TRANSPORTATION APPARATUS, TRANSPORTATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide a transport device that can suitably perform the controlling in response to the belt condition.SOLUTION: The transport device includes: a belt-like member; first and second support bodies that support the belt member in a drivable manner; a providing mechanism that provides tensile force to the belt-like member; a travel detection part that is provided on the outer periphery side of the belt-like member and detects the travel of one of the first and second support bodies; and a controlling part that performs predetermined controlling based on the travel detected by the travel detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device, a conveying method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a conveying device that drives a belt-like member to convey a recording medium has been used in a printing machine or the like. Since the belt-like member is used in a state in which tension is applied, the belt condition changes over time, such as elongating, which may lead to the breakage of the belt-like member or a decrease in conveying performance. To prevent this, a technique is known that controls the notification of the time to replace the belt-like member according to the detected belt condition.

[0003] Also, a configuration has been disclosed in which changes in the shape of an intermediate transfer belt during continuous printing are monitored based on the detection results of the spacing between multiple registration pattern images for one period in the sub-scanning direction provided on the back surface of a belt-like member such as an intermediate transfer belt, and a warning is issued regarding image position shifts and it is determined when the intermediate transfer belt needs to be replaced based on the monitoring results (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, paper dust or scraps from the belt-shaped member may accumulate on the sensor, making it impossible to detect, the temperature rating of the sensor may be exceeded due to an increase in the environmental temperature around the belt-shaped member, and a detection marker may not be attached when a mesh-shaped belt-shaped member is used. As a result, there is a concern that the belt state cannot be detected accurately and that control according to the belt state cannot be performed appropriately.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device that can appropriately perform control according to the belt state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A conveying device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: Able to transport print mediaa belt-shaped member, first and second supports which drivably support the belt-shaped member, a tension applying mechanism which applies tension to the belt-shaped member, and a movement amount detecting section which is provided on an outer circumferential side of the belt-shaped member and detects a movement amount of either the first or second supports; a storage unit that stores correspondence information between the movement amount and a predetermined control; a selection unit that selects a control associated with the movement amount by referring to the correspondence information stored in the storage unit based on the movement amount detected by the movement amount detection unit; A control unit that controls the 、 Have the first support is a drive roller that drives the belt-like member, the second support is a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the drive of the belt-like member, the tension applying mechanism applies the tension by moving the second support, the movement amount detection unit detects the movement amount of the driven roller, and the control unit issues a notification that it is approaching the time to replace the belt-like member when the movement amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value th2 and less than a threshold value th3, and issues a notification that it is necessary to replace the belt-like member when the movement amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value th3 and less than a threshold value th4, and controls the conveying speed of the print medium by the belt-like member to be faster as the movement amount increases. . Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a conveying device capable of appropriately performing control according to the belt state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a side view of a configuration example of a conveying unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of a configuration example of a conveying unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of the correspondence between the amount of movement and control, where FIG. 6A is a diagram in a normal state, FIG. 6B is a diagram when advance notification of endless belt replacement is given, FIG. 6C is a diagram when notification of endless belt replacement is given, and FIG. 6D is a diagram when conveying is stopped. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In the following, an embodiment will be described by taking an image forming apparatus having a conveying device according to the embodiment as an example. The image forming apparatus is, for example, an image forming apparatus for commercial printing that prints a desired image on a large number of print media such as paper.

[0011] First Embodiment 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 103 in this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 103 is, for example, an inkjet type image forming apparatus, and is mainly composed of a paper feed section 401, an image forming section 307, a drying section 402, and a paper discharge section 403. In the image forming apparatus 103, an image is formed on paper P, which is a recording material as a sheet material fed from the paper feed section 401, by the image forming section 307 using ink, which is a liquid for image formation. Then, after the ink attached to the paper is dried in the drying section 402, the paper is discharged from the paper discharge section 403.

