JP2009285873A - Image recording apparatus and image recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording apparatus capable of appropriately recording an image by effectively heating a recording medium without arranging a special heating means, and an image recording method. <P>SOLUTION: By the time when the surface temperature of a table 1 measured by a temperature sensor 10 reaches a set temperature, under a condition that feeding of the printing paper from a paper feeding part 2 is suspended, while a plurality of the tables 1 are moved along a revolution track, the tables 1 are heated by heaters 26, 28, 29, 30 and 31. After the surface temperature of the table 1 measured by the temperature sensor 10 reaches the set temperature, applying a pretreating agent on the printing paper by a pretreating agent coating head 21, recording the image by recording heads 22, 23, 24 and 25, and heating the printing paper by the heaters 26, 28, 29, 30 and 31, are executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus and an image recording method for recording an image on a recording medium that is supported and conveyed by a supporting means such as a table.

  In general, when glossy paper or glossy printing paper is used as a recording medium, if an image is recorded on these printing papers by an ink jet method, the ink is difficult to adhere to the printing paper and printed. There arises a problem that the image is disturbed. In such a case, the ink adheres well to the recording paper by applying a pretreatment agent such as an anchor coat immediately before recording the image.

  However, when using the pretreatment agent in this way, if the temperature of the printing paper is low, the solvent contained in the pretreatment agent such as an anchor coat, which hinders reaction with ink, cannot be dried. In addition, since the reaction speed itself between the ink and the pretreatment agent such as an anchor coat becomes slow, there arises a problem that proper image recording cannot be executed.

Patent Document 1 discloses an ink jet printer that heats a medium to promote ink drying by heating a driving roller with a preheat lamp in order to reduce ink bleeding.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-126952

  In the ink jet printer described in Patent Document 1, only the driving roller is heated, and a dedicated preheat lamp needs to be provided for the heating.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an image recording apparatus and an image capable of appropriately recording an image by effectively heating a recording medium without providing a special heating means. An object is to provide a recording method.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the support means for supporting the recording medium in contact with the lower surface of the recording medium, the moving mechanism for moving the support means, and the position facing the movement path of the support means. A recording means for recording an image by an ink jet method on a recording medium that is arranged and supported by the support means, and a recording in which an image is recorded by the recording means, disposed at a position facing the movement path of the support means A heating unit that heats the medium directly or indirectly via the support unit, a temperature sensor that is disposed at a position facing a movement path of the support unit, and that measures the temperature of the support unit, and the temperature sensor The supporting means is heated by the heating means while the movement of the supporting means is continued by the moving means until the temperature of the supporting means measured by the step reaches a set temperature. Characterized by comprising a control unit.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a pretreatment agent application head for applying a pretreatment agent to a recording medium before the image is recorded by the recording means in the invention of the first aspect.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support means is a plurality of tables that support a recording medium, and the table includes a pair of roller members and the pair of rollers. Using the endless transport mechanism having a drive mechanism for rotating and driving the roller member and an endless rope wound around the pair of roller members, the heating means It is arranged at a position facing the moving path of the table.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endless transport mechanism having a pair of roller members, a drive mechanism that rotationally drives the pair of roller members, and an endless cord wound around the pair of roller members. A plurality of tables coupled to the endless transport mechanism and holding a recording medium on the surface thereof, and a guide mechanism for guiding the plurality of tables movably along a trajectory corresponding to the endless cords; A recording medium supply mechanism that supplies a recording medium to the table while the table is moving, and a pretreatment agent application head that is disposed above the movement path of the table and applies a pretreatment agent to the recording medium The pretreatment agent is applied by the pretreatment agent application head from a number of inkjet nozzles arranged above the table movement path and arranged in a direction crossing the table movement direction. A recording head for recording an image by discharging ink onto the recorded recording medium, and a recording medium disposed above the moving path of the table, on which an image is recorded by the recording head, directly or the support means A heating means that indirectly heats the recording medium, a temperature sensor that is disposed above the movement path of the table, and that measures the temperature of the table; and a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording head The plurality of tables are moved to the endless state in a state where supply of the recording medium by the recording medium supply mechanism is stopped until the temperature of the table measured by the temperature sensor reaches a set temperature. While the table is heated by the heating means while being moved along a trajectory corresponding to the rope, the test piece measured by the temperature sensor is used. After the temperature of the bull reaches a set temperature, the pretreatment agent is applied to the recording medium supplied by the recording medium supply mechanism by the pretreatment agent application head, the image is recorded by the recording head, and the heating means. And a controller for performing heating of the recording medium according to the above.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support means for supporting the recording medium in contact with the lower surface of the recording medium, a moving mechanism for moving the support means, and a position facing the movement path of the support means. A recording means for recording an image by an ink jet method on a recording medium which is arranged and supported by the support means; and a recording medium which is arranged at a position facing a movement path of the support means and which is supported by the support means and moves In an image recording method for recording an image using an image recording apparatus comprising a heating means for directly or indirectly heating through the support means, the movement of the support means is continued by the moving means And a supporting means heating step for heating the supporting means by the heating means, and an image recording step for recording an image by the recording means after the supporting means has reached a set temperature. , Characterized by comprising a recording medium heating step of heating by the heating means recording medium with the image recorded by said recording means.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, further comprising a temperature measuring step for measuring the temperature of the supporting means heated by the heating step, and the temperature of the supporting means measured in the measuring step is set. The image recording process is executed in a state where the temperature is reached.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the pretreatment agent is applied to the recording medium between the heating means heating step and the image recording step. A process is provided.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the support means is a plurality of tables for supporting a recording medium, and the table includes a pair of roller members, Using the endless transport mechanism having a drive mechanism for rotating the pair of roller members and an endless cord wound around the pair of roller members, the heating unit moves along a circular track and the heating The means is arranged at a position facing the moving path of the table.

  According to the first and fifth aspects of the present invention, the heating means for heating the recording medium on which the image is recorded by the recording means is used without providing any special heating means. The recording medium can be effectively heated through the means, and the image can be recorded appropriately.

  According to the second and seventh aspects of the invention, an appropriate image is recorded by effectively drying the solvent contained in the pretreatment agent and promoting the reaction between the ink and the pretreatment agent. It becomes possible to do.

