JP5288034B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  As an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine of these, for example, a recording head composed of a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid droplets of a recording liquid is used, and a recording medium (hereinafter also referred to as “paper”). However, the material is not limited, and a medium, a recording medium, a transfer material, a recording paper, etc. are also used synonymously.) While transporting, droplets adhere to the paper to form an image (recording, printing, marking). Copy and print are also used synonymously.)

  The “image forming apparatus” means an apparatus that forms an image by landing droplets on a medium such as paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, etc. “Image formation” not only means that an image having a meaning such as a character or a figure is imparted to the medium but also an image having no meaning such as a pattern is imparted to the medium. Further, the recording liquid is not limited to ink, and any recording liquid can be used as long as it can form an image in the above sense and can be formed into droplets at the time of ejection.

  In such a liquid ejection type image forming apparatus, since a recording liquid containing a color material (hereinafter referred to as “ink”) is formed into droplets to form an image, the dots formed by the droplets are disturbed in a whisker shape. When ink drops of different colors are struck on the paper adjacent to each other, problems such as color bleed may occur where the colors mix with each other and the color boundary becomes unclear. There is a problem that it takes time for the droplets to dry.

Therefore, conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, before or after printing, a heating unit is used to prevent bleeding and promote ink drying after printing.
JP-A-8-323977

  Further, as described in Patent Document 2, a pretreatment liquid that reacts with ink to prevent bleeding is applied by an application roller, or as described in Patent Document 3, the pretreatment liquid is applied from a liquid discharge head. For example, it is applied by discharging in a mist form.

JP 2002-137378 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-138502

  However, the provision of the heating device as described in Patent Document 1 described above has a problem that the power consumption of the device increases. In addition, when the pretreatment liquid is applied by an application roller or a liquid discharge head as described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, uneven application occurs, and further, quick drying after reaction with ink on the paper due to the liquid. In particular, there is a problem that jamming or the like is likely to occur because the paper is easily curled or bent.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to reduce coating unevenness in the case of applying a treatment liquid and to improve the quick drying property of the applied treatment liquid.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention provides:
In an image forming apparatus that includes a recording head for discharging droplets and forms an image on a recording medium.
A bubble generating means for applying a liquid on the surface of the recording medium to change the surface of the recording medium into a bubble state;
A film thickness setting means for setting the film thickness of the liquid in the bubble state by passing a predetermined gap;
And a foam liquid application unit that applies the foamed liquid having a film thickness set on the recording medium.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to achieve uniform coating and quick drying.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is typical explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the apparatus with which it uses for description of 1st Embodiment of the apparatus which apply | coats the foamy liquid which concerns on this invention to a to-be-coated member, and its method. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the stirring conveyance member of the apparatus. It is typical explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the same apparatus similarly used for description of 2nd Embodiment. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is an isometric view explanatory drawing used for description of an example of a 2nd opening / closing means. It is an isometric view explanatory drawing used for description of the other example of a 2nd opening / closing means. It is a principal part expansion explanatory drawing used for description of film thickness setting. FIG. 2 is a block explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of a control unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a printing process in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the printing process in the same manner. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the printing process in the same manner. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the printing process in the same manner. It is a flowchart with which it uses for description of a heat retention control process similarly. It is a flowchart with which it uses for description of a heat retention control process similarly. It is a flowchart with which it uses for description of a film thickness setting process similarly.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “foam liquid application apparatus”) and a method for applying foam (hereinafter referred to as “foam liquid”) according to the present invention to a member to be coated. The description will be given with reference. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing the configuration of the apparatus.

  This foam liquid application apparatus includes a container 10 that contains a liquid 1 that can be foamed, and a liquid in a foam state having a required bubble diameter from the liquid 1 sent from the container 10 (hereinafter referred to as “foam liquid”). The foamed liquid generating and transporting means 11 which is a foamed liquid generating means for transporting while generating and the coating for applying the foamed liquid sent from the foamed liquid generating and transporting means 11 to the coated member. In order to apply the necessary amount of foam liquid from the application roller 12 and the foam liquid generation transport means 11 to the application roller 12, the movement of the foam liquid is passed / shielded (opening and closing of the supply path). An opening / closing means 13 and a foam liquid recovery means 14 which is a recovery means for recovering excess foam liquid other than the amount applied to the application roller 12 are provided. In addition, the opening / closing means 13 may be a part of the foam-like liquid generating / conveying means 11.