[0012] [Paper feed section] The paper feed section 401 mainly includes a paper feed tray 411 on which a plurality of sheets P are stacked, a feed device 412 that separates and sends out sheets one by one from the paper feed tray 411, and a pair of registration rollers 413 that sends the sheets to the image forming section 307. The feed device 412 can be any type of feed device, such as a device using rollers or a device using air suction. After the leading edge of the sheet sent out from the paper feed tray 411 by the feed device 412 reaches the pair of registration rollers 413, the pair of registration rollers 413 is driven at a predetermined timing to feed the sheet to the image forming section 307. In this embodiment, the configuration of the paper feed section 401 is not limited as long as it sends out the sheet P to the image forming section 307.

[0013] [Image forming section] The image forming unit 307 is mainly composed of a receiving drum 361 that receives the fed paper P, a paper carrying drum 362 that carries the paper P carried by the receiving drum 361 on its outer circumferential surface and carries it, an ink ejection unit 364 that ejects ink toward the paper P carried by the paper carrying drum 362, and a delivery drum 365 that delivers the paper P carried by the paper carrying drum 362 to the drying unit 402. The paper P transported from the paper feeding unit 401 to the image forming unit 307 has its leading edge gripped by a paper gripper provided on the surface of the receiving drum 361, and is transported as the surface of the receiving drum 361 moves. The paper transported by the receiving drum 361 is delivered to the paper carrying drum 362 at a position facing the paper carrying drum 362.

[0014] A paper gripper is also provided on the surface of the paper carrying drum 362, and the leading edge of the paper is gripped by the paper gripper. In addition, a plurality of suction holes are formed in a dispersed manner on the surface of the paper carrying drum 362, and a suction device 363 generates a suction air current in the direction toward the inside of the paper carrying drum 362 at each suction hole. The leading edge of the paper P transferred from the receiving cylinder 361 to the paper carrying drum 362 is gripped by the paper gripper, and the paper P is adsorbed to the surface of the paper carrying drum 362 by the suction air current, and is transported as the surface of the paper carrying drum 362 moves.

[0015] The ink ejection unit 364 of this embodiment ejects four colors of ink, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), to form an image, and is provided with liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K, one for each ink. The liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K are not limited in configuration as long as they eject liquid, and any configuration can be used. If necessary, a liquid ejection head that ejects special ink such as white, gold, or silver, or a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid that does not form an image, such as a surface coating liquid, may be provided.

[0016] The ejection operation of each of the liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K of the ink ejection unit 364 is controlled by a drive signal corresponding to image information. When the paper P supported on the paper carrying drum 362 passes through an area facing the ink ejection unit 364, each color ink is ejected from the liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K, and an image corresponding to the image information is formed. Note that in this embodiment, the configuration of the image forming unit 307 is not limited as long as it deposits liquid on the paper P to form an image.

[0017] [Drying section] The drying section 402 is mainly composed of a drying mechanism 421 for drying the ink attached to the paper P in the image forming section 307, and a transport section 422 for transporting the paper P transported from the image forming section 307. The paper P transported from the image forming section 307 is received by the transport section 422, then transported to pass through the drying mechanism 421, and delivered to the paper discharge section 403. When passing through the drying mechanism 421, the ink on the paper P is subjected to a drying process, whereby liquid components such as water in the ink evaporate, the ink is fixed on the paper P, and curling of the paper P is suppressed.

[0018] [Paper output section] The paper discharge unit 403 is mainly composed of a paper discharge tray 431 on which a plurality of sheets of paper P are stacked. The sheets of paper P conveyed from the drying unit 402 are sequentially stacked and held on the paper discharge tray 431. Note that in this embodiment, the paper discharge unit 403 is not limited in its configuration as long as it discharges the sheets of paper P.

[0019] [Other functional parts] The image forming apparatus 103 of this embodiment is composed of a paper feed unit 401, an image forming unit 307, a drying unit 402, and a paper discharge unit 403, but other functional units may be added as appropriate. For example, a pre-processing unit that performs pre-processing of the image formation may be added between the paper feed unit 401 and the image forming unit 307, and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the image formation may be added between the drying unit 402 and the paper discharge unit 403.

