Patent ID: 12214988

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

First Exemplary Embodiment

With reference to the drawings, a printing apparatus11according to a first exemplary embodiment is described below. In the drawings, the direction of gravity is indicated by a Z axis while assuming that the printing apparatus11is placed on a horizontal plane, and directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by an X axis and a Y axis. The X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are orthogonal to one another. In the following description, a direction along the X axis, a direction along the Y axis, and a direction along the Z axis are also referred to as a width direction X, a transport direction Y, and a vertical direction Z, respectively. The X axis is a virtual axis parallel to the width direction X of a transport belt21described later, and the Y axis is a virtual axis parallel to the transport direction Y of a medium M on the transport belt21. Note that a direction in which the transport belt21circles around is also referred to as the circling direction CD.

Configuration of Printing Apparatus11

As illustrated inFIG.1, the printing apparatus11includes a transport device20and a printing unit30. The transport device20includes the transport belt21that transports the medium M. The transport belt21supports and transports the medium M such as fabric and sheet on an outer circumferential surface24.

The printing apparatus11includes a housing12having a beam-column structure. The printing apparatus11includes an operation unit13. The operation unit13is configured by an operation panel including the display unit14, for example. The printing apparatus11includes a notification unit17that issues a notification of information. The display unit14may also function as the notification unit17. In this case, the notification unit17issues a notification through display of information. The display unit14may be achieved by a touch-panel type display device or the like. The operation unit13is capable of providing an instruction to the printing apparatus11when a user performs an operation on a screen of the display unit14. Note that the operation unit13may be achieved by an operation button or the like. In this case, the printing apparatus11may include the display unit14separately from the operation unit13.

Further, the printing apparatus11includes ink supply sources15that supply ink used when the printing unit30performs printing on the medium M. Each of the ink supply sources15accommodates ink of one color among a plurality ink colors. The ink colors include cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and the like. For example, the printing unit30ejects the ink supplied from the ink supply source15onto the medium M, and thus performs printing of an image or the like on the medium M. Note that the ink supply source15may be an ink cartridge, or may be an ink tank.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the printing apparatus11includes the transport device20. The transport device20is supported by the housing12. Further, the printing apparatus11includes the printing unit30described above and a control unit100that controls the transport device20and the printing unit30. The printing unit30performs printing on the medium M transported by the transport belt21. The printing unit30, the control unit100, and the like are covered with a cover16.

The housing12has a beam-column structure including a bottom frame12a, a column frame12b, and an upper frame12c. The cover16is an exterior member that covers the respective units of the printing apparatus11.

The printing unit30includes an ejection unit31that ejects a liquid such as ink. The printing unit30ejects a liquid such as ink from the ejection unit31onto the medium M supported by the transport belt21, and thus performs a printing operation for printing an image or the like on the medium M.

The transport device20includes a transport unit22including the rotatable transport belt21. Further, the transport device20includes a cleansing unit60that performs cleansing for the transport belt21, a drying unit67that dries the transport belt21after cleansing, and a first heating unit35that heats the transport belt21.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the transport unit22is provided to the upper part of the housing12, and includes a driving roller23A, a driven roller23B, and the transport belt21. Further, the transport unit22is capable of transporting the medium M in the +Y direction due to movement of the transport belt21by rotation of the driving roller23A. Each of the driving roller23A and the driven roller23B includes a rotation shaft along the X direction. The printing apparatus11includes a feeding unit18that feeds the medium M to adhere to the transport belt21. Note that the printing apparatus11is used in a combination with a winding device, which is omitted in illustration, for peeling and winding the medium M after printing from the transport belt21.

The transport belt21is an endless belt having elasticity. The transport belt21is wound about the outer circumferences of the driving roller23A and the driven roller23B. The transport unit22rotatably drives the driving roller23A, and thus rotates the endless transport belt21in a predetermined circling path.

The transport belt21has an adhesive layer25capable of adhering to the medium M. The transport belt21is configured to be capable of transporting the medium M adhering to the adhesive layer25. Specifically, the transport belt21has an endless belt base material21B and the adhesive layer25formed as a layer on an outer circumferential surface of the belt base material21B. The medium M adheres to a surface25A of the adhesive layer25. The transport belt21is capable of transporting the medium M adhering to the adhesive layer25in the transport direction Y. The adhesive layer25has adhesive characteristics that enable temporary adhesion with another member and peeling from an adhering state. Here, the adhesive layer25of a heat-sensitive type and that of a pressure-sensitive type are present. The adhesive layer25of a heat-sensitive type has such characteristics that an adhesive force is increased as a temperature rises. The adhesive layer25of a pressure-sensitive type has such characteristics that an adhesive force is increased as a pressure is increases. The adhesive layer25in this example is a heat-sensitive type. Thus, the transport device20includes the first heating unit35that heats the adhesive layer25. Note that, when the adhesive layer25is a pressure-sensitive type, the first heating unit35may be omitted. Here, the adhesive layer25of a pressure-sensitive type also has such characteristics that an adhesive force is increased as a temperature rises. When it is assumed that a degree of a change ΔF in an adhesive force with respect to a temperature change ΔT is ΔF/ΔT, ΔF/ΔT of the adhesive layer25of a heat-sensitive type is greater than ΔF/ΔT of the adhesive layer25of a pressure-sensitive type.

The outer circumferential surface24of the transport belt21is divided into a plurality of portions in accordance with positions and shapes. In other words, the outer circumferential surface24is divided into an upper surface portion24a, a downstream curved surface portion24b, a lower surface portion24c, and an upstream curved surface portion24d. The upper surface portion24ais a portion that is positioned in the +Z direction with respect to the center of the driving roller23A and has a flat surface along the X-Y plane. The upper surface portion24ais a portion of the transport belt21that faces the printing unit30in the circling direction CD. The upper surface portion24ais a portion of the transport belt21that supports the medium M. The curved surface portion24bis a portion having a curved surface of the transport belt21that is wound bout the driving roller23A. The medium M adhering to the adhesive layer25peels off in the middle of the curved surface portion24b. In addition, the lower surface portion24cis a portion that is positioned in the −Z direction with respect to the center of the driving roller23A and has a flat surface along the X-Y plane. Further, the curved surface portion24dis a portion of the transport belt21that is wound about the driven roller23B. Therefore, at least the surface of the upper surface portion24aand the surface of the curved surface portion24bfunction as a support surface of the transport belt21that supports the medium M. Note that, in addition to the surface of the upper surface portion24aand the surface of the curved surface portion24b, the surface of the curved surface portion24dmay function as a support surface of the transport belt21that supports the medium M.

The transport device20includes a transport motor26being a driving source of the driving roller23A. The control unit100drives the transport motor26, and thus controls driving and stoppage of the transport belt21and a transport speed during the driving.

The transport device20includes an abutting unit71capable of abutting against the surface25A of the transport belt21. Here, it is assumed that a direction in which the abutting unit71is away from the adhesive layer25is a first direction DR1and a direction being a direction opposite to the first direction DR1and a direction in which the abutting unit71approaches the adhesive layer25is a second direction DR2. The first direction DR1and the second direction DR2are directions intersecting with the surface of the upper surface portion24a. A moving mechanism42is configured to be capable of moving the position of the abutting portion with respect to the surface25A in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the transport device20includes the abutting unit71capable of abutting against the surface25A of the adhesive layer25. In this example, as the abutting unit71, a pressurizing roller41is used. The pressurizing roller41presses the medium M against the adhesive layer25so that the medium M adheres to the adhesive layer25.

