Conveying device and printing device

Abstract

To provide a conveying device and a printing device which can easily grasp whether areas of a conveying belt or areas of a blade includes an abnormal area.SOLUTION: A conveying belt constituting a conveying device conveys a medium supported on a surface thereof in a conveying direction. A removing part has a blade that contacts the surface to remove an attached object. A plurality of detecting parts detect force that the blade receives from the conveying belt or change of the force. A display part 14 displays information. An adjusting part is configured to be able to adjust a relative position of the blade with respect to the conveying belt. The plurality of detecting parts are provided to correspond to a plurality of areas in the conveying belt divided in a width direction crossing the conveying direction. When determining that the plurality of areas include an abnormal area, on the basis of detected results by the plurality of detecting parts, a control part makes the display part 14 display information showing the abnormal area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device and a printing device including a conveying belt for conveying a medium.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example of this type of printing device, a recording device that discharges a liquid such as ink onto a medium such as a recording medium for printing. This recording device includes a conveying device having a conveying belt ( endless belt ) for conveying the recording medium.

[0003] The conveying device described in Patent Document 1 includes an endless belt for conveying a recording medium placed on its surface, and a cleaning liquid attaching means for attaching a cleaning liquid to the surface of the endless belt for cleaning. Further, the conveying device has a plurality of blades that contact the surface of the endless belt on the downstream side in the moving direction of the endless belt from the cleaning liquid attaching position by the cleaning liquid attaching means, and remove the cleaning liquid attached to the surface of the endless belt.

[0004] Among the plurality of blades, the secondary blade is disposed between a pressing plate and a pushing adjustment plate, and is provided so as to contact the surface of the endless belt across the width direction of the endless belt. By changing the fixed position of the pushing adjustment plate, the user or operator changes the fixed position of the secondary blade. Thereby, the amount of pushing of the secondary blade against the endless belt is changed. By changing the amount of pushing, the contact pressure of the secondary blade against the endless belt can be changed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] ​However, the conveying device described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that it is difficult for users and operators to determine which region of the endless belt widthwise is appropriate for adjusting the amount of blade penetration, depending on their skill level. Even if users and operators are highly skilled, in actual work, it is necessary to move the endless belt around multiple times to find the region in the widthwise direction where the cleaning fluid remains, which takes extra time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A conveying device that solves the above problems comprises: a conveying belt having a surface for supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium supported on the surface in the conveying direction; a removal unit having a blade that contacts the surface and removes deposits adhering to the surface; a plurality of detection units for detecting the force received by the blade from the conveying belt or changes in said force; a display unit for displaying information; at least one adjustment unit capable of adjusting the relative position of the blade with respect to the conveying belt; and a control unit for controlling the drive of the conveying belt and the display unit, wherein each of the plurality of detection units is provided corresponding to each of a plurality of regions in the conveying belt that is divided in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction, and when the control unit determines that there is an abnormal region among the plurality of regions based on the detection results of the plurality of detection units, it causes the display unit to display information indicating the abnormal region.

[0008] A printing apparatus for solving the above problems comprises: a conveyor belt having a surface for supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium supported on the surface in a conveying direction; a printing unit for printing on the medium conveyed by the conveyor belt; a removal unit having a blade that contacts the surface and removes any deposits adhering to the surface; a plurality of detection units for detecting the force the blade receives from the conveyor belt or a change in said force; a display unit for displaying information; at least one adjustment unit capable of adjusting the relative position of the blade with respect to the conveyor belt; and a control unit for controlling the drive of the conveyor belt and the display unit, wherein each of the plurality of detection units is provided corresponding to each of a plurality of regions in the conveyor belt that is divided in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction, and when the control unit determines that there is an abnormal region among the plurality of regions based on the detection results of the plurality of detection units, it causes the display unit to display information indicating the abnormal region. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a printing apparatus equipped with a transport device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a printing device. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view showing the cleaning section and other components of a conveying device. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the washing section and the conveyor belt. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a part of the cleaning section. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the removed portion cut along the 6-6 break line in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a schematic front view showing the removal section in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic front view showing the removal area when the blade is making contact with only one side. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printing device. [Figure 10] This graph shows the load detection results for the blade over one full rotation of the conveyor belt, broken down by region. [Figure 11]It is a graph showing the average load of the blades for one revolution of the conveyor belt by region. [Figure 12] It is a graph showing the load detection results of the blades for one revolution of the conveyor belt after adjustment by region. [Figure 13] It is a graph showing the vibration detection results of the blades for one rotation of the conveyor belt. [Figure 14] It is a graph showing the relationship between the average vibration intensity of the blades and time. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the belt inspection process. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram showing information on abnormal regions displayed on the display unit. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram showing information on abnormal regions different from that shown in FIG. 16 displayed on the display unit.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the printing apparatus 11 will be described with reference to the drawings.In the drawings, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z axis, and the directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by the X axis and the Y axis. The X axis, Y axis, and Z axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the direction along the X axis is also referred to as the width direction X, the direction along the Y axis is also referred to as the conveyance direction Y, and the direction along the Z axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z. The X axis is a virtual axis parallel to the width direction X of the conveyor belt described later, and the Y axis is a virtual axis parallel to the conveyance direction Y of the medium M on the conveyor belt 21. Note that the direction in which the conveyor belt 21 circulates is also referred to as the circulation direction CD.

[0011] <Regarding the Configuration of the Printing Apparatus 11> As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 11 includes a conveyance device 20 and a printing unit 30. The conveyance device 20 includes a conveyor belt 21 that conveys the medium M. The conveyor belt 21 supports and conveys the medium M, such as cloth or paper, on the outer peripheral surface 24. The printing unit 30 performs printing on the medium M conveyed by the conveyor belt 21.

[0012] The printing device 11 has a housing 12 with a column-beam structure. The printing device 11 includes an operation unit 13. Further, the printing device 11 includes a display unit 14 for notifying information. The operation unit 13 is constituted by, for example, an operation panel having the display unit 14. The display unit 14 is realized by, for example, a touch panel type display device or the like. The operation unit 13 can give an instruction to the printing device 11 by the screen of the display unit 14 being operated by the user. Note that the operation unit 13 may be realized by operation buttons or the like. In this case, the printing device 11 may include the display unit 14 separately from the operation unit 13.

[0013] Also, the printing device 11 includes an ink supply source 15 that supplies ink used when the printing unit 30 prints on the medium M. The ink supply source 15 stores one color of ink out of a plurality of colors of ink. The ink colors include, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and the like. The printing unit 30 prints an image or the like on the medium M by discharging the ink supplied from the ink supply source 15 toward the medium M, for example. Note that the ink supply source 15 may be an ink cartridge or an ink tank.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 11 includes a conveying device 20. The conveying device 20 is supported by the housing 12. Further, the conveying device 20 includes the aforementioned printing unit 30 and a control unit 100 that controls the conveying device 20 and the printing unit 30. The printing unit 30 prints on the medium M conveyed by a conveying belt 21. The printing unit 30, the control unit 100, etc. are covered by a cover 16.

[0015] The housing 12 has a column-beam structure including a bottom frame 12a, column frames 12b, and an upper frame 12c. The cover 16 is an exterior member that covers, in the printing device 11, for example, the printing unit 30 located above the conveying belt 21.

[0016] The printing unit 30 includes a discharge unit 31 that discharges a liquid such as ink. The printing unit 30 performs a printing operation of printing an image or the like on the medium M by discharging a liquid such as ink from the discharge unit 31 toward the medium M supported by the conveying belt 21.

[0017] The conveying device 20 includes a conveying unit 22 having a rotatable conveying belt 21. The conveying belt 21 has a surface 25A that supports a medium M, and is configured to convey the medium M supported on the surface 25A in the conveying direction Y. The conveying belt 21 may have an adhesive layer 25 to which the medium M can be attached. The conveying belt 21 may be configured to convey the medium M attached to the adhesive layer 25 in the conveying direction Y. If the conveying belt 21 has an adhesive layer 25, the outermost layer of the adhesive layer 25 functions as the surface 25A.

[0018] The conveyor belt 21 includes an endless belt base material 21B and an adhesive layer 25 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the belt base material 21B. The medium M is attached to the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25. The adhesive layer 25 has adhesive properties that allow it to temporarily adhere to other components and to be peeled off from the adhered state.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the transport unit 22 is located on the upper part of the housing 12 and includes a drive roller 23A, a driven roller 23B, and a transport belt 21. The transport unit 22 is capable of transporting the medium M in the +Y direction as the transport belt 21 moves due to the rotation of the drive roller 23A. Both the drive roller 23A and the driven roller 23B have axes of rotation along the X direction. The printing device 11 includes a feeding unit 18 (see Figure 9) for feeding the medium M to be attached to the transport belt 21. The printing device 11 is used in conjunction with a winding device (not shown) that peels the printed medium M off the transport belt 21 and winds it up.

[0020] The conveyor belt 21 is an elastic, endless belt. The conveyor belt 21 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the drive roller 23A and the driven roller 23B. The conveying unit 22 rotates the endless conveyor belt 21 along a predetermined circular path by rotating the drive roller 23A.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the outer circumferential surface 24 of the conveyor belt 21 is divided into multiple parts based on its position and shape. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface 24 is divided into an upper surface portion 24a, a downstream curved surface portion 24b, a lower surface portion 24c, and an upstream curved surface portion 24d. The upper surface portion 24a is located above the center of the drive roller 23A and has a flat surface along the XY plane. The upper surface portion 24a is the part of the conveyor belt 21 that faces the printing section 30 in the circumferential direction CD. The upper surface portion 24a is the part of the conveyor belt 21 that supports the medium M. The curved surface portion 24b is the part of the conveyor belt 21 that has a curved surface wrapped around the drive roller 23A. The medium M attached to the adhesive layer 25 is peeled off in the middle of the curved surface portion 24b. Furthermore, the lower surface portion 24c is located below the center of the drive roller 23A and has a flat surface along the XY plane. Furthermore, the curved portion 24d is the part of the conveyor belt 21 that has a curved surface around the driven roller 23B. Therefore, at least the surface of the upper portion 24a and the surface of the curved portion 24b function as support surfaces for the conveyor belt 21 that supports the medium M. In addition to the surface of the upper portion 24a and the surface of the curved portion 24b, the surface of the curved portion 24d may also function as a support surface for the conveyor belt 21 that supports the medium M.

[0022] The conveying device 20 has a conveying motor 26, which is the drive source for the drive roller 23A. The control unit 100 drives the conveying motor 26, which controls the driving and stopping of the conveying belt 21 and the conveying speed while driving.

[0023] Here, the adhesive layer 25 can be either heat-sensitive or pressure-sensitive. The heat-sensitive adhesive layer 25 has the property that its adhesive strength increases as the temperature increases. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 25 has the property that its adhesive strength increases as the pressure increases. In this example, the adhesive layer 25 is heat-sensitive. Therefore, the transport device 20 is equipped with a first heating unit 33 and a second heating unit 36 ​​for heating the adhesive layer 25. Here, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 25 also has the property that its adhesive strength increases as the temperature increases. However, when the degree of change in adhesive strength ΔF with respect to the change in temperature ΔT is defined as ΔF / ΔT, the ΔF / ΔT of the heat-sensitive adhesive layer 25 is greater than the ΔF / ΔT of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 25. Note that if the adhesive layer 25 is pressure-sensitive, the first heating unit 33 may not be necessary.

[0024] The first heating unit 33 heats the conveyor belt 21 in the portion where the medium M is not attached. The first heating unit 33 heats the adhesive layer 25 at a position upstream in the conveying direction Y from the attachment start position AP where the attachment of the medium M to the adhesive layer 25 begins. The first heating unit 33 is equipped with a heater 33A that serves as a heat source. Specifically, the first heating unit 33 heats the adhesive layer 25 of the conveyor belt 21 at a predetermined position within the section from the conveyor belt 21 after cleaning by the cleaning unit 40 to the attachment start position AP where the medium M is attached.

[0025] The conveying device 20 includes a pressing unit 34 that presses the medium M and adheres it to the conveying belt 21. The pressing unit 34 includes a pressure roller 35 that rotates while applying pressure to the medium M. The second heating unit 36 ​​heats the pressure roller 35. The heated pressure roller 35 heats the medium M when it presses it. The pressure roller 35 adheres the medium M to the surface 25A of the conveying belt 21 by pressing it. Therefore, the heated pressure roller 35 heats the surface 25A of the conveying belt 21 when it presses the medium M.

