Delivery device and liquid ejection device

Abstract

A conveyance device and a liquid discharge device capable of reducing time and effort spent on adjustment are provided. The conveyance device includes a conveyance belt (117) that conveys a medium (M) and has an outer peripheral surface on which the medium (M) is placed; a wiper (139) that has a tip end portion that is capable of contacting the outer peripheral surface (118) and a base end portion that is located on an opposite side from the tip end portion in a direction that intersects the outer peripheral surface (118) and wipes the outer peripheral surface (118); an abutting portion that is composed of a resin and is capable of supporting the base end portion by abutting against the base end portion; and a plurality of pressing portions that are capable of pressing the base end portion through the abutting portion and are arranged side by side in a width direction (X) of the conveyance belt (117).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a conveyance device and a liquid ejection device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The recording medium conveyance device described in Patent Literature 1 has a endless belt that conveys a recording medium, a cleaning liquid attaching unit that attaches and cleans a cleaning liquid on a surface of the endless belt, and a plurality of squeegees. The plurality of squeegees are in contact with the surface of the endless belt at a position downstream of the moving direction of the endless belt from the cleaning liquid attaching position by the cleaning liquid attaching unit, thereby removing the cleaning liquid attached on the surface of the endless belt.

[0003] In the recording medium conveyance device described in Patent Literature 1, there is a case where the cleaning liquid remains on the endless belt when a gap occurs between the squeegee and the endless belt due to a deviation in the height of the squeegee. Therefore, a technique is sought that adjusts the height of the squeegee in such a manner that no gap occurs between the squeegee and the endless belt. Further, in a case where a high-low undulation occurs on the squeegee, although no gap occurs between the squeegee and the endless belt for a part of the squeegee, a gap sometimes occurs between the squeegee and the endless belt for another part. Therefore, the squeegee is preferably adjusted in height in such a manner that no gap occurs between the squeegee and the endless belt for each part of the squeegee. However, in the recording medium conveyance device described in Patent Literature 1, even though adjustment of the height of the entire squeegee is possible, it is difficult to adjust the height of the squeegee for each part of the squeegee.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-116619 SUMMARY

[0005] A conveyance device that solves the above-described problem includes: a conveyance belt that conveys a medium and has an outer circumferential surface on which the medium can be placed; a wiper that has a tip end portion that can be in contact with the outer circumferential surface and a base end portion that is located on an opposite side from the tip end portion in a direction that intersects the outer circumferential surface, and wipes the outer circumferential surface; an abutting portion that is structured by a resin and can support the base end portion by abutting against the base end portion; and a plurality of pressing portions that can press the base end portion through the abutting portion and are arranged side by side in a width direction of the conveyance belt.

[0006] A liquid ejecting apparatus that solves the above-described problem includes: an ejecting section that is capable of ejecting a liquid toward a medium; a conveyer belt that conveys the medium and has an outer circumferential surface on which the medium is capable of being placed; a wiper that has a tip end portion that is capable of contacting the outer circumferential surface and a base end portion that is located on an opposite side from the tip end portion in a direction that intersects the outer circumferential surface, and wipes the outer circumferential surface; an abutting section that is composed of a resin and is capable of supporting the base end portion by abutting against the base end portion; and a plurality of pressing sections that are capable of pressing the base end portion through the abutting section and are arranged side by side in a width direction of the conveyer belt. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 A front view showing a printing device in one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 A side sectional view showing an internal structure of the printing device.

[0009] Figure 3 A side sectional view showing a cleaning section included in the printing device.

[0010] Figure 4 A perspective view showing a processing device.

[0011] Figure 5 A perspective view showing a part of a wiper.

[0012] Figure 6 A side sectional view showing a structure that supports the wiper.

[0013] Figure 7 A front view showing a shape of a hole.

[0014] Figure 8 A front view showing a shape of a cutout section.

[0015] Figure 9 A side sectional view showing a structure that supports the wiper.

[0016] Figure 10 A plan view showing a shape of a clamp member.

[0017] Figure 11 A front view showing a shape of the clamp member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] An embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the printing apparatus 100 is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane, and the direction of gravity is represented by the Z-axis, and the directions along the horizontal plane are represented by the X-axis and the Y-axis. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the width direction X, the direction along the Y-axis will be referred to as the depth direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis will be referred to as the gravity direction Z. The X-axis is an imaginary axis parallel to the width direction X of a conveyance belt to be described later, and the Y-axis is an imaginary axis parallel to the conveyance direction Y of a medium M on the conveyance belt. At this time, when the left and the right are distinguished in the width direction of the printing apparatus 100, the left will be referred to as the +X direction, and the right will be referred to as the -X direction. When the front and the depth are distinguished in the depth direction of the printing apparatus 100, the front will be referred to as the +Y direction, and the depth will be referred to as the -Y direction. When the upper and the lower are distinguished in the height direction of the printing apparatus 100, the upper will be referred to as the +Z direction, and the lower will be referred to as the -Z direction.

[0019] Structure of the printing apparatus 100

[0020] As shown in Figure 1 , the printing apparatus 100 as one example of the liquid ejecting apparatus is provided with a conveyance belt 117 and an ejecting section 120. The conveyance belt 117 supports and conveys a medium M such as cloth, paper, or the like on a support surface 117a. The ejecting section 120 performs a printing operation by ejecting a liquid onto the medium M supported by the conveyance belt 117. The printing apparatus 100 is provided with a frame 112 having a column beam structure and an operation section 130. The operation section 130 is operated by a user, and has a display section 131 implemented by, for example, a liquid crystal screen of a touch panel type, and a button or the like for operation.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2 , the printing apparatus 100 is provided with a cover 114, a conveyance apparatus 116 that conveys the medium M by the conveyance belt 117, a control section 126, a cleaning section 132, and a drying section 182.

