WO2014123069A1 - Paper drying device and inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Paper drying device and inkjet recording device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014123069A1
WO2014123069A1 PCT/JP2014/052261 JP2014052261W WO2014123069A1 WO 2014123069 A1 WO2014123069 A1 WO 2014123069A1 JP 2014052261 W JP2014052261 W JP 2014052261W WO 2014123069 A1 WO2014123069 A1 WO 2014123069A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
paper
unit
drying
tip
guide
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2014/052261
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
輝 池田
Original Assignee
富士フイルム株式会社
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of WO2014123069A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014123069A1/en

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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
    • B41J11/002Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
    • B41J11/0021Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation
    • B41J11/00214Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation using UV radiation
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
    • B41J11/002Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
    • B41J11/0021Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation
    • B41J11/00212Controlling the irradiation means, e.g. image-based controlling of the irradiation zone or control of the duration or intensity of the irradiation
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
    • B41J11/002Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
    • B41J11/0021Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation
    • B41J11/00216Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation using infrared [IR] radiation or microwaves
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
    • B41J11/002Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
    • B41J11/0022Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using convection means, e.g. by using a fan for blowing or sucking air
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0085Using suction for maintaining printing material flat
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/17Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/1714Conditioning of the outside of ink supply systems, e.g. inkjet collector cleaning, ink mist removal
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/02Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles
    • B65H29/04Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles the grippers being carried by endless chains or bands
    • B65H29/041Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles the grippers being carried by endless chains or bands and introducing into a pile
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/02Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles
    • B65H29/04Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles the grippers being carried by endless chains or bands
    • B65H29/042Intermediate conveyors, e.g. transferring devices
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/52Stationary guides or smoothers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26DRYING
    • F26BDRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B13/00Machines and apparatus for drying fabrics, fibres, yarns, or other materials in long lengths, with progressive movement
    • F26B13/10Arrangements for feeding, heating or supporting materials; Controlling movement, tension or position of materials
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J25/00Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J2025/008Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for comprising a plurality of print heads placed around a drum
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/50Auxiliary process performed during handling process
    • B65H2301/53Auxiliary process performed during handling process for acting on performance of handling machine
    • B65H2301/5305Cooling parts or areas of handling machine
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2405/00Parts for holding the handled material
    • B65H2405/50Gripping means
    • B65H2405/57Details of the gripping parts
    • B65H2405/572Retractable parts
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2406/00Means using fluid
    • B65H2406/30Suction means
    • B65H2406/35Other elements with suction surface, e.g. plate or wall
    • B65H2406/351Other elements with suction surface, e.g. plate or wall facing the surface of the handled material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2406/00Means using fluid
    • B65H2406/40Fluid power drive; Fluid supply elements
    • B65H2406/42Distribution circuits
    • B65H2406/421Distribution circuits with means for changing the temperature of the fluid
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2515/00Physical entities not provided for in groups B65H2511/00 or B65H2513/00
    • B65H2515/40Temperature; Thermal conductivity

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a paper drying apparatus and an ink jet recording apparatus, and more particularly, to a paper drying apparatus and an ink jet recording apparatus for drying paper transported with a leading end held by a holding means.
  • a chain delivery unit that transports paper on which an image is formed by ink ejected from an inkjet head while holding the leading edge of the paper with a holding means (gripper) provided on the outer peripheral surface and opens the holding means at a paper discharge unit
  • an ink jet recording apparatus comprising:
  • Patent Document 1 the printing unit and the heat and pressure fixing unit are transported by a chain having a gripper, and a hot air ejector is placed in the transport path of the chain, and the back surface of the recording medium is placed at a position facing the transport surface of the chain.
  • An ink jet recording apparatus including a negative pressure suction guide for pressure suction is described.
  • Patent Document 2 describes a printing machine in which the front end of a sheet is held by a gripping rod, the rear end is held by a belt having a suction unit (fan) facing each other, and conveyed to a paper discharge pile. Yes.
  • JP 2009-285877 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-211402
  • the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a sheet drying apparatus and an ink jet which can stabilize drying conditions and prevent generation of uneven drying and curling by stabilizing the posture of sheet conveyance.
  • An object is to provide a recording apparatus.
  • the present invention provides a paper drying apparatus that performs drying processing while transporting paper along a transport path, and is attached to an endless chain, and is driven along the transport path by rotating the chain.
  • Traveling tip gripping means for gripping the leading edge of the paper, a suction plate arranged along the transport path at a fixed interval with respect to the chain, and suctioning the back surface of the paper, and slanting from the leading edge of the paper toward the suction plate
  • a paper sheet provided with a leading edge guide that contacts the back surface of the paper sheet that is disposed in the direction and is sucked by the suction plate, and a drying unit that performs a drying process from the front surface of the paper sheet that is transported along the transport path.
  • a drying device is provided.
  • the front end of the paper is gripped by the front end gripping means, the back surface of the paper is sucked by the suction plate, and the region from the front end of the paper to the suction plate by the suction plate is contacted from the back surface of the paper by the front end guide.
  • a drying process is performed by a drying means.
  • the paper gripped by the paper tip gripping means is prevented from being sucked toward the suction plate in a substantially vertical direction from the front edge of the paper, and the paper is conveyed so as to be inclined toward the suction plate. Can keep the state. Therefore, changes in the drying conditions of the entire sheet can be reduced, and drying unevenness and curling can be prevented.
  • the tip guide is preferably attached to the tip gripping means.
  • the tip guide since the tip guide is attached to the tip gripping means, the tip guide is also synchronized with the tip gripping means by conveying the tip gripping means with a chain, It can be moved in contact with the back side of the paper. Therefore, the paper can be stably conveyed in a constant state.
  • a plurality of leading edge gripping means are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, and the leading edge guides are provided between the leading edge gripping means. Is preferred.
  • the paper drying apparatus includes a plurality of tip gripping means, so that the paper can be stably conveyed.
  • the tip guide is operatively attached to the tip gripping means and can be stored in the tip gripping means.
  • the tip guide since the tip guide is operatively attached to the tip gripping means, the tip guide is unloaded only when the paper is gripped by the tip gripping means, When the sheet is not gripped by the tip gripping means, the tip guide can be stored. Therefore, the tip guide can be prevented from interfering when the tip gripping means is driven by driving the chain.
  • the tip guide operates in an oblique direction from the tip gripping means toward the suction plate.
  • the paper drying apparatus when the paper is transported on the suction plate, the paper is brought into contact with the front end guide carried out from the front end gripping member toward the suction plate from the back side, and the paper is transported. Can be stabilized. Accordingly, since changes in the drying conditions of the paper can be reduced, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of drying unevenness and curling.
  • a sheet drying apparatus includes a first compressed air ejecting unit that pumps the leading end guide, and the first compressed air ejecting unit is provided at a position where the leading end gripping unit starts gripping the sheet. It is preferred that
  • the paper drying apparatus includes the first compressed air ejecting unit, and the leading end guide is unloaded when the leading end gripping unit starts gripping the sheet. At this time, the tip guide can be prevented from interfering.
  • the paper drying apparatus preferably includes a suction plate temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the suction plate.
  • drying can be promoted by adjusting the temperature of the suction plate by the suction plate temperature adjusting means.
  • the paper drying apparatus preferably includes a temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the tip guide.
  • the paper drying apparatus it is possible to dry the paper from the back side by adjusting the temperature of the tip guide by the temperature adjusting means. Also, when drying by adjusting the temperature of the suction plate, the area in contact with the tip guide is not heated from the suction plate, but by adjusting the temperature of the tip guide and heating from the tip guide, the paper drying conditions Can be kept constant.
  • the present invention provides an image recording unit having an inkjet head for discharging aqueous ultraviolet curable ink onto a sheet, and drying while conveying the sheet on which an image is recorded by the image recording unit along a conveyance path.
  • a paper drying device as described above that performs processing, a UV irradiation processing unit that performs fixing processing on the paper that has been dried by the paper drying device, and a paper discharge unit that discharges the paper subjected to fixing processing by the UV irradiation processing unit.
  • An ink jet recording apparatus is provided.
  • the present invention generation of uneven drying and curling can be prevented, and the paper after image recording can be efficiently dried. Further, since the drying state can be made the same over the entire surface of the paper, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of uneven fixing.
  • the fixing condition by the UV irradiation processing unit can be performed on the entire surface of the sheet under a certain condition, and thus, occurrence of fixing unevenness can be prevented.
  • the paper discharge unit includes a second compressed air ejecting unit that pumps the tip guide and stores the tip guide in the tip gripping unit.
  • the second discharge unit is provided with the second compressed air ejecting unit, and the leading end guide is housed in the leading end gripping unit.
  • the paper can be discharged without the front end guide getting in the way.
  • the paper drying device and the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention since the front end guide for guiding the back surface of the paper is provided, the paper from the front end of the paper gripped by the front end gripping means to the suction by the suction plate is guided. can do. Therefore, since the drying by the drying means can be performed on the entire surface of the sheet under the same conditions, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of uneven drying and curling.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus.
  • FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the adsorption plate temperature adjusting means.
  • FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of the adsorption plate temperature adjusting means.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the gripper.
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the gripper.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operating state of the tip guide.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the paper is added.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a conventional problem.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control system of the ink jet recording apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is an ink jet recording apparatus that records an image by an ink jet method using aqueous UV ink (UV (ultraviolet) curable ink using an aqueous medium) on a sheet of paper (recording medium) P.
  • a paper feeding unit 12 that feeds the paper P
  • a processing liquid application unit 14 that applies a predetermined processing liquid to the surface (image recording surface) of the paper P fed from the paper feeding unit 12, and a processing liquid A processing liquid drying processing unit 16 that performs a drying process on the paper P to which the processing liquid has been applied by the application unit 14, and an inkjet using water-based UV ink on the surface of the paper P that has been subjected to the drying processing by the processing liquid drying processing unit 16.
  • An image recording unit 18 that records an image by a method, an ink drying processing unit 20 that performs drying processing of the paper P on which an image is recorded by the image recording unit 18, and a paper P that has been dried by the ink drying processing unit 20 And UV irradiation section 22 for fixing the image by performing UV irradiation process (fixing process), and a paper discharge section 24 for discharging the paper P UV irradiation treatment with UV irradiation treatment section 22.
  • the sheet feeding unit 12 feeds the sheets P stacked on the sheet feeding table 30 to the processing liquid applying unit 14 one by one.
  • the sheet feeding unit 12 mainly includes a sheet feeding table 30, a suction device 32 (soccer), a pair of sheet feeding rollers 34, a feeder board 36, a front pad 38, and a sheet feeding drum 40.
  • the paper P is placed on the paper feed tray 30 in a bundled state in which a large number of sheets are stacked.
  • the sheet feed table 30 is provided so as to be lifted and lowered by a sheet feed table lifting device (not shown).
  • the drive of the paper feed platform lifting / lowering device is controlled in conjunction with the increase / decrease of the paper P loaded on the paper feed platform 30 so that the paper P positioned at the top of the bundle is always positioned at a constant height. Then, the paper feed table 30 is moved up and down.
  • the paper P as the recording medium is not particularly limited, but general-purpose printing paper used in general offset printing or the like (so-called high-quality paper, coated paper, art paper, and other paper mainly composed of cellulose) can be used. .
  • coated paper is used.
  • the coated paper is one in which a coating layer is provided by coating a coating material on the surface of high-quality paper or neutral paper that is generally not surface-treated.
  • art paper, coated paper, lightweight coated paper, finely coated paper and the like are preferably used.
  • the suction device 32 picks up the sheets P stacked on the sheet feeding table 30 one by one from the top and feeds them to the pair of sheet feeding rollers 34.
  • the suction device 32 includes a suction foot 32A that can be moved up and down and swingable.
  • the suction foot 32A sucks and holds the upper surface of the paper P, and the paper P is fed from the paper feed table 30 to the paper feed roller pair 34.
  • Transport At this time, the suction foot 32A sucks and holds the top surface of the leading end of the paper P positioned at the top of the bundle, pulls up the paper P, and the pair of paper P that forms the pair of paper feeding rollers 34 is formed at the leading end of the paper P that is pulled up. Between the rollers 34A and 34B.
  • the paper feed roller pair 34 includes a pair of upper and lower rollers 34A and 34B that are pressed against each other.
  • One of the pair of upper and lower rollers 34A and 34B is a drive roller (roller 34A) and the other is a driven roller (roller 34B).
  • the drive roller (roller 34A) is driven by a motor (not shown) and rotates.
  • the motor is driven in conjunction with the feeding of the paper P.
  • the motor rotates the driving roller (roller 34A) in accordance with the timing.
  • the sheet P inserted between the pair of upper and lower rollers 34A, 34B is nipped by the rollers 34A, 34B and is sent out in the rotation direction of the rollers 34A, 34B (the installation direction of the feeder board 36).
  • the feeder board 36 is formed corresponding to the paper width, and receives the paper P sent out from the paper feed roller pair 34 and guides it to the front pad 38.
  • the feeder board 36 is installed such that the front end side is inclined downward, and the sheet P placed on the conveyance surface is slid along the conveyance surface and guided to the front pad 38.
  • a plurality of tape feeders 36A for conveying the paper P are installed at intervals in the width direction.
  • the tape feeder 36A is formed in an endless shape, and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown).
  • the paper P placed on the conveyance surface of the feeder board 36 is fed by the tape feeder 36A and conveyed on the feeder board 36.
  • a retainer 36B and a roller 36C are installed on the feeder board 36.
  • a plurality of retainers 36 ⁇ / b> B are arranged in a longitudinal line along the conveyance surface of the paper P (two in this example).
  • the retainer 36 ⁇ / b> B is configured by a leaf spring having a width corresponding to the sheet width, and is placed in pressure contact with the conveyance surface.
  • the paper P conveyed on the feeder board 36 by the tape feeder 36A passes through the retainer 36B, so that the unevenness is corrected.
  • the retainer 36 ⁇ / b> B is formed by curling the rear end portion so that the paper P can be easily introduced between the retainer 36 ⁇ / b> B and the feeder board 36.
  • the roller 36C is disposed between the front and rear retainers 36B.
  • the roller 36C is placed in pressure contact with the transport surface of the paper P.
  • the sheet P conveyed between the front and rear retainers 36B is conveyed while the upper surface is suppressed by the rollers 36C.
  • the front pad 38 corrects the posture of the paper P.
  • the front pad 38 is formed in a plate shape and is disposed orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper P. Further, it is driven by a motor (not shown) so as to be swingable.
  • the leading edge of the sheet P conveyed on the feeder board 36 is brought into contact with the front pad 38 to correct the posture (so-called skew prevention).
  • the front pad 38 swings in conjunction with the paper feeding to the paper feeding drum 40 and delivers the paper P whose posture has been corrected to the paper feeding drum 40.
  • the paper feed drum 40 receives the paper P fed from the feeder board 36 via the front pad 38 and conveys it to the processing liquid application unit 14.
  • the paper supply drum 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown).
  • a gripper 40A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the paper feed drum 40, and the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 40A.
  • the paper feed drum 40 conveys the paper P to the treatment liquid application unit 14 while winding the paper P around the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the front end of the paper P with the gripper 40A.
  • the paper feed unit 12 is configured as described above.
  • the sheets P stacked on the sheet feed table 30 are pulled up one by one from the top by the suction device 32 and fed to the sheet feed roller pair 34.
  • the paper P fed to the paper feed roller pair 34 is fed forward by a pair of upper and lower rollers 34A, 34B constituting the paper feed roller pair 34 and placed on the feeder board 36.
  • the paper P placed on the feeder board 36 is transported by a tape feeder 36 ⁇ / b> A provided on the transport surface of the feeder board 36.
  • the retainer 36B is pressed against the transport surface of the feeder board 36 in the transport process, and the unevenness is corrected.
  • the sheet P conveyed by the feeder board 36 has its leading end brought into contact with the front pad 38 to correct the inclination, and is then transferred to the sheet feeding drum 40. Then, it is transported by the paper feed drum 40 to the processing liquid application unit 14.
  • the processing liquid application unit 14 applies a predetermined processing liquid to the surface (image recording surface) of the paper P.
  • the treatment liquid application unit 14 mainly includes a treatment liquid application drum 42 that conveys the paper P, and a treatment liquid application unit 44 that applies a predetermined treatment liquid to the printing surface of the paper P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42. Consists of.
  • the processing liquid application drum 42 receives the paper P from the paper supply drum 40 of the paper supply unit 12 and conveys the paper P to the processing liquid drying processing unit 16.
  • the treatment liquid application drum 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown).
  • a gripper 42A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the treatment liquid application drum 42, and the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 42A.
  • the processing liquid application drum 42 conveys the paper P to the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 (one rotation) while the paper P is wound around the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the front end of the paper P with the gripper 42A. To transport one sheet of paper P).
  • the rotation of the processing liquid application drum 42 and the paper supply drum 40 is controlled so that the timing of receiving and delivering the paper P matches each other. That is, it drives so that it may become the same peripheral speed, and it drives so that the position of a mutual gripper may match.
  • the treatment liquid application unit 44 applies the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42 by a roller.
  • the processing liquid application unit 44 mainly applies a coating roller 44A for applying the processing liquid to the paper P, a processing liquid tank 44B for storing the processing liquid, and a processing liquid stored in the processing liquid tank 44B.
  • the pumping roller 44C is installed in pressure contact with the application roller 44A, and partly immersed in the processing liquid stored in the processing liquid tank 44B.
  • the pumping roller 44C measures and pumps the processing liquid, and applies the processing liquid to the peripheral surface of the coating roller 44A with a certain thickness.
  • the application roller 44A is provided corresponding to the paper width, is pressed against the paper P, and applies the treatment liquid applied to the peripheral surface thereof to the paper P.
  • the application roller 44 ⁇ / b> A is driven by a contact / separation mechanism (not shown) and moves between a contact position that contacts the peripheral surface of the treatment liquid application drum 42 and a separation position that separates from the peripheral surface of the treatment liquid application drum 42. To do.
  • the contact / separation mechanism moves the application roller 44 ⁇ / b> A in accordance with the passage timing of the paper P, and applies the treatment liquid onto the surface of the paper P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42.
  • the processing liquid is applied with a roller, but the method of applying the processing liquid is not limited to this.
  • the structure provided using an inkjet head and the structure provided by spraying can also be employ
  • the treatment liquid application unit 14 is configured as described above.
  • the paper P delivered from the paper supply drum 40 of the paper supply unit 12 is received by the processing liquid application drum 42.
  • the treatment liquid applying drum 42 grips the leading end of the paper P with the gripper 42A and rotates, so that the paper P is wound around the peripheral surface and conveyed. In this conveyance process, the application roller 44A is pressed against the surface of the paper P, and the processing liquid is applied to the surface of the paper P.
  • the processing liquid to be applied to the surface of the paper P is applied with a processing liquid having a function of aggregating the coloring material in the aqueous UV ink that is ejected onto the paper P in the subsequent image recording unit 18.
  • the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 performs a drying process on the paper P having a processing liquid applied to the surface.
  • the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 mainly blows hot air onto the printing surface of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 that transports the paper P, the paper transport guide 48, and the paper P that is transported by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46.
  • a processing liquid drying processing unit 50 for drying is
  • the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 receives the paper P from the processing liquid application drum 42 of the processing liquid application unit 14 and conveys the paper P to the image recording unit 18.
  • the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 is constituted by a frame assembled in a cylindrical shape, and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown).
  • a gripper 46A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46, and the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 46A.
  • the treatment liquid drying processing drum 46 conveys the image recording unit 18 and the paper P by gripping and rotating the leading edge of the paper P with the gripper 46A.
  • the treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46 of this example is configured so that the grippers 42A are disposed at two locations on the outer peripheral surface, so that two sheets of paper P can be conveyed by one rotation.
  • the rotation of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and the processing liquid application drum 42 is controlled so that the timing of receiving and delivering the paper P is matched. That is, it drives so that it may become the same peripheral speed, and it drives so that the position of a mutual gripper may match.
  • the paper transport guide 48 is arranged along the transport path of the paper P by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and guides the transport of the paper P.
  • the processing liquid drying processing unit 50 is installed inside the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and performs drying processing by blowing hot air toward the surface of the paper P conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46.
  • the two processing liquid drying processing units 50 are arranged in the processing liquid drying processing drum, and are configured to blow hot air toward the surface of the paper P conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. ing.
  • the treatment liquid drying processing unit 16 is configured as described above.
  • the paper P delivered from the processing liquid application drum 42 of the processing liquid application unit 14 is received by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46.
  • the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 conveys the paper P by gripping the leading end of the paper P with the gripper 46 ⁇ / b> A and rotating. At this time, the treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46 conveys the surface of the paper P (the surface coated with the treatment liquid) inward.
