JP6176374B1 - Image forming apparatus and image reading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Compared to a configuration without an absorption mechanism, a landing position shift of a droplet due to slack of continuous paper between the transport mechanism and the transport mechanism or a reading error is suppressed. An image forming apparatus includes a recording head that ejects ink droplets onto a continuous paper, and upstream and downstream of the recording head in the transport direction of the continuous paper. The first tractor mechanism 24, the second tractor mechanism 28, the first tractor mechanism 24, and the recording head 26, or the second tractor mechanism 28, which conveys the continuous paper 2 by inserting the pin 56 into the feed hole 2B. And a recording device 26, and a suction device 32 that absorbs slack of the continuous paper 2 by suction of air. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image reading apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 below discloses a structure in which a back tension is applied to an upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction by an air adsorption surface in the conveyance drum of the sheet machine after fixing the sheet sheet in the conveyance direction downstream side. ing. In this structure, the balance of air adsorption for applying the back tension is increased at the central portion in the paper width direction and reduced at both end portions in the paper width direction, thereby suppressing the occurrence of wrinkling and floating of the sheet.

  In the following Patent Document 2, a basic speed roll is arranged on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper from the printing unit, and the control drive roll arranged on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the printing unit is controlled with the basic speed roll. It controls by the 1st tension | tensile_strength detection roll arrange | positioned between drive rolls. Further, a second tension detecting roll and a driving roll are arranged upstream of the basic speed roll in the transport direction, and the driving roll is controlled by the second tension detecting roll, so that the tension of the continuous paper under the printing unit is controlled. Is stabilizing.

JP 2013-169719 A JP 2013-071323 A

  In the case of a transport mechanism that transports continuous paper by inserting a pin into the feed hole of the continuous paper, the continuous paper may be loosened between the transport mechanism and the transport mechanism due to the design margin of the feed hole and the pin. When the continuous paper becomes slack, the functional unit is indirectly opposed to the continuous paper. For example, the distance between the functional unit and the continuous paper at the lower part of the discharge unit that discharges droplets or the reading unit that reads images. Variation occurs.

  The present invention can provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses a landing position deviation of a droplet due to a slack of continuous paper between a transport mechanism and a transport mechanism or a reading error as compared with a configuration without an absorption mechanism. Is the purpose.

An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is disposed in non-contact with the continuous paper, discharges the liquid droplets onto the continuous paper, upstream of the discharge unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper, and Provided on the downstream side, a pin is inserted into a feed hole provided in the continuous paper, and conveys the continuous paper between the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism, and between the first transport mechanism and the discharge unit. , and any provided only on one of between the second transport mechanism and the discharge section, having an absorption mechanism for absorbing a slack of the continuous paper by suction or blowing of air.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the absorption mechanism is provided only between the discharge unit and the first transport mechanism, and a plurality of the absorption mechanisms are provided. And a suction guide having a surface for sucking the continuous paper, and a suction portion for sucking air through the suction hole.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the absorption mechanism is provided only between the discharge unit and the first transport mechanism, and the absorption mechanism is A guide that guides the continuous paper; and a spraying unit that blows air onto the continuous paper to bring the continuous paper into contact with the guide.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the absorption mechanism includes a plurality of suction holes and a transport belt that transports the continuous paper while sucking the air, and air through the suction holes. A suction portion for sucking in, and the absorption mechanism is provided only between the discharge portion and the second transport mechanism, and the transport belt includes the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism. The conveyance speed is larger than the conveyance speed .

Invention according to claim 5, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the absorption mechanism comprises a conveyor belt for conveying while adsorbing the continuous paper provided with a plurality of suction holes, the air through the suction holes A suction portion that sucks in the fluid, and the absorption mechanism is provided only between the discharge portion and the first transport mechanism, and the transport belt includes the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism. The conveyance speed is smaller than the conveyance speed .

The invention of claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, at a position facing each other across the continuous paper and the discharge portion, in contact with the continuous paper And having a plate-like guide portion for guiding.

An image reading apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a non-contact arrangement with continuous paper, a reading means for reading an image formed on the continuous paper, and an upstream side of the reading means in the conveying direction of the continuous paper and provided on the downstream side, between the third conveying mechanism and the fourth transport mechanism for transporting, between the reading means and the third conveying mechanism, and said fourth transport mechanism and the reading means the continuous sheet And an absorption mechanism that absorbs the slack of the continuous paper by suction or blowing of air.

