JP2504735B2 - Inkjet image forming device - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a conveyance system for a recording medium having the form of continuous paper such as roll paper and fanfold paper, and collectively over the entire width of the recording medium. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a recording unit for forming an image and the like.

[Prior Art] As a conventional image forming apparatus of this type, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Nos. 59-101508 to 59-101512 by the present applicant. These are provided with a recording system having a transport system and a liquid jet recording apparatus that are easily contacted and separated from each other, and a recovery section that performs a discharge recovery process of the liquid jet recording apparatus. An image forming apparatus has been proposed that facilitates work and properly positions each part in a connected state to enable high-quality image formation.

However, in such an image forming apparatus,
Sufficient consideration has not been given to an appropriate structure for stably conveying the recording medium.

Further, as described in JP-A-54-59936 and JP-A-55-27281, in a conventional recording apparatus using an inkjet recording method, the recording area is used as a recording medium. Ink jet recording is performed by arranging a recording paper and a recording head so as to face each other with an appropriate interval, and ejecting ink from an ink ejection port.

In such an ink jet recording system, unlike the thermal transfer recording system, the recording head does not contact the recording medium to instantaneously transfer and fix the ink, but ejects and attaches the liquid ink to the recording medium. Therefore, a phenomenon may occur in which the recording medium absorbs ink and expands on the downstream side of the recording area. This phenomenon is particularly remarkable when a large amount of ink is applied to the recording medium as compared with black-and-white recording when color recording is performed on the recording medium by a plurality of inkjet heads that eject ink of different colors.

Since the above-described elongation of the recording medium occurs between the conveying rollers that convey the recording medium on the upstream side and the downstream side of the recording area in a wrinkled or wavy state particularly when the recording medium is a recording sheet, The distance between the recording head and the recording medium changes, and as a result, the accuracy with which the ink is landed on the recording medium decreases and the recorded image deteriorates.

This not only deteriorates the image quality of the recorded image but also deteriorates the tint, particularly when color recording is performed on the recording medium with a plurality of inkjet heads.

[Object] An object of the present invention is to ensure that the recording medium is positioned at an appropriate position on the conveying path in the recording medium housing portion of the conveying system, so that the recording medium can be stored without slowing or meandering. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be stably transported, and in particular, as described above, a state in which elongation of a recording medium due to a liquid ink peculiar to an inkjet recording method, which is not seen in a thermal transfer recording method, can occur. Under the circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an inkjet recording image forming apparatus that maintains the non-contact state between the inkjet recording head and the recording medium and does not deteriorate the recording image quality.

According to the present invention to achieve the above object, an image forming area in which an ink ejection port of an inkjet recording unit and a recording medium face each other with a gap, and an upstream side in a recording medium conveying direction with respect to the image forming area. An upstream-side transporting unit that is disposed and that transports the recording medium to the image forming area by using a first transport roller, and an upstream-side transporting unit that transports the recording medium in a sandwiched manner with respect to the image forming area. A second transporting the recording medium recorded by the inkjet recording means to the outside of the image forming area
The inkjet recording means for the recording medium that is stretched between the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller, and the downstream conveying means that nips and conveys the recording medium using the conveying roller. And an inkjet recording means mounting portion for holding the first conveyance roller at a position separated from the first conveyance roller, the rotation speed of the second conveyance roller being higher than the rotation speed of the first conveyance roller. The driving force is transmitted to the carrying roller and the second carrying roller, and the rotation of the second carrying roller is regulated so that the carrying speed of the second carrying roller becomes equal to the carrying speed of the first carrying roller. The recording medium, which has a driving unit, is conveyed in the image forming area by being conveyed by the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller with a predetermined tension. An inkjet image forming apparatus is characterized in that inkjet recording is performed while holding a body apart from the inkjet recording unit.

[Operation] In the inkjet image forming apparatus of the present invention, the main conveyance drive of the recording medium is performed by the first conveyance roller on the upstream side of the image forming area, and the rotation of the second conveyance roller on the downstream side is conveyed by the first conveyance roller. Since the sheet is regulated to be conveyed at a speed equal to that of the sheet, it is possible to properly maintain the distance between the inkjet recording head and the recording medium in the image forming area.
It is possible to suppress an increase in the elongation of the recording medium that has received the liquid ink ejected from the inkjet recording head in the image forming region, and prevent the deterioration of the image quality.

