JP2009286049A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of arbitrarily switching a coating condition of a treating liquid to coat a recording medium, and forming a favorable image by reducing the unevenness of the treating liquid. <P>SOLUTION: The surface of recording paper 12 is coated with the treating liquid by bringing coating rollers 150A-150D into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12 which is sucked and conveyed by a suction drum 110. For the coating rollers 150A-150D, a plurality of rollers with different widths are arranged and can be interchanged by a turret 154. In addition, a suction force is controlled along the conveying direction in the suction drum 110, and immediately before the coating rollers are brought into contact therewith, the suction force is weakened. It is thereby possible to coat the recording paper 12 with the treating liquid at a width corresponding to the recording paper while causing no unevenness. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink droplets after applying a treatment liquid that aggregates or insolubilizes ink to a recording medium.

  When a color image is formed using multiple colors of ink in an ink jet recording apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink droplets onto a recording medium, the ink droplets that land on the recording medium spread on the surface of the recording medium and intersect with adjacent dots. As a result, there is a problem that the color deteriorates or the color material aggregates non-uniformly to cause color unevenness (so-called bleeding). Further, when an image is formed on a recording paper called plain paper, there is a problem that the ink spreads along the fiber and the sharpness of the image is impaired (so-called feathering).

  As a technique for preventing such bleeding and feathering, a method for forming an image by previously applying a treatment liquid for aggregating or insolubilizing ink onto a recording medium and ejecting ink droplets thereon is known. . According to this method, since the color material aggregates due to the action of the treatment liquid immediately after the ink droplets land, the occurrence of bleeding or the like can be effectively suppressed.

  In Patent Document 1, in the method of forming an image using the processing liquid, the rear surface of the recording medium is conveyed while being sucked, and the processing liquid is applied by bringing a coating roller into contact with the surface of the sucked and conveyed recording medium. A method has been proposed. According to this method, since the processing liquid is uniformly applied to the surface of the recording medium by diffusion due to suction, the occurrence of processing liquid unevenness can be suppressed.

Patent Document 2 proposes a suction drum as a means for sucking and transporting a recording medium, in which the inside is divided into a plurality of regions so that suction force can be generated sequentially along the rotation direction (transport direction). Yes.
JP 2004-291627 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-244722

  However, as in Patent Document 1, in the configuration in which the application liquid is applied to the surface of the recording medium by contacting the application roller, the application width of the process liquid is uniformly determined by the application roller to be used. There is a disadvantage that printing cannot be performed on recording media having different widths in a flexible manner. In addition, there is a drawback that the type and amount of the treatment liquid to be applied cannot be changed flexibly according to the type of the recording medium.

  Further, the suction drum of Patent Document 2 can sequentially generate a suction force along the conveyance direction of the recording medium. However, since the generated suction force is the same at any position, depending on the suction force to be generated, , There is a drawback that unevenness of the processing liquid occurs or stable conveyance cannot be performed. That is, in order to perform stable conveyance, it is necessary to suck and hold the recording medium with a strong suction force. However, if the recording medium is sucked and held with a strong suction force, the recording medium is recessed at the suction portion and processed into the recess. There is a drawback that the liquid flows and processing liquid unevenness occurs. And when this process liquid nonuniformity arises, there exists a fault that the reaction nonuniformity with ink will arise and an image nonuniformity will arise.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can arbitrarily switch the application condition of the treatment liquid to be applied to the recording medium, and can further reduce the unevenness of the treatment liquid to form a good image. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 applies the treatment liquid that agglomerates or insolubilizes the ink coloring material to the conveyed recording medium by the application liquid application means, and then applies the ink from the ink ejection means. In the image forming apparatus that ejects droplets to form an image on the recording medium, the processing liquid application unit selectively switches between the plurality of application rollers and the plurality of application rollers, and the recording medium and the processing There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: an application roller exchanging unit that comes into contact with the liquid supply roller; and a processing liquid supply unit that supplies the processing liquid to the application roller that is in contact with the recording medium. .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the processing liquid applying means for applying the processing liquid to the recording medium applies (applies) the processing liquid to the recording medium by bringing the coating roller into contact with the conveyed recording medium. A plurality of application rollers are prepared, and the application roller to be brought into contact with the recording medium can be selectively switched by the application roller exchanging means. Therefore, the application conditions of the treatment liquid applied to the recording medium can be arbitrarily switched by switching the application roller. The processing liquid supply means may supply the processing liquid directly to the application roller, or may be configured to supply the processing liquid to the application roller in contact with the application roller.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the application rollers have different application widths and / or application amounts of the plurality of application rollers. The image forming apparatus described in 1. is provided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of application rollers having different application conditions (application width and application amount) are provided, and by selectively switching these, the conditions are changed and the processing liquid is applied to the recording medium. Can be applied.

  In order to achieve the above object, at least one of the plurality of coating rollers is provided with an individual processing liquid supply means for individually supplying a processing liquid to the coating roller. The supply of the processing liquid from the processing liquid supply means to the application roller is stopped when the processing liquid is applied to the recording medium by the application roller provided with the individual processing liquid supply means. Item 3. An image forming apparatus according to Item 1 or 2 is provided.

  According to the invention of claim 3, at least one of the coating rollers is provided with the individual processing liquid supply means for individually supplying the processing liquid to the coating roller. Thereby, different types of treatment liquids can be applied to the recording medium. In this case, since it is not necessary to supply the processing liquid from the processing liquid supply means to the coating roller, the supply of the processing liquid from the processing liquid supply means is stopped.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an application roller cleaning means for cleaning the application roller not in contact with the recording medium in order to achieve the object. The described image forming apparatus is provided.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, the application roller washing | cleaning means which wash | cleans the application roller which is not contact | abutted with the recording medium is provided. Thereby, the application roller can be washed while not in use, and the apparatus can be operated efficiently. Further, it is possible to effectively prevent the treatment agent from being deposited on the surface of the coating roller during nonuse.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 applies the treatment liquid that agglomerates or insolubilizes the ink coloring material to the conveyed recording medium by the application liquid application means, and then applies the ink from the ink ejection means. In the image forming apparatus that discharges droplets to form an image on the recording medium, the treatment liquid application unit includes an application roller that is in contact with the recording medium, an intermediate roller that is in contact with the application roller, A plurality of treatment liquid supply rollers, a treatment liquid supply roller exchanging means for selectively switching the plurality of treatment liquid supply rollers to contact the intermediate roller, and a treatment liquid supply roller abutting the intermediate roller. An image forming apparatus comprising: a processing liquid supply unit that supplies a processing liquid.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the processing liquid applying means for applying the processing liquid to the recording medium applies (applies) the processing liquid to the recording medium by bringing the application roller into contact with the conveyed recording medium. The application roller is in contact with the intermediate roller, the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller is transferred, and the processing liquid is supplied to the surface. On the other hand, the intermediate roller is in contact with the processing liquid supply roller, the processing liquid supplied to the processing liquid supply roller is transferred, and the processing liquid is supplied to the surface thereof. A plurality of the processing liquid supply rollers are prepared, and the processing liquid supply roller to be brought into contact with the intermediate roller can be selectively switched by the processing liquid supply roller replacement unit. Therefore, by switching the processing liquid supply roller, the condition of the processing liquid supplied to the coating roller can be switched, and the coating condition of the processing liquid applied to the recording medium can be arbitrarily switched.

  The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the plurality of processing liquid supply rollers have different processing liquid supply widths and / or supply amounts to the intermediate rollers. An image forming apparatus according to Item 5, is provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of processing liquid supply rollers having different supply conditions (supply width and supply amount) are provided, and by selectively switching these, the conditions are switched to process the recording medium. A liquid can be applied.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the object, at least one of the plurality of processing liquid supply rollers has an individual processing liquid supply means for supplying a processing liquid individually to the application roller. When the processing liquid is supplied to the intermediate roller by the processing liquid supply roller provided with the individual processing liquid supply means, the supply of the processing liquid from the processing liquid supply means to the processing liquid supply roller is stopped. An image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 is provided.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, at least one of the processing liquid supply rollers is provided with the individual processing liquid supply means for individually supplying the processing liquid to the processing liquid supply roller. Thereby, different types of treatment liquids can be applied to the recording medium. In this case, since it is not necessary to supply the processing liquid from the processing liquid supply means to the processing liquid supply roller, the supply of the processing liquid from the processing liquid supply means is stopped.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing liquid supply roller cleaning means for cleaning a peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller that is not in contact with the intermediate roller in order to achieve the object. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to Item 6, 6 or 7 is provided.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the processing liquid supply roller cleaning means for cleaning the processing liquid supply roller that is not in contact with the intermediate roller is provided. As a result, the processing liquid supply roller can be cleaned while not in use, and the apparatus can be operated efficiently. Further, it is possible to effectively prevent the treatment agent from being deposited on the surface of the treatment liquid supply roller during nonuse.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the contact portion of the application roller with respect to the recording medium and on the upstream side of the rotation portion of the contact portion with respect to the intermediate roller. An application roller both-end cleaning means for cleaning both ends of the application roller is provided,
Cleaning both ends of the intermediate roller for cleaning both ends of the intermediate roller on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the contact portion of the intermediate roller with respect to the application roller and on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the processing liquid supply unit by the processing liquid supply unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the application roller both ends cleaning means for cleaning both ends of the application roller is provided, and the intermediate roller both ends cleaning means for cleaning both ends of the intermediate roller is provided. Provided. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the residual processing liquid from being transferred to a member disposed facing each roller when the coating width is changed.

  The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the application roller both-end cleaning means and the intermediate roller both-end cleaning means can each adjust the cleaning width. An image forming apparatus is provided in the description.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the width for cleaning the application roller by the application roller both-end cleaning means and the width for cleaning the intermediate roller by the intermediate roller both-end cleaning means are formed to be adjustable. Thereby, even if it is a case where an application width changes, an application roller and an intermediate roller can be washed appropriately.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, after applying a treatment liquid for aggregating or insolubilizing the ink coloring material to the conveyed recording medium by the application liquid applying means, the ink is discharged from the ink discharge means. In the image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium by ejecting droplets, the processing liquid application unit is provided separately for each of the plurality of application rollers and the plurality of application rollers, and each of the application rollers is processed individually. An image forming apparatus comprising: a processing liquid supply unit that supplies a liquid; and an application roller replacement unit that selectively switches the plurality of application rollers to contact the recording medium.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the processing liquid applying means for applying the processing liquid to the recording medium applies (applies) the processing liquid to the recording medium by bringing the coating roller into contact with the conveyed recording medium. A plurality of application rollers are prepared, and the application roller to be brought into contact with the recording medium can be selectively switched by the application roller exchanging means. Each application roller is individually provided with a processing liquid supply means so that different types of processing liquid can be supplied. Therefore, if the application roller to be brought into contact with the recording medium is switched, the application conditions of the treatment liquid applied to the recording medium including the type can be arbitrarily switched.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the object, the plurality of application rollers have different application widths and / or application amounts of the processing liquid to the recording medium. The image forming apparatus described in 1. is provided.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of application rollers having different application conditions (application width and application amount) are provided, and by selectively switching these, the processing liquid is applied to the recording medium by changing the conditions. Can be applied.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, after applying a treatment liquid that agglomerates or insolubilizes the ink coloring material to the conveyed recording medium by the application liquid application means, In the image forming apparatus that discharges droplets to form an image on the recording medium, the processing liquid application unit includes an application roller that is in contact with the recording medium, an intermediate roller that is in contact with the application roller, A pair of processing liquid supply means for supplying a processing liquid to the intermediate roller, and a pair of movably provided in the width direction of the intermediate roller, which are in contact with the intermediate roller and remove the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller. And a coating width adjusting means for adjusting the width of the processing liquid supplied to the surface of the intermediate roller by moving the processing liquid removing means symmetrically in the width direction of the intermediate roller. To provide an image forming apparatus characterized by comprising.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the processing liquid applying means for applying the processing liquid to the recording medium applies (applies) the processing liquid to the recording medium by bringing the application roller into contact with the conveyed recording medium. The application roller is in contact with the intermediate roller, the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller is transferred, and the processing liquid is supplied to the surface. On the other hand, the intermediate roller is in contact with the processing liquid supply roller, the processing liquid supplied to the processing liquid supply roller is transferred, and the processing liquid is supplied to the surface thereof. The intermediate roller is provided with a pair of processing liquid removal means, and is configured so that the width of the processing liquid transferred to the coating roller can be adjusted by the processing liquid removal means. Accordingly, by adjusting the width of the processing liquid transferred to the coating roller by the processing liquid removing means, the coating width of the processing liquid applied to the recording medium can be arbitrarily changed.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, in order to achieve the above object, the recording medium is applied to the treatment liquid application portion by the application roller while the surface opposite to the treatment liquid application surface is sucked by the suction conveyance means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suction conveyance unit conveys the recording medium with a weakened suction force after application of the processing liquid. To do.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is conveyed while being sucked by the suction conveying means on the surface opposite to the treatment liquid coating surface. The suction force by the suction / conveyance means is controlled along the conveyance direction, and is weakened after the treatment liquid is applied. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from being dented by suction and causing unevenness of the processing liquid. In addition, since it can be sucked and transported with a strong suction force before the treatment liquid is applied, it can be received with a strong suction force when receiving the recording medium, and the recording medium can be transported stably without generating wrinkles or the like. can do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily switch the application conditions of the treatment liquid to be applied to the recording medium, and further to reduce unevenness of the treatment liquid and form a good image.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is an ink jet recording apparatus that forms a color image by discharging a color ink from a recording head after previously applying a treatment liquid that aggregates or insolubilizes ink on the surface of a recording sheet (recording medium). Mainly, a treatment liquid application unit 100 for applying a treatment liquid to the surface of the recording paper 12, a treatment liquid drying unit 200 for drying the applied treatment liquid, and color ink on the surface of the recording paper 12 on which the treatment liquid has been dried. The ink is included in a color ink applying unit (image forming unit) 300 for applying and forming an image, a solvent drying unit 400 for drying an ink solvent remaining on the surface of the recording paper 12 to which the color ink is applied, and an ink aggregate. And a fixing unit 500 that fixes the resin component to the recording paper 12.

<Processing liquid application part>
The recording paper 12 is composed of cut paper cut to a predetermined size, and is supplied one by one from a paper supply unit (not shown). While the recording paper 12 supplied from the paper supply unit is sucked and conveyed by the processing liquid application unit 100, a processing liquid that aggregates or insolubilizes ink is applied to the surface. The processing liquid application unit 100 includes a suction drum 110 that sucks and conveys the recording paper 12, and a coating unit 140 that applies a processing liquid to the surface of the recording paper 12 sucked and transported by the suction drum 110. .

  The suction drum 110 sucks and holds the back surface of the recording paper 12 placed on the outer peripheral surface by sucking air from a suction hole formed in the outer peripheral surface (suction surface), and rotates driving means (not shown) (for example, The recording paper 12 rotated by being driven by a motor is conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path (arc-shaped conveyance path).

  2 and 3 are a front sectional view and a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the suction drum 110. As shown in the figure, the suction drum 110 is inserted into a suction drum body 112 having a double cylinder structure of an outer cylinder 112A and an inner cylinder 112B, and an inner peripheral portion of the inner cylinder 112B of the suction drum body 112. And a shaft cylinder 114.

  The outer cylinder 112A of the suction drum main body 112 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose both ends are closed, and the width is formed to correspond to the maximum size recording paper 12 handled by the image forming apparatus 10 ( It is formed larger than the paper width of the maximum size recording paper).

  The inner cylinder 112B of the suction drum main body 112 is disposed coaxially with the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder 112A, and both end portions thereof are formed to protrude from both ends of the outer cylinder 112A. In the suction drum main body 112, both end portions of the inner cylinder 112B formed by projecting from both ends of the outer cylinder 112A are attached to brackets 116 provided on a main body frame (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10 via bearings 118. By being supported, it is rotatably supported. A gear 136 is provided at one end (the right end in FIG. 2) of the inner cylinder 112B, and rotational force is transmitted to the gear 136 from a rotation driving means (not shown) (for example, a motor), so that the suction drum main body 112 is It rotates (in FIG. 2, it rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise)).

  The internal space of the suction drum main body 112 (the space between the inner cylinder 112B and the outer cylinder 112A) is circumferentially defined by the partition walls 120 that are radially arranged at intervals of 45 degrees between the inner cylinder 112B and the outer cylinder 112A. Are divided into eight spaces 122A to 122H.

  The outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 112A constitutes a suction surface of the recording paper 12, and a plurality of suction holes 124 communicating with the internal space of the suction drum main body 112 are formed in a predetermined pattern on the surface. The recording paper 12 placed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 112A is sucked from the suction hole 124 and sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 112A. The formation pattern of the suction holes 124 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 112A will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 4 is a development view of the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 112B. As shown in the figure, slits 126A to 126H are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 112B corresponding to the spaces 122A to 122H partitioned by the partition wall 120 (formed at intervals of 45 degrees in the circumferential direction). Yes. The slits 126 </ b> A to 126 </ b> H are individually connected to the spaces 122 </ b> A to 122 </ b> H, and a large number are formed at a constant pitch in the axial direction.

