JP5990288B2 - Inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus.

  An ink jet recording apparatus is known as a kind of recording apparatus. Inkjet recording apparatuses are widely used in printers, copiers, multifunction machines, and the like. An ink jet recording apparatus records an image on a recording medium such as paper by ejecting ink droplets from nozzles of a recording head.

  The ink jet recording apparatus cannot eject ink droplets when a foreign substance such as paper dust adheres to the nozzle. As a result, an image defect occurs. For this reason, various techniques for suppressing the adhesion of foreign matter to the nozzle have been proposed.

  For example, an ink jet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a casing provided on the upstream side of the recording head in the conveyance direction of the recording medium, and an air supply unit provided in the casing. With such a configuration, air is supplied from the air supply unit to the recording medium conveyed into the housing, and foreign matter is removed from the recording medium. As a result, the recording medium from which the foreign matter has been removed is conveyed below the recording head. Therefore, the adhesion of foreign matter to the nozzle is suppressed.

JP 2011-183746 A

  However, the ink jet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a dedicated air supply unit and a space where the air supply unit is disposed (internal space of the housing) in order to remove foreign matters such as paper dust. Need. For this reason, there exists a problem of causing the enlargement of an apparatus. There is also a problem that the configuration becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus that can suppress adhesion of foreign matters to nozzles with a simple configuration.

  The ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention records an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink droplets. The ink jet recording apparatus includes a guide member, a transport unit, a recording head, a space forming member, a suction unit, and a voltage application unit. The guide member guides the recording medium in a predetermined transport direction. The transport unit transports the recording medium in the transport direction. The recording head ejects the ink droplets toward the recording medium being transported by the transport unit. The space forming member is disposed on the upstream side of the recording head with respect to the transport direction, and forms a foreign matter collection space between the space forming member and the guide member. The suction part sucks air from the foreign substance collection space through the guide member. The voltage application unit applies a voltage to the space forming member during non-recording. The suction unit performs a suction operation according to the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit.

  According to the present invention, adhesion of foreign matter to the nozzle can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the conveyance belt which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the conveyance board which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a top view which shows the groove | channel and through-hole of a conveyance board which concern on embodiment of this invention. (B) It is sectional drawing of the groove | channel and through-hole along the AA line shown to Fig.4 (a). It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the vicinity of the plate-shaped member which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode when a paper approachs into the narrow space which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode when a paper leaves | separates from the narrow space which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cleaning mechanism of the plate-shaped member which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cleaning operation | movement of the plate-shaped member which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cleaning mechanism of the plate-shaped member which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in the figures, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated. In order to facilitate understanding, the drawings schematically show each component as a main component. The materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not particularly limited.

[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 ejects ink droplets and records an image on paper P (an example of a recording medium).

  The ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes an apparatus casing 100, a sheet feeding unit 2 disposed below the inside of the apparatus casing 100, a recording unit 3 disposed above the sheet feeding unit 2, and one of the recording units 3. A sheet conveying unit 4 disposed on the side (right side in FIG. 1) and a sheet discharging unit 5 disposed on the other side (left side in FIG. 1) of the recording unit 3 are provided. Further, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a control unit 6. The control unit 6 controls the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 1.

  The paper feed unit 2 feeds the paper P to the paper transport unit 4. The paper feed unit 2 includes a paper feed cassette 21 detachably attached to the apparatus housing 100, a paper feed roller 22, and a guide plate 23. The paper feed roller 22 is disposed above one end side (right end in FIG. 1) of the paper feed cassette 21. The guide plate 23 is disposed between the paper feed roller 22 and the paper transport unit 4.

  The paper feed cassette 21 can store a plurality of sheets of paper P. The paper feed roller 22 (pickup roller) takes out the paper P one by one from the paper feed cassette 21 and feeds it toward the guide plate 23. The guide plate 23 guides the paper P taken out by the paper feed roller 22 to the paper transport unit 4.

  The paper transport unit 4 transports the paper P to the recording unit 3. The paper transport unit 4 includes a substantially C-shaped paper transport path 41, a first transport roller pair 42 provided on the entrance side of the paper transport path 41, and a second transport roller pair provided in the middle of the paper transport path 41. 43 and a registration roller pair 44 provided on the exit side of the sheet conveyance path 41.

  The paper transport path 41 is constituted by a guide plate. The first transport roller pair 42 sends out the paper P fed from the paper feed unit 2 into the paper transport path 41. The second transport roller pair 43 feeds the paper P sent by the first transport roller pair 42 toward the registration roller pair 44 with the paper P sandwiched therebetween.

  The registration roller pair 44 performs skew correction of the paper P sent out by the second transport roller pair 43. In addition, the registration roller pair 44 temporarily stops the paper P and synchronizes the recording timing of the image onto the paper P with the conveyance timing of the paper P to the recording unit 3. The data is sent to the recording unit 3 in accordance with the recording timing. More specifically, the sheet P comes into contact with the registration roller pair 44 and stops. The skew correction of the paper P is performed by this contact. Thereafter, the registration roller pair 44 sends the paper P to the recording unit 3 in accordance with the image recording timing.

  The recording unit 3 records an image on the paper P while conveying the paper P. The recording unit 3 includes a conveyance unit 31, a conveyance plate 32 (an example of a guide member), a conveyance guide 33, four types of recording heads 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d, and a plate-like member 35 (an example of a space forming member). ), A head base 36, and a suction part 37. Since the four types of recording heads 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d have substantially the same configuration, they may be collectively referred to as the recording head 34.

  The transport unit 31 transports the paper P sent from the registration roller pair 44. The conveyance unit 31 includes a conveyance belt 310 (an example of an endless belt). The conveyance unit 31 rotates the conveyance belt 310 in a predetermined rotation direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1). The paper P sent out by the registration roller pair 44 is guided onto the transport belt 310. As the conveyance belt 310 rotates, the paper P is conveyed.

