Belt device, method of operating a belt device, and recording device

Abstract

The aim is to eliminate creep deformation of belt 8 even when the degree of creep deformation is large, such as when the shape of the roller wrapped around belt 8 is transferred to belt 8. [Solution] The belt device 2 of the present invention comprises a first shaft 5, a second shaft 6 arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first shaft 5, a drive unit 7 for rotationally driving the first shaft 5 or the second shaft 6, an endless belt 8 stretched between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6 and rotating by the rotational drive of the first shaft 5 or the second shaft 6, and a deformation correction unit 11 capable of correcting the creep deformation of the stretched belt 8.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a belt device, an operation method of the belt device, and a recording device.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of the prior art of this type of device, there is one described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a card reader that prevents creep deformation of a conveyor belt by driving a drive motor that drives the conveyor belt to idle the conveyor belt when the drive motor stops for a certain period of time.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, for example, when left in a unit state for a long time from shipment to assembly or maintenance, etc., creep deformation may occur in the conveyor belt. When the shape of the winding roller is transferred to the conveyor belt or the degree of creep deformation is large, there is a problem that creep deformation cannot be easily eliminated only by idling the conveyor belt.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, a belt device according to the present invention includes a first shaft, a second shaft disposed in parallel and spaced apart from the first shaft, a drive unit that rotationally drives the first shaft or the second shaft, an endless belt stretched between the first shaft and the second shaft and rotated by the rotational drive of the first shaft or the second shaft, and a deformation correction unit capable of correcting creep deformation of the stretched belt.

[0006] Furthermore, the method for operating a belt device according to the present invention is a method for operating a belt device comprising a first shaft, a second shaft arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first shaft, a drive unit for rotationally driving the first shaft or the second shaft, an endless belt stretched between the first shaft and the second shaft and rotating by the rotational drive of the first shaft or the second shaft, and a deformation correction unit, characterized in that the deformation correction unit corrects the creep deformation of the stretched belt.

[0007] Furthermore, the recording device according to the present invention comprises a belt device according to any one of the first to thirteenth embodiments described later, and a recording unit, characterized in that the recording unit records on a medium conveyed by the belt device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic side view of the main components of the recording device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram illustrating the creep deformation of a belt. [Figure 3] An overall plan view of the belt device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Enlarged plan view of the main part of the belt device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] A side view of the belt device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] A side view of the belt device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] A side view of the belt device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII. [Figure 9] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII. [Figure 10] A schematic side view of the main components of the recording device of Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] A schematic side view of the main components of the recording device of Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] An enlarged schematic side view of the main part of the belt device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 13]An enlarged schematic side view of the main part of the belt device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 14] An enlarged schematic side view of the main part of the belt device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 15] An enlarged schematic side view of the main part of the belt device of Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The present invention will now be described in general terms. To solve the above problems, a belt device according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first shaft; a second shaft arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first shaft; a drive unit for rotationally driving the first shaft or the second shaft; an endless belt stretched between the first shaft and the second shaft and rotating by the rotational drive of the first shaft or the second shaft; and a deformation correction unit capable of correcting the creep deformation of the stretched belt.

[0010] According to this embodiment, the endless belt stretched between the first and second axes is provided with a deformation correction unit capable of correcting creep deformation. This allows the deformation correction unit to actively correct the creep deformation, thereby improving the state of creep deformation in the belt and eliminating it.

[0011] A belt device according to a second aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, wherein the first shaft and the second shaft are provided so as to be able to move closer together and further apart, the deformation correction section includes a tension-applying section for applying tension to the belt, and the tension-applying section is capable of applying a second tension which is higher than the first tension, with the tension applied to the belt during normal use being the first tension.

[0012] According to this aspect, the tension applying portion forming the deformation correcting portion can apply a second tension, which is higher than the first tension, to the belt as the tension applied to the belt during normal use. Thereby, by applying the second tension to the belt, it is possible to bring the belt into a state where a tension higher than the belt tension in the state of the first tension is applied. In this state, by rotating the endless belt, it is possible to improve in a direction to eliminate the creep deformation.

[0013] The belt device according to the third aspect of the present invention is an aspect subordinate to the second aspect, wherein the tension applying portion has an axial distance changing portion capable of changing the axial distance between the first shaft and the second shaft, and the axial distance changing portion is characterized in that the axial distance can be changed to a first distance that becomes the first tension and a second distance that is longer than the first distance and becomes the second tension.