  The shaft cylinder 114 inserted into the inner cylinder 112B is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is inserted into the inner peripheral portion of the inner cylinder 112B in a sealed state via a seal member (not shown). One end (left end in FIG. 2) of the shaft cylinder 114 is fixed to a bracket 116 on one side (left side in FIG. 2) via a support member 128. Therefore, the suction drum main body 112 rotates around the shaft cylinder 114 by rotating.

  FIG. 5 is a development view of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft cylinder 114. As shown in the figure, two slits 130 and 132 having different lengths along the axial direction are alternately formed at a constant pitch on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft cylinder 114. The shorter slit 130 is formed from a position of about 0 degrees to a position of about 80 degrees, and the longer slit 132 is formed from a position of about 0 degrees to a position of about 180 degrees.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the axial formation intervals of the slits 130 and 132 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft cylinder 114 are the intervals between the slits 126A to 126H formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 112B. It is formed to be the same as the formation interval in the axial direction, and its width is slightly larger than the width of each of the slits 126A to 126H formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 112B.

  Therefore, when the shaft cylinder 114 is inserted into the inner peripheral portion of the inner cylinder 112B, the slits 130 and 132 are communicated with the slits 126A to 126H formed corresponding to the spaces 122A to 122H of the inner cylinder 112B. The The slits 126 </ b> A to 126 </ b> H on the inner cylinder 112 </ b> B connected to the slits 130 and 132 on the shaft cylinder 114 side change according to the rotational position of the suction drum main body 112. For example, paying attention to the slit 126A formed corresponding to the space 122A, when the slit 126A is at a position of 0 degree, the slit 126A communicates with both the long and short slits 130 and 132. 126A communicates only with the longer slit 132, and after 180 degrees, it is not communicated (closed).

  As described above, the slits 126A to 126H on the inner cylinder 112B side connected to the slits 130 and 132 on the shaft cylinder 114 side change according to the rotational position of the suction drum main body 112, and the communication amount (area to be communicated). : Total area where slits overlap) changes. That is, the amount of communication becomes the largest at a position of 0 degree, halved after 80 degrees, and zero (shielded) after 180 degrees. As a result, the suction force changes according to the rotational position (becomes weaker from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotational direction, and becomes weaker as the rotation proceeds).

  One end (right end in FIG. 2) of the shaft cylinder 114 is shielded and the other end (left end in FIG. 2) is open. A suction fan 134 is attached to the other end formed to be open, and the internal air is sucked by the suction fan.

  When the air inside the shaft cylinder 114 is sucked by the suction fan 134, the air in the spaces 122A to 122H corresponding to the slits 126A to 126H communicated with the slits 130 and 132 is sucked. As a result, the outer cylinder 112A Air is sucked from the suction holes 124 formed on the outer peripheral surface, and the recording paper 12 placed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 112A is sucked and held.

  Grip claws 138A and 138B are provided at two locations on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 112A, and the recording paper 12 is sucked and conveyed with the leading edge held by the grip claws 138A and 138B. The two gripping claws 138 </ b> A and 138 </ b> B are disposed at opposing positions, and one gripping claws 138 </ b> A is disposed between the spaces 122 </ b> H and 122 </ b> A inside the suction drum main body 112. The other gripping claw 138B is disposed between the spaces 122D and 122E inside the suction drum main body 112. Therefore, the suction drum main body 112 can suck and hold the recording paper 12 on the outer peripheral surface corresponding to the internal spaces 122A to 122D, and also suck and hold the recording paper 12 on the outer peripheral surface corresponding to the inner spaces 122E to 122H. can do. That is, the suction drum main body 112 is formed to be able to transport two recording papers 12 by one rotation.

  In addition, since the structure of this kind of holding nail | claw (gripper) is well-known, description about the specific structure is abbreviate | omitted.

The suction drum 110 configured as described above grips the leading end of the recording paper 12 supplied from a paper feeding unit (not shown) with the gripping claws 138A or 138B, and sucks the air in the shaft cylinder 114 by the suction fan 134. As a result, the back surface of the recording paper 12 is sucked and held from the suction holes 124 formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Then, the recording paper 12 is sucked and conveyed by being rotationally driven by a rotational driving means (not shown). At this time, the suction force acting on the recording paper 12 changes according to the transport position of the recording paper 12 (the rotational position of the suction drum 110), and is weakened as it is transported. That is, the suction force acting on the recording paper 12 is the highest when the suction to the suction drum 110 is started and is weakened as it is conveyed to the downstream portion (the suction drum 110 is sucked from the surface on which the recording paper 12 is sucked). Is weakened). Thereby, the recording paper 12 can be stably conveyed, and the generation of wrinkles can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a guide roller 160 is disposed at the suction start position of the recording paper 12 (position of approximately 0 degrees in this example) so as to face the suction drum 110, and is supplied from the paper feeding unit. The recording sheet 12 is supplied between the guide roller 160 and the suction drum 110 and sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110.

  The processing liquid coating unit 140 includes a processing liquid tank 144 in which the processing liquid 142 is stored, a processing liquid supply roller 146 that is disposed so as to be partially immersed in the processing liquid 142 stored in the processing liquid tank 144, and a processing liquid. An intermediate roller 148 disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the supply roller 146, and a processing liquid is disposed between the intermediate roller 148 and the suction drum 110 so as to be sucked and conveyed to the suction drum 110. The application rollers 150A to 150D to be applied and the application roller replacement device 152 to selectively replace the application rollers 150A to 150D to be used.

  The processing liquid tank 144 is formed in a box shape having an upper portion opened. The processing liquid tank 144 stores a processing liquid 142 to be applied to the surface of the recording paper 12.

  The treatment liquid used in this example has an action of aggregating the color material contained in the ink applied by the color ink application unit 300 in the subsequent stage (destroying the dispersion state of the colorant and the like in the color ink, It has the property of aggregating and precipitating components. That is, it is a liquid having the property of causing an aggregation reaction such as an ink and a polyvalent metal salt, an anion cation reaction, and a pH reaction.

  In addition, since this kind of processing liquid itself is a well-known thing, description of the specific composition etc. is abbreviate | omitted here.

  Further, as the processing liquid to be used, an optimal one is appropriately selected according to the type of ink applied by the color ink applying unit 300.

  The processing liquid supply roller 146 is provided in parallel with the suction drum 110 and is disposed on the upper part of the processing liquid tank 144. And the lower part is immersed in the processing liquid 142 stored in the processing liquid tank 144. Therefore, the processing liquid supply roller 146 rotates to supply the processing liquid to the outer peripheral surface thereof.

  The intermediate roller 148 is provided in parallel with the processing liquid supply roller 146, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller 146. The intermediate roller 148 is connected to a rotation driving means (for example, a motor) (not shown). The intermediate roller 148 rotates in the same direction as the suction drum 110 by being driven by the rotation driving unit. When the intermediate roller 148 is rotated, the processing liquid supply roller 146 in contact with the outer peripheral surface thereof is rotated, and the processing liquid applied to the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller 146 is the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148. (Transferred).

  Since the intermediate roller 148 is transferred from the processing liquid supply roller 146 in contact with the outer peripheral surface and supplied with the processing liquid in this way, the processing liquid supply roller 146 has at least the width of the intermediate roller 148. It is formed with the same or larger width.

  Further, since the intermediate roller 148 contacts the application roller with the outer peripheral surface and supplies the processing liquid to the application roller, the width of the intermediate roller 148 is at least equal to or larger than the application roller having the maximum width.

  The processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller 148 is supplied to the application rollers 150A to 150D that are in contact with the outer peripheral surface thereof. Then, the processing liquid supplied to the application rollers 150 </ b> A to 150 </ b> D is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12 that is sucked and conveyed to the suction drum 110.

  Here, the application rollers 150 </ b> A to 150 </ b> D are provided with a plurality of rollers (four in this example) having different widths so that they can correspond to a plurality of paper sizes. It is provided to be exchangeable.

  FIG. 7 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the coating roller exchange device. As shown in the figure, the application roller replacement device 152 mainly includes a turret 154 and four telescopic arms 156A to 156D that are radially attached to the shaft portion 154A of the turret 154.

  The turret 154 is provided in parallel with the suction drum 110 and is rotatably supported by a main body frame (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10. The turret 154 is driven to rotate by a rotation driving means (not shown).

  The base ends of the arms 156A to 156D are fixed to the shaft portion 154A of the turret 154 and attached radially (in this example, they are attached radially at intervals of 90 degrees). As described above, each of the arms 156A to 156D is formed to be extendable (for example, formed to be extendable by a telescope structure), and is driven by a not-shown extension drive means (for example, a cylinder or the like). The turret 154 expands and contracts in the radial direction. The coating rollers 150A to 150D are attached to the tips of the arms 156A to 156D, and both ends are supported by bearings (not shown) provided on the arms 156A to 156D, and are rotatably supported.

  The replacement of the application rollers 150A to 150D and the application of the treatment liquid by the application roller replacement device 152 configured as described above are performed as follows.

  First, the turret 154 is rotated in a state where the arms 156A to 156D are contracted, and the application roller to be used is positioned at a predetermined replacement position. Then, the arm holding the application roller positioned at the replacement position is extended by a predetermined amount, and the application roller to be used is positioned at a predetermined standby position.

  FIG. 8 shows a state where the application roller 150A is selected as the application roller to be used and the application roller 150A is positioned at the standby position. The application roller 150A indicated by a broken line shows a state when the application roller 150A is located at the replacement position.

  As shown in the drawing, when the application roller 150A is positioned at the standby position, the outer peripheral surface thereof abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148 (not on the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110).

The intermediate roller 148 is driven to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed.
When the application roller 150 </ b> A is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of 8, the application roller 150 </ b> A also rotates together with the intermediate roller 148. Note that the rotation direction is opposite to the rotation direction of the intermediate roller 148.

  Here, the processing liquid supply roller 146 is in contact with the intermediate roller 148, and the processing liquid is supplied from the processing liquid supply roller 146 to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating intermediate roller 148.

  Therefore, when the outer peripheral surface of the application roller 150A is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148, the processing liquid supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148 is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the application roller 150A and applied. The processing liquid is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the roller 150A.

  In this manner, the application roller is positioned at the standby position and is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148, whereby the processing liquid is supplied to the outer peripheral surface.

  The processing liquid is applied to the recording paper 12 by bringing a coating roller supplied with the processing liquid into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12 sucked and conveyed by the suction drum 110. The contact of the application roller is performed in synchronization with the travel of the recording paper 12. In other words, the application roller is brought into contact with the surface of the traveling recording paper 12 at the appropriate timing so that the processing liquid is applied to a predetermined processing liquid application region set on the recording paper 12.

  At this time, the application roller moves toward the suction drum 110 in a state where the application roller is always in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148, as indicated by a dashed line in FIG. In other words, it moves toward the suction drum 110 while tracing the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148. As a result, the processing liquid is always supplied to the application roller.

  In this way, the application roller moves toward the suction drum 110 while always in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148. Therefore, not only the extension of the arm but also the rotation of the turret 154 is controlled. The

  In this way, the application roller moves toward the suction drum 110 while always in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148, and as shown in FIG. 7, the surface of the recording paper 12 sucked and conveyed by the suction drum 110 It stops at the position (contact position) where it contacts. Thereby, the treatment liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12.

  As described above, the contact of the application roller is performed in synchronization with the travel of the recording paper 12, and when the treatment liquid is applied to a predetermined area, the application roller is separated from the recording paper 12 (suction). Separated so as not to contact the outer peripheral surface of the drum 110). That is, the application roller starts contact at the front end position in the transport direction of the processing liquid application area set on the recording paper 12 and is separated at the rear end position. For this reason, the application roller does not directly contact the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110, and the processing liquid does not adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110.

  As described above, the processing liquid is applied to the recording paper 12 by the contact and separation of the application roller that is in contact with the intermediate roller 148.

  In addition, replacement | exchange of an application roller is performed as follows. First, the application roller in use is moved to the standby position, and then the arm is contracted to be positioned at the replacement position. Then, the turret 154 is rotated to move the newly used application roller to the replacement position. Thereafter, the arm holding the application roller positioned at the replacement position is extended by a predetermined amount, and the application roller to be newly used is positioned at a predetermined standby position. This completes the exchange.

  As described above, by using the application roller replacement device 152 of this example, the processing liquid can be applied to the recording paper 12 with the application width changed.

  The application roller to be used is automatically selected based on the output of a paper width sensor (not shown), and the application roller corresponding to the paper width of the recording paper 12 to which the processing liquid is applied is automatically selected. Here, the paper width sensor is a sensor that detects the paper width of the recording paper, and is installed in, for example, a paper feeding unit.

  Note that the application roller to be used may be manually selected by the operator. That is, the application roller may be automatically switched by an operator's selection operation.

  In addition, the treatment liquid application area (treatment liquid application area) set on the recording paper is narrower than the recording paper 12 to ensure an agglomeration reaction, and the image formation area (applies ink droplets to form an image). Area). Accordingly, the application width of the treatment liquid by the application roller is set to be narrower than the paper width of the recording paper 12 and wider than the width of the image forming area.

  In this example, the processing liquid is supplied to the entire width of the application roller, and the processing liquid supplied to the entire width of the application roller is applied to the recording paper 12 as it is. Therefore, the application width of the treatment liquid applied to the recording paper 12 is determined by the width of the application roller to be used. In this example, since four application rollers 150A to 150D having different widths are set on the turret 154, the application width can be changed in four stages.

  Moreover, the edge part of the width direction can be sharply apply | coated by regulating the application | coating width | variety of a process liquid with the width | variety of an application | coating roller like this example.

  As described above, the treatment liquid application unit 100 includes the suction drum 110 and the coating unit 140, and sucks and conveys the recording paper 12 supplied from the paper feeding unit with the suction drum 110, and applies the coating in the transportation process. A processing liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12 by the unit 140. That is, when the application roller comes into contact with the surface during the conveyance process, the treatment liquid applied to the application roller is transferred to the surface of the recording paper 12, and thereby the treatment liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12.

  Note that, as described above, the suction drum 110 sucks the recording paper 12 with the strongest suction force at the start of suction, and when the recording paper 12 is sucked, the suction power is gradually reduced from the sucked area. By controlling the suction force in this way, the recording paper 12 can be stably conveyed, and the occurrence of processing liquid unevenness can be suppressed.

  That is, when the suction of the recording paper 12 is started, since the rate at which the suction holes 124 are blocked by the recording paper 12 is low, it is difficult to apply negative pressure and stable suction may not be performed. By increasing the suction force, the recording paper 12 can be stably attracted to the suction drum 110.

  On the other hand, if the processing liquid is applied by the application unit 140 with a strong suction force, the recording paper 12 is recessed (recessed) at the suction hole 124, and the processing liquid tends to accumulate in the recess, resulting in an increase in the amount of processing liquid. There is. Further, there is also a problem that the treatment liquid penetrates the recording paper 12 only in the vicinity of the position where the suction hole 124 exists due to the suction force, and the treatment liquid concentration is uneven. Furthermore, when the treatment liquid is applied by ejection, there is also a problem that the landing position is displaced due to the recess. Therefore, after the recording paper 12 is sucked, the suction force is weakened to solve the above problems and prevent the processing liquid from occurring.

  In this way, by moving the recording paper 12 by suction and applying the processing liquid, it is possible to reduce the movement / penetration unevenness of the processing liquid. In addition, since the movement / penetration unevenness of the processing liquid can be reduced in this way, non-uniform reaction with the ink can be suppressed, and the occurrence of image unevenness can be reduced.

  In this example, the application roller is brought into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12 at a position of approximately 100 degrees of the suction drum 110. That is, application is performed at a position of approximately 100 degrees on the suction drum 110. On the other hand, the recording paper 12 is supplied at a position of approximately 0 degrees on the suction drum 110. For this reason, the suction of the suction drum 110 is started from a position of approximately 0 degrees and weakened until reaching the position of approximately 100 degrees (the strongest suction force is applied at the start of receiving the recording paper 12, and the treatment liquid is It is weakened by the start of application.)

  Since the receiving position of the recording paper 12 and the application position of the processing liquid in this example are only examples, when receiving the recording paper and applying the processing liquid at other positions, suction control according to the position is performed. I do. Also in this case, the suction force is the strongest at the start of suction, and is weakened before reaching the treatment liquid application position.

  The suction drum 110 is most preferably configured so that the suction force can be controlled according to the transport position as in this example, but may be configured to suck all areas with a uniform suction force. Moreover, when controlling attraction | suction force, the structure is not limited to the thing of this example, You may make it control by another structure.

  In this example, the recording sheet 12 is sucked and conveyed by the suction drum 110. However, the structure for sucking and conveying the recording sheet 12 is not limited to this, and the recording sheet 12 is sucked and conveyed by another structure. You may make it do. For example, the recording paper may be sucked and conveyed by a conveying belt having suction holes.