[0020] An example of the pre-processing section is a section that performs a processing liquid application process that applies a processing liquid to the paper P to react with the ink and suppress bleeding, but there is no particular restriction on the content of the pre-processing section. Also, an example of the post-processing section is a paper inversion and transport process that inverts the paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming section 307 and sends it back to the image forming section 307 to form images on both sides of the paper, a process of binding multiple sheets of paper on which images have been formed, a correction mechanism that corrects paper deformation, or a cooling mechanism that cools the paper, but there is no particular restriction on the content of the post-processing section.

[0021] <Example of Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 103> 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 103. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 103 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a control circuit 304, a HDD / SSD 305, an I / F 306, an image forming unit 307, and a display unit 308.

[0022] Of these, the CPU 301 uses a RAM 303 as a working area and executes a program stored in a ROM 302 to control the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 103. The control circuit 304 is an electronic circuit that performs control or arithmetic processing that requires high-speed processing.

[0023] The HDD / SSD 305 is used as a storage unit and stores preset setting values. The information stored in the HDD / SSD 305 may be read by the CPU 301 and used when executing a program.

[0024] The I / F 306 is an interface that enables communication between the image forming apparatus 103 and an external device.

[0025] The image forming unit 307 is a print engine that forms an image on paper. The display unit 308 is a display that displays messages such as notifications and warnings.

[0026] <Configuration example of the transport unit 422> Next, the configuration of the transport unit 422 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the transport unit 422, and Figure 4 is a top view.

[0027] The transport unit 422 is an example of a transport device provided downstream of the image forming unit 307 in the transport direction of the paper P. As described above, in this embodiment, the transport unit 422 constitutes a part of the drying unit 402, and the transport unit 422 transports the paper P and discharges the paper P, which has been dried while being transported, to the paper discharge unit 403. However, the transport unit 422 is not limited to being used for drying the paper P, and can be used for various purposes such as cooling and transporting the paper P.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the conveying unit 422 includes an endless belt 201, a driving roller 202, a driven roller 203, a tension applying mechanism 204, a movement amount sensor 205, and a control unit 250.

[0029] The endless belt 201 is an example of a belt-like member that is wound around a driving roller 202 and a driven roller 203 and driven to run along a running direction 200 by the rotation of the driving roller 202. There are no particular limitations on the material or specifications of the belt-like member, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the application. In addition, the belt-like member is not limited to the endless belt 201, and may be a belt having a joint or configured in a mesh shape.

[0030] The driving roller 202 is an example of a first support that drivably supports the endless belt 201. The driving roller 202 is connected to a driving unit such as a motor, and is driven to rotate by the driving unit. The driving roller 202 can drive the endless belt 201 to run by rotating itself.

[0031] The driven roller 203 is an example of a second support that drivably supports the endless belt 201. The driven roller 203 is rotated in accordance with the running of the endless belt 201.

[0032] The tension applying mechanism 204 is an example of a tension applying mechanism that applies tension to the endless belt 201. The tension applying mechanism 204 applies tension to the endless belt 201 by moving the driven roller 203 in a tension applying direction 210. The tension applied by the tension applying mechanism 204 prevents the endless belt 201 from being sagged, etc.

[0033] The tension applying mechanism 204 may be an elastic member such as a spring that biases the tension applying direction 210, or a motor that uses its own rotation as a driving force to move the driven roller 203 along the tension applying direction 210. However, the application of tension by the tension applying mechanism 204 is not limited to moving the driven roller 203, and may be, for example, moving the drive roller 202 in the direction opposite to the tension applying direction 210.

[0034] The movement amount sensor 205 is provided on the outer circumferential side of the endless belt 201, and is an example of a movement amount detection unit that detects the movement amount of the driven roller 203. The movement amount sensor 205 is, for example, an optical displacement sensor that can detect the displacement of an object by a triangulation method or the like. The movement amount sensor 205 is provided so as to face the driven roller 203 across the endless belt 201, and detects the movement amount of the driven roller 203 along the movement direction 211.

