JP6244790B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium.

  In Patent Document 1, a first image forming unit including a recording head for ejecting ink, and a second image including a photosensitive drum and a transfer roller, which are disposed on the downstream side of the recording medium conveyance path with respect to the first image forming unit. An image forming apparatus including the image forming unit is described. The image forming apparatus includes a first registration roller pair 12a and 12b disposed upstream of the first image forming unit and a first image forming unit and a second image forming unit along the transport path. And a pair of conveying rollers 13a and 13b disposed between the two. In this image forming apparatus, a monochrome image is formed on a recording medium by a second image forming unit using an electrophotographic method, and a color image is formed by a first image forming unit using an inkjet method.

JP-A-8-272258

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the distance between any one of the first registration roller pair 12a, 12b and the conveyance roller pair 13a, 13b (conveyance roller pair) and the photosensitive drum and the transfer roller is separated. It is considered that the distance is set longer than the length in the recording medium conveyance path. Therefore, the present inventor examined the case where one recording medium is sandwiched between both the photosensitive drum, the transfer roller, and the conveying roller pair by shortening the separation distance in order to reduce the size of the apparatus itself. However, the following problems were discovered.

  In general, when one image forming apparatus includes one image forming unit, a main transport roller pair having a relatively high transport force is provided in order to ensure the transport accuracy of the recording medium. Even when two image forming units are provided in one image forming apparatus, it is considered that a main conveying roller pair having a relatively high conveying force exists for each image forming unit. In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, for example, it is considered that the conveyance roller pair corresponds to the main conveyance roller pair for the first image forming unit, and the second image forming unit is photosensitive. It is considered that the drum and the transfer roller correspond to the main conveyance roller pair. It is very difficult to set the two main conveyance roller pairs corresponding to the first and second image forming units to the same conveyance speed. For this reason, when the conveyance speed by the conveyance roller pair is slower than the conveyance speed by the photosensitive drum and the transfer roller, the recording medium on which an image is recorded while being conveyed by the photosensitive drum and the transfer roller has a conveyance load by the conveyance roller pair. Take it. As a result, the image recorded by the photosensitive drum and the transfer roller may be disturbed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus that can suppress a reduction in image quality recorded by an image recording unit while downsizing the apparatus.

The recording apparatus of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a recording medium along a predetermined transport path, and a liquid discharge head in which a plurality of discharge ports that discharge liquid are formed, and the recording medium transported by the transport unit A first image recording unit configured to record an image by discharging liquid from the plurality of discharge ports, and disposed downstream of the first image recording unit in the transport path, A second image recording unit including a transfer roller for sandwiching a recording medium between the photosensitive member and configured to transfer the toner image carried on the photosensitive member to the recording medium and record the image on the recording medium; And controlling the transport unit to transport the recording medium , controlling the first image recording unit to perform image recording by the first image recording unit on the recording medium, and controlling the second image to the recording medium. Image recording by the image recording unit And a control unit that controls the second image recording unit so that the transport unit is upstream of the first image recording unit or the first image recording unit and the second image in the transport path. A conveyance roller pair disposed between the recording unit and a position where a separation distance between the photosensitive member and the transfer roller in the conveyance path is less than a length along the conveyance path of the recording medium. The first conveying force of the recording medium by the pair of conveying rollers is more than the second conveying force of the recording medium by the photosensitive member and the transfer roller when recording an image on the recording medium at least by the second image recording unit. The first conveyance force is configured to be equal to or greater than the second conveyance force when the first image recording unit records an image on a recording medium .

  According to this, when the second image recording unit records an image on the recording medium, it is possible to suppress the influence of the conveyance by the conveyance roller pair. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image quality recorded by the second image recording unit while downsizing the apparatus.

In this specification, “conveying force” means a pair of conveying rollers or a photosensitive member and a transfer roller when the recording medium is rotated so as to convey the recording medium in a fixed direction. The force required to stand against the rotation of the body and the transfer roller, or the transport roller pair or the photoconductor and the transfer roller in a state where the transport roller pair or the photoconductor and the transfer roller are completely stopped so as not to rotate. The force required to pull out the recording medium sandwiched between the pair of conveying rollers or the photosensitive member and the transfer roller.
The recording apparatus of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a recording medium along a predetermined transport path, and a liquid discharge head in which a plurality of discharge ports that discharge liquid are formed, and is transported by the transport unit. A first image recording unit configured to record an image by discharging liquid from the plurality of discharge ports to a recording medium; and disposed downstream of the first image recording unit in the conveyance path, and photosensitive And a transfer roller that sandwiches the recording medium between the photosensitive member and the photosensitive member, and is configured to transfer the toner image carried on the photosensitive member to the recording medium and record the image on the recording medium. Controlling the recording unit and the conveyance unit to convey the recording medium, and controlling the first image recording unit to perform image recording on the recording medium by the first image recording unit, Image by the second image recording unit A controller that controls the second image recording unit to perform recording, and the transport unit is disposed upstream of the first image recording unit in the transport path, and the transport path includes the control unit. Between the conveyance roller pair disposed at a position where the separation distance between the photosensitive member and the transfer roller is less than the length along the conveyance path of the recording medium, and between the conveyance roller pair and the second image recording unit. And an intermediate roller pair disposed downstream of the first image recording unit, and the intermediate roller pair is configured such that the conveyance force of the recording medium is smaller than the second conveyance force. At least one of the two rollers is moved so that the distance between the axes of the two rollers constituting the pair of conveying rollers is a first distance and a second distance larger than the first distance. Further move the first moving part The conveying roller pair is configured such that the first conveying force is smaller than the second conveying force when the inter-axis distance is the second distance, and the control unit The distance between the axes takes the first distance when an image is recorded on a recording medium by one image recording unit, and the tip of the recording medium is the intermediate when the second image recording unit records an image on the recording medium. The first moving unit is controlled so that the inter-axis distance takes the second distance after being sandwiched between the rollers and before the toner image carried on the photoconductor is transferred to the recording medium. To do.
According to this, when the second image recording unit records an image on the recording medium, it is possible to suppress the influence of the conveyance by the conveyance roller pair. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image quality recorded by the second image recording unit while downsizing the apparatus.
Further, when performing image recording with the first image recording unit, the recording medium can be accurately conveyed to the first image recording unit, and when performing image recording with the second image recording unit, a conveyance roller It becomes possible to suppress the influence of conveyance by pairs.
Further, it is possible to suppress the influence of the conveyance roller pair before the image is recorded on the recording medium by the second image recording unit. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress the deterioration of the image quality recorded by the second image recording unit.

