Air application device, sheet feeder and liquid application device

Abstract

To provide devices that reduce variation in sheet separation performance.SOLUTION: An air application device has a regulating member, which is movably provided against the edge of a sheet in the width direction and regulates the position of the edge of the sheet, and an air application unit which applies air to the edge of the sheet, and is provided with direction changing means for changing the direction of the air application in conjunction with the movement of the regulating member for moving back and forth.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air applying device, a sheet feeding device, and a liquid applying device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet feeding device in which a plurality of side discharge nozzles for blowing air onto the sides of a stack of paper are provided movable in conjunction with a side fence. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-274837 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a sheet feeding device such as that described in Patent Document 1, the air blowing direction is always constant, so depending on the size of the sheet, it may not be possible to successfully separate the top sheet from the stack of sheets, resulting in an issue of inconsistent separation performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is an air applying device having a regulating member that is movable toward and away from the widthwise end of a sheet and that regulates the position of the end of the sheet, and an air applying section that applies air to the end of the sheet, and is characterized in that it is equipped with a direction changing means that changes the direction in which the air is applied in conjunction with the moving forward and backward movement of the regulating member. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the variation in the sheet separation performance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an apparatus for applying a liquid according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a liquid deposition unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of an air applying device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between sheet size and air application. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main part showing a configuration example of a direction changing means. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a configuration example of a direction changing means. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air in the air applying section. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an attachment configuration of an air applying unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an initial position adjustment unit for an air applying unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the arrangement of adjustment members. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the adjustment member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0009] <Outline of the device for applying liquid> First, an overview of a liquid applying device will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a liquid applying device according to an embodiment. In Figure 1, a printing device is exemplified as the liquid applying device. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a liquid applying unit of the printing device.

[0010] The printing apparatus 1 includes an input section 10, a pre-processing section 20, a printing section 30, a drying section 40, a reversing mechanism section 50, and an output section 60.

[0011] The printing device 1 transports a sheet (e.g., paper) P transported from an input section 10 in the direction of arrow X (hereinafter referred to as the X direction), which is the sheet transport direction, and applies a pretreatment liquid to the sheet P as necessary in a pretreatment section 20, and applies a required liquid (e.g., ink) to the sheet P in a printing section 30 to perform the required printing.

[0012] After drying the liquid applied to the sheet P in the drying section 40, the printing device 1 discharges the sheet P to the discharge section 60 via the inversion mechanism section 50, either as is or after printing on both sides of the sheet P.

[0013] The loading section 10 has a plurality of feeding devices arranged in the vertical direction, for example, a feeding device 11A installed at the lower stage and a feeding device 11B installed at the upper stage. The feeding devices 11A and 11B are respectively equipped with sheet separating devices 12A and 12B and feed devices 13A and 13B. Since the feeding devices 11A and 11B have the same or equivalent configurations, they will be collectively referred to as the feeding device 11 unless otherwise specified. In addition, the sheet separating devices 12A and 12B, and the feed devices 13A and 13B will be collectively referred to as the sheet separating device 12 and the feed device 13 unless otherwise specified. Here, the feeding devices 11, 11A, and 11B are examples of the "sheet feeding device", and the sheet separating devices 12, 12A, and 12B are examples of the "air applying device".

[0014] The sheet separating device 12 includes an air blowing section that blows air onto the side of the upper portion of a sheet stack made up of a plurality of stacked sheets P, and separates the uppermost sheet from the sheet stack by using this air.

[0015] The feeding device 13 includes a transport member capable of holding the uppermost sheet P separated by the sheet separating device 12. The transport member is composed of an endless belt or roller that generates, for example, negative pressure or electrostatic force on the surface that contacts the sheet P, and transports the sheet P one by one in the X direction by adsorbing it to the surface of the transport member. The sheet P sent out from the feeding device 13 is supplied to the pre-processing device 20 via a transport path in the carry-in section 10.

[0016] The pre-treatment section 20 includes, for example, an application device 21 that applies a treatment liquid to the surface of the sheet P for the purpose of modifying the surface of the sheet P, and the like.

[0017] The printing unit 30 includes a drum 31 that rotates while supporting the sheet P on its peripheral surface, and a liquid application unit 32 that applies liquid to the sheet P supported on the drum 31. The printing unit 30 also includes an input drum 34 that receives the sheet P sent from the pre-processing unit 20 and transfers the sheet P between the drum 31, and an output drum 35 that receives the sheet P transported by the drum 31 and transfers it to the drying unit 40.

[0018] The sheet P transported from the pre-processing section 20 to the printing section 30 has its leading edge gripped by a gripping mechanism (sheet gripper) provided on the carry-in cylinder 34, and is transported as the carry-in cylinder 34 rotates. The sheet P transported by the carry-in cylinder 34 is delivered to the drum 31 at a position opposite the drum 31. A sheet gripper is also provided on the surface of the drum 31, and the leading edge of the sheet P is gripped by the sheet gripper.

