Conveying device and recording device

Abstract

The present application provides a conveying device and a recording device for improving the replacement workability of a filter 23. The conveying device is provided with: a conveying belt (9) having a support surface (7) capable of supporting a medium (P) and capable of conveying the medium (P); a device main body portion (13) provided with the conveying belt (9); and a cleaning portion (14) for cleaning the support surface (7) using a liquid (16). The cleaning portion (14) is provided with: a storage portion (18) for storing the liquid (16); a flow passage member (15, 17) through which the liquid (16) discharged from the storage portion (18) and flowing back passes; and a filter portion (21) provided on the flow passage member (15, 17) in a detachable manner. Here, the filter portion (21) is configured to be capable of being pulled out in a direction away from the device main body portion (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device having a belt capable of conveying a medium and a recording device having the conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] As an example of such a conveying device, there is a conveying device described in Patent Document 1. This conveying device includes: a seamless belt 5 that supports the recording medium P while conveying it in a predetermined conveying direction through a surface 5a; a brush roller 7 that cleans the surface 5a; a spray cylinder 9 that directly sprays cleaning fluid L onto the surface 5a of the seamless belt 5, which is located in a sprayed area S upstream of the conveying direction compared to the brush roller 7; a storage device 10 that is at least disposed below the sprayed area S and the spray cylinder 9, and collects and stores the dripping cleaning fluid L; and a delivery pump 12 that delivers the cleaning fluid L stored in the storage device 10 to the spray cylinder 9.

[0003] The cleaning fluid L is filtered by filter 12c during its circulation along the delivery path.

[0004] In the conveying device described in Patent Document 1, the filter 12c becomes dirty and therefore needs to be replaced. However, Patent Document 1 does not take into account the replacement of the filter 12c.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-241285 Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, the conveying device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting a medium and conveying the medium; a device main body having the conveyor belt disposed thereon; a cleaning section for cleaning the support surface using liquid, the cleaning section comprising: a retention section for retaining the liquid; a flow channel member through which the liquid discharged from and flowing back from the retention section passes; and a filter section disposed on the flow channel member in a removable manner, the filter section being pullable away from the device main body.

[0007] Furthermore, the recording device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a recording section capable of recording on a medium; a conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting the medium and capable of conveying the medium; a device main body having the conveyor belt; a cleaning section for cleaning the support surface with liquid, the cleaning section comprising: a retention section for retaining the liquid; a flow channel member through which the liquid discharged from and flowing back from the retention section passes; and a filter section provided on the flow channel member in a removable manner, the filter section being pullable away from the device main body. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A side view of the main parts of a recording device having the conveying apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the cleaning section as seen from the X-axis direction in Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 3 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the cleaning section as seen from the Y-axis direction in Embodiment 1. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The present invention will first be described in a general sense below.

[0012] To address the aforementioned issues, the first aspect of the conveying device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium; a device main body having the conveyor belt disposed thereon; a cleaning section for cleaning the support surface using liquid, the cleaning section comprising: a retention section for retaining the liquid; a flow channel member through which the liquid discharged from and flowing back from the retention section passes; and a filter section disposed on the flow channel member in a removable manner, the filter section being pullable away from the device main body.

[0013] Here, the "main body of the device" includes, for example, a structure composed of multiple frames.

[0014] According to this method, the filter section can be pulled outwards from the main body of the device. Therefore, by pulling the filter section outwards from the main body of the device, it can be moved to a position where it is easy to remove the filter. This improves the ease of filter replacement performed by the user.

[0015] The conveying device according to the second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, it includes a pump that causes the liquid to flow through the flow channel component to the reservoir, the filter section, and back to the reservoir.

[0016] According to this method, the liquid is discharged from the reservoir by the pump, and the filtered liquid, which has been filtered by the filter section, is supplied back to the reservoir. Thus, the liquid can be reused.

[0017] The conveying device according to the third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second aspect, it comprises: a valve capable of switching between a first state allowing the flow of the liquid and a second state restricting the flow of the liquid; at least one pump, which is the pump and is located downstream of the valve in the direction of liquid flow; and a control unit that controls the valve and the pump, wherein, when the filter section is pulled out from the main body of the device, the control unit stops the operation of the pump after switching the valve from the first state to the second state.

[0018] When the filter section is pulled out of the main body of the device and the filter is removed from the flow channel component, the liquid flowing in the flow channel component leaks out.

