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

In the related art, as shown in <CIT>, there has been known a printing apparatus including a transport belt capable of supporting a medium, a drive roller for rotating the transport belt, and a tension measuring section for measuring the tension of the transport belt. The tension measuring section is a microphone capable of detecting a sound wave generated by vibrating the transport belt with a hammer.

However, the printing apparatus described in <CIT> has a configuration in which the tension measuring section for measuring the tension of the transport belt is separately required, and there is a problem in that the configuration of the printing apparatus is complicated. An example of transport device is described in <CIT>.

A transport device includes a transport belt configured to alternately repeat a transport operation of transporting a medium and a non-transport operation of not transporting the medium, a detection mechanism configured to detect a movement amount of the transport belt in the transport operation, and a control section configured to determine a magnitude of tension of the transport belt based on a vibration state of the transport belt when the transport operation ends, the vibration state being detected by the detection mechanism.

A transport device includes a transport belt configured to alternately repeat a transport operation of transporting a medium and a non-transport operation of not transporting the medium, a detection mechanism configured to detect a movement amount of the transport belt in the transport operation, a drive roller that is provided downstream of the detection mechanism in a transport direction, which the medium is transported, and that rotationally moves the transport belt, and a control section configured to determine a magnitude of tension of the transport belt based on a difference between a target speed of the transport belt and a detected speed of the transport belt detected by the detection mechanism.

A recording apparatus includes a recording section configured to record on a medium, a transport belt configured to alternately repeat a transport operation of transporting the medium and a non-transport operation of not transporting the medium, a detection mechanism configured to detect a movement amount of the transport belt in the transport operation, and a control section configured to determine a magnitude of tension of the transport belt based on a vibration state of the transport belt when the transport operation ends, the vibration state being detected by the detection mechanism.

A recording apparatus includes a recording section configured to record on a medium, a transport belt configured to alternately repeat a transport operation of transporting the medium and a non-transport operation of not transporting the medium, a detection mechanism configured to detect a movement amount of the transport belt in the transport operation, a drive roller that is provided downstream of the detection mechanism in a transport direction, which the medium is transported, and that rotationally moves the transport belt, and a control section configured to determine a magnitude of tension of the transport belt based on a difference between a target speed of the transport belt and a detected speed of the transport belt detected by the detection mechanism.

First, configuration of a recording apparatus <NUM> will be described. The recording apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment is an ink jet printer that performs textile printing on a medium M by forming an image or the like on the medium M.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the recording apparatus <NUM> includes a transport device <NUM> and a recording section <NUM>. The transport device <NUM> includes a medium transport section <NUM> and a detection mechanism <NUM>. Further, the recording apparatus <NUM> includes a medium contact section <NUM>, a drying unit <NUM>, a washing unit <NUM>, and the like. The recording apparatus <NUM> includes a control section <NUM> that controls these sections, mechanisms, and units. The sections and the like of the recording apparatus <NUM> are attached to a frame section <NUM>.

The medium transport section <NUM> transports the medium M in a transport direction. The medium transport section <NUM> includes a medium supply section <NUM>, a transport roller <NUM>, a transport belt <NUM>, a rotation roller <NUM>, a drive roller <NUM>, a transport roller <NUM> and a transport roller <NUM>, and a medium collection section <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, each unit of the recording apparatus <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 is defined as a Y direction, and a direction along the Z axis is defined as a Z direction. Further, a tip end side of the arrow indicating the 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 recording apparatus <NUM> is defined as the Z direction, a direction along a direction in which the medium M is transported in the recording section <NUM> is defined as the X direction, and a width direction of the medium M that intersects both the Z direction and the X direction is defined as the Y direction. Positional relationships along the transport direction of the medium M or the moving direction of the transport belt <NUM> are also referred to as "upstream" or "downstream".

The medium supply section <NUM> supplies the medium M on which an image is to be formed to the recording section <NUM> side. As the medium M, for example, a fabric such as cotton, wool, or polyester is used. The medium supply section <NUM> includes a supply shaft section <NUM> and a bearing section <NUM>. The supply shaft section <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape, and is provided rotatable in a circumferential direction. The strip-shaped medium M is wound in a roll shape around the supply shaft section <NUM>. The supply shaft section <NUM> is detachably attached to the bearing section <NUM>. Thus, the medium M previously wound around the supply shaft section <NUM> can be attached to the bearing section <NUM> together with the supply shaft section <NUM>.

The bearing section <NUM> rotatably supports both ends of the supply shaft section <NUM> in an axial direction. The medium supply section <NUM> has a rotation drive section (not shown) for rotationally driving the supply shaft section <NUM>. The rotation drive section rotates the supply shaft section <NUM> in a direction in which the medium M is sent out. The operation of the rotation drive section is controlled by the control section <NUM>. The transport roller <NUM> relays the medium M from the medium supply section <NUM> to the transport belt <NUM>.

The transport belt <NUM> is held between at least two rollers that rotate the transport belt <NUM>, and the medium M is transported in the transport direction (+X direction) by the rotational movement of the transport belt <NUM>. Specifically, the transport belt <NUM> is formed in an endless shape by connecting both end portions of a strip-shaped belt together, and is wound around two rollers of the rotation roller <NUM> and the drive roller <NUM>. The transport belt <NUM> is held in a state in which a predetermined tension acts so that the portion between the rotation roller <NUM> and the drive roller <NUM> becomes horizontal. An adhesive layer <NUM> that adheres the medium M is provided on a front surface 23a (support face) of the transport belt <NUM>. The transport belt <NUM> supports (holds) the medium M supplied from the transport roller <NUM> and is brought into intimate contact with the adhesive layer <NUM> by the medium contact section <NUM> (to be described later).

The rotation roller <NUM> and the drive roller <NUM> support a back surface 23b (inner peripheral surface) of the transport belt <NUM>. In addition, a configuration may be employed in which a supporting section, such as a roller that supports the transport belt <NUM>, is provided between the rotation roller <NUM> and the drive roller <NUM>.

The drive roller <NUM> is a drive section that rotationally moves the transport belt <NUM>, and power is directly or indirectly transmitted from a motor (not shown) that rotationally drives the drive roller <NUM>. The drive roller <NUM> is provided downstream of the recording section <NUM> and the rotation roller <NUM> is provided upstream of the recording section <NUM>, with respect to the transport direction of the medium M. When the drive roller <NUM> is rotationally driven, the transport belt <NUM> rotates with the rotation of the drive roller <NUM>, and the rotation roller <NUM> rotates with the rotation of the transport belt <NUM>. By the rotation of the transport belt <NUM>, the medium M supported by the transport belt <NUM> is transported in the transport direction, and an image is formed on the medium M by the recording section <NUM> (to be described later).