<Processing liquid drying section>
The processing liquid drying unit 200 is installed at the subsequent stage of the processing liquid application unit 100, receives the recording paper 12 to which the processing liquid is applied from the suction drum 110 of the processing liquid application unit 100, and is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12. The applied treatment liquid is dried.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the treatment liquid drying unit 200. As shown in the figure, the treatment liquid drying unit 200 receives the recording paper 12 from the suction drum 110 and the heating conveyance surface 210 on which the recording paper 12 is conveyed while being slid, and slides on the heating conveyance surface 210 to convey it. And a fan heater unit 214 that blows hot air onto the surface of the recording paper 12 that is conveyed while sliding on the heating and conveying surface 210, and a heater 216 that heats the heating and conveying surface 210.

  The heating conveyance surface 210 is configured as a horizontal plane, and the width in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction is formed corresponding to the recording sheet 12 having the maximum sheet width. That is, the recording paper 12 handled by the image forming apparatus 10 is formed larger than the paper width of the maximum size recording paper 12.

  The heater 216 is attached to the back surface of the heating and conveying surface 210 and heats the heating and conveying surface 210 to a predetermined temperature. The recording paper 12 is conveyed while sliding on the heating conveyance surface 210 heated by the heater 216, and is thereby heated from the back surface.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the transport device 212 includes a gripping claw 222 that travels along a predetermined travel path. The gripping claw 222 grips the leading end of the recording paper 12 and transports the recording paper 12. .

  The gripping claw 222 is attached to an endless belt 224. The belt 224 is wound around four guide rollers 226 and travels along a square travel path formed by the four guide rollers 226.

  Here, the square traveling path formed by the four guide rollers 226 is provided such that the lower side portion thereof is parallel to and close to the heating conveyance surface 210. For this reason, when the belt 224 is caused to travel, the gripping claws 222 provided on the belt 224 travel along the heating and conveying surface 210 of the heating and conveying surface 210.

  The belt 224 is driven by rotationally driving one of the guide rollers 226, and one of the guide rollers 226 is connected to a rotational driving means (for example, a motor) not shown.

  The gripping claw 222 grips the leading end of the recording paper 12. Since the configuration of the gripping claw (gripper) that grips the leading end of the recording paper 12 is well known, the specific configuration will be described. Is omitted.

  The fan heater unit 214 is installed above the heating and conveying surface 210 (in this example, installed inside the belt 224 of the conveying device 212), and blows warm air toward the heating and conveying surface 210. The fan heater unit 214 mainly includes an infrared heater 228, a fan 230, and a reflector 232.

  The infrared heater 228 is disposed orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12 and is formed with a width (length) substantially the same as the width of the heating conveyance surface 210. Note that a plurality of short infrared heaters may be arranged in parallel in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12.

  The fan 230 is installed above the infrared heater 228, and a plurality of fans 230 are arranged in parallel along the infrared heater 228. The air heated by the infrared heater 228 is blown by the fan 230 toward the heating conveyance surface 210.

  The reflector 232 is installed above the fan 230 so as to surround the upper part of the infrared heater 228.

  The fan heater unit 214 configured as described above is configured such that the air heated by the infrared heater 228 is blown toward the heating conveyance surface 210 by the fan 230, whereby the recording paper 12 conveyed on the heating conveyance surface 210 is blown. Promotes drying.

  Since the air blow by the fan heater unit 214 is intended to promote the drying of the recording paper 12, the set temperature of the infrared heater 228 is appropriately set to an optimal value within a range that meets this purpose. It is preferable to set. As an example, the temperature of the hot air blown toward the heating conveyance surface 210 is set to 50 to 150 ° C.

  As described above, the treatment liquid drying unit 200 includes the heating and conveying surface 210, the conveying device 212, the fan heater unit 214, and the heater 216, and the heater 216 is blown with hot air by the fan heater unit 214. The processing liquid applied to the surface of the recording paper 12 is dried by transporting the recording paper 12 by sliding on the heating transport surface 210 heated by the above. As a result, a solid or semi-solid aggregation treatment agent layer is formed on the surface of the recording paper 12. In addition, by sliding and transporting the heated transport surface 210 in this way, drying unevenness due to uneven heating temperature can be reduced. Furthermore, drying is promoted by blowing warm air.

  In this example, the leading edge of the recording paper 12 is gripped by the gripping claws 222, and the gripping claws 222 are moved to slide the recording paper 12 on the heating transport surface 210. The means for conveying the paper 12 is not limited to this. However, since the processing liquid applied to the recording paper 12 becomes uneven when it comes into contact before being dried (completely / semi-solidified / thickened), a means that can be conveyed without touching the image forming range should be used. preferable. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a slider 240 that can be moved back and forth with respect to the heating conveyance surface 210 is provided so as to reciprocate along the heating conveyance surface 210, and the leading edge of the recording paper 12 is predetermined by the slider 240. The recording paper 12 is moved on the heating and conveying surface 210 by moving along the heating and conveying surface 210 while being pressed against the heating and conveying surface 210 with a pressing force (a pressing force capable of sliding the recording paper 12). It can be slid and transported. In this case, it is preferable that the slider 240 is formed so that the tip portion thereof is made of a material having a high frictional resistance such as rubber so that the recording paper 12 does not slip.

  In this example, since the recording paper 12 is conveyed with its leading edge held, the image forming area set on the recording paper 12 is set to an area excluding this holding area at the leading edge.

  In this example, the recording paper 12 is transported by the transport device 212, but the distance between the suction drum of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the suction drum of the color ink application unit 300 described later is the recording paper 12. When the recording paper 12 can be transported without using the transport device 212 as in the case where it is shorter than the length (length in the transport direction), the separate transport device 212 may not be provided. In other words, this type of conveying means may be installed only when the drying area needs to be longer than the length of the recording paper 12, and when the drying area is shorter than the length of the recording paper 12. However, it is not necessary to provide another. However, even if the drying area is shorter than the length of the recording paper 12, the recording paper 12 can be transported in a more stable state by providing the transporting means as in this example. Become.

  Moreover, in this example, although the heating conveyance surface 210 is formed as a horizontal plane, as shown in FIG. 11, you may make it form as a curved surface. In particular, since the recording paper 12 to which the treatment liquid is applied may be curled, curling can be effectively removed by forming the curved surface in a direction to suppress the curling. In addition, by curving the heating and conveying surface 210 in a concave shape, it is easy for hot air to hit, and the surface to which the treatment liquid is applied dries in a concave shape, so that the side on which the recording paper 12 is extended is positively contracted. desirable. In this case, it is preferable to apply the warm air toward the lowest point of the concave shape.

  In this example, the configuration is such that warm air is blown vertically downward by a fan 230 installed horizontally (configuration that blows perpendicularly to the recording paper 12). However, as shown in FIG. By blowing air obliquely from the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the paper 12 toward the upstream side, the wind does not stagnate and drying can be further promoted.

  Further, in this example, the fan heater unit 214 is provided in order to promote drying, but it may be configured to dry without providing the fan heater unit 214.

  Note that, as in this example, a fan heater unit 214 is provided, the fan 230 of the fan heater unit 214 and the heater 216 that heats the heating and conveying surface 210 are controlled, and the heating and conveying surface 210 that contacts the recording paper 12. By controlling the temperature of this, it is possible to improve the controllability of drying and reduce the load on the heater 216 that heats the heating conveyance surface 210.

  Further, when the fan heater unit 214 is provided and the hot air is blown as in this example, the width of the heating conveyance surface 210 is set wider than the sheet width of the maximum size recording sheet 12, and the maximum size of the recording sheet 12 is set. By arranging the discharge hole outside the width of the recording paper 12, the warm air can be discharged at the same time. As a result, wasteful warm air can be discharged smoothly, and there is no need to provide a separate exhaust fan or the like.

  Note that the same type of fan heater unit as in this example can be provided in the processing liquid application unit 100, and the processing liquid can be dried by blowing hot air onto the surface of the recording paper 12 coated with the processing liquid. The heated air hits the application roller and the processing agent may be deposited (in the case where the processing liquid is applied by the recording head, nozzle clogging may occur). However, as in this example, the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the treatment liquid drying unit 200 are separated so that the heat of the treatment liquid drying unit 200 is not transmitted to the treatment liquid application unit 100. Can be resolved.

<Color ink applicator>
The color ink applying unit 300 forms an image by applying color ink to the surface of the recording paper 12 to which the treatment liquid has been applied. The color ink applying unit 300 is an ink for forming an image by discharging the color ink from the recording head onto the surface of the recording paper 12 sucked and conveyed by the suction drum 310 and sucking and conveying the recording paper 12. A discharge unit 350 is provided.

  The configuration of the suction drum 310 is substantially the same as the configuration of the suction drum 110 of the processing liquid application unit 100 described above. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, by sucking air from the suction holes 324 formed on the outer peripheral surface (suction surface), the back surface of the recording paper 12 placed on the outer peripheral surface is sucked and held, not shown. The recording paper 12 rotated by being driven by a rotation driving means (for example, a motor) is conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path (arc-shaped conveyance path) sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Further, the suction force is configured to be controllable, and the suction force is weakened from the start of suction to the start of ink application by dividing the internal space into a plurality of areas.

  However, the suction hole 324 is formed in a mode different from that of the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100. That is, the suction holes 124 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the suction holes 324 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300 suck the recording paper 12. In this case, the position, size, shape and the like are adjusted so as to suck different parts. In other words, the position, size, shape, etc. are adjusted so that the position where the suction hole 124 contacts the recording paper 12 when the treatment liquid is applied differs from the position where the suction hole 324 contacts when the ink is applied. The suction holes 124 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the suction holes 324 of the color ink application unit 300 are formed.

  By forming the suction holes in this way, it is possible to reduce image unevenness due to reaction unevenness between the treatment liquid and the ink. That is, when the processing liquid and the ink are applied to the recording paper 12 while the same portion is sucked by the suction hole, the processing liquid application unevenness and the ink application unevenness overlap, and the image unevenness deteriorates. By shifting the part where the suction hole sucks the recording paper during application and the part where the suction hole sucks the recording paper during ink application, it is possible to prevent the application liquid application unevenness and the ink application unevenness from overlapping. Image unevenness due to reaction unevenness between liquid and ink can be reduced.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a formation pattern of the suction holes 124 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the suction holes 324 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300. is there. 2A shows a formation pattern of the suction holes 124 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100, and FIG. 2B shows the outer periphery of the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300. The formation pattern of the suction hole 324 formed in the surface is shown. FIG. 3C shows an arrangement layout of the suction holes when the outer peripheral surfaces of both suction drums are overlapped.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, circular suction holes 124 are arranged in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 at regular intervals along the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12, and the recording paper They are arranged at regular intervals along a direction orthogonal to the twelve transport directions.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, circular suction holes 324 are also arranged in the suction drum 310 of the color ink applying unit 300 at regular intervals along the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12, and the recording paper 12 are arranged at regular intervals along a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, but may overlap with the suction holes 124 formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 as shown in FIG. Is arranged so that there is no. Specifically, the rows of the suction holes 324 of the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300 are arranged between the rows of the suction holes 124 formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100. . The arrangement density is dense on the center side in the width direction (light perpendicular to the conveyance direction) and sparse on the outside. Further, the recording paper 12 is not positioned at the edge portion.

  By forming the suction holes by shifting the suction positions in this way, it is possible to prevent the unevenness of the treatment liquid from being applied and the unevenness of the ink from being overlapped, and to reduce image unevenness due to the reaction unevenness between the treatment liquid and the ink. can do.

  In this example, since the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 grips and conveys the tip of the recording paper 12 with the gripping claws 138A and 138B, the recording paper 12 always has the same size. The same part is sucked into the suction hole 124. That is, the gripping position of the recording paper 12 is defined by the gripping claws 138A and 138B, so that the recording paper 12 is always held at a fixed position on the suction surface of the suction drum 110.

  Since the leading end of the recording paper 12 is gripped and conveyed by the gripping claws 338A and 338B in the same manner as the suction drum 310 of the color ink applying unit 300, if the recording paper 12 is the same size, the same portion is always the suction hole 324. Will be aspirated. That is, since the gripping position of the recording paper 12 is defined by the gripping claws 338A and 338B, the recording paper 12 is always held at a fixed position on the suction surface of the suction drum 310.

  Therefore, by laying out the suction holes of each suction drum so that the suction holes do not overlap with each other based on the position of the gripping claw, the suction part when applying the treatment liquid and the suction part when applying ink are shifted. Can be transported.

  The arrangement layout of the suction holes 124 formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the arrangement layout of the suction holes 324 formed in the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300 are limited to those described above. is not. As long as the suction portions of the recording paper 12 do not overlap each other, they can be arranged in various layouts.

  Therefore, it is preferable to appropriately arrange the recording paper 12 as appropriate in consideration of the type, size, retention, etc. of the recording paper 12 to be conveyed.

  In consideration of the retention of the recording paper 12, as in this example, the suction holes are arranged such that the arrangement density is dense on the center side in the width direction (light perpendicular to the transport direction) and sparse on the outside. It is preferable to arrange in. Further, even when the recording paper 12 having a different size is conveyed, it is preferable that suction holes are not located at the edge portions (so that suction is not performed at the edge portions).

  Further, the arrangement of the suction holes does not necessarily have regularity, and may be arranged randomly.

  Furthermore, the shape of the suction hole is not limited to a circular shape as in this example, and various shapes such as an ellipse, a triangle, a square, and a star shape can be employed.

  Further, not only the same shape but also various shapes can be mixed and formed, and the sizes can be mixed and formed.

  Further, suction holes having different shapes may be formed between the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300.

  15A to 15D show suction holes 124 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and suction formed on the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300, respectively. It is another example of the formation pattern of the hole 324. In each figure, (i) is a formation pattern of the suction holes 124 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100, and (ii) is an outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300. The formation pattern of the suction hole 324 to be formed is shown. Further, (iii) shows the layout of the suction holes when the outer peripheral surfaces of both suction drums are overlapped.

  FIG. 15A shows an example in which rectangular suction holes 124 and 324 are formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300, respectively.

  FIG. 15B is an example in which a circular suction hole 124 is formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100, and an elliptical suction hole 324 is formed in the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300.

  FIG. 15C is an example in which elliptical suction holes 124 and 324 are formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300, respectively.

  FIG. 15D shows an example in which an elliptical suction hole 124 is formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and a circular and small-diameter suction hole 324 is formed in the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300. .

  In either case, the suction holes are arranged so that the arrangement density is dense on the center side in the width direction and sparse on the outside. Further, even when the recording paper 12 having a different size is conveyed, the suction hole is not positioned at the edge portion.

  Note that the suction hole 124 formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the suction hole 324 formed in the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300 suck different parts from each other with respect to the recording paper 12. Although it is preferable to arrange them, as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D, even if the suction sites partially overlap, the same effect can be obtained by satisfying the following conditions. Can do.

  That is, in the case where suction sites partially overlap with the suction holes 124 of the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the suction holes 324 of the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300, (1) The ratio of the overlapping area to the larger suction hole area should be 20% or less, and (2) the ratio of the overlapping area to the image formable area of the recording medium should be 4% or less. For example, image unevenness due to reaction unevenness between the treatment liquid and ink can be sufficiently reduced even when the suction sites partially overlap.

  Here, the “larger suction hole in each overlapping portion” in condition (1) means the suction hole having the larger opening area in the suction hole 124 and the suction hole 324 where the suction portions overlap. . And, "the ratio of the area of the overlapping portion to the area of the larger suction hole in each overlapping portion" means that the suction hole 124 and the suction hole 324 where the suction portions overlap has a larger opening area. It means the ratio of the area of the overlapping part (area of the overlapping part) to the opening area of the suction hole.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 16A, the suction hole 124 formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 is larger than the suction hole 324 formed in the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300. Since all of the suction holes 324 formed and formed in the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300 overlap with the suction holes 124 formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100, in this case, [large The area of the suction hole] is the area of the suction hole 124 formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100, and the area of the overlapping part is formed in the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300. It becomes the area of the suction hole 324. Therefore, the ratio is (area of the suction holes 324 formed in the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300) / (area of the suction holes 124 formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100) × 100%. It becomes.

  Further, the “image formable area of the recording paper” in the condition (2) means the area of the image forming area set on the recording paper, and “the ratio of the area of the overlapping portion to the image formable area of the recording paper” "Means the ratio of the area of the overlapping portion to the area of the image forming region set on the recording sheet.

  This condition has been found by experiment and needs to be satisfied in all of the overlapping portions.

  More preferably, (1) the ratio of the area of the overlapping portion to the area of the larger suction hole is 15% or less, and (2) the ratio of the area of the overlapping portion to the image formable area of the recording medium is 3%. More preferably, the following conditions are satisfied, and more preferably, (1) the ratio of the area of the overlapping portion to the area of the larger suction hole is 5% or less, and (2) the overlapping with respect to the image formable area of the recording medium The ratio of the area of the part is to satisfy the condition of 2% or less.

  Even in the case where the suction sites overlap as in this example, various shapes can be adopted as the shape of the suction hole, for example, various shapes such as an ellipse, a triangle, a square, and a star shape. Can be adopted. Further, not only the same shape but also various shapes can be mixed and formed. Moreover, the size can also be mixed and formed. Further, suction holes having different shapes may be formed in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 and the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300. Further, the arrangement of the suction holes does not necessarily have regularity, and may be arranged randomly.

  However, in consideration of the holding property of the recording paper 12, the suction holes are preferably arranged so that the arrangement density is dense on the center side in the width direction (light perpendicular to the transport direction) and sparse on the outside. . Further, it is preferable that the recording paper 12 is arranged so as not to be sucked at the edge portion.

