Patent Description:
A transport device configured to be used in a recording device is disclosed in claim <NUM>.

<CIT> describes a transport device including a transport belt for transporting a medium and a cleaning roller for cleaning the transport belt. Cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning roller. The cleaning roller cleans the transport belt with the cleaning liquid by contacting the transport belt.

In such a transport device, when the cleaning roller remains wet with the cleaning liquid, the cleaning roller may deteriorate.

<CIT> discloses a transport device for a recording unit, the device comprising a transport belt, a cleaning roller with an absorbent member to clean the belt, a supply unit to supply cleaning liquid to the roller and a spray unit that sprays water onto the belt. The absorbent roller absorbs water from the belt and a squeezing roller squeezes water from the absorbent roller, the water falling into a tank.

A transport device configured to be used in a recording device for solving the above-described issue includes a transport belt having a support surface configured to support a medium, and configured to transport the medium supported by the support surface, a cleaning roller including an absorbent member configured to absorb cleaning liquid, and configured to clean the support surface as the absorbent member comes into contact with the support surface, a supply unit configured to supply the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller, a drive unit configured to rotate the cleaning roller, and a squeeze member configured to contact the absorbent member and to squeeze the absorbent member as the cleaning roller rotates in a state in which the squeeze member is in contact with the absorbent member, the supply unit is configured to be switched between a supply state in which the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning roller and a non-supply state in which the cleaning liquid is not supplied to the cleaning roller, and the squeeze member squeezes the absorbent member as the cleaning roller rotates while the supply unit is in the non-supply state for promoting drying of the absorbent member.

One exemplary embodiment of a recording device including a transport device will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The recording device is, for example, an ink jet-type printer that records an image such as characters and photographs on a medium such as a sheet and fiber by discharging ink, which is an example of a recording material. The recording device is not limited to ink-jet type, may be a toner-jet type, or may perform recording using other recording methods.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a recording device <NUM> includes a recording unit <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, a reception unit <NUM>, and a transport device <NUM>.

The recording unit <NUM> is configured to perform recording on a medium <NUM>. The recording unit <NUM> is, for example, a head. Therefore, the recording unit <NUM> of this embodiment includes one or a plurality of nozzles <NUM>. In this embodiment, the recording unit <NUM> is a serial head that performs scanning with respect to the medium <NUM>. The recording unit <NUM> may be a line head that performs recording all at once over the width of the medium <NUM>. The recording unit <NUM> records an image on the medium <NUM> by discharging liquid onto the medium <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> controls the recording device <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> controls, for example, the recording unit <NUM>, the transport device <NUM>, and the like. The control unit <NUM> can be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware such as an integrated circuit for a specific application that executes at least a part of the various processes, and γ: a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory is configured to store a program code or a command configured to cause the CPU to execute the processing. The memory, or a computer readable medium includes any readable medium accessible by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

The reception unit <NUM> is configured to receive instructions from a user. The reception unit <NUM> is, for example, an operating panel. The reception unit <NUM> is coupled to the control unit <NUM>. The user's instruction received by the reception unit <NUM> is input to the control unit <NUM>. As will be described later, the reception unit <NUM> can receive instructions from the user regarding operation of a squeeze member <NUM> squeezing an absorbent member <NUM>. The reception unit <NUM> can display various information related to the recording device <NUM>.

The transport device <NUM> is a device configured to transport the medium <NUM>. In this embodiment, the transport device <NUM> intermittently transports the medium <NUM>. The transport device <NUM> may continuously transport the medium <NUM>.

The transport device <NUM> includes a plurality of rollers, a drive source <NUM>, a transport belt <NUM>, and a cleaning mechanism <NUM>. The transport device <NUM> may include a control unit that controls the transport device <NUM> in addition to the control unit <NUM> included in the recording device <NUM>. In this case, for example, the control unit <NUM> included in the recording device <NUM> and the control unit included in the transport device <NUM> communicate with each other. Instead of the control unit <NUM>, the transport device <NUM> may include the control unit. In this case, for example, the control unit included in the transport device <NUM> controls the recording unit <NUM>. When the transport device <NUM> includes the control unit, the reception unit <NUM> may be coupled to the control unit. For example, the transport device <NUM> may include the reception unit <NUM>.

The transport device <NUM> of this embodiment includes, for example, a first roller <NUM> and a second roller <NUM> as the plurality of rollers. The first roller <NUM> and the second roller <NUM> transport the medium <NUM> in a first direction A1. The first direction A1 is a direction in which the medium <NUM> is transported. The first roller <NUM> and the second roller <NUM> are arranged in this order in the first direction A1. Therefore, the first roller <NUM> is located upstream of the recording unit <NUM> in the first direction A1. The second roller <NUM> is located downstream of the recording unit <NUM> in the first direction A1.

The drive source <NUM> is, for example, a motor that rotates the plurality of rollers. The drive source <NUM> is coupled to the first roller <NUM>, the second roller <NUM>, or both, for example. In this embodiment, the drive source <NUM> is coupled to the first roller <NUM>. Therefore, the drive source <NUM> rotates the first roller <NUM>. In this embodiment, the transport belt <NUM> rotates the second roller <NUM> as the first roller <NUM> rotates.

The transport belt <NUM> is wound around the plurality of rollers. In this embodiment, the transport belt <NUM> is wound around the first roller <NUM> and the second roller <NUM>. When the drive source <NUM> rotates the first roller <NUM>, the transport belt <NUM> moves along the first roller <NUM> and the second roller <NUM>, that is, circulates. As a result, the transport belt <NUM> transports the medium <NUM>. In this embodiment, the transport belt <NUM> transports the medium <NUM> by moving intermittently. The transport belt <NUM> circulates in a counterclockwise direction in <FIG>, for example.

The transport belt <NUM> has a support surface <NUM> that supports the medium <NUM>. The support surface <NUM> is an outer peripheral surface of the transport belt <NUM>.

The transport belt <NUM> is a belt to which an adhesive is applied, for example. The adhesive is applied to the support surface <NUM>. The medium <NUM> is adhered to the support surface <NUM> by the adhesive. As a result, posture of the medium <NUM> is stabilized. The medium <NUM> may be adhered to the support surface <NUM> by, for example, attractive force, electrostatic force, intermolecular force, or the like, not limited to the adhesive. An image is recorded by the recording unit <NUM> on the medium <NUM> supported on the support surface <NUM>.

