Conveying device, liquid ejecting device

Abstract

To provide a carrier device capable of easily detecting an abnormal sound such as a malfunction sound of a cleaning unit.SOLUTION: A carrier device comprises: a conveyor belt for conveying a medium; a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the conveyor belt by liquid; and a sound collection part for collecting the sound generated by operation of the cleaning unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport device and a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, a recording device has been known that includes a conveying unit having a conveying belt that conveys an object to be conveyed, a recording unit that ejects ink onto the object to be conveyed, and a belt cleaning device that cleans the conveying belt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-136625 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the recording device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it cannot properly detect an abnormality in the belt cleaning device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The conveying device includes a conveying belt capable of conveying media, a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the conveying belt with liquid, and a sound collecting unit that collects sounds generated by the operation of the cleaning unit.

[0006] The liquid ejection device includes an ejection unit capable of ejecting liquid onto a medium, a conveyor belt capable of conveying the medium, a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the conveyor belt with liquid, and a sound collection unit that collects sounds generated by the operation of the cleaning unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of sound pickup units. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the liquid ejection device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the sound pickup unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the sound pickup unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the sound pickup unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the sound pickup unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the sound pickup unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1. First embodiment First, a description will be given of the configuration of the liquid ejection device 100. The liquid ejection device 100 of this embodiment is an inkjet textile printer that forms an image or the like on a medium M.

[0009] 1 and 2, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a transport device 110 and a discharge unit 40. The transport device 110 includes a media transport unit 20 and a cleaning unit 50, etc. The liquid ejection device 100 also includes a media contact unit 60, a drying unit 27, etc. The liquid ejection device 100 includes a control unit 1 that controls each of these units, etc. The units, etc. of the liquid ejection device 100 are attached to a frame unit 90.

[0010] The media transport unit 20 transports media M. The media transport unit 20 includes a media supply unit 10, transport rollers 22, a transport belt 23, a rotating roller 24, a drive roller 25, transport rollers 26 and 28, and a media collection unit 30. In this embodiment, each part of the liquid ejection device 100 will be described using an XYZ coordinate system in which the X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to one another. The direction along the X axis is the X direction, the direction along the Y axis is the Y direction, and the direction along the Z axis is the Z direction. Furthermore, the tip end of an arrow indicating a direction is the + direction, and the base end of an arrow indicating a direction is the - direction. The direction in which gravity acts on the liquid ejection device 100 is the -Z direction, the direction along which the medium M is transported in the ejection unit 40 is the X direction, and the width direction of the medium M, which intersects with both the Z and X directions, is the Y direction. Furthermore, the positional relationship along the transport direction of the medium M or the movement direction of the transport belt 23 is also referred to as the "upstream side" and the "downstream side."

[0011] The media supply unit 10 supplies the media M on which an image is formed to the discharge unit 40. For example, a fabric such as cotton, wool, or polyester is used as the media M. The media supply unit 10 has a supply shaft 11 and a bearing 12. The supply shaft 11 is formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape and is rotatable in the circumferential direction. A strip-shaped media M is wound around the supply shaft 11 in a roll. The supply shaft 11 is detachably attached to the bearing 12. As a result, the media M, which has been wound around the supply shaft 11 in advance, can be attached to the bearing 12 together with the supply shaft 11.

[0012] Bearings 12 rotatably support both axial ends of supply shaft 11. Media supply unit 10 has a rotation drive unit (not shown) that rotates supply shaft 11. The rotation drive unit rotates supply shaft 11 in the direction in which media M is fed out. The operation of the rotation drive unit is controlled by control unit 1. Conveyor rollers 22 relay media M from media supply unit 10 to conveyor belt 23.

[0013] The conveyor belt 23 is held between at least two rollers that rotate the conveyor belt 23, and the rotational movement of the conveyor belt 23 conveys the media M in the conveyance direction (+X direction). Specifically, the conveyor belt 23 is formed as an endless belt with both ends connected, and is looped between two rollers, a rotating roller 24 and a driving roller 25. The conveyor belt 23 is held in a state where a predetermined tension is applied so that the portion between the rotating roller 24 and the driving roller 25 is horizontal. An adhesive layer 29 that adheres the media M is provided on the surface 23a (support surface) of the conveyor belt 23. The conveyor belt 23 supports (holds) the media M that is supplied from the conveyor rollers 22 and is in contact with the adhesive layer 29 at the media contact portion 60.

[0014] The rotating roller 24 and the driving roller 25 support the back surface 23b (inner peripheral surface) of the conveyor belt 23. Note that a supporting portion such as a roller that supports the conveyor belt 23 may be provided between the rotating roller 24 and the driving roller 25.

