Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a transport device and a liquid ejection device.

<CIT> discloses a recording device which comprises a recording medium carrying means provided with a carrying belt having adhesion at least on a carrying surface, and a recording means to carry out recording at a flat part of the carrying means. It also comprises an adhesion change detecting means to detect adhesion change by aging on the surface of the carrying belt, and a control part for control to take results of detection by the adhesion change detecting means to be output to be displayed in a display part as the results of detection.

<CIT> discloses a thermal transfer recorder in which an endless, viscous belt is entrained about a drive roller and a driven roller. The viscous belt has a surface applied with a viscous film and a platen is disposed on the rear side. A thermal head is disposed oppositely to the platen on the surface side. An ink sheet contacts with the head surface of the thermal head. An image receiving sheet held viscously on the viscous belt is carried through rotation of the drive roller and brought into pressure contact with the ink sheet by means of the thermal head and the platen and an image is recorded through heating of the thermal head.

<CIT> discloses A recording system which includes a recording device including a recording unit that performs recording onto a medium, a transporting belt that includes an adhesive layer and transports the medium stuck on the adhesive layer, a drive unit that drives the transporting belt, a control unit that includes a detection unit for detecting a load current flowing in the drive unit and that controls the drive unit.

<CIT> discloses a recording apparatus which includes: an adhesive belt configured to transport a recording medium; a drive mechanism configured to drive the adhesive belt; first and second press units configured to press the recording medium and adhere the recording medium to the adhesive belt; a recording head configured to record on the recording medium; a detection unit provided on a downstream side of the first press unit and on an upstream side of the recording head in a direction of transport of the recording medium and configured to detect an adhesion failure of the recording medium with respect to the adhesive belt; and a control unit configured to perform control of the drive mechanism, wherein the second press unit is provided on the downstream side of the recording head in the direction of transport and the control unit controls the drive mechanism in accordance with a result of detection of the detection unit.

<CIT> discloses a transport device and a printing device, wherein the transport device includes an endless transportation belt with an adhesive layer; a discharge roller for transporting a sheet to discharge the sheet detached from the adhesive layer of the transportation belt and detection means for detecting adhesive force of the adhesive layer.

A recording system of <CIT> includes a transport belt that transports a medium caused to adhere to an adhesive layer, a driving unit that drives a driving roller around which the transport belt is wound, a control unit that includes a detection unit for detecting a load current flowing to the driving unit and controls the driving unit, and a peeling device that peels off the medium from the transport belt. The control unit issues a notification indicating a replacement timing of the adhesive layer, based on a detection result of the detection unit.

In a configuration in which a flowing load current in the driving unit for driving the driving roller around which the transport belt is wound is detected as in the recording system of <CIT>, the transport belt may slip with respect to the driving roller due to a load at the time of peeling off the medium. Further, when the transport belt slips with respect to the driving roller, a correlation between a load acting on the driving roller and the adhesive force of the adhesive layer cannot be grasped. With this, there may be a risk that the magnitude of the adhesive force of the adhesive layer cannot be determined.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a transport device according to claim <NUM>.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transport device according to claim <NUM>.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transport device according to claim <NUM>.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid ejection device according to claim <NUM>.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid ejection device according to claim <NUM>.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid ejection device according to claim <NUM>.

According to the first aspect of claim <NUM>, at least a part of the pressing unit is in contact with the adhesive layer. Further, the pressing unit is driven by the driving unit to reciprocate in the transport direction and the reverse transport direction, and presses the medium against the adhesive layer. At this state, the pressing unit repeatedly comes into contact with and is separated from the adhesive layer along with reciprocation. Here, the control unit determines the magnitude of the adhesive force of the adhesive layer, based on the load of the driving unit. For example, when a load smaller than a predetermined load acts on the driving unit, the control unit determines that the magnitude of the adhesive force of the adhesive layer is less than the target value. In this manner, the load acting on the pressing unit coming into contact with the adhesive layer is directly detected, and thus an influence due to slippage of the transport belt or the like can be suppressed as compared to a configuration of detecting driving of the transport belt. Thus, a magnitude of the adhesive force can be determined at a high accuracy. Note that the adhesive force can be secured by forming a new adhesive layer with a method of applying an adhesive material onto the transport belt or the like.

According to the preferable features of claim <NUM>, the load of the driving unit is detected while circularly moving the transport belt. Thus, the adhesive force can be determined at a plurality of positions of the transport belt in the circumferential direction.

According to the preferable features of claim <NUM>, when a magnitude of the adhesive force is small, the pressing force generated by the pressing unit is increased, and thus the contact area between the medium and the adhesive layer is increased. With this, the adhesive force acting on the medium can be secured, and thus the position deviation of the medium with respect to the transport belt can be suppressed.

According to the preferable features of claim <NUM>, when a magnitude of the adhesive force is reduced, an output of the heating unit is increased. Thus, a temperature of the medium is increased, and a temperature of the adhesive layer is also increased. With this, the adhesive force of the adhesive layer with respect to the medium can be increased.

According to the preferable features of claim <NUM>, the first speed is higher than the second speed, and thus a time period during which the pressing unit is in contact with the adhesive layer is reduced. With this, removal of a part of the adhesive layer by the pressing unit can be suppressed, and thus degradation of adhesiveness of the medium with respect to the transport belt can be suppressed.

According to the preferable features of claim <NUM>, the first speed is smaller than the second speed, and thus a time period during which the pressing unit is capable of coming into contact with the adhesive layer is increased. In other words, the number of times at which the pressing unit comes into contact with the adhesive layer is increased. With this, even with a configuration in which there is variation in a gap between the pressing unit and the adhesive layer, contact between the pressing unit and the adhesive layer can be performed in a wide range. Thus, detection accuracy of the adhesive force can be improved.

According to the preferable features of claim <NUM>, the notification unit issues a notification relating to the information indicating reduction in the magnitude of the adhesive force, and thus a user is easily allowed to grasp a condition of the adhesive force.