  The conveyance plate 32 supports the conveyance belt 310 and supports the paper P via the conveyance belt 310. The conveyance plate 32 guides the paper P conveyed by the conveyance unit 31 (conveyance belt 310) in the direction indicated by the arrow X (sub-scanning direction). Hereinafter, the direction in which the paper P is transported by the transport unit 31 (the transport belt 310) is referred to as a paper transport direction X.

  The conveyance guide 33 is arranged on the downstream side (left side in FIG. 1) of the conveyance plate 32 with respect to the sheet conveyance direction X. Therefore, the transport plate 32 guides the paper P to the transport guide 33. That is, the transport unit 31 sends the paper P to the transport guide 33. The transport guide 33 guides the paper P sent out by the transport unit 31 to the paper discharge unit 5.

  The recording head 34 is held by the head base 36 and disposed above the conveyance unit 31, and faces the conveyance plate 32 via the conveyance belt 310. The recording head 34 records an image on the paper P while the transport unit 31 (transport belt 310) transports the paper P. Specifically, the recording head 34 ejects ink droplets toward the paper P that passes through a position facing the recording head 34. As a result, images such as characters and figures are recorded on the paper P.

  The plate-like member 35 is fixed to the surface of the head base 36 on the conveying unit 31 side (conveying plate 32 side) and is disposed above the conveying unit 31. That is, the plate-like member 35 faces the conveyance plate 32 via the conveyance belt 310. As a result, a narrow space 351 (an example of a foreign matter recovery space) is formed between the transport plate 32 and the plate-like member 35. In the present embodiment, a narrow space 351 is formed between the conveyance belt 310 and the plate member 35. By fixing the plate member 35 to the head base 36, the plate member 35 can be easily arranged at a predetermined position.

  The plate-like member 35 is arranged on the upstream side (right side in FIG. 1) of the recording head 34 with respect to the paper transport direction X. Specifically, among the recording heads 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d, the plate-like member 35 is disposed on the upstream side in the paper transport direction X with respect to the recording head 34a that is positioned on the most upstream side with respect to the paper transport direction X. Accordingly, the paper P passes below the plate-like member 35, then passes below the recording head 34, and reaches the conveyance guide 33. Hereinafter, the recording head 34a may be referred to as the most upstream recording head 34a.

  The suction unit 37 is disposed below the conveyance plate 32. The suction unit 37 sucks the paper P toward the transport belt 310 via the transport plate 32 and the transport belt 310. As a result, the paper P is attracted to the transport belt 310.

  The paper discharge unit 5 discharges the paper P to the outside of the apparatus housing 100. The paper discharge unit 5 includes a discharge roller pair 51 and a discharge tray 52. The discharge tray 52 is fixed to the apparatus casing 100 so as to protrude outward from the discharge port 11 formed in the apparatus casing 100. The discharge port 11 is formed on one side surface (left side surface in FIG. 1) of the apparatus housing 100.

  The discharge roller pair 51 sends the paper P that has passed through the conveyance guide 33 in the direction of the discharge port 11. The paper P delivered by the discharge roller pair 51 is guided by the discharge tray 52, discharged to the outside of the apparatus housing 100 through the discharge port 11, and placed on the discharge tray 52. When images are continuously recorded on a plurality of sheets P, the plurality of sheets P are stacked on the discharge tray 52.

  In the present embodiment, the plate-like member 35 forms a narrow space 351 upstream of the most upstream recording head 34a in the paper transport direction X. Thereby, wind can be generated in the narrow space 351. And the foreign substance like paper dust can be peeled from the paper P with the wind. That is, there is a possibility that foreign matters such as paper dust are attached to the paper P sent from the registration roller pair 44 to the recording unit 3. On the other hand, by providing the plate-like member 35, the foreign matter is peeled off from the paper P before the paper P reaches the position facing the most upstream recording head 34a, and is conveyed below the recording head 34. The amount of foreign matter can be reduced. As a result, the adhesion of foreign matter to the nozzles of the recording head 34 can be suppressed.

  Foreign matter can occur during the papermaking process. Specifically, cutting powder (paper dust) may be generated on the cut surface of the paper P in the cutting process, and may adhere to the paper P. Further, the surfaces of the paper P may rub against each other during packing, and foreign matters such as paper powder, calcium carbonate, and talc may be peeled off from the paper P and adhere to the paper P.

  Further, paper dust may be generated when the paper P is conveyed in the inkjet recording apparatus 1. For example, when the paper P is rubbed against the paper feed roller 22, fibers and fillers may be peeled off from the paper P, and may become paper dust and adhere to the paper P. Similarly, the paper P may be rubbed against a transport roller such as the first transport roller pair 42 to generate paper dust. Further, there is a possibility that the paper P is rubbed against the guide plate constituting the paper transport unit 4 to generate paper dust. Further, when the paper feed roller 22 picks up the paper P, the paper P to be picked up may rub against the paper P stored in the paper feed cassette 21 to generate paper dust.

  Further, there is a possibility that foreign matters such as paper dust adhering to the paper P may adhere to the transport rollers such as the first transport roller pair 42. In this case, the foreign matter adhering to the transport roller may adhere again to the paper P to be transported later, and as a result, the amount of foreign matter transported by the paper P at a time may increase.

  In addition, various air flows are generated inside the apparatus housing 100 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. For example, air flows from above the conveyor belt 310 into the suction unit 37. Further, as the paper P is transported, an air flow in the paper transport direction X occurs. Accordingly, the sheet P passes under the recording head 34 while being hit by the wind. Further, since the space between the recording head 34 and the conveyance belt 310 is narrow, a relatively strong wind is likely to be generated between the recording head 34 and the conveyance belt 310. Accordingly, the environment below the recording head 34 is an environment in which foreign matter is likely to be blown off from the paper P by the wind. Therefore, there is a possibility that the foreign matter blown off from the paper P adheres to the nozzles of the recording head 34.

