Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a recording apparatus and a transport apparatus.

<CIT> discloses an inkjet printer in which a fabric is separated from a belt on the most downstream side of a feed route to be fed toward a taking-up roller and dried by a drying heater to accelerate drying of the ink. Documents <CIT> and <CIT> disclose relevant prior art for the present invention.

As shown in <CIT>, there is known a recording apparatus that uses a detection roller that contacts a transport belt, with an adhesive property, to detect changes in the adhesiveness.

However, in the recording apparatus described in <CIT>, since the detection roller contacts the transport belt during detection, there is a possibility that the adhesiveness will deteriorate.

According to the present invention, there is provided a transport apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a recording apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that directions in the drawings will be described using a three dimensional coordinate system in which an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis are orthogonal to each other. In this case, a direction along the X axis is defined as an X direction, a direction along the Y axis is defined as a Y direction, and a direction along the Z axis is defined as a Z direction. For convenience of explanation, the positive direction of the Z direction is referred to as an upward direction or simply upward, the negative direction is referred to as a downward direction or simply downward, the positive direction of the X direction is referred to as a rightward direction or simply right, the negative direction is referred to as a leftward direction or simply left, the positive direction of the Y direction is referred to as a forward direction or simply forward, and the negative direction is referred to as a rearward direction or simply rearward.

As shown in <FIG>, a recording apparatus <NUM> includes a controller <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, a recording section <NUM>, a transport section <NUM>, a communication section <NUM>, a notification section <NUM>, a cleaning section <NUM>, a wiping section <NUM>, a drying section <NUM>, and an application section <NUM>. The configuration of the recording apparatus <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a transport apparatus <NUM> has configuration in which at least the recording section <NUM> is removed from the recording apparatus <NUM>. The configuration of the transport apparatus <NUM> is the same as that of the recording apparatus <NUM> described below except for the recording section <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> includes a central processing section (CPU) that integrally controls each section of the recording apparatus <NUM>, a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART) that manages input and output, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a programmable logic device (PLD) that is a logic circuit, and the like. The CPU is also referred to as a processor.

The memory <NUM> includes a flash read only memory (ROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD) which is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, a random access memory (RAM) which is a volatile memory, and the like.

The CPU of the controller <NUM> reads a program such as firmware stored in the nonvolatile memory of the memory <NUM>, and executes the program using the RAM of the memory <NUM> as a work area.

The medium M illustrated in <FIG> is, for example, an elongated fabric formed of natural fibers or synthetic fibers. The elongated fabric is also referred to as a whole cloth. The recording apparatus <NUM> performs recording on the medium M. Recording on the fabric is also referred to as printing, and the medium M is also referred to as a material to be printed on. Note that the medium M may be plain paper, synthetic paper, film, or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, the transport section <NUM> includes an endless transport belt <NUM>, a driving roller 14a, and a driven roller 14b. The transport section <NUM> rotates the driving roller 14a counterclockwise by a conveying motor (not shown), and the driven roller 14b also rotates counterclockwise following the driving roller 14a. The transport belt <NUM> spanning across the driving roller 14a and the driven roller 14b also rotates in the counterclockwise direction, which is the circling direction. The driving roller 14a and the driven roller 14b may be reversed in their driving and driven relationship.

As shown in <FIG>, assuming that the driving roller 14a of the transport section <NUM> is the starting point, the cleaning section <NUM>, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, the wiping section <NUM>, the drying section <NUM>, the application section <NUM>, and the recording section <NUM> are disposed in this order from upstream to downstream in the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>. The order opposite to this order is the order from downstream to upstream of the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>.

In addition, with respect to the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>, the direction in which the medium M is mounted onto the transport belt <NUM> and moves from the driven roller 14b toward the driving roller 14a is referred to as the forward direction, and a direction in which the medium M is peeled and moves from the driving roller 14a toward the driven roller 14b is referred to as the return direction.

As will be described later, glue G, which is an adhesive having an adhesive property, is provided on the surface of the transport belt <NUM>, and the medium M can adhere to the glue G. The glue G includes, for example, a silicone resin.

As shown in <FIG>, the portion of the transport belt <NUM> moving in the forward direction is referred to as a forward belt surface 20a, and the portion of the transport belt <NUM> surface moving in the return direction is referred to as a return belt surface 20b.

The transport belt <NUM> can adhere and fix in place the medium M by the glue G and stably transport the medium M. In addition, the transport belt <NUM> enables easy peeling off of the medium M after recording.

Under the control of the controller <NUM>, the medium M drawn out from the roll body M1, which is wound in a roll, is mounted onto the forward belt surface 20a of the transport section <NUM> and transported.

The transport section <NUM> may include at least one of a feeding device that pulls the medium M out from the roll body M1 at a position close to the driven roller 14b or a winding device that winds up the medium M that was peeled off from the forward belt surface 20a at a position close to the driving roller 14a.

As shown in <FIG>, the recording section <NUM> includes an inkjet head 13a and a carriage 13b. The carriage 13b includes a carriage motor. The recording apparatus <NUM> can be mounted with ink cartridges or ink tanks storing ink of each color of, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) as ink colors.

The recording section <NUM> includes a supply mechanism that supplies ink from an ink cartridge or the like to the head. The supply mechanism supplies ink of each color from an ink cartridge or the like to a corresponding nozzle of the head 13a.

The head 13a is mounted on the carriage 13b and is reciprocated together with the carriage 13b by a carriage motor in the front-rear direction over the medium M. The head 13a is, under control based on recording data by the controller <NUM>, capable of recording on the medium M by ejecting ink from nozzles while moving over the medium M.

The ink colors may be any combination of four or more colors including, for example, dark and light CMYK colors.

In addition, the head 13a may be configured to include nozzles that eject a penetrant liquid onto the medium M. A penetrant liquid is a liquid that promotes penetration of ink adhered to the front surface of the medium M toward the back surface.

The cleaning section <NUM> is provided downstream from the driving roller 14a in the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>. The cleaning section <NUM> can remove ink, foreign matter, and the like clinging to the return belt surface 20b of the transport section <NUM> on which recording by the recording section <NUM> has finished and from which the medium M has been peeled off.