[0026] The pressing unit 34 is a mechanism that presses the medium M against the adhesive layer 25 in order to attach the medium M to the adhesive layer 25. The pressing unit 34 attaches the medium M to the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25 by having the pressure roller 35 reciprocate in the +Y and -Y directions within a predetermined range in the Y-axis direction while applying pressure to the medium M that has been sent onto the conveyor belt 21. The pressure roller 35 is heated by the second heating unit 36 ​​and presses the medium M against the adhesive layer 25 while heating the adhesive layer 25 from above the medium M. When the conveyor belt 21 is pressurized by the pressure roller 35, it is supported by a support base 17 located on the opposite side of the conveyor belt 21 from the pressure roller 35.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the printing unit 30 is located above the transport device 20. The printing unit 30 is configured to print on a medium M that is transported in the transport direction Y. The printing unit 30 may be a serial printing system or a line printing system. When the printing unit 30 is a serial printing system, it includes a discharge unit 31 and a carriage 32 that supports the discharge unit 31 so that it can reciprocate along the width direction X. The discharge unit 31 is positioned in the +Z direction with respect to the medium M and prints on the medium M by discharging ink, as an example of a liquid, onto the printable surface of the medium M. The discharge unit 31 is controlled by the control unit 100. After printing is complete, the medium M is separated from the curved surface 24b of the transport belt 21 by the force of a winding device (not shown) that winds the medium M into a roll.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the conveying device 20 includes a cleaning unit 40 for cleaning the conveying belt 21, a removal unit 44 for removing deposits including cleaning liquid from the conveying belt 21, and a drying unit 37 for drying the conveying belt 21 after cleaning.

[0029] The cleaning unit 40 cleans the conveyor belt 21 at the lower surface portion 24c. The cleaning unit 40 is positioned in the -Z direction relative to the +Y direction end of the lower surface portion 24c. The cleaning unit 40 cleans the adhesive layer 25 by applying a cleaning solution, which is an example of a liquid, to the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25. The cleaning unit 40 is controlled by the control unit 100. Details of the cleaning unit 40 will be described later.

[0030] The removal unit 44 has a blade 43 that contacts the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21 to remove any deposits adhering to the surface 25A. The removal unit 44 is positioned downstream of the cleaning unit 40 in the circumferential direction CD.

[0031] The drying unit 37 dries the conveyor belt 21 after washing. The drying unit 37 is located downstream of the washing unit 40 in the circumferential direction CD. In the example shown in Figure 2, the drying unit 37 is located adjacent to the washing unit 40 in the -Y direction. The drying unit 37 blows air toward the outer surface 24, for example. The drying unit 37 dries the outer surface 24 (surface 25A) by blowing hot air, for example.

[0032] The conveying device 20 includes a lifting mechanism 45 for raising and lowering the cleaning unit 40. The cleaning unit 40 is configured to be able to move up and down in the Z-axis direction relative to the conveyor belt 21 by the lifting mechanism 45. The lifting mechanism 45 includes, for example, one or more (multiple in the example in Figure 2) electric actuators 46 as a drive source. The rods of the electric actuators 46 are fixed to the frame 47 of the cleaning unit 40. The lifting mechanism 45 positions the cleaning unit 40 in a retracted position where the brushes 42 and blades 43 are separated downward from the surface 25A when not in use, and in a cleaning position where the brushes 42 and blades 43 are in contact with the surface 25A when in use.

[0033] The direction in which the blade 43 moves away from the adhesive layer 25 is called the first direction DS1, and the direction opposite to the first direction DS1, in which the blade 43 moves towards the adhesive layer 25, is called the second direction DS2. The lifting mechanism 45 is configured to allow the blade 43 to move relative to the surface 25A in the first direction DS1 and the second direction DS2. When not in use, the cleaning unit 40 is positioned in a retracted position where the brush 42 and blade 43 are separated downward from the surface 25A, and when in use, it is positioned in a cleaning position where the brush 42 and blade 43 are in contact with the surface 25A. In the example shown in Figure 2, the drying unit 37 is also configured to be raised and lowered together with the cleaning unit 40 by the lifting mechanism 45.

[0034] The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory (not shown). The CPU is an arithmetic processing unit. The memory is a storage device that reserves an area for storing the CPU's program or a working area, and has memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), as well as storage devices. The CPU controls the operation of each part of the printing device 11 according to the program stored in the memory. Specifically, the control unit 100 controls the transport unit 22, the first heating unit 33, the pressing unit 34, the printing unit 30, the washing unit 40, and the drying unit 37, etc.

[0035] Next, the detailed configuration of the cleaning unit 40 will be described with reference to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the cleaning unit 40 comprises a storage tank 41 for storing cleaning liquid Q, a brush 42, and a removal unit 44 having a blade 43. The brush 42 makes contact with the surface 25A and performs a cleaning operation by brushing the surface 25A with the cleaning liquid Q. The removal unit 44 has a blade 43 that contacts the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25 to remove any deposits adhering to the surface 25A. The blade 43 contacts the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25 to remove any deposits such as cleaning liquid adhering to the surface 25A.

[0036] As the discharge unit 31 prints onto the medium M, liquid may adhere to the outer surface 24 of the conveyor belt 21. For example, if the medium M is a cloth, liquid such as ink that has bled through may adhere to the outer surface 24. Also, when the medium M is peeled off the outer surface 24, threads from the cloth may remain on the outer surface 24. Liquids such as ink adhering to the outer surface 24 can cause contamination of the medium M, and threads remaining on the outer surface 24 can reduce the adhesive strength of the medium M to the outer surface 24. In the cleaning unit 40, the outer surface 24 of the conveyor belt 21 is cleaned by a brush 42 to remove liquids and dust originating from the medium substrate that have adhered to the outer surface 24.

[0037] The storage tank 41 is positioned below the drive roller 23A and the conveyor belt 21. The storage tank 41 has a box shape with an open top. The storage tank 41 stores cleaning fluid Q for cleaning the outer surface 24. The cleaning fluid Q stored in the storage tank 41 is supplied to the brush 42 that performs the cleaning operation.

[0038] The brush 42 has a cylindrical shaft 42A and brush portions 42B that extend radially from the outer surface of the shaft 42A. The shaft 42A extends along the width direction X and has a pair of shaft portions 42C (only one is shown in Figure 3) that protrude outward at both ends in the width direction X. It is rotatably supported on a part of the side wall 41B of the storage tank 41. The lower part of the brush portion 42B is immersed in the cleaning fluid Q.

[0039] The brush section 42B is configured to be in contact with the lower surface 24c of the conveyor belt 21. The brush 42 is rotated by a motor (not shown) and performs a cleaning operation using the cleaning liquid Q stored in the storage tank 41 to remove liquids such as ink and dust such as lint generated from the medium M that are attached to the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21. The liquids and lint removed from the conveyor belt 21 by the brush 42 are collected in the cleaning liquid Q in the storage tank 41. In this way, the cleaning liquid Q in the storage tank 41 has the function of supplying the cleaning liquid Q necessary for the cleaning operation to the brush 42 and the function of washing off liquids such as ink and dust such as lint that are attached to the brush 42 by the cleaning operation.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the removal unit 44 having a blade 43 is attached to a part of the storage tank 41 at a position downstream of the brush 42 in the circumferential direction CD. The blade 43 wipes away any remaining cleaning liquid Q from the surface 25A after cleaning by the brush 42. The blade 43 is supported by the bracket 54 in a position tilted backward in the -Y direction at a predetermined angle with respect to the Z axis, allowing it to effectively wipe away any remaining cleaning liquid Q from the surface 25A.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, an inner frame 19 is provided on the inside (+Z direction side) of the portion of the conveyor belt 21 that contacts the tip of the blade 43. The inner frame 19 is installed in the housing 12 so as to extend in the X direction and supports the conveyor belt 21 from the inside. This allows the conveyor belt 21 to resist the pressure applied by the blade 43.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the storage tank 41 has a rear wall 41A that extends upward with its base end fixed to the outer wall surface in the -Y direction. The spray-type drying unit 37 is supported by the rear wall 41A. That is, the drying unit 37 is supported by the cleaning unit 40. The drying unit 37 blows heated air supplied through a hose 38 onto the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25. The position where the brush 42 cleans the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21 is the brushing position BP. The position where the blade 43 contacts the surface 25A is the wiping position WP.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the brush 42 and blade 43 are provided across the width X of the conveyor belt 21. The length of the brush 42 in the X direction is slightly longer than the width dimension of the area on the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21 to which the medium M with the widest width in the X direction is attached. Therefore, the entire area on the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21 to which the medium M is attached is cleaned by the brush 42. The length of the blade 43 in the width X direction is slightly longer than the length of the brush 42 in the width X direction. As a result, the blade 43 wipes a wider area on the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21 in the width X direction than the area where the brush 42 performs its cleaning operation. The blade 43 reliably wipes away any remaining cleaning fluid Q after cleaning by the brush 42, and can suppress any leakage of cleaning fluid Q. The side plate 48, which is fixed to the side wall 41B on the outside in the width X direction, extends in the -Y direction beyond the rear wall 41A when viewed from the X direction. The drying section 37 shown in Figure 3 is supported in the portion of the side plate 48 that extends in the -Y direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the conveyor belt 21 is divided into multiple regions BA1 to BAN in the width direction X intersecting the conveying direction Y. In other words, when N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, the adhesive layer 25, i.e., the surface 25A, is divided into N regions BA1 to BAN in the width direction X.

[0045] The removal unit 44 is provided with an adjustment unit 56 that can adjust the relative position of the blade 43 with respect to the conveyor belt 21. Multiple adjustment units 56 are provided at different positions in the width direction X. The adjustment unit 56 is configured to adjust the pressing force that presses the blade 43 against the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21. Multiple adjustment units 56 are provided at positions corresponding to multiple regions BA1 to BAN. That is, multiple adjustment units 56 are provided corresponding to each region BA1 to BAN into which the conveyor belt 21 is divided into multiple regions BA1 to BAN. N adjustment units 56 are provided so that the pressing force that presses the blade 43 against the conveyor belt 21 can be adjusted for each region BA1 to BAN. The N adjustment units 56 include a first adjustment unit 561 and a second adjustment unit 562 separate from the first adjustment unit 561. The N adjustment units 56 include the first adjustment unit 561, the second adjustment unit 562, ..., the nth adjustment unit 56N.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the removal unit 44 includes a blade holder 51 that supports the blade 43, holding members 52 and 53 that hold the blade 43 in a positioned state relative to the blade holder 51, and a bracket 54 that supports the blade holder 51. The bracket 54 is fixed to a plate member 49 that extends in the +Z direction from a part of the base end side of the rear wall 41A. The center of the bracket 54 is tilted backward in the -Y direction at a predetermined angle. This backward tilt angle of the bracket 54 allows the blade 43 to effectively scrape off the cleaning liquid Q and the like remaining on the lower surface portion 24c (see Figure 2) after cleaning with the brush 42.

[0047] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the details of the configuration supporting the blade 43 will be described. In the drawing, the directions along the joint surface between the blade holder 51 and the bracket 54 are indicated by the α-axis and β-axis, and the axis perpendicular to the α-β plane is indicated by the γ-axis. The α-axis, β-axis, and γ-axis are perpendicular to each other. Also, the α-axis and the X-axis are approximately parallel. In the following explanation, the direction along the α-axis is also called the width direction α, the direction along the β-axis is also called the extension direction β because it is the extension direction of the blade 43, and the direction along the γ-axis is also called the perpendicular direction γ because it is perpendicular to the aforementioned joint surface.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the bracket 54 is formed by bending a plate material to create a first portion 54A and a second portion 54B. The first portion 54A is provided along the plate member 49 (see Figure 5). The second portion 54B is tilted backward in the -Y direction relative to the first portion 54A. The blade holder 51, which constitutes the removal section 44, is fixed to the second portion 54B of the bracket 54 by screws 57. The blade holder 51 is made of a rectangular tubular pipe member, and its inside is hollow.

[0049] At the tip of the blade holder 51, a first retaining member 52 and a second retaining member 53 are fixed by screws 58 and 59, respectively, to hold the blade 43. In Figure 6, viewed from the X-axis direction, the blade 43 has a base portion 43A extending in the vertical direction γ and a blade portion 43B extending in the extension direction β from the center of the base portion 43A. The blade 43 is placed on the blade holder 51 with the bottom surface of the base portion 43A in contact with the surface of the blade holder 51 on the extension direction β side. The first retaining member 52 suppresses displacement of the blade 43 in the extension direction β by its tip contacting the base portion 43A of the blade 43. The second retaining member 53 suppresses displacement of the blade 43 in the vertical direction γ (especially the -γ direction) by its tip contacting the side surface of the blade 43 near the base portion 43A. In other words, the second holding member 53 suppresses the displacement of the blade 43 caused by the force received from the adhesive layer 25 when the blade 43 rotates in the circumferential direction CD of the conveyor belt 21. In this way, the blade 43 is held in a position tilted backward at a predetermined angle, with displacement in the extension direction β and -γ directions suppressed.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the adjustment unit 56 is configured to adjust the position of the blade 43 relative to the conveyor belt 21 in the extension direction β. The adjustment unit 56 has a screw 57 for fixing the blade holder 51 to the bracket 54, an elongated hole 51B formed in the blade holder 51 so that the shaft portion 57A of the screw 57 can be inserted through it, and a screw hole 54C formed in the bracket 54 so that the shaft portion 57A of the screw 57 can be screwed into it. The elongated hole 51B has a hole shape in which the dimension in the width direction α is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 57A, and the dimension in the extension direction β is longer than this dimension in the width direction α. ​​Therefore, by adjusting the position in which the shaft portion 57A is inserted into the elongated hole 51B within the range of the extension direction β of the elongated hole 51B, the position in which the blade holder 51 is fixed to the bracket 54 can be adjusted in the extension direction β. By adjusting the position of the blade holder 51 in the extension direction β in this way, it is possible to adjust the position of the blade 43 relative to the conveyor belt 21 in the extension direction β. The blade holder 51 has an operating hole 51A formed at a position corresponding to the adjustment section 56. The operating hole 51A opens a predetermined area in the blade holder 51 that includes the position corresponding to the adjustment section 56 in the vertical direction γ. The user operates the screw 57 by inserting a tool such as a screwdriver or wrench through the operating hole 51A.