[0035] Specifically, if the output value of the movement amount sensor 205 at a predetermined initial position of the driven roller 203 is d0 and the current output value of the movement amount sensor 205 is d1, the movement amount sensor 205 can detect the movement amount Δd by the following equation (1). Δd=d-d0 (1)

[0036] The endless belt 201 stretches over time because tension is applied by the tension applying mechanism 204. Since the tension applying mechanism 204 applies a similar tension to the stretched endless belt 201, the position of the driven roller 203 changes according to the amount of stretch of the endless belt 201, and the driven roller 203 moves along the moving direction 211. The movement amount sensor 205 detects this movement amount Δd and outputs it to the control unit 250.

[0037] The control unit 250 performs control according to the belt state based on the amount of movement Δd of the driven roller 203 detected by the movement amount sensor 205.

[0038] As rollers supporting the endless belt 201, rollers other than the driving roller 202 and the driven roller 203 may be provided.

[0039] <Example of functional configuration of control unit 250> Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the control unit 250 included in the transport unit 422. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 250 includes a selection unit 251, a storage unit 252, a notification control unit 253, a stop control unit 254, and a speed control unit 255.

[0040] Among these, the functions of the selection unit 251, the notification control unit 253, the stop control unit 254, and the speed control unit 255 are realized by the CPU 301 in Fig. 2 executing a program stored in the ROM 302 or the HDD / SSD 305, or by the control circuit 304, etc. Also, the function of the storage unit 252 is realized by the HDD / SSD 305, etc.

[0041] The selection unit 251 refers to the table 52 stored in the storage unit 252 based on the movement amount Δd of the driven roller 203 detected by the movement amount sensor 205, and selects the control associated with the movement amount Δd of the driven roller 203. The table 52 is an example of correspondence relationship information between the movement amount Δd of the driven roller 203 and belt state information, and is predetermined information.

[0042] The control performed by each of the notification control unit 253, the stop control unit 254, and the speed control unit 255 corresponds to the control associated with the movement amount Δd of the driven roller 203. Each of the notification control unit 253, the stop control unit 254, and the speed control unit 255 can perform control according to the selection result by the selection unit 251.

[0043] The notification control unit 253 controls the display unit 308 to notify the user of the timing for replacing the endless belt 201. The stop control unit 254 controls the stop of conveyance by the conveying unit 422. The speed control unit 255 controls the conveying speed by the conveying unit 422.

[0044] <Example of Correspondence Between Output of Movement Amount Sensor 205 and Control by Control Unit 250> Next, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the movement amount Δd detected by the movement amount sensor 205 and the control by the control unit 250. Fig. 6(a) is a diagram showing a normal state, Fig. 6(b) is a diagram showing a time when an advance notification of the replacement of the endless belt 201 is given, Fig. 6(c) is a diagram showing a time when an notification of the replacement of the endless belt 201 is given, and Fig. 6(d) is a diagram showing a time when the conveyance by the conveyance unit 422 is stopped.

[0045] 6(a) to 6(d), the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the amount of movement Δd. Thresholds th1 to th4 are thresholds for the amount of movement Δd of the driven roller 203. Threshold th1 is the lower limit of the normal state, threshold th2 is the upper limit of the normal state and is the lower limit for advance notification of belt replacement, threshold th3 is the upper limit for advance notification of belt replacement and the lower limit for notification of belt replacement, and threshold th4 is the upper limit for notification of belt replacement.

[0046] In the normal state shown in Fig. 6(a), the movement amount Δd is equal to or greater than threshold th1 and smaller than threshold th2. In the state shown in Fig. 6(b) where advance notification of belt replacement is performed, the movement amount Δd is equal to or greater than threshold th2 and smaller than threshold th3. In the state shown in Fig. 6(c) where notification of belt replacement is performed, the movement amount Δd is equal to or greater than threshold th3 and smaller than threshold th4. In the state shown in Fig. 6(d) where the conveying unit 422 is stopped, the movement amount Δd is equal to or greater than threshold th4.