[0014] According to this aspect, the axial distance changing portion forming the tension applying portion can change the axial distance to a first distance that becomes the first tension and a second distance that is longer than the first distance and becomes the second tension. Thereby, by bringing the axial distance to the state of the second distance, it is possible to bring the belt into a state where a tension higher than the belt tension in the state of the first distance is applied. In this state, by rotating the endless belt, it is possible to improve in a direction to eliminate the creep deformation.

[0015] The belt device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is an aspect subordinate to the third aspect, wherein the axial distance changing portion is characterized by including a cam mechanism that creates the first distance and the second distance.

[0016] According to this aspect, the axial distance changing portion includes a cam mechanism that creates the first distance and the second distance. Thereby, it is possible to apply the second tension, which is higher than the first tension, to the belt by using a simple structure such as the cam mechanism.

[0017] A belt device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the fourth aspect, comprising a base frame that holds the first shaft and a slide member that holds the second shaft and is slidably supported on the base frame, wherein the cam mechanism comprises a first cam provided on the base frame and a first cam follower provided on the slide member.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the cam mechanism is provided with a first cam on the base frame that holds the first shaft, and a first cam follower is provided on the sliding member that holds the second shaft and is slidably supported by the base frame. This makes it possible to change the distance between the first shaft and the second shaft with a simple structure, thereby applying the second tension, which is a high tension, to the belt.

[0019] A belt device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the third aspect, characterized in that the shaft-to-shaft changing section is capable of changing the shaft-to-shaft distance to a state shorter than the first distance. Furthermore, this embodiment may be subordinate to the fourth or fifth embodiment.

[0020] According to this embodiment, the shaft distance changing unit can change the shaft distance to a state shorter than the first distance. When the belt device is not used for a long period of time, changing the shaft distance to a state shorter than the first distance makes it possible to reduce the tension applied to the belt to a lower tension than that during normal use. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of creep deformation.

[0021] A belt device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, wherein the deformation correction part includes a clamping force applying part that clamps the belt and applies a clamping force, and the clamping force applying part is capable of increasing or decreasing the clamping force.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the deformation correction unit includes a clamping force applying unit that clamps the belt and applies a clamping force. The clamping force applying unit is adjustable in terms of the clamping force. As a result, when the belt is rotated by the drive unit with the clamping force increased, the creep-deformed portion of the belt (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "creep-deformed portion") passes through the clamping force applying unit. As the belt passes through, the increased clamping force acts on the creep-deformed portion, so the clamping force becomes a force that corrects the creep deformation. Furthermore, the creep-deformed portion is pulled by the rotational force of the belt based on the drive unit when passing through the clamping force application section and after passing through it. This pulling state also acts as a force that corrects the creep deformation. In other words, the creep deformation that occurs in the belt due to the action of the clamping force can be improved in a way that eliminates it.

[0023] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a belt device that is dependent on the seventh aspect, characterized in that the clamping force applying unit can apply a second clamping force which is greater than the first clamping force, with the clamping force during normal use being the first clamping force.

[0024] According to this embodiment, the clamping force applying section that constitutes the deformation correction section can apply a second clamping force, which is greater than the first clamping force, to the belt during normal use, with the first clamping force being the first clamping force. By applying the second clamping force to the belt, it is possible to increase the force that corrects the creep deformation compared to the state with the first clamping force. In this state, by rotating the endless belt, the creep deformation can be improved in a way that eliminates it.

[0025] A belt device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the deformation correction part includes a deformation force applying part that presses the belt from the outer surface side to the inner surface side to apply a deformation force that causes it to deform in a convex manner toward the inner surface side.

[0026] The creep deformation that occurs in the belt is a deformation that is convex towards the front outer surface. According to this embodiment, the deformation force applying unit applies a deformation force to the belt, pressing it from the outer circumferential surface side toward the inner circumferential surface side, causing a portion of the belt to deform so that it becomes convex toward the inner circumferential surface side. As a result, the creep deformation portion receives a deformation force in the opposite direction of the convexity, which effectively corrects and improves the creep deformation.

[0027] A belt device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the ninth aspect, characterized in that the deformation force applying part comprises an inner circumferential surface support part that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the belt, and a pressing part that presses the belt from the outer circumferential surface side to the inner circumferential surface side to press the belt against the inner circumferential surface support part.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the deformation force applying part comprises an inner circumferential surface support part that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the belt, and a pressing part that presses the belt against the inner circumferential surface support part. As a result, the creep deformation portion is pressed by the inner circumferential surface support part and the pressing part, so that the creep deformation can be corrected and improved more effectively.

[0029] A belt device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the tenth aspect, characterized in that the deformation force applying part deforms a portion of the belt sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface support part and the pressing part into a convex curved shape from the outer circumferential surface side of the belt toward the inner circumferential surface side to create a curved portion.

