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

<CIT> discloses a recording device including a recording section that performs recording on a medium, a transport belt that transports the medium, a pressing section that presses the medium against the transport belt, and a cover that covers the recording section and a pressing section. In this recording device, the pressing section presses the medium against the transport belt, so that the medium is attached to the transport belt.

In such a recording device, the pressing section may press the medium against the transport belt while heating the medium and then attach the medium to the transport belt. However, when the pressing section heats the medium, the heat may be conducted downstream in the transport direction. For example, if heat is conducted to the recording section, the recording quality may be impaired. <CIT> discloses an inket recording device with a pressing section. A blowing device can blow gas upstream of the pressing section. <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> are disclosing recording devices wherein a pressing section can heat the medium.

A transport device that solves the above problem is described in claim <NUM>.

A recording device that solves the above problem is described in claim <NUM>.

An example of a recording device equipped with a transport device will be described below with reference to figures. The recording device is, for example, an inkjet printer that records text, photographs or other images by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper or fabric.

As shown in <FIG>, the recording device <NUM> is equipped with a recording section <NUM>. The recording section <NUM> is configured to record to the medium <NUM>. The recording section <NUM> records to the medium <NUM> by ejecting liquid onto the medium <NUM>. Recording by the recording section <NUM> is not limited to liquid; for example, toner may be recorded on the medium <NUM> by spraying the toner onto the medium <NUM>.

The recording section <NUM> has a head <NUM>. The head <NUM> has a nozzle surface <NUM> in which one or more nozzles <NUM> are opened. The nozzle surface <NUM> faces the medium <NUM>. The head <NUM> ejects liquid from the nozzles <NUM> onto the medium <NUM>.

The recording section <NUM> has a carriage <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> mounts the head <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> scans the medium <NUM>. The recording device <NUM> is a serial printer. The recording device <NUM> may be a line printer capable of ejecting liquid simultaneously across the width of the medium <NUM>.

The recording device <NUM> is equipped with a holding section <NUM>. The holding section <NUM> holds the recording section <NUM>. The holding section <NUM> is connected to the carriage <NUM>. The holding section <NUM> guides the movement of the carriage <NUM>. The holding section <NUM> includes, for example, a guide rail.

The recording device <NUM> is equipped with a transport device <NUM>. The transport device <NUM> transports the medium <NUM>. Images are recorded on the medium <NUM> by the recording section <NUM> while the medium <NUM> is transported by the transport device <NUM>.

Next, the transport device <NUM> will be described. The transport device <NUM> is equipped with a transport section <NUM>. The transport section <NUM> is configured to transport the medium <NUM>. The transport section <NUM> has a first roller <NUM>, a second roller <NUM>, and a transport belt <NUM>. The transport belt <NUM> is wound around the first roller <NUM> and the second roller <NUM>. The transport belt <NUM> rotates along the first roller <NUM> and the second roller <NUM> as the first roller <NUM> and the second roller <NUM> rotate. In <FIG>, the transport belt <NUM> rotates in the counterclockwise direction. The transport belt <NUM> transports the medium <NUM> in the transport direction Y by rotating. The transport belt <NUM> faces the recording section <NUM>. Thus, an image is recorded on the medium <NUM> by the recording section <NUM> on the transport belt <NUM>.

The transport belt <NUM> has an inner circumferential surface <NUM> and an outer circumferential surface <NUM>. The inner circumferential surface <NUM> is a surface that contacts the first roller <NUM> and the second roller <NUM>. The outer circumferential surface <NUM> is a surface that contacts the medium <NUM>. Thus, the outer circumferential surface <NUM> can be said to be a surface that supports the medium <NUM>. The outer circumferential surface <NUM> faces the nozzle surface <NUM>.

The transport belt <NUM> is an adhesive belt to which the medium <NUM> is attached. An adhesive is applied to the outer circumferential surface <NUM>. Thus, the medium <NUM> is attached to the outer circumferential surface <NUM>. This allows the medium <NUM> to be transported in a stable posture. After images are recorded by the recording section <NUM>, the medium <NUM> is pulled off from the outer circumferential surface <NUM>, for example, by being pulled by another device. The transport device <NUM> may have a pull-off section that pulls the medium <NUM> away from the outer circumferential surface <NUM>. In this case, the pull-ff section is, for example, a roller around which the medium <NUM> is wound.