The drive roller <NUM> is controlled so as to intermittently transport the transport belt <NUM>. That is, the transport belt <NUM> can alternately repeat a transport operation of transporting the medium M in the transport direction and a non-transport operation of not transporting the medium M.

In the embodiment, the medium M is supported on the side (+Z direction side) where the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM> faces the recording section <NUM>, and the medium M is transported from the rotation roller <NUM> side to the drive roller <NUM> side together with the transport belt <NUM>. On the side (-Z direction side) where the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM> faces the washing unit <NUM>, only the transport belt <NUM> moves from the drive roller <NUM> side to the rotation roller <NUM> side. Although the transport belt <NUM> has been described as including the adhesive layer <NUM> that causes the medium M to make intimate contact, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, an electrostatic adsorption type belt that makes the medium M cling to the transport belt <NUM> by static electricity may be used, and various cling force generation mechanisms such as vacuum suction or intermolecular force may be employed.

The transport roller <NUM> peels the medium M, which an image is formed, from the adhesive layer <NUM> of the transport belt <NUM>. The transport rollers <NUM>, <NUM> relay the medium M from the transport belt <NUM> to the medium collection section <NUM>.

The medium collection section <NUM> collects the medium M transported by the medium transport section <NUM>. The medium collection section <NUM> includes a winding shaft section <NUM> and a bearing section <NUM>. The winding shaft section <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape, and is provided rotatable in a circumferential direction. The medium M having a strip-shape is wound into a roll on the winding shaft section <NUM>. The winding shaft section <NUM> is detachably attached to the bearing section <NUM>. Thus, the medium M in the state of being wound around the winding shaft section <NUM> can be removed together with the winding shaft section <NUM>.

The bearing section <NUM> rotatably supports both ends of the winding shaft section <NUM> in an axial direction. The medium collection section <NUM> has a rotation drive section (not shown) for rotationally driving the winding shaft section <NUM>. The rotation drive section rotates the winding shaft section <NUM> in a direction in which the medium M is wound. The operation of the rotation drive section is controlled by the control section <NUM>.

Next, a description will be given of the medium contact section <NUM>, the detection mechanism <NUM>, the recording section <NUM>, the drying unit <NUM> and the washing unit <NUM> provided along the medium transport section <NUM>.

The medium contact section <NUM> brings the medium M into intimate contact with the transport belt <NUM>. The medium contact section <NUM> is provided upstream (on the -X direction side) of the recording section <NUM>. The medium contact section <NUM> includes a pressing roller <NUM>, a pressing roller drive section <NUM>, and a roller support section <NUM>. The pressing roller <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape, and is provided so as to be rotatable in a circumferential direction. The pressing roller <NUM> is rotatable about an axis and is arranged so that the direction of the axis intersects with the transport direction. The roller support section <NUM> is provided on the back surface 23b side of the transport belt <NUM> facing the pressing roller <NUM> with the transport belt <NUM> interposed therebetween.

The pressing roller drive section <NUM> moves the pressing roller <NUM> in the transport direction (+X direction) and a direction opposite to the transport direction (-X direction) while pressing the pressing roller <NUM> to the -Z direction side. The medium M superimposed on the transport belt <NUM> is pressed against the transport belt <NUM> between the pressing roller <NUM> and the roller support section <NUM>. Accordingly, the medium M can be reliably caused to adhere to the adhesive layer <NUM> provided on the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM>, and floating of the medium M on the transport belt <NUM> can be prevented.

The detection mechanism <NUM> is provided between the medium contact section <NUM> and the recording section <NUM>. The detection mechanism <NUM> detects the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM> in the transport operation of transporting the medium M. The configuration of the detection mechanism <NUM> will be described later.

The recording section <NUM> is disposed above (+Z direction side) with respect to an arrangement position of the transport belt <NUM>, and performs printing (recording) on the medium M supported on the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM>. The recording section <NUM> includes a head unit <NUM>, a carriage <NUM> on which the head unit <NUM> is mounted, and a carriage moving section <NUM> for moving the carriage <NUM> in the width direction (along the Y axis) of the medium M, which intersects with the transport direction, and the like. The head unit <NUM> of the present embodiment is composed of four sub units 42a, and the sub units 42a include a plurality of discharge heads that discharge, as droplets, ink (for example, yellow, cyan, magenta, black, or the like) supplied from an ink supply section (not shown) to the medium M supported by the transport belt <NUM>.

The carriage moving section <NUM> is provided above the transport belt <NUM> (on the +Z direction side). The carriage moving section <NUM> has a pair of guide rails 45a, 45b extending in a direction along the Y axis. The guide rails 45a, 45b are bridged between frame sections 90a, 90b provided vertically on the outer side of the transport belt <NUM>. The head unit <NUM> is supported by the guide rails 45a, 45b so as to be capable of reciprocating in a direction along the Y axis together with the carriage <NUM>.

The carriage moving section <NUM> includes a moving mechanism and a power source (not shown). As the moving mechanism, for example, a mechanism in which a ball screw and a ball nut are combined, a linear guide mechanism, or the like can be adopted. Further, the carriage moving section <NUM> has a motor (not shown) as the power source for moving the carriage <NUM> along the guide rails 45a, 45b. As the motor, various motors, such as a stepping motor, a servo motor, and a linear motor, can be adopted. When the motor is driven under the control of the control section <NUM>, the head unit <NUM> moves along the Y axis together with the carriage <NUM>.

The drying unit <NUM> is provided between the transport roller <NUM> and the transport roller <NUM>. The drying unit <NUM> is for drying the ink ejected onto the medium M, and the drying unit <NUM> includes, for example, an IR heater, and by driving the IR heater, the ink ejected onto the medium M can be dried in a short time. Accordingly, the strip-shaped medium M on which an image or the like is formed can be wound around the winding shaft section <NUM>.

The washing unit <NUM> is disposed below the transport belt <NUM> and between the rotation roller <NUM> and the drive roller <NUM> in the direction along the X axis. The washing unit <NUM> includes a washing section <NUM>, a pressing section <NUM>, and a moving section <NUM>. The moving section <NUM> integrally moves the washing unit <NUM> along a floor surface <NUM> and fixes it at a predetermined position.

The pressing section <NUM> is, for example, an elevating device composed of an air cylinder <NUM> and a ball bush <NUM>, and causes the washing section <NUM> provided in an upper portion thereof to come into contact with the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM>. The washing section <NUM> washes the front surface 23a (support face) of the transport belt <NUM> moving from the drive roller <NUM> toward the rotation roller <NUM>, from below (-Z direction).