  • the paper P is dried by blowing hot air from the processing liquid drying processing unit 50 installed inside the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. That is, the solvent component in the treatment liquid is removed. As a result, an ink aggregation layer is formed on the surface of the paper P.
  • the image recording unit 18 ejects ink droplets of each color of C, M, Y, and K (water-based UV ink) on the printing surface of the paper P, and draws a color image on the printing surface of the paper P.
  • the image recording unit 18 mainly presses the image recording drum 52 that conveys the paper P and the paper P that is conveyed by the image recording drum 52, so that the paper P is brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • a roller 54 inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K that discharge ink droplets of C, M, Y, and K colors on the paper P; an inline sensor 58 that reads an image recorded on the paper P; and an ink mist A mist filter 60 to be captured and a drum cooling unit 62 are included.
  • the image recording drum 52 receives the paper P from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 of the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 and conveys the paper P to the ink drying processing unit 20.
  • the image recording drum 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown).
  • a gripper 52A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52, and the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 52A.
  • the image recording drum 52 conveys the paper P to the ink drying processing unit 20 while winding the paper P around the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the leading edge of the paper P with the gripper 52A.
  • the image recording drum 52 has a plurality of suction holes (not shown) formed in a predetermined pattern on the peripheral surface thereof. The sheet P wound around the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 is conveyed while being sucked and held on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 by being sucked from the suction holes. Thereby, the paper P can be conveyed with high flatness.
  • suction from the suction hole acts only within a certain range, and acts between a predetermined suction start position and a predetermined suction end position.
  • the suction start position is set to the installation position of the sheet pressing roller 54
  • the suction end position is set to the downstream side of the installation position of the in-line sensor 58 (for example, set to a position for delivering the sheet to the ink drying processing unit 20). .) That is, at least at the installation position (image recording position) of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K and the installation position (image reading position) of the inline sensor 58, the paper P is attracted and held on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • the mechanism for attracting and holding the paper P on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 is not limited to the above-described suction method using negative pressure, and a method using electrostatic suction can also be employed.
  • the image recording drum 52 of the present example is configured so that grippers 52A are disposed at two locations on the outer peripheral surface so that two sheets of paper P can be conveyed by one rotation.
  • the rotation of the image recording drum 52 and the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 is controlled so that the timing of receiving and transferring the paper P to each other matches. That is, it drives so that it may become the same peripheral speed, and it drives so that the position of a mutual gripper may match.
  • the paper pressing roller 54 is disposed in the vicinity of the paper receiving position of the image recording drum 52 (the position where the paper P is received from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46).
  • the sheet pressing roller 54 is composed of a rubber roller, and is installed in press contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • the paper P transferred from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 to the image recording drum 52 is nipped by passing through the paper pressing roller 54 and is brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • the four inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K are arranged at regular intervals along the transport path of the paper P by the image recording drum 52.
  • the inkjet heads 56 ⁇ / b> C, 56 ⁇ / b> M, 56 ⁇ / b> Y, 56 ⁇ / b> K are constituted by line heads corresponding to the paper width, and are arranged so that the nozzle surface faces the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • Each of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K discharges ink droplets from the nozzle row formed on the nozzle surface toward the image recording drum 52, whereby the paper P transported by the image recording drum 52 is applied. Record an image.
  • water-based UV ink is used as the ink ejected from each of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K.
  • the aqueous UV ink can be cured by irradiating with ultraviolet rays (UV) after droplet ejection.
  • UV ultraviolet rays
  • the in-line sensor 58 is installed on the downstream side of the rearmost inkjet head 56K with respect to the conveyance direction of the paper P by the image recording drum 52, and reads an image recorded by the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K.
  • the in-line sensor 58 is constituted by, for example, a line scanner, and reads images recorded by the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K from the paper P conveyed by the image recording drum 52.
  • a contact prevention plate 59 is installed in the vicinity of the inline sensor 58 on the downstream side of the inline sensor 58.
  • the contact prevention plate 59 prevents the paper P from coming into contact with the in-line sensor 58 when the paper P is lifted due to a conveyance failure or the like.
  • the mist filter 60 is disposed between the rearmost inkjet head 56K and the inline sensor 58, and sucks air around the image recording drum 52 to capture the ink mist. In this way, by sucking the air around the image recording drum 52 and capturing the ink mist, the ink mist can be prevented from entering the in-line sensor 58 and reading errors can be prevented.
  • the drum cooling unit 62 cools the image recording drum 52 by blowing cold air onto the image recording drum 52.
  • the drum cooling unit 62 mainly includes an air conditioner (not shown) and a duct 62 ⁇ / b> A that blows cool air supplied from the air conditioner onto the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • the duct 62 ⁇ / b> A cools the image recording drum 52 by blowing cool air to an area other than the conveyance area of the paper P against the image recording drum 52.
  • the duct 62A blows cold air to the area of the lower half of the image recording drum 52 to record the image.
  • the drum 52 is cooled.
  • the air outlet of the duct 62 ⁇ / b> A is formed in an arc shape so as to cover substantially the lower half of the image recording drum 52, and cold air is blown to the region of the substantially lower half of the image recording drum 52. Has been.
  • the temperature for cooling the image recording drum 52 is determined by the relationship with the temperatures of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K (particularly the temperature of the nozzle surface), and is higher than the temperatures of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K. It is cooled to a low temperature. Thereby, it is possible to prevent dew condensation from occurring in the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y and 56K. That is, by making the temperature of the image recording drum 52 lower than that of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K, condensation can be induced on the image recording drum side, and the condensation that occurs on the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K. (Especially, condensation on the nozzle surface) can be prevented.
  • the image recording unit 18 is configured as described above.
  • the paper P delivered from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 of the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 is received by the image recording drum 52.
  • the image recording drum 52 conveys the paper P by gripping the leading end of the paper P with the gripper 52A and rotating.
  • the paper P delivered to the image recording drum 52 is first brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 by passing through the paper pressing roller 54. At the same time, it is sucked from the suction holes of the image recording drum 52 and sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • the sheet P is conveyed in this state and passes through the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K.
  • ink droplets of each color of C, M, Y, and K are ejected from the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K onto the surface, and a color image is drawn on the surface. Since the ink aggregation layer is formed on the surface of the paper P, a high-quality image can be recorded without causing feathering or bleeding.
  • the paper P on which an image is recorded by the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K then passes through the inline sensor 58. Then, an image recorded on the surface when the in-line sensor 58 passes is read. Reading of the recorded image is performed as necessary, and an inspection such as ejection failure is performed from the read image. When reading is performed, reading is performed in a state of being held by suction on the image recording drum 52, so that reading can be performed with high accuracy. Further, since reading is performed immediately after image recording, for example, abnormalities such as ejection failure can be detected immediately, and it is possible to respond quickly. As a result, it is possible to prevent wasteful recording and minimize the occurrence of waste paper.
  • the sheet P is delivered to the ink drying processing unit 20 after the suction is released.
  • the ink drying processing unit 20 (corresponding to a paper drying device) performs a drying process on the paper P after image recording, and removes liquid components remaining on the surface of the paper P.
  • the ink drying processing unit 20 includes a chain gripper 64 that transports the paper P on which an image is recorded, a back tension applying mechanism (corresponding to a suction plate) 66 that applies back tension to the paper P transported by the chain gripper 64, An ink drying processing unit (corresponding to a drying unit) 68 for drying the paper P conveyed by the chain gripper 64 is configured.
  • the chain gripper 64 is a paper transport mechanism commonly used in the ink drying processing unit 20, the UV irradiation processing unit 22, and the paper discharge unit 24.
  • the chain gripper 64 receives the paper P delivered from the image recording unit 18 and discharges it. Transport to paper section 24.
  • the chain gripper 64 mainly includes a first sprocket 64A installed in the vicinity of the image recording drum 52, a second sprocket 64B installed in the paper discharge unit 24, a first sprocket 64A, and a second sprocket 64B.
  • the endless chain 64C is wound around, a plurality of chain guides (not shown) for guiding the running of the chain 64C, and a plurality of grippers 64D attached to the chain 64C at a constant interval.
  • the first sprocket 64 ⁇ / b> A, the second sprocket 64 ⁇ / b> B, the chain 64 ⁇ / b> C, and the chain guide are each configured as a pair, and are disposed on both sides of the paper P in the width direction.
  • the gripper 64D is installed over a chain 64C provided as a pair.
  • the first sprocket 64A is installed close to the image recording drum 52 so that the paper P delivered from the image recording drum 52 can be received by the gripper 64D.
  • the first sprocket 64A is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) and is connected to a motor (not shown).
  • the chain 64C wound around the first sprocket 64A and the second sprocket 64B travels by driving this motor.
  • the second sprocket 64B is installed in the paper discharge unit 24 so that the paper P received from the image recording drum 52 can be collected by the paper discharge unit 24. That is, the installation position of the second sprocket 64B is the end of the paper P conveyance path by the chain gripper 64.
  • the second sprocket 64B is pivotally supported by a bearing (not shown) and is rotatably provided.
  • the chain 64C is formed in an endless shape and is wound around the first sprocket 64A and the second sprocket 64B.
  • the chain guide is arranged at a predetermined position and guides the chain 64C to travel along a predetermined path (that is, guides the paper P to travel along a predetermined transport path).
  • a predetermined path that is, guides the paper P to travel along a predetermined transport path.
  • the first sprocket 64A and the second sprocket 64B are arranged at the same height, and the chain 64C is set to run horizontally.
  • a plurality of grippers 64D are attached to the chain 64C at a constant interval.
  • the attachment interval of the gripper 64D is set according to the reception interval of the paper P from the image recording drum 52. That is, the sheet P sequentially delivered from the image recording drum 52 is set in accordance with the reception interval of the sheet P from the image recording drum 52 so that the sheet P can be received from the image recording drum 52 at the same timing.
  • the chain gripper 64 is configured as described above. As described above, when a motor (not shown) connected to the first sprocket 64A is driven, the chain 64C travels. The chain 64C travels at the same speed as the peripheral speed of the image recording drum 52. The timing is adjusted so that the paper P delivered from the image recording drum 52 can be received by each gripper 64D.
  • the back tension applying mechanism 66 applies a back tension to the paper P that is conveyed while its tip is gripped by the chain gripper 64.
  • the back tension applying mechanism 66 mainly includes a guide plate 72 and a suction mechanism (not shown) for sucking air from a suction hole (not shown) formed in the guide plate 72.
  • the guide plate 72 is a hollow box plate having a width corresponding to the paper width.
  • the guide plate 72 is disposed along the transport path (chain travel path) of the paper P by the chain gripper 64. Specifically, it is disposed along the chain 64C and is spaced apart from the chain 64C by a predetermined distance.
  • the sheet P conveyed by the chain gripper 64 has its back surface (the surface on which no image is recorded) sliding on the upper surface of the guide plate 72 (the surface facing the chain 64C: a sliding contact surface). Be transported.
  • a large number of suction holes are formed in a predetermined pattern on the sliding surface (upper surface) of the guide plate 72.
  • the guide plate 72 is formed of a hollow box plate.
  • a suction mechanism (not shown) sucks the hollow portion (inside) of the guide plate 72. As a result, air is sucked from the suction holes formed in the sliding contact surface.
  • the ink drying processing unit 68 is installed inside the chain gripper 64 and performs a drying process on the paper P held and transported by the gripper 64D.
  • the ink drying processing unit 68 includes a hot air unit 68a that performs a drying process by blowing hot air on the surface of the paper P, and an IR unit 68b that performs a drying process by irradiating the surface of the paper P with infrared rays.
  • a plurality of ink drying processing units 68 are arranged along the transport path of the paper P. This number of installations is set according to the processing capacity of the ink drying processing unit 68, the conveyance speed (printing speed) of the paper P, and the like.
  • the guide plate 72 can be provided with temperature adjusting means (corresponding to the adsorption plate temperature adjusting means). Drying can be promoted by providing temperature control means on the guide plate 72 and adjusting the temperature of the guide plate 72 to apply heat also from the back surface of the paper P.
  • a flow path 125A for allowing warm water to pass therethrough is provided in the guide plate 72 as in the example shown in FIG. 2, and the temperature is adjusted by the temperature of the hot water, or as in the example shown in FIG. It can be performed by a known method such as heating the guide plate itself by the heater 125B.
  • the humidity of the ink drying process part 20 rises by performing a drying process. Since the drying process cannot be performed efficiently when the humidity increases, the ink drying processing unit 20 is provided with an exhaust unit together with the ink drying processing unit 68 to forcibly exhaust the humid air generated by the drying process.
  • the exhaust unit may be configured such that an exhaust duct is installed in the ink drying processing unit 20 and the air of the ink drying processing unit 20 is exhausted by the exhaust duct.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the gripper 64D
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of the gripper 64D (a view of FIG. 4 viewed from below).
  • the number of grippers 64D is four, but the number of grippers 64D is not limited as long as the paper P can be stably conveyed.
  • the gripper 64D mainly includes a first gripper shaft 104, a second gripper shaft 106, a first gripper shaft 104, and a second gripper shaft attached to the chain 64C in a direction orthogonal to the chain 64C.
  • the first gripper shaft 104 and the second gripper shaft 106 have connection portions 100 at both ends in the width direction, and are attached to the chain 64C via the connection portions 100.
  • the gripping claws 102 are attached to the first gripper shaft 104 and the second gripper shaft 106, and a plurality of gripping claws 102 are arranged on the straight line orthogonal to the chain 64C at a constant interval. At this time, the gripping claws 102 are arranged so as to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to the center in the width direction of the paper P.
  • the grip claw 102 includes a fixed grip claw 102A and a movable grip claw 102B.
  • the fixed grip claw 102 ⁇ / b> A is fixed to the first gripper shaft 104.
  • the movable gripping claw 102B is rotatably attached to the second gripper shaft 106.
  • the movable gripping claw 102B has a gripping claw opening / closing lever 108. By swinging the gripping claw opening / closing lever 108, the movable gripping claw 102B moves up and down with respect to the fixed gripping claw 102A. The nail 102 opens and closes.
  • the movable gripping claw 102B is biased in a direction to close the gripping claw 102 by a gripping claw opening / closing spring 110 (biased in a direction in which the movable gripping claw 102B is brought into contact with the fixed gripping claw 102A).
  • One end of the gripping claw opening / closing spring 110 is connected to the movable gripping claw 102 ⁇ / b> B, and the other end is connected to a stopper 112 fixedly attached to the second gripper shaft 106.
  • the gripping claw opening / closing spring 110 urges the movable gripping claw 102B and the stopper 112 in a direction away from each other. As a result, the movable gripping claw is biased in the direction in which the gripping claw 102 is closed.
  • a roller 114 is attached to the base end of the gripping claw opening / closing lever 108 of the gripping claw 102.
  • the roller 114 engages with the grip claw opening / closing cam 116 disposed on the travel path of the gripper 64D, and swings the grip claw opening / closing lever 108.
  • the grip claw opening / closing cam 116 is disposed at a position where the paper P is received and a position where the paper P is released. Specifically, the paper P is disposed at a position where the paper P is received from the image recording drum 52 and a position where the paper P is discharged by the paper discharge unit 24.
  • the gripping claw 102 opens and closes, and the paper P can be gripped and released.
  • the gripping claw opening / closing cam 116 rides on the roller 114
  • the gripping claw opening / closing lever 108 resists the biasing force of the gripping claw opening / closing spring 110.
  • the movable gripping claw 102B moves in a direction away from the fixed gripping claw 102A. That is, the gripping claw 102 is opened.
  • the gripping claw opening / closing lever 108 swings in the reverse direction by the biasing force of the gripping claw opening / closing spring 110, and the movable gripping claw 102B approaches the fixed gripping claw 102A. Move in the direction. That is, the gripping claw 102 is closed. In this way, the gripping claws 102 are opened and closed by the action of the cam.
  • the gripper 64 ⁇ / b> D includes a front end guide 118 (a front end guide) that guides the front end of the paper P from the back surface between the gripping claws 102.
  • 6 is a side view showing an initial state (portion (a) in FIG. 6) in which the paper P is held by the gripping claws 102 and a state in which the front end guide 118 is operated (portion (b) in FIG. 6). .
  • the tip guide 118 is provided between each of the plurality of gripping claws 102.
  • the leading edge guide 118 includes a leading edge guide body 118a that guides the paper P from the back surface, an auxiliary plate 118b that assists the movement of the leading edge guide body 118a, and a guide shaft 118c that attaches the leading edge guide body 118a to the movable gripping claw 102B. .
  • a tip guide conveying groove 120 is provided on the movable gripping claw 102 ⁇ / b> B of the gripping claw 102.
  • the guide shaft 118c is movably attached to the tip guide conveyance groove 120, so that the tip guide main body 118a can be operated, stored in the gripper 64D (held between the gripping claws 102), and carried out (on the back surface of the paper P). Contact) possible.
  • the tip guide 118 is preferably carried out in an oblique direction toward the guide plate 72. By being carried out in an oblique direction toward the guide plate 72, the sheet P can be guided from the leading end gripped by the gripping claws 102 to the guide plate 72.
  • the auxiliary plate 118b is attached to the tip guide main body 118a, and the auxiliary plate 118b is pushed by applying compressed air to the auxiliary plate 118b, and the tip guide main body 118a is moved.
  • the direction in which compressed air is blown when the distal end guide 118 is carried out is indicated by a portion (a) in FIG. 6, and the direction in which compressed air is blown when stored is indicated by a white arrow in the portion (b) in FIG.
  • the tip guide 118 is accommodated between the grippers 64D in the initial state in which the paper P is gripped and in the state in which the paper P is not gripped, as shown in FIG. 6A.
  • the leading edge guide 118 is carried out, and the back surface of the paper P is guided by the leading edge guide body 118a.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of the portion (b) of FIG. 6 viewed from below.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a problem during conventional drying.
  • the gripper 364D includes a gripping claw 102, a fixed gripping claw 102A, a movable gripping claw 102B, a first gripper shaft 104, a second gripper shaft 106, a gripping claw opening / closing lever 108, a gripping claw opening / closing spring 110, It is the same as the stopper 112, the roller 114, and the gripper 64D.
  • the dry state differs between the portion of the paper P that is attracted to the guide plate 72 and the portion that is not attracted to the guide plate 72.
  • uneven drying and curling occur due to different drying conditions.
  • uneven fixing occurs because the drying state is different.
  • the UV irradiation processing unit 22 is also transported in the same state, the UV irradiation conditions for the paper P are different, so that there is a problem that uneven fixing occurs.
  • the guide is provided in the part where the paper P is not attracted to the guide plate 72.
  • the sheet P can be conveyed while being gently inclined in an oblique direction toward the plate 72. That is, it is possible to alleviate the difference between the hot air blowing from the hot air unit 68a and the infrared irradiation state from the IR unit 68b in the entire paper P, and the change in the drying conditions can be reduced. Therefore, the occurrence of uneven drying and curling can be suppressed.
  • the paper P can be transported while being gently inclined in the oblique direction toward the guide plate 72, and therefore the UV irradiation state from the UV irradiation unit 74 in the entire paper P can be changed. Differences can be alleviated and changes in fixing conditions can be reduced.
  • the change in the drying conditions of the paper P is increased by the ink drying processing unit 68, and the carry-out angle of the front end guide 118 and the distance between the gripper 64D and the guide plate 72 are determined within a range where drying unevenness and curl do not occur. Is done.
  • the tip guide 118 is moved by spraying compressed air on the auxiliary plate 118b and pushing the auxiliary plate 118b.
  • Compressed air injection nozzles 122 (corresponding to compressed air injection means) 122 are provided in front of and behind the guide plate 72 in the paper P transport direction in FIG.
  • the compressed air injection nozzle 122 provided in front of the guide plate 72 the leading end guide 118 is carried out immediately after the paper P is held by the gripping claws 102, that is, immediately after the gripping is started.
  • the compressed air injection nozzle 122 provided after the guide plate 72 accommodates the leading end guide 118 immediately before the paper P is released by the paper discharge unit 24.
  • the paper P can be easily held by the gripping claws 102. Further, by storing the leading end guide 118 before the paper P is released by the paper discharge unit 24, the paper P can be discharged smoothly.
  • the temperature of the leading end guide 118 When adjusting the temperature in the guide plate 72, it is preferable to adjust the temperature of the leading end guide 118 because the temperature of the area of the sheet P guided by the leading end guide 118 is not adjusted from the back side of the sheet P.
  • the temperature of the tip guide 118 is adjusted by a temperature adjustment unit (corresponding to temperature adjustment means) 124 provided in a path on the opposite side of the guide plate 72 of the travel path of the chain gripper 64. That is, the temperature of the front end guide 118 is adjusted while the paper P is not held by the gripper 64D.
