Conveying device, recording device

Abstract

To use as means for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt, a detection mechanism for detecting the amount of movement of the conveyor belt.SOLUTION: The conveyer includes: a transport belt that alternately repeats a transport operation for transporting a medium and a non-transport operation for not transporting the medium; a detection mechanism that detects a movement amount of the transport belt during the transport operation; and a control unit capable of determining the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt based on the vibration state of the transport belt when the transport operation is completed, which is detected by the control unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device and a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional printing device is known that includes a conveyor belt capable of supporting a medium, a drive roller that rotates the conveyor belt, and a tension measuring unit that measures the tension of the conveyor belt, as shown in Patent Document 1. The tension measuring unit is a microphone that can detect sound waves generated by vibrating the conveyor belt with a hammer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-154071 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the printing device described in Patent Document 1 requires a separate tension measuring unit for measuring the tension of the conveyor belt, which makes the configuration of the printing device more complicated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The conveying device includes a conveying belt that alternates between a conveying operation that conveys media and a non-conveying operation that does not convey the media, a detection mechanism that detects the amount of movement of the conveying belt during the conveying operation, and a control unit that can determine the magnitude of tension in the conveying belt based on the vibration state of the conveying belt when the conveying operation is completed, which is detected by the detection mechanism.

[0006] The conveying device includes a conveying belt that alternates between a conveying operation in which the media is conveyed and a non-conveying operation in which the media is not conveyed, a detection mechanism that detects the amount of movement of the conveying belt during the conveying operation, a drive roller that is located downstream of the detection mechanism in the conveying direction in which the media is conveyed and that rotates the conveying belt, and a control unit that can determine the magnitude of tension in the conveying belt based on the difference between the target speed of the conveying belt and the detected speed of the conveying belt detected by the detection mechanism.

[0007] The recording device includes a recording unit capable of recording on media, a conveying belt that alternately repeats a conveying operation in which the media is conveyed and a non-conveying operation in which the media is not conveyed, a detection mechanism that detects the amount of movement of the conveying belt during the conveying operation, and a control unit that can determine the magnitude of tension in the conveying belt based on the vibration state of the conveying belt when the conveying operation is completed, which is detected by the detection mechanism.

[0008] The recording device includes a recording unit capable of recording on media, a conveying belt that alternates between a conveying operation in which the media is conveyed and a non-conveying operation in which the media is not conveyed, a detection mechanism that detects the amount of movement of the conveying belt during the conveying operation, a drive roller that is located downstream of the detection mechanism in the conveying direction in which the media is conveyed and that rotates the conveying belt, and a control unit that can determine the magnitude of tension in the conveying belt based on the difference between a target speed of the conveying belt and the detected speed of the conveying belt detected by the detection mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a partial configuration of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a detection mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a detection mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a graph showing an example of a detection result of tension of a conveyor belt according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7A] 4 is a flowchart showing a control method for the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] 4 is a flowchart showing a control method for the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a graph showing an example of a detection result of tension of a conveyor belt according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a detection mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a detection mechanism according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1. First embodiment First, a description will be given of the configuration of the recording apparatus 100. The recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that performs printing on the medium M by forming an image or the like on the medium M.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the recording device 100 includes a transport device 110 and a recording unit 40. The transport device 110 includes a media transport unit 20 and a detection mechanism 70. The recording device 100 also includes a media contact unit 60, a drying unit 27, a cleaning unit 50, etc. The recording device 100 also includes a control unit 1 that controls these various parts, mechanisms, and units. The various parts of the recording device 100 are attached to a frame 90.

[0012] The media transport unit 20 transports the media M in the transport direction. 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 recording 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 of an arrow indicating a direction is the + direction, and the base of an arrow indicating a direction is the - direction. The direction in which gravity acts on the recording device 100 is the -Z direction, the direction along which the medium M is transported in the recording 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."

[0013] The media supply unit 10 supplies the media M on which an image is formed to the recording 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. This allows the media M, which has been wound around the supply shaft 11 in advance, to be attached to the bearing 12 together with the supply shaft 11.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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 a media contact section 60, which will be described later.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The drive roller 25 is a drive unit that rotates the conveyor belt 23, and power is transmitted directly or indirectly from a motor (not shown) that rotates the drive roller 25. The drive roller 25 is provided downstream of the recording unit 40 in the transport direction of the medium M, and the rotating roller 24 is provided upstream of the recording unit 40. When the drive roller 25 is driven to rotate, the conveyor belt 23 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive roller 25, and the rotation of the conveyor belt 23 rotates the rotating roller 24. The rotation of the conveyor belt 23 transports the medium M supported by the conveyor belt 23 in the transport direction, and an image is formed on the medium M in the recording unit 40, which will be described later. The drive roller 25 is also controlled to intermittently transport the transport belt 23. That is, the transport belt 23 can alternately repeat a transport operation in which the media M is transported in the transport direction and a non-transport operation in which the media M is not transported.

[0018] In this embodiment, the media M is supported on the side of the conveyor belt 23 where the surface 23a faces the recording unit 40 (the +Z direction side), and the media M is 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 while the conveyor belt 23 has been described as including an adhesive layer 29 that adheres the media M, this is not a limitation. For example, the conveyor belt 23 may be an electrostatic attraction belt that uses static electricity to attract the media M to the conveyor belt 23, or various other attraction force generating mechanisms may be employed, such as vacuum suction or intermolecular force.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Next, the media contact section 60, the detection mechanism 70, the recording section 40, the drying unit 27, and the cleaning unit 50, which are provided along the media transport section 20, will be described.

[0023] 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 recording 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 conveyor 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The detection mechanism 70 is provided between the media contact section 60 and the recording section 40. The detection mechanism 70 detects the amount of movement of the transport belt 23 during the transport operation that transports the media M. The configuration of the detection mechanism 70 will be described later.

[0026] The recording unit 40 is disposed above (on the +Z direction side) the position of the conveyor belt 23, and prints (records) on the medium M supported on the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23. The recording 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 of the medium M (direction along the Y axis) that intersects with the conveyance direction. The head unit 42 of this embodiment is composed of four subunits 42a, and each subunit 42a further includes a plurality of ejection heads (not shown) that eject ink (e.g., yellow, cyan, magenta, black, etc.) supplied from an ink supply unit (not shown) onto the medium M supported by the conveyor belt 23 as droplets.