[Examples] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1.1 Appearance FIGS. 1 and 2A and 2B show an example of a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. This example is an image forming apparatus connectable to a host system that generates image information and control signals related to recording.

1.2 Inside (1) Inside of recording system unit (inkjet recording means) FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the paper feeding unit 300 open to show the internal structure of the recording system unit 110 as the inkjet recording means of the invention. is there. In this configuration, the control system including the recording head 110 and the cartridge tank 120 is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 58-244131 by the present applicant.
The inkjet printer disclosed in JP-A-58-244138 can be used.

(2) Inside the Paper Feeding Unit FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the paper feeding unit 300 in an open state to explain the internal structure of the paper feeding unit 300.

(3) Inside of Controller Unit FIGS. 5A to 5C are explanatory views for explaining an example of the internal configuration of the controller unit 200. In this example, the controller unit 200 is connected to the recording unit 1
It is arranged below 00. The controller unit 200 is separated from the recording system unit 100 to facilitate maintenance work, etc.
Even when ink leaks inside 100, a blocking plate that blocks the leaked ink, a member that guides the ink to the drain tank 800, and the like are provided so that the controller unit 200 is protected from ink leak.

2.1 Details of Paper Feeding Unit FIG. 6 shows an example of a detailed configuration of the paper feeding unit 300. In the figure, reference numeral 302 denotes a mounting base, and each part of the inside of the paper feeding unit 300 can be assembled around the base 302. Reference numeral 306 denotes a panel opposed to the recording unit 100 in a state where the recording unit 100 is connected thereto.
0, lower and upper paper feed mechanism, and their opening / closing mechanism 34
The surfaces 0, 370, the platen 392, etc. are exposed through the window 306A, and the surface 306B facing the unit 100 serves as a gap reference surface for the head unit 110 described later.

302A and 302B are portions having a rotation axis for rotating the paper feeding unit 300 with respect to the recording system unit 100. Reference numeral 1450 denotes a sensor for detecting the connection with the recording system unit 100, and reference numeral 1420 denotes a lock mechanism for surely performing the connection.

Further, 3000 is a motor unit for driving the lower feed roller 320 as the first transport roller of the present invention and the upper feed roller 350 as the second transport roller of the present invention, and 325 is for transmitting the rotation of the motor 3000. Pulley G1,
A transmission mechanism of the lower feed roller 320 including a bearing and a retainer, and a transmission mechanism 355 of the upper feed roller 350 including a slip plate 352 in addition to the pulley G2, the bearing and the retainer, and the motor unit 3000 and the lower feed roller. The transmission mechanism 325 and the upper feed roller transmission mechanism 355 function as the driving means of the present invention.

(1) Paper Deck 310 FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the paper deck 310. Here, reference numeral 311 denotes a recording paper stacking portion, which is a first side plate 311A serving as a reference surface for regulating one side end of the recording paper upstream of the transport path, and also for opening and closing operations of the paper feeding unit 100. A bottom plate 31 provided with a convex portion 311B for obtaining a stable paper deposition state
1C, a second side plate 311G facing the side plate 311A, and the like. In this example, the bottom plate 311C is inclined toward the rear side surface 311D (the side opposite to the paper mounting side) so that the recording paper is hung on the rear side surface 311D. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the recording paper from dropping from the stacking unit 311 due to the occurrence of an impact due to the opening / closing operation of the paper feeding unit 300.

Further, in the figure, 315 is a pressing plate for recording paper, which is stretched between the stacking portion 315 and the spring 3 and is biased in the L direction in the figure.
The recording paper is pressed by 14 toward the side plate 311A. Also, 31
Reference numeral 8 is a screw for holding the position of the holding plate 315. As a result, the position of the recording paper is regulated in the uppermost stream of the conveying path, and a stable conveying state is obtained thereafter.

(2) Lower Paper Feeding Mechanism and Lower Roller Opening / Closing Mechanism FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the lower paper feeding mechanism and the lower roller opening / closing mechanism.

The pinch roller 330 for pressing the recording paper P against the lower paper feed roller 320 has an elastic member 3 near its axial center.
32 is provided, and the nip amount with the roller 320 is obtained at that portion so that the recording paper P can be nipped. The pinch roller 330 also functions as the upstream-side conveying means of the present invention together with the lower feed roller 320 described above. Reference numeral 341 is an opening / closing lever used to separate the pinch roller 330 from the feed roller 320.