[0051] The conveying device 20 of this embodiment includes detection units 60 and 70 shown in Figure 6 that detect the force that the blade 43 receives from the conveying belt 21 or a change in this force. In this example, there are two types of detection units: a first detection unit 60 and a second detection unit 70. The first detection unit 60 detects the force that the blade 43 receives from the conveying belt 21.

[0052] The first detection unit 60 detects the force that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21 as a load. That is, the first detection unit 60 detects the load (force) received from the conveyor belt 21 as a reaction force to the pressing force that the blade 43 exerts on the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21. The first detection unit 60 is positioned to detect the load that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 6, the first detection unit 60 is positioned between the upper surface of the blade holder 51 and the bottom surface of the base 43A of the blade 43. The first detection unit 60 detects the load acting on the bottom surface of the base 43A of the blade 43 due to the reaction force from the conveyor belt 21. Since the first detection unit 60 is positioned between the blade 43 and the blade holder 51, it can detect the load that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21 with high sensitivity. Furthermore, it suppresses the adhesion of removed materials such as cleaning liquid Q and dust (fiber debris, etc.) removed from the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21 to the first detection unit 60.

[0054] The first detection unit 60 is, for example, a pressure sensor. The first detection unit 60 is not limited to a pressure sensor, but may be other load-detecting sensors such as strain sensors. The second detection unit 70 detects changes in the force that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21. In this example, the second detection unit 70 detects vibrations of the blade 43 that occur when the conveyor belt 21 moves in the conveying direction Y, as a change in the force that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21. More specifically, the second detection unit 70 detects vibrations of the blade 43 that occur in contact with the adhesive layer 25 when the conveyor belt 21 rotates in the circumferential direction CD that conveys the medium M in the conveying direction Y. The second detection unit 70 is, for example, attached to the blade holder 51. In the example shown in Figure 6, the second detection unit 70 is attached inside the blade holder 51 and detects vibrations propagated to the blade holder 51. The second detection unit 70 is, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope (angular velocity sensor). Note that the second detection unit 70 is not limited to sensors such as acceleration sensors, but may be any other sensor capable of detecting vibrations of the blade 43. Also, the second detection unit 70 may be attached to the blade 43 or to the bracket 54.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the detection units 60 and 70 are attached to the removal unit 44 which has the blade 43. By providing the second detection unit 70 on the removal unit 44, it is possible to detect the vibration of the blade 43 at a position where the vibration is not significantly attenuated. In the example shown in Figure 6, the second detection unit 70 is attached to the blade holder 51. The blade holder 51 is a cylindrical plate that supports the blade 43. The second detection unit 70 is attached inside the blade holder 51 (inside the cylinder). Therefore, the second detection unit 70 can detect the vibration of the blade 43 with high sensitivity. Furthermore, contamination of the second detection unit 70 by dust and other removed materials removed from the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21 by the blade 43 is suppressed.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the removal section 44 is provided with a light-emitting section 80. The light-emitting section 80 is mounted in the removal section 44 in a position visible to the user operating the adjustment section 56. In the example shown in Figure 6, the light-emitting section 80 is mounted on the surface of the first holding member 52 constituting the removal section 44 that faces the +γ direction. The light-emitting section 80 may also be mounted in a position that avoids the hole 51A on the outer surface of the blade holder 51 that faces the +γ direction.

[0057] <Configuration of removal unit 44 and detection units 60, 70> Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, examples of mounting structures for the detection unit 60 attached to the removal unit 44 will be described. Several examples of mounting structures for attaching the detection unit 60 to the removal unit 44 are given below.

[0058] Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the removal unit 44 as viewed from the transport direction Y. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 7, the transport belt 21 is divided into multiple regions BA1 to BAN in the width direction X intersecting the transport direction Y. In the example shown in Figure 7, the transport belt 21 is divided into N regions BA1 to BAN in the width direction X (where N is a natural number of 2 or more). In other words, the adhesive layer 25 of the transport belt 21 is divided into N regions BA1 to BAN in the width direction X. The detection units 60 and 70 are provided corresponding to each region into which the transport belt 21 is divided into multiple regions BA1 to BAN in the width direction X.

[0059] The removal unit 44 is equipped with N second detection units 70 for detecting vibrations of the blade 43, located at positions corresponding to N regions BA1 to BAN. That is, the removal unit 44 is equipped with N detection units 60 for detecting the load received by the blade 43 from the conveyor belt 21, located at positions corresponding to N regions BA1 to BAN. The first detection unit 60 is equipped with multiple units (N units), including a first detection unit 61 and a first detection unit 62 separate from the first detection unit 61. When there are N first detection units 60, the N first detection units 60 include the first detection unit 61, the first detection unit 62, ..., the first detection unit 6N. Note that not all N detection units 60 are located at positions corresponding to N regions BA1 to BAN. For example, there may be regions among the N regions BA1 to BAN where no first detection unit 60 is provided.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the removal unit 44 is provided with a second detection unit 70 that detects vibrations transmitted from the conveyor belt 21 to the blade 43. Multiple second detection units 70 are provided at positions corresponding to multiple regions BA1 to BAN. That is, the removal unit 44 is provided with N second detection units 70 that detect the load on the blade 43 for N regions BA1 to BAN. Multiple (N) second detection units 70 are provided, including a second detection unit 71 and a second detection unit 72 separate from the second detection unit 71. When there are N second detection units 70, the N second detection units 70 include a second detection unit 71, a second detection unit 72, ..., an Nth detection unit 7N.

[0061] The control unit 100 makes a determination regarding the adjustment of the blade 43 or the abnormality of the conveyor belt 21 based on the detection results of the detection units 60 and 70. The control unit 100 determines whether there is an area of ​​the blade 43 that needs adjustment or an abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 based on the detection results of the detection units 60 and 70. Then, based on this determination result, the control unit 100 displays the area that needs adjustment or the abnormal area from among the multiple areas on the display unit 14. In this example, the control unit 100 determines whether there is an area of ​​the blade 43 that needs adjustment and an abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 based on the detection results of the detection units 60 and 70. Then, based on this determination result, the control unit 100 displays both the area of ​​the blade 43 that needs adjustment and the area of ​​the abnormality of the conveyor belt 21 individually on the display unit 14 from among the multiple areas.

[0062] More specifically, the control unit 100 displays information on the display unit 14 indicating areas where the pressing force of the blade 43 is excessive or insufficient, based on the load detection results for each of the multiple areas BA1 to BAN by the multiple first detection units 61, 62, ..., 6N. In addition, the control unit 100 displays information on the display unit 14 indicating the deterioration or degree of deterioration of the adhesive layer 25 for each area, based on the vibration detection results for each of the multiple areas BA1 to BAN by the multiple second detection units 70.

[0063] The removal unit 44 is provided with light-emitting units 80 in portions corresponding to each of the multiple regions BA1 to BAN. The control unit 100 (see Figures 2 and 9) illuminates or flashes the light-emitting units 80 corresponding to the region where the blade 43 should be adjusted or the region where the conveyor belt 21 is abnormal, based on the determination results from the detection results in each of the multiple regions BA1 to BAN by the multiple detection units 60 and 70. The user can be notified of the region where the blade 43 should be adjusted or the region where the conveyor belt 21 is abnormal (for example, a region with a high degree of deterioration) among the multiple regions BA1 to BAN by the illumination or flashing of the light-emitting units 80.

[0064] The removal section 44 is provided with multiple marks 90 at positions corresponding to each of the multiple regions BA1 to BAN, which are capable of identifying regions BA1 to BAN. In this example, the multiple marks 90 are provided on the blade 43 in the parts corresponding to each of the regions BA1 to BAN. The multiple marks 90 can distinguish the region corresponding to the mark 90 from the multiple regions BA1 to BAN based on the differences in their content. In the examples shown in Figures 7 and 8, the marks 90 are, for example, numbers. The marks 90 are not limited to numbers; they may be letters or other content that can identify a region.

[0065] Based on the detection results of multiple first detection units 61 to 6N, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is an area of ​​the blade 43 that needs adjustment. If there is an area of ​​the blade 43 that needs adjustment, the user is notified of the area of ​​the blade 43 that needs adjustment by the illumination or flashing of the light-emitting unit 80 and by the information of the mark 90 of the corresponding area displayed on the display unit 14. In addition, based on the detection results of multiple second detection units 71 to 7N, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is an abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 with a high degree of deterioration. If there is an abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 with a high degree of deterioration, the user is notified of the abnormal area by the illumination or flashing of the light-emitting unit 80 and by the information of the mark 90 of the corresponding area displayed on the display unit 14.

[0066] Therefore, the user can determine which area is an abnormal area, such as an area of ​​the blade 43 that needs adjustment or an area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 that is highly deteriorated, from the information of the mark 90 displayed on the display unit 14. Then, in the removal unit 44, the user can identify the abnormal area, such as an area of ​​the blade 43 that needs adjustment or an area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 that is highly deteriorated, by the location of a mark 90 with the same content as the notified mark 90, or the location where the light-emitting unit 80 lights up or flashes.

[0067] For example, as shown in Figure 8, if the blade 43 is mounted in a tilted position with different heights at both ends in the width direction X, then uneven contact occurs where the blade 43 makes excessive force against the adhesive layer 25 near one end in the width direction X (near the left end in Figure 8). When this type of uneven contact occurs, the area of ​​the adhesive layer 25 that the blade 43 makes excessive force against deteriorates prematurely. For example, in Figure 8, the two areas BA1 and BA2 on the left end of the blade 43 are in excessive contact with the conveyor belt 21. In this case, the display unit 14 displays, for example, a number, which is the content of the mark 90, and the two light-emitting units 81 and 82 corresponding to the two areas BA1 and BA2 in Figure 8 light up or flash. This makes it relatively easy for the user to identify abnormal areas, such as areas of the blade 43 that need adjustment or areas of the conveyor belt 21 that are highly deteriorated, from among multiple areas BA1, BA2, ..., BAN.

[0068] <Electrical configuration of the printing device 11> Next, the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 11 will be described with reference to Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, the components of the printing unit 30, the feeding unit 18, and the transport device 20 are electrically connected to the control unit 100. The components of the transport device 20 are, as shown in Figure 9, the transport unit 22, the pressing unit 34, the washing unit 40, the first heating unit 33, and the second heating unit 36. The controlled objects electrically connected to the control unit 100 are as follows.

[0069] The controlled object is the feed motor (not shown), which is the drive source for the ejection unit 31 and the feed unit 18 that make up the printing unit 30. If the printing unit 30 uses a serial printing method, the carriage motor (not shown), which is the drive source for the carriage 32, is also a controlled object.

[0070] Furthermore, the controlled objects include the transport motor 26, which is the drive source for the transport unit 22, the drive source (e.g., a motor) for the pressing unit 34, and the drive source (e.g., a motor, not shown) for the brushes 42 that constitute the washing unit 40. In addition, the controlled objects include the heater 33A that constitutes the first heating unit 33, the heater (not shown) that constitutes the second heating unit 36, and the electric actuator 46 that is the drive source for the lifting mechanism 45. The lifting mechanism 45 allows for adjustment of the vertical position Z of the blade 43 by being driven to move up and down. The lifting mechanism 45 is equipped with electric actuators 46 at two or more different positions in the width direction X. For example, the electric actuators 46 may be used to adjust the position of the blade 43 in the vertical position Z. The electric actuators 46 may constitute part of the adjustment unit together with the operable adjustment unit 56, or an electric adjustment unit having electric actuators 46 may be used in place of the operable adjustment unit 56.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is electrically connected to the operation unit 13 and the display unit 14. If the display unit 14 is a touch panel, its operation functions may also serve as those of the operation unit 13. The control unit 100 receives operation signals from the operation unit 13 operated by the user. The display unit 14 also has a notification function that notifies by displaying information. The control unit 100 displays the information to be notified on the display unit 14. The control unit 100 displays information on the display unit 14 such as areas of the blade 43 that need adjustment, areas of the conveyor belt 21 that are highly deteriorated, and information on the amount of adjustment. The control unit 100 also displays information such as menu screens and printing progress on the display unit 14.