[0027] 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 direction along the Y axis. The guide rails 45a, 45b are bridged between frame sections 90a, 90b that are provided perpendicularly on the outer side of the conveyor belt 23. 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 direction along the Y axis.

[0028] 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. Furthermore, the carriage moving unit 45 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 together with the carriage 43 in the direction along the Y axis.

[0029] 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, and includes, for example, an IR heater. 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 onto the winding shaft 31.

[0030] The cleaning unit 50 is disposed below the conveyor belt 23, between the rotating roller 24 and the driving roller 25 in the direction along the X axis. The cleaning unit 50 has a cleaning section 51, a pressing 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.

[0031] The pressing unit 52 is, for example, an elevating device made up of an air cylinder 56 and a ball bushing 57, and brings the cleaning unit 51 provided on the upper part of the pressing unit 52 into contact with the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23. The cleaning unit 51 cleans the surface 23a (support surface) of the conveyor belt 23 moving from the drive roller 25 toward the rotating roller 24 from below (in the -Z direction).

[0032] The cleaning unit 51 has a cleaning tank 54, a cleaning roller 58, and a blade 55. The cleaning 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, and the cleaning roller 58 and the blade 55 are provided inside the cleaning 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.

[0033] When the cleaning roller 58 rotates, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23, and the cleaning roller 58 slides against the conveyor belt 23. As a result, the cleaning roller 58 removes ink adhering to the conveyor belt 23, fibers of the fabric serving as the medium M, and the like.

[0034] The blade 55 is made of a flexible material such as silicone rubber. The blade 55 is provided downstream of the cleaning roller 58 in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 23. The conveyor belt 23 and the blade 55 slide against each other to remove the cleaning liquid remaining on the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the detection mechanism 70 will be described. 2, 3, and 4 (FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2), the detection mechanism 70 is provided upstream of the recording unit 40, and is provided along one of the ends of the conveyor belt 23 in the width direction (the direction along the Y axis). In this embodiment, the detection mechanism 70 is disposed on the +Y direction side of the conveyor belt 23. The detection mechanism 70 includes a rectangular parallelepiped base 71 that is long along the conveyance direction of the media M, a scale attachment unit 73 provided above the base 71, a gripping unit 80 that moves along guide rails 72 that are provided on the base 71 and extend in the direction along the X axis, and a return unit 76 that moves the gripping unit 80 upstream in the conveyance direction.

[0036] The scale attachment section 73 is bridged between pillars 73a and 73b that are provided perpendicularly at both ends of the base 71 in the longitudinal direction (direction along the X axis). The scale attachment section 73 has a protrusion that protrudes like an eave in the -Y direction, and a part of it overlaps with the conveyor belt 23 when viewed from above in the +Z direction. A scale section 75 is provided on the underside (the surface on the -Z direction side) of the protrusion of the scale attachment section 73, along the conveying direction of the media M. A scale is formed on the scale section 75 along the X axis. In this embodiment, the scale section 75 has a magnetic scale in which magnets of opposite polarity are arranged alternately.

[0037] The gripping unit 80 grips the conveyance belt 23 upstream of the recording unit 40 in the conveyance direction. Here, let us assume that the drive roller 25 is provided upstream of the recording unit 40 in the conveyance direction of the medium M, and the rotating roller 24 is provided downstream of the recording unit 40. In this state, if the drive roller 25 is rotationally driven to move the gripping unit 80 in the gripped state together with the conveyance belt 23 in the conveyance direction, the conveyance belt 23 may become loose between the drive roller 25 and the gripping unit 80 in the rotational movement direction of the conveyance belt 23 because the conveyance belt 23 is elastic. In contrast, in this embodiment, the drive roller 25 is provided downstream of the recording unit 40 in the conveyance direction of the medium M, and the rotating roller 24 is provided upstream of the recording unit 40. Therefore, a traction force from the drive roller 25 acts on the portion of the conveyance belt 23 that moves upward. In this embodiment, the recording unit 40 is provided between the gripping unit 80 and the drive roller 25 in the rotational movement direction of the conveyor belt 23, which reduces the effect of loosening of the conveyor belt 23 on the recording unit 40. This improves the accuracy of conveying the medium M and the quality of the image formed on the medium.

[0038] The gripping unit 80 includes a gripping substrate 81, a guide block 82, and a reading section 85 capable of reading the magnetic scale of the scale section 75. The gripping substrate 81 is shaped like a rectangular plate that is long in the width direction (along the Y axis) of the conveyor belt 23. An end 81c on the -Y direction side of the gripping substrate 81 substantially coincides with the -Y direction side wall 73c of the scale attachment section 73 in a plan view from the -X direction and overlaps with the conveyor belt 23. An end 81d on the +Y direction side of the gripping substrate 81 protrudes in the +Y direction beyond the +Y direction side wall 71d of the base 71 in a plan view from the -X direction. A guide block 82 is provided on the bottom surface (the surface on the -Z direction side) of the gripping substrate 81. A concave groove that opens to the -Z direction is formed in the guide block 82, following the shape of the convexly protruding guide rail 72. The engagement between the guide block 82 and the guide rail 72 allows the gripping unit 80 to reciprocate in the direction along the conveyance direction (the direction along the X axis).

[0039] The gripping unit 80 is at least partially formed of an elastic member 83. More specifically, the elastic member 83 is provided on the upper surface (surface on the +Z direction side) of the gripping substrate 81. The elastic member 83 is a rectangular plate that is shorter than the gripping substrate 81. An end 83d of the elastic member 83 on the +Y direction side is joined to the gripping substrate 81 approximately at the center of the gripping substrate 81. An end 83c of the elastic member 83 on the -Y direction side approximately coincides with an end 81c of the gripping substrate 81 on the -Y direction side in a plan view from the -X direction. A gap slightly wider than the thickness of the conveyor belt 23 is formed between the end 81c of the gripping substrate 81 and the end 83c of the elastic member 83. The gripping unit 80 is configured to be able to clamp the conveyor belt 23 between the end 81c of the gripping substrate 81 and the end 83c of the elastic member 83 by the elastic force of the elastic member 83. The elastic member 83 is preferably made of carbon fiber or a composite material containing carbon fiber. Carbon fiber has a lower specific gravity than metal materials and is excellent in strength, elastic modulus, and abrasion resistance, so that the elastic member 83 of the gripping unit 80 can have the elasticity and strength required.

