Conveying device and printing device

Abstract

To solve the problem that there is a room of improvement in realizing both of suppressing the load acting on a conveyance belt and enhancing the performance of removing foreign matters on a surface of the conveyance belt.SOLUTION: A conveyance unit 20 carries a medium M by moving a glue belt 24. The conveyance unit 20 comprises a vapor giving unit 26 and a cleaning unit 46. The vapor giving unit 26 gives heated vapor VP onto a surface 24A of the glue belt 24 spaced from the medium M. The cleaning unit 46 cleans the surface 24A where vapor VP has been given by the vapor giving unit 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The recording medium conveying device of Patent Document 1 includes a conveyor belt that conveys the recording medium, a cleaning liquid application unit that applies cleaning liquid to the conveyor belt after the recording medium has been peeled off, a removal member that removes the cleaning liquid from the conveyor belt, and a pressure variable mechanism that varies the pressure with which the removal member contacts the belt. The cleaning liquid application unit is composed of a water spray pipe, a pump, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-134071 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a configuration in which a cleaning liquid is applied to the surface of a moving conveyor belt, such as the cleaning liquid application unit of Patent Document 1, one method for improving the performance of removing foreign matter from the surface is to increase the pressure of the cleaning liquid. However, if the pressure of the cleaning liquid is increased, there is a risk that the high-pressure cleaning liquid will collide with the conveyor belt, causing the cleaning liquid to splash around the recording medium conveyor device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the conveying device of the present invention is a conveying device that conveys a medium by moving a conveying belt, and is characterized by having a steam application unit that applies heated steam to a surface of the conveying belt away from the medium, and a cleaning unit that cleans the surface to which the steam has been applied by the steam application unit.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the printing device of the present invention is a printing device comprising a conveying device that conveys a medium by moving a conveying belt, and a recording unit that records on the moving medium, wherein the conveying device comprises a steam application unit that applies heated steam to the surface of the conveying belt away from the medium, and a cleaning unit that cleans the surface to which the steam has been applied by the steam application unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing each part of the printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a steam applying unit and a glue belt according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cleaning unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a printer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a cleaning unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a cleaning unit according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a printer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing each part of a printer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of steam in a printer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing each part of a printer according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing each part of a printer according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing each part of a printer according to another modified example 1. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a cleaning unit according to another modified example 2. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a steam applying section according to another modified example 3. [Figure 16]FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a printer according to another modified example 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention will be briefly described below. The conveying device of the first aspect is a conveying device that conveys a medium by moving a conveying belt, and is characterized by comprising a steam application unit that applies heated steam to a surface of the conveying belt away from the medium, and a cleaning unit that cleans the surface to which the steam has been applied by the steam application unit. According to this aspect, the vapor makes it easier for foreign matter adhering to the surface of the conveyor belt to float from the surface. That is, since the vapor is used instead of a liquid to remove foreign matter adhering to the surface of the conveyor belt, it is possible to create an environment in which foreign matter can be easily removed while suppressing the scattering of liquid containing foreign matter around the conveyor device, which occurs when a cleaning liquid (liquid) is used.

[0009] The conveying device of the second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the conveying device is provided with a cooling unit that cools at least a portion of the target area on the surface, the target area being from a first area to which the steam is applied to a second area to be cleaned by the cleaning unit. According to this aspect, the cooling unit cools at least a portion of the target area, causing moisture in the air and a portion of the moisture contained in the steam to condense in the target area. As a result, the moisture supplied to the target area covers the foreign matter, making it easier to remove the foreign matter, thereby improving the foreign matter removal performance.

[0010] The transport device according to a third aspect is the transport device of the second aspect, characterized in that the cooling section cools the second region. According to this aspect, condensation is unlikely to occur between the first area and the second area, but occurs in the second area. The moisture condensed in the second area is then collected by the cleaning unit. This makes it possible to prevent water droplets from falling from the surface between the first area and the second area.

[0011] The conveying device according to the fourth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third aspects, it is provided with a control unit that controls the operation of the vapor application unit, and the control unit controls the operation of the vapor application unit depending on the condition of the surface. According to this aspect, when the surface condition is such that a large amount of foreign matter adheres to the surface, the control unit can control the steam supply unit to increase at least one of the amount of heat applied by the steam application unit and the amount of steam supplied. Increasing the amount of heat applied by the steam application unit increases the temperature of the steam and the kinetic energy of the steam molecules. The intense thermal motion of the high-temperature steam molecules intensifies the thermal motion of molecules of substances contained in the low-temperature foreign matter, weakening the bonding force between the molecules of the substances contained in the foreign matter. In other words, the heated foreign matter softens. Furthermore, increasing the amount of steam supplied to the conveyor belt makes it easier for the foreign matter to be diluted by the steam. This further improves the foreign matter removal performance.

[0012] The conveying device according to the fifth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third aspects, it is provided with a control unit that controls the operation of the steam application unit, and the control unit controls the operation of the steam application unit according to the moving speed of the conveying belt. According to this aspect, when the movement speed of the conveyor belt increases, the control unit can control the steam application unit to increase at least one of the heat amount of the steam applied by the steam application unit and the supply amount of the steam. As a result, even if the time for applying the steam to the surface is shortened, at least one of the steam at a temperature necessary for removing foreign matter and the steam in an amount necessary for removing foreign matter can be applied to the surface, thereby suppressing a decrease in foreign matter removal performance.

[0013] The conveying device of the sixth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third aspects, the medium is a recording medium on which an image is recorded, and the conveying device is provided with a control unit that controls the operation of the steam applicator, and the control unit controls the operation of the steam applicator according to the duty of the image. When the duty is large, the amount of recording material used for recording increases, which may increase the amount of foreign matter adhering to the surface. According to this aspect, when the surface condition is such that a large amount of foreign matter adheres to the surface, the control unit can control the steam supply unit to increase at least one of the amount of heat from the steam applied by the steam application unit and the amount of steam supplied. By increasing the amount of heat from the steam application unit, the foreign matter is heated and softened. Furthermore, by increasing the amount of steam supplied by the steam application unit, the foreign matter is more likely to be diluted by the steam. This further improves the foreign matter removal performance.

[0014] The conveying device according to the seventh aspect is any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, and is characterized in that it includes an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow toward the back surface of the conveying belt opposite the front surface, and the control unit adjusts the amount of airflow generated in the airflow generating unit depending on the amount of steam generated from the steam application unit. According to this aspect, when a portion of the steam supplied from the steam application section to the front surface attempts to flow to the back surface via the outside of the end of the conveying belt, the air flow generated in the air flow generating section pushes a portion of the steam back to the area on the front surface side. Here, when the amount of steam generated from the steam application section is large, it is possible to control the amount of airflow generated in the airflow generating section to increase, thereby preventing some of the steam from diffusing to other areas via the back side area.

[0015] The conveying device of the eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, and is characterized in that it includes a heating unit that heats the area on the back surface where the air flow reaches, and the control unit controls the heating temperature in the heating unit depending on the amount of air flow generated. According to this aspect, even in a configuration in which condensation is likely to occur due to the effect of a temperature drop caused by the airflow, the heating section heats the reachable area, thereby preventing condensation from occurring on the rear surface.

[0016] The conveying device of the ninth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the cleaning unit has a scraping member that comes into contact with the surface to scrape off foreign matter adhering to the surface, and a collection unit that collects the foreign matter scraped by the scraping member, and the scraping member is provided with a guide unit that guides the foreign matter to the collection unit. According to this aspect, the foreign matter scraped by the scraping member flows down along the guide portion and is collected in the collection portion, which makes it difficult for the foreign matter to remain between the scraping member and the surface, thereby suppressing a decrease in the cleaning performance of the cleaning unit.

[0017] The conveying device of the 10th aspect is characterized in that, in the 9th aspect, the cleaning unit has an air blowing unit that blows air toward the collection unit, and at least a portion of the scraping member is blown between the air blowing unit and the collection unit. According to this aspect, the foreign matter adhering to the scraping member is moved toward the collection section by the pressure of the air blown by the air blowing section and collected in the collection section, thereby preventing the foreign matter adhering to the scraping member from adhering again to the surface.

