Heating device and image forming device

Abstract

The heating device and image forming apparatus disclosed herein prevent materials being transported that fall onto the facing surface from becoming heated to high temperatures, compared to structures in which the facing surfaces are arranged horizontally. The heating device includes a heating unit that heats the upper surface of the material being transported in a non-contact manner, and an air supply unit that supplies air to the lower surface of the material being transported through air supply holes provided on the facing surface that faces the lower surface, the facing surface being arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating device and an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] [Related Technology]

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-39148 discloses a fixing device comprising: a non-contact conveying element for conveying a sheet of paper having an unfixed image by holding the front end of the sheet in the conveying direction in a manner such that the conveying member does not contact both sides of the sheet; and a non-contact heating element for heating the sheet of paper in a non-contact manner while being conveyed by the non-contact conveying element, and the fixing device is characterized in that it comprises a gas blowing element for blowing gas toward the front surface and back surface, respectively, of the sheet of paper in a heated state by the non-contact heating element. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a heating device including a heating portion for heating the upper surface of a material being conveyed in a non-contact manner, and an air supply portion for supplying air to the lower surface through air supply holes provided on an opposing surface opposing the lower surface of the material being conveyed, if the opposing surface is arranged in a horizontal direction, when the material being conveyed falls onto the opposing surface, the material being conveyed sometimes stays on the opposing surface, and the material being conveyed is heated in the heating portion to a high temperature.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress the temperature of the conveyed material falling onto the facing surface from rising compared to a structure in which the facing surface is arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0006] According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a heating device can be provided, which includes: a heating part, which heats the upper surface of the transported material in a non-contact manner; and an air supply part, which supplies air to the lower surface through air supply holes provided on an opposing surface facing the lower surface of the transported material, and the opposing surface is arranged at an inclination relative to the horizontal direction.

[0007] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the facing surface is arranged to be inclined as described above by being higher on the downstream side than on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the conveyed material.

[0008] According to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the transported material is transported while maintaining the downstream side portion in the transport direction and not maintaining the upstream side portion in the transport direction, and the opposing surface is configured at an angle to contact the upstream side portion in the transport direction of the transported material when the air supply unit does not supply air.

[0009] According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the air blowing unit blows air even when the conveyed material is not being conveyed.

[0010] According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the air blowing direction of the air blowing portion is toward the lower side of the facing surface.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the heating device includes a receiving portion provided on a lower side of the facing surface and configured to receive the conveyed material dropped from the facing surface.

[0012] According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming device can be provided, which includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium as a conveyed material; and a heating device that heats the upper surface of the conveyed material on which the image is formed by the image forming unit in a non-contact manner.

[0013] [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the first aspect, compared with a structure in which the facing surfaces are arranged in the horizontal direction, it is possible to suppress the conveyed material falling onto the facing surfaces from becoming hot.

[0015] According to the second aspect, compared with a structure in which the facing surface is higher upstream than downstream in the conveyance direction of the conveyed material, the conveyed material dropped onto the facing surface is more likely to move upstream in the conveyance direction relative to the facing surface.

[0016] According to the third aspect, the posture of the conveyed material during conveyance is stabilized compared to a configuration in which the facing surface is arranged at an angle so as not to contact the upstream portion of the conveyance direction of the conveyed material when the air blowing unit is not blowing air.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect, compared with a configuration in which air is blown only when the material is being conveyed, it is possible to suppress the material being conveyed that falls onto the facing surface from becoming hot.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect, compared with a case where the blowing direction of the air blowing portion is perpendicular to the facing surface, it is possible to suppress the conveyed material falling onto the facing surface from becoming hot.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect, compared with a structure in which a material to be conveyed is placed and falls from an opposing surface, it is possible to suppress the material to be conveyed from coming into contact with other structural parts.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect, image defects can be suppressed compared to a structure in which the facing surfaces are arranged along the horizontal direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the heating device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a chain gripper according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the air blowing device according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between paper and the facing surface when the air blowing device according to the first embodiment is not blowing air.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which the air blowing direction of the air blowing device of the first embodiment is directed upstream in the conveying direction relative to the opposing surface.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure including the accommodating portion in the air blowing device according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a toner image forming section according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a fixing unit according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The arrow H in each figure indicates the vertical direction and the vertical direction of the device, the arrow W indicates the horizontal direction and the width direction of the device, and the arrow D indicates the front-back direction (device depth direction).

[0032] <First embodiment>

[0033] (Image Forming Apparatus 10)

[0034] The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0035] Figure 1The image forming apparatus 10 shown is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium as an example of a sheet-like conveyed material. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 is an inkjet image forming apparatus that forms an image on a paper P as an example of a recording medium using ink. More specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a storage section 50, a discharge section 52, an image forming section 12, a heating device 100, a cooling section 90, and a conveying device 16. Hereinafter, each section of the image forming apparatus 10 (the storage section 50, the discharge section 52, the image forming section 12, the heating device 100, the cooling section 90, and the conveying device 16) will be described.

[0036] (Accommodation section 50)

[0037] Figure 1 The storage unit 50 shown has the function of storing paper P. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a plurality of (e.g., two) storage units 50. Paper P is selectively fed out from the plurality of storage units 50. For example, bound sheets (so-called single-sheet paper) of a predetermined size (i.e., dimensions) can be used as the paper P.

