Patent Description:
In the past, as described in <CIT>, a recording device has been known that includes a transport unit having a transporting belt for transporting an object to be transported, a recording unit for causing ink to be ejected onto the object to be transported, and a belt cleaning device for cleaning the transporting belt.

However, in the recording device described in <CIT>, there is a problem that abnormality of the belt cleaning device cannot be appropriately detected.

<CIT> discloses a printing apparatus including a transport belt that is formed as a loop and capable of supporting a medium, a drive roller that rotates the transport belt and thereby transports the medium in a transport direction, a printing section that prints an image onto the medium, and a control section that controls a transport action for transporting the medium. In the printing apparatus, the transport belt extends around a plurality of rollers that include the drive roller, and the control section accepts input of belt tension that is a tension generated due to the transport belt extending around a plurality of the rollers. The tension is imparted to the transport belt. The control section controls the transport action in accordance with a correction table in which the belt tension and traveling rate of the transport belt corresponding to the belt tension correlate with each other.

A transport device according to the invention is defined in claim <NUM>.

A liquid ejecting device according to the invention includes an ejecting unit configured to eject a liquid droplet onto a medium, and the transport device as described above configured to transport the medium.

First, a configuration of a liquid ejecting device <NUM> will be described. The liquid ejecting device <NUM> of the present embodiment is an ink jet-type textile printer that forms an image or the like on a medium M.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the liquid ejecting device <NUM> includes a transport device <NUM> and an ejecting unit <NUM>. The transport device <NUM> includes a medium transporting unit <NUM>, a cleaning unit <NUM>, and the like. Furthermore, the liquid ejecting device <NUM> includes a medium fitting part <NUM>, a drying unit <NUM>, and the like. The liquid ejecting device <NUM> includes a control unit <NUM> that controls each of the above units and the like. Each unit of the liquid ejecting device <NUM> and the like are attached to a frame portion <NUM>.

The medium transporting unit <NUM> is configured to transport the medium M. The medium transporting unit <NUM> includes a medium supplying unit <NUM>, a transporting roller <NUM>, a transporting belt <NUM>, a rotating roller <NUM>, a driving roller <NUM>, transporting rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, and a medium collecting part <NUM>.

Note that in the present embodiment, each unit of the liquid ejecting device <NUM> will be described using an XYZ coordinate system in which an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. A direction along the X-axis is defined as an X direction, a direction along the Y-axis as a Y direction, and a direction along the Z-axis as a Z direction. Further, a tip side of an arrow indicating a direction is defined as a + direction, and a base end side of the arrow indicating the direction is defined as a - direction. A direction in which gravity acts on the liquid ejecting device <NUM> is defined as a -Z direction, a direction along a direction in which the medium M is transported in the ejecting unit <NUM> is defined as the X direction, and a width direction of the medium M intersecting both the Z direction and the X direction is defined as the Y direction. Additionally, a positional relationship along a transport direction of the medium M or a movement direction of the transporting belt <NUM> is also referred to as "upstream side" or "downstream side".

The medium supplying unit <NUM> is configured to supply the medium M onto which an image is formed to the ejecting unit <NUM> side. For example, fabric such as cotton, wool, polyester, or the like is used as the medium M. The medium supplying unit <NUM> includes a feeding shaft part <NUM> and a bearing part <NUM>. The feeding shaft part <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape, and is provided rotatably in a circumferential direction. The medium M having a band shape is wound around the feeding shaft part <NUM> to form a roll shape. The feeding shaft part <NUM> is detachably attached to the bearing part <NUM>. This allows the medium M being wound beforehand onto the feeding shaft part <NUM> to be attached to the bearing part <NUM> together with the feeding shaft part <NUM>.

The bearing part <NUM> rotatably supports both ends in an axis direction of the feeding shaft part <NUM>. The medium supplying unit <NUM> includes a rotation driver (not illustrated) configured to rotate and drive the feeding shaft part <NUM>. The rotation driver rotates the feeding shaft part <NUM> in a direction in which the medium M is supplied. An operation of the rotation driver is controlled by the control unit <NUM>. The transporting roller <NUM> relays the medium M from the medium supplying unit <NUM> to the transporting belt <NUM>.

The transporting belt <NUM>, which is held between at least two rollers for rotating the transporting belt <NUM>, transports the medium M toward the transport direction (+X direction) with rotation and movement of the transporting belt <NUM>. More specifically, the transporting belt <NUM>, which is endlessly formed with the both end portions of a band-shaped belt being coupled to each other, is hung between two rollers of the rotating roller <NUM> and the driving roller <NUM>. The transporting belt <NUM> is retained, with a predefined tension being acting, such that a portion between the rotating roller <NUM> and the driving roller <NUM> is held horizontal. A surface (support face) 23a of the transporting belt <NUM> is provided with an adhesive layer <NUM> onto which the medium M adheres. The transporting belt <NUM> supports (holds) the medium M supplied from the transporting roller <NUM> and fitted onto the adhesive layer <NUM> by the medium fitting part <NUM>.