[0019] According to this method, when it is determined that the filter section has been pulled out from the main body of the device, the control unit switches the valve from a first state that allows flow to a second state that restricts flow, and then stops the operation of the pump. Thus, by first restricting the flow of liquid in the flow channel component using the valve, and then stopping the operation of the pump located downstream, it is possible to remove the liquid remaining in the flow channel component, i.e., to drain the water.

[0020] The conveying device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect, it includes a storage section for storing the filter.

[0021] According to this method, the filter is housed in a receiving section. This protects the filter from external forces.

[0022] The fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a conveying device in which, in the fourth aspect, the receiving part receives the valve and the pump.

[0023] According to this method, the valve and the pump are housed together with the filter in a receiving unit. Thus, by consolidating the locations where the filter, valve, and pump are configured, maintenance becomes easier.

[0024] The sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a conveying device in which, in the fourth or fifth aspect, an irradiation section for irradiating light is provided inside the receiving section.

[0025] According to this method, the visual confirmation during the operation of removing the filter is improved.

[0026] The seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a conveying device, characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, it includes a receiving portion capable of receiving the liquid from the connection portion of the flow channel component and the filter portion.

[0027] According to this method, a receiving portion is provided that can accommodate the liquid from the connection portion between the flow channel component and the filter section. Thus, liquid that may leak from the connection portion when the filter is removed from the flow channel component is caught by the receiving portion, thereby preventing contamination of the surrounding environment.

[0028] The recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a recording section capable of recording on a medium; a conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting the medium and capable of conveying the medium; a main body of the apparatus having the conveyor belt; a cleaning section for cleaning the support surface with a liquid, the cleaning section comprising: a retention section for retaining the liquid; a flow channel member through which the liquid discharged from and flowing back from the retention section passes; and a filter section provided on the flow channel member in a removable manner, the filter section being pullable away from the main body of the apparatus.

[0029] According to this method, as a recording device equipped with a recording unit and a transport device capable of recording on the medium, the same effect as the first method can be obtained.

[0030] Implementation Method 1

[0031] In the following text, a recording device having the conveying device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described, based on Figures 1 to 3 Let me explain in detail.

[0032] In the following description, as shown in the figures, the three mutually orthogonal axes are designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction (the direction in which gravity acts). The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to the horizontal direction. Here, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the direction of medium transport, and the X-axis direction corresponds to the width direction of the medium that intersects the transport direction.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown in the figure, the recording device 1 involved in this embodiment is an inkjet printer, and includes: a recording unit 3, which has a nozzle for ejecting ink to a medium P being transported in the transport direction (Y-axis direction) F; and a transport device 5, which transports the medium P.

[0034] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the conveying device 5 of this embodiment includes: a conveyor belt 9 having a support surface 7 capable of supporting the medium P and capable of conveying the medium P; and a device main body 13 ( Figure 2 It is equipped with a conveyor belt 9 and a cleaning unit 14, which uses liquid 16 to clean the support surface 7.

[0035] The cleaning section 14 includes: a storage section 18 for storing liquid 16; flow channel components 15 and 17 for the liquid 16 to pass through and be discharged from and returned to the storage section 18; and a filter section 21 that is detachably provided on the flow channel components 15 and 17. Here, the filter section 21 is configured to be pullable away from the main body 13 of the device.

[0036] The structural elements of the conveying device 5 will be described below.

[0037] conveyor

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveyor belt 9 is a seamless belt mounted between the drive roller 4 and the driven roller 6. An adhesive layer 8 is provided on the support surface 7 of the outer peripheral surface of the seamless conveyor belt 9. The medium P is adhered to the adhesive layer 8 by an adhesive member (not shown), and passes through the recording execution area of ​​the recording unit 3 in this adhered state. Through the recording operation of the recording unit 3, ink adheres to the support surface 7 of the conveyor belt 9. A cleaning unit 14, as described above, is arranged near the drive roller 4 to clean the ink-adhered support surface 7.

[0039] Medium P is a thin, sheet-like recording medium, such as paper, cloth, or plastic film, which is used for recording via an inkjet printer.

[0040] Main body of the device

[0041] The main body 13 of the device refers to the structure that uses the skeleton of the device, which is composed of multiple frames 22, as the main part.

[0042] The recording device 1 has a main body 13 as its basic structure, and is equipped with structural components such as a recording unit 3, a conveying device 5, and a cleaning unit 14. Furthermore, the recording device 1 is covered by a shell (not shown) to form its appearance.