Reference numeral 342 denotes a side plate for supporting the pinch roller 330 at both ends thereof, and the side plate 342 is rotatable around a shaft 343.
Reference numeral 344 denotes a pinch roller arm having arms 344A and 344B, which is supported by a pin 345 protruding from the side plate 342 between the arms 344A and 344B, and is rotatable therearound. Thus, the pinch roller 330 is supported by the arm portion 344A of the arm 344, and the spring 346 is stretched between the other arm portion 344B and the rising portion 342A of the side plate 342. To obtain the pressing force. Further, the side plate 342 is provided with a skew feeding prevention roller 338 at a position immediately before the recording paper P is nipped by the lower paper feed roller 320 and the pinch roller 330. By bringing the skew prevention roller 338 into contact with the recording paper P, the weight of the recording paper P up to the paper deck 310 can be supported, and the wrap angle of the recording paper P around the roller 320 can be increased. Further, when the side plate 342 is rotated about the shaft 343 by operating the opening / closing lever 341, both the pinch roller 330 and the skew prevention roller 338 can be separated from the feed roller 320.

The opening / closing lever 341 is rotatable around a pin 342A protruding from the pinch roller side plate 342, and at one end thereof is provided a button 341A which is depressed when the operator releases the pinch roller 330 or the like from the feed roller 320. At the end, a claw portion 341B that engages with a lock pin provided on the base 302 is provided. Also, the lever
A spring 349 is stretched between the button 341A of the 341 and the side plate 342, so that the lever 341 is provided with a rotation behavior in the counterclockwise direction in the figure, and a stable engagement state is maintained. .

Further, the recording system unit side of the side plate 342 is a cam surface 342B that can be engaged with the cap 140, and the side plate 342 rotates clockwise in the drawing in response to the engagement and the feed roller 320 and the pinch roller 3 are engaged.
Allow engagement with 30. Thus, even if the operator forgets to close the lower paper feed mechanism after the work of loading the recording paper P, the lower paper feed mechanism is closed with the movement of the cap 140 described later. Jam and the like can be prevented beforehand.

(3) Recording Surface Forming Section FIG. 9 shows a structural example of a main part of the recording surface forming section 390 including the platen 392. Here, reference numeral 393 denotes a hole provided in the platen 392, through which the recording paper P is attracted to the platen surface by the fan 390F to form a recording surface. 395 is a spring for swinging the platen with respect to the base 302 and the panel 306, 394 is a spring mounting portion provided on the platen 392,
Reference numeral 396 denotes a pin projecting from the base 302 and a guide hole 309 for the pin. Reference numeral 397 is a sensor that detects the recording paper.

As described below, the recording system unit 100 and the paper feeding unit 300
At the time of connection, the pins provided on the front surface of the recording head unit 110 hit the panel 306 having the reference surface, and at this time, the assembly 130 swings to keep the nozzle of the head unit 110 and the reference surface parallel. At the same time, the platen 392 follows the swing of the assembly 130 via the projection provided on the assembly side by the spring 395, so that the recording surface of the recording paper P regulated by the platen 392 and the nozzle face each other with an appropriate gap. Become.

(4) Motor unit FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the motor unit 3000. Here, reference numeral 3002 denotes a motor, and the rotation of the rotating shaft 3004 is controlled by the pulley 30.
Lower feed roller transmission mechanism 32 via 06 and belt 3008
Transfer to pulley G20 associated with 5. G3 is a pulley concentric with the pulley G20 and having a smaller diameter than the pulley G20, and transmits the rotation of the pulley G3 to the pulley G2 of the upper feed roller transmission mechanism 355 via the belt 3010.

Here, the ratio of the number of teeth of each pulley is appropriately selected so that the upper feed roller 350 is transmitted with a rotation speed that is higher by about 2 to 3% than that of the lower feed roller 320.

(5) Upper feed roller and its transmission mechanism FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of the upper feed roller 350 and its transmission mechanism 355. Here, 353 is an extension shaft 351 of the roller 350.
A bearing that holds the pulley G2 rotatably,
352A and 352B are slip plates provided on the pulley G2 and the shaft 351 respectively, and perform sliding with the ring 354 and the pulley G2 fixed to the shaft 351 respectively. As a result, the rotational motion of the motor rotation shaft is transmitted to the roller 350 via the slip plates 352A and 352B. At this time, the recording paper P is pulled up by the upper feed roller 350 while appropriately applying tension.