The cleaning section <NUM> includes a cleaning brush and a brush rotating motor (not shown) that rotates the cleaning brush. Under the control of the controller <NUM>, the cleaning section <NUM> can clean by rotating the cleaning brush while spraying supplied cleaning liquid, which is a liquid such as water, onto the cleaning brush and bringing the cleaning brush into contact with the returning belt surface 20b.

A cleaning vessel 30a discharges the cleaning liquid while storing the cleaning liquid so that the liquid level stays constant. The cleaning brush of the cleaning section <NUM> is immersed at a certain depth in the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning vessel 30a to remove foreign matter and the like attached during cleaning.

The cleaning brush may be a rotating brush, a cylindrical cloth, sponge, or brush, a rubber or resin plate, or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, the at least one ultrasonic sensor <NUM> includes a transmission section 12a, which is a transmitter for transmitting a transmission wave S, and a reception section 12b, which is a reception section for receiving a reception wave R. The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> uses, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> ultrasonic waves. The transmission wave S transmitted from the transmission section 12a is reflected from the return belt surface 20b, becoming the reception wave R, which is received by the reception section 12b.

The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> can detect the distance to the return belt surface 20b in a non-contact manner by using the time from when the transmission section 12a transmits the transmission wave S to when the reception section 12b receives the reception wave R. The controller <NUM> can easily and accurately determine the state of the return belt surface 20b by using the understanding that the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> varies depending on the state of the return belt surface 20b.

Specifically, in the case where ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the transmission section 12a of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> toward a glue surface GS (to be described later), which is the surface of the glue G on the return belt surface 20b, when the glue G is consumed by peeling, then, compared to when the glue G is not consumed, the time until the reception section 12b receives the ultrasonic waves that were reflected by the glue surface GS and returned becomes longer, and the distance detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> becomes longer. The glue G is consumed when, for example, the medium M is peeled off from the forward belt surface 20a or the return belt surface 20b is cleaned by the cleaning section <NUM>.

Using the distance detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> with respect to at least a part of the return belt surface 20b, the controller <NUM> can determine the degree of deterioration of the glue G on the entire transport belt <NUM>.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> of the embodiment, since ultrasonic waves are used, it is possible to detect, in a non-contact manner, a state in which the glue G of the transport belt <NUM> has been consumed by being peeled off. Therefore, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> can perform detection without influencing the glue G on the transport belt <NUM>.

The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> is configured to be able to detect a detection target region 20c, which is at least a portion of the return belt surface 20b from downstream of the cleaning section <NUM> to upstream of the wiping section <NUM> with respect to the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>.

With respect to the return belt surface 20b cleaned by the cleaning section <NUM>, the distance to the return belt surface 20b is detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> in the detection target region 20c. The controller <NUM> can determine, according to the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, that is, based on the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, the state of the return belt surface 20b, for example, the state of the thickness of the glue G on the return belt surface 20b or the state in which foreign matter, such as droplets of cleaning liquid, adhere to the return belt surface 20b.

The detection distance and sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> can be adjusted by the output power of the transmission wave S of the transmission section 12a, or the like.

As described above, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> is configured to be able to detect the returning belt surface 20b in a non-contact manner and also to be able to adjust the detection distance. Therefore, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> may be at any position as long as it can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to and from the detection target region 20c of the transport belt <NUM>, and may not be at the position shown in <FIG>. For example, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> may be disposed upstream of the cleaning section <NUM> or may be disposed downstream of any of the wiping section <NUM>, the drying section <NUM>, and the application section <NUM>.

Here, an example in which the controller <NUM> determines the state of the thickness of the glue G, which is the state of the return belt surface 20b, based on the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> can detect the distance D to the return belt surface 20b, which is the target of detection, based on the speed of the ultrasonic wave being used and on the time from transmission of the transmission wave S to reception of the reception wave R.

The controller <NUM> may control the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> to transmit the transmission wave S and receive the reception wave R, acquire the intervening time, and, based on the speed of the ultrasonic wave, calculate the distance D to the return belt surface 20b.

<FIG> shows three configurations in which the thickness of the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is different. As shown in <FIG>, when the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> uses the transmission section 12a to transmit a transmission wave S toward the return belt surface 20b, the transmission wave S is reflected from the glue surface GS, which is the surface of the glue G, becoming a reception wave R that is received by the reception section 12b.

In the Z-axis of the coordinates shown in <FIG>, the distance from the position of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> to the return belt surface 20b, which is the target of detection, is referred to as the distance D detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>. Note that the position of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> is at "distance D = <NUM>".

The left form in <FIG> shows a state in which the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is sufficient. For example, the glue G is about <NUM> to <NUM> thick. It shows a new product in which the glue G of the transport belt <NUM> is sufficiently provided or a state in which the user sufficiently applied the glue G to the transport belt <NUM>.

In a state where the glue G is sufficient on the return belt surface 20b, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> can detect the distance D from the position of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> to the return belt surface 20b as a first distance D1, based on the time from the transmission of the transmission wave S to the reception of the reception wave R.

The central form in <FIG> is a state in which, compared to the left form, the operation of the recording apparatus <NUM> has progressed and the glue G on the return belt surface 20b has been consumed. For example, the thickness of the glue G is reduced to about <NUM>, and it is necessary to replace the transport belt <NUM> with a new one or to apply glue G to the transport belt <NUM>. If the transport belt <NUM> continues to be used in this state, there is a possibility that the medium M on the forward belt surface 20a may slip.

In a state where the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is consumed, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> can detect the distance D from the position of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> to the return belt surface 20b as the second distance D2, based on the time from transmission of the transmission wave S to reception of the reception wave R. Note that first distance D1 < second distance D2.

The right form in <FIG> is a state in which there is no glue G on the return belt surface 20b. In this case, when the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> uses the transmission section 12a to transmit the transmission wave S toward the return belt surface 20b, since there is no glue G, the transmission wave S is reflected by the return belt surface 20b itself and then becomes the reception wave R, which is received by the reception section 12b.