The transport section <NUM> may have one or more winding rollers. In one example, the transport section <NUM> has a first winding roller <NUM> and a second winding roller <NUM>. The first winding roller <NUM> and the second winding roller <NUM> transport the medium <NUM> by rotating with the medium <NUM> being wound around them. The first winding roller <NUM> and the second winding roller <NUM> contact the medium <NUM> before the medium <NUM> is attached to the transport belt <NUM>. When the medium <NUM> is transported by the transport section <NUM>, the medium <NUM> contacts the first winding roller <NUM>, the second winding roller <NUM>, and the transport belt <NUM>, in this order.

The transport device <NUM> may be equipped with a support section <NUM>. The support section <NUM> is located in a region surrounded by the transport belt <NUM>. The support section <NUM> contacts the inner circumferential surface <NUM>. The support section <NUM> supports the medium <NUM> over the transport belt <NUM>. The support section <NUM> is positioned facing the recording section <NUM>. Thus, the region of the medium <NUM> that is supported by the support section <NUM> is recorded by the recording section <NUM>. This stabilizes the posture of the medium <NUM> when the recording section <NUM> records to the medium <NUM>, thereby improving recording quality.

The transport device <NUM> is equipped with a pressing section <NUM>. The pressing section <NUM> is configured to press the medium <NUM> against the transport belt <NUM>. Specifically, the pressing section <NUM> presses the medium <NUM> against the outer circumferential surface <NUM>. The pressing section <NUM> attaches the medium <NUM> to the transport belt <NUM> by pressing the medium <NUM> onto the transport belt <NUM>. The pressing section <NUM> is located further upstream than the recording section <NUM> in the transport direction Y. The pressing section <NUM> presses the medium <NUM> that has passed through the first winding roller <NUM> and the second winding roller <NUM> onto the transport belt <NUM>.

The pressing section <NUM> presses the medium <NUM> onto the transport belt <NUM> while heating it. In one example, the pressing section <NUM> is a heat roller. When the pressing section <NUM> heats the medium <NUM>, the medium <NUM> is more likely to attach to the transport belt <NUM>.

The pressing section <NUM> may be configured to reciprocate in the transport direction Y. The pressing section <NUM>, for example, reciprocates between the position shown by the solid line and the position shown by the two-dotted chain line in <FIG>. The pressing section <NUM> presses the medium <NUM> onto the transport belt <NUM> while reciprocating in the transport direction Y. This makes it easier for the medium <NUM> to stick to the transport belt <NUM> compared to when the pressing section <NUM> presses the medium <NUM> onto the transport belt <NUM> while the pressing section <NUM> is stationary.

The transport device <NUM> is equipped with a cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is configured to cover the recording section <NUM> and the pressing section <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may cover other components in addition to the recording section <NUM> and the pressing section <NUM>. By covering the recording section <NUM> and the pressing section <NUM> with the cover <NUM>, the possibility of dust from the air adhering to the recording section <NUM> and the pressing section <NUM>, and the possibility of users accidentally touching the recording section <NUM> and the pressing section <NUM> are reduced.

The cover <NUM> defines a first space A1 and a second space A2. The first space A1 and the second space A2 are spaces inside the cover <NUM>. The first space A1 and the second space A2 are connected inside the cover <NUM>. The first space A1 is a space where the recording section <NUM> is located. The second space A2 is a space where the pressing section <NUM> is located.

The cover <NUM> has a first cover member <NUM> and a second cover member <NUM>. The first cover member <NUM> covers the recording section <NUM>. In one example, the first cover member <NUM> covers the recording section <NUM> and the holding section <NUM>. The first cover member <NUM> defines the first space A1. The second cover member <NUM> covers the pressing section <NUM>. The second cover member <NUM> defines a second space A2.