  In addition, when a foreign substance such as paper dust is charged, when an electric field is generated between the conveyance plate 32 and the recording head 34, the foreign substance flies by the electric force, and the foreign substance is transferred to the recording head 34. There is a possibility of being attracted. As a result, foreign matter may adhere to the nozzles of the recording head 34. Coulomb force is generally dominant in the adhesion of charged paper dust.

  In the present embodiment, foreign matter such as paper dust is peeled off the paper P by generating wind in the narrow space 351. The air flowing in the narrow space 351 needs to flow at a sufficient wind speed to separate the foreign matter from the paper P. Specifically, when the sheet P enters the narrow space 351, a wind (air flow) with a wind speed of 6.0 m / second or more is generated at the air inlet of the narrow space 351, thereby the sheet P. The foreign matter can be peeled off. Most of the foreign matter peeled from the paper P is sucked into the suction portion 37, but may slightly adhere to the lower surface of the plate-like member 35 (the surface facing the conveyor belt 310).

  Next, the conveyance belt 310 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the conveyor belt 310. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of suction holes 311 are formed in the transport belt 310. The diameter of the suction hole 311 may be 2 mm. Further, the interval between adjacent suction holes 311 may be 8 mm.

  The plurality of suction holes 311 are arranged along the paper transport direction X and the direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the paper transport direction X. Hereinafter, a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction X is referred to as a paper width direction. The plurality of suction holes 311 can be arranged in a staggered manner as shown in FIG.

  Next, the conveyance plate 32 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the transport plate 32. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows a part of the surface 320 of the transport plate 32 on the recording head 34 (see FIG. 1) side. Hereinafter, the surface 320 on the recording head 34 side of the transport plate 32 may be referred to as a support surface 320. The transport plate 32 supports the paper P by the support surface 320 via the transport belt 310 (see FIG. 1).

  The conveyance plate 32 is made of a metal material. Specifically, as the material of the conveying plate 32, an aluminum die cast, a pressed plate, or the like can be used. Alternatively, it is possible to select a resin excellent in slidability with the conveyor belt 310 as the material of the conveyor plate 32. When the transport plate 32 is made of a metal material, the transport plate 32 can be grounded.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of grooves 321 are formed on the support surface 320. Each groove 321 is a long groove opened on the recording head 34 (see FIG. 1) side. Specifically, each groove 321 has an oval shape extending in the paper transport direction X.

  The plurality of grooves 321 are arranged along the paper transport direction X and the paper width direction. The plurality of grooves 321 may be arranged in a staggered manner as shown in FIG. Specifically, the plurality of grooves 321 are arranged at positions that can face the suction holes 311 (see FIG. 2) of the transport belt 310. That is, the plurality of grooves 321 are arranged at a position where they can communicate with the suction hole 311. With this arrangement, the suction holes 311 facing the grooves 321 are replaced one by one as the conveyance belt 310 advances (rotates). Each groove 321 is formed so as to face at least two suction holes 311.

  A plurality of through holes 322 are formed in the transport plate 32. The plurality of through holes 322 are located in the plurality of grooves 321. Specifically, one through hole 322 is located in each groove 321. Each through hole 322 communicates with a corresponding groove 321. The cross section of each through hole 322 may be circular. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of through holes 322 can be arranged in a staggered manner.

  4A is a plan view showing the groove 321 and the through hole 322 of the transport plate 32, and FIG. 4B is the groove 321 and the through hole along the line AA shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the through hole 322 passes through the transport plate 32 in the thickness direction, and one end of the through hole 322 opens into the corresponding groove 321. .

  Next, the configuration of the recording unit 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the recording unit 3. FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the conveying plate 32 and a cross section of a part of the suction portion 37 (box-like member 371) for easy understanding.

  The transport unit 31 faces the recording head 34 in the apparatus housing 100 (see FIG. 1). The conveyance unit 31 includes a drive roller 312, a belt speed detection roller 313, a tension roller 314, and a pair of guide rollers 315 arranged on the inner peripheral side of the conveyance belt 310. The transport unit 31 further includes a suction roller 316 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the transport belt 310.

  The conveyance belt 310 is stretched around a driving roller 312, a belt speed detection roller 313, a tension roller 314, and a pair of guide rollers 315. A transport plate 32 and a suction unit 37 are disposed on the inner peripheral side of the stretched transport belt 310. The conveyance plate 32 faces the recording head 34 and the plate-like member 35 with the conveyance belt 310 interposed therebetween. The suction unit 37 is disposed below the transport plate 32 on the inner peripheral side of the transport belt 310.

  The drive roller 312 is disposed on the downstream side (left side in FIG. 5) of the transport plate 32 with respect to the paper transport direction X. The driving roller 312 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), and rotates the conveyance belt 310 in a predetermined rotation direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 5). As the transport belt 310 rotates, the paper P is transported in the paper transport direction X.

  The belt speed detection roller 313 is disposed on the upstream side (the right side in FIG. 5) with respect to the paper conveyance direction X with respect to the conveyance plate 32, and rotates due to the friction generated between the conveyance speed and the conveyance belt 310. Preferably, the belt speed detection roller 313 is arranged so as to maintain the flatness of the conveyance belt 310 at a location facing the recording head 34 together with the driving roller 312.

  The belt speed detection roller 313 includes a pulse plate (not shown), and the pulse plate rotates integrally with the belt speed detection roller 313. By measuring the rotational speed of the pulse plate, the rotational speed of the conveyor belt 310 is detected.

  The tension roller 314 applies tension to the conveyance belt 310 so that the conveyance belt 310 does not bend. The pair of guide rollers 315 guides the conveyor belt 310 so that the conveyor belt 310 passes below the suction unit 37.