[0040] The gripping unit 80 is movable integrally with the reading unit 85, and is configured to be able to change its state between a gripping state in which it grips the conveyor belt 23 and moves together with the conveyor belt 23, and a non-gripping state in which it does not grip the conveyor belt 23. More specifically, the gripping unit 80 has a ferromagnetic body 84. The ferromagnetic body 84 is provided on the upper surface (the surface on the +Z direction side) of the elastic member 83 that does not overlap with the conveyor belt 23 in a plan view from the +Z direction. The ferromagnetic body 84 may be made of iron, nickel, cobalt, or the like.

[0041] Furthermore, a switching unit 74 that switches the gripping unit 80 between a gripping state and a non-gripping state is provided on the underside of the gripping substrate 81 of the gripping unit 80, facing the ferromagnetic material 84. The switching unit 74 includes an electromagnet, and the ferromagnetic material 84 is attracted toward the switching unit 74 (electromagnet) by the magnetic force generated when a current flows through the electromagnet. At this time, the elastic member 83 elastically deforms toward the gripping substrate 81, and the conveyor belt 23 is gripped between the gripping substrate 81 and the elastic member 83 by this elastic force. This changes the gripping unit 80 from the non-gripping state to the gripping state. Furthermore, when the current flowing through the electromagnet is interrupted, the gripping unit 80 changes from the gripping state to the non-gripping state. Therefore, the switching unit 74 has the function of switching the gripping unit 80 from one of the gripping state and the non-gripping state to the other by utilizing the elasticity of the elastic member 83. The gripping unit 80 changes state using a simple configuration of the electromagnet and ferromagnetic material 84 of the switching unit 74, allowing the switching unit 74 and the gripping unit 80 to be miniaturized. The magnetic force generated by the electromagnet increases as the magnitude of the current flowing through the electromagnet increases. Therefore, the force with which the gripping unit 80 grips the conveyor belt 23 (gripping force) when the gripping unit 80 is in the gripping state can be changed by adjusting the current flowing through the electromagnet. The magnitude of the current flowing through the electromagnet may be controlled by the control unit 1. In other words, the control unit 1 may control the force with which the gripping unit 80 grips the conveyor belt 23.

[0042] A reading unit 85 is provided on the upper surface of the end 83c of the elastic member 83, at a position facing the scale unit 75. The reading unit 85 has an element (such as a Hall element or an MR element) that converts a change in a magnetic field into an electric signal, and detects the amount of movement relative to the scale unit 75. The reading unit 85 of this embodiment is provided on a pedestal for being placed close to the scale unit 75. The reading unit 85 is configured to move integrally with the gripping unit 80, and therefore can detect the amount of movement of the conveyor belt 23 when the gripping unit 80 in the gripped state moves together with the conveyor belt 23.

[0043] The return section 76 moves the gripping unit 80 in a non-gripping state in the direction opposite to the conveying direction. The return section 76 includes a moving lever 78 and a lever moving section 77 that moves the moving lever 78 back and forth along the conveying direction. The lever moving section 77 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the conveying direction, and is fixed to the side wall 71d on the +Y direction side of the base 71. Concave guide grooves that extend in the conveying direction are formed on the upper surface (the surface on the +Z direction side) and lower surface (the surface on the -Z direction side) of the lever moving section 77.

[0044] The moving lever 78 has a base 78a with a convex protrusion that matches the shape of the guide groove and a long handle 78b extending vertically (in the +Z direction) from the base 78a. The moving lever 78 is configured to be able to move back and forth along the guide groove of the lever moving section 77. The lever moving section 77 includes a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the moving lever 78 back and forth in the conveying direction. An air cylinder, for example, can be used as the moving mechanism. When the moving lever 78 is moved upstream in the conveying direction by the lever moving section 77, the long handle 78b of the moving lever 78 comes into contact with the gripping base plate 81 of the gripping unit 80, causing the gripping unit 80 in the non-gripping state to move in the opposite direction to the conveying direction and return to the upstream side in the conveying direction. This allows the gripping unit 80 in the gripping state to repeatedly move together with the conveyor belt 23, and the amount of movement of the conveyor belt 23 can be repeatedly detected by the reading section 85.

[0045] The gripping unit 80 is also provided with at least one suction portion 88 that suctions the conveyor belt 23. The suction portion 88 is configured to be changeable between a suction state in which the conveyor belt 23 is suctioned and a non-suction state in which the conveyor belt 23 is not suctioned. The suction portion 88 is provided on at least one of an elastic member 83 (first contact portion) that contacts the front surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23 and a gripping substrate 81 (second contact portion) that contacts the back surface 23b of the conveyor belt 23. In this embodiment, the suction portion 88 is provided on the gripping substrate 81. Specifically, the suction portion 88 includes an opening provided on the +Z direction end surface of the end portion 81c of the gripping substrate 81, and a suction portion (e.g., a pump or a fan) that draws outside air into the gripping substrate 81 through the opening. When the suction portion is driven, a suction force in the -Z direction is generated on the +Z direction end surface of the end portion 81c. This allows the conveyor belt 23 to be attracted to the gripping substrate 81, thereby establishing an attracted state. On the other hand, by stopping the driving of the suction unit, the suction force is released, and the conveyor belt 23 can be placed in a non-attracted state. The suction unit 88 may be provided on the elastic member 83 side, or may be provided on both the elastic member 83 and the gripping substrate 81. The suction unit 88 may also be an electrostatic suction mechanism that utilizes static electricity.

[0046] The operations of the adsorption section 88 for the adsorption state and the non-adsorption state are synchronized with the operations of the switching section 74 for the gripping state and the non-gripping state. That is, the gripping unit 80 simultaneously switches between the gripping state and the adsorption state of the conveyor belt 23. This allows the conveyor belt 23 to be reliably gripped by the adsorption force of the adsorption section 88 in addition to the gripping force due to the magnetic force. Meanwhile, the non-gripping state and the non-adsorption state of the conveyor belt 23 are simultaneously executed.

[0047] In the transport device 110 (recording device 100), the transport belt 23 is preferably maintained at a predetermined tension between the rotating roller 24 and the drive roller 25. If the transport belt 23 does not have the predetermined tension, the transport accuracy of the media M will decrease, which may result in a decrease in image quality. However, there is a risk that the predetermined tension will be lost due to deterioration or hardening of the transport belt 23 over time, the influence of heat from the drying unit 27, fluctuations in the tensioning mechanism of the transport belt 23, etc. Therefore, the detection mechanism 70 of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23. That is, in the conveyor device 110 (recording device 100) of this embodiment, the detection mechanism 70 that detects the amount of movement of the conveyor belt 23 is configured to be able to also be used as a means for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23.