  According to the invention described in claim 3 and claim 8, it is possible to heat the plurality of tables moving along the circular path by a common heating means arranged at a position facing the moving path of the table. It becomes.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, by using a heating means for heating and drying the ink, a plurality of tables can be heated to an appropriate temperature without providing any special heating means. Can do. For this reason, the recording medium can be heated to an appropriate temperature via these tables, and by effectively drying the solvent contained in the pretreatment agent, by promoting the reaction between the ink and the pretreatment agent, Appropriate image recording can be executed.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to properly record an image while maintaining the support means at an appropriate temperature.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image recording apparatus 3 according to the present invention with the image recording unit 3 removed.

  This image recording apparatus records an image on a printing sheet as a recording medium sucked and held on a table 1 using suction holes 11 (see FIG. 6). An image recording unit that records an image on a printing sheet on the table 1 that is moved by the table moving mechanism 5 and the table moving mechanism 5 that moves the table 4 and the ten tables 1 arranged at regular intervals along the circular path. Unit 3, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) 6 having a touch panel type input / output unit, and a temperature sensor 10 that measures the surface temperature of the moving table 1. Hereinafter, the configuration of the image recording unit 3, the table moving mechanism 5, the paper feeding unit 2, and the paper discharging unit 4 will be described in this order.

  The image recording unit 3 records an image by an ink jet method on a printing paper that is sucked and held on the upper surface of the table 1 traveling in one direction by the table moving mechanism 5. The image recording unit 3 includes a pretreatment agent application head 21, four recording heads 22, 23, 24, 25, five heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, and a scanner 32.

  The pretreatment agent application head 21 applies a transparent pretreatment agent to printing paper before recording images with the four recording heads 22, 23, 24, and 25. As this pretreatment agent, for example, an anchor coat for improving the adhesion of ink to the printing paper is used when gloss printing paper or glossy printing paper is used.

  The four recording heads are a black ink recording head 22, a cyan ink recording head 23, a magenta ink recording head 24, and a yellow ink recording head 25. These recording heads 22, 23, 24, 25 are arranged above the table 1 that moves in one direction. These recording heads 22, 23, 24, and 25 include a large number of ink jet nozzles arranged in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the table 1, and eject ink from these ink jet nozzles onto the printing paper. Record an image. The pretreatment agent application head 21, the recording heads 22, 23, 24, 25, the heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, and the scanner 32 are in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing paper by a drive mechanism (not shown). (A direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1) is movable. As a result, the pretreatment agent application head 21, the recording heads 22, 23, 24, 25, the heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, and the scanner 32 and the image recording position facing the printing paper conveyance path, and printing It can be reciprocated between a maintenance position that does not face the paper conveyance path. By moving the pretreatment agent application head 21, the recording heads 22, 23, 24, 25, the heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, and the scanner 32 to the maintenance position, an obstacle is placed on the printing paper conveyance path. Therefore, a working space for the table 1 and the like can be secured.

  The five heaters are a preheating heater 26, intermediate heating heaters 28, 29, and 30, and a main heating heater 31. These heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, and 31 are configured to blow hot air onto the printing paper. The scanner 32 includes a line-shaped CCD camera and measures the entire recorded image and the density of the patch.

  The five heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 are not only used for drying ink ejected from the inkjet nozzles of the recording heads 22, 23, 24, 25 onto the printing paper, but will be described later. As described above, before each image is recorded, each table 1 is preheated to heat the printing paper and used for the purpose of properly recording the image.

  The table moving mechanism 5 moves the ten tables 1 at a high speed along the circular trajectory by the endless transport mechanism, and separates the tables 1 from the endless transport mechanism when recording an image, and the linear motor mechanism is used for accuracy. It is often configured to move in one direction. At this time, the table 1 is guided by the rail 42 of the linear guide. In order to switch the movement of the table 1 between the endless transport mechanism and the linear motor mechanism, the first and second coupling mechanisms are used.

  FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part of the table moving mechanism 5. FIG. 4 is a partial side view showing a connection relationship between the rail 42 and the chain 44 of the linear guide and the table 1. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing a connection relationship between the rail 42 and the chain 44 of the linear guide and the table 1. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the connection relationship between the rail 42 and the chain 44 of the linear guide and the table 1.

  At the four corners of each table 1, linear guide receiving portions 43 are arranged via connecting portions 45. The receiving portion 43 is engaged with a rail 42 of a pair of left and right linear guides disposed on the side plate 41. The rail 42 has an endless shape. For this reason, each table 1 is guided by an endless linear guide including the rails 42 and the receiving portions 43, and can move along the circular path.

  On one side plate 41, a pair of sprockets 46 are rotatably arranged. A chain 44 is wound around the sprocket 46. The chain 44 wound around the pair of sprockets 46 and the endless linear guide including the rail 42 and the receiving portion 43 have shapes corresponding to each other. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a sprocket 47 is attached to the side of one sprocket 46. This sprocket 47 is driven by a motor driven sprocket 48 and a driven sprocket 49, and a chain. 51 are connected. For this reason, the chain 44 is rotated while being wound around the pair of sprockets 46 by the drive of the drive sprocket 48.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the height of the chain 44 is changed midway by the action of two pairs of sprockets 52 and 53.

  The pair of sprockets 46 constitutes a roller member in the endless conveyance mechanism of the present invention, and the chain 44 constitutes a cable body in the endless conveyance mechanism of the present invention. A synchronous belt or the like may be used instead of the chain 44, and a synchronous pulley or the like may be used instead of the sprocket 46.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 3, four linear motor mechanisms 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d (referred to collectively as “linear motor mechanism 61”) are arranged in the lower part of the apparatus main body. Has been. Each linear motor mechanism 61 connects a support plate 62 erected on the main body, a movement base 63 disposed opposite to the support plate 62, the movement base 63 and the support plate 62, and the movement base 63. And a pair of linear guides 64 for guiding the support plate 62 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. A linear motor stator 65 is fixed to the support plate 62, and a linear motor movable element 66 is fixed to the moving base 63.

  In the linear motor mechanism 61, by changing the magnetic pole of the stator 65 arranged in the moving direction of the table 1, the mover 66 can be moved at a desired speed in the moving direction of the table 1 and in the opposite direction. It is like that.

