layer forms a second surface 50b opposite to the first surface 50a. The liquid absorbing member 50 absorbs the liquid component of the ink image IM on the transfer member 2 . The liquid component of the ink image IM penetrates into the liquid absorbing member 50 from the surface layer, and also penetrates into the back layer. The ink image IM moves towards the heating unit 5C as a reduced liquid component.

Each of the surface layer and the back layer may be made of a porous material. The average pore size of the back layer may be made larger than the average pore size of the surface layer in order to increase absorption performance of liquid components while suppressing adhesion of the color material. This makes it possible to promote the movement of liquid components from the surface layer to the back layer.

The material of the surface layer may be, for example, a hydrophilic material with a contact angle to water of less than 90° or a water-repellent material with a contact angle to water of 90° or more. In the case of a hydrophilic material, the material may have a contact angle to water that is 40° or less. The contact angle may be measured according to the technique described in "6. Static method" of JIS R3257, for example.

The hydrophilic material has an effect of lifting the liquid by capillary force. As the hydrophilic material, cellulose, polyacrylamide or a composite material thereof may be provided. When a water repellent material is used, a hydrophilic treatment may be performed on its surface. As a hydrophilic treatment, a method such as sputter etching can be provided.

For example, a fluororesin may be provided as the water repellent material. For example, as the fluororesin, polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride and the like can be provided. When a surface water-repellent material is used for the surface layer, it may take some time until the liquid-lifting effect is exerted. To cope with this, a liquid having a contact angle with the surface layer of less than 90° may be impregnated into the surface layer.

For example, a resin fiber nonwoven fabric or woven fabric may serve as the material of the back layer. The material of the backing layer may have a contact angle equal to or greater than that of the facing layer because the liquid component does not flow backward from the backing layer to the facing layer. For example, as the material of the back layer, polyamides such as polyolefins, polyurethanes, nylons, polyesters, polysulfones, or composite materials thereof may be provided.

For example, adhesive lamination, thermal lamination, or the like may be provided as a method of laminating the surface layer and the back layer.

The driving unit 51 is a mechanism for supporting the liquid absorbing member 50 so as to be cyclically rotated and moved to pass through the liquid absorbing position A, and includes a driving rotating body 510 and a plurality of driven rotating bodies 511b. to 511h). The driving rotating body 510 and the driven rotating body 511 are rollers or pulleys on which the strip-shaped liquid absorbing member 50 is wound, and are rotatably supported about an axis in the Y direction.

The drive rotation body 510 is a transport rotation body such as a transport roller rotated by the driving force of the motor M, and rotates and moves the liquid absorbing member 50 . The driven rotary bodies 511b to 511h are supported so as to freely rotate. In this embodiment, these driving rotational bodies 510 and driven rotational bodies 511b to 511h define the rotational and moving paths of the liquid absorbing member 50 . The path of rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member 50 is a zigzag path that bends up and down when viewed from the direction of rotation and movement (arrow d2). This makes it possible to use a longer liquid absorbing member 50 within a smaller space and to reduce the replacement frequency due to performance deterioration of the liquid absorbing member 50.

The driven rotating body 511b includes a tension adjusting mechanism 513 . The tension adjusting mechanism 513 is a mechanism for adjusting the tension of the liquid absorbing member 50, and includes a supporting member 513a, a moving mechanism 513b and a sensor 513c. The supporting member 513a supports the driven rotary body 511b rotatably around an axis in the Y-direction. The moving mechanism 513b is a mechanism that moves the support member 513a, and is, for example, an electric cylinder. The moving mechanism 513b can adjust the tension of the liquid absorbing member 50 by displacing the position of the driven rotating body 511b. The sensor 513c detects the tension of the liquid absorbing member 50. In this embodiment, the sensor 513c detects the load received by the moving mechanism 513b. The tension of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be automatically controlled by controlling the moving mechanism 513b based on the detection result of the sensor 513c.

The displacement unit 512 moves the liquid absorbing member 50 between a contact state in which the liquid absorbing member 50 contacts the transfer member 2 and an evacuation state in which the liquid absorbing member 50 is separated from the transfer member 2. It is a tool for displacement. In this embodiment, the displacement unit 512 acts on a portion of the liquid absorbing member 50 and displaces the liquid absorbing member 50 between a state in which the portion is in contact with the transfer member and a state in which the portion is separated from the transfer member. let it However, the displacement unit 512 may move the liquid absorbing member 50 as a unit.

The displacement unit 512 includes a movable member 512a and a pressing unit 512b. The movable member 512a is arranged opposite to the transfer member 2 and has a peripheral surface along which the liquid absorbing member 50 slides. The pressing unit 512b is a unit that moves the movable member 512a forward and backward with respect to the transfer member 2, and is, for example, an electric cylinder. A portion of the liquid absorbing member is pressed against the transfer member 2 via the movable member 512a by driving the pressing unit 512b.

FIG. 9 shows an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the displacement unit 512. As shown in FIG. A state 901 shows a state in which the liquid absorbing member 50 is displaced into a contact state. State 902 shows a state in which the liquid absorbing member 50 is displaced to the retracted state.