[0047] 6B, when advance notification of belt replacement is given, the selection unit 251 selects control by the notification control unit 253. The notification control unit 253 notifies the user of the image forming apparatus 103 that the time to replace the endless belt 201 is approaching due to elongation of the endless belt 201. For example, the notification control unit 253 notifies the user by causing the display unit 308 to display a message to that effect.

[0048] The advance notification can prompt the user to prepare a new endless belt 201 before replacing the belt. In this state, the notification is performed, but the conveying unit 422 operates normally. It is more preferable to provide a separate maintenance application or the like and configure the notification to be automatically cancelled when the order for the replacement endless belt 201 is confirmed.

[0049] At the time of the belt replacement notification in FIG. 6(c), the selection unit 251 selects the control by the notification control unit 253. The notification control unit 253 notifies the user of the image forming apparatus 103 that the endless belt 201 needs to be replaced due to the stretching of the endless belt 201. For example, the notification control unit 253 notifies the user by displaying a message encouraging the replacement on the display unit 308. It is more preferable to also notify the user of the period during which the endless belt 201 can be operated until the replacement date. Even in this case, the notification is performed, but the conveying unit 422 operates normally. It is more preferable to provide a separate maintenance application or the like, and to automatically cancel the notification when the order for the replacement endless belt 201 is confirmed.

[0050] Furthermore, when the belt replacement notification is issued, the amount of elongation of the endless belt 201 is larger than that in normal times. Therefore, when the conveying speed of the conveying unit 422 is a problem, the selection unit 251 can select control by the speed control unit 255 in addition to control by the notification control unit 253. The speed control unit 255 can correct the conveying speed to a predetermined value based on the movement amount Δd, for example, by increasing the conveying speed in accordance with the movement amount Δd.

[0051] 6D, the conveyance is stopped when the belt is not replaced during the belt replacement notification period, and in this case, the selection unit 251 selects control by the stop control unit 254. The stop control unit 254 stops the conveyance by the conveying unit 422 from the viewpoint of protecting the image forming apparatus 103 from failures and the like. For example, if the endless belt 201 that has broken due to excessive stretching is allowed to continue rotating, the broken endless belt 201 may wind around surrounding parts or other rollers, causing a failure. By stopping the conveyance by the conveying unit 422, such a failure can be prevented.

[0052] In this embodiment, it is particularly important to accurately detect the normal state of Fig. 6(a) and the state of Fig. 6(d) where the conveying unit 422 is stopped. It is preferable to additionally detect the state of Fig. 6(b) where advance notification of belt replacement is given and the state of Fig. 6(c) where notification of belt replacement is given.

[0053] <Example of Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 103> Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 103. Fig. 7 shows the operation of the image forming apparatus 103 triggered by the time when an operation to start image formation by a user of the image forming apparatus 103 is accepted.

[0054] First, in step S 71 , the movement amount sensor 205 detects the movement amount Δd of the driven roller 203 .

[0055] Next, in step S72, the selection unit 251 determines whether or not threshold value th1≦movement amount Δd<threshold value th2.

[0056] In step S72, if it is determined that threshold value th1≦movement amount Δd<threshold value th2 (step S72, Yes), the image forming unit 307 forms an image on the paper P, and the conveying unit 422 conveys the paper P in step S73.

[0057] Next, in step S74, the image forming apparatus 103 determines whether or not to end image formation.

[0058] If it is determined in step S74 that the image formation is to be ended (Yes in step S74), the image forming device 103 ends the image formation, and if it is determined that the image formation is not to be ended (No in step S74), the image forming device 103 performs the operations from step S71 onwards again.

[0059] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S72 that threshold th1≦movement amount Δd<threshold th2 is not satisfied (step S72, No), the selection unit 251 determines in step S75 whether threshold th2≦movement amount Δd<threshold th3 is satisfied.