According to the second aspect of claim <NUM>, the pressing unit is driven by the other driving unit, and thus moves to one side in the intersecting direction. With this, the pressing unit comes into contact with the adhesive layer. Further, the pressing unit is driven by the other driving unit, and thus moves to the other side in the intersecting direction. With this, the pressing unit is separated from the adhesive layer. Here, the control unit determines the magnitude of the adhesive force of the adhesive layer, based on the load of the other driving unit. For example, when a load smaller than a predetermined load acts on the other driving unit, the control unit determines that the magnitude of the adhesive force of the adhesive layer is less than the target value. In this manner, the load acting on the pressing unit coming into contact with the adhesive layer is directly detected, and thus an influence due to slippage of the transport belt or the like can be suppressed as compared to a configuration of detecting driving of the transport belt. Thus, a magnitude of the adhesive force can be determined at a high accuracy.

According to the third aspect of claim <NUM>, the pressing unit presses the medium against the adhesive layer. At least a part of the pressing unit is in contact with the adhesive layer. Here, when the transport belt moves, the control unit controls the regulation unit, and thus regulates movement of the pressing unit. Further, in a regulation state, the pressing unit is separated from the adhesive layer along with movement of the transport belt. At this state, the control unit detects a load acting on the regulation unit, and thus determines the magnitude of the adhesive force of the adhesive layer. For example, when a load smaller than a predetermined load acts on the regulation unit, the control unit determines that the magnitude of the adhesive force of the adhesive layer is less than the target value. In this manner, the load acting on the pressing unit coming into contact with the adhesive layer is directly detected using the regulation unit, and thus an influence due to slippage of the transport belt or the like can be suppressed as compared to a configuration of detecting driving of the transport belt. Thus, a magnitude of the adhesive force can be determined at a high accuracy.

According to the fourth aspect of claim <NUM>, similarly to the first aspect of claim <NUM>, the magnitude of the adhesive force of the adhesive layer can be determined, and thus the adhesive force of the adhesive layer can be controlled. With this, when the ejection unit ejects the liquid onto the medium, position deviation of the medium with respect to the transport belt can be suppressed. Thus, deviation of the ejection position of the liquid with respect to the medium can be suppressed.

According to the fifth aspect of claim <NUM>, similarly to the second aspect of claim <NUM>, the magnitude of the adhesive force of the adhesive layer can be determined, and thus the adhesive force of the adhesive layer can be managed. With this, when the ejection unit ejects the liquid onto the medium, position deviation of the medium with respect to the transport belt can be suppressed. Thus, deviation of the ejection position of the liquid with respect to the medium can be suppressed.

According to the sixth aspect of claim <NUM>, similarly to the third aspect of claim <NUM>, the magnitude of the adhesive force of the adhesive layer can be determined, and thus the adhesive force of the adhesive layer can be controlled. With this, when the ejection unit ejects the liquid onto the medium, position deviation of the medium with respect to the transport belt can be suppressed. Thus, deviation of the ejection position of the liquid with respect to the medium can be suppressed.

A printer <NUM> and a transport unit <NUM> according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are specifically described below. As illustrated in <FIG>, the printer <NUM> is an example of a liquid ejection device that performs recording by ejecting an ink K, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium M. The printer <NUM> is installed on a floor <NUM> in a factory <NUM>. The printer <NUM> causes a recording unit <NUM>, which is described later, to perform recording on the medium M. The medium M is an example of a recording medium on which an image is recorded. Examples of the medium M include fabrics or paper. In addition, the medium M is drawn out from the front of the printer <NUM> as an example. Note that an X-Y-Z coordinate system illustrated in each of the drawings is an orthogonal coordinate system.

An X-direction is a device width direction of the printer <NUM>, and is a horizontal direction. A leading-end side of an arrow indicating the X-direction is defined as a +X-direction, and a base-end side of the arrow indicating the X-direction is defined as a -X-direction. In addition, the X-direction is an example of the width direction of the medium M. A Y-direction is a depth direction of the printer <NUM>, and is a horizontal direction. A leading-end side of an arrow indicating the Y-direction is defined as a +Y-direction, and a base-end side of the arrow indicating the Y-direction is defined as a -Y-direction. The +Y-direction is an example of a transport direction in which the medium M is transported. The -Y direction is an example of a reverse transport direction opposite to the +Y-direction. A Z-direction is an example of a height direction of the printer <NUM>. Further, the Z-direction is an example of an intersecting direction intersecting with the Y-direction. A leading-end side of an arrow indicating the Z-direction is defined as a +Z-direction, and a base-end side of the arrow indicating the Z-direction is defined as a -Z-direction. The -Z-direction is a direction along which the gravity acts. The intersecting direction is a direction intersecting an outer circumferential surface 42A of a glue belt <NUM>, which is described later.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, as an example, the printer <NUM> includes a device main body <NUM>, a main body cover <NUM>, a touch panel <NUM>, a belt driving unit <NUM>, a winding unit <NUM>, a cleaning unit <NUM>, the recording unit <NUM>, and the transport unit <NUM>. The device main body <NUM> is configured as a base portion provided with each of the units of the printer <NUM>. The main body cover <NUM> is an exterior member that covers each of the units of the printer <NUM>. The touch panel <NUM> is configured to input settings and operations of the actions of the respective units of the printer <NUM>.

The belt driving unit <NUM> is configured to include a driving roller <NUM>, a driven roller <NUM>, and a motor, which is not illustrated, for rotating the driving roller <NUM>. The driving roller <NUM> is arranged downstream in the +Y-direction in the device main body <NUM>. The driven roller <NUM> is arranged upstream in the +Y-direction. Each of the driving roller <NUM> and the driven roller <NUM> includes a rotation shaft along the X-direction. The rotation of the driving roller <NUM> is controlled by a control unit <NUM>, which is described later.

The winding unit <NUM> is configured to include a motor and a roller, which are not illustrated. The winding unit <NUM> winds the medium M after recording. In other words, the winding unit <NUM> peels off the medium M from the glue belt <NUM>, which is described later, while applying a tension to the medium M after recording. As an example, the cleaning unit <NUM> includes a brush roller <NUM> that is provided in a rotatable manner and comes into contact with the glue belt <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> removes foreign materials and the like that adhere to the glue belt <NUM> from which the medium M peels off.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the recording unit <NUM> is provided in the device main body <NUM>. Further, the recording unit <NUM> performs recording on the medium M that moves in the +Y-direction using the ink K. Specifically, the recording unit <NUM> includes a recording head <NUM> and a carriage <NUM> that supports the recording head <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> is configured to include a motor and the like, which are not illustrated, and supports the recording head <NUM>. Further, the carriage <NUM> is configured to reciprocate the recording head <NUM> in the X-direction.