In the present invention, at least one of the two rollers is moved such that the distance between the axes of the two rollers constituting the pair of conveying rollers is a first distance and a second distance larger than the first distance. One moving part is further provided. The transport roller pair is configured such that the first transport force is smaller than the second transport force when the inter-axis distance is the second distance, and the control unit is configured to apply the recording medium to the recording medium. The first image recording unit is controlled to perform image recording by the first image recording unit, and when the first image recording unit performs image recording on a recording medium, the distance between the axes is equal to the first distance. Therefore, it is preferable that the first moving unit is controlled such that the inter-axis distance takes the second distance when the second image recording unit records an image on a recording medium. As a result, the recording medium can be accurately conveyed to the first image recording unit when the first image recording unit performs image recording, and the image recording can be performed when the second image recording unit performs image recording. It becomes possible to suppress the influence of the conveyance by the roller pair .

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the second distance is a distance at which the two rollers are separated from each other. Thereby, when image recording is performed by the second image recording unit, the two rollers constituting the conveyance roller pair are separated from each other. For this reason, it becomes possible to suppress the influence of the conveyance by a conveyance roller pair more. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the deterioration of the image quality recorded by the second image recording unit.

  In the present invention, when the second image recording unit records an image on a recording medium, the control unit is configured so that the leading end of the recording medium is sandwiched between the photosensitive member and the transfer roller and the photosensitive unit It is preferable to control the first moving unit so that the inter-axis distance takes the second distance before the toner image carried on the body is transferred to the recording medium. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the influence of the conveyance of the conveyance roller pair before the second image recording unit records an image on the recording medium. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress the deterioration of the image quality recorded by the second image recording unit.

  In the present invention, the transport path branches from the first path for transporting the recording medium from the first image recording unit to the second image recording unit, and halfway through the first path. A second path for bypassing the image recording unit, and the transport unit includes a first guide that defines the first path, a second guide that defines the second path, and the first path. Switching having a flap capable of taking a first state in which the recording medium can be conveyed to the second image recording unit and a second state in which the recording medium can be conveyed from the first path to the second path. It is preferable to have a part.

  In the present invention, the control unit may cause the flap to take the first state when the second image recording unit records an image on the recording medium, and the first image recording unit may record the recording medium. Preferably, the switching unit is controlled so that the flap is in the second state when image recording is performed. As a result, when the first image recording unit performs image recording, the influence of conveyance by the photosensitive member and the transfer roller is eliminated. For this reason, the image quality recorded by the first image recording unit can be maintained. In addition, it is possible to prevent the liquid discharged to the recording medium from adhering to the photoconductor.

  In the present invention, at least one of the photoconductor and the transfer roller may be in a contact state where the photoconductor and the transfer roller are in contact with each other and a separated state in which the photoconductor and the transfer roller are separated from each other. It is preferable to further include a second moving unit that moves one of them.

  In the present invention, the control unit may cause the first image to be in contact with the photosensitive member and the transfer roller when the second image recording unit records an image on a recording medium. It is preferable to control the second moving unit so that the photosensitive member and the transfer roller take the separated state when the recording unit records an image on a recording medium. As a result, when the first image recording unit performs image recording, the influence of conveyance by the photosensitive member and the transfer roller is eliminated. For this reason, the image quality recorded by the first image recording unit can be maintained. In addition, it is possible to suppress the liquid ejected to the recording medium from adhering to the photoconductor.

  According to the recording apparatus of the present invention, when the second image recording unit records an image on a recording medium, it is possible to suppress the influence of the conveyance by the conveyance roller pair. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image quality recorded by the second image recording unit while downsizing the apparatus.

1 is a schematic side view showing an internal structure of a recording apparatus according to the present invention. It is a schematic side view of the switching part shown in FIG. 1, and its vicinity part, (a) shows the condition of a flap in a 1st state, (b) shows the condition of a flap in a 2nd state. 2A and 2B are schematic side views of a conveyance roller pair and a moving unit illustrated in FIG. 1, in which FIG. 1A illustrates a situation where a distance between axes of the conveyance roller pair is a first distance, and FIG. 2 distance situation is shown. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control flow relating to a recording operation of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a schematic side view of the moving part of the recording apparatus of a modification, (a) shows the situation of a photosensitive drum and a transfer roller, a heating roller, and a pressure roller in a contact state, (b) shows a photosensitive drum and a transfer roller, The heating roller and the pressure roller are separated from each other.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the overall configuration of the recording apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The recording apparatus 1 includes a first image recording unit 10 using an ink jet method and a second image recording unit 20 using an electrophotographic method. The recording apparatus 1 is provided with a paper feeding device 2 on the left side in FIG. 1 and a paper discharge unit 3 on the right side in FIG. Between the sheet feeding device 2 and the paper discharge unit 3, a conveyance unit 30 is provided that conveys the paper (recording medium) P conveyed from the paper supply device 2 toward the paper discharge unit 3. The transport unit 30 has a transport path that is a path through which the paper P is transported from the paper feeding device 2 to the paper discharge unit 3, and this transport path is connected to the first image recording unit from the paper feed device 2. 10 and the second image recording unit 20 through the main transport route R1 (first route) to the paper discharge unit 3, and a bypass route that bypasses the second image recording unit 20 by branching from a part of the main transport route R1. R2 (second route). Further, the recording apparatus 1 is provided with a control unit 4 that controls these operations. The paper P stored in the paper feeding device 2 is a standard paper having a predetermined size (for example, A4).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feeding device 2 has a paper storage unit 2 a that can store a plurality of stacked paper sheets P, and a paper P that is uppermost in the paper storage unit 2 a toward the transport unit 30. A sheet feeding roller 2b that feeds out and a sheet feeding motor 2M (see FIG. 4) that is controlled by the control unit 4 and drives the sheet feeding roller 2b. In this configuration, the sheet P is sent to the transport unit 30 by rotating the sheet feeding roller 2 b in contact with the sheet P under the control of the control unit 4.

  The first image recording unit 10 includes a serial type head 11, a carriage 12, a guide rail 13, a moving unit (not shown) that reciprocates the carriage 12 along the guide rail 13, and a carriage that drives the moving unit. A motor 10M (see FIG. 4) and a plurality of cartridges (not shown) are included. Each of the plurality of cartridges is detachably attached to the recording apparatus 1. Each cartridge stores ink of different colors. For example, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink are stored in each cartridge. Each cartridge is connected to the head 11 via a tube and a pump (both not shown), and ink of each color is supplied to the head 11. In this embodiment, the color type head 11 is employed, but a monochrome type head may be employed. In this case, black ink is stored in the cartridge.