In a state where no glue G is on the return belt surface 20b, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> can detect the distance D from the position of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> to the return belt surface 20b as a third distance D3, based on the time from the transmission of the transmission wave S to the reception of the reception wave R. Note that second distance D2 < third distance D3.

The third distance D3 can also be stored in the memory <NUM> by detecting, in advance by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, the return belt surface 20b in a state where there is no glue G.

In addition, so that the controller <NUM> can use the second distance D2 and the third distance D3 when determining the state of the returning belt surface 20b as will be described later, the user can store the second distance D2 and the third distance D3 in the memory <NUM> using an external apparatus <NUM> or the touch panel of the notification section <NUM>, to be described later.

The controller <NUM> compares the distance D detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> with the second distance D2 stored in the memory <NUM> and when distance D ≥ second distance D2, the controller <NUM> can determine that the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is in a consumed state, and that the glue G on the entire transport belt <NUM> is in a consumed state. At this time, the controller <NUM> can use the notification section <NUM>, to be described later, to notify information indicating that it is necessary to replace the transport belt <NUM> or to apply glue G to the transport belt <NUM>.

In addition, the controller <NUM> compares the detected distance D with the second distance D2 and when the distance D < distance D2, can determine that the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is in a sufficient state, and the glue G on the entire transport belt <NUM> is also in a sufficient state. At this time, the controller <NUM> can use the notification section <NUM> to notify information indicating that the glue G on the transport belt <NUM> is in a sufficient state.

The controller <NUM> can also calculate the thickness of the glue G on the return belt surface 20b by comparing the distance D detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> with the third distance D3 stored in the memory <NUM>.

An example in which the controller <NUM> calculates the thickness of the glue G on the return belt surface 20b will be described. In the case of the left configuration in <FIG>, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> detects the distance D to the glue surface GS as the first distance D1. The controller <NUM> can compare the third distance D3, which is the case of no glue G being present, stored in the memory <NUM>, and calculate the thickness of the glue G as G1 = third distance D3 - first distance D1.

In this case, since the calculated thickness G1 of the glue G is about <NUM> to <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can determine that the glue G is sufficiently present on the return belt surface 20b and the glue G of the entire transport belt <NUM> is also in a sufficient state.

Similarly, in the case of the central form in <FIG>, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> detects the distance D to the glue surface GS as the second distance D2. The controller <NUM> can compare the second distance D2 stored in the memory <NUM> and calculate the thickness of the glue G as G2 = third distance D3 - second distance D2.

In this case, since the calculated thickness G2 of the glue G is equal to or less than <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can determine that the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is in a consumed state and the glue G on the entire transport belt <NUM> is also in a consumed state.

In addition, the case of the central form in <FIG> indicates that the operation of the recording apparatus <NUM> has progressed and the glue G of the return belt surface 20b has been consumed compared to the left form, so the thickness of the glue G is G2 < G1 and is thin.

The case of the form on the right in <FIG> indicates that operation of the recording apparatus <NUM> has proceeded further and that the glue G reaches a state without thickness, becoming <NUM> = third distance D3 - third distance D3.

<FIG> shows coordinates in which the horizontal axis represents the operating time t of the recording apparatus <NUM> and the vertical axis represents the temporal change Z in the distance D to the glue surface GS of the return belt surface 20b detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>.

(t1, D1) in <FIG> denotes a first distance D1 detected by the ultrasonic sensor at t1, which is before operation of the recording apparatus <NUM>.

The first distance D1 shows an initial state in which there is sufficient glue G on the return belt surface 20b. Based on the first distance D1 detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can determine that the glue G is sufficiently present on the return belt surface 20b.

The recording apparatus <NUM> operates, and (t2, D2) indicates the second distance D2 detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> at the operating time t2 of the recording apparatus <NUM>.

The second distance D2 indicates that the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is in a consumed state. Based on the second distance D2 detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can determine that the operation of the recording apparatus <NUM> has progressed and that the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is in a consumed state.

Since the glue G of the entire transport belt <NUM> is not sufficient once an operating time t2 is exceeded, the controller <NUM> can also determine that there is a concern that slippage may start to occur between the forward belt surface 20a and the medium M, and that there is a concern that recording defects may occur. The controller <NUM> may be configured to stop the recording section <NUM> and the transport section <NUM>.

Further, when the recording apparatus <NUM> operates and reaches (t3, D3), this indicates that at the operating time t3 of the recording apparatus <NUM>, there is no more glue G and the distance from the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> to the return belt surface 20b is the third distance D3. The controller <NUM> can determine that there is no glue G on the entire transport belt <NUM>, that slippage will frequently occur between the forward belt surface 20a and the medium M, and that most of the media M will be defectively recorded. The controller <NUM> can stop the recording section <NUM> and the transport section <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> can store in advance a relationship of the temporal change in the distance D detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> with respect to operating time of the recording apparatus <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

Based on the relationship of the temporal change of the distance D with respect to the operating time of the recording apparatus <NUM> stored in the memory <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can predict the state of the entire transport belt <NUM> corresponding to the future operating time of the recording apparatus <NUM>.

Specifically, the controller <NUM> can refer to the memory <NUM> based on the current distance D detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> and, from the relationship of the temporal change of the distance D with respect to the operating time of the recording apparatus <NUM>, determine the time when the glue G of the entire transport belt <NUM> will be consumed.

The controller <NUM> can use the notification section <NUM>, to be described later, to notify information such as an operating time until the glue G will be used up, the time when the transport belt <NUM> should be replaced, and the time when glue G should be applied to the transport belt <NUM>. In addition, when the time to replace the transport belt <NUM>, the time to apply the glue G to the transport belt <NUM>, or the like approaches, the controller <NUM> can also notify information that prompts preparation.

The relationship of the temporal change in the distance D with respect to the operating time of the recording apparatus <NUM> may differ depending on the type of the medium M. The memory <NUM> can also store, separately for each type of medium M, the relationship of the temporal change of the distance D with respect to the operating time of the recording apparatus <NUM>.