[0038] (Discharge portion 52)

[0039] Figure 1 The discharge portion 52 shown is a portion that discharges the paper P on which an image is formed. In the image forming apparatus 10 , after the image is heated by the heating device 100 , the paper P is cooled by the cooling portion 90 and discharged to the discharge portion 52 .

[0040] (Image Forming Unit 12)

[0041] Figure 1 The image forming unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium. Specifically, the image forming unit 12 forms an image on a paper P using ink. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming unit 12 includes ejection units 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K (hereinafter referred to as 14Y to 14K) for ejecting ink. The image forming unit 12 also includes a transfer drum 13 and an opposing roller 15 .

[0042] The transfer drum 13 is provided on the conveying path of the paper P conveyed by the conveying device 16 and is arranged at a position in contact with the upward surface (hereinafter referred to as the "upper surface") of the paper P. Figure 1 The facing roller 15 is driven to rotate in the direction E of the transfer drum 13. The facing roller 15 faces the transfer drum 13 and is positioned below the transfer drum 13. Specifically, the facing roller 15 contacts the transfer drum 13 with a predetermined pressure. The direction in which the conveying device 16 conveys the paper P is referred to as the "conveying direction." In the figures, the conveying direction is indicated by the arrow X.

[0043] Each ejection unit 14Y to 14K ejects ink droplets of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (M), and black (K) onto the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 13, thereby forming an image on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 13. The ejection units 14Y to 14K are arranged in the order described, facing downstream in the rotational direction (direction E) of the transfer drum 13. Furthermore, each ejection unit 14Y to 14K has a length along the axial direction of the transfer drum 13. Each ejection unit 14Y to 14K ejects ink droplets from a nozzle (not shown) onto the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 13 using a conventional method such as a thermal method or a piezoelectric method.

[0044] In the image forming unit 12, each ejection unit 14Y to 14K ejects ink droplets of a respective color onto the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 13, thereby forming an image on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 13. Furthermore, in the image forming unit 12, the image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 13 is transferred to the paper P passing between the transfer drum 13 and the facing roller 15. This forms an image on the upper surface of the paper P. Furthermore, the facing roller 15 is formed with a recessed portion 17 to prevent interference with a later-described clamp 76 of the conveying device 16. When the clamp 76 passes between the transfer drum 13 and the facing roller 15, it enters the recessed portion 17.

[0045] (Heating device 100)

[0046] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the heating device 100. Figure 1 As shown, the heating device 100 is arranged on the downstream side of the image forming section 12 in the conveyance direction.

[0047] The heating device 100 is a device for heating the paper P. Specifically, the heating device 100 has a function of drying the ink on the paper P by heating. More specifically, Figure 2 As shown, the heating device 100 includes a heating portion 102 and an air supply device 160 .

[0048] The heating unit 102 has the function of non-contact heating the upper surface of the paper P being conveyed by the conveying device 16 (specifically, the conveying mechanism 60 described below). Specifically, the heating unit 102 heats the upper surface of the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 12 in a non-contact manner. More specifically, the heating unit 102 includes a reflector 104, multiple heaters 106 (heat sources), and a metal mesh 112. The structure of the air supply device 160 will be described below.

[0049] The reflector 104 has the function of reflecting infrared rays from the heater 106 downward (ie, toward the paper P conveyed by the conveying device 16). The reflector 104 is formed in a box shape with its lower side open. The reflector 104 is formed using a metal plate such as an aluminum plate.

[0050] The heater 106 is a cylindrical infrared heater extending along the width direction of the paper P (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "paper width direction"). Multiple heaters 106 are arranged inside the reflector 104 along the conveyance direction. The paper width direction is a direction intersecting the conveyance direction (specifically, a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction). In the figures, the paper width direction is indicated by the arrow Y.

[0051] The metal mesh 112 is disposed in the opening on the lower side of the reflector 104. The metal mesh 112 thereby separates the inside of the reflector 104 from the outside of the reflector 104. The metal mesh 112 also prevents the paper P conveyed by the conveyor 16 from contacting the heater 106.

[0052] (Cooling Unit 90)

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling unit 90 is arranged on the downstream side in the conveying direction relative to the heating device 100. The cooling unit 90 includes a plurality of (for example, two) cooling rollers 92 arranged in the conveying direction.

[0054] The cooling roller 92 includes a cylindrical roller formed of metal, etc. The cooling roller 92 is configured to cool the paper P by circulating a refrigerant such as air or water therein and exchanging heat with the refrigerant.

[0055] (Conveying device 16)

[0056] Figure 1 The transport device 16 shown is a device for transporting paper P. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the conveying device 16 includes a conveying mechanism 60 and a reversing mechanism 80 .

[0057] (Transportation mechanism 60)

[0058] Figure 1 The transport mechanism 60 shown is a mechanism for transporting paper P. Specifically, the transport mechanism 60 transports paper P stored in the storage unit 50 toward the image forming unit 12, allowing the paper P to pass through the image forming unit 12. Furthermore, the transport mechanism 60 transports paper P from the image forming unit 12 toward the heating device 100, allowing the paper P to pass through the heating device 100. In other words, the transport mechanism 60 has the function of transporting paper P with an image formed thereon within the heating device 100.