[0022] The frame 112 is configured as a base that provides each part of the printing apparatus 100. The frame 112 has a column beam structure including a bottom frame 112a, a column frame 112b, and an upper frame 112c. The cover 114 is an exterior member that covers each part of the printing apparatus 100.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2As shown, the conveyance device 116 is provided at an upper portion of the frame 112, and includes a driving roller 116a, a driven roller 116b, a conveyance belt 117, and a winding roller not shown. Further, the conveyance device 116 is capable of conveying the medium M in the +Y direction in conjunction with movement of the conveyance belt 117 realized by rotation of the driving roller 116a. In the +Y direction, the driving roller 116a is disposed at a downstream, and the driven roller 116b is disposed at an upstream. In addition, the driving roller 116a and the driven roller 116b each have a rotation axis in the X direction. The conveyance device 116 is controlled by a control section 126 described later.

[0024] The conveyance belt 117 is configured as a jointless belt in which both ends of a flat plate having elasticity are joined together. The conveyance belt 117 is wound around an outer peripheral surface of the driving roller 116a and an outer peripheral surface of the driven roller 116b. In other words, the conveyance belt 117 is provided in the frame 112, and is capable of conveying the medium M by performing a loop movement.

[0025] The conveyance belt 117 can also be, for example, a glue belt. In the case where the conveyance belt 117 is a glue belt, an outer peripheral surface 118 of the conveyance belt 117 has, for example, an adhesive property, and is capable of placing and adsorbing the medium M. The adhesive property refers to a property of being capable of temporarily adhering to other components and being capable of peeling from the adhered state.

[0026] In the outer peripheral surface 118, a direction intersecting the +Y direction which is a moving direction of the conveyance belt 117 becomes the X direction. A portion of the outer peripheral surface 118 located in the +Z direction from a center of the driving roller 116a and along the XY plane is set as an upper surface portion 118a. The upper surface portion 118a supports the medium M. Further, a portion of the outer peripheral surface 118 wound around the driving roller 116a is set as a curved surface portion 118b. In addition, a portion of the outer peripheral surface 118 located in the -Z direction from the center of the driving roller 116a and along the XY plane is set as a lower surface portion 118c. Further, a portion wound around the driven roller 116b is set as a curved surface portion 118d.

[0027] The conveyance device 116 is capable of changing a conveyance speed of the medium M by adjusting the number of revolutions per unit time of the driving roller 116a. The medium M is peeled from the curved surface portion 118b by winding the medium M by a winding roller not shown.

[0028] As Figure 2As shown, the ejector section 120 is positioned above the conveying device 116. The ejector section 120 is configured to record onto a medium M being conveyed in the +Y direction. The ejector section 120 includes an ejector head 121 and a carriage 122, the carriage 122 supporting the ejector head 121 in a manner capable of reciprocating along the X direction. The ejector head 121 records onto the medium M by ejecting ink, an example of a liquid, onto the recording surface of the medium M, positioned in the +Z direction relative to the medium M. The ejector section 120 is controlled by a control unit 126.

[0029] The control unit 126 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) and a memory. The CPU is an arithmetic processing device. The memory is a storage device that stores the CPU's program or working area, and includes storage elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), as well as memory modules. The CPU controls the operation of various parts of the printing apparatus 100 according to the program stored in the memory.

[0030] The cleaning unit 132 cleans the outer peripheral surface 118 of the conveyor belt 117. The cleaning unit 132 is positioned in the -Z direction relative to the end of the lower surface portion 118c in the +Y direction. The cleaning unit 132 is controlled by the control unit 126. Details regarding the cleaning unit 132 will be described below.

[0031] The drying section 182 dries the outer peripheral surface 118 that has been cleaned by the cleaning section 132. The drying section 182 includes, for example, a blowing section 184 and a heating section 196, wherein the blowing section 184 blows air toward the outer peripheral surface 118, and the heating section 196 heats the outer peripheral surface 118. The blowing section 184 is positioned adjacent to the cleaning section 132 in the -Y direction. The heating section 196 is positioned in the -Z direction relative to the end of the lower surface portion 118c in the -Y direction. The drying section 182 is controlled by a control section 126.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning unit 132 includes a storage tank 134 for storing cleaning fluid Q, a cleaning brush 137, and a wiping plate 139. Furthermore, the cleaning unit 132 can be raised and lowered in the Z direction relative to the conveyor belt 117 to be cleaned by utilizing a cylinder (not shown).

[0033] With the ejection section 120 performing recording on the medium M, liquid sometimes adheres to the outer peripheral surface 118 of the conveyance belt 117. For example, in the case where the medium M is cloth, exuded ink or the like sometimes adheres to the outer peripheral surface 118. Further, when the medium M is peeled from the outer peripheral surface 118, pieces of the cloth sometimes remain on the outer peripheral surface 118. The ink or the like adhering to the outer peripheral surface 118 becomes a cause of soiling the medium M, and the pieces remaining on the outer peripheral surface 118 become a cause of reducing the adhesion of the medium M to the outer peripheral surface 118. In the cleaning section 132, the outer peripheral surface 118 of the conveyance belt 117 is swept by the cleaning brush 137 in order to remove the liquid adhering to the outer peripheral surface 118 or the pieces generated due to the medium base material.

[0034] The storage tank 134 is disposed below with respect to the drive roller 116a and the conveyance belt 117. Further, the storage tank 134 has a bottom wall 135, a front wall 136a, a rear wall 136b, and a pair of side walls 138. The bottom wall 135 is formed as a plate shape of a quadrangle having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction, and is disposed along the XY plane. The front wall 136a stands in the +Z direction at an end portion of the bottom wall 135 in the +Y direction. The rear wall 136b stands in the +Z direction at an end portion of the bottom wall 135 in the -Y direction. The pair of side walls 138 is each disposed at an end portion of the bottom wall 135 in the +X direction and in the -X direction, and stands in the +Z direction from the bottom wall 135. That is, the storage tank 134 has a box shape which is open above. In the inside of the box shape and in a space SP surrounded by the bottom wall 135, the front wall 136a, the rear wall 136b, and the pair of side walls, the sweeping liquid Q for cleaning the outer peripheral surface 118 is stored. That is, in the inside of the box shape which is open above the storage tank 134, the sweeping liquid Q supplied to the cleaning brush 137 at the time of the sweeping operation is stored.

