Medium conveying device and recording apparatus

Abstract

A medium transport device includes: a transport unit that has a transport belt that transports a recording medium at an opposing position that opposes a recording unit that performs recording; and a recovery unit that is disposed vertically below the conveyor belt at the facing position and that is capable of recovering foreign matter dropped from the conveyor belt, the conveyor belt being configured so as to be movable between the facing position and a retracted position, the retracted position being a position different from the facing position, and the retracted position being a position different from the facing position. The recovery unit moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium conveying device and a recording device equipped with the medium conveying device. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device that includes a conveyor belt in a medium conveying path that curves and extends from a container containing paper or other media toward a holding tray, at a position opposite a liquid ejection unit that records on the medium. According to this document, the conveyor belt is configured to move between a position in the conveying path that supports the medium and a retracted position away from the conveying path. When the conveyor belt moves to the retracted position, a maintenance device performs maintenance operations such as suction cleaning and wiping of the liquid ejection unit.

[0003] If paper dust or other foreign matter adheres to such a conveyor belt, there is a concern that poor media absorption may occur. In particular, if paper dust scatters and adheres to the liquid ejecting unit, there is a concern that nozzle clogging may occur, and a method for collecting foreign matter is needed.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-65303

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not describe a method for recovering foreign matter, leaving room for improvement. For example, while a recovery unit for recovering foreign matter such as paper dust that falls below the conveyor belt could be considered, installing the recovery unit within a structure where the conveyor belt can move requires installing the recovery unit further away from the conveyor belt's moving area to avoid obstructing its movement. This poses the risk of foreign matter scattering and preventing effective recovery. In other words, a media conveying device and recording device capable of effectively recovering foreign matter within a structure where the conveyor belt can move is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The medium conveying device involved in one embodiment of the present application comprises: a conveying part, having a conveyor belt, which conveys the recorded medium at an opposing position opposite to the recording part for recording; and a recovery part, which is arranged vertically below the conveyor belt located at the opposing position and can recover foreign matter that falls off the conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt is constructed to be able to move between the opposing position and a retreat position, the retreat position is a position different from the opposing position, and the recovery part moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt.

[0007] A recording device according to one aspect of the present application includes: a recording unit that performs recording on a recording medium; and the above-mentioned medium transport device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1This is a schematic structural diagram of a recording device according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a top view of the liquid ejection unit and the maintenance unit.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of the main parts of one embodiment of the medium conveying device.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of the main parts of one embodiment of the medium conveying device.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a side sectional view of the main parts of one embodiment of the medium conveying device.

[0013] Description of Reference Numerals

[0014] 1: First link; 1b: Long hole; 2: Second link; 3: Third link; 4: Joint; 5: Joint; 7: Scraper; 8: Conveyor belt; 9: Recovery unit; 9b: Storage chamber; 9c: Limiting wall; 11a: Roller; 11b: Roller; 12: Nozzle; 13: Liquid ejection unit; 13a: Opening surface; 14: Holding unit; 15: Liquid supply source; 16: Supply flow channel; 17: Conveying roller; 18: Conveying unit; 19: Storage box; 20: Holding tray; 21: Maintenance unit; 22: Cover; 23: Suction tube; 24: Suction pump; 29: Waste liquid container; 31: Support shaft; 32: Support shaft; 35: Link mechanism; 40: Base unit; 43: Guide shaft; 50: Medium conveying device; 60: Wiping unit; 61: Wiping component; 62: Liquid receiving unit; 63: Moving body; 100: Recording device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Implementation Method 1

[0016] Overview of recording device

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a recording device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a top view of the liquid ejection unit and the maintenance unit.

[0018] The recording device 100 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that performs recording by ejecting liquid onto a medium S such as paper. In a preferred example, the liquid is ink, and printing is performed on the medium S consisting of paper.

[0019] Each figure shows three axes that are orthogonal to each other, namely the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the direction in which the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection portion 13 is set to the -Z direction. The -Z direction is the vertically downward direction. In addition, the direction along the X-axis is referred to as the "X direction", the direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the "Y direction", and the direction along the Z-axis is referred to as the "Z direction". For example, the Y direction refers to the +Y direction and the -Y direction. In addition, the +Z direction is also referred to as "above", and the -Z direction is referred to as "below". In addition, in the following figures, in order to facilitate understanding of the description, sometimes the dimensions and scales that are different from the actual ones are recorded.