[0072] An encoder 27 is electrically connected to the control unit 100 to detect the rotation of the transport motor 26 or the drive roller 23A. The encoder 27 outputs a detection signal containing a number of pulses proportional to the amount of rotation of the transport motor 26 or the drive roller 23A.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is electrically connected to the detection units 60 and 70 provided in the removal unit 44. More specifically, the control unit 100 is electrically connected to N first detection units 60 (61, 62, ..., 6N) and N second detection units 70 (71, 72, ..., 7N).

[0074] The first detection unit 60 is, for example, a pressure sensor or a strain sensor. The second detection unit 70 is, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor). Here, the acceleration sensor may be of any type: frequency change type, piezoelectric type, piezoresistive type, or capacitive type. The gyro sensor may be, for example, a vibration gyro sensor. The vibration gyro sensor may use either a piezoelectric oscillator or a quartz oscillator.

[0075] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is electrically connected to, for example, N light-emitting units 80 (81, 82, ..., 8N) provided on the removal unit 44. Based on the detection results of the first detection unit 60 and the second detection unit 70, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is an abnormal area in the conveyor belt 21. If an abnormal area is found based on the determination result, the control unit 100 lights up or flashes the light-emitting unit 80 corresponding to the abnormal area among the plurality of light-emitting units 80. The light-emitting unit 80 is made up of, for example, an LED. The light-emitting unit 80 may also be configured to have a plurality of LEDs with different light-emitting colors. In this case, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 80 may be changed depending on the type of abnormality to be notified. For example, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 80 may be different when there is an area that needs adjustment due to an excess or deficiency in the load of the blade 43, and when there is an area where the degree of deterioration of the conveyor belt 21 is high.

[0076] The control unit 100 includes a computer 110. The computer 110 includes a position measuring unit 111, a calculation unit 112, and a storage unit 113. The position measuring unit 111 measures the belt rotation position, which is the position of the conveyor belt 21 during one rotation. That is, the position measuring unit 111 measures the belt rotation position, which indicates where on the conveyor belt 21 the position is during one rotation, given a predetermined position within one rotation of the conveyor belt 21 as it passes the reference position. In this example, the reference position is the position when the first detection unit 60 starts the load detection operation to detect the load on the blade 43. Also, the reference position is the position when the second detection unit 70 starts the vibration detection operation to detect vibrations of the blade 43. The reference position when the first detection unit 60 starts the load detection operation and the reference position when the second detection unit 70 starts the vibration detection operation may be the same position (belt rotation position). The position measuring unit 111 uses the reference position, which is the position of the conveyor belt 21 when the detection units 60 and 70 start their detection operation, as the origin, and measures the position of the conveyor belt 21 during one rotation of the conveyor belt 21 as the belt rotation position.

[0077] More specifically, the position measuring unit 111 includes a counter that counts, for example, the number of pulse edges of the detection signal input from the encoder 27. The control unit 100 resets the counter's count value when the detection units 60 and 70 start the detection operation. The control unit 100 then starts counting the counter with the position on the conveyor belt 21 (belt rotation position) where the blade 43 comes into contact with the wiping position WP as the origin when the detection operation starts.

[0078] The control unit 100 acquires the load detection results of the blade 43 detected by the first detection unit 60 during the period of one rotation of the conveyor belt 21. In other words, it acquires the load detection results of the blade 43 for one rotation of the conveyor belt 21 so that it can inspect for any excess or deficiency in the pressing force region BA1 to BAN of the blade 43 for one rotation of the conveyor belt 21. In addition, the control unit 100 acquires the vibration detection results of the blade 43 detected by the second detection unit 70 during the period of one rotation of the conveyor belt 21. In other words, it acquires the vibration detection results of the blade 43 for one rotation of the conveyor belt 21 so that it can inspect the degree of deterioration of the adhesive layer 25 for one rotation of the conveyor belt 21.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, the memory unit 113 stores program PR. Program PR includes at least the program shown in the flowchart in Figure 15. The computer 110 in the control unit 100 executes the belt inspection process shown in Figure 15 by executing program PR.

[0080] The memory unit 113 stores first threshold data SD1, which the control unit 100 uses to determine whether or not there is an area of ​​the blade 43 that needs to be adjusted during the belt inspection process. The memory unit 113 also has a storage area for storing load measurement data PM, which the control unit 100 uses to have the first detection unit 60 measure the load on the blade 43 during the belt inspection process. The first threshold data SD1 includes an upper threshold SD1U and a lower threshold SD1L, which represent an appropriate range in which the load on the blade 43 does not need to be adjusted. For example, the upper threshold SD1U and the lower threshold SD1L may be set for each heating temperature, corresponding to the heating temperature at which the first heating unit 33 heats the adhesive layer 25.

[0081] The calculation unit 112 calculates the load on the blade 43 based on the value detected by the first detection unit 60. The control unit 100 then compares this load with the upper limit threshold SD1U and lower limit threshold SD1L, respectively, corresponding to the heating temperature at that time. If the load falls outside the appropriate range between the upper limit threshold SD1U and the lower limit threshold SD1L, the control unit 100 determines that the area corresponding to the first detection unit 60 that detected the load at that time is the area where the blade 43 should be adjusted. Furthermore, if the detected load value exceeds the upper limit threshold SD1U, the control unit 100 obtains an adjustment amount in the direction of decreasing the pressing force (-direction) based on the amount by which the load value exceeded the upper limit threshold SD1U. Also, if the detected load value falls below the lower limit threshold SD1L, the control unit 100 obtains an adjustment amount in the direction of increasing the pressing force (+direction) based on the amount by which the load value fell below the lower limit threshold SD1L.

[0082] Furthermore, the memory unit 113 stores second threshold data SD2, which the control unit 100 uses to determine whether or not there is an abnormal area in the conveyor belt 21 during the belt inspection process. The memory unit 113 also has a memory area for storing vibration measurement data VM, which the control unit 100 uses to have the second detection unit 70 measure the vibrations received by the blade 43 during the belt inspection process.

[0083] The second threshold data SD2 contains multiple thresholds SH1, SH2, ..., SHN, each associated with a heating temperature at which the first heating unit 33 heats the adhesive layer 25. The calculation unit 112 calculates the vibration intensity based on the vibration detection result (vibration detection value) detected by the second detection unit 70 from the vibration of the blade 43. The control unit 100 then determines whether the adhesive layer 25 has deteriorated by comparing the vibration intensity with the threshold SHk (where the subscript k is a natural number less than or equal to N) corresponding to the heating temperature at that time. The calculation unit 112 also calculates the degree of deterioration of the adhesive layer 25 based on the ratio of the vibration intensity to the threshold SHk corresponding to the heating temperature at that time. The control unit 100 obtains the degree of deterioration of the adhesive layer 25 for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. If there is a region where the degree of deterioration is below the threshold SHk corresponding to the heating temperature at that time, the control unit 100 determines that the portion of the adhesive layer 25 in that region has deteriorated. In this manner, the control unit 100 makes a determination regarding the deterioration of the adhesive layer 25 and obtains the degree of deterioration for each region based on the detection results of the second detection unit 70. Here, vibration intensity is a physical quantity that can be used to determine the deterioration of the adhesive layer 25, not limited to amplitude, and that can be calculated from the detection results of the second detection unit 70. An appropriate physical quantity may be adopted depending on the type of second detection unit 70.

[0084] If the control unit 100 determines that there is an abnormal area among the multiple regions BA1 to BAN of the conveyor belt 21 based on the detection results of the detection units 60 and 70, it displays information on the display unit 14 indicating that the conveyor belt 21 is in an abnormal area. For example, the control unit 100 displays information on the display unit 14 about the mark 90 corresponding to the abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt 21. The control unit 100 also displays on the display unit 14 the amount of adjustment made by the adjustment unit 56 corresponding to the abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt 21. Based on the detection results of the first detection unit 60, the control unit 100 identifies areas where the load is excessive or insufficient as abnormal areas of the conveyor belt 21, identifies the amount of excess or insufficient load for each area, or the amount to reduce the excess or insufficient load, and displays information on the display unit 14 indicating the identified areas and amounts. If the control unit 100 determines that there is an abnormal area in the way the blade 43 contacts the conveyor belt 21, it identifies the adjustment unit 56 corresponding to the abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 among the multiple adjustment units 56 and displays information on the display unit 14 prompting adjustment by the adjustment unit 56. Furthermore, the control unit 100 lights up or blinks the light-emitting unit 80 among the multiple light-emitting units 80 that corresponds to the area where the conveyor belt 21 is abnormal.

[0085] <Regarding load measurement of the first detection unit 60> Load measurement will be explained using an example where a pressure sensor is used as the first detection unit 60. The pressure sensor detects the pressure that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21 and outputs a detection signal with a voltage value corresponding to the detected pressure. The control unit 100 detects the pressure based on the detection signal input from the first detection unit 60 as a load. Here, the pressure detected by the first detection unit 60 corresponds to the load per unit area that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21. Therefore, the calculation unit 112 calculates the load of the blade 43 by either using the detected pressure value as the load per unit area, or by multiplying the detected pressure value by a predetermined area of ​​the part of the blade 43 that receives the load. The control unit 100 measures the load during one rotation of the conveyor belt 21 based on the detection signal input from the first detection unit 60.

[0086] Figure 10 is a schematic graph showing the load on the blade 43 measured during one rotation of the conveyor belt 21. The horizontal axis represents the belt rotation position y, and the vertical axis represents the load. The belt rotation position y is the origin, where "0" is the position on the conveyor belt 21 at the wiping position WP when the detection operation starts. The belt rotation position YL corresponds to the belt rotation position when the origin of the conveyor belt 21 completes one rotation and reaches the wiping position WP again.

[0087] As can be seen from the graph in Figure 10, the load on the blade 43 fluctuates during one rotation of the conveyor belt 21. The greater the pressing force applied by the blade 43 against the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21, the greater the load on the blade 43. In other words, the load is greater where the pressing force applied by the blade 43 against the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21 is large, and the load is smaller where the pressing force applied by the blade 43 against the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21 is small. In the example shown in Figure 10, as can be seen from the graph lines L1, L2, ..., LN for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN, there are excesses and deficiencies in the load values ​​depending on the region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. Furthermore, the loads in regions BA1 and BA2 deviate relatively significantly from the average load value Avb, which is the average load value obtained by averaging the loads in each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. That is, in the example shown in Figure 10, the detected load values ​​in regions BA1 and BA2 are excessive compared to the average load value Avb. The average load value Avb is an example of a target load value that should be satisfied in each of the regions BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. Instead of the average load value Avb, a value determined in advance through experiments or evaluations may be used as the target load value. If the average load value Avb is 20N, for example, if the load in region BA1 is 25N, there is an excess of +5N, so the control unit 100 displays region BA1 as the identified region and +5N as information indicating the amount of excess or deficiency on the display unit 14. Alternatively, in this case, the amount to reduce the excess or deficiency is -5N, so the control unit 100 displays region BA1 as the identified region and -5N as information indicating the amount to reduce the excess or deficiency on the display unit 14. The control unit 100 performs similar control for regions other than region BA1. In this way, the control unit 100 identifies the amount of excess or deficiency, or the amount to reduce the excess or deficiency, by calculating the difference between the average load value Avb and the detected load value for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. The control unit 100 may display on the display unit 14, not as a numerical value, a code (alphabet or level) corresponding to the load, for the amount of excess or deficiency, or the amount to reduce the excess or deficiency.

[0088] Figure 11 is a graph showing the average load per rotation for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN, calculated from the load on the blade 43 measured during one rotation of the conveyor belt 21 shown in Figure 10. As can be seen from the graph lines LA1 to LAN for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN in this graph, the average load for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN differs depending on the position in the width direction X of the conveyor belt 21. In the example shown in Figure 11, there are excesses and deficiencies in the average load values ​​depending on the region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. In Figure 11, the upper threshold SD1U and lower threshold SD1L of the threshold data SD1 are shown by dashed lines, flanking the average load value Avb. In the example shown in Figure 11, the average load of the two regions BA1 and BA2 exceeds the upper threshold SD1U. There are no regions where the average load falls below the lower threshold SD1L.

[0089] Figure 12 is a graph showing the results of remeasuring the load for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN after adjustment by the adjustment unit 56. When the control unit 100 receives input from the user via the operation unit 13 indicating that adjustment by the adjustment unit 56 has been completed, it performs a detection operation and remeasuring the load for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. As a result of the remeasuring, as shown in Figure 12, the average load for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN all fall within the appropriate range between the upper threshold SD1U and the lower threshold SD1L. Then, the control unit 100 determines that the pressing force of the blade 43 has been adjusted to a normal state where there is no excess or deficiency between regions BA1, BA2, ..., BAN, i.e., the variation has been reduced. In other words, in multiple regions BA1, BA2, ..., BAN, the difference between the detected load value (detection result of the first detection unit 60) and the target load value falls within the appropriate range.

