Conveying device and droplet dispensing device

Abstract

To solve the problem that there is a possibility that in a configuration that a sponge is brought into pressure-contact with the outer peripheral surface of a conveyance belt, capability to clean the outer peripheral surface of the conveyance belt by the sponge is lowered.SOLUTION: A conveyance part 30 includes a glue belt 32, a cleaning part 36, and a support part 44. The glue belt 32 can convey a medium M. The cleaning part 36 can clean the glue belt 32 by a cleaning liquid S. The support part 44 has a support surface 48 capable of supporting a sponge 42 which is brought into contact with the glue belt 32 cleaned by the cleaning part 36. The support surface 48 is provided with at least one opening 49.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device and a droplet discharging device.

Background Art

[0002] The image recording device of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of sponges that are slidably contacted with the surface of an endless belt. The plurality of sponges remove the contaminated cleaning liquid from the surface of the endless belt.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a configuration in which a sponge is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of a conveyance belt as in the image recording device of Patent Document 1, the sponge is compressed in a direction intersecting the outer peripheral surface of the conveyance belt. For this reason, the density of the sponge increases with respect to the density of the sponge in the no-load state, making it difficult to absorb liquid, or the absorbed liquid leaks out, so there is a risk that the ability of the sponge to clean the outer peripheral surface of the conveyance belt will decrease.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The conveying device according to the present invention for solving the above problems includes a conveying member capable of conveying a medium, a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the conveying member with a liquid, and a support unit having a support surface capable of supporting a sponge that contacts the conveying member cleaned by the cleaning unit, and at least one opening is provided in the support surface.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the droplet dispensing device according to the present invention comprises a dispensing unit capable of dispensing droplets onto a medium, a transport member capable of transporting the medium, a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the transport member with liquid, and a support unit having a support surface capable of supporting a sponge that comes into contact with the transport member cleaned by the cleaning unit, wherein the support surface is provided with at least one opening. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of the cleaning unit and surrounding area of ​​a printer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the sponge and glue belt of the printer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of the cleaning unit and surrounding area of ​​the printer according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] An enlarged schematic diagram of the sponge and glue belt of the printer according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram of the cleaning unit of the printer according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram of the cleaning unit of the printer according to Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The present invention will be described in general terms below. A transport device according to the first embodiment comprises a transport member capable of transporting media, a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the transport member with a liquid, and a support unit having a support surface capable of supporting a sponge that comes into contact with the transport member cleaned by the cleaning unit, wherein the support surface is provided with at least one opening.

[0009] According to this embodiment, when the sponge comes into contact with the transport member, a portion of it is compressed between the support surface and the transport member. Here, a portion of the sponge is released from the compressed state by bulging into the opening provided in the support surface. In other words, a portion of the sponge that is not easily compressed can be created. This less compressible portion has a lower density than the compressible portion and a higher capacity to absorb the liquid. As a result, the liquid in the compressible portion of the sponge moves inward to the less compressible portion, which prevents the liquid from seeping out of the compressible portion to the transport member. This prevents a decrease in the sponge's ability to clean the outer surface of the transport member.

[0010] The conveying device according to the second embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the support portion is a rotatable rotating member, the sponge is provided on the outer circumference of the rotating member and pressed against the conveying member, and is capable of driven rotation with respect to the conveying member. In the aforementioned sponge, when the liquid is removed from the conveying member, it is compressed, which makes it more likely for the liquid to seep back into the conveying member than to absorb it. In this case, in the sponge that rotates in conjunction with the conveying operation of the conveying member, the seepage of the liquid into the conveying member is more pronounced compared to a configuration using a non-rotating sponge. According to this embodiment, even when a driven-rotating sponge is used, a portion of the sponge expands into the opening, causing the state of the sponge to change from a compressed state to a released state. As a result, the density of the sponge decreases, ensuring its ability to absorb the liquid, and thus preventing a decrease in the sponge's ability to clean the outer surface of the conveying member.

[0011] The conveying device according to the third embodiment is characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the rotating member is a cylindrical member having an inner circumferential surface, and is provided with a shaft member having an outer circumferential surface facing the inner circumferential surface and rotatably supporting the rotating member, and a squeezing member that squeezes the sponge by pressing it, and the outer circumferential surface is provided with at least one communication opening that communicates with the at least one opening as the rotating member rotates, and the region of the outer circumferential surface that is aligned with the squeezing member in the radial direction of the rotating member is defined as the first region, and the region of the outer circumferential surface that is shifted in the rotational direction of the rotating member relative to the first region is defined as the second region, the communication opening is provided in the second region. According to this embodiment, when the sponge comes into contact with the condensing member, the communication opening is located in the second region rather than the first region, thereby maintaining the sponge in a compressed state. As a result, the sponge in contact with the condensing member is less likely to be released from its compressed state, thus suppressing a decrease in the condensing ability of the sponge by the condensing member.

[0012] The fourth embodiment of the conveying device is characterized in that, in the third embodiment, the shaft member is a cylindrical member, a negative pressure generating unit is provided inside the shaft member to generate negative pressure, and the communication port connects the inside and outside of the shaft member. According to this embodiment, the portion of the sponge released from the compressed state at the opening expands further into the shaft member due to the negative pressure generated inside the shaft member by the negative pressure generating portion. As a result, the sponge becomes more adept at absorbing the liquid, thereby further enhancing the liquid recovery capacity of the portion of the sponge.

[0013] The transport device according to the fifth embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the support portion includes a chamber and is equipped with a suction portion for sucking gas from inside the chamber. According to this embodiment, the state of a portion of the sponge expands into the interior of the opening when it is released from its compressed state at the opening. Furthermore, the state of a portion of the sponge expands further into the interior of the chamber when the gas inside the chamber is sucked in by the suction portion. As a result, the density of the portion of the sponge decreases, and its ability to absorb the liquid increases. In other words, the sponge becomes more adept at absorbing the liquid, thus further increasing the liquid recovery capacity of the portion of the sponge.

[0014] A droplet dispensing device according to the sixth embodiment comprises a dispensing unit capable of dispensing droplets onto a medium, a transport member capable of transporting the medium, a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the transport member with a liquid, and a support unit having a support surface capable of supporting a sponge that comes into contact with the transport member cleaned by the cleaning unit, wherein the support surface is provided with at least one opening. According to this embodiment, when the sponge comes into contact with the transport member, a portion of it is compressed between the support surface and the transport member. Here, a portion of the sponge is released from the compressed state by bulging into the opening provided in the support surface. In other words, a portion of the sponge that is not easily compressed can be created. This less compressible portion has a lower density than the compressible portion and a higher capacity to absorb the liquid. As a result, the liquid seeping out from the compressible portion of the sponge moves to the less compressible portion, which prevents the liquid from seeping out from the compressible portion. This prevents a decrease in the sponge's ability to clean the outer surface of the transport member.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] The following describes in detail a printer 10 and a transport unit 30, which are examples of a droplet dispensing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 is installed on the floor 2 of Factory 1. The printer 10 performs recording on the medium M by a recording unit 22 described later. Examples of the medium M include fabrics and papers. Also, as an example, the medium M is drawn out from the front of the printer 10. Note that the X - Y - Z coordinate system shown in each figure is a rectangular coordinate system.