  The foam-like liquid generating and conveying means 11 generates a foam-like liquid having a bubble diameter considerably larger than the required bubble diameter by supplying the liquid 1 that can be a foam-like liquid from the container 10 from the mesh-like intake port 21. To do. As shown in FIG. 2, the foam-like liquid generation / conveyance means 11 includes one or a plurality of stirring / conveying members 22 having screw-like stirring blades 22 a, and by rotating the stirring / conveying member 22, The liquid is agitated, and a gas is entrained to apply a shearing force to generate a foam liquid having a required fine bubble diameter, while being conveyed toward the coating roller 12 side, and is formed of a mesh member. The bubble diameter is reduced at the application port 23 and the foamed liquid 2 having a required diameter is supplied to the peripheral surface of the application roller 12.

  The application roller 12 is configured to transfer the foamed liquid 2 supplied from the application port 23 of the foamed liquid generating and conveying means 11 to the peripheral surface, and move the foamed liquid 2 by rotation in the direction of the arrow while not shown. The foamy liquid 2 is applied on the application member. Instead of transferring the foam liquid directly to the application roller 12, one or more intermediate transfer rollers are arranged between the application roller 12 and the application port 23, and the liquid foam is applied to the intermediate transfer roller from the application port 23. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the foam liquid is transferred to the application roller 12 via an intermediate transfer roller.

  The opening / closing means 13 is arranged so as to be movable up and down, for example, in the direction of the arrow so as to open and close the application port 23 of the foam liquid generating and conveying means 11 and is raised only when the foam liquid 2 is applied (supplied) to the application roller 12 Then, the coating port 23 is opened.

  The recovery means 14 has a partition member 25 in which a plurality of holes 25a that form the lower surface of the foam liquid generating and transporting means 11 is formed, and is generated and transported by the foam liquid generating and transporting means 11 after the opening and closing means 14 is closed. Then, the excess foam liquid 2 that is not applied to the application roller 12 is dropped from the plurality of holes 25a, whereby the excess foam liquid 2 is recovered.

  By applying the liquid to be applied to the member to be applied in a foam state in this way, the coating thickness of the liquid to be applied can be made uniform, and quick drying can be obtained.

  Further, as in the above-described embodiment, the foamed liquid can be applied very efficiently by simultaneously generating the foamed liquid having the required foam diameter from the liquid that can be in the foamed state and transporting it to the coating means. It can apply | coat to an application | coating member. Further, by providing a recovery means for recovering the remaining foamy liquid that is not used, it is possible to always apply a new and fine foamy liquid.

  Next, a second embodiment of the foam liquid applicator and method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing the configuration of the apparatus.

  The foam liquid application device generates a foam liquid having a foam diameter larger than a required foam diameter from the container 10 that stores the liquid 1 that can be made into a foam state, and the liquid 1 supplied from the container 10. From the first foam-like liquid generation / conveyance means 31 that is the first foam generation means and the foam-like liquid generated by the first foam-like liquid generation / conveyance means 31, a foam-like liquid having a required bubble diameter is further generated. Second foam generating liquid transporting means 32 that is the second foam generating means, and coating means that applies the foam liquid generated by the second foam liquid generating transporting means 32 to the coated member A roller 33, a first opening / closing means 34 for passing / blocking movement of the foam liquid from the first foam liquid generating / conveying means 31 to the second foam liquid generating / conveying means 32, and a second foam Passing / blocking the movement of the foamy liquid from the liquid generating / conveying means 32 to the application roller 33 The excess foam liquid generated by the second opening / closing means 35 and the first foam liquid generating / conveying means 31 is collected, and the liquid is generated by the second foam liquid generating / conveying means 32 and applied to the application roller 33. A recovery means for recovering excess foam liquid that has not been sent and circulating it to the first foam liquid generation means 31 side and a recovery circulation means 36 that also serves as a circulation means are provided.

  The first foam liquid generating / conveying means 31 is supplied with a liquid 1 that can become a foam liquid from a container 10 from a mesh-like intake 41, similarly to the foam liquid generating / conveying means 11 of the first embodiment. A foamy liquid having a larger bubble diameter than the required bubble diameter is produced. In the foam-like liquid generating and conveying means 11, one or a plurality of stirring and conveying members 42 having screw-like stirring blades 42a having the same configuration as the stirring and conveying member 22 described in FIG. 2 are provided. By rotating the member 42, the foam liquid is agitated, and a shearing force is applied while entraining the gas to obtain a foam liquid having a smaller bubble diameter than when supplied, thereby generating a second foam liquid. The liquid is transported toward the transport means 32, and a foam liquid having a finer foam diameter is generated at the supply port 43 formed of a mesh-like member.