[0018] A printing device according to an eleventh aspect is a printing device comprising a conveying device that conveys a medium by moving a conveying belt, and a recording unit that records on the moving medium, wherein the conveying device comprises a steam application unit that applies heated steam to the surface of the conveying belt away from the medium, and a cleaning unit that cleans the surface to which the steam has been applied by the steam application unit. According to this aspect, by virtue of the same effect as in the first aspect, it is possible to create a state in which the scattering of the liquid containing the foreign matter is suppressed and the foreign matter can be easily removed, which means that it is possible to prevent the interior of the printing device from being soiled by the scattered liquid containing the foreign matter.

[0019] [Embodiment 1] The printer 10, which is an example of a printing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail below. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 is installed on a floor 2 of a factory 1. The printer 10 records on a medium M. Examples of the medium M include fabric and paper. The medium M is, for example, pulled out from the front of the printer 10. The XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure is a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0020] The X direction is the horizontal direction and is the width direction of the printer 10. When viewing the printer 10 from the front, the direction to the left in the X direction is the +X direction, and the direction to the right is the -X direction. The X direction also corresponds to the width direction of the medium M. The Y direction is the horizontal direction and the depth direction of the printer 10. When looking at the printer 10 from the front, the front direction is the +Y direction and the depth direction is the -Y direction. The Z direction is the direction of gravity in which gravity acts. The upward Z direction is the +Z direction, and the downward Z direction is the -Z direction. The +Z direction is the device height direction of the printer 10.

[0021] The printer 10 includes a recording unit 16 and a transport unit 20, which is an example of a transport device. The printer 10 also includes, as an example, a device main body 12, a main body cover 14, and an operation unit 15 (FIG. 2). As an example, the printer 10 has a recording mode in which recording is performed on a medium M, and a maintenance mode in which the printer 10 is cleaned, parts are replaced, and the like.

[0022] The device main body 12 is configured as a base on which each part of the printer 10 is provided. The main body cover 14 is an exterior member that covers each part of the printer 10. The operation unit 15 includes a touch panel and operation buttons (not shown). The operation unit 15 allows the user to set the operation of each part of the printer 10.

[0023] The recording unit 16 is provided in the device main body 12. The recording unit 16 records on a medium M that moves in the +Y direction. Specifically, the recording unit 16 includes a recording head 17 and a carriage 18 that supports the recording head 17 so that it can move back and forth along the X direction. The recording head 17 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) and is disposed in the +Z direction relative to the glue belt 24 (described later). The recording head 17 is capable of recording an image on the medium M by ejecting ink K, an example of droplets, from the plurality of nozzles (not shown) onto the recording surface of the medium M. In other words, the medium M is a recording medium on which an image is recorded. The ink K is also an example of a recording material.

[0024] 1 and 2, the conveying unit 20 includes, for example, a belt unit 21, a steam applying unit 26, a surface detecting unit 42, a cooling unit 44, a cleaning unit 46, a moving unit 62, and a control unit 64. The conveying unit 20 is an example of a conveying device that conveys the medium M by moving a glue belt 24 described below. The conveying unit 20 is provided in the device main body 12. Note that the control unit 64 not only controls the operation of the transport unit 20, but also functions as a control unit that controls the operation of each unit of the printer 10, for example.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the belt unit 21 includes, for example, a drive roller 22, a driven roller 23, a glue belt 24, and a motor (not shown). The drive roller 22 is disposed downstream in the +Y direction. The driven roller 23 is disposed upstream in the +Y direction. Both the drive roller 22 and the driven roller 23 have rotation axes aligned along the X direction. The rotation of the drive roller 22 is controlled by a control unit 64, which will be described later.

[0026] The glue belt 24 is an example of a conveying belt and is configured as an endless belt formed by joining both ends of an elastic flat plate. The glue belt 24 is wound around a drive roller 22 and a driven roller 23. In other words, the glue belt 24 is provided in the device main body 12 and can convey the medium M in the +Y direction by rotating. The direction in which the glue belt 24 rotates is defined as the +R direction. The outer peripheral surface of the glue belt 24 is defined as the front surface 24A, and the inner peripheral surface is defined as the back surface 24B. When the entire path along which the glue belt 24 rotates is defined as a circular path, the circular path includes a conveying path along which the medium M is attached and conveyed, and a non-conveying path that is a path other than the conveying path. The medium M is conveyed in the +Y direction along the conveying path. The glue belt 24 moving along the non-conveying path is cleaned by a cleaning unit 46, which will be described later. As an example, the surface 24A is coated with an adhesive (not shown) to give it adhesiveness, and is capable of supporting and adsorbing the medium M. Adhesion refers to the property of being able to temporarily adhere to another member and to be able to be peeled off from that adhered state.

[0027] Of surface 24A, a portion located in the +Z direction from the center of drive roller 22 and along the XY plane is referred to as upper surface portion 25A. Upper surface portion 25A supports medium M. Furthermore, of surface 24A, a portion wrapped around drive roller 22 is referred to as curved surface portion 25B. Furthermore, of surface 24A, a portion located in the -Z direction from the center of drive roller 22 and along the XY plane is referred to as lower surface portion 25C. In the belt unit 21, a take-up roller (not shown) takes up the medium M, thereby separating the medium M from the curved surface portion 25B.

[0028] As an example, the steam applicator 26 is located at the downstream end in the +Y direction of a position facing the lower surface portion 25C in the Z direction. The steam applicator 26 is also located downstream of the curved surface portion 25B in the +R direction. The steam applicator 26 applies heated steam VP (FIG. 3) to the surface 24A of the glue belt 24 away from the medium M. That is, the steam applicator 26 applies steam VP to at least a portion of the surface 24A of the glue belt 24 moving along the non-conveying path. Note that the steam VP also includes a state in which water W particles are suspended in the air.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the steam application section 26 includes, for example, a storage tank 28, a heater 32, a base plate 34 having a plurality of holes 34A formed therein, a supply pipe 37, a supply pump 38, a pressurized pipe 39, and a compressor 41.

[0030] The storage tank 28 is configured as a hollow rectangular parallelepiped extending in the X direction, for example. The length of the storage tank 28 in the X direction is longer than the length of the glue belt 24 in the X direction. One end of a supply pipe 37 and one end of a pressurized pipe 39 are connected to the side of the storage tank 28. An upper wall 29 in the +Z direction of the storage tank 28 is provided with openings 29A that penetrate toward the surface 24A. The openings 29A are spaced apart in the X direction. In other words, the openings 29A adjacent to each other in the X direction in the upper wall 29 are closed.

[0031] The heater 32 is provided at the bottom of the storage tank 28 in the -Z direction. The heater 32 generates heat when power is supplied from a power source (not shown). The power source (not shown) is controlled by the control unit 64 (FIG. 2). When water W is stored inside the storage tank 28, the heater 32 generates heat to generate steam VP. The steam VP is applied to the surface 24A through holes 34A and openings 29A (described below). Here, it is preferable that the heat generation of the heater 32 be controlled by the control unit 64 so that the steam VP is applied at a temperature that does not impose a load on the surface 24A of the glue belt 24. Specifically, it is preferable that the heat generation of the heater 32 be controlled by the control unit 64 so that the temperature of the steam VP does not exceed 140°C.

[0032] The base plate 34 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. The base plate 34 is located inside the storage tank 28 in the −Z direction relative to the upper wall 29. The base plate 34 is provided with a plurality of holes 34A that penetrate in the Z direction. The size of the holes 34A is large enough to allow the steam VP to pass through. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a shutter member (not shown) is provided that can cover at least a portion of the hole 34A formed in the base plate 34. As an example, the shutter member is provided so as to be slidable in the X direction. The shutter member may be slid in the X direction either manually by a user or automatically using a motor (not shown). By sliding the shutter member in the X direction, the number and opening area of ​​the hole 34A through which the vapor VP can pass can be changed. In other words, the amount of vapor VP applied to the surface 24A can be adjusted. Here, when the user manually slides the shutter member in the X direction, a scale may be formed on the base plate 34 along the X direction, and the X-direction edge of the shutter member may be adjusted to align with the scale depending on the state of adhesion of foreign matter G on the surface of the medium M. It should be noted that the shutter member may be configured to slide in the Y direction instead of the X direction, so that the amount of vapor VP applied to the surface 24A can be adjusted.