  It should be noted that the shape of the cross section of the suction hole can be various shapes, for example, a straight shape, a taper shape, or a combination of bowl shape and straight shape. it can.

  In the image forming apparatus of the above example, the recording sheet 12 is sucked and conveyed by the suction drum. However, the recording sheet can be sucked and conveyed by the conveying belt in which the suction holes are formed. The suction holes of the conveying belt of the treatment liquid applying unit 100 and the suction holes of the conveying belt of the color ink applying unit 300 are formed so as not to overlap with each other.

  The suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300 receives the recording paper 12 at a position of approximately 0 degrees as in the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100, but the ink application is performed at a position of approximately 70 degrees. Therefore, the suction force is configured to be weakened until reaching approximately 70 degrees. That is, the length of the slit formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft tube is adjusted.

  In addition, the suction force of the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300 is set to be relatively higher than the suction force of the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the conveyed recording paper 12 from coming into contact with the recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, 360K of the ink discharge unit 350, and to reduce the jam rate.

  As described above, the suction drum 310 is different from the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 in terms of the suction hole formation pattern, the suction force control pattern, and the generated suction force, but the other configurations are the same. is there. Therefore, the description about the specific structure is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 13, reference numeral 312 denotes a suction drum main body, reference numeral 312A denotes an outer cylinder constituting the suction drum main body 312, reference numeral 312B denotes an inner cylinder constituting the suction drum main body 312, reference numeral 314 denotes a shaft cylinder, and reference numeral 320 denotes a suction drum. Partition walls for partitioning the internal space of the drum main body 312, reference numerals 322A to 322H are spaces partitioned by the partition wall 320, and reference numeral 324 is an outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 312A (the outer peripheral surface (suction surface) of the suction drum main body 312). The formed suction holes, reference numerals 326A to 326B are slits communicating with the spaces 322A to 322H formed on the peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 312B, reference numeral 330 is a slit (shorter slit) formed in the shaft cylinder 314, Reference numerals 338 </ b> A and 338 </ b> B are gripping claws for gripping the leading end of the recording paper 12. In addition, although not shown, the inner cylinder 312B is rotatably supported by the bracket via a bearing, is rotationally driven by a rotation driving means (for example, a motor), and the shaft cylinder 314 is provided by a fan. The point that the air is sucked is the same as that of the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 described above.

  The ink discharge unit 350 discharges ink droplets of four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) toward the surface of the recording paper 12 sucked and conveyed by the suction drum 310. As a result, a color image is formed on the surface of the recording paper 12.

  First, the overall configuration of the ink discharge unit 350 will be outlined.

  The ink droplets of each color are individually ejected from the corresponding recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, 360K. That is, cyan ink droplets are from the cyan recording head 360C, magenta ink droplets are from the magenta recording head 360M, yellow ink droplets are from the yellow recording head 360Y, and black ink droplets are to be recorded for black. The ink is discharged individually from the head 360K.

  The recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, and 360K that individually eject ink droplets of each color are configured by full-line recording heads, and nozzle rows formed on the ink ejection surface (surface that ejects ink). Ink droplets are ejected from (a row of nozzles (ink ejection ports) that eject ink droplets) to form an image on the surface of the recording paper 12. This nozzle array is formed with a width corresponding to the maximum size recording paper targeted by the image forming apparatus 10. That is, at least the image forming area set on the maximum size recording paper is formed with a length that can cover the entire width.

  The recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, and 360K are arranged such that their nozzle rows are orthogonal to the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) of the recording paper 12 (direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12 ( The ink discharge surface is disposed so as to have a predetermined clearance between the suction surface and the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 310.

  The recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, and 360K are arranged in a predetermined color order with a predetermined interval in order from the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording paper 12. In this example, the recording heads 360 </ b> C, 360 </ b> M, 360 </ b> Y, 360 </ b> K are arranged on the suction drum 310 in the order of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12. It is arranged on the peripheral surface.

  The recording heads for each color can be constituted by so-called serial type (shuttle type) recording heads (recording heads that reciprocate the recording heads in the main scanning direction). By configuring the head with a full-line type recording head, high-speed printing becomes possible.

  In this example, an image is formed using four colors of C, M, Y, and K. However, the combination of ink colors and the number of colors to be used is not limited to this. You may add and use light ink, dark ink, special color ink, etc. as needed. For example, it is possible to add a recording head that discharges light ink such as light cyan and light magenta. Also, the arrangement order of the recording heads for each color is not particularly limited.

  As the ink liquid, one containing a pigment as a colorant, a resin polymer, a dispersant, a surfactant, or the like is used.

  Next, the structure of the recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, 360K will be described in detail. Since the recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, and 360K have the same structure, the recording head is represented by the reference numeral 360 below.

  17 is a plan perspective view showing a schematic structure of the recording head 360, FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG.

  In order to increase the dot pitch formed on the recording paper 12, it is necessary to increase the interval between the nozzles (nozzle pitch) arranged on the ink ejection surface of the recording head 360.

  In the recording head 360 of this example, in order to increase the density of the nozzle pitch, as shown in FIG. 17, the nozzles 361 are arranged in a staggered manner on the ink ejection surface. By arranging the nozzles 361 in a staggered manner in this manner, a substantial nozzle pitch (projection) projected so as to be aligned along the longitudinal direction of the head (direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12 (main scanning direction)). Nozzle pitch) can be increased, and the dot pitch formed on the recording paper 12 can be increased.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 17, the nozzles 361 projected so as to be aligned in the main scanning direction have a structure in which a plurality of nozzles 361 are arranged at a constant pitch d along the direction of an angle θ with respect to the main scanning direction. The pitch P is d × cos θ, and in the main scanning direction, each nozzle 361 can be handled equivalently as a linear arrangement with a constant pitch P. With such a configuration, it is possible to realize a high-density nozzle configuration in which 2400 nozzle rows are projected per inch (2400 nozzles / inch) so as to be aligned in the main scanning direction.

  As shown in FIG. 17, each nozzle 361 is individually provided with a pressure chamber 362. By arranging the pressure chambers 362 in a staggered matrix (two-dimensionally), the nozzles 361 can be disposed on the ink ejection surface. Arranged in a staggered pattern on top.

  Each pressure chamber 362 has a substantially square planar shape, and nozzles 361 and ink supply ports 364 are provided at both corners on a diagonal line. As shown in FIG. 19, the ink supply port 364 communicates with a common flow path 365.

  The common flow path 365 communicates with an ink supply tank (not shown), and ink is supplied from the ink supply tank to the common flow path 365. Then, the ink supplied to the common flow path 365 is distributed and supplied to the pressure chambers 362 through the ink supply ports 364 of the pressure chambers 362.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the top surface of the pressure chamber 362 includes a diaphragm 366 that also serves as a common electrode. A piezoelectric element 368 having an individual electrode 367 is joined on the vibration plate 366 corresponding to each pressure chamber 362. Each piezoelectric element 368 is deformed by applying a driving voltage to the individual electrode 367, and thereby the diaphragm 366 is deformed. Then, the vibration plate 366 is deformed to change (reduce) the volume in the pressure chamber 362, thereby ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles 361. Further, when the shape of the vibration plate 366 is restored, the ink ejected from the nozzle 361 is supplied from the common channel 365 to the pressure chamber 362 via the ink supply port 364.

  In this example, the ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle 361 using a piezoelectric element. However, a heater is provided in the pressure chamber 362, and the pressure of film boiling caused by heating of the heater is used to remove the ink droplets from the nozzle 361. A configuration in which ink is ejected (so-called thermal method) may be employed.

  In this example, the nozzles are arranged in a staggered manner in order to substantially increase the density of the nozzle pitch, but the nozzle arrangement structure is not limited to this, and various arrangement structures are possible. Can be adopted. For example, the nozzles may be arranged in a line along the sub-scanning direction.

  Further, in this example, a full-line type recording head having a nozzle row having a length corresponding to the entire width of the recording paper 12 by disposing nozzles in a staggered manner in one long head block. However, as shown in FIG. 20, the short head blocks 360 ′ in which the nozzles 361 are arranged in a zigzag pattern are arranged in a zigzag pattern so as to correspond to the entire width of the recording paper 12. A full-line type recording head having a long nozzle array may be configured. Although not shown, a line head may be configured by arranging heads with short nozzles in a line.

  As described above, the color ink applying unit 300 includes the suction drum 310 and the ink discharge unit 350, and discharges color ink from the ink discharge unit 350 onto the surface of the recording paper 12 sucked and conveyed by the suction drum 310. By doing so, an image is formed on the surface of the recording paper 12.

  At this time, the suction drum 310 grips the front end of the recording paper 12 with the gripping claws of the suction drum 310 in the processing liquid drying unit 200 and sucks the back surface with the suction holes 324 formed in the suction drum 310 while sucking the suction drum 310. , The recording paper 12 is sucked and transported along a transport path formed in an arc shape.

  The recording paper 12 passes through the ink discharge unit 350 in the conveyance process, and when passing through the ink discharge unit 350, ink droplets are discharged from the recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, 360K of the ink discharge unit 350, An image is formed on the surface.

  Since the processing liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12 in advance (specifically, since the processing liquid is dried, the solid or semi-solid solution processing agent layer (the processing liquid is dried). When the ink droplets land on the surface of the recording paper 12, the landing ink droplets cause the coloring material to aggregate due to the action of the processing liquid. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of a bleed etc. can be prevented effectively. That is, when an ink droplet lands on the aggregating agent layer, the ink droplet lands on the aggregating agent layer with a predetermined contact area due to a balance between flight energy and surface energy. The aggregation reaction is started immediately after the ink droplet has landed on the aggregation treatment agent, but the reaction starts from the contact surface between the ink droplet and the aggregation treatment agent layer. The aggregation reaction occurs only in the vicinity of the contact surface, and the color material in the ink is aggregated in a state where the adhesive force is obtained with the contact area at the time of ink landing, so that the color material movement is suppressed. Therefore, even if another ink droplet lands adjacent to this ink droplet, the color material of the ink that has landed first has already been agglomerated, so that the color materials are mixed with the ink that lands later. Without bleed.

  Further, as described above, the suction force of the suction drum 310 is controlled along the transport direction, and the recording paper 12 receives the strongest suction force at the start of suction and is weakened by the start of ink droplet ejection. Has been. Accordingly, the occurrence of wrinkles can be prevented, the recording paper 12 can be stably conveyed, and the recording paper 12 can be prevented from being recessed at the position of the suction hole 324 so as to be displaced at the landing position.

  In addition, like the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100, the suction drum 310 is most preferably configured so that the suction force can be controlled according to the transport position, but the entire area is sucked with a uniform suction force. It is good also as a structure. Moreover, when controlling attraction | suction force, the structure is not limited to the thing of this example, You may make it control by another structure.

  In this example, the recording sheet 12 is sucked and conveyed by the suction drum 310. However, the structure for sucking and conveying the recording sheet 12 is not limited to this, and the recording sheet 12 is sucked and conveyed by another structure. You may make it do. For example, the recording paper may be sucked and conveyed by a conveying belt having suction holes.

<Solvent drying part>
The solvent drying unit 400 dries the ink solvent remaining on the surface of the recording paper 12 to which the color ink is applied.

  As described above, when ink droplets are ejected onto the recording paper 12 coated with the treatment liquid, the color material in the ink aggregates due to the action of the treatment liquid, and the ink aggregate ( Colorant aggregates) are formed. On the other hand, the ink solvent separated from the color material spreads on the recording paper 12, and a liquid layer in which the aggregation treatment agent is dissolved is formed. Thus, the solvent component (liquid component) of the ink remaining on the recording paper 12 causes not only curling of the recording paper 12 but also image degradation. Therefore, the solvent component is removed from the recording paper 12 to which the color ink is applied by the color ink application unit 300 in the solvent drying unit 400.

  The solvent drying unit 400 has the same configuration as the processing liquid drying unit 200 described above, and slides and transports the recording paper on the heated heating and conveying surface 210, and blows warm air from above the recording paper. The solvent component remaining on the surface of the recording paper 12 is removed by drying (evaporation).

  Thus, since the solvent drying part 400 is the same as the structure of the process liquid drying part 200, description about the specific structure is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 410 is a heating and conveying surface, reference numeral 412 is a conveying device that receives the recording paper 12 from the suction drum 310 of the color ink applying unit 300, and slidably conveys it on the heating and conveying surface 410. Is a fan heater unit that blows warm air on the recording paper 12 conveyed on the heating and conveying surface 410, 416 is a heater that heats the heating and conveying surface 410, and 422 is a gripping claw of the conveying device 412.

  The solvent drying unit 400 receives the recording paper 12 from the suction drum 310 of the color ink applying unit 300 by gripping the leading end of the recording paper 12 with the gripping claws 422 of the transport device 412, and travels the gripping claws 422, thereby moving the recording paper 12 to a predetermined position. Transport along the transport path. Then, in the conveyance process, the recording paper 12 is heated from the back surface by the heating conveyance surface 410 and hot air is blown from the fan heater unit 214 toward the front surface. As a result, the solvent component remaining on the surface of the recording paper 12 is dried and removed.

  As described above, the solvent drying unit 400 also dries the solvent component of the ink without contacting the surface of the recording paper 12.

<Fixing part>
The fixing unit 500 fixes the resin component contained in the ink aggregate formed on the recording paper 12 to the recording paper 12. The fixing unit 500 includes a conveyance drum 510 that conveys the recording paper 12, a fan heater unit 512 that blows hot air on the surface of the recording paper 12 that is conveyed by the conveyance drum 510, and the recording paper between the conveyance drum 510. And a heating and pressing unit 514 that presses 12 while heating.

The transfer drum 510 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and its rotation shaft is supported by a bearing (not shown) so as to be freely rotatable. On the outer peripheral surface (suction surface) of the transport drum 510, gripping claws 520A and 520B are provided at positions facing each other. The recording paper 12 is conveyed by being wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the conveying drum 510 with the leading end held by the holding claws 520A and 520B.

  A rotation driving force is applied to a rotation shaft of the transport drum 510 from a rotation driving means (for example, a motor) (not shown), and thereby the rotation is counterclockwise (counterclockwise) in FIG.

  The fan heater unit 512 is disposed to face the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 510 and blows hot air toward the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 510. The configuration of the fan heater unit 512 is the same as the configuration of the fan heater unit 214 provided in the treatment liquid drying unit 200. That is, it is composed of an infrared heater, a fan, and a reflector, and air heated by the infrared heater is blown toward the conveyance drum 510 to blow warm air onto the surface of the recording paper 12 conveyed by the conveyance drum 510.

  The heating and pressing unit 514 is provided on the downstream side of the fan heater unit 512, and melts and adds the resin component contained in the ink aggregate by pressing the recording paper 12 while heating it with the conveying drum 510. The recording paper 12 is fixed with pressure. The heating and pressing unit 514 includes three pressing heat rollers 514A, 514B, and 514C.

  Each of the pressing heat rollers 514A, 514B, and 514C is provided in parallel with the rotation shaft of the transport drum 510, and is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 510 at a constant interval. The outer peripheral surface is in press contact with the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 510.

  Each of the pressure heat rollers 514A, 514B, and 514C is provided with a heater, and the surface is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heater.

  The recording paper 12 passes through the pressure heat rollers 514A, 514B, and 514C in the process of being conveyed by the conveyance drum 510, and at that time, the recording paper 12 is heated and pressurized at a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure by the pressure heat rollers 514A, 514B, and 514C. The Then, the resin components contained in the ink agglomerates are melted and pressed by being heated and pressed at a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure by the press heat rollers 514A, 514B and 514C, and an image formed on the surface is recorded. It is fixed on the paper 12.

  As described above, the fixing unit 500 includes the transport drum 510, the fan heater unit 512, and the heating and pressing unit 514, and the fan heater unit 512 is provided on the surface of the recording paper 12 transported by the transport drum 510. While the hot air is blown and the recording paper is heated and pressed by the respective press heat rollers 514A, 514B and 514C of the heating and pressing unit 514, the image formed on the surface is fixed on the recording paper 12. As a result, the abrasion resistance is improved and the occurrence of wrinkling and curling of the recording paper can be suppressed.

  In this example, the recording paper 12 is heated and pressed using three pressing heat rollers 514A, 514B, and 514C, but the number of the pressing heat rollers 514A, 514B, and 514C is limited to this. Instead, it can be installed by appropriately increasing or decreasing.

  Further, as in this example, when the recording paper 12 is heated and pressed using a plurality of pressing heat rollers, the set temperature of each pressing heat roller is set higher on the upstream side in the conveyance direction, thereby improving the fixing property. Can be improved. In this example, the setting temperature is set to decrease in the order of the pressing heat roller 514A, the pressing heat roller 514B, and the pressing heat roller 514C.

  In this example, the recording paper 12 is transported by the transport drum 510, but the recording paper 12 may be transported by a flat transport surface.