  The second foam liquid generating and conveying means 32 generates a foam liquid having a required bubble diameter from the foam liquid sent from the first foam liquid generating and conveying means 31. In the second foamy liquid generating and conveying means 32, one or a plurality of stirring and conveying members 44 having screw-like stirring blades 44a having the same configuration as the stirring and conveying member 22 described in FIG. By rotating the stirring and conveying member 44, the foam liquid is stirred, a shearing force is applied while entraining the gas, and the foam liquid 2 having a required bubble diameter is generated and applied from the application port 45 to the application roller 33. Supply.

  The application roller 33 is moved while the foamy liquid 2 supplied from the application port 45 of the second foamy liquid generating and conveying means 32 is transferred to the peripheral surface and is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow. The foamed liquid 2 is applied on a member to be applied (not shown). Instead of transferring the foam liquid directly to the application roller 33, one or a plurality of intermediate transfer rollers are arranged between the application roller 33 and the application port 45, and the liquid foam is applied to the intermediate transfer roller from the application port 45. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the foam liquid is transferred to the application roller 33 via an intermediate transfer roller.

  The first opening / closing means 34 is disposed so as to be movable up and down, for example, in the direction of the arrow so as to open and close the supply port 43 of the first foamy liquid generation / conveyance means 31, and is generated by the first foamy liquid generation / conveyance means 31. This prevents the foamed liquid and the foamed liquid generated by the second foamed liquid generating and conveying means 32 from being mixed.

  The second opening / closing means 35 is arranged so as to be movable up and down, for example, in the direction of the arrow so as to open and close the application port 45 of the second foam liquid generating and conveying means 32, and applies the foam liquid to the application roller 33 (supply). Only when it rises and opens the coating port 45.

  The first opening / closing means 34 can be configured as a part of the first foamy liquid generation / conveyance means 31 or the second foamy liquid generation / conveyance means 32, and the second opening / closing means 35 is the first opening / closing means 35. It can also be configured as a part of the two foam-like liquid generating and conveying means 32.

  The recovery circulation means 36 has a plurality of holes communicating with a plurality of holes 46 formed on the bottom surface of the first foam generation transport means 31 and a plurality of holes 47 formed on the bottom face of the second foam generation transport means 32. 48 is formed on the top surface, and a single or a plurality of stirring and conveying members 49 having screw-like stirring blades 49a having the same configuration as the stirring and conveying member 22 described in FIG. . The recovery and circulation means 36 recovers the foamed liquid 2 generated by the second foamed liquid generation / conveyance means 32 that has not been supplied to the application roller 33 by receiving it through the holes 47 and 48. Then, the liquid is transferred to the first foamy liquid generating and conveying means 21 side by the agitating and conveying member 49. Further, the foam liquid transferred to the lower side of the first foam liquid generation transport means 31 swells as the foam liquid is sequentially transported, and the first foam is transmitted through the plurality of holes 48 and 46. It is extruded into the liquid-like liquid generating and conveying means 31 and again stirred by the first foam-like liquid generating and conveying means 31.

  Here, if the surface of the recovery / circulation means 36 that contacts the second foamy liquid generation / conveyance means 32 is inclined, the circulation becomes smoother. Further, a mechanism (means) for pushing up the foamy liquid accumulated on the first foamy liquid generation / conveyance means 31 side to the first foamy liquid production / conveyance means 31 side may be provided.

  In this way, a foam liquid having a foam diameter larger than the required foam diameter is generated from the liquid that can be made into a foam state, and further a foam liquid having the required foam diameter is generated, and this foam liquid is applied. By adopting a configuration in which it is applied to the member, it is possible to efficiently generate and apply a liquid in a foam state, achieve uniformity of application, and obtain quick drying properties.

  Next, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus includes a recording head unit 101 that discharges droplets onto a recording medium 100 to form an image, a conveying belt 102 that conveys the sheet 100, a paper feed tray 103 that accommodates the sheet 100, And a foam liquid application apparatus 201 according to the present invention that applies a foam liquid to the paper 100 on the upstream side of the recording head unit 101 in the paper conveyance direction.

  The recording head unit 101 is composed of a line type liquid discharge head having a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging droplets are arranged in a length corresponding to the paper width. Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan The recording heads 101y, 101m, 101c, and 101k are provided with ink droplets of each color of (C) and black (K). Note that the recording head can be mounted on the carriage as a serial type image forming apparatus.