[0016] The X direction is the device width direction of the printer 10 and is a horizontal direction. When viewing the printer 10 from the front, the direction toward the left in the X direction is the +X direction, and the direction toward the right is the -X direction. Also, the X direction corresponds to the width direction of the medium M. The Y direction is the depth direction of the printer 10 and is a horizontal direction. When viewing the printer 10 from the front, the front direction is the +Y direction, and the back direction is the -Y direction. The Z direction is along the direction of gravity acting. The direction upward in the Z direction is the +Z direction, and the direction downward is the -Z direction. The +Z direction is the device height direction of the printer 10.

[0017] The printer 10 includes a device main body part 12, a main body cover 14, a conveyance part 30 described later, a control part 20, a recording part 22, and an operation part (not shown). The device main body part 12 is configured as a base on which each part of the printer 10 is provided. On the device main body part 12, a driving roller 16, a driven roller 18, and a motor (not shown) are provided as an example of a driving part.

[0018] The driving roller 16 is arranged downstream in the +Y direction in the device main body part 12. The driven roller 18 is arranged upstream in the +Y direction. Both the driving roller 16 and the driven roller 18 have a rotation axis along the X direction. The rotation of the driving roller 16 is controlled by the control part 20 described later. The main body cover 14 is an exterior member that covers each part of the printer 10. The operation part includes a touch panel (not shown) and operation buttons. With the operation part, it is possible to set and operate the operations of each part of the printer 10.

[0019] The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that functions as a computer, memory, and storage. Programs can be loaded into a portion of the memory. The CPU, memory, and storage are not shown in the diagram. The control unit 20 controls various operations in each part of the printer 10, such as transport, recording, ejection, and cleaning, by executing programs.

[0020] The recording unit 22 is provided in the main body 12 of the device. The recording unit 22 records data on a media M that moves in the +Y direction using ink K as an example of a recording material. Specifically, the recording unit 22 includes a recording head 24 and a carriage 26 that supports the recording head 24. The carriage 26, which includes a motor (not shown), supports the recording head 24. The carriage 26 is also configured to allow the recording head 24 to reciprocate along the X direction.

[0021] The recording head 24 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) and is positioned in the +Z direction relative to the glue belt 32, which will be described later. The recording head 24 is an example of an ejection unit capable of ejecting ink droplets Q, which are an example of liquid droplets, onto the media M. By ejecting ink droplets Q onto the media M, the recording head 24 enables the recording of an image onto the media M. Media M is an example of a recording medium on which images are recorded.

[0022] The conveying unit 30 is an example of a conveying device for conveying media M. The conveying unit 30 comprises a glue belt 32, a washing unit 36, a sponge 42, and a support unit 44 (Figure 2). The conveying unit 30 is also provided with a shaft member 52 (Figure 2), a squeezing member 56, a cleaning blade 58, a recovery tank 62, and a suction unit 64 (Figure 2).

[0023] The glue belt 32 is an example of a conveying member capable of conveying media M, and is configured as an endless belt formed by joining both ends of an elastic flat plate. The glue belt 32 is a rubber belt. The glue belt 32 is also wrapped around the drive roller 16 and the driven roller 18. In other words, the glue belt 32 is provided on the main body 12 of the device and can convey media M in the +Y direction by circumferential movement. The circumferential direction of the glue belt 32 is the +R direction. The glue belt 32 has an outer circumferential surface 32A.

[0024] The outer surface 32A is adhesive, for example, by being coated with an adhesive (not shown), and is capable of supporting and adhering to the media M. Adhesion refers to the property of being able to temporarily adhere to other members and to be able to peel off from the adhesive state. Of the outer circumferential surface 32A, the portion located in the +Z direction from the center of the drive roller 16 and along the XY plane is defined as the upper surface portion 34A. The upper surface portion 34A supports the media M. Of the outer circumferential surface 32A, the portion wrapped around the drive roller 16 is defined as the curved surface portion 34B. Of the outer circumferential surface 32A, the portion located in the -Z direction from the center of the drive roller 16 and along the XY plane is defined as the lower surface portion 34C. Of the outer circumferential surface 32A, the portion wrapped around the driven roller 18 is defined as the curved surface portion 34D.

[0025] Pressure rollers 29 are provided at the end of the upper surface 34A in the -Y direction and at a position opposite to the +Z direction. The pressure rollers 29 press the media M against the outer surface 32A. After the media M is pressed against the outer surface 32A, the glue belt 32 moves in the +Y direction, bringing it into contact with the recording unit 22. The media M is then recorded on by the recording unit 22. The media M recorded on by the recording unit 22 is then peeled off the curved surface 34B by being wound up by a winding roller (not shown).

[0026] The cleaning unit 36 ​​can clean the glue belt 32 with a cleaning solution S, which is an example of a liquid. The cleaning unit 36 ​​is provided at a position opposite the +Y direction end and the -Z direction on the lower surface 34C. The cleaning unit 36 ​​removes ink K, fibers, etc., adhering to the outer surface 32A by cleaning the glue belt 32 with the cleaning solution S after the media M has been peeled off. The cleaning unit 36, as an example, comprises a cleaning tank 37, a brush roller 38, and a motor (not shown) that rotates the brush roller 38.

[0027] The cleaning tank 37 is formed in a box shape that opens in the +Z direction. Cleaning liquid S is stored inside the cleaning tank 37. The brush roller 38 rotates around a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X direction. Both ends of the rotation axis in the X direction are supported by the cleaning tank 37. A portion of the outer circumference of the brush roller 38 in the -Z direction from its center is immersed in the cleaning fluid S. Also, a portion of the outer circumference of the brush roller 38 in the +Z direction from its center is in contact with the outer surface 32A. The length of the brush roller 38 in the X direction is the same as, or slightly longer than, the length of the glue belt 32 in the X direction.

[0028] The sponge 42 is positioned opposite the lower surface portion 34C in the -Z direction and downstream in the +R direction from the cleaning portion 36, i.e., in the -Y direction. The sponge 42 is a cylindrical member having a central axis extending in the X direction. The sponge 42 is a porous elastic material and has an open-cell structure consisting of a plurality of cells (not shown). Each cell functions as a chamber capable of containing the cleaning liquid S.