  • the temperature control unit 124 includes a tip guide temperature control IR lamp 124a that heats the tip guide 118, and a tip guide cooling fan 124b that cools the tip guide 118.
  • a sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the front end guide 118 immediately before receiving the paper P from the image recording drum 52 by the gripper 64D may be provided. By detecting the temperature with the sensor and controlling the tip guide temperature adjustment IR lamp 124a and the tip guide cooling fan 124b, the optimum temperature can be obtained.
  • the tip guide 118 is temperature-adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 124 and needs to hold heat up to the paper discharge unit 24. Therefore, it is preferable to use a material that easily holds heat, such as metal.
  • the ink drying processing unit 20 is configured as described above.
  • the paper P delivered from the image recording drum 52 of the image recording unit 18 is received by the chain gripper 64.
  • the chain gripper 64 grips the leading end of the paper P with the gripper 64 ⁇ / b> D and transports the paper P along the planar guide plate 72.
  • the leading edge guide 118 is carried out.
  • the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 64D, and the portion from the leading edge of the paper P to the suction by the guide plate 72 is guided by the leading edge guide 118.
  • the back tension of the back surface of the paper P is given by the suction mechanism of the guide plate 72.
  • the drying process is performed by the ink drying processing unit 68 installed in the chain gripper 64, so that drying unevenness and curling are suppressed, and certain drying conditions are maintained. Can be dried.
  • the UV irradiation processing unit 22 irradiates the image recorded using the aqueous UV ink with ultraviolet rays (UV) to fix the image.
  • the UV irradiation processing unit 22 mainly includes a chain gripper 64 that transports the dried paper P, a back tension applying mechanism 66 that applies back tension to the paper P transported by the chain gripper 64, and a chain gripper 64. It comprises a UV irradiation unit 74 that irradiates the conveyed paper P with ultraviolet rays.
  • the chain gripper 64 and the back tension applying mechanism 66 are used in common with the ink drying processing unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 24. That is, in the UV irradiation processing unit 22, as with the ink drying processing unit 20, when transported by the chain gripper 64, the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 64 ⁇ / b> D, and the back surface of the paper P includes a back tension applying mechanism 66. A region from the leading end of the paper P to the guide plate 72 is conveyed while being guided by the leading end guide 118. Accordingly, the UV irradiation processing unit 22 can also transport the paper P while gently tilting the paper P toward the guide plate 72 in an oblique direction. Therefore, the UV irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 74 is performed on the entire paper P. The difference in state can be alleviated. Therefore, fixing unevenness can be prevented.
  • the UV irradiation unit 74 is installed inside the chain gripper 64 and irradiates the surface of the paper P with ultraviolet rays.
  • the UV irradiation unit 74 includes an ultraviolet lamp (UV lamp), and a plurality of the UV irradiation units 74 are arranged. Then, ultraviolet rays are irradiated toward the surface of the paper P.
  • the UV irradiation processing unit 22 is configured as described above.
  • the paper P that has been transported to the chain gripper 64 and dried by the ink drying processing unit 20 is then subjected to UV irradiation processing by a UV irradiation unit 74 installed inside the chain gripper 64. That is, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UV irradiation unit 74 toward the surface.
  • a portion from the front end of the paper P until the back tension is applied is guided by the front end guide 118.
  • Back tension is applied to the back surface of the paper P by a back tension applying mechanism 66.
  • the sheet P is subjected to UV irradiation processing while being conveyed in such a stable state. Thereby, since the change of fixing conditions can be reduced, fixing unevenness can be prevented.
  • the paper discharge unit 24 collects the paper P on which a series of image recording processing has been performed.
  • the paper discharge unit 24 mainly includes a chain gripper 64 that transports the UV-irradiated paper P and a paper discharge tray 76 that stacks and collects the paper P.
  • the chain gripper 64 is used in common with the ink drying processing unit 20 and the UV irradiation processing unit 22.
  • the chain gripper 64 releases the paper P on the paper discharge tray 76 and stacks the paper P on the paper discharge tray 76.
  • the paper discharge tray 76 stacks and collects the paper P released from the chain gripper 64.
  • the paper discharge tray 76 is provided with a paper pad (a front paper pad, a rear paper pad, a horizontal paper pad, etc.) so that the sheets P are stacked in an orderly manner (not shown).
  • the paper discharge tray 76 is provided so as to be lifted and lowered by a paper discharge tray lifting / lowering device (not shown).
  • the discharge platform lifting device is controlled in conjunction with the increase / decrease of the paper P stacked on the paper discharge tray 76 so that the uppermost paper P is always positioned at a certain height.
  • the paper table 76 is moved up and down.
  • the compressed air jet nozzle 122 sprays the compressed air onto the leading end guide 118, thereby storing the leading end guide 118 between the grippers 64D.
  • the paper P can be stacked on the paper discharge tray 76 without the front end guide 118 interfering.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment.
  • the inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes a system controller 200, a communication unit 202, an image memory 204, a conveyance control unit 210, a paper feed control unit 212, a processing liquid application control unit 214, a processing liquid drying control unit 216, An image recording control unit 218, an ink drying control unit 220, a UV irradiation control unit 222, a paper discharge control unit 224, an operation unit 230, a display unit 232, and the like are provided.
  • the system controller 200 functions as a control unit that performs overall control of each unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 and also functions as a calculation unit that performs various calculation processes.
  • the system controller 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and operates according to a predetermined control program.
  • the ROM stores a control program to be executed by the system controller 200 and various data necessary for control.
  • the communication unit 202 includes a required communication interface, and transmits / receives data to / from a host computer connected to the communication interface.
  • the image memory 204 functions as a temporary storage unit for various data including image data, and data is read and written through the system controller 200. Image data captured from the host computer via the communication unit 202 is stored in the image memory 204.
  • the conveyance control unit 210 controls the conveyance system of the paper P in the inkjet recording apparatus 10. That is, the tape feeder 36A, the front pad 38, and the paper feed drum 40 in the paper feed unit 12 are controlled to be driven, and the treatment liquid application drum 42 in the treatment liquid application unit 14 and the treatment liquid drying treatment drum in the treatment liquid drying processing unit 16 are controlled. 46, controls the drive of the image recording drum 52 in the image recording unit 18. Further, the driving of the chain gripper 64, the back tension applying mechanism 66, and the compressed air jet nozzle 122 that are used in common by the ink drying processing unit 20, the UV irradiation processing unit 22, and the paper discharge unit 24 is controlled.
  • the transport control unit 210 controls the transport system in accordance with a command from the system controller 200 so that the paper P is transported without delay from the paper feed unit 12 to the paper discharge unit 24.
  • the paper feed control unit 212 controls the paper feed unit 12 in accordance with a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the driving of the suction device 32 and the paper feed table raising / lowering mechanism is controlled so that the sheets P stacked on the paper feed table 30 are sequentially fed one by one without overlapping.
  • the treatment liquid application control unit 214 controls the treatment liquid application unit 14 according to a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the treatment liquid application unit 44 is controlled so that the treatment liquid is applied to the paper P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42.
  • the processing liquid drying control unit 216 controls the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 in accordance with a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the processing liquid drying processing unit 50 is controlled so that the paper P conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 is dried.
  • the image recording control unit 218 controls the image recording unit 18 in accordance with a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K is controlled so that a predetermined image is recorded on the paper P conveyed by the image recording drum 52. Further, the operation of the inline sensor 58 is controlled so that the recorded image is read.
  • the ink drying control unit 220 controls the ink drying processing unit 20 in accordance with a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the ink drying processing unit 68 is controlled so that hot air is blown to the paper P conveyed by the chain gripper 64.
  • the UV irradiation control unit 222 controls the UV irradiation processing unit 22 according to a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the UV irradiation unit 74 is controlled so that the paper P conveyed by the chain gripper 64 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays.
  • the paper discharge control unit 224 controls the paper discharge unit 24 in accordance with a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the paper discharge table lifting mechanism is controlled so that the paper P is stacked on the paper discharge table 76.
  • the operation unit 230 includes necessary operation means (for example, operation buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.), and outputs operation information input from the operation means to the system controller 200.
  • the system controller 200 executes various processes in accordance with the operation information input from the operation unit 230.
  • the display unit 232 includes a required display device (for example, an LCD panel or the like), and displays required information on the display device in accordance with a command from the system controller 200.
  • a required display device for example, an LCD panel or the like
  • the image data to be recorded on the paper is taken into the inkjet recording apparatus 10 from the host computer via the communication unit 202.
  • the captured image data is stored in the image memory 204.
  • the system controller 200 performs necessary signal processing on the image data stored in the image memory 204 to generate dot data. Then, the drive of each inkjet head 56C, 56M, 56Y, 56K of the image recording unit 18 is controlled according to the generated dot data, and the image represented by the image data is recorded on the paper.
  • the dot data is generally generated by performing color conversion processing and halftone processing on image data.
  • the color conversion process is a process of converting image data expressed in sRGB or the like (for example, RGB 8-bit image data) into ink amount data of each color of ink used in the inkjet recording apparatus 10 (in this example, C, It is converted into ink amount data for each color of M, Y, and K.)
  • the halftone process is a process of converting the ink amount data of each color generated by the color conversion process into dot data of each color by a process such as error diffusion.
  • the system controller 200 performs color conversion processing and halftone processing on the image data to generate dot data for each color. Then, according to the generated dot data of each color, the drive of the corresponding ink jet head is controlled to record the image represented by the image data on the paper.

Abstract

With regard to a paper drying device (20) and an inkjet recording device (10) of one embodiment of the present invention, the paper drying device (20) dries paper (P) while conveying the paper along a conveyance path and is provided with the following: a leading end gripping means (102) that is attached to an endless chain (64C), travels along the conveyance path due to the chain (64C) being rotationally driven, and grips the leading end of the paper (P); a suction plate (66) that is disposed along the conveyance path with a fixed space between itself and the chain (64C), and that suctions the back surface of the paper; a leading end guide (118) that is in contact with the back surface of the paper (P) until the back surface is suctioned by the suction plate (66) from the leading end of the paper; and a drying means (68) that dries, from the front side of the paper (P), the paper conveyed along the conveyance path. Due to this configuration, by stabilizing the conveyance posture of the paper, the drying conditions can be stabilized and the occurrence of uneven drying and curling can be prevented.

Description

用紙乾燥装置及びインクジェット記録装置Paper drying apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus
 本発明は用紙乾燥装置及びインクジェット記録装置に係り、特に、保持手段により先端をくわえられて搬送される用紙を乾燥する用紙乾燥装置及びインクジェット記録装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a paper drying apparatus and an ink jet recording apparatus, and more particularly, to a paper drying apparatus and an ink jet recording apparatus for drying paper transported with a leading end held by a holding means.
 インクジェットヘッドから吐出されたインクにより画像が形成された用紙を、外周面に設けられた保持手段(グリッパー)で用紙の先端を保持して搬送し、排紙部で保持手段を開放するチェーンデリバリーユニットを備えるインクジェット記録装置が知られている。 A chain delivery unit that transports paper on which an image is formed by ink ejected from an inkjet head while holding the leading edge of the paper with a holding means (gripper) provided on the outer peripheral surface and opens the holding means at a paper discharge unit There is known an ink jet recording apparatus comprising:
 特許文献1には、印字部と熱圧定着部の間を、グリッパーを有するチェーンにより搬送し、チェーンの搬送路内に熱風噴射器、チェーンの搬送面と対向する位置に記録媒体の裏面を負圧吸引する負圧吸引ガイドを備えるインクジェット記録装置が記載されている。 In Patent Document 1, the printing unit and the heat and pressure fixing unit are transported by a chain having a gripper, and a hot air ejector is placed in the transport path of the chain, and the back surface of the recording medium is placed at a position facing the transport surface of the chain. An ink jet recording apparatus including a negative pressure suction guide for pressure suction is described.
 また、特許文献2には、枚葉紙の先端をくわえづめ棒で保持し、後端を対向する吸引手段(ファン)を備えるベルトで保持し、排紙パイルに搬送する印刷機が記載されている。 Further, Patent Document 2 describes a printing machine in which the front end of a sheet is held by a gripping rod, the rear end is held by a belt having a suction unit (fan) facing each other, and conveyed to a paper discharge pile. Yes.
特開2009-285877号公報JP 2009-285877 A 特開平6-211402号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-211402
 しかしながら、用紙の先端をグリッパーで保持し、グリッパーに対向する位置に吸着手段を備え、用紙の裏面から吸着手段により吸着して用紙を搬送する場合、グリッパーでくわえている用紙の先端から裏面の吸着手段で吸着されるまでの用紙の部分は、吸着手段で吸着されていない。したがって、用紙の吸着されていない部分は、グリッパーで保持されている部分から吸着手段に向かってほぼ垂直方向(用紙の搬送方向に対してほぼ垂直方向)に配置された状態で搬送される。そのため、乾燥手段に対する用紙の向きが、吸着手段で吸着されていない部分と、吸着されている部分とで異なるため、乾燥条件が異なり、乾燥ムラの発生、カールの発生という問題があった。また、その後、定着を行う場合、乾燥状態の違いによる定着ムラが発生し、光沢度が異なるという問題があった。 However, when the front end of the paper is held by the gripper and the suction means is provided at a position facing the gripper and the paper is sucked from the back surface of the paper by the suction means, the paper is sucked from the front end of the paper held by the gripper. The portion of the paper until it is sucked by the means is not sucked by the suction means. Therefore, the portion where the sheet is not attracted is conveyed in a state where it is arranged in a substantially vertical direction (almost perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet) from the portion held by the gripper toward the attracting unit. For this reason, the orientation of the paper with respect to the drying means is different between the portion that is not attracted by the attracting means and the portion that is attracted. Therefore, there are problems in that the drying conditions are different and drying unevenness occurs and curls occur. Further, after that, when fixing is performed, there is a problem that uneven fixing due to a difference in dry state occurs and glossiness differs.
 特許文献1、2に記載されている装置では、グリッパーで保持される用紙の保持状態については検討されていないため、これらの課題については検討されていなかった。 In the apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the holding state of the paper held by the gripper has not been studied, these problems have not been studied.
 本発明はこのような事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、用紙の搬送の姿勢を安定させることで、乾燥条件を安定させ、乾燥ムラ、カールの発生を防止することができる用紙乾燥装置及びインクジェット記録装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a sheet drying apparatus and an ink jet which can stabilize drying conditions and prevent generation of uneven drying and curling by stabilizing the posture of sheet conveyance. An object is to provide a recording apparatus.
 本発明は前記目的を達成するために、用紙を搬送経路に沿って搬送しながら乾燥処理する用紙乾燥装置において、無端状のチェーンに取り付けられ、チェーンを回転駆動させることにより、搬送経路に沿って走行する、用紙の先端を把持する先端把持手段と、チェーンに対して一定の間隔をもって搬送経路に沿って配置され、用紙の裏面を吸着する吸着板と、用紙の先端から吸着板に向かって斜め方向に配置され、前記吸着板で吸着されるまでの用紙の裏面に接触する先端ガイドと、搬送経路に沿って搬送される用紙に、用紙の表面から乾燥処理を施す乾燥手段と、を備える用紙乾燥装置を提供する。 In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a paper drying apparatus that performs drying processing while transporting paper along a transport path, and is attached to an endless chain, and is driven along the transport path by rotating the chain. Traveling tip gripping means for gripping the leading edge of the paper, a suction plate arranged along the transport path at a fixed interval with respect to the chain, and suctioning the back surface of the paper, and slanting from the leading edge of the paper toward the suction plate A paper sheet provided with a leading edge guide that contacts the back surface of the paper sheet that is disposed in the direction and is sucked by the suction plate, and a drying unit that performs a drying process from the front surface of the paper sheet that is transported along the transport path. A drying device is provided.
 本発明によれば、用紙の先端を先端把持手段で把持し、用紙の裏面を吸着板で吸着し、用紙の先端から吸着板で吸着されるまでの領域を先端ガイドで用紙の裏面から接触しながら搬送し、その過程で乾燥手段により乾燥処理が施される。用紙の裏面に先端ガイドを接触して搬送することで、先端把持手段で把持された用紙が、吸着板まで斜め方向でガイドされながら、吸着板で用紙の裏面を吸着することができる。すなわち、用紙の先端把持手段で把持された用紙が、用紙の先端からほぼ垂直方向で吸着板に向かって用紙が吸着されることを防止し、吸着板に向かって斜めになるように用紙の搬送状態を保つことができる。したがって、用紙全体の乾燥条件の変化を少なくすることができ、乾燥ムラ、カールの発生を防止することができる。 According to the present invention, the front end of the paper is gripped by the front end gripping means, the back surface of the paper is sucked by the suction plate, and the region from the front end of the paper to the suction plate by the suction plate is contacted from the back surface of the paper by the front end guide. In this process, a drying process is performed by a drying means. By transporting the front end guide in contact with the back surface of the paper, the back surface of the paper can be adsorbed by the suction plate while the paper gripped by the front end gripping means is guided in an oblique direction to the suction plate. That is, the paper gripped by the paper tip gripping means is prevented from being sucked toward the suction plate in a substantially vertical direction from the front edge of the paper, and the paper is conveyed so as to be inclined toward the suction plate. Can keep the state. Therefore, changes in the drying conditions of the entire sheet can be reduced, and drying unevenness and curling can be prevented.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置は、先端ガイドが先端把持手段に取り付けられていることが好ましい。 In the paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, the tip guide is preferably attached to the tip gripping means.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置によれば、先端ガイドが先端把持手段に取り付けられているため、先端把持手段をチェーンで搬送することにより、先端ガイドも先端把持手段と同期して、用紙の裏面と接触した状態で移動させることができる。したがって、用紙を一定の状態で安定して搬送することができる。 In the paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, since the tip guide is attached to the tip gripping means, the tip guide is also synchronized with the tip gripping means by conveying the tip gripping means with a chain, It can be moved in contact with the back side of the paper. Therefore, the paper can be stably conveyed in a constant state.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置は、先端把持手段は、用紙の搬送方向と直交する方向に複数配置されており、先端ガイドは、それぞれの先端把持手段の間に設けられていることが好ましい。 In the paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of leading edge gripping means are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, and the leading edge guides are provided between the leading edge gripping means. Is preferred.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置によれば、先端把持手段を複数備えているので、用紙を安定して搬送することができる。 The paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of tip gripping means, so that the paper can be stably conveyed.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置は、先端ガイドは先端把持手段に対し稼働可能に取り付けられ、先端把持手段内に収納可能であることが好ましい。 In the paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the tip guide is operatively attached to the tip gripping means and can be stored in the tip gripping means.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置によれば、先端ガイドが先端把持手段に稼働可能に取り付けられているため、用紙を先端把持手段で把持している時のみ、先端ガイドを搬出し、用紙を先端把持手段で把持していない時は、先端ガイドを収納させておくことができる。したがって、チェーンの駆動による先端把持手段の走行時に、先端ガイドが邪魔になることを防止することができる。 According to the paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, since the tip guide is operatively attached to the tip gripping means, the tip guide is unloaded only when the paper is gripped by the tip gripping means, When the sheet is not gripped by the tip gripping means, the tip guide can be stored. Therefore, the tip guide can be prevented from interfering when the tip gripping means is driven by driving the chain.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置は、先端ガイドは、吸着板に向かって先端把持手段から斜め方向に稼働することが好ましい。 In the paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the tip guide operates in an oblique direction from the tip gripping means toward the suction plate.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置によれば、用紙が吸着板上を搬送される際、先端把持部材から吸着板に向かって搬出された先端ガイドに裏面から接触され、用紙の搬送状態を安定させることができる。したがって、用紙の乾燥条件の変化を少なくすることができるので、乾燥ムラ、カールの発生を防止することができる。 According to the paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, when the paper is transported on the suction plate, the paper is brought into contact with the front end guide carried out from the front end gripping member toward the suction plate from the back side, and the paper is transported. Can be stabilized. Accordingly, since changes in the drying conditions of the paper can be reduced, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of drying unevenness and curling.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置は、先端ガイドを圧送する第1の圧縮空気噴射手段を備え、第1の圧縮空気噴射手段は、先端把持手段で用紙の把持を開始する位置に設けられることが好ましい。 A sheet drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first compressed air ejecting unit that pumps the leading end guide, and the first compressed air ejecting unit is provided at a position where the leading end gripping unit starts gripping the sheet. It is preferred that
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置によれば、第1の圧縮空気噴射手段を備え、先端ガイドが先端把持手段で用紙の把持を開始すると搬出されるので、先端把持手段で用紙を受け取る際に先端ガイドが邪魔することを防止することができる。 According to another aspect of the present invention, the paper drying apparatus includes the first compressed air ejecting unit, and the leading end guide is unloaded when the leading end gripping unit starts gripping the sheet. At this time, the tip guide can be prevented from interfering.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置は、吸着板の温度調節を行う吸着板温調手段を備えることが好ましい。 The paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention preferably includes a suction plate temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the suction plate.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置によれば、吸着板温調手段により吸着板の温度調節を行うことにより、乾燥を促進させることができる。 According to the paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, drying can be promoted by adjusting the temperature of the suction plate by the suction plate temperature adjusting means.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置は、先端ガイドの温度調節を行う温調手段を備えることが好ましい。 The paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention preferably includes a temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the tip guide.