[0090] <Regarding vibration measurement of the second detection unit 70> Next, referring to Figures 13 and 14, vibration measurement will be described using an example in which an acceleration sensor is used as the second detection unit 70. The acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of vibration and outputs a detection signal with a voltage value corresponding to the detected acceleration value. The control unit 100 measures the vibration acceleration during one rotation of the conveyor belt 21 based on the detection signal input from the second detection unit 70.

[0091] Figure 13 is a schematic graph showing the vibration acceleration of the conveyor belt 21 measured during one rotation of the conveyor belt 21. The horizontal axis represents the belt rotation position y, and the vertical axis represents the vibration intensity Av. In this example, where an acceleration sensor is used as the second detection unit 70, the vibration intensity Av is the vibration acceleration. As can be seen from the graph in Figure 13, many large peaks of vibration intensity Av occur during one rotation of the conveyor belt 21. The greater the frictional force between the blade 43 and the adhesive layer 25, the larger the peak of vibration acceleration tends to be. When the adhesive layer 25 is new, immediately after replacement, the adhesive force is high, so the frictional force between the blade 43 and the adhesive layer 25 is large. As time passes after the replacement of the adhesive layer 25 (for example, application of adhesive), the adhesive force of the adhesive layer 25 gradually decreases. If the adhesive force of the adhesive layer 25 is large, the blade 43 will be pulled in the circumferential direction CD by the adhesive force of the adhesive layer 25, and the amount of displacement Δy in the circumferential direction CD until the pulled blade 43 peels off the adhesive layer 25 will be large. When the pulled blade 43 peels off the adhesive layer 25, vibration of the blade 43 occurs. The larger the amount of displacement Δy until the blade 43 peels off the adhesive layer 25, the larger the restoring force Fb of the blade 43 will be. In other words, the larger the amount of displacement Δy until the blade 43 peels off the adhesive layer 25, the larger the absolute value of the vibration acceleration Av, |Av|. Note that "||" is a symbol indicating the absolute value.

[0092] The control unit 100 calculates the average vibration intensity Ava for one rotation of the conveyor belt 21. In this example, when the control unit 100 acquires the vibration acceleration measurement data VM for one rotation, the calculation unit 112 calculates the average vibration acceleration Aav, which is the average of the absolute values ​​of the vibration acceleration for one rotation. This average vibration acceleration Aav is used as the average vibration intensity Ava. The control unit 100 determines whether or not the adhesive layer 25 is deteriorating by comparing the average vibration intensity Ava with the threshold SH of the threshold data SD2. Note that when using vibration acceleration, both positive and negative accelerations always occur during vibration, so the absolute value of the vibration acceleration is used so that positive and negative vibration accelerations do not cancel each other out when calculating the average value of the vibration acceleration.

[0093] As an example of a method for determining the deterioration of the adhesive layer 25, a method using the average vibration acceleration Aav in relation to the average vibration intensity Ava was shown, but the method is not limited to this, and any appropriate determination method can be adopted. For example, whether or not the adhesive layer 25 has deteriorated can be determined using power spectral density (hereinafter also called PSD). Alternatively, whether or not the adhesive layer 25 has deteriorated can be determined using acceleration spectral density (hereinafter also called ASD). Furthermore, power spectrum (PS) or energy spectral density (ESD) may also be used. Similarly, if the detection unit 60 is a gyro sensor, any appropriate determination method that can evaluate vibration, such as angular velocity ω or average angular velocity, can be adopted.

[0094] If the control unit 100 determines that the adhesive layer 25 has deteriorated, it notifies the user of this fact by displaying information indicating that the adhesive layer 25 has deteriorated on the display unit 14, which is an example of a notification unit.

[0095] Figure 14 is a graph showing how the adhesive layer 25 deteriorates over time. The horizontal axis represents time t elapsed since the adhesive layer 25 was replaced, and the vertical axis represents the average vibration intensity Ava. Figure 14 shows the curve DC in one region, among the curves showing the average vibration intensity Ava for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. In the example where vibration intensity is vibration acceleration, the average vibration intensity Ava is the average vibration acceleration Aav. Here, the initial average vibration intensity A0 when the adhesive layer 25 was replaced is sufficiently higher than the threshold SH based on the second threshold data SD2. As time t elapses while printing is performed in the printing device 11, the average vibration intensity Ava gradually decreases, drawing the curve DC. The control unit 100 then determines that the adhesive layer 25 has deteriorated when the average vibration intensity Ava falls below the threshold SH. The second threshold data SD2 includes multiple thresholds SH1, SH2, ..., SHN depending on the heating temperature, and one threshold SHk (where k is a natural number less than or equal to N) corresponding to the heating temperature at that time is selected and used.

[0096] Furthermore, before the average vibration intensity Ava falls below the threshold SH, the control unit 100 instructs the calculation unit 112 to calculate the degree of deterioration of the adhesive layer 25 based on the average vibration intensity Ava. The calculation unit 112 calculates the degree of deterioration for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN from the average vibration intensity Ava for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. If there is an excess or deficiency in the degree of deterioration between regions BA1, BA2, ..., BAN, the control unit 100 determines that the region where the degree of deterioration deviates from the acceptable range is an abnormal region. Once the control unit 100 identifies an abnormal region, it instructs the calculation unit 112 to calculate the degree of deterioration for each abnormal region, and the amount of deviation in the degree of deterioration of the abnormal region relative to the average degree of deterioration averaged across regions BA1, BA2, ..., BAN.

[0097] <Operation of the Embodiment> Next, the operation of the transport device 20 and the printing device 11 of this embodiment will be described. The user operates the control unit 13 to perform an inspection of the adhesive layer 25 of the conveyor belt 21. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may perform the inspection of the adhesive layer 25 at a predetermined time after the power of the printing device 11 is turned on. This inspection may be performed before or after setting the medium M on the conveyor belt 21. The inspection may be performed before the conveyor belt 21 is heated by the heating units 33, 36, during heating, or after the conveyor belt 21 has been heated to the target temperature.

[0098] For example, after powering on the printing device 11 and before printing begins, the conveyor belt 21 may be rotated to perform an inspection for deterioration of the adhesive layer 25. Alternatively, if there is no further printing after the end of printing, the conveyor belt 21 may be rotated one or more times for inspection. Furthermore, inspections may be performed during printing. In this case, inspections may be performed continuously during printing, or periodically or irregularly.

[0099] The following explanation will focus on an example where inspection is performed at least during printing. In the case of a heat-sensitive adhesive layer 25, it is important to determine whether the required adhesive strength can be achieved under heated conditions. Furthermore, the adhesive strength of a heat-sensitive adhesive layer 25 changes depending on the heating temperature. Therefore, when performing inspections outside of printing, the inspection may be performed under a constant heating temperature regardless of the type of medium M. On the other hand, during printing, the heating temperature varies depending on the type of medium M, so the adhesive layer 25 will be heated at a temperature appropriate to the type of medium M being printed.

[0100] The control unit 100 determines the heating temperature at which the heating units 33 and 36 heat the adhesive layer 25 based on information about the type of medium M to be printed. This heating temperature may also be changed by the user by operating the operation unit 13. When performing an inspection, the control unit 100 reads a threshold value SH corresponding to the actually adopted heating temperature from the storage unit 113 and uses it.

[0101] When the control unit 100 receives a print command, or when the user operates the operation unit 13 and receives an inspection command, it executes the belt inspection process shown in Figure 15. The belt inspection process will be described below with reference to Figures 7 to 17, etc. When the belt inspection process is executed, for example, the adhesive layer 25 is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating units 33 and 36, and the conveyor belt 21 is rotating in the circumferential direction CD.

[0102] When the temperature of the adhesive layer 25 rises to the target heating temperature, the control unit 100 executes the belt inspection process shown in Figure 15. First, in step S11, the control unit 100 detects the load and vibration of the blade 43 for each region BA1 to BAN obtained by dividing the adhesive layer 25 in the width direction X, during one rotation of the conveyor belt 21. Specifically, based on the belt rotation position measured by the position measuring unit 111, the control unit 100 causes the first detection unit 60 to detect the load on the blade 43 and the second detection unit 70 to detect the vibration of the blade 43 until the conveyor belt 21 has completed one rotation. Multiple first detection units 61 to 6N detect the load on the blade 43 for each of the multiple regions BA1 to BAN of the conveyor belt 21. Multiple second detection units 71 to 7N also detect the vibration of the blade 43 for each of the multiple regions BA1 to BAN of the conveyor belt 21. The control unit 100 acquires the load detection result and the vibration detection result of the blade 43 for each region BA1 to BAN for one rotation of the conveyor belt. For example, the load values ​​for one rotation of the conveyor belt shown in the graph of Figure 10 are acquired separately for regions BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. Also, the vibration intensity for one rotation of the conveyor belt shown in the graph of Figure 13 is acquired separately for regions BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. If the second detection unit 70 (71~7N) is an acceleration sensor, the vibration intensity may be vibration acceleration or amplitude. If the second detection unit 70 is a gyro sensor, the vibration intensity may be vibration angular velocity or vibration angular acceleration or average amplitude. Furthermore, as vibration intensity, for example, power spectral density (PSD), acceleration spectral density (ASD), power spectrum (PS), or energy spectral density (ESD) may be used.

[0103] In the next step S12, the control unit 100 acquires the average load and average vibration intensity for each region BA1 to BAN of the blade 43 based on the detection results for one rotation of the conveyor belt. For example, the average load values ​​shown in the graph of Figure 11 are acquired for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. Also, the average vibration intensity Ava shown in the graph of Figure 13 is acquired for each region BA1, BA2, ..., BAN.

[0104] In step S13, the control unit 100 determines whether there are any areas in the adhesive layer 25 where the conveyor belt 21 is degraded. Specifically, the control unit 100 reads a threshold SHk corresponding to the heating temperature of the adhesive layer 25 at that time from the second threshold data SD2 in the storage unit 113. The control unit 100 determines whether there are any areas among the multiple regions BA1 to BAN where the average vibration intensity is less than the threshold SHk. If the average vibration intensity of each region BA1 to BAN is greater than or equal to the threshold SHk, the control unit 100 determines that there are no areas where the adhesive layer 25 is degraded and proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if there are any areas where the average vibration intensity of each region BA1 to BAN is less than the threshold SHk, the control unit 100 determines that there are areas where the conveyor belt 21 is degraded and proceeds to step S17. Here, the average vibration intensity is a value that can be used to evaluate the degree of degradation. The smaller the average vibration intensity, the greater the degree of degradation. Using the degree of degradation, the control unit 100 determines that there are no areas where the adhesive layer 25 is degraded if the degree of degradation for each region BA1 to BAN is above the degradation threshold, and proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if there are any areas where the degree of degradation for each region BA1 to BAN is below the degradation threshold, the control unit 100 proceeds to step S17.

[0105] In step S14, the control unit 100 determines whether there is an abnormal load on the blade 43. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the control unit 100 determines whether there is an area where the average load on the blade 43 deviates from the appropriate range between the upper threshold SD1U and the lower threshold SD1L. In the example shown in Figure 11, there are areas BA1 and BA2 where the average load on the blade 43 exceeds the upper threshold SD1U, so the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the average load on the blade 43 is within the appropriate range of being greater than or equal to the lower threshold SD1L and less than or equal to the upper threshold SD1U in all areas BA1 to BAN, the control unit 100 determines that there is no abnormal load on the blade 43 and terminates the routine. Note that if there is one or more areas where the average load on the blade 43 is less than the lower threshold SD1L, the process also proceeds to step S15.

[0106] In step S15, the control unit 100 notifies the region where the load on the blade 43 is abnormal and the amount of adjustment for each region. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the control unit 100 displays on the display unit 14 information indicating that the blade load is abnormal, information indicating the region where the blade 43 should be adjusted, and information indicating the amount of adjustment for each region where the blade 43 should be adjusted. In the example shown in Figure 16, the display unit 14 displays a message including information indicating that the load on the blade 43 is abnormal, information prompting adjustment of the blade load in regions 1 and 2, and information indicating the load adjustment amount for regions 1 and 2.

[0107] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may display the content shown in Figure 17 on the display unit 14 instead of the content shown in Figure 16. The control unit 100 displays a schematic diagram 91 of the removal unit 44 on the display unit 14, as shown in Figure 17. In the schematic diagram 91 of the removal unit 44 displayed on the display unit 14, the area where the blade 43 should be adjusted due to an abnormal contact of the blade 43 is highlighted (hatched area in Figure 17).