The rotating roller <NUM> and the driving roller <NUM> support a back surface 23b (an inner circumferential surface) of the transporting belt <NUM>. Note that a configuration may be employed in which between the rotating roller <NUM> and the driving roller <NUM> is provided a support portion such as a roller for supporting the transporting belt <NUM>.

Power is transmitted to the driving roller <NUM> directly or indirectly from a motor (not illustrated) configured to rotate and drive the driving roller <NUM>. The driving roller <NUM> is provided downstream the ejecting unit <NUM> with respect to the transport direction of the medium M, while the rotating roller <NUM> is provided upstream the ejecting unit <NUM>. When the driving roller <NUM> is rotated and driven, the transporting belt <NUM> rotates in association with the rotation of the driving roller <NUM>, and the rotating roller <NUM> rotates in association with the rotation of the transporting belt <NUM>. In association with the rotation of the transporting belt <NUM>, the medium M supported by the transporting belt <NUM> is transported in the transporting direction, and an image is formed on the medium M by the ejecting unit <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the medium M is supported on a side (+Z direction side) where the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM> faces the ejecting unit <NUM>, and the medium M is transported together with the transporting belt <NUM> from the rotating roller <NUM> side to the driving roller <NUM> side. While on the side where the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM> faces the cleaning unit <NUM> (-Z direction side), the transporting belt <NUM> alone is moved from the driving roller <NUM> side to the rotating roller <NUM> side. Note that description is made above on the transporting belt <NUM> including the adhesive layer <NUM> onto which the medium M is fitted, but the transporting belt <NUM> is not limited to this. For example, the transporting belt <NUM> may be of an electrostatic attraction type belt for attracting the medium M onto the belt with static electricity, or various adsorption force expression mechanisms such as vacuum suction and intermolecular force can be adopted.

The transporting roller <NUM> is configured to remove the medium M on which an image is formed from the adhesive layer <NUM> of the transporting belt <NUM>. The transporting rollers <NUM> and <NUM> relay the medium M from the transporting belt <NUM> to the medium collecting part <NUM>.

The medium collecting part <NUM> is configured to collect the medium M transported by the medium transporting unit <NUM>. The medium collecting part <NUM> includes a winding shaft part <NUM> and a bearing part <NUM>. The winding shaft part <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape, and is provided rotatably in a circumferential direction. Around the winding shaft part <NUM>, the medium M in a band-like shape is wound in a roll-like shape. The winding shaft part <NUM> is detachably attached to the bearing part <NUM>. Thus, the medium M wound onto the winding shaft part <NUM> can be detached together with the winding shaft part <NUM>.

The bearing part <NUM> rotatably supports both ends in an axis direction of the winding shaft part <NUM>. The medium collecting part <NUM> includes a rotation driver (not illustrated) configured to rotate and drive the winding shaft part <NUM>. The rotation driver rotates the winding shaft part <NUM> in a direction in which the medium M is wound. An operation of the rotation driver is controlled by the control unit <NUM>.

The cleaning unit <NUM> is configured to clean the transporting belt <NUM> with a cleaning liquid as liquid. The cleaning unit <NUM> is disposed below the transporting belt <NUM>, and between the rotating roller <NUM> and the driving roller <NUM> in the X direction. The cleaning unit <NUM> includes a cleaning section <NUM>, an adjustment unit <NUM>, and a moving section <NUM>. The moving section <NUM> causes the cleaning unit <NUM> to be integrally moved in parallel with a floor surface <NUM> and then to be fixed at a predefined position.

The cleaning section <NUM> contacts the transporting belt <NUM> to clean the transporting belt <NUM>. The cleaning section <NUM> cleans the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM> moving toward the rotating roller <NUM> from the driving roller <NUM> from below (the -Z direction).

The cleaning section <NUM> includes a storage tank <NUM>, a rotary brush <NUM>, and a wiper unit <NUM>.

The storage tank <NUM> is a tank configured to store a cleaning liquid used to clean ink and foreign materials adhering onto the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM>. The rotary brush <NUM> and the wiper unit <NUM> are provided inside the storage tank <NUM>. As the cleaning liquid, for example, water or a water-soluble solvent (alcoholic aqueous solution or the like) may be used, and to which a surfactant agent and an antifoaming agent may be added as necessary.

