JP2006088454A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recorder capable of preventing uncured ink from adhering to the inside of the recorder or a worker upon occurrence of jamming in a recording medium, and to provide an image recorder capable of preventing uncured ink from adhering surely by curing it. <P>SOLUTION: The image recorder comprises a recording head 18 for ejecting ink to a recording medium P, moving units 12 and 14 for moving the recording medium P and the recording head 18 relatively, an irradiator 21 for irradiating light in order to stiffen ink ejected onto the recording medium, a detector 34 for detecting jamming of the recording medium P, and a control section 23 for forbidding jamming process if uncured ink exists on the recording medium when the jam detector 34 detects jamming of the recording medium P. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, and more particularly to an ink jet type image recording apparatus that discharges ink from a recording head and cures the ink with a light irradiation device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image recording apparatus using an inkjet method is widely known as a recording apparatus capable of recording with high definition on various recording media. In an inkjet image recording apparatus, an image is recorded on a recording medium by ejecting and landing ink on the recording medium from nozzles of a recording head arranged to face the recording medium.

  Such an image recording apparatus is usually designed so that the distance between the recording head and the recording medium is close to several millimeters, and the recording medium supports the recording head and the recording medium from the back side. A so-called jam may occur between the platen and the conveyance belt or other recording medium loading device.

  Conventionally, the processing for such a jam has a structure in which the upper and lower chassis are pivotally connected to each other with a pivot shaft, the recording head is placed on the upper chassis, and the recording medium placing device such as a platen is placed on the lower part. There is known an image recording apparatus that is incorporated in each chassis and removes a recording medium in which an upper chassis is opened upward to cause a jam (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Some image recording apparatuses are designed to be provided with a discharge port for a recording medium in which a jam has occurred, and to take out the recording medium from the outlet (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4).

Various ink jet type image recording apparatuses have been developed that irradiate light onto ink that has landed on the recording medium to cure and fix the ink. However, as described above under or near the recording head of such an image recording apparatus. If a jam occurs, the recording medium may be deformed or melted by the heat of the light source of the light irradiation device, or the recording medium may ignite if the light source is very hot. Therefore, for example, in the image recording apparatus described in Patent Document 5, when a jam occurs, the light irradiation device is translated from a position above the recording medium to a position where the recording medium is not irradiated, and then the recording that causes the jam is performed. It has been proposed to remove the media.
JP 2003-94675 A JP 2004-155111 A JP 2003-200598 A JP 2004-181823 A JP 2004-114580 A

  However, in the above-described image recording apparatus, when a jam occurs during image recording, uncured and unfixed ink that has not been subjected to processing such as light irradiation remaining on the surface of the recording medium is imaged during jam processing. It adheres to the inside of the recording device and the operator.

  For this reason, it is necessary to remove ink adhering to the inside of the image recording apparatus, and the operation efficiency of the image recording apparatus is lowered. Further, the ink adhered to the inside of the apparatus or the operator is transferred to the recording medium that has been normally conveyed after the jam processing, and contaminates the recording medium, thereby degrading the image quality of the recorded image and the quality of the product.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of preventing uncured ink from adhering to the inside of the apparatus or an operator when a jam occurs in the recording medium. The present invention also provides an image recording apparatus capable of reliably preventing ink adhesion by curing uncured ink using the characteristics of an image recording apparatus that irradiates and cures ink with light. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the image recording apparatus according to claim 1 comprises:
A recording head for ejecting ink to the recording medium;
A moving device for relatively moving the recording medium and the recording head;
A light irradiation device for irradiating light for curing the ink discharged on the recording medium;
A jam detection device for detecting a jam of the recording medium;
And a control unit that controls to prohibit jam processing when the jam detection device detects a jam of a recording medium.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the jam detecting device detects a jam of the recording medium, the control unit instructs to prevent the openable portion such as the upper main body portion and the door of the image recording device from being opened. And jamming are prohibited.

The invention according to claim 2 is an image recording apparatus comprising:
A recording head for ejecting ink to the recording medium;
A moving device for relatively moving the recording medium and the recording head;
A light irradiation device for irradiating light for curing the ink discharged on the recording medium;
A jam detection device for detecting a jam of the recording medium;
And a control unit that controls to prohibit jam processing when uncured ink is present on the recording medium when the jam detecting device detects a jam of the recording medium.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the jam detection device detects a jam of the recording medium, the control unit determines whether there is uncured ink on the recording medium and there is uncured ink. If it is determined that the image recording apparatus is open, an instruction is issued to prevent the opening of the upper main body and the door of the image recording apparatus, and the jam processing is prohibited.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the control unit prohibits the image recording apparatus main body from being opened in response to the jam detection of the jam detection apparatus. Jam processing is prohibited.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the jam detection device detects a jam, the control unit of the image recording device prohibits the image recording device main body from being opened so that the jam processing is not performed.

The invention according to claim 4 is an image recording apparatus comprising:
A recording head for ejecting ink to the recording medium;
A moving device for relatively moving the recording medium and the recording head;
A light irradiation device for irradiating light for curing the ink discharged on the recording medium;
A jam detection device for detecting a jam of the recording medium;
And a control unit that controls to allow jam processing after the ink on the recording medium is cured when the jam detection device detects a jam of the recording medium.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the jam detection device detects a jam of the recording medium, the control unit issues an instruction to cure the uncured ink on the recording medium, and only after the ink is cured. Allow jamming to be performed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the image recording apparatus includes a notification unit that notifies the prohibition of the jam processing.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, for example, the informing means prohibits jam processing on the monitor screen, displays that the upper body portion or the door of the image recording apparatus is locked, or from the speaker. This is notified by voice.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image recording apparatus further comprises an informing means for informing permission of the jam processing.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the notification means displays, for example, that the jam processing is allowed on the monitor screen and the lock of the upper main body and the door of the image recording apparatus is released, or from the speaker. To that effect.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit detects the jam of the recording medium when the jam detection device detects the jam of the recording medium. The light irradiation device is configured to irradiate the uncured ink on the recording medium with light.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the jam detection device detects a jam of the recording medium, the control unit of the image recording device causes a jam using the light irradiation device used in normal image recording. The uncured ink remaining on the recording medium is irradiated with light to cure the ink.