[0015] Power is transmitted directly or indirectly to the drive roller 25 from a motor (not shown) that rotates the drive roller 25. The drive roller 25 is provided downstream of the discharge unit 40 in the transport direction of the medium M, and the rotating roller 24 is provided upstream of the discharge unit 40. When the drive roller 25 is driven to rotate, the transport belt 23 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive roller 25, and the rotation of the transport belt 23 rotates the rotating roller 24. The rotation of the transport belt 23 transports the medium M supported by the transport belt 23 in the transport direction, and an image is formed on the medium M at the discharge unit 40.

[0016] In this embodiment, the media M are supported on the side of the conveyor belt 23 where the surface 23a faces the discharge unit 40 (the +Z direction side), and the media M are conveyed together with the conveyor belt 23 from the rotating roller 24 side to the driving roller 25 side. Furthermore, on the side where the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23 faces the cleaning unit 50 (the -Z direction side), only the conveyor belt 23 moves from the driving roller 25 side to the rotating roller 24 side. Note that, although the conveyor belt 23 has been described as including an adhesive layer 29 that adheres the media M, this is not limitative. For example, the conveyor belt 23 may be an electrostatic attraction belt that attracts the media M to the belt using static electricity, or various attraction force generating mechanisms such as vacuum suction or intermolecular force may be employed.

[0017] The transport roller 26 separates the medium M on which the image has been formed from the adhesive layer 29 of the transport belt 23. The transport rollers 26 and 28 relay the medium M from the transport belt 23 to the medium collection unit 30.

[0018] The media collection unit 30 collects the media M transported by the media transport unit 20. The media collection unit 30 has a winding shaft 31 and a bearing 32. The winding shaft 31 is formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape and is rotatable in the circumferential direction. A strip-shaped media M is wound up in a roll around the winding shaft 31. The winding shaft 31 is detachably attached to the bearing 32. This allows the media M wound around the winding shaft 31 to be removed together with the winding shaft 31.

[0019] The bearings 32 rotatably support both axial ends of the winding spindle 31. The media collection unit 30 has a rotation drive unit (not shown) that rotates the winding spindle 31. The rotation drive unit rotates the winding spindle 31 in the direction in which the media M is wound. The operation of the rotation drive unit is controlled by the control unit 1.

[0020] The cleaning unit 50 cleans the conveyor belt 23 with a cleaning liquid. The cleaning unit 50 is disposed below the conveyor belt 23, between the rotating roller 24 and the driving roller 25 in the X direction. The cleaning unit 50 has a cleaning section 51, an adjustment section 52, and a moving section 53. The moving section 53 moves the cleaning unit 50 together along the floor surface 99 and fixes it in a predetermined position.

[0021] The cleaning unit 51 comes into contact with the conveyor belt 23 to clean the conveyor belt 23. The cleaning unit 51 cleans the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23 moving from the drive roller 25 toward the rotation roller 24 from below (-Z direction).

[0022] The cleaning unit 51 includes a reservoir 54 , a rotating brush 58 , and a wiper unit 55 . The storage tank 54 is a tank that stores a cleaning liquid used to clean ink and foreign matter adhering to the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23. The rotating brush 58 and the wiper unit 55 are provided inside the storage tank 54. As the cleaning liquid, for example, water or a water-soluble solvent (such as an alcohol aqueous solution) can be used, and a surfactant or an antifoaming agent may be added as needed.

[0023] The rotating brush 58 extends in the Y direction and is rotatable about its axis. A portion of the rotating brush 58 is immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank 54, and cleans the conveyor belt 23 while rotating. In detail, when the rotating brush 58 rotates, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23, and the rotating brush 58 and the conveyor belt 23 slide against each other. As a result, the rotating brush 58 removes ink, fibers of the media M, and the like adhering to the conveyor belt 23.

[0024] The wiper unit 55 includes at least one wiper blade 55a that can wipe away cleaning liquid adhering to the conveyor belt 23 by contacting the conveyor belt 23. The wiper blade 55a is a plate-shaped member extending in the Y direction. The wiper blade 55a is formed of a flexible material such as silicone rubber. The wiper blade 55a is provided downstream of the rotating brush 58 in the conveyance direction of the conveyor belt 23. The conveyor belt 23 and the wiper blade 55a slide against each other to remove cleaning liquid remaining on the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23. In this embodiment, two wiper blades 55a are provided, and the two wiper blades 55a are arranged at a predetermined interval in the X direction. The two wiper blades 55a are also arranged at an angle with respect to the X direction.