[0020] The recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a liquid ejecting section 13 for ejecting liquid, a holding section 14 for holding the liquid ejecting section 13, a supply flow channel 16 for supplying liquid from a liquid supply source 15 to the liquid ejecting section 13, and a plurality of transport rollers 17 for transporting a medium S. The liquid ejecting section 13 is a recording section, and the position where the liquid ejecting section 13 ejects liquid is also referred to as a recording position.

[0021] The plurality of conveying rollers 17 are arranged along a conveying path Rc for the medium S, which curves and extends from the lower cassette 19 toward the upper holding tray 20. In the conveying path Rc, the cassette 19 side is referred to as upstream, and the holding tray 20 side is referred to as downstream.

[0022] The transport path Rc extends in a substantially horizontal X direction at the recording position, and the medium S is transported in the −X direction.

[0023] The recording device 100 further includes: a medium transport device 50 including a transport unit 18 that supports the medium S at the recording position; and a maintenance unit 21 that performs maintenance on the liquid ejection unit 13 at the recording position. In other words, the recording device 100 includes the liquid ejection unit 13 and the medium transport device 50. The liquid ejection unit 13 serves as a recording unit to record on the medium S as the recording medium, and the medium transport device 50 includes the transport unit 18. Figure 1 As shown, the transport unit 18 is located at a position facing the liquid ejecting unit 13 on the transport path Rc during printing. The facing position is also a support position for supporting the medium S.

[0024] The conveying unit 18 is composed of a pair of rollers 11a and 11b, a conveyor belt 8 stretched over the rollers 11a and 11b, etc. In the conveying path Rc, the roller 11a is located on the upstream side, and the roller 11b is located on the downstream side.

[0025] The conveying unit 18 is provided by a link mechanism 35 ( Figure 3 ), which can rotate about 90 degrees around the roller 11a. Figure 1The conveyor unit 18 moves between the opposing position indicated by the solid line and the retracted position indicated by the two-dot chain line. It should be noted that the conveyor unit 18 is part of the medium conveying device 50, which includes the link mechanism 35. The details of the medium conveying device 50 will be described later. In other words, the conveyor unit 18 includes a conveyor belt 8, which conveys the medium S, which is the recording medium, at a position opposing the liquid ejecting unit 13, which is the recording unit performing recording. Furthermore, the posture of the conveyor belt 8 at the opposing position differs from the posture of the conveyor belt 8 at the retracted position.

[0026] The maintenance unit 21 maintains the liquid ejecting unit 13 while the transport unit 18 is in the retracted position. The maintenance unit 21 includes a cap 22 and a wiper 60, and performs maintenance operations such as flushing, capping, suction cleaning, and wiping to prevent or resolve ejection defects in the liquid ejecting unit 13.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing the liquid ejecting unit 13 in a state where the transport unit 18 has moved to the retracted position, as viewed from the +Z direction, and also showing the maintenance unit 21 .

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid ejecting section 13 includes a plurality of nozzles 12 for ejecting liquid, and an opening surface 13a in which the nozzles 12 are opened. The liquid ejecting section 13 is a line head in which the width direction of the transport path Rc, i.e., the Y-axis direction, is the longitudinal direction. The plurality of nozzles 12 form a plurality of nozzle rows that are tilted relative to the X-axis direction.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, during flushing, the cover 22 of the maintenance unit 21 moves from the standby position to directly below the liquid ejecting unit 13 as indicated by the arrow. Waste liquid discharged from the nozzle 12 during flushing passes through the suction tube 23 and is collected in the waste liquid container 29. When flushing is not in progress, the cover is closed to prevent the nozzle 12 from drying out. Furthermore, by driving the suction pump 24 in the capped state, suction cleaning can be performed, whereby negative pressure is drawn into the nozzle 12, expelling foreign matter such as bubbles along with the liquid.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the wiping unit 60 includes a wiping member 61 capable of wiping the liquid ejecting unit 13 , a liquid receiving portion 62 surrounding the wiping member 61 , a moving body 63 for holding and moving the wiping member 61 and the liquid receiving portion 62 , and a guide shaft 43 serving as a screw shaft.