The recording head <NUM> includes a plurality of nozzles, which are not illustrated, and is arranged in the +Z-direction with respect to the glue belt <NUM>, which is described later. The recording head <NUM> is an example of an ejection unit capable of ejecting the ink K onto the medium M. Note that the recording head <NUM> ejects an ink droplet Q as an example of a liquid droplet of the ink K. The recording head <NUM> ejects the ink droplet Q onto the medium M, and thus performs recording of an image on the medium M.

The transport unit <NUM> is an example of a transport device that transports the medium M. The transport unit <NUM> includes the glue belt <NUM>, a pressurizing roller <NUM>, a lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, a roller driving unit <NUM>, a position sensor <NUM>, a heating unit <NUM>, and a notification unit <NUM> (<FIG>), and the control unit <NUM>.

The glue belt <NUM> is an example of a transport belt capable of transporting the medium M, and is configured as an endless belt obtained by joining both ends of a flat plate having elasticity. In other words, the glue belt <NUM> is a cylindrical belt member. As an example, the glue belt <NUM> is a rubber belt. Further, the glue belt <NUM> is wound around the driving roller <NUM> and the driven roller <NUM>. In this manner, the glue belt <NUM> is provided in the device main body <NUM>, and is capable of transporting the medium M in the +Y-direction by being circularly moved. The circumferential direction of the glue belt <NUM> is a +R-direction. The glue belt <NUM> includes an outer circumferential surface 42A.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the outer circumferential surface 42A is applied with an adhesive material, and thus is provided with an adhesive layer AD. In other words, the glue belt
<NUM> includes the adhesive layer AD. Further, the glue belt <NUM> transports, in the +Y-direction, the medium M that is caused by the pressurizing roller <NUM> to adhere to the adhesive layer AD. Note that the term adhesiveness refers to a property of being capable of temporarily adhering to other members and peeling off from an adhesion state. Further, the surface of the adhesive layer AD functions as the outer circumferential surface 42A.

As illustrated in <FIG>, on the outer circumferential surface 42A, a part which is positioned in the +Z-direction from the center of the driving roller <NUM> and along an X-Y plane is an upper surface portion 44A. The upper surface portion 44A supports the medium M. In the outer circumferential surface 42A, a part wound around the driving roller <NUM> is a curved surface portion 44B. In the outer circumferential surface 42A, a part which is positioned in the Z-direction from the center of the driving roller <NUM> and along the X-Y plane is a lower surface portion 44C. In the outer circumferential surface 42A, a part wound around the driven roller <NUM> is a curved surface portion 44D.

The pressurizing roller <NUM> is provided at a position facing an end in the +Z-direction, the end being an end of the upper surface portion 44A in the -Y-direction. The pressurizing roller <NUM> is an example of a pressing unit that presses the medium M against the adhesive layer AD (<FIG>) while reciprocating in the +Y-direction and the -Y-direction. Specifically, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is provided rotatably about an axis along the X-direction. Further, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is driven by the roller driving unit <NUM> (<FIG>), which is described later, to reciprocate in the +Y-direction and the -Y-direction. The pressurizing roller <NUM> is positioned upstream of the recording unit <NUM> in the +Y-direction.

As described in <FIG>, the pressurizing roller <NUM> includes a cylindric elastic portion <NUM> and a cylindric shaft portion <NUM> that passes through the elastic portion <NUM> in the X-direction. The length of the elastic portion <NUM> in the X-direction is larger than the length of the medium M in the X-direction, the medium M having a maximum size of the sizes that can be used in the printer <NUM>. In other words, even in a state in which the pressurizing roller <NUM> is in contact with the medium M, at least a part thereof in the X-direction is capable of coming into contact with the adhesive layer AD (<FIG>). Further, the pressurizing roller <NUM> may be rotated along with reciprocation in the +Y-direction and the -Y-direction in some cases. In other words, the pressurizing roller <NUM> translates or rolls, and thus is capable of being separated from the adhesive layer AD.

At each of the ends of the shaft portion <NUM> in the X-direction, a first bearing <NUM> and a second bearing <NUM> are provided. The first bearing <NUM> is a guided portion for lifting and lowering the pressurizing roller <NUM> in the +Z-direction and the -Z-direction. The second bearing <NUM> is a guided portion for reciprocating the pressurizing roller <NUM> in the +Y-direction and the -Y-direction.

The pressurizing roller <NUM> is capable of changing a pressing force FR [N] when pressing the medium M against the glue belt <NUM> (<FIG>) by being lifted or lowered by the lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, which is described later, in the Z-direction. Specifically, when the position of the pressurizing roller <NUM> in the Z-direction is lifted in the +Z-direction by the lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is away from the medium M. With this, the pressing force FR acting on the medium M is reduced. When the position of the pressurizing roller <NUM> in the Z-direction is lowered in the -Z-direction by the lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, the contact area with the medium M is increased. As the area increases, the pressing force FR acting on the medium M is increased. Note that the pressing force FR is omitted in illustration. Further, the pressurizing roller <NUM> includes the heating unit <NUM> (<FIG>), which is described later.

The device main body <NUM> includes side frames <NUM> that support the pressurizing roller <NUM>. The side frames <NUM> are positioned in the +X-direction and the -X-direction from the center of the device main body <NUM>. A base <NUM> extending in the Y-direction is mounted to the side frame <NUM>. A linear guide <NUM> extending in the Y-direction is provided to the base <NUM>. Further, the base <NUM> is provided with regulation pins 59A and 59B that regulate a moving range of the guide member <NUM>, which is described later, in the Y-direction.