[0048] The detection mechanism 70 of this embodiment detects the vibration state of the conveyor belt 23 when the conveying operation is completed as the magnitude of tension of the conveyor belt 23. In this embodiment, the detection mechanism 70 detects vibration in the direction along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 23 (direction along the X axis). In more detail, the vibration state of the conveyor belt 23 when the conveying operation of gripping and conveying the media M by the gripping unit 80 is completed is detected by the reading unit 85 reading the vibration of the gripping unit 80 in the gripping state on the scale unit 75. This makes it possible to apply a force or acceleration to the conveyor belt 23 that is sufficient to vibrate by utilizing the inertia due to the mass of the gripping unit 80 in the gripping state, making it easier to detect the vibration of the conveyor belt 23.

[0049] In addition, since the switching section 74 and the suction section 88 synchronize the gripping state and suction state of the conveying belt 23, when the gripping unit 80 vibrates, the inertia of the gripping unit 80 prevents the gripping substrate 81 of the gripping unit 80 from slipping relative to the conveying belt 23, and the tension due to the vibration of the gripping unit 80 can be accurately detected.

[0050] In this embodiment, the reading unit 85 moves integrally with the gripping unit 80 and the scale unit 75 is fixed, but the scale unit 75 may also move integrally with the gripping unit 80 and the reading unit 85 may be fixed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a so-called magnetic encoder that determines the amount of relative movement between the scale unit 75 and the reading unit 85 by changes in a magnetic field has been exemplified, but an optical encoder that determines the amount of movement by optical changes may also be used.

[0051] Furthermore, while the detection mechanism 70 is detecting the vibration state of the conveyor belt 23, the control unit 1 may increase the gripping force of the gripping unit 80. This further prevents the gripping substrate 81 of the gripping unit 80 from slipping relative to the conveyor belt 23, and allows for more accurate detection of the tension due to the vibration of the gripping unit 80. This type of control makes it possible to prevent the conveyor belt 23 from being deformed due to a large gripping force and reducing the lifespan of the conveyor belt 23, compared to when the gripping force is large even outside the period when the detection mechanism 70 is detecting the vibration state of the conveyor belt 23.

[0052] 5, the recording device 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 recording device 100. The input device 6 may be any type of personal computer, tablet terminal, mobile terminal, etc. The input device 6 may be provided separately from the recording device 100.

[0053] 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 that processes input signals from various detectors 7 including a reading unit 85 and controls the recording operation of the recording device 100. For example, the CPU 3 calculates the amount of movement of the conveyor belt 23 and the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23 from the input signal output from the reading unit 85 and input to the CPU 3. 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).

[0054] The control unit 1 controls the drive of the ejection head provided in the head unit 42 using a control signal output from the control circuit 5, causing ink to be ejected toward the medium M. The control unit 1 controls the drive of the motor provided in the carriage movement unit 45 using a control signal output from the control circuit 5, causing the carriage 43 on which the head unit 42 is mounted to move back and forth in the main scanning direction (the direction along the Y axis). The control unit 1 controls the drive of the motor provided in the drive roller 25 using a control signal output from the control circuit 5, causing the conveyor belt 23 to rotate. As a result, the medium M supported on the conveyor belt 23 moves in the conveyance direction (+X direction).

[0055] 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.

[0056] The control unit 1 controls the current flowing through the electromagnet provided in the switching unit 74 according to a control signal output from the control circuit 5, thereby switching the gripping unit 80 between a gripping state and a non-gripping state. The control unit 1 controls the movement mechanism of the lever movement unit 77 according to a control signal output from the control circuit 5, thereby moving the moving lever 78 back and forth along the conveyance direction. The control unit 1 controls the suction unit of the adsorption unit 88 to switch between an adsorption state and a non-adsorption state relative to the conveyor belt 23. The control unit 1 also controls various units not shown.

[0057] Here, the configuration of the control unit 1 that controls the tension of the conveyor belt 23 will be described. The control unit 1 determines the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23 based on the vibration state of the conveyor belt 23 when the conveying operation is completed, which is detected by the detection mechanism 70. In this embodiment, the vibration state of the conveyor belt 23 when the conveying operation is completed is detected by the reading unit 85 reading the vibration of the gripping unit 80 in the gripping state. That is, the control unit 1 determines the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23 based on the residual vibration of the conveyor belt 23 when the conveying operation is completed. Then, the residual vibration is detected by the detection mechanism 70, which detects the amount of movement of the conveyor belt 23 during intermittent operation.

[0058] Furthermore, when the path along which the conveyor belt 23 moves is defined as the movement path, the movement path includes a conveyance path along which the media M is supported and conveyed, and a non-conveyance path that does not constitute a conveyance path. A conveyance path is a path along which the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23 faces the head unit 42, and a non-conveyance path is a path along which the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23 faces the blade 55 of the cleaning unit 50. The gripping state of the gripping unit 80 is a state in which the conveyor belt 23 moving along the movement path is gripped. The control unit 1 determines the magnitude of tension of the conveyor belt 23 based on the vibration state of the conveyor belt 23 moving along the conveyance path. This makes it possible to detect tension along the conveyance path, which has a greater impact on the conveyance accuracy of the media M than tension along the non-conveyance path.

[0059] Fig. 6 shows an example of the detection result of the tension of the conveyor belt 23. In Fig. 6, the vertical axis represents the speed Sp (mm / sec.) of the conveyor belt 23, and the horizontal axis represents time t (sec.). Furthermore, the reference time ST shown in Fig. 6 indicates the time when the conveying operation of the conveyor belt 23 is completed.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the conveyor belt 23 is in a conveying operation until the reference time ST is reached, and the speed of the conveyor belt 23 is detected as being on the positive side. Thereafter, when the reference time ST is reached, the conveying operation of the conveyor belt 23 ends. When the conveying operation of the conveyor belt 23 ends, the conveyor belt 23 stops, but the inertia caused by the mass of the gripping unit 80 gripping the conveyor belt 23 acts, causing the conveyor belt 23 to vibrate in the direction along the conveying direction (the direction along the X-axis). As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the speed of the conveyor belt 23 is detected on both the positive and negative sides after the reference time ST. In other words, residual vibration of the conveyor belt 23 is detected.