The second cover member <NUM> is located further upstream than the first cover member <NUM> in the transport direction Y. The second cover member <NUM> is attached to the first cover member <NUM>. The second cover member <NUM> may be configured to open and close, i.e., displace, with respect to the first cover member <NUM>. In one example, the second cover member <NUM> is attached to the first cover member <NUM> using a hinge <NUM>. When the second cover member <NUM> opens, the user can access the pressing section <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> covers the recording section <NUM> and the pressing section <NUM> to protect the recording section <NUM> and the pressing section <NUM>. On the other hand, the heat from the pressing section <NUM> can easily cause the inside of the cover <NUM> to become high temperature. If the temperature inside the cover <NUM> become too high, there is a possibility that the recording quality will be affected. For example, if the first space A1 becomes hot, there is a possibility that the liquid ejected by the head <NUM> will denature. For example, if the first space A1 and the second space A2 become hot, there is a possibility that the transport belt <NUM> will be deformed. For example, if the first space A1 becomes hot, there is a possibility that the support section <NUM> will be deformed. Therefore, it is desirable that the heat from the pressing section <NUM> be conducted as little as possible downstream in the transport direction Y. For example, heat from the pressing section <NUM> should be conducted as little as possible inside the first cover member <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> has an intake port <NUM>. The intake port <NUM> is an opening in the cover <NUM> for intake of air from outside the cover <NUM>, i.e., outside air. Outside air is drawn into cover <NUM> through the intake port <NUM> by a fan <NUM> (to be described later). The intake port <NUM> is located between the recording section <NUM> and the pressing section <NUM> in the transport direction Y. In detail, the intake port <NUM> is located further downstream than the pressing section <NUM> when the pressing section <NUM> is at its most downstream position in the transport direction Y, and further upstream than the recording section <NUM>. The intake port <NUM> is opened in the second cover member <NUM>. Thus, air is supplied to the second space A2 through the intake port <NUM>. This reduces the possibility of high temperatures inside the cover <NUM> due to air being drawn into the cover <NUM> from the intake port <NUM>. In particular, the possibility of high temperatures in the second space A2 is reduced.

The intake port <NUM> opens in the top surface of the second cover member <NUM>. In other words, the intake port <NUM> opens toward the vertical direction. Thus, through the intake port <NUM>, air flows downward from outside the cover <NUM> to inside the cover <NUM>. The air drawn in from the intake port <NUM> flows upstream in the transport direction Y by the fan <NUM> in the second space A2.

As shown in <FIG>, the intake port <NUM> is composed of a plurality of through holes <NUM>. The plurality of through holes <NUM> are so-called punch holes. This reduces the possibility of dust entering the cover <NUM> through the intake port <NUM>. Further, the configuration of the intake port <NUM> with a plurality of through holes <NUM> can limit the amount of intake air from the intake port <NUM>. Thus, air can easily flow from the first space A1 to the second space A2 by the fan <NUM> which draws air into the second space A2 from the intake port <NUM>. This makes it difficult for heat from the pressing section <NUM> to be conducted.

As shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> has an exhaust port <NUM>. The exhaust port <NUM> is an opening for exhausting air from inside the cover <NUM>. The fan <NUM> exhausts air out of the cover <NUM> through the exhaust port <NUM>. The exhaust port <NUM> is located further upstream than the intake port <NUM> in the transport direction Y. The exhaust port <NUM> opens in the second cover member <NUM>. Thus, the air is exhausted from the second space A2 through the exhaust port <NUM>.

Air drawn in through the intake port <NUM> is exhausted through the exhaust port <NUM>. The air drawn in through intake port <NUM> flows toward the exhaust port <NUM>. In other word, the air drawn in through the intake port <NUM> flows toward the upstream in the transport direction Y in the cover <NUM>. This makes it difficult for heat from the pressing section <NUM> to be conducted downstream in the transport direction Y.