[0029] When the sponge 42 is compressed while containing air and cleaning fluid S inside each cell, it expels the air and cleaning fluid S from inside each cell to the outside. However, when the sponge 42 is compressed, some of the air and cleaning fluid S may move to other cells, causing some of the air and cleaning fluid S to remain inside the sponge 42. Furthermore, when the sponge 42 returns from a compressed state to an uncompressed state, negative pressure is generated inside each cell, allowing it to draw in air and cleaning liquid S.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the sponge 42 is supported by a support part 44, which will be described later. This allows a portion of the sponge 42 to come into contact with the glue belt 32, which has been cleaned by the cleaning part 36. Specifically, the sponge 42 is provided on the outer circumference of the rotating member 46, which will be described later, and is pressed against the glue belt 32, allowing it to rotate with respect to the glue belt 32. The portion of the sponge 42 that is in contact with the outer surface 32A is compressed in the Z direction by being sandwiched between the support portion 44 and the glue belt 32. The entire region of the sponge 42 that is compressed is called the compression region N. In Figure 2, the compression region N is shown as a region with a width N in the Y direction.

[0031] The support portion 44 is, for example, a rotatable rotating member 46. The rotating member 46 is a member that extends in the X direction. The rotating member 46 is supported by the shaft member 52, which will be described later, and is therefore rotatable around the shaft member 52. The rotation direction of the rotating member 46 is defined as the +RA direction. The rotating member 46 is provided in a cylindrical shape, for example, having an inner circumferential surface 47 and an outer circumferential surface, which is a support surface 48. An opening 49 is provided in the support surface 48. The inner surface of the sponge 42 is bonded to the parts of the support surface 48 other than the opening 49. In this way, the support part 44 has a support surface 48 capable of supporting the sponge 42.

[0032] As an example, multiple openings 49 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating member 46. Each opening 49 is provided in a slit shape extending in the X direction, as an example. Multiple openings 49 may be provided not only in the circumferential direction of the rotating member 46 but also at intervals in the X direction. As an example, there are eight openings 49 arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotating member 46. Note that the number of openings 49 may be one or more than eight. The opening 49 is provided, for example, as the end of a through hole that penetrates the rotating member 46 in the radial direction.

[0033] The shaft member 52 is, for example, provided in a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the X direction. That is, the shaft member 52 is a cylindrical member. Both ends of the shaft member 52 in the X direction are closed. The outer diameter of the shaft member 52 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the rotating member 46. The shaft member 52 is inserted inside the rotating member 46. Both ends of the shaft member 52 in the X direction are supported by the recovery tank 62 (Figure 1), which will be described later. In this way, the shaft member 52 rotatably supports the rotating member 46. The rotation centers of the sponge 42, the rotating member 46, and the shaft member 52 coincide. Let this rotation center be center C.

[0034] Here, looking from a position in the -X direction towards the +X direction, let V be the vertical line passing through the center C along the Z direction, and let H be the horizontal line passing through the center C along the Y direction. In the YZ plane, the regions divided into four by the vertical line V and the horizontal line H are called regions E1, E2, E3, and E4. Region E1 is the region that includes a point located in the -Y direction and +Z direction relative to the center C, and corresponds to the first quadrant. Region E2 is the region that includes a point located in the +Y and +Z directions relative to the center C, and corresponds to the second quadrant. Region E3 is the region that includes a point located in the +Y and -Z directions relative to the center C, and corresponds to the third quadrant. Region E4 is the region that includes points located in the -Y and -Z directions relative to the center C, and corresponds to the fourth quadrant.

[0035] The shaft member 52 has an inner circumferential surface 47 and an outer circumferential surface 53 that faces radially opposite it. For example, the outer circumferential surface 53 is provided with one communication opening 54 in the +RA direction. The communication port 54 can communicate with one opening 49 as the rotating member 46 rotates, for example. The communication port 54 connects the inside and outside of the shaft member 52. For example, the communication port 54 is located inside region E2 when viewed in the +X direction. Within region E2, the communication port 54 is located closer to the vertical line V than to the horizontal line H.

[0036] In the radial direction of the rotating member 46, the region of the outer circumferential surface 53 that is aligned with the throttling member 56, which will be described later, is defined as the first region A1. The region of the outer circumferential surface 53 that is shifted in the +RA direction relative to the first region A1 is defined as the second region A2. The communication port 54 is provided in the second region A2. The opening width of the communication port 54 in the +RA direction is, for example, approximately equal to the opening width of the opening 49 in the +RA direction. Of the sponge 42, the portion facing the communication port 54 and the opening 49 in a connected state is located inside the compression region N and is the portion that is compressed.

[0037] The portion of the compressed region N located inside region E2 is defined as the upstream region N1. The portion of the compressed region N located inside region E1 is defined as the downstream region N2. As the rotating member 46 rotates in the +RA direction, the sponge 42 is gradually compressed in the upstream region N1, increasing its density. In other words, the cell volume of the sponge 42 decreases. Conversely, as the rotating member 46 rotates in the +RA direction, the sponge 42 is gradually released from its compressed state in the downstream region N2, decreasing its density. In other words, the cell volume of the sponge 42 increases.

[0038] The constricting member 56 is, for example, a cylindrical member having an axis along the X direction. The majority of the constricting member 56 is located inside region E3, and the remaining part is located inside region E2. In addition, a part of the outer circumference of the constricting member 56 is embedded in the outer circumference of the sponge 42. In this way, the constricting member 56 squeezes the sponge 42 by pressing it in the radial direction. In other words, the constricting member 56 compresses the sponge 42, thereby expelling the cleaning liquid S inside the sponge 42 to the outside.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the cleaning blade 58 is located in the -Y direction relative to the sponge 42 and downstream in the +R direction. The tip of the cleaning blade 58 is in contact with the outer surface 32A. In this way, the cleaning blade 58 can collect foreign matter and other debris that could not be collected by the sponge 42. The recovery tank 62 is formed in a box shape that opens in the +Z direction. When viewed in the +X direction, the recovery tank 62 covers a portion of the sponge 42, the rotating member 46 and shaft member 52 (Figure 2), the squeezing member 56, and a portion of the cleaning blade 58. The recovery tank 62 can recover the cleaning liquid S etc. that has been discharged to the outside from the sponge 42 by the squeezing member 56 etc., and the cleaning liquid S etc. that has been scraped off by the cleaning blade 58.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the suction unit 64 is connected to the shaft member 52. The suction unit 64 is an example of a negative pressure generating unit that creates negative pressure inside the shaft member 52. In the suction unit 64, a fan (not shown) rotates to create a negative pressure state inside the shaft member 52. The negative pressure can be changed by changing the airflow rate of the suction unit 64. In other words, the suction unit 64 can create suction into the opening 49, which is in communication with the communication port 54, to the extent that a part of the sponge 42 bulges out.