An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is disposed in non-contact with the continuous paper, is disposed in non-contact with the continuous paper, and is disposed in non-contact with the continuous paper. Reading means for reading an image formed by liquid droplets, and a continuous hole by inserting a pin into a feed hole provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the discharge unit in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper and provided in the continuous paper A first transport mechanism and a second transport mechanism for transporting paper; and a third transport mechanism and a fourth transport mechanism which are provided upstream and downstream of the reading means in the transport direction of the continuous paper and transport the continuous paper. When the between the discharge portion and the first transport mechanism, and any provided on one between said second transport mechanism and the discharge portion to absorb the slack of the continuous paper by suction or blowing of air A first absorption mechanism and the third transport mechanism; Between the serial reading means, and either provided on only one between the fourth transport mechanism and the reading means, and a second absorbing mechanism for absorbing the slack of the continuous paper by suction or blowing of air, Have.
An image reading apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image reading apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the absorption mechanism is provided only between the reading means and the third transport mechanism, The absorption mechanism includes a suction guide having a plurality of suction holes and a surface for sucking the continuous paper, and a suction portion for sucking air through the suction holes.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared to the configuration without the absorption mechanism, the landing position deviation of the droplet due to the slack of the continuous paper between the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism is suppressed. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, as compared with the configuration in which the continuous paper is pressed by the spring, the slack of the continuous paper is absorbed and the speed fluctuation of the continuous paper is stabilized. In addition, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the landing position deviation of the droplets on the continuous paper is suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the absorption mechanism is provided between the discharge unit and the second transport mechanism. .

According to the invention described in claim 3, as compared with the configuration in which the continuous paper is pressed by the spring, the slack of the continuous paper is absorbed, and the speed fluctuation of the continuous paper is stabilized. According to the invention described in claim 3, the landing position deviation of the droplets on the continuous paper is suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the absorption mechanism is provided between the discharge unit and the second transport mechanism. .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the configuration in which the continuous paper is pressed by the spring, the slack of the continuous paper is absorbed and the speed fluctuation of the continuous paper is stabilized. According to the invention described in claim 4, the landing position deviation of the droplets on the continuous paper is compared with the conveyance speed of the conveyance belt equal to the conveyance speed of the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism. Is suppressed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the configuration in which the continuous paper is pressed by the spring, the slack of the continuous paper is absorbed, and the speed fluctuation of the continuous paper is stabilized. According to the invention described in claim 5, the landing position deviation of the droplets on the continuous paper is compared with the conveyance speed of the conveyance belt that is the same as the conveyance speed of the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism. Is suppressed.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the landing position deviation of the droplet on the continuous paper is suppressed as compared with the configuration without the guide portion.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, reading errors due to the slack of the continuous paper between the third transport mechanism and the fourth transport mechanism are suppressed as compared with the configuration having no absorption mechanism.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, compared to the configuration without the first absorption mechanism, the landing position deviation of the droplet due to the slack of the continuous paper between the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism is suppressed. In addition, reading errors due to the slack of the continuous paper between the third transport mechanism and the fourth transport mechanism are suppressed as compared with the configuration without the second absorption mechanism.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the configuration in which the continuous paper is pressed by the spring, the slack of the continuous paper is absorbed and the speed fluctuation of the continuous paper is stabilized.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the absorber used for the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. (A) And (B) is a figure explaining the relationship between the distance of the last pin of a 1st tractor mechanism and the head pin of a 2nd tractor mechanism, and the pitch of the feed hole of a continuous paper. It is sectional drawing which shows the absorber used for the image forming apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the absorber used for the image forming apparatus of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the absorber used for the image forming apparatus of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the spring guide part used for the image forming apparatus of a comparative example. It is sectional drawing which shows the absorber used for the image reader of 5th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the direction indicated by the arrow UP is the upward direction in the vertical direction of the image forming apparatus. In addition, in this specification, when there is a numerical range represented using “to”, the numerical range means a range including numerical values described before and after “to” as a lower limit value and an upper limit value.

[First Embodiment]
(Overall configuration of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 is an ink jet recording apparatus that forms an image on the continuous paper 2 by ejecting ink droplets as an example of droplets. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a supply unit 12 that supplies the continuous paper 2, an image forming unit 14 that forms an image by ejecting ink droplets onto the continuous paper 2, and conveyance of the continuous paper 2. The drying unit 16 that dries the ink droplets of the continuous paper 2 on the downstream side of the image forming unit 14 in the direction (arrow A direction), and the continuous paper 2 is collected on the downstream side of the drying unit 16 in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2. And a recovery unit 18. Hereinafter, the transport direction of the continuous paper 2 may be simply referred to as “transport direction”.