The transport belt <NUM> may become dirty by transporting the medium <NUM>. In particular, the support surface <NUM> easily becomes dirty. For example, powder and fluff generated from the medium <NUM>, dust in the air, recording material by the recording unit <NUM>, and the like may adhere to the support surface <NUM>. As a result, the support surface <NUM> becomes dirty. When the support surface <NUM> becomes dirty, dirt may stick to the medium <NUM>. Further, when the support surface <NUM> becomes dirty, adhesive force of the support surface <NUM> to the medium <NUM> may be impaired.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cleaning mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism for cleaning the transport belt <NUM>. Specifically, the cleaning mechanism <NUM> cleans the support surface <NUM> by contacting the support surface <NUM>. This reduces possibility of dirt adhering to the medium <NUM> from the transport belt <NUM>. Further, adhesive force of the support surface <NUM> is prevented from being decreased.

The cleaning mechanism <NUM> is located so as to contact the support surface <NUM> in a region through which the medium <NUM> does not pass. The region through which the medium <NUM> does not pass is, for example, a region facing a portion of the support surface <NUM> that moves in a second direction A2. The second direction A2 is a direction opposite the first direction A1. On the other hand, a region through which the medium <NUM> passes is, for example, a region facing a portion of the support surface <NUM> that moves in the first direction A1. Therefore, the cleaning mechanism <NUM> is located so as to contact the portion of the support surface <NUM> that moves in the second direction A2, for example. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cleaning mechanism <NUM> and the recording unit <NUM> are located so as to sandwich the transport belt <NUM>, for example. Specifically, the cleaning mechanism <NUM> and the recording unit <NUM> are located so as to sandwich the transport belt <NUM> vertically. As a result, the cleaning mechanism <NUM> cleans the support surface <NUM> on which the medium <NUM> has been supported, that is, the support surface <NUM> on which the medium <NUM> has been peeled off. The support surface <NUM> after being cleaned supports again the medium <NUM> by circulating.

The cleaning mechanism <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM>, for example. When the transport device <NUM> includes the control unit, the cleaning mechanism <NUM> may be controlled by the control unit. A detailed description of the cleaning mechanism <NUM> will be described later.

The transport device <NUM> may include a movement mechanism <NUM>. The movement mechanism <NUM> relatively moves the transport belt <NUM> and the cleaning roller <NUM> such that a cleaning roller <NUM> included in the cleaning mechanism <NUM> is separated from the support surface <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> will be described later. In this embodiment, the movement mechanism <NUM> separates the cleaning roller <NUM> from the support surface <NUM> by moving the cleaning mechanism <NUM> with respect to the transport belt <NUM>. The movement mechanism <NUM> of this embodiment raises and lowers the cleaning mechanism <NUM> with respect to the transport belt <NUM>. The movement mechanism <NUM> may move the transport belt <NUM> relative to the cleaning mechanism <NUM> or may move both the transport belt <NUM> and the cleaning mechanism <NUM>. Further, the movement mechanism <NUM> may move the cleaning roller <NUM> independently instead of the entire cleaning mechanism <NUM>.

Next, the cleaning mechanism <NUM> will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in this embodiment, the cleaning mechanism <NUM> includes a supply unit <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM>, the squeeze member <NUM>, a drive unit <NUM>, and a spray unit <NUM>.

The supply unit <NUM> is configured to supply cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller <NUM>. The cleaning liquid is, for example, water. Note that the cleaning liquid may be another liquid. The supply unit <NUM> includes, for example, a support tank <NUM>, a storage tank <NUM>, a supply pipe <NUM>, a supply valve <NUM>, a discharge pipe <NUM>, and a discharge valve <NUM>.

The support tank <NUM> accommodates the storage tank <NUM>. In this embodiment, the cleaning roller <NUM>, the squeeze member <NUM>, and the spray unit <NUM> are attached to the support tank <NUM>. The support tank <NUM> includes a discharge port <NUM>. The discharge port <NUM> is located on a bottom surface of the support tank <NUM>, for example. The discharge port <NUM> is an opening for discharging the cleaning liquid that has flowed out from the storage tank <NUM> to the support tank <NUM>.

The storage tank <NUM> stores the cleaning liquid. The storage tank <NUM> of this embodiment accommodates a portion of the cleaning roller <NUM>. Specifically, the storage tank <NUM> accommodates a lower end portion of the cleaning roller <NUM>. Therefore, the cleaning roller <NUM> is immersed in the cleaning liquid as the storage tank <NUM> stores the cleaning liquid. In this way, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning roller <NUM>. The storage tank <NUM> is located, for example, on the bottom surface of the support tank <NUM>. By accommodating the storage tank <NUM> in the support tank <NUM>, the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM> is prevented from scattering around the supply unit <NUM>.

The supply pipe <NUM> is coupled to a supply source of the cleaning liquid and the support tank <NUM>. The supply source of the cleaning liquid is, for example, a tap. The cleaning liquid is supplied to the storage tank <NUM> by flowing the cleaning liquid from the supply source through the supply pipe <NUM>. By flowing into the support tank <NUM> and then falling, the cleaning liquid is stored in the storage tank <NUM>. The supply pipe <NUM> may be coupled to the storage tank <NUM>.

The supply valve <NUM> is provided at the supply pipe <NUM>. When the supply valve <NUM> is opened, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the storage tank <NUM> through the supply pipe <NUM>. When the supply valve <NUM> is closed, supply of the cleaning liquid to the storage tank <NUM> stops.

The discharge pipe <NUM> is coupled to the storage tank <NUM>. As the cleaning liquid flows from the storage tank <NUM> to the discharge pipe <NUM>, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the storage tank <NUM>.

The discharge valve <NUM> is provided at the discharge pipe <NUM>. When the discharge valve <NUM> is opened, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the storage tank <NUM> through the discharge pipe <NUM>. When the discharge valve <NUM> is closed, discharge of the cleaning liquid from the storage tank <NUM> stops.

The supply unit <NUM> is configured to be switched between a supply state in which the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning roller <NUM> and a non-supply state in which the cleaning liquid is not supplied to the cleaning roller <NUM>. In this embodiment, the supply state is a state in which the cleaning roller <NUM> contacts the liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>. In this embodiment, the non-supply state is a state in which the cleaning roller <NUM> does not contact the liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>.

In this embodiment, a state of the supply unit <NUM> is switched between the supply state and the non-supply state as liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM> changes. For example, as the control unit <NUM> controls the supply valve <NUM> and the discharge valve <NUM>, the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM> changes. For example, when the control unit <NUM> controls the supply valve <NUM> and the discharge valve <NUM> such that opening degree of the supply valve <NUM> is larger than opening degree of the discharge valve <NUM>, the liquid level of the cleaning liquid increases. In this case, when the control unit <NUM> controls the supply valve <NUM> and the discharge valve <NUM> such that opening degree of the supply valve <NUM> is smaller than opening degree of the discharge valve <NUM>, the liquid level of the cleaning liquid decreases.