[0061] The control unit 1 calculates the amplitude and frequency based on the residual vibration of the conveyor belt 23 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.1 to 0.5 seconds) that has elapsed since the reference time ST. Then, the control unit 1 determines the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23 based on the calculated amplitude and frequency. For example, the control unit 1 compares the calculated amplitude and frequency with a specified value to determine whether the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is adequate. The specified value is the amplitude and frequency at the time of shipping the conveyor device 110 or when the conveyor belt 23 is adjusted. In other words, it is the value when the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is in a normal state. The specified value is stored in the memory unit 4. The specified value has a certain tolerance.

[0062] The control unit 1 determines that the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is low when the calculated amplitude is larger than the specified value or when the calculated frequency is smaller than the specified value. On the other hand, the control unit 1 determines that the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is high when the calculated amplitude is smaller than the specified value or when the calculated frequency is larger than the specified value. In other words, it is possible to estimate the tension state of the conveyor belt 23 by comparing the calculated amplitude or frequency with the specified value.

[0063] Next, a description will be given of a control method for the recording apparatus 100. Specifically, a control method for determining the tension of the conveyor belt 23 during a series of recording operations (intermittent operations) will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, in step S11 (gripping process), the control unit 1 receives print data for recording an image on the medium M from the input device 6 and stores it in the memory unit 4, and then causes the gripping unit 80 to grip the conveyor belt 23. The control unit 1 applies current to the electromagnet of the switching unit 74 to generate a magnetic force in the electromagnet. This causes the gripping unit 80 to enter a gripping state and grip the conveyor belt 23. Furthermore, the control unit 1 drives the suction unit 88 to attract the conveyor belt 23 to the gripping substrate 81.

[0064] Next, in step S12 (conveying process), the control unit 1 controls the drive roller 25 to convey the gripping unit 80 in the gripping state together with the conveyor belt 23. The control unit 1 stops the rotational movement of the conveyor belt 23 when the gripping unit 80 moves from the first position to a second position located downstream of the first position in the conveying direction, according to the movement amount detected by the reading unit 85. The distance between the first position and the second position is the amount of line feed during the printing operation. Note that in the initial conveying process, the distance between the first position and the second position is the distance between the first position and the second position, and conveyance is made to a predetermined position where the recording process starts.

[0065] Next, in step S13 (detection process), the control unit 1 determines the magnitude of tension of the conveyor belt 23. Fig. 7B shows a detection process method. In step S131 (vibration acquisition process), the control unit 1 acquires the residual vibration (minute movement amount) detected by the reading unit 85. Next, in step S132 (calculation process), the control unit 1 calculates the amplitude or frequency based on the acquired residual vibration. Next, in step S133 (storage processing), the control unit 1 stores the calculated amplitude or frequency in the memory unit 4. The control unit 1 also stores in the memory unit 4 date and time information when the amplitude or frequency was calculated, as well as attribute information of the recording device 100 and the conveying device 110. The tension information on the tension of the conveyor belt 23 stored in the memory unit 4 can be output to the input device 6. Therefore, the user can monitor the tension state of the conveyor belt 23, and can estimate the tension state of the conveyor belt 23 from the stored tension information. In step S131, the control unit 1 may increase the gripping force of the gripping unit 80.

[0066] Next, in step S134 (determination process), the control unit 1 compares the calculated amplitude and frequency with specified values ​​to determine whether the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is within an allowable range. If the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is within the allowable range (YES), the process proceeds to step S14, and if the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is not within the allowable range (NO), the process proceeds to step S135. In step S135 (warning process), for example, a message indicating that the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is out of the allowable range is displayed on the input device 6 to warn the user. Based on the warning, the user can, for example, adjust the conveyor belt 23 or contact a maintenance service provider as appropriate.

[0067] Next, in step S14 (recording process), the control unit 1 controls the head unit 42 and the carriage moving unit 45 to eject ink from the head unit 42 toward the media M while moving the carriage 43 on which the head unit 42 is mounted in the width direction of the media M (direction along the Y axis), which intersects with the transport direction.

[0068] Next, in step S15 (non-gripping process), the control unit 1 cuts off the current flowing through the electromagnet of the switching unit 74 to demagnetize the electromagnet. It also stops driving the attraction unit 88. This puts the gripping unit 80 into a non-gripping state.

[0069] Next, in step S16 (return processing), the control unit 1 controls the lever moving unit 77 to move the moving lever 78, which is waiting at a predetermined position downstream of the gripping unit 80 in the conveying direction, upstream in the conveying direction. This causes the gripping unit 80 and the moving lever 78 to come into contact with each other, and the gripping unit 80 in the non-gripping state, which is located at the second position, is returned to the first position. This allows the gripping unit 80 in the gripping state to be repeatedly moved from the first position to the second position together with the conveyor belt 23. Thereafter, the moving lever 78 is moved downstream of the second position in the conveying direction and waits at a predetermined position. Therefore, when the gripping unit 80 in the gripping state moves together with the conveyor belt 23 in step S12, the moving lever 78 of the returning unit 76 is separated from the gripping unit 80, thereby preventing the returning unit 76 from applying a load to the rotational drive of the conveyor belt 23. Note that steps S15 and S16 may be performed substantially simultaneously with step S14. Thereafter, steps S11 to S16 are repeatedly executed until the processing of the print data sent from the input device 6 is completed.

[0070] As described above, according to this embodiment, the detection mechanism 70 for detecting the amount of movement of the conveyor belt 23 can also be used as a detection means for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23. This eliminates the need to provide a separate sensor for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23, and prevents the structure of the conveyor device 110 (recording device 100) from becoming complicated. Furthermore, no special control operation is required to detect the tension of the conveyor belt 23; it can be performed during the series of recording operations to detect the amount of movement of the conveyor belt 23, simplifying the control configuration of the conveying device 110 (recording device 100). Furthermore, by monitoring the residual vibrations acting on the conveyor belt 23 during the series of recording operations, it is possible to estimate the tension state of the conveyor belt 23. Furthermore, monitoring the conveyor belt 23 can be useful for analyzing the state of the media conveying unit 20, media contact unit 60, cleaning unit 50, and the like, which are closely related to the operation of the conveyor belt 23, for example.