[0033] The other end of the supply pipe 37 is connected to a tank (not shown). Water W is stored inside the tank (not shown). The supply pump 38 is connected to the supply pipe 37. When the supply pump 38 is operated, water W is supplied to the inside of the storage tank 28 through the supply pipe 37. The operation of the supply pump 38 is controlled by the control unit 64.

[0034] A compressor 41 is connected to the pressurized pipe 39 . The compressor 41 compresses the air and sends the compressed air into the pressurized pipe 39. This pressurizes the inside of the storage tank 28. The operation of the compressor 41 is controlled by the control unit 64. In other words, the amount of steam VP applied to the surface 24A can also be controlled by controlling the pressure applied by the compressor 41.

[0035] Here, when the printer 10 is viewed from the X direction, the region in the Y direction on the surface 24A to which the steam VP is applied is defined as a first region S1. As an example, the first region S1 is a region facing the portion from the hole 34A located at the end in the +Y direction to the hole 34A located at the end in the -Y direction. In other words, the first region S1 is a region to which steam VP can be applied.

[0036] 2, the surface detection unit 42 is configured, for example, by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line camera (not shown). The surface detection unit 42 detects the state of the surface 24A (FIG. 3) after the medium M has been peeled off. As an example, the surface detection unit 42 detects foreign matter G (FIG. 3) adhering to the surface 24A by acquiring and analyzing image data of the surface 24A, as will be described later. The analysis of the image data may be performed by the control unit 64, or may be performed by another control unit provided inside the surface detection unit 42. The foreign matter G means something other than the surface 24A and the adhesive applied to the surface 24A, and includes, for example, a part of the medium M, dust, and a part of the ink K.

[0037] The image data obtained by the surface detection unit 42 is subjected to various filtering processes such as shading correction, noise removal, and contrast enhancement in the control unit 64. Then, the surface detection unit 42 detects the presence or absence of foreign matter G on the surface 24A based on the image data after the filtering processes. The absence of foreign matter G does not necessarily mean that the number of foreign matter G is zero, but also includes the case where the number of foreign matter G per unit area is less than a preset allowable number. On the other hand, the presence of foreign matter G means that the number of foreign matter G per unit area is equal to or exceeds a preset allowable number. In addition, in the case where foreign matter G is present, a plurality of threshold values ​​for the allowable number of foreign matter G may be set, and the state of the presence of foreign matter G may be distinguished in multiple stages.

[0038] 1, when viewed from the X direction, the area to be cleaned by the cleaning unit 46 (described later) is defined as the second area S2. Furthermore, the area from the end of the first area S1 in the +Y direction to the end of the second area S2 in the -Y direction is defined as the target area S. In other words, the target area S is an area that includes the first area S1 and the second area S2.

[0039] The cooling unit 44 is located in the -Z direction relative to the surface 24A. When viewed from the X direction, the cooling unit 44 is capable of cooling a portion of the target area S. As an example, the cooling unit 44 includes an air cooler (not shown) and multiple nozzles. The air cooler (not shown) includes a compressor unit that sends in air, a vortex generator that generates a vortex using the sent air, and an adjustment valve that adjusts the amount of cool air flowing from the vortex generator toward the surface 24A. Specifically, the cooling unit 44 cools a portion of the region between the first region S1 and the second region S2 of the target region S. In other words, the cooling unit 44 can cool the portion of the surface 24A to which the steam VP has been applied and before it has been cleaned by the cleaning unit 46. Furthermore, the cooling unit 44 can cool the portion of the surface 24A until the steam VP present around the surface 24A condenses.

[0040] 3 and 4, the cleaning unit 46 cleans the surface 24A to which the steam VP has been applied by the steam application unit 26. Specifically, the cleaning unit 46 includes, for example, a collection tank 48, a partition wall 49, a vertical wall unit 51, a rubber blade 54, a cleaning brush 56, and an air nozzle 58. The cleaning unit 46 is supported by a moving unit 62 (FIG. 2) described below so as to be movable in the Z direction.

[0041] The collection tank 48 is a box-shaped member that opens in the +Z direction and includes a bottom wall 48A, a front wall 48B, a rear wall 48C, and a side wall 48D. The bottom wall 48A extends along the XY plane and in the X direction. The front wall 48B extends in the +Z direction at the +Y direction end of the bottom wall 48A. The rear wall 48C extends in the +Z direction at the -Y direction end of the bottom wall 48A. The side walls 48D extend in the +Z direction at both ends of the bottom wall 48A in the X direction. The bottom wall 48A, the front wall 48B, the rear wall 48C, and the side walls 48D form a chamber 47. For example, no cleaning liquid is stored in the chamber 47.

[0042] The partition wall 49 is provided on the bottom wall 48A. The partition wall 49 is located in the -Y and -Z directions relative to a cleaning brush 52, which will be described later. When viewed from the X direction, the partition wall 49 divides the bottom of the chamber 47 into two spaces 52A and 52B. The space 52A is located in the +Y direction relative to the partition wall 49. The space 52B is located in the -Y direction relative to the partition wall 49. The vertical wall portion 51 is provided on the rear wall 48C and is located in the −Y direction relative to the rear wall 48C. A space 53 is formed between the rear wall 48C and the vertical wall portion 51.

[0043] Both ends of rubber blade 54 in the X direction are supported by brackets (not shown), and rubber blade 54 stands upright in the Z direction in space 53. The +Z direction end of rubber blade 54 protrudes in the +Z direction from vertical wall portion 51 and comes into contact with surface 24A. An inclined surface 55 is formed at the +Z direction end of rubber blade 54. Inclined surface 55 is a surface that is inclined so that the +Y direction end is located further in the -Z direction than the -Y direction end. Rubber blade 54 scrapes off moisture and the like remaining on surface 24A after cleaning with cleaning brush 56 from surface 24A.

[0044] The cleaning brush 56 is a member that cleans the surface 24A. Specifically, the cleaning brush 56 has a cylindrical shaft portion 56A and brush portions 56B that extend radially from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 56A excluding both axial ends thereof. The shaft portion 56A extends in the X direction. The shaft portion 56A is rotatably supported by the side wall 48D, and is thereby rotatably supported by the collection tank 48. When the cleaning unit 46 is raised in the +Z direction, the brush unit 56B comes into contact with the surface 24A of the lower surface unit 25C. The cleaning brush 56 is rotated by a motor (not shown), thereby cleaning water droplets D and foreign matter G remaining on the surface 24A. The water droplets D and foreign matter G removed by the cleaning brush 56 are collected in a part of the collection tank 48. The cleaning brush 56 is rotated so that the brush portion 56B moves in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the glue belt 24 at the contact position with the lower surface portion 25C. The rotation direction of the cleaning brush 56 is defined as the +B direction.

[0045] The air nozzle 58 is attached to the rear wall 48C, for example. The air nozzle 58 sprays air sent by a compressor (not shown) toward the cleaning brush 56. Specifically, the air nozzle 58 sprays air from a portion of the rear wall 48C in the +Z direction toward positions in the +Y and -Z directions. The air sprayed from the air nozzle 58 is blown toward the cleaning brush 56 in a direction approximately tangential to the cleaning brush 56 and in a counter direction relative to the +B direction of the cleaning brush 56. This allows foreign matter G and the like adhering to the cleaning brush 56 to be removed from the cleaning brush 56. The foreign matter G and the like removed from the cleaning brush 56 falls to the bottom of the collection tank 48 and is collected.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the lifting operation of the moving unit 62 is controlled by a control unit 64, which will be described later. The moving unit 62 is configured as a lifting platform that includes a motor and a cam, not shown. In the maintenance mode of the printer 10, the moving unit 62 lowers the cleaning unit 46 in the -Z direction relative to the surface 24A (FIG. 4). In the recording mode of the printer 10, the moving unit 62 also raises the cleaning unit 46 in the +Z direction relative to the surface 24A. Note that in the maintenance mode, it is possible to maintain the height of the cleaning unit 46 without lowering it.