  The suction roller 316 is a driven roller. The suction roller 316 faces the upstream end of the transport plate 32 in the paper transport direction X via the transport belt 310. The suction roller 316 guides the paper P sent from the registration roller pair 44 (see FIG. 1) onto the transport belt 310 and causes the transport belt 310 to suck the paper P.

  The suction unit 37 sucks air through the grooves 321 and the through holes 322 of the transport plate 32 and the suction holes 311 (see FIG. 2) of the transport belt 310. By this suction, wind is generated in the space above the transport plate 32. When the paper P is guided onto the transport belt 310 and covers a part of the transport belt 310, a suction force (negative pressure) acts on the paper P and the paper P is attracted to the transport belt 310. The suction part 37 includes a box-shaped member 371 whose upper surface is open, a suction device 372, and a duct 373.

  The conveyance plate 32 is disposed so as to cover the upper surface opening of the box-shaped member 371. A pressure chamber 374 is defined by the transport plate 32 and the box-shaped member 371. The pressure chamber 374 communicates with the suction hole 311 of the transport belt 310 through the through hole 322 and the groove 321 of the transport plate 32.

  The suction device 372 is fixed to the lower surface of the box-shaped member 371. Specifically, an opening 375 is formed in the bottom wall of the box-shaped member 371, and the suction device 372 is disposed corresponding to the opening 375. A duct 373 is connected to the suction device 372. The suction device 372 is a fan. However, the suction device 372 is not limited to a fan, and may be a vacuum pump, for example.

  When the suction device 372 is driven, a negative pressure (gauge pressure) of 500 Pa is generated in the pressure chamber 374. Due to this negative pressure, a suction force is generated in the groove 321 through the through hole 322, and a suction force is generated in the suction hole 311 of the transport belt 310 through the groove 321. As a result, air is sucked into the pressure chamber 374 through the suction hole 311 of the transport belt 310, the groove 321 of the transport plate 32, and the through hole 322 of the transport plate 32. The air sucked into the pressure chamber 374 is exhausted through the suction device 372 and the duct 373. Further, when the paper P is guided onto the conveyance belt 310 and blocks some of the plurality of suction holes 311, a suction force (negative pressure) acts on the paper P from the suction holes 311 closed by the paper P. Then, the paper P is adsorbed to the transport belt 310.

  Each of the four types of recording heads 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d can eject ink droplets of different colors. Specifically, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink droplets can be ejected from the recording heads 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d, respectively.

  Further, the recording head 34 is held by the head base 36 and can be supported at such a height that a predetermined interval (1 mm) is formed between the recording head 34 and the conveying belt 310. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 may include a mechanism for moving the head base 36 up and down according to the thickness of the paper P (recording medium) conveyed by the conveying belt 310. With such a configuration, it is possible to support the recording head 34 at such a height that a predetermined distance (1 mm) is formed between the recording head 34 and the paper P.

  The four types of recording heads 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d are arranged in parallel from the upstream side to the downstream side in the paper transport direction X (leftward in FIG. 5). The recording head 34 includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown) arranged in the paper width direction (in FIG. 5, the direction orthogonal to the paper surface). Ink droplets are ejected from a plurality of nozzles, and images such as characters and figures are recorded on the paper P.

  The recording head 34 is called a line head. That is, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is a line head type ink jet recording apparatus. In the present embodiment, the length of the recording head 34 in the paper width direction is equal to or greater than the maximum width of the recording medium that can be guided by the transport plate 32 (that is, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 can record).

  The plate member 35 is disposed between the most upstream recording head 34 a and the suction roller 316. The length of the plate-like member 35 in the paper transport direction X is 60 mm. At least the lower surface of the plate-like member 35 is made of a conductor. Stainless steel or the like can be used as the conductor.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the plate-shaped member 35 forms a narrow space 351 upstream of the most upstream recording head 34 a in the paper transport direction X, and winds the narrow space 351. generate. Due to the wind, foreign matters such as paper dust can be peeled off from the paper P.

  In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the air inlet of the narrow space 351 can be set small by adjusting the height of the plate member 35 from the conveyor belt 310. As a result, a wind having a sufficient wind speed is generated in the narrow space 351 to separate the foreign matter from the paper P. The separated foreign matter is sucked into the pressure chamber 374 and discharged from the duct 373 via the suction device 372.

  A first hole 361 is formed in the head base 36. The first hole 361 is located on the upstream side (the right side in FIG. 5) of the plate-like member 35 with respect to the paper transport direction X. A second hole 362 is formed in the head base 36. The second hole 362 is located on the downstream side (left side in FIG. 5) of the plate-like member 35 with respect to the paper transport direction X. In other words, the first hole 361 and the second hole 362 are provided so as to sandwich the plate-like member 35 in the paper transport direction X.

  Each of the first hole 361 and the second hole 362 is a long hole extending in the paper width direction. When the pressure chamber 374 becomes negative pressure, air flows into the narrow space 351 through the first hole 361 and the second hole 362. In this embodiment, the case where the first hole 361 and the second hole 362 extending in the paper width direction are formed in the head base 36 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The hole formed in the head base 36 may have a shape other than the long hole. For example, a plurality of substantially cylindrical holes may be formed along the paper width direction.

  Next, the distance TD between the plate-like member 35 and the paper P (recording medium) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration in the vicinity of the plate-like member 35.

  In the present embodiment, the distance TD between the plate-like member 35 and the paper P is 1.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. The distance TD is 2 mm, for example. By setting the distance TD in this way and generating a negative pressure (gauge pressure) of 500 Pa in the pressure chamber 374, the air inlet (specifically, the plate-like member 35, the paper P, In the meantime, a wind having a wind speed of 6.0 m / sec or more can be generated.