The air exhausted from the exhaust port <NUM> is blown onto the medium <NUM> before the medium <NUM> is pressed onto the transport belt <NUM>. Specifically, the exhaust port <NUM> opens toward the first winding roller <NUM>. The air exhausted from the exhaust port <NUM> is blown onto a portion of the medium <NUM> wound around the first winding roller <NUM>. Thus, air heated by the pressing section <NUM> is blown onto the medium <NUM>, and then the medium <NUM> is preheated. This makes it easier for the medium <NUM> to stick to the transport belt <NUM>. In addition, by blowing air heated by the pressing section <NUM> onto the medium <NUM>, fluff, dust, and the other particles adhering to the medium <NUM> are removed. This improves recording quality.

The cover <NUM> has an intake duct <NUM>. The intake duct <NUM> is a duct that connects to the intake port <NUM>. The intake duct <NUM> has an internal space through which air can flow. The intake duct <NUM> is attached to the second cover member <NUM>. Specifically, the intake duct <NUM> is attached to a surface of inner wall of the second cover member <NUM>. The inner wall of the second cover member <NUM> forms part of the intake duct <NUM>. The inner wall surface of the second cover member <NUM> is a wall surface of the second cover member <NUM> facing the media <NUM> or outer circumferential surface <NUM> when the second cover member <NUM> is covering the pressing section <NUM>. The inner wall of the second cover member <NUM> is a wall opposite to the outer wall of the second cover member <NUM> that is in contact with the outside air. Air drawn in through the intake port <NUM> flows through the intake duct <NUM>. The air intake duct <NUM> is located between the recording section <NUM> and the pressing section <NUM> in the transport direction Y.

The intake duct <NUM> has an outflow port <NUM>. The outflow port <NUM> may be composed of a plurality of through holes <NUM>, similar to the intake port <NUM>. Air is supplied to the second space A2 through the outflow port <NUM>. In the intake duct <NUM>, the outflow port <NUM> opens toward upstream in the transport direction Y. Thus, the intake duct <NUM> changes the flow of air drawn in through the intake port <NUM>. The outflow port <NUM> opens toward upstream in the transport direction Y. Thus, air can easily flow from the intake port <NUM> toward upstream in the transport direction Y. Thus, heat from the pressing section <NUM> is less likely to be conducted downstream in the transport direction Y. Further, the intake duct <NUM> traps dust entering through the intake port <NUM>. Therefore, the possibility of dust entering the cover <NUM> is reduced compared to a configuration in which dust is drawn directly into the cover <NUM> from the intake port <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may have an exhaust duct <NUM>. The exhaust duct <NUM> is a duct that connects to the exhaust port <NUM>. The exhaust duct <NUM>, like the intake duct <NUM>, has an internal space through which air can flow. The exhaust duct <NUM> is attached to the second cover member <NUM>. Specifically, the exhaust duct <NUM> is attached to the surface of the inner wall of the second cover member <NUM>, similar to the intake duct <NUM>. The inner wall of the second cover member <NUM> forms part of the exhaust duct <NUM>. The exhaust duct <NUM> is located further upstream than the intake duct <NUM> in the transport direction Y. The exhaust duct <NUM> is located above the pressing section <NUM>. In one example, the exhaust duct <NUM> is located directly above the pressing section <NUM> when the pressing section <NUM> is at its most upstream position in the transport direction Y.

The exhaust duct <NUM> has an inflow port <NUM>. The inflow port <NUM> may be composed of a plurality of through holes <NUM>, similar to the intake port <NUM>. Through the inflow port <NUM>, air flows into the exhaust duct <NUM>. Specifically, air that flows into the portion covered by the second cover member <NUM> through intake port <NUM> and outflow port <NUM> further flows into the exhaust duct <NUM> through inflow port <NUM>. In the exhaust duct <NUM>, the inflow port <NUM> opens toward the vertical direction. In other words, in the exhaust duct <NUM>, the inflow port <NUM> opens toward the pressing section <NUM>. Thus, the air in the second space A2 flows into the exhaust duct <NUM> through the inflow port <NUM> while hitting the pressing section <NUM>. For example, as shown by white arrows in the second space A2, air flows from the outflow port <NUM> toward the inflow port <NUM>.

The inflow port <NUM> is located above the pressing section <NUM>. Specifically, the inflow port <NUM> is located above a region where the pressing section <NUM> moves. In one example, the inflow port <NUM> is located directly above the pressing section <NUM> when the pressing section <NUM> is at its most upstream position in the transport direction Y. This makes it easier for air drawn into the exhaust duct <NUM> through the inflow port <NUM> to hit the pressing section <NUM>.