  However, by adopting a configuration in which the recording paper 12 is transported by the transport drum 510 as in this example, curling of the recording paper 12 generated in the solvent drying unit 400 can be effectively removed. In other words, by using the conveyance drum 510 that forms an arcuate conveyance path, the recording sheet 12 can be bent in a direction in which the curl of the recording sheet 12 generated in the solvent drying unit 400 is corrected (the direction opposite to the curl direction). In this way, the curl generated in the solvent drying unit 400 can be effectively removed.

  The recording paper 12 heated and pressed by the fixing unit 500 is conveyed to a subsequent process via the guide roller 522. In the subsequent process, an area other than the image forming area is cut and then discharged to a predetermined paper discharge unit.

<Control system>
FIG. 21 is a principal block diagram of a control system of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a communication interface 610, a system controller 612, an image memory 614, a ROM 616, a processing liquid application control unit 618, a processing liquid drying control unit 620, a color ink application control unit 622, and a solvent drying. A control unit 624, a fixing control unit 626, and the like are provided.

  The communication interface 610 is an interface unit that receives image data sent from the host computer 600. Image data sent from the host computer 600 is taken into the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication interface 610.

  The image memory 614 is a storage unit that temporarily stores an image input via the communication interface 610, and data is read and written through the system controller 612.

  The system controller 612 is a control unit that controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The system controller 612 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 according to a predetermined control program. The ROM 616 stores a control program executed by the system controller.

  The processing liquid application control unit 618 controls driving of the processing liquid application unit 100 in accordance with a command from the system controller 612. That is, the driving of the suction drum 110, the treatment liquid application unit 140, the application roller replacement device 152, and the like provided in the treatment liquid application unit 100 is controlled.

  The processing liquid drying control unit 620 controls driving of the processing liquid drying unit 200 in accordance with a command from the system controller 612. That is, the driving of the heater 216, the transport device 212, and the fan heater unit 214 on the heating transport surface 210 provided in the treatment liquid drying unit 200 is controlled.

  The color ink application control unit 622 controls driving of the color ink application unit 300 in accordance with an instruction from the system controller 612. That is, the driving of the suction drum 310 and the recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, and 360K provided in the color ink applying unit 300 is controlled. More specifically, the color ink application control unit 622 records each recording based on a signal processing function for generating a print control signal from image data captured from the host computer 600 and the generated print control signal (dot data). A head driver and the like for driving the heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, and 360K are provided. The head driver generates a drive signal for driving the piezoelectric element of the recording head of each color based on the generated dot data, and supplies the generated drive signal to the piezoelectric element. Thereby, ink droplets are ejected from the recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, and 360K of the respective colors.

  The solvent drying control unit 624 controls driving of the solvent drying unit 400 in accordance with a command from the system controller 612. That is, the driving of the heater 416, the transport device 412, and the fan heater unit 414 on the heating transport surface 410 provided in the solvent drying unit 400 is controlled.

  The fixing control unit 626 controls driving of the fixing unit 500 in accordance with a command from the system controller 612. That is, the driving of the transport drum 510, the fan heater unit 512, and the heating and pressing unit 514 provided in the fixing unit 500 is controlled.

<Processing procedure for image formation>
The image forming processing procedure performed by the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above is as follows.

  The recording paper 12 fed from a paper feeding unit (not shown) is transferred to the suction drum 110 of the processing liquid application unit 100 via the guide roller 160.

  The suction drum 110 grips and receives the leading end of the recording paper 12 with a gripping claw 138A (or 138B). Then, the recording paper 12 is wound around the outer peripheral surface and sucked and conveyed by rotating while sucking air from the suction holes formed on the outer peripheral surface. The recording paper 12 is transported along an arc-shaped transport path formed by the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110. In this transport process, the application rollers 150A to 150D are brought into contact with the surface, and the processing liquid is applied to the surface. The

  As described above, the application rollers 150 </ b> A to 150 </ b> D are driven in synchronization with the travel of the recording paper 12 so that the processing liquid is applied only to a predetermined processing liquid application region set on the recording paper 12. It is brought into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12. That is, since the treatment liquid application area is set in advance on the recording paper 12, the tip of the treatment liquid application area has a predetermined application position (a position where the application roller contacts the suction drum 110 and the intermediate roller 148). ), The application roller is brought into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12 at the same timing. Then, until the rear end of the treatment liquid application area is conveyed, it contacts the surface of the recording paper 12 and is separated from the recording paper 12 in time with the passage of the rear end of the treatment liquid application area.

  As described above, the application rollers 150 </ b> A to 150 </ b> D are driven in synchronization with the travel of the recording paper 12, and the recording paper 12 is applied so that the processing liquid is applied only to a predetermined processing liquid application region set on the recording paper 12. Therefore, the application rollers 150 </ b> A to 150 </ b> D do not directly contact the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110. Therefore, the processing liquid does not adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110.

  As described above, the application roller to be used is automatically selected based on the output of a paper width sensor (not shown), and the selected application roller is set at the standby position (see FIG. 8). The application roller set at this standby position contacts the intermediate roller 148, and the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller 148 is supplied (transferred) over the entire width.

  Then, the application roller to which the processing liquid is supplied over the entire width as described above is brought into contact with the recording paper 12 and the processing liquid is applied (transferred) to the surface of the recording paper 12. Accordingly, the application width of the treatment liquid onto the recording paper 12 is defined by the width of the application roller. In this way, by defining the width of the treatment liquid applied to the recording paper 12 by the width of the application roller, the edge portion in the width direction of the area where the treatment liquid is applied can be sharpened.

  Further, the recording paper 12 to which the processing liquid is applied by contacting the application roller in this way is applied with the processing liquid while being sucked and conveyed by the suction drum 110, so that the processing liquid is spread by the surface of the recording medium by diffusion by suction. Can be applied uniformly.

  Further, the suction force of the suction drum 110 is set to be strongest when the recording paper 12 is received, and is weakened before the treatment liquid is applied, so that the treatment liquid can be applied without causing coating unevenness. Can be applied. Moreover, it can be stably conveyed without generating wrinkles or the like.

  The recording paper 12 coated with the treatment liquid is transferred from the suction drum 110 of the treatment liquid application unit 100 to the transport device 212 of the treatment liquid drying unit 200.

  The conveying device 212 of the processing liquid drying unit 200 grips the leading end of the recording paper 12 transferred from the suction drum 110 of the processing liquid applying unit 100 with the gripping claws 222. Then, the traveling belt 224 travels to transport the recording paper 12 along a predetermined transport path. The recording paper 12 moves while sliding on the heating conveyance surface 210 in the conveyance process by the conveyance device 212 (the back surface moves while being in contact with the heating conveyance surface 210). The heating / conveying surface 210 is heated by the heater 216 and is conveyed while sliding on the heated heating / conveying surface 210, so that the processing liquid applied to the surface of the recording paper 12 is dried. The Further, the recording paper 12 is blown with hot air from the fan heater unit 214 in the process of being conveyed on the heating and conveying surface 210, thereby promoting the drying of the processing liquid. As a result, a solid or semi-solid aggregation treatment agent layer is formed on the surface of the recording paper 12.

  The recording paper 12 from which the treatment liquid has been dried by the treatment liquid drying unit 200 is transferred from the transport device 212 of the treatment liquid drying unit 200 to the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300.

  The suction drum 310 receives the tip of the recording paper 12 by gripping it with the gripping claws 338A (or 338B). Then, the recording paper 12 is wound around the outer peripheral surface and sucked and conveyed by rotating while sucking air from the suction holes formed on the outer peripheral surface. The recording paper 12 is transported along an arc-shaped transport path formed by the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 310, and colored ink is ejected from the recording heads 360C, 360M, 360Y, 360K onto the surface in this transport process. An image is formed.

  Here, since the aggregation treatment agent layer is formed on the surface of the recording paper 12, when ink droplets are ejected onto the recording paper 12, the color material in the ink aggregates due to the action of the aggregating agent. . As a result, an ink aggregate (color material aggregate) is formed on the recording paper 12. On the other hand, the ink solvent separated from the color material spreads on the recording paper 12, and a liquid layer in which the aggregation treatment agent is dissolved is formed.

  The recording paper 12 on which the color ink is applied and the image is formed is transferred from the suction drum 310 of the color ink application unit 300 to the transport device 412 of the solvent drying unit 400.

  The conveying device 412 of the solvent drying unit 400 grips the leading end of the recording paper 12 delivered from the suction drum 310 of the color ink applying unit with the gripping claws 422. Then, the travel belt 424 travels to transport the recording paper 12 along a predetermined transport path. The recording paper 12 moves while sliding on the heating and conveying surface 410 in the conveying process by the conveying device 412 (the back surface moves while contacting the heating and conveying surface 410). The heating conveyance surface 410 is heated by the heater 416, and the recording paper 12 is conveyed while sliding on the heated heating conveyance surface 410, so that the solvent component of the ink remaining on the surface of the recording paper 12 is dried. Is done. Further, the recording paper 12 is blown with hot air from the fan heater unit 414 on the surface in the course of being conveyed on the heating and conveying surface 410, thereby promoting drying.

  The recording paper 12 from which the ink solvent has been removed by drying is transferred from the transport device 412 of the solvent drying unit 400 to the transport drum 510 of the fixing unit 500.

  The conveyance drum 510 of the fixing unit 500 receives the leading end of the recording paper 12 with a gripping claw 520A (or 520B). Then, by rotating, the recording paper 12 is wound around the outer peripheral surface and conveyed. The recording paper 12 is transported along an arc-shaped transport path formed by the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 510. In this transport process, hot air is blown from the fan heater unit 512 to the surface, and each of the heating and pressing units 514 is It is heated and pressed by the pressure heat rollers 514A, 514B and 514C. As a result, the resin component contained in the ink aggregate is melted and pressurized, and the image formed on the surface is fixed to the recording paper 12.

  The image forming process is completed in a series of steps as described above. After that, the recording sheet 12 is cut into an unnecessary portion (non-image forming area such as the leading end portion of the recording sheet 12 used for gripping) as necessary, and then is discharged to a discharge portion (for example, a discharge tray). Discharged.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the processing liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12 by the processing liquid applying unit 100, and then the processing liquid is dried by the processing liquid drying unit 200. The applying unit 300 ejects ink droplets on the surface of the recording paper 12 to form an image.

  At this time, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the processing liquid applying unit 100 sucks and conveys the recording paper 12 with the suction drum 110 while bringing the application roller into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12, thereby supplying the processing liquid to the recording paper. Since it has apply | coated to the surface of 12, a process liquid can be apply | coated uniformly.

  In addition, since a plurality of application rollers having different widths are provided for applying the treatment liquid and can be freely changed by the application roller changing device 152, even when an image is formed on the recording paper 12 having different paper widths. The treatment liquid can be appropriately applied. Further, since the application roller can be easily replaced, the apparatus can be operated efficiently.

  In this embodiment, the application rollers 150A to 150D having different widths are set on the turret 154 so that only the application width can be changed. However, application rollers having different application amounts are set on the turret 154. The application amount may be changed. For example, as an application roller capable of increasing the application amount, an application roller made of a porous material such as sponge may be set on the turret 154 so that the application amount can be changed according to the type of recording paper.

  In the present embodiment, four application rollers can be replaced by the turret 154, but the number of application rollers that can be replaced is not limited to this. By making it possible to replace more application rollers, the processing liquid can be applied to the recording paper under more conditions.

  It should be noted that at least two application rollers may be replaced, and the application rollers are not necessarily different configurations. That is, the application roller having the same configuration may be exchanged.

  In the present embodiment, the processing liquid is transferred from the intermediate roller 148 and supplied to the application roller. However, the processing liquid may be directly supplied to the application roller.

  In this embodiment, the application width of the treatment liquid is changed by replacing the application roller. However, the application width of the treatment liquid can also be increased by changing the supply width of the treatment liquid supplied to the intermediate roller. Can be changed. In this case, a mechanism for changing the supply width of the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller is necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the type of the processing liquid cannot be changed (however, it can be changed by changing the processing liquid 142 stored in the processing liquid tank 144). However, by providing each application roller with a processing liquid supply device. Then, it is possible to apply by changing the type of the treatment liquid.

  Further, a cleaning device for cleaning the coating roller may be provided in the treatment liquid coating unit. In this case, the apparatus can be operated efficiently by adopting a configuration in which the coating roller that is not in use is cleaned.

  As described above, various types of treatment liquid application units for applying the treatment liquid can be employed. Hereinafter, the configuration of another embodiment of the treatment liquid application unit will be described.

<Other configuration of treatment liquid application unit>
(1) Second Embodiment of Treatment Liquid Application Unit FIG. 22 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the treatment liquid application unit.

  As shown in the figure, the treatment liquid application unit 1100 of the present embodiment is obtained by adding an application roller cleaning device 1110 to the treatment liquid application unit 140 of the above-described embodiment.

  The coating roller cleaning device 1110 is a device that cleans the coating roller provided in the turret, and cleans a coating roller that is not used and is located at a predetermined position.

  The configuration of the treatment liquid coating unit 140 is substantially the same as that described above except that the coating roller cleaning device 1110 is provided. Therefore, only the configuration of the application roller cleaning device 1110 will be described here, and description of other configurations will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the coating roller cleaning device 1110 includes a cleaning tank 1112 and a blade 1114.

  The cleaning tank 1112 is formed in a box shape with an upper part opened. The cleaning tank 1112 stores a cleaning liquid 1116 for cleaning the processing liquid supplied to the application rollers 150A to 150D. The application rollers 150 </ b> A to 150 </ b> D are cleaned by being rotated while being partially immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116 stored in the cleaning tank 1112.

  Here, the cleaning tank 1112 has a lower portion of the application roller when the application roller arm located next to the application roller in use (next to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12) is extended by a predetermined amount. It is installed at a position where it is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116 stored inside. In the example of FIG. 22, the application roller in use (the application roller located at the contact position) is the application roller 150A, and the application roller located adjacent to the downstream side in the transport direction is the application roller 150B. When the arm 156B of the application roller 150B is extended by a predetermined amount, the lower portion of the application roller 150B is installed at a position where the lower portion of the application roller 150B is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116 stored therein. Thereby, it can wash | clean while the application roller 150B is not used, and can operate | move an apparatus efficiently.

  Note that, as described above, the application rollers 150A to 150D are cleaned by being rotated while being immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116. Therefore, each of the application rollers 150A to 150D is individually provided with a rotation driving unit (for example, a motor). ) And is configured to be rotatable.

  The blade 1114 is in contact with the surfaces of the application rollers 150A to 150D immersed in the cleaning liquid, and removes the cleaning liquid attached to the surface to perform cleaning. The blade 1114 is formed in a long shape, and the front end of the blade 1114 is brought into contact with the surface of the rotating application rollers 150A to 150D to clean the surfaces of the application rollers 150A to 150D. Therefore, the width | variety is formed more than the width | variety of the application | coating roller which has the largest width in the application | coating rollers 150A-150D which can be replaced | exchanged.

  The blade 1114 is driven by a driving means (not shown) so as to be movable between a predetermined cleaning position and a standby position. By being positioned at the cleaning position, the blade 1114 is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116 and rotated. It contacts the outer peripheral surface of the application roller. Further, by being positioned at the standby position, it is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the coating roller that is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116 and rotates.

  The operation of the treatment liquid coating unit 1100 of the present embodiment configured as described above is as follows.

  First, the turret 154 is rotated in a state where the arms 156A to 156D are contracted, and the application roller to be used is positioned at a predetermined replacement position. Then, the arm holding the application roller positioned at the replacement position is extended by a predetermined amount, and the application roller to be used is positioned at a predetermined standby position. Thereby, the outer peripheral surface of the application roller to be used comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148, and the processing liquid is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the application roller to be used. Thereafter, the application roller to be used is moved in accordance with the traveling timing of the recording paper 12 and is brought into contact with the surface of the traveling recording paper 12. Thereby, the treatment liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12.

  On the other hand, when the coating roller to be used is moved to the contact position and coating is started, the arm of the coating roller located next to the downstream side in the transport direction is extended by a predetermined amount. As a result, the lower part of the application roller held by the arm is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116 stored in the cleaning tank 1112.

  When the lower part of the coating roller held by the arm is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116, the blade 1114 is driven and comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the coating roller immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116. When the blade 1114 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the application roller, the application roller immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116 is driven to rotate. Thereby, the coating roller immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116 is cleaned.

  This cleaning is continuously performed for a certain time. When the cleaning is completed, the application roller immersed in the cleaning liquid 1116 is pulled up from the cleaning liquid 1116. Then, after the cleaning liquid adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the blade 1114 is removed, the blade 1114 is drawn into the turret 154.

  As described above, the processing liquid coating unit 1100 according to the present embodiment includes the coating roller cleaning device 1110 that cleans the coating rollers 150A to 150D included in the turret 154, and thus the coating rollers 150A to 150D are always cleaned. Can be kept in. Further, since the cleaning is performed while other application rollers are in operation, the cleaning can be performed efficiently.

  In the above example, the cleaning is performed while the other application roller is in operation. However, the cleaning may be performed while the other application roller is not in operation.

(2) Third Embodiment of Treatment Liquid Application Unit FIG. 23 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the treatment liquid application unit.