[0030] According to this embodiment, the deformation force applying part deforms a portion of the belt sandwiched between the inner circumferential support part and the pressing part into a curved shape with a convex curve from the outer circumferential surface side to the inner circumferential surface side of the belt, thereby creating a curved portion. As a result, when the creep deformation portion is sandwiched between the inner circumferential support part and the pressing part, it is deformed into a curved portion with the convex direction reversed, so that the creep deformation can be corrected and improved more effectively.

[0031] A belt device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, wherein the deformation correction section includes, in addition to the tension application section, a clamping force application section that clamps the belt and applies a clamping force, and the clamping force application section is capable of increasing or decreasing the clamping force. According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the effects of the seventh embodiment can also be obtained.

[0032] A belt device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, characterized in that the deformation correction section includes, in addition to the tension applying section, a deformation force applying section that presses the belt from the outer surface side to the inner surface side to apply a deformation force that causes it to deform so that it becomes convex on the inner surface side. According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the effects of the ninth embodiment can also be obtained.

[0033] A method for operating a belt device according to a 14th aspect of the present invention is a method for operating a belt device comprising a first shaft, a second shaft arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first shaft, a drive unit for rotationally driving the first shaft or the second shaft, an endless belt stretched between the first shaft and the second shaft and rotating by the rotational drive of the first shaft or the second shaft, and a deformation correction unit, characterized in that the deformation correction unit corrects the creep deformation of the stretched belt. According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0034] A recording device according to the 15th aspect of the present invention comprises a belt device according to any one of the first to 13 aspects, and a recording unit, characterized in that the recording unit records on a medium conveyed by the belt device. According to this embodiment, the effect of obtaining a belt device of any one of the first to thirteen embodiments can be obtained for a recording device such as a printer. Furthermore, the medium is transported on a belt from which creep deformation has been eliminated. As a result, the distance between the recording unit and the medium is kept constant, which improves image quality.

[0035] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, a belt device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a recording device equipped with this belt device will be specifically described with reference to Figures 1 to 15. In this description, the case in which the recording device is an inkjet printer will be explained. In the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes will be referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, as shown in each figure. The direction indicated by the arrows on the three axes (X, Y, Z) is the positive direction, and the opposite direction is the negative direction. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the direction in which ink is ejected from the recording unit toward the belt, as described later. The +Z direction indicates the direction from the belt toward the recording head, and the -Z direction indicates the direction from the recording unit toward the belt. The X-axis direction is the direction in which the medium is transported on the belt. The +X direction indicates the downstream side of the transport direction, and the -X direction indicates the upstream side of the transport direction. The Y-axis direction corresponds to the width direction of the belt.

[0036] [Embodiment] <Overall Overview of the Recording Device> The recording device 1 in this embodiment is an inkjet printer, as an example. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the recording device 1 comprises a belt device 2 and a recording unit 3, and is configured to record on a medium 4 that is conveyed in the conveying direction F by the belt device 2 using the recording unit 3. The belt device 2 comprises a first shaft 5 which serves as the axis of the drive pulley 9, a second shaft 6 which is spaced apart from the first shaft 5 and parallel to it and serves as the axis of the driven pulley 10, and a drive unit 7 (for example, a motor) which rotates the first shaft 5. The belt device 2 also includes an endless belt 8 stretched between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6 and rotating due to the rotational drive of the first shaft 5. The belt 8 is a conventional belt with a base material such as urethane or rubber. The belt device 2 further includes a deformation correction unit 11 that can correct the creep deformation of the belt 8 stretched between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6, that is, between the drive pulley 9 and the driven pulley 10. The deformation correction unit 11 will be described in detail later.

[0037] In this example, the recording unit 3 uses a long line head in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the medium 4, but a serial type head that ejects ink and records while reciprocating in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the medium 4 intersecting the transport direction F may also be used. As shown in Figure 1, a pair of transport rollers 12 is provided at the upstream position in the transport direction F of the belt device 2, and a pair of transport rollers 13 is also provided at the downstream position. The transport roller pair 12 carries the medium 4, which is transported from a medium cassette (not shown) located upstream, onto the belt 8 of the belt device 2. As the medium 4 is transported by the belt 8, ink is ejected from the recording unit 3 and recording is performed. The medium 4 is then transported downstream in the transport direction F by the transport roller pair 13 and discharged into a discharge receiving unit (not shown).