The washing section <NUM> includes a washing tank <NUM>, a washing roller <NUM>, and a blade <NUM>. The washing tank <NUM> is a tank that stores a washing liquid used for washing ink or foreign substances adhering to the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM>, and the washing roller <NUM> and the blade <NUM> are provided inside the washing tank <NUM>. As the washing liquid, for example, water or a water soluble solvent (an aqueous alcohol solution or the like) can be used, and a surfactant or a defoaming agent may be added as necessary.

When the washing roller <NUM> rotates, the washing liquid is supplied to the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM>, and the washing roller <NUM> and the transport belt <NUM> slide on each other. As a result, ink, fibers from the cloth as the medium M, and the like adhering to the transport belt <NUM> are removed by the washing roller <NUM>.

The blade <NUM> is made of a flexible material such as silicon rubber, for example. The blade <NUM> is provided downstream of the washing roller <NUM> in the transport direction of the transport belt <NUM>. When the transport belt <NUM> and the blade <NUM> slide, the washing liquid remaining on the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM> is removed.

Next, the configuration of the detection mechanism <NUM> will be described.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A in <FIG>), the detection mechanism <NUM> is provided upstream of the recording section <NUM>, and is provided along one of the edges in the width direction (direction along the Y axis) of the transport belt <NUM>. The detection mechanism <NUM> of the present embodiment is disposed on the +Y direction side of the transport belt <NUM>. The detection mechanism <NUM> includes a rectangular parallelepiped base <NUM> that is elongated in the transport direction of the medium M, a scale attachment section <NUM> provided above the base <NUM>, a gripping unit <NUM> that moves along a guide rail <NUM> that is provided on the base <NUM> and that extends in the direction along the X axis, a return section <NUM> that moves the gripping unit <NUM> upstream in the transport direction, and the like.

The scale attachment section <NUM> spans between column sections 73a, 73b, which are provided vertically at both ends in the longitudinal direction (along the X axis) of the base <NUM>. The scale attachment section <NUM> has a protruding section that protrudes in the -Y direction in the form of an eave, and a part of the protruding section overlaps with the transport belt <NUM> in a plan view from the +Z direction. A scale section <NUM> is provided on the lower surface (surface on the -Z direction side) of the protruding portion of the scale attachment section <NUM> along the transport direction of the medium M. Marks (scale) are formed in the scale section <NUM> along the X axis. In the scale section <NUM> of the present embodiment, a magnetic scale is formed in which magnets having different polarities are alternately arranged.

The gripping unit <NUM> grips the transport belt <NUM> upstream of the recording section <NUM> in the transport direction. Here, it will be assumed for the moment that the drive roller <NUM> is provided upstream of the recording section <NUM> in the transport direction of the medium M, and the rotation roller <NUM> is provided downstream of the recording section <NUM>. In this state, when the drive roller <NUM> is driven to rotate in order to move the gripping unit <NUM> in the gripping state together with the transport belt <NUM> in the transport direction, the transport belt <NUM> has elasticity, so there is a possibility that the transport belt <NUM> becomes slack between the drive roller <NUM> and the gripping unit <NUM> in a rotational moving direction of the transport belt <NUM>. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the drive roller <NUM> is provided downstream of the recording section <NUM> in the transport direction of the medium M, and the rotation roller <NUM> is provided upstream of the recording section <NUM>. Therefore, traction force of the drive roller <NUM> acts on the portion of the transport belt <NUM> moving at the upper side. Since the recording section <NUM> of the present embodiment is provided between the gripping unit <NUM> and the drive roller <NUM> in the direction of the rotational movement of the transport belt <NUM>, the influence of slack in the transport belt <NUM> in the recording section <NUM> can be reduced. Accordingly, the transport accuracy of the medium M and the quality of an image formed on the medium are improved.

The gripping unit <NUM> includes a gripping substrate <NUM>, a guide block <NUM>, a reading section <NUM> capable of reading the magnetic scale of the scale section <NUM>, and the like. The gripping substrate <NUM> has a rectangular plate shape that is elongated in the width direction (along the Y axis) of the transport belt <NUM>. An end section 81c of the gripping substrate <NUM> on the -Y direction side substantially coincides with the side wall 73c of the scale attachment section <NUM> on the -Y direction side in a plan view from the -X direction and overlaps with the transport belt <NUM>. An end section 81d of the gripping substrate <NUM> on the +Y direction side protrudes in the +Y direction from the side wall 71d on the +Y direction side of the base <NUM> in a plan view from the -X direction. The guide block <NUM> is provided on a bottom surface (surface on the -Z direction side) of the gripping substrate <NUM>. In the guide block <NUM>, a concave groove is formed that follows the shape of the guide rail <NUM>, which protrudes in a convex shape, and that is open to the -Z direction side. By engaging the guide block <NUM> and the guide rail <NUM>, the gripping unit <NUM> can reciprocate in a direction along the transport direction (a direction along the X axis).

The gripping unit <NUM> is at least partially constituted by an elastic member <NUM>. Specifically, the elastic member <NUM> is provided on the upper surface (surface on the +Z direction side) side of the gripping substrate <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> has a rectangular plate shape that is shorter than the gripping substrate <NUM>. An end section 83d of the elastic member <NUM> on the +Y direction side is joined to the gripping substrate <NUM> at the substantial center of the gripping substrate <NUM>. An end section 83c of the elastic member <NUM> on the -Y direction side substantially coincides with the end section 81c of the gripping substrate <NUM> on the -Y direction side in a plan view from the -X direction. The end section 81c of the gripping substrate <NUM> and the end section 83c of the elastic member <NUM> have a gap slightly wider than the thickness of the transport belt <NUM>. The gripping unit <NUM> is configured to be able to grip the transport belt <NUM> between the end section 81c of the gripping substrate <NUM> and the end section 83c of the elastic member <NUM> by the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is desirably carbon fiber or a composite material containing carbon fiber. Since carbon fiber has a lower specific gravity than metal material and is superior in strength, elastic modulus, and wear resistance, it is possible to secure the elasticity and strength required for the elastic member <NUM> of the gripping unit <NUM>.

The gripping unit <NUM> is movable integrally with the reading section <NUM>, and is configured to be switchable between a gripping state in which the gripping unit <NUM> grips the transport belt <NUM> and moves together with the transport belt <NUM>, and a non-gripping state in which the gripping unit <NUM> does not grip the transport belt <NUM>. Specifically, the gripping unit <NUM> includes a ferromagnet <NUM>. The ferromagnet <NUM> is provided on an upper surface (surface on the +Z direction side) of the elastic member <NUM> that does not overlap with the transport belt <NUM> in a plan view from the +Z direction. As the ferromagnet <NUM>, iron, nickel, cobalt, or the like can be used.