  The supply unit 12 includes a paper feed storage unit 22 that stores the continuous paper 2. Each page is continuously formed on the continuous paper 2 in the transport direction. The continuous paper 2 is formed with perforations 2A that divide each page, and can be cut at the perforations 2A. The continuous paper 2 is accommodated in the paper feed accommodating portion 22 in a state where the continuous sheet 2 is folded (Z-folded) with the perforations 2A as folds so that the peaks and valleys are alternated. A plurality of feed holes 2B are provided on both sides in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the continuous paper 2 (see FIG. 3B). In FIG. 3B, since both sides in the width direction of the continuous paper 2 are symmetric, only one side in the width direction of the CL (center line) of the continuous paper 2 is illustrated, and the width of the CL (center line) of the continuous paper 2 is shown. The other side of the direction is not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 14 includes a first tractor mechanism 24 as an example of a first transport mechanism that transports the continuous paper 2 in the direction of arrow A, and a first tractor mechanism in the transport direction of the continuous paper 2. And an inkjet recording head (hereinafter abbreviated as “recording head”) 26 as an example of an ejection unit that ejects ink droplets onto the continuous paper 2 to form an image on the downstream side of 24. In addition, the image forming unit 14 includes a second tractor mechanism 28 as an example of a second transport mechanism that transports the continuous paper 2 on the downstream side of the recording head 26 in the transport direction of the continuous paper 2. The recording head 26 is disposed above the continuous paper 2 in the vertical direction of the image forming apparatus 10. At a position facing the recording head 26 across the continuous paper 2, a plate-shaped guide portion 30 that contacts the lower surface (back surface) of the continuous paper 2 and guides the continuous paper 2 is provided.

  The first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28 are provided with pins, which will be described later, in a plurality of feed holes 2B (see FIG. 3B) provided on both sides of the continuous paper 2 in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). 56 is inserted to convey the continuous paper 2 (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the continuous paper 2 is pulled out from the paper supply accommodation unit 22 by the continuous paper 2 being conveyed by the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28. The first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28 will be described later.

  The image forming unit 14 includes a suction device 32 as an example of an absorption mechanism that absorbs the slack of the continuous paper 2 by suction of air between the first tractor mechanism 24 and the recording head 26. Furthermore, a plurality of guide rolls 34 for guiding the continuous paper 2 are provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the first tractor mechanism 24 and on the downstream side in the transport direction of the second tractor mechanism 28.

  In this embodiment, the recording head 26 includes recording heads (not shown) corresponding to the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). For example, the recording heads for each color are arranged in the order described from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2, and each recording head for each color receives ink of the corresponding color from a plurality of nozzles. By discharging, an image of a corresponding color is formed on the continuous paper 2. In the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to distinguish each color of YMCK, they are collectively referred to as “recording head 26”. In the recording head 26, a plurality of inkjet heads having nozzles (not shown) are arranged in a staggered manner in the width direction of the continuous paper 2.

  The drying unit 16 includes a drying device 36 that dries the ink droplets ejected onto the continuous paper 2. The drying device 36 is configured to heat the ink droplets ejected to the continuous paper 2 with a heater or to irradiate the ink droplet ejection surface with laser light. As a result, the ink droplets of the image formed on the continuous paper 2 are dried to fix the image on the continuous paper 2. The drying unit 16 includes a plurality of guide rolls 38 that change the transport direction of the continuous paper 2 and guide the ink droplet ejection surface of the continuous paper 2 to a position facing the drying device 36. The guide rolls 34 and 38 are disposed so as to contact the surface of the continuous paper 2 opposite to the ink droplet ejection surface.

  The collection unit 18 includes a paper discharge storage unit 40 that stores the continuous paper 2. In addition, the collection unit 18 includes a plurality of guide rolls 42 that change the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2 from the drying unit 16 and guide the continuous paper 2 to the paper discharge storage unit 40. In the paper discharge storage unit 40, the continuous paper 2 is stored in a state of being folded (Z-folded) with the perforations 2A being folds so that the peaks and valleys are alternated.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 described above, the continuous paper 2 drawn out from the paper supply accommodation unit 22 is conveyed in the direction of arrow A by the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28. In the image forming unit 14, ink droplets are ejected onto the continuous paper 2 by the recording head 26 to form an image. The continuous paper 2 on which an image is formed by the recording head 26 is conveyed to a position facing the drying device 36, and the ink droplets of the image formed on the continuous paper 2 are dried by the drying device 36. Furthermore, the continuous paper 2 on which the image has been fixed by drying the ink droplets is stored in a folded state in the paper discharge storage unit 40, thereby completing the image formation on the continuous paper 2.

(Configuration of the image forming unit 14)
FIG. 2 shows the image forming unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 14 includes a first tractor mechanism 24 and a second tractor mechanism 28 on the upstream side and the downstream side of the recording head 26 in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2. Furthermore, the image forming unit 14 includes the suction device 32 between the first tractor mechanism 24 and the recording head 26 as described above.