The lifting/lowering unit <NUM> is included as an example of the pressing unit together with the pressurizing roller <NUM>. As an example, the lifting/lowering unit <NUM> includes a guide rail <NUM> and an air cylinder <NUM>. The guide rail <NUM> extends in the Y-direction. The guide rail <NUM> has a U-like cross-sectional shape opened in the +X-direction or the -X-direction. The guide rail <NUM> supports and guides the second bearing <NUM> and the pressurizing roller <NUM> so that the second bearing <NUM> reciprocates in the Y-direction.

The air cylinder <NUM> lifts or lowers the guide rail <NUM> from one of the +Z-direction and the -Z-direction to the other thereof. Movement of the guide rail <NUM> in the Z-direction is substantially parallel movement. An operation of the air cylinder <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM> (<FIG>), which is described later. When the air cylinder <NUM> lifts the guide rail <NUM> in the +Z-direction, the position of the pressurizing roller <NUM> is lifted in the +Z-direction. When the air cylinder <NUM> lowers the guide rail <NUM> in the -Z-direction, the position of the pressurizing roller <NUM> is lowered in the -Z-direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the roller driving unit <NUM> is an example of a driving unit that generates a driving force for the pressurizing roller <NUM> to reciprocate in the +Y-direction and the -Y-direction. The roller driving unit <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM> (<FIG>), which is described later. As an example, the roller driving unit <NUM> is configured to include a motor <NUM>, the guide member <NUM>, the linear guide <NUM>, and transmission belts 78A and 78B. The motor <NUM> generates a driving force for the guide member <NUM> to move in the Y-direction. The transmission belt 78B extends along the Y-direction. The transmission belts 78A and 78B transmit a driving force of the motor <NUM> to the guide member <NUM> via a plurality of pulleys.

As illustrated in <FIG>, as an example, the guide member <NUM> includes a base portion 74A and an erect portion 74B. The base portion 74A is formed of a plate-like member having a predetermined thickness in the Z-direction. A part of the base portion 74A is coupled to the transmission belt 78B (<FIG>) via a coupling portion, which is not illustrated. In other words, as the transmission belt 78B moves in the Y-direction, the guide member <NUM> is moved in the Y-direction. The erect portion 74B erects from the base portion 74A in the +Z-direction. Further, as viewed in the X-direction, the erect portion 74B has a U-like outer shape opened in the +Z-direction. A U-like facing inner surface 74C of the erect portion 74B forms a guiding surface that guides the first bearing <NUM> in the Z-direction.

The linear guide <NUM> includes a guide rail 77A and a movable portion 77B. The guide rail 77A is mounted to the base <NUM>, and extends in the Y-direction. The movable portion 77B is mounted to the end of the base portion 74A in the -Z-direction. The movable portion 77B is guided by the guide rail 77A in the Y-direction. In this manner, the roller driving unit <NUM> drives the guide member <NUM> so that the pressurizing roller <NUM> reciprocates in the +Y-direction and the -Y-direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the position sensor <NUM> is positioned in the +X-direction with respect to the end of the guide rail 77A in the +Y-direction. As an example, the position sensor <NUM> is formed of a sensor of an optical and reflection type. The position sensor <NUM> detects presence or absence of the guide member <NUM>. In other words, the position sensor <NUM> detects the guide member <NUM>, which indicates that the pressurizing roller <NUM> is positioned at the end in the +Y-direction within a movement region. The position sensor <NUM> measures a time period from the detection of the guide member <NUM> to the subsequent detection of the guide member <NUM> using a timer <NUM> (<FIG>). With this, a time period one reciprocation of the pressurizing roller <NUM> is measured.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a heating operation of the heating unit <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM>, which is described later. As an example, the heating unit <NUM> is configured to include a halogen heater, which is not illustrated. The halogen heater is provided inside the shaft portion <NUM> (<FIG>). The heating unit <NUM> is supplied with power from a power source, which is not illustrated, so that the halogen heater generates heat, and thus heats the pressurizing roller <NUM> (<FIG>). In other words, the heating unit <NUM> is capable of heating the medium M via the pressurizing roller <NUM>.

The notification unit <NUM> is capable of issuing a notification relating to information. Presence or absence of a notification relating to information is determined by the control unit <NUM>. As an example, the notification unit <NUM> is configured to include a speaker, and issues a notification relating to information by generating a voice sound. Note that a notification relating to information may be issued by generating a sound instead of a voice sound. Further, the notification unit <NUM> and the touch panel <NUM> may be combined to cause the touch panel <NUM> to display a part of information, and thus a visually recognizable notification may be issued.

As an example, the control unit <NUM> includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) <NUM> that functions as a computer, a memory <NUM>, a storage <NUM>, and the timer <NUM>. In a part of the memory <NUM>, a program PR can be developed. The control unit <NUM> executes the program PR, and thus controls operations of the transport unit <NUM>. Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, as an example, the control unit <NUM> controls operations such as recording, discharging, and cleaning in the respective units of the printer <NUM>, in addition to control of the transport unit <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, each control of the control unit <NUM> is described. The control unit <NUM> is capable of detecting a load T [N·m] of the roller driving unit <NUM>. Specifically, the control unit <NUM> detects a change of the load T acting on the motor <NUM>, based on a change of a current value I [A] required for driving the motor <NUM>. The load T acting on the motor <NUM> is a load that acts when the pressurizing roller <NUM> is moved the Y-direction via the guide member <NUM>. When the adhesive force F [N] of the adhesive layer AD (<FIG>) is strong, the load T acting for moving the pressurizing roller <NUM> in the Y-direction is increased. When the adhesive force F is weak, the load T is reduced. Note that the load T and the current value I are omitted in illustration.

<FIG> gives a graph G1 showing a relationship between the load T and the adhesive force F at the time of translation, that is, separation of the pressurizing roller <NUM>. An adhesive force at a load T1 is an adhesive force F1, an adhesive force at a load T2 is an adhesive force F2, and an adhesive force at a load T3 is an adhesive force F3. The magnitudes of the loads T1, T2, and T3 are expressed as T1 < T2 < T3. The magnitudes of the adhesive forces F1, F2, and F3 are expressed as F1 < F2 < F3. In this manner, as the adhesive force F is increased, the load T is increased.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> is capable of determining the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD, based on the load T of the motor <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, the adhesive force F2 is set as an example of a target value. In other words, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the magnitude of the adhesive force F is less than F2, based on whether the load T of the motor <NUM> is less than T2.