[0038] The recording operation of the recording unit 3 onto the medium 4, as well as the operation of the belt device 2, the transport roller pairs 12 and 13, etc., are performed by a control unit (not shown in the figure). Here, the control unit comprises a CPU, flash ROM, and RAM. The CPU performs various calculations according to the program stored in the flash ROM and controls the operation of the entire recording device 1. Flash ROM, an example of a storage means, is a non-volatile memory that can be read and written to. RAM, another example of a storage means, temporarily stores various types of information.

[0039] [Embodiment 1] <Belt device> Next, the configuration of the belt device 2 according to Embodiment 1 will be described based on Figures 1 to 9. As described above, the belt device 2 is equipped with a deformation correction unit 11 capable of correcting the creep deformation of the stretched belt 8. Here, creep deformation will be explained based on Figure 2. The belt device 2 shown on the left of Figure 2 is in a state where the belt 8 is stretched between the drive pulley 9 and the driven pulley 10 and has not been used for a long period of time. The belt 8 shown on the right in Figure 3 represents a belt 8 that has been left unused for a long period of time and has been slightly rotated. In this way, creep deformation 14 may occur in two places: the part of the belt 8 that is in contact with the drive pulley 9 and the part that is in contact with the driven pulley 10. The creep deformation results in a convex shape on the outer circumferential surface 15 side of the belt 8. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 16 side of the belt 8 becomes concave.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 7, the belt device 2 of this embodiment 1 is configured such that the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6 can move closer together and further apart. As shown in Figure 3, the belt device 2 is equipped with a base frame 17 and a sliding member 18 on both sides (+Y side and -Y side) of the belt 8. The base frame 17 rotatably holds the first shaft 5. The sliding member 18 rotatably holds the second shaft 6 and is slidably supported by the base frame 17. As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the first shaft 5 is rotatably held and integrated with the holding portion 19 of the base frame 17. The second shaft 6 is rotatably held and integrated with the holding portion 20 of the slide member 18. In other words, the sliding member 18 slides relative to the base frame 17, thereby enabling the second shaft 6 to move closer to and further away from the first shaft 5.

[0041] <Tension-applying section for deformation correction> In this embodiment, the deformation correction unit 11 includes a tension applying unit 21 that applies tension to the belt 8. As shown in Figure 4, the tension-applying section 21 has a coil spring 22. The sliding member 18 is pressed by an elastic force A from the coil spring 22, which is compressed within the base frame 17. The direction of the elastic force A is in the direction that separates the second shaft 6 from the first shaft 5. Due to this elastic force A, the belt 8 is stretched between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6. In other words, tension is applied to the belt 8. The tension-applying unit 21 is configured to apply a second tension T2 (Figures 6 and 9), which is a higher tension than the first tension T1, to the belt 8 during normal use, with the first tension T1 (Figures 5 and 8) being the tension applied to the belt. Here, "normal use" in the context of the recording device 1 means when the belt 8 of the belt device 2 is rotating to transport the medium 4 in order to record it in the recording unit 3. In other words, it means when the belt device 2 is being used in a way that fulfills its basic function of transporting the medium 4.

[0042] <Axis spacing change section> In this embodiment, the tension-applying unit 21 has an axis-to-axis changing unit 23 that can change the distance between the first axis 5 and the second axis 6. The axis-to-axis changing unit 23 is configured to change the distance between the axes between a first distance D1 (Figure 5) which results in a first tension T1, and a second distance D2 (Figure 6) which is longer than the first distance D1 and results in a second tension T2. As shown in Figures 4, 8, and 9, the shaft-to-shaft changing section 23 is equipped with a cam mechanism 24 that creates a first distance D1 and a second distance D2. The cam mechanism 24 includes a first cam 25 provided on the base frame 17 and a first cam follower 26 provided on the slide member 18. The first cam 25 rotates integrally with the shaft 27. The shaft 27 is attached to the base frame 17. The shaft 27 rotates around its axis by a drive source (not shown), and as a result, the first cam 25 also rotates together with it.

