JP2001302063A - Ink jet type image forming device and recording medium supporting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink jet type image forming device preventing the quality of an image from being lowered by removing blurring caused by the bend of a recording medium. SOLUTION: A supporting table 40 is disposed in front of the discharge direction of a recording paper, and the lower surface of the recording paper discharged is supported. The length of the supporting table 40 in the discharge direction is not less than one half of the length of the recording paper in its discharge direction. Therefore, the center of gravity of the recording paper is always on the supporting table 40.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an ink jet type image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium such as recording paper by discharging ink, and a recording medium supporting apparatus for supporting the recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one of output devices of computers and workstations, there is known an ink jet type image forming apparatus which forms an image on a recording medium such as recording paper by discharging ink. The inkjet type image forming apparatus includes, for example, a print head in which a plurality of ink discharge ports for discharging ink are formed, a carriage mounted with the print head and reciprocating in a predetermined direction, and a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction. And a recording medium transport device that transports the recording medium in the recording medium transport direction. As a recording medium, a recording sheet or a plastic plate such as OHP is used.

When an image is formed on a recording medium, the recording medium being conveyed by the recording medium conveying device is temporarily stopped, and while the carriage is reciprocated in the above-described predetermined direction, an image signal carrying image information is generated. Ink is ejected from the ink ejection port on the basis of this, and an image for one band is formed on a portion of the recording medium located in the image forming area facing the ink ejection port. Thereafter, the recording medium is conveyed by the width of one band and stopped, and the ink is ejected from the ink ejection ports based on the image signal while the carriage is reciprocated again in the above-described predetermined direction. An image is formed in a portion newly located in the formation area. By repeating such an operation, an image is formed on the recording medium.

Among the above-described ink jet type image forming apparatuses, a plotter or a printer capable of forming an image on a large-sized (large-size) recording medium forms a full-color image having a high print density or forms an image on a cardboard or the like. Or forming.

When a full-color image having a high print density is formed on a recording sheet, the recording sheet may absorb a large amount of ink and the fibers thereof may be stretched, and the recording sheet may have wavy wrinkles.
When an image is formed on a large-sized recording medium, a portion of the large-sized recording medium where the image has been formed is bent downward, and is stacked on a stacking device called, for example, a stack.

[0006]

However, as described above, when wavy wrinkles occur on the recording paper, the "stiffness" of the recording paper becomes strong, and the recording paper is hard to bend downward. If the recording paper is unlikely to bend downward in this way, the weight of the recording paper itself may overcome the "hip" while continuing to form an image, and the recording paper may suddenly bend downward. When the impact at the time of bending is transmitted to a portion of the recording paper located in the image forming area, the image is blurred due to a change in the distance between this portion and the print head or a change in the transport amount of the recording paper. There is a problem that quality is reduced.

In order to prevent such image blurring,
The number of conveying rollers for conveying the recording medium is increased, and the number of members for pressing the recording medium is increased. Further, various types of recording paper are tested to select a recording paper in which wavy wrinkles are unlikely to occur, and a recording paper in which such wrinkles are unlikely to occur is being developed. When an image is formed on a cardboard, the cardboard may bend due to its "hip", and conversely, the cardboard may not be able to pass through the apparatus because it does not bend. There is a limit to the thickness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet type image forming apparatus and a recording medium supporting apparatus which eliminate blur caused by bending of a recording medium and prevent deterioration of image quality.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising:
An image is formed by discharging ink on a portion of a recording medium conveyed in a predetermined sub-scanning direction, which is located in a predetermined image forming area, and the portion on which the image is formed is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction and discharged. The ink jet type image forming apparatus is characterized in that (1) supporting means for supporting the discharged portion of the recording medium so that the discharged portion is not bent.

Here, the supporting means may support (2) at least half the length of the discharge portion in the sub-scanning direction.

Further, the support means may be selectively fixed to either (3) a support position for supporting the discharge portion and a storage position below the support position. Good.

Further, the supporting means may have (4) a loading portion for loading the discharge portion.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium supporting apparatus for ejecting ink to a portion of a recording medium conveyed in a predetermined sub-scanning direction which is located in a predetermined image forming area. In the ink jet type image forming apparatus that conveys and discharges the portion where the image is formed in the sub-scanning direction, in a recording medium supporting device that supports a discharged portion of the recording medium,
(5) The discharge portion is supported so that the discharge portion is not bent.

Here, the first recording medium supporting device includes:
(6) The discharge portion may support one half or more of the length in the sub-scanning direction.

[0015] The first recording medium support device may include:
(7) It may have a loading section for loading the discharge portion.

In order to achieve the above object, a second ink jet type image forming apparatus according to the present invention supplies a recording medium in a predetermined sub-scanning direction and conveys the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction.
In an inkjet type image forming apparatus, an image is formed by ejecting ink to a portion of a recording medium located in a predetermined image forming area, and the portion on which the image is formed is conveyed and discharged in the sub-scanning direction. 8) supply-side support means for supporting a supply portion of the recording medium upstream of the image forming area so as not to bend; and (9) a supply-side support means for preventing the discharged portion of the recording medium from being bent. Discharge side support means for supporting the discharge portion.

Here, (10) the supply-side support means includes:
And supporting at least half of the length in the sub-scanning direction of a portion of the recording medium upstream of the image forming area in parallel with the sub-scanning direction. The supporting means may support at least half of the length of the discharge portion in the sub-scanning direction.