The control unit <NUM> is capable of detecting the load T of the roller driving unit <NUM> while circularly moving the glue belt <NUM> in the +R-direction. When it is determined that the magnitude of the adhesive force F is less than the target value F2, the control unit <NUM> controls the lifting/lowering unit <NUM> to increase the pressing force FR. Specifically, when the adhesive force F is less than F2, the control unit <NUM> operates the air cylinder <NUM> so that the position of the guide rail <NUM> and the position of the pressurizing roller <NUM> are lowered in the -Z-direction. Further, when the adhesive force F is greater than F2, the control unit <NUM> operates the air cylinder <NUM> so that the position of the guide rail <NUM> and the position of the pressurizing roller <NUM> are lifted in the +Z-direction.

When it is determined that the magnitude of the adhesive force F is less than the target value F2, the control unit <NUM> increases an output of the heating unit <NUM> to increase a temperature of the medium M. In other words, the control unit <NUM> causes the heating unit <NUM> to heat the pressurizing roller <NUM> to increase a temperature of the adhesive layer AD. Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, a temperature range in which the heating unit <NUM> performs heating is limited. In the temperature range, the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD tends to be increased as temperature increases. When a temperature is excessively increased, the adhesive layer AD flows to reduce. Thus, the temperature range is limited.

When it is determined that the magnitude of the adhesive force F is less than the target value F2, the control unit <NUM> causes the notification unit <NUM> to issue a notification relating to information indicating reduction in the magnitude of the adhesive force F. As an example, the notification unit <NUM> issues a notification by generating a voice sound indicating a message "the adhesive force is reduced". Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, as described above, when the magnitude of the adhesive force F is less than the target value F2, the processing of increasing an output of the heating unit <NUM> is executed. Thus, a notification issued by the notification unit <NUM> is used for calling an attention. As a modified example, when the magnitude of the adhesive force F is less than the target value F2, an operation of each of the units of the printer <NUM> may be stopped while the notification unit <NUM> issues a notification. In this case, when a user applies an adhesive material onto the outer circumferential surface 42A to form a new adhesive layer AD. With this, the adhesive force F can be secured. Further, when the magnitude of the adhesive force F is less than the target value F2, a user may set whether to stop an operation of each of the units of the printer <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> is capable of executing a determination mode in which the adhesive force F is determined based on the load T and a transport mode in which the medium M is transported after the determination mode. In the determination mode, when the pressurizing roller <NUM> reciprocates in the Y-direction, a speed of the pressurizing roller <NUM> is a first speed V1 [m/s]. Further, in the transport mode, when the pressurizing roller <NUM> reciprocates in the Y-direction, a speed of the pressurizing roller <NUM> is a second speed V2 [m/s]. As an example, the first speed V1 and the second speed V2 are each set as an average speed. Here, the control unit <NUM> is capable of controlling the roller driving unit <NUM> so that the first speed V1 is higher than the second speed V2. Note that the adhesive force F, the first speed V1, and the second speed V2 are omitted in illustration.

Next, actions of the printer <NUM> and the transport unit <NUM> are described. Note that <FIG> are referred to for each of the configurations, and the individual drawing numbers may be omitted in description in some cases.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a flow of each processing executed in the transport unit <NUM>, the processing being executed by the control unit <NUM> when the printer <NUM> is in an operable state as a trigger. Each processing in <FIG> is executed when the CPU <NUM> reads out the program PR from the memory <NUM>, develops the program PR, and executes the program PR.

In Step S10, the CPU <NUM> acquires information obtained by operating the touch panel <NUM> or information transmitted from a computer, which is not illustrated, as mode information relating to an operation of the printer <NUM>. Then, the processing proceeds to Step S12. In Step S12, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the determination mode is set. When the determination mode is set (Yes in Step S12), the processing proceeds to Step S14. When the determination mode is not set (No in Step S12), that is, the transport mode is set, the processing proceeds to Step S16.

In Step S14, the CPU <NUM> sets the first speed V1 so that the first speed V1 is higher than the second speed V2. Then, the processing proceeds to Step S18. In Step S16, the CPU <NUM> sets the second speed V2. Then, the processing proceeds to Step S18. Note that the second speed V2 may be set in a step other than Step S16, that is, for example, a step between Step S10 and Step S12 or a step before Step S10.

In Step S18, the CPU <NUM> controls an operation of the roller driving unit <NUM> to drive the pressurizing roller <NUM> in the Y-direction. Then, the processing proceeds to Step S20. In Step S20, the CPU <NUM> measures a current of the motor <NUM>. Then, the processing proceeds to Step S22.

In Step S22, the CPU <NUM> detects the load T, based on the obtained current value of the motor <NUM>, and obtains the adhesive force F, based on the load T. Further, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the obtained adhesive force F is less than the target value F2. When the adhesive force F is less than the target value F2 (Yes in Step S22), the processing proceeds to Step S24. When the adhesive force F is equal to or greater than the target value F2 (No in Step S22), the processing proceeds to Step S30.

In Step S24, the CPU <NUM> causes the notification unit <NUM> to issue a notification indicating reduction in the adhesive force F. Then, the processing proceeds to Step S26. In Step S26, the CPU <NUM> increases an output of the heating unit <NUM> to increase a temperature of the medium M. In other words, the CPU <NUM> causes the heating unit <NUM> to heat the pressurizing roller <NUM> to increase a temperature of the adhesive layer AD. Then, the processing proceeds to Step S28.

In Step S28, the CPU <NUM> determines whether determination of the adhesive force F is executed again. For example, the determination is executed based on necessity of "re-determination of the adhesive force F" that is set advance through the touch panel <NUM>. When the adhesive force F is not determined again (No in Step S28), the program PR is terminated. When the adhesive force F is determined again (Yes in Step S28), the processing proceeds to Step S18. In Step S28, whether to execute re-determination of the adhesive force F may be selected by a user through the touch panel <NUM>. Further, in Step S28, the CPU <NUM> may cause the notification unit <NUM> or the touch panel <NUM> to notify a user of a message relating to necessity of "re-determination of the adhesive force F". In Step S30, the CPU <NUM> causes the notification unit <NUM> to issue a notification indicating that the adhesive force F is OK. Then, the program PR is terminated.