[0047] The control unit 64 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 66 that functions as a computer, a memory 68, and storage (not shown). The control unit 64 also executes a program PR to control various operations of each part of the printer 10, such as transport, recording, discharge, and cleaning. The memory 68 stores various data including the program PR executed by the CPU 66. In a part of the memory 68, the program PR can be expanded.

[0048] The control unit 64 can control the operation of the steam applying unit 26. Specifically, the control unit 64 can control the operation of the steam applying unit 26 in accordance with the state of the surface 24A (FIG. 4) detected by the surface detection unit 42. For example, when the surface detection unit 42 detects that no foreign matter G is present, the control unit 64 keeps the steam applying unit 26 in a stopped state. When the surface detection unit 42 detects that a foreign matter G is present, the control unit 64 operates the steam applying unit 26. Specifically, the control unit 64 applies electricity to the heater 32 (FIG. 3), causing the heater 32 to generate heat. Furthermore, the control unit 64 may operate the steam application unit 26 to apply a small amount of steam VP to the surface 24A when there is no foreign matter G, and to apply a large amount of steam VP to the surface 24A when there is foreign matter G.

[0049] Next, the operation of the printer 10 and the transport unit 20 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Note that individual figure numbers will not be included. The medium M is transported by the transport unit 20. Recording is performed on the transported medium M by the recording unit 16. At this time, if the surface detection unit 42 detects the presence of a foreign matter G, the operation of the steam application unit 26 is controlled by the control unit 64, causing the heater 32 to generate heat. The generated steam VP is applied to the surface 24A from which the medium M has been peeled. The amount of heat applied to the water W by the heater 32 is adjusted by the control unit 64.

[0050] In the portion of the surface 24A to which the steam VP is applied, the foreign matter G is covered with the steam VP. Then, the portion to which the steam VP is applied moves to a position facing the cooling unit 44 as the glue belt 24 moves. The steam VP and moisture in the air present around the surface 24A are cooled by the cooling unit 44. As a result, the steam VP is condensed, and the foreign matter G is covered with water droplets D. On the surface 24A, the foreign matter G floats relative to the surface 24A due to the effects of steam VP penetrating into the gap between the foreign matter G and the surface 24A, water droplets D formed from the steam VP covering the foreign matter G, and the thermal energy of the steam VP being imparted to the foreign matter G.

[0051] As the glue belt 24 moves, the foreign matter G and water droplets D adhering to the surface 24A move to a position facing the cleaning unit 36. Then, the foreign matter G and water droplets D adhering to the surface 24A are removed from the surface 24A by the cleaning brush 56 and rubber blade 54 of the cleaning unit 36. In this way, the surface 24A is cleaned. Foreign matter G and water droplets D adhering to the cleaning brush 56 are removed by air blown from the air nozzle 58 during the rotation of the cleaning brush 56. The removed foreign matter G and water droplets D are collected in the collection tank 48.

[0052] As described above, according to the conveying unit 20, the vapor VP easily lifts the foreign matter G adhering to the surface 24A of the glue belt 24 from the surface 24A. In other words, since the vapor VP, rather than a liquid, is used to remove the foreign matter G adhering to the surface 24A of the glue belt 24, the scattering of the liquid containing the foreign matter G around the conveying unit 20, which occurs when a cleaning liquid (liquid) is used, is suppressed, and a condition is created in which the foreign matter G is easily removed. This prevents the surroundings of the conveying unit 20 from being contaminated by the liquid containing the scattered foreign matter G. It is also considered that the thermal motion of the molecules of the vapor VP intensifies the thermal motion of the molecules of the substance contained in the foreign matter G, weakening the bonding force between the molecules of the substance contained in the foreign matter G. In other words, when using the vapor VP, thermal energy, in addition to pressure, is also considered to contribute to improving the foreign matter removal performance. Therefore, even when ensuring the same foreign matter removal performance, the pressure required when using the vapor VP can be lower than the pressure required when using a cleaning liquid. Therefore, the load acting on the glue belt 24 when the steam VP is applied to the surface 24A by the steam application section 26 is smaller than when high-pressure cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the surface 24A. Furthermore, as described above, the thermal energy of the steam VP applied to the glue belt 24 by the steam application unit 26 weakens the bonding force between the molecules of the substance contained in the foreign matter G, making it easier for the steam VP to get between the surface 24A and the foreign matter G adhering to the surface 24A, and making it easier for the foreign matter G to float relative to the surface 24A. In other words, the foreign matter G becomes easier to remove. As a result, when the cleaning unit 36 ​​cleans the surface 24A after applying the steam VP, the amount of foreign matter G removed by the cleaning unit 36 ​​increases, and the performance of removing the foreign matter G can be improved. In this way, the conveying unit 20 can suppress the load acting on the glue belt 24 and improve the performance of removing the foreign matter G from the surface 24A of the glue belt 24 at the same time.

[0053] According to the transport unit 20, the cooling unit 44 cools at least a portion of the target area S, causing some of the moisture in the air and the moisture contained in the steam VP to condense in the target area S. As a result, moisture is supplied to the target area S, and the foreign matter G is covered, making it easier to remove the foreign matter G, thereby improving the performance of removing the foreign matter G.

[0054] According to the conveying unit 20, when the state of the surface 24A is such that a large amount of foreign matter G adheres, the control unit 64 can control the steam applying unit 26 to increase at least one of the heat amount and the steam volume of the steam VP. Increasing the heat amount in the steam applying unit 26 increases the temperature of the steam VP and the kinetic energy of the molecules of the steam VP. The intense thermal motion of the molecules of the high-temperature steam VP intensifies the thermal motion of the molecules of the substances contained in the low-temperature foreign matter G, weakening the bonding force between the molecules of the substances contained in the foreign matter G. In other words, the heated foreign matter G softens. Furthermore, increasing the amount of steam VP supplied to the glue belt 24 makes it easier for the foreign matter G to be diluted by the steam VP. This further improves the removal performance of the foreign matter G.

[0055] According to the printer 10, by using an action similar to that of the conveying unit 20, it is possible to create a state in which the scattering of liquid containing foreign matter G is suppressed and the foreign matter G can be easily removed. In other words, it is possible to prevent the interior of the printer 10 from being soiled by the liquid containing the scattered foreign matter G.

[0056] [Embodiment 2] The following is a specific description of the transport unit 70 of embodiment 2. Note that the same components as those of the printer 10 and transport unit 20 of embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0057] 5, the transport unit 70 is provided in place of the transport unit 20 (FIG. 1) in the printer 10. The configuration of the printer 10 other than the transport unit 70 is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. The conveying unit 70 includes, for example, a belt unit 21, a steam applying unit 26, a surface detecting unit 42 (FIG. 2), a cooling unit 74, a cleaning unit 76, a moving unit 62, and a control unit 64 (FIG. 2). The conveying unit 70 is an example of a conveying device that conveys the medium M by moving the glue belt 24. The conveying unit 70 is provided in the device main body 12 (FIG. 1).

[0058] As an example, the cooling unit 74 is fixed to the device main body 12 (FIG. 1) on the inside of the glue belt 24. The cooling unit 74 is in contact with the rear surface 24B of the glue belt 24 from a position downstream of the steam applicator 26 in the +R direction to a position aligned with a part of the cleaning unit 76 in the Z direction. As an example, the cooling unit 74 is configured to include a Peltier element and a power source (not shown).

[0059] When electricity is applied to the Peltier element, the cooling unit 74 causes the heat absorption portion to absorb heat from the rear surface 24B of the glue belt 24, and the heat dissipation portion to dissipate heat. This cools the glue belt 24 and the space around the glue belt 24. As an example, the cooling unit 74 can cool, in the target area S, a second area S3 (described later) and a part of the area between the first area S1 and the second area S3.