  Next, the operation of the recording unit 3 when recording an image on the paper P will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state when the paper P enters the narrow space 351. Specifically, FIG. 7 shows a state in which the foreign matter m is peeled from the front end portion (left end portion in FIG. 7) of the paper P when the paper P enters the narrow space 351. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state when the paper P is separated from the narrow space 351. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows a state where the foreign matter m is peeled from the rear end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 8) of the paper P when the paper P leaves the narrow space 351.

  When an image is recorded on the paper P, the driving roller 312 is driven to rotate and the suction device 372 is driven. As a result, the conveyor belt 310 rotates and a negative pressure is generated in the pressure chamber 374. Due to this negative pressure, a suction force is generated in each groove 321 through each through hole 322. A suction force is generated in each suction hole 311 of the rotating conveyor belt 310 via each groove 321. Specifically, a suction force is generated in each suction hole 311 (each suction hole 311 positioned on the transport plate 32) located at a location supported by the transport plate 32 in the rotating transport belt 310. As a result, air is sucked into the pressure chamber 374 through the transport plate 32 and the transport belt 310. In addition, air flows into the narrow space 351 from the first hole 361 and the second hole 362.

  The paper P sent to the recording unit 3 by the registration roller pair 44 is guided onto the transport belt 310 by the suction roller 316. At this time, the paper P is preferably guided to the transport belt 310 so that the center of the paper P in the paper width direction coincides with the center of the transport belt 310 in the paper width direction. The paper P covers a part of the transport belt 310. In other words, a part of the plurality of suction holes 311 is covered. As a result, a suction force (negative pressure) acts on the paper P, and the paper P is attracted to the transport belt 310. Then, the paper P is transported in the paper transport direction X as the transport belt 310 rotates.

  The sheet P passes below the plate-like member 35 by the conveyance belt 310 and then passes below the recording head 34. When the paper P enters the lower part of the plate-like member 35, that is, into the narrow space 351, the front end portion of the paper P is exposed to the wind indicated by the arrow D1, as shown in FIG. The wind indicated by the arrow D1 is a flow of air that flows from the first hole 361 toward the narrow space 351, and blows from the upstream side to the downstream side in the paper transport direction X (to the left in FIG. 7). The foreign matter m adhering to the front end portion of the paper P is peeled off from the paper P by this wind. Most of the separated foreign matter m is guided from the suction hole 311 located below the plate-like member 35 to the groove 321 located below the plate-like member 35, and the pressure chamber 374 via the corresponding through-hole 322. Guided in. Then, it passes through the pressure chamber 374, passes through the suction device 372 and the duct 373, and is discharged to the outside. Further, although slightly, a part of the separated foreign matter m adheres to the lower surface of the plate-like member 35. As for the adhesion force of the foreign matter m to the plate-like member 35, the Coulomb force is dominant. More specifically, the foreign matter m adheres to the plate-like member 35 by a mirror image force.

  When the paper P leaves the narrow space 351, the rear end of the paper P is exposed to the wind indicated by the arrow D2, as shown in FIG. The wind indicated by the arrow D2 is a flow of air that flows from the second hole 362 toward the narrow space 351, and blows from the downstream side to the upstream side in the paper transport direction X (to the right in FIG. 8). The foreign matter m adhering to the rear end portion of the paper P is peeled off from the paper P by this wind. Most of the separated foreign matter m is guided from the suction hole 311 located below the plate-like member 35 to the groove 321 located below the plate-like member 35, and the pressure chamber 374 via the corresponding through-hole 322. Guided in. Then, it passes through the pressure chamber 374, passes through the suction device 372 and the duct 373, and is discharged to the outside. Further, although slightly, a part of the separated foreign matter m adheres to the lower surface of the plate-like member 35.

  The sheet P passes below the plate-like member 35 and then passes below the recording head 34. Specifically, each portion of the paper P is continuously conveyed to positions facing the four types of recording heads 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d. During this time, ink droplets of each color are ejected toward the paper P from the four types of recording heads 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d. As a result, an image is recorded on the paper P.

  Next, a cleaning mechanism for the plate-like member 35 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing a cleaning mechanism for the plate-like member 35. The cleaning mechanism for the plate-like member 35 includes a control unit 6, a voltage application unit 7, and a suction unit 37. The inkjet recording apparatus 1 described with reference to FIG. 1 further includes a voltage application unit 7.

  The cleaning mechanism for the plate member 35 peels the foreign matter m from the plate member 35. Hereinafter, the operation of the cleaning mechanism for the plate-like member 35 is referred to as a cleaning operation for the plate-like member 35.

  The cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 is executed in order to suppress the adhesion of the foreign matter m to the nozzle due to the foreign matter m attaching to the plate-like member 35. That is, normally, the paper P is transported while being attracted to the transport belt 310, so there is no possibility that the paper P contacts the lower surface of the plate-like member 35. However, for example, the curled paper P may not be attracted to the conveyance belt 310 at the curled portion. For this reason, when the curled paper P is conveyed, the paper P may come into contact with the lower surface of the plate-like member 35. At this time, if the foreign matter m adheres to the lower surface of the plate-like member 35, the foreign matter m may be scraped off from the plate-like member 35. The foreign matter m scraped off is carried to the nozzles of the recording head 34 along the air flow in the paper transport direction X, and may adhere to the nozzles. Alternatively, there is a possibility that the foreign matter m that has been scraped off adheres to the paper P again, is conveyed to the lower side of the recording head 34, and adheres to the nozzle. Furthermore, as the amount of the foreign matter m adhering to the plate-like member 35 increases, the adhesion force of the foreign matter m to the plate-like member 35 is weakened. As a result, the foreign matter m may be peeled off from the plate-like member 35. is there. If the foreign matter m is peeled off from the plate-like member 35 at the time of recording an image on the paper P, the foreign matter m may be carried to the nozzles of the recording head 34 along the air flow in the paper transport direction X. In addition, the foreign matter m that has been peeled off adheres to the sheet P passing under the plate-like member 35 or adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating conveyor belt 310 and is conveyed to the lower part of the recording head 34. There is a risk of being. Therefore, the foreign matter m may adhere to the nozzle due to the foreign matter m adhering to the plate-like member 35. In order to solve this problem, a cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 is performed. The cleaning operation of the plate member 35 includes a voltage application operation to the plate member 35 by the voltage application unit 7 and a suction operation by the suction unit 37. Hereinafter, the voltage application operation to the plate-like member 35 by the voltage application unit 7 may be referred to as a voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7.