[0060] In step S75, when it is determined that the threshold value th2≦the movement amount Δd<the threshold value th3 (step S75, Yes), in step S76, the selection unit 251 selects the control by the notification control unit 253, and the notification control unit 253 performs advance notification of belt replacement. After that, the image forming apparatus 103 performs the operations from step S73 onward.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S75 that threshold th2≦movement amount Δd<threshold th3 is not satisfied (step S75, No), the selection unit 251 determines in step S77 whether threshold th3≦movement amount Δd<threshold th4 is satisfied.

[0062] In step S77, when it is determined that the threshold value th3≦the movement amount Δd<the threshold value th4 (step S77, Yes), in step S78, the selection unit 251 selects the control by the notification control unit 253, and the notification control unit 253 issues a notification of belt replacement. After that, the image forming apparatus 103 performs the operations in and after step S73.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S77 that threshold th3≦movement amount Δd<threshold th4 is not satisfied (step S77, No), the selection unit 251 determines in step S79 whether or not movement amount Δd≧threshold th4 is satisfied.

[0064] In step S79, when it is determined that the movement amount Δd is equal to or greater than the threshold value th4 (Yes in step S79), in step S80, the selection unit 251 selects control by the stop control unit 254, and the stop control unit 254 stops the conveyance of the paper P by the conveyance unit 422. After that, the image forming apparatus 103 ends the operation.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S79 that the movement amount Δd≧threshold value th4 is not satisfied (step S79, No), the image forming apparatus 103 performs the operations from step S71 onwards again.

[0066] In this way, the image forming apparatus 103 can form an image on the paper P and transport the paper P while appropriately performing control according to the belt state.

[0067] <Function and effect of the conveying section 422> Next, the function and effect of the transport section 422 will be described.

[0068] In a conveying device that drives a belt-like member to convey recording media such as paper, the belt-like member is used in a state in which tension is applied, and therefore the belt condition changes over time, such as elongating. Since changes in the belt condition can lead to breakage of the belt-like member or a decrease in conveying performance, a technique is known that detects the belt condition and performs control such as notifying the user when it is time to replace the belt-like member in accordance with the detected belt condition.

[0069] For example, a configuration has been disclosed in which a predetermined pattern is formed on either the inner or outer circumference of a belt-like member, and the belt condition, such as the amount of stretch of the belt-like member, is detected by reading this pattern with a reading sensor, and control is performed according to the detected belt condition. However, with this configuration, there is a concern that paper dust from paper and debris generated from the belt-like member may accumulate on the pattern or the reading sensor, making it impossible to accurately detect the belt condition.

[0070] In a configuration in which the paper is dried while being transported by a belt-like member, an increase in the surrounding environmental temperature may cause the temperature rating of the reading sensor to be exceeded, causing the reading sensor to malfunction. Also, light emitted by a halogen heater or the like used for drying may enter the reading sensor, causing the pattern to be unable to be read accurately.

[0071] Furthermore, if the belt-shaped member is configured in a mesh-like manner, it may not be possible to form a pattern on the belt-shaped member, or even if it can be formed, it may be difficult to distinguish between the mesh and the pattern, resulting in the pattern not being readable and the belt condition not being detected accurately.

[0072] If the belt condition cannot be detected accurately, control according to the belt condition cannot be performed appropriately, which may lead to breakage of the belt-like member, deterioration of conveying performance, etc. As a result, image formation may be interrupted, or maintenance such as cleaning of the belt-like member or reading sensor may become necessary, which may reduce the productivity of the image forming apparatus.

[0073] In this embodiment, the endless belt 201 (belt-shaped member) is provided, a driving roller 202 (first support) and a driven roller 203 (second support) are provided to drivably support the endless belt 201, and a tension providing mechanism 204 (tension providing mechanism) is provided to provide tension to the endless belt 201. Also, the endless belt 201 is provided with a movement amount sensor 205 (movement amount detection unit) which is provided on the outer circumferential side of the endless belt 201 and detects a movement amount Δd of the driven roller 203, and a control unit 250 which performs a predetermined control based on the movement amount Δd detected by the movement amount sensor 205.