When the liquid absorbing member 50 is displaced to the contact state, the liquid absorbing member 50 and the transfer member 2 contact each other at the liquid absorbing position A. At the liquid absorbing position A, the liquid absorbing member 50 is clamped by the transfer member 2 and the movable member 512a. The liquid absorbing member 50 is advantageously pressed against the transfer member 2 in terms of liquid absorbing efficiency. During the printing operation, the drive unit 51 controls the liquid absorbing member 50 such that the rotational and moving speeds of the liquid absorbing member 50 are equal to the peripheral speed of the transfer member 2 . This prevents friction between the liquid absorbing member 50 and the transfer member 2 or the ink image IM.

The retracted state can be at a position where the liquid absorbing member 50 can be separated from the transfer member 2, and the distance between the contact state and the retracted state can be shortened. The direction in which the portion of the liquid absorbing member 50 moves between the contact state and the retracted state, that is, the pressing/releasing direction of the pressing unit 512b intersects the tangential direction of the transfer member 2 at the liquid absorbing position A. direction, for example the vertical direction.

The liquid absorbing member 50 is arranged to freely contact or separate from the transfer member 2 by providing a displacement unit 512, so that the maintenance operation or warm-up of the transfer member 2 and the liquid absorbing member 50 can be carried out separately. make it easier to do

Referring back to FIG. 8 , the sensor SR1 detects the rotation and movement speed or the rotation and movement amount of the liquid absorbing member 50 . Sensor SR1 is, for example, a rotary encoder. In this embodiment, the rotating body RL of the sensor SR1 contacts the liquid absorbing member 50, rotates in accordance with the rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member 50, and detects the amount of rotation thereof. The rotating body RL is arranged to face the driven rotating body 511e. The rotational and moving speed or the rotational and moving amount of the liquid absorbing member 50 can also be specified by detecting and calculating the rotational speed of the driven rotating body 510 or the driven rotating bodies 511b to 511h. However, the liquid absorbing member 50 may slip with respect to these rotating bodies, and thus a value different from the actual moving speed of the liquid absorbing member 50 may be obtained.

The recovery units 52 to 54 are devices for restoring the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 . By providing such a recovery mechanism, it is possible to suppress degradation of the performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 and maintain the liquid absorbing performance for a longer period of time. This makes it possible to reduce the replacement frequency of the liquid absorbing member 50. Moreover, in this embodiment, the recovery units 52 to 54, starting from the liquid absorbing position A, as viewed in the moving direction of the liquid absorbing member 50 which moves circularly, move to the liquid absorbing position A , the recovery unit 52, the recovery unit 53, the recovery unit 54, and the liquid absorption position A are arranged in this order. That is, the recovery unit 53 is arranged upstream of the recovery unit 54, and the recovery unit 52 is arranged upstream of the recovery unit 53. In this embodiment, three types of recovery units 52 to 54 with different functions are arranged in the middle of the moving path of the liquid absorbing member 50 . However, only one recovery unit may be provided. Alternatively, a plurality of recovery units having a common function may be provided.

The recovery unit 52 and the recovery unit 53 perform processing on the first surface 50a, and the recovery unit 54 performs processing on the second surface 50b. By performing different treatments on the first surface 50a and the second surface 50b, it is possible to recover the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 more appropriately.

The recovery unit 52 is a device that cleans the liquid absorbing member 50. The recovery unit 52 includes a cleaning roller 521 , a reservoir 522 , a support member 523 and a moving mechanism 524 . The support member 523 supports the cleaning roller 521 rotatably about an axis in the Y direction and also supports the reservoir 522 . The cleaning liquid 522a is stored in the reservoir 522 . The cleaning roller 521 is partially immersed in the cleaning liquid 522a. The moving mechanism 524 is a mechanism for moving the supporting member 523, and is, for example, an electric cylinder. When the support member 523 moves, the cleaning roller 521 and reservoir 522 also move. They move in the direction of arrow d3 (here, in the vertical direction) between the cleaning position where the cleaning roller 521 contacts the liquid absorbing member 50 and the retracted position where the cleaning roller 521 is separated from the liquid absorbing member 50. do. Fig. 8 shows a state in which the cleaning roller 521 is positioned at the cleaning position (state during recovery operation). The cleaning roller 521 may be positioned at a cleaning position during operation of the printing system 1, and may be moved to a retracted position during maintenance.

The cleaning roller 521 is arranged to face the driven rotation body 511c, and when the cleaning roller 521 moves to the cleaning position, the liquid absorbing member 50 is moved by the cleaning roller 521 and the driven rotation body 511c. It is structured to be narrowed. The cleaning roller 521 rotates according to the rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member 50 . The peripheral surface of the cleaning roller 521 is formed, for example, by an adhesive material, and dust particles (paper dust, etc. ) is removed. For example, as a material for the peripheral surface of the cleaning roller 521, rubber such as butyl, silicone, or urethane can be provided. The cleaning liquid 522a is, for example, a surfactant, and a liquid that promotes separation of dust particles adhering to the cleaning roller 521 can be used. The reservoir 522 may also include a wiper that facilitates the separation of dirt particles by contacting the surface of the cleaning roller 521 . Moreover, a roller having higher adhesion than the cleaning roller 521 and taking out dust particles from the cleaning roller 521 may be arranged in the storage tank 522 .