  The conveyor belt 102 is an endless belt, and is configured to circulate between the conveyor roller 121 and the tension roller 122. The paper 100 can be held on the transport belt 102 by, for example, a configuration that performs electrostatic suction, suction by air suction, or other known transport means.

  The paper 100 stored in the paper feed tray 103 is separated and fed one by one by the pick-up roller 131, and is fed onto the transport belt 102 by the transport roller pair 132 through the transport path as shown by the broken line, and is electrostatically attracted. The

  The foam liquid application apparatus 201 generates a foam liquid having a foam diameter larger than a required foam diameter from the container 210 that stores the liquid 200 that can be in a foam state, and the liquid 200 supplied from the container 210. A first foam liquid generating and conveying means 231 that is a foam generating means, and a second foam liquid having a required bubble diameter from the foam liquid generated by the first foam liquid generating and conveying means 231 A second foam liquid generating and conveying means 232 that is a foam generating means, and a first application roller 238 as an intermediate transfer roller to which the foam liquid generated by the second foam liquid generating and conveying means 232 is applied. And a second application roller 233 that applies and applies the foamy liquid from the first application roller 238 and applies the foamed liquid to the paper 100 that is a member to be applied; The second foamy liquid from the means 231 The first opening / closing means 234 for passing / blocking the movement of the foamy liquid to the generating and conveying means 232 and the movement of the foamy liquid from the second foaming liquid generating and conveying means 232 to the first application roller 238 are passed. The second opening / closing means 235 to be shut off and the excess foam liquid generated by the first foam liquid generation / conveyance means 231 are recovered, and the second foam liquid generation / conveyance means 232 generates the second foam liquid. A recovery means for recovering excess foam liquid that has not been sent to one application roller 238 and circulating it to the first foam liquid generation means 231 side and a recovery circulation means 236 that also serves as a circulation means are provided.

  Here, the liquid 200 that can be in a foam state is a modifying material that modifies the surface of the paper 100 by being applied to the surface of the paper 100. For example, the liquid 200 is applied in advance to the paper 100 (not limited to paper made of a material as described above) without unevenness, so that moisture of the ink can quickly permeate the paper 100 and increase the color component. It is a fixing agent that prevents bleeding (feathering, color bleeding, etc.) and back-through by increasing viscosity and further drying, and can increase productivity (number of images output per unit time).

  In terms of composition, the liquid 200 is, for example, a cellulose that promotes moisture permeation with respect to a surfactant (any one of anionic, cationic, nonionic, or a mixture of two or more thereof). Examples thereof include a solution obtained by adding a base such as hydroxypropylcellulose and talc fine powder. Furthermore, fine particles can be contained.

  The container 210 for storing the liquid 200 that can be a foam liquid is provided with a heat retaining means 261 for keeping the liquid 200 that can be a foam liquid at a temperature that is not affected by the surrounding environmental conditions. The liquid 200 accommodated in the container 210 is supplied to the first foamy liquid generating and conveying means 231 by the path 262 and the pump 263 disposed in the path 262.

  The first foam liquid generating and conveying means 231 and the second foam liquid generating and conveying means 232 have the same configuration as the first and second foam liquid generating and conveying means 31 and 32 of the second embodiment described above. Then, the liquid 200 that can be in a foam state is taken from the intake port 241 of the first foamy liquid generating and transporting means 231, and here, the stirring and transporting member (not shown) is rotated, and the required foaming is repeated by repeating the stirring and transporting. A bubble-shaped liquid having a diameter is generated, and the bubble-shaped liquid is supplied to the first application roller 238 from the application port 245 of the second bubble-shaped liquid generating and conveying means 232.

  The second foam liquid generating and conveying means 232 is provided with first heating means 265 for keeping the generated foam liquid at a temperature that is not affected by the surrounding environmental conditions. The first heating means 265 can be turned on at the same time as the power is turned on to start heating, or can be turned on at a predetermined timing so as to minimize power consumption to start heating.

  The first opening / closing means 234 is interposed between the first foam-like liquid generation / conveyance means 231 and the second foam-like liquid generation / conveyance means 232, and the first foam-like liquid generation / conveyance means 231 to the second Is a means for passing / blocking the movement of the foam-like liquid to the foam-like liquid producing / conveying means 23, and the foam-like liquid produced by the first foam-like liquid producing / conveying means 31 and the second foam-like liquid producing / conveying means. The foamed liquid produced by the means 232 is prevented from mixing.