  For this reason, the moving base 63 reciprocates in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 3, that is, the moving direction of the table 1 by the driving of the linear motor composed of the stator 65 and the movable element 66. And the movement base 63 and the table 1 are switched to a connection state and an open state by the 2nd connection mechanism mentioned later.

  As described above, the table 1 is transported by the linear motor mechanism 61 during image recording, and the table 1 is transported by the endless transport mechanism using the chain 44 described above at other times. That is, the chain 44 and the table 1 are disconnected before the image is recorded, that is, before the table 1 is opposed to the pretreatment agent application head 21, and after the image is recorded, that is, the table 1 is the last recording head 25. It is connected after facing and further facing the main heat heater 31. The switching of the connection is executed by a first connection mechanism described later.

  The mover 66 of the linear motor mechanism 61 and the table 1 are connected before image recording, that is, before the table 1 faces the first recording head 22, and after image recording, that is, the table 1 is the last recording. The connection is released after facing the head 25 and further facing the scanner 32. This switching of connection is executed by a second connection mechanism described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a suction fan 55 is disposed below the travel route of the table 1. The table 1 has a hollow structure. As shown in FIG. 6, suction holes 11 communicating with the hollow portions of the table 1 are formed on the surface of the table 1. For this reason, exhausting from the suction fan 55 makes it possible to suck and hold the printing paper supplied to the surface of the table 1 on the table 1 through the suction holes 11.

  Next, the structure of the 1st connection mechanism which switches the chain 44 and the table 1 to a connection state and an open state is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the chain 44 is provided with a connecting pin 27 that functions as a first connecting portion. On the other hand, a connecting plate 54 functioning as a second connecting portion is attached to the tip of the table 1 in the moving direction. The connecting plate 54 is formed with a substantially triangular hole facing upward. The connecting pin 27 is inserted into the hole in the connecting plate 54.

  As described above, the height of the chain 44 is changed midway by the action of the two pairs of sprockets 52 and 53. That is, the position of the chain 44 is low at the position where the table 1 faces the image recording unit 3, and the position is high at both ends. When the position of the chain 44 is high, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 5, the connecting pin 27 comes into contact with the corner portion of the substantially triangular hole in the connecting plate 54, so that the connecting pin 27 and the connecting plate 54 are connected. Connected to each other. On the other hand, when the position of the chain 44 is low, the connecting pin 27 is separated from the corner portion of the substantially triangular hole in the connecting plate 54 as shown by a virtual line in FIG. 5 and a solid line in FIG. It moves downward and the connection between the connecting pin 27 and the connecting plate 54 is released.

  In the area A shown in FIG. 5, the table 1 that moves by driving the chain 44 has the connecting pin 27 and the connecting plate 54 connected to each other, and in the area B shown in FIG. 5, the connecting pin 27 and the connecting plate. The connection with 54 is released. 5, the driving source of the table 1 is switched from the chain 44 to the movable element 66 of the linear motor mechanism 61.

  Next, the structure of the 2nd connection mechanism which switches the needle | mover 66 and the table 1 of the linear motor mechanism 61 to a connection state and an open state is demonstrated. 7 and 8 are side views showing the second coupling mechanism. FIG. 7 shows a second coupling mechanism on the paper feed unit 2 side, and FIG. 8 shows a second coupling mechanism on the paper discharge unit 4 side. Moreover, FIG. 9 thru | or FIG. 12 is explanatory drawing which shows the connection and open | release operation | movement by a 2nd connection mechanism.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, a V block 60 functioning as a fourth connecting portion is attached to the lower surface of the table 1. Two V blocks 60 are arranged as shown by reference numerals 60b and 60p in FIG. A latch lever 68 that can swing around a shaft 67 is disposed at the upper end of the moving base 63 that is connected to the above-described linear motor movable element 66. One end of the latch lever 68 is provided with a cam follower 72 that functions as a third connecting portion. This cam follower 72 has a configuration in which the concave portion of the V block 60 is brought into contact with and connected to each other. A cam follower 71 is disposed at the other end of the latch lever 68. Similarly, a lock lever 69 that swings about a shaft 273 is disposed at the upper end of the moving base 63. The cam follower 72 described above is disposed for each linear motor mechanism 61 as indicated by reference numerals 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a moving cam 80 extending in the traveling direction of the table 1 is disposed below the cam follower 71 described above. A pair of fixed cams 78 and 79 are disposed at both ends of the moving cam 80 in the moving direction of the table 1.

  The moving cam 80 is connected to the apparatus main body via a swing lever 274. One end of the moving cam 80 is connected to an air cylinder 276 via a link lever 275. Further, the other end of the moving cam 80 is connected to the apparatus main body via a tension spring 177. When the moving cam 80 is pressed rightward as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 by driving the air cylinder 276 via the link lever 275, the moving cam 80 is disposed at the lowered position as shown in FIGS. The On the other hand, when the pressing force by the air cylinder 276 is released, the moving cam 80 is pulled in the left direction as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 by the action of the tension spring 177, and the swing lever 274 swings to move the moving cam. 80 rises.

  When the moving base 63 is disposed at the end on the paper feed unit 2 side, the cam follower 71 rides on the fixed cam 78 and the cam follower 72 is lowered as shown in FIG. From this state, when the table 1 is moved by driving the chain 44 described above and the concave portion of the V block 60 reaches above the cam follower 72, the moving base 63 starts to move by driving the linear motor mechanism 61.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, the cam follower 71 moves from the fixed cam 78 to the moving cam 80. Accordingly, the latch lever 68 swings, the cam follower 72 comes into contact with the concave portion of the V block 60, and the cam follower 72 and the V block 60 are connected. In this state, the table 1 and the mover 66 of the linear motor mechanism 61 are connected. In this state, the table 1 is moved by driving the linear motor mechanism 61. At this time, the table 1 moves in one direction by driving the linear motor mechanism 61 with higher accuracy than the endless transport mechanism using the chain 44.

  When the moving base 63 is disposed at the end on the paper discharge unit 4 side, the cam follower 71 moves from the moving cam 80 to the fixed cam 79 as shown in FIG. As a result, the latch lever 68 swings, the cam follower 72 is separated from the recess of the V block 60, and the connection between the cam follower 72 and the V block 60 is released. In this state, the connection between the table 1 and the mover 66 of the linear motor mechanism 61 is released. The table 1 continues to move by driving the chain 44 described above.