In this embodiment, when the supply unit <NUM> is in the supply state, the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM> is height at which the cleaning roller <NUM> is immersed in the cleaning liquid. When the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM> is height at which the cleaning roller <NUM> is not immersed in the cleaning liquid. The state of the supply unit <NUM> may be switched not only by changing the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>, but also by, for example, relative movement of the cleaning roller <NUM> and the storage tank <NUM>.

The cleaning roller <NUM> cleans the support surface <NUM> by contacting the support surface <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> is rotatably supported by the support tank <NUM>.

The cleaning roller <NUM> includes a rotary shaft <NUM> and the absorbent member <NUM>. The rotary shaft <NUM> is, for example, parallel to a shaft of the first roller <NUM> and a shaft of the second roller <NUM>. The absorbent member <NUM> is a member capable of absorbing the cleaning liquid. The absorbent member <NUM> is, for example, a sponge. The absorbent member <NUM> is supported by the rotary shaft <NUM>. The absorbent member <NUM> rotates with the rotary shaft <NUM>. As the absorbent member <NUM> contacts the support surface <NUM>, the support surface <NUM> is cleaned.

In this embodiment, a portion of the absorbent member <NUM> is accommodated in the storage tank <NUM>. Specifically, a lower end portion of the absorbent member <NUM> is accommodated in the storage tank <NUM>. Therefore, when the supply unit <NUM> is in the supply state, the absorbent member <NUM> contacts the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>. As a result, the absorbent member <NUM> is in a state of containing the cleaning liquid. When the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, the absorbent member <NUM> does not contact the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>.

The cleaning roller <NUM> is switched between a contact state in which the cleaning roller <NUM> contacts the support surface <NUM> and a non-contact state in which the cleaning roller <NUM> is separated from the support surface <NUM>, by the movement mechanism <NUM>. When the cleaning roller <NUM> is in the contact state, the absorbent member <NUM> comes into contact with the support surface <NUM>. In this embodiment, an upper end portion of the absorbent member <NUM> comes into contact with the support surface <NUM>. When the cleaning roller <NUM> is in the non-contact state, the absorbent member <NUM> does not come into contact with the support surface <NUM>.

When the supply unit <NUM> is in the supply state and the cleaning roller <NUM> is in the contact state, the cleaning roller <NUM> cleans the support surface <NUM> by rotating. In this embodiment, the cleaning roller <NUM> is rotated by the drive unit <NUM>. The cleaning roller <NUM> may be driven and rotated by drive force of the drive unit <NUM>, or may be driven to rotate while contacting the transport belt <NUM> by the drive force of the drive source <NUM>. The absorbent member <NUM> wet with the cleaning liquid rotates and comes into contact with the support surface <NUM>, so that dirt on the support surface <NUM> is removed.

In this embodiment, when cleaning the transport belt <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM> rotates in the same direction as the circulation direction of the transport belt <NUM>. That is, when cleaning the transport belt <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM> rotates in the counterclockwise direction in <FIG> and <FIG>. In this embodiment, at a contact point of the cleaning roller <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM> rotates such that the absorbent member <NUM> moves in the first direction A1, whereas the transport belt <NUM> moves in the second direction A2. As a result, contact resistance between the transport belt <NUM> and the cleaning roller <NUM> increases, so that dirt on the transport belt <NUM> can be easily removed.

When cleaning the transport belt <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM> may be rotated by the drive unit <NUM> in a direction opposite to the circulation direction of the transport belt <NUM>. That is, the cleaning roller <NUM> may rotate in a clockwise direction in <FIG> and <FIG>. In this case as well, the cleaning roller <NUM> can clean the transport belt <NUM>.

The squeeze member <NUM> is a member that squeezes the absorbent member <NUM>. The squeeze member <NUM> comes into contact with the absorbent member <NUM> so as to deform the absorbent member <NUM>. The squeeze member <NUM> contacts the absorbent member <NUM> so as to sink therein. The squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> as the cleaning roller <NUM> rotates in a state where the squeeze member <NUM> contacts the absorbent member <NUM>.

The squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> during the time from the absorbent member <NUM> is immersed in the storage tank <NUM> to the absorbent member <NUM> comes into contact with the support surface <NUM>. Therefore, the absorbent member <NUM> that has absorbed the cleaning liquid in the storage tank <NUM> comes into contact with the support surface <NUM> after being squeezed by the squeeze member <NUM>. By being squeezed, the amount of cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member <NUM> is adjusted. That is, the cleaning roller <NUM> cleans the support surface <NUM> with the absorbent member <NUM> containing an appropriate amount of the cleaning liquid for cleaning the transport belt <NUM>. As a result, the support surface <NUM> is prevented from wetting with the cleaning liquid more than necessary.

In this embodiment, the cleaning roller <NUM> rotates in the counterclockwise direction in <FIG> and <FIG> when cleaning the transport belt <NUM>, so that the squeeze member <NUM> is located in a position displaced in the second direction A2 with respect to the cleaning roller <NUM>. When the cleaning roller <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction in <FIG> and <FIG> when cleaning the transport belt <NUM>, the squeeze member <NUM> is located in a position displaced in the first direction A1 with respect to the cleaning roller <NUM>. That is, in the rotation direction of the cleaning roller <NUM>, the squeeze member <NUM> is provided in at least a part of a region from the downstream side of a portion of the cleaning roller <NUM> that contacts the cleaning liquid to the upstream side of a portion of the cleaning roller <NUM> that contacts the support surface <NUM>. As a result, the absorbent member <NUM> that has absorbed the cleaning liquid in the storage tank <NUM> comes into contact with the support surface <NUM> after being squeezed by the squeeze member <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the squeeze member <NUM> is a roller. Therefore, when squeezing the absorbent member <NUM>, the squeeze member <NUM> rotates together with the cleaning roller <NUM>. The squeeze member <NUM> is not limited to the roller, but may be a clamp or a blade. The squeeze member <NUM> is required to deform the absorbent member <NUM> by contacting the absorbent member <NUM>.

As the squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> while the supply unit <NUM> is in the supply state, the transport belt <NUM> is appropriately cleaned. As the squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> while the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, the amount of the cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member <NUM> is reduced. As a result, the absorbent member <NUM> is easily dried. As a result, the absorbent member <NUM> is prevented from remaining wet with the cleaning liquid.

When the absorbent member <NUM> is left wet for a long time, the absorbent member <NUM> may deteriorate. For example, mold may grow on the absorbent member <NUM>. Therefore, the squeeze member <NUM> promotes the drying of the absorbent member <NUM>, so that possibility that the absorbent member <NUM> is deteriorated is reduced. For example, when it is expected that the transport device <NUM> will not be used for a long period of time, the squeeze member <NUM> may squeeze the absorbent member <NUM> to accelerate the drying of the absorbent member <NUM>.