[0031] During wiping, the guide shaft 43 rotates to move the movable body 63 forward in the Y direction, and the wiping member 61 slides in contact with the liquid ejecting portion 13 to wipe off the liquid and the like adhering to the liquid ejecting portion 13 .

[0032] Structure of the conveying unit

[0033] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of a main portion of one embodiment of the medium conveying device, showing a state in which the conveying unit 18 is in an opposing position.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the medium conveying device 50 is composed of a base portion 40 , a conveying portion 18 , a link mechanism 35 , and the like.

[0035] The base 40 supports the conveyor unit 18 so that it can rotate between an opposing position and a retracted position. Two support shafts 31 and 32 are provided on the base 40, supporting the conveyor unit 18 including a link mechanism 35. The support shaft 31 extends in the Y direction and serves as the rotation axis for the roller 11a of the conveyor unit 18. The support shaft 32 is similar to the support shaft 31 and is located below the support shaft 31.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, at the opposing position, the conveying portion 18 is in a substantially horizontal state along the -X direction from the roller 11a centered on the support shaft 31. The roller 11a and the roller 11b are supported and connected by the first link 1. Figure 3 In FIG, the first link 1 is schematically shown by a dotted line, but is actually composed of a solid metal frame. On the roller 11b side of the first link 1, a long hole 1b is provided in a direction perpendicular to the first link 1. Figure 3 In FIG, the longitudinal direction of the long hole 1b is the Z direction.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor belt 8 is an endless belt having electrostatic adsorption properties and is stretched between rollers 11a and 11b. The conveyor unit 18 including the conveyor belt 8 is rotatable about the support shaft 31 and the first link 1 as a framework.

[0038] The link mechanism 35 is composed of a first link 1 connected to a support shaft 31, a third link 3 connected to a support shaft 32, and a second link 2 connecting the first link 1 and the third link 3. The first link 1 and the second link 2 are connected by a joint 4. The joint 4 is formed by fitting a locking pin at one end of the second link 2 into a slot 1b in the first link 1. By enabling the joint 4 to move within the slot 1b, deformation during posture changes is absorbed, enabling smooth posture changes.

[0039] The other end of the second link 2 and one end of the third link 3 are connected via a joint 5 serving as a rotational joint. The other end of the third link 3 is connected to a support shaft 32 .

[0040] With this structure, the first link 1, the second link 2, and the third link 3, as well as the line segment connecting the support shaft 31 and the support shaft 32, form a quadrilateral, which functions as a pantograph. In other words, the link mechanism 35 functions as a pantograph, changing the posture of the conveyor unit 18. In other words, the conveyor belt 8 is configured to be movable between a facing position and a retracted position, with the retracted position being different from the facing position.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, a scraper 7 serving as a cleaning unit is provided below the conveyor belt 8. The scraper 7 is, for example, a scraper blade made of an elastic material such as an elastomer, and contacts the conveyor belt 8 to remove foreign matter such as paper dust adhering to the belt. The scraper 7 is positioned at an angle opposing the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 8. In other words, the scraper 7, serving as the cleaning unit, contacts the conveyor belt 8 in an opposing position to clean the conveyor belt 8.

[0042] A recovery unit 9 is provided below the scraper 7. This unit serves as a collection box for foreign matter removed by the scraper 7 and includes an upwardly open storage chamber 9b. A dead-end portion is provided at the -X end of the storage chamber 9b, with the wall above this portion being referred to as a limiting wall 9c. The recovery unit 9 is integrally provided along the third link 3 and changes its position in conjunction with any changes in the position of the third link 3.

[0043] In other words, the recovery unit 9 is arranged vertically below the scraper 7 serving as the cleaning unit, and recovers foreign matter that has fallen off the conveyor belt 8. The recovery unit 9 is arranged vertically below the conveyor belt 8 in an opposing position, is capable of recovering foreign matter that has fallen off the conveyor belt 8, and moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt 8.