  On the other hand, the moving base 63 returns from the end on the paper discharge unit 4 side to the end on the paper feed unit 2 side by driving the linear motor mechanism 61. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the lock lever 69 is swung around the shaft 273 by driving the air cylinder 70. Accordingly, the latch lever 68 is fixed at a position where the cam follower 72 is separated from the V block 60. In this state, the moving base 63 is moved from the end on the paper discharge unit 4 side to the end on the paper feed unit 2 side by driving the linear motor mechanism 61. At this time, since the latch lever 68 is fixed at a position where the cam follower 72 is separated from the V block 60, the cam follower 72 moving in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the table 1 interferes with the V block 60 and the like. This can be prevented. In addition, the air cylinder 70 mentioned above is arrange | positioned for every linear motor mechanism 61, as shown by the code | symbols 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a time table showing how ten tables 1 are moved by the movers 66 of the four linear motor mechanisms 61. In FIG. 13, branch numbers a to j are assigned to the plurality of tables 1 to distinguish them. Similarly, branch numbers “a” to “d” are given to the plurality of movable elements 66 to distinguish them.

  The linear motor mechanism 61 that has moved the first table 1a returns from the end on the paper discharge unit 4 side to the end on the paper feed unit 2 side, and then moves the fifth table 1e. Similarly, the linear motor mechanism 61 that has moved the second table 1b returns from the end on the paper discharge unit 4 side to the end on the paper feed unit 2 side, and then moves the sixth table 1f. In the driving range other than the driving range by the linear motor shown in FIG. 13, each table 1 is moved by an endless transport mechanism having a chain 44. In addition, the code | symbol D in FIG. 13 has shown the position where the table 1 made one round along the circulation track | orbit and returned to the origin. In FIG. 13, the origin position P1, the position P2, the position P3, the position P4, and the position P5 are plotted as coordinates on the orbit.

  The origin position P1 is in the vicinity of the paper feeding unit 2, and at this time, the chain 44 and the continuous pin 27 are connected, and the table 1 moves along the circular path by the driving force of the chain 44. The position P2 corresponds to the movement start position of the mover 66 of the linear motor mechanism 61. Even at this position, the table 1 moves along the circular track by the driving force of the chain 44. The position P3 is a position where the table 1 and the movable element 66 are connected by the cam follower 72 being connected to the recess of the V block 60 as shown in FIG. Further, it is also a position where the connection between the chain 44 and the connection pin 27 is released. The mover 66 starts acceleration from the position P2 so as to coincide with the moving speed of the chain 44 at the position P3. The table 1 faces the pretreatment agent application head 21 between the position P3 and the position P4.

  The position P4 is a position where the connection between the mover 66 of the linear motor mechanism 61 and the table 1 is released. It is assumed that the connection between the connection pin 27 and the connection plate 54 is completed at a position slightly before the position P4. The table 1 faces the main heat heater 31 between the position P4 and the position P5. The position P5 corresponds to the movement end position of the mover 66 of the linear motor mechanism 61. After the engagement with the position table 1 is released, the mover 66 gradually decelerates and stops at the position P5.

  After the mover 66 stops at the position P5, it moves at a high speed to the position P2 in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the table 1. At this time, the moving cam 80 is lowered downward, and the lock lever 69 fixes the latch lever 68, so that the cam follower 72 is fixed at a position where it does not interfere with the concave portion of the V block 60 using FIG. As explained. Timings t1 to t5 are plotted on the time axis of FIG. The four movers 66a to 66d of the linear motor mechanisms 61a to 61d are in any of the following five states. That is, a state in which one movable element 66 is connected to any table 1 (state at timing t1), a state in which two movable elements 66 are connected to any table 1 (state at timing t2). ) A state where three movable elements 66 are connected to any one of the tables 1 (state at timing t3), a state where all four movable elements 66 are connected to any one of the tables 1 (at timing t4). State) or three of the four movable elements 66 are connected to any one of the tables 1 and the remaining one movable element 66 is returning to the origin (at timing t5, the movable element 66b). , C, d are connected to the table 1, and the movable element 66a is in a return-to-origin state.

  Next, the configuration of the paper feeding unit 2 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the paper feed unit 2 includes a stocker unit 40 and a supply unit 50. FIG. 14 is a side view of the stocker unit 40. FIG. 15 is a side view showing the supply unit 50 together with the table 1, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a main part thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the stocker unit 40 has a paper loading table 81 on which printing paper is placed and moved up and down, and a feeding paper that adsorbs the printing paper on the paper loading table 81 and conveys it in the direction of the conveyance roller 86. And a paper soccer 82. The printing paper conveyed by the paper feed soccer 82 and the conveyance roller 86 is conveyed on the conveyor 87 of the supply unit 50. It should be noted that air blow parts 83, 84, 85 for separating are provided around the printing paper placed on the paper placing table 81 to prevent two sheets from being taken out during paper feeding.

  Note that the printing paper may be preliminarily warmed by ejecting heated air instead of ejecting air at normal temperature from the air ejecting portions 83, 84, 85 for separation.

  The supply unit 50 includes the above-described conveyor 87, the horizontal needle mechanism 100, feed rollers 88 and 89, a front register unit 92, a pair of guide plates 113 and 114, an air discharge nozzle 93, and a squeegee roller 97. Here, the horizontal needle mechanism 100 performs positioning in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing paper conveyed by the conveyor 87. The front register 92 swings about the shaft 91 and positions the leading edge of the printing paper conveyed by the conveyor 87.

  The air discharge nozzle 93 blows air toward the front end of the printing paper when the printing paper is mounted on the table 1. Of the pair of feed rollers 88 and 89, the upper feed roller 88 is configured to be movable up and down. Further, the squeegee roller 97 is configured to be swingable about a shaft 96.

  At the front end of the table 1 in the moving direction, a table claw 95 for fixing the front end of the printing paper supplied thereto to the table 1 is disposed. The table claw 95 swings around a shaft 94 provided on the table 1. A pair of cams 98 and 99 for opening and closing the table claw 95 and the above-described suction fan 55 are disposed on the upstream side of the supply unit 50 with respect to the moving direction of the table 1.