[0043] Cleaning Department

[0044] The cleaning section 14 includes: a storage section 18 for storing cleaning liquid 16; a brush roller 20, about half of which is immersed in the liquid 16; and a wiping section 2 for wiping the support surface 7 of the conveyor belt 9 by a wiping device 11. The wiping section 2 is supported inside the storage section 18.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning section 14 is positioned near the drive roller 4 of the conveyor belt 9. The support surface 7 of the conveyor belt 9 is first brushed by the rotating contact of the brush roller 20. Next, the support surface 7 is wiped by the wiper 11 as the conveyor belt 9 moves at the wiping section 2. Through this cleaning and wiping, the liquid 16 in the reservoir 18 gradually becomes dirty.

[0046] Filter section

[0047] As described above, flow channel components 15 and 17 are connected to the retention section 18. Liquid 16 within the retention section 18 is discharged out of the retention section 18 through a flow channel component 15 connected to the bottom side of the retention section 18, and is then conveyed to the filter section 21. Liquid 16 is filtered by the filter 23 of the filter section 21 to become purified water 162, and flows back into the retention section 18 from above through another flow channel component 17. In contrast to purified water 162, the liquid 16 before filtration by the filter section 21 is referred to here as wastewater 161.

[0048] The filter section 21 is installed on the flow channel components 15 and 17 in a removable manner.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the filter section 21 is configured to be able to extend outward in the direction away from the main body 13 (X-axis direction), that is, in the width direction of the conveyor belt 9. In other words, the filter section 21 is configured to be able to extend outward relative to the conveyor belt 9 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 9.

[0050] In this embodiment, pumps 25 and 31 are installed on the liquid flow path formed by flow channel components 15 and 17 to allow the liquid 16 to flow. Pumps 25 and 31 cause the liquid 16 to flow through flow channel components 15 and 17 to the storage section 18, the filter section 21, and back to the storage section 18. Although two pumps 25 and 31 are provided in this embodiment, depending on their capacity, there may be one or more pumps. A nozzle or similar supply head 27 is provided in the portion where the filtered clean water 162, filtered by the filter section 21, is supplied from the flow channel component 17 to the storage section 18.

[0051] In this embodiment, a valve 29, such as a solenoid valve, is provided in the liquid flow path. The valve 29 can switch between a first state that allows the liquid 16 to flow and a second state that restricts the flow of the liquid 16. Furthermore, of the pumps 25 and 31, the pump 31 is located downstream of the valve 29 in the direction of liquid 16 flow. In this embodiment, the pump 31 is mounted on the main body 13 of the device.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the filter section 21 includes a storage section 37 for housing the filter 23. The storage section 37 is configured to also house a valve 29 and a pump 25. Specifically, the valve 29 and the pump 25 are respectively disposed on the upper edge of the storage section 37.

[0053] Alternatively, the pump 31 can be housed in the housing 37 instead of being mounted on the main body 13. In this case, the configuration of the valve 29 also needs to be changed so that the pump 31 is positioned further downstream of the valve 29.

[0054] The operation of valve 29 and pumps 25 and 31 is controlled by control unit 33. In this embodiment, control unit 33 is configured to stop the operation of pump 31, which is located further downstream of valve 29, after switching valve 29 from the first state to the second state to restrict the flow of liquid 16 when filter unit 21 is pulled out from device body 13.

[0055] The determination of whether the filter section 21 is pulled out from the main body section 13 is carried out by setting a dedicated detection sensor (not shown in the figure).

[0056] The detection sensor can be, for example, an optical sensor. The optical sensor includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light-emitting element and a phototransistor as a light-receiving element. The detection sensor is fixed to the main body 13 of the device. Specifically, with the filter section 21 housed in the main body 13, the light-emitting element is arranged opposite the light-receiving element, separated by the filter section 21. Furthermore, with the filter section 21 housed in the main body 13, the positional relationship between the filter section 21 and the detection sensor is adjusted so that the filter section 21 is positioned on the path of the light emitted from the light-emitting element. At this time, the light path is preferably intersecting the movement direction of the filter section 21. That is, it is configured such that, with the filter section 21 housed in the main body 13, the light emitted from the light-emitting element is blocked by the filter section 21, and the light does not enter the light-receiving element. The control unit 33 can determine that the filter unit 21 is housed in the main body 13 of the device by detecting, through a detection sensor, that the light emitted from the light-emitting element is blocked by the filter unit 21. Conversely, when the filter unit 21 is pulled out in a direction away from the main body 13, it avoids the path of the light emitted from the light-emitting element, allowing the light to enter the light-receiving element. The control unit 33 can determine that the filter unit 21 is pulled out in a direction away from the main body 13 by detecting that the light emitted from the light-emitting element enters the light-receiving element. While the above description pertains to a transmissive optical sensor, a reflective optical sensor is also possible. In the case of a reflective optical sensor, the light-emitting element is positioned on the same side as the light-receiving element. Furthermore, based on the presence or absence of reflected light from the filter unit 21, the control unit 33 can determine whether the filter unit 21 has been pulled out of the main body 13.

