JP2004314585A - Image recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent ink from hardening at discharge openings of recording heads. <P>SOLUTION: The image recording apparatus 1 has supporting drums 7 and 8 which rotate about axial centers, the recording heads 21-28 for discharging the ink of a photo-curing type towards the outer peripheral face of each of the supporting drums 7 and 8 from the discharge openings, and light radiation devices 30 and 36 for radiating light towards the outer peripheral face of each of the supporting drums 7 and 8. In the image recording apparatus 1, the light emitted from respective light sources 31 and 37 of the light radiation devices 30 and 36 enters the supporting drums 7 and 8 by an angle orthogonal to a transfer direction of a recording medium 2 supported and transferred by the supporting drums 7 and 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that records an image using a photocurable ink, and more particularly to a mechanism that prevents the ink from being cured at a discharge port of a recording head.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the inkjet recording method has been applied to various printing fields such as special printing such as photographs, various printings, markings and color filters, because images can be created more easily and at a lower cost than the gravure printing method. I have. In particular, in the inkjet recording system, a recording device of the inkjet recording system that ejects and controls fine dots, ink with improved color reproduction range, durability, ejection suitability, etc., ink absorptivity, coloring material color development, surface gloss By combining it with special paper that dramatically improves the quality of images, it is possible to obtain image quality comparable to silver halide photography.
[0003]
Various excellent inks have been developed and put into practical use as recording inks used in today's ink jet recording systems, and among them, a photocurable ink that cures by irradiation of light (ultraviolet light) has been developed and put into practical use. ing. This photocurable ink has a relatively low odor compared to other types of inks, and can be used for recording on a soft packaging recording medium such as a shrink film that does not absorb ink other than dedicated paper. Particular attention has been paid.
[0004]
Patent Literature 1 describes an example of an ink jet recording apparatus using a photocurable ink. Specifically, in the printing apparatus of Patent Document 1, a rotatable and transparent drum-shaped intermediate transfer body and a print head facing the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body are provided. From the outer surface of the intermediate transfer body, and irradiates the ink that has landed on the intermediate transfer body with light from outside the intermediate transfer body, and then records the irradiated ink while rotating the intermediate transfer body. It is transferred to the medium. With such a recording mode, the recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 prevents image quality deterioration such as beading and bleeding, and adjusts the viscosity of the ink that has landed on the intermediate transfer member to transfer the ink to the recording medium at an optimum viscosity. I can do it.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-283545 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the recording apparatus of Patent Document 1, when light is incident on the intermediate transfer member, the incident light is diffused or irregularly reflected on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member and is incident on the ink ejection port of the recording head, thereby performing recording. There is a possibility that the ink may be cured at the ejection openings of the head. In this case, a predetermined amount of ink is not ejected or no ink is ejected at the ejection openings of the recording head, causing ink ejection failure (clogging). As a result, image quality is reduced. I will.
[0007]
Further, in a recording apparatus of a recording mode in which ink is ejected toward the outer peripheral surface of a rotating body and irradiated with light, as in the recording apparatus of Patent Document 1, a case where a plurality of recording media are image-recorded at a high speed, or When performing image recording on both sides, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of rotating bodies serving as intermediate transfer bodies, and provide a recording head and a light irradiation device for each of them. In such a recording apparatus, since the number of light sources increases in accordance with the number of light irradiation apparatuses, light emitted from each light irradiation apparatus may randomly enter the discharge port of each recording head. . Also in this case, similarly to the above, clogging of the ink occurs at the ejection openings of the recording head, which leads to deterioration of image quality.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of suppressing incidence of miscellaneous light on an ink ejection port surface and preventing ink curing at the ink ejection port so that unnecessary light is not irradiated on the recording head ejection port surface. It is to be.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention provides
Transport support means for supporting and transporting the recording medium,
A recording head that has an ejection port for ejecting ink that is cured by light irradiation, and ejects the ink from the ejection port toward the recording medium on the transport support unit;
A light irradiation device that irradiates light toward the transport support unit,
With
The light emitted from the light irradiation device is incident on the transport support means at an angle perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium.
[0010]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the light emitted from the light irradiation device is incident on the transport support means at an angle orthogonal to the transport direction of the recording medium. It does not diffuse or diffusely reflect on the surface. Therefore, the light emitted from the light irradiating device does not enter the ejection openings of the recording head, and the curing of the ink at the ejection openings of the recording head can be prevented.
[0011]
The image recording apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention
A plurality of transport support means for supporting and transporting the recording medium,
A plurality of recording heads having an ejection port for ejecting ink that is cured by light irradiation, and ejecting the ink separately from the ejection port toward the recording medium on each of the transport support means,
A plurality of light irradiation devices that irradiate light separately toward each of the transport support means,
A blocking member for blocking light incident on the ejection openings of the recording heads,
It is characterized by having.
[0012]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the light blocking member is provided, the light incident on the ejection port of each recording head is blocked, and the light emitted from each light irradiation device randomly enters the ejection port of each recording head. Never. Therefore, even when the number of recording heads and light irradiation devices is increased in accordance with the number of transport support means, it is possible to prevent the ink from being cured at the ejection ports of each recording head.