The transport device20includes a pressurizing mechanism40that presses the medium M against the adhesive layer25. The pressurizing mechanism40includes the pressurizing roller41that presses the medium M against the adhesive layer25.

The pressurizing roller41presses the medium M against the surface25A so that the medium M transported from upstream of the transport unit22adheres to the surface25A of the transport belt21. In other words, the pressurizing roller41pressurizes the part of the medium M, which is supported on the surface25A. The pressurizing roller41is movable in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2that intersect with the surface25A, which enables pressing. The pressurizing mechanism40includes the moving mechanism42that moves the pressurizing roller41in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2. The moving mechanism42includes a moving unit44being a driving source for moving the pressurizing roller41. The moving unit44may be a cylinder, for example.

Driving of the moving unit44causes the pressurizing roller41to be movable in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2between a retraction position (omitted in illustration) away from the surface25A and a butting position for pressing against the medium M. The moving unit44moves (lowers) the pressurizing roller41from the retraction position in the second direction DR2, and thus the pressurizing roller41abuts against the medium M to press the medium M against the surface25A of the transport belt21.

Further, the pressurizing roller41is provided to be also movable in the transport direction Y. The pressurizing mechanism40includes a rail unit46that guides the pressurizing roller41in a movable manner in the +Y direction and the −Y direction of the transport direction Y. The moving unit44moves, in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2, the rail unit46that supports the pressurizing roller41in a guiding manner in the transport direction Y, and thus moves the pressurizing roller41in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2. The pressurizing mechanism40reciprocates in the +Y direction and the −Y direction within a predetermined range in the Y-axis direction while the pressurizing roller41presses the medium M against the surface25A of the adhesive layer25. With this, the medium M adheres to the surface25A of the adhesive layer25. Note that the transport device20includes a second heating unit56that heats the pressurizing roller41.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the printing unit30is provided above the transport device20. The printing unit30is configured to be capable of performing printing on the medium M transported in the +Y direction. The printing unit30may be a serial printing type or a line printing type. When the printing unit30is a serial printing type, the printing unit30includes the ejection unit31and a carriage32that supports the ejection unit31. The carriage32is provided in a reciprocable manner along the X direction. The ejection unit31is arranged in the +Z direction with respect to the medium M, and performs printing on the medium M by ejecting a liquid such as ink onto a printing surface of the medium M. The ejection unit31is controlled by the control unit100. The medium M after printing peels off from the curved surface portion24bof the transport belt21due to a force generated when the winding device, which is omitted in illustration, winds the medium M into a roll-like shape.

When the ejection unit31performs printing on the medium M, a liquid such as ink may adhere to the surface25A of the transport belt21in some cases. For example, when the medium M is fabric, a liquid such as ink passing through the medium may adhere to the surface25A in some cases. Further, when the medium M peels off from the surface25A, waste thread of the fabric may remain on the surface25A in some cases. A liquid such as ink adhering to the surface25A may generate a stain on the medium M, and waste thread remaining on the surface25A causes reduction of an adhesive force of the surface25A to the medium M. The cleansing unit60is provided so as to remove a liquid adhering to the surface25A or waste thread generated by a medium base material.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the cleansing unit60performs cleansing for the transport belt21at the position corresponding to the lower surface portion24c. Specifically, the cleansing unit60causes a cleansing solution Q to adhere to the surface25A of the adhesive layer25, and thus performs cleansing for the adhesive layer25. The cleansing unit60includes a reservoir tank61, a brush62, and a squeegee63(blade). The reservoir tank61stores the cleansing solution Q. The brush62performs a cleaning operation by contacting with the surface25A and brushing the surface25A through use of the cleansing solution Q. The squeegee63abuts against the surface25A, and removes the cleansing solution Q adhering to the surface25A.

The transport device20includes a lifting and lowering mechanism65that lifts up and lowers the cleansing unit60. The cleansing unit60is configured to be capable of being lifted up and lowered in the Z-axis direction with respect to the transport belt21by the lifting and lowering mechanism65. The lifting and lowering mechanism65includes, as a driving source, one or a plurality of cylinders66(a plurality of cylinders in the example ofFIG.3), for example. A piston rod of the cylinder66is fixed to a frame64of the cleansing unit60. The lifting and lowering mechanism65arranges the cleansing unit60at the retraction position at which the brush62and the squeegee63are away downward from the surface25A during non-use, and arranges the cleansing unit60at a cleaning position at which the brush62and the squeegee63are brought into contact with the surface25A during use.

It is assumed that the squeegee63is away from the adhesive layer25is a first direction DS1and a direction being a direction opposite to the first direction DS1and a direction in which the squeegee63approaches the adhesive layer25is a second direction DS2. The lifting and lowering mechanism65is configured to be capable of moving the position of the squeegee63with respect to the surface25A in the first direction DS1and the second direction DS2. Note that the brush62and the squeegee63are provided in the width direction X of the transport belt21.

The drying unit67dries the transport belt21after cleansing. For example, the drying unit67blows hot air, and thus dries the surface25A. For example, the drying unit67is only required to blow air onto the surface25A. The first heating unit35heats the adhesive layer25. Specifically, the heating unit35heats the adhesive layer25at a predetermined position within a range from upstream in the circling direction CD with respect to an adhering start position at which the medium M starts adhering to the adhesive layer25to downstream in the circling direction CD with respect to a cleansing position at which the cleansing unit60performs cleansing. The drying unit67and the first heating unit35are controlled by the control unit100. Note that, even when the surface25A of the transport belt21is subjected to cleansing by the cleansing unit60, the adhesive layer25of the transport belt21is gradually degraded as being used, and an adhesive force thereof is reduced.

The control unit100includes a computer110(seeFIG.7). The computer110is configured by including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), which is omitted in illustration, and a memory. The CPU is an arithmetic processing device. The memory is a storage device that secures an area for storing a program of the CPU, a work area, and the like, and includes a storage element such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a storage, and the like. The CPU controls an operation of each of the units of the printing apparatus11in accordance with the program stored in the memory.

Configuration of Pressurizing Mechanism40

Next, with reference toFIG.3andFIG.4, the configuration of the pressurizing mechanism40is described in detail.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the pressurizing mechanism40includes the pressurizing roller41and the moving mechanisms42forming a pair, which rotatably support the pressurizing roller41in a movable manner in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2. The pressurizing mechanism40includes a frame43fixed to the housing12that supports the transport unit22. The pair of moving mechanisms42are assembled to the frame43. The pair of moving mechanisms42are driven in an interlocking manner to each other, and thus are capable of moving the pressurizing roller41in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2while maintaining a horizontal state. Each of the pair of moving mechanisms42includes the moving unit44. The moving unit44is configured by, for example, an air cylinder. The moving unit44supports a first guide unit45in a vertically movable manner. the first guide unit45supports a shaft portion41A on each side of the pressurizing roller41in the width direction X in a rotatable state. In other words, the pressurizing roller41vertically moves while maintaining a horizontal posture by synchronizing the pair of moving units44to vertically move the respective shaft portions41A.