Note that, in the printer <NUM>, the glue belt <NUM> is circularly moved, and thus the medium M is transported. The recording unit <NUM> performs recording on the medium M being transported. At this state, after the processing described above, the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD is controlled, and thus position deviation of the medium M with respect to the glue belt <NUM> can be suppressed. With this, deviation of a position at which the ink droplet Q arrives at the medium M can be suppressed. The medium M after recording peels off from the glue belt <NUM>. After the medium M peels off from the glue belt <NUM>, the cleaning unit <NUM> performs cleaning on the outer circumferential surface 42A.

As described above, according to the transport unit <NUM>, at least a part of the pressurizing roller <NUM> is in contact with the adhesive layer AD. Further, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is driven by the roller driving unit <NUM>, and thus presses the medium M against the adhesive layer AD while reciprocating in the +Y-direction and the -Y-direction. At this state, the pressurizing roller <NUM> repeatedly comes into contact with and is separated from the adhesive layer along with reciprocation.

Here, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD is less than the target value F2, based on the load T of the roller driving unit <NUM>. For example, when the load T1 smaller than the predetermined load T2 acts on the roller driving unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> determines that the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD is less than the target value F2. In this manner, the load T acting on the pressurizing roller <NUM> coming into contact with the adhesive layer AD is directly detected, and thus an influence due to slippage of the glue belt <NUM> or the like can be suppressed as compared to a configuration of detecting driving of the glue belt <NUM>. Thus, the magnitude of the adhesive force F can be determined at a high accuracy. Note that the adhesive force F can be secured by forming a new adhesive layer AD with a method of applying an adhesive material onto the glue belt <NUM> or the like.

According to the transport unit <NUM>, the load T of the roller driving unit <NUM> is detected while circularly moving the glue belt <NUM>. Thus, the adhesive force F can be determined at a plurality of positions of the glue belt <NUM> in the circumferential direction. According to the transport unit <NUM>, when the magnitude of the adhesive force F is small, a pressing force generated by the pressurizing roller <NUM> is increased, and thus the contact area between the medium M and the adhesive layer AD is increased. With this, the adhesive force F acting on the medium M can be secured, and thus position deviation of the medium M with respect to the glue belt <NUM> can be suppressed. According to the transport unit <NUM>, when the magnitude of the adhesive force F is reduced, an output of the heating unit <NUM> is increased. With this, a temperature of the medium M is increased, and a temperature of the adhesive layer AD is also increased. With this, the adhesive force of the adhesive layer AD with respect to the medium M can be increased.

According to the transport unit <NUM>, the first speed V1 is higher than the second speed V2, and thus a time period during which the pressurizing roller <NUM> is in contact with the adhesive layer AD is reduced. With this, removal of a part of the adhesive layer AD by the pressurizing roller <NUM> can be suppressed, and thus degradation of adhesiveness of the medium M with respect to the glue belt <NUM> can be suppressed. According to the transport unit <NUM>, the notification unit <NUM> issues a notification relating to the information indicating reduction in the magnitude of the adhesive force F, and hence a user is easily allowed to grasp a condition of the adhesive force F.

Similarly to the transport unit <NUM>, according to the printer <NUM>, the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD can be determined, and thus the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD can be controlled. With this, when the recording head <NUM> ejects the ink K onto the medium M, position deviation of the medium M with respect to the glue belt <NUM> can be suppressed. Thus, deviation of the ejection position of the ink K with respect to the medium M can be suppressed.

A modified example of the printer <NUM> and the transport unit <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment is described below. Note that the same configurations as those of the printer <NUM> and the transport unit <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment are denoted with the same reference symbols. The description therefor is omitted, and the individual drawing numbers are also omitted in description.

In the modified example of the transport unit <NUM> (<FIG>), the control unit <NUM> is capable of executing the determination mode in which the adhesive force F is determined based on the load T and the transport mode in which the medium M is transported after the determination mode. Further, the control unit <NUM> is capable of controlling the roller driving unit <NUM> so that the first speed V1 is lower than the second speed V2. In other words, in the transport unit <NUM> in the modified example, a high/low relationship between the first speed V1 and the second speed V2 is opposite to that in the transport unit <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment.

Next, actions of the transport unit <NUM> in a modified example are described. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a flow of each processing executed in the transport unit <NUM> in the modified example, the processing being executed by the control unit <NUM> when the printer <NUM> is in an operable state as a trigger. Each processing in <FIG> is executed when the CPU <NUM> reads out the program PR from the memory <NUM>, develops the program PR, and executes the program PR.

In the processing of the transport unit <NUM> in the modified example, Step S14 (<FIG>) in the first exemplary embodiment is replaced with Step S15. The other steps are similar thereto. Thus, description is made on Step S15, and description for the other steps is omitted. The processing proceeds to Step S15 when it is determined as Yes in Step S12. In Step S15, the CPU <NUM> sets the first speed V1 so that the first speed V1 is lower than the second speed V2. Then, the processing proceeds to Step S18.

In this manner, according to the transport unit <NUM> in the modified example, the first speed V1 is lower than the second speed V2, and thus a time period during which the pressurizing roller <NUM> is capable of coming into contact with the adhesive layer AD is increased. In other words, the number of times at which the pressurizing roller <NUM> comes into contact with the adhesive layer AD is increased. With this, even with a configuration in which there is variation in a gap between the pressurizing roller <NUM> and the adhesive layer AD, contact between the pressurizing roller <NUM> and the adhesive layer AD can be performed in a wide range. Thus, detection accuracy of the adhesive force F can be improved.