[0043] The first cam follower 26 is provided on the cam follower body 28. The cam follower body 28 is attached to the slide member 18. The cam follower body 28 has a long, elongated through-hole 29 formed in the X-axis direction. The shaft 27 is positioned to pass through the through-hole 29. Because the through-hole 29 is elongated, the cam follower body 28 is movable relative to the shaft 27, and can move from the state in Figure 8 to the state in Figure 9. Let me explain in detail. In the state shown in Figure 8, when the first cam follower 26 is pushed by the rotation of the first cam 25 via the shaft 27, the first cam follower 26 moves in the direction away from the first shaft 5 (+X direction) to the state shown in Figure 9. As a result, the distance between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6 changes from the first distance D1 (Figure 5) to the second distance D2 (Figure 6). That is, the belt 8 changes from a state in which a first tension T1 (Figures 5 and 8) is applied to a state in which a second tension T2 (Figures 6 and 9) is applied. If the distance between the first axis 5 and the second axis 6 is the first distance D1 (Figure 5), then let L1 be the distance between axis 27 and the second axis 6. If the distance between the first axis 5 and the second axis 6 is the second distance D2 (Figure 6), then L2 will naturally be greater than L1.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the shaft-distance changing unit 23 can change the shaft-distance between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6 to a third distance D3 which is shorter than the first distance D1. Specifically, the shaft-distance changing unit 23 has a third cam 30 integrally provided on the shaft 27. A third cam follower 31 is provided on the cam follower body 28. In the state shown in Figure 5, when the third cam 30 rotates due to the rotation of shaft 27, the third cam 30 contacts and pushes the third cam follower 31. As a result, the third cam follower 31 moves toward the first shaft 5, and the cam follower body 28 and the slide member 18 also move toward the first shaft 5. As the slide member 18 moves, the second shaft 6 also moves toward the first shaft 5, and the distance between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6 is changed to a third distance D3 which is shorter than the first distance D1. In this state, the distance L3 between shaft 27 and the second shaft 6 is smaller than L1.

[0045] <Correction of creep deformation> The distance between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6, as shown in Figure 5, is changed from a state of first distance D1 to a state of second distance D2 by the axis-changing section 23 of the tension-applying section 21 which forms the deformation correction section 11. Specifically, it is changed from the state shown in Figure 8 to the state shown in Figure 9 by the cam mechanism 24. As a result, the tension applied to the belt 8 changes to a second tension T2 which is greater than the first tension T1. By rotating the belt 8 in this state, the creep deformation is corrected. That is, the creep deformation portion 14 (Figure 2) is improved to the point of being eliminated.

[0046] <Description of the effects of Embodiment 1> (1) In this embodiment, the endless belt 8 stretched between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6 is equipped with a deformation correction unit 11 capable of correcting creep deformation. This allows the deformation correction unit 11 to actively correct the creep deformation portion 14, thereby improving the creep deformation state of the belt 8.

[0047] (2) In this embodiment, the tension-applying unit 21 that constitutes the deformation correction unit 11 can apply a second tension T2 which is higher than the first tension T1, with the tension applied to the belt 8 during normal use being the first tension T1. By applying the second tension T2 to the belt 8, it is possible to create a state where the belt tension is higher than that in the state of the first tension T1. In this state, by rotating the endless belt 8, the creep deformation can be improved in a way that eliminates it.

[0048] (3) In this embodiment, the shaft-to-shaft changing section 23 that constitutes the tension-applying section 21 can change the shaft-to-shaft distance between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6 to a first distance D1 that results in a first tension T1, and a second distance D2 that is longer than the first distance D1 and results in a second tension T2. ​​By setting the shaft-to-shaft distance to the second distance D2, it is possible to apply a tension higher than the belt tension in the state of the first distance D1. In this state, by rotating the endless belt 8, the creep deformation can be improved in a way that eliminates it.

[0049] (4) In this embodiment, the shaft-to-shaft changing section 23 is equipped with a cam mechanism 24 that creates a first distance D1 and a second distance D2. This makes it possible to apply a second tension T2, which is higher than the first tension T1, to the belt 8 by utilizing a simple structure such as the cam mechanism 24. (5) In this embodiment, the cam mechanism 24 is provided with a first cam 25 on the base frame 17 that holds the first shaft 5, and a first cam follower 26 on a slide member 18 that holds the second shaft 6 and is slidably supported on the base frame 17. This makes it possible to change the distance between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6 in a simple structure, thereby making it possible to apply a second tension T2, which is a high tension, to the belt 8.

[0050] (6) In this embodiment, the shaft distance changing unit 23 can change the shaft distance between the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 6 to a third distance D3 which is shorter than the first distance D1. When the belt device 2 is not used for a long period of time, changing the shaft distance to a third distance which is shorter than the first distance D1 makes it possible to reduce the tension applied to the belt 8 to a lower tension than during normal use. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of creep deformation.

[0051] [Embodiment 2] Next, the recording device 1 and belt device 2 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Parts identical to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their configurations and corresponding effects are omitted from the description. In this embodiment, the deformation correction unit 11 includes a clamping force applying unit 40 that clamps the belt 8 and applies a clamping force. The clamping force applying unit 40 can increase or decrease the clamping force. The clamping force applying unit 40 can apply a second clamping force B2 (Figure 11), which is greater than the first clamping force B1 (Figure 10), which is the clamping force during normal use. Here, the first clamping force B1 includes the case where the clamping force is zero, and Figure 10 shows the state where the clamping force is zero.