  The head 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its side surface is supported by the carriage 12. The lower surface of the head 11 is an ejection surface 11a having a plurality of ejection openings. During recording, ink of each color is ejected from a plurality of ejection ports. That is, the head 11 includes a plurality of discharge ports, a liquid passage (not shown) connected to each of the plurality of discharge ports, an energy operation portion (not shown) provided in the middle of the liquid passage, and the energy action. Energy generating means (not shown) for generating energy for acting on the liquid in the section to discharge the liquid. As this energy generation means, a liquid discharge method using an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element, a liquid discharge using an energy generation means that emits heat by irradiating electromagnetic waves such as a laser, and discharges droplets by the action of the heat generation. And a liquid discharge method using energy generating means for heating the liquid with an electrothermal transducer such as a heating element having a heating resistor to discharge the liquid. The head 11 is supported by the guide rail 13 via the carriage 12, and a predetermined gap suitable for recording is formed between the ejection surface 11 a and the platen 35.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the guide rail 13 extends along the main scanning direction (the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction A by the conveyance unit 30 and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1). (Not shown). The carriage 12 is supported on the guide rail 13 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction.

  In this configuration, by driving the carriage motor 10M under the control of the control unit 4, the head 11 reciprocates in the main scanning direction together with the carriage 12 via the moving unit. At this time, the control unit 4 controls the head 11 and causes ink to be ejected from a plurality of ejection ports at a desired timing, whereby an image can be recorded on the paper P disposed facing the ejection surface 11a.

  The second image recording unit 20 is disposed downstream of the first image recording unit 10 in the transport direction A. The second image recording unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a transfer roller 22, a developing roller 23, a layer thickness regulating blade 24, a supply roller 25, a charger 26, a scanner unit 27, a toner storage box 29, a fixing unit 28, and In addition, a drive motor 20M (see FIG. 4) for driving the photosensitive drum 21 is included, and an image is recorded on the paper P by an electrophotographic method (described later). The photosensitive drum 21 is disposed so as to face the upper surface of the paper P. In other words, the photosensitive drum 21 is disposed so as to be able to face the surface of the sheet P facing the discharge surface 11a when the sheet P passes between the discharge surface 11a and the platen 35. . The transfer roller 22 is disposed so as to be able to sandwich the paper P with the photosensitive drum 21. The transfer roller 22 is a driven roller that rotates when the paper P is conveyed with the photosensitive drum 21. The photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 are capable of conveying the sheet P with a predetermined conveying force (second conveying force), so that the clamping force with respect to the sheet P and the frictional force with respect to the sheet P on both outer peripheral surfaces therebetween. Etc. are set. In other words, the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 are configured so that the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 are pressed against each other so that the sheet P can be conveyed with a predetermined conveyance force (second conveyance force). The friction coefficient of both outer peripheral surfaces is set. The developing roller 23 is arranged to face the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined interval. The layer thickness regulating blade 24 and the supply roller 25 are disposed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 23. The developing roller 23 and the supply roller 25 are also driven to rotate as the photosensitive drum 21 rotates. The charger 26 and the scanner unit 27 are disposed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The fixing unit 28 has a known structure, and includes a heating roller 28a incorporating a heater 28H (see FIG. 4), a pressure roller 28b, and a drive motor 28M (see FIG. 4) for driving the heating roller 28a. doing. The fixing device 28 is disposed downstream of the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 in the transport direction A. The heating roller 28a is disposed so as to face the upper surface of the paper P. In other words, the heating roller 28a is disposed so as to be able to face the surface of the sheet P that faces the discharge surface 11a when the sheet P passes between the discharge surface 11a and the platen 35. . The pressure roller 28b is arranged so that the paper P can be held between the pressure roller 28b and the heating roller 28a. The pressure roller 28b is a driven roller that rotates when the paper P is conveyed by the heating roller 28a. The heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b are also set with a clamping force for the paper P between them and a frictional force for the paper P on both outer peripheral surfaces so that the paper P can be transported with a predetermined transport force. ing.

  In this configuration, by driving the drive motor 20M under the control of the control unit 4, the photosensitive drum 21 transports the paper P in the transport direction A (direction toward the paper discharge unit 3). Rotate around. As the photosensitive drum 21 rotates, the developing roller 23 and the supply roller 25 also rotate, and the toner is supplied to the developing roller 23 by the supply roller 25. The toner is positively frictionally charged between the supply roller 25 and the developing roller 23. The toner supplied onto the developing roller 23 enters between the layer thickness regulating blade 24 and the developing roller 23 as the developing roller 23 rotates, and is further developed as a thin layer having a constant thickness while being frictionally charged. It is carried on a roller 23. Further, under the control of the control unit 4, the charger 26 (in this embodiment, for example, a known scorotron charger) uniformly negatively charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The surface of the photosensitive drum is exposed by the scanner unit 27 performing high-speed scanning of the laser beam under the control of the control unit 4. As a result, the potential of the exposed portion is lowered, and an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Then, by the rotation of the developing roller 23, the toner carried on the developing roller 23 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, and the toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. It is formed. Then, the paper P is transported between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22, whereby the toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the paper P. Further, by driving the drive motor 28M under the control of the control unit 4, the heating roller 28a rotates in the same manner as the photosensitive drum 21, and the pressure roller 28b also rotates in a driven manner. When the paper P on which the toner is transferred is conveyed between the rollers 28a and 28b, the toner on the paper P is thermally fixed. As a result, an image is recorded on the paper P. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is illustrated as the image carrier, but the image carrier is not limited to this, and includes, for example, the following. First, for example, a photoconductive layer is used as the photoreceptor, and examples of the photoconductor include amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and organic photoconductor (OPC). The shape for mounting the photoconductor includes, for example, a rotating body such as a drum shape or a belt shape, and a sheet shape.

  The conveying unit 30 includes four conveying roller pairs 31 to 34, a platen 35, five guide pairs 41 to 45, a switching unit 50, a moving unit 60 (see FIG. 3), and a conveying roller pair 31 under the control of the control unit 4. To 34 (refer to FIG. 4). The platen 35 is formed of a flat plate member having a plane size that is slightly larger than the length of the ejection surface 11a in the transport direction A and longer in the main scanning direction than the paper P. The platen 35 is disposed at a position facing the ejection surface 11a and supports the paper P.

  The three conveyance roller pairs 31 to 33 are arranged in order along the main conveyance path R1. More specifically, the conveyance roller pair 31 is disposed upstream of the first image recording unit 10 in the conveyance direction A along the main conveyance path R1. Further, the conveyance roller pair 31 has a separation distance between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 along the main conveyance path R1 and a length along the main conveyance path R1 of the paper P (that is, a length in the conveyance direction A of the paper P). It is arranged at a position that is less than a). In other words, when the paper P is sandwiched between the transport roller pair 31, the leading end of the paper P can be sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. The conveyance roller pair 32 is disposed between the conveyance roller pair 31 and the second image recording unit 20 and downstream of the first image recording unit 10 along the main conveyance path R1. The transport roller pair 33 is disposed downstream of the second image recording unit 20 in the transport direction A along the main transport path R1. The conveyance roller pair 34 is disposed on the detour path R2. Of these transport roller pairs 31 to 34, the transport roller pair 31 is set so that the paper P can be transported with a transport force larger than the transport force of the paper P in the other three transport roller pairs 32 to 34. Has been. In each of the conveyance roller pairs 32 to 34, the driven roller may be constituted by a spur including a plurality of protrusions on the outer peripheral surface.