[0071] In the control method for the recording device 100, the recording process (step S14) has been described as being part of a series of recording operations, but this is not limiting and the process may be performed on a conveying device 110 basis. In this way, the magnitude of tension of the conveying belt 23 can be determined without the influence of the media conveying section 20, cleaning unit 50, etc. Also, the tension state of the conveying belt 23 can be estimated by comparing the conveying device 110 with the specified value at the time of shipment from the factory.

[0072] Furthermore, in step S133 of the control method for the recording apparatus 100, the tension information stored in the storage unit 4 may include information such as the usage history of the drying unit 27, the operation history of the recording unit 40, and the usage time of the conveyor belt 23. By combining information that has a large effect on the tension of the conveyor belt 23, the accuracy of estimating the tension state of the conveyor belt 23 can be improved. In addition, the tension information stored in the storage unit 4 in step S133 may be configured to be transmittable to an external maintenance service providing unit (for example, a server device) via a communication circuit. In this way, the user can receive appropriate services.

[0073] Furthermore, there are no limitations on the configuration of the gripping unit 80 as long as it can grip the conveyor belt 23. For example, the gripping unit 80 may have a scissors-like configuration including a pair of arm members that can rotate around at least one rotation axis.

[0074] In this embodiment, the recording apparatus 100 is described as having the conveying device 110, but the present invention is not limited to this and may have only the conveying device 110. That is, the conveying device 110 includes the conveying belt 23, the detection mechanism 70, and the control unit 1 that can determine the magnitude of the tension of the conveying belt 23. This configuration also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0075] 2. Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment 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.

[0076] The conveying device 110A of this embodiment includes a conveying belt 23 that alternately repeats a conveying operation in which the media M is conveyed and a non-conveying operation in which the media M is not conveyed, a detection mechanism 70 that detects the amount of movement of the conveying belt 23 during the conveying operation, a drive roller 25 that is located downstream of the detection mechanism in the conveying direction in which the media M is conveyed and that rotates and moves the conveying belt 23, and a control unit 1A. The control unit 1A of this embodiment determines the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23 based on the difference between the target speed of the conveyor belt 23 and the detected speed of the conveyor belt 23 detected by the detection mechanism 70.

[0077] Fig. 8 shows an example of the detection result of the tension of the conveyor belt 23. In Fig. 8, the vertical axis represents the speed Sp (mm / sec.) of the conveyor belt 23, and the horizontal axis represents time t (sec.). In Fig. 8, the dashed two-dot line represents the target speed (command speed) Si that commands the movement speed of the conveyor belt 23, and the solid line represents the detected speed (actual measurement value) Sm of the conveyor belt 23 detected by the detection mechanism 70.

[0078] In this embodiment, the control unit 1A drives the drive roller 25 based on the target speed Si while the conveyor belt 23 is being gripped by the gripping unit 80, thereby accelerating the movement of the conveyor belt 23. Furthermore, the detection mechanism 70 detects the movement speed of the conveyor belt 23 during the accelerated movement of the conveyor belt 23. As a result, the target speed Si and the actual measurement value Sm are detected, as shown in Fig. 8, and the difference between the target speed Si and the actual measurement value Sm can be calculated as a phase difference. In this embodiment, the drive roller 25 that rotates the conveyor belt 23 is provided downstream of the detection mechanism 70 in the conveying direction, so that a pulling force for detecting the phase difference can be applied to the conveyor belt 23.

[0079] Based on the phase difference between the target speed Si and the actual measurement value Sm, the control unit 1A determines the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23. Specifically, based on the magnitude of the calculated phase difference, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the conveyor belt 23 is tensioned. For example, if the magnitude of the phase difference is greater than a specified value, the control unit 1A determines that the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is low. In this case, it is considered that the conveyor belt 23 is largely elongated, and when the drive roller 25 rotates, the conveyor belt 23 cannot follow the drive roller 25, resulting in a slower rotation speed. Note that the specified value is the phase difference between the target speed Si and the actual measured value Sm when the conveyor device 110 is shipped or when the conveyor belt 23 is adjusted. In other words, this is the value when the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is in a normal state. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is adequate and to estimate the tension state.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment, the detection mechanism 70 for detecting the amount of movement of the conveyor belt 23 can also be used as a means for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23. This eliminates the need to separately provide a sensor or the like for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23, and prevents the structure of the conveyor device 110A from becoming complicated. In this embodiment, the conveying device 110A has been described, but the conveying device 110A may be configured as a recording device including the recording unit 40. Even in this case, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0081] 3. Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment 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.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the conveying device 110B of this embodiment includes rollers (rotating roller 24 and driving roller 25) around which the conveying belt 23 is wound, a detection mechanism 70A, and a control unit 1. The detection mechanism 70A includes a rotary encoder 120 that is provided in a fixed position relative to the rollers (the rotary roller 24 and the drive roller 25).

[0083] The rotary encoder 120 has a disk portion 121 that contacts the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23 and is rotatable relative to the conveyor belt 23, and a reading portion 123 that can read a scale 122 formed on the disk portion 121. The disk portion 121 is disk-shaped, and a plurality of scales 122 for position detection are formed at equal intervals around the entire circumference along its periphery. The scales 122 are slits that penetrate the disk portion 121 in a direction along the Y axis. A shaft 121a extending along the Y axis is provided in the center of the disk portion 121. The shaft 121a is supported by a bearing (not shown) fixed at a predetermined position. The outer peripheral surface 121b of the disk portion 121 abuts against the surface 23a of the conveyor belt 23, and as the conveyor belt 23 moves, the disk portion 121 rotates around the shaft 121a at a predetermined fixed position.

[0084] The reading unit 123 is disposed at a position where the peripheral portion of the disk portion 121 passes through. More specifically, the reading unit 123 includes a light-emitting unit 123a (e.g., a light-emitting diode) and a light-receiving unit 123b (e.g., a phototransistor) that face each other across the peripheral portion of the disk portion 121. When light emitted from the light-emitting unit 123a passes through the scale 122 of the disk portion 121 and is received by the light-receiving unit 123b, an electrical signal is output from the light-receiving unit 123b. This allows the amount of movement of the conveyor belt 23 to be detected.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 1 of this embodiment determines the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23 based on the vibration state of the conveyor belt 23 when the conveying operation is completed, which is detected by the detection mechanism 70A. Specifically, the vibration state of the conveyor belt 23 when the conveying operation is completed is detected by the reading unit 123 reading the scale 122 formed on the disk unit 121. That is, the control unit 1 determines the magnitude of the tension of the conveyor belt 23 based on the residual vibration of the conveyor belt 23 when the conveying operation is completed. The detection result of the tension of the conveyor belt 23 is the same as that shown in FIG. 6. The residual vibration is then detected by the detection mechanism 70A, which detects the amount of movement of the conveyor belt 23 during intermittent operation. The configuration other than the rotating roller 24, the driving roller 25, and the detection mechanism 70A is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, the detection point does not change in the detection mechanism 70A of this embodiment compared to the detection mechanism 70 of the first embodiment, so differences in the ease of detecting vibrations of the conveying belt 23 depending on the detection position can be suppressed.