  The voltage application unit 7 applies a voltage to the plate member 35. In the present embodiment, the voltage application unit 7 applies a positive polarity DC voltage to the plate member 35. The control unit 6 controls the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7. Specifically, the control unit 6 controls the start timing of the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7. The control unit 6 controls the end timing of the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7. That is, the control unit 6 controls the voltage application time by the voltage application unit 7. Hereinafter, the voltage applied by the voltage application unit 7 to the plate-like member 35 is referred to as an applied voltage of the voltage application unit 7.

  When the voltage application unit 7 applies a voltage to the plate member 35, the adhesion force of the foreign matter m attached to the plate member 35 can be weakened. That is, the Coulomb force (mirror force) of the foreign matter m adhering to the plate member 35 can be weakened. Specifically, when the voltage application unit 7 applies a DC voltage to the plate member 35, the charge amount of the foreign matter m charged to a polarity opposite to the polarity of the DC voltage decreases. Accordingly, it is possible to weaken the adhesion force of the foreign matter m charged to a polarity opposite to the polarity of the voltage applied by the voltage application unit 7. In the present embodiment, a positive polarity DC voltage is applied to the plate member 35. Accordingly, it is possible to weaken the adhesion force of the foreign matter m charged to a negative polarity. The foreign matter m having a reduced charge amount is easily peeled off from the plate member 35.

  The suction unit 37 performs a suction operation according to the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7. That is, the suction device 372 is driven according to the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7. The suction operation by the suction unit 37 is controlled by the control unit 6. When the suction device 372 is driven, wind is generated in the narrow space 351 as described above. Due to this wind, the foreign matter m having a reduced charge amount and weakened adhesion is peeled off from the plate-like member 35. In the present embodiment, the foreign matter m charged to the negative polarity and attached to the plate member 35 is peeled off from the plate member 35. The separated foreign matter m is sucked toward the pressure chamber 374. Then, it passes through the pressure chamber 374, passes through the suction device 372 and the duct 373, and is discharged to the outside. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the adhesion of the foreign matter m to the nozzle due to the foreign matter m attaching to the plate-like member 35 can be suppressed.

  The suction unit 37 preferably starts the suction operation simultaneously with the start of the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7. Thereby, the foreign material m can be more reliably peeled from the plate-like member 35. More preferably, the suction unit 37 starts the suction operation before the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7 is started. Thereby, the foreign matter m can be more reliably peeled from the plate-like member 35. That is, depending on the voltage application time by the voltage application unit 7, the polarity of the foreign matter m charged in the opposite polarity to the polarity of the voltage applied by the voltage application unit 7 has the same polarity as the voltage applied by the voltage application unit 7. The adhesion force (Coulomb force) of the foreign matter m may be increased. On the other hand, since the suction operation of the suction unit 37 is started at least when the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7 is started, the foreign matter m is peeled off from the plate member 35 before the adhesion force of the foreign matter m is increased. It becomes possible to make it.

  The cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 is executed at the time of non-recording. That is, the cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 is executed during the period when the image recording on the paper P is not executed. As described above, when the foreign matter m is peeled off from the plate-like member 35 during recording of an image on the paper P, the foreign matter m may be attached to the nozzle due to the peeled-off foreign matter m adhering to the paper P. is there. On the other hand, the cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 is executed at the time of non-recording, so that the foreign matter m peeled off from the plate-like member 35 can be prevented from adhering to the nozzle.

  The voltage value of the applied voltage of the voltage application unit 7 is set in advance according to the material constituting the plate-like member 35. Further, the voltage value of the applied voltage of the voltage applying unit 7 may be set in consideration of the environment (temperature, humidity) around the plate-like member 35. Further, the voltage value of the applied voltage of the voltage applying unit 7 may be set in consideration of the material of the foreign matter m. Further, when the cleaning operation of the plate member 35 is periodically performed, the voltage value of the applied voltage of the voltage application unit 7 is set in consideration of the amount of the foreign matter m adhering to the plate member 35. May be. The amount of foreign matter m adhering to the plate-like member 35 depends on the conveyance speed of the paper P by the paper conveyance unit 4 (see FIG. 1), the conveyance speed of the paper P by the conveyance unit 31, and between the plate-like member 35 and the paper P. The distance varies depending on the distance TD (see FIG. 6). The voltage value of the applied voltage of the voltage application part 7 is + 5V, for example.

  The voltage application time by the voltage application unit 7 is preset according to the material constituting the plate-like member 35. The voltage application time by the voltage application unit 7 may be set in consideration of the environment (temperature, humidity) around the plate-like member 35. Further, the voltage application time by the voltage application unit 7 may be set in consideration of the material of the foreign matter m. When the cleaning operation of the plate member 35 is periodically performed, the voltage application time by the voltage application unit 7 is set in consideration of the amount of foreign matter m adhering to the plate member 35. Also good. Further, as described above, depending on the voltage application time by the voltage application unit 7, the charging polarity of the foreign matter m may change, and the adhesion force (Coulomb force) may increase again. Therefore, it is desirable to set the voltage application time by the voltage application unit 7 so that the charging polarity of the foreign matter m does not change. The voltage application time by the voltage application unit 7 is, for example, 5 seconds.