[0025] The cleaning section 51 also includes a blower unit 59. The blower unit 59 blows compressed air from openings 59a toward the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23 (FIG. 2). In this embodiment, a plurality of openings 59a are arranged in the Y direction. The blower unit 59 is provided downstream of the wiper blade 55a in the conveyance direction of the conveyor belt 23. By blowing compressed air toward the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23, the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23 can be dried.

[0026] The adjustment unit 52 is configured to be able to adjust the load of the cleaning unit 51 on the conveyor belt 23 when the cleaning unit 51 (wiper blade 55a and rotating brush 58) comes into contact with the conveyor belt 23. In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 52 is an elevator device made up of an air cylinder 56 and a ball bushing 57, and supports the cleaning unit 51 from below. The contact pressure of the cleaning unit 51 on the conveyor belt 23 can be adjusted as the adjustment unit 52 moves up and down. Note that in this embodiment, the adjustment unit 52 moves up and down the storage tank 54 as well as the cleaning unit 51, but this is not limited to this. For example, the adjustment unit may move up and down only the cleaning unit 51. Alternatively, the adjustment unit may move up and down the rotating brush 58 while changing the inclination of the wiper blade 55a to adjust the contact pressure of the cleaning unit 51 on the conveyor belt 23. Furthermore, the transport device 110 of this embodiment includes at least one sound pickup unit 85 (FIG. 2) which will be described later.

[0027] Next, the media contact section 60, the discharge section 40, and the drying unit 27 provided along the media transport section 20 will be described.

[0028] The media contacting section 60 brings the media M into close contact with the conveyor belt 23. The media contacting section 60 is provided upstream (in the -X direction) of the discharge section 40. The media contacting section 60 has a pressure roller 61, a pressure roller driving section 62, and a roller support section 63. The pressure roller 61 is formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape and is provided so that it can rotate in the circumferential direction. The pressure roller 61 is rotatable about its axis and is disposed so that its axial direction intersects with the conveyance direction. The roller support section 63 is provided on the back surface 23b side of the conveyor belt 23, facing the pressure roller 61 across the conveyor belt 23.

[0029] The pressure roller drive unit 62 moves the pressure roller 61 in the conveyance direction (+X direction) and in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction (-X direction) while pressing the pressure roller 61 in the -Z direction. The media M superimposed on the conveyor belt 23 is pressed against the conveyor belt 23 between the pressure roller 61 and the roller support unit 63. This ensures that the media M adheres to the adhesive layer 29 provided on the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23, preventing the media M from floating on the conveyor belt 23.

[0030] The ejection unit 40 is disposed above (on the +Z direction side of) the conveyor belt 23 and prints (records) on the medium M supported on the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23. The ejection unit 40 includes a head unit 42, a carriage 43 on which the head unit 42 is mounted, and a carriage movement unit 45 that moves the carriage 43 in the width direction (Y direction) of the medium M that intersects with the conveyance direction. The head unit 42 of this embodiment includes a plurality of ejection heads (not shown) that eject liquid ink (e.g., yellow, cyan, magenta, black, etc.) as droplets supplied from an ink supply unit (not shown) onto the medium M supported by the conveyor belt 23.

[0031] The carriage moving section 45 is provided above (on the +Z direction side of) the conveyor belt 23. The carriage moving section 45 has a pair of guide rails 45a, 45b extending in the Y direction. The head unit 42 is supported by the guide rails 45a, 45b in a state in which it can move back and forth together with the carriage 43 in the Y direction.

[0032] The carriage moving unit 45 includes a moving mechanism and a power source (not shown). The moving mechanism may be, for example, a mechanism that combines a ball screw and a ball nut, or a linear guide mechanism. The carriage moving unit 45 also includes a motor (not shown) as a power source for moving the carriage 43 along the guide rails 45a and 45b. Various motors such as a stepping motor, a servo motor, or a linear motor may be used as the motor. When the motor is driven under the control of the control unit 1, the head unit 42 moves in the Y direction together with the carriage 43.

[0033] The drying unit 27 is provided between the transport roller 26 and the transport roller 28. The drying unit 27 dries the ink ejected onto the medium M. The drying unit 27 includes, for example, an IR heater, and by driving the IR heater, the ink ejected onto the medium M can be dried in a short time. This allows the strip-shaped medium M on which an image or the like is formed to be wound around the winding shaft 31.