[0013]
The image recording apparatus of the invention according to claim 3 is
A drum-shaped rotating body that rotates around the axis,
A recording head that has a discharge port for discharging ink that is cured by light irradiation, and discharges the ink from the discharge port toward the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body;
A light irradiation device that irradiates light toward the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body,
With
The light emitted from the light irradiation device is incident on the rotating body at an angle perpendicular to a tangent to an outer peripheral surface of the rotating body.
[0014]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the light emitted from the light irradiation device is incident on the rotating body at an angle perpendicular to the tangent to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body. There is no diffusion or irregular reflection on the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, the light emitted from the light irradiating device does not enter the ejection openings of the recording head, and the curing of the ink at the ejection openings of the recording head can be prevented.
[0015]
The image recording apparatus of the invention according to claim 4 is
A plurality of drum-shaped rotating bodies that rotate about an axis;
A plurality of recording heads having an ejection port for ejecting ink that is cured by light irradiation, and ejecting the ink separately from the ejection port toward the outer peripheral surface of each of the rotating bodies,
A plurality of light irradiation devices that separately irradiate light toward the outer peripheral surface of each of the rotating bodies,
A blocking member for blocking light incident on the ejection openings of the recording heads,
It is characterized by having.
[0016]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the light blocking member is provided, the light incident on the discharge port of each recording head is blocked, and the light emitted from each light irradiation device randomly enters the discharge port of each recording head. Never. Therefore, even when the number of recording heads and light irradiation devices is increased corresponding to the number of rotating bodies, it is possible to prevent the ink from being cured at the ejection ports of each recording head.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.
[0018]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention. Two storage trays 3 for stacking and storing a plurality of recording media 2 are provided below the inside of the image recording apparatus 1. 4 are provided in two upper and lower stages, and on one upper side of each of the storage trays 3 and 4, take-out devices 5 and 6 for taking out the recording medium 2 on which an image is to be recorded one by one from the storage trays 3 and 4. Are provided respectively. As the recording medium 2, a cut sheet-shaped recording medium 2 made of a material such as various papers such as plain paper, recycled paper, glossy paper, various fabrics, various nonwoven fabrics, resin, metal, and glass is applicable.
[0019]
Above these storage trays 3, 4, first and second support drums 7, 8 as two transport support means for supporting the recording medium 2 are rotatably provided, respectively. The first support drum 7 is rotatably driven in a direction around the axis (counterclockwise rotation direction X in FIG. 1) by a drum drive mechanism 52 (see FIG. 2). Is driven to rotate in the direction around the axis (clockwise rotation direction Y in FIG. 1) by the drum driving mechanism 53 (see FIG. 2).
[0020]
On the peripheral surface of the first support drum 7, a plurality of suction holes 9, 9,... Constituting a recording medium holding device 54 (see FIG. 2) for holding the recording medium 2 on the peripheral surface are formed. The recording medium 2 is attracted to the peripheral surface of the first support drum 7 by sucking air inside the first support drum 7 by a suction device (not shown). Similarly, a plurality of suction holes 10, 10,... Constituting a recording medium holding device 55 (see FIG. 2) for holding the recording medium 2 on the peripheral surface are also provided on the peripheral surface of the second support drum 8. The recording medium 2 is adsorbed on the peripheral surface of the second support drum 8 by sucking air inside the second support drum 8 by a suction device (not shown).
[0021]
As another recording medium holding device, for example, a device that applies a voltage to the first and second support drums 7 and 8 and holds the recording medium 2 by an electrostatic action may be used. A mechanism for holding the recording medium 2 on the surfaces of the first and second support drums 7 and 8 is provided, and the recording medium 2 is conveyed to a predetermined position near the lower peripheral surface of the first and second support drums 7 and 8. At this point, a device that holds the recording medium 2 by operating the mechanism may be used.
[0022]
On the side of the image recording device 1, there is provided an unloading tray 11 for receiving the recorded recording medium 2 unloaded from the inside of the image recording device 1 to the outside.
[0023]
A plurality of first to sixth transports for transporting the recording medium 2 from the storage trays 3 and 4 to the output tray 11 via the peripheral surfaces of the first and second support drums 7 and 8 are provided inside the image recording apparatus 1. A plurality of pairs of transport rollers 18, 18,... For transporting the recording medium 2 in the transport direction are provided at predetermined positions on the first to sixth transport paths 12 to 17. Have been.
[0024]
The first transport path 12 is formed from the storage trays 3 and 4 toward the vicinity of the lower peripheral surface of the first support drum 7, and the second transport path 13 branched near the lower peripheral surface of the first support drum 7 and It is connected to the third transport path 14. The second transport path 13 is formed along the peripheral surface of the first support drum 7 from near the lower peripheral surface of the first support drum 7 to near the upper peripheral surface of the first support drum 7. 7 is formed upward from the vicinity of the lower peripheral surface. The second and third transport paths 13 and 14 join each other near the upper part of the peripheral surface of the first support drum 7 and are connected to the fourth transport path 15.
[0025]
In the vicinity of the lower portion of the peripheral surface of the first support drum 7 (a branch portion between the second transport path 13 and the third transport path 14), a rotation guide whose front end part can swing up and down around the base end part. The recording medium 2 is guided from the first transport path 12 to the second transport path 13 when the tip of the rotation guide 19 is upward, and when the tip of the rotation guide 19 is downward. The guide is guided from the first transport path 12 to the third transport path 14.