  The intersection angle with respect to the table 1 when the printing paper is supplied from the supply unit 50 to the table 1, that is, the angle formed between the surface of the table 1 and the pair of guide plates 113 and 114 is preferably as small as possible. This angle is preferably 45 degrees or less, and more preferably 30 degrees or less. In order to reduce this angle, a configuration in which the front registering portion 92 is disposed above the moving region of the table 1 is employed.

  17 and 18 are perspective views of the horizontal needle mechanism 100. FIG. Note that FIG. 17 is a view in which the lifting mechanism and the like of the driven roller 109 are removed from FIG.

  The horizontal needle mechanism 100 includes a drive shaft 101 that rotates in synchronization with a drive sprocket 48 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) for moving the table 1, a cam 102 connected to the drive shaft 101, and a bevel gear. 106. The bevel gear 106 meshes with a bevel gear 107 connected to a drive roller 108. For this reason, when the drive shaft 101 rotates, the drive roller 108 rotates.

  The horizontal needle mechanism 100 includes a lever 105 that swings about a shaft 103. A cam follower 104 disposed at one end of the lever 105 is in contact with a cam 102 that rotates together with the drive shaft 101. The other end of the lever 105 is connected to a casing 111 that pivotally supports the driven roller 109. For this reason, when the drive shaft 101 rotates, the cam 102 rotates, and when the cam follower 104 in contact with the cam follower 104 moves up and down, the casing 111 moves up and down. Along with this, the driven roller 109 moves up and down between a rotational position where it rotates in contact with the driving roller 108 and a retracted position separated from the driving roller 108.

  In the horizontal needle mechanism 100, printing paper is supplied between the drive roller 108 and the driven roller 109 in a state where the driven roller 109 is in the retracted position. Thereafter, the driven roller 109 is lowered to the rotation position, and the printing paper is sandwiched between the driving roller 108 and the driven roller 109. Then, as the driving roller 108 rotates, the printing paper moves in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and the edge of the printing paper abuts against a contact member (not shown). Positioning in the orthogonal direction is performed. More details are as follows. That is, the printing paper is clamped by the pair of feed rollers 88 and 89 of the horizontal needle mechanism 100, and in this state, the driving roller 108 and the driven roller 109 described above move the printing paper in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. Positioning in this direction is performed when the end edge abuts against a contact member (not shown). Thereafter, the feed roller 89 is raised and the nip of the printing paper by the pair of feed rollers 88 and 89 is released.

  In the supply unit 50, the printing paper sent from the stocker unit 40 is conveyed by the conveyor 87. At this time, the upper feed roller 88 of the pair of feed rollers 88 and 89 is separated from the lower feed roller 89. Then, the conveyed printing paper passes between the pair of feed rollers 88 and 89 and stops when the leading end thereof comes into contact with the front registering portion 92. In this state, positioning in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing paper conveyed by the conveyor 87 is executed by the action of the horizontal needle mechanism 100.

  Next, the feed roller 88 descends and the printing paper is sandwiched between the pair of feed rollers 88 and 89, and the front registering part 92 swings and rises. The printing paper is conveyed toward the table claw 95 in the table 1 by the action of the pair of feed rollers 88 and 89. At this time, the conveyance speed of the printing paper is slightly higher than the moving speed of the table 1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, as the table 1 is moved by driving the linear motor mechanism 61, the cam follower 90 disposed on the opposite side of the table claw 95 with respect to the shaft 94 is replaced with the table claw 95. The table claw 95 is in an open state by abutting with a cam 98 for opening and closing.

  When the leading edge of the printing paper reaches the table claw 95, the table claw 100 is closed. That is, as the table 1 is moved by driving the chain 44, the cam follower 90 disposed on the opposite side of the table claw 95 with respect to the shaft 94 is separated from the cam 98 for opening and closing the table claw 95. The table claw 95 is closed, and the printing paper is fixed to the table 1 by the table claw 95.

  Thus, when the printing paper is fixed to the table 1 by the table claw 95, air is blown from the air discharge nozzle 93 to the leading edge of the printing paper. For this reason, the printing paper is pressed against the surface of the table 1, and the printing paper can be reliably fixed between the table claw 95 and the table 1.

  When the table 1 further moves by driving the linear motor mechanism 61, the printing paper on the table 1 is squeezed by the squeegee roller 97 and sucked and held on the table 1 by the action of the suction fan 55. Thereafter, when the cam follower 90 comes into contact with the second cam 99 for opening and closing the table claw 95, the table claw 95 performs an opening and closing operation, and the distortion of the leading edge of the printing paper is eliminated.

  Next, the configuration of the paper discharge unit 4 described above will be described. FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of the paper discharge unit 4.

  The paper discharge unit 4 includes a first release claw and a claw seat, which will be described later, and a paper discharge cylinder 77 that winds around the outer periphery of the print paper that is nipped and conveyed and separates it from the table 1. The configuration of the discharge cylinder 77 and the printing paper separating operation will be described in detail later.

  In addition, the paper discharge unit 4 includes a first conveyor 73 and a second conveyor 76 that convey the printing paper received from the paper discharge cylinder 77 to the stocker section 122 that is guided by the guide 121 and moves up and down. A third conveyor 74 and a fourth conveyor 75 that convey the received printing paper to the paper discharge table 123 and a conveyance path switching mechanism 124 are provided.

  FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the first conveyor 73.

  The first conveyor 73 includes a shaft 153 and four belts 151 wound around the shaft 154. In the first conveyor 73, the printing paper conveyed by the paper discharge cylinder 77 is placed on the belt 151 and conveyed. A fan 152 that blows air toward the printing paper conveyed by the first conveyor 73 is disposed at a position facing the inclined portion of the belt 151 in the first conveyor 73. For this reason, the printing paper can be reliably conveyed by the belt 151 of the first conveyor 73.

  FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the second conveyor 76.

  The second conveyor 76 is for sucking and holding the printing paper conveyed by the first conveyor 73 from above, and includes four belts 155 wound around the shaft 156 and the shaft 157. .

  22 and 23 are partial perspective views of the second conveyor 76 as seen from the back side. FIG. 22 shows a state in which the belt 155 is removed and viewed.