The rotary brush <NUM> extends in the Y direction and is configured to be rotatable about a shaft. The rotary brush <NUM> is partially immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>, and cleans the transporting belt <NUM> while rotating. Specifically, as the rotary brush <NUM> is rotated, the cleaning liquid is supplied onto the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM> and the rotary brush <NUM> and the transporting belt <NUM> slide each other. Thus, ink adhering onto the transporting belt <NUM>, fiber of the medium M, and the like are removed by the rotary brush <NUM>.

The wiper unit <NUM> includes at least one wiper blade 55a capable of wiping the cleaning liquid adhering to the transporting belt <NUM> by contacting the transporting belt <NUM>. The wiper blade 55a is a plate member extending in the Y direction. The wiper blade 55a is formed of a flexible material such as silicon rubber. The wiper blade 55a is provided downstream the rotary brush <NUM> in the transport direction of the transporting belt <NUM>. The transporting belt <NUM> and the wiper blade 55a slide against each other and thus, the cleaning liquid remaining on the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM> is removed. Note that, in the present embodiment, the two wiper blades 55a are provided, and the two wiper blades 55a are disposed at predetermined intervals in the X direction. Also, the two wiper blades 55a are disposed in a state of being inclined with respect to the X direction.

Further, the cleaning section <NUM> includes a blower unit <NUM>. The blower unit <NUM> blows compressed air from an opening 59a toward the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM> (<FIG>). In the present embodiment, a plurality of the openings 59a are disposed in the Y direction. The blower unit <NUM> is provided downstream the wiper blade 55a in the transport direction of the transporting belt <NUM>. By blowing the compressed air toward the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM>, the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM> can be dried.

The adjustment unit <NUM> is configured to be able to adjust a load exerted by the cleaning section <NUM> on the transporting belt <NUM>, when the cleaning section <NUM> (the wiper blade 55a and the rotary brush <NUM>) comes into contact with the transporting belt <NUM>. The adjustment unit <NUM> of the present embodiment is a raising/lowering device constituted by an air cylinder <NUM> and a ball bushing <NUM>, and supports the cleaning section <NUM> from below. Along with raising/lowering operation of the adjustment unit <NUM>, it is possible to adjust a contact pressure with the transporting belt <NUM> of the cleaning section <NUM>. Note that, in the present embodiment, the adjustment unit <NUM> raises or lowers the storage tank <NUM> together with the cleaning section <NUM>, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the adjustment unit may raise and lower only the cleaning section <NUM>. Alternatively, the adjustment unit, while raising or lowering the rotary brush <NUM>, may adjust the contact pressure with to the transporting belt <NUM> of the cleaning section <NUM> by changing an inclination of the wiper blade 55a.

Additionally, the transport device <NUM> of the present embodiment includes at least one sound collecting unit <NUM> (<FIG>) described below.

Next, the medium fitting part <NUM>, the ejecting unit <NUM>, and the drying unit <NUM> provided along the medium transporting unit <NUM> will be described.

The medium fitting part <NUM> is configured to fit the medium M onto the transporting belt <NUM>. The medium fitting part <NUM> is provided upstream (-X direction side) the ejecting unit <NUM>. The medium fitting part <NUM> includes a press roller <NUM>, a press roller driver <NUM>, and a roller support part <NUM>. The press roller <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape, and is provided rotatably in a circumferential direction. The press roller <NUM> is rotatable about a shaft, and is disposed to have an axis direction intersecting the transport direction. The roller support part <NUM> is provided on the back surface 23b side of the transporting belt <NUM> facing the press roller <NUM> with the transporting belt <NUM> interposed between the roller support part <NUM> and the press roller <NUM>.

The press roller driver <NUM> is configured to press the press roller <NUM> in the -Z direction side, to move the press roller <NUM> in the transport direction (+X direction), and a direction opposite to the transport direction (-X direction). The medium M superimposed on the transporting belt <NUM> is pressed onto the transporting belt <NUM> between the press roller <NUM> and the roller support part <NUM>. This allows the medium M to be reliably affixed to the adhesive layer <NUM> provided on the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM>, and to prevent the medium M from floating up over the transporting belt <NUM>.

The ejecting unit <NUM> is disposed above (+Z direction side) the transporting belt <NUM>, and is configured to execute printing (recording) onto the medium M supported on the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM>. The ejecting unit <NUM> includes a head unit <NUM>, a carriage <NUM> on which the head unit <NUM> is installed, a carriage moving unit <NUM> configured to move the carriage <NUM> in the width direction (Y direction) of the medium M intersecting the transport direction, and the like. The head unit <NUM> of the present embodiment includes a plurality of ejecting heads (not illustrated) that eject ink (for example, yellow, cyan, magenta, black, and the like), as liquid droplets, as liquid supplied from an ink supply unit (not illustrated) onto the medium M supported by the transporting belt <NUM>.