[0060] When viewed from the X direction, the area cleaned by the cleaning unit 76 is referred to as a second area S3. The cleaning unit 76 includes, for example, a scraping member 78, a collecting unit 86, and a blowing unit 88. The scraping member 78 scrapes foreign matter G and water droplets D adhering to the surface 24A from the surface 24A. The collecting section 86 collects the foreign matter G scraped off by the scraping member 78. The blower 88 blows air toward the scraping member 78 and the collecting section 86 .

[0061] 6, scraping member 78 is, for example, a member having a shape obtained by cutting the +Z direction end of a rectangular parallelepiped extending in the Z direction at an angle. Scraping member 78 has a slope 79. Slope 79 extends from the -Y direction end and +Z direction end of scraping member 78 toward a position in the +Y direction and the -Z direction. The scraping member 78 is provided with a collecting portion 82 recessed from the inclined surface 79 in the −Z direction, and a guide groove 84 extending from the collecting portion 82 in the −Z direction.

[0062] The collecting portion 82 has a bottom surface 82A and two side surfaces 82B. Bottom surface 82A is an inclined surface that extends from the end portion in the -Y direction and the +Z direction of scraping member 78 toward a position in the +Y direction and the -Z direction. The inclination angle of bottom surface 82A with respect to the XY plane is greater than the inclination angle of inclined surface 79 with respect to the XY plane. Bottom surface 82A may also be configured as a curved surface. The outer shape of bottom surface 82A is a trapezoid with its upper base located in the +Y direction and its lower base located in the -Z direction when viewed in the -Z direction. In other words, the width in the X direction at the end of bottom surface 82A in the +Y direction is narrower than the width in the X direction at the end of bottom surface 82A in the -Y direction. An opening 83 that is open in the Z direction is formed at the end of the bottom surface 82A in the +Y direction.

[0063] The two side surfaces 82B stand upright in the +Z direction from both ends of the bottom surface 82A in the X direction. When viewed in the -Z direction, the two side surfaces 82B are located on the hypotenuses of the trapezoid of the bottom surface 82A. The height of the two side surfaces 82B in the +Z direction increases toward the +Y direction. In this way, the shape of the collecting portion 82 has a slope that slopes downward in the -Z direction as it approaches the +Y direction, and the depth in the Z direction increases as it approaches the +Y direction. Furthermore, the +Y direction end of the collecting portion 82 is open in the +Y direction.

[0064] The guide groove 84 extends in the -Z direction from the opening 83. The guide groove 84 penetrates from the opening 83 to the lower end of the scraping member 78 in the -Z direction. The guide groove 84 is also open in the +Y direction. A plurality of guide grooves 84 are provided at intervals in the X direction. The guide groove 84 has a size that allows foreign matter G and water droplets D to pass through. Each of the plurality of guide grooves 84 is an example of a guide section that guides foreign matter G to a collection section 86 (FIG. 5) described below.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the collection unit 86 has, as an example, a tray 87 that opens in the +Z direction. Tray 87 is located in the -Z direction relative to scraping member 78. Tray 87 is large enough to cover scraping member 78 when viewed in the +Z direction. This allows foreign matter G and water droplets D that flow in the -Z direction from bottom surface 82A along the side surface of scraping member 78 in the +Y direction or along guide groove 84 to fall from scraping member 78 and be collected in tray 87.

[0066] The air blowing unit 88 is provided in the device main body 12 (FIG. 1) at a position in the -Z direction relative to the underside 25C. The air blowing unit 88 includes an air nozzle and a compressor (not shown). The air blowing unit 88 blows air sent by the compressor toward the scraping member 78. Specifically, the air blowing unit 88 blows air toward the plurality of guide grooves 84. In other words, at least a portion of the scraping member 78 is configured to blow air between the air blowing unit 88 and the collection unit 86.

[0067] The following describes the operation of the conveying unit 70 of the second embodiment. Note that the description of the same configuration and operation as the conveying unit 20 (FIG. 1) will be omitted. 5, the portion to which the steam VP is applied is moved to a position facing the cooling unit 74 as the glue belt 24 moves. Note that a portion of the foreign matter G is already covered with water droplets D due to the action of the steam VP. The steam VP present around the surface 24A and the moisture in the air are cooled by the cooling unit 74. As a result, the steam VP condenses, and the foreign matter G is covered with water droplets D.

[0068] Foreign matter G covered with water droplets D and foreign matter G not covered with water droplets D are scraped off by scraping member 78 and removed from surface 24A. The scraped foreign matter G and water droplets D flow down along bottom surface 82A in the +Y and -Z directions due to the action of their own weight. At this time, foreign matter G and water droplets D are guided by collecting section 82 and do not flow outward from scraping member 78 in the X direction. Then, foreign matter G and water droplets D flow down guide groove 84 due to the action of their own weight and the action of the pressure of the air blown by air blower 88, and are collected by collection section 86.

[0069] As described above, according to the conveying unit 70, condensation is unlikely to occur between the first region S1 and the second region S3, but occurs in the second region S3. The moisture condensed in the second region S3 is collected by the cleaning unit 76. This prevents water droplets D from falling from the surface 24A between the first region S1 and the second region S3. Furthermore, hardening of the adhesive is promoted, and durability of the adhesive is improved when the glue belt 24 is scraped off by the scraping member 78. This effect is also effective at least when the glue belt 24 is scraped off by the cleaning brush 56 in the first embodiment. That is, in the case where the cleaning unit includes a configuration in which it comes into contact with the surface 24A of the glue belt 24, the surface 24A of the glue belt 24 can be cleaned with the durability of the adhesive improved.

[0070] According to the conveying unit 70, the foreign matter G scraped by the scraping member 78 flows down along the guide groove 84 and is collected in the collecting unit 86. This makes it difficult for the foreign matter G to remain between the scraping member 78 and the surface 24A, thereby suppressing a decrease in the cleaning performance of the cleaning unit 76. According to the conveying section 70, foreign matter G adhering to the scraping member 78 is moved toward the collecting section 86 by the pressure of the air blown by the blowing section 88, and is collected in the collecting section 86. This makes it possible to prevent the foreign matter G adhering to the scraping member 78 from adhering again to the surface 24A.

[0071] [Modification of the second embodiment] As shown in Fig. 7, the cleaning unit 92 is a modified example of the cleaning unit 76 (Fig. 6) of embodiment 2. Note that the same components as those of the cleaning unit 76 are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the figure numbers is omitted. The cleaning unit 92 includes, for example, a scraping member 94 , a collecting unit 86 , and a suction unit 96 . The scraping member 94 has a configuration in which the +Y direction ends of the guide grooves 84 in the scraping member 78 are closed, thereby forming a plurality of guide paths 95. The guide paths 95 have a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction. Both ends of the guide paths 95 in the Z direction are open. The suction unit 96 is configured to include a fan 98 and a motor (not shown) that rotates the fan 98. The suction unit 96 uses negative pressure generated inside the guide path 95 by the rotation of the fan 98 to suck foreign matter G, water droplets D, and the like from the guide path 95 toward the collection unit 86. In this way, the foreign matter G and water droplets D in the guide path 95 may be forcibly moved toward the collection unit 86 by suction rather than by blowing air.

[0072] [Embodiment 3] The following is a specific description of the transport unit 100 of embodiment 3. Note that the same components as those in the printer 10 and transport units 20, 70 of embodiments 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0073] 8 and 9, the transport unit 100 is provided in place of the transport unit 70 (FIG. 5) in the printer 10. The configuration of the printer 10 other than the transport unit 70 is the same as the configuration in the first and second embodiments. The conveying unit 100 includes, for example, a belt unit 21, a steam applying unit 26, a surface detecting unit 42 (FIG. 9), a cooling unit 74, a cleaning unit 76, a moving unit 62 and a control unit 64 (FIG. 9), an airflow generating unit 102, and a heating unit 104. The conveying unit 100 is an example of a conveying device that conveys the medium M by moving the glue belt 24. The conveying unit 100 is provided in the device main body 12 (FIG. 1).