  Of the five guide pairs 41 to 45, three guide pairs 41 to 43 constitute a part of the main transport path R1, and the remaining two guide pairs 44 and 45 constitute a part of the detour path R2. More specifically, the guide pair 41 (first guide) is between the first image recording unit 10 and the second image recording unit 20 and between the conveyance roller pair 32, the photosensitive drum 21, and the transfer roller 22. It consists of two guides that make up the path. The guide pair 42 includes two guides that constitute a path between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 and the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b. The guide pair 43 includes two guides that form a path between the heating roller 28 a and the pressure roller 28 b and the conveyance roller pair 33. The guide pair 44 (second guide) is connected to an intermediate portion of the guide pair 41 and includes two guides that form a path between the guide pair 41 and the conveying roller pair 34. The guide pair 45 is connected to an intermediate portion of the guide pair 43, and includes two guides that form a path between the conveyance roller pair 34 and the guide pair 43.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the switching unit 50 includes a flap 51 and a rotation unit (not shown) that rotates the flap 51 under the control of the control unit 4. The flap 51 is rotatably supported near the connection portion of the guide pair 44 of the guide pair 41. The flap 51 is supported by the guide pair 41 so that the vicinity of the downstream end along the main transport path R1 is the center of rotation. Further, the flap 51 is in a first state (shown in FIG. 2A) in which the paper P can be conveyed to the second image recording unit 20 via a path defined by the guide pair 41. 41) and a second state in which the paper P can be transported from the route defined by the guide pair 41 to the detour route R2 (the state shown in FIG. A state in which the upstream end is in contact with the upper guide of the guide pair 41). When the flap 51 is in the first state, the bypass route R2 is closed while the main transport route R1 is opened. When the flap 51 is in the second state, the bypass path R2 is opened and the main transport path R1 is closed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the moving unit 60 (first moving unit) includes a support unit 61 and a solenoid 62 that moves the support unit 61 under the control of the control unit 4. The support portion 61 rotatably supports the shaft member 31a1 of the roller 31a located on the upper side of the two rollers 31a and 31b constituting the transport roller pair 31. The roller 31a is a driven roller, and the roller 31b is a drive roller. The solenoid 62 includes a first distance T1 (see FIG. 3A) and a second distance T2 (see FIG. 3A) between the shaft member 31a1 of the roller 31a and the shaft member 31b1 of the roller 31b. 3 (b)) is selectively moved, the support portion 61 is moved. The first distance T1 is a distance at which the separation distance between the two rollers 31a and 31b is equal to or less than the thickness of the paper P, as shown in FIG. More specifically, the first distance T1 is a distance obtained by adding a distance obtained by adding the respective radii of the roller 31a and the roller 31b and a predetermined distance equal to or less than the thickness of the paper P. The paper P here refers to paper that can be used in the printer 1. The first distance T1 is set to a distance that allows the paper usable in the printer 1 to be conveyed by the rollers 31a and 31b. Note that the first distance T1 may be set to a distance equal to or less than a distance obtained by adding the radii of the rollers 31a and 31b. In this case, the rollers 31a and 31b are pressed against each other. The conveyance force of the conveyance roller pair 31 when taking this first distance T1 is larger than the conveyance forces of the other three conveyance roller pairs 32-34. Further, the conveyance force of the conveyance roller pair 31 at this time is set to be equal to or greater than the conveyance force by the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. The transport force of the transport roller pair 31 when taking the first distance T1 may be less than the transport force of the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. The two rollers 31a and 31b may be in contact with each other or separated from each other when the first distance T1 is taken.

  The conveying force by each of the conveying roller pairs 31 to 34 is such that the conveying roller pair 31 to 34 sandwiches the paper P and conveys it in the conveying direction A or in the direction opposite to the conveying direction A. Force required to make the sheet P stand still against the rotational force of each of the transport roller pairs 31 to 34, or completely so as not to rotate each of the transport roller pairs 31 to 34. In this state, the force required to pull out the paper P held between the transport roller pairs 31 to 34 is referred to. The conveyance force by the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 is rotated so that the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 convey the paper P in the conveyance direction A or the direction opposite to the conveyance direction A. Sometimes, the paper P is required to stop against the rotational force of the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22, or in a state where the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 are completely stopped so as not to rotate. The force required to pull out the paper P sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. The conveyance force by the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b means that the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b rotate so as to sandwich the paper P and convey it in the conveyance direction A or the direction opposite to the conveyance direction A. When this is done, the paper P is completely stopped so as not to rotate the force necessary to stop the paper P against the rotational force of the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b, or the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b. In this state, the force is required to pull out the paper P sandwiched between the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b. This force can be measured by attaching a force gauge to the paper P. Each of these “conveying forces” is the force that pinches the paper P in each of the conveying roller pairs 31 to 34, the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22, the heating roller 28a, and the pressure roller 28b, the conveying roller pairs 31 to 34, It fluctuates depending on the frictional force between the photosensitive drum 21, the transfer roller 22, the heating roller 28a, and the pressure roller 28b and the paper P. In other words, each of the conveying roller pairs 31 to 34, the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller, the heating roller 28a, and the pressure roller 28b varies depending on the force of pressure contact with each other and the friction coefficient of each outer peripheral surface. Note that the conveying force may be obtained by calculation based on the above-described pressing force and the friction coefficient of each outer peripheral surface.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the second distance T2 is a distance at which the two rollers 31a and 31b are separated from each other, and the separation distance exceeds the thickness of the paper P. That is, the roller 31a is separated from the paper P when the inter-axis distance is the second distance T2. More specifically, the second distance T2 is a distance obtained by adding a distance obtained by adding the radii of the rollers 31a and 31b and a predetermined distance larger than the thickness of the paper P. At this time, the conveyance force of the paper P by the conveyance roller pair 31 is equal to zero. That is, the sheet P is not transported by the transport roller pair 31 when the distance between the shaft member 31a1 of the roller 31a and the shaft member 31b1 of the roller 31b is the second distance T2. That is, the conveyance roller pair 31 is extremely smaller than the conveyance forces of the other three conveyance roller pairs 32 to 34 and the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 when the inter-axis distance is the second distance T2.

  As a modification, the second distance T <b> 2 may be set so that the conveyance force by the conveyance roller pair 31 is smaller than the conveyance force in the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. Moreover, the 2nd distance T2 should just be larger than the 1st distance T1. For example, the separation distance between the two rollers 31a and 31b may be equal to or less than the thickness of the paper P. Further, when the inter-axis distance between the shaft member 31a1 of the roller 31a and the shaft member 31b1 of the roller 31b takes the second distance T2, the roller 31a and the roller 31b may be in contact with each other.