The invention according to claim 8 is the image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The auxiliary light irradiation device is provided separately from the light irradiation device,
The control unit is configured to irradiate light to uncured ink on the recording medium by the auxiliary light irradiation device when the jam detection device detects a jam of the recording medium. Features.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, when the jam detecting device detects a jam of the recording medium, the control unit of the image recording device separates the auxiliary light from the light irradiation device used in normal image recording. The ink is cured by irradiating the uncured ink remaining on the jammed recording medium with light using an irradiation device.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the control unit prohibits the opening of the main body of the image recording apparatus in response to the light irradiation apparatus irradiating predetermined energy. The prohibition of jam processing is canceled by canceling.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the control unit of the image recording apparatus releases the prohibition of opening the image recording apparatus main body after predetermined energy is irradiated from the light irradiation apparatus.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the control unit prohibits the opening of the main body of the image recording apparatus in response to the auxiliary light irradiation apparatus irradiating predetermined energy. By canceling this, the prohibition of the jam processing is canceled.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the control unit of the image recording apparatus cancels the prohibition of opening the image recording apparatus main body after predetermined energy is irradiated from the auxiliary light irradiation apparatus.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, the control unit is configured to supply ink on the recording medium at the time of jam detection by the jam detection apparatus. In the curing, the recording head is configured to be retracted from the recording medium.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, when the uncured ink remaining on the jammed recording medium is cured, the control unit of the image recording apparatus retracts the recording head from above the recording medium.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, the control unit is configured to supply ink on the recording medium at the time of jam detection by the jam detection apparatus. In curing, the nozzle surface of the recording head is protected by a protective member.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the uncured ink remaining on the jammed recording medium is cured by the control unit of the image recording apparatus, for example, the nozzle surface of the recording head is protected by the protective member. Cover the nozzle surface to protect it.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the image recording apparatus includes a recording medium mounting device that supports the recording medium from the back side and can move the recording medium to the back side. It is characterized by that.

  According to the invention described in claim 13, in the recording medium mounting apparatus, the recording head and the lower part of the light irradiating device move downward to move the jammed recording medium to the back side.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to the seventh or eighth aspect, when the ink is cured, the amount of energy of light applied to the recording medium is the amount of energy during normal recording. It is comprised so that it may become 30% or more of these.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, light having an energy amount of 30% or more of the energy amount at the time of normal recording is irradiated to the recording medium in which a jam has occurred from the light irradiation device or the auxiliary light irradiation device.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the ink is an ultraviolet curable ink.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, ultraviolet curable ink is ejected from the recording head, and the ink is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device or the auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the jam detecting device detects a jam of the recording medium, the control unit instructs to prevent the openable portion such as the upper main body portion and the door of the image recording device from being opened. And jamming are prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the jam processing from being performed with the uncured ink remaining on the recording medium, and it is possible to prevent the uncured ink from adhering to the inside of the apparatus or the operator. Become.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the jam detection device detects a jam of the recording medium, the control unit determines whether there is uncured ink on the recording medium and there is uncured ink. If it is determined that the image recording apparatus is open, an instruction is issued to prevent the opening of the upper main body and the door of the image recording apparatus, and the jam processing is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to accurately prevent the jam processing from being performed with the uncured ink remaining on the recording medium, and to reliably prevent the uncured ink from adhering to the inside of the apparatus or the operator. It becomes possible. Further, when there is no uncured ink on the recording medium and there is no risk of contamination of the apparatus or the operator even if the jam processing is performed, the jam processing can be allowed.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the jam detection device detects a jam, the control unit of the image recording device prohibits the image recording device main body from being opened so that the jam processing is not performed. Therefore, when the control unit recognizes the jam detection, it is possible to prohibit the opening of the apparatus body, and it is possible to prevent the jam processing from being performed with the uncured ink remaining on the recording medium. The effects of the invention described in the above claims can be more effectively exhibited that it is possible to prevent the uncured ink from adhering to the inside of the apparatus or the operator.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the jam detection device detects a jam of the recording medium, the control unit issues an instruction to cure the uncured ink on the recording medium, and only after the ink is cured. Allow jamming to be performed. Therefore, it is possible to perform the jam processing in a state where the ink on the recording medium is reliably cured, and it is possible to prevent the ink from being attached accurately.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, for example, the informing means prohibits jam processing on the monitor screen, displays that the upper body portion or the door of the image recording apparatus is locked, or from the speaker. This is notified by voice. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the inventions of the first to third aspects, the operator can prevent the image recording apparatus from being broken by forcibly opening the door of the image recording apparatus. It is possible to make a person wait for a jam to be processed.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the notification means displays, for example, that the jam processing is allowed on the monitor screen and the lock of the upper main body and the door of the image recording apparatus is released, or from the speaker. To that effect. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 4, the operator can recognize that the image recording apparatus is ready for jam processing, and can cause the worker to appropriately perform jam processing. It becomes possible.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the jam detection device detects a jam of the recording medium, the control unit of the image recording device causes a jam using the light irradiation device used in normal image recording. The uncured ink remaining on the recording medium is irradiated with light to cure the ink. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the inventions described in the respective claims, it is possible to ensure that the uncured ink on the recording medium on which the jam has occurred is cured, and then the jam treatment is performed. It is possible to reliably prevent the ink from adhering to the inside of the apparatus or the operator.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, when the jam detecting device detects a jam of the recording medium, the control unit of the image recording device separates the auxiliary light from the light irradiation device used in normal image recording. The ink is cured by irradiating the uncured ink remaining on the jammed recording medium with light using an irradiation device. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the inventions described in the respective claims, it is possible to ensure that the uncured ink on the recording medium on which the jam has occurred is cured, and then the jam treatment is performed. It is possible to reliably prevent the ink from adhering to the inside of the apparatus and the operator, and it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for moving the light irradiation device, and the image recording apparatus can be made compact. It becomes.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the control unit of the image recording apparatus releases the prohibition of opening the image recording apparatus main body after predetermined energy is irradiated from the light irradiation apparatus. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the inventions described in the above claims, the image recording apparatus main body can be opened after the uncured ink on the recording medium in which the jam has occurred is irradiated with light of a predetermined energy to be surely cured. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent uncured ink from adhering to the inside of the apparatus or the operator.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the control unit of the image recording apparatus cancels the prohibition of opening the image recording apparatus main body after predetermined energy is irradiated from the auxiliary light irradiation apparatus. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the inventions described in the above claims, the image recording apparatus main body can be opened after the uncured ink on the recording medium in which the jam has occurred is irradiated with light of a predetermined energy to be surely cured. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent uncured ink from adhering to the inside of the apparatus or the operator.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the uncured ink remaining on the jammed recording medium is cured, the control unit of the image recording apparatus retracts the recording head from above the recording medium. In addition to the effects of the inventions described in the above claims, it is possible to prevent light from reaching the nozzle surface of the recording head and curing of the ink on the nozzle surface.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the uncured ink remaining on the jammed recording medium is cured by the control unit of the image recording apparatus, for example, the nozzle surface of the recording head is protected by the protective member. Cover the nozzle surface to protect it. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the inventions described in the above claims, it is possible to block light that reaches the nozzle surface of the recording head and reliably prevent the ink from being cured on the nozzle surface.