[0052] The clamping force applying section 40 includes an inner circumferential surface support section 41 that contacts the inner circumferential surface 16 of the belt 8, and a pressing section 42 that contacts the outer circumferential surface 15 of the belt 8. The inner circumferential support portion 41 is positioned to contact the inner circumferential surface 16 of the belt 8 without pushing the belt 8 toward the outer circumferential surface 15 and causing deformation. The inner circumferential support portion 41 has a contact portion 43 that contacts the inner circumferential surface 16 of the belt 8 and is held by the base frame 17. The contact portion 43 has a flat surface 44, which contacts the inner circumferential surface 16 of the belt 8 in a surface contact state. Furthermore, the contact portion 43 is pressed against the restricting portion 46 of the base frame 17 by a spring 45 and held in the position shown in Figure 10.

[0053] The pressing portion 42 is configured to be displaceable between a state away from the inner circumferential support portion 41 (Figure 10) and a state in contact with the inner circumferential support portion 41 (Figure 11). The structure that makes the pressing portion 42 displaceable is made using a known displacement mechanism such as a cam mechanism or solenoid, which is not shown. In this case, the pressing portion 42 is composed of a roller 48 around which a cleaning cloth 47 is wound. When the pressing portion 42 grips the medium 4 and presses toward the inner circumferential support portion 41, a second gripping force B2 is applied to the medium 4. The second gripping force B2 is set to be weaker than the elastic force of the spring 45.

[0054] <Description of the effects of Embodiment 2> (1) In this embodiment, the deformation correction unit 11 includes a clamping force applying unit 40 that clamps the belt 8 and applies a clamping force. The clamping force applying unit 40 can increase or decrease the clamping force. As a result, when the belt 8 is rotated by the drive unit 7 with the clamping force increased, the creep deformation portion 14 (Figure 2) of the belt 8 passes through the clamping force applying unit 40. As the increased clamping force acts on the creep deformation portion 14 during this passage, the clamping force becomes a force that corrects the creep deformation. Furthermore, the creep-deformed portion 14 is pulled by the rotational force based on the drive unit 7 of the belt 8 when it passes through the clamping force application section 40 and after it has passed through. This pulling state also acts as a force to correct the creep deformation. In other words, the creep deformation that has occurred in the belt 8 due to the action of the clamping force can be improved in a way that eliminates it.

[0055] (2) In this embodiment, the clamping force applying section 40 that constitutes the deformation correction section 11 is capable of applying a second clamping force B2 which is greater than the first clamping force B1, with the clamping force applied to the belt 8 during normal use being the first clamping force B1. By applying the second clamping force B2 to the belt 8, it is possible to increase the force that corrects creep deformation compared to the state with the first clamping force B1. In this state, by rotating the endless belt 8, the creep deformation can be improved in a way that eliminates it.

[0056] [Embodiment 3] Next, the recording device 1 and belt device 2 according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Parts identical to those in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their configuration and corresponding effects are omitted from the description. In this embodiment, the deformation correction unit 11 includes a deformation force applying unit 50. The deformation force applying unit 50 is configured to apply a deformation force C (Figure 13) to the belt 8 by pressing it from the outer circumferential surface 15 side to the inner circumferential surface 16 side, causing it to deform in a convex shape toward the inner circumferential surface 16 side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the deformation force applying unit 50 includes an inner circumferential surface support unit 52 that contacts the inner circumferential surface 16 of the belt 8, and a pressing unit 42 that presses the belt 8 from the outer circumferential surface 15 side to the inner circumferential surface 16 side, pressing the belt 8 against the inner circumferential surface support unit 52. The deformation force C is applied by the pressing unit 42. Furthermore, the deformation force applying unit 50 is configured to deform a portion of the belt 8 sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface support unit 52 and the pressing unit 42 into a convex curved shape toward the inner circumferential surface 16 side of the belt 8, thereby creating a curved portion 55.

[0057] The inner circumferential support portion 52 is held by the base frame 17. The inner circumferential support portion 52 has a roller 53. The roller 53 is supported by the shaft 54 ​​and is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 16 of the belt 8. The roller 53 rotates in accordance with the rotational movement of the belt 8. The roller 53 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber, with a hardness lower than that of the roller 48 of the pressing section 42. That is, when pressed by the pressing section 42, the roller 53 deforms in a concave shape. This deforms a portion of the belt 8 sandwiched between the inner circumferential support section 52 and the pressing section 42 into the convex curved portion 55.