[0034] Next, the sound collection unit 85 will be described. The sound collection unit 85 is, for example, a microphone, and collects sounds generated by the operation of the cleaning unit 50. This makes it possible to detect abnormal sounds when the cleaning unit 50 is malfunctioning. The detected abnormal sounds can then be used to detect the occurrence of improper cleaning of the conveyor belt 23 by the cleaning unit 50. This can also reduce loss of image quality on the media M due to improper cleaning of the conveyor belt 23. Furthermore, detecting the occurrence of improper cleaning by the cleaning unit 50 makes it easier to adjust or repair the cleaning unit 50, thereby reducing downtime of the liquid ejection device 100.

[0035] The sound collection unit 85 of this embodiment collects sounds generated by the cleaning unit 51. This makes it possible to detect abnormal sounds caused by deterioration of the cleaning unit 51, and thus makes it possible to preferably detect a decrease in the cleaning ability of the cleaning unit 51 to clean the conveyor belt 23. 2, the sound collection unit 85 is disposed on the outer surface 54a of the storage tank 54. The storage tank 54 is a box that extends in the Y direction and has an opening at the top and a bottom wall at the bottom. That is, the sound collection unit 85 is disposed on at least one of the end surface in the +Y direction and the end surface in the -Y direction of the storage tank 54. This makes it possible to prevent the sound collection unit 85 from becoming wet with the cleaning liquid.

[0036] In this embodiment, two sound collection units 85 (85a, 85b) are arranged on the end surface of storage tank 54 in the -Y direction. The two sound collection units 85a, 85b are arranged side by side in the X direction. Of the two sound collection units 85a, 85b, one sound collection unit 85a arranged in the +X direction is arranged on the end surface of storage tank 54 in the -Y direction so as to overlap with at least a portion of rotating brush 58 when viewed from the direction in which rotating brush 58 extends, i.e., the -Y direction. In other words, sound collection unit 85a is arranged facing rotating brush 58. This makes it possible to easily detect abnormal sounds caused by deterioration of the tip of rotating brush 58, etc., and to preferably detect a decrease in the cleaning ability of conveyor belt 23 caused by deterioration of rotating brush 58, etc.

[0037] The other sound collection unit 85b is disposed on the end surface of the storage tank 54 in the -Y direction, overlapping at least a portion of the wiper unit 55 when viewed from the direction in which the wiper blade 55a extends, i.e., the -Y direction. That is, the sound collection unit 85b is disposed in a position where it can efficiently collect sounds generated from the wiper blade 55a. This allows for a configuration that enables detection of abnormal sounds caused by wear of the wiper blade 55a, etc., and therefore makes it possible to suitably detect a decrease in the cleaning ability of the wiper blade 55a for the conveyor belt 23. Furthermore, the tension state of the conveyor belt 23 can also be easily detected from the sounds collected from the wiper blade 55a. Similarly, two sound collection units 85 (85a, 85b) may be arranged on the end surface in the +Y direction of the storage tank 54. This makes it possible to more efficiently detect abnormal sounds coming from the rotating brush 58 and the wiper blade 55a.

[0038] 3, the liquid ejection apparatus 100 includes an input device 6 into which recording conditions and the like are input, and a control unit 1 that controls each part of the liquid ejection apparatus 100. The input device 6 may be any of various personal computers, tablet terminals, mobile terminals, etc. The input device 6 may be provided separately from the liquid ejection apparatus 100.

[0039] The control unit 1 includes an interface unit (I / F) 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 3, a storage unit 4, and a control circuit 5. The interface unit 2 transmits and receives data between the control unit 1 and an input device 6 that handles input signals and images. The CPU 3 is an arithmetic processing device for processing input signals from the various detector groups 7 including the sound collection unit 85, and for controlling the recording operation of the liquid ejection device 100. For example, the CPU 3 performs calculations for controlling the liquid ejection device 100 based on sound data input from the sound collection unit 85. The storage unit 4 is a storage medium for securing an area for storing programs for the CPU 3, a working area, etc., and includes storage elements such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0040] The control unit 1 controls the driving of the ejection head provided in the head unit 42 according to a control signal output from the control circuit 5, thereby ejecting ink toward the medium M. The control unit 1 controls the driving of the motor provided in the carriage movement unit 45 according to a control signal output from the control circuit 5, thereby moving the carriage 43 on which the head unit 42 is mounted back and forth in the Y direction, i.e., the main scanning direction. The control unit 1 controls the driving of the motor provided in the drive roller 25 according to a control signal output from the control circuit 5, thereby rotating and moving the conveyor belt 23. As a result, the medium M supported on the conveyor belt 23 is moved in the conveyance direction (+X direction).

[0041] An image or the like is formed on the medium M by a recording operation (intermittent operation) in which the control unit 1 alternately repeats a main scan, in which the carriage moving unit 45 and the head unit 42 are controlled to move the head unit 42 (carriage 43) while ejecting ink from the ejection head, and a sub-scan, in which the control unit 1 controls the drive roller 25 to transport the medium M in the transport direction.