The carriage moving unit <NUM> is provided above (+Z direction side) the transporting belt <NUM>. The carriage moving unit <NUM> includes a pair of guide rails 45a and 45b extending along the Y direction. The head unit <NUM> is supported by the guide rails 45a and 45b in a state capable of reciprocating together with the carriage <NUM> in the Y direction.

The carriage moving unit <NUM> includes a moving mechanism (not illustrated) and a power source (not illustrated). As the moving mechanism, a mechanism including a combination of a ball screw and a ball nut, a linear guide mechanism, or the like may be employed. Further, the carriage moving unit <NUM> includes a motor (not illustrated) as a power source to move the carriage <NUM> along the guide rails 45a and 45b. As the motor, any kind of motors such as a stepping motor, a servo motor, and a linear motor can be adopted. When the motor is driven by control of the control unit <NUM>, the head unit <NUM> moves together with the carriage <NUM> in the Y direction.

The drying unit <NUM> is provided between the transporting roller <NUM> and the transporting roller <NUM>. The drying unit <NUM> is configured to dry ink ejected onto the medium M. The drying unit <NUM> includes, for example, an IR heater, and can drive the IR heater to dry ink ejected onto the medium M for a short period of time. Thus, the medium M having a band shape on which an image and the like are formed can be wound onto the winding shaft part <NUM>.

Next, the sound collecting unit <NUM> will be described. The sound collecting unit <NUM> is, for example, a microphone, and collects a sound generated by operation of the cleaning unit <NUM>. This allows detection of an abnormal sound at the time of malfunction of the cleaning unit <NUM>. Then, by a detected abnormal sound, occurrence of a cleaning failure of the transporting belt <NUM> by the cleaning unit <NUM> can be detected. Furthermore, a loss of image quality on the medium M due to the cleaning failure of the transporting belt <NUM> can be reduced. Furthermore, by detecting occurrence of a cleaning failure by the cleaning unit <NUM>, it is easy to adjust and repair the cleaning unit <NUM>, and a downtime of the liquid ejecting device <NUM> can be reduced.

The sound collecting unit <NUM> of the present embodiment collects a sound generated from the cleaning section <NUM>. This makes it possible to detect an abnormal sound caused by deterioration or the like of the cleaning section <NUM>, and a reduction in cleaning performance for the transporting belt <NUM> by the cleaning section <NUM> can be suitably detected.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the sound collecting unit <NUM> is disposed at an outer surface 54a of the storage tank <NUM>. The storage tank <NUM> is a box body that extends in the Y direction and has an opening on an upside and a bottom wall on a downside. That is, the sound collecting unit <NUM> is disposed on at least one of an end face in the +Y direction and an end face in the -Y direction of the storage tank <NUM>. This makes it possible to prevent the sound collecting unit <NUM> from being wet by a cleaning liquid.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the two sound collecting units <NUM> (85a, 85b) are disposed on the end face in the -Y direction of the storage tank <NUM>. The two sound collecting units 85a and 85b are disposed side by side in the X direction. Then, the sound collecting unit 85a on one side disposed in the +X direction of the two sound collecting units 85a and 85b is disposed on the end face in the -Y direction of the storage tank <NUM> in a state overlapping with at least a part of the rotary brush <NUM>, when viewed from a direction in which the rotary brush <NUM> extends, that is from the -Y direction. That is, the sound collecting unit 85a is disposed facing the rotary brush <NUM>. This makes it possible to easily detect an abnormal sound caused by deterioration of a tip portion of the rotary brush <NUM> or the like, and a reduction in cleaning performance for the transporting belt <NUM> due to deterioration of the rotary brush <NUM> or the like can be suitably detected.

Additionally, the sound collecting unit 85b on another side is disposed on the end face in the -Y direction of the storage tank <NUM> in a state overlapping with at least a part of the wiper unit <NUM>, when viewed from a direction in which the wiper blade 55a extends, that is, from the -Y direction. That is, the sound collecting unit 85b is disposed at a position where a sound generated from the wiper blade 55a can be efficiently collected. Accordingly, a configuration can be employed in which an abnormal sound caused by wear of the wiper blade 55a or the like can be detected, and thus a reduction in cleaning performance for the transporting belt <NUM> by the wiper blade 55a can be suitably detected. Also, a state of tension of the transporting belt <NUM> can be easily detected from a sound collected from the wiper blade 55a.