As will be described later, the user can designate the type of the medium M using the external apparatus <NUM> or a touch panel of the notification section <NUM>, to be described later. The controller <NUM> can also retrieve from the memory <NUM> the relationship of the temporal change in the distance D with respect to the operating time of the recording apparatus <NUM> corresponding to the type of the designated medium M, and predict the above-described timing.

When the transport section <NUM> includes the winding device as described above, a sensor may be provided for detecting a peeling angle of the medium M peeled off from the forward belt surface 20a. The peeling angle is an angle between the forward belt surface 20a and the medium M that was peeled off.

For example, the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor, and by detecting the distance from a predetermined position to the peeled off medium M in a non-contact manner, the controller <NUM> can calculate the peeling angle of the medium M that was peeled off from the forward belt surface 20a.

When the glue G on the forward belt surface 20a is consumed and the adhesiveness of the glue G deteriorates, the medium M is peeled off from the forward belt surface 20a further upstream in the circling direction. That is, as the glue G on the forward belt surface 20a is consumed, the peeling angle of the medium M decreases. The influence of the type of the medium M is also reflected in the peeling angle of the medium M.

The controller <NUM> can determine the state of the glue G on the return belt surface 20b using the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> and can determine the adhesiveness of the glue G on the forward belt surface 20a using the above-described sensor that detects the peeling angle of the medium M. By using the two sensors, the controller <NUM> can more reliably determine deterioration of the glue G on the transport belt <NUM>, that reflects the influence of the type of the medium M.

For example, when the controller <NUM> determines that the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is being consumed using the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> and that the adhesive property of the glue G on the forward belt surface 20a is decreasing using the above-described sensor, the controller <NUM> can more reliably determine the deterioration of the glue G on the transport belt <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can also use the notification section <NUM> to notify at a more appropriate time.

Returning to <FIG>, the description of the configuration of the recording apparatus <NUM> will continue. The returning belt surface 20b cleaned by the cleaning section <NUM> is subjected to a process by the wiping section <NUM> of wiping off the cleaning liquid and foreign matter that cling to the returning belt surface 20b. As illustrated in <FIG>, the wiping section <NUM> is provided downstream of the cleaning section <NUM> and upstream of the recording section <NUM> in the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>. The wiping section <NUM> includes a wiping blade 31a and an adjustment section 31b. The wiping blade 31a may be formed of rubber in a wiper shape or resin in a plate shape.

As the transport belt <NUM> is transported, the wiping blade 31a can wipe the moving return belt surface 20b while its tip end contacts the return belt surface 20b. The adjustment section 31b is configured to be able to adjust the position of the wiping blade 31a up and down under the control of the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> uses the adjustment section 31b to control the position of the wiping blade 31a according to the state of the returning belt surface 20b, which is the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, and can adjust the load when the wiping blade 31a contacts the returning belt surface 20b.

As the position of the wiping blade 31a becomes higher, the load with which the wiping blade 31a contacts the return belt surface 20b increases, and the wiping blade 31a strongly rubs against the return belt surface 20b. As the position of the wiping blade 31a becomes lower, the load at which the wiping blade 31a contacts the return belt surface 20b decreases, and the wiping blade 31a weakly rubs against the return belt surface 20b.

In this way, the controller <NUM> can control the position of the wiping blade 31a using the adjustment section 31b and adjust the wiping state of the wiping blade 31a against the return belt surface 20b.

As described above, the glue G is provided on the surface of the transport belt <NUM>. As the load with which the wiping blade 31a contacts the return belt surface 20b increases, the effect of wiping the cleaning liquid or the like clinging to the return belt surface 20b increases, but the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is more likely to be consumed. In addition, when the load becomes small, the opposite tendency is shown.

A controller <NUM> uses the adjustment section 31b to keep the wiping blade 31a at a prescribed position where it can contact the return belt surface 20b with a prescribed load. The controller <NUM> can reduce the load of the wiping blade 31a of the wiping section <NUM> by controlling the adjustment section 31b according to the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>.

Specifically, when the controller <NUM> determines, based on the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, that the consumption of the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is progressing, the controller <NUM> controls the adjustment section 31b to move the position of the wiping blade 31a of the wiping section <NUM> downward continuously or in a stepwise manner from a predetermined position. The controller <NUM> can continuously or in a stepwise manner reduce the load of the wiping blade 31a on the returning belt surface 20b according to the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>. The controller <NUM> controls the wiping section <NUM> in accordance with the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, and can suppress consumption of the glue G on the return belt surface 20b.

The return belt surface 20b from which the cleaning liquid or the like is wiped by the wiping section <NUM> is subjected to drying by the drying section <NUM> to dry off the cleaning liquid remaining on the return belt surface 20b. The drying section <NUM> is provided downstream of the wiping section <NUM> and upstream of the recording section <NUM> in the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>.

The drying section <NUM> includes at least one of a blower and a heater. The drying section <NUM> can dry the cleaning liquid clinging to the return belt surface 20b in a non-contact manner by using at least one of an air flow by a blower and heat by a heater.

The controller <NUM> can control the output such as the wattage of the heater or the air volume per unit of time of the blower of the drying section <NUM> based on the state of the returning belt surface 20b detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, and can adjust the drying state of the returning belt surface 20b. For example, when the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is consumed, the cleaning liquid is likely to remain on the return belt surface 20b, and thus the controller <NUM> increases the output of the heater or the air volume of the drying section <NUM>.

As described above, when the load of the wiping section <NUM> on the returning belt surface 20b is reduced, the controller <NUM> can increase the output such as the wattage of the heater or the air volume per unit of time of the blower of the drying section <NUM>.

When the load with which the wiping section <NUM> contacts the return belt surface 20b is reduced, the effect of wiping the cleaning liquid that clings to the return belt surface 20b decreases, so the amount of remaining cleaning liquid increases. However, drying of the cleaning liquid remaining on the returning belt surface 20b can be promoted by increasing the output such as the wattage of the heater or the air volume per unit of time of the blower of the drying section <NUM>.