[0035] The side wall 138 extends in the -Y direction beyond the rear wall 136b when viewed from the X direction. That is, the side wall 138 has a side wall portion 141 which forms the space SP, and an extension portion 142 which extends from the side wall portion 141 in the -Y direction to the outside of the space SP. The extension portion 142 supports the blow-out section 184. That is, the blow-out section 184 is supported by the cleaning section 132.

[0036] The cleaning brush 137 has a cylindrical shaft portion 137a and a brush portion 137b which extends radially from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 137a. The shaft portion 137a extends along the X direction, and is supported to a part of the side wall 138 in a rotatable manner.

[0037] The brush portion 137b is configured to be able to contact the lower surface portion 118c. Also, the cleaning brush 137 is rotated by a motor not shown, and removes liquid and media substrate caused debris adhering to the lower surface portion 118c using the cleaning liquid Q stored in the storage groove 134. That is, the cleaning brush 137 performs a cleaning operation of the conveyer belt 117 using the cleaning liquid Q stored in the storage groove 134. Liquid and media substrate caused debris removed from the conveyer belt 117 by the cleaning brush 137 is mixed in the cleaning liquid Q in the storage groove 134, and is thereby recovered.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning brush 137 and the wiper plate 139 are disposed across the X direction of the printing device 100. The length of the wiper plate 139 in the X direction is slightly longer than the length of the cleaning brush 137 in the X direction. Thus, the wiper plate 139 scrapes the cleaning liquid Q and the like remaining on the lower surface portion 118c after cleaning by the cleaning brush 137 from the lower surface portion 118c. Figure 4

[0039] As shown in FIG. 10, the wiper plate 139 is mounted on a second plate member 145 supported by a first plate member 144 extending in the +Z direction from a portion of the rear wall 136b. The wiper plate 139 scrapes the cleaning liquid Q and the like remaining on the lower surface portion 118c after cleaning by the cleaning brush 137 from the lower surface portion 118c. The second plate member 145 is inclined at a predetermined angle from the center in the -Y direction. By this angle, the wiper plate 139 is also inclined with respect to the lower surface portion 118c, and thus the wiper plate 139 can appropriately scrape the cleaning liquid Q and the like remaining on the lower surface portion 118c. Figure 5

[0040] As shown in FIG. 11, an inner frame 119 is provided inside the portion of the conveyer belt 117 contacted by the tip end portion of the wiper plate 139. The inner frame 119 is erected in the X direction in the frame 112, and supports the conveyer belt 117 from the inside. Thus, the conveyer belt 117 can resist the pressing force from the wiper plate 139. Figure 3 The details of the structure supporting the wiper plate 139 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 12, a first portion 146 and a second portion 147 are formed on the second plate member 145 by bending a plate material. The first portion 146 is disposed along the first plate member 144. The second portion 147 protrudes in the +Z direction of the first plate member 144, and is inclined rearward in the -Y direction. The wiper plate 139 and the structure supporting the wiper plate 139 are disposed on the +Z direction surface in the second portion 147.

[0041] Figure 6

[0042] ​​​​In the drawings, the direction of the surface in the second portion 147 along the +Z direction is represented by an α-axis and a β-axis, and a γ-axis orthogonal to the α-β plane. The α-axis, the β-axis, and the γ-axis are orthogonal to each other. Further, the α-axis is substantially parallel to the X-axis. In the following description, the direction along the α-axis will be referred to as a width direction α, the direction along the β-axis will be referred to as a plate extending direction β since it is also the extending direction of the wiping plate 139, and the direction along the γ-axis will be referred to as a vertical direction γ. At this time, when distinguishing left and right in the width direction α, the left will be referred to as a +α direction, and the right will be referred to as a -α direction. When distinguishing near and deep in the depth direction β, the near will be referred to as a -β direction, and the deep will be referred to as a +β direction. When distinguishing up and down in the vertical direction γ, the up will be referred to as a +γ direction, and the down will be referred to as a -γ direction.

[0043] A support portion 231 is provided on the surface of the second portion 147. The support portion 231 is constituted, for example, by being bent at a right angle toward the +γ direction, thereby forming a support surface portion 232 and a standing portion 233. The support portion 231 has a support surface 232a on the surface of the support surface portion 232 in the +γ direction. The support surface 232a is, for example, a surface parallel to the surface in the +Z direction in the second portion 147. On the support surface 232a, an abutting portion 200 is provided across the X direction (that is, the α direction) of the printing device 100.

[0044] The abutting portion 200 is constituted, for example, by resin, and has an outer shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a long side in the α direction when viewed from the +γ direction. In detail, the abutting portion 200 has a first surface 201 in the +β direction, a second surface 202 in the +γ direction, a third surface 203 in the -β direction, a fourth surface 204 in the -γ direction, a fifth surface 205 in the +α direction, and a sixth surface 206 in the -α direction. Therefore, the support surface 232a abuts against the fourth surface 204 of the abutting portion 200, and the abutting portion 200 is supported in a displaceable manner.

[0045] The first face 201 of the abutment portion 200 abuts against the wiping plate 139. The wiping plate 139 has a tip end portion 139a and a base end portion 139b. The wiping plate 139 also has a plate portion 139c whose thickness in the γ direction is formed thin so as to be easily bent when an external force is applied, and the base end portion 139b whose thickness in the γ direction is formed thick as compared with the plate portion 139c. The portion between the plate portion 139c and the base end portion 139b has a necked shape. The plate portion 139c extends from the base end portion 139b in the +β direction. The plate portion 139c is formed in such a manner that the thickness of the tip end portion 139a which is the end portion in the +β direction is thinnest. The tip end portion 139a is the portion of the wiping plate 139 which can contact the outer circumferential face 118. The base end portion 139b is located on the opposite side of the tip end portion 139a in the +β direction which is the intersecting direction with the outer circumferential face 118. The bottom face in the -β direction of the base end portion 139b and the first face 201 of the abutment portion 200 are planar, and the abutment portion 200 abuts against the base end portion 139b of the wiping plate 139, so that the base end portion 139b can be supported. In addition, the wiping plate 139 can also be such that the base end portion 139b is formed in the same thickness as the plate portion 139c.