[0108] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the blade 43 is marked with marks 90 that can individually identify multiple regions BA1 to BAN. The marks 90 may be, for example, marks with different characters such as numbers or letters, marks with different shapes, marks distinguished by color, or marks that can be identified by a combination of two or more of these. The user can visually identify the regions of the blade 43 that need adjustment from the regions highlighted in the schematic diagram 91 of the removal unit 44 displayed on the display unit 14 and the marks 90 attached to the highlighted regions. In addition, the display unit 14 also displays a message similar to that in Figure 16 below the schematic diagram 91 of the removal unit 44. This message includes information prompting adjustment of regions 1 and 2 of the blade 43, and information on the load adjustment amount to be adjusted in each of regions 1 and 2. Therefore, the user can learn from the message which regions of the blade 43 need adjustment, as well as the load adjustment amount for each region to be adjusted. In the example shown in Figure 17, the pressing force of the blade 43 against the conveyor belt 21 is excessive in regions 1 and 2. Therefore, the display unit 14 shows a load adjustment amount of "-2" in the direction that reduces the pressing force (-direction) as the load adjustment amount for area 1, and a load adjustment amount of "-1" in the direction that reduces the pressing force (-direction) as the load adjustment amount for area 2.

[0109] In step S16, the control unit 100 illuminates the abnormal area of ​​the blade 43. That is, the control unit 100 illuminates the light-emitting unit 80 corresponding to the abnormal area among the multiple light-emitting units 80 (81 to 8N) provided in the removal unit 44 for each area BA1 to BAN. At this time, the control unit 100 may determine the type of abnormality and illuminate the light-emitting unit 80 corresponding to the abnormal area of ​​the blade 43 with a light-emitting color corresponding to the type of abnormality. Alternatively, the light-emitting unit 80 may be made to blink instead of being illuminated.

[0110] As shown in Figure 8, the blade 43 should be adjusted in the region BAk that has the same mark 90 as the region BAk to be adjusted (subscript k is k=1,2) displayed on the display unit 14, from among the multiple marks 90 including numbers, etc., attached to the blade 43. Alternatively, the blade 43 should be adjusted in regions BA1, BA2, which are identified from the positions of the illuminated or flashing light-emitting units 81, 82 among the multiple light-emitting units 80. In the examples shown in Figures 8, 16, and 17, in Figure 8, the adjustment units 56 (561, 562) corresponding to regions BA1 and BA2, respectively, are operated to adjust them by adjustment amounts of "-2" and "-1". After the user has finished adjusting the blade 43, they operate the operation unit 13 to input information that the blade 43 has been adjusted into the printing device 11.

[0111] On the other hand, in step S17, the control unit 100 notifies the user by identifying an area of ​​the adhesive layer 25 and displaying information on the display unit 14 indicating that it is deteriorating. For example, the control unit 100 displays a message on the display unit 14 that includes information that the adhesive layer 25 is deteriorating, information indicating the area of ​​the adhesive layer 25 that is deteriorating, and information prompting the user to replace the adhesive layer 25. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may identify the cause of the deterioration of the adhesive layer 25, such as uneven contact with the blade 43, based on the positional relationship of the area of ​​deterioration of the adhesive layer 25, and display information on the display unit 14 regarding the identified cause of deterioration.

[0112] In the next step S18, the control unit 100 illuminates the areas where the blade 43 is degraded. That is, the control unit 100 illuminates the light-emitting units 80 (81 to 8N) that correspond to the areas where the blade 43 is degraded, from among the multiple light-emitting units 80 (81 to 8N) provided in each of the regions BA1 to BAN in the removal unit 44. At this time, the control unit 100 may determine the type of abnormality and illuminate the light-emitting unit 80 corresponding to the area where the adhesive layer 25 is degraded with a light-emitting color corresponding to the type of abnormality. Alternatively, the light-emitting unit 80 may be made to blink instead of being illuminated.

[0113] In the next step S19, the control unit 100 adjusts the heating temperature of the adhesive layer 25. Specifically, the control unit 100 adjusts the heating temperatures of the heating units 33 and 36 in a direction that increases the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer 25. By increasing the heating temperatures of the heating units 33 and 36, the control unit 100 increases the temperature of the adhesive layer 25. This increase in temperature of the adhesive layer 25 increases its adhesive strength. Therefore, even though the adhesive layer 25 is degraded, the medium M can be attached to the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25 with the required adhesive strength. In particular, when the adhesive layer 25 is heat-sensitive, the rate of increase in adhesive strength due to the temperature rise of the adhesive layer 25 is greater than when the adhesive layer 25 is pressure-sensitive. Therefore, even though there are degraded areas in the adhesive layer 25, the medium M can be attached to the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25 with the required adhesive strength. Furthermore, when the adhesive layer 25 is heat-sensitive, it is easier to obtain even higher adhesive strength through the process in step S19 than when the adhesive layer 25 is pressure-sensitive.

[0114] In the next step S20, the control unit 100 adjusts the pressing force of the adhesive layer 25. Specifically, the control unit 100 adjusts the pressing force applied by the pressure roller 35 of the pressing unit 34 to the medium M. By increasing the pressing force of the pressure roller 35, the control unit 100 increases the pressing force applied when the pressing unit 34 uses the pressure roller 35 to attach the medium M to the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25. As a result, even if there are deteriorated areas in the adhesive layer 25, the medium M can be attached to the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25 with the required adhesive strength. Furthermore, if the adhesive layer 25 is pressure-sensitive, it is easier to obtain even higher adhesive strength through the process in step S20 than if the adhesive layer 25 is heat-sensitive.

[0115] Thus, when a user sees a message displayed on the display unit 14, which includes information that the adhesive layer 25 is deteriorating, information indicating the deteriorated area, and information urging replacement of the adhesive layer 25, they stop the operation of the printing device 11. Alternatively, they wait until printing is finished and the printing device 11 stops. The user then replaces the adhesive layer 25 with a new one while the printing device 11 is stopped.

[0116] While the printing device 11 is in operation, the blade 43 is hidden at the bottom of the device and is difficult for the user to see, making it difficult to notice any abnormalities based solely on the illumination of the light-emitting unit 80. Therefore, the display unit 14 displays information about areas that need adjustment and areas with abnormalities, allowing the user to become aware of any problems. Then, after the printing device 11 has stopped operating (power off), when the user pulls the cleaning unit 40 out of the device, the user focuses on adjusting the load in the areas where the light-emitting unit 80 is illuminated.

[0117] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The conveying device 20 comprises a conveying belt 21, a removal unit 44, a plurality of detection units 60, 70, a display unit 14, at least one adjustment unit 56, and a control unit 100. The conveying belt 21 has a surface 25A that supports a medium M, and conveys the medium M supported on the surface 25A in the conveying direction Y. The removal unit 44 has a blade 43 that contacts the surface 25A and removes any deposits adhering to the surface 25A. The plurality of detection units 60, 70 detect the force or change in force that the blade 43 receives from the conveying belt 21. The display unit 14 displays information. The adjustment unit 56 is configured to adjust the relative position of the blade 43 with respect to the conveying belt 21. The control unit 100 controls the driving of the conveying belt 21 and the display unit 14. Each of the plurality of detection units 60, 70 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of regions BA1 to BAN in the conveying belt 21 which is divided in the width direction X intersecting the conveying direction Y. If the control unit 100 determines that there is an abnormal area among the multiple areas BA1 to BAN based on the detection results of the detection units 60 and 70, it displays information indicating the abnormal area on the display unit 14.

[0118] With this configuration, information identifying an abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 is displayed on the display unit 14, making it easy to visually understand which area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 is abnormal. This makes it easy to understand which area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 needs adjustment. For example, if a user only knows that an abnormality is caused by contact between the conveyor belt 21 and the blade 43, it would require cumbersome work and extra time, such as moving the conveyor belt 21 in a circular motion, before the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 can find the abnormal area. In contrast, the information displayed on the display unit 14 allows the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 to identify and understand the abnormal area. Therefore, the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 can take action against the abnormal area early. For example, the user can quickly and appropriately restore the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 to a normal state.

[0119] (2) At least one adjustment unit 56 is actually a plurality of adjustment units 56. Each of the plurality of adjustment units 56 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of regions BA1 to BAN of the conveyor belt 21. When the control unit 100 determines that there is a region in which the blade 43 is in contact with the conveyor belt 21 in an abnormal manner, it identifies the adjustment unit 56 among the plurality of adjustment units 56 that corresponds to the region in which the blade 43 is in contact with the conveyor belt 21 in an abnormal manner and displays information on the display unit 14 prompting adjustment by the adjustment unit 56. With this configuration, the region in which the blade 43 is in contact with the conveyor belt 21 in an abnormal manner is identified by the information displayed on the display unit 14. The user can adjust the relative position of the blade 43 with respect to the conveyor belt 21 in the region in which adjustment is needed by adjusting the adjustment unit 56 that corresponds to the identified region in which the blade 43 is in contact with the conveyor belt 21 in an abnormal manner.

[0120] (3) The conveyor belt 21 has an adhesive layer 25 to which a medium M can be attached, and is configured to convey the medium M attached to the adhesive layer 25 in the conveying direction Y. The blade 43 is configured to contact the surface 25A of the adhesive layer 25 and remove any attached material from the surface 25A. With this configuration, the display unit 14 displays information identifying an abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 or the blade 43, so that the user can adjust the adjustment unit 56 corresponding to the identified abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt 21 or the blade 43. Therefore, the relative position of the blade 43 with respect to the conveyor belt 21 can be adjusted to the appropriate area where adjustment is necessary. For example, it is possible to suppress situations in which the deterioration rate of the adhesive layer 25 is accelerated or inadequate wiping is caused by an inappropriate relative position of the blade 43 in contact with the conveyor belt 21.

[0121] (4) Multiple detection units 60 detect the force that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21 as a load. Based on the detection results of the multiple detection units 60, the control unit 100 identifies areas where the load is excessive or insufficient as abnormal areas, identifies the amount of excess or insufficient load or the amount to reduce the excess or insufficient load for each area, and displays information indicating the identified areas and amounts on the display unit 14.

[0122] With this configuration, information including abnormal areas where the load on the blade 43 is excessive or insufficient, and the amount of the excess or deficiency, or the amount to reduce the excess or deficiency, is displayed on the display unit 14. This allows the user to easily and visually understand which areas of the blade 43 need to be adjusted and by how much. Therefore, the load on the blade 43 can be adjusted early and appropriately to a state where there is no excess or deficiency.

[0123] (5) At least one adjustment unit 56 is provided in multiple locations at different positions in the width direction X. The control unit 100 displays the amount of adjustment by the adjustment unit 56 corresponding to the abnormal area on the display unit 14. With this configuration, the user can understand from the information displayed on the display unit 14 the area where the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 is abnormal and the amount of adjustment at the adjustment position corresponding to the area where the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 is abnormal, so that the adjustment unit 56 corresponding to the area where the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 is abnormal can be operated with an appropriate amount of adjustment. Thus, the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 can be adjusted from the abnormal area to a normal state.

[0124] (6) The removal unit 44 is provided with multiple marks 90 at each position corresponding to multiple regions BA1 to BAN, which are capable of identifying regions BA1 to BAN. The control unit 100 displays information about the marks 90 corresponding to abnormal regions of the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 on the display unit 14. With this configuration, the user can more easily understand which region of the blade 43 needs to be adjusted from the information of the marks 90 displayed on the display unit 14.

[0125] (7) The removal unit 44 is provided with light-emitting units 80 at positions corresponding to multiple regions BA1 to BAN. The control unit 100 lights up or flashes the light-emitting unit 80 corresponding to the abnormal region among the multiple light-emitting units 80. With this configuration, the display unit 14 displays information that the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 has identified an abnormal region, and the light-emitting unit 80 corresponding to the abnormal region in the removal unit 44 lights up or flashes, so the user can more easily understand which adjustment unit 56 needs to be adjusted.

[0126] (8) The multiple detection units include a first detection unit 60 that detects the load that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21. With this configuration, the area where the load is abnormal, identified from the detection result of the load that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21, is displayed on the display unit 14, so that the user can easily understand which area of ​​the blade 43 needs to have its load adjusted.

[0127] (9) The multiple detection units include a second detection unit 70 that detects vibrations of the blade 43 that occur when the conveyor belt 21 moves in the conveying direction Y. With this configuration, abnormal areas identified based on the detection results of vibrations received by the blade 43 from the conveyor belt 21 are displayed on the display unit 14, so that the user can easily understand which area of ​​the blade 43 needs to be adjusted.