It should be noted that only one of the wiping section <NUM> and the drying section <NUM> may be provided as long as a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid clinging to the returning belt surface 20b can be removed by the one. Alternatively, the wiping section <NUM> and the drying section <NUM> need not be provided as long as, due to the environment in which the recording apparatus <NUM> is installed, such as being installed in a dry environment, a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid is removed by the time the return belt surface 20b after being cleaned is conveyed and reaches the driven roller 14b or the recording section <NUM>. Similarly, in a case where the cleaning section <NUM> is not provided, the wiping section <NUM> and the drying section <NUM> need not be provided.

The glue G can be applied by the application section <NUM> to the return belt surface 20b that has been subjected to drying treatment by the drying section <NUM>. The application section <NUM> is provided downstream of the drying section <NUM> and upstream of the recording section <NUM> in the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>.

When the drying section <NUM> is provided, it is desirable that the application section <NUM> is provided downstream of the drying section <NUM> in the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>. The application section <NUM> can apply the glue G to the returning belt surface 20b which had the cleaning liquid dried. Accordingly, compared to a case where the glue G is applied in a state where the cleaning liquid remains on the return belt surface 20b, it is possible to improve fixability of the glue G to the transport belt <NUM>.

The application section <NUM> includes an application roller 33a and a mover 33b. Glue G is applied to the surface of the application roller 33a. As the transport belt <NUM> is conveyed, the application roller 33a rotates while being in contact with the moving return belt surface 20b, to apply the glue G to the return belt surface 20b. In addition, it is desirable that the controller <NUM> rotates the transport belt <NUM> at least once while the application roller 33a of the application section <NUM> is in contact with the return belt surface 20b. The application section <NUM> can apply the glue G over the entire transport belt <NUM> in the transport direction.

The mover 33b is configured to move the position of the application roller 33a up and down under the control of the controller <NUM>. When the glue G is not being applied, the controller <NUM> retracts and moves the application roller 33a to a lower position where the application roller 33a does not contact the return belt surface 20b.

When the glue G is to be applied to the return belt surface 20b, the controller <NUM> uses the mover 33b to move the application roller 33a toward the upper position so as to contact the return belt surface 20b. The controller <NUM> uses the mover 33b to move the application roller 33a to a position where the application roller 33a contacts the return belt surface 20b so that the glue G can be applied to the return belt surface 20b.

The application section <NUM> may be configured to also include a storage tank for storing the glue G, and so that the glue G is supplied from the storage tank to the application roller 33a.

The controller <NUM> can adjust the amount of glue G to be applied to the return belt surface 20b by using the mover 33b to adjust the position of the application roller 33a.

The controller <NUM> can apply a large amount of the glue G to the return belt surface 20b by bringing the application roller 33a into strong contact with the return belt surface 20b at a position higher than the position at the time of normal application. Contrarily, the controller <NUM> can apply a small amount of the glue G to the return belt surface 20b by bringing the application roller 33a into weak contact with the return belt surface 20b at a position lower than the position at the time of normal application.

The controller <NUM> can also adjust the amount of glue G to be applied to the return belt surface 20b by changing the distance of the moving transport belt <NUM> that is in a state in which the mover 33b brought the application roller 33a in contact with the return belt surface 20b. The longer the distance that the application roller 33a contacts the return belt surface 20b, the greater the amount of glue G that can be applied. In addition, the application section <NUM> may be configured to have at least one nozzle to eject the glue G from the at least one nozzle.

In this manner, the controller <NUM> can, based on the state of the return belt surface 20b detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, select whether or not to use the application section <NUM> to apply the glue G to the return belt surface 20b. Further, the controller <NUM> can, based on the state of the return belt surface 20b detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, adjust the amount of the glue G to be applied to the return belt surface 20b.

As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of ultrasonic sensors <NUM> can detect the state of the return belt surface 20b at a plurality of positions in the width direction along the return belt surface 20b, which is the front-rear direction of the recording apparatus <NUM> and is a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium M, which is the left-right direction of the recording apparatus <NUM>.

Note that a single ultrasonic sensor <NUM> may be mounted on a moving mechanism that moves in the width direction along the return belt surface 20b, which is the front-rear direction of the recording apparatus <NUM>, and detect at a plurality of positions in the width direction of the return belt surface 20b. Although a case where a plurality of ultrasonic sensors <NUM> are installed will be described below, the same applies to a case where detection is performed at a plurality of positions by a single ultrasonic sensor <NUM> mounted on a moving mechanism.

Specifically, the plurality of ultrasonic sensors <NUM> are respectively installed at a plurality of positions in the width direction along the return belt surface 20b, which is the front-rear direction of the recording apparatus <NUM> and is a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium M, which is the left-right direction of the recording apparatus <NUM>, and the distance D to the glue surface GS of the return belt surface 20b can be detected at the plurality of positions. The controller <NUM> can use the plurality of ultrasonic sensors <NUM> to determine that the glue G at a specific position in the width direction of the returning belt surface 20b was consumed.

The controller <NUM> can control the application section <NUM> to apply the glue G to the return belt surface 20b in accordance with detection results by the plurality of ultrasonic sensors <NUM> at the plurality of positions in the width direction of the return belt surface 20b.

To be specific, the controller <NUM> compares the distances D detected by the ultrasonic sensors <NUM> at the plurality of positions in the widthwise direction of the return belt surface 20b with the second distance D2 stored in the memory <NUM>, and determines that the glue G was consumed at a specific position where the detection result is distance D ≥ second distance D2. The controller <NUM> can control the mover 33b of the application section <NUM> to move the application roller 33a to a position where the application roller 33a contacts the return belt surface 20b, so that the glue G can be applied to the return belt surface 20b.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a plurality of application sections <NUM> may be installed at positions corresponding to the plurality of ultrasonic sensors <NUM> in the transport direction of the medium M, which is the left-right direction of the recording apparatus <NUM>. In other words, it is possible to install each of the plurality of application sections <NUM> at a plurality of positions in the width direction along the return belt surface 20b, which is the front-rear direction of the recording apparatus <NUM> and is the direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium M, which is the left-right direction of the recording apparatus <NUM>.

When the controller <NUM>, by using the plurality of ultrasonic sensors <NUM>, determines that the glue G at a specific position in the width direction of the return belt surface 20b was consumed, the controller <NUM> can select and control the application section <NUM> at the corresponding specific position, to apply glue G at the specific position on the return belt surface 20b.