(6) Upper Pinch Roller and Paper Guide FIG. 12 shows an example of a configuration around the upper pinch roller 360. Reference numerals 362 ₁ and 362 ₂ denote members having a portion 362B for holding the pinch roller 360 at both ends thereof, a portion 362A for restricting the displacement of the recording paper P in the width direction when the recording paper P is mounted and at the start of conveyance. . A spring 372 (see FIG. 6) of the upper roller opening / closing mechanism 370 constantly gives one of the members a movement habit in a direction in which the pinch roller 360 is pressed toward the feed roller 350. Open the upper paper feed mechanism. These movements are also transmitted to the other member 362 by the connecting bar 364. In this state, the operator can perform the mounting operation of the recording paper P.

At this time, the leading end of the paper is guided and positioned at an appropriate position on the transport path by the guide 380 and the portion 362A. Further, the above-mentioned upper pinch roller 360 and the above-mentioned upper feed roller 350 function as the downstream side conveying means of the present invention.

(7) Paper Feed Unit Cover FIG. 13 shows an example of the configuration around the paper feed unit cover 308. Here, reference numerals 308A, 308B, and 308C denote an outlet for the recorded recording paper P (an opening for the flap 400), an opening for the display panel 500, and a handle lever 1400, respectively.
This is the mounting port.

Reference numeral 410 denotes a flap lever for rotating the flap 400 around the axis 412 to open and close the outlet 308A, and 420 denotes an opening / closing control mechanism for regulating the opening / closing thereof.

510 is an attachment member for attaching the display panel 500 to the attachment opening 308B.

Reference numeral 710 denotes a stacker rail provided on the lower surface of the cover 308. The stacker rail 710 is engaged with an abutting portion (described later) when the stacker 700 is moved and positioned in the F and B directions. Also, 72
Reference numeral 0 denotes a member for forming a groove for guiding the movement of the stacker 700.
(See below).

(8) Flap open / close operation FIGS. 14 (A) and (B) show the flap open / close control mechanism 42.
A configuration example of 0 is shown. Here, reference numeral 422 denotes a flap stay rotatable around a shaft 402 provided on the flap 400, and has a bent portion 422A and a cam hole 422B. Reference numeral 424 denotes a rotor that is rotatable around a shaft 432 provided on a base 430 fixed to the cover 308, and has a pin 424B that engages with the ear portion 424A that can engage with the bent portion 422A and the cam surface of the cam hole 422B. Have.

FIGS. 15 (A), (B) and (C) show a state where the outlet 308A is closed, a state where the flap 400 is rotated to a predetermined position, and a state where the flap 400 is locked and the outlet 3 is locked.
Shows the state where 08A is opened.

When the flap 400 is rotated around the shaft 412 in the clockwise direction in the figure from the state shown in FIG. 7A, the cam 422B and the pin 424B engage when the flap 400 reaches the position shown in FIG. Rotor 42
4 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 423 in the figure, and is in the state shown in FIG. 14A (however, FIG. 14 is opposite to FIG. 15). In this state, the flap 400 is rotated in the closing direction, and when it reaches the position shown in FIG.
The ear of 424 and the bent portion 422A of the flap stay 422 are engaged, and further engagement of the flap 400 (counterclockwise in the drawing) is prevented by this engagement. That is, at this time, the flap 400 is locked, the delivery port 308A is opened,
In this state, the recorded recording paper P can be delivered.
Even if the operator accidentally presses the flap 400 or vibrates at the time of this sending, the flap 400 is locked, so that the delivery port 308A is not closed.

When closing the outlet 308A, the flap 400 is rotated clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 15 (C) by the reverse procedure to the above, and is positioned at the position shown in FIG. 15 (B). The locked state is released, and the closed state as shown in FIG.

(9) Stacker Attaching Operation FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the sheet feeding unit 300 seen from below for explaining the attachment of the stacker 700. Here, 722 is a guide groove formed by the member 720, and 750 is a stacker 700.
It is a mounting part of.

When installing the stacker 700, attach the stacker 750 as shown.
Into the groove 722, and then rotate it 90 degrees so that the mounting portion 750 does not fall out of the groove 722, and the butting portion of the stacker 700 is engaged with the stacker rail 710.