[0044] Conveyor unit posture change method

[0045] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of a main portion of one embodiment of the medium conveying device, and shows a state in which the conveying unit 18 is halfway moved to the retracted position. Figure 5 This is a side sectional view of a main portion of one embodiment of the medium conveying device, showing a state in which the conveying unit 18 is in the retracted position.

[0046] When the conveying unit 18 moves from the facing position to the retreat position, the joint 5 is driven downward. Figure 4 As shown, when the joint 5 is lowered, the roller 11b side of the first link 1 is pulled downward by the second link 2, causing the first link 1 to tilt approximately 45 degrees relative to the X-direction. At this point, the first link 1 and the third link 3 are approximately parallel, and the first, second, and third links 1, 2, and 3, as well as the line segment connecting the support shafts 31 and 32, form a roughly parallelogram. In other words, the link mechanism 35 functions as a pantograph, causing the posture of the conveyor unit 18 to change.

[0047] At this time, the recovery unit 9 is located below the conveyor belt 8 and can be recovered even if foreign matter falls from the conveyor belt 8. Furthermore, the dead-end portion of the storage chamber 9b is located below and the restriction wall 9c stands, so that the foreign matter in the storage chamber 9b will not fall out.

[0048] Furthermore, when the joint 5 is driven downward, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the first link 1 is upright, and the conveyor unit 18 is approximately vertical and stored in the base unit 40. At this time, the third link 3 is stored in a state of being approximately upright in the +X direction of the conveyor unit 18. In other words, the pantograph of the link mechanism 35 is folded and stored in the base unit 40.

[0049] At this time, the collecting section 9 is positioned beside the conveyor belt 8 in an upright state. However, since the dead-end portion of the storage chamber 9b is at the bottom, the foreign matter in the storage chamber 9b does not fall out due to the upright limiting wall 9c.

[0050] In other words, the link mechanism 35 including the first link 1 and the third link 3 functions to connect the conveying section 18 and the recovery section 9 when the posture changes, and the recovery section 9 changes its posture through the link mechanism 35 when it moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt 8. In addition, the recovery section 9 has a storage chamber 9b for storing foreign matter, and a limiting wall 9c for limiting the fall of foreign matter in the storage chamber 9b when the conveyor belt 8 is in the retracted position.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the scraper 7 also maintains the state of contact with the conveyor belt 8 at the retreat position. Figure 4 In other words, the scraper 7 as the cleaning portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt 8.

[0052] Modifications

[0053] In the above description, the conveying unit 18 is rotated about 90 degrees around the support shaft 31, but the present invention is not limited thereto. During the maintenance operation, the maintenance unit 21 may be moved to a retreat position where it can move to the opposing position. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the conveyor unit 18 can move horizontally in the +X direction or can move diagonally downward in the +X and -Z directions. In this case, a movement mechanism other than the link mechanism 35 can be provided for horizontal or parallel movement of the conveyor belt 8. In this case, the conveyor belt 8, the recovery unit 9, and the scraper 7 can also change their posture without accompanying the movement of the conveyor belt 8.

[0054] Furthermore, while the recovery unit 9 is described above as being integrally formed with the third connecting rod 3, this is not limiting. For example, the recovery unit 9 may be detachable. This allows the recovery unit 9 to be removed and the recovered foreign matter, such as paper dust, to be efficiently discarded. Alternatively, the scraper 7 may be omitted. The above embodiment and the following variations may be combined and implemented to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0055] As described above, according to the medium transport device 50 and the recording device 100 of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0056] The medium conveying device 50 includes: a conveying section 18 having a conveyor belt 8, which conveys a medium S as a recorded medium at an opposing position opposite to a liquid ejection section 13 as a recording section for recording; and a recovery section 9, which is arranged vertically below the conveyor belt 8 at the opposing position and can recover foreign matter that falls off the conveyor belt 8 and move in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt 8. The conveyor belt 8 is constructed to be able to move between an opposing position and a retreat position, the retreat position being a position different from the opposing position, and the recovery section 9 moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt 8.

[0057] Thus, even if the conveyor belt 8 is a movable structure, the recovery unit 9 can be provided in the moving area of ​​the conveyor belt 8 without hindering the movement of the conveyor belt 8 , so that foreign matter will not be scattered and can be recovered efficiently.