[0042] The control unit 1 controls the cleaning unit 51 by a control signal output from the control circuit 5, and drives the rotating brush 58 and the blower unit 59 to clean the conveyor belt 23. The control unit 1 also controls the adjustment unit 52 by a control signal output from the control circuit 5, and controls the load of the cleaning unit 51 on the conveyor belt 23.

[0043] Next, a method for controlling the liquid ejection device 100 will be described. 4, in step S11, sound collection processing is performed. Specifically, the control unit 1 acquires each sound data detected by the sound collection units 85a and 85b, and calculates the amplitude and frequency based on each sound data.

[0044] In step S12, the control unit 1 determines whether the cleaning unit 51 has deteriorated. That is, the control unit 1 determines whether the cleaning unit 51 is malfunctioning. The deterioration of the cleaning unit 51 is associated with sound data. Specifically, the control unit 1 determines whether the amplitude and frequency based on the sound data of the sound collection unit 85 (85a, 85b) are within a range of specified values. The specified values are the amplitude and frequency when the cleaning unit 51 is operating normally. That is, the specified values are the amplitude and frequency of normal sound (sound when no abnormal sound is being emitted) of the cleaning unit 51. The specified values include the amplitude and frequency of each of the wiper blade 55a, the rotating brush 58, and the blower unit 59. The specified values are obtained by collecting sounds in advance by the sound collection unit 85, and the amplitude and frequency based on the sound data are stored in the memory unit 4.

[0045] If the control unit 1 determines that the cleaning unit 51 has deteriorated (the amplitude and frequency based on the acquired sound data are not within the specified value range) (YES), it proceeds to step S13, and if the control unit 1 determines that the cleaning unit 51 has not deteriorated (the amplitude and frequency based on the acquired sound data are within the specified value range) (NO), it ends. For example, if the contact pressure between the rotating brush 58 or the wiper blade 55a and the conveyor belt 23 weakens due to wear or deterioration of the rotating brush 58 or the wiper blade 55a, the generated sound will become quieter. In this case, the amplitude will be smaller than the specified value. This allows us to determine that the rotating brush 58 or the wiper blade 55a has deteriorated.

[0046] Sound collection unit 85a is disposed near rotating brush 58 and particularly collects sounds generated by the operation of rotating brush 58. This allows control unit 1 to determine deterioration of rotating brush 58, etc., based on the sound data collected by sound collection unit 85a. Specifically, it is possible to determine deterioration of the tip of rotating brush 58, an abnormality in the drive mechanism of rotating brush 58, a water shortage in storage tank 54, and the generation of bubbles in the cleaning liquid in storage tank 54. The sound collection unit 85b is disposed near the wiper blade 55a and particularly collects sounds generated by the wiper blade 55a. This allows the control unit 1 to determine the deterioration of the wiper blade 55a, etc., based on the sound data collected by the sound collection unit 85b. Specifically, it is possible to determine the deterioration of the wiper blade 55a, the deterioration of the conveyor belt 23, and the deterioration status of the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23. Sound collection section 85b can also collect sounds generated from opening 59a of blower unit 59. This allows control section 1 to determine an abnormality in blower unit 59 based on sound data collected from sound collection section 85b. Specifically, it can determine whether opening 59a is clogged with foreign matter or whether foreign matter is being sucked in. In step S12, if it is determined that the cleaning unit 51 has deteriorated, a warning may be displayed on the display unit of the input device 6. Also, a warning sound may be generated. This allows the user to easily recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the cleaning unit 51.

[0047] When the process proceeds to step S13, a load adjustment process is executed. Specifically, the control unit 1 controls the adjustment unit 52 to increase the load of the cleaning unit 51 on the conveyor belt 23. More specifically, the control unit 1 drives the air cylinder 56 to raise the cleaning unit 51. This increases the load of the rotating brush 58 and the wiper blade 55a on the conveyor belt 23, thereby automatically compensating for the decrease in cleaning ability due to deterioration of the cleaning unit 51.

[0048] In this embodiment, in step S12, the control unit 1 uses, as the specified values, the amplitude and frequency when the cleaning unit 51 is operating normally, but this is not limiting. The control unit 1 may also use the amplitude and frequency when the cleaning unit 51 is operating and emitting an abnormal sound. In this case, for example, sound when the cleaning unit 51 is operating and emitting an abnormal sound is collected in advance, and the amplitude and frequency based on the sound data of the abnormal sound are stored in the storage unit 4. The specified value may be stored in an external server device instead of being stored in the storage unit 4. In this case, the specified value is obtained by accessing the server device via the interface unit 2 of the control unit 1. In this way, the load on the storage unit 4 can be reduced.