  The processing liquid application unit 1200 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the processing liquid can be applied to the recording paper 12 by changing the type of the processing liquid, and the application rollers 150 </ b> A to 150 </ b> D provided in the turret 154. By supplying the processing liquid directly from one of the second processing liquid supply devices 1210, different types of processing liquid can be applied to the recording paper 12.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the application roller 150A provided in the turret 154 is provided with a second processing liquid supply device 1210 that supplies the processing liquid individually to the application roller 150A.

  The configuration of the treatment liquid application unit 140 is substantially the same as that described above, except that the second treatment liquid supply device 1210 is provided. Therefore, only the configuration of the second processing liquid supply apparatus 1210 will be described here, and description of other configurations will be omitted.

  FIG. 24 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the second processing liquid supply apparatus 1210. As shown in the figure, the second processing liquid supply device 1210 includes a processing liquid holding member 1212 and a contact member 1214 provided on the processing liquid holding member 1212.

  The treatment liquid holding member 1212 is formed in a plate shape having a width wider than that of the application roller 150A, and the lower surface thereof is disposed to face the application roller 150A. An arcuate recess 1216 corresponding to the shape of the peripheral surface of the application roller 150A is formed on the lower surface of the processing liquid holding member 1212, and the processing liquid communicated with the recess 1216 on the lower surface side on the upper surface. A supply port 1218 is formed.

  The contact member 1214 is formed in an annular shape by an elastic body, and is attached to the lower surface of the processing liquid holding member 1212 so as to surround the periphery of the recess 1216 formed on the lower surface of the processing liquid holding member 1212.

  The treatment liquid holding member 1212 is attached to an arm 156A that holds the application roller 150A, and is movably provided along the arm 156A. And it is urged | biased toward the application roller 150A by the spring 1220 installed in the upper surface.

  The contact member 1214 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the application roller 150 </ b> A when the processing liquid holding member 1212 is biased by the spring 1220. The contact member 1214 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the application roller 150A, so that a sealed space (processing liquid supply space) is formed between the lower surface of the processing liquid holding member 1212 and the outer peripheral surface of the application roller 150A. It is formed. The processing liquid is supplied from the processing liquid supply port 1218 to the processing liquid supply space. Then, the processing liquid supplied to the processing liquid supply space adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating application roller 150A and is supplied to the application roller 150A.

  The processing liquid is supplied from the processing liquid supply port 1218 to the processing liquid supply space, and the processing liquid is supplied to the processing liquid supply port 1218 by a pump from a processing liquid supply tank (not shown).

  The operation of the treatment liquid coating unit 1200 of the present embodiment configured as described above is as follows.

  First, the case where the processing liquid is applied by the application rollers 150B to 150D other than the application roller 150A provided with the second processing liquid supply device 1210 will be described.

  In this case, the processing liquid coating method by the processing liquid coating unit 140 is the same as described above. That is, first, the turret 154 is rotated in a state where the arms 156A to 156D are contracted, and the application roller to be used is positioned at a predetermined replacement position. Then, the arm holding the application roller positioned at the replacement position is extended by a predetermined amount, and the application roller to be used is positioned at a predetermined standby position. Thereby, the outer peripheral surface of the application roller to be used comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 148, and the processing liquid is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the application roller to be used. Thereafter, the application roller to be used is moved in accordance with the traveling timing of the recording paper 12 and is brought into contact with the surface of the traveling recording paper 12. Thereby, the treatment liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12.

  Next, a case where the treatment liquid is applied by the application roller 150A provided with the second treatment liquid supply device 1210 will be described.

  In this case, since it is not necessary to supply the treatment liquid from the intermediate roller 148 to the application roller 150A, the application roller 150A performs application without contacting the intermediate roller 148.

  First, the turret 154 is rotated in a state where the arms 156A to 156D are contracted, and the application roller 150A is positioned at a predetermined second standby position as indicated by a broken line in FIG.

  When the application roller 150A moves to the second standby position, the application roller 150A is rotationally driven. As a result, the processing liquid supplied to the processing liquid supply space is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the application roller 150A.

  The application roller 150A waits in this state, and when the recording paper 12 is conveyed, the application roller 150A comes into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12 as the recording paper 12 travels. That is, when the leading edge of the recording paper 12 (more specifically, the leading edge of the treatment liquid application region) is conveyed to a predetermined application position, the recording paper 12 is moved toward the suction drum 110 and is moved to the surface of the traveling recording paper 12. Abutted. When the rear end of the recording paper 12 (more specifically, the rear end of the processing liquid and the non-region) is conveyed to a predetermined application position, the recording paper 12 is separated from the suction drum 110. Thereby, the treatment liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12.

  Thus, according to the treatment liquid application unit 1200 of the present embodiment, different types of treatment liquids can be supplied.

  In addition, the structure which supplies a process liquid separately to a specific application roller is not limited to said example. In addition, for example, even when the specific application roller is formed of a porous body and the processing liquid is supplied into the porous body, the processing liquid can be individually supplied to the specific application roller.

  Further, the above-described application roller cleaning device can also be provided in the treatment liquid application unit 1200 of the present embodiment. Thereby, the application roller can always be kept clean.

(3) Fourth Embodiment of Treatment Liquid Application Unit FIG. 25 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the fourth embodiment of the treatment liquid application unit.

  The processing liquid coating unit 1300 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the processing liquid can be individually supplied to each coating roller provided in the turret 154.

  As shown in FIG. 25, each of the coating rollers 150A to 150D provided in the turret 154 is provided with a processing liquid supply device 1310A to 1310D, and the processing liquid is individually supplied from each of the processing liquid supply devices 1310A to 1310D. It can be supplied.

  The configuration of each of the processing liquid supply devices 1310A to 1310D is the same as the configuration of the second processing liquid supply device 1210 described above.

  Further, in the processing liquid coating unit 1300 of the present embodiment, the processing liquid is individually supplied to each coating roller provided in the turret 154, so that the processing liquid supply for supplying the processing liquid to the intermediate roller and the intermediate roller is provided. The roller 146 or the like is not provided.

  The operation of the treatment liquid coating unit 1300 of the present embodiment configured as described above is as follows.

  First, the turret 154 is rotated in a state where the arms 156A to 156D are contracted, and the application roller to be used is set at a predetermined standby position (corresponding to the second standby position in the above embodiment) as shown by a broken line in FIG. To be located.

  When the application roller to be used moves to the standby position, the application roller is driven to rotate. As a result, the processing liquid is supplied from the processing liquid supply device provided on the application roller to the outer peripheral surface of the application roller. The application roller stands by in this state, and when the recording paper 12 is conveyed, it contacts the surface of the recording paper 12 as the recording paper 12 travels. Thereby, the treatment liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12.

  Thus, according to the treatment liquid application unit 1300 of the present embodiment, different types of treatment liquid can be supplied for each application roller.

  Note that the types of processing liquid supplied to the application rollers 150A to 150D are not necessarily different, and the same type of processing liquid can be supplied.

  Moreover, the structure which supplies a process liquid separately to each application roller is not limited to said example. Even in a configuration in which each coating roller is formed of a porous body and the processing liquid is individually supplied to the inside thereof, the processing liquid can be individually supplied to each coating roller.

  Further, the above-described application roller cleaning device can also be provided in the treatment liquid application unit 1300 of the present embodiment. Thereby, the application roller can always be kept clean.

(4) Fifth Embodiment of Treatment Liquid Application Unit FIG. 26 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the fifth embodiment of the treatment liquid application unit.

  The processing liquid application unit 1400 of the present embodiment is configured to change the application width of the processing liquid supplied to the recording paper 12 by changing the supply width of the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller.

  The processing liquid coating unit 1400 includes a processing liquid coating roller 1410, an intermediate roller 1412 that supplies the processing liquid to the coating roller 1410, processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D that supply the processing liquid to the intermediate roller 1412, and a processing liquid. A treatment liquid tank 1418 storing a treatment liquid 1416 to be supplied to the supply rollers 1414A to 1414D and a treatment liquid supply roller exchange device 1420 for replacing the treatment liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D to be used are configured. The entire unit is provided so as to be movable back and forth with respect to the suction drum 110.

  The application roller 1410 is provided in parallel with the suction drum 110 and is disposed above the suction drum 110. The application roller 1410 is formed with substantially the same width as the suction drum 110, and blades 1422 are provided at both ends thereof.

  The blade 1422 is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the contact portion with respect to the recording paper 12 and on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the contact portion with respect to the intermediate roller 1412, and is in contact with both ends of the application roller 1410 ( The processing liquid adhering to both ends of the coating roller 1410 is removed and cleaned.

  The intermediate roller 1412 is provided in parallel with the application roller 1410 and is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the application roller 1410. The intermediate roller 1412 is connected to a rotation driving means (not shown) (for example, a motor) and is driven by the rotation driving means to rotate counterclockwise (counterclockwise).

  Further, the intermediate roller 1412 is formed with substantially the same width as the application roller 1410, and blades 1424 for cleaning both ends of the intermediate roller 1412 are provided at both ends thereof. The blade 1424 is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the contact portion with respect to the application roller 1410 and on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the contact portion with respect to the processing liquid supply roller, and is in contact with both end portions of the intermediate roller 1412. (Abutting within a predetermined range from the end portion), the processing liquid adhering to both end portions of the intermediate roller 1412 is removed and cleaning is performed.

  The processing liquid tank 1418 is formed in a box shape having an upper opening, and the processing liquid 1416 is stored therein. The intermediate roller 1412 is supplied with the processing liquid by bringing the processing liquid supply rollers 1414 </ b> A to 1414 </ b> D partially immersed in the processing liquid 1416 in the processing liquid tank 1418 into contact therewith.

  A plurality of processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D having different widths (four in this example) are arranged, and one of them is alternatively selected and brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 1412. .

  The processing liquid supply roller replacement device 1420 replaces the processing liquid supply rollers 1414 </ b> A to 1414 </ b> D that are in contact with the intermediate roller 1412. The configuration of the processing liquid supply roller replacement device 1420 is substantially the same as the configuration of the coating roller replacement device 152 described above. In other words, it is composed of a turret 1444 and four telescopic arms 1446A to 1446D that are radially attached to the shaft portion 1444A of the turret 1444.

  The turret 1444 is provided in parallel with the suction drum 110 and is rotatably supported by a main body frame (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10. The turret 1444 is driven to rotate by a rotation driving unit (not shown).

  The base ends of the arms 1446A to 1446D are fixed to the shaft portion 1444A of the turret 1444 and attached radially (in this example, they are attached radially at intervals of 90 degrees). Each of the arms 1446A to 1446D is formed to be extendable and contracted, and is driven by an expansion / contraction drive means (for example, a cylinder or the like) (not shown) to expand and contract in the radial direction of the turret 1444. The processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D are attached to the tips of the arms 1446A to 1446D, and both ends are supported by bearings (not shown) provided on the arms 1446A to 1446D, and are rotatably supported.

  The replacement of the processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D and the supply to the intermediate roller 1412 by the processing liquid supply roller replacement device 1420 configured as described above are performed as follows.

  First, the turret 1444 is rotated in a state where the arms 1446A to 1446D are contracted, and the processing liquid supply roller to be used is positioned at a predetermined replacement position. Then, the arm that holds the processing liquid supply roller positioned at the replacement position is extended by a predetermined amount, and the processing liquid supply roller to be used is positioned at the predetermined supply position.

  FIG. 26 shows a state when the processing liquid supply roller 1414A is selected as the processing liquid supply roller to be used and the processing liquid supply roller 1414A is positioned at the supply position. The processing liquid supply roller 1414A indicated by a broken line indicates a state when the processing liquid supply roller 1414A is located at the replacement position.

  As shown in the drawing, when the processing liquid supply roller 150A is located at the supply position, the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller 150A comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 1412 and the lower part thereof is stored in the processing liquid tank 1418. It is immersed in 1416.

  Here, the intermediate roller 1412 is driven to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed, and when the processing liquid supply roller 1414A comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating intermediate roller 1412, the processing liquid supply roller 1414A also becomes the intermediate roller. Rotate with 1412. Then, by rotating the processing liquid supply roller 1414A, the processing liquid 1416 stored in the processing liquid tank 1418 adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller 1414A, and the processing liquid is supplied to the processing liquid supply roller 1414A. The

  Since the processing liquid supply roller 1414A is in contact with the intermediate roller 1412 as described above, when the processing liquid is supplied to the processing liquid supply roller 1414A, the processing liquid is in contact with the intermediate roller 1412. Then, the image is transferred to the intermediate roller 1412. As a result, the processing liquid is supplied to the intermediate roller 1412 with a predetermined width. In other words, the processing liquid is supplied with the width of the processing liquid supply roller 1414A that is brought into contact therewith.

  On the other hand, as described above, the application roller 1410 is in contact with the intermediate roller 1412. When the intermediate roller 1412 rotates, the application roller 1410 also rotates. When the processing liquid is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 1412, the processing liquid is transferred from the intermediate roller 1412 at a contact portion with the intermediate roller 1412, and the processing liquid is transferred to the outer peripheral surface with a predetermined width. Supplied in. That is, the processing liquid is supplied with the width supplied to the intermediate roller 1412 (= the width of the processing liquid supply roller in contact with the intermediate roller 1412).

  As described above, the processing liquid is supplied to the application roller 1410 by rotating the intermediate roller 1412 and bringing the desired processing liquid supply roller into contact with the rotating intermediate roller 1412. The width of the processing liquid supplied to the coating roller 1410 is varied by a processing liquid supply roller that is in contact with the intermediate roller 1412. That is, the width of the processing liquid supply roller that is in contact with the intermediate roller 1412 is supplied.

  In addition, replacement | exchange of a process liquid supply roller is performed as follows.

  First, the arm of the processing liquid supply roller that has been in contact with the intermediate roller 1412 is contracted, and the processing liquid supply roller that has been in contact with the intermediate roller 1412 is retracted to the replacement position.

  Next, the turret 1444 is rotated, and the processing liquid supply roller to be replaced is moved to the replacement position. Then, the arm that holds the processing liquid supply roller positioned at the replacement position is extended by a predetermined amount, and the processing liquid supply roller is positioned at the predetermined supply position.

  As a result, a new processing liquid supply roller is brought into contact with the intermediate roller 1412 and the lower part of the processing liquid supply roller is immersed in the processing liquid 1416 stored in the processing liquid tank 1418 to complete the replacement.

  Note that since both ends of the intermediate roller 1412 are cleaned by the blade 1424, the width of the newly contacted processing liquid supply roller even when the width of the processing liquid supply roller to be contacted changes. The processing liquid can be supplied.

  Similarly, since both ends of the application roller 1410 are cleaned by the blade 1422, even when the width of the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller 1412 is changed, the same width as that supplied to the intermediate roller 1412 is obtained. The processing liquid can be supplied.

  As described above, the processing liquid is supplied to the application roller 1410 by rotating the intermediate roller 1412 and bringing the desired processing liquid supply roller into contact with the rotating intermediate roller 1412. The width of the processing liquid supplied to the coating roller 1410 is varied by a processing liquid supply roller that is in contact with the intermediate roller 1412. That is, the width of the processing liquid supply roller that is in contact with the intermediate roller 1412 is supplied.

  As described above, the processing liquid coating unit 1400 of the present embodiment is provided so that the entire unit can move forward and backward with respect to the suction drum 110. Specifically, the entire unit is guided by guide means (not shown) and supported so as to be movable up and down, and is driven by a drive means (for example, a cylinder or the like) not shown to apply a predetermined application roller contact position and application. It is movably provided between the roller standby positions.

  FIG. 26 shows a state in which the treatment liquid application unit 1400 is located at the application roller contact position. In this state, the application roller 1410 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum.

  On the other hand, FIG. 27 shows a state where the treatment liquid coating unit 1400 is located at the coating roller standby position. In this state, the application roller 1410 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110 by a predetermined amount.

  The treatment liquid is applied to the recording paper 12 by the vertical movement of the treatment liquid application unit 1400. That is, the processing liquid application unit 1400 is normally located at the application roller standby position shown in FIG. 27, and the application roller 1410 is placed on the surface of the recording paper 12 by being lowered in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording paper 12. The processing liquid is applied by contact.

  More specifically, the front end of the recording paper 12 sucked and conveyed by the suction drum 110 (more specifically, the front end of the treatment liquid application region) is in contact with a predetermined application position (the application roller 1410 lowered is applied to the suction drum 110). Then, the processing liquid coating unit 1400 is lowered toward the suction drum 110, whereby the coating roller 1410 is brought into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12. When the rear end of the recording paper 12 (more specifically, the rear end of the processing liquid and the non-region) is conveyed to a predetermined application position, the processing liquid application unit 1400 is pulled up, and the application roller 1410 is moved to the suction drum. 110. Thereby, the treatment liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12.

  As described above, the processing liquid can be applied to the recording paper 12 by changing the coating width also by the processing liquid coating unit 1400 of the present embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D having different widths are set on the turret 1444 so that only the coating width can be changed. However, the processing liquid supply rollers having different coating amounts are used as the turret. It may be set to 1444 so that the coating amount can be changed. For example, as a treatment liquid supply roller capable of increasing the application amount, a treatment liquid supply roller made of a porous material such as sponge is set on the turret 1444 so that the application amount can be changed according to the type of recording paper. Good.