In this embodiment, a configuration in which dust particles adhering to the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50 are removed by the cleaning roller 521 is employed. However, other configurations such as a configuration in which dust particles are removed by blowing air may also be employed.

The recovery unit 53 is a device that applies liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50 . The recovery unit 53 includes an imparting roller 531, a reservoir 532, a support member 533 and a moving mechanism 534. The support member 533 supports the imparting roller 531 rotatably around an axis in the Y direction and also supports the storage tank 532 . Moisturizing liquid 532a is stored in reservoir 532 . The imparting roller 531 is partially immersed in the moisturizing liquid 532a. The moving mechanism 534 is a mechanism that moves the supporting member 533, and is, for example, an electric cylinder. When the support member 533 moves, the imparting roller 531 and the reservoir 532 also move. They move in the direction of arrow d4 (here, in the vertical direction) between the imparting position where the imparting roller 531 contacts the liquid absorbing member 50 and the retracting position where the imparting roller 531 is separated from the liquid absorbing member 50. do. Fig. 8 shows a state in which the imparting roller 531 is positioned at the imparting position (state during recovery operation). The imparting roller 531 may be positioned at the imparting position during operation of the printing system 1, and may be moved to the retracted position during maintenance.

The imparting roller 531 is arranged opposite to the driven rotation body 511d, and when the imparting roller 531 moves to the imparting position, the liquid absorbing member 50 is moved by the imparting roller 531 and the driven rotation body 511d. It is structured to be narrowed. The imparting roller 531 rotates in accordance with the rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member 50 . The peripheral surface of the imparting roller 531 is formed of, for example, rubber, and by sucking the moisturizing liquid 532a, the moisturizing liquid 532a stored in the reservoir 532 is transferred to the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50. ) to supply The moisturizing liquid 532a is, for example, water. The moisturizing liquid 532a may contain a water-soluble organic solvent or surfactant.

The first surface 50a may be thickened by using the liquid absorbing member 50, which may deteriorate the absorption performance of the liquid component from the ink image IM. By applying the moisturizing liquid 532a to the first surface 50a, it is possible to suppress the thickening of the first surface 50a and maintain the liquid component absorption performance.

In this embodiment, a structure in which the moisturizing liquid 532a is sucked onto the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50 by the imparting roller 531 is adopted. However, other configurations such as a configuration in which the moisturizing liquid 532a is sprayed onto the first surface 50a by a nozzle may also be employed.

FIG. 10 will be referred to along with FIG. 8 . 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recovery unit 54 . The recovery unit 54 is a device that removes liquid from the liquid absorbing member 50 . The recovery unit 54 includes a removing section 540 that removes excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50, an imparting section 542 that imparts liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50, and the removed liquid component. It includes a storage tank 541 for storing.

The removing section 540 removes excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 . If the liquid absorbing member 50 contains excess liquid, the amount of the liquid component that can be absorbed from the ink image may decrease and the liquid absorbing performance may deteriorate. However, in this embodiment, since the removing section 540 removes the excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50, it is possible to prevent the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 from deteriorating.

In this embodiment, the removal section 540 includes a driven rotor 511f and a driven rotor 540a arranged opposite to each other. In this embodiment, the driven rotating body 511f and the driven rotating body 540a are driven rollers that are driven and rotated according to the movement of the liquid absorbing member 50 . However, either or both of the driven rotating body 511f and the driven rotating body 540a may be driven by a driving source such as a motor. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the driven rotating body 511f and the driven rotating body 540a are arranged opposite to each other and configured to clamp the liquid absorbing member 50. The liquid absorbing member 50 is interposed between the driven rotating body 540a and the driven rotating body 511f, and is configured to extrude liquid absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 50. In this sense, the driven rotary body 511f uses a part of the recovery unit 54 in common. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which either or both of the driven rotating body 511f and the driven rotating body 540a can move in a direction to release the pinching by them.

The imparting section 542 directly imparts the liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50 before the removing section 540 removes the excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 . As described above, the removing section 540 removes the excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50, thereby preventing the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 from deteriorating. However, it can be considered that removing the liquid induces thickening of the liquid absorbing member 50, causing a decrease in the liquid absorbing performance. In this embodiment, before the excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 is removed by the removing section 540, the imparting section 542 imparts the liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50. Therefore, since excess liquid is removed by the removing section 540 in a state in which the viscosity of the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 is lowered, thickening of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be prevented after removing the liquid, and Excess liquid can be more effectively removed from the liquid absorbing member 50. Accordingly, degradation of the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be prevented more effectively.

Moreover, even if the moisturizing liquid is applied to the liquid absorbing member 50 by the recovery unit 53, drying of the liquid absorbing member 50 proceeds until the liquid absorbing member 50 reaches the recovery unit 54, so , it is assumed that the liquid cannot be effectively removed by the removal section 540 . However, in this embodiment, the imparting section 542 is provided in the recovery unit 54, and the imparting section 542 absorbs the liquid before the removing section 540 removes the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50. A liquid is applied to the member 50. Accordingly, the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 can be effectively removed while preventing the liquid absorbing member 50 from drying out. In particular, in this embodiment, the imparting section 542 imparts liquid immediately before the excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 is removed by the removing section 540 . This can further prevent the liquid absorbing member 50 from drying out, so that excess liquid can be removed from the liquid absorbing member 50 more effectively. Accordingly, degradation of the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be prevented more effectively. If the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be maintained by the presence of the recovery unit 54, the recovery unit 53 may not be provided to simplify the configuration of the device.