  The first tractor mechanism 24 includes a pair of rolls 50 and 52 arranged at intervals on the downstream side and the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2 and an endless conveyance spanned between the pair of rolls 50 and 52. Belt 54. One of the pair of rolls 50 and 52 is a drive roll and the other is a driven roll. The pair of rolls 50 and 52 are arranged so that the axial direction thereof intersects the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2. On both sides in the width direction of the surface (outer surface) of the conveyor belt 54, a plurality of pins 56 are attached at intervals along the belt circumferential direction. The pitch of the plurality of pins 56 is set together with the pitch P of the plurality of feed holes 2B of the continuous paper 2 (see FIG. 3B). With the plurality of pins 56 inserted into the plurality of feed holes 2B of the continuous paper 2, the portions on the continuous paper 2 side of the conveyor belt 54 move in the direction of arrow B while replacing the pins 56 and the feed holes 2B. . Thereby, the continuous paper 2 is conveyed in the arrow A direction. The pair of rolls 50 and 52 and the conveyor belt 54 are disposed on the back side (back side of the discharge surface) of the continuous paper 2. The first tractor mechanism 24 covers the upper side of the continuous paper 2 on the side opposite to the conveying belt 54 (the upper side of the continuous paper 2) with the continuous paper 2 interposed therebetween, and the feed hole 2B of the continuous paper 2 comes out of the pin 56. A guide portion 58 is provided so as not to exist.

  Similar to the first tractor mechanism 24, the second tractor mechanism 28 includes a pair of rolls 50 and 52, a conveyance belt 54 including a plurality of pins 56, and a guide portion 58. Although not shown, the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28 are driven by the same motor, and are set so that the moving speeds of the respective conveyor belts 54 are the same.

  The guide portion 30 is curved so as to be convex toward the recording head 26 side (upward and downward direction of the image forming apparatus 10). The positions of the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28 are arranged at positions on the extended line of the continuous paper 2 that is curved in contact with the guide portion 30. The continuous paper 2 comes into contact with the guide portion 30 and is pressed by the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28, whereby tension is generated in the continuous paper 2 below the recording head 26. .

  The suction device 32 includes a suction guide 62 in which a plurality of suction holes 62A are formed at positions where the continuous paper 2 comes into contact, and a fan 64 as an example of a suction portion that sucks air through the suction holes 62A. The suction guide 62 has a box shape, and a plurality of suction holes 62A are formed on the upper surface portion. In other words, the suction guide 62 has a top surface on which the plurality of suction holes 62 </ b> A are formed as a surface for sucking the continuous paper 2. The fan 64 is disposed inside the suction guide 62. An opening 62 </ b> B is provided in the lower surface portion of the suction guide 62. The suction device 32 sucks air through the plurality of suction holes 62 </ b> A of the suction guide 62 by the rotation of the fan 64, so that the continuous paper 2 is adsorbed (attached) to the surface (upper surface) of the suction guide 62. A conveyance load is applied to the paper 2. In the present embodiment, the lower side of the opening 62B of the suction guide 62 is opened, but a duct for allowing air to escape may be provided in the opening 62B. A fan may be provided in the duct.

  FIG. 3A schematically shows the positional relationship between the plurality of pins 56 of the conveyor belt 54 of the first tractor mechanism 24 and the plurality of pins 56 of the conveyor belt 54 of the second tractor mechanism 28. . As shown in FIG. 3A, the final pin 56A inserted into the feed hole 2B of the continuous paper 2 of the first tractor mechanism 24 and the feed hole 2B of the continuous paper 2 of the second tractor mechanism 28 are inserted. A distance D (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a pitch between tractors) with the leading pin 56B is set slightly smaller than an integral multiple of the pitch P of the plurality of feed holes 2B of the continuous paper 2 shown in FIG. For example, when the pitch between the tractors is larger than an integral multiple of the pitch of the feed holes of the continuous paper 2, the feed holes are deformed by the insertion of the pins, causing the fluctuation of the distance TD between the continuous paper 2 and the recording head and the printing speed. It becomes. For this reason, in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the pitch between tractors (distance D) is set to be smaller than an integral multiple of the pitch P of the feed holes 2B of the continuous paper 2. However, if the pitch between the tractors is set to be smaller than an integral multiple of the pitch P of the feed holes 2B of the continuous paper 2, the regular pitch of the feed holes is continuous between the first tractor mechanism and the second tractor mechanism. Paper slack may occur. In the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the slack of the continuous paper 2 is absorbed by the suction device 32 as described later.