Note that, similar to the above, the two sound collecting units <NUM> (85a, 85b) may also be disposed at the end face in the +Y direction of the storage tank <NUM>. As a result, an abnormal sound according to the rotary brush <NUM> or the wiper blade 55a can be detected more efficiently.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the liquid ejecting device <NUM> includes an input device <NUM> in which recording conditions and the like are input, and the control unit <NUM> that controls each unit of the liquid ejecting device <NUM>. Examples of the input device <NUM> include various personal computers, a tablet-type terminal, and a portable-type terminal. Note that, the input device <NUM> may be provided independently from the liquid ejecting device <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> includes an interface unit (I/F) <NUM>, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, and a control circuit <NUM>. The interface unit <NUM> transmits/receives data between the input device <NUM> configured to handle input signals or images and the control unit <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> is an arithmetic processing unit configured to process input signals from various detector groups <NUM> including the sound collecting unit <NUM> and to control recording operation of the liquid ejecting device <NUM>. For example, the CPU <NUM> performs operations for performing control of the liquid ejecting device <NUM> based on sound data input from the sound collecting unit <NUM>.

The storage unit <NUM>, which serves as a storage medium that ensures an area for storing the programs, a work area, and the like of the CPU <NUM>, includes a storage device such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), or the like.

The control unit <NUM> controls driving of an ejecting head included in the head unit <NUM> in accordance with the control signals output from the control circuit <NUM> to cause ink to be ejected onto the medium M. The control unit <NUM> controls driving of a motor provided in the carriage moving unit <NUM> in accordance with the control signals output from the control circuit <NUM> to cause the carriage <NUM> at which the head unit <NUM> is installed to reciprocate in the Y direction, that is in a main scanning direction. The control unit <NUM> controls driving of a motor provided in the driving roller <NUM> in accordance with the control signals output from the control circuit <NUM> to cause the transporting belt <NUM> to be rotated and moved. As a result, the medium M supported on the transporting belt <NUM> is moved in the transport direction (+X direction).

Images and the like are formed on the medium M by execution of the recording operation (intermittent operation) in which main scanning where the control unit <NUM> controls the carriage moving unit <NUM> and the head unit <NUM> to cause the head unit <NUM> (carriage <NUM>) to be moved while causing the ejecting head to eject ink and sub-scanning where the control unit <NUM> controls the driving roller <NUM> to cause the medium M to be transported in the transport direction are alternately repeated.

The control unit <NUM> controls the cleaning section <NUM> in accordance with the control signals output from the control circuit <NUM>, causes the rotary brush <NUM> and the blower unit <NUM> to drive and to clean the transporting belt <NUM>. Further, the control unit <NUM> controls the adjustment unit <NUM> in accordance with the control signals output from the control circuit <NUM>, and controls a load exerted by the cleaning section <NUM> on the transporting belt <NUM>.

Next, a control method of the liquid ejecting device <NUM> will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in step S11, sound collecting processing is performed. Specifically, the control unit <NUM> acquires respective pieces of sound data detected by the sound collecting units 85a and 85b, and calculates an amplitude and frequency based on the respective pieces of sound data.

In step S12, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the cleaning section <NUM> deteriorates or not. That is, the control unit <NUM> determines whether an operation failure occurs in the cleaning section <NUM> or not. The deterioration of the cleaning section <NUM> is associated with the sound data. Specifically, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the amplitude and frequency based on the sound data of the sound collecting units <NUM> (85a, 85b) are within respective prescribed value ranges. A prescribed value is an amplitude or frequency when the cleaning section <NUM> is operating normally. That is, the prescribed value is an amplitude or frequency of a normal sound of the cleaning section <NUM> (sound when an abnormal sound is not generated). The prescribed values include an amplitude and a frequency of each of the wiper blade 55a, the rotary brush <NUM>, and the blower unit <NUM>. Each prescribed value is collected by the sound collecting unit <NUM> in advance, and an amplitude and a frequency based on the sound data are stored in the storage unit <NUM>.

Then, when determining that the cleaning section <NUM> deteriorates (the amplitude or frequency based on the acquired sound data is not within the prescribed value range) (YES), the control unit <NUM> proceeds to step S13, and when determining that the cleaning section <NUM> does not deteriorate (the amplitude or frequency based on the acquired sound data is within the prescribed value range) (NO), the control unit <NUM> ends the processing.

For example, when, due to wear or deterioration of the rotary brush <NUM> or the wiper blade 55a, contact pressure with the transporting belt <NUM> weakens, a generated sound decreases. In this case, the amplitude decreases compared to the prescribed value. Accordingly, it can be determined that the rotary brush <NUM> or the wiper blade 55a deteriorates.

The sound collecting unit 85a is disposed near the rotary brush <NUM> and, in particular, collects a sound generated due to operation of the rotary brush <NUM>. As a result, the control unit <NUM> can determine the deterioration or the like of the rotary brush <NUM>, based on the sound data collected by the sound collecting unit 85a. Specifically, it is possible to determine deterioration of the tip portion of the rotary brush <NUM>, abnormality of a drive mechanism of the rotary brush <NUM>, a water shortage in the storage tank <NUM>, or a state of generation of foam of the cleaning liquid in the storage tank <NUM>.