The first guide unit45includes the rail unit46that guides the shaft portion41A in a movable manner in the transport direction Y. The shaft portion41A of the pressurizing roller41is supported in a rolling manner in a state in which the shaft portion41A is engaged into a groove portion of the rail unit46.

Further, at a portion of the frame43, which is below the shaft portion41A of the pressurizing roller41, a slider47is provided in a movable manner via a linear guide48in the transport direction Y. The slider47is configured to be capable of reciprocating in the +Y direction and the −Y direction within a predetermined range in the transport direction Y. The slider47includes a second guide unit49that guides the shaft portion41A of the pressurizing roller41in a vertically displaceable manner. The second guide unit49has a U-shaped guide groove, and the shaft portion41A is vertically displaceable with respect to the second guide unit49along the guide groove.

A motor50being a driving source of the slider47is fixed to the frame43. A driving source of the motor50is transmitted to the slider47via a driving force transmitting mechanism51, and the transmitted force moves the slider47in the transport direction Y via a belt-type moving mechanism, which is omitted in illustration. Further, a rotation force transmitted from the motor50via the driving force transmitting mechanism51is transmitted from one of the moving mechanisms42to the other one of moving mechanisms42via a transmission shaft52. The slider47forming the other one of moving mechanisms42uses, as a driving force, a rotation force transmitted via the transmission shaft52, and thus moves in the transport direction Y via the belt-type moving mechanism, which is omitted in illustration. With this, the pressurizing roller41is reciprocable in the transport direction Y while maintaining a posture in which the axial direction thereof is parallel to the width direction X. When the control unit100forwardly or reversely drives the motor50, the slider47reciprocates in the transport direction Y, and thus the pressurizing roller41reciprocates in the transport direction Y.

As illustrated inFIG.4, a spring53is mounted between the first guide unit45and the frame43. With this, the first guide unit45that is movable in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2by driving of the moving unit44is urged in the first direction DR1(for example, upward) by an urging force of the spring53. For example, when the power source of the printing apparatus11is turned off, the moving unit44loses a force of moving the first guide unit45in the second direction DR2, and moves in the second direction DR2by an urging force of the spring53. In other words, when the power source is turned off, the pressurizing roller41is restored to the retraction position at which the medium M is not pressed.

The shaft portion41A is engaged into the recessed portion of the rail unit46of the first guide unit45via a first bearing54in a rotatable manner, is guided by the rail unit46, and thus is supported in a movable manner in the transport direction Y. Further, the shaft portion41A is inserted into a U-shaped recessed portion of the second guide unit49via a second bearing55in a rotatable manner, is guided in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2, and thus is supported in a movable manner in the transport direction Y.

Configuration of Adhesive Force Measuring Mechanism

Next, with reference toFIG.5andFIG.6, description is made on an adhesive force measuring mechanism70that measures an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25through use of the abutting unit71.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the adhesive force measuring mechanism70includes the abutting unit71, a moving mechanism72, and a displacement detection unit73. The abutting unit71is configured to be capable of abutting against the surface25A of the adhesive layer25. The moving mechanism72is a mechanism that moves the position of the abutting unit71with respect to the surface25A in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2. The moving mechanism72is capable of moving the abutting unit71between an abutting position inFIG.5at which the abutting unit71abuts against the surface25A and the retraction position (omitted in illustration) at which the abutting unit71moves in the first direction DR1from the abutting position and is away from the surface25A by a predetermined distance.

The displacement detection unit73detects a displacement amount of the transport belt21in the first direction DR1. The displacement amount is generated when the moving mechanism72moves the abutting unit71in the first direction DR1while the abutting unit71abuts against the surface25A. The displacement detection unit73detects a displacement amount ΔL of the transport belt21in the first direction DR1in a non-contact manner. As illustrated inFIG.5, the displacement detection unit73is arranged at a position opposite to the abutting unit71across the transport belt21(the lower side inFIG.5). The displacement detection unit73is positioned below the back surface of the transport belt21by a predetermined distance. The displacement detection unit73illustrated inFIG.5andFIG.6is a distance sensor81, for example. The distance sensor81measures a distance to the back surface of the transport belt21.

Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, the pressurizing roller41is used as the abutting unit71. Further, the moving mechanism42is a mechanism that moves the pressurizing roller41in an intersecting direction (for example, the vertical direction Z) intersecting with the surface25A, and is used as the moving mechanism72forming the adhesive force measuring mechanism70. In the following description, an example is given by assuming that the abutting unit71is used as the pressurizing roller41and the moving mechanism72is used as the moving mechanism42forming the pressurizing mechanism40. An operation of the adhesive force measuring mechanism70in such an example is described.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the moving mechanism42moves (lowers) the pressurizing roller41in the second direction DR2from the retraction position (omitted in illustration) away from the surface25A. With this, the abutting unit71is caused to abut against the adhesive layer25of the transport belt21. The abutting unit71adheres to the surface25A due to an adhesive force corresponding to an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25. In this case, a force by which the pressurizing roller41presses the surface25A is an own weight of the pressurizing roller41.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.6, the moving mechanism42is driven to move (raise) the pressurizing roller41in the first direction DR1. The transport belt21adheres to the outer circumferential surface of the pressurizing roller41due to an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25. With this, when the pressurizing roller41moves in the first direction DR1, the portion of the transport belt21that abuts against the pressurizing roller41is lifted up due to an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25. Further, when the transport belt21is lifted up to a certain height position, the transport belt21peels off from the pressurizing roller41.

Here, the height position of the pressurizing roller41at which the transport belt21peels off from the pressurizing roller41is higher as an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25is higher. In other words, an adhesive force of the surface25A of the adhesive layer25is a first adhesive force, the height position is higher with the first adhesive force as compared to a second adhesive force smaller than the first adhesive force.

For example, the displacement detection unit73measures a first distance L0 to the back surface of the transport belt21before the pressurizing roller41illustrated inFIG.5lifts up the transport belt21, that is, before displacement. In this case, the transport belt21is supported on a support table19(seeFIG.2) positioned on the opposite side of the pressurizing roller41across the transport belt21, and hence is not deformed in the second direction DR2from the horizontal state. A through hole (omitted in illustration) and a transparent window portion that is assembled in the through hole and is formed of a material having optical transparency are formed in a part of the support table19within the range in which the pressurizing roller41moves in the transport direction Y. The distance sensor81being an example of the displacement detection unit73measures the distance to the back surface of the transport belt21through this window portion.

Here, the transparent window portion is mounted in the support table19so as to have an upper surface that is substantially flush with the upper surface of the support table19. With this, the medium M is supported on the upper surface of the support table19without a level difference even at the position corresponding to the window portion. Further, the window portion is formed of a transparent material having high optical transparency with respect to light (for example, laser light) used by the distance sensor81for distance measurement.

As illustrated inFIG.6, when the pressurizing roller41moves in the first direction DR1from the abutting position illustrated inFIG.5, and lifts up the transport belt21due to an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25, the distance sensor81measures a second distance L1 to the back surface of the transport belt21. The information relating to the distances L0 and L1, which is the measurement result obtained by the distance sensor81, is transmitted to the control unit100. The control unit100detects a difference between the first distance L0 and the second distance L1 as the displacement amount ΔL. The displacement amount ΔL is calculated from the expression ΔL=L1−L0. Note that there may be adopted a configuration in which the distance sensor81acquires the displacement amount ΔL corresponding to the difference between the first distance L0 and the second distance L1 and transmits the information relating to the displacement amount ΔL to the control unit100.