[0087] The detection mechanism 70A may include a pressure contact force adjustment mechanism that can adjust the pressure of the disk portion 121 against the conveyor belt 23. The pressure contact force adjustment mechanism includes, for example, a drive source such as a motor and a conversion unit that converts the drive force from the drive source into pressure contact force. The conversion unit includes, for example, a power transmission mechanism that transmits power such as a ball screw or gear. In this case, the pressure contact force adjustment mechanism may be controlled by the control unit 1. That is, the control unit 1 may control the pressure of the disk portion 121 against the conveyor belt 23. While the detection mechanism 70A detects the vibration state of the conveyor belt 23, the control unit 1 may control the pressure contact force adjustment mechanism to increase the pressure of the disk portion 121 against the conveyor belt 23.

[0088] The following describes the results derived from the embodiments.

[0089] The conveying device is characterized by comprising a conveying belt that alternately repeats a conveying operation in which the media is conveyed and a non-conveying operation in which the media is not conveyed, a detection mechanism that detects the amount of movement of the conveying belt during the conveying operation, and a control unit that can determine the magnitude of tension of the conveying belt based on the vibration state of the conveying belt when the conveying operation is completed, which is detected by the detection mechanism.

[0090] With this configuration, the detection mechanism for detecting the amount of movement of the conveyor belt can also be used as a means for measuring the tension of the conveyor belt, which eliminates the need to provide a separate sensor or the like for measuring the tension, thereby preventing the conveyor device from becoming too complicated in structure.

[0091] In the above-mentioned conveying device, the detection mechanism includes a scale section arranged along the conveying direction in which the media is conveyed, a reading section capable of reading the scale formed on the scale section, and a gripping unit that can move integrally with the scale section or the reading section and can be changed between a gripping state in which it grips the conveying belt and moves together with the conveying belt, and a non-gripping state in which it does not grip the conveying belt, and it is preferable that the vibration state of the conveying belt when the conveying operation is completed is detected by the reading section reading the vibration of the gripping unit in the gripping state.

[0092] According to this configuration, the inertia due to the mass of the gripping unit in the gripping state can be used to apply a force to the conveyor belt that is sufficient to vibrate the conveyor belt, making it easier to detect vibrations of the conveyor belt.

[0093] The above-mentioned conveying device is provided with at least one suction portion that adsorbs the conveying belt to the gripping unit, and the gripping unit includes a first contact portion that contacts the surface of the conveying belt and a second contact portion that contacts the back surface of the conveying belt, and it is preferable that the at least one suction portion is provided on at least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

[0094] With this configuration, when the gripping unit vibrates, the inertia of the gripping unit causes the first and second contact portions of the gripping unit to slip against the conveying belt, preventing the vibration of the gripping unit from making it impossible to accurately measure tension.

[0095] The above-mentioned conveying device is provided with rollers around which the conveying belt is passed, and the detection mechanism includes a rotary encoder that is fixed in position relative to the rollers, and the rotary encoder includes a disk portion that abuts against the surface of the conveying belt and is capable of rotating in response to the conveying belt, and a reading portion that can read scales formed on the disk portion, and it is preferable that the vibration state of the conveying belt when the conveying operation is completed is detected by the reading portion reading the scales formed on the disk portion.

[0096] According to this configuration, the detection point in the detection mechanism does not change, so it is possible to prevent differences in ease of detecting vibrations of the conveyor belt depending on the detection position.

[0097] In the above-mentioned conveying device, when the path along which the conveying belt moves is defined as the moving path, the moving path includes a conveying path along which the media is supported and conveyed, and a non-conveying path that does not constitute the conveying path, and the gripping state is a state in which the conveying belt moving along the conveying path among the moving paths is gripped, and it is preferable that the control unit determines the magnitude of tension of the conveying belt based on the vibration state of the conveying belt moving along the conveying path.

[0098] This configuration makes it possible to measure the tension in the transport path, which has a greater effect on the transport accuracy of the media than the non-transport path.

[0099] The conveying device is characterized by comprising a conveying belt that alternates between a conveying operation in which the media is conveyed and a non-conveying operation in which the media is not conveyed, a detection mechanism that detects the amount of movement of the conveying belt during the conveying operation, a drive roller that is located downstream of the detection mechanism in the conveying direction in which the media is conveyed and that rotates the conveying belt, and a control unit that is capable of determining the magnitude of tension in the conveying belt based on the difference between the target speed of the conveying belt and the detected speed of the conveying belt detected by the detection mechanism.

[0100] With this configuration, the detection mechanism for detecting the amount of movement of the conveyor belt can also be used as a means for measuring the tension of the conveyor belt, which eliminates the need to provide a separate sensor or the like for measuring the tension, thereby preventing the conveyor device from becoming too complicated in structure.

[0101] The recording device is characterized by comprising a recording unit capable of recording on media, a conveying belt that alternately repeats a conveying operation in which the media is conveyed and a non-conveying operation in which the media is not conveyed, a detection mechanism that detects the amount of movement of the conveying belt during the conveying operation, and a control unit that can determine the magnitude of tension in the conveying belt based on the vibration state of the conveying belt when the conveying operation is completed, which is detected by the detection mechanism.

[0102] With this configuration, the detection mechanism for detecting the amount of movement of the conveyor belt can also be used as a means for measuring the tension of the conveyor belt, which eliminates the need to provide a separate sensor or other device for measuring the tension, thereby preventing the structure of the recording device from becoming complicated.

[0103] The recording device is characterized by comprising a recording unit capable of recording on media, a conveying belt that alternately repeats a conveying operation in which the media is conveyed and a non-conveying operation in which the media is not conveyed, a detection mechanism that detects the amount of movement of the conveying belt during the conveying operation, a drive roller that is located downstream of the detection mechanism in the conveying direction in which the media is conveyed and that rotates the conveying belt, and a control unit that is capable of determining the magnitude of tension in the conveying belt based on the difference between a target speed of the conveying belt and the detected speed of the conveying belt detected by the detection mechanism.