 本発明の他の態様に係る用紙乾燥装置によれば、温調手段により先端ガイドの温度調節を行うことにより、用紙を裏面からも乾燥を行うことができる。また、吸着板の温度調整を行い乾燥を行う場合、先端ガイドに接触している領域は、吸着板から加熱されないが、先端ガイドを温度調節し先端ガイドから加熱を行うことで、用紙の乾燥条件を一定に保つことができる。 According to the paper drying apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to dry the paper from the back side by adjusting the temperature of the tip guide by the temperature adjusting means. Also, when drying by adjusting the temperature of the suction plate, the area in contact with the tip guide is not heated from the suction plate, but by adjusting the temperature of the tip guide and heating from the tip guide, the paper drying conditions Can be kept constant.
 本発明は前記目的を達成するために、用紙に水性紫外線硬化型インクを吐出するインクジェットヘッドを備える画像記録部と、画像記録部で画像が記録された用紙を搬送経路に沿って搬送しながら乾燥処理をする上記記載の用紙乾燥装置と、用紙乾燥装置で乾燥処理された用紙に定着処理を行うUV照射処理部と、UV照射処理部で定着処理を行った用紙を排紙する排紙部と、を備えるインクジェット記録装置を提供する。 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an image recording unit having an inkjet head for discharging aqueous ultraviolet curable ink onto a sheet, and drying while conveying the sheet on which an image is recorded by the image recording unit along a conveyance path. A paper drying device as described above that performs processing, a UV irradiation processing unit that performs fixing processing on the paper that has been dried by the paper drying device, and a paper discharge unit that discharges the paper subjected to fixing processing by the UV irradiation processing unit. An ink jet recording apparatus is provided.
 本発明によれば、乾燥ムラ及びカールの発生を防止し、画像記録後の用紙を効率よく乾燥処理することができる。また、用紙全面に対して、乾燥状態を同じにすることができるので、定着ムラの発生を防止することができる。 According to the present invention, generation of uneven drying and curling can be prevented, and the paper after image recording can be efficiently dried. Further, since the drying state can be made the same over the entire surface of the paper, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of uneven fixing.
 さらに、定着部においても乾燥装置と同様の搬送を行うことで、UV照射処理部による定着条件も用紙全面に対して一定の条件で行うことができるので、定着ムラの発生を防止することができる。 Further, by performing the same transport as the drying device in the fixing unit, the fixing condition by the UV irradiation processing unit can be performed on the entire surface of the sheet under a certain condition, and thus, occurrence of fixing unevenness can be prevented. .
 本発明の他の態様に係るインクジェット記録装置は、排紙部に、先端ガイドを圧送し先端把持手段に収納する第2の圧縮空気噴射手段を備えることが好ましい。 In the ink jet recording apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the paper discharge unit includes a second compressed air ejecting unit that pumps the tip guide and stores the tip guide in the tip gripping unit.
 本発明の他の態様に係るインクジェット記録装置によれば、排紙部に第2の圧縮空気噴射手段を備え、先端ガイドを先端把持手段に収納しているので、排紙部において用紙を排紙する際に、先端ガイドが邪魔になることなく排紙を行うことができる。 According to the ink jet recording apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, the second discharge unit is provided with the second compressed air ejecting unit, and the leading end guide is housed in the leading end gripping unit. In this case, the paper can be discharged without the front end guide getting in the way.
 本発明の用紙乾燥装置及びインクジェット記録装置によれば、用紙の裏面をガイドする先端ガイドを備えているので、先端把持手段により把持されている用紙先端から吸着板で吸着されるまでの用紙をガイドすることができる。したがって、用紙全面に対して乾燥手段による乾燥を同じ条件で行うことができるので、乾燥ムラ、カールの発生を抑制することができる。 According to the paper drying device and the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, since the front end guide for guiding the back surface of the paper is provided, the paper from the front end of the paper gripped by the front end gripping means to the suction by the suction plate is guided. can do. Therefore, since the drying by the drying means can be performed on the entire surface of the sheet under the same conditions, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of uneven drying and curling.
図1は、インクジェット記録装置の全体構成図である。FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus. 図2は、吸着板温調手段の例を示す概念図である。FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the adsorption plate temperature adjusting means. 図3は、吸着板温調手段の他の例を示す概念図である。FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of the adsorption plate temperature adjusting means. 図4は、グリッパーの構成を示す側面図である。FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the gripper. 図5は、グリッパーの構成を示す平面図である。FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the gripper. 図6は、先端ガイドの稼働状態を説明する図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operating state of the tip guide. 図7は、用紙をくわえた状態を示す平面図である。FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the paper is added. 図8は、従来の問題点を説明する図である。FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a conventional problem. 図9は、インクジェット記録装置の制御系のブロック図である。FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control system of the ink jet recording apparatus.
 以下、添付図面に従って本発明の好ましい実施の形態について説明する。 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
 ≪インクジェット記録装置の全体構成≫
 図1は、本発明に係るインクジェット記録装置の一実施形態を示す全体構成図である。
<< Overall configuration of inkjet recording apparatus >>
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
 このインクジェット記録装置10は、枚葉の用紙(記録メディア)Pに水性UVインク(水性媒体を使用したUV(紫外線)硬化型のインク)を用いてインクジェット方式で画像を記録するインクジェット記録装置であり、主として、用紙Pを給紙する給紙部12と、給紙部12から給紙された用紙Pの表面(画像記録面)に所定の処理液を付与する処理液付与部14と、処理液付与部14で処理液が付与された用紙Pの乾燥処理を行う処理液乾燥処理部16と、処理液乾燥処理部16で乾燥処理が施された用紙Pの表面に水性UVインクを用いてインクジェット方式で画像を記録する画像記録部18と、画像記録部18で画像が記録された用紙Pの乾燥処理を行うインク乾燥処理部20と、インク乾燥処理部20で乾燥処理された用紙PにUV照射処理(定着処理)を行って画像を定着させるUV照射処理部22と、UV照射処理部22でUV照射処理された用紙Pを排紙する排紙部24とで構成される。 The ink jet recording apparatus 10 is an ink jet recording apparatus that records an image by an ink jet method using aqueous UV ink (UV (ultraviolet) curable ink using an aqueous medium) on a sheet of paper (recording medium) P. Mainly, a paper feeding unit 12 that feeds the paper P, a processing liquid application unit 14 that applies a predetermined processing liquid to the surface (image recording surface) of the paper P fed from the paper feeding unit 12, and a processing liquid A processing liquid drying processing unit 16 that performs a drying process on the paper P to which the processing liquid has been applied by the application unit 14, and an inkjet using water-based UV ink on the surface of the paper P that has been subjected to the drying processing by the processing liquid drying processing unit 16. An image recording unit 18 that records an image by a method, an ink drying processing unit 20 that performs drying processing of the paper P on which an image is recorded by the image recording unit 18, and a paper P that has been dried by the ink drying processing unit 20 And UV irradiation section 22 for fixing the image by performing UV irradiation process (fixing process), and a paper discharge section 24 for discharging the paper P UV irradiation treatment with UV irradiation treatment section 22.
 〈給紙部〉
 給紙部12は、給紙台30に積載された用紙Pを1枚ずつ処理液付与部14に給紙する。給紙部12は、主として、給紙台30と、吸引装置32(サッカー)と、給紙ローラ対34と、フィーダボード36と、前当て38と、給紙ドラム40とで構成される。
<Paper Feeder>
The sheet feeding unit 12 feeds the sheets P stacked on the sheet feeding table 30 to the processing liquid applying unit 14 one by one. The sheet feeding unit 12 mainly includes a sheet feeding table 30, a suction device 32 (soccer), a pair of sheet feeding rollers 34, a feeder board 36, a front pad 38, and a sheet feeding drum 40.
 用紙Pは、多数枚が積層された束の状態で給紙台30に載置される。給紙台30は、図示しない給紙台昇降装置によって昇降可能に設けられる。給紙台昇降装置は、給紙台30に積載された用紙Pの増減に連動して、その駆動が制御され、束の最上位に位置する用紙Pが常に一定の高さに位置するように、給紙台30を昇降させる。 The paper P is placed on the paper feed tray 30 in a bundled state in which a large number of sheets are stacked. The sheet feed table 30 is provided so as to be lifted and lowered by a sheet feed table lifting device (not shown). The drive of the paper feed platform lifting / lowering device is controlled in conjunction with the increase / decrease of the paper P loaded on the paper feed platform 30 so that the paper P positioned at the top of the bundle is always positioned at a constant height. Then, the paper feed table 30 is moved up and down.
 記録メディアとしての用紙Pは、特に限定されないが、一般のオフセット印刷などで使用される汎用の印刷用紙(いわゆる上質紙、コート紙、アート紙などのセルロースを主体とする用紙)を用いることができる。本例では塗工紙が用いられる。塗工紙は、一般に表面処理されていない上質紙や中性紙等の表面にコート材を塗布してコート層を設けたものである。具体的には、アート紙、コート紙、軽量コート紙、微塗工紙などが好適に用いられる。 The paper P as the recording medium is not particularly limited, but general-purpose printing paper used in general offset printing or the like (so-called high-quality paper, coated paper, art paper, and other paper mainly composed of cellulose) can be used. . In this example, coated paper is used. The coated paper is one in which a coating layer is provided by coating a coating material on the surface of high-quality paper or neutral paper that is generally not surface-treated. Specifically, art paper, coated paper, lightweight coated paper, finely coated paper and the like are preferably used.
 吸引装置32は、給紙台30に積載されている用紙Pを上から順に1枚ずつ取り上げて、給紙ローラ対34に給紙する。吸引装置32は、昇降自在かつ揺動自在に設けられたサクションフット32Aを備え、このサクションフット32Aによって用紙Pの上面を吸着保持して、用紙Pを給紙台30から給紙ローラ対34に移送する。この際、サクションフット32Aは、束の最上位に位置する用紙Pの先端側の上面を吸着保持して、用紙Pを引き上げ、引き上げた用紙Pの先端を、給紙ローラ対34を構成する一対のローラ34A、34Bの間に挿入する。 The suction device 32 picks up the sheets P stacked on the sheet feeding table 30 one by one from the top and feeds them to the pair of sheet feeding rollers 34. The suction device 32 includes a suction foot 32A that can be moved up and down and swingable. The suction foot 32A sucks and holds the upper surface of the paper P, and the paper P is fed from the paper feed table 30 to the paper feed roller pair 34. Transport. At this time, the suction foot 32A sucks and holds the top surface of the leading end of the paper P positioned at the top of the bundle, pulls up the paper P, and the pair of paper P that forms the pair of paper feeding rollers 34 is formed at the leading end of the paper P that is pulled up. Between the rollers 34A and 34B.
 給紙ローラ対34は、互いに押圧当接された上下一対のローラ34A、34Bで構成される。上下一対のローラ34A、34Bは、一方が駆動ローラ(ローラ34A)、他方が従動ローラ(ローラ34B)とされ、駆動ローラ(ローラ34A)は、図示しないモータに駆動されて回転する。モータは、用紙Pの給紙に連動して駆動され、吸引装置32から用紙Pが給紙されると、そのタイミングに合わせて駆動ローラ(ローラ34A)を回転させる。上下一対のローラ34A、34Bの間に挿入された用紙Pは、このローラ34A、34Bにニップされて、ローラ34A、34Bの回転方向(フィーダボード36の設置方向)に送り出される。 The paper feed roller pair 34 includes a pair of upper and lower rollers 34A and 34B that are pressed against each other. One of the pair of upper and lower rollers 34A and 34B is a drive roller (roller 34A) and the other is a driven roller (roller 34B). The drive roller (roller 34A) is driven by a motor (not shown) and rotates. The motor is driven in conjunction with the feeding of the paper P. When the paper P is fed from the suction device 32, the motor rotates the driving roller (roller 34A) in accordance with the timing. The sheet P inserted between the pair of upper and lower rollers 34A, 34B is nipped by the rollers 34A, 34B and is sent out in the rotation direction of the rollers 34A, 34B (the installation direction of the feeder board 36).
 フィーダボード36は、用紙幅に対応して形成され、給紙ローラ対34から送り出された用紙Pを受けて、前当て38までガイドする。このフィーダボード36は、先端側が下方に向けて傾斜して設置され、その搬送面の上に載置された用紙Pを搬送面に沿って滑らせて前当て38までガイドする。 The feeder board 36 is formed corresponding to the paper width, and receives the paper P sent out from the paper feed roller pair 34 and guides it to the front pad 38. The feeder board 36 is installed such that the front end side is inclined downward, and the sheet P placed on the conveyance surface is slid along the conveyance surface and guided to the front pad 38.
 フィーダボード36には、用紙Pを搬送するためのテープフィーダ36Aが幅方向に間隔をおいて複数設置される。テープフィーダ36Aは、無端状に形成され、図示しないモータに駆動されて回転する。フィーダボード36の搬送面に載置された用紙Pは、このテープフィーダ36Aによって送りが与えられて、フィーダボード36の上を搬送される。 On the feeder board 36, a plurality of tape feeders 36A for conveying the paper P are installed at intervals in the width direction. The tape feeder 36A is formed in an endless shape, and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). The paper P placed on the conveyance surface of the feeder board 36 is fed by the tape feeder 36A and conveyed on the feeder board 36.
 また、フィーダボード36の上には、リテーナ36Bとコロ36Cとが設置される。 Also, a retainer 36B and a roller 36C are installed on the feeder board 36.
 リテーナ36Bは、用紙Pの搬送面に沿って前後に縦列して複数配置される(本例では2つ)。このリテーナ36Bは、用紙幅に対応した幅を有する板バネで構成され、搬送面に押圧当接されて設置される。テープフィーダ36Aによってフィーダボード36の上を搬送される用紙Pは、このリテーナ36Bを通過することにより、凹凸が矯正される。なお、リテーナ36Bは、フィーダボード36との間に用紙Pを導入しやすくするため、後端部がカールして形成される。 A plurality of retainers 36 </ b> B are arranged in a longitudinal line along the conveyance surface of the paper P (two in this example). The retainer 36 </ b> B is configured by a leaf spring having a width corresponding to the sheet width, and is placed in pressure contact with the conveyance surface. The paper P conveyed on the feeder board 36 by the tape feeder 36A passes through the retainer 36B, so that the unevenness is corrected. The retainer 36 </ b> B is formed by curling the rear end portion so that the paper P can be easily introduced between the retainer 36 </ b> B and the feeder board 36.
 コロ36Cは、前後のリテーナ36Bの間に配設される。このコロ36Cは、用紙Pの搬送面に押圧当接されて設置される。前後のリテーナ36Bの間を搬送される用紙Pは、このコロ36Cによって上面が抑えられながら搬送される。 The roller 36C is disposed between the front and rear retainers 36B. The roller 36C is placed in pressure contact with the transport surface of the paper P. The sheet P conveyed between the front and rear retainers 36B is conveyed while the upper surface is suppressed by the rollers 36C.
 前当て38は、用紙Pの姿勢を矯正する。この前当て38は、板状に形成され、用紙Pの搬送方向と直交して配置される。また、図示しないモータに駆動されて、揺動可能に設けられる。フィーダボード36の上を搬送された用紙Pは、その先端が前当て38に当接されて、姿勢が矯正される(いわゆる、スキュー防止)。前当て38は、給紙ドラム40への用紙の給紙に連動して揺動し、姿勢を矯正した用紙Pを給紙ドラム40に受け渡す。 The front pad 38 corrects the posture of the paper P. The front pad 38 is formed in a plate shape and is disposed orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper P. Further, it is driven by a motor (not shown) so as to be swingable. The leading edge of the sheet P conveyed on the feeder board 36 is brought into contact with the front pad 38 to correct the posture (so-called skew prevention). The front pad 38 swings in conjunction with the paper feeding to the paper feeding drum 40 and delivers the paper P whose posture has been corrected to the paper feeding drum 40.
 給紙ドラム40は、前当て38を介してフィーダボード36から給紙される用紙Pを受け取り、処理液付与部14へと搬送する。給紙ドラム40は、円筒状に形成され、図示しないモータに駆動されて回転する。給紙ドラム40の外周面上には、グリッパー40Aが備えられ、このグリッパー40Aによって用紙Pの先端が把持される。給紙ドラム40は、グリッパー40Aによって用紙Pの先端を把持して回転することにより、用紙Pを周面に巻き掛けながら、処理液付与部14へと用紙Pを搬送する。 The paper feed drum 40 receives the paper P fed from the feeder board 36 via the front pad 38 and conveys it to the processing liquid application unit 14. The paper supply drum 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). A gripper 40A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the paper feed drum 40, and the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 40A. The paper feed drum 40 conveys the paper P to the treatment liquid application unit 14 while winding the paper P around the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the front end of the paper P with the gripper 40A.
 給紙部12は、以上のように構成される。給紙台30の上に積載された用紙Pは、吸引装置32によって上から順に1枚ずつ引き上げられて、給紙ローラ対34に給紙される。給紙ローラ対34に給紙された用紙Pは、その給紙ローラ対34を構成する上下一対のローラ34A、34Bによって前方に送り出され、フィーダボード36の上に載置される。フィーダボード36の上に載置された用紙Pは、フィーダボード36の搬送面に設けられたテープフィーダ36Aによって搬送される。そして、その搬送過程でリテーナ36Bによってフィーダボード36の搬送面に押し付けられ、凹凸が矯正される。フィーダボード36によって搬送された用紙Pは、先端が前当て38に当接されることにより、傾きが矯正され、その後、給紙ドラム40に受け渡される。そして、その給紙ドラム40によって処理液付与部14へと搬送される。 The paper feed unit 12 is configured as described above. The sheets P stacked on the sheet feed table 30 are pulled up one by one from the top by the suction device 32 and fed to the sheet feed roller pair 34. The paper P fed to the paper feed roller pair 34 is fed forward by a pair of upper and lower rollers 34A, 34B constituting the paper feed roller pair 34 and placed on the feeder board 36. The paper P placed on the feeder board 36 is transported by a tape feeder 36 </ b> A provided on the transport surface of the feeder board 36. Then, the retainer 36B is pressed against the transport surface of the feeder board 36 in the transport process, and the unevenness is corrected. The sheet P conveyed by the feeder board 36 has its leading end brought into contact with the front pad 38 to correct the inclination, and is then transferred to the sheet feeding drum 40. Then, it is transported by the paper feed drum 40 to the processing liquid application unit 14.
 〈処理液付与部〉
 処理液付与部14は、用紙Pの表面(画像記録面)に所定の処理液を付与する。この処理液付与部14は、主として、用紙Pを搬送する処理液付与ドラム42と、処理液付与ドラム42によって搬送される用紙Pの印刷面に所定の処理液を付与する処理液付与ユニット44とで構成される。
<Processing liquid application part>
The processing liquid application unit 14 applies a predetermined processing liquid to the surface (image recording surface) of the paper P. The treatment liquid application unit 14 mainly includes a treatment liquid application drum 42 that conveys the paper P, and a treatment liquid application unit 44 that applies a predetermined treatment liquid to the printing surface of the paper P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42. Consists of.
 処理液付与ドラム42は、給紙部12の給紙ドラム40から用紙Pを受け取り、処理液乾燥処理部16へと用紙Pを搬送する。処理液付与ドラム42は、円筒状に形成され、図示しないモータに駆動されて回転する。処理液付与ドラム42の外周面上には、グリッパー42Aが備えられ、このグリッパー42Aによって用紙Pの先端が把持される。処理液付与ドラム42は、このグリッパー42Aによって用紙Pの先端を把持して回転することにより、用紙Pを周面に巻き掛けながら、処理液乾燥処理部16へと用紙Pを搬送する(1回転で1枚の用紙Pを搬送する。)。処理液付与ドラム42と給紙ドラム40は、互いの用紙Pの受け取りと受け渡しのタイミングが合うように、回転が制御される。すなわち、同じ周速度となるように駆動されるとともに、互いのグリッパーの位置が合うように駆動される。 The processing liquid application drum 42 receives the paper P from the paper supply drum 40 of the paper supply unit 12 and conveys the paper P to the processing liquid drying processing unit 16. The treatment liquid application drum 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). A gripper 42A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the treatment liquid application drum 42, and the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 42A. The processing liquid application drum 42 conveys the paper P to the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 (one rotation) while the paper P is wound around the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the front end of the paper P with the gripper 42A. To transport one sheet of paper P). The rotation of the processing liquid application drum 42 and the paper supply drum 40 is controlled so that the timing of receiving and delivering the paper P matches each other. That is, it drives so that it may become the same peripheral speed, and it drives so that the position of a mutual gripper may match.