  According to the invention of claim 13, the recording medium mounting apparatus moves the recording medium in which the recording head and the light irradiation device below move downward, and moves the recording medium in which the jam has occurred to the back surface side. The uncured ink on the recording medium can be cured by irradiating light from an auxiliary light irradiating device provided below the placing device. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention according to the seventh aspect, the image recording apparatus can be designed more compactly.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, if the energy amount of the light irradiated to the recording medium causing the jam from the light irradiation device or the auxiliary light irradiation device is 30% or more of the energy amount during normal recording, The uncured ink on the recording medium can be cured to the extent that there is no practical problem. In addition to the effects of the inventions described in the above claims, the uncured ink adheres to the inside of the apparatus or the operator. Thus, it is possible to avoid the situation of transfer to the recording medium.

  According to the invention described in claim 15, the image recording apparatus is configured such that the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected from the recording head, and the ink is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation device or the auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the invention described in the above claims, it is possible to select and use the most suitable ultraviolet curable ink and ultraviolet irradiation device among many types and easy to handle. Therefore, it is possible to improve the effectiveness and stability of the image recording apparatus, convenience, including cost reduction, compactness, and the like.

  Embodiments of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image recording apparatus mainly includes an upper main body 2 that constitutes an upper side of a substantially casing-shaped main body 1. The lower body part 3 constituting the lower side and the display part 4 as a notification means provided with a monitor screen and a speaker. Hereinafter, the right side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front of the apparatus, and the left side is referred to as the rear of the apparatus.

  A hinge structure (not shown) having a rotation shaft 5 is provided on the inner side rear side of the main body 1, and the upper main body 2 is connected to the lower main body 3 through the rotation shaft 5 by an arrow A in the figure. It is connected so as to be rotatable in the direction. Further, a short rod-shaped lock pin 6 projects from the side of the front side of the lower main body 3, and in the normal use state of the image recording apparatus, the lock pin 6 is connected to the front side of the upper main body 2. The front end portion of the lock claw 7 provided in the claw shape is locked, and the upper main body portion 2 is held in a closed state.

  A lock release lever 8 is provided outside the front side of the side surface of the upper main body 2, and by operating this lock release lever 8, the lock claw 7 is rotated to disengage from the lock pin 6 and the upper main body portion. 2 is in an open state.

  Furthermore, lock mechanisms 9a and 9b for preventing the opening operation of the upper main body 2 are provided inside the side surfaces of the upper main body 2 and the lower main body 3, and the lock mechanisms 9a and 9b are manually released. However, it can be canceled by an instruction from the control unit described later.

  The lock mechanisms 9a and 9b may be any mechanism that can be controlled to be locked and released by the control unit, and may be configured to use mechanical locking or electromagnetic attraction, for example. Further, the lock mechanisms 9a and 9b are configured to prevent or allow the opening operation of the upper main body 2 by preventing or allowing the lock claw 7 from being disengaged from the lock pin 6 by operating the lock release lever 8. It is also possible.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a recording unit of the image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the recording unit of FIG. In a recording unit 10 provided inside the image recording apparatus, a flat platen 11 serving as a recording medium placing apparatus for supporting the recording medium P from the back side is disposed substantially horizontally. The recording medium P is transported along the surface of the platen 11 in the direction indicated by the arrow X in the figure (hereinafter referred to as the transport direction).

  A transport roller 12 that moves the recording medium P in the transport direction is provided downstream of the platen 11 in the transport direction, and a pulley 13 is attached to the end of the transport roller 12. A conveyance drive motor 14 is disposed on the side of the conveyance roller 12. A timing belt 15 is stretched between the pulley 13 of the conveyance roller 12 and the output shaft of the conveyance drive motor 14. The rotation drive of the conveyance drive motor 14 is transmitted to the conveyance roller 12, and the rotation of the conveyance roller 12. As a result, the recording medium P is transported in the transport direction.

  A jam detection device (not shown) is attached to the transport drive motor 14. The jam detection device measures the torque of the conveyance drive motor 14, and when the jam occurs in the recording medium P, when the torque outside the specified value range applied to the conveyance drive motor 14 is measured, the jam is detected by the control unit. A detection signal is transmitted. In the case where the recording medium P is unwound from an unillustrated unwinding roller and an image is recorded by the recording unit 10 and is then wound around the winding roller, the jam detecting device is used as the unwinding roller or the winding roller. It can also be configured to measure torque by attaching to a roller.

  A pinch roller 16 is provided above the conveyance roller 12. The pinch roller 16 is connected to the recording medium P between the conveyance roller 12 so that the conveyance force of the conveyance roller 12 is reliably transmitted to the recording medium P. Is supposed to be pinched. A guide roller 17 for guiding the recording medium P onto the platen is disposed on the upstream side of the platen 11 in the transport direction.