  In addition, it is preferable that the conveyance belt 310 rotates according to the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7. Thereby, it can suppress that the foreign material m concentrates and adheres to a part of surface of the conveyance belt 310. FIG. The rotation of the conveyor belt 310 is controlled by the control unit 6. In the present embodiment, the conveyance belt 310 rotates while the suction unit 37 performs the suction operation. The conveyor belt 310 may start rotating before the suction unit 37 starts the suction operation, or may start rotating simultaneously with the start of the suction operation by the suction unit 37.

  Moreover, it is preferable to perform the cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 periodically. Accordingly, it is possible to make it difficult for the foreign matter m to be peeled off from the plate-like member 35 at the time of recording an image on the paper P and the peeled foreign matter m to adhere to the nozzle. Specifically, the cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 may be executed every time an image is recorded on a predetermined number of sheets P (a predetermined number of recording media). For example, the cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 may be executed every time the number of recording sheets P reaches 1000. The execution interval of the cleaning operation of the plate member 35 may be arbitrarily set by the user.

  In the present embodiment, the cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 is executed according to the maintenance time of the recording head 34. Maintenance of the recording head 34 is performed at a preset time. For example, maintenance of the recording head 34 is performed when the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is powered on. Further, every time an image is recorded on a predetermined number of sheets P (a predetermined number of recording media), maintenance of the recording head 34 is performed. When maintenance of the recording head 34 is performed, image recording on the paper P is not executed.

  At the time of maintenance of the recording head 34, for example, a purge / wipe process is executed as a process of maintaining the recording head 34. The purge / wipe process is a process of executing a wipe operation following the purge operation. The purge operation is an operation in which ink is supplied to the recording head 34 and ink (purge ink) is forcibly pushed out (purged) from a nozzle (ink ejection port) of the recording head 34. The wiping operation is an operation of cleaning the nozzle surface 341 by wiping (wiping or wiping) the nozzle surface 341 (surface on which the nozzle is formed) of the recording head 34 with a cleaning blade (not shown).

  During maintenance of the recording head 34, the transport unit 31, the transport plate 32, and the suction unit 37 are lowered to move away from the recording head 34 (head base 36). Therefore, the control unit 6 causes the plate-like member 35 to be cleaned before the process of maintaining the recording head 34 is performed. Alternatively, the control unit 6 performs the cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 after the process of maintaining the recording head 34 is executed and the transport unit 31, the transport plate 32, and the suction unit 37 are returned to their original positions. Let it run.

  Subsequently, a cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35. As shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the conveyance belt 310 starts rotating before the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7 is started. Further, the suction unit 37 starts a suction operation. Thereby, as described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the wind indicated by the arrow D1 and the wind indicated by the arrow D2 are generated in the narrow space 351. Further, the rotation of the conveyance belt 310 generates a wind blowing in the narrow gap space 351 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction X (leftward in FIG. 10). Thereafter, a DC voltage is applied from the voltage application unit 7 to the plate-like member 35. As a result, the foreign matter m having a reduced charge amount and weakened adhesion is peeled off from the plate-like member 35 by the wind blown into the narrow space 351 (air flow flowing in the narrow space 351). The peeled foreign matter m is guided from the suction hole 311 located below the plate-like member 35 to the groove 321 located below the plate-like member 35 and is introduced into the pressure chamber 374 via the corresponding through-hole 322. It is burned. Then, it passes through the pressure chamber 374, passes through the suction device 372 and the duct 373, and is discharged to the outside.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, adhesion of the foreign matter m to the nozzles of the recording head 34 can be suppressed with a simple configuration. Further, the voltage application unit 7 applies a voltage to the plate-like member 35, and the suction unit 37 executes a suction operation, whereby the foreign matter m can be peeled off from the plate-like member 35. Thereby, the adhesion of the foreign matter m to the nozzle due to the foreign matter m adhering to the plate-like member 35 can be suppressed.

  Further, at least the lower surface of the plate-like member 35 is made of a conductor. According to such a configuration, it is difficult for the charged paper powder to adhere to the plate-like member 35. Therefore, the adhesion of the foreign matter m to the nozzle due to the foreign matter m adhering to the plate-like member 35 can be further suppressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the first hole 361 and the second hole 362 are formed in the head base 36, air can smoothly flow into the narrow space 351.

  In the present embodiment, the cleaning operation for the plate-like member 35 is periodically performed. Accordingly, it is possible to make it difficult for the foreign matter m to be peeled off from the plate-like member 35 at the time of recording an image on the paper P and the peeled foreign matter m to adhere to the nozzle.

  In the present embodiment, a mode in which a positive polarity DC voltage is applied to the plate member 35 has been described. However, a negative polarity DC voltage is applied from the voltage application unit 7 to the plate member 35. Form may be sufficient. In this case, the adhesion force of the foreign matter m charged to a positive polarity is weakened. Therefore, the foreign matter m charged to the positive polarity is peeled off from the plate member 35.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described. However, items different from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same items as the first embodiment will be omitted. The inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the voltage application unit 7.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a cleaning mechanism for the plate-like member 35 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in the second embodiment, the voltage application unit 7 applies an alternating voltage to the plate member 35. By applying an AC voltage to the plate-like member 35, the charge amount of the foreign matter m adhering to the plate-like member 35 is reduced, and the adhesion force of the foreign matter m to the plate-like member 35 is the same as in the first embodiment. Can be weakened.

  Further, in the first embodiment, only the foreign matter m charged to a polarity opposite to the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the plate member 35 is peeled from the plate member 35. On the other hand, according to the second embodiment, both the adhesion force of the foreign matter m charged to a positive polarity and the adhesion force of the foreign matter m charged to a negative polarity can be weakened. Therefore, the foreign matter m charged to a positive polarity and the foreign matter m charged to a negative polarity can be separated from the plate-like member 35.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress a change in the charging polarity of the foreign matter m due to the voltage application by the voltage application unit 7. Therefore, the voltage application time by the voltage application unit 7 can be arbitrarily set. Similarly, the start timing of the suction operation by the suction part 37 can be arbitrarily set.