 処理液付与ユニット44は、処理液付与ドラム42によって搬送される用紙Pの表面に処理液をローラ塗布する。この処理液付与ユニット44は、主として、用紙Pに処理液を塗布する塗布ローラ44Aと、処理液が貯留される処理液槽44Bと、処理液槽44Bに貯留された処理液を汲み上げて、塗布ローラ44Aに供給する汲み上げローラ44Cとで構成される。汲み上げローラ44Cは、塗布ローラ44Aに押圧当接して設置されるとともに、一部を処理液槽44Bに貯留された処理液に浸漬させて設置される。この汲み上げローラ44Cは、処理液を計量して汲み上げ、塗布ローラ44Aの周面に一定の厚さで処理液を付与する。塗布ローラ44Aは、用紙幅に対応して設けられ、用紙Pに押圧当接されて、その周面に付与された処理液を用紙Pに塗布する。塗布ローラ44Aは、図示しない当接離間機構により駆動されて、処理液付与ドラム42の周面に当接する当接位置と、処理液付与ドラム42の周面から離間する離間位置との間を移動する。当接離間機構は、用紙Pの通過タイミングに合わせて、塗布ローラ44Aを移動させ、処理液付与ドラム42によって搬送される用紙Pの表面に処理液を塗布する。 The treatment liquid application unit 44 applies the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42 by a roller. The processing liquid application unit 44 mainly applies a coating roller 44A for applying the processing liquid to the paper P, a processing liquid tank 44B for storing the processing liquid, and a processing liquid stored in the processing liquid tank 44B. A pumping roller 44C to be supplied to the roller 44A. The pumping roller 44C is installed in pressure contact with the application roller 44A, and partly immersed in the processing liquid stored in the processing liquid tank 44B. The pumping roller 44C measures and pumps the processing liquid, and applies the processing liquid to the peripheral surface of the coating roller 44A with a certain thickness. The application roller 44A is provided corresponding to the paper width, is pressed against the paper P, and applies the treatment liquid applied to the peripheral surface thereof to the paper P. The application roller 44 </ b> A is driven by a contact / separation mechanism (not shown) and moves between a contact position that contacts the peripheral surface of the treatment liquid application drum 42 and a separation position that separates from the peripheral surface of the treatment liquid application drum 42. To do. The contact / separation mechanism moves the application roller 44 </ b> A in accordance with the passage timing of the paper P, and applies the treatment liquid onto the surface of the paper P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42.
 なお、本例では、処理液をローラ塗布する構成としているが、処理液を付与する方法は、これに限定されるものではない。この他、インクジェットヘッドを用いて付与する構成やスプレーにより付与する構成を採用することもできる。 In this example, the processing liquid is applied with a roller, but the method of applying the processing liquid is not limited to this. In addition, the structure provided using an inkjet head and the structure provided by spraying can also be employ | adopted.
 処理液付与部14は、以上のように構成される。給紙部12の給紙ドラム40から受け渡された用紙Pは、処理液付与ドラム42で受け取られる。処理液付与ドラム42は、用紙Pの先端をグリッパー42Aで把持して、回転することにより、用紙Pを周面に巻き掛けて搬送する。この搬送過程で塗布ローラ44Aが用紙Pの表面に押圧当接され、用紙Pの表面に処理液が塗布される。 The treatment liquid application unit 14 is configured as described above. The paper P delivered from the paper supply drum 40 of the paper supply unit 12 is received by the processing liquid application drum 42. The treatment liquid applying drum 42 grips the leading end of the paper P with the gripper 42A and rotates, so that the paper P is wound around the peripheral surface and conveyed. In this conveyance process, the application roller 44A is pressed against the surface of the paper P, and the processing liquid is applied to the surface of the paper P.
 ここで、この用紙Pの表面に塗布する処理液は、後段の画像記録部18で用紙Pに打滴する水性UVインク中の色材を凝集させる機能を有する処理液が塗布される。このような処理液を用紙Pの表面に塗布して水性UVインクを打滴することにより、汎用の印刷用紙を用いた場合であっても、着弾干渉等を起こすことなく、高品位な印刷を行うことができる。 Here, the processing liquid to be applied to the surface of the paper P is applied with a processing liquid having a function of aggregating the coloring material in the aqueous UV ink that is ejected onto the paper P in the subsequent image recording unit 18. By applying such a treatment liquid to the surface of the paper P and ejecting water-based UV ink, even when using general-purpose printing paper, high-quality printing is possible without causing landing interference or the like. It can be carried out.
 〈処理液乾燥処理部〉
 処理液乾燥処理部16は、表面に処理液が付与された用紙Pを乾燥処理する。この処理液乾燥処理部16は、主として、用紙Pを搬送する処理液乾燥処理ドラム46と、用紙搬送ガイド48と、処理液乾燥処理ドラム46によって搬送される用紙Pの印刷面に熱風を吹き当てて乾燥させる処理液乾燥処理ユニット50とで構成される。
<Processing liquid drying processing section>
The processing liquid drying processing unit 16 performs a drying process on the paper P having a processing liquid applied to the surface. The processing liquid drying processing unit 16 mainly blows hot air onto the printing surface of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 that transports the paper P, the paper transport guide 48, and the paper P that is transported by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. And a processing liquid drying processing unit 50 for drying.
 処理液乾燥処理ドラム46は、処理液付与部14の処理液付与ドラム42から用紙Pを受け取り、画像記録部18へと用紙Pを搬送する。処理液乾燥処理ドラム46は、円筒状に組んだ枠体で構成され、図示しないモータに駆動されて回転する。処理液乾燥処理ドラム46の外周面上には、グリッパー46Aが備えられ、このグリッパー46Aによって用紙Pの先端が把持される。処理液乾燥処理ドラム46は、このグリッパー46Aによって用紙Pの先端を把持して回転することにより、画像記録部18と用紙Pを搬送する。なお、本例の処理液乾燥処理ドラム46は、外周面上の2カ所にグリッパー42Aが配設され、1回の回転で2枚の用紙Pが搬送できるように構成されている。処理液乾燥処理ドラム46と処理液付与ドラム42は、互いの用紙Pの受け取りと受け渡しのタイミングが合うように、回転が制御される。すなわち、同じ周速度となるように駆動されるとともに、互いのグリッパーの位置が合うように駆動される。 The processing liquid drying processing drum 46 receives the paper P from the processing liquid application drum 42 of the processing liquid application unit 14 and conveys the paper P to the image recording unit 18. The processing liquid drying processing drum 46 is constituted by a frame assembled in a cylindrical shape, and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). A gripper 46A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46, and the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 46A. The treatment liquid drying processing drum 46 conveys the image recording unit 18 and the paper P by gripping and rotating the leading edge of the paper P with the gripper 46A. Note that the treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46 of this example is configured so that the grippers 42A are disposed at two locations on the outer peripheral surface, so that two sheets of paper P can be conveyed by one rotation. The rotation of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and the processing liquid application drum 42 is controlled so that the timing of receiving and delivering the paper P is matched. That is, it drives so that it may become the same peripheral speed, and it drives so that the position of a mutual gripper may match.
 用紙搬送ガイド48は、処理液乾燥処理ドラム46による用紙Pの搬送経路に沿って配設され、用紙Pの搬送をガイドする。 The paper transport guide 48 is arranged along the transport path of the paper P by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and guides the transport of the paper P.
 処理液乾燥処理ユニット50は、処理液乾燥処理ドラム46の内側に設置され、処理液乾燥処理ドラム46によって搬送される用紙Pの表面に向けて熱風を吹き当てて乾燥処理する。本例では、2台の処理液乾燥処理ユニット50が、処理液乾燥処理ドラム内に配設され、処理液乾燥処理ドラム46によって搬送される用紙Pの表面に向けて熱風を吹き当てる構成とされている。 The processing liquid drying processing unit 50 is installed inside the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and performs drying processing by blowing hot air toward the surface of the paper P conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. In this example, the two processing liquid drying processing units 50 are arranged in the processing liquid drying processing drum, and are configured to blow hot air toward the surface of the paper P conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. ing.
 処理液乾燥処理部16は、以上のように構成される。処理液付与部14の処理液付与ドラム42から受け渡された用紙Pは、処理液乾燥処理ドラム46で受け取られる。処理液乾燥処理ドラム46は、用紙Pの先端をグリッパー46Aで把持して、回転することにより、用紙Pを搬送する。この際、処理液乾燥処理ドラム46は、用紙Pの表面(処理液が塗布された面)を内側に向けて搬送する。用紙Pは、処理液乾燥処理ドラム46によって搬送される過程で処理液乾燥処理ドラム46の内側に設置された処理液乾燥処理ユニット50から熱風が表面に吹き当てられて、乾燥処理される。すなわち、処理液中の溶媒成分が除去される。これにより、用紙Pの表面にインク凝集層が形成される。 The treatment liquid drying processing unit 16 is configured as described above. The paper P delivered from the processing liquid application drum 42 of the processing liquid application unit 14 is received by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. The processing liquid drying processing drum 46 conveys the paper P by gripping the leading end of the paper P with the gripper 46 </ b> A and rotating. At this time, the treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46 conveys the surface of the paper P (the surface coated with the treatment liquid) inward. In the course of being conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46, the paper P is dried by blowing hot air from the processing liquid drying processing unit 50 installed inside the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. That is, the solvent component in the treatment liquid is removed. As a result, an ink aggregation layer is formed on the surface of the paper P.
 〈画像記録部〉
 画像記録部18は、用紙Pの印刷面にC、M、Y、Kの各色のインク(水性UVインク)の液滴を打滴して、用紙Pの印刷面にカラー画像を描画する。この画像記録部18は、主として、用紙Pを搬送する画像記録ドラム52と、画像記録ドラム52によって搬送される用紙Pを押圧して、用紙Pを画像記録ドラム52の周面に密着させる用紙押さえローラ54と、用紙PにC、M、Y、Kの各色のインク滴を吐出するインクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kと、用紙Pに記録された画像を読み取るインラインセンサ58と、インクミストを捕捉するミストフィルタ60と、ドラム冷却ユニット62とで構成される。
<Image recording part>
The image recording unit 18 ejects ink droplets of each color of C, M, Y, and K (water-based UV ink) on the printing surface of the paper P, and draws a color image on the printing surface of the paper P. The image recording unit 18 mainly presses the image recording drum 52 that conveys the paper P and the paper P that is conveyed by the image recording drum 52, so that the paper P is brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. A roller 54, inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K that discharge ink droplets of C, M, Y, and K colors on the paper P; an inline sensor 58 that reads an image recorded on the paper P; and an ink mist A mist filter 60 to be captured and a drum cooling unit 62 are included.
 画像記録ドラム52は、処理液乾燥処理部16の処理液乾燥処理ドラム46から用紙Pを受け取り、インク乾燥処理部20へと用紙Pを搬送する。画像記録ドラム52は、円筒状に形成され、図示しないモータに駆動されて回転する。画像記録ドラム52の外周面上には、グリッパー52Aが備えられ、このグリッパー52Aによって用紙Pの先端が把持される。画像記録ドラム52は、このグリッパー52Aによって用紙Pの先端を把持して回転することにより、用紙Pを周面に巻き掛けながら、インク乾燥処理部20へと用紙Pを搬送する。また、画像記録ドラム52は、その周面に多数の吸引穴(図示せず)が所定のパターンで形成される。画像記録ドラム52の周面に巻き掛けられた用紙Pは、この吸引穴から吸引されることにより、画像記録ドラム52の周面に吸着保持されながら搬送される。これにより、高い平坦性をもって用紙Pを搬送することができる。 The image recording drum 52 receives the paper P from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 of the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 and conveys the paper P to the ink drying processing unit 20. The image recording drum 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). A gripper 52A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52, and the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 52A. The image recording drum 52 conveys the paper P to the ink drying processing unit 20 while winding the paper P around the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the leading edge of the paper P with the gripper 52A. The image recording drum 52 has a plurality of suction holes (not shown) formed in a predetermined pattern on the peripheral surface thereof. The sheet P wound around the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 is conveyed while being sucked and held on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 by being sucked from the suction holes. Thereby, the paper P can be conveyed with high flatness.
 なお、この吸引穴からの吸引は一定の範囲でのみ作用し、所定の吸引開始位置から所定の吸引終了位置との間で作用する。吸引開始位置は、用紙押さえローラ54の設置位置に設定され、吸引終了位置は、インラインセンサ58の設置位置の下流側に設定される(たとえば、インク乾燥処理部20に用紙を受け渡す位置に設定される。)。すなわち、少なくともインクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kの設置位置(画像記録位置)とインラインセンサ58の設置位置(画像読取位置)では、用紙Pが画像記録ドラム52の周面に吸着保持されるように設定される。 Note that suction from the suction hole acts only within a certain range, and acts between a predetermined suction start position and a predetermined suction end position. The suction start position is set to the installation position of the sheet pressing roller 54, and the suction end position is set to the downstream side of the installation position of the in-line sensor 58 (for example, set to a position for delivering the sheet to the ink drying processing unit 20). .) That is, at least at the installation position (image recording position) of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K and the installation position (image reading position) of the inline sensor 58, the paper P is attracted and held on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. Set to
 なお、用紙Pを画像記録ドラム52の周面に吸着保持させる機構は、上記の負圧による吸着方法に限らず、静電吸着による方法を採用することもできる。 Note that the mechanism for attracting and holding the paper P on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 is not limited to the above-described suction method using negative pressure, and a method using electrostatic suction can also be employed.
 また、本例の画像記録ドラム52は、外周面上の2カ所にグリッパー52Aが配設され、1回の回転で2枚の用紙Pが搬送できるように構成されている。画像記録ドラム52と処理液乾燥処理ドラム46は、互いの用紙Pの受け取りと受け渡しのタイミングが合うように、回転が制御される。すなわち、同じ周速度となるように駆動されるとともに、互いのグリッパーの位置が合うように駆動される。 Further, the image recording drum 52 of the present example is configured so that grippers 52A are disposed at two locations on the outer peripheral surface so that two sheets of paper P can be conveyed by one rotation. The rotation of the image recording drum 52 and the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 is controlled so that the timing of receiving and transferring the paper P to each other matches. That is, it drives so that it may become the same peripheral speed, and it drives so that the position of a mutual gripper may match.
 用紙押さえローラ54は、画像記録ドラム52の用紙受取位置(処理液乾燥処理ドラム46から用紙Pを受け取る位置)の近傍に配設される。この用紙押さえローラ54は、ゴムローラで構成され、画像記録ドラム52の周面に押圧当接させて設置される。処理液乾燥処理ドラム46から画像記録ドラム52に受け渡された用紙Pは、この用紙押さえローラ54を通過することによりニップされ、画像記録ドラム52の周面に密着させられる。 The paper pressing roller 54 is disposed in the vicinity of the paper receiving position of the image recording drum 52 (the position where the paper P is received from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46). The sheet pressing roller 54 is composed of a rubber roller, and is installed in press contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. The paper P transferred from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 to the image recording drum 52 is nipped by passing through the paper pressing roller 54 and is brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
 4台のインクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kは、画像記録ドラム52による用紙Pの搬送経路に沿って一定の間隔をもって配置される。このインクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kは、用紙幅に対応したラインヘッドで構成され、ノズル面が画像記録ドラム52の周面に対向するように配置される。各インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kは、ノズル面に形成されたノズル列から、画像記録ドラム52に向けてインクの液滴を吐出することにより、画像記録ドラム52によって搬送される用紙Pに画像を記録する。 The four inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K are arranged at regular intervals along the transport path of the paper P by the image recording drum 52. The inkjet heads 56 </ b> C, 56 </ b> M, 56 </ b> Y, 56 </ b> K are constituted by line heads corresponding to the paper width, and are arranged so that the nozzle surface faces the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. Each of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K discharges ink droplets from the nozzle row formed on the nozzle surface toward the image recording drum 52, whereby the paper P transported by the image recording drum 52 is applied. Record an image.
 なお、上記のように、各インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kから吐出させるインクは、水性UVインクが用いられる。水性UVインクは、打滴後に紫外線(UV)を照射することにより、硬化させることができる。 As described above, water-based UV ink is used as the ink ejected from each of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K. The aqueous UV ink can be cured by irradiating with ultraviolet rays (UV) after droplet ejection.
 インラインセンサ58は、画像記録ドラム52による用紙Pの搬送方向に対して、最後尾のインクジェットヘッド56Kの下流側に設置され、インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kで記録された画像を読み取る。このインラインセンサ58は、たとえば、ラインスキャナで構成され、画像記録ドラム52によって搬送される用紙Pからインクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kによって記録された画像を読み取る。 The in-line sensor 58 is installed on the downstream side of the rearmost inkjet head 56K with respect to the conveyance direction of the paper P by the image recording drum 52, and reads an image recorded by the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K. The in-line sensor 58 is constituted by, for example, a line scanner, and reads images recorded by the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K from the paper P conveyed by the image recording drum 52.
 なお、インラインセンサ58の下流側には、インラインセンサ58に近接して接触防止板59が設置される。この接触防止板59は、搬送の不具合等によって用紙Pに浮きが生じた場合に、用紙Pがインラインセンサ58に接触するのを防止する。 Note that a contact prevention plate 59 is installed in the vicinity of the inline sensor 58 on the downstream side of the inline sensor 58. The contact prevention plate 59 prevents the paper P from coming into contact with the in-line sensor 58 when the paper P is lifted due to a conveyance failure or the like.
 ミストフィルタ60は、最後尾のインクジェットヘッド56Kとインラインセンサ58との間に配設され、画像記録ドラム52の周辺の空気を吸引してインクミストを捕捉する。このように、画像記録ドラム52の周辺の空気を吸引してインクミストを捕捉することにより、インラインセンサ58へのインクミストの進入を防止でき、読み取り不良等の発生を防止できる。 The mist filter 60 is disposed between the rearmost inkjet head 56K and the inline sensor 58, and sucks air around the image recording drum 52 to capture the ink mist. In this way, by sucking the air around the image recording drum 52 and capturing the ink mist, the ink mist can be prevented from entering the in-line sensor 58 and reading errors can be prevented.
 ドラム冷却ユニット62は、画像記録ドラム52に冷風を吹き当てて、画像記録ドラム52を冷却する。このドラム冷却ユニット62は、主として、エアコン(図示せず)と、そのエアコンから供給される冷気を画像記録ドラム52の周面に吹き当てるダクト62Aとで構成される。ダクト62Aは、画像記録ドラム52に対して、用紙Pの搬送領域以外の領域に冷気を吹き当てて、画像記録ドラム52を冷却する。本例では、画像記録ドラム52のほぼ上側半分の円弧面に沿って用紙Pが搬送されるので、ダクト62Aは、画像記録ドラム52のほぼ下側半分の領域に冷気を吹き当てて、画像記録ドラム52を冷却する構成とされている。具体的には、ダクト62Aの吹出口が、画像記録ドラム52のほぼ下側半分を覆うように円弧状に形成され、画像記録ドラム52のほぼ下側半分の領域に冷気が吹き当てられる構成とされている。 The drum cooling unit 62 cools the image recording drum 52 by blowing cold air onto the image recording drum 52. The drum cooling unit 62 mainly includes an air conditioner (not shown) and a duct 62 </ b> A that blows cool air supplied from the air conditioner onto the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. The duct 62 </ b> A cools the image recording drum 52 by blowing cool air to an area other than the conveyance area of the paper P against the image recording drum 52. In this example, since the paper P is conveyed along the arc surface of the upper half of the image recording drum 52, the duct 62A blows cold air to the area of the lower half of the image recording drum 52 to record the image. The drum 52 is cooled. Specifically, the air outlet of the duct 62 </ b> A is formed in an arc shape so as to cover substantially the lower half of the image recording drum 52, and cold air is blown to the region of the substantially lower half of the image recording drum 52. Has been.