[0026]
The fourth transport path 15 is formed from the junction of the second transport path 13 and the third transport path 14 toward the lower peripheral surface of the second support drum 8, and is formed at the lower peripheral surface of the second support drum 8. It is connected to the branched fifth transport path 16 and the sixth transport path 17. The fifth transport path 16 is formed from below the peripheral surface of the second support drum 8 along the peripheral surface of the second support drum 8, and joins the fourth transport path 15. The sixth transport path 17 is formed from a lower peripheral surface of the second support drum 8 toward the unloading tray 11.
[0027]
In the vicinity of the upper part of the peripheral surface of the first support drum 7, inks of black (Bk), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) are sequentially applied to the recording medium 2 in the rotation direction X. The recording heads 21 to 24 are provided over the entire width of the first support drum 7. A plurality of ejection openings (not shown) for ejecting ink as droplets are provided at the bottom of each of the recording heads 21 to 24 (the portion facing the outer peripheral surface of the first support drum 7). Similarly, near the upper part of the peripheral surface of the second support drum 8, recording heads 25 to 28 that eject ink of each color of Bk, C, M, and Y to the recording medium 2 in the rotation direction Y are sequentially arranged. Are provided over the entire width of the second support drum 8, and a plurality of discharge ports for discharging ink as droplets are provided at the bottom of each of the recording heads 25 to 28 (portion facing the outer peripheral surface of the second support drum 8). (Not shown) is provided. As these recording heads 21 to 28, line type recording heads are preferably used.
[0028]
The ink used in the first embodiment is an ink that cures by irradiating light, particularly an ultraviolet curable ink that cures by irradiating ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet-curable inks are roughly classified into radical polymerizable inks containing radical polymerizable compounds and cationic polymerizable inks containing cationic polymerizable compounds as polymerizable compounds. Each of the inks can be applied as an ink used in the embodiment, and a hybrid ink obtained by combining a radical polymerization ink and a cationic polymerization ink may be applied as the ink used in the first embodiment.
[0029]
Above the first support drum 7, a first light irradiation for irradiating the ink discharged from each of the recording heads 21 to 24 to the recording medium 2 with light (ultraviolet light) having a predetermined wavelength to cure the ink. An apparatus 30 is provided. The first light irradiation device 30 includes a light source 31, optical systems 32 and 33, and reflecting mirrors 34 and 35, and emits light emitted from the light source 31 via the optical systems 32 and 33 and the reflecting mirrors 34 and 35. The recording medium 2 is guided directly above the first support drum 7 and is orthogonal to the transport direction of the recording medium 2 supported and transported by the first support drum 7 (in other words, perpendicularly intersects the tangent to the outer peripheral surface of the first support drum 7). (At an angle) onto the outer peripheral surface of the first support drum 7.
[0030]
Similarly, a light (ultraviolet light) having a predetermined wavelength is irradiated onto the ink ejected from each of the recording heads 25 to 28 onto the recording medium 2 above the second support drum 8 to cure the ink. A two-light irradiation device 36 is provided. The second light irradiation device 36 has a light source 37, optical systems 38 and 39, and reflecting mirrors 40 and 41. Light emitted from the light source 37 is transmitted through the optical systems 38 and 39 and the reflecting mirrors 40 and 41. The recording medium 2 is guided right above the second support drum 8 and is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 2 supported and conveyed by the second support drum 8 (in other words, perpendicularly intersects the tangent to the outer peripheral surface of the second support drum 8). (At an angle) to the outer peripheral surface of the second support drum 8.
[0031]
As the light sources 31 and 37 of the first and second light irradiation devices 30 and 36, it is preferable to use a diamond thin film MiS-LED (LED (light emitting diode) having a characteristic of a peak wavelength of 246 nm) that emits ultraviolet light. . Alternatively, an LED, a metal halide lamp, a xenon lamp, a carbon arc lamp, a chemical lamp, a low-pressure mercury lamp, a high-pressure mercury lamp, or the like, which is arranged so as to cover the entire width of the first and second support drums 7 and 8 may be used.
[0032]
In addition, in the internal space of the image recording apparatus 1 and between the first and second light irradiation devices 30 and 36 and the first and second support drums 7 and 8, the recording heads 21 to 28 are provided. A light blocking member 45 that blocks light incident on the discharge port is provided. The first and second support drums 7, 8 are provided on the blocking member 45 from the vicinity of each of the reflecting mirrors 35, 41 of the first and second light irradiation devices 30, 36 over the entire width of the first and second support drums 7, 8. There are provided slit-shaped optical path holes 46 and 47 penetrating toward the outer peripheral surface of the first and second support drums 7 and 8, respectively, from the first and second light irradiation devices 30 and 36. Irradiation is directed only to the outer peripheral surface of the.
[0033]
In addition, inside the image recording apparatus 1, in addition to the above-described members, there are provided members such as an ink tank that stores ink and a supply tube that communicates with the recording heads 21 to 28 from the ink tank. The members are provided inside the image recording device 1 in a state substantially surrounded by the blocking member 45, and each light from the first and second light irradiation devices 30, 36 is applied to members such as an ink tank and a supply member. It is designed to prevent incidence.