(12) The supply-side support means is selectively fixed to any one of a support position for supporting the supply portion and a storage position below the support position. (13) The discharge-side support means may be selectively fixed to any one of a support position for supporting the discharge portion and a storage position below the support position. Good.

(14) The discharge-side support means includes:
It may have a loading section for loading the discharge portion.

A second recording medium supporting apparatus for achieving the above object supplies a recording medium in a predetermined sub-scanning direction and conveys the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, and a predetermined image forming area in the recording medium. In a recording medium supporting apparatus for supporting a recording medium in an ink jet type image forming apparatus which forms an image by ejecting ink to a portion located at a position, and which conveys and discharges the formed portion in the sub-scanning direction. ,
(15) a supply-side support device that supports the supply portion of the recording medium upstream of the image forming area so as not to bend; and (16) a discharge portion of the recording medium that has been discharged has a predetermined length. And a discharge-side support device for supporting the discharge portion so as not to bend.

Here, (17) the supply-side support device comprises:
And supporting at least half of the length in the sub-scanning direction of a portion of the recording medium upstream of the image forming area in parallel with the sub-scanning direction. The support device may support one half or more of the length of the discharge portion in the sub-scanning direction.

Further, the second recording medium supporting device includes:
(19) It may have a loading section for loading the discharge portion.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

A first embodiment of the ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a plotter which is a first embodiment of the ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the inkjet type image forming apparatus of FIG.

The plotter 10 is provided with a platen 14 on which a roll-shaped recording paper 12 conveyed in the direction of arrow A (an example of the sub-scanning direction in the present invention) is placed. Above the platen 14, two guide rails 16 are extended in parallel with the platen 14.
The guide rail 16 has a carriage that reciprocates freely in a main scanning direction (a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrow A and perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2) by a motor (not shown) and a belt (not shown). 18 is mounted via a slide bearing (not shown). A print head 20 is detachably mounted on the carriage 18.

The print head 20 has a plurality of ink discharge ports (not shown) for discharging ink. In front of the ink ejection port is an image forming area 22 where an image is formed. One band is formed by ejecting ink from the ink ejection port at a predetermined timing to a portion of the recording paper 12 located in the image forming area 22. Minute images are formed. afterwards,
The recording paper 12 is pinched by the pinch rollers 24 and 26 and the transport roller 28.
, And the recording paper 1 is fixed by the discharge roller 30 and the spur 32.
2 and conveyed by the width of one band and stopped, and again, while reciprocating the carriage 18 in the main scanning direction,
Discharging ink from the ink discharge port based on the image signal,
An image is formed on a portion of the recording paper 12 that is newly located in the image forming area 22. By repeating such an operation, an image on the recording paper 12 is formed. After forming an image on the recording paper 12 in this manner, the recording paper 12 is cut into a desired size by the cutter 34 built in the plotter 10.

A portion of the recording paper 12 on which an image is formed is sandwiched between a paper ejection roller 30 and a spur 32 and discharged out of the apparatus, and is supported on a support table 40 (a support means of the present invention). This is an example.) While the lower surface (the surface opposite to the surface on which the image is formed) is supported.

The support table 40 is located outside both ends in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the recording paper 12 and is located in the sub scanning direction (arrow A).
2) are provided. Lateral stays 44, 46 extending in the width direction of the recording paper 12 are provided at the rear end and the front end of the support table 40 in the direction of arrow A, respectively.
Are formed. Between the two horizontal stays 44 and 46, five guide wires 48 having a circular cross section extend in the direction of arrow A at substantially equal intervals. These two side plates 42, 4
2, horizontal stays 44, 46, and five guide wires 48
Are joined to each other by welding, whereby the support base 40 is assembled.

The support base 40 is rotatably fixed to the main body of the plotter 10 by a rotating shaft 50, and is selectively located at either a support position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2 or a storage position indicated by a two-dot chain line. Fixed to When the support base 40 is fixed at the support position, the stopper pin 36 formed on the main body of the plotter 10 is fitted into the stopper groove 42 a formed on the side plate 42. In this fixed state, the guide surface formed by the guide wire 48 is substantially parallel to the direction of arrow A, and the discharged recording paper 12 is placed thereon. On the other hand, when the support table 40 is pulled in the direction of arrow B from this fixed state, the stopper pin 36 comes out of the stopper groove 42a, and the support table 40 rotates in the direction of arrow C. Thereby, the support base 40 is stored and fixed at the storage position below the fixed position.

By the way, as the recording medium on which an image can be formed by the plotter 10, there are recording media of various sizes such as A0 size and A1 size. When the length in the sub-scanning direction of a discharge portion of the recording medium on which an image is formed and discharged is L, the leading end 48 of the guide wire 48 from the discharge roller 30
a so that the distance L1 to a is not less than L / 2.
Is configured. With this configuration, the center of gravity G of the ejected portion of the recording paper 12 is always
It is located on 0.

Accordingly, a full-color image having a high print density is formed on the recording paper 12 to generate wavy wrinkles.
Even if the "waist" of the recording paper 12 changes, the discharge portion of the recording paper 12 is always conveyed in a flat state by fixing the support table 40 at the supporting position. For this reason, the recording paper 12 does not suddenly bend downward, and the impact caused by this bending does not transmit to the portion of the recording paper located in the image forming area. As a result, the image is not shaken by such an impact, so that it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating.