(Function and effect)
Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a first tractor mechanism 24 and a second tractor mechanism 28 on the upstream side and the downstream side of the recording head 26 in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2. In the first tractor mechanism 24, the transport belt 54 moves in the direction of arrow B in a state where the plurality of pins 56 of the transport belt 54 are inserted into the feed holes 2 </ b> B of the continuous paper 2. At the same time, in the second tractor mechanism 28, the transport belt 54 moves in the arrow B direction in a state where the plurality of pins 56 of the transport belt 54 are inserted into the feed holes 2 </ b> B of the continuous paper 2. Thereby, the continuous paper 2 is conveyed in the arrow A direction.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a suction device 32 for absorbing slack of the continuous paper 2 between the first tractor mechanism 24 and the recording head 26. In the suction device 32, the continuous paper 2 is adsorbed (attached) to the surface of the suction guide 62 by sucking air through the plurality of suction holes 62 </ b> A of the suction guide 62 by the rotation of the fan 64. As a result, a transport load is applied to the continuous paper 2, and a tension due to suction is applied to the continuous paper 2 below the recording head 26.

  FIG. 7 shows an image forming unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 200 of the comparative example. As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming unit 201 is provided with a spring guide unit 202 that absorbs the slack of the continuous paper 2 between the second tractor mechanism 28 and the recording head 26. The spring guide unit 202 includes a coiled spring 206, a support unit 204 that supports the spring 206, and a guide 208 that is provided at the tip of the spring 206 and contacts the lower surface (back surface) of the continuous paper 2. . The guide 208 has a curved surface that is curved so as to protrude toward the continuous paper 2 side.

  In the image forming apparatus 200 described above, the guide 208 supported by the spring 206 is brought into contact with the lower surface (back surface) of the continuous paper 2 between the second tractor mechanism 28 and the recording head 26, so that the spring 206 extends and contracts. Then, tension is generated on the continuous paper 2 between the second tractor mechanism 28 and the recording head 26. Thereby, the slack of the continuous paper 2 is absorbed. However, when the guide 208 supported by the spring 206 is brought into contact with the lower surface (back surface) of the continuous paper 2, an impact is applied to the spring when the fold of the perforation 2 </ b> A of the continuous paper 2 enters the guide 208. In some cases, fluttering may occur and the image may be distorted due to uneven speed feeding.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, a suction device 32 is provided between the first tractor mechanism 24 and the recording head 26, and the continuous paper 2 is adsorbed (attached) to the surface of the suction guide 62. . As a result, a transport load is applied to the continuous paper 2, and a tension due to suction is applied to the continuous paper 2 below the recording head 26. For this reason, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared to the configuration using the spring guide unit 202, the continuous paper 2 is also adsorbed (attached) to the surface of the suction guide 62 in the crease of the perforation 2 </ b> A of the continuous paper 2. Image disturbance due to flapping of the paper 2 is suppressed.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 described above, the landing position deviation of the ink droplet due to the slack of the continuous paper 2 between the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28 is suppressed as compared with the configuration having no absorption mechanism. .

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, the slack of the continuous paper 2 is absorbed and the speed fluctuation of the continuous paper 2 is stabilized as compared with the configuration in which the continuous paper is pressed by a spring.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, the landing position deviation of the ink droplets on the continuous paper 2 is suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the suction device is provided between the recording head and the second tractor mechanism.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the same component as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the same number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 4 shows an image forming unit 72 of the image forming apparatus 70 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming unit 72 includes a suction device 74 as an example of an absorption mechanism that absorbs slack of the continuous paper 2 by suction of air between the second tractor mechanism 28 and the recording head 26. I have. The suction device 74 is composed of a pair of rolls 76 and 78 that are arranged at intervals on the downstream side and the upstream side in the conveyance direction (arrow A direction) of the continuous paper 2, and the endlessly spanned between the pair of rolls 76 and 78. And a belt-like conveying belt 80. One of the pair of rolls 76 and 78 is a drive roll and the other is a driven roll. The pair of rolls 76 and 78 are arranged so that the axial direction thereof intersects the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2. The conveyor belt 80 includes a plurality of suction holes 80A. Although not shown, the plurality of suction holes 80A are arranged in a staggered manner on the transport belt 80, for example. Further, the suction device 74 includes a fan 82 as an example of a suction portion that sucks air through the suction hole 80 </ b> A on the continuous paper 2 side inside the conveyance belt 80.

  In the suction device 74, the continuous paper 2 is sucked (sticked) to the surface of the transport belt 80 by sucking air through the suction holes 80 </ b> A of the transport belt 80 by the fan 82. The transport belt 80 moves in the direction of arrow C by the rotation of the pair of rolls 76 and 78 at the contact portion with the continuous paper 2, thereby transporting the continuous paper 2 while adsorbing to the surface of the transport belt 80.

  The conveyance speed V2 of the continuous paper 2 on the conveyance belt 80 is larger than the conveyance speed V1 of the continuous paper 2 of the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28 (V2> V1). Thereby, the conveyance belt 80 assists the conveyance of the continuous paper 2 by overfeed.