  A region sandwiched between the belts 155 in the second conveyor 76 constitutes a chamber. A large number of slits 159 are formed in the flat plate 158 constituting the lower surface of the chamber, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, the belt 155 has a large number of holes 161 formed therein. The slits 159 and the holes 161 are formed at positions corresponding to each other. Therefore, by reducing the pressure in the chamber sandwiched between the belts 155, the printing paper can be sucked through the slits 159 and the holes 161, and the printing paper is sucked and held from above by the belt 155 and conveyed. It becomes possible.

  Then, by stopping the pressure reduction in the chamber sandwiched between the belts 155 at an appropriate timing, the adsorption holding of the printing paper by the belts 155 is released.

  Alternatively, the slit 159 may be formed on the belt 155 only on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the printing paper. In this way, the suction holding of the printing paper by the belt 155 is executed on the upstream side in the transport direction of the second conveyor 76, and the suction holding of the printing paper is released on the downstream side of the transporting direction of the second conveyor 76.

  As shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of air blowing holes are continuously formed in the center of the second conveyor 76 in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the printing paper in the printing paper transport direction. A spray tube 162 is provided.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the air blowing tube 162 blows air against the printing paper S.

  By stopping the decompression in the chamber sandwiched between the belts 155 at the timing when the leading edge of the printing paper reaches the downstream side in the transport direction of the second conveyor 76, the suction holding of the printing paper S is released. In this region, the printing paper S is blown with air from the air blowing tube 162 toward the vicinity of the center in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. For this reason, the printing paper is folded in two around the central portion and falls to the stocker portion 122. For this reason, the recording medium can be accurately dropped onto the stocker unit 122.

  FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the third conveyor 74.

  The third conveyor 74 includes four belts 163 wound around a shaft 164 and a shaft 165. In the third conveyor 74, the printing paper that is placed and conveyed on the belt 151 of the first conveyor 73 and is turned to the third conveyor 74 side by the conveyance path switching mechanism 124 is loaded on the belt 163. Placed and transported. A fan 166 that blows air toward the printing paper conveyed by the third conveyor 74 is disposed at a position facing the belt 163 in the third conveyor 74. For this reason, the printing paper can be reliably conveyed by the belt 163 of the third conveyor 74.

  FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the fourth conveyor 75.

  The fourth conveyor 75 includes a shaft 172 and four belts 171 wound around the shaft 173. In the fourth conveyor 75, the printing paper placed and transported on the belt 163 of the third conveyor 74 is placed and transported on the belt 171. A fan 175 that blows air toward the printing paper conveyed by the fourth conveyor 75 is disposed at a position facing the belt 171 on the fourth conveyor 75. For this reason, the printing paper can be reliably conveyed by the belt 171 of the fourth conveyor 75.

  FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the switching mechanism 124.

  The switching mechanism includes a guide plate 181 that swings about a shaft 183 when the solenoid 182 is driven. When the guide plate 181 is disposed at a position indicated by a solid line in FIGS. 19 and 27, the printing paper is discharged from the discharge cylinder 77 and is placed on the belt 151 of the first conveyor 73 and conveyed. Is conveyed while being placed on the belt 151, and is conveyed to the second conveyor 76. On the other hand, when the guide plate 181 is disposed at a position indicated by an imaginary line in FIGS. 19 and 27, the guide plate 181 is discharged from the paper discharge cylinder 77 and placed on the belt 151 of the first conveyor 73 and conveyed. The printing paper is conveyed to the third conveyor 74.

  In the configuration as described above, the printing paper on the table 1 is separated from the table 1 by the action of the paper discharge drum 77 and wound around the outer periphery of the paper discharge drum 77 to be transferred to the first conveyor 73 as will be described later. Be transported. Then, the printing paper is placed on the upper portion of the first conveyor 73 and conveyed, and then is sucked and held by the second conveyor 76 from its upper surface. The printing paper is released from being sucked and held above the stocker unit 122, and air is blown from the air blowing tube 162 toward the vicinity of the center in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. As a result, the printing paper is folded in two around the central portion, falls to the stocker unit 122, and is collected by the stocker unit 122.

  When visually confirming the printing paper that has been printed, the switching mechanism 124 disposed on the first conveyor 73 guides the printing paper conveyed by the first conveyor 73 in the direction of the third conveyor 74. To do. The printing paper is placed on the upper portions of the third conveyor 74 and the fourth conveyor 75 and conveyed, and then discharged onto the paper discharge table 123.

  Next, the configuration of the paper discharge cylinder 77 and the printing paper separating operation will be described. FIG. 28 is a side view showing the discharge cylinder 77 and the like.

  The paper discharge cylinder 77 is formed of a part of a cylindrical shape and rotates around a shaft 139. As shown in FIG. 19, the paper discharge drum 77 is connected to the drive pulley 141 and the driven pulley 142 via the belt 143, and is rotated by the drive of the drive pulley 141.

  As shown in FIG. 28A, the paper discharge cylinder 77 has a first release claw 131 for separating the front end of the print paper from the table 1 and a front end of the print paper between the first release claw 131. A nail roller 132 for pressing the printing paper against the outer peripheral surface of the paper discharge cylinder 77, and a first paper for peeling the print paper wound around the paper discharge cylinder 77 from the paper discharge cylinder 77. Two peeling claws 133 are attached.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 28B and 28C, a first cam 137 and a second cam 138 are disposed on the side of the paper discharge cylinder 77. The first cam 137 contacts the cam follower 135 for driving the second peeling claw 133. When the cam follower 135 comes into contact with the recess 184 in the first cam 137, the second peeling claw 133 A peeling operation described later is executed. The second cam 138 is in contact with a cam follower 136 for driving the nip roller 134. When the cam follower 136 is in contact with the recess 185 in the second cam 138, the nip roller 134 is in contact with the discharge cylinder 77. It abuts on the surface.

  Next, a discharge operation for discharging the printing paper S on the table 1 using the discharge cylinder 77 will be described. FIGS. 29 to 31 are explanatory views showing a discharging operation for discharging the printing paper S on the table 1.

  When the table 1 is transported to the vicinity of the paper discharge drum 77 by the table moving mechanism 5, first, the first peeling claw 131 enters the notch 129 (see FIGS. 6 and 29) formed at the tip of the table 1. To do. In this state, the table claw 95 is closed, and the printing paper is fixed to the table 1 by the table claw 95.