Referring to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of the ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing a schematic configuration of the plotter according to the second embodiment. In this figure, the same components as those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The plotter 60 is characterized by the shape of the support 70.

The support 70 is rotatably fixed to a fulcrum 64 of an arm 62 projecting from the main body of the plotter 60. Lateral stays 74, 76 extending in the width direction of the recording paper 12 (see FIG. 2) are formed at the rear end and the front end of the support 70 in the direction of arrow A, respectively. Two horizontal stays 74,
76, a plurality of guide wires 78 having a circular cross section are provided.
Extend in the direction of arrow A and in the opposite direction to form a substantially U-shape when viewed from the side. Multiple guide wires 7
A portion surrounded by 8 forms a stacking portion 78b on which a discharge portion of the recording medium is stacked.

As described above, the support 70 is provided with the arm 6.
3 is rotatably fixed to the fulcrum 64, and is selectively fixed to either a supporting position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 3 or a storage position indicated by a two-dot chain line. When the support base 70 is fixed at the support position, the guide surface formed by the guide wire 78 is substantially parallel to the direction of arrow A, and the discharged recording paper 12 is placed thereon. On the other hand, when the support base 70 is rotated in the direction of arrow D from this fixed state, the support base 70 is stored and fixed at the storage position below the fixed position.

When a relatively low-density image such as a line drawing or a character is to be formed on the recording paper 12, the support 70 is fixed at the storage position. As a result, the recording medium discharged in the direction of arrow E is stacked on the stacking portion 78b formed by the guide wire 74.

Similarly to the case of the support table 40 shown in FIG. 2, when the length of the discharge portion of the recording medium on which an image is formed and discharged is L in the sub-scanning direction, the guide from the discharge roller 30 The distance L1 to the tip 78a of the wire 78 is L /
The support base 70 is configured to be two or more. With this configuration, the center of gravity of the discharged portion of the recording paper 12 is always located on the support base 70.

Accordingly, a full-color image having a high print density is formed on the recording paper 12, causing wavy wrinkles.
Even if the "waist" of the recording paper 12 changes, the discharge portion of the recording paper 12 is always conveyed in a flat state by fixing the support base 70 at the supporting position. For this reason, the recording paper 12 does not suddenly bend downward, and the impact caused by this bending does not transmit to the portion of the recording paper located in the image forming area. As a result, the image is not shaken by such an impact, so that it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a first embodiment of the recording medium supporting apparatus of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the recording medium supporting device mounted on the plotter, and FIG. 5 is a side view schematically showing the recording medium supporting device of FIG. In these figures,
The same components as those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

On the plotter 80, a platen 14 on which the roll-shaped recording paper 12 to be conveyed in the direction of arrow A (an example of the sub-scanning direction in the present invention) is formed. Above the platen 14, two guide rails 16 are extended in parallel with the platen 14.
The guide rail 16 has a carriage that reciprocates freely in a main scanning direction (a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrow A and perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2) by a motor (not shown) and a belt (not shown). 18 is mounted via a slide bearing (not shown). A print head 20 is detachably mounted on the carriage 18.

The print head 20 has a plurality of ink discharge ports (not shown) for discharging ink. In front of the ink ejection port is an image forming area 22 where an image is formed. One band is formed by ejecting ink from the ink ejection port at a predetermined timing to a portion of the recording paper 12 located in the image forming area 22. Minute images are formed. afterwards,
The recording paper 12 is pinched by the pinch rollers 24 and 26 and the transport roller 28.
, And the recording paper 1 is fixed by the discharge roller 30 and the spur 32.
2 and conveyed by the width of one band and stopped, and again, while reciprocating the carriage 18 in the main scanning direction,
Discharging ink from the ink discharge port based on the image signal,
An image is formed on a portion of the recording paper 12 that is newly located in the image forming area 22. By repeating such an operation, an image on the recording paper 12 is formed. After forming the image on the recording paper 12 in this manner, the recording paper 12 is cut into a desired size by the cutter 34 built in the plotter 80.

The portion of the recording paper 12 on which the image is formed is sandwiched between the paper ejection roller 30 and the spur 32 and discharged out of the apparatus. (The surface opposite to the surface that has been set).

Lateral stays 92 and 94 extending in the width direction of the recording paper 12 are formed at the rear end and the front end of the recording medium supporting device 90 in the direction of arrow A, respectively. Horizontal stay 94
Is fixed to the upper end of the stand 96. A plurality of guide wires 98 having a circular cross section extend in the direction of arrow A between the two lateral stays 92 and 94. This support table 90
When using the recording medium supporting device 9, the horizontal stay 92 is positioned below the discharge port 82 of the plotter 80.
0 is placed.

By arranging the recording medium supporting device 90 in this manner, similarly to the case of the support base 40 shown in FIG. 2, the length of the discharged portion of the recording medium on which an image is formed and discharged is set to L. In this case, the distance L1 from the discharge roller 30 to the distal end 98a of the guide wire 98 becomes L / 2 or more. As a result, the center of gravity G of the discharged portion of the recording paper 12 is always positioned on the recording medium supporting device 90.

Accordingly, a full-color image having a high print density is formed on the recording paper 12, and wavy wrinkles are generated.
Even if the “waist” of the recording paper 12 changes, the discharged portion of the recording paper 12 is always conveyed by arranging the recording medium supporting device 90 as described above. For this reason, the recording paper 12 does not suddenly bend downward, and the impact caused by this bending does not transmit to the portion of the recording paper located in the image forming area. As a result, the image is not shaken by such an impact, so that it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating.