  The second opening / closing means 235 is interposed between the second foam-like liquid generation / conveyance means 232 and the first application roller 238, and bubbles from the second foam-like liquid generation / conveyance means 232 to the application means. Means for passing / blocking the movement of the liquid-like liquid, and by opening / closing the application port 245 of the second foam-like liquid generating / conveying means 232, the liquid-like liquid to be applied (supplied) to the first application roller 238. The amount can be adjusted. Thereby, a foamy liquid can be transferred (transferred) to the application means without waste.

  As the second opening / closing means 235, as shown in FIG. 5, the application port 245 of the second foamy liquid generating and conveying means 232 is opened and closed by moving up and down, as shown in FIG. Examples thereof include a device that opens and closes the application port 245 of the second foamy liquid generating and conveying means 232 by moving in the direction (corresponding to the width direction of the paper).

  In this case, in the configuration of the second opening / closing means 35 shown in FIG. 5, the application region in the circumferential direction of the application roller 238 can be adjusted, and thereby the application region in the conveyance direction for the paper 100 can be controlled. . In the configuration of the second opening / closing means 35 shown in FIG. 6, the application area in the circumferential direction of the application roller 238 can be adjusted by opening and closing, and the application area in the axial direction of the application roller 238 can be adjusted. Accordingly, the application region in the width direction (direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction) with respect to the paper 100 can also be controlled.

  The recovery circulating means 236 is configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment described above, receives the foamy liquid generated by the second foamy liquid generating and conveying means 32, and is a first by a stirring and conveying member (not shown). It transfers to the foamed liquid production | generation conveyance means 21 side.

  The first application roller 238 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow so that the foam liquid supplied from the second foam liquid generation transporting means 232 is applied to the peripheral surface, and the first application roller 238 faces the second application roller 233. The foam liquid is transferred to the second application roller 233. A film thickness setting member 271 that equalizes the film thickness of the foam liquid applied to the first application roller 238 is disposed opposite to the peripheral surface of the first application roller 238, and further the second application roller 233. A first foam liquid removing means 272 for removing the foam liquid remaining on the first application roller 238 after application to the first application roller 238 is disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the film thickness setting member 271 is arranged so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow, and the film thickness can be arbitrarily adjusted by controlling the distance between the first application roller 238 and For example, adjustment can be performed by performing a predetermined operation from the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus. Thereby, the application | coating film thickness of foamy liquid can be set to arbitrary values, and the response | compatibility in an unexpected use condition is attained.

  The second application roller 233 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow so that the foam liquid is applied to the peripheral surface at a position facing the first application roller 238, and the foam liquid with a uniform film thickness is applied to the paper 30. Apply. A second foam liquid removing means 273 for removing the foam liquid remaining on the second application roller 233 after application is disposed opposite to the peripheral surface of the second application roller 233.

  In this way, by providing the foam liquid removing means for removing the foam liquid that has become unnecessary after being applied to the first application roller 238 and the second application roller 233, the next step, outside the printing area of the next means. It is possible to ensure the avoidance of the application of the foam liquid, and to realize the application of the foam liquid with a more stable film thickness.

  In addition, the second application roller 233 has the power on the paper 100 dried on the peripheral surface after application of the foam liquid on the paper 100 while the power consumption is minimized. In order to dry the foamy liquid quickly, a second heating means that can be controlled at a predetermined timing can be provided.

  Further, at least one of the conveyance roller 121 and the driven roller 122 that circulates the conveyance belt 102 can be provided with a second heating unit that heats the paper 100 or the applied foamy liquid via the conveyance belt 102. . The third heating means dries the foam liquid remaining on the film thickness setting means after applying the foam liquid to the paper 100 while minimizing the power consumption, and the bubbles on the paper 100 immediately after the foam liquid is applied. The liquid can be quickly dried, and at the optimal timing, the paper 100 is warmed to quickly dry the droplets after printing.

  Next, an outline of a control unit in this image forming apparatus will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG.

  The control unit includes a CPU 801 that performs system control of the image forming apparatus, a ROM 802 that stores information such as programs executed by the CPU 801, a RAM 803 that is used as a working area, and an operation display unit that allows an operator to perform various settings. 804, various sensors 805 for detecting paper size and jam, various motors 806, I / O 807 for outputting control signals to various sensors 805 and various motors 806, and image reading device (scanner) 808 Various facsimile communication controls, including a read control unit 809 for controlling the print, a print control unit 811 for controlling the plotter unit (printing mechanism unit) 810, and a network control unit 812 for performing I / F control with the telephone line. Communication control unit 813 for performing the control and foam liquid application control unit for controlling the foam liquid application device 201 It is equipped with a 14, and the like.