[0057] Furthermore, the determination can be made by a user-operated switch operation instead of a dedicated detection sensor. In this case, the switch is electrically connected to the control unit 33. Alternatively, a touch panel can be provided on the recording device 1 (transport device 5), and the user can input the content that the filter unit 21 is pulled out of the device body 13 via the touch panel. In this case, the touch panel is electrically connected to the control unit 33.

[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the filter section 21 has a pair of protrusions 24, 24 that are longer in the pull-out direction (X-axis direction) on the bottom surface of the receiving section 37. The filter section 21 is configured to be guided in the state where the pair of protrusions 24, 24 are engaged with a pair of tracks 26, 26 having long grooves, so that it can move in the pull-out direction.

[0059] The flow channel components 15 and 17 are formed of flexible tubes and have coiled sections 28 and 30 in the middle. Due to the presence of these coiled sections 28 and 30, the flow channel components 15 and 17 are telescopic, thereby extending the coiled sections 28 and 30 when the filter section 21 is pulled out in the direction away from the device body section 13 (X-axis direction) and contracting the coiled sections 28 and 30 when the filter section 21 moves toward the device body section 13.

[0060] Furthermore, instead of the coil sections 28 and 30, the flow channel components 15 and 17 can be preset to a slightly longer length in a way that prevents them from becoming too tight when the pull-out is performed.

[0061] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, an illumination unit 39 for illuminating light is provided inside the storage section 37. The illumination unit 39 uses a component that can be used as illumination to brighten the connection between the flow channel components 15, 17 and the filter 23. For example, an LED lamp or bulb that can emit visible light can be used as the illumination unit 39. The control unit 33 can also be configured to start the visible light illumination implemented by the illumination unit 39 when it is determined that the filter section 21 has been pulled out from the main body section 13. In other words, the control unit 33 can also be configured to start the visible light illumination implemented by the illumination unit 39 when the filter section 21 has been pulled out from the main body section 13. As a result, the power consumption of the illumination unit 39 can be reduced.

[0062] Furthermore, the system includes receiving portions 35, 35 capable of accommodating liquid 16 from the connection points of the flow channel components 15, 17 and the filter 23. Since the receiving portions 35, 35 serve as receivers for leaked liquid 16, they are preferably filled with an absorbent material (not shown) for absorbing the liquid. Additionally, the receiving portions 35 or the absorbent material are preferably replaceable.

[0063] Explanation of the effects of Implementation Method 1

[0064] Next, based on Figures 1 to 3 When the filter 23 is replaced in the recording device 1 equipped with the conveying device 5 of Embodiment 1, the following effects can be obtained.

[0065] (1) According to this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the filter section 21 can be pulled out in a direction away from the main body 13 of the device. Therefore, by pulling the filter section 21 out in a direction away from the main body 13 of the device, it can be moved to a position where it is easy to remove the filter 23 from the filter section 21. This improves the ease of filter 23 replacement performed by the user.

[0066] (2) Furthermore, the liquid 16 is discharged from the storage section 18 by the pumps 25 and 31, and the filtered liquid 16, i.e., purified water 162, which has been filtered by the filter section 21, is supplied back into the storage section 18. Thus, the liquid 16 can be reused.

[0067] (3) When the filter section 21 is pulled out from the main body section 13 and the filter 23 is removed from the flow channel components 15 and 17, the following situation occurs: the liquid 16 flowing in the flow channel components 15 and 17 leaks out.

[0068] According to this embodiment, when it is determined that the filter section 21 has been pulled out from the main body section 13, the control section 33 switches the valve 29 from a first state allowing flow to a second state restricting flow, and then stops the operation of the downstream pump 31. Thus, by first restricting the flow of liquid in the flow channel components 15 and 17 using the valve 29, and then stopping the operation of the downstream pump 31, the liquid 16 remaining in the flow channel components 15 and 17 can be removed, i.e., drained. This reduces the risk of contamination caused by leakage.