[0058] Therefore, it is possible to provide the medium conveying device 50 that can efficiently collect foreign matter in a structure in which the conveyor belt 8 is movable.

[0059] The medium conveying device 50 further includes a link mechanism 35 that connects the conveying unit 18 and the collecting unit 9 . When the collecting unit 9 moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt 8 , the posture of the collecting unit 9 changes due to the link mechanism 35 .

[0060] Thus, the posture of the collecting portion 9 changes in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt 8 through the link mechanism 35 , and thus the retreat space can be reduced.

[0061] In addition, the posture of the conveyor belt 8 at the facing position is different from the posture of the conveyor belt 8 at the retracted position.

[0062] Thus, the collecting portion 9 also follows the movement of the conveyor belt 8, and thus the retreat space can be reduced.

[0063] The medium conveying device 50 further includes a link mechanism 35 that connects the conveying unit 8 and the collecting unit 9 . When the collecting unit 9 moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt 8 , the posture of the collecting unit 9 changes due to the link mechanism 35 .

[0064] Thus, due to the pantograph function of the link mechanism 35 , the collecting portion 9 is also folded along with the movement of the conveyor belt 8 , and thus the retreat space can be reduced.

[0065] The medium conveying device 50 further includes a scraper 7 as a cleaning unit that contacts the conveyor belt 8 at an opposing position to clean the conveyor belt 8 . The recovery unit 9 is disposed vertically below the scraper 7 as the cleaning unit.

[0066] Thereby, foreign matter adhering to the conveyor belt 8 can be efficiently dropped from the conveyor belt 8 .

[0067] Moreover, the scraper 7 as a cleaning part moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt 8. Therefore, the scraper 7 does not hinder the movement of the conveyor belt 8.

[0068] In addition, the collecting portion 9 is configured to be detachable.

[0069] This allows the collecting unit 9 to be removed and the collected foreign matter such as paper dust to be efficiently discarded.

[0070] The recovery unit 9 includes a storage chamber 9b capable of storing foreign matter, and a restriction wall 9c for restricting the foreign matter in the storage chamber 9b from falling out when the conveyor belt 8 is in the retracted position.

[0071] Thus, even if the posture of the conveyor belt 8 changes due to movement, it is possible to suppress the foreign matter from falling out of the collecting portion 9 .

[0072] The recording apparatus 100 includes a liquid ejecting unit 13 as a recording unit that performs recording on a medium S as a recording medium, and a medium transport device 50 including a transport unit 18 .

[0073] Thus, the recording apparatus 100 includes the above-mentioned medium transport device 50 .

[0074] Therefore, it is possible to provide the recording apparatus 100 capable of efficiently collecting foreign matter in a structure in which the conveyor belt 8 is movable.

Claims

1. A medium conveying device, characterized in that: have: a conveying unit including a conveying belt configured to convey a recording medium at a position facing a recording unit that performs recording; and The recovery unit is arranged vertically below the conveyor belt at the opposing position and is capable of recovering foreign matter that falls off the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is configured to be movable between the facing position and a retracted position, wherein the retracted position is a position different from the facing position. The collecting unit moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt.

2. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medium conveying device further includes a link mechanism connecting the conveying portion and the recovery portion. When the collecting portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt, the posture of the collecting portion is changed by the link mechanism.

3. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The posture of the conveyor belt at the facing position is different from the posture of the conveyor belt at the retracted position.

4. The medium conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The medium conveying device further includes a link mechanism connecting the conveying portion and the recovery portion. When the collecting portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor belt, the posture of the collecting portion is changed by the link mechanism.

5. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medium conveying device further includes a cleaning unit that contacts the conveyor belt at the opposing position to clean the conveyor belt. The recovery unit is arranged vertically below the cleaning unit.

6. The medium conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cleaning unit moves in conjunction with movement of the conveyor belt.

7. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collecting portion is configured to be detachable.

8. The medium conveying device according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that: The recovery unit has a receiving chamber capable of receiving the foreign matter. The collecting portion includes a restriction wall configured to restrict the foreign matter in the storage chamber from falling out when the conveyor belt is at the retracted position.

9. A recording device, characterized in that: have: a recording unit that records data on a recording medium; and The medium conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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