  Above the platen 11 is an ultraviolet curable ink of each color used in the image recording apparatus (in FIGS. 2 and 3, yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). A plurality of line head type recording heads 18 corresponding to the recording medium P are arranged so as to extend in the width direction of the recording medium P, and the nozzle surface 19 corresponding to the recording medium of each recording head 18 is provided on the nozzle surface 19. A plurality of nozzles 20 for ejecting ink of the respective colors to the recording medium P are formed.

  The ink used in the present embodiment is not limited to ultraviolet curable ink, and may be any ink that is cured by light irradiation. As the ultraviolet curable ink, a cation curable ink or a radical curable ink containing a cation polymerizable compound or a radical polymerizable compound as a photopolymerizable compound is preferably used. It is also possible to use a hybrid ink in which both are combined.

  In particular, since the cationic curable ink has little or no inhibition of the polymerization reaction by oxygen, it is suitable for an image recording apparatus such as this embodiment that performs a recording operation in the air, and a light source having a relatively low energy can be used. It is excellent in functionality and versatility. The cation curable ink used in the present embodiment is specifically a mixture containing at least a cation polymerizable compound such as an oxetane compound, an epoxy compound, and a vinyl ether compound, a photo cation polymerization initiator, and a coloring material. It has the property of being polymerized and cured when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. In the present embodiment, a cationic polymerizable ink is illustrated, but in the present invention, a radical polymerizable ink or the above-described hybrid ink can also be used.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the recording head 18. In practice, the number and length of the recording head 18 provided according to the functions required of the image recording apparatus are arbitrarily determined. Further, the color of the ink is not limited to YMCK, and is appropriately selected and used according to the function of the image recording apparatus. In this embodiment, one recording head 18 corresponds to one color ink. For example, a recording head that discharges one color ink is divided into a plurality of recording heads. You may make it comprise.

  In the present embodiment, in the normal recording operation state, the recording medium P is conveyed by the conveying roller 12 below the recording head 18 whose position is fixed, and the recording medium P and the recording head 18 move relatively. (Accordingly, in this embodiment, the conveyance roller 12 and the conveyance drive motor 14 correspond to a moving device.) On the contrary, the position of the recording medium P is fixed and the recording head 18 is in relation to the recording medium P. It is also possible to record the image on the recording medium while moving the.

  Each recording head 18 is connected to an ink tank via a supply pipe (both not shown), and the color ink ejected from each recording head 18 is appropriately supplied from the ink tank.

  The recording head 18 is provided with a moving mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a head moving mechanism) (not shown) for moving the recording head 18 to a retracted position provided at a predetermined position above the platen. A protective member (not shown) for protecting the nozzle surface 19 of the recording head 18 is provided at the retracted position. When a jam occurs, the recording head 18 is moved to the retracted position by the head moving mechanism, and the nozzle surface 19 is covered with a protective member.

  For example, the protective member may be configured to protect the entire nozzle surface 19 of all the recording heads 18 or may be protected by covering each nozzle surface 19 of each recording head 18. Good. The retreat position is appropriately determined depending on the structure of the image recording apparatus and the like, and for example, the recording head 18 may be retreated to a position that is raised directly above the position during normal recording. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the recording head 18 and the protection member are separately provided. For example, the recording head 18 is operated on the nozzle surface side of the recording head 18 so as to cover the nozzle 20 and the nozzle surface 19 during retraction, thereby protecting them. It is also possible to provide a protective member.

  On the downstream side of the recording head 18 in the conveying direction, an ultraviolet irradiation device 21 as a light irradiation device for irradiating light for curing the ink is provided in parallel with the recording head 18. The ink on the recording medium that has been conveyed is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from a built-in light source 22 to cure the ink. As the light source 22, various light sources such as a high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp, a cold cathode sterilization lamp, a hot cathode sterilization lamp, an electrodeless lamp, an excimer lamp, a metal halide lamp, a xenon lamp, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) are used. Can do. It is also possible to configure so that quartz glass or the like is attached to the opening below the ultraviolet irradiation device 21.

  The ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is provided with a moving mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a light source moving mechanism) that is separate from the moving mechanism of the recording head 18, and the light source moving mechanism responds to an instruction from the control unit. Then, the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is raised to a predetermined height (that is, a distance from the platen 11), and the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is moved in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction (that is, the direction toward the guide roller 17), The recording medium P is configured to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  In addition, after the ultraviolet irradiation with respect to the recording medium P is completed, the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 may be accommodated in a retracted position provided on the further downstream side of the conveying roller 12 or the pinch roller 16, for example.

  For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 may be disposed in each gap between the plurality of recording heads 18. In this case, the head moving mechanism moves the plurality of recording heads 18, and the light source moving mechanism performs recording. It is possible to move all or part of the plurality of ultraviolet irradiation devices 21 provided in the gaps of the head 18.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. As the control unit 23, a computer in which a CPU 24, an interface 25, a RAM, a ROM (not shown), and the like are connected by a bus is used.

  The control unit 23 includes a lock control unit 26, a recording head control unit 27, a head movement control unit 28, an ultraviolet irradiation control unit 29, a light source movement control unit 30, and a conveyance control unit 31, which are in response to instructions from the CPU 24. In response, signals are sent to the lock mechanisms 9a and 9b, the recording head 18 including the nozzle 20, the head moving mechanism 32, the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 including the light source 22, the light source moving mechanism 33, and the transport drive motor 14, and control their operations. It is supposed to be. Further, the control unit 23 sends signals to other devices constituting the image recording apparatus via corresponding control units (not shown) to control their operations.

  The CPU 24 of the control unit 23 is connected to an input device D such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a reading device such as a DVD, CD, MD, etc. provided in the main unit 1 of an external computer or image recording apparatus via an interface 25. The CPU 24 performs operations such as image recording via the control units 26 to 31 in accordance with information input from the input device D.