Referring to FIG. 6, a recording medium supporting device according to a second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a recording medium supporting apparatus according to the second embodiment. In this figure,
The same components as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The recording medium supporting apparatus 100 is characterized by the shape of the supporting table.

The recording medium supporting apparatus 100 includes a stand 102
It has. At the upper end of the stand 102, a plurality of guide wires 104 forming a substantially U shape when viewed from the side
A fulcrum 106 is formed so as to be rotatable. A portion surrounded by the plurality of guide wires 104 forms a stacking portion 104b on which a recording medium discharge portion is stacked.

The guide wire 104 is, as described above,
It is rotatably fixed to the fulcrum 106, and is selectively fixed to either a supporting position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 6 or a storage position indicated by a two-dot chain line. When the guide wire 104 is fixed at the support position, the guide surface formed by the guide wire 104 is substantially parallel to the direction of arrow A, and the discharged recording paper 12 is placed thereon. on the other hand,
When the guide wire 104 is rotated in the direction of arrow F from this fixed state, the guide wire 104 is stored and fixed at the storage position below the fixed position.

When a relatively low-density image such as a line drawing or a character is formed on the recording paper 12, the guide wire 104 is fixed at the storage position. Thus, the recording medium discharged in the direction of arrow G is stacked on the stacking portion 104b formed by the guide wire 104.

As in the case of the support table 40 shown in FIG. 2, when the length of the discharge portion of the recording medium on which an image is formed and discharged is L in the sub-scanning direction, the guide from the discharge roller 30 The guide wire 104 is arranged so that the distance L1 to the tip 104a of the wire 104 is L / 2 or more. With this arrangement, the center of gravity of the discharged portion of the recording paper 12 is always positioned on the guide wire 104.

Accordingly, a full-color image having a high print density is formed on the recording paper 12 to generate wavy wrinkles.
Even if the "waist" of the recording paper 12 changes, the discharged portion of the recording paper 12 is always conveyed in a flat state by fixing the guide wire 104 at the supporting position. Therefore, the recording paper 12
Does not suddenly bend downward, and the impact caused by this bend does not transmit to the portion of the recording paper located in the image forming area. As a result, the image is not shaken by such an impact, so that it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating.

A third embodiment of the ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a plotter which is a third embodiment of the ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing the ink jet type image forming apparatus of FIG. In these figures, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The plotter 110 is provided with a platen 14 on which the cut sheet 13 to be conveyed is placed in the direction of arrow H (an example of the sub-scanning direction in the present invention). On the upstream side of the platen 14 in the arrow H direction, the cut paper 13
The supply port 112 to which is supplied is formed. On the other hand, on the downstream side of the platen 14 in the arrow H direction, the cut paper 13
A discharge port 114 through which the is discharged is formed. In addition, above the platen 14, 2
A guide rail 16 of the book is stretched. The guide rail 16 has a motor (not shown) and a belt (not shown)
A carriage 18 that freely reciprocates in the main scanning direction (a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrow A and perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 8) is mounted via a slide bearing (not shown). A print head 20 is detachably mounted on the carriage 18.

The print head 20 has a plurality of ink discharge ports (not shown) for discharging ink. In front of the ink ejection port is an image forming area 22 where an image is formed. Ink is ejected from the ink ejection port at a predetermined timing on a portion of the cut sheet 13 supplied from the supply port 112 located in the image forming area 22 to form an image for one band. Thereafter, the cut sheet 13 is nipped by the pinch roller 26 and the conveying roller 28, conveyed by a width of one band, stopped, and again, while the carriage 18 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction, ink ejection is performed based on the image signal. Ink is ejected from the outlet to form an image on a portion of the cut sheet 13 which is newly located in the image forming area 22. By repeating such an operation, an image is formed on the cut sheet 13.

In forming an image on the cut sheet 13, the cut sheet 13 is inserted from the discharge port 114, and the conveying roller 28 is rotated in the reverse direction so as to be conveyed backward in the direction of arrow H. Cut paper 1 reversely discharged from the supply port 112
Reference numeral 3 denotes a lower surface (a surface on which an image is formed) on a support table 120 (an example of a supply-side support unit in the present invention) which is arranged on the upstream side in the arrow H direction and slightly below the supply port 112. (The opposite side) is supported and placed on this support table 120. When the leading end (the end in the direction of arrow H) of the cut sheet 13 reaches the image forming area, the transport roller 28 stops reverse rotation and enters a print standby state.

On the other hand, the cut sheet 13 on which the image is formed as described above is discharged to the outside of the apparatus through the discharge port 114, and the support table 130 (discharge side in the present invention) disposed forward in the discharge direction. The support base 1 is supported on a lower surface (a surface opposite to a surface on which an image is formed) by a support unit 1.
30.

The support table 120 is provided with two side plates 122, 122 which are located outside both ends of the cut sheet 13 in the width direction (main scanning direction) and spread in the sub scanning direction (arrow H direction). Further, lateral stays 124 and 126 extending in the width direction of the cut sheet 13 are formed at the rear end portion and the front end portion of the support table 120 in the arrow H direction, respectively. Between the two lateral stays 124 and 126, five guide wires 128 having a circular cross section extend in the direction of arrow H at substantially equal intervals. These two side plates 122, 122 and the horizontal stays 124, 12
The six and five guide wires 128 are joined to each other by welding, whereby the support base 120 is assembled.