  In the image forming apparatus 70 described above, the suction device 74 is provided between the second tractor mechanism 28 and the recording head 26, and air is sucked through the suction holes 80 </ b> A of the conveying belt 80 by the fan 82, so 2 is conveyed while adsorbing to the surface of the conveyor belt 80. At that time, since the conveyance speed V2 of the continuous paper 2 of the conveyance belt 80 is larger than the conveyance speed V1 of the continuous paper 2 of the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28, the conveyance belt 80 is continuously fed by overfeed. 2 is assisted. As a result, a tension is generated in the continuous paper 2 below the recording head 26 between the suction device 74 and the first tractor mechanism 24, and the looseness of the continuous paper 2 is suppressed.

  In the image forming apparatus 70 described above, as compared with a configuration that does not include an absorption mechanism, the landing position deviation of ink droplets due to the slack of the continuous paper 2 between the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28 is suppressed. . The suction device 74 includes a plurality of suction holes 80A and a transport belt 80 that transports the continuous paper 2 while sucking it, and a fan 82 that sucks air through the suction holes 80A. For this reason, in the image forming apparatus 70, the slackness of the continuous paper 2 is absorbed and the speed fluctuation of the continuous paper 2 is stabilized as compared with the configuration in which the continuous paper is pressed by the spring.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 70, the conveyance speed V <b> 2 of the continuous paper 2 of the conveyance belt 80 is higher than the conveyance speed V <b> 1 of the continuous paper 2 of the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28. For this reason, in the image forming apparatus 70, the landing position deviation of the ink droplets on the continuous paper 2 is suppressed as compared with the conveyance speed of the conveyance belt equal to the conveyance speed of the first tractor mechanism and the second tractor mechanism. The

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the same component as 1st and 2nd embodiment mentioned above, the same number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 5 shows an image forming unit 92 of the image forming apparatus 90 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming unit 92 includes a suction device 94 as an example of an absorption mechanism that absorbs slack of the continuous paper 2 by suction of air between the first tractor mechanism 24 and the recording head 26. I have. As with the suction device 74 (see FIG. 4) of the second embodiment, the suction device 94 is a pair of rolls arranged at intervals on the downstream side and the upstream side in the conveyance direction (arrow A direction) of the continuous paper 2. 76 and 78 and an endless conveying belt 80 spanned between the pair of rolls 76 and 78. The conveyor belt 80 includes a plurality of suction holes 80A. Further, the suction device 74 includes a fan 82 as an example of a suction portion that sucks air through the suction hole 80 </ b> A on the continuous paper 2 side inside the conveyance belt 80.

  In the suction device 94, the continuous paper 2 is sucked (attached) to the surface of the transport belt 80 by sucking air through the suction holes 80 </ b> A of the transport belt 80 by the fan 82. The conveyance belt 80 moves in the direction of arrow D by the rotation of the pair of rolls 76 and 78 at the contact portion with the continuous paper 2, thereby conveying the continuous paper 2 while adsorbing the surface of the conveyance belt 80.

  The conveyance speed V3 of the continuous paper 2 of the conveyance belt 80 is smaller than the conveyance speed V1 of the continuous paper 2 of the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28 (V1> V3). Thereby, the conveyance belt 80 applies a conveyance load to the continuous paper 2 by underfeed. For this reason, tension is generated between the suction device 94 and the second tractor mechanism 28 in the continuous paper 2 below the recording head 26.

  In the image forming apparatus 90 described above, the landing position deviation of the ink droplet due to the slack of the continuous paper 2 between the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28 is suppressed as compared with the configuration without the absorption mechanism. . The suction device 94 includes a plurality of suction holes 80A and a transport belt 80 that transports the continuous paper 2 while sucking it, and a fan 82 that sucks air through the suction holes 80A. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 90, the slackness of the continuous paper 2 is absorbed and the speed fluctuation of the continuous paper 2 is stabilized as compared with the configuration in which the continuous paper is pressed by the spring.

  In the image forming apparatus 90, the conveyance speed V <b> 3 of the continuous paper 2 of the conveyance belt 80 is lower than the conveyance speed V <b> 1 of the continuous paper 2 of the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28. For this reason, in the image forming apparatus 90, the landing position deviation of the ink droplets on the continuous paper 2 is suppressed as compared with the conveyance speed of the conveyance belt equal to that of the first tractor mechanism and the second tractor mechanism. The

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the same component as 1st-3rd embodiment mentioned above, the same number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 6 shows the image forming unit 112 of the image forming apparatus 110 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming unit 92 includes a suction device 114 as an example of an absorption mechanism that absorbs slack in the continuous paper 2 by blowing air between the first tractor mechanism 24 and the recording head 26. I have.