Further, a switching section <NUM>, which switches the gripping unit <NUM> between the gripping state and the non-gripping state, is provided on the lower surface of the gripping substrate <NUM> of the gripping unit <NUM> at a position facing the ferromagnet <NUM>. The switching section <NUM> includes an electromagnet, and the ferromagnet <NUM> is attracted toward the switching section <NUM> (electromagnet) by magnetic force generated when current flows through the electromagnet. At this time, the elastic member <NUM> is elastically deformed to the gripping substrate <NUM> side, and the transport belt <NUM> is gripped between the gripping substrate <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> by the elastic force. As a result, the gripping unit <NUM> is changed from the non-gripping state to the gripping state. Further, when the current flowing through the electromagnet is interrupted, the state of the gripping unit <NUM> is changed from the gripping state to the non-gripping state. Therefore, the switching section <NUM> has a function of switching the gripping unit <NUM> from one to the other of the gripping state and the non-gripping state by using the elasticity of the elastic member <NUM>. Since the state of the gripping unit <NUM> is changed by a simple configuration of the electromagnet of the switching section <NUM> and the ferromagnet <NUM>, the switching section <NUM> and the gripping unit <NUM> can be miniaturized. The magnetic force generated by the electromagnet increases as the magnitude of the current flowing through the electromagnet increases. Therefore, the force (gripping force) with which the gripping unit <NUM> grips the transport belt <NUM> when the state of the gripping unit <NUM> is the gripping state, can be changed by adjusting the current flowing through the electromagnet. The magnitude of the current flowing through the electromagnet may be controlled by the control section <NUM>. That is, the control section <NUM> may control the force with which the gripping unit <NUM> grips the transport belt <NUM>.

The reading section <NUM> is provided on the upper surface of the end section 83c of the elastic member <NUM> and at a position facing the scale section <NUM>. The reading section <NUM> includes an element (for example, a Hall element or an MR element) that converts a change of a magnetic field into an electric signal, and detects a relative movement amount with respect to the scale section <NUM>. The reading section <NUM> according to the present embodiment is provided on a base to be disposed close to the scale section <NUM>. Since the reading section <NUM> is configured to move integrally with the gripping unit <NUM>, the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM> can be detected when the gripping unit <NUM> in the gripping state moves together with the transport belt <NUM>.

The return section <NUM> moves the gripping unit <NUM> in the non-gripping state in a direction opposite to the transport direction. The return section <NUM> includes a moving lever <NUM> and a lever moving section <NUM> that reciprocates the moving lever <NUM> along the transport direction. The lever moving section <NUM> has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the transport direction, and is fixed to the side wall 71d on the +Y direction side of the base <NUM>. An upper surface (surface on the +Z direction side) and a lower surface (surface on the -Z direction side) of the lever moving section <NUM> each have a concave-shaped guide groove extending in the transport direction.

The moving lever <NUM> includes a base 78a having convex projections following the shapes of the guide grooves in the upper surface and in the lower surface of the lever moving section <NUM> and a long handle section 78b extending from the base 78a in the vertical direction (+Z direction). The moving lever <NUM> is configured to be able to reciprocate along the guide grooves in the upper surface and in the lower surface of the lever moving section <NUM>. The lever moving section <NUM> includes a moving mechanism (not shown) that reciprocates the moving lever <NUM> in the transport direction. As the moving mechanism, for example, an air cylinder or the like can be adopted. When the moving lever <NUM> is moved to upstream in the transport direction by the lever moving section <NUM>, the long handle section 78b of the moving lever <NUM> and the gripping substrate <NUM> of the gripping unit <NUM> contact on each other, and the gripping unit <NUM> in the non-gripping state is moved in the direction opposite to the transport direction and returned to upstream in the transport direction. Accordingly, the gripping unit <NUM> in the gripping state can be repeatedly moved together with the transport belt <NUM>, and the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM> can be repeatedly detected by the reading section <NUM>.

Further, the gripping unit <NUM> is provided with at least one cling section <NUM> configured to clingingly attract the transport belt <NUM>. The cling section <NUM> is configured to be capable of changing a state from one to the other of a cling state in which the transport belt <NUM> is clingingly attracted and a non-cling state in which the transport belt <NUM> is not clingingly attracted. The cling section <NUM> is provided on at least one of the elastic member <NUM> (first contact section), which contacts the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM>, or the gripping substrate <NUM> (second contact section), which contacts the back surface 23b of the transport belt <NUM>. The cling section <NUM> of the present embodiment is provided on the gripping substrate <NUM>. Specifically, the cling section <NUM> includes an opening section provided on the +Z direction end surface of the end section 81c of the gripping substrate <NUM> and a cling section (for example, a pump or a fan) for clingingly attracting outside air into the gripping substrate <NUM> through the opening section. By drive the cling section, a clinging attraction force in the -Z direction is generated with respect to the +Z direction end surface of the end section 81c. As a result, the transport belt <NUM> can be clingingly attracted against the gripping substrate <NUM> and into in the cling state. On the other hand, by stopping the drive of the cling section, the clinging attraction force is released, and the non-cling state can be obtained. The cling section <NUM> may be provided on the elastic member <NUM> side or may be provided on both the elastic member <NUM> and the gripping substrate <NUM>. Further, the cling section <NUM> may be an electrostatic clinging attraction mechanism utilizing static electricity.

Each operation of the cling state and the non-cling state of the cling section <NUM> is synchronized with each operation of the gripping state and the non-gripping state of the switching section <NUM>. That is, in the gripping unit <NUM>, the gripping state and the cling state of the transport belt <NUM> are executed simultaneously. Accordingly, the transport belt <NUM> can be reliably gripped by the clinging attraction force of the cling section <NUM> in addition to the gripping force by the magnetic force. On the other hand, the non-gripping state and the non-cling state of the transport belt <NUM> are executed at the same time.

Here, in the transport device <NUM> (recording apparatus <NUM>), it is desirable that the transport belt <NUM> be held at a predetermined tension by the rotation roller <NUM> and the drive roller <NUM>. This is because, when the transport belt <NUM> does not have the predetermined tension, the transport accuracy of the medium M decreases, and may cause a decrease in image quality. However, there is a possibility that the tension deviates from the predetermined tension due to deterioration or hardening of the transport belt <NUM> with time of use, influence of heat by the drying unit <NUM>, fluctuation of a stretching mechanism of the transport belt <NUM>, or the like.

Therefore, the detection mechanism <NUM> of the present embodiment is configured to be able to detect the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>. That is, in the transport device <NUM> (recording apparatus <NUM>) according to the present embodiment, the detection mechanism <NUM>, which detects the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM>, can also be used as a mechanism that detects the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>.