With the above configuration, it is also possible to make the viscosity of the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 lower than the viscosity of the liquid component in the ink image IM after removal of the liquid by the removing section 540 . Accordingly, the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be maintained, and the quality of an image printed on the print medium P can be maintained.

In this embodiment, the imparting section 542 includes a nozzle unit 542a for imparting liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50 and a reservoir 542b for storing the liquid 542c applied by the nozzle unit 542a. and a supply unit 542d supplying liquid 542c from The reservoir 542b may be provided inside the device, or the supply unit 542d may supply the liquid 542c drawn from the external reservoir 542b to the nozzle unit 542a. The nozzle unit 542a is arranged above the driven rotating body 511f in the direction of gravity, and drips the liquid 542c onto the driven rotating body 511f. The liquid 542c dropped on the driven rotating body 511f passes through a path along the outer circumference of the driven rotating body 511f as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 10, and the driven rotating body 511f rotates. is imparted on the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50 positioned below by gravity or by gravity. In other words, the nozzle unit 542a indirectly imparts the liquid 542c to the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50 via the driven rotating body 511f. By applying the liquid 542c to the first surface 50a in contact with the ink image IM, the thickening of the first surface 50a can be suppressed, and the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be maintained. can

In addition, the liquid 542c dripped from the nozzle unit 542a moves along the outer circumference of the driven rotating body 511f, and the position where the driven rotating body 511f comes into contact with the liquid absorbing member 50 and immediately before this position is imparted to the liquid absorbing member 50 in the region. A part of the imparted liquid 542c is extruded by the driven rotary body 540a and the driven rotary body 511f together with the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 before being conveyed to the removing section 540. In this way, since the liquid 542c is imparted to the liquid absorbing member 50 immediately before the removing section 540 removes the liquid from the liquid absorbing member 50, the liquid absorbing member 50 is imparted with the liquid. It is less likely to be dried before being later provided to the removing section, making it possible to remove the liquid in a state where the viscosity of the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 is lowered compared to that before reaching the removing section 540. .

In this embodiment, the liquid 542c is pressurized by a pressurizing mechanism (not shown) and drips from the nozzle unit 542a. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the liquid 542c drips naturally without providing a pressing mechanism or the like.

The reservoir 542b stores the liquid 542c to be dripped from the nozzle unit 542a. The reservoir 542b is provided above the nozzle unit 542a in the direction of gravity in this embodiment, but may be provided below the nozzle unit 542a. In this case, for example, the stored liquid 542c may be supplied to the nozzle unit 542a by a pump or the like.

For example, water may be used as liquid 542c. The liquid 542c may contain a water-soluble organic solvent or surfactant. The same liquid as the moisturizing liquid 532a applied to the liquid absorbing member 50 of the recovery unit 53 may be used.

The reservoir 541 captures the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 removed by the removing section 540 . In this embodiment, the reservoir 541 is provided below the driven rotating body 540a in the direction of gravity. Also, in this embodiment, the reservoir 541 includes an outlet path 541a for draining the liquid captured in the reservoir 541 to the outside. In this embodiment, liquid captured in reservoir 541 is drained out of the device from outlet path 541a. When draining the liquid from the outlet path 541a to the outside of the device, for example, a pump or the like may be used.

It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the outlet path 541a is connected to the reservoir 542b and the liquid is circulated so that the liquid captured in the reservoir 541 is imparted back to the liquid absorbing member 50 from the imparting section 542. do. However, in this configuration, since the viscosity of the liquid imparted to the liquid absorbing member 50 from the imparting section 542 increases while the liquid circulates, the recovery unit 54 is used to thicken the liquid absorbing member 50. It is estimated that it is difficult to obtain an inhibitory effect. In this embodiment, the liquid captured in the reservoir 541 is drained to the outside of the device from the outlet path 541a, and fresh liquid is always supplied to the reservoir 542b. Therefore, a liquid with a lower viscosity can be supplied from the imparting section 542 to the liquid absorbing member 50, so that the effect of suppressing the thickening of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be further improved.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the length of the liquid absorbing member 50 in the width direction (Y direction) and the length of each component of the recovery unit 54. As shown in FIG. In addition, for convenience of explanation, part of the configuration is omitted, and the positional relationship in the X direction and the Z direction is schematically shown. Arrows in FIG. 11 indicate the moving direction of the liquid absorbing member 50 .