[0059] The conveying mechanism 60 conveys the paper P with one surface facing upward in the image forming unit 12 and the heating device 100 . The one surface is the image surface on which the image is formed in the image forming unit 12 and is heated in the heating device 100 .

[0060] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, the conveying mechanism 60 includes a feed roller 62, a plurality of conveying rollers 64, and a chain clamp 66. The conveying mechanism 60 is an example of a conveying unit. The chain clamp 66, which is a component of the conveying mechanism 60, can also be understood as an example of a conveying unit.

[0061] The delivery roller 62 delivers the paper P stored in the storage unit 50 . The plurality of conveying rollers 64 convey the paper P delivered by the delivery roller 62 to the chain gripper 66 .

[0062] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the chain clamp 66 is a conveying portion that holds the front end portion (ie, the downstream portion in the conveying direction) of the paper P to convey the paper P. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the chain clamp 66 includes a pair of chains 72 and a clamp 76 as a holding member (gripping member).

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, a pair of chains 72 are formed into a ring shape. The pair of chains 72 are arranged in a front-rear direction ( Figure 1 D direction) are spaced apart (refer to Figure 3 ). Moreover, if Figure 1 As shown, a pair of chains 72 are respectively wound around a pair of sprockets (omitted from the drawing) arranged at one end and the other end of the axial direction relative to the opposing roller 15, and a pair of sprockets 73 and 74 arranged at intervals in the front-back direction of the device. A structure is adopted in which the chain 72 is wound in the direction of arrow C by rotating any one of the pair of sprockets (see Figure 1 ) In addition, in each figure, the teeth provided on the outer periphery of the sprocket 73 and the sprocket 74 are omitted from the drawing.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the mounting member 75 having the clamp 76 mounted thereon is mounted on the pair of chains 72 along the front-rear direction of the device. The mounting member 75 is fixed to the pair of chains 72 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction (circular direction) of the chain 72 (refer to FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). In each figure, in order to simplify the drawing of the chain 72, the chain 72 is shown in a block shape.

[0065] like Figure 3As shown, a plurality of clamps 76 are installed on the mounting member 75 at predetermined intervals along the front-back direction of the device. The clamp 76 has the function of holding (gripping) the front end of the paper P. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the clamp 76 includes claws 76A and claw bases 76B. The clamp 76 is configured to hold the leading end of the paper P by clamping it between the claws 76A and the claw bases 76B. The clamp 76 uses, for example, a spring to press the claws 76A against the claw bases 76B, and a cam or the like to open and close the claws 76A relative to the claw bases 76B. Thus, in this embodiment, the clamp 76, located downstream in the conveyance direction of the paper P, holds the leading end of the paper P from the downstream side of the conveyance direction.

[0066] Moreover, if Figure 2 As shown, the chain clamp 66, while the clamp 76 holds the leading end of the paper P, winds the chain 72 in the direction of arrow C, thereby conveying the paper P with one side of the paper P facing upward. At this time, the chain clamp 66 conveys the paper P without holding the trailing end of the paper P. In other words, the trailing end of the paper P is freely conveyed without being restrained. Thus, the paper P passes through the image forming unit 12 and the heating device 100 with one side of the paper P facing upward.

[0067] Furthermore, the front end of the paper P is an example of a downstream portion in the conveying direction of the conveyed material. The rear end of the paper P is an example of an end portion in the conveying direction of the conveyed material and an example of an upstream portion in the conveying direction of the conveyed material. Figure 1 A portion of the conveyance path for conveying the paper P in the conveyance mechanism 60 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0068] (Air supply device 160)

[0069] Figure 2 The air supply device 160 shown is an example of an air supply unit. Figure 2 As shown, the air blower 160 is positioned inside (on the inner periphery of) the chain 72 and below the heating unit 102 when viewed from the side (i.e., viewed from the front-to-back direction of the device). Specifically, when viewed from the side, a portion of the chain 72 is positioned between the heating unit 102 and the air blower 160. Thus, the paper P conveyed by the chain clamp 66 passes between the heating unit 102 and the air blower 160.

[0070] The air supply device 160 is a device that supplies air to the lower surface of the paper P conveyed by the chain clamp 66. Specifically, Figure 2As shown, the air supply device 160 includes a fan 161, a device body 166, and an air supply plate 180. The device body 166 is formed into a box shape with the upper side open. Specifically, the device body 166 has side walls 163 formed into a frame shape when viewed from above, and a plate-shaped bottom wall 162. An opening 164 is formed in the center of the bottom wall 162 in the conveying direction and in the center of the device front-to-back direction. The fan 161 is mounted in the opening 164. The fan 161 is driven to supply air into the interior of the device body 166 through the opening 164.

[0071] As an example, an axial flow blower that blows air in the axial direction is used as fan 161. Furthermore, a centrifugal blower that blows air in the centrifugal direction, such as a multi-blade blower (e.g., a multi-blade fan), can be used as fan 161. Any blower that blows air will do. Furthermore, fan 161 is just one example of a blower.