The detection mechanism <NUM> of this embodiment detects the vibration state of the transport belt <NUM> at the end of the transport operation, as the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>. In the present embodiment, vibration in a direction along the transport direction of the transport belt <NUM> (direction along the X axis) is detected.

Specifically, the vibration state of the transport belt <NUM> when a transport operation, in which the medium M is transported while the transport belt <NUM> is gripped by the gripping unit <NUM>, ends is detected by the reading section <NUM> reading the vibration of the gripping unit <NUM> in the gripping state from the scale section <NUM>. With this configuration, it is possible use inertia from the mass of the gripping unit <NUM> in the gripping state, to apply to the transport belt <NUM> a force or acceleration sufficient to vibrate the transport belt <NUM>, and it is easy to detect the vibration of the transport belt <NUM>.

In addition, since the gripping state and the cling state of the transport belt <NUM> are synchronized by the switching section <NUM> and the cling section <NUM>, when the gripping unit <NUM> vibrates, the gripping substrate <NUM> of the gripping unit <NUM> is suppressed from slipping with respect to the transport belt <NUM> due to the inertia of the gripping unit <NUM>, and the tension due to the vibration of the gripping unit <NUM> can be accurately detected.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the reading section <NUM> moves integrally with the gripping unit <NUM> and the scale section <NUM> is fixed has been described, but a configuration in which the scale section <NUM> moves integrally with the gripping unit <NUM> and the reading section <NUM> is fixed may be employed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a so called magnetic encoder that determines a relative movement amount between the scale section <NUM> and the reading section <NUM> by a change of the magnetic field is given as an example, but an optical encoder that determines a movement amount by an optical change may be used.

Further, the control section <NUM> may increase the gripping force of the gripping unit <NUM> while the detection mechanism <NUM> detects the vibration state of the transport belt <NUM>. Accordingly, the gripping substrate <NUM> of the gripping unit <NUM> is further suppressed from slipping with respect to the transport belt <NUM>, and the tension due to the vibration of the gripping unit <NUM> can be more accurately detected. According to such control, as compared with the case where the holding force is large during periods other than the period when the detection mechanism <NUM> detects the vibration state of the transport belt <NUM>, it is possible to suppress deformation of the transport belt <NUM> due to a large holding force from remaining and reduction in the service life of the transport belt <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the recording apparatus <NUM> includes an input device <NUM> configured to input recording conditions and the like, and the control section <NUM> configured to control each unit of the recording apparatus <NUM>. As the input device <NUM>, various personal computers, tablet type terminals, portable terminals, and the like can be used. The input device <NUM> may be provided separately from the recording apparatus <NUM>.

The control section <NUM> includes an interface section (I/F) <NUM>, a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>, a storage section <NUM>, and a control circuit <NUM>. The interface section <NUM> transmits and receives data between the input device <NUM> that handles input signals and images and the control section <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> is an arithmetic processing device for performing input signal processing from various ones of a detecting device group <NUM> including the reading section <NUM>, and control of recording operations of the recording apparatus <NUM>. For example, the CPU <NUM> calculates, by the input signal output from the reading section <NUM> and input to the CPU <NUM>, the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM> and the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>.

The storage section <NUM> is a storage medium for securing an area for storing the program of the CPU <NUM>, a work area, and the like, and has a storage element such as a random access memory (RAM) and an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).

The control section <NUM> controls drive of the ejection head included in the head unit <NUM> by a control signal output from the control circuit <NUM>, and causes the ink to be ejected toward the medium M. The control section <NUM> controls drive of the motor provided in the carriage moving section <NUM> according to the control signal output from the control circuit <NUM> to reciprocate the carriage <NUM> on which the head unit <NUM> is mounted in a main scanning direction (direction along the Y axis). The control section <NUM> controls drive of the motor provided at the drive roller <NUM> by the control signal output from the control circuit <NUM> to rotationally move the transport belt <NUM>. Accordingly, the medium M supported on the transport belt <NUM> is moved in the transport direction (+X direction).

An image or the like is formed on the medium M by a recording operation (intermittent operation) in which the control section <NUM> alternately repeats a main scan, in which the control section <NUM> controls the carriage moving section <NUM> and the head unit <NUM> to move the head unit <NUM> (carriage <NUM>) while ejecting ink from the ejection head, and a sub scan, in which the control section <NUM> controls the drive roller <NUM> to transport the medium M in the transport direction.

The control section <NUM> switches the gripping unit <NUM> between the gripping state and the non-gripping state by using the control signal output from the control circuit <NUM> to control current flowing through the electromagnet provided in the switching section <NUM>. The control section <NUM> uses the control signal output from the control circuit <NUM> to control the moving mechanism of the lever moving section <NUM> to reciprocate the moving lever <NUM> along the transport direction. The control section <NUM> controls the cling section of the cling section <NUM> to switch between a cling state and a non-cling state with respect to the transport belt <NUM>. In addition, the control section <NUM> controls units which are not shown.

Here, the configuration of the control section <NUM> relating to the tension of the transport belt <NUM> will be described.

The control section <NUM> determines the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> based on the vibration state of the transport belt <NUM> detected by the detection mechanism <NUM> when the transport operation ends. In the present embodiment, the vibration state of the transport belt <NUM> when the transport operation ends is detected by the reading section <NUM> reading the vibration of the gripping unit <NUM> in the gripping state. That is, the control section <NUM> determines the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> based on the residual vibration of the transport belt <NUM> when the transport operation ends. Then, the residual vibration is detected by the detection mechanism <NUM> that detects the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM> during intermittent operation.

Further, when a path in which the transport belt <NUM> moves is defined as a movement path, the movement path includes a transport path in which the medium M is supported and the medium M is transported, and a non-transport path that does not constitute the transport path. The transport path is a path along which the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM> and the head unit <NUM> face each other, and the non-transport path is a path along which the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM> and the blade <NUM> of the washing unit <NUM> face each other. Then, the gripping state by the gripping unit <NUM> is a state of gripping the transport belt <NUM> that moves in the transport path of the movement path. The control section <NUM> determines the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> based on the vibration state of the transport belt <NUM> moving in the transport path. As a result, it is possible to detect the tension of the transport path, which influences the transport accuracy of the medium M more than does the non-transport path.

<FIG> shows an example of the detection result of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>. In <FIG>, the vertical axis represents speed Sp (mm/sec) of the transport belt <NUM>, and the horizontal axis represents time t (sec). Further, the reference time ST shown in <FIG> indicates a time point at which the transport operation of the transport belt <NUM> ends.

As shown in <FIG>, until the reference time ST is reached, the transport belt <NUM> is in the transport operation, and the speed of the transport belt <NUM> is detected on the positive side.