In this embodiment, the length of the reservoir 541 in the Y direction is longer than the length of the liquid absorbing member 50 in the Y direction. This makes it possible to completely capture the liquid removed from the liquid absorbing member 50 . Further, in this embodiment, the length in the Y direction of the driven rotary body 540a and the driven rotary body 511f are longer than the length of the liquid absorbing member 50 in the Y direction. Therefore, since the entire area of the liquid absorbing member 50 in the Y direction is clamped by the driven rotating body 511f and the driven rotating body 540a, the excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 is removed in the Y direction. It can be removed over the entire area.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the nozzle unit 542a includes a plurality of nozzles NZ arranged to extend in the Y direction as a whole and arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y direction and capable of ejecting liquid. In other words, the imparting section 542 includes a plurality of liquid ejection portions arranged in the Y direction (width direction) of the liquid absorbing member 50 . This enables the imparting section 542 to evenly impart the liquid 542c to the liquid absorbing member 50 in the Y direction. Further, in this embodiment, among the plurality of arrayed nozzles NZ, the nozzles NZ located on both outer sides in the Y direction are arranged within the width of the liquid absorbing member 50 in the Y direction. This can cause the liquid 542c dripped from each nozzle NZ to be completely imparted to the liquid absorbing member 50 .

In this embodiment, although a plurality of nozzles NZ are arranged in the width direction of the liquid absorbing member, the imparting section 542 discharges in a curtain shape from a slotted discharge port elongated in the Y direction (width direction), for example. Note that it is configured so that

12A and 12B schematically illustrate the spreading of a liquid 542c when the liquid is imparted to the liquid absorbing member 50 . Fig. 12A is a view showing the diffusion of the liquid 542c when the liquid 542c is dripped by the nozzle unit 542a onto the driven rotating body 511f as viewed from the Z direction, and Fig. 12B is a diagram showing the spread of the liquid 542c from the Y direction. It is a drawing when you look at it. Note that for convenience of description, the positional relationship between the respective components is schematically shown, and some components are omitted. Hatching in FIGS. 12A and 12B represents a liquid.

The liquid 542c dripped from each nozzle NZ of the nozzle unit 542a is applied to the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50 via the driven rotating body 511f. At this time, since the plurality of nozzles NZ are arranged in the Y direction at predetermined intervals, the liquid 542c may not drop uniformly in the Y direction, so that the liquid 542c immediately below each nozzle NZ the amount of will increase. However, the liquid 542c is blocked before being clamped by the driven rotor 511f and the driven rotor 540a and spreads in the Y direction, so that the liquid 542c is uniformly imparted to the liquid absorbing member 50. . That is, since the liquid 542c is diffused in the Y direction by the driven rotor 511f and the driven rotor 540a, the liquid 542c can be uniformly applied to the liquid absorbing member 50.

Further, in this embodiment, since the liquid 542c drips onto the driven rotary body 511f, the driven rotary body 511f itself is also cleaned, so that the image quality printed on the print medium can be maintained. .

Further, in this embodiment, the nozzle unit 542a drips the liquid 542c onto the driven rotor 511f, but the nozzle unit 542a applies the liquid 542c to the driven rotor 540a. This may also be employed. When applying the liquid 542c to the driven rotor 540a, a roller coating method may be used.

When the suppressing effect of the viscosity increase of the liquid absorbing member 50 was tested using this embodiment, the suppressing effect was confirmed. In this experiment, the viscosity of the liquid recovered in the removal section 540 after printing 500 sheets is the case where the recovery unit 54 includes the imparting section 542 and the recovery unit 54 includes the imparting section 542. Comparisons were made between cases without.

After 500 prints, without including imparting section 542, the viscosity of the recovered liquid increased from 0.9 cP (centipoise) at the start to 2.1 cP. On the other hand, with imparting section 542, the change was small compared to the viscosity of the initial recovered liquid, the viscosity only increasing from 0.9 cP at the start to 1.1 cP. Note that in the experiment, pure water (0.9 cP) was used as the liquid (low viscosity liquid). In this way, the effect of liquid application by the application section 542 was confirmed by experimentation.

When absorbing liquid from an ink image by the liquid absorbing member 50 that has passed through the removing section 540, in order to maintain image quality, the liquid component contained in the portion of the liquid absorbing member 50 that is in contact with the ink image The viscosity of may be lower than that of the liquid component in the ink image to be absorbed. Accordingly, a liquid having a viscosity lower than that of the liquid component in the ink image to be absorbed may be imparted.

Next, the relationship between the surfaces of the liquid absorbing member 50, application of liquid, and removal of excess liquid will be explained. In the recovery unit 54, the second surface 50b of the liquid absorbing member 50 is located on the lower side in the direction of gravity, and the first surface 50a is located on the upper side in the direction of gravity. Therefore, there is a higher possibility that the liquid is extruded from the side of the second surface 50b and falls by gravity than from the side of the first surface 50a. It is possible to recover the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 by securing a region for absorbing the liquid component of the back layer and promoting the removal of the liquid from the second surface 50b. It is also possible to suppress drying of the first surface 50a imparted with the liquid 532a by the recovery unit 53 .

Further, in this embodiment, after the moisturizing liquid 532a is applied to the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50 of the recovery unit 53, the liquid 542c is applied to the first surface 50a of the recovery unit 54. It is further imparted to the surface 50a. Accordingly, thickening of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be further suppressed, and the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be recovered more efficiently.

Materials of the members of the driven rotary body 511f and the driven rotary body 540a are not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of the amount of extrusion, the driven rotor 540a in contact with the second surface 50b of the liquid absorbing member 50 is the driven rotor in contact with the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50 ( 511f) may be softer. Further, from the point of view of the transport characteristics of the liquid absorbing member 50, taking into consideration the friction with the liquid absorbing member 50, surface treatment may be performed or a layer may be provided on the surface layer.