[0041] Next, the operation of the printer 10 and the transport unit 30 will be explained. As shown in Figure 1, in the printer 10, the media M is transported by the circular movement of the glue belt 32. Recording is performed on the transported media M by the recording unit 22. After recording, the media M is peeled off from the glue belt 32. After the media M is removed, the outer surface 32A of the glue belt 32 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 36. At this time, some of the cleaning liquid S may remain on the outer surface 32A after cleaning. The outer surface 32A after cleaning is moved in the -Y direction and comes into contact with the sponge 42.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the portion of the sponge 42 located in the compression region N is compressed in a direction that includes at least a component in the Z direction. The frictional force acting on the contact area between the sponge 42 and the outer peripheral surface 32A acts on the sponge 42 as a conveying force. As a result, the sponge 42 and the rotating member 46 are driven to rotate in the +RA direction as the glue belt 32 moves. In addition, the portion of the sponge 42 facing the opening 49 is less likely to bulge because no negative pressure acts on it while it is facing the outer peripheral surface 53.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, when the opening 49 and the communication port 54 are connected by the rotation of the sponge 42 and the rotating member 46, the portion of the sponge 42 facing the opening 49 bulges into the interior of the opening 49 and the communication port 54 due to the action of negative pressure. Of the parts that make up the sponge 42, the parts that are almost undeformed in the +RA direction are designated as the undeformed part SP1, the parts that bulge into the opening 49 are designated as the bulging part SP2, and the parts that are compressed and do not bulge are designated as the compressed part SP3. The boundary lines between the undeformed part SP1 and the bulging part SP2, and the boundary lines between the bulging part SP2 and the compressed part SP3 are represented by dashed lines.

[0044] In the transport section 30, the ability to clean the outer surface 32A refers to the sponge 42's ability to absorb the cleaning liquid S, that is, its ability to recover the cleaning liquid S. The sponge 42's ability to recover the cleaning liquid S increases as its density decreases. In other words, the larger the volume of each cell in the sponge 42, the greater the amount of cleaning liquid S contained within that cell.

[0045] Here, the compressed section SP3 has a higher density of sponge 42 compared to the undeformed section SP1, so its ability to recover the cleaning liquid S is reduced compared to the undeformed section SP1. Although the bulging portion SP2 is partially compressed by the reaction force from the glue belt 32, the portion facing the opening 49 bulges, which suppresses an increase in density. As a result, the bulging portion SP2 does not reduce its ability to collect the cleaning fluid S compared to the undeformed portion SP1. In other words, although the bulging section SP2 is compressed by contact with the glue belt 32, it has a higher capacity to recover the cleaning fluid S compared to the compression section SP3. Furthermore, in the bulging section SP2, a negative pressure is generated as the volume increases during bulging, making it easier to aspirate the cleaning fluid S.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the sponge 42 that has absorbed the cleaning fluid S is rotated in the +RA direction. As the sponge 42 rotates, it is compressed by being squeezed between the squeezing member 56 and the rotating member 46. In other words, the cleaning fluid S is discharged to the outside of the sponge 42 by being squeezed by the squeezing member 56. As a result, the sponge 42's ability to recover the cleaning fluid S becomes close to its recovery ability in the uncompressed state before rotation.

[0047] As explained above, when the conveying unit 30 comes into contact with the glue belt 32, a portion of the sponge 42 is compressed between the support surface 48 and the glue belt 32. At this point, a portion of the sponge 42 is released from the compressed state by bulging into the opening 49 provided in the support surface 48. In other words, a portion of the sponge 42 that is less compressible can be created. This less compressible portion has a lower density than the compressed portion and has a higher capacity to absorb the cleaning liquid S. As a result, the cleaning liquid S in the compressed portion of the sponge 42 moves inward to the less compressible portion, which prevents the cleaning liquid S from seeping out of the compressed portion onto the glue belt 32. This prevents a decrease in the sponge 42's ability to clean the outer surface 32A of the glue belt 32.

[0048] In the sponge 42, when the cleaning liquid S is removed from the glue belt 32, it is compressed, which makes it more likely for the cleaning liquid S to seep back into the glue belt 32 than to be absorbed. In this case, in a driven-rotation sponge 42 where the rotating member 46 rotates in conjunction with the conveying operation of the glue belt 32, the seepage of the cleaning liquid S into the glue belt 32 is more pronounced compared to a configuration using a non-rotating sponge 42. According to the conveying unit 30, even when using a driven-rotating sponge 42, a portion of the sponge 42 expands into the opening 49, changing the state of the sponge 42 from a compressed state to a released state. As a result, the density of the sponge 42 decreases, ensuring its ability to absorb the cleaning liquid S, thereby preventing a decrease in the sponge 42's ability to clean the outer surface 32A of the glue belt 32.

[0049] According to the transport unit 30, when the sponge 42 comes into contact with the squeezing member 56, the communication opening 54 is located in the second region A2 rather than the first region A1, thereby maintaining the sponge 42 in a compressed state. As a result, the sponge 42 in contact with the squeezing member 56 is less likely to be released from its compressed state, thus suppressing a decrease in the squeezing ability of the sponge 42 by the squeezing member 56. According to the transport unit 30, a portion of the sponge 42 that is released from its compressed state at the opening 49 expands further into the shaft member 52 due to the negative pressure inside the shaft member 52 generated by the suction unit 64. This makes it easier for the sponge 42 to absorb the cleaning liquid S, thereby further increasing the cleaning liquid S recovery capacity of a portion of the sponge 42.

[0050] According to the printer 10, when the sponge 42 comes into contact with the glue belt 32, a portion of it is compressed between the support surface 48 and the glue belt 32. At this point, a portion of the sponge 42 is released from the compressed state by bulging into the opening 49 provided in the support surface 48. In other words, a portion of the sponge 42 that is less compressible can be created. This less compressible portion has a lower density than the compressed portion and a higher capacity to absorb the cleaning liquid S. As a result, the cleaning liquid S that seeps out from the compressed portion of the sponge 42 moves to the less compressible portion, which prevents the cleaning liquid S from seeping out from the compressed portion. This prevents a decrease in the sponge 42's ability to clean the outer surface 32A of the glue belt 32.

[0051] [Embodiment 2] The transport unit 70 of Embodiment 2 will be described in detail below. Components similar to those in the printer 10 and transport unit 30 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the transport unit 70 is provided in the printer 10 in place of the transport unit 30 (Figure 1). The configuration of the printer 10 other than the transport unit 70 is the same as that of Embodiment 1. The transport unit 70 is an example of a transport device that transports media M. The conveying unit 70 is equipped with a shaft member 72 in place of the shaft member 52 (Figure 2) in the conveying unit 30. The configuration other than the shaft member 72 is the same as that of the conveying unit 30, so a description is omitted.