  An encoder 37 is provided on the roller 31b. The photosensitive drum 21 is provided with an encoder 38. The encoder 37 is an incremental encoder, has a rotating plate (not shown) that rotates in synchronization with the roller 31b, reads a slit formed in the rotating plate, and outputs an encoder signal corresponding to the reading result. Similar to the encoder 37, the encoder 38 is an incremental encoder, has a rotating plate (not shown) that rotates in synchronization with the photosensitive drum 21, reads a slit formed in the rotating plate, and responds to the read result. Output the encoder signal.

  In the transport direction A, a sensor 36 is provided on the downstream side of the transport roller pair 32 and on the upstream side of the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. The sensor 36 can detect the leading edge of the paper P that is transported along the main transport path R1. When the sensor 36 detects the leading edge of the paper P, the sensor 36 outputs a detection signal.

  In addition to a central processing unit (CPU) that is an arithmetic processing unit, the control unit 4 includes a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and an I / F. (Interface), I / O (Input / Output Port), timer, etc. are included. The ROM stores programs executed by the CPU, various fixed data, and the like. The RAM temporarily stores data (for example, image data) necessary for executing the program. The ASIC performs rewriting and rearrangement of image data (for example, signal processing and image processing). The I / F performs data transmission / reception with an external device (for example, a PC connected to the printer 1). I / O inputs / outputs detection signals of various sensors. Note that the control unit 4 may not include the ASIC, and image data may be rewritten or rearranged by a program executed by the CPU.

  Based on the encoder signal output from the encoder 37, the control unit 4 controls the transport motor 31M so that the roller 31b rotates at a preset rotational speed. Further, the control unit 4 controls the drive motor 20M based on the encoder signal output from the encoder 38 so that the photosensitive drum 21 rotates at a preset rotation speed. The rotation speed set in advance for the roller 31b and the rotation speed set in advance for the photosensitive drum 21 may be the same or different.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 4 includes a paper feed motor 2M, transport motors 31M to 34M, a head 11, a carriage motor 10M, drive motors 20M and 28M, a charger 26, a scanner unit 27, a switching unit 50, and It is connected to a solenoid 62 or the like. In addition, the control unit 4 prepares for recording, supplies, conveys, and discharges the paper P so that an image by the ink ejection method or the electrophotographic method is recorded on the paper P based on the recording command received from the external device. The operation and the recording operation synchronized with the conveyance of the paper P are controlled.

  Next, a control flow relating to the recording operation of the recording apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The recording apparatus 1 stands by until a recording command for recording an image on the paper P is received from an external apparatus (step S1). When the recording command is received (YES), the control unit 4 determines whether the information included in the recording command is image recording by the ink ejection method (step S2). If the control unit 4 determines YES in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3, where the first image recording unit 10 performs image recording by the ink ejection method.

  First, in step S3, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the flap 51 is in the second state. If the flap 51 is in the first state (NO), the control unit 4 controls the switching unit 50 to turn the flap 51 on. The second state is set (step S4). In step S3, when the flap 51 is in the second state, the process proceeds to step S5. In this way, the flap 51 is set in the second state before the leading edge of the paper P passes through the flap 51. Accordingly, the paper P that has passed through the first image recording unit 10 can be advanced to the detour route R2 without being directed to the second image recording unit 20.

  In step S5, the controller 4 determines whether or not the distance between the axes of the two rollers 31a and 31b is the first distance T1, and if the distance between the axes is the second distance T2 (NO), the solenoid 62 is controlled, and the distance between the axes is set as the first distance T1 (step S6). In step S6, when the inter-axis distance is the first distance T1, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S <b> 7, the control unit 4 drives the paper feed motor 2 </ b> M to feed the paper P from the paper storage unit 2 a to the transport unit 30. In step S <b> 8, the control unit 4 drives the transport motors 31 </ b> M to 34 </ b> M to transport the paper P toward the paper discharge unit 3. At this time, the control unit 4 controls the two conveyance motors 31M and 32M so as to record the image on the paper P only from the time when the liquid ejection from the head 11 is started until the time when the liquid ejection is finished. Then, the paper P is intermittently conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs 31 and 32. That is, the conveyance roller pairs 31 and 32 repeat conveyance and pause.

  The controller 4 controls the carriage motor 10M and the head 11 to reciprocate the head 11 in the main scanning direction and eject ink at a desired timing when the conveyance by the conveyance roller pairs 31 and 32 is temporarily stopped. Then, an image is recorded on the paper P (step S9). When the first image recording unit 10 records an image on the paper P, the conveyance force by the conveyance roller pair 31 is the largest, and the conveyance roller pair 31 becomes the main conveyance roller pair. The rotation speed of the roller 31b, which is the driving roller of the two rollers constituting the conveyance roller pair 31, is controlled by the control unit 4, so that the conveyance speed of the paper P conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 31 is accurate. Is relatively good. For this reason, the quality of the image recorded on the paper P conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 31 is relatively high. Further, since the conveying roller pair 31 has a higher conveying force than the other roller pairs, when conveying the sheet P while the conveying roller pair 31 and the other roller pair sandwich the other roller, the other rollers Less susceptible to paired transport. Thus, the main transport roller pair is a roller pair that can control the transport speed of the transported paper P.

  When the trailing edge of the paper P passes through the head 11, the control unit 4 controls the two transport motors 31M and 32M in step S10 so that the transport rollers 31 and 32 continuously transport the paper P. Switch to. The transport roller pairs 33 and 34 are driven so as to continuously transport the paper P from the beginning. Thus, the sheet P on which an image is recorded by the first image recording unit 10 proceeds to the detour route R2, and is joined by the transport roller pair 34 from the detour route R2 to the downstream portion of the main transport route R1 from the second image recording unit 20. To do. Thereafter, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit 3 by the transport roller pair 33 (step S10). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S24.

  If the control unit 4 determines NO in step S <b> 2, the process proceeds to step S <b> 11 and the second image recording unit 20 performs image recording by the electrophotographic method. First, in step S11, the control unit 4 controls the heater 28H to heat the heating roller 28a to a predetermined temperature. Next, in step S12, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the flap 51 is in the first state. When the flap 51 is in the second state (NO), the control unit 4 is controlled to control the flap 51. Is set to the first state (step S13). In step S12, when the flap 51 is in the first state, the process proceeds to step S14. Thus, the flap 51 is set to the first state before the leading edge of the paper P passes through the flap 51. As a result, the paper P that has passed through the first image recording unit 10 can be advanced to the second image recording unit 20.

  In step S14 and step S15, the control unit 4 performs the same control as in step S5 and step S6 described above, and proceeds to step S16. In addition, the control unit 4 performs the same control as step S7 in step S16.