The drive unit <NUM> is configured to rotate the cleaning roller <NUM>. When the drive unit <NUM> rotates the cleaning roller <NUM>, the absorbent member <NUM> is squeezed by the squeeze member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the drive unit <NUM> is a motor coupled to the cleaning roller <NUM>. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive unit <NUM> drives and rotates the cleaning roller <NUM>. The drive unit <NUM> may be configured such that the cleaning roller <NUM> is driven to rotate. That is, drive force for rotating the cleaning roller <NUM> may be transmitted to other elements instead of the cleaning roller <NUM>. For example, the drive unit <NUM> may be a motor coupled to the squeeze member <NUM>. In this case, the cleaning roller <NUM> is driven to rotate as the squeeze member <NUM> is rotated by the drive unit <NUM>. Alternatively, for example, drive force of the drive source <NUM> may be transmitted to the cleaning roller <NUM> via the transport belt <NUM>. That is, the drive unit <NUM> may be omitted, and the drive force of the drive source <NUM> may be transmitted to the cleaning roller <NUM> via the transport belt <NUM>. In this case, the drive source <NUM> is configured to rotate the cleaning roller <NUM>. When the transport belt <NUM> is circulated by the drive source <NUM>, the cleaning roller <NUM> is driven to rotate while contacting the support surface <NUM>.

The spray unit <NUM> is coupled to a blower <NUM>. In this embodiment, the blower <NUM> is a configuration outside the recording device <NUM>. In other words, the blower <NUM> is coupled to the recording device <NUM> or the transport device <NUM>. The blower <NUM> sends gas to the spray unit <NUM>.

The spray unit <NUM> is configured to provide directivity to wind pressure (energy) of the gas sent from the blower <NUM>. The spray unit <NUM> is, for example, an air knife. The spray unit <NUM> sprays the gas sent from the blower <NUM> onto the transport belt <NUM>. Specifically, the spray unit <NUM> sprays the gas onto the support surface <NUM>.

The spray unit <NUM> sprays gas onto the support surface <NUM> cleaned by the cleaning roller <NUM>. That is, the spray unit <NUM> sprays gas onto the support surface <NUM> which the cleaning roller <NUM> has contacted. Specifically, the spray unit <NUM> sprays gas with respect to a specific region of the support surface <NUM> after being cleaned by the cleaning roller <NUM>. As a result, the spray unit <NUM> dries the support surface <NUM> wet with the cleaning liquid. In this embodiment, the spray unit <NUM> is located at a position displaced in the second direction A2 with respect to the cleaning roller <NUM>. Note that with regard to drying of the support surface <NUM> by the spray unit <NUM>, residual moisture in the support surface <NUM> may not be completely zero.

The spray unit <NUM> is configured to spray gas onto the cleaning roller <NUM>. The spray unit <NUM> is configured to spray gas not only on the support surface <NUM> but also on the absorbent member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the spray unit <NUM> is configured such that a target to which the gas is sprayed can be switched to the support surface <NUM> or the cleaning roller <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the spray unit <NUM> includes an inner drum <NUM> and an outer drum <NUM>. The inner drum <NUM> and the outer drum <NUM> each have an outlet for blowing gas. The gas sent out by the blower <NUM> passes through the inner drum <NUM> and the outer drum <NUM> in this order.

The inner drum <NUM> is accommodated in the outer drum <NUM>. The inner drum <NUM> is configured to rotate with respect to the outer drum <NUM>. The inner drum <NUM> includes a first outlet <NUM> as the outlet. The outer drum <NUM> is fixed to the support tank <NUM>. The outer drum <NUM> wet a second outlet <NUM> and a third outlet <NUM> as the outlets. The second outlet <NUM> and the third outlet <NUM> face different directions from each other. The second outlet <NUM> faces the support surface <NUM>. The third outlet <NUM> faces the absorbent member <NUM>.

The inner drum <NUM> is configured to be rotated by a switching mechanism (not illustrated). The switching mechanism (not illustrated) includes, for example, a switching drive unit that can be controlled by the control unit <NUM>, and a transmission mechanism that transmits drive force of the switching drive unit to the inner drum <NUM>. When a motor is employed as the switching drive unit, for example, one or both of a transmission belt and at least one gear is employed. As the inner drum <NUM> rotates, the first outlet <NUM> moves within the outer drum <NUM>. When the first outlet <NUM> overlaps with the second outlet <NUM>, the gas is sprayed onto the support surface <NUM>. When the first outlet <NUM> overlaps with the third outlet <NUM>, the gas is sprayed onto the absorbent member <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the spray unit <NUM> is configured to selectively spray gas onto the support surface <NUM> or the absorbent member <NUM>. As a result, under the condition where air flow rate per unit time of the gas from the blower <NUM> is substantially constant, the amount of gas sprayed per unit time increases as compared with a case where gas is simultaneously sprayed onto both the support surface <NUM> and the absorbent member <NUM>. The spray unit <NUM> may be configured to simultaneously spray gas onto both the support surface <NUM> and the absorbent member <NUM>. In this case, for example, the inner drum <NUM> may be removed from the spray unit <NUM>. Alternatively, gas may be sprayed onto both the support surface <NUM> and the absorbent member <NUM> by, for example, obliquely arranging the spray unit <NUM> having only one outlet and spraying toward a contact point between the support surface <NUM> and the absorbent member <NUM>.

The spray unit <NUM> sprays gas onto the absorbent member <NUM>, so that the absorbent member <NUM> becomes easy to dry. As a result, the absorbent member <NUM> is prevented from remaining wet with the cleaning liquid. When the absorbent member <NUM> is left wet for a long time, the absorbent member <NUM> may deteriorate. For example, mold may grow on the absorbent member <NUM>. In particular, mold is likely to grow on a portion of the absorbent member <NUM> that is in contact with the atmosphere. The spray unit <NUM> promotes the drying of the absorbent member <NUM>, so that possibility that the absorbent member <NUM> is deteriorated is reduced. For example, when it is expected that the transport device <NUM> will not be used for a long period of time, the spray unit <NUM> may spray gas to the absorbent member <NUM> to accelerate the drying of the absorbent member <NUM>.

The cleaning mechanism <NUM> may include a heating unit <NUM>. In other words, the recording device <NUM> or the transport device <NUM> may include the heating unit <NUM>. The heating unit <NUM> is configured to heat the gas to be sprayed by the spray unit <NUM>. The heating unit <NUM> includes, for example, a heating element. The heating unit <NUM> is attached to the inner drum <NUM>, for example. The heating unit <NUM> may be attached to the outer drum <NUM>. The heating unit <NUM> is not limited to being attached to the inner drum <NUM> or the outer drum <NUM> and may be provided between the spray unit <NUM> and the cleaning roller <NUM>. As the heating unit <NUM> heats the gas to be sprayed by the spray unit <NUM>, the heated gas is sprayed onto the absorbent member <NUM>. This further promotes the drying of the absorbent member <NUM>. The heating unit <NUM> may heat the gas to be sprayed on the support surface <NUM>. Note that, the heating unit <NUM> may be controlled by the control unit <NUM>. For examle, the control unit <NUM> may controll temperature of the gas based on drying condition of the absorbent member <NUM>.