Electrical Configuration of Printing Apparatus11

Next, an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus11is described with reference toFIG.7.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the constituent elements of the printing unit30, the feeding unit18, and the transport device20are electrically coupled to the control unit100. The transport device20includes, as the constituent elements controlled by the control unit100, the transport unit22, the pressurizing mechanism40, the cleansing unit60, and a heating unit75that are illustrated inFIG.7. The control targets that are electrically coupled to the control unit100are as described below.

The control unit100controls the ejection unit31forming the printing unit30and a feeding motor (omitted in illustration) being a driving source of the feeding unit18. When the printing unit30is a serial printing type, the control unit100further controls a carriage motor (omitted in illustration) being a driving source of the carriage32.

Further, the control unit100controls each of the transport motor26being a driving source of the transport unit22, the driving source of the moving mechanism42forming the pressurizing mechanism40, the driving source of the cleansing unit60, and the first heating unit35and the second heating unit56that form the heating unit75. As the driving sources of the moving mechanism42, the moving unit44(cylinder) and the motor50(seeFIG.3for both the components) are provided. As the driving sources of the cleansing unit60, the cylinders66forming the lifting and lowering mechanism65and a motor (omitted in illustration) being a driving source for rotating the brush62are provided.

The heating unit75heats the adhesive layer25in a pressurizing region in which the pressurizing roller41pressurizes the surface25A of the adhesive layer25or at a position upstream of the pressuring region in the circling direction CD of the transport belt21. The heating unit75in this example heats the adhesive layer25both in the pressurizing region of the surface25A of the adhesive layer25and at the position upstream the transport belt21in the circling direction CD. Thus, the heating unit75includes the first heating unit35and the second heating unit56. The first heating unit35heats the surface25A of the transport belt21at the heating position upstream of the pressurizing region of the pressurizing roller41(seeFIG.2) in the circling direction CD. The second heating unit56heats the pressurizing roller41. The pressurizing roller41heated by the second heating unit56heats the pressurizing region of the surface25A of the adhesive layer25.

When the control unit100is determined that the adhesive layer25of a heat-sensitive type is degraded, a heating temperature for at least one of the first heating unit35and the second heating unit56is raised. With this, even when the adhesive layer25of a heat-sensitive type is degraded, a necessary adhesive force can be applied to the part of the adhesive layer25, which corresponds to the pressurizing region of the pressurizing roller41.

Further, the operation unit13and the notification unit17are electrically coupled to the control unit100. For example, the notification unit17is formed of at least one of the display unit14and a sound generator (omitted in illustration). The display unit14may be used as the notification unit17. The display unit14may have a notification function of issuing a notification of information through display.

The control unit100to which an operation signal is input from the operation unit13operated by a user receives printing condition information required for printing or the like input from a user, instruction information instructed by a user with respect to the printing apparatus11, or the like. Further, the control unit100causes the notification unit17to notify a user or the like of information relating to an adhesive layer degradation determination result. When the notification unit17is the display unit14, the display unit14is caused to display information such as a message containing the adhesive layer degradation determination result. When the notification unit17is a sound generator, the control unit100causes the sound generator to issue a notification of information such as a message containing the adhesive layer degradation determination result in a form of sound guidance. Note that the control unit100causes the display unit14to display a menu screen and information relating to printing, such as a printing progress state.

The control unit100includes the computer110. The computer110includes a determination unit111and a storage unit112.

The control unit100determines the adhesive layer25is degraded to such a degree that a required adhesive force cannot be obtained, based on the displacement amount ΔL detected by the displacement detection unit73. The control unit100includes the determination unit111for performing this determination. When the determination unit111determines that the adhesive layer25is degraded, the control unit100causes the notification unit17to issue a notification of the information indicating that the adhesive layer25is degraded. For example, when the notification unit17is the display unit14, the control unit100causes the display unit14to display information such as a message indicating that the adhesive layer25is degraded. Further, when the notification unit17is a sound generator such as a speaker, the control unit100causes the sound generator to generate sound information for announcing that the adhesive layer25is degraded. Note that the sound generator may be caused to generate an alarming sound, such as a buzzer and a chime, indicating that the adhesive layer25is degraded.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the storage unit112stores a program PR. The program PR includes at least the program illustrated in the flowchart ofFIG.10. The computer110in the control unit100executes the program PR, and thus adhesive layer degradation determination processing illustrated inFIG.10is executed. The storage unit112stores threshold value data SD required for the adhesive layer degradation determination processing.

Here, the displacement amount ΔL when the transport belt21peels off from the pressurizing roller41, that is, a maximum displacement amount ΔLmax is substantially proportional to an adhesive force of the surface25A of the adhesive layer25. Further, when the maximum displacement amount ΔLmax is detected, a degree to which the adhesive layer25is degraded (degradation degree) can be evaluated.

Further, with reference to the threshold value data SD (seeFIG.8), the control unit100is capable of determining whether an adhesive force of the surface25A of the adhesive layer25is degraded to fall below a threshold value. For example, a threshold value SH of the displacement amount ΔL corresponding to the threshold value of the adhesive force is obtained in advance through a preliminary experiment, a calculation on simulation, or the like. When the displacement amount ΔL measured by the distance sensor81and the threshold value SH are compared with each other, it can be determined whether the adhesive layer25is degraded to have an adhesive force below the threshold value.

Threshold Value Data SD

Next, with reference toFIG.8, the threshold vale data SD is described. The threshold value data SD illustrated inFIG.8is the threshold value data SD, assuming that the medium M is fabric. As illustrated inFIG.8, in the threshold value data SD, the threshold value SH is set for each fabric type. For example, in the threshold value data Sd, a threshold value SH1, a threshold value SH2, . . . , and a threshold value SHn are set for first fabric, second fabric, . . . , and n-th fabric, respectively. When information relating to a fabric type contained in the printing condition information is received from the operation unit13, the control unit100selects the threshold value SH in accordance with the corresponding fabric type with reference to the threshold value data SD.

The threshold value SH may be the displacement amount ΔL that is determined in advance before shipping of the printing apparatus11. Further, the threshold value SH may be the displacement amount ΔL directly before a user replaces the adhesive layer25. In the latter case, at timing directly before replacing the adhesive layer25, a user operates the operation unit13, and thus instructs the printing apparatus11to execute the adhesive layer degradation determination processing. The control unit100that receives the instruction executes the adhesive layer degradation determination processing. As a result of this, the obtained displacement amount ΔL is stored in a predetermined storage region of the storage unit112, and the stored displacement amount ΔL is used as the threshold value SH.

Adhesive Layer Degradation Determination Processing

FIG.9is a graph for describing the adhesive layer degradation determination processing. In the graph shown inFIG.9, the horizontal axis indicates an elapse time t when the pressurizing roller41moves in the first direction DR1at a constant speed, and the vertical axis indicates the displacement amount ΔL. The line DP in the graph indicates the displacement amount ΔL when the transport belt21peels off from the pressurizing roller41. As indicated with the two-dot chain line A in the graph ofFIG.9, directly after the adhesive layer25is replaced, the displacement amount ΔL until the transport belt21peels off is an initial large displacement amount ΔL0. After that, an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25is gradually reduced as printing is repeated. The solid line B in the graph ofFIG.9indicates that the displacement amount ΔL until the transport belt21peels off still exceeds the threshold value SH. In addition, as indicated with the two-dot chain line C in the graph ofFIG.9, when an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25is reduced, the displacement amount ΔL when the transport belt21peels off is below the threshold value SH. When the displacement amount ΔL is below the threshold value SH as described above, the determination unit111determines that the adhesive layer25is degraded.