In this state, the stacker 700 can move in the directions F and B in the drawing, and the stacker 700 can be positioned on the F side and the B side when the apparatus is used and not used, respectively. Therefore, when not in use, the stacker 700 can be stored below the paper feeding unit 300,
The volume of the device can be reduced.

(10) Structure of Stacker FIG. 17 shows a vertical cross section of the stacker 700 mounted below the paper feeding unit 300 when in use (when projecting forward).

As shown in FIG. 17, the stacker 700 has a support arm 701 rotatably supported on the upper portion of the stacker main body, and a guide member 702 attached to the support arm 701. The support arm 701 contacts the front surface of the paper feed unit 300 when using the stacker, and sets the guide member 702 at a predetermined position. That is, in this setting state, the guide member 702 is located inside the lower extension 703 of the inclined surface having the outlet of the paper feeding unit. The guide member 702 is formed to be curved. Further, the vertical front surface of the paper feeding unit 300 and the guide member 7
The horizontal distance d from 02 is within the range of 10 to 25 mm. With such a configuration, the continuous recording paper such as the recorded fan-hold paper is sent out from the delivery port, first hits the curved portion of the guide member 702, and while being surely guided by the curved portion, it is guided. It drops into the stacker 700 from the gap between the member 702 and the front surface of the paper feeding unit 300, and accumulates there.
The reason for limiting the distance d to a numerical value as described above is that the recording paper can be guided very stably within the range, that is, can be guided into the stacker without protruding outside the stacker. The guide member 702 can be turned down as shown in FIG.

2.2 Paper Feed Unit Lock Mechanism and Handle Lever (1) Lock Mechanism FIGS. 18 and 19 show the paper feed unit 300, respectively.
Are lock mechanisms 1420 and 1430 provided on the upper side and the lower side. 1422 and 1432 are shafts 1421 and 1431 respectively
Is a lock lever having pawls 1422A and 1432A that are rotatable around and engage with a locking member provided on the recording system unit 100 side.

1423 and 1433 are springs for rotating the lock levers 1422 and 1432 in the engaging direction, respectively. 1424 and 1434 are between axis 1421 and pawl 1422A and axis 1
These pins are provided between the 431 and the claw 1432A, and these pins are connected to the handle lever 1400 via wires 1425 and 1435, respectively. That is, the handle lever 1400
In response to the operation, wires 1425 and 1435, respectively,
When pulled down and upward, the lock levers 1422 and 1432 rotate to rotate the paper feed unit 300 and the recording unit 1
The locked state with 00 is released.

(2) Handle lever FIGS. 20 and 21 show the handle lever 14 respectively.
00 and an example of the structure of its transmission part are shown. Where 1401
Is an operating handle and is a pin 14 that can be connected to the transmission shaft 1412.
02. 1403 is a member having a mounting portion 1403A to the handle lever mounting hole 308C and a flange portion 1403B, 1404 is a seal member provided on the flange portion 1403B, 1405 is a member 1403
The sealing member 1404 to the hole
A spring 1406 for making close contact with the peripheral edge of the 308C is a retaining ring for preventing these partial pins from falling off from the 1402. That is, when the handle lever 1400 is attached, the seal member 1404 ensures the dustproof property in the vicinity of the attachment hole 308C.

The transmission shaft 1412 is supported by a bearing member 1414, and is rotatable in response to operation of the handle lever 1400. 1415 is the transmission shaft
A wire connection member secured to 1412, having pins 1416 and 1417 that connect to wires 1425 and 1435, respectively.

2.3 Controller Unit FIG. 22 shows a configuration example of the controller unit 200. In this example, the top plate 260 of the controller unit is used.
The guide portion 264 is formed by raising the peripheral portion of the opening 262 for ventilation and wiring so that ink does not flow into the controller unit 200 even if ink is leaked from the recording unit 100. . Also, a hole 266 is provided for removing the leaked and stored ink, and a tube is inserted into the hole 266.
Connect 826. The tube 826 is exposed to the outside from the side plate 270 and connected to the tube 820 so that the ink flowing out to the top plate 260 is guided to the drain tank 800. Thereby, the inside of the controller unit 200 is protected against ink leakage from the recording system unit 100.

Although the tube 826 is connected to the tube 820 in this example, all the ink collected by the cap 140 is guided to the top plate 260, and the ink is guided from the hole 266 to the drain tank 800 through the tube. If so, the configuration of the tube system can be made extremely simple.