[0019] In addition, a plurality of suction holes are formed in a dispersed manner on the surface of the drum 31, and a suction mechanism generates a suction air current that flows inward from the required suction holes of the drum 31. Then, the leading edge of the sheet P transferred from the carry-in cylinder 34 to the drum 31 is gripped by the sheet gripper, and the sheet P is adsorbed and supported on the drum 31 by the suction air current generated by the suction mechanism, and is transported as the drum 31 rotates.

[0020] The liquid deposition section 32 includes a plurality of liquid deposition units 33A, 33B, 33C, and 33D. For example, the liquid deposition unit 33A deposits a cyan liquid, the liquid deposition unit 33B deposits a magenta liquid, the liquid deposition unit 33C deposits a yellow liquid, and the liquid deposition unit 33D deposits a black liquid. The liquid deposition section 32 can also use a liquid deposition unit that deposits a special color liquid such as white, gold, or silver. Here, the liquid deposition section 32 is an example of a "liquid deposition means." Note that the liquid deposition units 33A, 33B, 33C, and 33D each have the same or similar configuration, and therefore will be collectively referred to as the liquid deposition unit 33 hereinafter unless otherwise distinguished. Here, the configuration of the liquid deposition unit 33 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0021] The liquid deposition unit 33 includes a head module 100 as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The head module 100 has a base member 103, and a plurality of heads 101 are attached to the base member 103. The head 101 has a plurality of nozzle rows (five rows in this example) formed by a plurality of nozzle holes 111 (two in this example). A plurality of heads 101 (six in this example) are arranged in the direction of the arrow Y (hereinafter referred to as the Y direction), which is the width direction of the sheet, to form a full-line head. Note that, in this example, two full-line heads are arranged in the X direction, and the heads 101 are arranged in a staggered manner, but there may be only one full-line head, or three or more full-line heads may be arranged in the X direction.

[0022] Returning to Fig. 1, the outline of the printing apparatus 1 will be further described. The liquid deposition operations of the liquid deposition units 33 are controlled by drive signals corresponding to the printing information. When the sheet P carried on the drum 31 passes through an area facing the liquid deposition section 32, each color liquid is deposited on the sheet P from the liquid deposition units 33, and an image corresponding to the printing information is printed.

[0023] The drying section 40 includes a conveying section 41 and a drying device 42. The conveying section 41 includes, for example, a conveying belt stretched around a driving roller and a driven roller, and conveys the sheet P conveyed from the printing section 30 on the conveying belt. The drying device 42 is provided above the conveying section 41, and heats and dries the sheet P to which the liquid has been applied and which is conveyed by the conveying section 41.

[0024] The reversing mechanism 50 includes a reversing section 51 that reverses the sheet P by a switchback method when performing double-sided printing on the sheet P that has passed through the drying section 40 and has had liquid applied to one side and been dried. The reversing mechanism 50 also includes a double-sided conveying section 52 that feeds the sheet P reversed by the reversing section 51 back to the upstream side of the carry-in cylinder 34 of the printing section 30.

[0025] The discharge section 60 includes a discharge tray 61, and stores the sheets P conveyed from the reversing mechanism section 50 in a stacked manner on the discharge tray 61.

[0026] <Air application device configuration> Next, the configuration of the air applying device will be described.

[0027] [Outline of air supply device] 3 is a schematic plan view showing an example of an air applying device according to an embodiment, in which a sheet separating device is shown as an example of the air applying device.

[0028] The sheet separating device 12 includes a frame 120, and left and right side fences 123, 124 that are provided within the frame 120 so as to be movable forward and backward in the positive and negative Y directions. The sheet separating device 12 also includes air blowing units 131, 132, 133, 134, 141, 142, 143, 144, etc. that blow air onto the sheet stack placed between the side fences 123, 124.

[0029] The frame 120 is composed of a front plate 120a extending in the Y direction, a left plate 120b and a right plate 120c located at both ends of the front plate 120a in the Y direction and extending in the X direction, and a bottom plate 120d supporting these side plates 120a, 120b, and 120c. The left plate 120b and the right plate 120c support two shaft members 121 and 122 extending in the Y direction. The two shaft members 121 and 122 are provided at a predetermined interval in the X direction.

[0030] The side fences 123, 124 are supported by two shaft members 121, 122 and are provided to be movable in the positive Y-direction and negative Y-direction along the shaft members 121, 122. The side fences 123, 124 have a required height on the positive Z-direction side in the Z direction (hereinafter referred to as the Z direction), which is the stacking direction of the sheets, and regulate the position of the Y-direction end of the sheet P placed between the side fences 123, 124.

[0031] With the above configuration, the side fences 123, 124 can advance and retreat relative to the Y-direction end of the sheet P, and can change their positions depending on the size of the sheet P. Here, the side fences 123, 124 are an example of a "regulating member".