[0046] On the abutment portion 200, in order to support the wiping plate 139, the first support member 211a which is formed in such a manner that it is bent at a right angle toward the -γ direction and the second support member 211b which is formed in such a manner that it is bent at a right angle toward the +γ direction are fixed by the plurality of first bolts 212a and the plurality of second bolts 212b. In detail, the first support member 211a is disposed on the upper face in the +γ direction of the abutment portion 200, and is fixed to the abutment portion 200 by the plurality of first bolts 212a which are disposed side by side in the width direction α of the conveyance belt 117. The bent portion of the first support member 211a supports the end portion in the +γ direction of the base end portion 139b in the -β direction. That is, the end portion in the +γ direction of the base end portion 139b is sandwiched by the first face 201 and the bent portion of the first support member 211a. Thus, the separation of the base end portion 139b and the abutment portion 200 is suppressed.

[0047] Further, the second support member 211b is provided on the lower surface of the abutting portion 200 in the -γ direction, and is fixed to the abutting portion 200 by a plurality of second bolts 212b provided side by side in the width direction α of the conveyor belt 117. The end portion of the bent portion of the second support member 211b supports the necked portion between the plate portion 139c and the base end portion 139b. Here, when the wiping plate 139 is used to scrape off the cleaning liquid Q or the like remaining on the lower surface portion 118c of the conveyor belt 117, a pressing force in the -Y direction is generated at the tip end portion 139a. The lower surface of the plate portion 139c in the -γ direction is supported by the end portion of the bent portion of the second support member 211b, so that the tip end portion 139a is deformed to an extent necessary or less while the tip end portion 139a is appropriately brought into contact with the lower surface portion 118c of the conveyor belt 117.

[0048] A plurality of holes 207 are provided in the abutting portion 200 so as to penetrate in the γ direction intersecting the support surface 232a. The plurality of holes 207 are provided, for example, side by side in the width direction α of the conveyor belt 117 on the abutting portion 200. Details of the size of the hole 207 will be described later. A screw 221 is inserted in the hole 207. The screw 221 has a shaft portion 222 provided with a helical groove 222a, and a head portion 223 having an outer shape larger in size than that of the shaft portion 222. A screw hole 234 is provided in the support surface portion 232 of the support portion 231 so as to penetrate in the direction intersecting the support surface 232a, and is screwed with the helical groove 222a of the shaft portion 222. The abutting portion 200 is fixed in the γ direction by screwing the screw 221 with the screw hole 234.

[0049] A plurality of pressing portions 240 are abutted to the third surface 203 of the abutting portion 200. The plurality of pressing portions 240 press the base end portion 139b of one wiping plate 139 through the abutting portion 200. The pressing portion 240 is a second screw 241 in the present embodiment, for example. The plurality of second screws 241 are provided, for example, side by side in the width direction α of the conveyor belt 117 on the abutting portion 200. Hereinafter, the number of the screw 221 and the number of the second screw 241 are the same. The plurality of screws 221 are respectively provided at substantially the same position in the β direction, and the plurality of second screws 241 are also respectively provided at substantially the same position in the β direction. Further, the positions of the plurality of screws 221 in the α direction and the positions of the plurality of second screws 241 in the α direction are substantially the same. The second screw 241 has a second shaft portion 243 provided with a second helical groove 243a, and a second head portion 242 having an outer shape larger in size than that of the second shaft portion 243. A second screw hole 235 is provided in the standing portion 233 of the support portion 231 so as to be screwed with the second helical groove 243a of the second shaft portion 243. As with the screw 221, the second screw 241 is screwed with the second screw hole 235, so that the abutting portion 200 is fixed in the γ direction. Figure 6As shown, the second screw 241 engages with the second engagement hole 235, and by being screwed out in the +β direction, the second head 242 abuts against the third surface 203 of the abutment portion 200. Furthermore, the more the second screw 241 is screwed out in the +β direction, the stronger the pressure applied to the base end portion 139b across the abutment portion 200. The more the abutment portion 200 is pressed by the second screw 241, the more its shape shifts. The more the second screw 241 is screwed out in the +β direction, the greater the amount of pressure applied to the base end portion 139b across the abutment portion 200.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, the size of the hole 207 in the width direction α when viewed from the γ direction intersecting the support surface 232a on the α-β plane is greater than the outer dimensions of the shaft portion 222 and smaller than the outer dimensions of the head 223. Therefore, the screw 221 engages with the screw hole 234, and the head 223 presses the abutment portion 200 in the -γ direction, thereby fixing the abutment portion 200 relative to the support portion 231. Furthermore, the size of the hole 207 in the plate extension direction β when viewed from the γ direction intersecting the support surface 232a on the α-β plane is configured such that even if the second screw 241 presses against the abutment portion 200, causing displacement of the abutment portion 200, the screw 221 can still engage with the screw hole 234. The abutment portion 200 can be displaced within the size range of the hole 207 in the plate extension direction β.

[0051] Multiple screws 221 engage with the engagement hole 234, causing the head 223 to press the abutment portion 200 in the -γ direction. This switches the state of the abutment portion 200 from a first state where it is displaced by the pressure of the multiple second screws 241 to a second state where the displacement of the abutment portion 200 is restricted compared to the first state. Furthermore, the screws 221 move their heads 223 in the +γ direction compared to the second state, thereby switching the state of the abutment portion 200 from the second state back to the first state. In other words, the screws 221 can switch the state of the abutment portion 200 from one of the first and second states to the other depending on the degree of engagement with the engagement hole 234. In this embodiment, the screws 221, the hole 207, and the engagement hole 234 constitute a switching section 220 capable of switching the state of the abutment portion 200 from one of the first and second states to the other.