[0074] A configuration for detecting the amount of movement Δd of the driven roller 203 is less susceptible to paper dust from paper or debris from the belt-like member than a configuration for reading a pattern. In addition, since heat is easily diffused on the outer periphery side of the endless belt 201, it is less susceptible to an increase in environmental temperature than a case where a sensor is provided on the inner periphery side of the endless belt 201. Even when the conveying unit 422 is used in combination with a configuration for drying the paper P, it is less susceptible to the heat for drying or the light of a halogen heater. Furthermore, even if the endless belt 201 is configured in a mesh shape, the detection of the amount of movement Δd of the driven roller 203 is not affected at all.

[0075] As a result, the belt condition such as the elongation of the endless belt 201 can be accurately detected from the movement amount Δd of the driven roller 203, and appropriate control can be performed according to the belt condition. This prevents the endless belt 201 from breaking or its conveying performance from deteriorating, and suppresses a decrease in productivity of the image forming apparatus.

[0076] In this embodiment, the tension applying mechanism 204 applies tension to the endless belt 201 by moving the driven roller 203, and the movement amount sensor 205 detects the movement amount of the driven roller 203. This makes it possible to apply tension to the endless belt 201 and accurately detect the elongation of the endless belt 201 without complicating the configuration.

[0077] In this embodiment, the controller 250 has a storage unit 252 for storing a table 52 (correspondence information) showing the correspondence between the movement amount Δd and the predetermined control, and performs the predetermined control selected by referring to the table 52 based on the movement amount Δd. For example, the predetermined control includes at least one of a notification of a timing related to replacement of the endless belt 201, a stop of conveyance by the conveying unit 422, and a conveying speed by the conveying unit 422.

[0078] This allows appropriate control according to the belt condition. For example, the downtime of the image forming apparatus 103 can be minimized by appropriately notifying the user of the image forming apparatus 103 when it is time to replace the endless belt 201 and encouraging the user to prepare a new endless belt 201. In addition, a breakdown of the image forming apparatus 103 due to breakage of the endless belt 201 can be prevented, and the effort and time required for maintenance of the image forming apparatus 103 can be reduced.

[0079] [Other Preferred Embodiments] In the above example, an inkjet type image forming apparatus was described, but this embodiment can also be applied to other types of image forming apparatus, such as electrophotographic type, as long as the image forming apparatus has a conveying device using a belt-like member.

[0080] In addition, all numbers such as ordinal numbers and quantities used in the description of the embodiments are merely examples for specifically explaining the technology of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the exemplified numbers. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the components are merely examples for specifically explaining the technology of the present invention, and the connection relationships for realizing the functions of the present invention are not limited to these.

[0081] In addition, the division of blocks in the functional block diagram is an example, and multiple blocks may be realized as one block, one block may be divided into multiple blocks, and / or some functions may be transferred to another block. Furthermore, the functions of multiple blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in a time-division manner by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0082] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and a device such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or a conventional circuit module designed to execute each function described above.

[0083] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0084] The embodiment includes a conveying method. For example, the conveying method is a conveying method using a conveying device having a belt-shaped member, first and second supports that drivably support the belt-shaped member, an applying mechanism that applies tension to the belt-shaped member, and a movement amount detection unit that is provided on the outer periphery of the belt-shaped member and detects the movement amount of either the first or second support, and includes a step of performing a predetermined control based on the movement amount detected by the movement amount detection unit. By using such a conveying method, it is possible to obtain the same action and effect as the conveying unit 422 described above.