[0072] The air blowing plate 180 is attached to the upper end of the side wall 163 so as to close the upper opening of the device body 166. Thus, the device body 166 is sealed except for the opening 164 and the air blowing holes 182 described later.

[0073] The air blowing plate 180 is formed in a plate shape and has an opposing surface 181 facing the heating unit 102. The opposing surface 181 faces upward and faces the lower surface of the paper P conveyed between the heating unit 102 and the air blowing plate 180.

[0074] The air blowing plate 180 is made of a metal plate and also functions as a reflector that reflects infrared rays from the heater 106 upward (toward the paper P conveyed by the chain clamp 66 ).

[0075] The air blower plate 180 has a plurality of air blower holes 182 extending through the air blower plate 180 in its thickness direction.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the air supply holes 182 are arranged in a two-dimensional shape (matrix shape) along the conveying direction and the paper width direction. Figure 4 , the chain clamp 66 and the parts of the air supply device 160 are simplified.

[0077] In the air supply device 160, the air flowing into the interior of the device body 166 is blown through the plurality of air supply holes 182 toward the lower surface of the paper P conveyed by the chain clamp 66 by driving the fan 161 (see FIG. Figure 2As a result, the rear end portion of the paper P, whose front end is held by the chain clamp 66, floats from the facing surface 181 of the air blower plate 180 and is no longer in contact with the facing surface 181 of the air blower plate 180. In other words, the paper P is conveyed by the chain clamp 66 and the air blower device 160 without contacting the facing surface 181 of the air blower plate 180.

[0078] Here, if Figure 2 As shown, air blower plate 180 is arranged so that its facing surface 181 is oriented in an inclined direction relative to the horizontal direction (direction of arrow W). Specifically, facing surface 181 is arranged to be inclined relative to the horizontal direction by being higher on the downstream side than on the upstream side in the conveying direction (direction of arrow X). In other words, facing surface 181 is formed as an inclined surface with an increasing gradient from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0079] Therefore, if Figure 2 As shown, the facing surface 181 is arranged tilted when viewed from the paper width direction and the paper width direction cross section. Furthermore, the facing surface 181 is arranged along the horizontal direction when viewed from the conveying direction and the conveying direction cross section (refer to Figure 4 ). That is, the facing surface 181 has no inclination when viewed in the conveying direction or in cross-section in the conveying direction. In addition, the so-called horizontal direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity (vertical direction).

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, facing surface 181 is positioned at an angle such that it contacts the trailing end portion of the paper P in the conveyance direction when air supply device 160 is not supplying air. The paper P includes paper of all sizes, including the minimum size used in image forming apparatus 10. This angle defines the upper limit of the angle of facing surface 181 relative to the horizontal direction. If facing surface 181 exceeds the predetermined angle, the paper P will not contact facing surface 181 when air supply device 160 is not supplying air. Specifically, as an example, the angle of facing surface 181 relative to the horizontal direction is set within a range of 5° to 60°.

[0081] The air holes 182 are formed in a direction perpendicular to the facing surface 181 and are arranged to be inclined relative to the direction of gravity. Specifically, the air holes 182 are arranged to be inclined relative to the direction of gravity toward the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the air supply device 160 including the fan 161 and the device body 166, except for the air supply plate 180, is arranged as a whole at an inclination relative to the horizontal direction. Specifically, in the device body 166, the plate-shaped bottom wall 162 is arranged along the air supply plate 180 and is arranged at an inclination relative to the horizontal direction. The side wall 163 extends upward in a vertical direction relative to the bottom wall 162 and is arranged at an inclination relative to the direction of gravity. Specifically, the side wall 163 is arranged at an inclination relative to the direction of gravity toward the upstream side of the conveying direction. The air supply direction (axial direction) of the fan 161 is arranged at an inclination relative to the direction of gravity. Specifically, the air supply direction (axial direction) of the fan 161 is arranged at an inclination relative to the direction of gravity toward the upstream side of the conveying direction.

[0083] In the air supply device 160, the fan 161 is driven to supply air through the air supply hole 182 not only when the paper P is being conveyed but also when the paper P is not being conveyed. When the paper P is not being conveyed, the actions including the encircling of the chain clamp 66 are stopped. As an example of when the paper P is not being conveyed, a preparatory action is performed before the action of forming an image. The preparatory action includes an image quality adjustment action of adjusting the color registers of the ejection section 14Y to the ejection section 14K, or a standby action until the heating section 102 reaches a predetermined temperature. In the present embodiment, for example, it is configured so that air is supplied from the time the power of the image forming device 10 is turned on until the power is turned off.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chain 72 is arranged along the facing surface 181 in the portion between the heating unit 102 and the air supply device 160, and the conveying direction of the paper P on the facing surface 181 is along the direction of the facing surface 181 (specifically, parallel). In addition, as described above, a plurality of heaters 106 are arranged along the conveying direction, and the arrangement direction of the heaters 106 is along the direction of the facing surface 181 (specifically, parallel). Furthermore, the conveying direction of the paper P on the facing surface 181 can be at an angle relative to the facing surface 181 and is not limited to a parallel structure. In addition, the arrangement direction of the heaters 106 can be at an angle relative to the facing surface 181 and is not limited to a parallel structure.