  When the table 1 is moved from this state, as shown in FIG. 30, the cam follower 90 disposed on the opposite side of the table claw 95 with respect to the shaft 94 in the table 1 opens and closes the table claw 95. , The table claw 95 is opened. In addition, the discharge cylinder 77 rotates in synchronization with the movement of the table 1, the first peeling claw 131 moves by a link mechanism (not shown), and the printing paper S is nipped between the first peeling claw 131 and the claw seat 132. Is done.

  The exhaust amount by the suction fan 55 described above is set to be small when the table 1 is arranged near the paper discharge unit 4. For this reason, when the front end of the printing paper is peeled from the table 1 by the first peeling claw 131, the suction holding force of the printing paper S by the suction holes 11 is weakened.

  When the table 1 further moves from this state, as shown in FIG. 31, the paper discharge drum 77 further rotates in synchronization with the movement of the table 1 and is sandwiched between the first peeling claw 131 and the claw seat 132. The printing paper S moves in the direction of the second peeling claw 133. Further, the nip roller 134 is lowered onto the printing paper S and presses the printing paper S against the paper discharge cylinder 77.

  When the table 1 further moves from this state, the paper discharge cylinder 77 further rotates in synchronization with the movement of the table 1, the first peeling claw 131 moves by a link mechanism (not shown), and the printing paper S is released. The printing paper S is peeled from the paper discharge drum 77 by the second peeling claw 133 and is conveyed toward the first conveyor 73 described above. As described above, in the paper discharge unit 4, the printing paper on the table 1 is picked up by the first peeling claw 131 and the claw seat 132 and brought into close contact with the surface of the paper discharge drum 77, and then the second peeling claw 133 Since the printing paper is re-handled by peeling the printing paper from the surface of the paper discharge cylinder 77, the printing paper is accurately and reliably conveyed even if the printing paper has variations in weight, flatness, etc. can do.

  FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the above-described image recording apparatus.

  The image recording apparatus includes a control unit 190 including a RAM 191 in which data and the like are temporarily stored during control, a ROM 192 in which an operation program necessary for controlling the apparatus is stored, and a CPU 193 that executes a logical operation. The control unit 190 is connected to the GUI 6 and the temperature sensor 10 described above via an interface 195. The control unit 190 is connected to a driving unit 196 that drives a motor, a linear motor, an air cylinder, or the like for performing the above-described operation. Further, the control unit 190 is connected to a heater driving unit 197 that drives the five heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, and 31 described above. The control unit 190 controls various operations of the image recording apparatus.

  In the image recording apparatus having the configuration as described above, prior to image recording, a plurality of tables 1 are moved along a circular path, and the table 1 is moved to five heaters 26, 28, 29, 30. , 31 is performed. And it waits until the surface temperature of the table 1 measured with the temperature sensor 10 becomes preset temperature. In this way, by preheating each table 1 in advance, the printing paper S can be heated to an appropriate temperature via these tables 1. As a result, the solvent contained in the pretreatment agent is effectively dried, and the reaction between the ink and the pretreatment agent is promoted, so that proper image recording can be executed.

  At this time, in this image recording apparatus, the temperature sensor 10 and the heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 are arranged at positions facing the surface of the table 1 above the orbit of the table 1. Therefore, it is possible to control heating of the ten tables 1 using the common temperature sensor 10 and the common heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, and 31.

  When the temperature of the table 1 reaches the set temperature by the table heating process, image recording is started. That is, the printing paper S delivered from the paper supply unit 2 is supplied onto the table 1 that is moved by the endless conveyance mechanism in the table moving mechanism 5. Then, after the table 1 is transferred from the endless transport mechanism to the linear motor mechanism 61 in the table moving mechanism 5, image recording is executed.

  At the time of recording this image, the pretreatment agent application step of discharging the pretreatment agent onto the print paper S by the pretreatment agent application head 21 and the print paper by the recording heads 22, 23, 24, 25 of the image recording unit 3. An image recording process for ejecting ink to S and a printing sheet heating process for heating the printing sheet S by the heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, and 31 are sequentially performed.

  Thereafter, the table 1 is transferred from the linear motor mechanism 61 to the endless transport mechanism, and then the printing paper on the table 1 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 4.

  In the above-described embodiment, the temperature of the table 1 is measured by the temperature sensor 10, and image recording is started after the measured temperature reaches the set temperature. However, image recording may be started when a set time has elapsed since the start of the table heating process.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 33 is a schematic side view of an image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the member same as embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the five heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, and 31 are disposed at positions facing the surface of the table 1 above the orbit of the table 1. On the other hand, in this embodiment, apart from the five heaters 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, there are four pieces at a position facing the surface of the table 1 below the orbit of the table 1. A heater 20 is provided. In this embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent a decrease in the temperature of the table 1 after the printing paper S is discharged.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case of recording an image on printing paper has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to an image recording apparatus that records an image on another recording medium. It becomes.