The cleaning mechanism <NUM> may include a detection unit <NUM>. In other words, the recording device <NUM> or the transport device <NUM> may include the detection unit <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> is configured to detect the amount of the cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> is located at a position in contact with the absorbent member <NUM>, that is, a position in contact with a surface of the absorbent member <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> detects the amount of the cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member <NUM>, for example, by measuring an electric resistance value on the surface of the absorbent member <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> transmits the detection result to the control unit <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the detection unit <NUM> contacts a portion of the absorbent member <NUM> after being squeezed by the squeeze member <NUM>. Therefore, the detection unit <NUM> detects the amount of the cleaning liquid contained in the portion of the absorbent member <NUM> that has been squeezed by the squeeze member <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> and the squeeze member <NUM> are located so as to sandwich the rotary shaft <NUM>, for example. That is, the detection unit <NUM> is located at a position displaced in the first direction A1 with respect to the cleaning roller <NUM>.

When the supply unit <NUM> is in the supply state, the control unit <NUM> can understand supply condition of the cleaning liquid to the absorbent member <NUM> based on the detection result of the detection unit <NUM>. That is, the control unit <NUM> can understand whether an appropriate amount of cleaning liquid is supplied to the absorbent member <NUM> for cleaning the transport belt <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> controls the supply amount of the cleaning liquid based on the detection result of the detection unit <NUM>. When cleaning the transport belt <NUM>, if the amount of cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member <NUM> is large, the control unit <NUM> reduces liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>. As a result, the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied to the absorbent member <NUM> is reduced. When cleaning the transport belt <NUM>, if the amount of cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member <NUM> is small, the control unit <NUM> increases liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>. As a result, the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied to the absorbent member <NUM> is increased.

When the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, the control unit <NUM> can recognize drying condition of the absorbent member <NUM> based on the detection result of the detection unit <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> controls a drying process of promoting the drying of the absorbent member <NUM> by the spray unit <NUM>, the squeeze member <NUM>, or both of them, based on the detection result of the detection unit <NUM>. As a result, the drying condition of the absorbent member <NUM> is controlled. In this embodiment, the drying condition of the absorbent member <NUM> can be controlled based, not only on the detection result of the detection unit <NUM>, but also on duration in which the drying process is continued.

The cleaning mechanism <NUM> may include a brush roller <NUM>. The brush roller <NUM> cleans the support surface <NUM> by coming into contact with the support surface <NUM>. The brush roller <NUM> is rotatably supported by the support tank <NUM>. In this embodiment, when the cleaning roller <NUM> is in the contact state, the brush roller <NUM> comes into contact with the support surface <NUM>. When the cleaning roller <NUM> is in the non-contact state, the brush roller <NUM> separates from the support surface <NUM>.

The brush roller <NUM> is arranged parallel to the cleaning roller <NUM>. In this embodiment, the brush roller <NUM> is located at a position displaced in the first direction A1 from the cleaning roller <NUM>. Therefore, the brush roller <NUM> comes into contact with a specific region of the support surface <NUM> before the cleaning roller <NUM> comes into contact with the specific region.

The brush roller <NUM> includes a rotary shaft <NUM> and a brush <NUM>. The rotary shaft <NUM> is parallel to the rotary shaft <NUM>. The brush <NUM> extends radially from the rotary shaft <NUM> when viewed from an axial direction of the rotary shaft <NUM>. The brush <NUM> is supported by the rotary shaft <NUM>. The brush <NUM> rotates with the rotary shaft <NUM>.

In this embodiment, a portion of the brush <NUM> is accommodated in the storage tank <NUM>. Specifically, a lower end portion of the brush <NUM> is accommodated in the storage tank <NUM>. Therefore, depending on the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>, the brush <NUM> comes into contact with the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>. That is, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the brush <NUM>. In this embodiment, when the supply unit <NUM> is in the supply state, the brush <NUM> contacts the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>. When the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, the brush <NUM> does not contact the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank <NUM>. That is, in this embodiment, the supply state is a state in which the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning roller <NUM> and the brush roller <NUM> from the supply unit <NUM>. The non-supply state is a state in which the cleaning liquid is not supplied to the cleaning roller <NUM> and the brush roller <NUM> from the supply unit <NUM>.

The brush roller <NUM> cleans the support surface <NUM> by rotating while the supply unit <NUM> is in the supply state. In this embodiment, the brush roller <NUM> is interlocked with, for example, the rotation of the cleaning roller <NUM>. The brush roller <NUM> may be driven to rotate by the drive unit <NUM>. The brush roller <NUM> may not be interlocked with the cleaning roller <NUM> and may be driven to rotate by the circulation of the transport belt <NUM>. The brush <NUM> wet with the cleaning liquid comes into contact with the support surface <NUM> while rotating, thereby dirt on the support surface <NUM> is removed.

In this embodiment, a rotation direction of the brush roller <NUM> coincides with the rotation direction of the cleaning roller <NUM>. The rotation direction of the brush roller <NUM> may be different from the rotation direction of the cleaning roller <NUM>. In this embodiment, the brush roller <NUM> rotates in the counterclockwise direction in <FIG> and <FIG>. As a result, contact resistance between the transport belt <NUM> and the brush roller <NUM> increases, so that dirt on the transport belt <NUM> can be easily removed.

Next, the drying process that promotes drying of the absorbent member <NUM> will be described.

The control unit <NUM> performs the drying process of promoting drying of the absorbent member <NUM> by one of the spray unit <NUM> and the squeeze member <NUM>, or both of them. The control unit <NUM> starts the drying process at a predetermined time. The control unit <NUM> starts, for example, a first drying process in which gas is sprayed from the spray unit <NUM> onto the cleaning roller <NUM>, at a predetermined time. The control unit <NUM> starts, for example, a second drying process in which the squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> while the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, at a predetermined time. The control unit <NUM> starts, for example, a third drying process in which gas is sprayed from the spray unit <NUM> onto the cleaning roller <NUM> and the squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> while the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, at a predetermined time. The control unit <NUM> may select a process to be performed from the first drying process, the second drying process, and the third drying process.

The predetermined time is, for example, when the power of the recording device <NUM> or the transport device <NUM> is turned off, when the reception unit <NUM> receives an instruction from the user to start the drying process, when a preset time is reached, and the like.