  In the present embodiment, the four treatment liquid supply rollers can be replaced by the turret 154, but the number of the treatment liquid supply rollers that can be replaced is not limited to this. By making it possible to replace more processing liquid supply rollers, it becomes possible to apply the processing liquid to the recording paper under more conditions.

  It should be noted that at least two treatment liquid supply rollers may be replaced, and the treatment liquid supply rollers are not necessarily different structures. That is, the processing liquid supply roller having the same configuration may be exchanged.

  It is more preferable that the blade 1424 for cleaning both ends of the intermediate roller 1412 is movable in the width direction of the intermediate roller 1412 so that the cleaning range can be adjusted.

  Similarly, it is more preferable that the blade 1422 for cleaning both ends of the application roller 1410 is movable in the width direction of the application roller 1410 so that the cleaning range can be adjusted.

(5) Sixth Embodiment of Treatment Liquid Application Unit FIG. 28 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the sixth embodiment of the treatment liquid application unit.

  As shown in the figure, the processing liquid coating unit 1500 of the present embodiment is obtained by adding a processing liquid supply roller cleaning device 1510 to the processing liquid coating unit 1400 described above.

  The processing liquid supply roller cleaning device 1510 is a device for cleaning the processing liquid supply roller provided in the turret 1444, and cleans the processing liquid supply roller that is not in use and is located at a predetermined position.

  The configuration of the processing liquid application unit 1400 is substantially the same as that described above except that the processing liquid supply roller cleaning device 1510 is provided. Accordingly, only the configuration of the processing liquid supply roller cleaning device 1510 will be described here, and description of other configurations will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the processing liquid supply roller cleaning device 1510 includes a cleaning tank 1512 and a blade 1514.

  The cleaning tank 1512 is formed in a box shape having an upper opening. The cleaning tank 1512 stores a cleaning liquid 1516 for cleaning the processing liquid supplied to the processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D. The processing liquid supply rollers 1414 </ b> A to 1414 </ b> D are cleaned by being rotated while being partially immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516 stored in the cleaning tank 1512.

  Here, the cleaning tank 1512 performs processing when the arm of the processing liquid supply roller located next to the processing liquid supply roller in use (next to the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12) is extended by a predetermined amount. The lower part of the liquid supply roller is installed at a position where it is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516 stored inside. In the example of FIG. 28, the processing liquid supply roller in use (the processing liquid supply roller positioned at the supply position) is the processing liquid supply roller 1414A, and the processing liquid supply roller positioned next to the upstream side in the transport direction. Is the processing liquid supply roller 1414D, and therefore, when the arm 1446D of the processing liquid supply roller 1414D is extended by a predetermined amount, the lower portion of the processing liquid supply roller 1414D is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516 stored therein by a predetermined amount. Installed. Accordingly, cleaning can be performed while the processing liquid supply roller 1414D is not in use, and the apparatus can be operated efficiently.

  Note that, as described above, the processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D are cleaned by being rotated while being immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516. Therefore, each of the processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D has a rotation driving unit individually. (For example, a motor) is provided and is configured to be rotatable.

  The blade 1514 is brought into contact with the surface of the processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D immersed in the cleaning liquid, and removes the cleaning liquid attached to the surface to perform cleaning. The blade 1514 is formed in a long shape, and the surface of the processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D is cleaned by bringing the tip of the blade 1514 into contact with the surface of the rotating processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D. Accordingly, the width is formed to be equal to or larger than the width of the processing liquid supply roller having the maximum width among the replaceable processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D.

  The blade 1514 is driven by a driving means (not shown) so as to be movable between a predetermined cleaning position and a standby position. By being positioned at the cleaning position, the blade 1514 is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516 and rotated. It contacts the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller. Further, by being positioned at the standby position, the processing liquid supply roller that is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516 and rotates is separated from the outer peripheral surface.

  The operation of the treatment liquid coating unit 1500 of the present embodiment configured as described above is as follows.

  First, the turret 1444 is rotated in a state where the arms 1446A to 1446D are contracted, and the processing liquid supply roller to be used is positioned at a predetermined replacement position. Then, the arm that holds the processing liquid supply roller positioned at the replacement position is extended by a predetermined amount, and the processing liquid supply roller to be used is positioned at the predetermined supply position. As a result, the processing liquid supply roller to be used comes into contact with the intermediate roller 1412, and the lower part thereof is immersed in the processing liquid 1416 stored in the processing liquid tank 1418, so that the processing liquid is supplied to the processing liquid supply roller. Then, the processing liquid supplied to the processing liquid supply roller is supplied to the coating roller 1410 via the intermediate roller 1412. Thereafter, the entire processing liquid application unit is moved up and down in accordance with the travel timing of the recording paper 12, and the processing liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12.

  On the other hand, when the treatment liquid supply roller to be used is moved to the supply position and application is started, the arm of the treatment liquid supply roller located adjacent to the upstream side in the transport direction is extended by a predetermined amount. As a result, the lower part of the processing liquid supply roller held by the arm is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516 stored in the cleaning tank 1512.

  When the lower part of the processing liquid supply roller held by the arm is immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516, the blade 1514 is driven and comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516. When the blade 1514 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller, the processing liquid supply roller immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516 is driven to rotate. As a result, the treatment liquid supply roller immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516 is cleaned.

  This cleaning is continuously performed for a certain time, and when the cleaning is completed, the processing liquid supply roller immersed in the cleaning liquid 1516 is pulled up from the cleaning liquid 1516. Then, after the cleaning liquid adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the blade 1514 is removed, the blade 1514 is drawn into the turret 1444.

  As described above, the processing liquid application unit 1600 of the present embodiment includes the processing liquid supply roller cleaning device 1510 that cleans the processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D included in the turret 1444. 1414A-1414D can always be kept clean. Further, since the cleaning is performed while the other processing liquid supply roller is in operation, it can be efficiently performed.

  In the above example, the cleaning is performed while the other processing liquid supply roller is in operation. However, the cleaning may be performed while the other processing liquid supply roller is not operating.

(6) Seventh Embodiment of Treatment Liquid Application Unit FIG. 29 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the seventh embodiment of the treatment liquid application unit.

  The processing liquid application unit 1600 according to the present embodiment is configured to apply the processing liquid to the recording paper 12 by changing the type of the processing liquid, and the processing liquid supply roller 1414A provided in the turret 1444. The processing liquid is directly supplied from one of the second processing liquid supply devices 1610 to one of ˜1414D, so that different types of processing liquid can be applied to the recording paper 12.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the processing liquid supply roller 1414A provided in the turret 1444 is provided with a second processing liquid supply device 1610 that supplies the processing liquid individually to the processing liquid supply roller 1414A.

  The configuration of the processing liquid coating unit 1400 is substantially the same as that described above except that the second processing liquid supply device 1610 is provided.

  The configuration of the second processing liquid supply device 1610 is the same as the outline of the second processing liquid supply device 1210 provided in the processing liquid coating unit 1200 of the third embodiment described above. Therefore, the description of the specific configuration is omitted.

  The operation of the treatment liquid coating unit 1600 of the present embodiment is as follows.

  First, the case where the treatment liquid is applied by the treatment liquid supply rollers 1414B to 1414D other than the treatment liquid supply roller 1414A provided with the second treatment liquid supply device 1610 will be described.

  In this case, the processing liquid coating method by the processing liquid coating unit 1400 described above is the same. That is, first, the turret 1444 is rotated in a state where the arms 1446A to 1446D are contracted, and the processing liquid supply roller to be used is positioned at a predetermined replacement position. Then, the arm that holds the processing liquid supply roller positioned at the replacement position is extended by a predetermined amount, and the processing liquid supply roller to be used is positioned at the predetermined supply position. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller to be used comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 1412, and the lower part thereof is immersed in the processing liquid 1416 stored in the processing liquid tank 1418, so that the processing liquid supply roller performs processing. Liquid is supplied. Then, the processing liquid supplied to the processing liquid supply roller is supplied to the coating roller 1410 through the intermediate roller 1412 with a predetermined width (the width of the processing liquid supply roller in contact with the intermediate roller 1412 is supplied). ).

  Thereafter, the entire unit is moved up and down in accordance with the running of the recording paper 12, the application roller 1410 is brought into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12, and the processing liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12 with a predetermined width ( It is applied with the width of the processing liquid supply roller in contact with the intermediate roller 1412).

  Next, the case where the processing liquid is applied by the processing liquid supply roller 1414A provided with the second processing liquid supply device 1610 will be described.

  In this case, since it is not necessary to supply the processing liquid from the processing liquid tank 1418 to the processing liquid supply roller 1414A, the processing liquid supply roller 1414A has the processing liquid stored in the processing liquid tank 1418 as shown in FIG. It is not immersed in 1416 and is brought into contact only with the intermediate roller 1412.

  First, the turret 1444 is rotated in a state in which the arms 1446A to 1414D are contracted, and the processing liquid supply roller 1414A is positioned at a predetermined position as indicated by a broken line in FIG.

  When the processing liquid supply roller 1414A moves to a predetermined position, the processing liquid supply roller 1414A is rotationally driven. Thus, the processing liquid is supplied from the second processing liquid supply device 1610 to the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller 1414A.

  Thereafter, the arm 1446A holding the processing liquid supply roller 1414A is extended by a predetermined amount, and the processing liquid supply roller 1414 moves to a predetermined position and comes into contact with the intermediate roller 1412. When the processing liquid supply roller 1414A comes into contact with the intermediate roller 1412, the processing liquid is supplied from the processing liquid supply roller 1414A to the intermediate roller 1412, and the processing liquid is supplied from the intermediate roller 1412 to the coating roller 1410.

  The treatment liquid is applied to the recording paper 12 by moving the entire unit up and down in accordance with the running of the recording paper 12 in the same manner as described above. That is, the application unit 1410 is brought into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12 by applying the processing liquid onto the surface of the recording paper 12 by lowering the entire unit in accordance with the running timing of the recording paper 12.

  Thus, according to the treatment liquid application unit 1600 of the present embodiment, different types of treatment liquids can be supplied.

  In addition, the structure which supplies a process liquid separately to a specific process liquid supply roller is not limited to said example. In addition, for example, even when the specific processing liquid supply roller is formed of a porous body and the processing liquid is supplied into the porous body, the processing liquid can be individually supplied to the specific processing liquid supply roller.

  Further, the processing liquid supply roller cleaning device described above can also be provided in the processing liquid coating unit 1600 of the present embodiment. As a result, the processing liquid supply roller can always be kept clean.

(7) Eighth Embodiment of Treatment Liquid Application Unit FIG. 30 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the eighth embodiment of the treatment liquid application unit.

  The processing liquid application unit 1700 of the present embodiment is configured so that the processing liquid can be individually supplied to each processing liquid supply roller provided in the turret 1444.

  As shown in FIG. 30, each of the processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D provided in the turret 1444 is provided with a processing liquid supply device 1610A to 1610D, respectively, and the processing liquid supply devices 1610A to 1610D are individually processed. The liquid can be supplied.

  Note that the configuration of each of the processing liquid supply devices 1610A to 1610D is the same as the configuration of the second processing liquid supply device 1210 described above.

  In the processing liquid coating unit 1700 of the present embodiment, the processing liquid tank 1418 is not provided because the processing liquid is individually supplied to each processing liquid supply roller provided in the turret 1444.

  The operation of the treatment liquid coating unit 1700 of the present embodiment configured as described above is as follows.

  First, the turret 1444 is rotated in a state where the arms 1446A to 1446D are contracted, and the processing liquid supply roller to be used is positioned at a predetermined position as indicated by a broken line in FIG.

  When the processing liquid supply roller to be used moves to a predetermined position, the processing liquid supply roller is driven to rotate. Thus, the processing liquid is supplied from the processing liquid supply device provided in the processing liquid supply roller to the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller. When the supply of the treatment liquid is stabilized, the arm that holds the treatment liquid supply roller to be used is extended, and the treatment liquid supply roller to be used is brought into contact with the intermediate roller 1412. As a result, the processing liquid is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 1412 with a predetermined width. In other words, the processing liquid is supplied with the width of the processing liquid supply roller in contact therewith. Then, the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller 1412 is transferred to the coating roller 1410, and the processing liquid is supplied to the coating roller 1410.

  Thus, according to the processing liquid application unit 1700 of the present embodiment, different types of processing liquid can be supplied for each processing liquid supply roller. Thereby, it becomes possible to cope with the case where it is necessary to apply different types of treatment liquids.

  Note that the types of processing liquid supplied to the processing liquid supply rollers 1414A to 1414D are not necessarily different, and the same type of processing liquid can be supplied.

  Moreover, the structure which supplies a process liquid separately to each process liquid supply roller is not limited to said example. Even if each processing liquid supply roller is formed of a porous body and the processing liquid is individually supplied to the inside thereof, the processing liquid can be supplied individually to each processing liquid supply roller.

  Further, the above-described coating roller cleaning device can also be provided in the treatment liquid coating unit 1700 of the present embodiment. Thereby, the application roller can always be kept clean.

(8) Ninth Embodiment of Treatment Liquid Application Unit FIG. 31 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the ninth embodiment of the treatment liquid application unit.

  The processing liquid application unit 1800 of the present embodiment is configured to change the application width of the processing liquid supplied to the recording paper 12 by changing the supply width of the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller. The coating width is adjusted by removing both ends of the processing liquid supplied to the roller with a blade.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the processing liquid coating unit 1800 of this embodiment includes a coating roller 1810, an intermediate roller 1812 that supplies the processing liquid to the coating roller 1810, and a processing liquid that supplies the processing liquid to the intermediate roller 1812. A supply roller 1814, a treatment liquid tank 1818 storing a treatment liquid 1816 to be supplied to the treatment liquid supply roller 1814, and a treatment liquid width adjusting device 1820 for adjusting the width of the treatment liquid supplied to the intermediate roller 1812 are provided. It is configured. The entire unit is provided so as to be movable back and forth with respect to the suction drum 110.

  The application roller 1810 is provided in parallel with the suction drum 110 and is disposed above the suction drum 110. The application roller 1810 is formed to have substantially the same width as the suction drum 110, and blades 1822 are provided at both ends thereof.

  The blade 1822 is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the contact portion with respect to the recording paper 12 and on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the contact portion with respect to the intermediate roller 1812, and is in contact with both ends of the application roller 1810 ( The processing liquid adhering to both ends of the coating roller 1810 is removed and cleaned.

  The intermediate roller 1812 is formed with substantially the same width as the application roller 1810, and is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the application roller 1810. The intermediate roller 1812 is connected to a rotation driving means (not shown) (for example, a motor) and is driven by the rotation driving means to rotate counterclockwise (counterclockwise).

  The processing liquid supply roller 1814 is formed with substantially the same width as the intermediate roller 1812 and is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 1812. And the lower part is immersed in the processing liquid 1816 stored in the processing liquid tank 1818.

  The processing liquid supply roller 1814 rotates as the intermediate roller 1812 rotates, whereby the processing liquid is supplied to the outer peripheral surface thereof. Then, the processing liquid supplied to the processing liquid supply roller 1814 is transferred to the intermediate roller 1812 at a contact portion with the intermediate roller 1812, and the processing liquid is supplied to the intermediate roller 1812.

  Further, the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller 1812 is transferred to the application roller 1810 at a contact portion with the application roller 1810, and the processing liquid is supplied to the application roller 1810.

  Here, if the processing liquid width adjusting device 1820 is not provided, the processing liquid is supplied to the intermediate roller 1812 with the width of the processing liquid supply roller 1814. Then, the processing liquid is supplied to the application roller 1810 with the same width as that supplied to the intermediate roller 1812.

  The processing liquid width adjusting device 1820 adjusts the width of the processing liquid supplied from the intermediate roller 1812 to the coating roller 1810 by removing both ends of the processing liquid supplied from the processing liquid supply roller 1814 to the intermediate roller 1812 with a blade. To do.

  FIG. 32 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the processing liquid width adjusting device 1820. As shown in the figure, the processing liquid width adjusting device 1820 includes a pair of blades 1830R and 1830L that remove both ends of the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller 1812.

  The pair of blades 1830R and 1830L are each formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, and are disposed above the processing liquid supply roller 1814 and parallel to the axis of the intermediate roller 1812.

  Further, the pair of blades 1830R and 1830L are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center of the intermediate roller 1812 in the axial direction, and their respective tip portions are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate roller 1812.

  Here, the contact position of the pair of blades 1830R and 1830L with respect to the intermediate roller 1812 is downstream of the contact portion between the intermediate roller 1812 and the processing liquid supply roller 1814 with respect to the rotation direction of the intermediate roller 1812. In addition, it is set on the upstream side of the contact portion between the intermediate roller 1812 and the application roller 1810. Thus, the treatment liquid supplied from the treatment liquid supply roller 1814 can be removed by the blades 1830R and 1830L before the treatment liquid is supplied to the application roller 1810, and the width thereof can be adjusted.

  The pair of blades 1830R and 1830L are provided so as to be movable along the axial direction of the intermediate roller 1812. By changing the positions of the blades 1830R and 1830L, the width of the processing liquid supplied to the coating roller 1810 is changed. It is done. The installation positions of the blades 1830R and 1830L are moved by the following mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 31, a base 1832 is attached to the processing liquid tank 1818. On the base 1832, a guide bar 1834 and a screw bar 1836 are arranged in parallel with the axis of the intermediate roller 1812.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the guide rod 1834 is fixed to brackets 1838R and 1838L provided on the base 1832 at both ends, and is provided integrally with the brackets 1838R and 1838L.