  Here, the various sensors 805 include temperature / humidity detection means for detecting environmental conditions, and liquid end detection means for detecting whether or not the liquid 200 that can be a foam liquid is in the container 210.

  Next, the printing process in the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, referring to FIG. 9, when an image output request is received, it is determined whether or not the sheet 100 is a predetermined dedicated sheet. If the sheet 100 is a dedicated sheet, the second application roller 233 is rotated. Start, the conveyance roller 121 is driven to rotate, and the conveyance belt 102 is moved around, the paper 100 is fed from the paper feed tray 103 at a predetermined timing, and the paper 100 is conveyed by the conveyance belt 102 to be a recording head unit. 101 is transported to an image forming position by 101, droplets are ejected from the recording head unit 101 to form a desired image on the paper 100, and when a required number of prints are completed, a paper feeding unit such as a pair of transport rollers 132 Is stopped, the second application roller 233 is stopped, the conveyance roller 121 is stopped, and the process is exited. Note that the special paper means a special paper for an ink jet recording apparatus having a coat layer or the like formed on the surface thereof.

  On the other hand, when the paper 100 is not a dedicated paper, the pump 263 is driven to supply the liquid 200 from the container 210 to the first foam liquid generating and conveying means 231 of the foam liquid applying apparatus 201 as shown in FIG. As described above, the stirring and conveying members of the first and second foam liquid generating and conveying means 231 and 232 and the recovery circulating means 236 are driven, the first opening / closing means 234 is opened, and a predetermined bubble diameter is obtained. Initiate production of a foamy liquid.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the setting of the first heating means 265 is on, and when the setting of the first heating means 265 is on, predetermined control is performed on the first heating means 265 to perform the second control. The temperature of the foam liquid generating and conveying means 232 is controlled to a predetermined value.

  Here, by turning on the first heating means for heating the foam liquid in the foam liquid generation means at the same time when the power is turned on, the foam liquid in the foam liquid generation means is surrounded while the image forming apparatus is in use. When it is desired to feed the coating means with a stable quality that is not affected by the environment, it is possible to save the user from turning on the heating means. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the heating means for heating the foam liquid in the foam liquid generating means is turned on at a predetermined timing, there is no waste in power consumption, and bubbles of stable quality that are not affected by the ambient temperature. Liquid can be fed into the application means.

  Next, the second opening / closing means 235 is opened and the first application roller 238, the second application roller 233, and the transport belt 102 are simultaneously opened at a predetermined timing at which the foam liquid can be uniformly applied to the paper 100. Driven to apply the foamy liquid from the second foamy liquid generating and conveying means 232 to the first application roller 238, and set the film thickness of the foamy liquid applied to the first application roller 238 to the film thickness setting member 271. The film thickness is adjusted by the above, and the foam-like liquid whose film thickness is adjusted is applied from the first application roller 238 to the second application roller 233.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the setting of the second heating means (not shown) provided in the second application roller 238 is ON, and when the setting of the second heating means is ON, the second heating means The second application roller 238 is controlled so as to reach a temperature corresponding to a temperature / humidity detection means (not shown).

  Further, it is determined whether or not the setting of the third heating means (not shown) is turned on. When the setting of the third heating means is turned on, the conveyance belt 102 has a temperature / humidity with respect to the third heating means. The temperature is controlled according to the detection means.

  Thus, by controlling the second heating means and the third heating means, the foamed liquid remaining on the second application roller 233 after application to the paper 100 is dried while minimizing power consumption. Further, drying of the foam liquid on the paper 100 immediately after application of the foam liquid can be promoted, and further, the drying of the droplets after printing can be promoted by warming the paper 100. That is, by controlling the second heating means provided in the film thickness setting means at a predetermined timing, the foamy liquid remaining in the film thickness setting means after application of the recording medium while minimizing power consumption. And drying of the foam liquid on the recording medium immediately after application of the foam liquid can be performed quickly. In addition, the third heating means provided in the conveying means for conveying the recording medium is controlled at a predetermined timing, so that power consumption is minimized and the film thickness setting means remains after coating the recording medium. The foamed liquid can be quickly dried and the foamed liquid on the recording medium immediately after the foamed liquid is applied, and the recording medium is warmed, so that the drying of the droplets after printing can be accelerated. it can. Furthermore, by controlling the heating means based on the environmental conditions of the apparatus, that is, temperature and humidity information, it is possible to realize a shortening of the drying time and minimization of power consumption that are more suitable for the surrounding environment.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 11, the application of the foam liquid is started by the second application roller 233 on the paper 100 that is fed at a predetermined timing and is transported by the transport belt 102. At this time, it is determined whether or not it is a paper size area application mode in which the foam liquid is applied using the foam liquid application area as an area corresponding to the paper size. The second opening / closing means 235 is opened and closed so that the foamed liquid is applied to the first application roller 238 for the region.