[0053] The shaft member 72 has a communication opening 74 added to the shaft member 52. The configuration other than the communication opening 74 is the same as that of the shaft member 52, so the explanation is omitted. On the outer circumferential surface 53, as an example, communication openings 54 and 74 are provided, aligned in the +RA direction. The communication port 74 is located downstream of the communication port 54 in the +RA direction. The communication ports 54 and 74 are approximately symmetrical with respect to the vertical line V when viewed in the +X direction. The size of the communication port 74 is approximately the same as that of the communication port 54.

[0054] The communication port 74 can communicate with one opening 49 as the rotating member 46 rotates, for example. The communication port 74 connects the inside and outside of the shaft member 52. For example, the communication port 74 is located inside region E1 when viewed in the +X direction. Within region E1, the communication port 74 is located closer to the vertical line V than to the horizontal line H. Furthermore, the communication port 74 is provided in the second region A2 (Figure 2). The opening width of the communication port 74 in the +RA direction is, for example, approximately equal to the opening width of the opening 49 in the +RA direction. Of the sponge 42, the portion facing the communication port 74 and the opening 49 in the communication state is located inside the downstream region N2 and is a portion that is gradually released from the compressed state as it rotates.

[0055] Next, the operation of the transport unit 70 will be explained. As shown in Figure 5, when the opening 49 and the communication port 74 are connected by the rotation of the sponge 42 and the rotating member 46, the portion of the sponge 42 facing the opening 49 bulges into the interior of the opening 49 and the communication port 74 due to the action of negative pressure. Furthermore, among the parts that make up the sponge 42, the part that is inside the downstream region N2 and bulges into the opening 49 is distinguished as the bulging part SP4. The boundary line between the undeformed part SP1 and the bulging part SP4, and the boundary line between the bulging part SP4 and the compressed part SP3 are represented by dashed lines.

[0056] As the bulging section SP4 moves downstream in the +RA direction, its distance from the Groubert 32 increases, and it is gradually released from its compressed state as it rotates. Furthermore, the portion of the bulging section SP4 facing the opening 49 becomes less dense as it bulges. As a result, the volume of the bulging section SP4 increases during bulging, creating negative pressure, which makes it easier to draw in the cleaning fluid S. In this way, in the transport section 70, the recovery capacity of the cleaning liquid S can be increased by applying negative pressure to the sponge 42 in the portion of the downstream region N2 where the communication port 74 is provided. This prevents the cleaning liquid S recovered in the compression section SP3 from adhering again to the outer surface 32A in the expansion section SP4.

[0057] [Embodiment 3] The transport unit 80 of Embodiment 3 will be described in detail below. Note that components similar to those in the printer 10 and transport units 30 and 70 of Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, the transport unit 80 is provided in the printer 10 in place of the transport unit 30 (Figure 1). The configuration of the printer 10 other than the transport unit 80 is the same as that of Embodiment 1. The conveying unit 80 is an example of a conveying device for conveying media M. The conveying unit 80 comprises a glue belt 32, a washing unit 36, a sponge 82, and a support unit 84. The conveying unit 80 is also provided with a cleaning blade 92, a recovery tank 94, and a suction unit 96.

[0059] The sponge 82 is positioned opposite the lower surface portion 34C in the -Z direction and downstream in the +R direction from the cleaning portion 36, i.e., in the -Y direction. The sponge 82 is a prismatic member extending in the X direction. The sponge 82 is a porous elastic material and has a continuous cell structure consisting of a plurality of cells (not shown). Each cell functions as a chamber capable of containing the cleaning liquid S. The upper surface 83 of the sponge 82 in the +Z direction is located along the XY plane. The entire upper surface 83 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 32A.

[0060] When the sponge 82 is compressed while containing air and cleaning fluid S inside each cell, it expels the air and cleaning fluid S from inside each cell to the outside. However, when the sponge 82 is compressed, some of the air and cleaning fluid S may move to other cells, causing some of the air and cleaning fluid S to remain inside the sponge 82. Also, when the sponge 82 returns from a compressed state to an uncompressed state, negative pressure is generated inside each cell, allowing it to draw in air and cleaning fluid S.

[0061] The sponge 82 is supported by a support portion 84, which will be described later. As a result, the upper surface 83 of the sponge 82 is in contact with the outer surface 32A that has been cleaned by the cleaning portion 36. The sponge 82 is fixed to the support portion 84. Therefore, the glue belt 32 slides against the sponge 82. In addition, the sponge 82 is compressed in the Z direction by being sandwiched between the support portion 44 and the glue belt 32.

[0062] The support portion 84 is configured, for example, to include a chamber 86 and a bracket (not shown) that fixes the chamber 86 to a part of the main body portion 12 of the device (Figure 1). Chamber 86 is a hollow member extending in the X direction. Chamber 86 has an upper wall 87 that forms the ceiling of chamber 86. The upper wall 87 has a support surface 88 which is the upper surface in the +Z direction.

[0063] The support surface 88 is, for example, a plane aligned with the XY plane. The support surface 88 is provided with openings 89A, 89B, and 89C. The lower surface 85 in the -Z direction of the sponge 82 is bonded to the parts of the support surface 88 other than the openings 89A, 89B, and 89C. In this way, the support portion 84 has a support surface 88 capable of supporting the sponge 82.

[0064] The openings 89A, 89B, and 89C are arranged with a gap in the Y direction when viewed in the +X direction. The openings 89A, 89B, and 89C are provided as the ends of through holes that penetrate the upper wall 87 in the Z direction. In addition, the openings 89A, 89B, and 89C are provided in a slit shape that extends in the X direction. The opening 89A is located in the +Y direction, slightly above the center of the upper wall 87 in the Y direction. The length of the opening 89A in the Y direction is L1 [mm]. The opening 89B is located in the center of the upper wall 87 in the Y direction. The length of the opening 89B in the Y direction is L2 [mm]. The opening 89C is located in the -Y direction, slightly above the center of the upper wall 87 in the Y direction. The length of the opening 89C in the Y direction is L3 [mm]. For example, L1 <L2<L3である。

[0065] Furthermore, multiple openings 89A, 89B, and 89C may be provided with spacing not only in the Y direction but also in the X direction. Also, the number of openings provided on the support surface 88, such as openings 89A, 89B, and 89C, is not limited to three; there may be one or more. Additionally, the openings provided on the support surface 88 are not limited to having different lengths in the Y direction; they may all have the same length in the Y direction, or some may have the same length while the rest have different lengths.

[0066] The cleaning blade 92 is located in the -Y direction relative to the sponge 82 and downstream in the +R direction. The tip of the cleaning blade 92 is in contact with the outer surface 32A. In this way, the cleaning blade 92 can collect foreign matter and other debris that could not be collected by the sponge 82. The recovery tank 94 is formed in a box shape that opens in the +Z direction. When viewed in the +X direction, the recovery tank 94 covers a portion of the sponge 82, the chamber 86, and a portion of the cleaning blade 92. The recovery tank 94 can recover the cleaning liquid S that flows down the side of the sponge 82 and the cleaning liquid S that is scraped off by the cleaning blade 92.