[0034]
FIG. 2 shows a control device for controlling the image recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The control device includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (none of which is shown). A control unit 50 is provided for expanding the processing program recorded in the ROM into the RAM and executing the processing program by the CPU.
[0035]
In accordance with the above-mentioned processing program, the control unit 50 controls the take-out devices 5 and 6, the transport mechanism 51 for operating the transport rollers 18 and the rotation guide 19, and the drum drive for rotating the first and second support drums 7 and 8. The operation of each component is controlled based on the status such as the operation status of the mechanisms 52 and 53, the recording medium holding devices 54 and 55, the recording heads 21 to 28, the first light irradiation device 30, and the second light irradiation device 36. It has become.
[0036]
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
(I) When an image is recorded on one side of the recording medium 2 using the first support drum 7
When image information is input to the control device of the image recording device 1, the control unit 50 operates the take-out devices 5 and 6 of the transport mechanism 51 to remove the uppermost recording medium 2 stored in the storage trays 3 and 4. Take it out. Then, the recording medium 2 taken out of the storage trays 3 and 4 is transported from the first transport path 12 to the second transport path 13 by rotating the transport roller 18 and rotating the rotation guide 19 upward. Let it.
[0037]
Then, when the recording medium 2 reaches near the lower portion of the peripheral surface of the first support drum 7, the drum driving mechanism 52 and the recording medium holding device 54 are operated to move the recording medium 2 from the front end to the periphery of the first support drum 7. Hold on the surface. When the recording medium 2 is fed to the positions of the recording heads 21 to 24 with the rotation of the first support drum 7, ink is ejected from the recording heads 21 to 24 to the recording medium 2, and immediately thereafter, the first The recording medium 2 is irradiated with light from the light irradiation device 30.
[0038]
At this time, the light emitted from the light source 31 of the first light irradiation device 30 is guided directly above the first support drum 7 via the optical systems 32 and 33 and the reflecting mirrors 34 and 35, and thereafter, the optical path of the blocking member 45. The light propagates through the hole 46 and enters the recording medium 2 on the first support drum 7 at an angle perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium 2 supported and conveyed by the first support drum 7. Thus, the ink that has landed on the recording medium 2 is cured.
[0039]
When the recording medium 2 passes over the upper surface of the first supporting drum 7, the conveying roller 18 is rotated and the operation of the recording medium holding device 54 is released, so that the recording medium 2 is moved around the first supporting drum 7. The sheet is conveyed from the second conveyance path 13 to the sixth conveyance path 17 via the fourth conveyance path 15 while being isolated from the surface, and finally conveyed to the discharge tray 11. Through these steps, an image based on the image information is recorded on one side of the recording medium 2.
[0040]
(Ii) When an image is recorded on one side of the recording medium 2 using the second support drum 8
When image information is input to the control device of the image recording device 1, the control unit 50 operates the take-out devices 5 and 6 of the transport mechanism 51 to remove the uppermost recording medium 2 stored in the storage trays 3 and 4. Take it out. Then, the recording medium 2 taken out of the storage trays 3 and 4 is transported from the first transport path 12 to the third transport path 14 by rotating the transport roller 18 and rotating the rotation guide 19 downward. Then, the sheet is further transported from the third transport path 14 to the fourth transport path 15.
[0041]
When the recording medium 2 reaches the vicinity of the lower portion of the peripheral surface of the second support drum 8, the drum driving mechanism 53 and the recording medium holding device 55 are operated to move the recording medium 2 from the leading end to the periphery of the second support drum 8. Hold on the surface. When the recording medium 2 is fed to the positions of the recording heads 25 to 28 with the rotation of the second support drum 8, ink is ejected from the recording heads 25 to 28 onto the recording medium 2 and immediately thereafter, the second The recording medium 2 is irradiated with light from the light irradiation device 36.
[0042]
At this time, the light emitted from the light source 37 of the second light irradiation device 36 is guided directly above the second support drum 8 via the optical systems 38 and 39 and the reflecting mirrors 40 and 41, and thereafter, the optical path of the blocking member 45. The light propagates through the hole 47 and enters the recording medium 2 on the second support drum 8 at an angle perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium 2 supported and conveyed by the second support drum 8. Thus, the ink that has landed on the recording medium 2 is cured.
[0043]
Then, when the recording medium 2 has moved a predetermined distance after passing over the upper peripheral surface of the second support drum 8, the transport roller 18 is rotated and the operation of the recording medium holding device 55 is released, and the recording medium 2 is moved to the second position. 2 While being separated from the peripheral surface of the support drum 8, it is transported from the fifth transport path 16 to the sixth transport path 17 via the fourth transport path 15, and finally discharged to the discharge tray 11. Through these steps, an image based on the image information is recorded on one side of the recording medium 2.
[0044]
(Iii) When images are recorded on both sides of the recording medium 2 using the first and second support drums 7 and 8
When the image information is input to the control device of the image recording device 1, each member is operated by the control unit 50 to record an image on one surface of the recording medium 2, as in (i) above. When the recording medium 2 reaches the fourth transport path 15, similarly to the above (ii), the control unit 50 operates each member to record an image on the other surface of the recording medium 2, and finally, It is carried out to the carry-out tray 11. Through these steps, an image based on the image information is recorded on both sides of the recording medium 2.