As described above, in this embodiment, the recovery units 52, 53, and 54 are configured to remove dust particles, moisturize, and remove liquid components from upstream to downstream in the direction of rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member 50. A configuration of performing recovery processing in processing order is employed. The processing order is not limited to this. However, according to the processing sequence of this embodiment, the recovery unit 53 moisturizes the first surface 50a after the recovery unit 52 cleans the first surface 50a, thereby removing dust particles and retaining moisture. make it possible to promote improvement. Moreover, the recovery unit 54 removes the liquid component on the relatively downstream side, making it possible to remove the liquid component at a place where the second surface 50b moves at a high position in the direction of gravity. This has the advantage that the removed liquid component is easily recovered using gravity.

Next, the preprocessing unit 55 will be explained. The preprocessing unit 55 is a device that mainly performs preprocessing in order to make maximum use of the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 in a short time, such as when the operation of the printing system 1 starts. In this embodiment, the pretreatment liquid is applied to the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50 to improve the increase in liquid absorbing performance. For example, when the surface layer is made of a water repellent material, a surfactant may be used as the pretreatment liquid. As the surfactant, a fluorochemical surfactant, F-444 (trade name, available from DIC) or ZonylFS3100 (trade name, available from DuPont) is provided. Further, as the surfactant, CapstoneFS-3100 (trade name, available from The Chemours CompanyLCC), a silicone surfactant, BYK349 (trade name, available from BYK), and the like can also be provided.

The pretreatment unit 55 includes an imparting roller 551, a storage tank 552, a support member 553, and a moving mechanism 554. The support member 553 supports the imparting roller 551 rotatably around an axis in the Y direction and also supports the storage tank 552 . The pretreatment liquid 552a is stored in the reservoir 552. The imparting roller 551 is partially immersed in the pretreatment liquid 552a. The moving mechanism 554 is a mechanism that moves the support member 553, and is, for example, an electric cylinder. When the support member 553 moves, the imparting roller 551 and the reservoir 552 also move. They move in the direction of arrow d5 (horizontal direction here) between an imparting position where the imparting roller 551 contacts the liquid absorbing member 50 and a retracting position where the imparting roller 551 is separated from the liquid absorbing member 50. do. Fig. 8 shows a state where the imparting roller 551 is positioned in the retracted position. The imparting roller 551 can move to the imparting position at the start of the operation of the printing system 1 or periodically (eg, in units of the number of print media P to be processed).

The imparting roller 551 is arranged opposite to the driven rotation body 511e, and when the imparting roller 551 moves to the imparting position, the liquid absorbing member 50 is moved by the imparting roller 551 and the driven rotation body 511e. It is structured to be narrowed. The imparting roller 551 rotates in accordance with the rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member 50 . The peripheral surface of the imparting roller 551 is formed of, for example, rubber, and by sucking the pretreatment liquid 552a, the pretreatment liquid 552a stored in the reservoir 552 is transferred to the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50. ) to supply

With this configuration, the absorbing unit 5B absorbs the liquid component from the ink image IM on the transfer member 2 by the liquid absorbing member 50 . The liquid component can be continuously absorbed from the ink image IM by absorbing the liquid component simultaneously with the cyclical rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member 50 . Moreover, the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be maintained over a longer period of time by providing the recovery unit 52, the recovery unit 53 and the recovery unit 54, so that the liquid absorbing member 50 can be replaced. Allows you to extend the cycle.

The detection unit 56 is a sensor that detects the passage of a predetermined portion of the liquid absorbing member 50 at a predetermined position on the moving path of the liquid absorbing member 50 . In this embodiment, the detection unit 56 is arranged at a position relatively close to the liquid absorption position A. During one round of the movement path of the liquid absorbing member 50 with the liquid absorbing position A as the start and end points, the position of the detection unit 56 is closer to the end point than the midpoint or closer to the midpoint. It may be a position on the side closer to the end point than the halfway point between the end points.

At a position upstream of the driven rotary body 540a in the moving direction of the liquid absorbing member 50, the nozzle unit 542a applies the liquid 542c to the first surface 50a or the second surface of the liquid absorbing member 50 ( It is also possible to employ a configuration of direct ejection to 50b). Even in this configuration, the liquid 542c is blocked by being clamped by the driven rotary body 511f and the driven rotary body 540a and spreads in the Y direction so that the liquid 542c is uniformly imparted to the liquid absorbing member 50. do.

<Second Embodiment>

In the first embodiment, the imparting section 542 imparts liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50 via the driven rotary body 511f. However, in the second embodiment, the imparting section 1342 directly imparts liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50 . Note that in the following description and drawings, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an absorption unit 5B of the second embodiment. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recovery unit 1354 . The recovery unit 1354 includes a removal section 540 for removing excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50, an imparting section 1342 for imparting liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50, and the removed liquid component. It includes a storage tank 541 for storing.