The printer <NUM> and a transport unit <NUM> according to a second exemplary embodiment are specifically described below. Note that the same configurations as those of the printer <NUM> and the transport unit <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment are denoted with the same reference symbols, and the description therefor is omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the transport unit <NUM> is provided in place of the transport unit <NUM> (<FIG>) in the printer <NUM>. The configurations of the printer <NUM> other than the transport unit <NUM> are similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment. The transport unit <NUM> includes a pressurizing roller <NUM> and a lifting/lowering unit <NUM> in place of the pressurizing roller <NUM> and the lifting/lowering unit <NUM> (<FIG>) in the transport unit <NUM>. The transport unit <NUM> is an example of a transport device that transports the medium M.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is provided at a position facing an end in the +Z-direction, the end being an end of the upper surface portion 44A in the - Y-direction. The pressurizing roller <NUM> is an example of a pressing unit that presses the medium M against the adhesive layer AD. The pressurizing roller <NUM> can come into contact with the adhesive layer AD at at least a part in the X-direction, and is provided movably in the Z-direction intersecting with the +Y-direction in which the medium M is transported. Note that the pressurizing roller <NUM> is provided to be reciprocable also in the Y-direction.

Specifically, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is supported rotatably about an axis along the X-direction. Further, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is driven by the lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, which is described later, to reciprocate in the +Z-direction and the -Z-direction. The pressurizing roller <NUM> is positioned upstream of the recording unit <NUM> (<FIG>) in the +Y-direction. The pressurizing roller <NUM> includes the elastic portion <NUM> and the shaft portion <NUM>.

The pressurizing roller <NUM> is capable of changing the pressing force FR [N] when pressing the medium M against the glue belt <NUM> by being lifted or lowered by the lifting/lowering unit <NUM> in the Z-direction. Specifically, when the position of the pressurizing roller <NUM> in the Z-direction is lifted in the +Z-direction by the lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is away from the medium M. With this, the pressing force FR acting on the medium M is reduced. In other words, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is separated from the adhesive layer AD along with movement in the +Z-direction. Further, when the position of the pressurizing roller <NUM> in the Z-direction is lowered in the -Z-direction by the lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, the contact area with the medium M is increased. As the area increases, the pressing force FR acting on the medium M is increased. Note that the pressing force FR is omitted in illustration.

The lifting/lowering unit <NUM> is an example of a second driving unit that generates a driving force for the pressurizing roller <NUM> to move in the Z-direction. The lifting/lowering unit <NUM> includes the guide rail <NUM> and the air cylinder <NUM> (<FIG>). The lifting/lowering unit <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM> (<FIG>). The control unit <NUM> is capable of detecting the load T of the lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, and determines the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD, based on the load T. Note that, in the transport unit <NUM>, the magnitude of the adhesive force F is determined in a state in which the medium M is not present.

Next, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, actions of the printer <NUM> and the transport unit <NUM> according to the second exemplary embodiment are described. According to the transport unit <NUM>, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is driven by the lifting/lowering unit <NUM> to move in the -Z-direction being an example of one side of the intersecting direction. With this, the pressurizing roller <NUM> comes into contact with the adhesive layer AD. Further, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is driven by the lifting/lowering unit <NUM> to move in the +Z-direction being an example of the other side in the intersecting direction. With this, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is separated from the adhesive layer AD.

Here, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD is less than the target value F2, based on the load T of the lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, specifically, the load T at the time of separation of the pressurizing roller <NUM>. For example, when the load T1 smaller than the predetermined load T2 acts on the lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> determines that the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD is less than the target value F2. In this manner, the load acting on the pressurizing roller <NUM> coming into contact with the adhesive layer AD is directly detected, and thus an influence due to slippage of the glue belt <NUM> or the like can be suppressed as compared to a configuration of detecting driving of the glue belt <NUM>. Thus, the magnitude of the adhesive force F can be determined at a high accuracy.

According to the printer <NUM> of the second exemplary embodiment, similarly to the transport unit <NUM>, the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD can be determined, and thus the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD can be controlled. With this, when the recording head <NUM> ejects the ink K onto the medium M, position deviation of the medium M with respect to the glue belt <NUM> can be suppressed. Thus, deviation of the ejection position of the ink K with respect to the medium M can be suppressed.

The printer <NUM> and a transport unit <NUM> according to a third exemplary embodiment are specifically described below. Note that the same configurations as those of the printer <NUM> and the transport units <NUM> and <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment are denoted with the same reference symbols, and the description therefor is omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the transport unit <NUM> is provided in place of the transport unit <NUM> (<FIG>) in the printer <NUM>. The configurations of the printer <NUM> other than the transport unit <NUM> are similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment. The transport unit <NUM> is an example of a transport device that transports the medium M. The transport unit <NUM> includes the glue belt <NUM>, the pressurizing roller <NUM>, the lifting/lowering unit <NUM>, a roller driving unit <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM>. Further, the transport unit <NUM> includes the position sensor <NUM>, the heating unit <NUM>, and the notification unit <NUM>.

The pressurizing roller <NUM> is an example of a pressing unit that presses the medium M against the adhesive layer AD. The pressurizing roller <NUM> is driven by the roller driving unit <NUM>, which is described later, to be reciprocable in the +Y-direction and the -Y-direction. In a state in which the roller driving unit <NUM> regulates movement, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is capable of being separated from the adhesive layer AD along with movement of the glue belt <NUM>.

As an example, the roller driving unit <NUM> has a configuration similar to that of the roller driving unit <NUM> (<FIG>). However, the roller driving unit <NUM> is different from the roller driving unit <NUM> in that the pressurizing roller <NUM> can be regulated at least from translating by causing an excitation current IA to flow to the motor <NUM> (<FIG>). In other words, the roller driving unit <NUM> is an example of a regulation unit that regulates the pressurizing roller <NUM> from reciprocating in the Y-direction. The excitation current IA is omitted in illustration.

Further, the roller driving unit <NUM> is configured to be capable of generating a driving force for the pressurizing roller <NUM> to reciprocate in the +Y-direction and the -Y-direction. In this manner, the roller driving unit <NUM> is configured to be operable while switching a moving mode in which the pressurizing roller <NUM> is allowed to reciprocate and a regulation mode in which the pressurizing roller <NUM> is regulated from moving. The control unit <NUM> controls mode switching and an operation of the roller driving unit <NUM>. In the third exemplary embodiment, as an example of mode switching of the roller driving unit <NUM>, the moving mode is selected when recording is performed on the medium M, and the regulation mode is selected when the adhesive force F is measured.