  In step S <b> 17, the control unit 4 drives the conveyance motors 31 </ b> M to 33 </ b> M to convey the paper P toward the paper discharge unit 3. At this time, the conveyance roller pairs 31 to 33 are driven to continuously convey the paper P.

  When the leading edge of the paper P is detected by the sensor 36 (step S18: YES) and a predetermined time has elapsed (step S19: YES), the control unit 4 controls the solenoid 62 to control the shafts of the two rollers 31a and 31b. The inter-distance is the second distance T2 (step S20). The predetermined time here is the elapsed time from the time when the leading edge of the paper P reaches the detection position of the sensor 36 to the time before the leading edge of the paper P reaches the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. As such, it is set in advance. This elapsed time can be set based on the distance along the main conveyance path R1 from the sensor 36 to the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 and the conveyance speed of the paper P by the conveyance roller pairs 31 and 32. That is, when the distance between the axes of the two rollers 31a and 31b changes from the first distance T1 to the second distance T2, the leading edge of the sheet P is downstream in the transport direction A from the pair of transport rollers 32 and the photosensitive drum 21 and Located upstream of the transfer roller 22. Accordingly, when the toner image is transferred onto the paper P, the conveyance force (first conveyance force) of the conveyance roller pair 31 is smaller than the conveyance force (second conveyance force) due to the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. For this reason, it becomes possible to suppress the influence of the conveyance by the conveyance roller pair 31, and the deterioration of the image quality recorded by the second image recording unit 20 can be suppressed. When an image is recorded on the paper P by the second image recording unit 20, the conveyance force by the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 is relatively large, and these serve as a main conveyance roller pair. Since the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 21 is controlled by the control unit 4, the conveyance speed of the paper P conveyed by the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 is relatively high. Further, since the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 have a higher conveying force than other roller pairs, the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 and the other roller pairs convey one sheet P while being sandwiched between them. When this is done, it is less susceptible to transport by other roller pairs.

  In step S <b> 21, the control unit 4 controls the drive motor 20 </ b> M, the charger 26, and the scanner unit 27 in synchronization with the conveyance of the paper P, and rotates toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 while rotating the photosensitive drum 21 and the like. Form an image. Thus, when the paper P is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22, the toner image is transferred onto the paper P. In step S22, the control unit 4 controls the drive motor 28M in synchronization with the conveyance of the paper P, and also rotates the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b. The sheet P on which the toner image is transferred passes through the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b, whereby the toner on the sheet P is thermally fixed, and the image is recorded on the sheet P. Thus, the paper P on which the image is recorded is discharged to the paper discharge unit 3 by the transport roller pair 33 (step S23). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, if the next recording command is received (YES), the process returns to step S2, and if not received (NO), the control flow relating to the recording operation is completed.

  As described above, according to the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the second image recording unit 20 performs image recording on the paper P, the pair of conveyance rollers that are the main conveyance roller pair of the first image recording unit 10. It becomes possible to suppress the influence of conveyance by 31. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a reduction in image quality recorded by the second image recording unit 20 while downsizing the recording apparatus 1.

  The distance between the axes of the transport roller pair 31 is the first distance T1 when the first image recording unit 10 records an image on the paper P. When the distance between the axes of the transport roller pair 31 is the first distance T1, the gripping force of the paper P by the transport roller pair 31 is relatively large. Therefore, the transport speed of the paper P by the transport roller pair 31 is relatively accurate. Therefore, when the first image recording unit 10 performs image recording, the paper P can be accurately conveyed to the first image recording unit 10 by the conveyance roller pair 31. Therefore, high quality can be ensured for the image recorded on the paper P by the first image recording unit 10. The inter-axis distance is the second distance T2 when the second image recording unit 20 records an image on the paper P. When the distance between the axes of the transport roller pair 31 is the second distance T2, the transport roller pair 31 does not pinch the paper P or the gripping force is relatively small. Therefore, the transport roller pair 31 hardly affects the transport of the paper P. Absent. For this reason, when the second image recording unit 20 performs image recording, it is possible to suppress the influence of conveyance by the conveyance roller pair 31. Therefore, high quality can be ensured for the image recorded on the paper P by the second image recording unit 20.

  Since the second distance T2 is a distance between the two rollers 31a and 31b, the two rollers 31a and 31b are separated from each other when the second image recording unit 20 performs image recording. More specifically, since the second distance T2 exceeds the thickness of the paper P, one of the rollers 31a of the transport roller pair 31 is separated from the paper P when the second image recording unit 20 performs image recording. For this reason, it becomes possible to suppress the influence of the conveyance by the conveyance roller pair 31 more. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the deterioration of the image quality recorded by the second image recording unit 20.

  The flap 51 is in the first state when the first image recording unit 10 records an image on the paper P. Thereby, when the first image recording unit 10 performs image recording, the influence of conveyance by the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 is eliminated. For this reason, the image quality recorded by the first image recording unit 10 can be maintained. In addition, it is possible to prevent the ink discharged on the paper P from adhering to the photosensitive drum 21.

Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.
As a first modification, when the second image recording unit 20 records an image on the paper P, the control unit 4 is after the leading end of the paper P is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 and the photosensitive drum. The solenoid 62 may be controlled so that the distance between the axes takes the second distance T2 before the toner image carried on the roller 21 is transferred to the paper P. In this case, the predetermined time in step S19 is different from the above-described embodiment. The predetermined time here is from the time when the leading edge of the paper P reaches the detection position of the sensor 36 to after the leading edge of the paper P reaches the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 and is carried by the photosensitive drum 21. The elapsed time up to the time point before the toner image is transferred to the paper P is preset. Here, after the front end of the paper P is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 and before the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the paper P, the front end portion of the paper P This is a period during which a blank area without an image to be recorded is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. The elapsed time can be set based on the distance along the main conveyance path R1 from the sensor 36 to the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22, the conveyance speed of the paper P by the conveyance roller pairs 31, 32, and the image data. is there. This also makes it possible to suppress the influence of the conveyance of the conveyance roller pair 31 before the image is recorded on the paper P by the second image recording unit 20. For this reason, the deterioration of the image quality recorded by the second image recording unit 20 can be further suppressed.

  In this modification, the conveyance roller pair 32 may not be provided. Also in this case, when the second image recording unit 20 performs image recording on the paper P, the control unit 4 is after the leading end of the paper P is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 and after the photosensitive drum 21. The solenoid 62 may be controlled so that the distance between the axes takes the second distance T2 before the toner image carried on the sheet P is transferred to the paper P. In this modification, the main conveyance roller pair for the first image recording unit 10 may be a conveyance roller pair 32. That is, an encoder may be provided on the drive roller of the transport roller pair 32. Also in this case, when the second image recording unit 20 performs image recording on the paper P, the control unit 4 is after the leading end of the paper P is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 and after the photosensitive drum 21. The solenoid 62 may be controlled so that the distance between the axes takes the second distance T2 before the toner image carried on the sheet P is transferred to the paper P. Furthermore, in this case, the conveyance roller pair 31 may not be provided.