The imparting section 1342 directly imparts the liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50 before the removing section 540 removes the excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50. In this embodiment, the imparting section 1342 includes a nozzle unit 1342a for imparting liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50 and a reservoir 1342b for storing the liquid 1342c to be imparted by the nozzle unit 1342a. include The nozzle unit 1342a is arranged above the liquid absorbing member 50 in the gravitational direction, and at a position upstream of the driven rotating body 511f in the moving direction of the liquid absorbing member 50, the first nozzle unit 1342a of the liquid absorbing member 50 The liquid 1342c is dropped onto the surface 50a. The liquid 1342c is applied directly to the liquid absorbing member 50 as shown by arrow A2 in FIG. 14 .

With this configuration, since the excess liquid is removed by the removing section 540 in a state where the viscosity of the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 is reduced, thickening of the liquid absorbing member 50 is prevented after the liquid is removed. and excess liquid can be more effectively removed from the liquid absorbing member 50 . Accordingly, the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 can be recovered more effectively.

15A and 15B schematically show the expansion of the liquid 1342c when the liquid 1342c is applied to the liquid absorbing member 50 in the second embodiment, wherein FIG. 15A is a view from the Z direction; 15B is a view seen from the Y direction. Note that for convenience of description, the positional relationship between the respective components is schematically shown, and some components are omitted. Hatching in FIGS. 15A and 15B indicates liquid 1342c.

The liquid 1342c dripped from each nozzle NZ of the nozzle unit 1342a is directly applied to the first surface 50a of the liquid absorbing member 50 . At this time, since the plurality of nozzles NZ are arranged in the Y direction at predetermined intervals, the liquid 1342c may not drop uniformly in the Y direction, so that the liquid 1342c immediately below each nozzle NZ the amount of will increase. However, not all of the liquid 1342c applied to the liquid absorbing member 50 is immediately absorbed by the first surface 50a, and the portion of the liquid 1342c remaining on the liquid absorbing member 50 absorbs the liquid. It moves downstream together with the member 50. The liquid 1342c moving downstream is then blocked before being nipped by the driven rotor 511f and the driven rotor 540a and diffused in the Y direction, so that the liquid 1342c is uniformly distributed over the liquid absorbing member 50. will be granted That is, since the liquid 1342c is diffused in the Y direction by the driven rotor 511f and the driven rotor 540a, the liquid 1342c can be uniformly applied to the liquid absorbing member 50.

In one embodiment, the liquid absorbing member 50 has an inclined region. The inclined region is inclined from the upstream side to the portion in contact with the driven rotary body 511f with respect to the direction of rotation and movement. The imparting section 1342 imparts the liquid 1342c to the inclined region. In one embodiment, the driven rotor 511e is in contact with the second surface 50b and the driven rotor 511e arranged above the driven rotor 511f with respect to the direction of gravity. The inclined region of the liquid absorbing member 50 is a region between the driven rotary body 511e and the driven rotary body 511f.

In this embodiment, the liquid 1342c is pressurized by a pressurizing mechanism (not shown) and drips from the nozzle unit 1342a. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the liquid 1342c drips naturally without providing a pressing mechanism or the like. Further, for example, in order to directly apply the liquid 1342c to the surface of the liquid absorbing member 50, a roller coating liquid supply mechanism is provided upstream of the driven rotating body 540a in the moving direction of the liquid absorbing member 50. can be provided.

<Third Embodiment>

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the removal section 540 clamps the liquid absorbing member 50 by the driven rotating body 540a and the driven rotating body 511f so as to absorb the liquid absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 50. extrude the liquid However, in the third embodiment, the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 is removed by blowing air onto the liquid absorbing member. Note that in the following description and drawings, components similar to those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an absorption unit 5B of the third embodiment. The recovery unit 1654 includes a removing section 1640 that removes excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50, an imparting section 542 that imparts liquid to the liquid absorbing member 50, and the removed liquid component. It includes a storage tank 541 for storing.

The removing section 1640 removes excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 . If the liquid absorbing member 50 contains excess liquid, the amount of the liquid component that can be absorbed from the ink image may decrease and the liquid absorbing performance may deteriorate. However, in this embodiment, since the removing section 1640 removes the excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50, it is possible to prevent the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 from deteriorating.

In this embodiment, the removal section 1640 is a nozzle that blows air. The removal section 1640 blows air onto the second surface 50b of the liquid absorbing member 50, and absorbs the air on the side of the second surface 50b of the liquid absorbing member 50 by the pressure of the blown air. The liquid is removed by blowing. By removing excess liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 from the side of the second surface 50b, it is possible to recover the liquid absorbing performance of the liquid absorbing member 50 while suppressing drying of the first surface 50a. do.

Note that in this embodiment, the removal section 1640 is formed only by nozzles that blow air. However, as described in the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member 50 is removed by the driven rotating body 511f and the driven rotating body 540a, and in this embodiment It is also possible to employ a combination of configurations in which the nozzle blows air, such as

<Another Example>

In the above embodiment, the print unit 3 includes a plurality of print heads 30 . However, the configuration may also include one print head 30 . The print head 30 does not have to be a full-line head, but may be a serial type in which an ink image is formed by ejecting ink from the print head 30 while the carriage carrying the print head 30 moves in the Y direction.

The printing system 1 uses a transfer member as an ink receiving medium, and transfers an ink image formed by ink ejected onto the transfer member to the print medium. However, the printing system 1 may use a print medium as an ink accommodating medium and discharge ink from a print head onto the print medium so that the ink is directly applied to the print medium, and the absorption unit 5B may apply the ink on the print medium. It can also absorb liquid components from burns.