Here, the following two methods are given as a determination method for the adhesive layer25.(a) A determination method based on whether the displacement amount ΔL is below the threshold value SH, the displacement amount ΔL being measured by moving the pressurizing roller41until the transport belt21peels off.(b) A determination method based on whether peeling occurs while moving the pressurizing roller41until the displacement amount ΔL is equal to the threshold value SH.

In the first method (a), when the maximum displacement amount ΔL when the transport belt21peels off is below the threshold value SH, the control unit100determines that the adhesive layer25is degraded. Further, in the second method (b), in a case in which the pressurizing roller41moves to such a height that the displacement amount ΔL is equal to the threshold value SH, when the lifted transport belt21peels off from the pressurizing roller41, the control unit100determines that the adhesive layer25is degraded.

Actions of Exemplary Embodiment

Next, description is made of effects of the transport device20and the printing apparatus11according to this exemplary embodiment.

A user operates the operation unit13, and thus instructs execution of the adhesive layer degradation determination processing. The determination processing may be executed before the medium M is set on the transport belt21, or may be executed in a state in which the medium M is not on the transport belt21after printing is completed. The adhesive layer degradation determination processing is processing for determining whether an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25during printing is appropriate, that is, whether the adhesive layer25is degraded. Thus, the adhesive layer degradation determination processing is basically executed with heating under a heating condition during printing. However, the adhesive layer degradation determination processing may be executed at a normal temperature. Note that, when the processing is executed at a normal temperature, reference data indicating a relationship between a temperature and an adhesive force for each material of the adhesive layer25is acquired in advance through a preliminary experiment, simulation, or the like, and is stored in the storage unit112. Further, the measured displacement amount ΔL may be converted into the displacement amount ΔL at a heating temperature during printing, with reference to the reference data, and the converted displacement amount ΔL may be used to determined degradation of the adhesive layer25.

When an instruction signal that instructs execution of the adhesive layer degradation determination processing is input from the operation unit13, the control unit100executes the adhesive layer degradation determination processing illustrated inFIG.10. Note that, before execution of the adhesive layer degradation determination processing executed without presence of the medium M, it is assumed that the pressurizing roller41is present at the retraction position away from the adhesive layer25in the first direction DR1.

First, in Step S11, the control unit100lowers the abutting unit71until the abutting unit71abuts against the adhesive layer25. In other words, the control unit100controls the moving mechanism42, and thus moves the pressurizing roller41in the second direction DR2from the retraction position to the abutting position of abutting against the surface25A of the adhesive layer25. As a result, as illustrated inFIG.5, the pressurizing roller41abutting against the surface25A is pressed against the surface25A of the transport belt21with an own weight as a load.

In Step S12, the control unit100raises the pressurizing roller41. In other words, the control unit100controls the moving mechanism42, and thus moves the pressurizing roller41in the first direction DR1from the abutting position. As illustrated inFIG.6, when the pressurizing roller41moves in the first direction DR1, the transport belt21adhering to the pressurizing roller41is lifted up. As a result, the lifted-up part of the transport belt21is displaced in the first direction DR1.

In Step S13, the control unit100measures the displacement amount ΔL of the transport belt21. In other words, the control unit100controls the displacement detection unit73, and thus measures the displacement amount ΔL of the transport belt21. When the displacement detection unit73is the distance sensor81, the distance sensor81measures the second distance L1 to the back surface of the transport belt21lifted up by the pressurizing roller41. The control unit100acquires the displacement amount ΔL (=L1−L0) by subtracting the first distance L0 to the back surface of the transport belt21before the lift-up from the second distance L1 measured by the distance sensor81.

In Step S14, the control unit100evaluates a degradation degree of the adhesive layer. In this example, when the medium M is fabric, the control unit100refers to the threshold value data SD read from the storage unit112, based on a corresponding fabric type selected by a user, and acquires the threshold value SH in accordance with the fabric type. Further, the control unit100uses the first method (a) or the second method (b), and thus evaluates a degradation degree of the adhesive layer25through use of the threshold value SH. The distance sensor81is capable of continuously measuring the displacement amount ΔL of the transport belt21, and hence any method of the first method (a) and the second method (b) may be adopted.

In other words, in the first method (a), the displacement detection unit73measures the displacement amount ΔL when the transport belt21peels off from the pressurizing roller41raised at a constant speed, and it is determined whether the displacement amount ΔL is below the threshold value SH. When the displacement amount ΔL is not below the threshold value SH, the control unit100evaluates that the adhesive layer25is not degraded. In contrast, when the displacement amount ΔL is below the threshold value SH, the control unit100evaluates that the adhesive layer25is degraded.

Further, in the second method (b), the control unit100moves the pressurizing roller41in the first direction DR1until the displacement amount ΔL is equal to the threshold value SH, and determines whether the transport belt21peels off. When the transport belt21does not peel off, the control unit100evaluates that the adhesive layer25is not degraded. In contrast, when the transport belt21peels off, the control unit100evaluates that the adhesive layer25is degraded.

In Step S15, the control unit100determines whether the adhesive layer25is degraded. In a case in which the transport belt21peels off from the pressurizing roller41, when the displacement amount ΔL is equal to or greater than the threshold value SH based on the evaluation result, the control unit100determines that the adhesive layer25is not degraded. In contrast, in a case in which the transport belt21peels off from the pressurizing roller41, when the displacement amount ΔL is below the threshold value SH based on the evaluation result, the control unit100determines that the adhesive layer25is degraded.

In Step S16, the control unit100issues a notification of the information indicating that the adhesive layer25is degraded. The control unit100causes the notification unit17to issue a notification of the information indicating that the adhesive layer25is degraded. When the notification unit17is the display unit14, the control unit100causes the display unit14to display a message indicating “Replace the adhesive layer”, for example. Further, when the notification unit17is a sound generator, the control unit100causes the sound generator to generate an announcement indicating “Replace the adhesive layer”, for example.

In Step S17, the control unit100executes processing for increasing an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25. In this example in which the adhesive layer25is a heat-sensitive type, the control unit100adjusts a temperature of the adhesive layer25heated by the heating unit75, based on the determination result indicating whether the adhesive layer25is degraded. The control unit100raises a heating temperature of the heating unit75, and thus obtains a higher adhesive force of the adhesive layer25. Thus, even when the adhesive layer25is degraded, the medium M can be caused to adhere to the surface25A of the adhesive layer25with a required adhesive force. In this case, the control unit100may increase a temperature of the adhesive layer25by increasing a heating temperature of the first heating unit35, or may increase a temperature of the adhesive layer25in the pressurizing region of the pressurizing roller41by increasing a heating temperature of the second heating unit56and increasing a temperature of the pressurizing roller41. Note that heating temperatures of both the first heating unit35and the second heating unit56may be increased together. Further, adjustment of a temperature of the adhesive layer25may be performed when the adhesive layer25is a pressure-sensitive type.