The support table 120 is rotatably fixed to the main body of the plotter 110 by a rotating shaft (not shown).
It is selectively fixed to either the support position shown by the solid line in FIG. 8 or the storage position shown by the two-dot chain line. Support table 1
When the support 20 is fixed at the support position, the plotter 110 is inserted into a stopper groove (not shown) formed in the side plate 122.
A stopper pin (not shown) formed on the main body is fitted. In this fixed state, the guide surface formed by the guide wire 128 is substantially parallel to the direction of the arrow H.
The part on the upstream side in the direction is placed. On the other hand, when the support table 120 is pulled in the direction of arrow I from this fixed state, the stopper pin comes out of the stopper groove, and the support table 120 rotates in the direction of arrow J. Thereby, the support base 120 is stored and fixed at the storage position below the fixing position.

On the other hand, the support table 130 is provided with two side plates 132, 132 which are located outside both ends of the cut sheet 13 in the width direction (main scanning direction) and spread in the sub scanning direction (arrow A direction). . Lateral stays 134 and 136 extending in the width direction of the cut sheet 13 are formed at the rear end and the front end of the support table 130 in the direction of arrow H, respectively. Between the two horizontal stays 134 and 136, five guide wires 138 having a circular cross section extend in the direction of arrow H at substantially equal intervals.
These two side plates 132, 132, horizontal stays 134, 1
The 36 and the five guide wires 138 are joined to each other by welding, whereby the support 130 is assembled.

The support table 130 is rotatably fixed to the main body of the plotter 110 by a rotating shaft 50, and is selectively located at either a support position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 8 or a storage position indicated by a two-dot chain line. Fixed to When the support 130 is fixed at the support position, the stopper pin 36 formed on the main body of the plotter 110 is fitted into the stopper groove 132 a formed on the side plate 132. In this fixed state, the guide surface formed by the guide wire 138 is substantially parallel to the direction of arrow H, and the discharged cut paper 13 is placed thereon. On the other hand, when the support 130 is pulled in the direction of arrow K from this fixed state, the stopper pin 36 comes out of the stopper groove 132a, and the support 130
Rotate in the direction. As a result, the support 130 is stored and fixed at the storage position below the fixing position.

By the way, the recording media on which an image can be formed by the plotter 110 include recording media of various sizes such as A0 size and A1 size. When the maximum length of this recording medium in the direction of arrow H (transport direction) is L,
8 to the distal end 138a of the guide wire 138
The support table 130 is configured so that 1 is L / 2 or more. Similarly, the support base 120 is configured so that the distance L2 from the transport roller 28 to the tip 128a of the guide wire 128 is also L / 2 or more. With this configuration, the center of gravity G of the cut sheet 13 is always located on the support 120 or 130.

Accordingly, even if a full-color image having a high print density is formed on the cut sheet 13 and a wavy wrinkle is generated, and the “hip” of the cut sheet 13 changes, the support bases 120 and 130 are fixed at the support positions. By doing so, the cut sheet 13 is always conveyed in a flat state. For this reason, the cut sheet 13 does not suddenly bend downward, and the impact caused by this bend does not transmit to the portion of the recording sheet located in the image forming area. As a result, the image is not shaken by such an impact, so that it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating. Further, when the support bases 120 and 130 are fixed at the support positions, the plotter 110 is configured to be able to convey the cut paper 13 without bending, so that an image can be formed on easily bent thick paper or unbent recording paper. Becomes

Referring to FIG. 9, a fourth embodiment of the ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 9 is a side view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a plotter according to the fourth embodiment. In this figure, the same components as those shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The plotter 140 is characterized by the shape of the support 150 (an example of the discharge-side support according to the present invention).

The support table 150 is rotatably fixed to a fulcrum 144 of an arm 142 projecting from the main body of the plotter 140. Lateral stays 154 and 156 extending in the width direction of the cut sheet 13 are formed at the rear end and the front end of the support table 150 in the direction of arrow H, respectively. Two horizontal stays 1
A plurality of guide wires 158 having a circular cross section extend in the direction of the arrow H and in the opposite direction thereof so as to form a substantially U-shape when viewed from the side, between 54 and 156. The portion surrounded by the plurality of guide wires 158 forms a stacking portion 158b on which a recording medium discharge portion is stacked.

The support table 150 is rotatably fixed to the fulcrum 144 of the arm 142 as described above.
Are selectively fixed at either the support position indicated by the solid line and the storage position indicated by the two-dot chain line. Support 150
Is fixed in the support position, the guide wire 158
The guide surface formed by the cutting wire 13 is substantially parallel to the direction of arrow H.
58. On the other hand, from this fixed state,
When 0 is rotated in the direction of arrow M, the support base 150 is stored and fixed in the storage position below the fixed position.

When a relatively low-density image such as a line drawing or a character is formed on the cut sheet 13, the support table 150 is fixed at the storage position. As a result, the recording medium discharged in the direction of arrow H is transferred to the stacking unit 1 formed by the guide wire 158.
58b.

As in the case of the support table 130 shown in FIG. 8, when the maximum length of the recording medium in the direction of arrow H (transport direction) is L,
The support table 150 is configured so that the distance L1 to the tip 158a of the base 8 is L / 2 or more. Similarly, the support base 120 is configured so that the distance L2 from the transport roller 28 to the tip 128a of the guide wire 128 is also L / 2 or more.