Also, the sound collecting unit 85b is disposed near the wiper blade 55a, and, in particular, collects a sound generated by the wiper blade 55a. Accordingly, the control unit <NUM> can determine deterioration of the wiper blade 55a, and the like, based on the sound data collected from the sound collecting unit 85b. Specifically, deterioration of the wiper blade 55a, deterioration of the transporting belt <NUM>, and a situation of deterioration of a state of the surface 23a of the transporting belt <NUM> can be determined.

Also, the sound collecting unit 85b can also collect a sound generated from the opening 59a of the blower unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the control unit <NUM> can determine abnormality of the blower unit <NUM>, based on sound data collected from the sound collecting unit 85b. Specifically, it is possible to determine presence or absence of, clogging of the opening 59a due to foreign matter, or foreign matter suction.

Note that in step S12, when the cleaning section <NUM> is determined to deteriorate, warning may be displayed on a display unit of the input device <NUM>. Also, a warning sound may be generated. Thus, a user can easily recognize that abnormality occurs in operation of the cleaning section <NUM>.

When the processing transits to step S13, load adjustment processing is performed. Specifically, the control unit <NUM> controls the adjustment unit <NUM> to cause a load exerted by the cleaning section <NUM> on the transporting belt <NUM> to be increased. Specifically, the control unit <NUM> causes the air cylinder <NUM> to drive and the cleaning section <NUM> to be raised. As a result, loads of the rotary brush <NUM> and the wiper blade 55a onto the transporting belt <NUM> are increased, and a reduction in cleaning performance due to deterioration of the cleaning section <NUM> can be automatically compensated.

Note that, in the present embodiment, in step S12, the control unit <NUM> uses the amplitude and frequency of a case where the cleaning section <NUM> is operating normally as the prescribed values, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The control unit <NUM> may use an amplitude and a frequency of a case where the cleaning section <NUM> is operating while generating an abnormal sound. In this case, for example, a sound of the case where the cleaning section <NUM> is operating while generating the abnormal sound is collected in advance, and an amplitude and a frequency based on sound data of the abnormal sound are stored in the storage unit <NUM>.

Further, a configuration may be employed in which the prescribed value is stored in an external server device, rather than in the storage unit <NUM>. In this case, the prescribed value is acquired by accessing the server device via the interface unit <NUM> of the control unit <NUM>. In this manner, it is possible to reduce a load on the storage unit <NUM>.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, another disposition example of the sound collecting units <NUM> will be described. Note that configurations identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference signs and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the wiper unit <NUM> includes a hollow holding member 55b that holds the wiper blade 55a. In the present embodiment, the holding member 55b is disposed for each wiper blade 55a.

The holding member 55b extends in the Y direction, and is coupled to an inner surface of the storage tank <NUM> and is supported. A height of an upper end portion of the holding member 55b in the Z direction is approximately the same as a height of an upper end portion of the storage tank <NUM> in the Z direction. A dimension in the Y direction of the holding member 55b is substantially the same as a dimension in the Y direction of the wiper blade 55a, and the holding member 55b supports an entire bottom of the wiper blade 55a. The holding member 55b is made of sheet metal and has a rectangular outer shape when viewed in the +Y direction.

Furthermore, the sound collecting unit <NUM> is accommodated in an interior (hollow region) of the holding member 55b. A disposition position of the sound collecting unit <NUM> is not particularly limited, and may be disposed at a center portion in the Y direction of the holding member 55b, or may be disposed at an end portion. Also, the number of sound collecting units <NUM> installed is not particularly limited, and may be one, or multiple.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by disposing the holding member 55b, the sound collecting unit <NUM> can be disposed at a position closer to the wiper blade 55a, and an abnormal sound of the wiper blade 55a can be easily detected. Furthermore, by the installation of the holding member 55b, it is possible to suppress application of the cleaning liquid to the sound collecting unit <NUM>.

Hereinafter other disposition examples of the sound collecting units <NUM> will be described.

In the first embodiment, the two sound collecting units <NUM> are disposed at each of the end face in the +Y direction and the end face in the -Y direction of the storage tank <NUM>, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the three sound collecting units <NUM> may be disposed at each of the end face in the +Y direction and the end face in the -Y direction of the storage tank <NUM>.