  On the other hand, the screw rod 1836 is rotatably provided with its both ends being pivotally supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on the brackets 1838R and 1838L.

  The guide rod 1834 is provided with a pair of sliders 1840R and 1840L that are slidable. The pair of blades 1830R and 1830L are attached to the sliders 1840R and 1840L, and the sliders 1840R and 1840L move along the guide rod 1834, thereby moving along the axis of the intermediate roller 1812.

  The sliders 1840R and 1840L are provided with female screw portions 1842R and 1842L, respectively, and the female screw portions 1842R and 1842L are screwed into the screw rod 1836. Therefore, when the screw rod 1836 is rotated, the sliders 1840R and 1840L are moved by the action of the female screw portions 1842R and 1842L, and as a result, the blades 1830R and 1830L are moved.

  Here, the thread formed on the screw rod 1836 is formed in the opposite direction on the left and right with the axial center as a boundary. As a result, when the screw rod 1836 is rotated, the sliders 1840R and 1840L Move in opposite directions. That is, they always move toward or away from each other while maintaining a symmetrical relationship with respect to the axial center of the intermediate roller 1812. As a result, the blades 1830R and 1830L also always move in a direction approaching or moving away from each other while maintaining a bilaterally symmetrical relationship with respect to the axial center of the intermediate roller 1812.

  A motor 1844 provided on one bracket 1838R is connected to one end of the screw rod 1836, and the screw rod 1836 is driven by the motor 1844 to rotate in the forward or reverse direction.

  The operation of the treatment liquid coating unit 1800 of the present embodiment configured as described above is as follows.

  As described above, the treatment liquid application unit 1800 is provided so that the entire unit can move forward and backward with respect to the suction drum 110, and is normally located at a predetermined standby position separated from the suction drum 110. In this standby position, the application roller 1810 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum 110 by a predetermined distance.

  First, the positions of the pair of blades 1830R and 1830L are adjusted according to the width of the treatment liquid applied to the recording paper 12. That is, the distance between the pair of blades 1830R and 1830L is adjusted to be the same width as the width of the processing liquid applied to the recording paper 12. This adjustment is performed by driving the motor 1844 to move the blades 1830R and 1830L along the intermediate roller 1812.

  At this time, the blades 1830R and 1830L move symmetrically with respect to the center of the intermediate roller 1812 in the axial direction. Accordingly, the blades 1830R and 1830L are always arranged symmetrically with respect to the center in the axial direction of the intermediate roller 1812 even when moved. As a result, the same amount of the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller 1812 is removed by the blades 1830R and 1830L from both ends of the intermediate roller 1812 at both ends.

  When the setting of the blades 1830R and 1830L is completed, the intermediate roller 1812 is driven to rotate. When the intermediate roller 1812 is driven to rotate, the processing liquid supply roller 1814 and the application roller 1810 that are in contact with the intermediate roller 1812 also rotate. Then, when the processing liquid supply roller 1814 rotates, the processing liquid is supplied to the outer peripheral surface thereof, and the processing liquid supplied to the processing liquid supply roller 1814 is brought into contact with the intermediate roller 1812 at the intermediate roller 1812. Then, the processing liquid is supplied to the intermediate roller 1812. At this time, the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller 1812 is supplied in the width of the processing liquid supply roller 1814.

  The processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller 1812 is transported to the coating roller 1810 by the rotation of the intermediate roller 1812. In the transport process, the processing liquid passes through the blades 1830R and 1830L, and the blades 1830R and 1830L have a predetermined amount at both ends. It is removed and adjusted to a predetermined width. Then, the processing liquid adjusted to a predetermined width by the blades 1830R and 1830L is transferred to the application roller 1810 at a contact portion with the application roller 1810, and the processing liquid is supplied to the application roller 1810 with a predetermined width.

  Application of the treatment liquid to the recording paper 12 is performed by lowering the entire unit as the recording paper 12 travels. That is, the application roller 1810 is brought into contact with the surface of the recording paper 12 by lowering the entire unit in accordance with the travel timing of the recording paper 12. As a result, the treatment liquid is applied to the surface of the recording paper 12 with a predetermined width.

  When changing the application width of the treatment liquid, the interval between the blades 1830R and 1830L is changed. As a result, the width of the processing liquid supplied from the intermediate roller 1812 to the application roller 1810 is changed, and the width of the processing liquid applied from the application roller 1810 to the recording paper 12 is changed.

  As described above, the processing liquid application unit 1800 of the present embodiment can arbitrarily adjust the application width of the processing liquid applied to the recording paper 12. As a result, various recording sheets 12 can be handled.

  In this example, the processing liquid supply roller 1814 immersed in the processing liquid is brought into contact with the intermediate roller 1812 to supply the processing liquid to the intermediate roller 1812. However, the processing liquid is supplied to the intermediate roller 1812. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing liquid can be supplied to the intermediate roller 1812 with a configuration like the second processing liquid supply device 1210 described above.

  In this example, the blades 1830R and 1830L are moved by so-called feed screws. However, the configuration for moving the blades 1830R and 1830L is not limited to this. In addition, it can also be moved using, for example, a cylinder.

  As described above, various types of treatment liquid application units for applying the treatment liquid can be employed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the recording liquid 12 is sucked and conveyed by the suction drum in the treatment liquid applying unit 100 and the color ink applying unit 300. However, as shown in FIG. 34, the recording paper is sucked by the conveying belt. It can also be set as the structure conveyed.

  The conveyance belt 1900 shown in FIG. 23 is formed in an endless shape, and is wound around four guide rollers 1902 so as to form a rectangular traveling path. One of the guide rollers 1902 is connected to a rotation driving means (for example, a motor) (not shown). By rotating the guide roller 1902 with this rotation driving means, the conveyance belt 1900 is formed in a rectangular shape. Travel along a predetermined travel route.

  The conveying belt 1900 is provided with gripping claws 1904A and 1904B at two locations, and the recording paper 12 is transported with the leading end gripped by the gripping claws 1904A and 1904B. The conveying belt 1900 has a plurality of suction holes 1906 formed on the peripheral surface thereof, and air is sucked from the suction holes 1906 to suck and hold the recording paper on the surface (suction surface).

  A suction device 1908 is installed inside the transport belt 1900, and air is sucked from the suction hole 1904 by the suction device 1908. The suction device 1908 has a suction area divided and is set such that the suction force decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12.

  Further, the recording medium is not particularly limited, and is a plain paper, a recording medium provided with an ink receiving layer, a recording sheet having air permeability in the front and back direction such as processed paper, or a non-breathable flexible material such as OHP. Various recording media such as a resin sheet as a medium can be used.

  In the above example, the case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus that forms an image only on one side of a sheet (so-called single-sided printing image forming apparatus) has been described as an example. The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus that can form images on both sides of a sheet (an image forming apparatus that can perform so-called double-sided printing). Therefore, the front and back of the recording medium (recording paper) in the present application means the front and back of the recording medium at the time of image formation, and the surface on the side where the image is formed becomes the surface of the recording medium.

  The image forming method and apparatus of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Of course.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Front sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the suction drum of the treatment liquid application unit Side surface sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the suction drum of the treatment liquid application unit Development of the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder Development view of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft tube Development view showing the relationship between the slit formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft cylinder and the slit formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder Side view showing schematic configuration of coating roller replacement device (when coating) Side view showing schematic configuration of coating roller exchange device (during standby) Schematic configuration diagram of treatment liquid drying section Schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the treatment liquid drying unit Schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the treatment liquid drying unit Schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the treatment liquid drying unit Side surface sectional view which shows schematic structure of suction drum of color ink provision part The figure which shows an example of the formation pattern of the suction hole formed in the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum of the suction drum of a process liquid provision part, and the suction drum of a color ink provision part. The figure which shows other examples of the formation pattern of the suction hole formed in the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum of the suction drum of a process liquid provision part, and the suction drum of a color ink provision part (no overlapping part) The figure which shows another example of the formation pattern of the suction hole formed in the outer peripheral surface of the suction drum of a process liquid provision part, and the suction drum of a color ink provision part (there is an overlap part) Plane perspective view showing schematic structure of recording head An enlarged view of a part of FIG. Sectional view along line 19-19 in FIG. Plane perspective view showing schematic structure of another example of recording head Main part block diagram of control system of image forming apparatus Side view showing schematic configuration of second embodiment of treatment liquid application unit Side view showing schematic configuration of third embodiment of treatment liquid application unit Side surface sectional view which shows schematic structure of a 2nd process liquid supply apparatus. Side view showing schematic configuration of fourth embodiment of treatment liquid application unit Side view showing schematic configuration of fifth embodiment of treatment liquid application unit Side view showing schematic configuration of fifth embodiment of treatment liquid application unit Side view showing schematic configuration of sixth embodiment of treatment liquid application unit Side view showing schematic configuration of seventh embodiment of treatment liquid application unit Side view showing schematic configuration of eighth embodiment of treatment liquid application unit Side view showing a schematic configuration of the ninth embodiment of the treatment liquid coating unit The top view which shows schematic structure of a process liquid width adjusting device Schematic configuration diagram of conveyor belt

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10A ... Image forming apparatus, 100 ... Treatment liquid provision part, 110 ... Suction drum, 112 ...
Suction drum body, 112A ... outer cylinder, 112B ... inner cylinder, 114 ... shaft cylinder, 120 ... partition wall, 122A-122H ... space, 126A-126H ... slit, 130, 132 ... slit, 138A, 138B ... gripping claw, 140 ... treatment liquid application unit, 142 ... treatment liquid, 144 ... treatment liquid tank, 146 ... treatment liquid supply roller, 148 ... intermediate roller, 150A to 150D ... application roller, 152 ... application roller exchange device, 154 ... turret, 156A to 156D DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Arm, 160 ... Guide roller, 200 ... Processing liquid drying part, 210 ... Heating conveyance surface, 212 ... Conveying device, 214 ... Fan heater unit 2, 216 ... Heater, 224 ... Belt, 226 ... Guide roller, 228 ... Infrared heater , 230 ... fan, 232 ... reflector, 240 ... contact, 242 ... running body, 30 ... Color ink application unit, 310 ... Suction drum, 312 ... Suction drum body, 312A ... Outer cylinder, 312B ... Inner cylinder, 314 ... Shaft cylinder, 320 ... Partition wall, 322A to 322H ... Space, 324 ... Suction hole, 326A ... 326B ... slit, 330 ... slit, 338A, 338B ... gripping claw, 350 ... ink ejection unit, 360, 360C, 360M, 360Y, 360K ... recording head, 400 ... solvent drying unit, 410 ... heating conveyance surface, 412 ... conveyance device 414 ... fan heater unit, 416 ... heater, 422 ... gripping claw, 500 ... fixing part, 510 ... conveying drum, 512 ... fan heater unit, 514 ... heat pressing unit, 514A, 514B, 514C ... pressing heat roller, 520A, 520B ... gripping claw, 600 ... host computer, 610 ... communication interface 612 ... System controller, 614 ... Image memory, 616 ... ROM, 618 ... Processing liquid application controller, 620 ... Processing liquid drying controller, 622 ... Color ink application controller, 624 ... Solvent drying controller, 626 ... Fixing Control unit, 1110 ... treatment liquid application unit, 1112 ... cleaning tank, 1114 ... blade, 1200 ... treatment liquid application unit, 1210 ... second treatment liquid supply device, 1212 ... treatment liquid holding member, 1214 ... contact member, 1300 ... Treatment liquid application unit, 1310A to 1310D ... treatment liquid supply device, 1400 ... treatment liquid application unit, 1410 ... treatment liquid application roller, 1412 ... intermediate roller, 1414A-1414D ... treatment liquid supply roller, 1416 ... treatment liquid, 1418 ... treatment Liquid tank, 1420... Processing liquid supply roller exchange device, 1422... Blade, 142 4 ... Blade, 1444 ... Turret, 1444A ... Shaft, 1446A-1446D ... Arm, 1500 ... Treatment liquid application unit, 1510 ... Treatment liquid supply roller cleaning device, 1512 ... Cleaning tank, 1514 ... Blade, 1516 ... Cleaning liquid, 1600 ... Treatment liquid application unit, 1610 ... second treatment liquid supply device, 1700 ... treatment liquid application unit, 1800 ... treatment liquid application unit, 1810 ... application roller, 1812 ... intermediate roller, 1814 ... treatment liquid supply roller, 1816 ... treatment liquid, 1818 ... Processing solution tank, 1820 ... Processing solution width adjusting device, 1822 ... Blade, 1830R, 1830L ... Blade, 1832 ... Base, 1834 ... Guide rod, 1836 ... Screw rod, 1838R, 1838L ... Bracket, 1840R, 1840L ... Slider, 1842R, 1842 ... female threaded portion, 1844 ... motor, 1900 ... conveyor belt

Claims (14)

Image formation in which an ink droplet is ejected from an ink ejecting means after applying a treatment liquid that agglomerates or insolubilizes an ink coloring material to a transported recording medium by an application liquid applying means, thereby forming an image on the recording medium In the device
The treatment liquid applying means is
A plurality of application rollers;
An application roller exchanging means for selectively switching the plurality of application rollers to contact the recording medium and the processing liquid supply roller;
A processing liquid supply means for supplying a processing liquid to the coating roller in contact with the recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of application rollers has a different application width and / or application amount of the processing liquid to the recording medium.   At least one of the plurality of application rollers is provided with individual processing liquid supply means for individually supplying the processing liquid to the application roller, and the recording is performed by the application roller provided with the individual processing liquid supply means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the processing liquid is applied to the medium, the supply of the processing liquid from the processing liquid supply unit to the application roller is stopped.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a coating roller cleaning unit that cleans a coating roller that is not in contact with the recording medium. Image formation in which an ink droplet is ejected from an ink ejecting means after applying a treatment liquid that agglomerates or insolubilizes an ink coloring material to a transported recording medium by an application liquid applying means, thereby forming an image on the recording medium In the device
The treatment liquid applying means is
An application roller abutting against the recording medium;
An intermediate roller in contact with the application roller;
A plurality of processing liquid supply rollers;
A processing liquid supply roller exchanging means that selectively switches the plurality of processing liquid supply rollers to contact the intermediate roller;
A processing liquid supply means for supplying a processing liquid to the processing liquid supply roller in contact with the intermediate roller;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of processing liquid supply rollers has a different processing liquid supply width and / or supply amount to the intermediate roller.   At least one of the plurality of treatment liquid supply rollers is provided with individual treatment liquid supply means for individually supplying the treatment liquid to the application roller, and the treatment liquid supply provided with the individual treatment liquid supply means. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the processing liquid is supplied to the intermediate roller by a roller, the supply of the processing liquid from the processing liquid supply unit to the processing liquid supply roller is stopped. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a processing liquid supply roller cleaning unit that cleans a peripheral surface of the processing liquid supply roller that is not in contact with the intermediate roller. Application roller both-end cleaning means for cleaning both ends of the application roller is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the contact portion of the application roller with respect to the recording medium and on the upstream side of the rotation portion of the contact portion with the intermediate roller. In addition, the intermediate roller for cleaning both ends of the intermediate roller is disposed downstream in the rotation direction of the contact portion of the intermediate roller with respect to the application roller and upstream in the rotation direction of the treatment liquid supply unit by the treatment liquid supply unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a roller both-end cleaning unit.   10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the width of cleaning of each of the application roller both-end cleaning unit and the intermediate roller both-end cleaning unit is adjustable. Image formation in which an ink droplet is ejected from an ink ejecting means after applying a treatment liquid that agglomerates or insolubilizes an ink coloring material to a transported recording medium by an application liquid applying means, thereby forming an image on the recording medium In the device
The treatment liquid applying means is
A plurality of application rollers;
A treatment liquid supply means that is individually provided to the plurality of application rollers, and supplies a treatment liquid to each application roller;
Application roller replacement means for selectively switching the plurality of application rollers to contact the recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of application rollers have different application widths and / or application amounts of the processing liquid to the recording medium. Image formation in which an ink droplet is ejected from an ink ejecting means after applying a treatment liquid that agglomerates or insolubilizes an ink coloring material to a transported recording medium by an application liquid applying means, thereby forming an image on the recording medium In the device
The treatment liquid applying means is
An application roller in contact with the recording medium;
An intermediate roller in contact with the application roller;
Treatment liquid supply means for supplying a treatment liquid to the intermediate roller;
A pair of processing liquid removal means provided so as to be movable in the width direction of the intermediate roller and contacting the intermediate roller to remove the processing liquid supplied to the intermediate roller;
An application width adjusting means for adjusting the width of the processing liquid supplied to the surface of the intermediate roller by moving the processing liquid removing means symmetrically in the width direction of the intermediate roller;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The recording medium is conveyed to the treatment liquid application unit by the application roller while the surface opposite to the treatment liquid application surface is sucked by the suction conveyance means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suction conveyance unit conveys the recording medium with a weakened suction force after application of the processing liquid.