[0067] The suction unit 96 sucks in the gas inside the chamber 86. The gas includes not only air but also other gases. The suction unit 96 is connected to the chamber 86. In the suction unit 96, a fan (not shown) rotates to create a negative pressure state inside the chamber 86. The negative pressure in the suction unit 96 can be changed by changing the airflow rate. In other words, the suction unit 96 can perform suction to the extent that a portion of the sponge 82 expands into the openings 89A, 89B, and 89C. Furthermore, the suction unit 96 is equipped with a recovery unit (not shown). The suction unit 96 is configured to recover the cleaning liquid S etc. sucked into the chamber 86 during suction using the recovery unit.

[0068] Next, the operation of the transport unit 80 will be explained. As shown in Figure 6, the sponge 82 comes into contact with the outer surface 32A after cleaning by the cleaning unit 36, thereby recovering the cleaning liquid S and the like adhering to the outer surface 32A. Specifically, the cleaning liquid S and the like penetrates into the interior of the sponge 82, and is recovered by the sponge 82. The cleaning liquid S and the like recovered by the sponge 82 flows down the interior of the sponge 82 in the -Z direction due to the action of its own weight and the suction action of the suction unit 96.

[0069] The portions of the sponge 82 facing the openings 89A, 89B, and 89C bulge out into the interior of the openings 89A, 89B, and 89C and the interior of the chamber 86 due to the action of negative pressure. In the bulging portions of the sponge 82, the density of the sponge 82 decreases over almost the entire Z-direction. In other words, in the bulging portions of the sponge 82, the volume increases when bulging, which increases the amount of cleaning liquid S that can be held, thus suppressing the movement of some of the cleaning liquid S from the sponge 82 to the outer surface 32A.

[0070] As explained above, when the conveying unit 80 comes into contact with the glue belt 32, a portion of the sponge 82 is compressed between the support surface 88 and the glue belt 32. At this point, a portion of the sponge 82 is released from the compressed state by bulging into the openings 89A, 89B, and 89C provided in the support surface 88. In other words, a portion of the sponge 82 that is less compressible can be created. This less compressible portion has a lower density than the compressed portion and has a higher capacity to absorb the cleaning liquid S. As a result, the cleaning liquid S in the compressed portion of the sponge 82 moves inward to the less compressible portion, which prevents the cleaning liquid S from seeping out of the compressed portion onto the glue belt 32. This prevents a decrease in the sponge 82's ability to clean the outer surface 32A of the glue belt 32.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the conveying unit 80, the state of the -Z-direction end portion of the sponge 82 is released from its compressed state at the openings 89A, 89B, and 89C, causing it to bulge into the interior of the openings. In addition, the state of a portion of the sponge 82 is further bulged into the interior of the chamber 86 as the gas inside the chamber 86 is sucked in by the suction unit 96. As a result, the density of a portion of the sponge 82 decreases, increasing its ability to absorb the cleaning liquid S. In other words, the sponge 82 becomes more adept at absorbing the cleaning liquid S, further increasing the cleaning liquid S recovery capacity of a portion of the sponge 82.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the conveying section 80, the lengths L1, L2, and L3 in the Y direction of the openings 89A, 89B, and 89C are sequentially longer toward the downstream direction in the +R direction. In other words, the ability of the sponge 82 to recover the cleaning liquid S is increased toward the downstream direction in the +R direction. As a result, even if the upper end of the sponge 82 in the +Z direction deforms in the +R direction due to the frictional force with the glue belt 32, as shown by the dashed line, the portion of the sponge 82 that has deformed in the +R direction and the portion near that portion tend to maintain a relatively high cleaning liquid S recovery capacity. Therefore, the cleaning liquid S and the like are less likely to remain on the outer surface 32A.

[0073] [Embodiment 4] The transport unit 100 of Embodiment 4 will be described in detail below. Note that components similar to those of the printer 10 and transport units 30, 70, and 80 of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, the transport unit 100 is provided in the printer 10 in place of the transport unit 30 (Figure 1). The configuration of the printer 10 other than the transport unit 100 is the same as that of Embodiment 1. The conveying unit 100 is an example of a conveying device for conveying media M. The conveying unit 100 includes a glue belt 32, a washing unit 36, a sponge 82, a support member 102, and a lifting unit 108. The conveying unit 100 is also provided with a cleaning blade 92 and a recovery tank 94.

[0075] The sponge 82 is positioned opposite the lower surface portion 34C in the -Z direction and downstream in the +R direction from the cleaning portion 36, i.e., in the -Y direction. The entire upper surface 83 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 32A. The sponge 82 is supported by the support surface 104 of the support member 102, which will be described later. The sponge 82 can also be compressed in the Z direction by being sandwiched between the support member 102 and the glue belt 32. The glue belt 32 slides against the sponge 82.

[0076] As the sponge 82 is sandwiched between the support member 102 and the glue belt 32 (described later), the lower surface 85 is deformed into a shape different from the shape along the XY plane. Specifically, the deformed lower surface 85 has a flat portion 85A that aligns with the XY plane when viewed in the +X direction, and an inclined portion 85B that extends in an oblique direction intersecting the Y direction. The flat sections 85A are provided at four locations on the lower surface 85, for example. The inclined sections 85B are provided at three locations on the lower surface 85, for example. Alternatively, the entire lower surface 85 may be composed of a single inclined section 85B. Of the four flat sections 85A, the flat section 85A located at the end in the -Y direction is bonded to the support surface 104, which will be described later.

[0077] The support member 102 is an example of a support having a support surface 104 capable of supporting the sponge 82. The support member 102 is longer in the X direction than the glue belt 32. When viewed in the +X direction, the support member 102 has vertical wall portions 102A, 102B, 102C, and 102D, and a pair of side wall portions 103A, 103B, and 103C that connect the X-direction ends of each of the vertical wall portions 102A, 102B, 102C, and 102D in the Y direction. Preferably, the distance between the pair of side wall portions 103A in the X direction is greater than or equal to the dimension of the sponge 82 in the X direction. The same applies to the pair of side wall portions 103B and 103C.