In this way, the controller <NUM> can, in accordance with the detection results of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors <NUM>, select and control, from amongst the plurality of application sections <NUM>, the application section <NUM> at the specific position where the glue G was consumed. By selecting from among the plurality of application sections <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can automatically and suitably apply glue G to the portion of the transport belt <NUM> to which the glue G should be applied, and thus convenience for the user is improved.

Instead of the application roller 33a, a blade-shaped application device may be provided and glue G may be applied to the return belt surface 20b by bringing the tip into contact with the return belt surface 20b. Instead of the application roller 33a, a brush or the like may be provided.

The glue G may be supplied to the blade-shaped applicator from a reservoir of glue G. In the case where the glue G is composed of a plurality of materials, a stirring device may be provided in the reservoir of the glue G so as to mix the plurality of materials.

Further, the application section <NUM> may be detachably provided in the recording apparatus <NUM>. When the user does not use the application section <NUM>, the user can remove the application section <NUM>. The user can attach the application section <NUM> to the recording apparatus <NUM> based on a notification of the notification section <NUM>, to be described later.

Since the user only needs to prepare the glue G when attaching the application section <NUM> to the recording apparatus <NUM>, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the glue G by contact with air.

The communication section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a communication circuit capable of performing wired communication or wireless communication with the external apparatus <NUM>. The external apparatus <NUM> is, for example, a computer, a server, or the like. The communication section <NUM> receives from the external apparatus <NUM> recording data to be recorded on the medium M. The recording data may be stored in the memory <NUM> or may be retrieved from a storage medium by a retrieving device provided in the memory <NUM>.

Further, as described above, the communication section <NUM> can receive, from the external apparatus <NUM> by the user, the second distance D2 from the position of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> to the return belt surface 20b in a state where the glue G was consumed and the third distance D3 from the position of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> to the return belt surface 20b in a state where no glue G is present. The controller <NUM> stores the second distance D2 and the third distance D3 received by the communication section <NUM> in the memory <NUM>, and can use them when determining the states of the return belt surface 20b and the transport belt <NUM>.

In addition, as described above, the communication section <NUM> can receive, from the external apparatus <NUM> by the user, the type of the medium M and store it in the memory <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the recording apparatus <NUM> includes a notification section <NUM> including a touch panel. The notification section <NUM> may include a speaker. Specifically, the notification section <NUM> can notify the user by displaying information such as a message on a touch panel or by a voice from a speaker.

As described above, the controller <NUM> compares the distances D detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> with the second distance D2 stored in the memory <NUM>, and when distance D ≥ second distance D2, can use the notification section <NUM> to notify the user of information indicating that the transport belt <NUM> needs to be replaced or the glue G needs to be applied to the transport belt <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can predict that the replacement time of the transport belt <NUM> is approaching or that the time to apply the glue G to the transport belt <NUM> is approaching, and use the notification section <NUM> to notify the user of information indicating this.

When distance D < second distance D2, the controller <NUM> can, via the notification section <NUM>, notify the user of information indicating that the glue G is sufficient.

As described above, the controller <NUM> can acquire the second distance D2 and the third distance D3 via a user operation at a touch panel of the notification section <NUM> and store them in the memory <NUM>.

As described above, the controller <NUM> can also acquire the type of the medium M via a user operation of the touch panel of the notification section <NUM> and store the type in the memory <NUM>.

Furthermore, the user may store only one of the second distance D2 or the third distance D3 in the memory <NUM> via an instruction from the external apparatus <NUM> or an operation of the touch panel of the notification section <NUM>. When the controller <NUM> uses the second distance D2 to determine the state of the glue G on the transport belt <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can use the third distance D3 instead. In this case, the controller <NUM> may multiply the third distance D3 by, for example, <NUM>% and use the result for the determination instead of the second distance D2. The user can also set this ratio by an instruction from the external apparatus <NUM> or an operation on the touch panel of the notification section <NUM>.

In addition, even in a case where only the second distance D2 is stored, the user may be able to set the ratio of the second distance D2 when the controller <NUM> uses the second distance D2 for determination, and can set the ratio by an instruction from the external apparatus <NUM> or an operation of the touch panel of the notification section <NUM>. For example, when the user sets the second distance D2 to <NUM>%, the controller <NUM> can refer to the memory <NUM> and notify the user via the notification section <NUM> when the second distance D2 becomes <NUM>%.

As described above, the user can arbitrarily set a value used by the controller <NUM> to determine the state of the transport belt <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the transport apparatus <NUM> has a configuration in which at least the recording section <NUM> is removed from the recording apparatus <NUM>, and common portions are denoted by common reference numerals. The transport apparatus <NUM> includes a controller <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, a transport section <NUM>, a communication section <NUM>, a notification section <NUM>, a cleaning section <NUM>, a wiping section <NUM>, a drying section <NUM>, and an application section <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> reads out the firmware of the memory <NUM> and controls the transport section <NUM> to transport the medium M. Furthermore, with respect to the return belt surface 20b, which is a surface of the transport belt <NUM> after transport, the controller <NUM> controls, along the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>, cleaning by the cleaning section <NUM>, detection of the state of the return belt surface 20b by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> and, according to the detection results, controls wiping of the cleaning liquid by the wiping section <NUM>, drying by the drying section <NUM>, glue application by the application section <NUM>, notification by the notification section <NUM> or the communication section <NUM>, and the like.

Configurations of different sections of the transport apparatus <NUM> are the same as those of the recording apparatus <NUM> described above, and thus descriptions thereof will be omitted. <NUM>-<NUM>. Control method of recording apparatus.

A control method of the recording apparatus <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, while referring to the flowchart shown in <FIG>.

The controller <NUM> acquires recording data from the external apparatus <NUM> via the communication section <NUM>, or acquires recording data from the memory <NUM> via a user operation at the touch panel of the notification section <NUM>. When the controller <NUM> retrieves the recording data, the controller <NUM> causes the transport section <NUM> to transport the medium M (S101). Specifically, the controller <NUM> drives the driving roller 14a to rotate the transport belt <NUM> in the circling direction. Glue G is provided on the surface of the transport belt <NUM>, and the forward belt surface 20a can convey the medium M by adheringly fixing the medium M in place.