 ここで、画像記録ドラム52を冷却する温度は、インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kの温度(特にノズル面の温度)との関係で定まり、インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kの温度よりも低い温度となるように冷却される。これにより、インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kに結露が生じるのを防止することができる。すなわち、インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kよりも画像記録ドラム52の温度を低くすることにより、画像記録ドラム側に結露を誘発することができ、インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kに生じる結露(特にノズル面に生じる結露)を防止することができる。 Here, the temperature for cooling the image recording drum 52 is determined by the relationship with the temperatures of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K (particularly the temperature of the nozzle surface), and is higher than the temperatures of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K. It is cooled to a low temperature. Thereby, it is possible to prevent dew condensation from occurring in the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y and 56K. That is, by making the temperature of the image recording drum 52 lower than that of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K, condensation can be induced on the image recording drum side, and the condensation that occurs on the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K. (Especially, condensation on the nozzle surface) can be prevented.
 画像記録部18は、以上のように構成される。処理液乾燥処理部16の処理液乾燥処理ドラム46から受け渡された用紙Pは、画像記録ドラム52で受け取られる。画像記録ドラム52は、用紙Pの先端をグリッパー52Aで把持して、回転することにより、用紙Pを搬送する。画像記録ドラム52に受け渡された用紙Pは、まず、用紙押さえローラ54を通過することにより、画像記録ドラム52の周面に密着される。これと同時に画像記録ドラム52の吸着穴から吸引されて、画像記録ドラム52の外周面上に吸着保持される。用紙Pは、この状態で搬送されて、各インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kを通過する。そして、その通過時に各インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56KからC、M、Y、Kの各色のインクの液滴が表面に打滴されて、表面にカラー画像が描画される。用紙Pの表面にはインク凝集層が形成されているので、フェザリングやブリーディング等を起こすことなく、高品位な画像を記録することができる。 The image recording unit 18 is configured as described above. The paper P delivered from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 of the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 is received by the image recording drum 52. The image recording drum 52 conveys the paper P by gripping the leading end of the paper P with the gripper 52A and rotating. The paper P delivered to the image recording drum 52 is first brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 by passing through the paper pressing roller 54. At the same time, it is sucked from the suction holes of the image recording drum 52 and sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. The sheet P is conveyed in this state and passes through the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K. Then, during the passage, ink droplets of each color of C, M, Y, and K are ejected from the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K onto the surface, and a color image is drawn on the surface. Since the ink aggregation layer is formed on the surface of the paper P, a high-quality image can be recorded without causing feathering or bleeding.
 インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kによって画像が記録された用紙Pは、次いで、インラインセンサ58を通過する。そして、そのインラインセンサ58の通過時に表面に記録された画像が読み取られる。この記録画像の読み取りは必要に応じて行われ、読み取られた画像から吐出不良等の検査が行われる。読み取りを行う際は、画像記録ドラム52に吸着保持された状態で読み取りが行われるので、高精度に読み取りを行うことができる。また、画像記録直後に読み取りが行われるので、たとえば、吐出不良等の異常を直ちに検出することができ、その対応を迅速に行うことができる。これにより、無駄な記録を防止できるとともに、損紙の発生を最小限に抑えることができる。 The paper P on which an image is recorded by the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K then passes through the inline sensor 58. Then, an image recorded on the surface when the in-line sensor 58 passes is read. Reading of the recorded image is performed as necessary, and an inspection such as ejection failure is performed from the read image. When reading is performed, reading is performed in a state of being held by suction on the image recording drum 52, so that reading can be performed with high accuracy. Further, since reading is performed immediately after image recording, for example, abnormalities such as ejection failure can be detected immediately, and it is possible to respond quickly. As a result, it is possible to prevent wasteful recording and minimize the occurrence of waste paper.
 この後、用紙Pは、吸着が解除された後、インク乾燥処理部20へと受け渡される。 Thereafter, the sheet P is delivered to the ink drying processing unit 20 after the suction is released.
 〈インク乾燥処理部〉
 インク乾燥処理部20(用紙乾燥装置に相当)は、画像記録後の用紙Pを乾燥処理し、用紙Pの表面に残存する液体成分を除去する。インク乾燥処理部20は、画像が記録された用紙Pを搬送するチェーングリッパー64と、チェーングリッパー64によって搬送される用紙Pにバックテンションを付与するバックテンション付与機構(吸着板に相当)66と、チェーングリッパー64によって搬送される用紙Pを乾燥処理するインク乾燥処理ユニット(乾燥手段に相当)68とで構成される。
<Ink drying processing section>
The ink drying processing unit 20 (corresponding to a paper drying device) performs a drying process on the paper P after image recording, and removes liquid components remaining on the surface of the paper P. The ink drying processing unit 20 includes a chain gripper 64 that transports the paper P on which an image is recorded, a back tension applying mechanism (corresponding to a suction plate) 66 that applies back tension to the paper P transported by the chain gripper 64, An ink drying processing unit (corresponding to a drying unit) 68 for drying the paper P conveyed by the chain gripper 64 is configured.
 チェーングリッパー64は、インク乾燥処理部20、UV照射処理部22、排紙部24において共通して使用される用紙搬送機構であり、画像記録部18から受け渡された用紙Pを受け取って、排紙部24まで搬送する。 The chain gripper 64 is a paper transport mechanism commonly used in the ink drying processing unit 20, the UV irradiation processing unit 22, and the paper discharge unit 24. The chain gripper 64 receives the paper P delivered from the image recording unit 18 and discharges it. Transport to paper section 24.
 このチェーングリッパー64は、主として、画像記録ドラム52に近接して設置される第1スプロケット64Aと、排紙部24に設置される第2スプロケット64Bと、第1スプロケット64Aと第2スプロケット64Bとに巻き掛けられる無端状のチェーン64Cと、チェーン64Cの走行をガイドする複数のチェーンガイド(図示せず)と、チェーン64Cに一定の間隔をもって取り付けられる複数のグリッパー64Dとで構成される。第1スプロケット64Aと、第2スプロケット64Bと、チェーン64Cと、チェーンガイドとは、それぞれ一対で構成され、用紙Pの幅方向の両側に配設される。グリッパー64Dは、一対で設けられるチェーン64Cに掛け渡されて設置される。 The chain gripper 64 mainly includes a first sprocket 64A installed in the vicinity of the image recording drum 52, a second sprocket 64B installed in the paper discharge unit 24, a first sprocket 64A, and a second sprocket 64B. The endless chain 64C is wound around, a plurality of chain guides (not shown) for guiding the running of the chain 64C, and a plurality of grippers 64D attached to the chain 64C at a constant interval. The first sprocket 64 </ b> A, the second sprocket 64 </ b> B, the chain 64 </ b> C, and the chain guide are each configured as a pair, and are disposed on both sides of the paper P in the width direction. The gripper 64D is installed over a chain 64C provided as a pair.
 第1スプロケット64Aは、画像記録ドラム52から受け渡される用紙Pをグリッパー64Dで受け取ることができるように、画像記録ドラム52に近接して設置される。この第1スプロケット64Aは、図示しない軸受に軸支されて、回転自在に設けられるとともに、図示しないモータが連結される。第1スプロケット64A及び第2スプロケット64Bに巻き掛けられるチェーン64Cは、このモータを駆動することにより走行する。 The first sprocket 64A is installed close to the image recording drum 52 so that the paper P delivered from the image recording drum 52 can be received by the gripper 64D. The first sprocket 64A is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) and is connected to a motor (not shown). The chain 64C wound around the first sprocket 64A and the second sprocket 64B travels by driving this motor.
 第2スプロケット64Bは、画像記録ドラム52から受け取った用紙Pを排紙部24で回収できるように、排紙部24に設置される。すなわち、この第2スプロケット64Bの設置位置が、チェーングリッパー64による用紙Pの搬送経路の終端とされる。この第2スプロケット64Bは、図示しない軸受に軸支されて、回転自在に設けられる。 The second sprocket 64B is installed in the paper discharge unit 24 so that the paper P received from the image recording drum 52 can be collected by the paper discharge unit 24. That is, the installation position of the second sprocket 64B is the end of the paper P conveyance path by the chain gripper 64. The second sprocket 64B is pivotally supported by a bearing (not shown) and is rotatably provided.
 チェーン64Cは、無端状に形成され、第1スプロケット64Aと第2スプロケット64Bとに巻き掛けられる。 The chain 64C is formed in an endless shape and is wound around the first sprocket 64A and the second sprocket 64B.
 チェーンガイドは、所定位置に配置されて、チェーン64Cが所定の経路を走行するようにガイドする(すなわち、用紙Pが所定の搬送経路を走行して搬送されるようにガイドする。)。本例のインクジェット記録装置10では、第1スプロケット64Aと第2スプロケット64Bが同じ高さに配設され、チェーン64Cが水平に走行するように設定される。 The chain guide is arranged at a predetermined position and guides the chain 64C to travel along a predetermined path (that is, guides the paper P to travel along a predetermined transport path). In the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of this example, the first sprocket 64A and the second sprocket 64B are arranged at the same height, and the chain 64C is set to run horizontally.
 グリッパー64Dは、チェーン64Cに一定の間隔をもって複数取り付けられる。このグリッパー64Dの取り付け間隔は、画像記録ドラム52からの用紙Pの受け取り間隔に合わせて設定される。すなわち、画像記録ドラム52から順次受け渡される用紙Pを、タイミングを合わせて画像記録ドラム52から受け取ることができるように、画像記録ドラム52からの用紙Pの受け取り間隔に合わせて設定される。 A plurality of grippers 64D are attached to the chain 64C at a constant interval. The attachment interval of the gripper 64D is set according to the reception interval of the paper P from the image recording drum 52. That is, the sheet P sequentially delivered from the image recording drum 52 is set in accordance with the reception interval of the sheet P from the image recording drum 52 so that the sheet P can be received from the image recording drum 52 at the same timing.
 チェーングリッパー64は、以上のように構成される。上記のように、第1スプロケット64Aに接続されたモータ(図示せず)を駆動すると、チェーン64Cが走行する。チェーン64Cは、画像記録ドラム52の周速度と同じ速度で走行する。また、画像記録ドラム52から受け渡される用紙Pが、各グリッパー64Dで受け取れるようにタイミングが合わせられる。 The chain gripper 64 is configured as described above. As described above, when a motor (not shown) connected to the first sprocket 64A is driven, the chain 64C travels. The chain 64C travels at the same speed as the peripheral speed of the image recording drum 52. The timing is adjusted so that the paper P delivered from the image recording drum 52 can be received by each gripper 64D.
 バックテンション付与機構66は、チェーングリッパー64によって先端を把持されながら搬送される用紙Pにバックテンションを付与する。このバックテンション付与機構66は、主として、ガイドプレート72と、そのガイドプレート72に形成される吸引穴(図示せず)から空気を吸引する吸引機構(図示せず)とで構成される。 The back tension applying mechanism 66 applies a back tension to the paper P that is conveyed while its tip is gripped by the chain gripper 64. The back tension applying mechanism 66 mainly includes a guide plate 72 and a suction mechanism (not shown) for sucking air from a suction hole (not shown) formed in the guide plate 72.
 ガイドプレート72は、用紙幅に対応した幅を有する中空状のボックスプレートで構成される。このガイドプレート72は、チェーングリッパー64による用紙Pの搬送経路(チェーンの走行経路)に沿って配設される。具体的には、チェーン64Cに沿って配設され、チェーン64Cから所定距離離間して配設される。チェーングリッパー64によって搬送される用紙Pは、その裏面(画像が記録されていない側の面)が、このガイドプレート72の上面(チェーン64Cと対向する面:摺接面)の上を摺接しながら搬送される。 The guide plate 72 is a hollow box plate having a width corresponding to the paper width. The guide plate 72 is disposed along the transport path (chain travel path) of the paper P by the chain gripper 64. Specifically, it is disposed along the chain 64C and is spaced apart from the chain 64C by a predetermined distance. The sheet P conveyed by the chain gripper 64 has its back surface (the surface on which no image is recorded) sliding on the upper surface of the guide plate 72 (the surface facing the chain 64C: a sliding contact surface). Be transported.
 ガイドプレート72の摺接面(上面)には、多数の吸引穴(図示せず)が所定のパターンで多数形成される。上記のように、ガイドプレート72は、中空のボックスプレートで形成される。吸引機構(図示せず)は、このガイドプレート72の中空部(内部)を吸引する。これにより、摺接面に形成された吸引穴から空気が吸引される。 A large number of suction holes (not shown) are formed in a predetermined pattern on the sliding surface (upper surface) of the guide plate 72. As described above, the guide plate 72 is formed of a hollow box plate. A suction mechanism (not shown) sucks the hollow portion (inside) of the guide plate 72. As a result, air is sucked from the suction holes formed in the sliding contact surface.
 ガイドプレート72の吸引穴から空気が吸引されることにより、チェーングリッパー64によって搬送される用紙Pの裏面が吸引穴に吸引される。これにより、チェーングリッパー64によって搬送される用紙Pにバックテンションが付与される。 When air is sucked from the suction holes of the guide plate 72, the back surface of the paper P conveyed by the chain gripper 64 is sucked into the suction holes. Thereby, a back tension is applied to the paper P conveyed by the chain gripper 64.
 インク乾燥処理ユニット68は、チェーングリッパー64の内部に設置され、グリッパー64Dで保持され搬送される用紙Pに対して乾燥処理を施す。このインク乾燥処理ユニット68は、用紙Pの表面に熱風を吹き当てて乾燥処理を行う熱風ユニット68aと、用紙Pの表面に赤外線を照射し乾燥処理を行うIRユニット68bと、からなる。インク乾燥処理ユニット68は、用紙Pの搬送経路に沿って複数台配置される。この設置数は、インク乾燥処理ユニット68の処理能力や用紙Pの搬送速度(印刷速度)等に応じて設定される。 The ink drying processing unit 68 is installed inside the chain gripper 64 and performs a drying process on the paper P held and transported by the gripper 64D. The ink drying processing unit 68 includes a hot air unit 68a that performs a drying process by blowing hot air on the surface of the paper P, and an IR unit 68b that performs a drying process by irradiating the surface of the paper P with infrared rays. A plurality of ink drying processing units 68 are arranged along the transport path of the paper P. This number of installations is set according to the processing capacity of the ink drying processing unit 68, the conveyance speed (printing speed) of the paper P, and the like.
 また、ガイドプレート72に温調手段(吸着板温調手段に相当)を設けることもできる。ガイドプレート72に温調手段を設け、ガイドプレート72の温度調節を行うことで、用紙Pの裏面からも熱を付与することで、乾燥を促進させることができる。ガイドプレート72の温調手段としては、図2に示す例のようにガイドプレート72内部に温水を通過させる流路125Aを設けて温水の温度により調節する、または、図3に示す例のようにヒーター125Bによりガイドプレート自体を加熱するなど、公知の方法で行うことができる。 Further, the guide plate 72 can be provided with temperature adjusting means (corresponding to the adsorption plate temperature adjusting means). Drying can be promoted by providing temperature control means on the guide plate 72 and adjusting the temperature of the guide plate 72 to apply heat also from the back surface of the paper P. As the temperature adjusting means of the guide plate 72, a flow path 125A for allowing warm water to pass therethrough is provided in the guide plate 72 as in the example shown in FIG. 2, and the temperature is adjusted by the temperature of the hot water, or as in the example shown in FIG. It can be performed by a known method such as heating the guide plate itself by the heater 125B.
 なお、乾燥処理を行うことにより、インク乾燥処理部20の湿度が上がる。湿度が上がると、効率よく乾燥処理することができなくなるので、インク乾燥処理部20には、インク乾燥処理ユニット68と共に排気手段を設置し、乾燥処理によって発生する湿り空気を強制的に排気することが好ましい。排気手段は、たとえば、排気ダクトをインク乾燥処理部20に設置し、この排気ダクトによってインク乾燥処理部20の空気を排気する構成とすることができる。 In addition, the humidity of the ink drying process part 20 rises by performing a drying process. Since the drying process cannot be performed efficiently when the humidity increases, the ink drying processing unit 20 is provided with an exhaust unit together with the ink drying processing unit 68 to forcibly exhaust the humid air generated by the drying process. Is preferred. For example, the exhaust unit may be configured such that an exhaust duct is installed in the ink drying processing unit 20 and the air of the ink drying processing unit 20 is exhausted by the exhaust duct.
 次にグリッパー64Dの構成について説明する。図4はグリッパー64Dの構成を示す側面図、図5はグリッパー64Dの平面図(図4を下方から見た図)である。なお、図5においてはグリッパー64Dの数を4個としているが、用紙Pを安定して搬送することができれば、グリッパー64Dの数は限定されない。 Next, the configuration of the gripper 64D will be described. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the gripper 64D, and FIG. 5 is a plan view of the gripper 64D (a view of FIG. 4 viewed from below). In FIG. 5, the number of grippers 64D is four, but the number of grippers 64D is not limited as long as the paper P can be stably conveyed.
 同図に示すように、グリッパー64Dは、主として、チェーン64Cと直交する方向で、チェーン64Cに取り付けられる第1のグリッパー軸104と第2のグリッパー軸106と、第1のグリッパー軸104と第2のグリッパー軸106に一定の間隔をもって複数取り付けられる把持爪(先端把持手段に相当)102とで構成される。 As shown in the figure, the gripper 64D mainly includes a first gripper shaft 104, a second gripper shaft 106, a first gripper shaft 104, and a second gripper shaft attached to the chain 64C in a direction orthogonal to the chain 64C. A plurality of gripping claws (corresponding to tip gripping means) 102 that are attached to the gripper shaft 106 at a constant interval.
 第1のグリッパー軸104と第2のグリッパー軸106は、幅方向の両端に接続部100を備え、この接続部100を介してチェーン64Cに取り付けられる。 The first gripper shaft 104 and the second gripper shaft 106 have connection portions 100 at both ends in the width direction, and are attached to the chain 64C via the connection portions 100.
 把持爪102は、第1のグリッパー軸104と第2のグリッパー軸106に取り付けられ、チェーン64Cに対して直交する直線上に一定の間隔をもって複数配置される。この際、各把持爪102は、用紙Pの幅方向の中心に対して左右対称になるように配置される。この把持爪102は、固定把持爪102Aと可動把持爪102Bとで構成される。 The gripping claws 102 are attached to the first gripper shaft 104 and the second gripper shaft 106, and a plurality of gripping claws 102 are arranged on the straight line orthogonal to the chain 64C at a constant interval. At this time, the gripping claws 102 are arranged so as to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to the center in the width direction of the paper P. The grip claw 102 includes a fixed grip claw 102A and a movable grip claw 102B.
 固定把持爪102Aは、第1のグリッパー軸104に固定して配置される。 The fixed grip claw 102 </ b> A is fixed to the first gripper shaft 104.
 一方、可動把持爪102Bは、第2のグリッパー軸106に回転可能に取り付けられる。また、可動把持爪102Bは、把持爪開閉用レバー108を有し、この把持爪開閉用レバー108を揺動させることにより、可動把持爪102Bが、固定把持爪102Aに対して上下動し、把持爪102が開閉する。 On the other hand, the movable gripping claw 102B is rotatably attached to the second gripper shaft 106. The movable gripping claw 102B has a gripping claw opening / closing lever 108. By swinging the gripping claw opening / closing lever 108, the movable gripping claw 102B moves up and down with respect to the fixed gripping claw 102A. The nail 102 opens and closes.
 可動把持爪102Bは、把持爪開閉用バネ110によって把持爪102を閉じる方向に付勢される(可動把持爪102Bを固定把持爪102Aに当接させる方向に付勢される。)。把持爪開閉用バネ110は、一端が可動把持爪102Bに接続され、他端が第2のグリッパー軸106に固定して取り付けられたストッパー112に接続される。把持爪開閉用バネ110は、可動把持爪102Bとストッパー112とが離れる方向に付勢する。これにより、把持爪102を閉じる方向に可動把持爪が付勢される。 The movable gripping claw 102B is biased in a direction to close the gripping claw 102 by a gripping claw opening / closing spring 110 (biased in a direction in which the movable gripping claw 102B is brought into contact with the fixed gripping claw 102A). One end of the gripping claw opening / closing spring 110 is connected to the movable gripping claw 102 </ b> B, and the other end is connected to a stopper 112 fixedly attached to the second gripper shaft 106. The gripping claw opening / closing spring 110 urges the movable gripping claw 102B and the stopper 112 in a direction away from each other. As a result, the movable gripping claw is biased in the direction in which the gripping claw 102 is closed.