[0074] The surface detection unit 42 of the third embodiment is configured to be able to detect the amount of water droplets D adhering to the surface 24A by image analysis. The amount of water droplets D obtained by the surface detection unit 42 is not an actual amount, but an estimated amount that allows for relative comparison when the state of the surface 24A is different. The control unit 64 associates the amount of water droplets D obtained by the surface detection unit 42 with the amount of steam VP supplied to the glue belt 24 by the steam applying unit 26. As an example, when the amount of water droplets D obtained by the surface detection unit 42 is relatively large, it means that the amount of steam VP supplied is large. Also, when the amount of water droplets D obtained by the surface detection unit 42 is relatively small, it means that the amount of steam VP supplied is small. The case division for relating the amount of water droplets D to the supply amount of steam VP is not limited to the above-mentioned two-stage case division, but may be three or more stages.

[0075] 8, the airflow generating unit 102 is located opposite the steam applying unit 26 with respect to the glue belt 24 in the Z direction. The airflow generating unit 102 is configured to be able to generate an airflow toward the back surface 24B of the glue belt 24, which is opposite to the front surface 24A. Specifically, the airflow generating unit 102 includes, for example, a plurality of nozzles (not shown) arranged in the X and Y directions, and a fan (not shown) that blows air to the plurality of nozzles. The plurality of nozzles open toward the rear surface 24B. In this manner, the airflow generating unit 102 can generate an airflow F (FIG. 10) over the entire rear surface 24B in the X direction.

[0076] The heating unit 104 is located opposite the steam applying unit 26 with respect to the glue belt 24 in the Z direction. The heating unit 104 contacts the back surface 24B. In other words, the heating unit 104 is located between the glue belt 24 and the airflow generating unit 102 in the Z direction. Specifically, the heating unit 104 is configured as a plate-shaped heater that has a predetermined thickness in the Z direction and extends in the X direction. The heating unit 104 is configured to be able to heat a reach area E (FIG. 10) on the rear surface 24B where the airflow F reaches.

[0077] 9, the control unit 64 of the third embodiment adjusts the amount of airflow F generated in the airflow generating unit 102 according to the amount of steam VP generated from the steam applying unit 26. Furthermore, the control unit 64 controls the heating temperature in the heating unit 104 according to the amount of airflow F generated. Specifically, the control unit 64 predicts the amount of generated steam VP based on the estimated amount of water droplets D obtained by the surface detection unit 42. Then, the control unit 64 adjusts the amount of generated airflow F according to the amount of generated steam VP. For example, if the amount of generated steam VP is large, the control unit 64 increases the amount of generated airflow F. Conversely, if the amount of generated steam VP is small, the control unit 64 decreases the amount of generated airflow F. Furthermore, as an example, the control unit 64 causes the heating unit 104 to perform heating when the amount of generated airflow F is large. Conversely, when the amount of generated airflow F is small, the control unit 64 causes the heating unit 104 to stop heating. In this way, the control unit 64 of the third embodiment is configured to be able to control the airflow generating unit 102 and the heating unit 104 based on the detection information from the surface detecting unit 42.

[0078] The following describes the operation of the conveying section 100 of embodiment 3. Note that the description of the same configurations and operations as those of the conveying sections 20 and 70 already described will be omitted. 9 and 10, the portion of the surface 24A to which the steam VP has been applied is detected by the surface detection unit 42. Then, the control unit 64 estimates the supply amount of the steam VP.

[0079] For example, when the amount of vapor VP generated is large, the control unit 64 increases the amount of airflow F generated by the airflow generating unit 102. As a result, the airflow F flowing in the -Z direction suppresses the rise of the vapor VP flowing in the +Z direction. In other words, the diffusion of the vapor VP is suppressed. Furthermore, when the amount of generated airflow F is large, control unit 64 controls heating unit 104. As a result, part of the steam VP whose temperature has been lowered by airflow F reaches a temperature at which condensation is unlikely to occur, thereby suppressing condensation on rear surface 24B.

[0080] As described above, according to the conveying unit 100, when part of the steam VP supplied from the steam applicator 26 to the front surface 24A attempts to flow to the back surface 24B via the outside of the end of the glue belt 24, the airflow F generated in the airflow generating unit 102 pushes part of the steam VP back to the area on the front surface 24A side. Here, when the amount of steam VP generated from the steam applicator 26 is large, it is possible to control the airflow generating unit 102 to increase the amount of airflow F generated, thereby preventing part of the steam VP from diffusing to other parts via the area on the back surface 24B side.

[0081] According to the transport unit 100, even if the transport unit 100 is configured such that condensation is likely to occur due to the effect of a temperature drop caused by the airflow F, the arrival area E is heated by the heating unit 104, so that condensation on the rear surface 24B can be suppressed.

[0082] [Embodiment 4] The following is a specific description of the transport unit 110 of embodiment 4. Note that the same components as those in the printer 10 and transport units 20, 70, and 100 of embodiments 1, 2, and 3 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0083] 11, a transport unit 110 is provided in place of the transport unit 100 (FIG. 9) in the printer 10. The configuration of the printer 10 other than the transport unit 100 is the same as the configuration of the first, second, and third embodiments. The conveying unit 110 includes, for example, a belt unit 21 (FIG. 8), a steam applying unit 26, a speed measuring unit 112, a cooling unit 74, a cleaning unit 76, a moving unit 62, a control unit 64, an airflow generating unit 102, and a heating unit 104. The conveying unit 110 is an example of a conveying device that conveys the medium M by moving the glue belt 24 (FIG. 8). The conveying unit 110 is provided in the device main body 12 (FIG. 1).

[0084] As an example, the speed measurement unit 112 is configured to include an encoder (not shown) that detects the amount of movement of the glue belt 24. The encoder may be, for example, a rotary encoder that optically or magnetically detects the amount of rotation of the driven roller 23 (FIG. 1). Furthermore, the speed measurement unit 112 can measure the average speed, which is the amount of belt movement per unit time, as the movement speed of the glue belt 24.

[0085] The control unit 64 controls the operation of the steam applying unit 26 in accordance with the moving speed of the glue belt 24 obtained by the speed measuring unit 112 . Specifically, when the movement speed of the glue belt 24 is set speed V1 [m / s], the control unit 64 is configured to cause the heater 32 (FIG. 8) to generate heat so that the heating temperature of the water W by the heater 32 becomes the normal set temperature T1. As a result, the steam VP becomes the predetermined temperature. Furthermore, when the movement speed of the glue belt 24 is set speed V1 [m / s], the control unit 64 is configured to slide a shutter member (not shown) in the X direction so that the number (or opening area) of holes 34A through which the steam VP can pass becomes the normal set number n1 (or set area S1). As a result, a predetermined amount of steam VP is obtained. Furthermore, when the moving speed of the glue belt 24 is faster than the set speed V1, the control unit 64 is configured to cause the heater 32 to generate heat so that the heating temperature of the water W by the heater 32 becomes a temperature T2 [K] that is higher than the normal set temperature T1 [K]. As a result, steam VP having a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature is obtained. Furthermore, when the moving speed of the glue belt 24 is faster than the set speed V1, the control unit 64 is configured to slide a shutter member (not shown) in the X direction so that the number (or opening area) of the holes 34A through which the steam VP can pass becomes a number n2 (or a larger area S2) that is larger than the normal set number n1 (or set area S1). As a result, a larger amount of steam VP than a predetermined amount is obtained. The set speed V1, set temperatures T1 and T2, and set numbers n1 and n2 (set areas S1 and S2) are not shown in the figures.