[0128] (10) The printing apparatus 11 comprises a conveyor belt 21, a printing unit 30, a removal unit 44, a plurality of detection units 60, 70, a display unit 14, at least one adjustment unit 56, and a control unit 100. The conveyor belt 21 has a surface 25A that supports a medium M and conveys the medium M supported on the surface 25A in the conveying direction Y. The printing unit 30 prints on the medium M conveyed by the conveyor belt 21. The removal unit 44 has a blade 43 that contacts the surface 25A and removes any attached material from the surface 25A. The detection units 60, 70 detect the force or change in force that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21. The display unit 14 displays information. The adjustment unit 56 is configured to allow adjustment of the relative position of the blade 43 with respect to the conveyor belt 21. The control unit 100 controls the driving of the conveyor belt 21 and the display unit 14. Each of the multiple detection units 60 and 70 is provided to correspond to each of the multiple regions BA1 to BAN in the conveyor belt 21, which is divided in the width direction X intersecting the conveying direction Y. Based on the detection results of the multiple detection units 60 and 70, the control unit 100 determines that there is a region among the multiple regions BA1 to BAN in which the blade 43 contacts the conveyor belt 21 in an abnormal manner, and displays information on the display unit 14 indicating the region in which the blade 43 contacts the conveyor belt 21 in an abnormal manner.

[0129] With this configuration, information identifying the region where the blade 43 contacts the conveyor belt 21 abnormally is displayed on the display unit 14, making it easy to visually understand which region of the conveyor belt 21 or blade 43 needs adjustment. Therefore, the display unit 14 can promptly address the region where the blade 43 contacts the conveyor belt 21 abnormally, as notified by the display unit 14. For example, by adjusting the adjustment unit 56 corresponding to the region where the blade 43 contacts the conveyor belt 21 abnormally, the user can quickly and appropriately restore the region to a normal state.

[0130] Furthermore, the above embodiment can be modified to a form such as the following modified example. In addition, the above embodiment and the following modified example can be appropriately combined to form a further modified example, and the following modified examples can be appropriately combined to form a further modified example.

[0131] The second detection unit 70, as an example of a detection unit, may be provided on the blade 43 itself, or it may be attached to the blade holder 51 that supports the blade 43. In the latter case, the second detection unit 70 may be attached to the outer wall surface of the blade holder 51, or it may be attached to an extension that extends from the blade holder 51.

[0132] The adjustment unit 56 may be configured to adjust the relative position of the blade 43 to the conveyor belt 21 by moving the conveyor belt 21 in the vertical direction Z. The adjustment unit 56 may also be adjusted by adjusting the position of the conveyor belt 21 and the adhesive layer 25 relative to the blade 43 using a conveyor belt moving mechanism (not shown). An example of a conveyor belt moving mechanism for the adjustment unit 56 is a mechanism that moves the conveyor belt 21 together with the drive roller 23A and the driven roller 23B in the vertical direction Z. The adjustment unit 56 includes, for example, a lifting mechanism for moving the drive roller 23A and the driven roller 23B in the vertical direction Z. This lifting mechanism includes, for example, a ball screw and a motor that rotates the ball screw. The configuration of this lifting mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it can move the conveyor belt 21 in the vertical direction Z. If the control unit 100 determines that the adhesive layer 25 is deteriorating, the position of the conveyor belt 21 and the adhesive layer 25 relative to the blade 43 may be adjusted in the vertical direction Z using a conveyor belt moving mechanism (not shown). As a result, the pressing force with which the adhesive layer 25 is pressed against the blade 43 is adjusted. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 56 may be configured to adjust the inclination angle of the lower surface 24c of the conveyor belt 21 with respect to the horizontal plane by individually adjusting the height position of the conveyor belt 21 at both ends in the width direction X. In this case, by adjusting the inclination angle of the lower surface 24c of the conveyor belt 21, it is possible to eliminate uneven contact between the blade 43 and the conveyor belt 21.

[0133] The adjustment unit 56 does not necessarily have to be provided for each of the multiple regions BA1, BA2, ..., BAN. The number of adjustment units 56 may be less than N or more than N, if the number of regions where the detection units 60 are provided is N, that is, if there are N detection units 60. If the number of adjustment units 56 is less than N, there may be just one. For example, the adjustment unit 56 may be configured to adjust the pressing force that the blade 43 exerts on the surface 25A of the conveyor belt 21 by moving the blade 43 in parallel while keeping the blade 43 in a horizontal position.

[0134] The detection unit only needs to detect the force that the blade 43 receives from the conveyor belt 21 or a change in said force. In this respect, the detection target of the detection unit is not limited to load or vibration, but may be other physical quantities other than load and vibration.

[0135] The number of detection units 60 or 70 and the number of adjustment units 56 may be different. For example, the number of detection units 60 or 70 may be twice or three times the number of adjustment units 56, or conversely, the number of adjustment units 56 may be twice or three times the number of detection units 60.

[0136] The number of detection units 60 and the number of detection units 70 may be different. For example, the number of detection units 60 may be twice or three times the number of detection units 70, or conversely, the number of detection units 70 may be twice or three times the number of detection units 60.

[0137] The detection unit 60, 70 may perform detection operations for a period of time equal to the entire rotation of the conveyor belt 21, or for a period equal to the rotation of only a portion of the conveyor belt 21. Furthermore, the detection unit 60, 70 may perform detection operations targeting a specific position within the rotation of the conveyor belt 21.

[0138] The detection unit may consist of only the first detection unit 60. The first detection unit 60 may be provided to correspond to multiple regions. The detection unit may consist of only the second detection unit 70. The second detection unit 70 may be provided to correspond to multiple regions.

[0139] The detection unit may consist of three or more types, including the first detection unit 60 and the second detection unit 70, as well as other detection units. The adjustment mechanism of the adjustment unit 56 may be modified as appropriate. For example, the adjustment unit 56 may include a pressing member that can move in the β direction (+β and -β) relative to the blade holder 51 shown in Figure 6. In this case, the adjustment unit 56 may include a first adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pressing member to a state where it can move relative to the blade holder 51 and a state where it cannot move, and a second adjustment mechanism for moving the pressing member in the β direction (+β and -β) while it is in the state where it can move relative to the blade holder 51. The first adjustment mechanism may include a first adjustment screw, and the second adjustment mechanism may include a second adjustment screw. The first screw may make the pressing member movable relative to the blade holder 51, and in this state, the second screw may be used to individually adjust the position of the blade 43 in the β direction for each region.

[0140] The transport device 20 may have a mark 90 but not a light-emitting unit 80. Conversely, it may also have a light-emitting unit 80 but not a mark 90. The conveyor belt 21 constituting the conveying device 20 may not have an adhesive layer 25. The medium M may be adsorbed onto the surface of the conveyor belt 21 by an attractive force due to negative pressure, or the medium M may be electrostatically adsorbed onto the surface of the conveyor belt 21 by electrostatic force.

[0141] The conveying device 20 may have a blade 43 that is divided into multiple blade members corresponding to multiple regions BA1, BA2, ... BAN of the conveying belt 21. In this case, multiple first detection units 61 to 6N may be provided to detect the load applied to each of the multiple blade members constituting the blade 43. In addition, multiple second detection units 71 to 7N may be provided to detect vibrations applied to each of the multiple blade members constituting the blade 43.

[0142] In step S20, the pressing portion that presses the adhesive layer 25 may be adjusted by a mechanism separate from the mechanism that moves the pressure roller 35 in the vertical Z direction. The pressure of the pressure roller on the adhesive layer 25 may be adjusted by adjusting the position of the conveyor belt 21 and the adhesive layer 25 relative to the pressure roller 35 using a conveyor belt moving mechanism (not shown). The conveyor belt moving mechanism is a mechanism that moves the conveyor belt 21 together with the drive roller 23A and the driven roller 23B in the vertical Z direction. The conveyor belt moving mechanism includes, for example, a lifting mechanism for moving the drive roller 23A and the driven roller 23B in the vertical Z direction. This lifting mechanism includes, for example, a ball screw and a motor that rotates the ball screw. The configuration of this lifting mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it can move the conveyor belt 21 in the vertical Z direction. If the control unit 100 determines that there is a deteriorated area in the adhesive layer 25, the position of the conveyor belt 21 and the adhesive layer 25 relative to the pressure roller 35 may be adjusted in the vertical Z direction using a conveyor belt moving mechanism (not shown). As a result, the pressure applied to the adhesive layer 25 against the pressure roller 35 increases, and the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer 25 increases by the amount of this increased pressure.

[0143] The schematic diagram 91 of the removal unit 44 displayed on the display unit 14 is not limited to the two-dimensional image shown in Figure 17, but may also be a three-dimensional image. In short, the schematic diagram 91 may be such that the location of the abnormality can be visually identified.

[0144] The determination made by the control unit 100 regarding the deterioration of the adhesive layer 25 based on the detection result of the detection unit 60 is not limited to determining whether or not the adhesive layer 25 has deteriorated, but may also be configured to determine the degree of deterioration of the adhesive layer 25. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may perform both the determination of whether or not the adhesive layer 25 has deteriorated and the determination of the degree of deterioration.

[0145] In addition to the display unit 14, notification may also be given by voice or sound. The printing device 11 may, for example, be equipped with a speaker and provide voice guidance from the speaker to inform users of information such as areas that need adjustment or areas where the adhesive layer 25 has deteriorated.

[0146] The printing device 11 is not limited to a textile printing device that prints on a medium M such as cloth, but may also be an inkjet printer that prints on a medium M such as single sheets of paper or roll paper. Furthermore, the printing device 11 may be a multifunction device equipped with a belt-type conveying device 20.

[0147] The printing device 11 is not limited to serial printers or line printers, and may also be a lateral printer in which the ejection unit 31 is movable in two directions: the width direction X and the transport direction Y. If the printing device 11 is a textile printing device, it may also have a dyeing section that dyes the medium M by immersing the medium M in a liquid such as ink. Furthermore, the ejection section 31 is not limited to an inkjet type ejection head, but may be a dispenser that ejects liquid, etc. Alternatively, the printing device 11 may have both an ejection section 31 and a dyeing section that drops a liquid such as ink onto the medium M.

[0148] The transport device 20 may be equipped on a printing device other than the inkjet type printing device 11. For example, it may be a transport device having a transport belt equipped on a printer equipped with a dot impact type print head. Alternatively, it may be a transport device having a transport belt equipped on a printer equipped with a thermal transfer printing type print head.

[0149] The blade used to remove deposits from the conveyor belt may also be an electrostatic removal blade that removes deposits adhering to the surface of the conveyor belt by electrostatic discharge.

[0150] [Definition] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options." As another example, as used herein, if there are three or more options, the expression "at least one" means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options."

[0151] The technical concepts derived from the above embodiments and modifications, along with their effects, are described below. (A) The conveying device comprises a conveying belt having a surface for supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium supported on the surface in the conveying direction; a removal unit having a blade that contacts the surface and removes any deposits adhering to the surface; a plurality of detection units for detecting the force the blade receives from the conveying belt or a change in said force; a display unit for displaying information; at least one adjustment unit capable of adjusting the relative position of the blade with respect to the conveying belt; and a control unit for controlling the drive of the conveying belt and the display unit, wherein each of the plurality of detection units is provided corresponding to each of a plurality of regions in the conveying belt that is divided in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction, and when the control unit determines that there is an abnormal region among the plurality of regions based on the detection results of the detection units, it causes the display unit to display information indicating the abnormal region.

[0152] With this configuration, information identifying abnormal areas of the conveyor belt or blade is displayed on the display unit, making it easy to visually understand which areas of the conveyor belt or blade need adjustment. For example, if a user only knows about an abnormality caused by contact between the conveyor belt and the blade, it would require cumbersome work and extra time, such as moving the conveyor belt around until the abnormal area is found. In contrast, the information displayed on the display unit allows the user to identify and understand the abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt or blade. Therefore, countermeasures against the abnormal area can be taken early. For example, by adjusting the adjustment unit corresponding to the identified abnormal area, the user can quickly and appropriately bring the conveyor belt or blade back to a normal state.

[0153] (B) In the above-described conveying device, the at least one adjustment unit is a plurality of adjustment units, each of which is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of regions of the conveying belt, and when the control unit determines that there is a region in which the blade contacts the conveying belt abnormally, it may identify the adjustment unit corresponding to the abnormal region from among the plurality of adjustment units and display information on the display unit prompting adjustment by that adjustment unit.

[0154] With this configuration, the user can adjust the adjustment unit corresponding to the area where the blade contacts the conveyor belt abnormally, based on the information displayed on the display unit. This allows for adjustment of the relative position of the blade to the conveyor belt in the necessary areas. Therefore, fine adjustments can be made for each area, and the area where the blade contacts the conveyor belt abnormally can be adjusted to a normal area.

[0155] (C) In the above conveying device, the conveying belt may have an adhesive layer to which the medium can be attached, and the conveying belt may be configured to convey the medium attached to the adhesive layer in the conveying direction, and the blade may be configured to contact the surface of the adhesive layer and remove any attached material adhering to the surface.

[0156] With this configuration, the user can adjust the adjustment unit corresponding to the abnormal area of ​​the conveyor belt or blade identified by the information displayed on the display unit, thereby adjusting the relative position of the blade to the conveyor belt to the appropriate area where adjustment is needed. For example, it is possible to suppress situations where the deterioration rate of the adhesive layer is accelerated or wiping is inadequate due to an inappropriate relative position of the blade in contact with the conveyor belt.