Thereafter, when the reference time ST is reached, the transport operation of the transport belt <NUM> ends. When the transport operation of the transport belt <NUM> ends, the transport belt <NUM> stops, but inertia acts due to the mass of the gripping unit <NUM> that grips the transport belt <NUM>, and the transport belt <NUM> vibrates in a direction along the transport direction (direction along the X-axis). As a result, as shown in <FIG>, the speed of the transport belt <NUM> is detected on the plus side and the minus side after the reference time ST. That is, the residual vibration of the transport belt <NUM> is detected.

The control section <NUM> calculates the amplitude, the frequency, and the like based on the residual vibration of the transport belt <NUM> for a predetermined elapsed period (for example, <NUM> second to <NUM> seconds) from the reference time ST.

Then, the control section <NUM> determines the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> based on the calculated amplitude and frequency. For example, the control section <NUM> compares the calculated amplitude and frequency with specified values, and determines whether or not the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is acceptable. It should be noted that the specified values are the amplitude and the frequency at the time of shipment of the transport device <NUM>, at the time that the transport belt <NUM> is adjusted, or the like. That is, the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is a value in a normal state. The specified values are stored in the storage section <NUM>. Further, the specified values have a certain allowable range.

When the calculated amplitude is larger than a specified value or when the calculated frequency is smaller than a specified value, the control section <NUM> determines that the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is low. On the other hand, when the calculated amplitude is smaller than the specified value or when the calculated frequency is larger than the specified value, the control section <NUM> determines that the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is high. That is, the state of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> can be estimated by comparing the calculated amplitude and frequency with specified values.

Next, a control method of the recording apparatus <NUM> will be described. Specifically, the control method for determining the tension of the transport belt <NUM> in a series of recording operations (intermittent operations) will be described.

As shown in <FIG>, in step S11 (gripping process), when the control section <NUM> receives print data for recording an image on the medium M from the input device <NUM> and stores the print data in the storage section <NUM>, the control section <NUM> causes the gripping unit <NUM> to grip the transport belt <NUM>. The control section <NUM> causes a current to flow in the electromagnet of the switching section <NUM> to cause the electromagnet to generate a magnetic force. As a result, the gripping unit <NUM> is in the gripping state and grips the transport belt <NUM>. Further, the cling section <NUM> is driven to clingingly attract the transport belt <NUM> to the gripping substrate <NUM>.

Next, in step S12 (transport process), the control section <NUM> controls the drive roller <NUM> to transport the gripping unit <NUM> in the gripping state together with the transport belt <NUM>. The control section <NUM> stops the rotational movement of the transport belt <NUM> when, in accordance with the movement amount detected by the reading section <NUM>, the gripping unit <NUM> moves from a first position to a second position located downstream of the first position in the transport direction. The interval between the first position and the second position is the line feed amount during the printing operation. In the first transport process, the gripping unit <NUM> is transported to a predetermined position where the recording process is started.

Next, in step S13 (detection process), the control section <NUM> determines the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>. <FIG> shows a detection processing method.

In step S131 (vibration acquisition process), the control section <NUM> acquires the residual vibration (minute movement amounts) detected by the reading section <NUM>.

Next, in step S132 (calculation process), the control section <NUM> calculates the amplitude or the frequency based on the acquired residual vibration.

Next, in step S133 (storage process), the control section <NUM> stores the calculated amplitude or frequency in the storage section <NUM>. In addition, the control section <NUM> stores date and time information when the amplitude or frequency was calculated and attribute information of the recording apparatus <NUM> and the transport device <NUM> together in the storage section <NUM>. The tension information on the tension of the transport belt <NUM> stored in the storage section <NUM> can be output to the input device <NUM>. Therefore, the user can monitor a tension state of the transport belt <NUM>, and can estimate the tension state of the transport belt <NUM> from the stored tension information.

In step S131, the control section <NUM> may increase the gripping force of the gripping unit <NUM>.

Next, in step S134 (determination process), the control section <NUM> compares the calculated amplitude and frequency with the specified values to determine whether or not the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is within a tolerance range.

When the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is within the tolerance range (YES), the process proceeds to step S14, and when the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is not within the tolerance range (NO), the process proceeds to step S135.

In step S135 (warning process), for example, the fact that the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is out of the tolerance range is displayed on the input device <NUM>, and a warning is issued to the user. Based on the warning, the user can appropriately perform adjustment of the transport belt <NUM>, contact with a maintenance service provider, and the like.

Next, in step S14 (recording process), the control section <NUM> controls the head unit <NUM> and the carriage moving section <NUM> to discharge the ink from the head unit <NUM> toward the medium M while moving the carriage <NUM> on which the head unit <NUM> is mounted in the width direction (direction along the Y-axis), which intersects the transport direction of the medium M.

Next, in step S15 (non-gripping process), the control section <NUM> cuts off the current flowing to the electromagnet of the switching section <NUM> to demagnetize the magnetic force of the electromagnet. In addition, the drive of the cling section <NUM> is stopped. As a result, the gripping unit <NUM> is in the non-gripping state.

Next, in step S16 (return process), the control section <NUM> controls the lever moving section <NUM> to move the moving lever <NUM>, which is standing by at a predetermined position downstream of the gripping unit <NUM> in the transport direction, upstream in the transport direction. Accordingly, the gripping unit <NUM> and the moving lever <NUM> contact each other, and the gripping unit <NUM>, which is in the non-gripping state and is located at the second position, is returned to the first position. Accordingly, the gripping unit <NUM> in the gripping state can be repeatedly moved from the first position to the second position together with the transport belt <NUM>. Afterward, the moving lever <NUM> is moved to downstream of the second position in the transport direction and stands by at the predetermined position. Therefore, in step S12, when the gripping unit <NUM> in the gripping state moves together with the transport belt <NUM>, the moving lever <NUM> of the return section <NUM> is separated from the gripping unit <NUM>, so that it is possible to suppress the return section <NUM> from applying a load to the rotational drive of the transport belt <NUM>. Note that step S15 and step S16 may be executed substantially simultaneously with step S14.

Thereafter, steps S11 to step S16 are repeatedly executed until processing of print data transmitted from the input device <NUM> is completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the detection mechanism <NUM> for detecting the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM> can also be used as a detection unit for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>. Accordingly, it is not necessary to separately provide a sensor for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>, and it is possible to suppress the structure of the transport device <NUM> (recording apparatus <NUM>) from being complicated.