[0085] The embodiment also includes a program. For example, the program is a program that operates in a conveying device having a belt-shaped member, first and second supports that drivably support the belt-shaped member, an applying mechanism that applies tension to the belt-shaped member, and a movement amount detection unit that is provided on the outer periphery of the belt-shaped member and detects the amount of movement of either the first or second support, and causes a computer to execute a process of performing a predetermined control based on the amount of movement detected by the movement amount detection unit. Such a program can provide the same effects as those of the conveying unit 422 described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 103 Image forming device 201 Endless belt (an example of a belt-like member) 202 Drive roller (an example of a first support) 203 Driven roller (an example of a second support) 204 Tensioning mechanism 205 Movement sensor (an example of a movement detection unit) 250 Control section 251 Selection Section 252 Storage Unit 52 Table (Example of Correspondence Information) 253 Notification control section 254 Stop control section 255 Speed ​​control section 304 Control circuit 307 Image forming section 308 Display section 402 Drying section 422 Conveying section (an example of a conveying device) P Paper (an example of a recording medium) Δd Movement th1 to th4 thresholds [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0087] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-8726 A

Claims

1. A belt-like member capable of transporting a print medium; First and second supports that drivably support the belt-like member; a tension applying mechanism for applying tension to the belt-like member; a movement amount detection unit provided on an outer circumferential side of the belt-like member and configured to detect a movement amount of either the first support or the second support; a storage unit for storing correspondence information between the movement amount and a predetermined control; a selection unit that refers to correspondence relationship information stored in the storage unit based on the movement amount detected by the movement amount detection unit and selects a control associated with the movement amount; a control unit that performs the control selected by the selection unit, the first support is a drive roller that drives the belt-like member, the second support is a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the driving of the belt-like member, the applying mechanism applies the tension by moving the second support, the movement amount detection unit detects the movement amount of the driven roller, The control unit is When the amount of movement is equal to or greater than a threshold value th2 and less than a threshold value th3, a notification is given that the time to replace the belt-like member is approaching. When the amount of movement is equal to or greater than the threshold value th3 and less than the threshold value th4, a notification is issued that the belt-shaped member needs to be replaced, and the conveying speed of the print medium by the belt-shaped member is increased as the amount of movement is greater. A conveying device that controls the above.

2. A belt-like member capable of transporting a print medium; First and second supports that drivably support the belt-like member; a tension applying mechanism for applying tension to the belt-like member; a movement amount detection unit provided on an outer circumferential side of the belt-like member and configured to detect a movement amount of either the first support or the second support, A storage unit stores information on a correspondence relationship between the movement amount and a predetermined control; a selection unit, based on the movement amount detected by the movement amount detection unit, selecting a control associated with the movement amount by referring to the correspondence relationship information stored in the storage unit; A control unit performs the control selected by the selection unit; the first support is a drive roller that drives the belt-like member, the second support is a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the driving of the belt-like member, the applying mechanism applies the tension by moving the second support, the movement amount detection unit detects the movement amount of the driven roller, The control unit is When the amount of movement is equal to or greater than a threshold value th2 and less than a threshold value th3, a notification is given that the time to replace the belt-like member is approaching. When the amount of movement is equal to or greater than the threshold value th3 and less than the threshold value th4, a notification is issued that the belt-shaped member needs to be replaced, and the conveying speed of the print medium by the belt-shaped member is increased as the amount of movement is greater. A conveying method that controls the amount of

3. A belt-like member capable of transporting a print medium; First and second supports that drivably support the belt-like member; a tension applying mechanism for applying tension to the belt-like member; a movement amount detection unit that is provided on an outer circumferential side of the belt-like member and detects a movement amount of either the first support or the second support, A storage unit stores information on a correspondence relationship between the movement amount and a predetermined control; a selection unit, based on the movement amount detected by the movement amount detection unit, selecting a control associated with the movement amount by referring to the correspondence relationship information stored in the storage unit; A control unit performs the control selected by the selection unit; the first support is a drive roller that drives the belt-like member, the second support is a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the driving of the belt-like member, the applying mechanism applies the tension by moving the second support, the movement amount detection unit detects the movement amount of the driven roller, The control unit is When the amount of movement is equal to or greater than a threshold value th2 and less than a threshold value th3, a notification is given that the time to replace the belt-like member is approaching. When the amount of movement is equal to or greater than the threshold value th3 and less than the threshold value th4, a notification is issued that the belt-shaped member needs to be replaced, and the conveying speed of the print medium by the belt-shaped member is increased as the amount of movement is greater. Control so that A program that causes a computer to carry out processing.

Images