[0052] like Figure 8As shown, the support portion 231 is fixed to the second plate member 145 by a plurality of support bolts 251. The plurality of support bolts 251 are arranged side by side in the width direction α of the conveyor belt 117. In addition, the support bolts 251 are provided between a plurality of second screws 241. At the location where the support bolts 251 are provided, a cutout portion 208 is provided on the abutment portion 200. That is, the cutout portion 208 is provided between the plurality of second screws 241. The cutout portion 208 is a recess formed in the +β direction compared to the third surface 203 when viewed from the γ direction in the α-β plane. As a result, the maintenance personnel of the printing device 100 can tighten or loosen the support bolts 251 without interfering with the abutment portion 200.

[0053] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the following description, in the abutment portion 200, multiple positions where the multiple second screws 241 press are designated as multiple pressing positions PP. Furthermore, in the abutment portion 200, the positions between the multiple pressing positions PP are designated as non-pressing positions NP. As described above, a cutout 208 is provided between the multiple second screws 241. Therefore, the non-pressing position NP is the position where the cutout 208 is provided. Compared to other positions on the abutment portion 200, the volume of the abutment portion 200 at the non-pressing position NP is smaller. Consequently, the rigidity of the abutment portion 200 at the non-pressing position NP becomes less than the rigidity of the abutment portion 200 at the pressing position PP. Additionally, although a hole 207 is provided in the pressing position PP of the abutment portion 200, the dimension of the cutout 208 at the non-pressing position NP in the plate extension direction β is substantially the same as that in the hole 207, but its dimension in the width direction α is longer. Therefore, due to the difference in spatial volume between the hole 207 and the cut 208, the rigidity of the abutment portion 200 in the non-pressing position NP is less than the rigidity of the abutment portion 200 in the pressing position PP.

[0054] Effects of the implementation method

[0055] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0056] In the printing apparatus 100, which is an example of the conveying device 116 and the liquid ejection device in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0057] (1) The printing device 100 includes a conveyance belt 117, a wiper plate 139, an abutting portion 200, and second screws 241 as pressing portions 240. The conveyance belt 117 conveys the medium M and has an outer circumferential surface 118 on which the medium M is placed. The wiper plate 139 has a tip end portion 139a that is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 118 and a base end portion 139b that is located on the opposite side of the tip end portion 139a in a direction intersecting the outer circumferential surface 118, and wipes the outer circumferential surface 118. The abutting portion 200 is made of resin and supports the base end portion 139b by abutting against the base end portion 139b. The plurality of pressing portions 240 press the base end portion 139b through the abutting portion 200 and are arranged side by side in a width direction a of the conveyance belt 117. Thus, the present application can finely adjust the height of each portion of the wiper plate 139 compared to the case where the height of the entire wiper plate 139 is adjusted, and can reduce the time and effort taken by the maintenance personnel of the printing device 100 to adjust. Further, the plurality of pressing portions 240 press the base end portion 139b through the abutting portion 200 made of resin. Thus, compared to the case where the plurality of pressing portions 240 directly press the base end portion 139b, the excessive pressing force of the second screws 241 can be suppressed from acting on the wiper plate 139. Thus, the accuracy of the height adjustment of the wiper plate 139 can be provided with a margin. Further, the plurality of pressing portions 240 are arranged side by side in the width direction a of the conveyance belt 117. Thus, the pressing amount of the wiper plate 139 can be adjusted at different positions in the width direction. Therefore, the wiper plate 139 can be appropriately brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface 118 in the entire region in the width direction a.

[0058] (2) The printing device 100 further includes a plurality of switching portions 220. The plurality of switching portions 220 can switch from one of a first state in which the abutting portion 200 is displaced by being pressed by the plurality of pressing portions 240 and a second state in which the displacement of the abutting portion 200 is restricted compared to the first state. Thus, the maintenance personnel can easily adjust the pressing amount of the wiper plate 139 by switching the switching portion 220 to the first state in which the abutting portion 200 is easily displaced. Further, after the adjustment of the wiper plate 139, the maintenance personnel can maintain the wiper plate 139 at the adjusted pressing amount by switching the switching portion 220 to the second state in which the abutting portion 200 is not easily displaced. Thus, the switching portion 220 can reduce the time and effort taken by the maintenance personnel to adjust.

[0059] (3) The printing device 100 is provided with a support portion 231 having a support surface 232a that supports the abutting portion 200 in a displaceable manner. The switching portion 220 includes a screw 221 having a shaft portion 222 provided with a helical groove 222a, and a head portion 223 having an outer shape that is larger in size than the outer shape of the shaft portion 222. A screw hole 234 is provided on the support portion 231, the screw hole 234 extending in a direction intersecting the support surface 232a and being screwed with the helical groove 222a of the shaft portion 222. A hole 207 is provided on the abutting portion 200, the hole 207 extending in a direction intersecting the support surface 232a and having a width in the width direction a, as viewed in the direction intersecting the support surface 232a, that is equal to or greater than the outer shape of the shaft portion 222 and smaller than the outer shape of the head portion 223. Thus, since the head portion 223 of the screw 221 is larger in size than the hole 207 of the abutting portion 200, the abutting portion 200 can be switched from the first state to the second state by rotating the screw 221 in the tightening direction. Further, the abutting portion 200 can be switched from the second state to the first state by rotating the screw 221 in the loosening direction. Thus, the switching portion 220 can be easily configured by the screw 221.