In addition, a special control operation for detecting the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is not necessary, and can be executed in the process of a series of recording operations for detecting the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM>, and the control configuration of the transport device <NUM> (recording apparatus <NUM>) can be simplified. Further, by monitoring the residual vibration applied to the transport belt <NUM> in the series of recording operations, the tension state of the transport belt <NUM> can be estimated. In addition, by monitoring the transport belt <NUM>, for example, it is possible to use the monitoring for analyzing the states of the medium transport section <NUM>, the medium contact section <NUM>, the washing unit <NUM>, and the like which are highly related to the operation of the transport belt <NUM>.

In the control method of the recording apparatus <NUM>, the recording process (step S14) has been described in the series of recording operations, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the recording process may be performed using the transport device <NUM> by itself. In this way, the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> can be determined without being influenced by the medium transport section <NUM>, the washing unit <NUM>, and the like. Further, the tension state of the transport belt <NUM> can be estimated by comparing the transport device <NUM> with the specified value at the time of shipment from the factory.

Further, information such as a use history of the drying unit <NUM>, an operation history of the recording section <NUM>, and a use time of the transport belt <NUM> may be included as the information of the tension stored in the storage section <NUM> in step S133 of the method of controlling the recording apparatus <NUM>. By combining information that has high influence on the tension of the transport belt <NUM>, it is possible to improve the estimation accuracy of the tension state of the transport belt <NUM>.

Further, the tension information stored in the storage section <NUM> in step S133 may be transmitted to an external maintenance service providing device (for example, a server device) via a communication circuit. In this way, the user can receive appropriate services.

Further, as long as the transport belt <NUM> can be gripped, the structure of the gripping unit <NUM> is not limited. For example, the gripping unit <NUM> may have a scissors like configuration including a pair of arm members pivotable about at least one rotation axis.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of the recording apparatus <NUM> having the transport device <NUM> is described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the configuration of only the transport device <NUM> may be employed. That is, the transport device <NUM> includes the transport belt <NUM>, the detection mechanism <NUM>, and the control section <NUM> configured to determine the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>. Also in this manner, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same configuration as in the first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

A transport device 110A of the present embodiment includes the transport belt <NUM> that alternately repeats the transport operation that transports the medium M and the non-transport operation that does not transport the medium M, the detection mechanism <NUM> that detects the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM> in the transport operation, the drive roller <NUM> that is provided downstream of the detection mechanism in the transport direction in which the medium M is transported and that rotationally moves the transport belt <NUM>, and a control section 1A.

The control section 1A of this embodiment determines the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> based on the difference between the target speed of the transport belt <NUM> and the detected speed of the transport belt <NUM> detected by the detection mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> shows example of the detection result of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>. In <FIG>, the vertical axis represents speed Sp (mm/sec) of the transport belt <NUM>, and the horizontal axis represents time t (sec). Further, a two dot chain line in <FIG> indicates a target speed (commanded speed) Si which is the commanded moving speed of the transport belt <NUM>, and a solid line indicates a detected speed (actual measurement value) Sm of the transport belt <NUM> detected by the detection mechanism <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the control section 1A drives the drive roller <NUM> based on the target speed Si in a gripping state in which the gripping unit <NUM> grips the transport belt <NUM>, to accelerate movement of the transport belt <NUM>. Further, the detection mechanism <NUM> detects the moving speed of the transport belt <NUM> during the accelerating moving of the transport belt <NUM>. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, the actual measurement value Sm is detected, and a difference between the target speed Si and the actual measurement value Sm can be calculated as a phase difference.

In the present embodiment, because the drive roller <NUM> that rotationally moves the transport belt <NUM> is provided downstream of the detection mechanism <NUM> in the transport direction, it is possible to apply to the transport belt <NUM> a tensile force for detecting the phase difference.

The control section 1A determines the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> based on the phase difference between the target speed Si and the actual measurement value Sm. Specifically, the control section <NUM> determines whether or not the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is applicable based on the magnitude of the calculated phase difference.

For example, when the magnitude of the phase difference is larger than a specified value, the control section 1A determines that the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is low. In this case, it is considered that the elongation of the transport belt <NUM> is large, and when the drive roller <NUM> rotates, the transport belt <NUM> cannot follow the drive roller <NUM>, and the rotation speed is delayed. Note that the specified value is a phase difference between the target speed Si and the actual measurement value Sm at the time of shipment of the transport device <NUM> or when adjustment or the like of the transport belt <NUM> is performed. That is, the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is a value in a normal state. In this manner, it becomes possible to determine whether or not the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is allowable and to estimate the tension state.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the detection mechanism <NUM> for detecting the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM> can also be used as a unit for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>. Accordingly, it is not necessary to separately provide a sensor or the like for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM>, and it is possible to suppress the structure of the transport device 110A from being complicated.

Although the transport device 110A has been described in the present embodiment, a configuration of a recording apparatus including the transport device 110A and the recording section <NUM> may be employed. Also in this manner, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. Note that the same configuration as in the first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, a transport device 110B of the present embodiment includes rollers (the rotation roller <NUM> and the drive roller <NUM>) around which the transport belt <NUM> is wound, a detection mechanism 70A, and the control section <NUM>.

The detection mechanism 70A includes a rotary encoder <NUM> provided in a state in which a position with respect to the rollers (the rotation roller <NUM> and the drive roller <NUM>) is fixed.

The rotary encoder <NUM> includes a disk section <NUM> that can be rotated by the transport belt <NUM> by contacting the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM>, and a reading section <NUM> that can read marks (scale) <NUM> formed on the disk section <NUM>.

The disk section <NUM> is formed in a disk shape, and a plurality of marks <NUM> for position detection are formed along its peripheral edge at equal intervals over the whole periphery. The marks <NUM> are slits that penetrate through the disk section <NUM> in a direction along the Y axis. A shaft 121a extending along the Y axis is provided at the center of the disk section <NUM>. The shaft 121a is supported by a bearing (not shown) fixed at a predetermined position. An outer peripheral surface 121b of the disk section <NUM> is in contact with the front surface 23a of the transport belt <NUM>, and the disk section <NUM> rotates around the shaft 121a at the predetermined fixed position in accordance with the transport operation of the transport belt <NUM>.

The reading section <NUM> is arranged at a position through which a peripheral edge section of the disk section <NUM> passes. Specifically, the reading section <NUM> includes a light emitting section 123a (for example, a light emitting diode) and a light receiving section 123b (for example, a phototransistor) facing each other via the peripheral edge section of the disk section <NUM>. Then, when the light emitted from the light emitting section 123a passes through the marks <NUM> of the disk section <NUM> and is received by the light receiving section 123b, an electric signal is output from the light receiving section 123b. As a result, the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM> is detected.