When the medium M is transported by the transport section <NUM> to the position of the recording section <NUM>, the controller <NUM> uses the recording section <NUM> to record on the medium M (S102). As will be described later, this process is not executed in the case of the transport apparatus <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can further transport the medium M using the transport section <NUM> and peel the medium M, on which recording by the recording section <NUM> has been completed, off from the forward belt surface 20a.

The returning belt surface 20b from which the medium M was peeled off is cleaned by the cleaning section <NUM> (S103). Foreign matter such as clinging ink can be removed from the return belt surface 20b by the cleaning section <NUM>.

The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> detects a detection target region 20c, which is at least a portion of the return belt surface 20b from downstream of the cleaning section <NUM> to upstream of the wiping section <NUM> with respect to the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>.

The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> detects a distance D to the return belt surface 20b (S104). The controller <NUM> compares the distance D detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> with the second distance D2, which is a predetermined distance stored in the memory <NUM> (S105).

When the controller <NUM> determines that the state of distance D ≥ second distance D2 has been reached (S105: YES), the controller <NUM> can determine that the state of the return belt surface 20b is a state in which the glue G has been consumed and the state of the entire transport belt <NUM> is also a state in which the glue G has been consumed. Then, the controller <NUM> can cause the notification section <NUM>, the adjustment section 31b of the wiping section <NUM>, the drying section <NUM>, or the application section <NUM> to operate (S106).

On the other hand, when the controller <NUM> determines that distance D < second distance D2 (S105: NO), the controller <NUM> can determine that the state of the return belt surface 20b is a state in which there is sufficient glue G and the state of the entire transport belt <NUM> is also a state in which there is sufficient glue G. The controller <NUM> continues detection by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> of the distance D to the return belt surface 20b.

The case in which the controller <NUM> causes the notification section <NUM>, the adjustment section 31b of the wiping section <NUM>, the drying section <NUM>, or the application section <NUM> to operate (S106) will be specifically described.

The controller <NUM> can use the notification section <NUM> to notify to the user information indicating that it is necessary to replace the transport belt <NUM> or to apply glue G to the transport belt <NUM>.

Alternatively, the controller <NUM> controls the adjustment section 31b of the wiping section <NUM> to adjust the position of the wiping blade 31a downward. The load at which the wiping blade 31a contacts the return belt surface 20b decreases, and the wiping blade 31a weakly rubs against the return belt surface 20b. As a result, the effect of wiping the cleaning liquid clinging to the return belt surface 20b is reduced, but consumption of the glue G on the return belt surface 20b can be suppressed.

Alternatively, the controller <NUM> may increase the air volume per unit of time of the blower of the drying section <NUM> or increase the output such as the wattage of the heater to promote drying of the return belt surface 20b.

Alternatively, the controller <NUM> can use the application section <NUM> to apply glue G to the return belt surface 20b.

When the controller <NUM> determines that the glue G on the return belt surface 20b and the transport belt <NUM> is in a consumed state, the controller <NUM> can operate at least one from amongst these.

Here, a case where the controller <NUM> controls the drying section <NUM> will be described in detail. First, it will be described about the controller <NUM> being able to detect the presence or absence of the cleaning liquid clinging to the returning belt surface 20b using the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>.

When the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is compared with the clinging cleaning liquid, the thickness of the glue G is about <NUM> as described above, whereas the clinging cleaning liquid is about <NUM>, which is larger than the thickness of the glue G. The controller <NUM> can distinguish between the glue G on the return belt surface 20b and the clinging cleaning liquid by the difference in the distance D detected by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>.

The thickness of the glue G is uniform in the transport direction of the transport belt <NUM>, which is the left-right direction of the recording apparatus <NUM>. On the other hand, the cleaning liquid clings locally to the returning belt surface 20b. The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> detects the returning belt surface 20b a plurality of times while conveying the transport belt <NUM>, and when the detected distance D differs depending on the detected part, the controller <NUM> can determine that the cleaning liquid clings to the returning belt surface 20b. On the other hand, when the detected distance D is constant, the controller <NUM> can determine it as the thickness of the glue G.

The cleaning liquid clinging to the return belt surface 20b may be colored by ink or the like, or may be turbid due to foreign matter or the like. When an attempt is made to detect such cleaning liquid, a sensor using light tends to be affected by the detection light being absorbed by ink, foreign matter, or the like, and accurate detection may not be possible. However, since the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> uses ultrasonic waves, accurate detection is possible even with such a cleaning liquid, because the detection does not tend to be affected by ink, foreign matter, or the like.

The controller <NUM> can discriminate between the glue G on the return belt surface 20b and the clinging cleaning liquid based on such a difference in the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>. Foreign matter such as dust clinging to the returning belt surface 20b can also be distinguished in the same manner as in the case of the cleaning liquid.

For example, when the controller <NUM> determines, based on the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, that a large amount of cleaning liquid is clinging to the returning belt surface 20b, the controller <NUM> can promote drying by increasing the air volume per unit of time of the blower of the drying section <NUM> or increasing the output such as the wattage of the heater.

The control method of the transport apparatus <NUM> is the same as that of the recording apparatus <NUM> described above, except for the control by the recording section <NUM>. Specifically, since the transport apparatus <NUM> has a configuration compared to that of the recording apparatus <NUM> in which at least the recording section <NUM> is removed, the controller <NUM> of the transport apparatus <NUM> does not execute recording by the recording section <NUM> on the medium M (S102). Other controls executed by the controller <NUM> of the transport apparatus <NUM> are the same as those in the case of the control method of the recording apparatus <NUM> described above, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, since the recording apparatus <NUM> and the transport apparatus <NUM> can detect the state of the transport belt <NUM> using the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> in a non-contact manner, the glue G on the return belt surface 20b is not consumed, and the adhesiveness of the transport belt <NUM> to the medium M is not deteriorated, by contact during detection.