[0058] [Modified form of Embodiment 3] Next, a modified example of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. In this modified example, the inner circumferential surface support portion 52 of the deformation force applying portion 50 is configured as described below. As shown in Figure 14, the inner circumferential support portion 52 is positioned to contact the inner circumferential surface 16 of the belt 8 without pushing the belt 8 toward the outer circumferential surface 15 and causing deformation. The inner circumferential support portion 52 has a contact portion 60 that contacts the inner circumferential surface 16 of the belt 8 and is held by the base frame 17. The contact portion 60 has a concave curved surface portion 61 formed on the contact surface with the belt 8. The contact portion 60 is also configured to be held in the position shown in Figure 14 by being pressed against the restricting portion 46 of the base frame 17 by a spring 62. The elastic force of the spring 62 is set to be weaker than the deformation force C. Therefore, when a deformation force C is applied to the contact portion 60 from the pressing portion 42, the spring 62 compresses and becomes as shown in Figure 15. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the inner circumferential support portion 52 has a first contact roller 63 and a second contact roller 64 positioned on both sides of the contact portion 60. Both the first contact roller 63 and the second contact roller 64 are in contact with the inner circumferential surface 16 of the belt 8.

[0059] <Explanation of the effects of Embodiment 3> (1) The creep deformation that occurs in the belt 8 is a deformation that is convex towards the outer surface 15, as shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the deformation force applying unit 50 applies a deformation force C to the belt 8, pressing from the outer circumferential surface 15 to the inner circumferential surface 16, causing a portion of the belt 8 to deform so that it becomes convex toward the inner circumferential surface 16. As a result, the creep deformation portion 14 (Figure 2) receives a deformation force in the opposite direction of the convexity, which effectively corrects and improves the creep deformation.

[0060] (2) In this embodiment, the deformation force applying unit 50 includes an inner circumferential surface support unit 52 that contacts the inner circumferential surface 16 of the belt 8, and a pressing unit 42 that presses the belt 8 against the inner circumferential surface support unit 52. As a result, the creep deformation portion 14 (Figure 2) is pressed by the inner circumferential surface support unit 52 and the pressing unit 42, so that the creep deformation can be corrected and improved more effectively.

[0061] (3) In this embodiment, the deformation force applying unit 50 deforms a portion of the belt 8 sandwiched between the inner circumferential support unit 52 and the pressing unit 42 into a curved shape with a convex curve from the outer circumferential surface 15 side to the inner circumferential surface 16 side, thereby creating a curved portion 55. As a result, when the creep deformation portion 14 (Figure 2) is sandwiched between the inner circumferential support unit 52 and the pressing unit 42, it is deformed into a curved portion 55 with the convex direction reversed, so that the creep deformation can be corrected and improved more effectively.

[0062] [Other embodiments] The belt device 2 according to the present invention and the recording device 1 equipped with the belt device 2 are based on having the configuration of the embodiments described above, but it is of course possible to make partial changes or omissions to the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present invention. (1) First, the deformation correction section 11 may have a structure that includes a clamping force applying section 40 that applies a clamping force B2 by sandwiching the belt 8, in addition to the tension applying section 21. That is, it may have a structure that combines Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. (2) In addition, the deformation correction section 11 may be structured to include a deformation force applying section 50 that, in addition to the tension applying section 21, applies a deformation force C to the belt 8 by pressing it from the outer peripheral surface 15 side to the inner peripheral surface 16 side, causing it to deform in a way that makes it convex towards the inner peripheral surface 16 side. That is, a structure combining Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 3 may be used. (3) In Embodiment 3, the deformation force applying unit 50 was described as having a structure comprising an inner circumferential surface support unit 52 and a pressing unit 42, but it may also be a structure without an inner circumferential surface support unit 52. By pressing the roller 48 of the pressing unit 42 to the same position as in Figure 13 and deforming the belt 8, the portion of the belt 8 that is in contact with the roller 48 can be deformed to a state in which it is convex toward the inner circumferential surface 16. (4) The shaft spacing change section 23 may also be structured to include a spring mechanism instead of a cam mechanism 24. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1...Recording device, 2...Belt device, 3...Recording unit, 4...Media, 5...First axis, 6...Second axis 7...Drive unit, 8...Belt, 9...Drive pulley, 10...Driven pulley, 11...Deformation correction section, 12...Conveyor roller pair, 13...Conveyor roller pair, 14...Creep deformation portion, 15...Outer surface, 16...Inner surface, 17...Base frame, 18...Sliding member, 19...Holding part, 20...Holding part, 21...Tensioning part, 22... Coil spring, 23... Shaft spacing change section, 24... Cam mechanism, 25... First cam, 26...First cam follower, 27...Shaft, 28...Cam follower body, 29...Through hole, 30...Third cam, 31...Third cam follower, 40...Clamping force applying part, 41...Inner circumferential support part, 42...Pressing part, 43...Contact part, 44...Flat surface, 45...Spring, 46...regulating part, 47...fabric, 48...roller, 50...deformation force applying part, 52...Inner circumferential support part, 53...Roller, 54...Shaft, 55...Curved upper part, 60...Contact part, 61...concave curved surface, 62...spring, 63...first contact roller, 64...second contact roller, A… Elastic force, B1… First clamping force, B2… Second clamping force, C… Deformation force, D1… First distance, D2…second distance, D3…third distance, F…direction of transport, L1, L2, L3…inter-axis distance. T1…First tension, T2…Second tension, T3…Third tension