The control unit <NUM> terminates the drying process based on a predetermined condition. The control unit <NUM> terminates, for example, the first drying process in which gas is sprayed from the spray unit <NUM> onto the cleaning roller <NUM>, based on a predetermined condition. The control unit <NUM> terminates, for example, the second drying process in which the squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> while the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, based on a predetermined condition. The control unit <NUM> terminates, for example, the third drying process in which gas is sprayed from the spray unit <NUM> onto the cleaning roller <NUM> and the squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> while the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, based on a predetermined condition.

The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition based on the detection result of the detection unit <NUM>, a condition based on duration of the drying process, and the like. The control unit <NUM> terminates the drying process when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, the control unit <NUM> terminates the drying process based on the detection result of the detection unit <NUM> and the duration of the drying process. The duration can be arbitrarily set by the user, for example, using the reception unit <NUM>. The duration may be set to an appropriate value, for example, based on evaluation results of experiments and simulations performed in advance. The control unit <NUM> may terminate the drying process under the predetermined conditions, for example, such as when the reception unit <NUM> receives an instruction from the user to end the drying process, and when a preset time is reached.

First, the first drying process will be described. When the control unit <NUM> receives, for example, a start instruction to start spraying gas from the spray unit <NUM> to the cleaning roller <NUM>, that is, an instruction to start the first drying process from the user through the reception unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> starts the first drying process illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> switches the state of the cleaning roller <NUM> from the contact state to the non-contact state in step S11. When the state of the cleaning roller <NUM> is in the non-contact state at the time of performing step S11, the state of the cleaning roller <NUM> is maintained in the non-contact state. The control unit <NUM> causes the moving mechanism <NUM> to separate the cleaning roller <NUM> from the support surface <NUM>. At this time, the control unit <NUM> may switch the state of the supply unit <NUM> from the supply state to the non-supply state.

In step S12, the control unit <NUM> causes the spray unit <NUM> to spray gas to the cleaning roller <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> overlaps the first outlet <NUM> with the third outlet <NUM> by rotating the inner drum <NUM>. As a result, gas is sprayed onto the cleaning roller <NUM>. At this time, since the cleaning roller <NUM> is separated from the support surface <NUM>, the gas easily flows on the peripheral surface of the cleaning roller <NUM>. Therefore, the drying of the absorbent member <NUM> is easily promoted. As described above, the spray unit <NUM> of this embodiment sprays the gas onto the cleaning roller <NUM> in a state where the cleaning roller <NUM> is separated from the support surface <NUM>.

Even when the spray unit <NUM> sprays gas onto the cleaning roller <NUM> that is in the contact state, the drying of the absorbent member <NUM> can be promoted. Accordingly, in the first drying process, step S11 may be skipped. Further, in the first drying process, step S11 and step S12 may be performed at the same time.

When the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, as the spray unit <NUM> sprays gas on the cleaning roller <NUM>, the drying of the entire absorbent member <NUM> is promoted. When the supply unit <NUM> is in the supply state, the drying of a portion of the absorbent member <NUM> that is not immersed in the cleaning liquid is promoted. A portion of the absorbent member <NUM> that is immersed in the cleaning liquid does not easily touch the atmosphere and therefore does not easily deteriorate.

In step S13, the control unit <NUM> determines whether or not a first predetermined condition is satisfied. The first predetermined condition is a condition for terminating the first drying process. The first predetermined condition may be a condition based on duration of the first drying process, or may be a condition based on the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may determine that the first predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when elapsed time elapsed from the start of spraying the gas from the spray unit <NUM> to the cleaning roller <NUM> reaches the duration. That is, the control unit <NUM> may determine that the first predetermined condition is satisfied when elapsed time elapsed from the start of step S12 reaches the duration. In this case, the control unit <NUM> counts time when the step S12 is performed. The control unit <NUM> may count the time elapsed from the time when step S11 is performed as the elapsed time. The control unit <NUM> may determine that the first predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit <NUM> is equal to or less than a threshold value. In this case, the threshold value is stored in the control unit <NUM>. The threshold value is set to an appropriate value based on, for example, evaluation results of experiments and simulations performed in advance.

When the control unit <NUM> determines that the first predetermined condition is satisfied in step S13, the control unit <NUM> terminates the first drying process. At this time, the control unit <NUM> ends operation of spraying gas from the spray unit <NUM> to the cleaning roller <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may rotate the inner drum <NUM> such that the first outlet <NUM> overlaps the second outlet <NUM>, and may rotate the inner drum <NUM> such that the first outlet <NUM> does not overlap with any of the second outlet <NUM> and the third outlet <NUM>.

When the control unit <NUM> determines in step S13 that the first predetermined condition is not satisfied, the control unit <NUM> repeats step S13. That is, gas is continuously sprayed to the cleaning roller <NUM> by the spray unit <NUM> until the first predetermined condition is satisfied. The first predetermined condition may include the condition based on the duration and the condition based on the detection result of the detection unit <NUM>. In this case, the control unit <NUM> terminates the first drying process when the elapsed time reaches the duration and the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit <NUM> is equal to or less than the threshold value. When the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit <NUM> does not fall below the threshold value even though the elapsed time has reached the duration, the control unit <NUM> may notify an error.

Next, the second drying process will be described. When the control unit <NUM> receives, for example, a start instruction to start squeezing the absorbent member <NUM> by the squeeze member <NUM> while the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, that is, an instruction to start the second drying process from the user through the reception unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> starts the second drying process illustrated in <FIG>. The start instruction and duration are examples of instructions regarding operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM>. The instruction regarding operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM> may be, for example, a value of pressure when the squeeze member <NUM> presses the absorbent member <NUM> or a value of rotation speed of the cleaning roller <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may control the operation of the squeeze member <NUM> to squeeze the absorbent member <NUM> based on the instruction. For example, the control unit <NUM> may control the pressure, the rotation speed, and the like based on the instruction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> switches the state of the supply unit <NUM> from the supply state to the non-supply state in step S21. When the state of the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state at the time of performing step S21, the state of the supply unit <NUM> is maintained in the non-supply state. The control unit <NUM> switches the state of the supply unit <NUM> from the supply state to the non-supply state by closing the supply valve <NUM> and opening the discharge valve <NUM>. At this time, the control unit <NUM> may switch the state of the cleaning roller <NUM> from the contact state to the non-contact state. However, in a case of the configuration in which drive force of the drive source <NUM> is transmitted to the cleaning roller <NUM> via the transport belt <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> switches the state of the cleaning roller <NUM> from the non-contact state to the contact state, or maintains the contact state. This is because when the cleaning roller <NUM> is in the non-contact state, the cleaning roller <NUM> cannot be driven to rotate by the drive source <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> causes the cleaning roller <NUM> to rotate by controlling the drive unit <NUM> in step S22. As a result, the cleaning roller <NUM> is squeezed by the squeeze member <NUM>. Note that in the second drying process, step S21 and step S22 may be performed at the same time.