2.4 Recovery system (1) Cap opening / closing mechanism FIGS. 23 and 24 show a closed state and an open state of the cap 140 with respect to the cap cover 150. Where 141
A and 141B are rails for guiding the vertical movement of the cap 140, and 142A is a holding member that holds the cap 140 rotatably about a vertical axis and that can slide along the rail 141A. 143B is a member for connecting and separating with a sliding member provided on the rail 141B. Reference numeral 825 denotes a waste ink reservoir provided below the cap 140, to which a tube 820 is connected.

According to such a configuration, a sufficient work area is secured at the time of maintenance work of the cap 140 and the like, and such work becomes extremely easy. Further, according to this example, since the cap 140 is rotatable about the vertical axis, it is possible to prevent the nozzles of the head from being contaminated by the color mixture of ink in the cap portion.

Further, in the figure, 145 is a cap back surface, and this back surface 145 can be engaged with the cam surface 342B of the pinch roller side plate 342 described above, and when the units 100 and 300 are connected while the pinch roller 330 is opened. First, the lower paper feeding mechanism is closed as the cap 140 moves downward.

(2) Cap cover FIGS. 25 and 26 show the cap cover 15 respectively.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of 0 and an explanatory view showing an engagement relationship with a cap 140. Spring 1 on cap cover 150
The habit of always moving to the cap side is given by 51. Also,
152 is a roller which can be engaged with the portion 149 on the front surface of the cap 140.

The roller 152 and the portion 149 are disengaged when the cap 140 is located at a position facing the cap cover 150, and the spring 150 moves the cover 150 toward the cap 140 to cover the cap 140. Become. Thus, the cap 140 can be protected from drying, dust, and the like.

When the cap 140 moves, the roller 152 rides on the portion 149, and the cover 150 retreats against the spring force.
The cover 150 does not hinder the movement of the cap 140.

(3) Capping of the head unit In order to obtain an appropriate and reliable cap engagement state at the cap position of the head unit 110, in this example, the cap unit 26
As shown in the figure, a recess 146 is provided on the front of the cap,
As shown in FIGS. 23 and 27, a convex portion 136 that can be fitted into the concave portion 146 is provided on the head unit 110 side. In addition, since the head assembly 130 is given a habit of moving to the cap side as described later, when the cap 140 faces the head unit 110 by the processing described later, the protrusion 136 is formed.
Fits into the concave portion 146, the cap 140 is prevented from moving at this position, and a state where the cap 140 is accurately and reliably positioned with respect to the head unit 110 can be obtained, and an appropriate recovery process can be performed. Becomes

2.5 Recording Head Assembly FIG. 27 shows an example of the configuration of the recording head assembly 130. As shown in the drawing, the assembly 130 includes a protrusion 132 engageable with the reference surface 306B, a protrusion 134 engageable with the front surface of the platen 392, and a protrusion 136 engageable with a recess of the cap 140.
Is provided. Further, 138 is a recording paper P by the fan 390F.
Is a fan for backing up the adsorption of the platen 392 to the platen 392.

The head assembly 130 is mounted on a movable base shown in FIG.

2.6 Supporting Structure of Recording Head Assembly 130 in Recording System Unit FIG. 28 shows an exploded state of the supporting structure of the recording head assembly 130 in the recording system unit 100. 160 is a fixed base as an inkjet recording means mounting portion of the present invention for mounting the recording system unit 110 which is an inkjet recording means, and 170 is movable on the fixed base 160 on the fixed base 160. It is a movable table provided. The recording head assembly 130 is fixed on the movable base 170.

A drive mechanism 180 including a motor (pulse motor) for driving the movable base 170 is fixed to the lower surface of the fixed base 160. Drive mechanism 180
A screw is fixed to the tip of the motor shaft via a universal joint, and a guide mechanism 181 that converts motor rotation into linear motion is coupled to the screw. This guide mechanism 181
Protrudes upward from an opening 161 formed substantially at the center of the fixed base 160, and a part thereof is attached to the lower side of the movable base 170. Therefore, the movable table 170 is moved by the drive mechanism 180 via the guide mechanism 181.

The movable base 170 moves back and forth in a direction orthogonal to the recording surface (when set) in the paper feeding unit 300.
The drive mechanism 180 is positioned and fixed to the fixed base 160, and the guide mechanism 181 is attached to the movable base 170.