  Further, the above-described jam detection device 34 is connected to the CPU 24 of the control unit 23, and the CPU 24 receives the jam detection signal transmitted when the jam detection device 34 detects a jam of the recording medium P. Thus, it is determined that a jam has occurred in the recording medium P. Further, the display unit 4 described above is connected to the CPU 24 of the control unit 23, and the display unit 4 displays necessary information on the monitor screen in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 24, and notifies the speaker by voice. It has become.

  Next, a control configuration in the control unit 23 of the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment will be described.

  When receiving the image information to be recorded on the recording medium P from the input device D, the control unit 23 of the image recording device stores it in a storage device such as a RAM. When the recording start signal is input, the UV irradiation control unit 29 is instructed to turn on the light source 22 of the UV irradiation device 21. When the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 22 is stabilized, an instruction is sent to the conveyance control unit 31 to activate the conveyance drive motor 14 to rotate the conveyance roller 12 and convey the recording medium P in the conveyance direction X.

  In addition, the control unit 23 transmits image information to the recording head 18 via the recording head control unit 27, and discharges required color ink from the nozzles 20 of the recording head 18. The ink that has landed on the recording medium P moves below the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 by the conveyance of the recording medium P, is cured by being irradiated with the ultraviolet light from the light source 22, and forms a predetermined image on the recording medium. .

  When irregularities such as undulations, wrinkles, and curls occur on the recording medium P due to moisture absorption, heating by a high temperature light source, uneven nip force between the conveying roller 12 and the pinch roller 16, the recording medium P becomes a recording head. 18 or the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 may be jammed and jamming may occur (see FIG. 5). When such a jam occurs, friction occurs between the jam and the recording head 18 and the ultraviolet irradiation device 21, and the rotation of the transport roller 12 is prevented. Therefore, an abnormal torque is applied to the conveyance drive motor 14 that attempts to rotate the conveyance roller 12 smoothly, and the torque of the conveyance drive motor 14 exceeds the specified value range. This is detected by the jam detection device 34 and a jam detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 23.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the control unit of the image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. If the image recording is continued with the jam occurring on the recording medium P, the jamming may cause damage to the nozzle 20 of the recording head 18 or the ultraviolet irradiation device 21, and the control unit 23 determines whether or not the jam has occurred. Whether or not a jam detection signal has been transmitted from the jam detection device 34 is constantly monitored and determined (step S1).

  When the control unit 23 receives the jam detection signal from the jam detection device 34 and determines that a jam has occurred, the control unit 23 activates the lock mechanisms 9a and 9b via the lock control unit 26 (see FIG. 5). The main body 2 is locked, the opening of the upper main body 2 is prevented, and jam processing is prohibited (step S2). As described above, the lock mechanism 9a, 9b prevents or allows the lock claw 7 to be disengaged from the lock pin 6 by the operation of the lock release lever 8 (see FIG. 1), thereby opening the upper body 2. When the controller 23 is configured to prevent or permit the lock claw 7 from being disengaged from the lock pin 6 via the lock controller 26, the controller 23 locks the lock claw 7 from the lock pin 6. Continue.

  Next, driving of the transport drive motor 14 is stopped via the transport control unit 31 to stop transport of the recording medium P (step S3), and ink is ejected from the recording head 18 via the recording head control unit 27. Stop (step S4). Further, the light source 22 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is turned off via the ultraviolet irradiation control unit 29 (step S5), a signal is sent to the display unit 4 to display on the monitor screen that the jam processing has been prohibited, and that effect from the speaker. (Step S6).

  Further, the control unit 23 activates the head moving mechanism 32 via the head movement control unit 28, moves the recording head 18 to the retracted position and retracts it from the recording medium, and detects the protection member provided at the retracted position. The recording head 18 is moved to the position, and the nozzle surface 19 is protected by covering the nozzle surface 19 with a protective member (step S7). Note that the order from the conveyance stop of the recording medium (step S3) to the head protection (step S7) is not necessarily the order described above, and can be configured to be performed in parallel. .

  When the protection of the nozzle surface 19 of the recording head 18 is completed, the control unit 23 turns on the light source 22 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 via the ultraviolet irradiation control unit 29 and activates the light source movement mechanism via the light source movement control unit 30. Then, the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is raised to a predetermined height so that friction with the jam does not occur, and interference between the jam of the recording medium P and the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is eliminated. Then, the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is moved in the direction opposite to the conveying direction X, and the uncured ink on the recording medium is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to cure the ink (step S8).

  Then, it is determined whether the recording medium P is irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a predetermined energy amount from the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 (step S9), and irradiation is continued until the ultraviolet irradiation amount reaches the predetermined energy amount.

  At this time, the amount of energy (illuminance × time) of the ultraviolet light irradiated to the recording medium P causing the jam from the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is the same as that during normal recording, that is, the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 22. It is possible to cure the ink without changing the amount of energy, but the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 22 from various viewpoints such as shortening the processing time, reducing the power consumption, and lowering the temperature of the ultraviolet irradiation device 21. It is also possible to change (increase or decrease) the amount of energy.

  In this case, it is desirable that the energy amount of the irradiated ultraviolet rays be 30% or more of the energy amount during normal recording. Here, the amount of energy of ultraviolet rays at the time of normal recording means the energy necessary for achieving a close contact state (fixed state on the recording medium) where the ink does not peel off even if the recording medium P on which the image is recorded is rubbed strongly. Say quantity.

  The reason why the amount of energy of the ultraviolet rays to be irradiated is preferably 30% or more is as follows. First, regarding the lower limit, after applying ink on a slide glass and irradiating it with ultraviolet rays of various energy amounts to cure the ink, a 1.8 cm square cover glass is placed on the ink, and 20 g from above. The weight of the material is put together for 5 seconds, and the ratio of the colored area to the entire area due to the transfer of ink to the cover glass is determined. If the ratio is 10% or less, there is no practical problem, and if the amount of ultraviolet energy is 30% of the energy amount during normal recording, the ratio is 10% or less.

  Further, the amount of energy of ultraviolet rays to be irradiated can be increased to such an extent that the recording medium P is not deteriorated or ignited by excessive irradiation. Although it depends on the type of recording medium, the type of light source used, and whether the light source is continuous light or pulsed light, it can be increased to about 1000 times the amount of energy during normal recording.