  If it is not the paper size area application mode, it is determined whether or not it is the print data area application mode in which the foam liquid is applied with the foam liquid application area as an area corresponding to the print data area, and the print data area application mode is determined. In the mode, the second opening / closing means 235 is opened and closed so that the foam liquid is applied to the first application roller 238 only for the area corresponding to the print data area. Thereafter, the first and second opening / closing means 234 and 235 are closed.

  As described above, since the first and second opening / closing means 234 and 235 are operated at a predetermined timing in response to the image output request, the fine foam liquid is not affected by the ambient temperature efficiently without waste. It can be sent to the coating means with stable quality.

  In this way, it is possible to apply the foamy liquid to a region set in advance on the paper 100. In this way, by controlling the area where the foam liquid is applied to the recording medium, it is possible to prevent the foam liquid from being wasted without applying the foam liquid and making it dirty. Further, since the foam liquid is applied to the recording medium only for the area corresponding to the size of the designated recording medium, the operator designates the foam liquid application area according to the paper size. A high-quality image free from bleeding, show-through, density unevenness, and the like can be output without extra operations. Further, by applying the foam liquid only to the area based on the print data, it is possible to apply the foam liquid without waste and to save the fixing agent.

  Then, the paper 100 on which the foamed liquid is applied to a required area is further transported by the transport belt 102, droplets are ejected from the recording head unit 101, a required image is formed, and the paper is discharged.

  The foam liquid application operation is performed until the number of sheets 100 to be printed reaches a predetermined number (the number of finished sheets). When the number of sheets 100 reaches the number of finished sheets, as shown in FIG. The liquid generating / conveying means 231, the second foamy liquid generating / conveying means 232, the first heating means 265, the sheet feeding unit is stopped, and the first opening / closing means 234 and the second opening / closing means 235 are closed.

  Thereafter, the elapse of a predetermined time, that is, the foam liquid removal by the first foam liquid removal means 272 and the second foam liquid removal means 273 is performed on the first application roller 238 and the second application roller 236. After sufficient time has elapsed, the first application roller 238, the second application roller 233, the second heating means, the third heating means, and the conveyor belt 102 are stopped, and the foam liquid application process is performed. finish.

  In this way, by applying the foam liquid to the surface of the paper 100, the uniformity of the application can be achieved, the quick drying property can be improved, and a high-quality image free from bleeding, show-through, density unevenness, etc. can be output. .

  Next, the liquid heat retention control will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 13 and 14.

  First, referring to FIG. 13, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, it is determined whether or not the liquid 200 is contained in the container 210 based on the detection result of the liquid end detecting means (not shown). Is not in the container 210, an error is displayed on the operation display unit 804. Also, when the liquid 200 is in the container 210, the heat retaining means on timing setting is checked to determine whether the heat retaining means on timing setting is always on. When the liquid 200 is always on, the heat retaining means 261 is turned on. Put it in a state. Even if the power switch is turned off, the heat retaining means 261 is not turned off and the on state is maintained.

  On the other hand, if the heat retaining means timing setting is not always on, as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not the heat retaining means timing setting is set when the power is turned on. When the power switch is turned off, the heat retaining means 261 is also turned off. Thus, by turning on the heat retaining means 261 at the same time as turning on the power, the liquid 200 that can become a foamy liquid during use of the image forming apparatus is not affected by the surrounding environment, and the foamed liquid generating means has a stable quality. The user can save the trouble of turning on the heat retaining means.

  Further, if the heat retention means timing setting is not when the power is on, it is determined whether or not the heat retention means timing setting is when the power is off. If the power is off, the heat retention means 261 is kept off and the power switch is turned off. When it is turned off, the heat retaining means 261 is turned on. As described above, the heat retaining means 261 is turned on at the same time as the power is turned off, so that the heat retaining means 261 is turned on particularly when the power is turned off, and the heat retaining means 261 is turned off during use to suppress power consumption as much as possible. It is suitable for use in a cold region, and it is possible to save the user from turning on the heat retaining means 261.

  During power-on, it is periodically determined whether or not the liquid 200 is contained in the container 210 by checking the detection result of the liquid end detection means. When an end is detected, an error display on the operation display unit 804 is displayed. The state is maintained as it is at the time of detection.