In contrast, when the adhesive layer25is a pressure-sensitive type, the control unit100causes the moving mechanism42to adjust a position of the pressurizing roller41with respect to the adhesive layer25, based on the determination result indicating whether the adhesive layer25is degraded. With this, a pressure of the pressurizing roller41with respect to the adhesive layer25is adjusted. When it is determined that the adhesive layer25is degraded, the control unit100causes the moving mechanism42to adjust a position of the pressurizing roller41with respect to the adhesive layer25in the second direction DR2. As a result, a pressure with which the pressurizing roller41presses the adhesive layer25is increased, and an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25is increased by an amount of the increased pressure. Note that adjustment of a pressure of the pressurizing roller41with respect to the adhesive layer25may be performed when the adhesive layer25is a heat-sensitive type. Even when the adhesive layer25is a heat-sensitive type, a pressure of the pressurizing roller41with respect to the adhesive layer25is adjusted. With this, a degree to which the medium M is brought into close contact with the adhesive layer25is adjusted. As a result, an effect similar to increase of an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25can be exerted.

As described above, when it is determined that the adhesive layer25is degraded, material characteristics of the adhesive forming the adhesive layer25of a heat-sensitive type or the adhesive layer25of a pressure-sensitive type are utilized, and a temperature or a pressure applied to the adhesive layer25is increased more than a set heating temperature that is set in accordance with a type of the medium M (for example, fabric). Thus, printing with high quality can be continues until the adhesive layer25is replaced.

Thus, a user who sees the information indicating that the adhesive layer25is degraded, the message that suggests replacement of the adhesive layer25, and the like stops an operation of the printing apparatus11, and replaces the adhesive layer25that has been used with a new adhesive layer25. For example, a user replaces the adhesive layer25by performing an operation such as removal of the adhesive layer25from the transport belt21, application of a new adhesive on the surface of the belt base material21B, and the like.

Effects of Exemplary Embodiment

According to the exemplary embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.(1) The transport device20includes the transport belt21, the abutting unit71, the moving mechanism72, and the displacement detection unit73. The transport belt21has the adhesive layer25capable of adhering to the medium M, and is capable of transporting the medium M adhering to the adhesive layer25. The abutting unit71is capable of abutting against the surface25A of the adhesive layer25. It is assumed that the direction in which the abutting unit71is away from the adhesive layer25is the first direction DR1and the direction being the direction opposite to the first direction DR1and the direction in which the abutting unit71approaches the adhesive layer25is the second direction DR2. The moving mechanism72is capable of moving the position of the abutting unit71with respect to the surface25A in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2. The displacement detection unit73detects the displacement amount ΔL of the transport belt21in the first direction DR1. The displacement amount ΔL is generated when the moving mechanism72moves the abutting unit71in the first direction DR1while the abutting unit71abuts against the surface25A.

With this configuration, the abutting unit71abuts against the adhesive layer25of the transport belt21, and thus adheres to the surface25A of the adhesive layer25. The abutting unit71moves in the first direction DR1away from the transport belt21, and thus the abutting unit71is caused to peel off from the surface25A of the adhesive layer25. The displacement detection unit73detects the displacement amount ΔL of the transport belt21in the first direction DR1during this process, and thus an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25is detected. With this, as compared to a case in which an adhesive force is detected through sliding in the direction along the surface25A of the adhesive layer25(the transport direction Y/the width direction X), the adhesive layer25is less worn, and rapid degradation of the adhesive layer25(reduction of an adhesive force) can be suppressed. Thus, sliding friction between the abutting unit71and the transport belt21is suppressed at the time of detecting presence or absence of degradation of the adhesive layer25. Thus, presence or absence of degradation of the adhesive layer25can be detected while suppressing rapid degradation of the adhesive layer25.(2) The displacement detection unit73detects the displacement amount ΔL of the transport belt21in the first direction DR1in a non-contact manner. With this configuration, the displacement detection unit73is capable detecting the displacement amount ΔL of the transport belt21in a non-contact manner, and hence degradation of the adhesive layer25can be suppressed more than contact-type detection.(3) The abutting unit71is the pressurizing roller41that presses the medium M against the adhesive layer25. With this configuration, the pressurizing roller41is used as the abutting unit71. Thus, the displacement amount ΔL of the transport belt21in the first direction DR1can be detected with a simple configuration.(4) The transport device20includes the control unit100that determines whether the adhesive layer25is degraded, based on the displacement amount ΔL detected by the displacement detection unit73, and the notification unit17that issues a notification of information. When it is determined that the adhesive layer25is degraded, the control unit100causes the notification unit17to issue a notification of the information indicating that the adhesive layer25is degraded. With this configuration, a user is allowed to sense degradation of the adhesive layer25in an objective manner.(5) The adhesive layer25is formed of an adhesive having a higher adhesive force as a temperature is higher. The transport device20includes the heating unit75that heats the adhesive layer25in the pressurizing region in which the pressurizing roller41pressurizes the surface25A of the adhesive layer25or at the position upstream of the pressuring region in the circling direction CD of the transport belt21. The control unit100adjusts a temperature of the adhesive layer25heated by the heating unit75, based on the determination result indicating whether the adhesive layer25is degraded. With this configuration, a temperature of the adhesive layer25is increased, and thus an adhesive force of the degraded adhesive layer25can be temporarily increased.(6) The adhesive layer25is formed of an adhesive having a higher adhesive force as a pressure is higher. The control unit100causes the moving mechanism72to adjust a position of the pressurizing roller41with respect to the adhesive layer25, based on the determination result indicating whether the adhesive layer25is degraded. With this, a pressure of the pressurizing roller41with respect to the adhesive layer25is adjusted. With this configuration, a pressure with respect to the adhesive layer25is increased, and thus an adhesive force of the degraded adhesive layer25can be temporarily increased.(7) The printing apparatus11includes the transport belt21, the printing unit30, the abutting unit71, the moving mechanism72, and the displacement detection unit73. The printing unit30performs printing on the medium M transported by the transport belt21, through use of the transport belt21that has the adhesive layer25capable of adhering to the medium M and is capable of transporting the medium M adhering to the adhesive layer25. The abutting unit71is capable of abutting against the surface25A of the adhesive layer25. The moving mechanism72is capable of moving the position of the abutting unit71with respect to the surface25A in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2. The displacement detection unit73detects the displacement amount ΔL of the transport belt21in the first direction DR1. The displacement amount ΔL is generated when the moving mechanism72moves the abutting unit71in the first direction DR1while the abutting unit71abuts against the surface25A. With this configuration, in the printing apparatus11, sliding friction between the abutting unit71and the transport belt21is suppressed at the time of detecting presence or absence of degradation of the adhesive layer25. Thus, presence or absence of degradation of the adhesive layer25can be detected while suppressing rapid degradation of the adhesive layer25.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Next, with reference toFIG.11andFIG.12, a second exemplary embodiment is described. The basic configuration of the printing apparatus11is similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment described above. A difference from the first exemplary embodiment is that the transport device20uses a camera82as the displacement detection unit73.

InFIG.11, the moving mechanisms42are similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment described above, and the pair of moving units44are provided. The pair of moving units44move the position of the abutting unit71with respect to the surface25A in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2. Similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, the abutting unit71is the pressurizing roller41.