[0085] (Reversal mechanism 80)

[0086] Figure 1 The reversing mechanism 80 shown in FIG. 1 is a mechanism for reversing the front and back of the paper P on which the image is heated by the heating device 100. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the reversing mechanism 80 includes a plurality of (eg, two) conveying rollers 82 , a reversing device 84 , and a plurality of (eg, seven) conveying rollers 86 .

[0087] The plurality of conveying rollers 82 convey the paper P fed from the heating device 100 to the reversing device 84. The reversing device 84 reverses the front and back of the paper P. The plurality of conveying rollers 86 convey the paper P, which has been reversed in the reversing device 84, to the chain clamp 66. In other words, the plurality of conveying rollers 86 have the function of transferring the reversed paper P to the chain clamp 66.

[0088] In this way, the reversing mechanism 80 reverses the paper P passing through the space between the heating section 102 and the facing surface 181 and transfers it to the chain clamp 66. The chain clamp 66 then transfers the transferred paper P with the surface on which the heated and dried image is formed facing downward, and again passes through the image forming section 12 and is conveyed to the space between the heating section 102 and the facing surface 181. Figure 1 Indicated by dotted lines.

[0089] (Function of this embodiment)

[0090] In this embodiment, Figure 1 The paper P fed out of the storage section 50 shown is transported by a plurality of transport rollers 64 and handed over to the chain clamp 66. The paper P handed over to the chain clamp 66 is transported to the image forming section 12 in a state where the front end portion of the paper P is held by the chain clamp 66 and the rear end portion is not held. On the other hand, in the image forming section 12, each ejection section 14Y to 14K ejects ink droplets of each color onto the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 13, thereby forming an image on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 13. The paper P transported in the image forming section 12 is transferred with the image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 13, thereby forming an image. As Figure 2 As shown, the paper P with an image formed thereon is conveyed by the chain clip 66 with the image surface facing the heater 106 of the heating device 100 , and the image is dried by heating of the heating device 100 .

[0091] When an image is formed on only one side of the paper P, the paper P on which the image has been dried by the heating device 100 is cooled by the cooling roller 92 of the cooling unit 90 and then discharged to the discharge unit 52 .

[0092] When images are formed on both sides of the paper P, the paper P after the image on one side is dried is used. Figure 1 After the reversing mechanism 80 shown reverses the front and back of the paper, it is transferred back to the chain clamp 66. The paper P transferred to the chain clamp 66 is conveyed to the image forming unit 12 with the image formed on it facing downward. The image is transferred from the transfer drum 13 to the upper surface of the paper P, forming an image. The paper P with the image formed on it is dried by heating by the heating device 100 in the same manner as described above, then cooled by the cooling roller 92 of the cooling unit 90 and discharged to the discharge unit 52.

[0093] Here, in this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the facing surface 181 of the air blowing plate 180 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (the direction of arrow W).

[0094] For example, in a structure in which the facing surface 181 of the air supply plate 180 is arranged in a horizontal direction (hereinafter referred to as the first structure), when paper P or a piece of paper thereof (hereinafter referred to as "paper P, etc.") falls onto the facing surface 181, sometimes the paper P stays on the facing surface 181, and the paper P, etc. is heated by the heating unit 102 and becomes a high temperature.

[0095] In contrast, in this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the facing surface 181 of the air blower plate 180 is tilted relative to the horizontal direction (the direction indicated by arrow W). Therefore, even if a sheet of paper P or the like falls onto the facing surface 181, it will tend to move to the lower side due to its own weight, making it easier to fall from the facing surface 181 compared to the first configuration. This prevents the sheet of paper P or the like from becoming heated. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sheet of paper P or the like falls from the facing surface 181 more easily than the first configuration, thereby preventing image defects caused by friction with the sheet of paper P that falls onto the facing surface 181.

[0096] The falling of the paper P or the like toward the facing surface 181 occurs, for example, when the paper P that has jammed or the like falls when the paper P is removed, or when the paper P is damaged and paper fragments fall.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the facing surface 181 is arranged to be inclined relative to the horizontal direction by being higher on the downstream side than on the upstream side in the conveying direction (direction of arrow X). Therefore, compared with a structure in which the facing surface 181 is higher on the upstream side in the conveying direction, the paper P or the like dropped onto the facing surface 181 is more likely to move toward the upstream side in the conveying direction relative to the facing surface 181.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, facing surface 181 is arranged at an angle such that it contacts the rear end portion of the paper P in the conveyance direction when air blower 160 is not blowing air. In the configuration (hereinafter referred to as the second configuration) where facing surface 181 is arranged at an angle such that it does not contact the rear end portion of the paper P in the conveyance direction when air blower 160 is not blowing air, the downward force acting on the rear end portion of the paper P becomes stronger due to gravity, making the position of the paper P unstable. In contrast, in this embodiment, facing surface 181 is arranged at an angle such that it contacts the rear end portion of the paper P in the conveyance direction when air blower 160 is not blowing air. Therefore, compared to the second configuration, the position of the paper P during conveyance is more stable.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when the air blower 160 is not conveying paper P, the fan 161 is driven to blow air through the air holes 182. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which air is blown only when conveying paper P, paper P that has fallen onto the facing surface 181 is more likely to fall from the facing surface 181 due to the force of the wind. This prevents the paper P, etc., from becoming too hot.