  The suction device 114 is disposed on the upper side of the continuous paper 2 and is disposed on the lower side of the continuous paper 2 (on the opposite side to the spraying device 116) as an example of a spraying unit that blows air on the continuous paper 2. And a guide 122 for guiding the continuous paper 2. The spraying device 116 includes a rectangular housing 118. The blowing device 116 is formed on the lower surface portion of the casing 118 facing the continuous paper 2 and is formed on the upper surface portion of the casing 118 opposite to the outlet 118A. And an inflow port 118B. Inside the housing 118, a fan 120 that blows air from an outlet 118A is provided.

  In the suction device 114, the continuous paper 2 is pressed against (attached to) the surface of the guide 122 by blowing air from the outlet 118 </ b> A of the housing 118 to the continuous paper 2 by the rotation of the fan 120. As a result, a conveying load is applied to the continuous paper 2, and a tension is applied to the continuous paper 2 below the recording head 26 by being pressed against the guide 122.

  In the image forming apparatus 110 described above, the landing position deviation of the ink droplet due to the slack of the continuous paper between the first tractor mechanism and the second tractor mechanism is suppressed as compared with the configuration without the absorption mechanism.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 110, the slack of the continuous paper 2 is absorbed and the speed fluctuation of the continuous paper 2 is stabilized as compared with the configuration in which the continuous paper is pressed by a spring.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 110, the landing position deviation of the ink droplets on the continuous paper 2 is suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the suction device is provided between the recording head and the second tractor mechanism.

  In the image forming apparatuses of the first to fourth embodiments, the pitch between tractors (distance D) is set to be smaller than an integral multiple of the pitch P of the feed holes 2B of the continuous paper 2 (see FIG. 3). The present invention is not limited to this configuration. In other words, the tractor pitch (distance D) may not be set smaller than an integral multiple of the pitch P of the feed holes 2B of the continuous paper 2.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, an image reading apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the same component as 1st-4th embodiment mentioned above, the same number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 8 shows an image reading device 140 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the image reading device 140 is provided on the upstream side of the image reading unit 142 as an example of a reading unit configured by an optical sensor and the image reading unit 142 in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2. A third tractor mechanism 144 as an example of a third transport mechanism, and a fourth tractor mechanism 146 as an example of a fourth transport mechanism provided on the downstream side of the image reading unit 142 in the transport direction of the continuous paper 2. ing. Further, the image reading device 140 includes a suction device 148 as an example of an absorption mechanism that absorbs the slack of the continuous paper 2 by sucking air between the third tractor mechanism 144 and the image reading means 142. The third tractor mechanism 144 and the fourth tractor mechanism 146 have the same configuration as the first tractor mechanism 24 and the second tractor mechanism 28 (see FIG. 2 and the like).

  In the image reading device 140 described above, a reading error due to the slack of the continuous paper 2 between the third tractor mechanism 144 and the fourth tractor mechanism 146 is suppressed as compared with a configuration having no absorption mechanism.

  As a modification of the image reading device, an absorption mechanism may be provided between the fourth tractor mechanism 146 and the image reading means 142. In FIG. 8, the suction device 148 by suction of air is provided, but an absorption mechanism that absorbs the slack of the continuous paper 2 by blowing air may be provided (see the suction device 114 shown in FIG. 6). . The continuous paper 2 transport mechanism (third transport mechanism and fourth transport mechanism) may be a drive roll. Furthermore, the image reading apparatus of the fifth embodiment may be included in the image forming apparatuses of the first to fourth embodiments. In this case, the image forming apparatus may be configured such that the image reading device 140 of the fifth embodiment is provided at a position where an image formed by ink droplets on the continuous paper 2 is read. For example, when the image reading device 140 is provided in the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, an arrangement space is formed between the drying device 36 in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2 and the guide roll 38 on the downstream side of the drying device 36. The image reading device 140 may be arranged.

  In the image forming apparatuses according to the first to fourth embodiments, a plate-shaped guide portion 30 that guides the lower surface (back surface) of the continuous paper 2 is provided below the recording head 26. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a plurality of guides that are disposed below the recording head 26 in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2 and guide the lower surface (back surface) of the continuous paper 2 instead of the plate-shaped guide portion 30. The structure provided with a roll may be sufficient. Also in the image reading apparatus 140 of the fifth embodiment, a plurality of guide rolls for guiding the lower surface (back surface) of the continuous paper 2 may be provided instead of the plate-shaped guide unit 30.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the shape of the suction guide 62 constituting the suction device 32 and the arrangement of the fans 64 can be changed.