1 is a schematic side view of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention. It is a perspective view which removes and shows the image recording part 3 of the image recording device based on this invention. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part of the table moving mechanism 5. FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial side view showing a connection relationship between the rail 42 and the chain 44 of the linear guide and the table 1. It is the elements on larger scale which show the connection relation of the rail of the linear guide and the chain, and the table. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing a connection relationship between a linear guide rail 42 and a chain 44 and the table 1. It is a side view which shows a 2nd connection mechanism. It is a side view which shows a 2nd connection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the connection and open | release operation | movement by a 2nd connection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the connection and open | release operation | movement by a 2nd connection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the connection and open | release operation | movement by a 2nd connection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the connection and open | release operation | movement by a 2nd connection mechanism. It is a time table which shows a mode that 10 tables 1 are moved by the four linear motor mechanisms 61. FIG. 4 is a side view of a stocker unit 40. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a supply unit 50 together with a table 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a supply unit 50 together with a table 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a horizontal needle mechanism 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a horizontal needle mechanism 100. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a paper discharge unit 4. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first conveyor 73. FIG. It is a perspective view of the 2nd conveyor. It is the fragmentary perspective view which looked at the 2nd conveyor 76 from the back surface. It is the fragmentary perspective view which looked at the 2nd conveyor 76 from the back surface. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the air blowing tube 162 blows air against the printing paper S. 7 is a perspective view of a third conveyor 74. FIG. It is a perspective view of the 4th conveyor 75. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a switching mechanism 124. FIG. It is a side view showing a discharge cylinder 77 and the like. It is a side view showing a discharge cylinder 77 and the like. It is a side view showing a discharge cylinder 77 and the like. It is a side view showing a discharge cylinder 77 and the like. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of an image recording device. It is a side surface schematic diagram of the image recording device concerning a 2nd embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Table 2 Paper feed part 3 Image recording part 4 Paper discharge part 5 Table moving mechanism 6 GUI
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Temperature sensor 11 Adsorption hole 21 Pretreatment agent application head 22 Recording head 23 Recording head 24 Recording head 25 Recording head 27 Connecting pin 40 Stocker part 41 Side plate 42 Rail 43 Receiving part 44 Chain 46 Sprocket 47 Sprocket 48 Drive sprocket 50 Supply part 51 Chain 52 Sprocket 53 Sprocket 54 Connecting plate 55 Adsorption fan 60 V block 61 Linear motor mechanism 63 Moving base 64 Linear guide 65 Stator 66 Movable element 67 Shaft 68 Latch lever 69 Lock lever 71 Cam follower 72 Cam follower 73 First conveyor 74 First conveyor 74 3 conveyor 75 4th conveyor 76 2nd conveyor 77 paper discharge cylinder 78 fixed cam 79 fixed cam 80 moving cam 81 paper platform 82 paper feed soccer 87 conveyor 88 Feed roller 89 Feed roller 90 Cam follower 92 Front register 93 Air discharge nozzle 94 Shaft 95 Table claw 97 Squeeze roller 98 Cam 99 Cam 100 Horizontal needle mechanism 122 Stocker part 124 Switching mechanism 129 Notch 131 First peeling claw 132 Claw seat 133 First 2 peeling claw 134 nip roller 135 cam follower 136 cam follower 137 first cam 138 second cam 145 cam 151 belt 152 fan 155 belt 159 slit 161 hole 162 air blowing tube 163 belt 166 fan 171 belt 175 fan 181 guide plate 190 196 Drive unit 197 Heater drive unit S Printing paper

Claims (8)

A support means for supporting the recording medium in a state in contact with the lower surface of the recording medium;
A moving mechanism for moving the support means;
A recording unit that is disposed at a position facing a movement path of the support unit, and that records an image by an inkjet method on a recording medium that is supported by the support unit and moves;
A heating unit that is disposed at a position facing a movement path of the support unit and that heats a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording unit, directly or indirectly via the support unit;
A temperature sensor disposed at a position facing the movement path of the support means and measuring the temperature of the support means;
A controller that heats the support means by the heating means in a state in which the movement of the support means is continued by the moving means until the temperature of the support means measured by the temperature sensor reaches a set temperature;
An image recording apparatus comprising: The image recording apparatus according to claim 1,
An image recording apparatus comprising a pretreatment agent application head for applying a pretreatment agent to a recording medium before an image is recorded by the recording means. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The support means is a plurality of tables that support the recording medium,
The table circulates using an endless transport mechanism having a pair of roller members, a drive mechanism that rotationally drives the pair of roller members, and an endless cord wound around the pair of roller members. Move along the trajectory,
The image recording apparatus, wherein the heating unit is disposed at a position facing a moving path of the table. An endless transport mechanism having a pair of roller members, a drive mechanism for rotationally driving the pair of roller members, and an endless cord wound around the pair of roller members;
A plurality of tables connected to the endless transport mechanism and holding a recording medium on the surface thereof;
A guide mechanism for movably guiding the plurality of tables along a trajectory corresponding to the endless cord;
A recording medium supply mechanism for supplying a recording medium to the table while the table is moving;
A pretreatment agent application head that is disposed above the movement path of the table and applies a pretreatment agent to a recording medium;
Ink is applied to a recording medium on which a pretreatment agent is applied by a pretreatment agent application head from a number of inkjet nozzles arranged above the table movement path and arranged in a direction intersecting with the movement direction of the table. A recording head for recording an image by discharging
Heating means disposed above the moving path of the table and heating a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording head directly or indirectly via the support means;
A temperature sensor disposed above the table movement path for measuring the temperature of the table;
A recording medium discharge mechanism for discharging a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording head from the table;
The supply of the recording medium by the recording medium supply mechanism is stopped until the temperature of the table measured by the temperature sensor reaches a set temperature, and the plurality of tables are moved along a trajectory corresponding to the endless cord. The pretreatment agent is applied to the recording medium supplied by the recording medium supply mechanism after the table is heated by the heating means and the table temperature measured by the temperature sensor reaches a set temperature. A controller that performs application of a pretreatment agent by an application head, recording of an image by the recording head, and heating of a recording medium by the heating unit;
An image recording apparatus comprising: A support means for supporting the recording medium in a state in contact with the lower surface of the recording medium;
A moving mechanism for moving the support means;
A recording unit that is disposed at a position facing a movement path of the support unit, and that records an image by an inkjet method on a recording medium that is supported by the support unit and moves;
A heating unit that is disposed at a position facing the movement path of the support unit, and that heats the recording medium that is supported by the support unit and moves directly or indirectly through the support unit;
In an image recording method for recording an image using an image recording apparatus comprising:
A supporting means heating step of heating the supporting means by the heating means in a state in which the movement of the supporting means is continued by the moving means;
An image recording step of recording an image by the recording means after the support means has reached a set temperature;
A recording medium heating step of heating the recording medium on which an image is recorded by the recording means, using the heating means;
An image recording method comprising: The image recording method according to claim 5,
A temperature measuring step of measuring the temperature of the supporting means heated by the heating step;
An image recording method for executing the image recording step in a state in which the temperature of the support means measured in the measurement step reaches a set temperature. In the image recording method according to claim 5 or 6,
An image recording apparatus comprising a pretreatment agent application step of applying a pretreatment agent to a recording medium between the support means heating step and the image recording step. The image recording method according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The support means is a plurality of tables that support the recording medium,
The table circulates using an endless transport mechanism having a pair of roller members, a drive mechanism that rotationally drives the pair of roller members, and an endless cord wound around the pair of roller members. Move along the trajectory,
The image recording method, wherein the heating means is disposed at a position facing a movement path of the table.

Images