[0100] (Modification of the Air Blowing Direction of the Air Blowing Device 160)

[0101] In this embodiment, the air supply holes 182 are provided in a vertical direction relative to the facing surface 181, and the air supply direction of the air supply device 160 is set in a vertical direction relative to the facing surface 181, but is not limited thereto. Figure 6 As shown, the air supply direction of the air supply device 160 may be toward the lower side of the facing surface 181 (specifically, the upstream side in the conveying direction) relative to the facing surface 181. In this structure, the air supply holes 182 are formed toward the lower side of the facing surface 181 (specifically, the upstream side in the conveying direction) relative to the facing surface 181.

[0102] According to this configuration, compared with a case where the blowing direction of the air blower 160 is perpendicular to the facing surface 181, the paper P dropped onto the facing surface 181 is more likely to fall from the facing surface 181 due to the wind force.

[0103] (Accommodation Section 168 of Air Supply Device 160)

[0104] like Figure 7 As shown, the air supply device 160 may include a receiving portion 168 for receiving paper P and the like that falls from the facing surface 181. The receiving portion 168 is provided on the lower side of the facing surface 181 (specifically, the upstream side in the conveyance direction). Specifically, the receiving portion 168 is disposed between the facing surface 181 and the facing roller 15. The receiving portion 168 is disposed below the facing surface 181. Specifically, the receiving portion 168 is disposed below an extension line 181L extending from the facing surface 181.

[0105] In this embodiment, the accommodating portion 168 for accommodating paper P, etc. dropped from the opposing surface 181 is arranged on the lower side of the opposing surface 181 (specifically, the upstream side in the conveying direction), so that compared with the structure on which paper P, etc. dropped from the opposing surface 181 is placed, contact between paper P, etc. and other structural portions can be suppressed.

[0106] (Modification of Air Blowing Device 160)

[0107] In this embodiment, if Figure 5As shown, facing surface 181 is higher on the downstream side than on the upstream side in the conveying direction (direction of arrow X), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, facing surface 181 may be higher on the upstream side than on the downstream side in the conveying direction. Furthermore, facing surface 181 may be arranged to be inclined relative to the horizontal direction when viewed in the conveying direction or when viewed in a cross-section along the conveying direction.

[0108] In the present embodiment, the air blowing device 160 blows air through the air blowing holes 182 even when the paper P is not being conveyed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the air blowing device 160 may be configured to blow air only when the paper P is being conveyed.

[0109] <Second embodiment>

[0110] (Image Forming Apparatus 200)

[0111] In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is an inkjet image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper P using ink. However, the image forming apparatus is not limited to this type of apparatus. An example of an image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, as long as the apparatus forms an image. In the second embodiment, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 200 will be described. Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. Components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0112] The image forming apparatus 200 has an image forming section 212 instead of the image forming section 12. In addition, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a fixing unit 120 (an example of a fixing device). Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 200, the air supply device 160 is configured in the same manner as the image forming apparatus 10. In the air supply device 160, the fan 161 is driven to supply air through the air supply hole 182 not only when the paper P is conveyed but also when the paper P is not conveyed. When the paper P is not conveyed, the actions including the encircling of the chain clamp 66 are stopped. As an example of when the paper P is not conveyed, a preparatory action performed before the action of forming an image can be cited. The preparatory action of this embodiment includes an image quality adjustment action of adjusting the color register of the colorant image forming section 20 described later of the image forming section 212, or a standby action until the heating section 102 and the fixing unit 120 reach a predetermined temperature. In the present embodiment, for example, the configuration is such that air is blown from the time the image forming apparatus 200 is powered on until the power is turned off.

[0113] (Image Forming Unit 212)

[0114] Figure 8The image forming unit 212 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium. Specifically, the image forming unit 212 has a function of forming a toner image on a sheet of paper P using an electrophotographic method. More specifically, Figure 8 As shown, the image forming section 212 includes a toner image forming section 20 that forms a toner image, and a transfer device 30 that transfers the toner image formed by the toner image forming section 20 onto a sheet P.

[0115] (Toner Image Forming Section 20)

[0116] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a plurality of toner image forming units 20 for forming toner images of different colors. The image forming apparatus 10 includes toner image forming units 20 for a total of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Figure 8 The shown (Y), (M), (C), and (K) represent components corresponding to the above-mentioned colors.

[0117] The toner image forming section 20 of each color is basically constructed in the same manner except for the toner used. Figure 9 As shown, the toner image forming section 20 of each color has a Figure 9 The photoreceptor drum 21 (photoreceptor) rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIG. , and the charger 22 charges the photoreceptor drum 21. Furthermore, the toner image forming section 20 for each color includes an exposure device 23 for exposing the photoreceptor drum 21 charged by the charger 22 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 21; and a developing device 24 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 21 by the exposure device 23 to form a toner image.