[0045]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the light emitted from each of the light sources 31 and 37 of the first and second light irradiation devices 30 and 36 supports the recording medium 2 supported and conveyed by the support drums 7 and 8. Is incident on the outer peripheral surfaces of the support drums 7 and 8 and the recording medium 2 on the support drums 7 and 8 at an angle orthogonal to the transport direction of the support drums 7 and 8. Is not diffused or irregularly reflected on the outer peripheral surface of the recording medium 2 or the recording surface of the recording medium 2 (the surface on which the ink lands). Accordingly, the light emitted from each of the light sources 31 and 37 of the first and second light irradiation devices 30 and 36 does not enter the ejection ports of the recording heads 21 to 28, and the ink at the ejection ports of the recording heads 21 to 28 does not. Can be prevented from being cured.
[0046]
Further, in the image recording apparatus 1, since the blocking member 45 is provided, the light emitted from each of the light sources 31 and 37 of the first and second light irradiation devices 30 and 36 emits light from the ejection ports of each of the recording heads 21 to 28. And the light emitted from each of the light sources 31 and 37 does not randomly enter the ejection openings of the recording heads 21 to 28. Therefore, as in the image recording apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the first support drum 7, the recording heads 21 to 24 and the first light irradiation device 30 (or the second support drum 8, the recording heads 25 to 28 and the In addition to the two light irradiation devices 36), the second support drum 8, the recording heads 25 to 28, and the second light irradiation device 36 (or the first support drum 7, the recording heads 21 to 24, and the first light irradiation device 30) are provided. Even in the case where the recording heads 21 to 28 are additionally provided, the ink can be reliably prevented from being cured at the ejection ports of the recording heads 21 to 28.
[0047]
[Second embodiment]
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention. The image recording apparatus 60 has a rectangular parallelepiped casing 61. A storage tray 63 capable of storing a large number of recording media 62, 62,... Is provided below the inside of the housing 1, and a large number of recording media 62, 62,. It is housed in a state where it has been placed. As the recording medium 62, the same one as in the first embodiment can be applied. A take-out device 64 for taking out the recording medium 62 one by one from the storage tray 63 is provided above one end of the storage tray 63.
[0048]
Above the storage tray 63, first and second transport devices 70 and 80 as two transport support means for transporting the recording medium 62 along the transport directions Z1 and Z2 in FIG. Have been.
[0049]
The first transport device 70 will be described in detail. The first transport device 70 is provided with four rollers 71 to 74 separated from each other, and an endless transport belt 75 is provided on each of the rollers 71 to 74. It is hung rotatably. A drive source such as a motor is connected to at least one of the four rollers 71 to 74, and when the drive source operates, the transport belt 75 moves in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. It is designed to rotate.
[0050]
In the first transport device 70, when the transport belt 75 rotates as described above, the recording medium 62 is supported while the recording medium 62 is supported by the portion of the transport belt 75 that is hung between the two rollers 71 and 72. 62 can be transported along the transport direction Z1 in FIG. In the first transport device 70, one pressing roller 76 is rotatably provided at a position facing the roller 71. The pressing roller 76 is pressed toward the roller 6 via the transport belt 75, and rotates while following the rotation of the transport belt 75.
[0051]
The second transfer device 80 has the same configuration as the first transfer device 70. The second transporting device 80 is also provided with four rollers 81 to 84, and an endless transport belt 85 is rotatably hung on each of the rollers 81 to 84. When the drive source connected to one of the four rollers 81 to 84 is operated, the transport belt 85 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3 and is hung between the two rollers 81 and 82. The recording medium 62 is conveyed along the conveyance direction Z1 in FIG. 3 while supporting the recording medium 62 at the portion. At a position facing the roller 81, a single pressing roller 86 that presses the roller 81 via the transport belt 85 is rotatably provided.
[0052]
In each of the first and second transfer devices 70 and 80, electrodes are provided on the transfer belts 75 and 85, and a power supply unit (not shown) for applying a voltage to the electrodes of the transfer belts 75 and 85 is provided. ing. While the recording medium 62 is being conveyed by the first and second conveyance devices 70 and 80, a voltage is applied to the electrodes of the conveyance belts 75 and 85 from the power supply means, and the conveyance belts 75 and 85 are electrostatically actuated. Is transported while being sucked.
[0053]
Above the first transporting device 70, there are provided four recording heads 90 to 93 for sequentially ejecting inks of Bk, C, M, and Y colors toward the recording medium 62 in the transport direction Z1 of the recording medium 62. ing. Each of the recording heads 90 to 93 is a line type recording head that is fixedly arranged over substantially the entire width of the recording medium 62, and a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink droplets are provided below the recording heads 90 to 93. Have been.
[0054]
Above the first transporting device 70 and downstream of the recording heads 90 to 94 in the transport direction Z1 of the recording medium 62, a predetermined wavelength of ink discharged from each of the recording heads 90 to 93 onto the recording medium 62 is used. A first light irradiation device 94 for irradiating light (ultraviolet light) is provided. The first light irradiating device 94 includes a linear light source that emits light, a long reflective member having a semicircular shape in a side view, and the like, and has a structure in which the linear light source is covered with the reflective member. ing. In the first light irradiation device 94, when the linear light source is turned on, light is emitted from the linear light source and reflected by the reflection member, and the light of the recording medium 62 supported and conveyed by the conveyance belt 75 of the first conveyance device 70 is conveyed. The light is incident on the upper surface of the transport belt 75 at an angle perpendicular to the direction Z1.