  Based on the light emission illuminance from the light source 22 and the moving speed of the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 by the light source moving mechanism 33 when the jam occurs, the control unit 23 uses the ultraviolet irradiation control unit 29 to control the light source of the ultraviolet irradiation device 21. The light emission illuminance from 22 is adjusted, and the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is moved at the moving speed via the light source movement control unit 30.

  When the control unit 23 determines that the recording medium P is irradiated with ultraviolet rays of a predetermined energy amount from the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 in step S9 and the uncured ink on the recording medium is cured, the light source movement control unit 30. The light source moving mechanism 33 is caused to move the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 in the transport direction to return to the normal recording position, and the light source 22 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is turned off via the ultraviolet irradiation control unit 29 (step S10). ). Then, the lock mechanisms 9a and 9b are unlocked via the lock control unit 26 (step S11), and the upper main body 2 can be opened to allow jam processing. In addition, the control unit 23 sends a signal to the display unit 4 to display on the monitor screen that the jam processing is possible, and to notify the fact from the speaker (step S12).

  As described above, according to the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment, when a jam occurs, the lock mechanisms 9a and 9b prevent the opening of the upper main body 2 by the instruction of the control unit and prohibit the jam processing. It is possible to accurately prevent the jam treatment from being performed with the uncured ink remaining on the recording medium, and to reliably prevent the uncured ink from adhering to the inside of the apparatus or the operator. It becomes possible.

  In addition, when a jam occurs, the ink on the recording medium is cured and then the lock mechanisms 9a and 9b are released so that the upper main body 2 can be opened and the jam processing is allowed. Jam treatment can be performed in a state where the ink is cured, and ink adhesion can be accurately prevented.

  Furthermore, if the recording head is retracted to the retracted position when a jam occurs and the nozzle surface is protected by a protective member as in the present embodiment, ultraviolet rays can be reliably prevented from reaching the nozzle surface of the recording head. It is possible to prevent the ink from being cured on the nozzle surface and adversely affecting the ink ejection from the nozzle.

[Second Embodiment]
The image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the control unit 23 determines whether or not a jam has occurred ( The only difference is that it is determined whether or not there is uncured ink on the recording medium between the step S1) and the lock of the upper main body 2 (step S2). Therefore, the same devices and members as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the control unit of the image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the controller 23 determines whether or not a jam has occurred by constantly monitoring whether or not a jam detection signal is transmitted from the jam detection device 34 ( In step S1), when the control unit 23 receives a jam detection signal from the jam detection device 34 and determines that a jam has occurred, the control unit 23 then determines whether there is uncured ink on the recording medium. (Step S13).

  For example, the control unit 23 determines whether or not uncured ink remains on the recording medium. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 includes a detection sensor (not shown) that can detect the recording medium P passing under the ultraviolet irradiation device 21. In the case where the maximum required time from the ejection of the ink by the recording head 18 to the passage under the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is 2.5 seconds, 2.5 seconds since the last ejection of the ink from the recording head 18. If the control unit 23 receives a jam detection signal within 2 seconds, it is determined that uncured ink remains, and if the control unit 23 receives a jam detection signal after 2.5 seconds or more, it is uncured. It is determined that no ink remains.

  When the control unit 23 determines that there is uncured ink on the recording medium in the determination (step S13), the following lock of the upper main body unit 2 is performed as in the first embodiment. Processing from (Step S2) to notification (Step S12) that jam processing is possible is performed. If it is determined in the determination (step S13) that there is no uncured ink remaining on the recording medium, the processing is terminated without performing the processing of the following steps S2 to S12.

  As described above, according to the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not there is uncured ink remaining on the recording medium, and to perform jam processing after curing the uncured ink if there is uncured ink. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to accurately prevent the jam processing from being performed while the uncured ink remains on the recording medium. It is possible to reliably prevent the recording medium and the like from being attached to the operator and contaminating the recording medium.

  If it is determined that there is no uncured ink on the recording medium and there is no risk of contamination of the inside of the apparatus or the operator even if the jam processing is performed, the jam processing is performed without performing the ink curing processing. Therefore, ultraviolet irradiation or the like can be performed only when necessary, and it is possible to avoid wasteful power consumption.

[Third Embodiment]
The image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment has the same effects as the image recording apparatuses of the first and second embodiments, and a part of the configuration of the recording unit 10 and a jam detection apparatus are different. However, the same devices and members as those in the first and second embodiments will be described using the same reference numerals.

  Further, the image recording apparatus of the third embodiment is preferably applied to the recording medium P divided into sheets such as cut sheets, for example, so that the recording medium P is such a recording medium. This will be described on the assumption. Needless to say, the image recording apparatuses of the first and second embodiments are also applied to the divided recording medium P. It is also possible to use the first to third embodiments in combination.

  The configuration of the main body 1 of the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the main body 1 (see FIG. 1) of the image recording apparatus according to the first and second embodiments.

  FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a recording unit of the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, optical sensors 34 a and 34 b as jam detecting devices 34 face the recording medium P on the end portion on the most upstream side in the transport direction of the recording head 18 and the side surface on the downstream side in the transport direction of the ultraviolet irradiation device 21. It is attached as follows. The optical sensors 34a and 34b are non-contact sensors that optically detect the leading edge and the trailing edge of the recording medium P that is being conveyed. Instead of the optical sensor, for example, the thickness of the recording medium P is detected. It is also possible to use a contact sensor that physically detects the leading edge and the trailing edge of the recording medium P.

  In the present embodiment, the platen platen 11 serving as a recording medium mounting device is divided into a platen part 11a below the recording head 18 and another platen part, and the platen part 11a is located upstream in the transport direction. The platen portion and the hinge structure 35 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable downward. A stopper 36 is attached to the platen portion downstream of the platen portion 11a in the conveying direction, and the stopper 36 operates in a normal state to prevent the platen portion 11a from rotating downward, and the platen portion 11a. Are coplanar with other platen portions. The platen portion 11a is rotated downward by releasing the stopper 36 (see FIG. 9).