In this case, of the three sound collecting units <NUM> disposed at each of the end face in the +Y direction and the end face in the -Y direction of the storage tank <NUM>, the sound collecting unit <NUM> disposed at a position farthest in the +X direction is disposed at a position overlapping with at least a part of the rotary brush <NUM>, when viewed from a direction in which the rotary brush <NUM> extends, that is, from the Y direction. Additionally, each of the remaining two sound collecting units <NUM> is disposed at a position overlapping with at least a part of the wiper unit <NUM>, when viewed from a direction in which the wiper blade 55a extends, that is, from the Y direction.

As a result, an abnormal sound according to the rotary brush <NUM> or each wiper blade 55a can be detected efficiently.

Also, as illustrated in <FIG>, disposition may be made around a center in the Y direction of each wiper blade 55a. As a result, it is possible to specialize in collecting a sound generated when each wiper blade 55a and the transporting belt <NUM> come into contact, and an abnormal sound according to each wiper blade 55a can be detected more efficiently.

Additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, the sound collecting unit <NUM> may be disposed at a frame portion <NUM> disposed adjacent to the cleaning unit <NUM>. In this case, for example, the sound collecting unit <NUM> is disposed at a location proximate to the rotary brush <NUM> or the wiper blade 55a. Even in this way, an abnormal sound regarding operation of the cleaning unit <NUM> can be detected.

In addition, for example, when it is difficult to dispose the sound collecting unit <NUM> directly at the cleaning unit <NUM>, the sound collecting unit <NUM> may be disposed around the liquid ejecting device <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Even in this way, an abnormal sound regarding operation of the cleaning unit <NUM> can be detected.

Note that, a configuration may be employed in which the dispositions of the sound collecting units <NUM> described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the other embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate.

In the above-described embodiment, in the liquid ejecting device <NUM>, a failure of the cleaning unit <NUM> is detected based on sound data detected by the sound collecting unit <NUM> disposed in the cleaning unit <NUM>, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition to sound data by the sound collecting unit <NUM>, various types of printing setting information of the liquid ejecting device <NUM> (for example, ON/OFF information of the IR heater of the drying unit <NUM>, information of a load exerted by the cleaning section <NUM> on the transporting belt <NUM> by the adjustment unit <NUM>, type information of ink ejected from the head unit <NUM>, and the like), printing image information (for example, a width dimension of the medium M, transport speed information of the medium M by the medium transporting unit <NUM>, printing DUTY information, and the like), internal information of the liquid ejecting device <NUM> (for example, temperature information for each location of the liquid ejecting device <NUM>, an operation time of the liquid ejecting device <NUM>, and the like) may be used in combination. Furthermore, information related to the transporting belt <NUM> (for example, adhesive force information of the adhesive layer <NUM>, tension information of the transporting belt <NUM>) may be employed. This makes it possible to further increase accuracy of detecting a failure of the cleaning unit <NUM>.

Additionally, an acceleration sensor may be used in addition to the sound collecting unit <NUM>. Accordingly, in addition to sound data, motion information, vibration information, and impact information of each unit can be obtained, and thus accuracy of detecting a failure of the cleaning unit <NUM> can be increased.

In the embodiment described above, the configuration is employed in which the sound collecting unit <NUM> is fixedly disposed at a predetermined position, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The sound collecting unit <NUM> may be configured to be movable to any position. Further, for example, a configuration may be employed in which a microphone function of a portable mobile terminal (a mobile phone, a smart phone, or the like) is utilized. In this case, the mobile terminal transmits sound data via the interface unit <NUM> of the control unit <NUM>. In this way, sound data at a desired position can be easily acquired. Note that, the input device <NUM> may also serve as the above mobile terminal.

In the above-described embodiment, one sound collecting unit <NUM> of the plurality of sound collecting units <NUM> is disposed facing the rotary brush <NUM>, by being fixed to the end face in the Y direction of the storage tank <NUM> in a state overlapping with at least a part of the rotary brush <NUM>, when viewed from the direction in which the rotary brush <NUM> extends. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. One sound collecting unit <NUM> of the plurality of sound collecting units <NUM> may be disposed at a position in the +Z direction with respect to the rotary brush <NUM>, for example, and is disposed at a position off from the end face in the Y direction of the storage tank <NUM>, and an inclination of the sound collecting unit <NUM> may be appropriately set. At this time, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the number of the one sound collecting units <NUM> may be two or more.

In addition, the other sound collecting unit <NUM> of the plurality of sound collecting units <NUM> is disposed facing the wiper unit <NUM> by being fixed to the end face in the Y direction of the storage tank <NUM> in a state overlapping with at least a part of the wiper unit <NUM>, when viewed from the direction in which the wiper blade 55a extends. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The other sound collecting unit <NUM> of the plurality of sound collecting units <NUM> may be disposed at a position in the +Z direction with respect to the wiper blade 55a or the wiper unit <NUM>, for example, and is disposed at a position off from the end face in the Y direction of the storage tank <NUM>, and an inclination of the sound collecting unit <NUM> may be appropriately set. At this time, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the number of the other sound collecting units <NUM> may be two or more.