[0086] The following describes the operation of the conveying section 110 of the fourth embodiment. Note that the description of the same configurations and operations as those of the conveying sections 20, 70, and 100 already described will be omitted. According to the conveying unit 110, when the moving speed of the glue belt 24 becomes higher than the set speed V1, the control unit 64 can perform control to increase at least one of the amount of heat of the steam VP applied by the steam application unit 26 and the amount of steam VP supplied. As a result, even if the time for which the steam VP is applied to the surface 24A is shortened, at least one of the steam VP at a temperature necessary for removing the foreign matter G and the amount of steam VP necessary for removing the foreign matter G can be applied to the surface 24A, thereby suppressing a decrease in the performance for removing the foreign matter G.

[0087] [Embodiment 5] The following is a specific description of the transport unit 116 of embodiment 5. Note that the same components as those in the printer 10 and transport units 20, 70, 100, and 110 of embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0088] 12, a transport unit 116 is provided in place of the transport unit 100 (FIG. 9) in the printer 10. The configuration of the printer 10 other than the transport unit 100 is the same as the configuration of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments. The conveying unit 116 includes, for example, a belt unit 21 (FIG. 8), a steam applying unit 26, a cooling unit 74, a cleaning unit 76, a moving unit 62, a control unit 64, an airflow generating unit 102, and a heating unit 104. The conveying unit 116 is an example of a conveying device that conveys the medium M by moving the glue belt 24 (FIG. 8). The conveying unit 116 is provided in the device main body 12 (FIG. 1).

[0089] The control unit 64 controls the operation of the vapor application unit 26 in accordance with the duty of the image to be recorded on the medium M. The duty is a value expressed with a maximum value of 100% as the average ejection amount, which indicates the amount of ink K ejected per unit area when the recording unit 16 ejects ink K onto the medium M. The duty value is obtained by the control unit 64 analyzing the recording data used for recording on the medium M.

[0090] Specifically, when the duty for recording on the medium M is greater than a preset threshold, the control unit 64 is configured to cause the heater 32 (FIG. 8) to generate heat so that the heating temperature of the water W by the heater 32 becomes a temperature T2 [K] higher than the normal set temperature T1 [K]. This results in steam VP having a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature. Furthermore, when the duty for recording on the medium M is greater than a preset threshold, the control unit 64 is configured to slide a shutter member (not shown) in the X direction so that the number (or opening area) of holes 34A through which the steam VP can pass becomes a number n2 (or a larger area S2) greater than the normal set number n1 (or a set area S1). This results in steam VP having a temperature greater than the predetermined amount. Furthermore, when the duty for recording on the medium M is less than a preset threshold, the control unit 64 is configured to cause the heater 32 to generate heat so that the heating temperature of the water W by the heater 32 becomes a temperature T0 [K] lower than the normal set temperature T1 [K]. This results in steam VP having a temperature lower than the predetermined temperature. Furthermore, when the duty for recording on the medium M is smaller than a preset threshold, the control unit 64 is configured to slide a shutter member (not shown) in the X direction so that the number of holes 34A (or the opening area) through which the vapor VP can pass becomes a number n0 (or a smaller area S0) that is smaller than the normal set number n1 (or set area S1). As a result, a smaller amount of vapor VP than the predetermined amount is obtained. The set temperature T1, temperatures T2, T0, set number n1, number n2, n0 (set area S1, area S2, S0) are not shown in the figures.

[0091] The following describes the operation of the transport unit 116 of embodiment 5. Note that explanations of the same configurations and operations as those of the transport units 20, 70, 100, and 110 already described will be omitted. When the duty of the image is high, the amount of ink K used for recording increases, which may increase the amount of foreign matter G that adheres to the surface 24A. According to the transport unit 116, when the state of the surface 24A is such that a large amount of foreign matter G is adhering, the control unit 64 can perform control to increase at least one of the amount of heat of the steam VP applied by the steam application unit 26 and the amount of steam VP supplied. By increasing the amount of heat of the steam VP in the steam application unit 26, the foreign matter G, whose temperature has been increased, is softened. Furthermore, by increasing the amount of steam VP supplied in the steam application unit 26, the foreign matter G is more likely to be diluted by the steam VP. This further improves the ability to remove foreign matter G. Furthermore, even if the time for which steam VP is applied to surface 24A is shortened, at least one of steam VP at a temperature required to remove foreign matter G and steam VP in an amount required to remove foreign matter G can be applied to surface 24A, thereby suppressing a decrease in the performance for removing foreign matter G.

[0092] [Other Modifications] The transport units 20, 70, 100, 110, 120 and printer 10 according to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments of the present invention are based on the configurations described above, but it is of course possible to modify, omit, or combine partial configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Other variations will be described below. Similar configurations will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0093] <Another variation 1> 13, the transport unit 120 is provided in place of the transport unit 100 (FIG. 9) in the printer 10. The configuration of the printer 10 other than the transport unit 100 is the same as the configuration of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments. The conveying unit 120 includes, for example, a belt unit 21 (FIG. 8), a steam applying unit 26, a cooling unit 74, a cleaning unit 76, a moving unit 62, a control unit 64, an airflow generating unit 102, and a heating unit 104. The conveying unit 120 is an example of a conveying device that conveys the medium M by moving the glue belt 24 (FIG. 8). The conveying unit 120 is provided in the device main body 12 (FIG. 1).

[0094] The transport section 120 may be configured such that a discharge section 122 is provided in place of the base plate 34 (FIG. 3) in the vapor applying section 26 (FIG. 2). The discharge part 122 may be provided in the steam applying part 26 and discharge the steam VP. As an example, the discharge part 122 may be configured by a plurality of nozzles (not shown). The plurality of nozzles may be capable of adjusting the flow rate. In other words, the discharge amount of the steam VP discharged from the discharge part 122 may be adjustable. For example, the amount of steam VP discharged from the discharge section 122 may be adjustable depending on the detection information from the surface detection section 42 (Figure 2), the moving speed of the glue belt 24 obtained from the speed measurement section 112 (Figure 11), and the duty of the image recorded on the medium M.

[0095] <Another variation 2> A cleaning unit 130 may be configured as shown in Fig. 14. The cleaning unit 130 has a configuration in which a cleaning brush 132 for cleaning the cleaning brush 56 is added to the cleaning unit 46 (Fig. 4). The cleaning brush 132 is capable of reciprocating movement in the X direction by a linear slider (not shown). The cleaning brush 132 has a semi-cylindrical base 133 and a brush .

[0096] The base 133 is formed in a semicircular shape when viewed from the X direction. The base 133 is located radially outward from the center in the Z direction on the outer periphery of the cleaning brush 56 in the -Z direction. The base 133 has an inner circumferential surface 133A that faces the cleaning brush 56. The brush 134 is made up of a plurality of bristles 134A extending from the inner circumferential surface 133A toward the center of the shaft portion 57. The length of the brush 134 is set to a length that allows it to come into contact with the cleaning brush 56. The cleaning brush 132 is moved back and forth in the X direction by the linear slider as described above in accordance with the rotation of the cleaning brush 56, thereby cleaning off foreign matter G and the like adhering to the cleaning brush 56.

[0097] <Other Variation 3> As shown in FIG. 15, a steam applying section 136 may be configured. The steam applicator 136 is provided with a base plate 138 instead of the base plate 34 in the steam applicator 26 (FIG. 3). The base plate 138 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. A line passing through the center of the glue belt 24 in the Y direction and extending in the Z direction is defined as an imaginary line C.

[0098] The base plate 138 is located inside the storage tank 28 in the −Z direction relative to the upper wall 29. The base plate 138 is also slidable in the X direction. The base plate 138 is provided with a plurality of holes 138A. When viewed from the X direction, the multiple holes 138A are provided symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line C. The multiple holes 138A penetrate the base plate 138 in an oblique direction intersecting with the Z direction so as to face the imaginary line C. The size of the holes 138A is large enough to allow the passage of steam VP. In this way, by configuring the plurality of holes 138A to face the imaginary line C, the steam VP may be concentrated toward the center of the glue belt 24.