[0157] (D) In ​​the above conveying device, the detection unit detects the force that the blade receives from the conveying belt as a load, and the control unit identifies the region where the load is excessive or insufficient as the abnormal region based on the detection result of the detection unit, and identifies the amount of excess or insufficient load for each region or the amount to reduce the excess or insufficient load, and displays information indicating the identified region and amount on the display unit.

[0158] With this configuration, the display unit shows information including abnormal areas where the blade load is excessive or insufficient, and the amount of the excess or deficiency, or the amount to reduce it. This allows the user to easily and visually understand which areas of the blade's load need to be adjusted and by how much. Therefore, the blade load can be adjusted quickly and appropriately to a state where there is no excess or deficiency.

[0159] (E) In the above-described transport device, the adjustment units may be provided in multiple locations at different positions in the width direction, and the control unit may cause the adjustment amount by the adjustment unit corresponding to the abnormal area to be displayed on the display unit.

[0160] With this configuration, the user can understand the abnormal area and the adjustment amount at the corresponding adjustment position from the information displayed on the display unit, so that the conveyor belt or blade can operate the adjustment unit corresponding to the abnormal area with the appropriate adjustment amount. Therefore, the conveyor belt or blade can adjust the abnormal area to a normal state.

[0161] (F) In the above-described transport device, the removal unit is provided with a plurality of marks at each position corresponding to the plurality of regions that can identify the region, and the control unit may cause the display unit to display information of the marks corresponding to the abnormal region.

[0162] With this configuration, users can more easily understand which area of ​​the blade needs adjustment based on the information displayed on the indicator. (G) In the above-described transport device, the removal unit is provided with light-emitting units at positions corresponding to a plurality of regions, and the control unit may light up or blink the light-emitting units corresponding to the abnormal regions among the plurality of light-emitting units.

[0163] With this configuration, information identifying the abnormal area is displayed on the display unit, and the light-emitting unit corresponding to the abnormal area in the removal unit lights up or flashes, making it easier for the user to understand which adjustment unit needs to be adjusted.

[0164] (H) In the above conveying device, the detection unit may include a first detection unit that detects the load received by the blade from the conveying belt. With this configuration, the display unit shows areas where the load on the blade from the conveyor belt is abnormal, based on the detected load. This allows the user to easily understand which areas of the blade need to be adjusted.

[0165] (I) In the above-described conveying device, the detection unit may include a second detection unit that detects vibrations of the blade that occur when the conveying belt moves in the conveying direction. With this configuration, abnormal areas identified based on the vibration detection results from the conveyor belt affecting the blade are displayed on the display unit, making it easy for the user to understand which areas of the blade need adjustment.

[0166] (J) The printing apparatus comprises a conveyor belt having a surface for supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium supported on the surface in a conveying direction; a printing unit for printing on the medium conveyed by the conveyor belt; a removal unit having a blade that contacts the surface and removes any deposits adhering to the surface; a plurality of detection units for detecting the force the blade receives from the conveyor belt or changes in said force; a display unit for displaying information; at least one adjustment unit capable of adjusting the relative position of the blade with respect to the conveyor belt; and a control unit for controlling the drive of the conveyor belt and the display unit, wherein each of the plurality of detection units is provided in a plurality corresponding to each of a plurality of regions in the conveyor belt divided in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction, and when the control unit determines that there is an abnormal region among the plurality of regions based on the detection results of the detection units, it causes the display unit to display information indicating the abnormal region.

[0167] With this configuration, information identifying abnormal areas among the multiple regions of the conveyor belt, which is divided in the width direction, is displayed on the display unit, making it easy to visually understand which region of the conveyor belt or blade needs adjustment. Therefore, the display unit notifies the user of the abnormal region of the conveyor belt or blade, enabling them to take action early. For example, by adjusting the adjustment unit corresponding to the abnormal region of the conveyor belt or blade, the user can quickly and appropriately bring the abnormal region of the conveyor belt or blade back to a normal state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 11…Printing device, 12…Housing, 13…Operation unit, 14…Display unit as an example of a notification unit, 15…Liquid supply source, 16…Cover, 17…Support base, 18…Feeding unit, 19…Inner frame, 20…Conveying device, 21…Conveying belt, 21B…Belt base material, 22…Conveying unit, 23A…Driven roller, 23B…Driven roller, 24…Outer surface, 24a…Top surface, 24b…Curved surface, 24c…Bottom surface, 24d…Curved surface, 25…Adhesive layer, 25A…Surface, 26…Conveying motor, 27…Encoder, 30…Printing 31...Discharge section, 32...Carriage, 33...First heating section (an example of a heating section), 33A...Heater, 34...Pressing section, 35...Pressure roller, 36...Second heating section (an example of a heating section), 37...Drying section, 38...Hose, 40...Washing section, 41...Washing tank, 41A...Rear wall, 41B...Side wall, 42...Brush, 43...Blade, 43A...Base, 43B...Blade section, 44...Removal section, 45...Lifting mechanism, 46...Electric actuator, 47...Frame, 48...Side plate, 49...Plate member, 51...Blade holder -, 52...First holding member, 53...Second holding member, 54...Bracket, 54A...First part, 54B...Second part, 56...Adjustment part, 561...First adjustment part, 562...Second adjustment part, 56N...Nth adjustment part, 57~59...Screw, 60, 61~6N...First detection part as an example of a detection part, 70, 71~7N...Second detection part as an example of a detection part, 80, 81~8N...Light emitting part, 90...Mark, 91...Schematic diagram, 100...Control unit, 110...Computer, 111...Position measuring unit, 112...Calculation unit, 113... Memory unit, M...medium, Q...cleaning solution as an example of a liquid, AP...attachment start position, BP...brushing position, WP...wiping position, BA1...first area, BA2...second area, BA3...third area, BAN...nth area, X...width direction, Y...conveying direction, Z...vertical direction, CD...circumferential direction, α...width direction, β...extension direction, γ...vertical direction, PR...program, SD1...first threshold data, PM...load measurement data, SD2...second threshold data, VM...vibration measurement data, Vva...average vibration intensity, Avb...average load value.

Claims

1. A conveyor belt having a surface for supporting a medium, and capable of conveying the medium supported on the surface in the conveying direction, A heating unit that heats the conveyor belt in the portion where the medium is not attached, A removal unit having a blade that contacts the surface and removes deposits adhering to the surface, Multiple detection units for detecting the force the blade receives from the conveyor belt or a change in said force, A display unit that displays information, At least one adjustment unit capable of adjusting the relative position of the blade with respect to the conveyor belt, A control unit that controls the drive of the conveyor belt, the heating unit, and the display unit, Equipped with, The conveyor belt has an adhesive layer to which the medium can be attached, and is configured to be able to convey the medium attached to the adhesive layer in the conveying direction. The blade is configured to contact the surface of the adhesive layer and remove any deposits adhering to the surface of the adhesive layer. Each of the plurality of detection units is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of regions in the conveyor belt that is divided in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction, The plurality of detection units include a second detection unit that detects vibrations of the blade that occur when the conveyor belt moves in the conveying direction. The conveying device is characterized in that, when the control unit determines that there is an abnormal area among the plurality of areas based on the detection results of the plurality of detection units, it causes the display unit to display information indicating the abnormal area, and when the vibration intensity of the blade is less than a second threshold for determining whether or not the adhesive layer has deteriorated, it adjusts to increase the heating temperature of the heating unit based on the detection result of the second detection unit.

2. A conveyor belt having a surface for supporting a medium, and capable of conveying the medium supported on the surface in the conveying direction, The conveyor belt includes a pressing section for pressing and attaching the medium, A removal unit having a blade that contacts the surface and removes deposits adhering to the surface, Multiple detection units for detecting the force the blade receives from the conveyor belt or a change in said force, A display unit that displays information, At least one adjustment unit capable of adjusting the relative position of the blade with respect to the conveyor belt, A control unit that controls the drive of the conveyor belt and the display unit, Equipped with, The conveyor belt has an adhesive layer to which the medium can be attached, and is configured to be able to convey the medium attached to the adhesive layer in the conveying direction. The blade is configured to contact the surface of the adhesive layer and remove any deposits adhering to the surface of the adhesive layer. Each of the plurality of detection units is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of regions in the conveyor belt that is divided in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction, The plurality of detection units include a second detection unit that detects vibrations of the blade that occur when the conveyor belt moves in the conveying direction. The conveying device is characterized in that, when the control unit determines that there is an abnormal area among the plurality of areas based on the detection results of the plurality of detection units, it causes the display unit to display information indicating the abnormal area, and when the vibration intensity of the blade is less than a second threshold for determining whether the adhesive layer has deteriorated, it adjusts to increase the pressing force of the pressing unit based on the detection result of the second detection unit.

3. The aforementioned at least one adjustment unit is a plurality of adjustment units, Each of the plurality of adjustment units is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of regions of the conveyor belt, The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the control unit determines that there is an abnormal area in the way the blade contacts the conveying belt, it identifies the adjustment unit corresponding to the abnormal area from among the plurality of adjustment units and displays information on the display unit prompting adjustment by that adjustment unit.

4. The plurality of detection units detect the force that the blade receives from the conveyor belt as a load, The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit identifies the region where the load is excessive or insufficient as the abnormal region based on the detection results of the plurality of detection units, identifies the amount of excess or insufficient load for each region or the amount to reduce the excess or insufficient load, and displays information indicating the identified region and amount on the display unit.

5. The at least one adjustment section is provided in multiple locations at different positions in the width direction, The transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit causes the amount of adjustment by the adjustment unit corresponding to the abnormal region to be displayed on the display unit.

6. The removal section is provided with a plurality of marks at each position corresponding to the plurality of regions, which are capable of identifying the regions. The transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control unit causes the display unit to display information of the mark corresponding to the abnormal region.

7. The removal unit is provided with light-emitting units at positions corresponding to the multiple regions. The transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control unit lights up or blinks the light-emitting unit corresponding to the abnormal region among the plurality of light-emitting units.

8. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plurality of detection units include a first detection unit that detects the load received by the blade from the conveying belt.

9. A conveyor belt having a surface for supporting a medium, and capable of conveying the medium supported on the surface in the conveying direction, A printing unit that prints on the medium being transported by the conveyor belt, A heating unit that heats the conveyor belt in the portion where the medium is not attached, A removal unit having a blade that contacts the surface and removes deposits adhering to the surface, Multiple detection units for detecting the force the blade receives from the conveyor belt or a change in said force, A display unit that displays information, At least one adjustment unit capable of adjusting the relative position of the blade with respect to the conveyor belt, A control unit that controls the drive of the conveyor belt, the heating unit, and the display unit, Equipped with, The conveyor belt has an adhesive layer to which the medium can be attached, and is configured to be able to convey the medium attached to the adhesive layer in the conveying direction. The blade is configured to contact the surface of the adhesive layer and remove any deposits adhering to the surface of the adhesive layer. Each of the plurality of detection units is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of regions in the conveyor belt that is divided in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction, The plurality of detection units include a second detection unit that detects vibrations of the blade that occur when the conveyor belt moves in the conveying direction. The printing apparatus is characterized in that, when the control unit determines that there is an abnormal area among the plurality of areas based on the detection results of the plurality of detection units, it causes the display unit to display information indicating the abnormal area, and when the vibration intensity of the blade is less than a second threshold for determining whether the adhesive layer has deteriorated, it adjusts the heating temperature of the heating unit to increase based on the detection result of the second detection unit.

10. A conveyor belt having a surface for supporting a medium, and capable of conveying the medium supported on the surface in the conveying direction, The conveyor belt includes a pressing section for pressing and attaching the medium, A printing unit that prints on the medium being transported by the conveyor belt, A removal unit having a blade that contacts the surface and removes deposits adhering to the surface, Multiple detection units for detecting the force the blade receives from the conveyor belt or a change in said force, A display unit that displays information, At least one adjustment unit capable of adjusting the relative position of the blade with respect to the conveyor belt, A control unit that controls the drive of the conveyor belt and the display unit, Equipped with, The conveyor belt has an adhesive layer to which the medium can be attached, and is configured to be able to convey the medium attached to the adhesive layer in the conveying direction. The blade is configured to contact the surface of the adhesive layer and remove any deposits adhering to the surface of the adhesive layer. Each of the plurality of detection units is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of regions in the conveyor belt that is divided in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction, The plurality of detection units include a second detection unit that detects vibrations of the blade that occur when the conveyor belt moves in the conveying direction. The printing apparatus is characterized in that, when the control unit determines that there is an abnormal area among the plurality of areas based on the detection results of the plurality of detection units, it causes the display unit to display information indicating the abnormal area, and when the vibration intensity of the blade is less than a second threshold for determining whether the adhesive layer has deteriorated, it adjusts to increase the pressing force of the pressing unit based on the detection result of the second detection unit.

Images