Further, the control section <NUM> of this embodiment determines the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> based on the vibration state of the transport belt <NUM> detected by the detection mechanism 70A when the transport operation ends. Specifically, the vibration state of the transport belt <NUM> at the end of the transport operation is detected by the reading section <NUM> reading the marks <NUM> formed in the disk section <NUM>. That is, the control section <NUM> determines the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> based on the residual vibration of the transport belt <NUM> when the transport operation ends. The detection result of the tension of the transport belt <NUM> is similar to that in <FIG>. Then, the residual vibration is detected by the detection mechanism 70A that detects the movement amount of the transport belt <NUM> during intermittent operation.

Configurations other than the rotation roller <NUM>, the drive roller <NUM>, and the detection mechanism 70A are the same as those of the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since a detection point is not changed in the detection mechanism 70A of the present embodiment as compared with the detection mechanism <NUM> according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress a difference in easiness of detecting the vibration of the transport belt <NUM> depending on the detection position.

The detection mechanism 70A may include a pressure contact force adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the pressure contact force of the disk section <NUM> with respect to the transport belt <NUM>. The pressure contact force adjustment mechanism includes, for example, a drive source such as a motor, and a conversion section for converting the drive force from the drive source into pressure contact force. The conversion section includes, for example, a power transmission mechanism that transmits power such as a ball screw or a gear. At this time, the pressure contact force adjustment mechanism may be controlled by the control section <NUM>. That is, the control section <NUM> may control the pressure contact force of the disk section <NUM> with respect to the transport belt <NUM>. While the detection mechanism 70A detects the vibration state of the transport belt <NUM>, the control section <NUM> may control the pressure contact force adjustment mechanism to increase the pressure contact force of the disk section <NUM> against the transport belt <NUM>.

Contents derived from the embodiments will be described below.

According to this configuration, the detection mechanism for detecting the movement amount of the transport belt can also be used as a unit for measuring the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt. Accordingly, it is not necessary to separately provide a sensor or the like for measuring the magnitude of the tension, and it is possible to suppress the structure of the transport device from being complicated.

In the transport device, it is desirable that the detection mechanism includes a scale section provided along a transport direction in which the medium is transported, a reading section configured to read marks formed on the scale section, and a gripping unit configured to move integrally with the scale section or the reading section, and configured to change state between a gripping state in which the gripping unit grips the transport belt and moves together with the transport belt and a non-gripping state in which the gripping unit does not grip the transport belt and the vibration state of the transport belt at the end of the transport operation is detected by the reading section reading vibration of the gripping unit in the gripping state.

According to this configuration, it is possible to apply to the transport belt, a force sufficient to vibrate the transport belt using inertia due to the mass of the gripping unit in the gripping state. This makes it easy to detect the vibration of the transport belt.

In the transport device, it is desirable that the gripping unit has at least one cling section configured to clingingly attract the transport belt, the gripping unit includes a first contact section configured to contact a front surface of the transport belt and a second contact section configured to contact a back surface of the transport belt, and the at least one cling section is provided on at least one of the first contact section and the second contact section.

According to this configuration, when the gripping unit vibrates, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the first contact section and the second contact section of the gripping unit slip with respect to the transport belt due to the inertia of the gripping unit and the tension cannot be accurately measured due to the vibration of the gripping unit.

It is desirable that the transport device includes a roller around which the transport belt is wound, wherein the detection mechanism includes a rotary encoder provided in a state in which a position with respect to the roller is fixed, the rotary encoder includes a disk section configured to contact the front surface of the transport belt and is configured to follow rotation with respect to the transport belt, and a reading section configured to read marks formed on the disk section, and the vibration state of the transport belt at the end of the transport operation is detected by the reading section reading the marks formed on the disk section.

According to this configuration, since the detection point in the detection mechanism does not change, it is possible to suppress a difference in ease of detection of the vibration of the transport belt depending on the detection position.

In the transport device described above, it is desirable that when a path along which the transport belt moves is defined as a movement path, the movement path includes a transport path in which the medium is supported and the medium is transported, and a non-transport path not constituting the transport path, the gripping state is a state in which the transport belt moving in the transport path of the movement path is gripped, and the control section determines the magnitude of tension of the transport belt based on the vibration state of the transport belt moving in the transport path.

According to this configuration, it is possible to measure the tension of the transport path that influences the transport accuracy of the medium more than the non-transport path.

A transport device includes a transport belt configured to alternately repeat a transport operation of transporting a medium and a non-transport operation of not transporting the medium, a detection mechanism configured to detect a movement amount of the transport belt in the transport operation, a drive roller that is provided downstream of the detection mechanism in a transport direction in which the medium is transported, and that rotationally moves the transport belt, and a control section configured to determine a magnitude of tension of the transport belt based on a difference between a target speed of the transport belt and a detected speed of the transport belt detected by the detection mechanism.

According to this configuration, the detection mechanism for detecting the movement amount of the transport belt can also be used as a unit for measuring the magnitude of the tension of the transport belt. Accordingly, it is not necessary to separately provide a sensor or the like for measuring the magnitude of the tension, and it is possible to suppress complicating the structure of the recording apparatus.

A recording apparatus includes a recording section configured to record on a medium, a transport belt configured to alternately repeat a transport operation of transporting the medium and a non-transport operation of not transporting the medium, a detection mechanism configured to detect a movement amount of the transport belt in the transport operation, a drive roller that is provided downstream of the detection mechanism in a transport direction, in which the medium is transported, and that rotationally moves the transport belt, and a control section configured to determine a magnitude of tension of the transport belt based on a difference between a target speed of the transport belt and a detected speed of the transport belt detected by the detection mechanism.

Claim 1:
A transport device comprising:
a transport belt (<NUM>) configured to alternately repeat a transport operation of transporting a medium (M) and a non-transport operation of not transporting the medium;
a detection mechanism (<NUM>) configured to detect a movement amount of the transport belt (<NUM>) in the transport operation; and
a control section (<NUM>) configured to determine a magnitude of tension of the transport belt (<NUM>) based on a vibration state of the transport belt (<NUM>) when the transport operation ends, the vibration state being detected by the detection mechanism(<NUM>);
wherein the detection mechanism (<NUM>) comprises a gripping unit (<NUM>) configured to change state between a gripping state in which the gripping unit (<NUM>) grips the transport belt (<NUM>) and moves together with the transport belt (<NUM>), and a non-gripping state in which the gripping unit (<NUM>) does not grip the transport belt (<NUM>);
wherein the gripping unit (<NUM>) comprises at least one cling section (<NUM>) configured to change state between a cling state, in which the transport belt (<NUM>) is clingingly attracted, and a non-cling state, in which the transport belt (<NUM>) is not clingingly attracted; and
the transport device is capable of synchronizing the operation of the cling section (<NUM>) and the operation of the gripping unit (<NUM>).