[0049] 2. Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, another example of the arrangement of the sound collection unit 85 will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0050] 5, the wiper unit 55 includes a hollow holding member 55b that holds the wiper blades 55a. In this embodiment, a holding member 55b is provided for each wiper blade 55a. The holding member 55b extends in the Y direction and is connected to and supported by the inner surface of the storage tank 54. The height of the upper end of the holding member 55b in the Z direction is approximately the same as the height of the upper end of the storage tank 54 in the Z direction. The dimension of the holding member 55b in the Y direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the wiper blade 55a in the Y direction, and the holding member 55b supports the entire bottom of the wiper blade 55a. The holding member 55b is made of sheet metal and has a rectangular outer shape when viewed in the +Y direction. The sound pickup unit 85 is housed inside the holding member 55b (hollow region). The arrangement position of the sound pickup unit 85 is not particularly limited, and it may be arranged in the center of the holding member 55b in the Y direction, or at an end. The number of sound pickup units 85 to be installed is also not particularly limited, and it may be one or more.

[0051] As described above, according to this embodiment, the installation of the holding member 55b makes it possible to place the sound collection unit 85 closer to the wiper blade 55a, and makes it possible to easily detect abnormal sounds from the wiper blade 55a. Furthermore, the installation of the holding member 55b makes it possible to prevent the washer fluid from getting on the sound collection unit 85.

[0052] 3. Other Embodiments Other examples of arrangement of the sound collection unit 85 will be described below. In the first embodiment, two sound collection units 85 are arranged on each of the end faces in the +Y direction and the -Y direction of the storage tank 54, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, three sound collection units 85 may be arranged on each of the end faces in the +Y direction and the -Y direction of the storage tank 54. In this case, of the three sound collection units 85 arranged on each of the +Y-direction end face and the -Y-direction end face of the storage tank 54, the sound collection unit 85 arranged furthest in the +X direction is arranged at a position overlapping with at least a part of the rotating brush 58 when viewed from the direction in which the rotating brush 58 extends, i.e., the Y direction. Furthermore, the remaining two sound collection units 85 are each arranged at a position overlapping with at least a part of the wiper unit 55 when viewed from the direction in which the wiper blade 55a extends, i.e., the Y direction. This allows for efficient detection of abnormal sounds coming from the rotating brush 58 and each wiper blade 55a.

[0053] 7, the sensors may be disposed around the center of each wiper blade 55a in the Y direction. This allows the sensors to specifically collect sounds produced when each wiper blade 55a comes into contact with the conveyor belt 23, thereby enabling more efficient detection of abnormal sounds produced by each wiper blade 55a.

[0054] 8, the sound collection unit 85 may be disposed on a frame portion 90 disposed adjacent to the cleaning unit 50. In this case, for example, the sound collection unit 85 is disposed in the vicinity of the rotating brush 58 or the wiper blade 55a. In this way, abnormal sounds related to the operation of the cleaning unit 50 can also be detected.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, if it is difficult to place the sound collection unit 85 directly relative to the cleaning unit 50, the sound collection unit 85 may be placed around the liquid discharger 100 as shown in Fig. 9. In this way, abnormal sounds related to the operation of the cleaning unit 50 can also be detected.

[0056] It should be noted that the arrangements of the sound collection section 85 described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the other embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the liquid ejection device 100 detects a malfunction of the cleaning unit 50 based on sound data detected by the sound collection unit 85 disposed in the cleaning unit 50. However, this is not limiting. In addition to the sound data from the sound collection unit 85, various print setting information of the liquid ejection device 100 (e.g., ON / OFF information for the IR heater of the drying unit 27, load information of the cleaning unit 51 on the conveyor belt 23 by the adjustment unit 52, information on the type of ink ejected from the head unit 42, etc.), print image information (e.g., width dimension of the medium M, information on the conveyance speed of the medium M by the media conveyance unit 20, print duty information, etc.), and internal information of the liquid ejection device 100 (e.g., temperature information at various locations on the liquid ejection device 100, operating time of the liquid ejection device 100, etc.) may also be used. Furthermore, information related to the conveyor belt 23 (e.g., adhesive strength information of the adhesive layer 29, tension information of the conveyor belt 23) may also be used. This further improves the accuracy of detecting malfunctions in the cleaning unit 50.