With this configuration, the center of gravity of the cut sheet 13 is always set to the support 120 or 150.
Located on top. Therefore, even if a full-color image with a high print density is formed on the cut sheet 13 and a wavy wrinkle is generated, and the “hip” of the cut sheet 13 changes, the support bases 120 and 150 should be fixed at the support position. Thereby, the cut sheet 13 is always conveyed in a flat state. For this reason, the cut sheet 13 does not suddenly bend downward, and the impact caused by this bend does not transmit to the portion of the recording sheet located in the image forming area. As a result, the image is not shaken by such an impact, so that it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating. Further, when the support bases 120 and 150 are fixed at the support positions, the plotter 140 is configured to be able to convey the cut sheet 13 without bending, so that an image can be formed on thick paper that is easily bent or recording paper that is not bent. Becomes

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a third embodiment of the recording medium supporting device of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a recording medium supporting device mounted on a plotter, and FIG. 11 is a side view schematically showing the recording medium supporting device of FIG. In these drawings, the same components as those shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The plotter 160 is provided with a platen 14 on which the cut paper 13 conveyed in the direction of arrow H (an example of the sub-scanning direction in the present invention) is placed. On the upstream side of the platen 14 in the arrow H direction, the cut paper 13
The supply port 112 to which is supplied is formed. On the other hand, on the downstream side of the platen 14 in the arrow H direction, the cut paper 13
A discharge port 114 through which the is discharged is formed. In addition, above the platen 14, 2
A guide rail 16 of the book is stretched. The guide rail 16 has a motor (not shown) and a belt (not shown)
A carriage 18 that reciprocates freely in the main scanning direction (a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrow A and perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 11) is mounted via a slide bearing (not shown). A print head 20 is detachably mounted on the carriage 18.

The print head 20 has a plurality of ink discharge ports (not shown) for discharging ink. In front of the ink ejection port is an image forming area 22 where an image is formed. Ink is ejected from the ink ejection port at a predetermined timing on a portion of the cut sheet 13 supplied from the supply port 112 located in the image forming area 22 to form an image for one band. Thereafter, the cut sheet 13 is nipped by the pinch roller 26 and the conveying roller 28, conveyed by a width of one band, stopped, and again, while the carriage 18 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction, ink ejection is performed based on the image signal. Ink is ejected from the outlet to form an image on a portion of the cut sheet 13 which is newly located in the image forming area 22. By repeating such an operation, an image is formed on the cut sheet 13.

In forming an image on the cut sheet 13, the cut sheet 13 is inserted from the discharge port 114, and the conveying roller 28 is rotated in the reverse direction so as to be conveyed backward in the direction of arrow H. Cut paper 1 reversely discharged from the supply port 112
Reference numeral 3 denotes a lower surface (a surface on which an image is formed) on a support table 120 (an example of a supply-side support unit in the present invention) which is arranged on the upstream side in the arrow H direction and slightly below the supply port 112. (The opposite side) is supported and placed on this support table 120. When the leading end (the end in the direction of arrow H) of the cut sheet 13 reaches the image forming area, the transport roller 28 stops reverse rotation and enters a print standby state.

On the other hand, the cut sheet 13 on which the image is formed as described above is discharged out of the apparatus through the discharge port 114, and a discharge side support device 180 is disposed in front of the discharge direction. The lower surface of the cut paper 13 (the surface opposite to the surface on which the image is formed) is supported by the discharge-side support device 180 and placed.

Supply side support device 170 and discharge side support device 1
80 is integrally formed. A stand 190 of one component constituting these is arranged below the plotter 160. A horizontal stay 192 extending in the width direction of the cut sheet 13 is formed slightly above the center of the stand 190 in the height direction. A guide wire 172 having a circular cross section extends from the horizontal stay 192 toward the supply side (the side opposite to the arrow H direction) diagonally upward. This guide wire 17
Numeral 2 extends to a position slightly lower than the image forming area 22, bends from this slightly lower position, and extends substantially parallel to the arrow H direction. On the other hand, a guide wire 182 having a circular cross section extends obliquely upward from the horizontal stay 192 on the discharge side (the side in the direction of arrow H). This guide wire 182
Extends to a position slightly lower than the image forming area 22, is bent from this slightly lower position, and extends substantially parallel to the direction opposite to the arrow H direction.

The above-described two guide wires 172, 18
2 are connected below the transport roller 28, and these two guide wires 172 and 182 are connected to one guide wire 1
93 is formed by bending. Such guide wires 193 are fixed to the three horizontal stays 192 at substantially equal intervals.

When forming an image on the cut sheet 13, the cut sheet 13 is placed on the guide wire 172 such that the leading end of the cut sheet 13 is placed on the platen 14. In this state, the apparatus waits, and starts conveying the cut sheet 13 according to the image data recording start signal. Thereafter, an image is formed on the cut sheet 13 as described above. The cut sheet 13 on which the image is formed is discharged from the discharge port 114 and
82, and the lower surface thereof contacts the guide wire 182.

By the way, the recording media on which an image can be formed by the plotter 160 include recording media of various sizes such as A0 size and A1 size. When the maximum length of this recording medium in the direction of arrow H (transport direction) is L,
8 to the tip 182a of the guide wire 182
1 is configured to be L / 2 or more. Further, similarly, the leading end 1 of the guide wire 172 is
The distance L2 to 72a is also configured to be L / 2 or more. With this configuration, the cut paper 1
The center of gravity of 3 is always located on guidewire 172 or guidewire 182.