  In addition, in this way, select whether to turn on the heat retaining means that keeps the container of the liquid that can become a foamy liquid at the same time when the power is turned on, whether to turn on the heat retaining means at the same time that the power is turned off, or whether the heat retaining means is always on By making it possible, it is possible to save the operator from turning on the heat retaining means in any environment.

  Next, the film thickness setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation display unit 804, after entering the foam liquid film thickness setting mode, the input of the film thickness to be set is prompted, and the operator inputs the film thickness and the first application roller 238 The distance (see FIG. 7) of the film thickness setting member 271 is changed to the input value.

  In addition to this, it is possible to perform a predetermined operation from the operation display unit 804 such as setting of each heating unit, setting of a heat retaining unit, and function on / off. Various parameters such as timing, film thickness, and function on / off setting can be changed arbitrarily by performing a predetermined operation from the operation display unit 804, so that an optimal image can be obtained even under unexpected use conditions. It can be adjusted to output with minimal power consumption.

  In this way, the foam liquid application means generates a foam liquid having a bubble diameter larger than a required bubble diameter from the container that stores the liquid that can be made into a foam state and the liquid supplied from the container. 1 foam generating means, a second foam generating means for further generating a foam liquid having a required bubble diameter from the foam liquid generated by the first foam generating means, and the second foam generating means. By providing application means for applying the foamed liquid to the recording medium, a fine foamy liquid can be efficiently generated and applied to the recording medium.

  In this case, a new and fine foam liquid can always be applied by providing the recovery means for recovering the foam liquid that does not need to be sent to the application means. Furthermore, by using a configuration in which the recovered foam liquid is circulated through the first foam generating means, the foam liquid can be used without waste. In addition, by providing an opening / closing means for passing / blocking the movement of the foamy liquid between the first foam generating means and the second foam generating means, the foamy liquids having different foam diameters are mixed. Can be prevented. Further, by providing a means for passing / blocking the movement of the foam liquid between the second foam generating means and the application means, the foam liquid can be transferred to the application means without waste. . Further, the means for passing / blocking the movement of the foam liquid can change the region through which the foam liquid passes, so that the foam liquid can be applied more efficiently.

  In the above embodiment, the foam liquid application device is described as applying the foam liquid to the paper before image formation. However, the foam liquid application device 201 is disposed downstream of the recording head unit 101. However, it is also possible to apply a foamed liquid onto the paper on which the image has been formed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Paper 101 ... Recording head unit 102 ... Conveyor belt 103 ... Paper feed tray 200 ... Liquid which becomes a foam state 201 ... Foam liquid application apparatus 231 ... 1st foam liquid production | generation conveyance means 232 ... 2nd foam liquid Generation conveying means 233... Second application roller 234... First opening and closing means 235... Second opening and closing means 236... Recovery circulation means 238... First application roller 271 ... film thickness setting member 272. Removing means 273 ... first foamy liquid removing means 261 ... heat retaining means 265 ... first heating means

Claims (11)

In an image forming apparatus that includes a recording head for discharging droplets and forms an image on a recording medium.
A bubble generating means for applying a liquid on the surface of the recording medium to change the surface of the recording medium into a bubble state;
A film thickness setting means for setting the film thickness of the liquid in the bubble state by passing a predetermined gap;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a foam liquid applying unit that applies the foamed liquid having a film thickness set on the recording medium.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid in the bubble state is a liquid that reacts with a recording liquid including a color material discharged from the recording head. The foam generating means includes
A container containing a liquid that can be made into a foam state;
A first bubble generating means for generating a foam liquid having a larger bubble diameter than that applied to the recording medium from the liquid supplied from the container;
A second foam generating means for generating a foam liquid having a foam diameter to be applied to the recording medium from the foam liquid generated by the first foam generating means ,
It said foamed liquid coating unit, the image forming according to the foamed liquid produced by the second bubble generating means to claim 1 or 2, characterized in <br/> that you applied to the recording medium apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a collecting unit that collects the foamy liquid that does not need to be fed to the coating unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the recovered foam liquid is circulated through the first foam generation unit.   The image according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising means for passing / blocking movement of the foam liquid between the first foam generating means and the second foam generating means. Forming equipment.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a unit that passes / blocks the movement of the bubble-like liquid between the second bubble generating unit and the coating unit.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for passing / blocking the movement of the foam liquid is capable of changing a region through which the foam liquid passes.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means for keeping the container warm.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a heating unit configured to heat the foam liquid of the first bubble generation unit and the second bubble generation unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein heating by the heating unit is controlled based on a detection result of an environmental condition where the apparatus is placed.

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