Although these embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and may be changed, replaced, deleted, or the like without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in the above-described example, the recording section <NUM> of the recording apparatus <NUM> is described as a serial type in which the head 13a is mounted on the carriage 13b and moves, but may be a line type in which the head 13a is fixed without the carriage 13b. In addition, in the above-described example, the head 13a of the inkjet system is described, but a recording system of the head is not limited thereto. A sublimation method, a transfer method, or an electrophotographic method may be used.

In the recording apparatus <NUM> and the transport apparatus <NUM>, assuming that the driving roller 14a of the transport section <NUM> is the starting point, the cleaning section <NUM>, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, the wiping section <NUM>, the drying section <NUM>, and the application section <NUM> were disposed in this order from upstream to downstream in the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM>. In the recording apparatus <NUM> and the transport apparatus <NUM>, the order of these components may be arbitrarily changed. For example, in the recording apparatus <NUM> and the transport apparatus <NUM>, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> may be disposed downstream of the wiping section <NUM> or the drying section <NUM>. The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> can detect the glue G on the transport belt <NUM> at any place. In addition, the recording apparatus <NUM> and the transport apparatus <NUM> need not include optional components. For example, as long as the cleaning liquid clinging to the returning belt surface 20b can be removed by either the wiping section <NUM> or the drying section <NUM>, either one may be provided, and the other need not be provided.

Hereinafter, contents derived from the above-described embodiments will be described.

The recording apparatus <NUM> includes the recording section <NUM> capable of recording on the medium M, the transport belt <NUM> that is provided with glue G capable of adhering with the medium M and that is capable of transporting the medium M, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> that transmits ultrasonic waves to the surface of the glue G and that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the surface, and the controller <NUM> capable of determining the state of the surface based on the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>.

When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> to the surface of the glue G, if the surface of the glue G has been consumed, the distance from the surface of the glue G to the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> becomes longer compared to when the surface of the glue G has not been consumed. By using this, the recording apparatus <NUM> can detect the degree of deterioration, such as consumption of the glue G, using the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>. According to the above configuration, the recording apparatus <NUM> can detect the degree of deterioration of the glue G by using the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, which is a non-contact type sensor. Therefore, the recording apparatus <NUM> can suppress deterioration of the glue G that occurs with a contact type sensor. Also, unlike a sensor using light, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> of the recording apparatus <NUM> is not affected by color from the cleaning liquid and the like at the time of detection.

It is desirable that the recording apparatus <NUM> described above includes the application section <NUM> capable of applying the glue G to the surface, that the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> is capable of detecting the state of the surface at a plurality of positions in the width direction, the width direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium M and that is along the surface, and that the controller <NUM> controls the application section <NUM> according to the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>.

According to the above-described configuration, the recording apparatus <NUM> can, for example, detect a portion on the surface of the transport belt <NUM> to which the glue G is to be applied, and automatically and suitably apply the glue G to the portion, so that there is no need for the user to apply glue G and convenience is improved.

It is desirable that the recording apparatus <NUM> include the cleaning section <NUM> that can clean the surface of the transport belt <NUM> using liquid, the wiping section <NUM> that is provided downstream of the cleaning section <NUM> and upstream of the recording section <NUM> in the circling direction of the transport belt <NUM> and that wipes the surface by contacting the surface, and the adjustment section 31b that can adjust the load of the wiping section <NUM> on the surface, and that the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> is configured to be capable of detecting a state of the detection target region 20c, which is at least a part of surface from downstream of the cleaning section <NUM> to upstream of the wiping section <NUM> with respect to the circling direction, and that the controller <NUM> decreases the load of the wiping section <NUM> by controlling the adjustment section 31b according to a detection result by the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>.

According to the above-described configuration, since the recording apparatus <NUM> reduces the load of the wiping section <NUM> on the transport belt <NUM> by the adjustment section 31b in accordance with the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, it is possible to suppress further deterioration of the glue G due to the load of the wiping section <NUM>.

It is desirable that the recording apparatus <NUM> includes the drying section <NUM> that is provided downstream of the wiping section <NUM> and upstream of the recording section <NUM> in the circling direction and that dries the surface by at least one of air flow or heat, and that the controller <NUM> increases the output of the drying section <NUM> when the load of the wiping section <NUM> is reduced.

When the load of the wiping section <NUM> decreases, liquid of the cleaning section <NUM> tends to remain on the surface of the transport belt <NUM>. According to the above-described configuration, the recording apparatus <NUM> increases the output of the drying section <NUM> when the load of the wiping section <NUM> is reduced, thereby promoting the drying of the liquid remaining on the surface of the transport belt <NUM>. The recording apparatus <NUM> can suppress an increase in the degree of liquid remaining on the transport belt <NUM> due to a decrease in the load of the wiping section <NUM>.

The transport apparatus <NUM> includes the transport belt <NUM> that is provided with glue G capable of adhering with the medium M and that is capable of transporting the medium M, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM> including the transmission section 12a that transmits ultrasonic waves to the surface of the glue G and the reception section 12b that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the surface, and the controller <NUM> capable of determining the state of the surface based on the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A transport apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a transport belt (<NUM>) that is provided with an adhesive adherable with the medium and that is configured to transport a medium; and
an ultrasonic sensor (<NUM>) including a transmission section that transmits ultrasonic waves to a surface of the adhesive and a reception section that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the surface, wherein the transport apparatus further comprises:
a controller (<NUM>) configured to determine a degree of deterioration of the adhesive based on a detection result of the ultrasonic sensor;
a cleaning section (<NUM>) configured to clean the surface using liquid;
a wiping section (<NUM>) that is provided downstream of the cleaning section in a circling direction of the transport belt and that wipes the surface by contacting the surface; and
an adjustment section (31b) configured to adjust a load of the wiping section against the surface, wherein
the ultrasonic sensor is configured to detect a state of a detection target region, the detection target region being at least a part of the surface from downstream of the cleaning section to upstream of the wiping section with respect to the circling direction and
the controller decreases the load of the wiping section by controlling the adjustment section in accordance with a detection result of the ultrasonic sensor.