[0078] The vertical wall portion 102A is located at the end of the support member 102 in the +Y direction and extends in the +Z direction. The vertical wall section 102B is positioned at a distance from the vertical wall section 102A in the -Y direction and extends in the +Z direction. The vertical wall section 102B is taller in the +Z direction than the vertical wall section 102A. The vertical wall section 102C is positioned at a distance from the vertical wall section 102B in the -Y direction and extends in the +Z direction. The vertical wall section 102C is taller in the +Z direction than the vertical wall section 102B. The vertical wall section 102D is positioned at a distance from the vertical wall section 102C in the -Y direction and extends in the +Z direction. The vertical wall section 102D is taller in the +Z direction than the vertical wall section 102C. The end faces of the vertical wall sections 102A, 102B, 102C, and 102D in the -Z direction are aligned to the same height. In other words, the support member 102 has a shape in which the upper end in the +Z direction consists of multiple steps.

[0079] The support surface 104 is the upper surface of the support member 102 in the +Z direction. For example, the support surface 104 has at least flat surfaces 104A, 104C, 104E, and 104G. The support surface 104 is also provided with openings 106A, 106B, and 106C. The support member 102 has inclined surfaces 104B, 104D, and 104F. Plane 104A is the upper surface of vertical wall section 102A. Slope 104B is the upper surface of side wall section 103A. Plane 104C is the upper surface of vertical wall section 102B. Slope 104D is the upper surface of side wall section 103B. Plane 104E is the upper surface of vertical wall section 102C. Slope 104F is the upper surface of side wall section 103C. Plane 104G is the upper surface of vertical wall section 102D.

[0080] In this embodiment, as an example, the -Y end of the lower surface 85 is bonded to the plane 104G. The lower surface 85 is not bonded to the plane 104A, the slope 104B, the plane 104C, the slope 104D, the plane 104E, or the slope 104F. Before being compressed in the Z direction, only the -Y end of the lower surface 85 of the sponge 82 is supported by the support member 102. When compressed in the Z direction, the sponge 82 is supported by the support member 102 except for the portion facing the openings 106A, 106B, and 106C.

[0081] The opening 106A is provided between the vertical wall portion 102A and the vertical wall portion 102B when viewed in the +X direction. The opening 106A is provided as the end of a through hole that penetrates the support member 102 in the Z direction. The opening 106A is provided in a slit shape that extends in the X direction. The side wall portion 103A is located on the outside of the opening 106A in the X direction. The length of the opening 106A in the Y direction is L4 [mm].

[0082] The opening 106B is provided between the vertical wall portion 102B and the vertical wall portion 102C when viewed in the +X direction. The opening 106B is provided as the end of a through hole that penetrates the support member 102 in the Z direction. The opening 106B is provided in a slit shape that extends in the X direction. The side wall portion 103A is located on the outside of the opening 106B in the X direction. The length of the opening 106B in the Y direction is L5 [mm].

[0083] The opening 106C is provided between the vertical wall portion 102C and the vertical wall portion 102D when viewed in the +X direction. The opening 106C is provided as the end of a through hole that penetrates the support member 102 in the Z direction. The opening 106C is provided in a slit shape that extends in the X direction. The side wall portion 103A is located on the outside of the opening 106C in the X direction. The length of the opening 106C in the Y direction is L6 [mm]. Here, as an example, L4 <L5<L6である。

[0084] Furthermore, multiple openings 106A, 106B, and 106C may be provided with spacing not only in the Y direction but also in the X direction. The number of openings provided on the support surface 104 is not limited to three; there may be one or more. In addition, the openings provided on the support surface 104 are not limited to having different lengths in the Y direction; they may all have the same length in the Y direction, or some may have the same length while the rest have different lengths.

[0085] The lifting unit 108 includes a cam and a motor (not shown). For example, the lifting unit 108 supports both ends of the support member 102 in the X direction. The lifting operation of the lifting unit 108 is controlled by the control unit 20 (Figure 1). In the initial state before the lifting mechanism 108 is operated, the support member 102 is in a lowered position in the -Z direction. In this state, the lower surface 85 is aligned with the XY plane, as shown by the dashed line T.

[0086] Next, the operation of the transport unit 100 will be explained. As shown in Figure 7, when the lifting mechanism 108 is operated, the support member 102 rises in the +Z direction. The parts of the sponge 82 that do not face the openings 106A, 106B, and 106C are compressed in the Z direction by being sandwiched between the glue belt 32 and the support member 102. On the other hand, the parts of the sponge 82 facing the openings 106A, 106B, and 106C are in an open state and are therefore difficult to compress. As a result, the parts of the sponge 82 facing the openings 106A, 106B, and 106C bulge into the interior of the openings 106A, 106B, and 106C as the support member 102 rises. The sponge 82 comes into contact with the outer surface 32A after cleaning by the cleaning unit 36, thereby recovering the cleaning liquid S and other substances adhering to the outer surface 32A.

[0087] Here, in the bulging portion of the sponge 82, the density of the sponge 82 decreases over almost the entire Z-direction. In other words, in the bulging portion of the sponge 82, the volume increases when it bulges, which increases the amount of cleaning liquid S that can be held, thus suppressing the movement of some of the cleaning liquid S from the sponge 82 to the glue belt 32.

[0088] As explained above, when the conveying unit 100 comes into contact with the glue belt 32, a portion of the sponge 82 is compressed between the support surface 104 and the glue belt 32. At this point, a portion of the sponge 82 is released from the compressed state by bulging into the openings 106A, 106B, and 106C provided in the support surface 104. In other words, a portion of the sponge 82 that is less compressible can be created. This less compressible portion has a lower density than the compressed portion and has a higher capacity to absorb the cleaning liquid S. As a result, the cleaning liquid S in the compressed portion of the sponge 82 moves inward to the less compressible portion, which prevents the cleaning liquid S from seeping out of the compressed portion onto the glue belt 32. This prevents a decrease in the sponge 82's ability to clean the outer surface 32A of the glue belt 32.

[0089] Furthermore, in the conveying section 100, the lengths L4, L5, and L6 of the openings 106A, 106B, and 106C in the Y direction are sequentially longer toward the downstream direction in the +R direction. In other words, the ability of the sponge 82 to recover the cleaning liquid S is increased toward the downstream direction in the +R direction. As a result, even if the upper end of the sponge 82 in the +Z direction deforms in the +R direction due to the frictional force with the glue belt 32, as shown by the dashed line, the portion of the sponge 82 that has deformed in the +R direction and the portion near that portion tend to maintain a relatively high cleaning liquid S recovery capacity. Therefore, the cleaning liquid S and the like are less likely to remain on the outer surface 32A.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the transport unit 100, when the printer 10 is not recording, in so-called maintenance mode, the support member 102 can be raised and lowered in the Z direction as the glue belt 32 moves. When the support member 102 is lowered, the sponge 82 transitions from a compressed state to a released state, generating negative pressure inside the sponge 82. This makes it easier to recover the cleaning liquid S compared to a configuration where the support member 102 does not move up or down.