  As another modification, as shown in FIG. 6, a moving unit 80 (second moving unit) that moves the transfer roller 22 may be provided. The moving unit 80 in this modification includes a support unit 81 and a solenoid 82 that moves the support unit 81 under the control of the control unit 4. The support unit 81 rotatably supports the shaft member 22a of the transfer roller 22. The solenoid 82 moves the support portion 81 so as to selectively take a contact state where the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 are in contact with each other and a separation state where the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 are separated from each other. In the contact state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the arrangement relationship is the same as that of the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 in the above-described embodiment. On the other hand, in the separated state, the transfer roller 22 is separated from the photosensitive drum 21 beyond the thickness of the paper P as shown in FIG. When taking such a separated state, the sheet P conveyed between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 is supported by the lower transfer roller 22, so that the photosensitive drum 21 is separated from the sheet P. At this time, the conveyance force of the paper P by the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 is equal to zero.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, you may have the moving part 90 which moves the pressure roller 28b. The moving unit 90 in the present modification includes a support unit 91 and a solenoid 92 that moves the support unit 91 under the control of the control unit 4. The support portion 91 rotatably supports the shaft member 28b1 of the pressure roller 28a. The solenoid 92 moves the support portion 91 so as to selectively take a contact state in which the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b are in contact with each other and a separated state in which the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b are separated from each other. Let In the contact state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the arrangement relationship is the same as that of the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b in the above-described embodiment. On the other hand, in the separated state, the pressure roller 28b is separated from the heating roller 28a beyond the thickness of the paper P as shown in FIG. When taking such a separated state, the sheet P conveyed between the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b is supported by the lower pressure roller 28b, so that the heating roller 28a is separated from the sheet P. To do. At this time, the conveyance force of the paper P by the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b is equal to zero.

  When the second image recording unit 20 performs image recording on the paper P, the control unit 4 in this other modification controls the solenoid 82 so that the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 are in contact with each other. Specifically, in place of step S12 described above, the control unit 4 determines whether the photosensitive drum 21, the transfer roller 22, the heating roller 28a, and the pressure roller 28b are in contact with each other. Run. When the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22, and the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b are in a separated state (in the case of NO), the control unit 4 replaces the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 with step S13. A step of controlling the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b to be in contact is executed. When the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 are in contact with the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b (in the case of YES), the control unit 4 executes the process of step S14. Thereby, the image can be recorded on the paper P by the second image recording unit 20 as in the above-described embodiment. In this case, the separation distance along the conveyance direction A between the conveyance roller pair 32 and the conveyance roller pair 33 is preferably less than the length of the paper P. On the other hand, when the first image recording unit 10 records an image on the paper P, the control unit 4 controls the solenoid 82 so that the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 are separated from each other. Specifically, in place of step S3 described above, the control unit 4 determines whether the photosensitive drum 21, the transfer roller 22, the heating roller 28a, and the pressure roller 28b are in a separated state. Run. When the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22, and the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b are in contact with each other (in the case of NO), the control unit 4 replaces the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 with step S4. A step of controlling the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b to be in a separated state is executed. When the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22, and the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b are in the separated state (in the case of YES), the control unit 4 executes the process of step S5. Thus, even when the paper P is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 when the first image recording unit 10 performs image recording, the influence of the conveyance by the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22 is eliminated. For this reason, the image quality recorded by the first image recording unit 10 can be maintained. Further, it is possible to suppress the ink discharged on the paper P from adhering to the photosensitive drum 21. In this other modified example, when the first image recording unit 10 records an image on the paper P, there is no need to transport the paper P via the bypass route R2, so that the switching unit 50, the bypass route R2 The guide pairs 44 and 45 and the conveying roller pair 34 constituting the above may not be provided. That is, the transport path of the transport unit 30 is configured only by the main transport path R1. Moreover, in this another modification, the moving part 90 does not need to be provided. That is, the heating roller 28a and the pressure roller 28b of the fixing device 28 do not have to be separated from each other.

  As yet another modification, the moving unit 60 may not be provided. That is, the distance between the axes of the conveying roller pair 31 may be only the first distance T1 without taking the second distance T2. In this case, the conveyance force by the conveyance roller pair 31 when the distance between the axes of the conveyance roller pair 31 is the first distance T1 is set to be smaller than the conveyance force by the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. That's fine. In this case, steps S5, S6, S14, and S15 need not be provided in the control flow of the control unit shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the above-described embodiment, in the case where the information included in the recording command is image recording by the ink ejection method, for each sheet P corresponding to the recording command, the image is only performed by the ink ejection method. Record. On the other hand, when the information included in the recording command is not the image recording by the ink ejection method, that is, in the case of the image recording by the electrophotographic method, an image is printed only by the electrophotographic method for each paper P corresponding to the recording command. Record. The printer according to the above-described embodiment includes the first image recording unit 10 capable of recording a color image and the second image recording unit 20 capable of recording a monochrome image. Therefore, the user can select whether to perform recording in either the first image recording unit 10 or the second image recording unit 20 according to the image to be recorded on the paper P. For example, when the user wants to record an image with a color such as a color image or an image including color text, the user sets a recording command so that the recording is performed by the first image recording unit 10 and includes a monochrome image or monochrome text. When it is desired to record an image such as an image in monochrome, a recording command is set so that recording by the second image recording unit 20 is performed. In general, the first image recording unit 10 using the ink ejection method can be configured at a relatively low cost regardless of whether it is a color type or a monochrome type. However, an image recorded by the ink ejection method is more likely to bleed when the image is traced with a marker as compared to an image recorded by the electrophotographic method. If the electrophotographic second image recording unit 20 is a monochrome type, it can be configured at a relatively low cost. However, when the second image recording unit 20 is a color type, it is relatively expensive. The printer according to the above-described embodiment combines the color-type first image recording unit 10 based on the ink ejection method and the monochrome-type second image recording unit 20 based on the electrophotographic method. Either method can be selected according to the application. The ink discharge type first image recording unit 10 may be a monochrome type, and the electrophotographic second image recording unit 20 may be a color type. Further, both the first image recording unit 10 and the second image recording unit 20 may be a monochrome type or a color type.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, in the present embodiment, the conveying force of the conveying roller pair 31 is changed by moving a roller constituting the conveying roller pair 31, but the conveying force may be changed by other methods. In the above-described embodiment, the conveyance roller pair 32 may not be provided. Further, the switching unit 50, the guide pairs 44 and 45 and the conveyance roller pair 34 constituting the detour route R2 may not be provided.