On the upper surface of the fixing base 160, the guide rails 162 and 163 are fixed before and after the opening 161. The direction of this rail coincides with the moving direction of the movable base 170. On the other hand, movable table 1
On the lower surface of 70, guide rollers 171 and 172 whose axes are perpendicular to the front side and the rear side are mounted. Front guide roller
171 is located inside the front guide rail 162, and the rear guide roller 172 is located inside the rear guide rail 163.Therefore, the movable base 170 is regulated by these guide rails and guide rollers, and moves on a predetermined road. I do.

On the upper surface of the fixing base 160, an upper portion of a first receiving roller 164 fixed to the lower surface side projects through an opening 165. The axis of the roller 164 coincides with the moving direction of the movable base 170. On the other hand, when the movable platform advances (when the robot advances to the recordable position)
In, the second receiving roller 173 is fixed on the lower surface of the movable base 170 so as to face the first receiving roller 164. The axis of the roller 173 is orthogonal to the axis of the first receiving roller 164. Further, the width of the front guide rail 162 is approximately equal to the diameter of the front roller 171 at the front thereof. The width of the rear guide rail 163 is adjusted at the rear by the rear roller 172.
Is approximately equal to the diameter of the rear roller 172
Larger than the diameter of. Therefore, when moving the movable table forward,
Since the front roller 171 is restrained and fixed by the front of the front guide rail 162 and the rear roller 172 is located at the front of the rear guide rail 163, the movable base 170 is
It becomes possible to swing about the 171 in the horizontal plane. At this time, since the second receiving roller 173 on the movable base is placed on the first receiving roller 164 on the fixed base, the swinging is more smoothly performed by these. In addition, the swinging makes it possible to extremely easily and smoothly perform the positioning operation of the positioning front surface portion of the recording head assembly 130 fixed to the movable base 170 with respect to the paper feed unit side reference surface of the assembly 130.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 29, a lock mechanism 183 for fixing the movable base 170 to the fixed base 160 when the movable base retreats is fixed to the lower surface side of the fixed base 160. The lock mechanism 183 has a solenoid 184 and a lock lever 185 driven by the solenoid and rotated in a vertical plane. The lock lever 185 forms a groove 185A on the upper end of the rotation end.
The lock lever 185 projects to the upper surface side of the fixed base 160 via an opening 166 formed in the fixed base 160. An engagement pin 174 is fixed to the lower surface side of the movable base 170. This engaging pin 174 is a movable base.
The lock lever 185 is positioned so as to reach just above the pivoting tip when retreating 170. Therefore, when the movable base 170 is retracted, the engagement pin on the movable base 170 side is engaged in the groove 185A at the rotation tip of the lock lever 185 by operating the solenoid 184. As a result, the movable base 170 (and thus the recording head assembly 130) is securely fixed and supported by the fixed base 160 (for example, the recording head assembly 130 is surely fixed to the recording head unit when the apparatus is transported). In the connection state between the paper feeding unit and the paper feeding unit, when the movable table is advanced, the projection 132 for positioning on the front surface of the recording head assembly 130 as shown in FIG.
It surely contacts the reference plane 306B of 0. Further, in this state, the platen 392 is pressed by another spring 134 for positioning on the front surface of the recording head assembly 130 by spring force, whereby the recording surface of the recording paper P regulated by the platen 392 is moved to the nozzle of the assembly 130 by the nozzle. Is reliably positioned with respect to.

[Effects] As described above, according to the present invention, the recording medium can be reliably positioned at an appropriate position on the conveyance path in the recording medium storage section of the conveyance system, and the drive means rotates the second conveyance roller. The driving force is transmitted to the first transport roller and the second transport roller so that the speed is higher than the rotation speed of the first transport roller, and the transport speed of the second transport roller is equal to the transport speed of the first transport roller. Second to be equal
Since the rotation of the conveying roller is regulated, it is possible to suppress the increase in the elongation of the recording medium caused by the adhesion of the ink in the recording area as much as possible, and to properly maintain the distance between the inkjet recording head and the recording medium to form the recorded image. It is possible to provide an inkjet recording device that does not deteriorate in quality.