[0091] In addition, according to the transport section 100, the heights of the vertical wall sections 102A, 102B, 102C, and 102D are different, with the vertical wall section 102D being the tallest. Therefore, when the support member 102 is raised and lowered in the Z direction, the degree of compression of the sponge 82 is highest at the downstream end and its vicinity in the +R direction, and lowest at the upstream end and its vicinity. As a result, the cleaning liquid S collected in the downstream portion of the sponge 82 in the +R direction flows more easily to the upstream portion, which has a larger volume than the downstream portion. These actions suppress the movement of the cleaning liquid S collected in the sponge 82 from the downstream portion of the sponge 82 in the +R direction to the glue belt 32.

[0092] [Variation] The transport units 30, 70, 80, 100 and the printer 10 according to embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the present invention are based on having the configuration described above, but it is of course possible to make partial changes, omissions, combinations, etc., of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Modifications will be described below.

[0093] In the transport section 30, a drive unit may be provided to drive the rotating member 46, causing the rotating member 46 to rotate in the opposite direction to the +RA direction. In this case, a communication opening 74 may be provided instead of the communication opening 54. If multiple communication openings are provided, one of the multiple communication openings may be provided in the first region A1. The shaft member 52 may be solid, i.e., cylindrical. Alternatively, a recess may be provided on the outer circumference of a solid shaft member, and the recess may be arranged so that it communicates with the opening. For example, if the radial thickness of the rotating member 46 is relatively thin, the space is larger at the position where the recess and the opening communicate, so the sponge 42 is more likely to bulge. The shutter member may be made movable on the shaft member 52, thereby allowing the opening area of ​​the communication port 54 to be changed.

[0094] The transport section 70 may be configured to have only a communication opening 74 and no communication opening 54. Furthermore, a drive unit may be provided to drive the rotating member 46, causing the rotating member 46 to rotate in the opposite direction to the +RA direction. The shutter member may be movably provided on the shaft member 72, so that the opening areas of the communication openings 54 and 74 can be changed. In the transport section 80, a shutter member may be provided in the chamber 86 to allow the opening areas of the openings 89A, 89B, and 89C to be changed.

[0095] The opening 49 may include openings with different lengths in the +RA direction. Openings 49, 89A, 89B, 89C, and 106A, 106B, 106C are not limited to forming the opening portion of a through hole, but may also form the opening portion of a bottomed recess. In other words, openings 49, 89A, 89B, 89C, and 106A, 106B, 106C may be formed as opening portions between adjacent protrusions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1...Factory, 2...Floor, 10...Printer, 12...Main unit, 14...Main unit cover 16...Drive roller, 18...Driven roller, 20...Control unit, 22...Recording unit, 24...Recording head, 26...Carriage, 29...Pressure roller, 30...Conveyor unit 32...Glue belt, 32A...Outer surface, 34A...Top surface part, 34B...Curved surface part, 34C...Bottom section, 34D...Curved section, 36...Cleaning section, 37...Cleaning tank, 38...Brush roller 42...Sponge, 44...Support part, 46...Rotating member, 47...Inner circumferential surface, 48...Support surface, 49...Opening, 52...Shaft member, 53...Outer surface, 54...Communication opening, 56...Constriction member, 58...Cleaning blade, 62...Collection tank, 64...Suction unit, 70...Conveyor unit, 72...Shaft member, 74...Communication port, 80...Conveying section, 82...Sponge, 83...Top surface, 84...Support part, 85...Bottom surface, 85A...Flat part, 85B...Slope part, 86...Chamber, 87...upper wall, 88...support surface, 89A...opening, 89B...opening, 89C...opening, 92...Cleaning blade, 94...Collection tank, 96...Suction unit, 100...Conveying unit, 102...Support member, 102A...Vertical wall section, 102B...Vertical wall section, 102C...Vertical wall section, 102D...Vertical wall part, 103A...Side wall part, 103B...Side wall part, 103C...Side wall part, 104...support surface, 104A...plane, 104B...slope, 104C...plane, 104D…Slope, 104E…Plane, 104F…Slope, 104G…Plane, 106A...Opening, 106B...Opening, 106C...Opening, 108...Lifting section, A1...first area, A2...second area, C...center, E1...area, E2...area, E3...area, E4...area, H...horizontal line, K...ink, L1...length, L2...length, L3...length L4...Length, L5...Length, L6...Length, M...Media, N...Compression area, N1...Upstream area N2...Downstream region, Q...Ink droplet, SP1...Undeformed part, SP2...Bulging part, SP3...Compressed part, SP4...bulge, T...dotted chain line, V...vertical line

Claims

1. A transport member capable of transporting media, The aforementioned transport member is cleaned by a cleaning unit, A support portion having a support surface capable of supporting a sponge that comes into contact with the transport member that has been cleaned by the cleaning portion, Equipped with, The support surface is provided with at least one opening, The support portion is a rotatable rotating member, The sponge is provided on the outer circumference of the rotating member and pressed against the conveying member, and is capable of driven rotation with respect to the conveying member. The rotating member is a cylindrical member having an inner circumferential surface, A shaft member having an outer circumferential surface facing the inner circumferential surface and rotatably supporting the rotating member, A squeezing member is provided to press the sponge and squeeze it, The outer circumferential surface is provided with at least one communication opening that communicates with the at least one opening as the rotating member rotates. When the region of the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member that is aligned with the throttling member in the radial direction is defined as the first region, and the region of the outer circumferential surface that is shifted relative to the first region in the rotational direction of the rotating member is defined as the second region, the communication opening is provided in the second region. A conveying device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned shaft member is a cylindrical member, A negative pressure generating unit is provided inside the shaft member to generate negative pressure. The aforementioned communication opening connects the inside and outside of the shaft member. The conveying device according to feature 1.

3. The support portion includes a chamber, The chamber is equipped with a suction unit for drawing in the gas inside the chamber. The conveying device according to feature 1.

4. A dispensing unit capable of ejecting droplets onto media, A transport member capable of transporting the aforementioned media, The aforementioned transport member is cleaned by a cleaning unit, A support portion having a support surface capable of supporting a sponge that comes into contact with the transport member that has been cleaned by the cleaning portion, Equipped with, The support surface is provided with at least one opening, The support portion is a rotatable rotating member, The sponge is provided on the outer circumference of the rotating member and pressed against the conveying member, and is capable of driven rotation with respect to the conveying member. The rotating member is a cylindrical member having an inner circumferential surface. A shaft member having an outer circumferential surface facing the inner circumferential surface and rotatably supporting the rotating member, A squeezing member is provided to press the sponge and squeeze it, The outer circumferential surface is provided with at least one communication opening that communicates with the at least one opening as the rotating member rotates. When the region of the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member that is aligned with the throttling member in the radial direction is defined as the first region, and the region of the outer circumferential surface that is shifted relative to the first region in the rotational direction of the rotating member is defined as the second region, the communication opening is provided in the second region. A droplet dispensing device characterized by the following features.

Images