  Further, when the distance between the axes of the transport roller pair 31 is the first distance T1, the transport force by the transport roller pair 31 may be larger or smaller than the transport force by the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22, It may be the same. That is, it is only necessary that the conveyance force by the conveyance roller pair 31 when the distance between the axes of the conveyance roller pair 31 is the second distance T2 is smaller than the conveyance force by the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. Further, the encoders 37 and 38 may not be provided on the roller 31b and the photosensitive drum 21. Also in this case, in order to control each of the roller 31b and the photosensitive drum 21 to rotate at a preset rotation speed, a detector for measuring the rotation may be provided. Further, only the motor control may be performed without providing a detector.

  The moving unit 60 may move the roller 31b, or may move both the two rollers 31a and 31b. Further, the moving unit 80 may move the photosensitive drum 21 or may move both the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22. The head 11 of the first image recording unit 10 may be a line head. The recording medium is not limited to the paper P, and may be various recording media.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording device 4 Control part 10 1st image recording part 11 Head (liquid discharge head)
20 Second image recording unit 21 Photosensitive drum (photosensitive member)
22 Transfer roller 30 Conveying section 31 Conveying roller pair 31a, 31b Roller 32 Conveying roller pair (intermediate roller pair)
41 Guide pair (first guide)
42 Guide pair (second guide)
50 switching unit 51 flap 60 moving unit (first moving unit)
80 Moving part (second moving part)
T1 First distance T2 Second distance

Claims (10)

A transport unit that transports the recording medium along a predetermined transport path;
A liquid discharge head including a plurality of discharge ports for discharging liquid is formed, and is configured to discharge a liquid from the plurality of discharge ports to record an image on a recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit. A first image recording unit;
A transfer roller disposed downstream of the first image recording unit in the transport path and sandwiching a recording medium between the photosensitive member and the photosensitive member, and a toner image carried on the photosensitive member as a recording medium A second image recording unit configured to transfer and record an image on a recording medium;
The transport unit is controlled to transport the recording medium, the first image recording unit is controlled to perform image recording on the recording medium by the first image recording unit, and the second image recording is performed on the recording medium. A control unit that controls the second image recording unit so as to perform image recording by the unit,
The transport unit is disposed upstream of the first image recording unit or between the first image recording unit and the second image recording unit in the transport path, and the photosensitive member and the transfer in the transport path. Having a pair of conveying rollers arranged at a position where the separation distance from the roller is less than the length along the conveying path of the recording medium,
The first conveying force of the recording medium by the conveying roller pair is smaller than the second conveying force of the recording medium by the photoconductor and the transfer roller when recording an image on the recording medium at least by the second image recording unit. It is configured such that,
Wherein when performing image recording on a recording medium by the first image recording unit, a recording apparatus in which the first conveying force is characterized that you have been configured such that the second conveying force or more. A first moving unit configured to move at least one of the two rollers such that a distance between the axes of the two rollers constituting the pair of conveying rollers is a first distance and a second distance that is larger than the first distance; In addition,
The transport roller pair is configured such that the first transport force is smaller than the second transport force when the distance between the axes is the second distance.
The control unit controls the first image recording unit to perform image recording on the recording medium by the first image recording unit, and the image recording unit performs image recording on the recording medium by the first image recording unit. The first moving unit is controlled such that the inter-axis distance takes the first distance and the inter-axis distance takes the second distance when the second image recording unit records an image on a recording medium. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording apparatus. A transport unit that transports the recording medium along a predetermined transport path;
A liquid discharge head including a plurality of discharge ports for discharging liquid is formed, and is configured to discharge a liquid from the plurality of discharge ports to record an image on a recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit. A first image recording unit;
A transfer roller disposed downstream of the first image recording unit in the transport path and sandwiching a recording medium between the photosensitive member and the photosensitive member, and a toner image carried on the photosensitive member as a recording medium A second image recording unit configured to transfer and record an image on a recording medium;
The transport unit is controlled to transport the recording medium, the first image recording unit is controlled to perform image recording on the recording medium by the first image recording unit, and the second image recording is performed on the recording medium. A control unit that controls the second image recording unit so as to perform image recording by the unit,
The transport unit, in the transport path, is disposed on the upstream of the first image recording unit, and the long distance between the photosensitive member and the transfer roller in the conveyance path along the conveyance path of the recording medium A pair of conveying rollers arranged at a position less than that, and an intermediate roller pair arranged between the conveying roller pair and the second image recording unit and downstream of the first image recording unit. And
The pair of intermediate rollers has two rollers configured such that the conveyance force of the recording medium is smaller than the second conveyance force,
A first moving unit configured to move at least one of the two rollers such that a distance between the axes of the two rollers constituting the pair of conveying rollers is a first distance and a second distance that is larger than the first distance; In addition,
The transport roller pair is configured such that the first transport force is smaller than the second transport force when the distance between the axes is the second distance.
The controller is configured such that when the first image recording unit performs image recording on a recording medium, the inter-axis distance takes the first distance, and when the second image recording unit performs image recording on the recording medium, After the leading edge of the recording medium is sandwiched between the intermediate rollers and before the toner image carried on the photoconductor is transferred to the recording medium, the inter-axis distance takes the second distance. A recording apparatus that controls the first moving unit . The pair of conveying rollers, such that the first conveying force when the distance between the axis of the first distance is the second conveying force or, according to claim 3, characterized in that it is constituted Recording device.   The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second distance is a distance at which the two rollers are separated from each other. When the second image recording unit records an image on the recording medium, the control unit is configured to store the toner carried on the photosensitive member after the leading end of the recording medium is sandwiched between the photosensitive member and the transfer roller. so that the center distance before the image is transferred onto the recording medium taking the second distance, in any one of claims 2-5, wherein the controller controls the first moving unit The recording device described. The conveyance path branches from the first path for conveying a recording medium from the first image recording unit to the second image recording unit, and bypasses the second image recording unit. A second path for
The conveyance unit can convey a recording medium to the second image recording unit via the first guide that defines the first path, the second guide that defines the second path, and the first path. 2. A switching unit having a flap capable of taking a first state and a second state in which a recording medium can be conveyed from the first path to the second path. The recording apparatus of any one of -6.   The control unit causes the flap to take the first state when the second image recording unit performs image recording on the recording medium, and also performs the image recording on the recording medium by the first image recording unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the switching unit is controlled so that the flap is in the second state.   A second state in which at least one of the photosensitive member and the transfer roller is moved so as to take a contact state in which the photosensitive member and the transfer roller are in contact with each other and a separated state in which the photosensitive member and the transfer roller are separated from each other; The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a moving unit.   The controller controls the photosensitive member and the transfer roller to be in contact with each other when the second image recording unit records an image on the recording medium, and the first image recording unit applies the recording to the recording medium. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second moving unit is controlled so that the photosensitive member and the transfer roller are in the separated state when image recording is performed.