Claims

1. The first axis and, A second axis is positioned parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis, A drive unit that rotates the first shaft or the second shaft, An endless belt stretched between the first shaft and the second shaft, which rotates due to the rotational drive of the first shaft or the second shaft, It comprises a deformation correction unit capable of correcting the creep deformation of the stretched belt. A belt device characterized by the following features.

2. The belt device according to claim 1, The first and second axes are provided so as to be able to move closer together and further apart. The deformation correction unit includes a tension-applying unit that applies tension to the belt, The tension-applying unit can apply a second tension, which is higher than the first tension, to the belt during normal use, with the tension applied to the belt being the first tension. A belt device characterized by the following features.

3. The belt device according to claim 2, The tension-applying unit has an axis-to-axis changing unit that can change the distance between the first axis and the second axis, The shaft distance changing unit can change the shaft distance to a first distance which results in the first tension, and a second distance which is longer than the first distance and results in the second tension. A belt device characterized by the following features.

4. The belt device according to claim 3, The shaft spacing adjustment section includes a cam mechanism that creates the first distance and the second distance. A belt device characterized by the following features.

5. The belt device according to claim 4, A base frame that holds the first axis, The system includes a sliding member that holds the second axis and is slidably supported on the base frame, The cam mechanism is, The first cam provided on the base frame, The slide member is provided with a first cam follower, A belt device characterized by the following features.

6. The belt device according to claim 3, The shaft distance changing unit can change the shaft distance to a state shorter than the first distance. A belt device characterized by the following features.

7. The belt device according to claim 1, The deformation correction unit includes a clamping force applying unit that clamps the belt and applies a clamping force, The clamping force applying unit is capable of increasing or decreasing the clamping force. A belt device characterized by the following features.

8. The belt device according to claim 7, The clamping force applying unit can apply a second clamping force, which is greater than the first clamping force, with the clamping force during normal use being the first clamping force. A belt device characterized by the following features.

9. The belt device according to claim 1, The deformation correction unit includes a deformation force applying unit that applies a deformation force to the belt by pressing it from the outer surface side to the inner surface side, causing it to deform in a way that makes it convex towards the inner surface side. A belt device characterized by the following features.

10. The belt device according to claim 9, The deformation force application unit is, An inner circumferential surface support portion that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the belt, The system includes a pressing section that presses the belt from the outer circumferential surface side to the inner circumferential surface side, thereby pressing the belt against the inner circumferential surface support section. A belt device characterized by the following features.

11. A belt device according to claim 10, The deformation force applying part deforms a portion of the belt sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface support part and the pressing part into a curved shape that is convex from the outer circumferential surface side to the inner circumferential surface side of the belt, thereby creating a curved portion. A belt device characterized by the following features.

12. The belt device according to claim 2, The deformation correction unit includes, in addition to the tension-applying unit, a clamping force-applying unit that clamps the belt and applies a clamping force. The clamping force applying unit is capable of increasing or decreasing the clamping force. A belt device characterized by the following features.

13. The belt device according to claim 2, The deformation correction unit, in addition to the tension-applying unit, includes a deformation force-applying unit that applies a deformation force to the belt by pressing it from the outer circumferential surface side to the inner circumferential surface side, causing it to deform in a way that makes it convex towards the inner circumferential surface side. A belt device characterized by the following features.

14. A method for operating a belt device comprising: a first shaft; a second shaft arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first shaft; a drive unit for rotationally driving the first shaft or the second shaft; an endless belt stretched between the first shaft and the second shaft and rotating by the rotational drive of the first shaft or the second shaft; and a deformation correction unit, The deformation correction unit corrects the creep deformation of the belt that is stretched. A method for operating a belt device, characterized by the following features.

15. A belt device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, It includes a recording unit, The recording unit records on the medium conveyed by the belt device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

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