  Further, below the stopper 36, an auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device 37, which is a separate auxiliary light irradiation device from the ultraviolet irradiation device 21, is disposed so as to face substantially upstream in the transport direction. Has a built-in light source 38. As the light source 38, a light source of the same type as the light source 22 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 may be used, and a high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp, a cold cathode sterilization lamp, a hot cathode sterilization lamp, an electrodeless lamp, an excimer lamp, Other types of light sources such as metal halide lamps, xenon lamps, and LEDs can also be used.

  Although not shown, in the recording unit 10 of the present embodiment, positions on the upstream side and the downstream side with respect to the conveyance direction X of the conveyance roller 12, the pinch roller 16, and the guide roller 17 in the recording unit 10 shown in FIG. The relationship is reversed (that is, the transport roller 12 and the like are arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction).

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment. The CPU 24 of the control unit 23 includes a platen rotation control unit 39 and an auxiliary irradiation control unit 40 in addition to the lock control unit 26 and the like described above. The control unit 23 includes a platen including the stopper 36 via them. The operation of the rotation mechanism 41 and the auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device 37 is controlled.

  Next, a control configuration in the control unit 23 of the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the control unit of the image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the control unit 23 constantly monitors and determines whether or not a jam has occurred (step S1). Specifically, in the present embodiment, whether or not a jam has occurred is determined by detecting the leading edge (or trailing edge; omitted in the following) of the recording medium P after the optical sensor 34a on the upstream side in the transport direction detects the jam. This is done by monitoring the time interval until the side optical sensor 34b detects.

  That is, a normal time interval in a normal recording state is obtained in advance from the conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the distance between the optical sensors 34a and 34b, and the control unit 23 determines that the upstream optical sensor 34a is at the leading edge of the recording medium P. A signal obtained by detecting the leading edge of the recording medium P from the downstream optical sensor 34b before a predetermined time (for example, 1.5 times the normal time interval) elapses after receiving the signal transmitted. Is transmitted, it is determined that no jam has occurred on the recording medium P. In addition, the control unit 23 transmits a detection signal from the downstream optical sensor 34b even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the upstream optical sensor 34a received the signal transmitted by detecting the tip of the recording medium P. If not, it is determined that a jam has occurred in the recording medium P.

  When the control unit 23 receives a jam detection signal from the jam detection device 34 and determines that a jam has occurred, the control unit 23 then determines whether there is uncured ink on the recording medium. (Step S13). Specifically, if the ink is ejected from the nozzle 20 of the recording head 18 to the recording medium P for which it is determined that a jam has occurred in the determination (step S1), the control unit 23 places the ink on the recording medium. Judge that there is uncured ink. In addition, if the ink is not ejected, the control unit 23 determines that there is no uncured ink on the recording medium, and ends the process without performing the processes of steps S2 to S12 below. As in the first embodiment, it is possible to shift to the next locking step (step S2) without making this determination (step S13).

  Next, when determining that there is uncured ink on the recording medium in Step S13, the control unit 23 operates the lock mechanisms 9a and 9b via the lock control unit 26 to lock the upper main body unit 2, The opening of the upper main body 2 is prevented and jam processing is prohibited (step S2). As described above, the lock mechanism 9a, 9b prevents or allows the lock claw 7 to be disengaged from the lock pin 6 by the operation of the lock release lever 8 (see FIG. 1), thereby opening the upper body 2. When the controller 23 is configured to prevent or permit the lock claw 7 from being disengaged from the lock pin 6 via the lock controller 26, the controller 23 locks the lock claw 7 from the lock pin 6. Continue.

  Then, the control unit 23 stops driving the conveyance drive motor 14 via the conveyance control unit 31 and stops conveyance of the recording medium P (step S3), and then from the recording head 18 via the recording head control unit 27. Ink ejection is stopped (step S4). Further, the light source 22 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 is turned off via the ultraviolet irradiation control unit 29 (step S5), a signal is sent to the display unit 4, and the fact that the jam processing is prohibited is displayed on the monitor screen. (Step S6). Note that the order from the stop of conveyance of the recording medium (step S3) to the notification (step S6) does not necessarily have to be the order described above, and can be configured to be performed in parallel.

  Next, the control unit 23 operates the platen rotation mechanism 41 such as releasing the stopper 36 via the platen rotation control unit 39 to rotate the platen portion 11a downward to cause a jam. Is retracted to the back side (step S14), and as shown in FIG. 9, the nozzle surface 19 of the recording head 18 is protected by being covered with a protective member 42 (step S7).

  When the protection of the nozzle surface 19 of the recording head 18 is completed, the control unit 23 turns on the auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device 37 via the auxiliary irradiation control unit 40 and irradiates the recording medium P with the necessary amount of ultraviolet rays from the light source 38. Then, the uncured ink on the recording medium is cured (step S15). The control unit 23 determines whether or not the recording medium P is irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a predetermined energy amount from the auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device 37 (step S9), and irradiation is performed until the ultraviolet irradiation amount reaches the predetermined energy amount. Continue. The amount of ultraviolet energy to be irradiated is as described in the first embodiment.

  During the ultraviolet irradiation from the auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device 37, the recording head 18 can be moved to the retracted position as in the first embodiment, and the protection by the protective member can be performed. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the nozzle surface 19 may be protected by, for example, covering the nozzle surface 19 with a protective member 42 without retracting the recording head 18.

  When the control unit 23 determines that the recording medium P is irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a predetermined energy amount from the auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device 37 in step S9 and the uncured ink on the recording medium is cured, the auxiliary irradiation control unit. The light source 38 of the auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device 37 is turned off via 40 (step S10). Then, the lock mechanisms 9a and 9b are unlocked via the lock control unit 26 (step S11), and the upper main body 2 can be opened to allow jam processing. In addition, the control unit 23 sends a signal to the display unit 4 to display on the monitor screen that the jam processing is possible, and to notify the fact from the speaker (step S12).

  As described above, according to the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, it is possible to accurately perform the jam processing while the uncured ink remains on the recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the uncured ink from adhering to the inside of the apparatus or the operator.