[0058] Furthermore, an acceleration sensor may be used in addition to the sound pickup unit 85. This allows for obtaining information on the movement of each part, vibration information, and impact information in addition to sound data, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting defects in the cleaning unit 50.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the sound collection unit 85 is configured to be fixed at a predetermined position, but this is not limiting. The sound collection unit 85 may be configured to be movable to any position. Alternatively, for example, the sound collection unit 85 may be configured to utilize the microphone function of a portable mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone or smartphone). In this case, the mobile terminal transmits sound data via the interface unit 2 of the control unit 1. In this way, sound data at a desired position can be easily obtained. The input device 6 may also function as the mobile terminal.

[0060] In the above embodiment, one of the multiple sound collection units 85 is fixed to the Y-direction end face of the storage tank 54 while overlapping at least a portion of the rotary brush 58 when viewed from the direction in which the rotary brush 58 extends, and is thereby arranged facing the rotary brush 58. However, this is not limited to this. One of the multiple sound collection units 85 may be arranged, for example, in a position in the +Z direction with respect to the rotary brush 58 and away from the Y-direction end face of the storage tank 54, and the inclination of the sound collection unit 85 may be set appropriately. In this case, as in the above embodiment, the number of one sound collection unit 85 may be two or more. Furthermore, another of the multiple sound collection units 85 is fixed to the Y-direction end face of the storage tank 54 while overlapping at least a portion of the wiper unit 55 when viewed from the direction in which the wiper blade 55a extends, and is thereby arranged facing the wiper unit 55. However, this is not limited to this. Another of the multiple sound collection units 85 may be arranged, for example, in a position in the +Z direction with respect to the wiper blade 55a or the wiper unit 55 and away from the Y-direction end face of the storage tank 54, and the inclination of the sound collection unit 85 may be set appropriately. In this case, as in the above embodiment, the number of the other sound collection units 85 may be two or more. That is, the position where at least one sound collection unit 85 is disposed or fixed is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of collecting at least the sound from the cleaning unit 51 .

[0061] In the above embodiment, the liquid ejection device 100 is described as having a configuration including the conveying device 110, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid ejection device 100 may have a configuration including only the conveying device 110. That is, the conveying device 110 includes the conveying belt 23, the cleaning unit 50, and the sound collection section 85. Even in this case, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0062] The following describes the results derived from the embodiments.

[0063] The conveying device is characterized by comprising a conveying belt capable of conveying media, a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the conveying belt with liquid, and a sound collecting unit that collects sounds generated by the operation of the cleaning unit.

[0064] According to this configuration, it is possible to detect abnormal sounds due to malfunction of the cleaning unit, etc., and to detect the occurrence of imperfect cleaning of the conveyor belt by the cleaning unit.

[0065] It is preferable that the cleaning unit of the above-described conveying device includes a cleaning section capable of contacting the conveying belt to clean the conveying belt, and the sound collection section collects sounds generated by the cleaning section.

[0066] According to this configuration, it is possible to detect abnormal sounds caused by deterioration of the cleaning unit, and it is possible to preferably detect a decrease in the cleaning ability of the cleaning unit to clean the conveyor belt.

[0067] It is preferable that the cleaning unit of the above-mentioned conveying device is a wiper unit including a wiper blade that can wipe off the liquid adhering to the conveying belt by contacting the conveying belt, and that the sound collection unit collects sounds generated from the wiper unit.

[0068] According to this configuration, it is possible to detect abnormal sounds caused by wear of the wiper blade, and therefore it is possible to preferably detect a decrease in the cleaning ability of the conveyor belt caused by wear of the wiper blade.

[0069] It is preferable that the wiper unit of the transport device includes a hollow holding member that holds the wiper blade, and the sound pickup unit is housed inside the holding member.

[0070] According to this configuration, the holding member can also be used as a member for preventing the liquid from splashing onto the sound collecting portion.

[0071] It is preferable that the cleaning unit of the above-mentioned conveying device includes a storage tank in which the liquid is stored, the cleaning unit is a rotating brush that is partially immersed in the liquid stored in the storage tank and can clean the conveying belt while rotating, and the sound collection unit is arranged facing the rotating brush.

[0072] According to this configuration, abnormal sounds caused by deterioration of the tip portion of the rotating brush can be detected, so that a decrease in the cleaning ability of the conveyor belt due to deterioration of the rotating brush can be suitably detected.

[0073] The above-mentioned conveying device is equipped with an adjustment unit capable of adjusting the load of the cleaning unit on the conveying belt, and a control unit that controls the adjustment unit, and it is preferable that the control unit increases the load by controlling the adjustment unit when it determines that the cleaning unit has deteriorated based on the sound pickup results of the sound pickup unit.

[0074] With this configuration, it is possible to automatically compensate for the decrease in cleaning ability that accompanies deterioration of the cleaning unit.