[0099] <Other Variation 4> As shown in FIG. 16, the printer 10 may be provided with a cover member 142 that covers a part of the circumferential direction of the glue belt 24 and the steam applying unit 26. The cover member 142 is configured as a hollow rectangular parallelepiped. The cover member 142 is provided with an inlet 143 and an outlet 144 that penetrate in the Y direction. The glue belt 24 enters the inside of the cover member 142 from the inlet 143 and exits to the outside of the cover member 142 through the outlet 144. The steam applicator 26 is disposed inside and at the bottom of the cover member 142. The bottom of the cover member 142 is closed, for example. In this way, by covering the periphery of the glue belt 24 and the steam applicator 26 with the cover member 142, scattering of the steam VP is suppressed and the amount of steam VP applied to the glue belt 24 can be secured.

[0100] Examples of the medium M include fabric, paper, and film. The method for aligning the transport of the medium M may be either a center registration method using the center position in the X direction as a reference, or a side registration method using the position of one end in the X direction as a reference. The recording unit 16 is not limited to a unit that performs recording by a serial method like the recording head 17, but may be a unit that performs recording by a line head method.

[0101] The conveyor belt is not limited to the glue belt 24, but can be any belt that utilizes various mechanisms for exerting adhesive force, such as an electrostatic adsorption method using electrostatic force generated by applying voltage, a vacuum suction method using a compressor, or an intermolecular force method using multiple tiny protrusions. Instead of the cleaning brush 52, a sponge roller may be used as a cleaning member.

[0102] The conveying unit 20 may not include the cooling unit 44. Furthermore, the conveying unit 20 may control the steam applying unit 26 without using the surface detection unit 42, for example, so that the amount of steam VP increases as the use time of the conveying unit 20 becomes longer. Alternatively, the amount of steam VP applied from the steam applying unit 26 to the glue belt 24 may not be controlled.

[0103] The conveying section 70 may not have the scraping member 78. Furthermore, the conveying section 70 may not have the air blowing section 88. The conveying section 100 may not include the heating section 104. Alternatively, the conveying section 100 may include the heating section 104 but not the airflow generating section 102.

[0104] Instead of the steam application section 26, a round boiler (furnace tube boiler, fire tube boiler, fire tube boiler, vertical boiler), a water tube boiler (natural circulation water tube boiler, forced circulation water tube boiler, once-through boiler), a special boiler (cast iron boiler, waste heat, special fuel boiler, special fluid boiler), etc. may be used.

[0105] The plurality of holes 34A in the steam applying part 26 may be configured so that the opening area or the presence or absence of an opening can be individually controlled. A chemical liquid for adjusting the surface energy of the surface 24A of the glue belt 24 may be applied. A cleaning liquid containing a detergent other than water W may be applied as steam VP. In the cooling section 44, a member for collecting water droplets D and foreign matter G may be provided. The cleaning brush 56 may rotate in a direction opposite to that in the above embodiment.

[0106] In the cooling unit 44, the direction of the air blown for cooling is preferably a direction away from the steam applying unit 26. In the moving direction of the glue belt 24, air may be blown from upstream of the steam applying section 26 toward the steam applying section 26 and the cooling section 44.

[0107] In the maintenance mode, the moving speed of the glue belt 24 may be reduced compared to the moving speed in the recording mode, and the amount of heat, supply, and generation of the steam VP may be reduced compared to the recording mode, to clean the glue belt 24. In this configuration, in the recording mode, the moving speed of the glue belt 24 may be increased compared to the moving speed in the maintenance mode, and the amount of heat, supply, and generation of the steam VP may be increased compared to the maintenance mode, to clean the glue belt 24. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1...Factory, 2...Floor section, 10...Printer, 12...Device main body section, 14...Main body cover, 15...operation unit, 16...recording unit, 17...recording head, 18...carriage, 20...transport unit, 21...belt unit, 22...drive roller, 23...follower roller, 24...glue belt, 24A...Front surface, 24B...Back surface, 25A...Top surface part, 25B...Curved surface part, 25C...Bottom surface part, 26...steam application portion, 28...storage tank, 29...upper wall, 29A...opening, 32...heater, 34...base plate, 34A...hole portion, 36...cleaning portion, 37...supply pipe, 38...supply pump, 39...pressurized pipe, 41...compressor, 42...surface detection unit, 44...cooling section, 46...cleaning section, 47...chamber section, 48...recovery tank, 48A...bottom wall, 48B...Front wall, 48C...Back wall, 48D...Side wall, 49...Division wall, 51...Vertical wall part, 52... cleaning brush, 52A... space portion, 52B... space portion, 53... space portion, 54...rubber blade, 55...inclined surface, 56...cleaning brush, 56A...shaft portion, 56B...brush part, 57...shaft part, 58...air nozzle, 62...moving part, 64...control part, 66...CPU, 68...memory, 70...transport unit, 74...cooling unit, 76...cleaning unit, 78... scraping member, 79... inclined surface, 82... collecting portion, 82A... bottom surface, 82B... side surface, 83...opening, 84...guide groove, 86...collection section, 87...tray, 88...blower section, 92... cleaning unit, 94... scraping member, 95... guide path, 96... suction unit, 98... fan, 100...conveying section, 102...airflow generating section, 104...heating section, 110...conveying section, 112...speed measurement unit, 116...conveying unit, 120...conveying unit, 122...discharging unit, 130... cleaning portion, 132... cleaning brush, 133... base portion, 133A... inner peripheral surface, 134...brush, 134A...bristle portion, 136...steam application portion, 138...base plate, 138A...hole portion, 142...cover member, 143...inlet, 144...outlet, C...imaginary line, D...Water droplets, E...Area reached, F...Air flow, G...Foreign matter, K...Ink, M...Medium, S...Target area S1...first area, S2...second area, S3...second area, T1...set temperature, T2...temperature, V1: Set speed, VP: Steam, W: Water

Claims

1. A conveying device that conveys a medium by moving a conveying belt, a steam applying unit that applies heated steam to a surface of the conveyor belt that is separated from the medium; a cleaning unit that cleans the surface to which the steam has been applied by the steam application unit; Equipped with On the surface, a target area is defined as a first area to which the steam is applied to a second area to be cleaned by the cleaning unit, a cooling unit configured to cool at least a portion of the target area; A conveying device characterized by:

2. The cooling unit cools the second region.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1.

3. A control unit for controlling the operation of the steam applying unit is provided, The control unit controls the operation of the steam applying unit depending on the state of the surface.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A control unit for controlling the operation of the steam applying unit is provided, The control unit controls the operation of the steam applying unit in accordance with the moving speed of the conveyor belt.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the medium is a recording medium on which an image is recorded, A control unit for controlling the operation of the steam applying unit is provided, The control unit controls the operation of the steam applying unit in accordance with a duty of the image.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow toward a rear surface of the conveyor belt opposite to the front surface, the control unit adjusts the amount of airflow generated by the airflow generating unit in accordance with the amount of steam generated by the steam applying unit.

6. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein the conveying device is a conveying device for conveying a plurality of objects.

7. a heating unit configured to heat a region on the rear surface where the airflow reaches, The control unit controls the heating temperature in the heating unit according to the amount of airflow generated.

7. The conveying device according to claim 6.

8. The cleaning unit includes: a scraping member that scrapes off foreign matter adhering to the surface while contacting the surface; a recovery unit that recovers the foreign matter scraped by the scraping member; and The scraping member is provided with a guide portion that guides the foreign matter to the collection portion.

8. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying device is a conveying device for conveying a plurality of objects.

9. the cleaning unit has an air blowing unit that blows air toward the collection unit, At least a part of the scraping member is blown between the blowing unit and the collecting unit.

9. The conveying device according to claim 8.

10. A printing device including a conveying device that conveys a medium by moving a conveying belt, and a recording unit that records on the moving medium, The conveying device is a steam applying unit that applies heated steam to a surface of the conveyor belt that is separated from the medium; a cleaning unit that cleans the surface to which the steam has been applied by the steam application unit; Equipped with On the surface, a target area is defined as a first area to which the steam is applied to a second area to be cleaned by the cleaning unit, a cooling unit configured to cool at least a portion of the target area; The printing device is characterized in that:

Images