[0060] (4) The printing device 100 is provided with a support portion 231 having a support surface 232a that supports the abutting portion 200 in a displaceable manner. The pressing portion 240 includes a second screw 241 having a second shaft portion 243 provided with a second helical groove 243a, and a second head portion 242 having an outer shape that is larger in size than the outer shape of the second shaft portion 243. On the support portion 231, a standing portion 233 extending in a direction intersecting the support surface 232a is provided. On the standing portion 233, a second screw hole 235 screwed with the second helical groove 243a of the second shaft portion 243 is provided. Thus, by rotating the second screw 241 in the tightening direction with respect to the support portion 231 and pressing the base end portion 139b via the abutting portion 200, the height of the corresponding position in the width direction a of the wiping plate 139 can be adjusted. Thus, the pressing portion 240 can be simply configured by the second screw 241.

[0061] (5) When a plurality of positions in the abutment portion 200 pressed by the plurality of pressing portions 240 are set as a plurality of pressing positions PP, and a position between the plurality of pressing positions PP is set as a non-pressing position NP, the rigidity of the abutment portion 200 at the non-pressing position NP is smaller than the rigidity of the abutment portion 200 at the pressing position PP. At a position where the support bolt 251 is provided, the cutout portion 208 is provided on the abutment portion 200. That is, the cutout portion 208 is provided between the plurality of second screws 241. Therefore, the non-pressing position NP is a position where the cutout portion 208 is provided. The non-pressing position NP where the cutout portion 208 is provided is smaller in volume of the abutment portion 200 than other positions on the abutment portion 200. Thus, when the pressing position PP is pressed by the second screw 241, the abutment portion 200 is easily elastically deformed, so that the abutment portion 200 can be appropriately displaced. For example, the maintenance person can easily displace the portion of the non-pressing position NP having a small rigidity adjacent to the pressing position PP by operating the pressing portion 240 to displace the pressing position PP of the abutment portion 200. Therefore, not only the portion of the pressing position PP but also the portion of the non-pressing position NP can be adjusted in height, so that the maintenance person can appropriately adjust the height of the wiping plate 139. For example, the fluctuation in the width direction a of the tip portion 139a of the wiping plate 139 caused by the adjustment in height of the portion of the pressing position PP and the non-adjustment in height of the portion of the non-pressing position NP can be moderated.

[0062] Modified example

[0063] Reference Figure 9 to Figure 11 An alternative to the above-described switching portion will be described. For the same structure as the above-described embodiment, the same reference signs are used and the description will be omitted.

[0064] In the printing device 100 of the modified example, the switching portion 220 can use a plurality of clip members 301 instead of (or in addition to) the plurality of screws 221. The clip member 301 is formed, for example, by folding a plate material three times. In detail, the clip member 301 includes a first side plate portion 302, a bottom plate portion 303, and a second side plate portion 304. In the formation of the clip member 301, a clamping force is generated between the first side plate portion 302 and the second side plate portion 304, so that an object provided between the first side plate portion 302 and the second side plate portion 304 is clamped.

[0065] The support portion 231 has a hole 236 that penetrates the erecting portion 233 in the β direction. The hole 236 is positioned such that its center in the γ direction of the erecting portion 233 is approximately aligned with the second surface 202 of the abutment portion 200. Furthermore, a hole 148 that penetrates the first portion 146 in the β direction is provided on the first portion 146. The hole 148 is positioned such that its center in the β direction of the first portion 146 is approximately aligned with the lower surface of the second portion 147.

[0066] like Figure 10 As shown, the first side plate portion 302 of the clamping member 301 is located in the +γ direction of the second surface 202 of the abutment portion 200 via the hole 236. The first side plate portion 302 covers at least a portion of the abutment portion 200 up to the front of the first support member 211a in the -β direction.

[0067] like Figure 11 As shown, the second side plate portion 304 of the clamping member 301 is located on the lower surface of the second portion 147 in the -γ direction when inserted into the hole 148. Thus, the clamping member 301 clamps the abutment portion 200 together with the second portion 147 and the support surface 232 between the first side plate portion 302 and the second side plate portion 304. The clamping member 301 can be assembled and disassembled in a clamped state where the abutment portion 200 is pressed against the support surface 232a, and in a disassembled state where it is not clamped.

[0068] Multiple clamping components 301 can be detached and reattached relative to the abutment portion 200, allowing switching between a first state where the abutment portion 200 is displaced by multiple pressing portions 240 and a second state where displacement is restricted compared to the first state. Thus, by switching the clamping components 301 to the first state, which facilitates displacement of the abutment portion 200, the pressure applied to the wiping plate 139 can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, by switching the clamping components 301 to the second state, which makes displacement of the abutment portion 200 less likely after adjustment of the wiping plate 139, the pressure applied to the adjusted wiping plate 139 can be maintained. Therefore, maintenance personnel can easily adjust the pressure applied to the wiping plate 139 by switching the clamping components 301, which function as a switching portion 220, to the first state, which facilitates displacement of the abutment portion 200. Furthermore, after adjusting the wiping plate 139, maintenance personnel can switch to a second state where the abutment portion 200 is less likely to shift by using the clamping member 301, which serves as the switching part 220, thereby maintaining the wiping plate 139 at the adjusted pressing amount. This reduces the time and effort required for maintenance personnel to adjust the wiping plate.

[0069] The present embodiment can be implemented by being changed in the following manner. The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range in which they are not technically contradictory.

[0070] • The pressing portion 240 can also be implemented by a cam instead of (or in addition to) the second screw 241.

[0071] • The material of the abutting portion 200 can be a synthetic resin (plastic) including synthetic rubber or the like, or a natural resin including natural rubber or the like.

[0072] • The number of the second screw 241 and the number of the screw 221 can be the same or different as long as each of them is plural.

[0073] • In the case where a washer is provided between the screw 221 and the abutting portion 200, the shape of the hole 207 can be arbitrary as long as it is equal to or larger than the outer dimensions of the shaft portion 222 and smaller than the outer dimensions of the washer.

[0074] • The switching portion can be implemented by a structure other than the screw 221 or the clamp member 301 as long as it can switch the state of the abutting portion 200 to the first state or the second state.