The control unit <NUM> is capable of detecting the load T acting on the pressurizing roller <NUM> when the roller driving unit <NUM> regulates the pressurizing roller <NUM> from reciprocating in the Y-direction. Specifically, the control unit <NUM> converts a magnitude of the excitation current IA, which is required to flow to the motor <NUM>, into the load T so as to prevent the pressurizing roller <NUM> from moving in the +Y-direction, and thus detects the load T. The load T is converted based on correlation data with the excitation current IA that is set in advance. Further, the control unit <NUM> determines the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD, based on the detected load T.

In other words, as the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD is large, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is to translate in the Y-direction together with the glue belt <NUM>. Thus, the excitation current IA to flow to the motor <NUM> is increased. Therefore, when a change of the excitation current IA is detected, the magnitude of the adhesive force F can also be determined. Note that movement of the pressurizing roller <NUM> is not limited to translation, and may include rolling that changes the position in the +Y-direction during rotation. A rotation amount of the pressurizing roller <NUM> while moving in the +Y-direction changes due to a frictional force acting between each of the members forming the roller driving unit <NUM>. Thus, when the pressurizing roller <NUM> performs perfect translation, accuracy of data relating to the adhesive force F is higher. However, even when the pressurizing roller <NUM> rotates, the adhesive force F can be detected at a certain accuracy.

Next, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, actions of the printer <NUM> and the transport unit <NUM> according to the third exemplary embodiment are described. According to the transport unit <NUM>, the pressurizing roller <NUM> presses the medium M against the adhesive layer AD. At least a part of the pressurizing roller <NUM> is in contact with the adhesive layer AD. Here, when the glue belt <NUM> moves in the +Y-direction, the control unit <NUM> controls the roller driving unit <NUM> to regulate movement of the pressurizing roller <NUM>. Further, in a regulation state, the pressurizing roller <NUM> is separated from the adhesive layer AD along with movement of the glue belt <NUM> in the +Y-direction. At this state, the control unit <NUM> detects the load T acting on the roller driving unit <NUM>, and thus determines whether the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD is less than the target value F2. For example, when the load T1 smaller than the predetermined load T2 acts on the roller driving unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> determines that the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD is less than the target value F2. In this manner, the load T acting on the pressurizing roller <NUM> coming into contact with the adhesive layer AD is directly detected using the roller driving unit <NUM>, and thus an influence due to slippage of the glue belt <NUM> or the like can be suppressed as compared to a configuration of detecting driving of the glue belt <NUM>. Thus, the magnitude of the adhesive force F can be determined at a high accuracy.

Similarly to the transport unit <NUM>, according to the printer <NUM> of the third exemplary embodiment, the magnitude of the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD can be determined, and thus the adhesive force F of the adhesive layer AD can be controlled. With this, when the recording head <NUM> ejects the ink K onto the medium M, position deviation of the medium M with respect to the glue belt <NUM> can be suppressed. Thus, deviation of the ejection position of the ink K with respect to the medium M can be suppressed.

The transport units <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the printer <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment, the second exemplary embodiment, the third exemplary embodiment, and the modified examples of the present disclosure basically have the configurations as described above. Other modified examples are described below.

In the transport unit <NUM>, the glue belt <NUM> is not limited to have a cylindrical shape, and may have a flat plate shale. For example, there may be adopted a configuration in which a flat-plate transport belt extending in the Y-direction is wound using a winding unit to move the medium M in the +Y-direction. When the magnitude of the adhesive force F is less than the target value F2, the control unit <NUM> may cause the notification unit <NUM> to issue a notification indicating re-formation of the adhesive layer AD by application of an adhesive material, without increasing a pressing force. Similarly, when the magnitude of the adhesive force F is less than the target value F2, the control unit <NUM> may cause the notification unit <NUM> to issue a notification indicating re-formation of the adhesive layer AD by application of an adhesive material, without increasing an output of the heating unit <NUM>.

In the transport unit <NUM>, the first speed V1 and the second speed V2 may be set to be equal to each other. Further, in the transport unit <NUM>, there may be adopted a configuration in which notification by the notification unit <NUM> is not performed. For example, there may be adopted a configuration of forcefully stopping transport of the medium M or preventing transport of the medium M from starting when the magnitude of the adhesive force F is less than the target value F2.

In the transport unit <NUM>, the direction in which the pressurizing roller <NUM> is moved is not limited to the orthogonal Z-direction, and may be a direction obliquely intersecting with the Y-direction. Further, in the transport unit <NUM>, the heating unit <NUM> or the notification unit <NUM> may be operated.

In the transport unit <NUM>, the roller driving unit <NUM> may only function as an example of a regulation unit without reciprocating the pressurizing roller <NUM> in the Y-direction. Further, in the transport unit <NUM>, the heating unit <NUM> or the notification unit <NUM> may be operated. After the base <NUM> stops movement by coming into contact with the regulation pin 59A, the pressurizing roller <NUM> stably rotates. Such rotation may be utilized in the transport unit <NUM>. After the base <NUM> stops movement by coming into contact with the regulation pin 59A, the pressurizing roller <NUM> continues rotation more easily. A rotation torque for rotating the pressurizing roller <NUM> is increased as the adhesive force F is increased. The rotation torque is also transmitted to the motor <NUM> via a dynamic power transmission mechanism. Thus, an output current of the motor <NUM> is detected, and thus the adhesive force F is determined. Note that an output voltage may be detected in place of the output current.

Claim 1:
A transport device (<NUM>), comprising:
a transport belt (<NUM>) including an adhesive layer (AD) and configured to transport a medium (M) caused to adhere to the adhesive layer;
a pressing unit (<NUM>) configured to press the medium against the adhesive layer while reciprocating in a transport direction in which the medium is transported and a reverse transport direction opposite to the transport direction, the pressing unit being configured to come into contact with the adhesive layer at at least a part of the pressing unit;
a driving unit (<NUM>) configured to generate a driving force for the pressing unit to reciprocate in the transport direction and the reverse transport direction; and
a control unit (<NUM>) configured to control the driving unit, wherein
the pressing unit is separated from the adhesive layer along with reciprocation in the transport direction and the reverse transport direction and
the control unit is configured to detect a load of the driving unit, and determines a magnitude of an adhesive force of the adhesive layer, based on the load.