[0055]
Similarly to the above configuration, four inks of respective colors Bk, C, M, and Y are sequentially discharged toward the recording medium 62 in the transport direction Z2 of the recording medium 62 above the second transporting device 80. Recording heads 95 to 98 are provided. Each of the recording heads 95 to 98 is a line type recording head that is fixedly arranged over almost the entire width of the recording medium 62, and a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink droplets are provided below the recording heads 95 to 98. Have been. Further, above the second light irradiation device 80 and downstream of the recording heads 95 to 98 in the transport direction Z2 of the recording medium 62, light of a predetermined wavelength is applied to the ink ejected from each of the recording heads 95 to 98. A second light irradiation device 99 for irradiating (ultraviolet light) is provided. The second light irradiating device 99 includes a linear light source that emits light and a long reflective member having a semicircular shape in a side view, and has a structure in which the linear light source is covered with the reflective member. ing. In the second light irradiation device 99, when the linear light source is turned on, light is emitted from the linear light source and reflected by the reflection member, and the light of the recording medium 62 supported and conveyed by the conveyance belt 85 of the second conveyance device 80 is conveyed. The light is incident on the upper surface of the transport belt 85 at an angle perpendicular to the direction Z2.
[0056]
The ink ejected from the recording heads 90 to 93 and 95 to 98 is an ultraviolet curable ink similar to that described in the first embodiment. In addition, as each linear light source of the first and second light irradiation devices 94 and 99, it is preferable to use an LED array in which light emitting diodes for generating ultraviolet light are arranged so as to extend over the entire width of the conveyor belts 75 and 85. A xenon lamp, a carbon arc lamp, a chemical lamp, a low-pressure mercury lamp, a high-pressure mercury lamp, or the like may be used.
[0057]
A first unloading tray 101 for receiving the recorded recording medium 62 unloaded from the first transporting device 70 is provided on the left side of the first transporting device 70 and on the side of the housing 61. A second unloading tray 102 for receiving the recorded recording medium 62 unloaded from the second transporting device 80 is provided on the right side of the second transporting device 80 and on the side of the housing 61.
[0058]
A first guide member 110 that forms a transport path of the recording medium 62 from the storage tray 63 to the first transport device 70 is provided in a portion extending from the vicinity of the take-out device 64 to the vicinity of each of the rollers 71 and 76 of the first transport device 70. A pair of transport rollers 120 and 121 for transporting the recording medium 62 along the first guide member 110 are provided near the start and end of the first guide member 110, respectively. A second guide member that forms a transport path of the recording medium 62 from the first transport device 70 to the first unload tray 101 is provided at a portion of the first transport device 70 near the roller 72 to the vicinity of the first unload tray 101. A pair of conveyance rollers 122 for conveying the recording medium 62 along the second guide member 111 are provided near the end of the second guide member 111.
[0059]
At a portion extending from the middle of the second guide member 111 to the vicinity of each of the rollers 81 and 86 of the second conveyance device 80, a conveyance path for the recording medium 62 is formed from the middle of the second guide member 111 to the second conveyance device 80. A third guide member 112 is provided, and a pair of transport rollers 123 and 124 for transporting the recording medium 62 along the third guide member 112 are provided near the start and end of the third guide member 112, respectively. Is provided.
[0060]
A rotation guide 130 is provided at an intermediate portion of the second guide member 111 and at a start end of the third guide member 112 so that a distal end portion can swing up and down with a base end portion as a fulcrum. The recording medium 62 is guided from the second guide member 111 along the third guide member 112 when the rotation guide 130 is upward, and is guided along the second guide member 111 when the rotation guide 130 is downward. It has become so.
[0061]
A fourth guide member 113 that forms a transport path of the recording medium 62 from the second transport device 80 to the second unload tray 102 is provided at a portion of the second transport device 80 near the roller 82 to the second unload tray 102. A pair of conveyance rollers 125 for conveying the recording medium 62 along the fourth guide member 113 are provided near the end of the fourth guide member 113.
[0062]
Inside the housing 61 of the image recording apparatus 60, a light-blocking blocking member 140 that blocks light incident on the ejection openings of the recording heads 90 to 93 and 95 to 98 is provided. The blocking member 140 includes the first and second transfer devices 70 and 80 from the vicinity of the first and second light irradiation devices 94 and 99 over the entire width of the transfer belts 75 and 85 of the first and second transfer devices 70 and 80. Slit-shaped optical path holes 141 and 142 penetrating toward the upper surfaces of the conveyor belts 75 and 85 are provided, respectively, and each light from the first and second light irradiation devices 94 and 99 is transmitted by the first and second conveyors. Irradiation is performed only toward the upper surfaces of the transport belts 75 and 85 of the devices 70 and 80.