Further, when an inkjet recording unit capable of increasing the amount of ink applied to the recording medium on the downstream side from the upstream side in the recording medium conveyance direction is provided, particularly for the recording medium conveyed in the image forming area, Although the expansion of the recording medium continues to increase due to the increase, the driving means of the present invention regulates the rotation of the second conveying roller to convey the recording medium mainly by the first conveying roller, so that the elongation of the recording medium is suppressed as much as possible. Therefore, a good color recorded image can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIGS. 1 and 2A and 2B are perspective views showing an example of a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the paper feed unit with the unit opened, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the paper feed unit with the unit open, and FIGS. 5 (A) to (C) are internal views of the controller unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a paper feeding unit, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a paper deck unit, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a mechanism and a lower roller opening / closing mechanism, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a recording surface forming unit including a platen, FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an upper feed roller and its transmission mechanism, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration around a pinch roller, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration around a paper feeding unit cover, and FIGS. 14 (A) and (B) are diagrams showing an example of a configuration of a flap opening / closing control mechanism. FIGS. 15 (A), (B) and (C) show a state in which the outlet is closed, a state in which the flap is rotated to a predetermined position, and a state in which the flap is locked and the outlet is opened, respectively. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the paper feed unit viewed from below for explaining the mounting of the stacker. FIG. 17 is a view showing a vertical cross section when the stacker mounted below the paper feed unit is used. And FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a lock mechanism provided on the upper side and the lower side of the paper feeding unit, respectively. FIGS. 20 and 21 are diagrams respectively showing an example of a configuration of a handle lever and a transmission unit thereof, and FIG. Example of controller unit configuration FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are views showing a closed state and an open state of the cap with respect to the cap cover, FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are perspective views showing an example of the configuration of the cap cover, and FIG. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a recording head assembly, FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an exploded state of a support structure of the recording head assembly in a recording system unit, and FIG. 29 is an example of a connection state of a fixed base and a movable base. It is a figure. 100: Recording unit, 200: Controller unit, 300: Paper feed unit (conveyance unit), 400:
Flap, 500 ... Display panel, 600 ... Viewing window, 700 ... Stacker, 800 ... Drain tank, 900 ...
... Pocket, 1000 ... First optical fiber connector, 1100 ...
… Second optical fiber connector, 1200… Power input connector, 1300… Power output connector, 1400… Handle lever, 1500… Power switch, 110B, 110C, 110M, 110Y…
Recording head unit, 120B, 120C, 120M, 120Y …… Cartridge tank, 130… Recording head assembly, 140…
Cap, 150: Cap cover, 310: Paper deck, 320: Lower feed roller, 330: Lower pinch roller, 340: Lower roller opening / closing mechanism, 350: Upper feed roller, 360: Upper pinch roller , 370: Upper roller opening / closing mechanism, 380: Paper guide, 390: Recording surface forming unit,
210 …… power supply, 220B, 220C, 220M, 220Y …… Vop monitor terminal, 230 …… Vop monitor switch, 240 …… card rack, 250 …… overload lamp.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP 61-201558 (JP, A) JP 60-244738 (JP, A) JP 50-11602 (JP, A) JP 59- 217548 (JP, A) JP-A-58-162365 (JP, A)

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming area in which an ink ejection port of an ink jet recording means and a recording medium face each other with a space therebetween, and the image forming area is arranged on an upstream side in a recording medium conveying direction, and the recording medium is used as the image. First to transport to forming area
An upstream side conveying means for sandwiching and conveying the recording medium using a conveying roller, and a recording medium recorded by the inkjet recording means, which is arranged on the downstream side in the recording medium conveying direction with respect to the image forming area, of the image forming area. A downstream side conveying means for sandwiching and conveying the recording medium using a second conveying roller for conveying to the outside, and the recording medium arranged to be stretched between the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller. On the other hand, in an inkjet image forming apparatus provided with an inkjet recording device mounting portion for holding the inkjet recording device in a separated position, the rotational speed of the second transport roller is faster than the rotational speed of the first transport roller. So that the driving force is transmitted to the first transport roller and the second transport roller, and the transport speed of the second transport roller is adjusted to Note that the driving device includes a drive unit that regulates the rotation of the second transport roller so as to be equal to the transport speed of the first transport roller, and the first transport roller and the second transport roller are provided in the image forming area.
An inkjet image forming apparatus for performing inkjet recording by holding the recording medium, which is conveyed while being given a predetermined tension by being conveyed with a conveying roller, in a state of being separated from the inkjet recording unit. 2. The ink jet recording means is capable of increasing the amount of ink applied to the recording medium conveyed upstream in the recording medium conveyance direction from the upstream side with respect to the recording medium conveyed in the image forming area. The inkjet image forming apparatus according to claim 1.