[0075] • Although the case where the rigidity of the abutting portion 200 at the non-pressing position NP becomes smaller than that of the abutting portion 200 at the pressing position PP because the notch portion 208 is provided on the abutting portion 200 is described, it is not limited thereto. The abutting portion 200 at the non-pressing position NP can also be a member whose thickness in the β direction is made thinner compared to the abutting portion 200 at the pressing position PP. Thus, the rigidity of the abutting portion 200 at the non-pressing position NP becomes smaller than that of the abutting portion 200 at the pressing position PP.

[0076] • The notch portion 208 can be provided at all positions between the pressing positions PP.

[0077] Hereinafter, the technical idea and the effect thereof grasped according to the above-described embodiments and modified examples will be described.

[0078] (A) A conveying device includes: a conveying belt that conveys a medium and has an outer circumferential surface on which the medium can be placed; a wiper that has a tip end portion that can contact the outer circumferential surface and a base end portion that is located on an opposite side of the tip end portion in a crossing direction that crosses the outer circumferential surface, and wipes the outer circumferential surface; an abutting portion that is structured by a resin and can support the base end portion by abutting against the base end portion; and a plurality of pressing portions that can press the base end portion via the abutting portion and are arranged side by side in a width direction of the conveying belt.

[0079] According to this structure, compared with the case where the height of the entire wiping plate is adjusted, the height of each portion of the wiping plate can be finely adjusted. Further, by the plurality of pressing portions pressing the base end portion through the abutting portion composed of resin, compared with the case where the plurality of pressing portions directly press the base end portion, it is possible to suppress the case where excessive pressing force of the pressing portions acts on the wiping plate. Further, by the plurality of pressing portions being provided side by side in the width direction of the conveyor belt so that the pressing amount of the wiping plate can be adjusted at different positions in the width direction, it is possible to appropriately bring the wiping plate into contact with the outer peripheral surface in the entire region in the width direction.

[0080] (B) It can also be provided that, in the above-described conveying device, a plurality of switching portions are further provided, which can be switched from one to the other of a first state in which displacement of the abutting portion occurs by being pressed by the plurality of pressing portions and a second state in which the displacement is restricted compared with the first state.

[0081] According to this structure, by the maintenance personnel switching to the first state in which displacement of the abutting portion is easy by using the switching portion, it is possible to easily adjust the pressing amount of the wiping plate. Further, after adjustment of the wiping plate, by the maintenance personnel switching to the second state in which displacement of the abutting portion is not easy by using the switching portion, it is possible to maintain the wiping plate at the adjusted pressing amount. Thus, it is possible to reduce the time and effort taken for adjustment by the maintenance personnel.

[0082] (C) It can also be provided that, in the above-described conveying device, a support portion is provided, which has a support surface that supports the abutting portion in a displaceable manner, the switching portion includes a screw having a shaft portion provided with a helical groove and a head portion having an outer shape that is larger in size compared with the outer shape of the shaft portion, a screw hole is provided on the support portion, which penetrates in a direction intersecting the support surface and is screwed with the helical groove of the shaft portion, and a hole is provided on the abutting portion, which penetrates in the width direction as viewed from the direction intersecting the support surface, and which has a size in the width direction that is equal to or greater than the outer shape of the shaft portion and smaller than the outer shape of the head portion.

[0083] According to this structure, since the size of the head portion of the screw is larger than the hole of the abutting portion, by rotating the screw in the tightening direction, it is possible to switch the abutting portion from the first state to the second state, and by rotating the screw in the loosening direction, it is possible to switch the abutting portion from the second state to the first state. Thus, it is possible to easily configure the switching portion by the screw.

[0084] (D) Also, in the above-described conveyance device, a support portion having a support surface that supports the abutting portion in a displaceable manner can be provided, and the pressing portion can include a second screw provided with a second shaft portion having a second helical groove and a second head portion having an outer shape that is larger in size than an outer shape of the second shaft portion, and a standing portion extending in a direction intersecting the support surface can be provided on the support portion, and a second screw hole that is screwed with the second helical groove of the second shaft portion can be provided on the standing portion.

[0085] According to this structure, the height of the corresponding position in the width direction of the wiping plate can be adjusted by rotating the second screw in the tightening direction with respect to the standing portion and pressing the base end portion through the abutting portion. Therefore, the pressing portion can be easily configured by the second screw.

[0086] (E) Also, in the above-described conveyance device, in a case where a plurality of positions in the abutting portion that are pressed by a plurality of the pressing portions are set as a plurality of pressing positions, and a position between the plurality of pressing positions is set as a non-pressing position, the rigidity of the abutting portion at the non-pressing position can be smaller than the rigidity of the abutting portion at the pressing position.

[0087] According to this structure, when the pressing portion is pressed at a pressing position between adjacent pressing positions where the rigidity of the abutting portion is reduced, the abutting portion can be appropriately displaced at the pressing position. Therefore, the height adjustment of the wiping plate can be easily performed.

[0088] (F) A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: an ejecting portion that is capable of ejecting a liquid toward a medium; a conveyance belt that conveys the medium and has an outer circumferential surface on which the medium is capable of being placed; a wiping plate that has a tip end portion that is capable of contacting the outer circumferential surface and a base end portion that is located on an opposite side of the tip end portion in a direction intersecting the outer circumferential surface, and wipes the outer circumferential surface; an abutting portion that is structured by a resin and is capable of supporting the base end portion by abutting against the base end portion; and a plurality of pressing portions that are capable of pressing the base end portion via the abutting portion and are provided side by side in a width direction of the conveyance belt.