[0104] With this configuration, the detection mechanism for detecting the amount of movement of the conveyor belt can also be used as a means for measuring the tension of the conveyor belt, which eliminates the need to provide a separate sensor or other device for measuring the tension, thereby preventing the structure of the recording device from becoming complicated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1, 1A...control unit, 2...interface unit, 3...CPU, 4...storage unit, 5...control circuit, 6...input device, 7...detector group, 10...media supply unit, 20...media transport unit, 23...transport belt, 23a...front surface, 23b...back surface, 24...rotating roller, 25...drive roller, 27...drying unit, 30...media collection unit, 40...recording unit, 42...head unit, 43...carriage, 45...carriage moving unit, 50...cleaning unit, 60...media contact unit, 70, 70A...detection mechanism, 71...base, 7 2...guide rail, 74...switching section, 75...scale section, 76...return section, 77...lever moving section, 78...moving lever, 80...gripping unit, 81...gripping substrate, 82...guide block, 83...elastic member, 84...ferromagnetic material, 85...reading section, 88...adsorption section, 100...recording device, 110, 110A, 110B...conveying device, 120...rotary encoder, 121...disk section, 121a...shaft, 121b...outer surface, 122...scale, 123...reading section, 123a...light-emitting section, 123b...light-receiving section, M...media.

Claims

1. A transport operation in which the medium is transported and a non-transport operation in which the medium is not transported are alternately repeated. A repeating conveyor belt and a detection mechanism for detecting a movement amount of the conveyor belt during the conveying operation; The vibration of the conveyor belt detected by the detection mechanism when the conveying operation is completed. a control unit capable of determining the magnitude of tension of the conveyor belt based on the operating state of the conveyor belt; The detection mechanism includes: a scale unit provided along a conveying direction in which the medium is conveyed; a reading unit capable of reading the graduations formed on the scale unit; The scale unit or the reading unit can move integrally with the scale unit or the reading unit, and the scale unit can grasp the conveyor belt and move the conveyor belt. The robot has a gripping state in which it moves together with the conveyor belt, and a non-gripping state in which it does not grip the conveyor belt. a changeable gripping unit; The vibration state of the conveyor belt when the conveying operation is completed is the same as that before the gripping state. The vibration of the gripping unit is detected by the reading unit, The control unit detects a vibration state of the conveyor belt when the conveying operation is completed. and controlling the gripping unit to increase the gripping force of the gripping unit. A conveying device.

2. at least one suction unit that suctions the conveyor belt to the gripping unit; The gripping unit includes a first contact portion that contacts the surface of the conveyor belt, and a second contact portion that contacts the surface of the conveyor belt. a second contact portion that contacts the rear surface of the The at least one suction portion is at least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying device is provided on a

3. A transport operation in which the medium is transported and a non-transport operation in which the medium is not transported are alternately repeated. A repeating conveyor belt and a detection mechanism for detecting a movement amount of the conveyor belt during the conveying operation; The vibration of the conveyor belt detected by the detection mechanism when the conveying operation is completed. a control unit capable of determining the magnitude of tension of the conveyor belt based on the movement state; a roller around which the conveyor belt is wound, The detection mechanism is a rotary mechanism that is provided in a fixed position relative to the roller. Includes an encoder, The rotary encoder is a disk portion that is in contact with the surface of the conveyor belt and is rotatable relative to the conveyor belt; a reading unit capable of reading the scale formed on the disk unit, The vibration state of the conveyor belt when the conveying operation is completed is formed on the disk portion. The scale is detected by the reading unit, The detection mechanism includes a pressure contact force adjustment mechanism that adjusts the pressure contact force of the disk portion against the conveyor belt. Equipped with a mechanism, The control unit detects the vibration state of the conveyor belt when the conveying operation is completed. and controlling the pressure contact force adjusting mechanism so as to increase the pressure contact force of the disk portion against the A conveying device.

4. a recording unit capable of recording on a medium; A transport operation in which the medium is transported and a non-transport operation in which the medium is not transported are alternately performed. A conveyor belt that repeats a detection mechanism for detecting a movement amount of the conveyor belt during the conveying operation; The vibration of the conveyor belt detected by the detection mechanism when the conveying operation is completed. a control unit capable of determining the magnitude of tension of the conveyor belt based on the operating state of the conveyor belt; The detection mechanism includes: a scale unit provided along a conveying direction in which the medium is conveyed; a reading unit capable of reading the graduations formed on the scale unit; The scale unit or the reading unit can move integrally with the scale unit or the reading unit, and the scale unit can grasp the conveyor belt and move the conveyor belt. The robot has a gripping state in which it moves together with the conveyor belt, and a non-gripping state in which it does not grip the conveyor belt. a changeable gripping unit; The vibration state of the conveyor belt when the conveying operation is completed is the same as that before the gripping state. The vibration of the gripping unit is detected by the reading unit, The control unit detects a vibration state of the conveyor belt when the conveying operation is completed. and controlling the gripping unit to increase the gripping force of the gripping unit. A recording device.

5. a recording unit capable of recording on a medium; A transport operation in which the medium is transported and a non-transport operation in which the medium is not transported are alternately performed. A conveyor belt that repeats a detection mechanism for detecting a movement amount of the conveyor belt during the conveying operation; The vibration of the conveyor belt detected by the detection mechanism when the conveying operation is completed. a control unit capable of determining the magnitude of tension of the conveyor belt based on the movement state; a roller around which the conveyor belt is wound, The detection mechanism is a rotary mechanism that is provided in a fixed position relative to the roller. Includes an encoder, The rotary encoder is a disk portion that is in contact with the surface of the conveyor belt and is rotatable relative to the conveyor belt; a reading unit capable of reading the scale formed on the disk unit, The vibration state of the conveyor belt when the conveying operation is completed is formed on the disk portion. The scale is detected by the reading unit, The detection mechanism includes a pressure contact force adjustment mechanism that adjusts the pressure contact force of the disk portion against the conveyor belt. Equipped with a mechanism, The control unit detects the vibration state of the conveyor belt when the conveying operation is completed. and controlling the pressure contact force adjusting mechanism so as to increase the pressure contact force of the disk portion against the A recording device.

Images