As illustrated inFIG.11, for example, the displacement detection unit73may be the camera82. The camera82captures an image of a side end of the transport belt21in the width direction X along the axial direction of the pressurizing roller41. The camera82acquires an image ID (seeFIG.12) obtained by viewing the transport belt21from a side. Specifically, an imaging height of the camera82matches with a height position of the back surface of the transport belt21. The camera82captures a region in which a part of the transport belt21, which is lifted up by the pressurizing roller41, is positioned at the center of the width of the captured region and an entire part of the transport belt21, which is displaced in the first direction DR1, is fitted in the captured region. Note that the camera82may be arranged at the position indicated with the two-dot chain line inFIG.11. In other words, the camera82may be arranged at a position upstream of the transport belt21in the transport direction Y. The camera82may capture an image of the transport belt21from upstream to downstream in the transport direction Y. The imaging height of the camera82is set so as to be flush with the height of the surface25A of the transport belt21.

FIG.12illustrates the image ID captured by the camera82. As illustrated inFIG.12, there is captured the image ID that contains the part of the transport belt21, which is lifted up the pressurizing roller41, with an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25. The members and the like shown in the image ID are denoted with “I” at the ends of the reference symbols so as to be distinguished from the actual members and the like. The image ID contains a pressurizing roller411used as an abutting unit711, moving mechanisms421and721, a moving unit441, a shaft portion41AI, a first bearing541, a transport belt211, an adhesive layer251, a surface25AI, and the like. In the image ID, the back surface of the transport belt211is captured as a horizontal linear line. In other words, the image ID is an image captured by the camera82from the height position flush with the upper surface portion24aof the transport belt21horizontally toward the transport belt21.

The following two methods are given as an imaging method. In a first method, the maximum displacement amount ΔLmax is detected. The camera82continuously acquires a plurality of images, or captures a moving image. In this case, the control unit100performs an image analysis for the plurality of images ID, and acquires one greatest displacement amount ΔL as the maximum displacement amount ΔLmax. The determination unit111determines that the adhesive layer25is not degraded when the maximum displacement amount ΔLmax is equal to or greater than the threshold value SH, and determines the adhesive layer25is degraded when the maximum displacement amount ΔLmax is less than the threshold value SH.

In a second method, the abutting unit71moves in the first direction DR1to such a height position that the displacement amount ΔL is equal to the threshold value SH, and the camera82captures the image ID at the time when the abutting unit71arrives at the height position corresponding to the threshold value SH. The control unit100performs an image analysis for the image ID. When the transport belt211is in an adhering state of being lifted up by the abutting unit711, it is determined that the adhesive layer25is not degraded. Meanwhile, as a result of the image analysis, when the transport belt211in the image ID is in a non-adhering state of peeling off from the abutting unit711, the control unit100determines that the adhesive layer25is degraded.

The present exemplary embodiment in which the camera82is used as the displacement detection unit73, the control unit100also executes the adhesive layer degradation determination processing illustrated inFIG.10. The processing in Step S11, Step S12, and Step S14to Step S17other than Step S13inFIG.10is basically similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment described above. Step S13is different from that in the first exemplary embodiment described above in that the control unit100performs an image analysis for the image ID captured by the camera82to measure the displacement amount ΔL.

According to the second exemplary embodiment, the following effects can be exerted in addition to the effects (1) to (7) in the first exemplary embodiment described above.(8) As the displacement detection unit73, the camera82is used. The image ID captured by the camera82is subjected to an image analysis, and thus the displacement amount ΔL is acquired. Thus, the displacement amount ΔL can be measured in a non-contact manner.

Note that the above-described exemplary embodiment may be modified to modes as in the following modified examples. In addition, appropriate combinations of the exemplary embodiments described above and modified examples described below may be regarded as further modified examples, and the modified examples described below may be appropriately combined with each other and regarded as further modified examples.The function of the pressurizing roller41is to suppress floating or creases by pressing down the medium M. With this, as illustrated inFIG.13, the pressurizing roller41is preferably provided in the width direction X over an entire region MA to which the medium M adheres or an entire region RA larger than the region MA. In the example ofFIG.13, the region RA in which the pressurizing roller41abuts against the transport belt21is smaller than the region MA to which the medium M adheres. In other words, the region MA of the adhesive layer25to which the medium M adheres is a region positioned on the inner side of the region RA of the adhesive layer25against which the pressurizing roller41abuts. Thus, a region OA is present on the transport belt21, specifically, on the outer side of the region MA in the width direction X, to which the medium M adheres. The medium M does not adhere the region OA, but the pressurizing roller41abuts against the region OA. When the pressurizing roller41is used as the abutting unit71of the adhesive force measuring mechanism70, the displacement amount ΔL may be measured by causing the pressurizing roller41to abut against the adhesive layer25in the region OA on the outer side of the medium M. In this case, even when the medium M adheres to the transport belt21, presence or absence of degradation of an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25can be determined.As illustrated inFIG.14, the abutting unit71of the adhesive force measuring mechanism70may be a member different from the pressurizing roller41. The abutting unit71may be provided to the region MA to which the medium M adheres. With this configuration, presence or absence of degradation of the adhesive layer25in the region MA to which the medium M adheres can be determined as appropriate. In some cases, a degradation degree of the adhesive layer25may differ in the region MA to which the medium M adheres and the region OA to which the medium M does not adhere. In the region MA, adhering and peeling of the medium M are repeated. Moreover, a liquid such as ink and waste thread such as fluff generated from the medium M, when the medium M is fabric, easily adhere thereto. Such a liquid or waste thread may cause rapid degradation of the adhesive layer25. Note that the abutting unit71different from the pressurizing roller41may always be mounted to the transport device20, or may have a removable configuration in which the abutting unit71is mounted to the transport device20at the time of measurement of the displacement amount ΔL.The abutting unit71may be the pressurizing roller41dedicated to determination. For example, when the medium M is fabric, an embossed pattern that is similar to a woven pattern of the fabric is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the pressurizing roller41dedicated to determination. When the displacement amount ΔL is measured, the pressurizing roller41for printing is replaced with the pressurizing roller41dedicated to determination. As compared to a case in which the pressurizing roller41for printing is used for determination, an adhesive force with respect to fabric can be evaluated as appropriated based on the displacement amount ΔL. Note that a plurality of pressurizing rollers41dedicated to determination, on which embossed patterns different for respective fabric types are formed, are prepared. There may be adopted a method of measuring the displacement amount ΔL in which one pressurizing roller41dedicated to determination, on which an embossed pattern is formed in accordance with a fabric type, is selected for replacement.The abutting unit71may be the squeegee63. In the example illustrated inFIG.2, the lifting and lowering mechanism65that lifts up and lowers the cleansing unit60is used as the moving mechanism72. In this case, a lowering direction being a direction in which the squeegee63being the abutting unit71is away from the adhesive layer25is the first direction DS1, and a raising direction being a direction opposite to the first direction DS1and a direction in which the squeegee63approaches the adhesive layer25is the second direction DS2. The lifting and lowering mechanism65is capable of moving the position of the squeegee63with respect to the surface25A in the first direction DS1and the second direction DS2. Measurement of the displacement amount ΔL may be performed in a state in which the transport belt21is stopped or a state in which the transport belt21is driven. Further, degradation of the adhesive layer25may be determined in a wet process in which the surface25A of the adhesive layer25is wet with the cleansing solution while performing cleansing, or degradation of the adhesive layer25may be determined in a dry process in which the surface25A of the adhesive layer25is not wet. Further, the moving mechanism capable of lifting up and lowering the squeegee63independently from the reservoir tank61and the brush62may be additionally provided.In each of the exemplary embodiments described above and the modified examples described above, presence or absence of degradation of the adhesive layer25is determined through comparison between the displacement amount ΔL and one threshold value SH. However, a degradation degree of the adhesive layer25may be determined at a plurality of steps. For example, a plurality of threshold values SH are set in accordance with degradation degrees. The control unit100determines which threshold value SH among the plurality of threshold values SH exceeds the displacement amount ΔL, and thus determines a degradation value in accordance with the exceeding threshold value.The distance sensor81being an example of the displacement detection unit73may be an ultrasonic type.The displacement detection unit73may be a contact-type sensor. With a configuration in which the contact-type sensor is brought into contact with the back surface of the transport belt21, there is no risk that measurement of the displacement amount ΔL causes rapid degradation of the adhesive layer25.Only the first heating unit35that heats the surface25A of the transport belt21at the position upstream of the pressurizing region of the pressurizing roller41in the circling direction CD may be used as the heating unit75. Further, only the second heating unit56that heats the pressurizing roller41may be used as the heating unit75.Adjustment of a pressure of the pressurizing roller with respect to the adhesive layer may be performed by a transport belt moving mechanism, which is omitted in illustration, by adjusting the positions of the transport belt21and the adhesive layer25with respect to the pressurizing roller41. The transport belt moving mechanism is a mechanism that moves the transport belt21together with the driving roller23A and the driven roller23B in the vertical direction Z, and includes, for example, the lifting and lowering mechanism that moves the driving roller23A and the driven roller23B in the vertical direction Z. The lifting and lowering mechanism includes, for example, a ball screw and a motor that rotatably drives the ball screw. The configuration of the lifting and lowering mechanism is not particularly limited as long as the transport belt21can be moved in the vertical direction Z. When it is determined that the adhesive layer25is degraded, the control unit100may cause the transport belt moving mechanism, which is omitted in illustration, to adjust the positions of the transport belt21and the adhesive layer25with respect to the pressurizing roller41in the first direction DR1. As a result, a pressure with which the adhesive layer25is pressed against the pressurizing roller41, and an adhesive force of the adhesive layer25is increased by an amount of the increased pressure.The printing apparatus11is not limited to a printing apparatus that performs printing on the medium M such as fabric, and may be an ink-jet printer that performs printing on the medium M such as cutform paper and roll paper. Further, the printing apparatus11may be a multifunction machine including the transport device20of a belt type.The printing apparatus11is not limited to a serial printer or a line printer, and may be a lateral-type printer in which the ejection unit31is movable in the two directions including the width direction X and the transport direction Y.The transport device20may be provided to the printing apparatus11of a dot impact type or to the printing apparatus11of a thermal transfer printing type.