Therefore, even if a full-color image having a high print density is formed on the cut sheet 13 and a wavy wrinkle is generated and the “stiffness” of the cut sheet 13 changes, the guide wires 172, 18
A cut sheet 13 is placed on the sheet 2 and is always conveyed in a flat state. For this reason, the cut sheet 13 does not suddenly bend downward, and the impact caused by this fold is reduced.
There is no transmission to the portion of the recording paper located in the image forming area. As a result, the image is not shaken by such an impact, so that it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating. Also, cut paper 1 is used for guide wires 172 and 182.
3 is always transported in a flat state, so that the plotter 160 can transport the cut paper 13 without bending. As a result, an image can be formed on thick paper that is easily bent or on recording paper that does not bend.

Referring to FIG. 12, a fourth embodiment of the recording medium supporting device of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 12 is a side view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a recording medium supporting apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In this figure, the same components as those shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The recording medium supporting apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is characterized by the discharge side supporting apparatus 200.

An arm 194 extends in the direction of arrow H from above the stand 190 of the discharge-side supporting device 200, and a fulcrum 196 is formed at the tip of the arm 194. A plurality of substantially U-shaped guide wires 202 as viewed from the side are rotatably fixed to the fulcrum 196. A portion surrounded by the plurality of guide wires 202 forms a stacking portion 202b on which a recording medium discharge portion is stacked.

The guide wire 202 is, as described above,
It is rotatably fixed to the fulcrum 196, and is selectively fixed to either a supporting position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 12 or a storage position indicated by a two-dot chain line. Guide wire 202
Is fixed to the support position, the guide wire 202
Is substantially parallel to the arrow H direction, and the discharged cut paper 13 is placed thereon. On the other hand, when the guide wire 202 is rotated in the direction of arrow F from this fixed state, the guide wire 202 is stored and fixed at the storage position below the fixed position.

When a relatively low-density image such as a line drawing or a character is formed on the cut sheet 13 (see FIG. 11), the guide wire 202 is fixed at the storage position. As a result, the cut paper 13 discharged in the direction of arrow G is
No. 02 is loaded on the loading section 202b.

When the length in the sub-scanning direction of the discharged portion of the recording medium on which an image is formed and discharged is L, the distance L1 from the transport roller 28 to the tip 202a of the guide wire 202 is L / 2 or more. Guide wire 2
02 is arranged. With this arrangement, the center of gravity of the ejected portion of the cut sheet 13 is always positioned on the guide wire 202.

Therefore, even if a full-color image having a high print density is formed on the cut sheet 13 and the wavy wrinkles are generated, and the “hip” of the cut sheet 13 changes, the guide wire 202 is fixed at the supporting position. Thus, the discharged portion of the cut sheet 13 is always conveyed in a flat state. For this reason, the cut sheet 13 does not suddenly bend downward, and the impact caused by this bend does not transmit to the portion of the recording sheet located in the image forming area. As a result, the image is not shaken by such an impact, so that it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating.

[0096]

As described above, according to the first ink-jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention, since the discharge portion is supported by the supporting means so as not to be bent, the portion located in the image forming area has: There is no impact caused by bending. For this reason, blurring due to bending of the discharge portion does not occur, and deterioration in image quality can be prevented.

Here, when the supporting means supports at least one half of the length of the discharge portion in the sub-scanning direction, it is possible to more reliably prevent the discharge portion from bending.

In the case where the supporting means is selectively fixed to any one of a supporting position for supporting the discharge portion and a storage position below the supporting position, the supporting means may be used. Can be fixed to the storage position when not used, so that a user-friendly inkjet type image forming apparatus can be obtained.

Further, when the supporting means has a loading portion for loading the discharge portion, the discharge portion can be loaded on the loading portion, so that an ink jet type image forming apparatus which is easy to use can be obtained.

Further, according to the first recording medium supporting device of the present invention, since the discharged portion is supported by the recording medium supporting device so as not to be bent, the portion located in the image forming area is caused by the bending. No impact is given, and it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating due to bending of the discharge portion.

Here, when the first recording medium supporting device supports at least one half of the length of the discharge portion in the sub-scanning direction, it is possible to more reliably prevent the discharge portion from bending. .

In the case where the apparatus has a stacking portion for stacking the ejection portion, the ejection portion can be stacked on the stacking portion, so that an easy-to-use recording medium supporting device can be obtained.

Further, according to the second ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention, the supply portion of the recording medium is supported by the supply side support means so as not to be bent. For this reason, since the supply portion does not bend and give an impact to the portion of the recording medium located in the image forming area, it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating due to the bend of the supply portion. In addition, since the discharge portion is supported by the discharge side support means so as not to bend, the portion located in the image forming area is not subjected to an impact due to the bend, and the image is formed due to the bend of the discharge portion. The quality can be prevented from deteriorating.

Here, the supply-side support means is at least half the length in the sub-scanning direction of a portion of the recording medium upstream of the image forming area, which is parallel to the sub-scanning direction. Wherein the discharge-side support means comprises:
When the discharge portion supports at least one half of the length in the sub-scanning direction, the bending of the supply portion and the discharge portion can be more reliably prevented.