[0075] The liquid ejection device is characterized by comprising an ejection section capable of ejecting liquid onto a medium, a conveyor belt capable of conveying the medium, a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the conveyor belt with liquid, and a sound collection section that collects sound generated by the operation of the cleaning unit.

[0076] According to this configuration, it is possible to detect abnormal sounds due to malfunction of the cleaning unit, etc., and to detect the occurrence of imperfect cleaning of the conveyor belt by the cleaning unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1...control unit, 6...input device, 7...detector group, 10...media supply unit, 20...media transport unit, 23...transport belt, 30...media recovery unit, 40...discharge unit, 42...head unit, 50...cleaning unit, 51...cleaning unit, 52...adjustment unit, 53...moving unit, 54...storage tank, 54a...outer surface, 55...wiper unit, 55a...wiper blade, 55b...holding member, 58...rotating brush, 59...blower unit, 59a...opening, 60...media contact unit, 85, 85a, 85b...sound collection unit, 90...frame unit, 100...liquid discharge device, 110...transport device, M...media.

Claims

1. a conveyor belt capable of conveying media; a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the conveyor belt with a liquid; a sound collection unit that collects sounds generated by the operation of the cleaning unit, the cleaning unit includes a cleaning unit that is capable of contacting the conveyor belt to clean the conveyor belt, the cleaning unit is a wiper unit including a wiper blade that can wipe off the liquid adhering to the conveyor belt by contacting the conveyor belt, the wiper unit includes a hollow holding member that holds the wiper blade; The conveying device is characterized in that the sound collection unit is housed inside the holding member and collects sounds generated from the wiper unit.

2. a conveyor belt capable of conveying media; a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the conveyor belt with a liquid; a sound collection unit that collects sounds generated by the operation of the cleaning unit, the cleaning unit includes a cleaning unit that can contact the conveyor belt to clean the conveyor belt and a storage tank that stores the liquid; the cleaning unit is a rotating brush that is partially immersed in the liquid stored in the storage tank and that can clean the conveyor belt while rotating; The conveying device, characterized in that the sound collection unit is arranged facing the rotating brush and collects sounds generated from the rotating brush.

3. a conveyor belt capable of conveying media; a cleaning unit that has a cleaning section that can contact the conveyor belt to clean the conveyor belt and an adjustment section that can adjust the load of the cleaning section on the conveyor belt, and that can clean the conveyor belt with liquid; a sound collection unit that collects sounds generated by the operation of the cleaning unit; a control unit that controls the adjustment unit, The sound collection unit collects sounds generated from the cleaning unit, A conveying device characterized in that the control unit increases the load by controlling the adjustment unit when it determines that the cleaning unit is deteriorated based on the sound pickup result of the sound pickup unit.

4. a discharge unit capable of discharging liquid onto a medium; a conveyor belt capable of conveying the medium; a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the conveyor belt with a liquid; a sound collection unit that collects sounds generated by the operation of the cleaning unit, the cleaning unit includes a cleaning unit that is capable of contacting the conveyor belt to clean the conveyor belt, the cleaning unit is a wiper unit including a wiper blade that can wipe off the liquid adhering to the conveyor belt by contacting the conveyor belt, the wiper unit includes a hollow holding member that holds the wiper blade; The liquid ejection device, wherein the sound collection unit is housed inside the holding member and collects sounds generated from the wiper unit.

5. a discharge unit capable of discharging liquid onto a medium; a conveyor belt capable of conveying the medium; a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the conveyor belt with a liquid; a sound collection unit that collects sounds generated by the operation of the cleaning unit, the cleaning unit includes a cleaning unit that can contact the conveyor belt to clean the conveyor belt, and a storage tank that stores the liquid; the cleaning unit is a rotating brush that is partially immersed in the liquid stored in the storage tank and that can clean the conveyor belt while rotating; The liquid ejection device, wherein the sound collection unit is disposed facing the rotary brush and collects sounds generated from the rotary brush.

6. a discharge unit capable of discharging liquid onto a medium; a conveyor belt capable of conveying the medium; a cleaning unit that has a cleaning section that can contact the conveyor belt to clean the conveyor belt and an adjustment section that can adjust the load of the cleaning section on the conveyor belt, and that can clean the conveyor belt with liquid; a sound collection unit that collects sounds generated by the operation of the cleaning unit; a control unit that controls the adjustment unit, The sound collection unit collects sounds generated from the cleaning unit, The liquid ejection device is characterized in that the control unit increases the load by controlling the adjustment unit when it determines that the cleaning unit is deteriorated based on the sound pickup results of the sound pickup unit.

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