The exhaust duct <NUM> extends from the inflow port <NUM> to the exhaust port <NUM> so that the duct becomes narrow. As a result, the air is blown out from the exhaust port <NUM> with strong force. This facilitates removal of fluff, dust, and the like from the medium <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may have a supply port <NUM>. The supply port <NUM> is an opening for supplying air into the cover <NUM>. Through the supply port <NUM>, air is supplied to the inside of the cover <NUM> by a supply fan <NUM> (to be described later). The supply port <NUM> is located further downstream than the intake port <NUM> in the transport direction Y. For example, the supply port <NUM> is opened in the first cover member <NUM>. Through the supply port <NUM>, air is supplied to the first space A1. The supply port <NUM> may be composed of a plurality of through holes <NUM>, similar to the intake port <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may have a collection port <NUM>. The collection port <NUM> is an opening for exhausting air from inside the cover <NUM>. Through the collection port <NUM>, air is exhausted from inside the cover <NUM> by the collection fan <NUM> (to be described later). The collection port <NUM> is located further downstream than the supply port <NUM> in the transport direction Y. For example, the supply port <NUM> is opened in the first cover member <NUM>. Thus, through the collection port <NUM>, air is exhausted from the first space A1. In the first space A1, air supplied from the supply port <NUM> is exhausted through the collection port <NUM>. The collection port <NUM> may be composed of a plurality of through holes <NUM>, similar to the intake port <NUM>.

From the collection port <NUM>, mist is exhausted together with air from the first space A1. When liquid is ejected from the head <NUM>, mist stays inside the cover <NUM>. In particular, mist tends to stay between the head <NUM> and the support section <NUM>. If mist stays between the head <NUM> and the support section <NUM>, the recording quality may be affected. Thus, the mist is exhausted outside of the cover <NUM> through the collection port <NUM>. Through the collection port <NUM>, mist is exhausted together with air supplied from the supply port <NUM>. The transport device <NUM> may be equipped with a filter that collects mist exhausted from the collection port <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may have a supply duct <NUM>. The supply duct <NUM> is a duct that connects to the supply port <NUM>. The supply duct <NUM> is attached to the first cover member <NUM>. The supply duct <NUM> is located, for example, further above than the recording section <NUM>. Air supplied from the supply port <NUM> flows through the supply duct <NUM>.

The supply duct <NUM> has a blowout port <NUM>. Through the blowout port <NUM>, air is supplied inside the cover <NUM>. Air is blown out from the blowout port <NUM> into the first space A1 by the supply fan <NUM>. The supply duct <NUM> extends from the supply port <NUM> to the blowout port <NUM> so that the duct becomes narrow. As a result, the air is blown out from the blowout port <NUM> with strong force.

In the supply duct <NUM>, the blowout port <NUM> opens toward the vertical direction. The blowout port <NUM> is located further above than the recording section <NUM>. The blowout port <NUM> is located further upstream than the head <NUM> in the transport direction Y. The blowout port <NUM> blows air downward. The air blown out from the blowout port <NUM> hits the transport belt <NUM>. As a result, the air blown out from the blowout port <NUM> is divided into air flowing downstream in the transport direction Y along the transport belt <NUM> and air flowing upstream in the transport direction Y along the transport belt <NUM>. As described above, the intake port <NUM> limits the amount of air that is drawn in, so some of the air tends to flow upstream in the transport direction Y along the transport belt <NUM> by the fan <NUM>. The air flowing downstream in the transport direction Y flows between the head <NUM> and the support section <NUM>. This suppresses the retention of mist. The air flowing upstream in the transport direction Y flows from the first space A1 to the second space A2. This reduces the possibility of heat from the pressing section <NUM> being conducted into the first space A1.

The cover <NUM> may have a collection duct <NUM>. The collection duct <NUM> is a duct connects to the collection port <NUM>. The collection duct <NUM> is attached to the first cover member <NUM>. The collection duct <NUM> is located, for example, further above than the recording section <NUM>.