Further, the supply-side support means is selectively fixed to either a support position for supporting the supply portion or a storage position below the support position, and When the discharge-side support means is selectively fixed to any one of a support position for supporting the discharge portion, and a storage position below the support position, the supply-side support means or When the discharge-side support means is not used, it can be fixed at the storage position, so that a user-friendly ink jet type image forming apparatus can be obtained.

Further, when the discharge side support means has a loading portion for loading the discharge portion, the discharge portion can be loaded on the loading portion, so that an ink jet type image forming apparatus which is easy to use is obtained.

Further, according to the second recording medium supporting device of the present invention, the supply portion of the recording medium is supported by the supply-side supporting device so as not to bend, so that the supply portion is bent and the image on the recording medium is bent. There is no impact on the portion located in the formation region, and it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating due to the bending of the supply portion. In addition, since the discharge portion is supported by the discharge-side support device so as not to bend, no shock due to the bend is applied to the portion located in the image forming area. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the image quality from deteriorating due to bending of the discharge portion.

Here, the supply-side supporting device is preferably at least half the length in the sub-scanning direction of a portion of the recording medium upstream of the image forming area, which is parallel to the sub-scanning direction. The discharge side support device,
When the discharge portion supports at least one half of the length in the sub-scanning direction, the bending of the supply portion and the discharge portion can be more reliably prevented.

In the case where the apparatus has a loading section for loading the discharge section, the discharge section can be loaded on the loading section, so that an easy-to-use recording medium supporting apparatus can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a plotter that is a first embodiment of an inkjet type image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the inkjet type image forming apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of a plotter according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a recording medium supporting device mounted on a plotter.

FIG. 5 is a side view schematically showing the recording medium support device of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of a recording medium supporting device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a plotter which is a third embodiment of the ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing the inkjet type image forming apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of a plotter according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a recording medium supporting device mounted on a plotter.

11 is a side view schematically showing the recording medium supporting device of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a side view schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of a recording medium supporting device according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 60, 80, 110, 140, 160 Plotter 12 Recording paper 22 Image forming area 40, 70, 120, 130, 150 Support base 78b, 104b, 202b Loading unit 90, 100, 170, 180, 200 Recording medium support device

Claims (14)

[Claims] An image is formed by discharging ink on a portion of a recording medium conveyed in a predetermined sub-scanning direction, which is located in a predetermined image forming area, and the portion on which the image is formed is formed in the sub-scanning direction. An ink jet type image forming apparatus, comprising: a support unit for supporting a discharged portion of a recording medium so that the discharged portion is not bent. 2. The ink-jet type image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supporting unit supports at least one half of the length of the discharge portion in the sub-scanning direction. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support means is selectively fixed to either a support position for supporting the discharge portion or a storage position below the support position. The inkjet type image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 4. The ink jet type image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said support means has a loading portion for loading said discharge portion. 5. An image is formed by discharging ink onto a portion of a recording medium conveyed in a predetermined sub-scanning direction, which is located in a predetermined image forming area, and the portion on which the image is formed is formed in the sub-scanning direction. In a recording medium supporting device that supports a discharged portion of a recording medium that is discharged in an inkjet image forming apparatus that conveys and discharges the recording medium, the discharging portion is supported so that the discharged portion is not bent. Recording medium support device. 6. The length of the discharge portion in the sub-scanning direction of 2
The recording medium supporting device according to claim 5, wherein the recording medium supporting device supports at least one half. 7. The recording medium supporting apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a loading section for loading the discharge portion. 8. A recording medium is supplied in a predetermined sub-scanning direction, is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, and discharges ink to a portion of the recording medium located in a predetermined image forming area to form an image. In an ink jet type image forming apparatus which conveys and discharges a portion on which an image is formed in the sub-scanning direction, a supply side support for supporting a supply portion of a recording medium upstream of the image forming area so as not to be bent And an ejection side supporting means for supporting the ejected portion of the recording medium so that the ejected portion is not bent. 9. The supply-side support means may set at least half of the length in the sub-scanning direction of a portion of the recording medium upstream of the image forming area, which is parallel to the sub-scanning direction. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the discharge-side supporting means supports at least half of the length of the discharge portion in the sub-scanning direction. 10. apparatus. 10. The supply-side support means is selectively fixed to any one of a support position for supporting the supply portion and a storage position below the support position, and 9. The discharge-side support means is selectively fixed to any one of a support position for supporting the discharge portion and a storage position below the support position. Or an inkjet image forming apparatus according to 9. 11. The ink jet type image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said discharge side support means has a loading portion for loading said discharge portion. 12. A recording medium is supplied in a predetermined sub-scanning direction, is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, and discharges ink to a portion of the recording medium located in a predetermined image forming area to form an image. In a recording medium supporting device for supporting a recording medium in an ink jet type image forming apparatus which conveys and discharges a portion on which an image is formed in the sub-scanning direction, a supply portion of a recording medium upstream of the image forming area And a discharge-side support device for supporting the discharged portion of the recording medium so that the discharged portion is not bent until the discharged portion has a predetermined length. A recording medium supporting device characterized by the above-mentioned. 13. The supply-side support device, wherein a portion of the recording medium upstream of the image forming area, which is parallel to the sub-scanning direction, has a length equal to or more than half the length in the sub-scanning direction. 13. The recording medium supporting device according to claim 12, wherein the discharging-side supporting device supports at least half of the length of the discharging portion in the sub-scanning direction. . 14. The recording medium supporting device according to claim 12, further comprising a stacking portion for stacking the discharge portion.