[0118] (Transfer device 30)

[0119] Figure 8 The transfer device 30 shown has the function of overlapping the toner images of the photosensitive drums 21 of each color and transferring them to the intermediate transfer body, and secondarily transferring the overlapped toner images to the paper P. Specifically, Figure 8 As shown, the transfer device 30 includes a transfer belt 31 as an intermediate transfer body, a primary transfer roller 33 , and a transfer portion 35 .

[0120] The primary transfer roller 33 has a primary transfer position T (see FIG. 1 ) where the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred between the photosensitive drum 21 and the primary transfer roller 33. Figure 9 ) is transferred to the transfer belt 31.

[0121] like Figure 8As shown, the transfer belt 31 is formed into an endless shape and is wound around a plurality of rollers 32. The transfer belt 31 is rotated by at least one of the plurality of rollers 32 to be wound in the direction of arrow B and conveys the image after primary transfer to the secondary transfer position NT.

[0122] The transfer section 35 has a function of transferring the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 31 to the paper P. Specifically, the transfer section 35 includes a secondary transfer section 34 and an opposing roller 36 .

[0123] The facing roller 36 is arranged on the lower side of the transfer belt 31 so as to face the transfer belt 31. Figure 8 As shown, the secondary transfer section 34 is disposed inside the transfer belt 31, with the transfer belt 31 positioned between the secondary transfer section 34 and the opposing roller 36. Specifically, the secondary transfer section 34 includes a corotron. In the transfer section 35, the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 31 is transferred to the paper P passing through the secondary transfer position NT by the electrostatic force generated by discharge in the secondary transfer section 34.

[0124] (Fixing unit 120)

[0125] Figure 10 The fixing unit 120 shown is a fixing section that fixes the image on the paper P to the paper P. Specifically, the fixing unit 120 has the function of heating and pressing the paper P by contact with the paper P, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper P. In this embodiment, the paper P is preheated by the heating device 100, and the fixing unit 120 fixes the paper P.

[0126] In this embodiment, the fixing unit 120 that performs heating and pressurization is described, but heating is not necessarily required. If the purpose is to improve the surface properties of the colorant melted in the heating device 100 in the previous process, such as adjusting the gloss, it can also be applied only to the form of pressurization using the pressurization part.

[0127] like Figure 10 As shown, the fixing unit 120 is disposed downstream of the heating device 100 in the conveying direction of the paper P. Specifically, the fixing unit 120 includes a heating roller 130 , a pressure roller 140 , and a driven roller 150 .

[0128] (Heating roller 130)

[0129] Figure 10 The heating roller 130 is arranged downstream in the conveying direction relative to the heating device 100 and has a function of contacting the paper P to heat the paper P. The heating roller 130 is arranged with the longitudinal direction of the device as the axial direction so as not to contact the upper surface of the paper P.

[0130] The heating roller 130 includes a cylindrical base 132, a rubber layer 134 formed on the outer periphery of the base 132, a release layer 136 formed on the outer periphery of the rubber layer 134, and a heater 138 (heat source) housed inside the base 132. The heater 138 includes, for example, a single or multiple halogen lamps.

[0131] (Driven Roller 150)

[0132] Figure 10 The driven roller 150 is arranged with the longitudinal direction of the apparatus as its axial direction so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the heat roller 130 in an area other than the area in contact with the paper P. The driven roller 150 includes a cylindrical substrate 152 and a heater 154 (heat source) housed within the substrate 152. The driven roller 150 rotates in accordance with the heat roller 130 and heats the heat roller 130.

[0133] (Pressure roller 140)

[0134] Figure 10 The pressure roller 140 shown has a function of sandwiching the paper P between itself and the heating roller 130 to press the paper P. The pressure roller 140 is disposed below the heating roller 130 with the longitudinal direction of the device as its axial direction.

[0135] The pressure roller 140 includes a cylindrical base material 142 , a rubber layer 144 formed on the outer periphery of the base material 142 , and a release layer 146 formed on the outer periphery of the rubber layer 144 .

[0136] The circumference of the pressure roller 140 is the same as the spacing between the clamps 76 and the chain 72. Figure 10 As shown, a recessed portion 148 extending in the front-rear direction of the device is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller 140 .

[0137] Furthermore, the configuration is such that when the clamp 76 holding the leading end portion of the paper P passes between the pressure roller 140 and the heating roller 130 , the clamp 76 enters the recess 148 .

[0138] Furthermore, in the fixing unit 120 , the pressure roller 140 is rotationally driven by a driving portion (not shown), the heating roller 130 is rotated by the pressure roller 140 , and the driven roller 150 is rotated by the heating roller 130 .

[0139] (Function of this embodiment)

[0140] In this embodiment, Figure 8The paper P fed out of the storage unit 50 is conveyed by a plurality of conveying rollers 64 and handed over to the chain clamp 66. The paper P handed over to the chain clamp 66 is conveyed to the secondary transfer position NT with the front end of the paper P held by the chain clamp 66 and the rear end portion not held, and the toner image is transferred from the transfer belt 31 to the upper surface of the paper P. Figure 10 As shown, the paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the heater 106 of the heating device 100 by the chain gripper 66 with the image surface facing each other, whereby the toner image is heated.