  Unlike the first and second embodiments, the UV irradiation device used for normal recording operation is not moved when the uncured ink is cured, and the recording head is not necessarily retracted. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a light source moving mechanism, a head moving mechanism, a retraction position of the recording head, and the like, and the image recording apparatus can be made compact.

  In the third embodiment, the position of the auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device is not fixed, and the uncured ink on the recording medium is moved while moving above the jam of the recording medium that has been placed on the platen portion 11a and moved downward. It is also possible to irradiate with UV rays.

  The present invention can be applied not only to the line head type image recording apparatus as in the first to third embodiments, but also to a serial head type image recording apparatus, for example. In addition, an image recording apparatus that cures ink with a light irradiation device after ejecting ink onto the recording medium may cause a problem that uncured ink remains on the recording medium when a jam occurs. It can also be applied to a recording apparatus. Furthermore, the image recording apparatus is configured to discharge ink from the recording head to an intermediate transfer member such as a drum or a belt, transfer the ink from the intermediate transfer member onto a recording medium, and then cure the ink by irradiating light. Applicable.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments, the structure of the apparatus is configured to prevent the opening of the upper main body part in order to prohibit the jam processing. It is also possible to prevent the door from being opened, or to prevent the recording medium with the ink remaining uncured from being discharged out of the apparatus, and the operator performs jam processing when a jam occurs. Anything that can be prohibited is included in the present invention.

  In the first to third embodiments, the case where the recording medium is conveyed on the platen has been described. However, as the recording medium mounting device, not only the platen but also a conveying belt, a platen, and a conveying belt are used. A combination is also used, and the present invention can be applied to an image recording apparatus provided with such a recording medium mounting apparatus. In particular, in the third embodiment, instead of using a divided platen, a plurality of conveying belts (or a combination of the conveying belt and the platen) are arranged in parallel so that the conveying belt below the recording head can be rotated downward. It is also possible to configure as described above.

  In step S2 of the first to third embodiments, the lock mechanism 9 starts to be locked in response to the jam detection of the jam detection device 34 to prohibit the image recording apparatus main body from being opened for jam processing. Alternatively, when the opening of the image recording apparatus main body has been locked before that time, the locking may be continued. The lock that prohibits the opening of the image recording apparatus main body is released in response to the irradiation of the predetermined energy (illuminance × time) by the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 or the auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device 37 in step S9. . Further, according to the present invention, a jam does not occur in the area as well as when a jam occurs between and in the vicinity of the ultraviolet irradiation device 21 where the ink is cured from the recording head 18 where the ink is discharged. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied in a state where the conveyance of the recording medium is stopped and uncured ink exists in the image recording apparatus when a jam occurs in another part in the image recording apparatus.

1 is a schematic side view showing an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the recording part of the image recording device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of the recording unit in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control part of the image recording device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining jam of a recording medium. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a control unit of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a control unit of the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a side view which shows the recording part of the image recording device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which rotated the platen part below. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control part of the image recording device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a control unit of an image recording apparatus according to a third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

4 Display (notification means)
11 Platen (Recording medium placement device)
12 Conveying roller (moving device)
14 Transport drive motor (moving device)
18 Recording head 19 Nozzle surface 21 Ultraviolet irradiation device (light irradiation device)
23 Control unit 34 Jam detection device 37 Auxiliary ultraviolet irradiation device (auxiliary light irradiation device)
42 Protective member P Recording medium

Claims (15)

A recording head for ejecting ink to the recording medium;
A moving device for relatively moving the recording medium and the recording head;
A light irradiation device for irradiating light for curing the ink discharged on the recording medium;
A jam detection device for detecting a jam of the recording medium;
An image recording apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls to prohibit jam processing when the jam detection apparatus detects a jam of a recording medium. A recording head for ejecting ink to the recording medium;
A moving device for relatively moving the recording medium and the recording head;
A light irradiation device for irradiating light for curing the ink discharged on the recording medium;
A jam detection device for detecting a jam of the recording medium;
And a control unit that controls to prohibit jam processing when uncured ink is present on the recording medium when the jam detecting device detects a jam of the recording medium. apparatus.   3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits the image recording apparatus body from being opened in accordance with the jam detection of the jam detection apparatus, and the jam processing is prohibited. 4. . A recording head for ejecting ink to the recording medium;
A moving device for relatively moving the recording medium and the recording head;
A light irradiation device for irradiating light for curing the ink discharged on the recording medium;
A jam detection device for detecting a jam of the recording medium;
An image recording apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls to allow jam processing after the ink on the recording medium is cured when the jam detection apparatus detects a jam of the recording medium. .   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the prohibition of the jam processing.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies permission of the jam processing.   The control unit is configured to irradiate light to the uncured ink on the recording medium by the light irradiation device when the jam detection device detects a jam of the recording medium. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The auxiliary light irradiation device is provided separately from the light irradiation device,
The control unit is configured to irradiate light to uncured ink on the recording medium by the auxiliary light irradiation device when the jam detection device detects a jam of the recording medium. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image recording apparatus is characterized in that:   The jam control is canceled when the control unit cancels the prohibition of opening the image recording apparatus main body in response to the light irradiation device irradiating predetermined energy. 8. The image recording apparatus according to 7.   The jam processing prohibition is canceled by canceling the prohibition of the opening of the image recording apparatus main body by the control unit in response to the auxiliary light irradiation device irradiating predetermined energy. Item 9. The image recording apparatus according to Item 8.   The control unit is configured to retract the recording head from the recording medium when the ink on the recording medium is cured when a jam is detected by the jam detection device. The image recording apparatus according to claim 10.   The control unit is configured to protect the nozzle surface of the recording head with a protection member when the ink on the recording medium is cured at the time of jam detection by the jam detection device. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a recording medium mounting device that supports the recording medium from the back side and can move the recording medium to the back side.   9. The structure according to claim 7, wherein the amount of energy of light applied to the recording medium when the ink is cured is 30% or more of the amount of energy during normal recording. The image recording apparatus described in 1.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink is an ultraviolet curable ink.

Images