When the cleaning roller <NUM> is in the non-contact state in step S21, the squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> in a state where the cleaning roller <NUM> is separated from the support surface <NUM>, in the step S22. In this case, rotational resistance applied to the cleaning roller <NUM> is reduced as compared with a case where the cleaning roller <NUM> is in the contact state. Therefore, it becomes easy to squeeze the absorbent member <NUM>.

In step S23, the control unit <NUM> determines whether or not a second predetermined condition is satisfied. The second predetermined condition is a condition for terminating the second drying process. The second predetermined condition may be a condition based on duration of the second drying process, or may be a condition based on the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may determine that the second predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when elapsed time elapsed from the time when the squeeze member <NUM> starts to squeeze the absorbent member <NUM> reaches the duration. That is, the control unit <NUM> may determine that the second predetermined condition is satisfied when elapsed time elapsed from the start of step S22 reaches the duration. In this case, the control unit <NUM> counts time when the step S22 is performed. The control unit <NUM> may count the time elapsed from the time when step S21 is performed as the elapsed time. The control unit <NUM> may determine that the second predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit <NUM> is equal to or less than a threshold value.

When the control unit <NUM> determines that the second predetermined condition is satisfied in step S23, the control unit <NUM> terminates the second drying process. At this time, the control unit <NUM> ends operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> stops the cleaning roller <NUM> by controlling the drive unit <NUM>.

When the control unit <NUM> determines in step S23 that the second predetermined condition is not satisfied, the control unit <NUM> repeats step S23. That is, the control unit <NUM> continues to squeeze the absorbent member <NUM> until the second predetermined condition is satisfied. Similar to the first predetermined condition, the second predetermined condition may include the condition based on the duration and the condition based on the detection result of the detection unit <NUM>. The second predetermined condition may be the same condition as or a different condition from the first predetermined condition.

The first drying process and the second drying process may be performed in parallel. When performed in parallel, times to be started may be simultaneous or may be different. The first drying process and the second drying process are started at each predetermined time and ended at each predetermined condition.

Next, the third drying process will be described. When the control unit <NUM> receives, for example, a start instruction to start both spraying gas on the cleaning roller <NUM> by the spray unit <NUM> and squeezing the absorbent member <NUM> by the squeeze member <NUM> while the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, that is, an instruction to start the third drying process from the user through the reception unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> starts the third drying process illustrated in <FIG>. That is, the third drying process is a process in which the first drying process and the second drying process are combined. The start instruction and duration are examples of instructions regarding operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM>. The instruction regarding the operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM> may be, for example, a value of pressure when the squeeze member <NUM> presses the absorbent member <NUM> or a value of rotation speed of the cleaning roller <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may control the operation of the squeeze member <NUM> to squeeze the absorbent member <NUM> based on the instruction. For example, the control unit <NUM> may control the pressure, the rotation speed, and the like based on the instruction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in step S31, the control unit <NUM> switches the state of the cleaning roller <NUM> from the contact state to the non-contact state in the same manner as in step S11. When the state of the cleaning roller <NUM> is in the non-contact state at the time of performing step S31, the state of the cleaning roller <NUM> is maintained in the non-contact state.

In step S32, the control unit <NUM> switches the state of the supply unit <NUM> from the supply state to the non-supply state in the same manner as in step S21. When the state of the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state at the time of performing step S32, the state of the supply unit <NUM> is maintained in the non-supply state. The order of step S31 and step S32 may be reversed. Step S31 and step S32 may be performed at the same time.

In step S33, the control unit <NUM> causes the spray unit <NUM> to spray gas to the cleaning roller <NUM> in the same manner as in step S12.

In step S34, the control unit <NUM> causes the cleaning roller <NUM> to rotate in the same manner as in step S22. The order of step S33 and step S34 may be reversed. Step S33 and step S34 may be performed at the same time. Step S31 to step S34 may be performed at the same time.

In step S35, the control unit <NUM> determines whether or not a third predetermined condition is satisfied. The third predetermined condition is a condition for terminating the third drying process. The third predetermined condition may be a condition based on duration of the third drying process, or may be a condition based on the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may determine that the third predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when elapsed time elapsed from the start of spraying the gas from the spray unit <NUM> to the cleaning roller <NUM> and of squeezing of the absorbent member <NUM> by the squeeze member <NUM> reaches the duration. That is, the control unit <NUM> may determine that the third predetermined condition is satisfied when elapsed time elapsed from the time when both step S33 and step S34 are performed reaches the duration. The control unit <NUM> may determine that the third predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit <NUM> is equal to or less than a threshold value.

When the control unit <NUM> determines that the third predetermined condition is satisfied in step S35, the control unit <NUM> terminates the third drying process. At this time, the control unit <NUM> ends operation of the spray unit <NUM> spraying gas to the cleaning roller <NUM> and operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> stops the cleaning roller <NUM> while rotating the inner drum <NUM> such that the first outlet <NUM> does not overlap the third outlet <NUM>.

When the control unit <NUM> determines in step S35 that the third predetermined condition is not satisfied, the control unit <NUM> repeats step S35. That is, the control unit <NUM> continues spraying the gas to the cleaning roller <NUM> by the spray unit <NUM> and squeezing the absorbent member <NUM> by the squeeze member <NUM>. Similar to the first predetermined condition and the second predetermined condition, the third predetermined condition may include the condition based on the duration and the condition based on the detection result of the detection unit <NUM>. The third predetermined condition may be the same condition as the first predetermined condition, may be the same condition as the second predetermined condition, or may be a different condition from the first predetermined condition and the second predetermined condition.

Next, the functions and effects of the exemplary embodiment described above will be described.

According to the above-described configuration, as the squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> while the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, the amount of the cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member <NUM> is reduced. This makes it easier to dry the cleaning roller <NUM>. Accordingly, the cleaning roller <NUM> is prevented from remaining wet. That is, deterioration of the cleaning roller <NUM> is prevented.

(<NUM>) The squeeze member <NUM> squeezes the absorbent member <NUM> in a state in which the cleaning roller <NUM> is separated from the support surface <NUM>.

According to the above-described configuration, rotational resistance applied to the cleaning roller <NUM> is reduced as compared with a configuration where the absorbent member <NUM> is squeezed while the cleaning roller <NUM> contacts the support surface <NUM>.

(<NUM>) After the squeeze member <NUM> starts squeezing the absorbent member <NUM> while the supply unit <NUM> is in the non-supply state, the control unit <NUM> terminates operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM>, based on a predetermined condition.