The collection duct <NUM> has a recovery port <NUM>. Through the recovery port <NUM>, mist flows into the collection duct <NUM> with air. The air and mist inflow into the collection duct <NUM> through the recovery port <NUM> by the collection fan <NUM>. In the collection duct <NUM>, the recovery port <NUM> opens toward the vertical direction. The recovery port <NUM> is located further downstream than the head <NUM> in the transport direction Y. This enables the air that passes between the head <NUM> and the support section <NUM> to flow efficiently toward the recovery port <NUM>. Specifically, as shown by white arrows in the first space A1, air flows from the blowout port <NUM> toward the recovery port <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may have a partition plate <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> is attached to the second cover member <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> is located between the pressing section <NUM> and the winding roller. The partition plate <NUM> reduces the possibility of the pressing section <NUM> being cooled more than necessary. The partition plate <NUM> also reduces the possibility of dust entering the second space A2.

The transport device <NUM> is equipped with the fan <NUM>. The fan <NUM> is located inside the cover <NUM>. Specifically, the fan <NUM> is located further upstream than the intake port <NUM> in the transport direction Y. When the fan <NUM> is driven, air is drawn in through the intake port <NUM>. Thus, heat from the pressing section <NUM> is less likely to be transferred downstream in the transport direction Y.

The fan <NUM> is located further downstream than the exhaust port <NUM> in the transport direction Y. When the fan <NUM> is driven, air is exhausted from the exhaust port <NUM>. Thus, fluff, dust, and the like adhering to the medium <NUM> are removed.

The fan <NUM> is located in the exhaust duct <NUM>. This effectively exhausts the air from the exhaust port <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may be located in the intake duct <NUM>, or may be attached to the second cover member <NUM>.

The transport device <NUM> may be equipped with the supply fan <NUM>. The supply fan <NUM> is located in the cover <NUM>. In detail, the supply fan <NUM> is located in the supply duct <NUM>. When the supply fan <NUM> is driven, air is supplied through the supply port <NUM> to the supply duct <NUM>. When the supply fan <NUM> is driven, air is blown out from the blowout port <NUM>.

The transport device <NUM> may be equipped with the collection fan <NUM>. The collection fan <NUM> is located in the cover <NUM>. Specifically, the collection fan <NUM> is located in the collection duct <NUM>. When the collection fan <NUM> is driven, air and mist flow into the collection duct <NUM> through the recovery port <NUM>. When the collection fan <NUM> is driven, the air and the mist are exhausted from the collection port <NUM>.

Next, actions and effects of the above-described embodiment will be described.

Claim 1:
A transport device that transports a medium to be recorded by a recording section, the transport device comprising:
a transport belt (<NUM>) for transporting the medium (<NUM>);
a pressing section (<NUM>) that is located further upstream in a transport direction (Y) of the medium (<NUM>) than is the recording section (<NUM>) and that presses the medium (<NUM>) against the transport belt (<NUM>), the pressing section (<NUM>) comprising heating means for heating the medium (<NUM>) while pressing the medium (<NUM>);;
a cover (<NUM>) that covers the recording section (<NUM>) and the pressing section (<NUM>) and that has an intake port (<NUM>); and
a fan (<NUM>) that draws air into the cover (<NUM>) through the intake port (<NUM>) and that is located further upstream in the transport direction (Y) than is the intake port (<NUM>), wherein
the intake port (<NUM>) is located between the recording section (<NUM>) and the pressing section (<NUM>) in the transport direction (Y);
the cover (<NUM>) has an intake duct (<NUM>) connecting to the intake port (<NUM>),
the intake duct (<NUM>) is located between the recording section (<NUM>) and the pressing section (<NUM>) in the transport direction (Y),
the intake duct (<NUM>) has an outflow port (<NUM>), and
the outflow port (<NUM>) opens toward upstream in the transport direction (Y); and
air drawn by the fan (<NUM>) through the intake port (<NUM>) flows through the intake duct (<NUM>) and is supplied inside the cover (<NUM>) through the outflow port (<NUM>).