The conveying mechanism of the printing medium P may employ another method such as a method of holding and conveying the printing medium P by a pair of rollers. In the method of conveying the print medium P by a pair of rollers or the like, a roll sheet may be used as the print medium P, and a printed material P' may be formed by cutting the roll sheet after transfer.

In the above embodiments, the transfer member 2 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the transfer cylinder 41 . However, other methods such as a method of forming the transfer member 2 into an endless strip and cyclically rotating and moving it may also be used.

another embodiment

The embodiment(s) of the present invention may also be recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more specifically referred to as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to execute one or more functions of the above-described embodiment(s). one or more circuits (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) and/or executes one or more functions of the foregoing embodiment(s); ) by a computer of a system or device comprising a, and reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium, for example, to execute one or more functions of the foregoing embodiment(s) and/or the foregoing embodiments; It can be realized by a computer-implemented method of the system or device by controlling one or more circuits to execute the function of one or more of (s). A computer may include one or more processors (eg, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), or may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. may be Computer-executable instructions may be provided to a computer, for example, from a network or storage medium. Storage media include, for example, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), storage devices of distributed computing systems, optical disks (e.g., compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs) ), or a Blu-ray Disc (BD) ^TM ), a flash memory device, or a memory card.

(Other examples)

In the present invention, a program for realizing one or more functions of the above embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. processing is also feasible.

Also, it can be implemented by a circuit (eg, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims (16)

a printing device,
a transfer member configured to rotate and move cyclically;
a transfer unit configured to transfer the image formed on the transfer member to a print medium; and
a liquid absorption unit configured to absorb a liquid component from the image on the transfer member prior to transfer by the transfer unit;
The liquid absorption unit,
a liquid absorbing member configured to have a first surface in contact with the image and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
a moving unit configured to cyclically rotate and move the liquid absorbing member;
A liquid removal section configured to include a first rotational body in contact with the first surface and a second rotational body in contact with the second surface, wherein the first rotational body and the second rotational body clamp the liquid absorbing member. (nip), wherein the liquid removing section removes the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member from a portion nipped by the first rotating body and the second rotating body; and
a liquid imparting section disposed above the liquid absorbing member with respect to the direction of gravity and configured to impart liquid to a position on the first surface, the position being at an upstream side of the gripper with respect to a direction of rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member; A printing device comprising a liquid imparting section. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid applying section imparts liquid to the liquid absorbing member before removal by the liquid removing section. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid removing section removes liquid from the liquid absorbing member containing the liquid imparted by the liquid imparting section. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid applying section applies water, a water-soluble organic solvent or a liquid containing a surfactant, or a moisturizing liquid to the first rotating body or the second rotating body. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first surface contacts the transfer member and absorbs a liquid component contained in the image;
and the liquid imparting section imparts liquid to the first surface. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid absorbing unit further includes a reservoir configured to receive and store the liquid removed from the liquid absorbing member by the removing section. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the reservoir comprises an outlet path configured to drain liquid stored in the reservoir to the outside of the device;
wherein the liquid absorbing unit includes another reservoir configured to store a liquid to be applied to the liquid absorbing member by the liquid applying section. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a length of the reservoir in the width direction is longer than a length of the liquid absorbing member in the width direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a length of each of the first rotating body and the second rotating body in the width direction is longer than a length of the liquid absorbing member in the width direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid imparting section includes a plurality of liquid ejection portions arranged in a width direction of the liquid absorbing member. 11. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of liquid ejection portions are arranged within a width of the liquid absorbing member. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid absorbing member has an inclined region inclined from an upstream side to a portion in contact with the first rotating body with respect to the direction of rotation and movement, and the liquid imparting section is disposed on the inclined region. A printing device that imparts liquid. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the liquid absorption unit has a third rotational body disposed above the first rotational body with respect to a direction of gravity in contact with the second surface;
and the inclined region of the liquid absorbing member is a region between the third rotating body and the first rotating body. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member after the liquid is removed by the liquid removing section is lower than the viscosity of a liquid component in the image. The method according to claim 1, wherein at a position between a position where the liquid component is absorbed from the image and the liquid removing section and upstream of the liquid removing unit and the liquid imparting section in a moving direction of the liquid absorbing member, the liquid and a liquid imparting unit configured to impart liquid to the absorbent member. is the printing method,
a transfer step of transferring the image formed on the transfer member to a print medium;
an absorption step of absorbing a liquid component by absorbing a liquid component from an image on the transfer member before the transfer by the transfer step;
The absorption step of absorbing the liquid,
cyclically rotating and moving the liquid absorbing member;
removing the liquid contained in the liquid absorbing member from a portion clamped by a first rotating body and a second rotating body, wherein the first rotating body is in contact with a first surface of the liquid absorbing member, and the second rotating body a liquid removing step wherein the whole is in contact with the second surface of the liquid absorbing member, the first surface is in contact with the image, and the second surface is opposed to the first surface;
and a step of applying liquid to a location on the first surface, wherein the location is upstream of the gripper with respect to a direction of rotation and movement of the liquid absorbing member.