[0069] (4) Furthermore, the filter 23 is housed in the housing 37. This prevents, for example, situations where the user accidentally touches the filter 23, causing external force to act on the filter 23, or where the user unintentionally removes the filter 23 from the flow channel components 15 and 17. In other words, the filter 23 is protected from external forces.

[0070] (5) Furthermore, the filter section 21, valve 29, and pump 25 are housed in the housing section 37. Thus, by concentrating the locations where the filter section 21, valve 29, and pump 25 are arranged, maintenance becomes easier.

[0071] (6) Furthermore, since an illumination section 39 for irradiating light is provided inside the storage section 37, the visual confirmation during the operation of removing the filter 23 is improved.

[0072] (7) In addition, there are receiving portions 35, 35 that can accommodate liquid 16 from the connection portion of the flow channel components 15, 17 and the filter portion 21. Thus, liquid 16 that may leak from the connection portion when the filter 23 is removed from the flow channel components 15, 17 is caught by the receiving portions 35, 35, thereby preventing the surrounding environment from getting dirty.

[0073] Other implementation methods

[0074] Although the recording device 1 equipped with the conveying device 5 according to the embodiments of the present invention is based on the structure described above, it is of course possible to implement some structural changes or omissions without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention.

[0075] For example, a detection unit can also be set up to detect the degree of dirtiness of the filter 23.

[0076] The detection sensor does not have to be an optical sensor. It can also be a mechanical sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a micro switch.

[0077] Symbol Explanation

[0078] 1…Recording device; 2…Wiping section; 3…Recording section; 4…Drive roller; 5…Conveying device; 6…Driven roller; 7…Supporting surface; 8…Adhesive layer; 9…Conveyor belt; 11…Wiper; 13…Main body of the device; 14…Cleaning section; 15…Flow channel component; 16…Liquid; 17…Flow channel component; 18…Retention section; 20…Brush roller; 21…Filter section; 22…Frame; 23…Filter; 24…Protrusion; 25…Pump; 26…Railway; 28…Coil section; 29…Valve; 30…Coil section; 31…Pump; 33…Control section; 35…Containment section; 37…Storage section; 39…Irradiation section; 161…Sewage; 162…Clean water; P…Media.

Claims

1. A conveying device, characterized in that, have: A conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium; The main body of the device is provided with the conveyor belt; The cleaning unit uses liquid to clean the supporting surface. The cleaning unit includes: A storage section for storing the liquid; A flow channel component through which the liquid discharged from and flows back from the reservoir passes; The filter section has a filter that can be removably connected to the flow channel component, and the filter section can be pulled out away from the main body of the device. The conveying device also includes: A pump that causes the liquid to flow through the flow channel component to the reservoir, the filter section, and back to the reservoir; A valve that can switch between a first state that allows the flow of the liquid and a second state that restricts the flow of the liquid; The control unit controls the valves and the pump. The pump includes at least one pump located downstream of the valve in the direction of liquid flow. When the filter section is pulled out from the main body of the device, the control unit stops the operation of the downstream pump after switching the valve from the first state to the second state.

2. The conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The filter section includes a storage section for storing the filter.

3. The conveying device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The storage unit houses the valve and the pump.

4. The conveying device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, An illumination section for irradiating light is provided inside the storage section.

5. The conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, have: A receiving section capable of containing the liquid from the connection between the flow channel component and the filter.

6. A recording device, characterized in that, have: A recording unit, capable of recording on a medium; A conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting the medium and capable of conveying the medium; The main body of the device is provided with the conveyor belt; The cleaning unit uses liquid to clean the supporting surface. The cleaning unit includes: A storage section for storing the liquid; A flow channel component through which the liquid discharged from and flows back from the reservoir passes; A filter section is provided on the flow channel component in a removable manner, and the filter section can be pulled out away from the main body of the device. The recording device also includes: A pump that causes the liquid to flow through the flow channel component to the reservoir, the filter section, and back to the reservoir; A valve that can switch between a first state that allows the flow of the liquid and a second state that restricts the flow of the liquid; The control unit controls the valves and the pump. The pump includes at least one pump located downstream of the valve in the direction of liquid flow. When the filter section is pulled out from the main body of the device, the control unit stops the operation of the downstream pump after switching the valve from the first state to the second state.

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