[0141] The paper P on which the toner image is heated by the heating device 100 is further conveyed to the fixing unit 120 by the chain clamp 66 and is clamped by the heating roller 130 and the pressure roller 140 to be pressurized and heated. As a result, the toner image is fixed to the paper P. When an image is formed only on one side of the paper P, the paper P on which the toner image is fixed is Figure 8 The cooling roller 92 of the cooling unit 90 shown is cooled and then discharged to the discharge unit 52 .

[0142] When forming images on both sides of the paper P, the paper P with an image fixed on one side is used Figure 8 The reversing mechanism 80 shown in the figure reverses the front and back surfaces and then hands the paper back to the chain clamp 66. The paper P handed to the chain clamp 66 is conveyed to the secondary transfer position NT with the fixed toner image facing downward, and the toner image is transferred from the transfer belt 31 to the upper surface of the paper P.

[0143] The paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is heated by the heating device 100 as described above, and then sandwiched between the heating roller 130 and the pressure roller 140 to be pressurized and heated, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper P. The paper P to which the toner image has been fixed is cooled by the cooling roller 92 of the cooling unit 90 and then discharged to the discharge unit 52.

[0144] In this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the facing surface 181 of the air blower plate 180 is tilted relative to the horizontal direction (direction indicated by arrow W). Therefore, even if paper P or a piece of paper (hereinafter referred to as "paper P, etc.") falls onto the facing surface 181, it will shift to the lower side due to its own weight compared to the first configuration, making it easier to fall from the facing surface 181. This prevents the paper P, etc. from becoming hot. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is easier to fall from the facing surface 181 than in the first configuration, thus preventing image defects caused by friction with the paper P that falls onto the facing surface 181. Thus, this embodiment also provides the same benefits as the first embodiment.

[0145] (Modification of the Conveying Mechanism 60)

[0146] In the first and second embodiments, the chain clamp 66 conveys the paper P while the clamp 76 holds the leading end of the paper P. The clamp 76 only needs to hold at least the leading end of the paper P. The leading end of the paper P refers to a portion of the paper P that is further downstream (front) than the center in the conveyance direction.

[0147] In the first and second embodiments, the clamp 76 disposed downstream in the conveyance direction of the paper P holds the leading end of the paper P from the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the paper P. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The clamp 76 may also hold the leading end of the paper P from both ends in the paper width direction of the paper P.

[0148] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the paper P is conveyed between the heating section 102 and the air blower 160 while the chain clamp 66 holds the leading end of the paper P and does not hold the trailing end. However, this is not limiting. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the paper P is conveyed between the heating section 102 and the air blower 160 using a pair of conveying rollers. In such a configuration, while the paper P is being conveyed while being held by the pair of conveying rollers, a state may occur in which the leading end of the paper P is held and the trailing end is not held.

[0149] Furthermore, in the above configuration, while the paper P is being conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers while being held by the rear end portion of the paper P, a state may occur in which the paper P is conveyed while being held by the front end portion. In this case, the front end portion of the paper P is an example of one end portion of the sheet-like material being conveyed in the conveying direction. Thus, an example of one end portion of the sheet-like material being conveyed in the conveying direction may include not only the rear end portion of the paper P but also the front end portion of the paper P.

[0150] (Modification of the transported material)

[0151] In the first and second embodiments, paper P is used as an example of a sheet-like material to be conveyed, but this is not limiting. Here, the "conveyed material" in "sheet-like material to be conveyed" refers to the material being conveyed. Furthermore, the "sheet" in "sheet-like material to be conveyed" refers to paper, thin board, or the like. Therefore, "sheet" refers to a shape such as paper or thin board, and the material thereof is not limited. Therefore, examples of sheet-like materials to be conveyed include heat-resistant resin films or metal films, as long as they are sheet-like materials that can be conveyed.

[0152] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the above-described modified examples can be appropriately combined into a plurality of configurations.

Claims

1. A heating device, characterized in that: include: a heating portion for heating the upper surface of the material being transported in a non-contact manner; a clamp disposed on a downstream side relative to a conveying direction of the conveyed material and holding a leading end portion of the conveyed material; as well as The air supply unit supplies air to the lower surface of the conveyed material through air supply holes provided on an opposing surface facing the lower surface of the conveyed material, wherein the opposing surface is arranged to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The facing surface is inclined downward from the position corresponding to the clamp toward the upstream side of the conveying direction of the conveyed material and can contact the conveyed material. The heating device includes a receiving portion provided on a lower side of the facing surface and configured to receive the conveyed material dropped from the facing surface. 2 . The heating device according to claim 1 , wherein the inclined arrangement is an arrangement in which the facing surfaces are inclined so that the downstream side is higher than the upstream side in the conveying direction of the conveyed material.

3. The heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that The material being conveyed is conveyed in a state where the downstream side portion in the conveying direction is retained and the upstream side portion in the conveying direction is not retained. The facing surface is arranged at an angle so as to contact an upstream side portion of the conveying direction of the conveyed material when the air blowing section does not blow air.

4. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The air supply unit also supplies air when the conveyed material is not being conveyed.

5. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The air blowing direction of the air blowing portion is toward the lower side of the facing surface.

6. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that: include: An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium as a conveyed material; as well as The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 heats the upper surface of the conveyed material on which the image is formed by the image forming section in a non-contact manner.

Images