  The voltage value of the applied voltage (AC voltage) of the voltage application unit 7 is preset according to the material constituting the plate-like member 35. Further, the voltage value of the applied voltage (AC voltage) of the voltage application unit 7 may be set in consideration of the environment (temperature, humidity) around the plate-like member 35. Further, the voltage value of the applied voltage (AC voltage) of the voltage application unit 7 may be set in consideration of the material of the foreign matter m. Further, when the cleaning operation of the plate member 35 is periodically performed, the voltage value of the applied voltage (AC voltage) of the voltage application unit 7 further considers the amount of foreign matter m adhering to the plate member 35. May be set. The voltage value pp of the applied voltage (AC voltage) of the voltage application unit 7 is, for example, a positive voltage maximum voltage value of +5 kV and a negative polarity maximum voltage value of −5 kV.

  In the present embodiment, the form in which the AC voltage is applied to the plate member 35 has been described. However, a form in which the AC voltage is superimposed on the DC voltage may be applied to the plate member 35. In this case, the voltage value of the DC voltage is, for example, + 5V. Further, the maximum value of the positive polarity of the AC component may be +5 kV, and the maximum value of the negative polarity may be −5 kV.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

  For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor belt 310 is rotated while the suction unit 37 is performing the suction operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the suction unit 37 starts the suction operation before the voltage application unit 7 starts the voltage application operation, the voltage application unit 7 starts the voltage application operation after the suction unit 37 starts the suction operation. During this time, the rotation of the conveyor belt 310 may start.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning operation of the plate member 35 is executed according to the maintenance time of the recording head 34, but the present invention is not limited to this. The time for executing the cleaning operation of the plate-like member 35 may be different from the maintenance time of the recording head 34 as long as it is not recording.

  In the embodiment according to the present invention, the suction unit 37 starts the suction operation simultaneously with the start of the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7 or before the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7 is started. The suction unit 37 started the suction operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The suction unit 37 may start the suction operation after the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7 is started or after the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit 7 is executed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the form in which the transport belt 310 transports the paper P has been described, but the form in which the paper P is transported by other methods may be used. For example, the paper P may be transported by a plurality of transport rollers. In this case, it is preferable to suck air from between adjacent conveyance rollers.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the form in which the narrow space 351 is formed by the plate-like member 35 has been described. However, the form in which the narrow space 351 is formed by other methods may be used. For example, the head base 36 may be formed so as to protrude toward the conveyance belt 310 on the upstream side of the recording head 34 with respect to the paper conveyance direction X to form the narrow space 351. In this case, the structure can be simplified.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the form in which the first hole 361 is formed in the head base 36 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The length of the head base 36 in the paper transport direction X may be shortened, and the gap between the upstream end of the head base 36 in the paper transport direction X and the suction roller 316 may be increased.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the form in which the plate-like member 35 is fixed to the head base 36 has been described. However, the plate-like member 35 is fixed to another fixing member provided in the apparatus housing 100. It may be a form. For example, the form which fixes the both ends of the sheet width direction of the plate-shaped member 35 to a fixing member may be sufficient. According to such a configuration, there is no member that obstructs the flow of air flowing into the narrow space 351 from the downstream side and the upstream side of the plate-like member 35 with respect to the paper transport direction X. The wind speed can be further increased. Therefore, paper dust can be more effectively removed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the form using the transport plate 32 in which the plurality of grooves 321 are formed has been described. However, the form using the transport plate in which the plurality of grooves 321 are not formed may be used. In this case, in order to more reliably attract the paper P to the transport belt 310, it is preferable to use a transport plate having a larger number of through holes 322 than the transport plate 32 in which the plurality of grooves 321 are formed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the transport plate 32 and the box-shaped member 371 are described as separate members. However, the transport plate 32 and the box-shaped member 371 may be integrally formed. In this case, the negative pressure leak from the pressure chamber 374, that is, the inflow of air into the pressure chamber 374 from the gap between the transport plate 32 and the box-shaped member 371 can be prevented.

  In the embodiments of the present invention, the case where the present invention is applied to an inkjet recording apparatus capable of recording an image in full color has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image in monochrome. .

  Note that the items described in the embodiment of the present invention can be combined as appropriate.

  The present invention can be used for an electronic apparatus capable of recording an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink droplets.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording device 3 Recording part 7 Voltage application part 31 Conveyance part 310 Conveyance belt 32 Conveyance board 34, 34a-34d Recording head 35 Plate-shaped member 351 Narrow space 37 Suction part P Paper

Claims (6)

An inkjet recording apparatus that ejects ink droplets and records an image on a recording medium,
A guide member for guiding the recording medium in a predetermined transport direction;
A transport unit that transports the recording medium in the transport direction;
A recording head that ejects the ink droplets toward the recording medium being transported by the transport unit;
A space forming member that is disposed on the upstream side of the recording head with respect to the transport direction and forms a foreign matter recovery space with the guide member;
A suction part for sucking air from the foreign substance recovery space through the guide member;
A voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the space forming member during non-recording, and
The inkjet recording apparatus, wherein the suction unit performs a suction operation according to the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit. The transport unit includes an endless belt that transports the recording medium;
The guide member supports the recording medium via the endless belt,
The suction part sucks air through the endless belt and the guide member,
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endless belt rotates in accordance with the voltage application operation by the voltage application unit.   The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the voltage applied by the voltage application unit to the space forming member is a direct current voltage.   The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the voltage applied by the voltage application unit to the space forming member is an AC voltage.   The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the voltage applied by the voltage application unit to the space forming member is a voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage.   The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the voltage application unit applies the voltage to the space forming member according to a maintenance time of the recording head.

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