[0063]
In addition, inside the housing 61, in addition to the above members, an ink tank for storing ink, a tube for supplying ink from the ink tank to each of the recording heads 90 to 93, 95 to 98, and each of the recording heads Maintenance members for performing maintenance of 90 to 93 and 95 to 98 are provided. These members are provided inside the housing 61 in a state of being substantially surrounded by the blocking member 140, and are provided with ink tanks and ink supply units. Light can be prevented from being incident on members such as a tube for maintenance and a maintenance member.
[0064]
FIG. 4 shows a control device for controlling the image recording device 60 according to the second embodiment. The control device includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (all not shown). It has a control unit 150 that expands the processing program recorded in the ROM into the RAM and executes this processing program by the CPU.
[0065]
The control unit 150 includes the take-out device 64, the transport rollers 120 to 125, the rotation guide 130, the transport devices 70 and 80, the recording heads 90 to 93 and 95 to 98, the first and second light irradiation devices 94, Based on the status such as the operating status of the device 99, the operation of each of the above components is controlled according to the above-described processing program.
[0066]
Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.
(I) When an image is recorded on one side of the recording medium 62
When image information is input to the control device of the image recording device 60, the control unit 150 operates the take-out device 64 to take out the uppermost recording medium 62 stored in the storage tray 63. Then, the transport rollers 120 and 121 are rotated to transport the recording medium 62 taken out of the storage tray 63 from the storage tray 63 to the first transport device 70 along the first guide member 110.
[0067]
When the recording medium 62 reaches the vicinity of the pressing roller 76 of the first conveying device 70, the conveying belt 75 of the first conveying device 70 is operated to move the leading end of the recording medium 62 between the roller 71 and the pressing roller 76. The recording medium 62 is conveyed along the conveyance direction Z1 while being supported by the conveyance belt 75. When the recording medium 62 is sent directly below the recording heads 90 to 93 with the rotation of the transport belt 75, ink is ejected from each of the recording heads 90 to 93 onto the recording medium 62, and immediately thereafter, recording is performed from the first light irradiation device 94. The medium 62 is irradiated with light.
[0068]
At this time, the light emitted from the linear light source of the first light irradiation device 94 propagates through the optical path hole 141 and is conveyed at an angle perpendicular to the conveyance direction Z1 of the recording medium 62 supported and conveyed by the conveyance belt 75. The ink that has entered the recording medium 62 on the recording medium 75 and landed on the recording medium 62 is cured.
[0069]
After that, when the recording medium 62 passes through the rollers 72 of the first transport device 70, the rotation guide 130 is rotated and the transport rollers 122 are rotated to move the recording medium 62 from the first transport device 70 to the second guide. The sheet is conveyed along the member 111, and finally conveyed from the second guide member 111 to the discharge tray 101. Through these steps, an image based on the image information is recorded on one side of the recording medium 62.
[0070]
(Ii) When images are recorded on both sides of the recording medium 62
When the image information is input to the control device of the image recording device 60, each member is operated by the control unit 150 to record an image on one surface of the recording medium 62 in the same manner as (i). When the recording medium 62 passes through the rollers 72 of the first transport device 70, the control unit 150 rotates the rotation guide 130 and rotates the transport rollers 123 and 124 to rotate the rotation guide 130 from the middle of the second guide member 111. It is transported to the second transport device 80 along the third guide member 112.
[0071]
When the recording medium 62 reaches the vicinity of the pressing roller 86 of the second conveying device 80, the conveying belt 85 of the second conveying device 80 is operated to move the leading end of the recording medium 62 between the roller 81 and the pressing roller 86. The recording medium 62 is conveyed along the conveyance direction Z2 while being supported by the conveyance belt 85. When the recording medium 62 is sent directly below the recording heads 95 to 98 with the rotation of the transport belt 85, ink is ejected from the recording heads 95 to 98 onto the recording medium 62, and immediately thereafter, recording is performed from the second light irradiation device 99. The medium 62 is irradiated with light.
[0072]
At this time, the light emitted from the linear light source of the second light irradiation device 99 propagates through the optical path hole 142 and is conveyed at an angle orthogonal to the conveyance direction Z2 of the recording medium 62 supported and conveyed by the conveyance belt 85. The ink that has entered the recording medium 62 on 85 and has landed on the recording medium 62 is cured.
[0073]
After that, when the recording medium 62 passes through the rollers 82 of the second conveying device 80, the conveying rollers 125 are rotated to convey the recording medium 62 from the second conveying device 80 along the fourth guide member 113. Then, it is carried out from the fourth guide member 113 to the carry-out tray 102. Through these steps, an image based on the image information is recorded on both sides of the recording medium 62.
[0074]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the light emitted from the linear light sources of the first and second light irradiation devices 94 and 99 is transported by the recording medium 62 supported and transported by the transport belts 75 and 85. Since the light enters the upper surfaces of the conveyor belts 75 and 85 and the recording medium 62 on the conveyor belts 75 and 85 at an angle orthogonal to the directions Z1 and Z2, the incident light incident on the conveyor belts 75 and 85 is transmitted by the conveyor belts 75 and 85. Is not diffused or irregularly reflected on the upper surface of the recording medium 62 or the recording surface of the recording medium 62 (the surface on which the ink lands). Therefore, the light emitted from the linear light sources of the first and second light irradiation devices 70 and 80 does not enter the ejection ports below the recording heads 90 to 93 and 95 to 98, and the recording heads 90 to 93 and 95 do not enter the ejection ports. ９８98 can be prevented from hardening of the ink.