  In the image forming apparatus 110 according to the fourth embodiment, the guide 122 is provided on the opposite side of the spraying device 116 with the continuous paper 2 interposed therebetween. However, the spraying device 116 extends along the conveyance direction of the continuous paper 2. And the position of the guide 122 may be shifted. In the image forming apparatus 110 according to the fourth embodiment, the shape of the casing 118 of the spraying device 116 constituting the suction device 114 and the arrangement of the fans 120 can be changed.

  In addition, although an ejection unit that ejects droplets has been described as the image forming unit, when applied to an electrophotographic image forming unit, it is possible to suppress color misregistration by suppressing looseness of continuous paper.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. It is clear to the contractor.

2 Continuous paper 2B Feed hole 10 Image forming apparatus 24 First tractor mechanism (an example of a first transport mechanism)
26 Recording head (an example of a discharge unit)
28 Second tractor mechanism (an example of a second transport mechanism)
32 Suction device (example of absorption mechanism)
56 pin 62 suction guide 62A suction hole 64 fan (an example of suction part)
70 Image forming device 74 Suction device (an example of an absorption mechanism)
80 Conveying belt 80A Adsorption hole 82 Fan (an example of a suction part)
90 Image forming device 94 Suction device (an example of an absorption mechanism)
110 Image forming device 114 Suction device (an example of an absorption mechanism)
116 Spraying device (an example of spraying part)
122 Guide 140 Image reading device 142 Image reading means (an example of reading means)
144 Third tractor mechanism (an example of a third transport mechanism)
146 Fourth tractor mechanism (an example of a fourth transport mechanism)
148 Suction device (example of absorption mechanism)

Claims (9)

A discharge unit that is disposed in non-contact with the continuous paper, and discharges droplets onto the continuous paper;
A first transport mechanism and a second transport mechanism that are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the discharge unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper and that transport the continuous paper by inserting pins into feed holes provided in the continuous paper. When,
Between the said discharging portion first transport mechanism, and one provided only on absorption to absorb the slack of the continuous paper by suction or blowing of air between the second transport mechanism and the discharge portion Mechanism,
An image forming apparatus. The absorption mechanism is provided only between the discharge unit and the first transport mechanism,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the absorption mechanism includes a suction guide having a plurality of suction holes and a surface for sucking the continuous paper, and a suction portion that sucks air through the suction holes. The absorption mechanism is provided only between the discharge unit and the first transport mechanism,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the absorption mechanism includes a guide that guides the continuous paper, and a spray unit that blows air onto the continuous paper to bring the continuous paper into contact with the guide. The absorption mechanism includes a plurality of suction holes and a transport belt that transports the continuous paper while sucking, and a suction portion that sucks air through the suction holes.
The absorption mechanism is provided only between the discharge unit and the second transport mechanism,
The conveyor belt, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 transport speed is greater than the conveying speed of the first conveying mechanism and the second transport mechanism. The absorption mechanism includes a plurality of suction holes and a transport belt that transports the continuous paper while sucking, and a suction portion that sucks air through the suction holes.
The absorption mechanism is provided only between the discharge unit and the first transport mechanism,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance belt has a conveyance speed smaller than a conveyance speed of the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism . 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a plate-shaped guide portion that contacts and guides the continuous paper at a position facing the discharge portion with the continuous paper interposed therebetween. . A reading means that is arranged in non-contact with the continuous paper and reads an image formed on the continuous paper;
A third transport mechanism and a fourth transport mechanism, which are provided upstream and downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper, and transport the continuous paper;
Absorption that is provided only in any one of the space between the third transport mechanism and the reading means and between the fourth transport mechanism and the reading means, and absorbs the slack of the continuous paper by sucking or blowing air. Mechanism,
An image reading apparatus. A discharge unit that is disposed in non-contact with the continuous paper, and discharges droplets onto the continuous paper;
Reading means that is arranged in non-contact with the continuous paper and reads an image formed by droplets on the continuous paper;
A first transport mechanism and a second transport mechanism that are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the discharge unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper and that transport the continuous paper by inserting pins into feed holes provided in the continuous paper. When,
A third transport mechanism and a fourth transport mechanism, which are provided upstream and downstream of the reading unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper, and transport the continuous paper;
A first one that is provided only between one of the first transport mechanism and the discharge unit and between the second transport mechanism and the discharge unit and absorbs the slack of the continuous paper by sucking or blowing air. 1 absorption mechanism,
A second unit that is provided only in any one of the third conveyance mechanism and the reading unit and between the fourth conveyance mechanism and the reading unit, and absorbs the slack of the continuous paper by sucking or blowing air. Two absorption mechanisms;
An image forming apparatus. The absorption mechanism is provided only between the reading means and the third transport mechanism,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the absorption mechanism includes a suction guide having a plurality of suction holes and a surface for sucking the continuous paper, and a suction portion that sucks air through the suction holes.