[0089] According to this structure, the height of each portion of the wiping plate can be finely adjusted compared to the case where the height of the entire wiping plate is adjusted. Further, the base end portion is pressed by the plurality of pressing portions via the abutting portion made of resin, so that compared to the case where the base end portion is directly pressed by the plurality of pressing portions, it is possible to suppress the case where excessive pressing force of the pressing portions acts on the wiping plate. Further, the plurality of pressing portions are arranged side by side in the width direction of the conveyor belt, so that it is possible to adjust the pressing amount of the wiping plate at different positions in the width direction, and thus it is possible to appropriately bring the wiping plate into contact with the outer peripheral surface in the entire region in the width direction.

[0090] (G) It can also be provided that, in the above liquid ejecting apparatus, a plurality of switching portions are further provided, and the plurality of switching portions are switchable from a first state in which the abutting portion is displaced by being pressed by the plurality of pressing portions, and a second state in which the displacement of the abutting portion is restricted compared to the first state.

[0091] According to this structure, the maintenance person can easily adjust the pressing amount of the wiping plate by switching the switching portion to the first state in which the abutting portion is easily displaced. Further, after the adjustment of the wiping plate, the maintenance person can maintain the wiping plate at the adjusted pressing amount by switching the switching portion to the second state in which the abutting portion is not easily displaced. Thus, it is possible to reduce the time and effort taken for the adjustment by the maintenance person.

[0092] Symbol explanation

[0093] 100… printing device; 112… frame; 112a… bottom frame; 112b… column frame; 112c… upper frame; 114… cover; 116… conveyance device; 116a… drive roller; 116b… driven roller; 117… conveyance belt; 117a… support surface; 118… outer peripheral surface; 118a… upper surface portion; 118b, 118d… curved surface portions; 118c… lower surface portion; 119… inner frame; 120… ejection portion; 121… ejection head; 122… carriage; 126… control portion; 130… operation portion; 131… display portion; 132… cleaning portion; 134… storage tank; 135… bottom wall; 136a… front wall; 136b… rear wall; 137… cleaning brush; 137a… shaft portion; 137b… brush portion; 138… side wall; 139… wiping plate; 139a… tip end portion; 139b… base end portion; 141… side wall portion; 142… extension portion; 144… first plate member; 145… second plate member; 146… first portion; 147… second portion; 148, 207, 236… hole; 182… drying portion; 184… blow-off portion; 196… heating portion; 200… abutment portion; 208… cutout portion; 211a… first support member; 211b… second support member; 212a… first bolt; 212b… second bolt; 220… switching portion; 221… screw; 222… shaft portion; 223… head portion; 231… support portion; 232… support surface portion; 232a… support surface; 233… uprightly provided portion; 234… screw hole; 235… second screw hole; 240… pressing portion; 241… second screw; 242… second head portion; 243… second shaft portion; 251… support bolt; 301… clamp member; 302… first side plate portion; 303… bottom plate portion; 304… second side plate portion; M… medium; NP… non-pressing position; PP… pressing position.

Claims

1. A conveying device, characterized in that, have: A conveyor belt for conveying a medium and having an outer peripheral surface capable of holding the medium; A wiping plate having a top end portion capable of contacting the outer peripheral surface and a base end portion located on the opposite side of the top end portion in an intersecting direction intersecting the outer peripheral surface, and wiping the outer peripheral surface; The abutting portion is made of resin and can support the base end by abutting against it; Multiple pressing parts, which can press the base end portion across the abutment portion, are arranged side by side in the width direction of the conveyor belt. When multiple positions in the abutment portion that are pressed by multiple pressing portions are designated as multiple pressing positions, and the positions between the multiple pressing positions are designated as non-pressing positions, the rigidity of the abutment portion at the non-pressing position is less than the rigidity of the abutment portion at the pressing position.

2. The conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple switching units, which can switch from one state to the other between a first state in which the abutting part is displaced by being pressed by the multiple pressing parts and a second state in which the displacement is restricted compared to the first state.

3. The conveying device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The device includes a support portion having a support surface that supports the abutment portion in a displaceable manner. The switching part includes a screw, the screw having a shaft portion with helical grooves and a head having a larger external dimension compared to the shaft portion. A screwing hole is provided on the support portion, the screwing hole passing through in a direction intersecting the support surface and engaging with the helical groove of the shaft portion. On the abutting portion, a hole is provided through in the direction intersecting the support surface, the dimension of which in the width direction when viewed from the direction intersecting the support surface is greater than the outer dimension of the shaft portion and smaller than the outer dimension of the head.

4. The conveying device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The device includes a support portion having a support surface that supports the abutment portion in a displaceable manner. The pressing part includes a second screw, the second screw having a second shaft portion having a second helical groove and a second head having a larger size compared to the outer dimensions of the second shaft portion. The support portion is provided with an upright mounting portion extending in a direction intersecting the support surface. The erecting part is provided with a second screwing hole that screws into the second spiral groove of the second shaft part.

5. The conveying device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pressing part includes a second screw, the second screw having a second shaft portion having a second helical groove and a second head having a larger size compared to the outer dimensions of the second shaft portion. The support portion is provided with an upright mounting portion extending in a direction intersecting the support surface. The erecting part is provided with a second screwing hole that screws into the second spiral groove of the second shaft part.

6. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquid toward the medium; A conveyor belt for conveying the medium and having an outer peripheral surface capable of holding the medium; A wiping plate having a top end portion capable of contacting the outer peripheral surface and a base end portion located on the opposite side of the top end portion in an intersecting direction intersecting the outer peripheral surface, and wiping the outer peripheral surface; The abutting portion is made of resin and can support the base end by abutting against it; Multiple pressing parts, which can press the base end portion across the abutment portion, are arranged side by side in the width direction of the conveyor belt. When multiple positions in the abutment portion that are pressed by multiple pressing portions are designated as multiple pressing positions, and the positions between the multiple pressing positions are designated as non-pressing positions, the rigidity of the abutment portion at the non-pressing position is less than the rigidity of the abutment portion at the pressing position.

7. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes multiple switching units, which can switch from one state to the other between a first state in which the abutting part is displaced by being pressed by the multiple pressing parts and a second state in which the displacement is restricted compared to the first state.

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