 把持爪102の把持爪開閉用レバー108の基端部は、コロ114が取り付けられる。コロ114は、グリッパー64Dの走行経路上に配置された把持爪開閉用カム116に係合して、把持爪開閉用レバー108を揺動させる。この把持爪開閉用カム116は、用紙Pを受け取る位置と、用紙Pを開放する位置とに配置される。具体的には、画像記録ドラム52から用紙Pを受け取る位置と、排紙部24で用紙Pを排紙する位置とに配置される。 A roller 114 is attached to the base end of the gripping claw opening / closing lever 108 of the gripping claw 102. The roller 114 engages with the grip claw opening / closing cam 116 disposed on the travel path of the gripper 64D, and swings the grip claw opening / closing lever 108. The grip claw opening / closing cam 116 is disposed at a position where the paper P is received and a position where the paper P is released. Specifically, the paper P is disposed at a position where the paper P is received from the image recording drum 52 and a position where the paper P is discharged by the paper discharge unit 24.
 コロ114が、把持爪開閉用カム116に係合して、把持爪開閉用レバー108が揺動することにより、把持爪102が開閉し、用紙Pの把持、開放が可能になる。具体的には、図4の(b)部分に示すように、把持爪開閉用カム116がコロ114に乗り上げることにより、把持爪開閉用レバー108が、把持爪開閉用バネ110の付勢力に抗して揺動し、可動把持爪102Bが固定把持爪102Aから離れる方向に移動する。すなわち、把持爪102が開かれる。その後、コロ114が把持爪開閉用カム116を通過すると、把持爪開閉用バネ110の付勢力で把持爪開閉用レバー108が逆方向に揺動し、可動把持爪102Bが固定把持爪102Aに近づく方向に移動する。すなわち把持爪102が閉じられる。このように、把持爪102はカムの作用で開閉される。 When the roller 114 is engaged with the gripping claw opening / closing cam 116 and the gripping claw opening / closing lever 108 swings, the gripping claw 102 opens and closes, and the paper P can be gripped and released. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the gripping claw opening / closing cam 116 rides on the roller 114, the gripping claw opening / closing lever 108 resists the biasing force of the gripping claw opening / closing spring 110. Then, the movable gripping claw 102B moves in a direction away from the fixed gripping claw 102A. That is, the gripping claw 102 is opened. Thereafter, when the roller 114 passes the gripping claw opening / closing cam 116, the gripping claw opening / closing lever 108 swings in the reverse direction by the biasing force of the gripping claw opening / closing spring 110, and the movable gripping claw 102B approaches the fixed gripping claw 102A. Move in the direction. That is, the gripping claw 102 is closed. In this way, the gripping claws 102 are opened and closed by the action of the cam.
 また、グリッパー64Dは、図5に示すように、それぞれの把持爪102の間に用紙Pの先端を裏面からガイドする先端ガイド118(先端ガイド)を備えている。図6は、用紙Pを把持爪102でくわえた初期状態(図6の(a)部分)、及び、先端ガイド118を稼働させた状態(図6の(b)部分)を示す側面図である。 Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the gripper 64 </ b> D includes a front end guide 118 (a front end guide) that guides the front end of the paper P from the back surface between the gripping claws 102. 6 is a side view showing an initial state (portion (a) in FIG. 6) in which the paper P is held by the gripping claws 102 and a state in which the front end guide 118 is operated (portion (b) in FIG. 6). .
 先端ガイド118は、複数の把持爪102の間のそれぞれに設けられている。先端ガイド118は、用紙Pを裏面からガイドする先端ガイド本体118aと、先端ガイド本体118aの移動を補助する補助板118bと、先端ガイド本体118aを可動把持爪102Bに取り付けるガイド軸118cから構成される。 The tip guide 118 is provided between each of the plurality of gripping claws 102. The leading edge guide 118 includes a leading edge guide body 118a that guides the paper P from the back surface, an auxiliary plate 118b that assists the movement of the leading edge guide body 118a, and a guide shaft 118c that attaches the leading edge guide body 118a to the movable gripping claw 102B. .
 把持爪102の可動把持爪102Bには、先端ガイド搬送溝120が設けられている。ガイド軸118cが、先端ガイド搬送溝120に移動可能に取り付けられることで、先端ガイド本体118aを稼働可能とし、グリッパー64Dに収納(把持爪102間で保持)、及び、搬出(用紙Pの裏面に接触)可能とすることができる。先端ガイド118の搬出方向は、ガイドプレート72に向かって斜め方向に搬出されることが好ましい。ガイドプレート72に向かって斜め方向に搬出されることで、用紙Pを把持爪102で把持されている先端からガイドプレート72までをガイドすることができる。 A tip guide conveying groove 120 is provided on the movable gripping claw 102 </ b> B of the gripping claw 102. The guide shaft 118c is movably attached to the tip guide conveyance groove 120, so that the tip guide main body 118a can be operated, stored in the gripper 64D (held between the gripping claws 102), and carried out (on the back surface of the paper P). Contact) possible. The tip guide 118 is preferably carried out in an oblique direction toward the guide plate 72. By being carried out in an oblique direction toward the guide plate 72, the sheet P can be guided from the leading end gripped by the gripping claws 102 to the guide plate 72.
 補助板118bは、先端ガイド本体118aに取り付けられ、補助板118bに圧縮空気を当てることで補助板118bが押され、先端ガイド本体118aの移動が行われる。先端ガイド118の搬出時の圧縮空気の噴き付け方向を図6の(a)部分に、収納時の圧縮空気の噴き付け方向を図6の(b)部分に白抜き矢印で示す。 The auxiliary plate 118b is attached to the tip guide main body 118a, and the auxiliary plate 118b is pushed by applying compressed air to the auxiliary plate 118b, and the tip guide main body 118a is moved. The direction in which compressed air is blown when the distal end guide 118 is carried out is indicated by a portion (a) in FIG. 6, and the direction in which compressed air is blown when stored is indicated by a white arrow in the portion (b) in FIG.
 先端ガイド118は、図6の(a)部分に示すように、用紙Pを把持した初期状態、及び、用紙Pを把持していない状態においては、グリッパー64D間に収納されている。把持爪102により用紙Pがくわえられると、図6の(b)部分に示すように、先端ガイド118が搬出され、用紙Pの裏面が先端ガイド本体118aによりガイドされる。図7は、図6の(b)部分を下方から見た平面図である。 The tip guide 118 is accommodated between the grippers 64D in the initial state in which the paper P is gripped and in the state in which the paper P is not gripped, as shown in FIG. 6A. When the paper P is held by the gripping claws 102, as shown in FIG. 6B, the leading edge guide 118 is carried out, and the back surface of the paper P is guided by the leading edge guide body 118a. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the portion (b) of FIG. 6 viewed from below.
 図8は、従来の乾燥時の問題を説明する図である。図8中、把持爪302、固定把持爪302A、可動把持爪302B、第1のグリッパー軸304、第2のグリッパー軸306、把持爪開閉用レバー308、把持爪開閉用バネ310、ストッパー312、コロ314、グリッパー364Dの構成は、把持爪102、固定把持爪102A、可動把持爪102B、第1のグリッパー軸104、第2のグリッパー軸106、把持爪開閉用レバー108、把持爪開閉用バネ110、ストッパー112、コロ114、グリッパー64Dとそれぞれ同様である。図8に示すように、用紙Pの先端を把持爪302でくわえ、用紙Pの裏面をガイドプレート72の吸引機構で吸着しながら搬送すると、用紙Pの先端からガイドプレート72で吸着される位置まで領域Aは、用紙Pの傾斜が急な状態で搬送される。したがって、インク乾燥処理ユニット68による乾燥において、熱風ユニット68aにより吹かれる熱風の当たり方に違いが生じる。また、IRユニット68bによる赤外線の照射条件についても違いが生じる。したがって、用紙Pのガイドプレート72に吸着されている部分と、ガイドプレート72に吸着されていない部分とで乾燥状態が異なってくる。乾燥状態が異なることで、乾燥ムラ、カールの発生が発生するという問題がある。また、乾燥後のUV照射による定着においても、乾燥状態が異なるため定着ムラが発生するという問題がある。また、UV照射処理部22においても、同様の状態で搬送されるため、用紙Pに対して、UV照射の条件が異なるため、定着ムラが発生するとう問題もある。 FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a problem during conventional drying. In FIG. 8, a gripping claw 302, a fixed gripping claw 302A, a movable gripping claw 302B, a first gripper shaft 304, a second gripper shaft 306, a gripping claw opening / closing lever 308, a gripping claw opening / closing spring 310, a stopper 312, a roller 314, the gripper 364D includes a gripping claw 102, a fixed gripping claw 102A, a movable gripping claw 102B, a first gripper shaft 104, a second gripper shaft 106, a gripping claw opening / closing lever 108, a gripping claw opening / closing spring 110, It is the same as the stopper 112, the roller 114, and the gripper 64D. As shown in FIG. 8, when the leading edge of the paper P is held by the gripping claws 302 and the back surface of the paper P is conveyed while being sucked by the suction mechanism of the guide plate 72, the leading edge of the paper P is moved to the position where it is sucked by the guide plate 72. In the area A, the sheet P is conveyed with a steep inclination. Therefore, in the drying by the ink drying processing unit 68, a difference occurs in how hot air blown by the hot air unit 68a is applied. Also, a difference occurs in the infrared irradiation conditions by the IR unit 68b. Therefore, the dry state differs between the portion of the paper P that is attracted to the guide plate 72 and the portion that is not attracted to the guide plate 72. There is a problem that uneven drying and curling occur due to different drying conditions. Further, in the fixing by UV irradiation after drying, there is a problem that uneven fixing occurs because the drying state is different. Further, since the UV irradiation processing unit 22 is also transported in the same state, the UV irradiation conditions for the paper P are different, so that there is a problem that uneven fixing occurs.
 本例によれば、図6の(b)部分及び図7に示すように、用紙Pの裏面から先端ガイド118によりガイドしているため、用紙Pがガイドプレート72に吸着されていない部分においてガイドプレート72に向かって、斜め方向に緩やかに傾斜しながら、用紙Pの搬送を行うことができる。すなわち、用紙P全体における、熱風ユニット68aからの熱風の噴き付け、IRユニット68bからの赤外線の照射状態の相違を緩和することができ、乾燥条件の変化を少なくすることができる。したがって、乾燥ムラ、カールの発生を抑制することができる。同様に、定着時においても、ガイドプレート72に向かって、斜め方向に緩やかに傾斜しながら、用紙Pの搬送を行うことができるので、用紙P全体における、UV照射ユニット74からのUV照射状態の相違を緩和することができ、定着条件の変化を少なくすることができる。先端ガイド118は、インク乾燥処理ユニット68により用紙Pの乾燥条件の変化が大きくなり、乾燥ムラ、カールが発生しない範囲で、先端ガイド118の搬出角度、グリッパー64Dとガイドプレート72との距離が決定される。 According to this example, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, since the leading end guide 118 guides from the back surface of the paper P, the guide is provided in the part where the paper P is not attracted to the guide plate 72. The sheet P can be conveyed while being gently inclined in an oblique direction toward the plate 72. That is, it is possible to alleviate the difference between the hot air blowing from the hot air unit 68a and the infrared irradiation state from the IR unit 68b in the entire paper P, and the change in the drying conditions can be reduced. Therefore, the occurrence of uneven drying and curling can be suppressed. Similarly, at the time of fixing, the paper P can be transported while being gently inclined in the oblique direction toward the guide plate 72, and therefore the UV irradiation state from the UV irradiation unit 74 in the entire paper P can be changed. Differences can be alleviated and changes in fixing conditions can be reduced. As for the front end guide 118, the change in the drying conditions of the paper P is increased by the ink drying processing unit 68, and the carry-out angle of the front end guide 118 and the distance between the gripper 64D and the guide plate 72 are determined within a range where drying unevenness and curl do not occur. Is done.
 先端ガイド118の移動は、補助板118bに圧縮空気を噴き付け、補助板118bを押すことで、行う。圧縮空気噴射ノズル(圧縮空気噴射手段に相当)122は、図1において、用紙Pの搬送方向に対して、ガイドプレート72の前後に設けられている。ガイドプレート72の前に設けられている圧縮空気噴射ノズル122により、把持爪102により用紙Pがくわえられた直後に、すなわち、把持が開始された直後に先端ガイド118が搬出される。また、ガイドプレート72の後に設けられている圧縮空気噴射ノズル122により、排紙部24で用紙Pを開放する直前に先端ガイド118を収納する。このように、把持爪102で用紙Pをくわえた直後とすることで、用紙Pを把持爪102でくわえやすくすることができる。また、排紙部24で用紙Pを開放する前に先端ガイド118を収納することで、用紙Pの排紙をスムーズに行うことができる。 The tip guide 118 is moved by spraying compressed air on the auxiliary plate 118b and pushing the auxiliary plate 118b. Compressed air injection nozzles 122 (corresponding to compressed air injection means) 122 are provided in front of and behind the guide plate 72 in the paper P transport direction in FIG. By the compressed air injection nozzle 122 provided in front of the guide plate 72, the leading end guide 118 is carried out immediately after the paper P is held by the gripping claws 102, that is, immediately after the gripping is started. Further, the compressed air injection nozzle 122 provided after the guide plate 72 accommodates the leading end guide 118 immediately before the paper P is released by the paper discharge unit 24. As described above, immediately after the paper P is held by the gripping claws 102, the paper P can be easily held by the gripping claws 102. Further, by storing the leading end guide 118 before the paper P is released by the paper discharge unit 24, the paper P can be discharged smoothly.
 ガイドプレート72において温度調節を行う場合、先端ガイド118でガイドされている用紙Pの領域は、用紙Pの裏面から温度調節が行われないため、先端ガイド118の温度調節を行うことが好ましい。先端ガイド118の温度調節は、チェーングリッパー64の走行経路のガイドプレート72の反対側の経路に設けられた温調ユニット(温調手段に相当)124により行われる。すなわち、グリッパー64Dで用紙Pを保持していない状態で先端ガイド118の温度調節を行う。 When adjusting the temperature in the guide plate 72, it is preferable to adjust the temperature of the leading end guide 118 because the temperature of the area of the sheet P guided by the leading end guide 118 is not adjusted from the back side of the sheet P. The temperature of the tip guide 118 is adjusted by a temperature adjustment unit (corresponding to temperature adjustment means) 124 provided in a path on the opposite side of the guide plate 72 of the travel path of the chain gripper 64. That is, the temperature of the front end guide 118 is adjusted while the paper P is not held by the gripper 64D.
 温調ユニット124は、先端ガイド118を加熱する先端ガイド温調IRランプ124a、及び、冷却する先端ガイド冷却ファン124bとからなる。また、画像記録ドラム52から用紙Pをグリッパー64Dで受け取る直前の先端ガイド118の温度を測定するセンサ(図示せず)を設けることもできる。センサで温度を検出し、先端ガイド温調IRランプ124a、先端ガイド冷却ファン124bを制御することで、最適な温度にすることができる。 The temperature control unit 124 includes a tip guide temperature control IR lamp 124a that heats the tip guide 118, and a tip guide cooling fan 124b that cools the tip guide 118. In addition, a sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the front end guide 118 immediately before receiving the paper P from the image recording drum 52 by the gripper 64D may be provided. By detecting the temperature with the sensor and controlling the tip guide temperature adjustment IR lamp 124a and the tip guide cooling fan 124b, the optimum temperature can be obtained.
 先端ガイド118は、温調ユニット124により温度調節され、排紙部24まで熱を保持する必要があるため、金属などの熱を保持しやすい材料を用いることが好ましい。 The tip guide 118 is temperature-adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 124 and needs to hold heat up to the paper discharge unit 24. Therefore, it is preferable to use a material that easily holds heat, such as metal.
 インク乾燥処理部20は、以上のように構成される。画像記録部18の画像記録ドラム52から受け渡された用紙Pは、チェーングリッパー64で受け取られる。チェーングリッパー64は、用紙Pの先端をグリッパー64Dで把持して、平面状のガイドプレート72に沿わせて用紙Pを搬送する。また、用紙Pの先端をグリッパー64Dで把持すると、先端ガイド118が搬出される。これにより、用紙Pの先端がグリッパー64Dで把持され、用紙Pの先端からガイドプレート72で吸着されるまでの部分は先端ガイド118でガイドされる。また、用紙Pの裏面は、ガイドプレート72の吸着機構によりバックテンションが付与される。このように用紙Pを安定した状態で搬送しながら、チェーングリッパー64の内部に設置されたインク乾燥処理ユニット68によって乾燥処理が施されるため、乾燥ムラ、カールの発生を抑え、一定の乾燥条件で乾燥処理を行うことができる。 The ink drying processing unit 20 is configured as described above. The paper P delivered from the image recording drum 52 of the image recording unit 18 is received by the chain gripper 64. The chain gripper 64 grips the leading end of the paper P with the gripper 64 </ b> D and transports the paper P along the planar guide plate 72. When the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 64D, the leading edge guide 118 is carried out. As a result, the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 64D, and the portion from the leading edge of the paper P to the suction by the guide plate 72 is guided by the leading edge guide 118. Further, the back tension of the back surface of the paper P is given by the suction mechanism of the guide plate 72. Thus, while the paper P is conveyed in a stable state, the drying process is performed by the ink drying processing unit 68 installed in the chain gripper 64, so that drying unevenness and curling are suppressed, and certain drying conditions are maintained. Can be dried.
 〈UV照射処理部〉
 UV照射処理部22は、水性UVインクを用いて記録された画像に紫外線(UV)を照射して、画像を定着させる。このUV照射処理部22は、主として、乾燥処理された用紙Pを搬送するチェーングリッパー64と、チェーングリッパー64によって搬送される用紙Pにバックテンションを付与するバックテンション付与機構66と、チェーングリッパー64によって搬送される用紙Pに紫外線を照射するUV照射ユニット74とで構成される。
<UV irradiation processing part>
The UV irradiation processing unit 22 irradiates the image recorded using the aqueous UV ink with ultraviolet rays (UV) to fix the image. The UV irradiation processing unit 22 mainly includes a chain gripper 64 that transports the dried paper P, a back tension applying mechanism 66 that applies back tension to the paper P transported by the chain gripper 64, and a chain gripper 64. It comprises a UV irradiation unit 74 that irradiates the conveyed paper P with ultraviolet rays.
 上記のように、チェーングリッパー64とバックテンション付与機構66は、インク乾燥処理部20及び排紙部24と共通して使用される。すなわち、UV照射処理部22においても、インク乾燥処理部20と同様に、チェーングリッパー64による搬送時は、用紙Pの先端がグリッパー64Dで把持され、用紙Pの裏面はバックテンション付与機構66を備えるガイドプレート72に吸着され、用紙Pの先端からガイドプレート72に吸着されるまでの領域は、先端ガイド118でガイドされながら搬送される。したがって、UV照射処理部22においても、用紙Pをガイドプレート72に向かって、斜め方向に緩やかに傾斜しながら、搬送を行うことができるので、用紙P全体における、UV照射ユニット74からのUV照射状態の相違を緩和することができる。したがって、定着ムラを防止することができる。 As described above, the chain gripper 64 and the back tension applying mechanism 66 are used in common with the ink drying processing unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 24. That is, in the UV irradiation processing unit 22, as with the ink drying processing unit 20, when transported by the chain gripper 64, the leading edge of the paper P is gripped by the gripper 64 </ b> D, and the back surface of the paper P includes a back tension applying mechanism 66. A region from the leading end of the paper P to the guide plate 72 is conveyed while being guided by the leading end guide 118. Accordingly, the UV irradiation processing unit 22 can also transport the paper P while gently tilting the paper P toward the guide plate 72 in an oblique direction. Therefore, the UV irradiation from the UV irradiation unit 74 is performed on the entire paper P. The difference in state can be alleviated. Therefore, fixing unevenness can be prevented.
 UV照射ユニット74は、チェーングリッパー64の内部に設置され、用紙Pの表面に紫外線を照射する。このUV照射ユニット74は、紫外線ランプ(UVランプ)を備え、複数配設される。そして、用紙Pの表面に向けて紫外線を照射する。このUV照射ユニット74の設置数は、用紙Pの搬送速度(=印刷速度)等に応じて設定される。 The UV irradiation unit 74 is installed inside the chain gripper 64 and irradiates the surface of the paper P with ultraviolet rays. The UV irradiation unit 74 includes an ultraviolet lamp (UV lamp), and a plurality of the UV irradiation units 74 are arranged. Then, ultraviolet rays are irradiated toward the surface of the paper P. The number of installed UV irradiation units 74 is set according to the conveyance speed (= printing speed) of the paper P or the like.