That is, a position at which at least one sound collecting unit <NUM> is disposed or a location to which the at least one sound collecting unit <NUM> is fixed is not particularly limited as long as at least a sound from the cleaning section <NUM> can be collected.

Note that in the above-described embodiment, although the description has been given using, as the example, the configuration of the liquid ejecting device <NUM> provided with the transport device <NUM>, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a configuration only with the transport device <NUM> may be employed. That is, the transport device <NUM> includes the transporting belt <NUM>, the cleaning unit <NUM>, and the sound collecting unit <NUM>. Even with this configuration, similar advantages as described above can be obtained.

A transport device includes a transporting belt capable of transporting a medium, a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the transporting belt with liquid, and a sound collecting unit configured to collect a sound generated by operation of the cleaning unit.

According to this configuration, it is possible to detect an abnormal sound due to malfunction of the cleaning unit, or the like, and occurrence of a cleaning failure of the transporting belt by the cleaning unit can be detected.

The cleaning unit of the transport device described above includes a cleaning section capable of cleaning the transporting belt in contact with the transporting belt, and the sound collecting unit may collect a sound generated from the cleaning section.

According to this configuration, it is possible to detect an abnormal sound caused by deterioration of the cleaning section, and a reduction in cleaning performance for the transporting belt by the cleaning section can be suitably detected.

The cleaning section of the transport device described above is a wiper unit including a wiper blade capable of wiping the liquid adhering to the transporting belt by contacting the transporting belt, and the sound collecting unit may collect a sound generated from the wiper unit.

According to this configuration, a configuration can be employed in which an abnormal sound caused by wear of the wiper blade can be detected, and thus a reduction in cleaning performance for the transporting belt due to wear of the wiper blade can be suitably detected.

The wiper unit of the above-mentioned transport device may include a hollow holding member for holding the wiper blade, and the sound collecting unit may be accommodated inside the holding member.

According to this configuration, the holding member can also be used as a member for suppressing application of liquid to the sound collecting unit.

The cleaning unit of the above-described transport device may include a storage tank in which the liquid is stored, and the cleaning section may be a rotary brush partially immersed in the liquid stored in the storage tank, and capable of cleaning the transporting belt while rotating, and the sound collecting unit may be disposed facing the rotary brush.

According to this configuration, a configuration can be employed in which an abnormal sound caused by deterioration of a tip portion of the rotary brush can be detected, and thus a reduction in cleaning performance for the transporting belt due to deterioration of the rotary brush can be suitably detected.

The transport device described above may include an adjustment unit capable of adjusting a load exerted by the cleaning section on the transporting belt, and a control unit configured to control the adjustment unit, and the control unit, when determining that the cleaning section deteriorates based on a sound collection result of the sound collecting unit, may control the adjustment unit to increase the load.

According to this configuration, it is possible to automatically compensate for a reduction in cleaning performance associated with deterioration of the cleaning section.

A liquid ejecting device includes an ejecting unit capable of ejecting a liquid droplet onto a medium, a transporting belt capable of transporting the medium, a cleaning unit capable of cleaning the transporting belt with liquid, and a sound collecting unit configured to collect a sound generated by operation of the cleaning unit.

Claim 1:
A transport device (<NUM>), comprising:
a transporting belt (<NUM>) configured to transport a medium;
a cleaning unit (<NUM>) configured to clean the transporting belt with liquid, the cleaning unit including a cleaning section (<NUM>) configured to clean the transporting belt by contacting the transporting belt;
a sound collecting unit (<NUM>) configured to collect a sound generated by operation of the cleaning unit and generated from the cleaning section, and a control unit (<NUM>) configured to collect a sound collection result of the sound collecting unit,
wherein
either:
the cleaning section is a wiper unit (<NUM>) including a wiper blade (55a) configured to wipe the liquid adhering to the transporting belt by contacting the transporting belt,
the sound collecting unit is configured to collect a sound generated from the wiper unit,
the wiper unit includes a hollow holding member (55b) for holding the wiper blade, and
the sound collecting unit is accommodated inside the holding member,
or
the cleaning unit (<NUM>) includes a storage tank (<NUM>) in which the liquid is stored,
the cleaning section is a rotary brush (<NUM>) partially immersed in the liquid stored in the storage tank, and configured to clean the transporting belt (<NUM>) while rotating, the sound collecting unit is configured to collect a sound generated from the rotary brush, and
the sound collecting unit (<NUM>) is disposed facing the rotary brush.