[0075]
Further, in the image recording apparatus 60, since the blocking member 140 is provided, light incident on the ejection ports of the recording heads 90 to 93 and 95 to 98 is blocked, and light emitted from each linear light source is transmitted to each recording head. It does not randomly enter the discharge ports 90 to 93 and 95 to 98. Therefore, like the image recording device 60 of the second embodiment, the first transport device 70, the recording heads 90 to 93 and the first light irradiation device 94 (or the second transport device 80, the recording heads 95 to 98 and the In addition to the two-light irradiation device 99), the second conveyance device 80, the recording heads 95 to 98, and the second light irradiation device 99 (or the first conveyance device 70, the recording heads 90 to 93, and the first light irradiation device 94) are provided. Even when the recording heads are added, it is possible to reliably prevent the ink from being cured at the ejection ports of the recording heads 90 to 93 and 95 to 98.
[0076]
In the first and second embodiments, the ink that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light is used. However, the ink is not limited to this, and may be cured by irradiation with light other than ultraviolet light. . The “light” here is light in a broad sense, and includes electromagnetic waves such as ultraviolet rays, electron beams, X-rays, visible rays, and infrared rays. That is, a polymerizable compound that is polymerized and cured by light other than ultraviolet light and a photoinitiator that initiates a polymerization reaction between the polymerizable compounds by light other than ultraviolet light may be applied to the ink. When using a photocurable ink that cures with light other than ultraviolet light, a light irradiation device including a light source that emits the light is used instead of the first and second light irradiation devices 30, 36, 94, and 99.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the light emitted from the light irradiation device does not enter the discharge port of the recording head, and the curing of the ink at the discharge port of the recording head can be prevented.
[0078]
According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the ink from being cured at the ejection openings of each recording head even when the number of recording heads and light irradiation devices is increased in accordance with the number of transport support means. .
[0079]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the light emitted from the light irradiating device does not enter the ejection openings of the recording head, and the curing of the ink at the ejection openings of the recording head can be prevented.
[0080]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even when the number of recording heads and light irradiation devices is increased corresponding to the number of rotating bodies, it is possible to prevent the ink from being cured at the ejection ports of each recording head.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Image recording device
2. Recording medium
3,4 ... Tray
5, 6 ... take-out device
7 First support drum (transport support means, rotating body)
8. Second support drum (transport support means, rotating body)
9,10 ... Suction hole
11 ... Unloading tray
12-17 ... First through sixth transport paths
18 ... Conveying roller
19 ... Rotation guide
21 to 28: Recording head
30 first light irradiation device
31 ... light source
32,33 ... Optical system
34, 35… Reflector
36 second light irradiation device
37 ... Light source
38, 39 ... Optical system
40, 41… Reflection mirror
45 ... Blocking member
46, 47 ... Optical path hole
50 ... Control unit
51: transport mechanism
52, 53: Drum drive mechanism
54, 55 ... recording medium holding device
60 image recording device
61 ... housing
62: Recording medium
63 ... accommodation tray
64 ... Removal device
70: 1st conveyance device
71-74 ... Roller
75: conveyor belt (conveyor support means)
76 ... Pressing roller
80: Second transport device
81 to 84: Roller
85: Conveying belt (conveying support means)
86 ... Pressing roller
90-93, 95-98: Recording head
94 ... First light irradiation device
99 second light irradiation device
101, 102: 1st unloading tray, 2nd unloading tray
110 to 113: First to fourth guide members
120-125 ... Conveying roller
130 ... Rotating guide
140 ... blocking member
150 ... Control unit

Claims (4)

Transport support means for supporting and transporting the recording medium,
A recording head that has an ejection port for ejecting ink that is cured by light irradiation, and ejects the ink from the ejection port toward the recording medium on the transport support unit;
A light irradiation device that irradiates light toward the transport support unit,
With
An image recording apparatus, wherein light emitted from the light irradiation device is incident on the transport support means at an angle perpendicular to a transport direction of a recording medium. A plurality of transport support means for supporting and transporting the recording medium,
A plurality of recording heads having an ejection port for ejecting ink that is cured by light irradiation, and ejecting the ink separately from the ejection port toward the recording medium on each of the transport support means,
A plurality of light irradiation devices that irradiate light separately toward each of the transport support means,
A blocking member for blocking light incident on the ejection openings of the recording heads,
An image recording apparatus comprising: A drum-shaped rotating body that rotates around the axis,
A recording head that has a discharge port for discharging ink that is cured by light irradiation, and discharges the ink from the discharge port toward the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body;
A light irradiation device that irradiates light toward the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body,
With
An image recording apparatus, wherein light emitted from the light irradiation device is incident on the rotating body at an angle perpendicular to a tangent to an outer peripheral surface of the rotating body. A plurality of drum-shaped rotating bodies that rotate about an axis;
A plurality of recording heads having an ejection port for ejecting ink that is cured by light irradiation, and ejecting the ink separately from the ejection port toward the outer peripheral surface of each of the rotating bodies,
A plurality of light irradiation devices that separately irradiate light toward the outer peripheral surface of each of the rotating bodies,
A blocking member for blocking light incident on the ejection openings of the recording heads,
An image recording apparatus comprising:

Images