Hereinafter, technical concepts that are understood from the above-described exemplary embodiments and the modified examples are described together with actions and effects thereof.(A) A transport device includes a transport belt having an adhesive layer to which a medium is adherable and being configured to transport the medium adhering to the adhesive layer, an abutting unit configured to abut against a surface of the adhesive layer, a moving mechanism configured to move a position of the abutting unit with respect to the surface in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction being a direction in which the abutting unit is away from the adhesive layer, the second direction being a direction opposite to the first direction and a direction in which the abutting unit approaches the adhesive layer, and a displacement detection unit configured to detect a displacement amount of the transport belt in the first direction, when the moving mechanism moves the abutting unit in the first direction while the abutting unit abuts against the surface.

With this configuration, the abutting unit abuts against the adhesive layer of the transport belt, and thus adheres to the surface of the adhesive layer. The abutting unit moves in the first direction away from the transport belt, and thus the abutting unit is caused to peel off from the surface of the adhesive layer. The displacement detection unit detects the displacement amount of the transport belt in the first direction during this process, and thus an adhesive force of the adhesive layer is detected. With this, as compared to a case in which an adhesive force is detected through sliding in the direction along the surface of the adhesive layer (the transport direction/the width direction), the adhesive layer is less worn, and rapid degradation of the adhesive layer (reduction of an adhesive force) can be suppressed. Thus, sliding friction between the abutting unit and the transport belt is suppressed at the time of detecting presence or absence of degradation of the adhesive layer. Thus, presence or absence of degradation of the adhesive layer can be detected while suppressing rapid degradation of the adhesive layer.(B) In the transport device described above, the displacement detection unit may detect the displacement amount of the transport belt in the first direction in a non-contact manner.

With this configuration, the displacement detection unit is capable detecting the displacement amount of the transport belt in a non-contact manner, and hence degradation of the adhesive layer can be suppressed more than contact-type detection.(C) In the transport device described above, the abutting unit may be a pressurizing roller that pressurizes the medium against the adhesive layer.

With this configuration, the pressurizing roller is used as the abutting unit. Thus, the displacement amount of the transport belt in the first direction can be detected with a simple configuration.(D) The transport device described above may further include a control unit configured to determine whether the adhesive layer is degraded, based on the displacement amount detected by the displacement detection unit, and a notification unit configured to issue a notification of information, wherein, when it is determined that the adhesive layer is degraded, the control unit may cause the notification unit to issue a notification of information indicating degradation of the adhesive layer.

With this configuration, a user is allowed to sense degradation of the adhesive layer in an objective manner.(E) The transport device described above may further include a heating unit configured to heat the adhesive layer in a pressurizing region in which the pressurizing roller pressurizes the surface of the adhesive layer or at a position upstream of the pressuring region in a circling direction of the transport belt, wherein the control unit may adjust a temperature the adhesive layer heated by the heating unit, in accordance with a determination result indicating whether the adhesive layer is degraded.

With this configuration, a temperature of the adhesive layer is increased, and thus an adhesive force of the degraded adhesive layer can be temporarily increased.(F) In the transport device described above, the control unit may cause the moving mechanism to adjust a position of the pressurizing roller with respect to the adhesive layer, in accordance with a determination result indicating whether the adhesive layer is degraded, and thus may adjust a pressure of the pressurizing roller onto the adhesive layer.

With this configuration, a pressure with respect to the adhesive layer is increased, and thus an adhesive force of the degraded adhesive layer can be temporarily increased.(G) A printing apparatus includes a transport belt having an adhesive layer to which a medium is adherable and being configured to transport the medium adhering to the adhesive layer, a printing unit configured to perform printing on the medium transported by the transport belt, an abutting unit configured to abut against a surface of the adhesive layer, a moving mechanism configured to move a position of the abutting unit with respect to the surface in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction being a direction in which the abutting unit is away from the adhesive layer, the second direction being a direction opposite to the first direction and a direction in which the abutting unit approaches the adhesive layer, and a displacement detection unit configured to detect a displacement amount of the transport belt in the first direction, when the moving mechanism moves the abutting unit in the first direction while the abutting unit abuts against the surface.

With this configuration, in the printing apparatus, sliding friction between the abutting unit and the transport belt is suppressed at the time of detecting presence or absence of degradation of the adhesive layer. Thus, presence or absence of degradation of the adhesive layer can be detected while suppressing rapid degradation of the adhesive layer.