According to the above-described configuration, since the squeeze of the absorbent member <NUM> is terminated based on the predetermined condition, the absorbent member <NUM> is prevented from being squeezed more than necessary. When the absorbent member <NUM> is squeezed more than necessary, deterioration of the absorbent member <NUM> is accelerated.

(<NUM>) The control unit <NUM> terminates the operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM> when the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit <NUM> is equal to or less than a threshold value.

According to the above-described configuration, since the squeeze of the absorbent member <NUM> is terminated based on the amount of the cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member <NUM>, the absorbent member <NUM> is prevented from being squeezed more than necessary.

(<NUM>) The control unit <NUM> controls the operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM> based on the instruction regarding the operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM>.

According to the above-described configuration, since the operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM> can be controlled based on the instruction from the user, appropriate squeezing operation is performed according to the user.

(<NUM>) The control unit <NUM> terminates the operation of the squeeze member <NUM> squeezing the absorbent member <NUM> when elapsed time elapsed from the time when the squeeze member <NUM> starts to squeeze the absorbent member <NUM> reaches the duration.

According to the above-described configuration, the absorbent member <NUM> is squeezed for the duration set by the user. Therefore, convenience for the user is improved.

(<NUM>) The transport device <NUM> includes the spray unit <NUM> configured to spray gas to the cleaning roller <NUM>.

According to the above-described configuration, the spray unit <NUM> sprays gas onto the cleaning roller <NUM>, so that the cleaning roller <NUM> becomes easy to dry. Accordingly, the cleaning roller <NUM> is prevented from remaining wet with the cleaning liquid. That is, deterioration of the cleaning roller <NUM> is prevented.

(<NUM>) The transport device <NUM> includes the heating unit <NUM> configured to heat the gas to be sprayed by the spray unit <NUM>.

According to the above-described configuration, the heated gas is sprayed onto the cleaning roller <NUM>. As a result, the cleaning roller <NUM> is easily dried.

The present embodiment may be modified as follows. The present embodiment and modified examples thereof to be described below may be implemented in combination within a range in which a technical contradiction does not arise.

The blower <NUM> may be included in the recording device <NUM> or the transport device <NUM>. That is, the blower <NUM> may be controlled by the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may control the amount of gas sent by the blower <NUM>, turning on and off the blower <NUM>, and the like.

The spray unit <NUM> is not limited to the configuration spraying gas onto the support surface <NUM> and the cleaning roller <NUM>, and may be configured to spray gas only onto the cleaning roller <NUM>.

The liquid discharged by the recording unit <NUM> is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid material including particles of a functional material dispersed or mixed in liquid. For example, the recording unit <NUM> may discharge a liquid material including a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in manufacture of a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescent (EL) display, and a surface emitting display in a dispersed or dissolved form.

Hereinafter, technical concepts and effects thereof that are understood from the above-described exemplary embodiments and modified examples will be described.

According to the above-described configuration, as the squeeze member squeezes the absorbent member while the supply unit is in the non-supply state, the amount of the cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member is reduced. This makes it easier to dry the cleaning roller. Accordingly, the cleaning roller is prevented from remaining wet. That is, deterioration of the cleaning roller is prevented.

(B) The transport device may include a movement mechanism configured to relatively move the transport belt and the cleaning roller such that the cleaning roller is separated from the support surface, and the squeeze member may squeeze the absorbent member in a state in which the cleaning roller is separated from the support surface.

According to the above-described configuration, rotational resistance applied to the cleaning roller is reduced as compared with a configuration where the absorbent member is squeezed while the cleaning roller contacts the support surface.

(C) The transport device may include a control unit, and after the squeeze member starts squeezing the absorbent member while the supply unit is in the non-supply state, the control unit may terminate operation of the squeeze member squeezing the absorbent member, based on a predetermined condition.

According to the above-described configuration, since the squeeze of the absorbent member is terminated based on the predetermined condition, the absorbent member is prevented from being squeezed more than necessary.

(D) The transport device may include a detection unit configured to detect an amount of the cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member, and the predetermined condition may include a condition based on the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit, and the control unit may terminate the operation of the squeeze member squeezing the absorbent member when the amount of the cleaning liquid detected by the detection unit is equal to or less than a threshold value.

According to the above-described configuration, since the squeeze of the absorbent member is terminated based on the amount of the cleaning liquid contained in the absorbent member, the absorbent member is prevented from being squeezed more than necessary.

(E) The transport device may include a reception unit configured to receive from a user an instruction regarding the operation of the squeeze member squeezing the absorbent member, and the control unit may control the operation of the squeeze member squeezing the absorbent member based on the instruction.

According to the above-described configuration, since the operation of the squeeze member squeezing the absorbent member can be controlled based on the instruction from the user, appropriate squeezing operation is performed according to the user.

(F) In the transport device, the reception unit may receive, as the instruction, duration in which the squeeze member continues to squeeze the absorbent member from a user, the predetermined condition may include a condition based on the duration, and the control unit may terminate the operation of the squeeze member squeezing the absorbent member when elapsed time elapsed from the time when the squeeze member starts to squeeze the absorbent member reaches the duration.

According to the above-described configuration, the absorbent member is squeezed for the duration set by the user. Therefore, convenience for the user is improved.

(G) The transport device may include a spray unit configured to spray gas to the cleaning roller.

According to the above-described configuration, the spray unit sprays gas onto the cleaning roller, so that the cleaning roller becomes easy to dry. Accordingly, the cleaning roller is prevented from remaining wet with the cleaning liquid. That is, deterioration of the cleaning roller is prevented.

(H) The transport device may include a heating unit configured to heat the gas to be sprayed by the spray unit.

According to the above-described configuration, the heated gas is sprayed onto the cleaning roller. As a result, the cleaning roller is easily dried.

Claim 1:
A transport device (<NUM>) configured to be used in a recording device (<NUM>), the transport device comprising:
a transport belt (<NUM>) having a support surface (<NUM>) configured to support a medium (<NUM>), and configured to transport the medium supported by the support surface,
a cleaning roller (<NUM>) including an absorbent member (<NUM>) configured to absorb cleaning liquid, and configured to clean the support surface as the absorbent member comes into contact with the support surface,
a supply unit (<NUM>) configured to supply the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller,
a drive unit (<NUM>) configured to rotate the cleaning roller, and
a squeeze member (<NUM>) configured to contact the absorbent member (<NUM>) and to squeeze the absorbent member as the cleaning roller rotates in a state in which the squeeze member is in contact with the absorbent member, wherein
the supply unit is configured to be switched between a supply state in which the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning roller and a non-supply state in which the cleaning liquid is not supplied to the cleaning roller, and
the squeeze member (<NUM>) is configured to squeeze the absorbent member (<NUM>) as the cleaning roller (<NUM>) rotates while the supply unit is in the non-supply state for promoting drying of the absorbent member.