 UV照射処理部22は、以上のように構成される。チェーングリッパー64に搬送されてインク乾燥処理部20で乾燥処理が施された用紙Pは、次いで、チェーングリッパー64の内部に設置されたUV照射ユニット74によりUV照射処理が施される。すなわち、UV照射ユニット74から表面に向けて紫外線が照射される。この際、用紙Pの先端からバックテンションが付与されるまでの部分は、先端ガイド118でガイドされる。用紙Pの裏面には、バックテンション付与機構66によってバックテンションが付与される。用紙Pはこのように安定した状態で搬送しながらUV照射処理が施される。これにより、定着条件の変化を小さくすることができるので定着ムラを防止することができる。 The UV irradiation processing unit 22 is configured as described above. The paper P that has been transported to the chain gripper 64 and dried by the ink drying processing unit 20 is then subjected to UV irradiation processing by a UV irradiation unit 74 installed inside the chain gripper 64. That is, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UV irradiation unit 74 toward the surface. At this time, a portion from the front end of the paper P until the back tension is applied is guided by the front end guide 118. Back tension is applied to the back surface of the paper P by a back tension applying mechanism 66. The sheet P is subjected to UV irradiation processing while being conveyed in such a stable state. Thereby, since the change of fixing conditions can be reduced, fixing unevenness can be prevented.
 〈排紙部〉
 排紙部24は、一連の画像記録処理が行われた用紙Pを回収する。この排紙部24は、主として、UV照射された用紙Pを搬送するチェーングリッパー64と、用紙Pを積み重ねて回収する排紙台76とで構成される。
<Paper output section>
The paper discharge unit 24 collects the paper P on which a series of image recording processing has been performed. The paper discharge unit 24 mainly includes a chain gripper 64 that transports the UV-irradiated paper P and a paper discharge tray 76 that stacks and collects the paper P.
 上記のように、チェーングリッパー64は、インク乾燥処理部20及びUV照射処理部22と共に共通して使用される。チェーングリッパー64は、排紙台76の上で用紙Pを開放し、排紙台76の上に用紙Pをスタックさせる。 As described above, the chain gripper 64 is used in common with the ink drying processing unit 20 and the UV irradiation processing unit 22. The chain gripper 64 releases the paper P on the paper discharge tray 76 and stacks the paper P on the paper discharge tray 76.
 排紙台76は、チェーングリッパー64から開放された用紙Pを積み重ねて回収する。この排紙台76には、用紙Pが整然と積み重ねられるように、用紙当て(前用紙当て、後用紙当て、横用紙当て等)が備えられる(図示せず)。 The paper discharge tray 76 stacks and collects the paper P released from the chain gripper 64. The paper discharge tray 76 is provided with a paper pad (a front paper pad, a rear paper pad, a horizontal paper pad, etc.) so that the sheets P are stacked in an orderly manner (not shown).
 また、排紙台76は、図示しない排紙台昇降装置によって昇降可能に設けられる。排紙台昇降装置は、排紙台76にスタックされる用紙Pの増減に連動して、その駆動が制御され、最上位に位置する用紙Pが常に一定の高さに位置するように、排紙台76を昇降させる。 Further, the paper discharge tray 76 is provided so as to be lifted and lowered by a paper discharge tray lifting / lowering device (not shown). The discharge platform lifting device is controlled in conjunction with the increase / decrease of the paper P stacked on the paper discharge tray 76 so that the uppermost paper P is always positioned at a certain height. The paper table 76 is moved up and down.
 上述したように、チェーングリッパー64から用紙Pを開放する前に圧縮空気噴射ノズル122により先端ガイド118に圧縮空気を噴き付けることで、先端ガイド118をグリッパー64Dの間に収納する。これにより、用紙Pがグリッパー64Dから開放され、排紙台76にスタックされる際、先端ガイド118が邪魔することなく、排紙台76に用紙Pをスタックすることができる。 As described above, before the paper P is released from the chain gripper 64, the compressed air jet nozzle 122 sprays the compressed air onto the leading end guide 118, thereby storing the leading end guide 118 between the grippers 64D. Thus, when the paper P is released from the gripper 64D and stacked on the paper discharge tray 76, the paper P can be stacked on the paper discharge tray 76 without the front end guide 118 interfering.
 《制御系》
 図9は、本実施の形態のインクジェット記録装置10の制御系の概略構成を示すブロック図である。
<Control system>
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment.
 同図に示すように、インクジェット記録装置10は、システムコントローラ200、通信部202、画像メモリ204、搬送制御部210、給紙制御部212、処理液付与制御部214、処理液乾燥制御部216、画像記録制御部218、インク乾燥制御部220、UV照射制御部222、排紙制御部224、操作部230、表示部232等が備えられる。 As shown in the figure, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes a system controller 200, a communication unit 202, an image memory 204, a conveyance control unit 210, a paper feed control unit 212, a processing liquid application control unit 214, a processing liquid drying control unit 216, An image recording control unit 218, an ink drying control unit 220, a UV irradiation control unit 222, a paper discharge control unit 224, an operation unit 230, a display unit 232, and the like are provided.
 システムコントローラ200は、インクジェット記録装置10の各部を統括制御する制御手段として機能するとともに、各種演算処理を行う演算手段として機能する。このシステムコントローラ200は、CPU、ROM、RAM等を備えており、所定の制御プログラムに従って動作する。ROMには、このシステムコントローラ200が、実行する制御プログラム、及び、制御に必要な各種データを格納する。 The system controller 200 functions as a control unit that performs overall control of each unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 and also functions as a calculation unit that performs various calculation processes. The system controller 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and operates according to a predetermined control program. The ROM stores a control program to be executed by the system controller 200 and various data necessary for control.
 通信部202は、所要の通信インターフェースを備え、その通信インターフェースと接続されたホストコンピュータとの間でデータの送受信を行う。 The communication unit 202 includes a required communication interface, and transmits / receives data to / from a host computer connected to the communication interface.
 画像メモリ204は、画像データを含む各種データの一時記憶手段として機能し、システムコントローラ200を通じてデータの読み書きが行われる。通信部202を介してホストコンピュータから取り込まれた画像データは、この画像メモリ204に格納される。 The image memory 204 functions as a temporary storage unit for various data including image data, and data is read and written through the system controller 200. Image data captured from the host computer via the communication unit 202 is stored in the image memory 204.
 搬送制御部210は、インクジェット記録装置10における用紙Pの搬送系を制御する。すなわち、給紙部12におけるテープフィーダ36A、前当て38、給紙ドラム40の駆動を制御するとともに、処理液付与部14における処理液付与ドラム42、処理液乾燥処理部16における処理液乾燥処理ドラム46、画像記録部18における画像記録ドラム52の駆動を制御する。また、インク乾燥処理部20、UV照射処理部22及び排紙部24で共通して用いられるチェーングリッパー64、バックテンション付与機構66及び圧縮空気噴射ノズル122の駆動を制御する。 The conveyance control unit 210 controls the conveyance system of the paper P in the inkjet recording apparatus 10. That is, the tape feeder 36A, the front pad 38, and the paper feed drum 40 in the paper feed unit 12 are controlled to be driven, and the treatment liquid application drum 42 in the treatment liquid application unit 14 and the treatment liquid drying treatment drum in the treatment liquid drying processing unit 16 are controlled. 46, controls the drive of the image recording drum 52 in the image recording unit 18. Further, the driving of the chain gripper 64, the back tension applying mechanism 66, and the compressed air jet nozzle 122 that are used in common by the ink drying processing unit 20, the UV irradiation processing unit 22, and the paper discharge unit 24 is controlled.
 搬送制御部210は、システムコントローラ200からの指令に応じて、搬送系を制御し、給紙部12から排紙部24まで滞りなく用紙Pが搬送されるように制御する。 The transport control unit 210 controls the transport system in accordance with a command from the system controller 200 so that the paper P is transported without delay from the paper feed unit 12 to the paper discharge unit 24.
 給紙制御部212は、システムコントローラ200からの指令に応じて給紙部12を制御する。具体的には、吸引装置32及び給紙台昇降機構等の駆動を制御して、給紙台30に積載された用紙Pが、重なることなく1枚ずつ順に給紙されるように制御する。 The paper feed control unit 212 controls the paper feed unit 12 in accordance with a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the driving of the suction device 32 and the paper feed table raising / lowering mechanism is controlled so that the sheets P stacked on the paper feed table 30 are sequentially fed one by one without overlapping.
 処理液付与制御部214は、システムコントローラ200からの指令に応じて処理液付与部14を制御する。具体的には、処理液付与ドラム42によって搬送される用紙Pに処理液が塗布されるように、処理液付与ユニット44の駆動を制御する。 The treatment liquid application control unit 214 controls the treatment liquid application unit 14 according to a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the treatment liquid application unit 44 is controlled so that the treatment liquid is applied to the paper P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42.
 処理液乾燥制御部216は、システムコントローラ200からの指令に応じて処理液乾燥処理部16を制御する。具体的には、処理液乾燥処理ドラム46によって搬送される用紙Pが乾燥処理されるように、処理液乾燥処理ユニット50の駆動を制御する。 The processing liquid drying control unit 216 controls the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 in accordance with a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the processing liquid drying processing unit 50 is controlled so that the paper P conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 is dried.
 画像記録制御部218は、システムコントローラ200からの指令に応じて画像記録部18を制御する。具体的には、画像記録ドラム52によって搬送される用紙Pに所定の画像が記録されるように、インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kの駆動を制御する。また、記録された画像が読み取られるように、インラインセンサ58の動作を制御する。 The image recording control unit 218 controls the image recording unit 18 in accordance with a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K is controlled so that a predetermined image is recorded on the paper P conveyed by the image recording drum 52. Further, the operation of the inline sensor 58 is controlled so that the recorded image is read.
 インク乾燥制御部220は、システムコントローラ200からの指令に応じてインク乾燥処理部20を制御する。具体的には、チェーングリッパー64によって搬送される用紙Pに熱風が送風されるようにインク乾燥処理ユニット68の駆動を制御する。 The ink drying control unit 220 controls the ink drying processing unit 20 in accordance with a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the ink drying processing unit 68 is controlled so that hot air is blown to the paper P conveyed by the chain gripper 64.
 UV照射制御部222は、システムコントローラ200からの指令に応じてUV照射処理部22を制御する。具体的には、チェーングリッパー64によって搬送される用紙Pに紫外線が照射されるようにUV照射ユニット74の駆動を制御する。 The UV irradiation control unit 222 controls the UV irradiation processing unit 22 according to a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the UV irradiation unit 74 is controlled so that the paper P conveyed by the chain gripper 64 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays.
 排紙制御部224は、システムコントローラ200からの指令に応じて排紙部24を制御する。具体的には、排紙台昇降機構等の駆動を制御して、排紙台76に用紙Pがスタックされるように制御する。 The paper discharge control unit 224 controls the paper discharge unit 24 in accordance with a command from the system controller 200. Specifically, the drive of the paper discharge table lifting mechanism is controlled so that the paper P is stacked on the paper discharge table 76.
 操作部230は、所要の操作手段(たとえば、操作ボタンやキーボード、タッチパネル等)を備え、その操作手段から入力された操作情報をシステムコントローラ200に出力する。システムコントローラ200は、この操作部230から入力された操作情報に応じて各種処理を実行する。 The operation unit 230 includes necessary operation means (for example, operation buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.), and outputs operation information input from the operation means to the system controller 200. The system controller 200 executes various processes in accordance with the operation information input from the operation unit 230.
 表示部232は、所要の表示装置(たとえば、LCDパネル等)を備え、システムコントローラ200からの指令に応じて所要の情報を表示装置に表示させる。 The display unit 232 includes a required display device (for example, an LCD panel or the like), and displays required information on the display device in accordance with a command from the system controller 200.
 上記のように、用紙に記録する画像データは、ホストコンピュータから通信部202を介してインクジェット記録装置10に取り込まれる。取り込まれた画像データは、画像メモリ204に格納される。 As described above, the image data to be recorded on the paper is taken into the inkjet recording apparatus 10 from the host computer via the communication unit 202. The captured image data is stored in the image memory 204.
 システムコントローラ200は、この画像メモリ204に格納された画像データに所要の信号処理を施してドットデータを生成する。そして、生成したドットデータに従って画像記録部18の各インクジェットヘッド56C、56M、56Y、56Kの駆動を制御し、その画像データが表す画像を用紙に記録する。 The system controller 200 performs necessary signal processing on the image data stored in the image memory 204 to generate dot data. Then, the drive of each inkjet head 56C, 56M, 56Y, 56K of the image recording unit 18 is controlled according to the generated dot data, and the image represented by the image data is recorded on the paper.
 ドットデータは、一般に画像データに対して色変換処理、ハーフトーン処理を行って生成される。色変換処理は、sRGBなどで表現された画像データ(たとえば、RGB8ビットの画像データ)をインクジェット記録装置10で使用するインクの各色のインク量データに変換する処理である(本例では、C、M、Y、Kの各色のインク量データに変換する。)。ハーフトーン処理は、色変換処理により生成された各色のインク量データに対して誤差拡散等の処理で各色のドットデータに変換する処理である。 The dot data is generally generated by performing color conversion processing and halftone processing on image data. The color conversion process is a process of converting image data expressed in sRGB or the like (for example, RGB 8-bit image data) into ink amount data of each color of ink used in the inkjet recording apparatus 10 (in this example, C, It is converted into ink amount data for each color of M, Y, and K.) The halftone process is a process of converting the ink amount data of each color generated by the color conversion process into dot data of each color by a process such as error diffusion.
 システムコントローラ200は、画像データに対して色変換処理、ハーフトーン処理を行って各色のドットデータを生成する。そして、生成した各色のドットデータに従って、対応するインクジェットヘッドの駆動を制御することにより、画像データが表す画像を用紙に記録する。 The system controller 200 performs color conversion processing and halftone processing on the image data to generate dot data for each color. Then, according to the generated dot data of each color, the drive of the corresponding ink jet head is controlled to record the image represented by the image data on the paper.
 10…インクジェット記録装置、12…給紙部、14…処理液付与部、16…処理液乾燥処理部、18…画像記録部、20…インク乾燥処理部、22…UV照射処理部、24…排紙部、56C、56M、56Y、56K…インクジェットヘッド、64…チェーングリッパー、64C…チェーン、64D…グリッパー、66…バックテンション付与機構、68…インク乾燥処理ユニット、68a…熱風ユニット、68b…IRユニット、72…ガイドプレート、74…UV照射ユニット、100…接続部、102…把持爪、102A…固定把持爪、102B…可動把持爪、104…第1のグリッパー軸、106…第2のグリッパー軸、108…把持爪開閉用レバー、110…把持爪開閉用バネ、112…ストッパー、114…コロ、116…把持爪開閉用カム、118…先端ガイド、122…圧縮空気噴射ノズル、124…温調ユニット、124a…先端ガイド温調IRランプ、124b…先端ガイド冷却ファン、P…用紙 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Inkjet recording device, 12 ... Paper feed part, 14 ... Processing liquid application part, 16 ... Processing liquid drying processing part, 18 ... Image recording part, 20 ... Ink drying processing part, 22 ... UV irradiation processing part, 24 ... Exhaust Paper section, 56C, 56M, 56Y, 56K ... inkjet head, 64 ... chain gripper, 64C ... chain, 64D ... gripper, 66 ... back tension applying mechanism, 68 ... ink drying processing unit, 68a ... hot air unit, 68b ... IR unit 72 ... Guide plate, 74 ... UV irradiation unit, 100 ... Connection part, 102 ... Grip claw, 102A ... Fixed grip claw, 102B ... Movable grip claw, 104 ... First gripper shaft, 106 ... Second gripper shaft, 108 ... Grip claw opening / closing lever, 110 ... Grip claw opening / closing spring, 112 ... Stopper, 114 ... Roller, 116 ... Nails closing cam, 118 ... front guide, 122 ... compressed air injection nozzle, 124 ... temperature control unit, 124a ... front guide temperature control IR lamp, 124b ... front guide cooling fan, P ... paper

Claims (10)

  1.  用紙を搬送経路に沿って搬送しながら乾燥処理する用紙乾燥装置において、
     無端状のチェーンに取り付けられ、前記チェーンを回転駆動させることにより、前記搬送経路に沿って走行する、前記用紙の先端を把持する先端把持手段と、
     前記チェーンに対して一定の間隔をもって前記搬送経路に沿って配置され、前記用紙の裏面を吸着する吸着板と、
     前記用紙の先端から前記吸着板に向かって斜め方向に配置され、前記吸着板で吸着されるまでの前記用紙の裏面に接触する先端ガイドと、
     前記搬送経路に沿って搬送される前記用紙に、前記用紙の表面から乾燥処理を施す乾燥手段と、を備える用紙乾燥装置。
    In a paper drying device that performs a drying process while transporting paper along a transport path,
    A tip gripping means for gripping the tip of the paper, which is attached to an endless chain and travels along the transport path by rotationally driving the chain;
    A suction plate that is disposed along the transport path at a constant interval with respect to the chain, and sucks the back surface of the paper;
    A leading edge guide that is arranged obliquely from the leading edge of the paper toward the suction plate and contacts the back surface of the paper until it is sucked by the suction plate;
    A paper drying apparatus comprising: a drying unit configured to dry the paper conveyed along the conveyance path from a surface of the paper.
  2.  前記先端ガイドが前記先端把持手段に取り付けられている請求項1に記載の用紙乾燥装置。 The paper drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tip guide is attached to the tip gripping means.
  3.  前記先端把持手段は、前記用紙の搬送方向に直交する方向に複数配置されており、
     前記先端ガイドは、それぞれの前記先端把持手段の間に設けられている請求項1または2に記載の用紙乾燥装置。
    A plurality of the tip gripping means are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction,
    The sheet drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tip guide is provided between the tip gripping units.
  4.  前記先端ガイドは前記先端把持手段に対し稼働可能に取り付けられ、前記先端把持手段内に収納可能である請求項2または3に記載の用紙乾燥装置。 4. The paper drying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tip guide is operatively attached to the tip gripping means and can be stored in the tip gripping means.
  5.  前記先端ガイドは、前記吸着板に向かって前記先端把持手段から斜め方向に稼働する請求項4に記載の用紙乾燥装置。 5. The paper drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tip guide operates obliquely from the tip gripping means toward the suction plate.
  6.  前記先端ガイドを圧送する第1の圧縮空気噴射手段を備え、
     前記第1の圧縮空気噴射手段は、前記先端把持手段で前記用紙の把持を開始する位置に設けられる請求項5に記載の用紙乾燥装置。
    Comprising first compressed air injection means for pumping the tip guide;
    The sheet drying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first compressed air ejecting unit is provided at a position where the leading end gripping unit starts gripping the sheet.
  7.  前記吸着板の温度調節を行なう吸着板温調手段を備える請求項1から6のいずれか1項に記載の用紙乾燥装置。 The paper drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising suction plate temperature adjusting means for adjusting a temperature of the suction plate.
  8.  前記先端ガイドの温度調節を行なう温調手段を備える請求項1から7のいずれか1項に記載の用紙乾燥装置。 The paper drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising temperature adjusting means for adjusting a temperature of the tip guide.
  9.  用紙に水性紫外線硬化型インクを吐出するインクジェットヘッドを備える画像記録部と、
     前記画像記録部で画像が記録された前記用紙を搬送経路に沿って搬送しながら乾燥処理をする請求項1から8のいずれか1項に記載の用紙乾燥装置と、
     前記用紙乾燥装置で乾燥処理された前記用紙に定着処理を行うUV照射処理部と、
     前記UV照射処理部で定着処理を行った前記用紙を排紙する排紙部と、を備えるインクジェット記録装置。
    An image recording unit comprising an inkjet head for discharging aqueous ultraviolet curable ink onto paper;
    The paper drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a drying process is performed while transporting the paper on which an image has been recorded by the image recording unit along a transport path.
    A UV irradiation processing unit for performing a fixing process on the paper dried by the paper drying device;
    An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a paper discharge unit that discharges the paper on which the fixing process has been performed by the UV irradiation processing unit.
  10.  前記排紙部に、前記先端ガイドを圧送し前記先端把持手段に収納する第2の圧縮空気噴射手段を備える請求項9に記載のインクジェット記録装置。 10. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a second compressed air ejecting unit that pumps the tip guide and stores the tip guide in the paper discharge unit.
PCT/JP2014/052261 2013-02-07 2014-01-31 Paper drying device and inkjet recording device WO2014123069A1 (en)

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CN111389687A (en) * 2020-04-29 2020-07-10 珠海炫彩科技有限公司 UV gloss oil flow flat quick curing device
CN113091434A (en) * 2021-03-23 2021-07-09 河南晶鑫科技股份有限公司 Dewatering net stentering device

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CN106839711A (en) * 2017-01-23 2017-06-13 广州能之原科技股份有限公司 A kind of tunnel type wood single-plate drying process
CN111389687A (en) * 2020-04-29 2020-07-10 珠海炫彩科技有限公司 UV gloss oil flow flat quick curing device
CN113091434A (en) * 2021-03-23 2021-07-09 河南晶鑫科技股份有限公司 Dewatering net stentering device

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