[0032] The side fence 123 is provided with a plate-shaped gear (rack) 123a having teeth formed in the moving direction of the side fence 123. The rack 123a is meshed with a circular gear (pinion) 120e rotatably supported by the frame 120. Similarly, the side fence 124 is provided with a rack 124a having teeth formed in the moving direction of the side fence 124, and the rack 124a is meshed with the pinion 120e. The pinion 120e is disposed in the center between the side fences 123 and 124, and the side fences 123 and 124 are disposed at equal distances from the pinion 120e in the Y direction.

[0033] With the above configuration, when one of the side fences 123 and 124 moves in the Y direction, power is transmitted to the other side fence via the pinion 120e, making it possible to displace each of them in the Y direction in opposite directions by the same distance.

[0034] The sheet separating device 12 may include a locking mechanism that limits the movement range of the side fences 123, 124 or fixes the side fences 123, 124 at any position. The configuration of the locking mechanism is not particularly limited, but an example of the locking mechanism is a configuration using stoppers 125a, 125b that can be moved and fixed to the shaft member 122, as shown in FIG.

[0035] By reducing the distance between stoppers 125a and 125b in the Y direction, the range in which side fence 124 can move is also narrowed, making it possible to limit the range of movement. Also, by sandwiching side fence 124 between two stoppers 125a and 125b at any position and fixing stoppers 125a and 125b to shaft member 122, it becomes possible to fix the side fence at any position. Since the movements of side fences 123 and 124 in the Y direction are linked via rack 123a, pinion 120e, and rack 124a, the limitation (or fixation) of the range of movement of side fence 124 also applies to side fence 123.

[0036] Air blowing units 131, 132, 133, and 134 are provided at a predetermined interval in the X direction on the upper part of side fence 123. Air blowing units 141, 142, 143, and 144 are provided at a predetermined interval in the X direction on the upper part of side fence 124. Note that, hereinafter, when no particular distinction is made between the air blowing units, air blowing units 131, 132, 133, and 134 will be collectively referred to as air blowing unit 130, and air blowing units 141, 142, 143, and 144 will be collectively referred to as air blowing unit 140.

[0037] The air blowing units 130, 140 blow air onto the widthwise end of the sheet P placed between the side fences 123 and 124 (for example, the upper side surface of the sheet stack), and the air causes the top sheet to float and separate from the sheet stack. The separated top sheet is sent out from the feeding device 11 by the feeding device 13 as described above, and is transported to the next process. In order to improve the efficiency of separating the sheets, an air blowing unit that blows air onto the front side of the sheet stack may be further added. In this case, for example, a plurality of air blowing units 151, 152, 153, 154 arranged in the Y direction are provided on the front side plate 120a. Here, the air blowing units 130, 140 that blow air are an example of an "air applying unit that applies air".

[0038] Among the air blowing units 130 and 140, the air blowing units 132, 133, 134, 142, 143, and 144 are provided rotatably on the XY plane and are configured to change the air blowing direction according to the type of sheet used (size, thickness, material, etc.). The configuration for changing the air blowing direction will be described below.

[0039] [Configuration for changing air injection direction] First, the reason for changing the air application direction (spray direction) will be explained with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between sheet size and air application, with Fig. 4(a) showing the state when air is applied to a large-sized sheet, and Fig. 4(b) showing the state when air is applied to a small-sized sheet.

[0040] 4(a) illustrates, as an example of a large-sized sheet, a sheet P1 having a length spanning all of the air blowing units 130, 140. The rear end of the sheet P1 (the sheet end on the negative side in the X direction) extends beyond the positions of the air blowing units 134, 144 on the negative side in the X direction, that is, further upstream in the sheet conveying direction.

[0041] When blowing air onto such a sheet P1, the air blowing sections 130, 140 are disposed at an angle such that their air blowing ports face upstream in the conveying direction of the sheet P1, and all the air blowing sections 130, 140 are used to lift the uppermost sheet from the sheet stack.

[0042] 4(b) illustrates an example of a small-sized sheet, namely, sheet P2 having a length spanning the first to third air blowing portions 131-133, 141-143 on the front side of the sheet among the air blowing portions 130, 140. The rear end of sheet P2 extends only to a position facing the air blowing portions 133, 143, and sheet P2 is not present in a position facing the air blowing portions 134, 144.

[0043] When blowing air onto such a sheet P2, the first air blowing units 131, 141 are disposed at an angle such that their air blowing ports face the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet P2. The second air blowing units 132, 142 are disposed at an angle such that their air blowing ports face the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet P2 at a smaller inclination than the first air blowing units 131, 141. The third air blowing units 133, 143 are disposed with their air blowing ports perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheet P2.

[0044] The fourth air blowing units 134, 144 are arranged with their air blowing ports facing the same direction as the third air blowing units 133, 143, but do not blow air onto the sheet P2. In the case of a small-sized sheet P2, the uppermost sheet is lifted from the sheet stack using these air blowing units 131-133, 141-143.

[0045] As described above, the optimal direction of air blowing varies depending on the type of sheet used (size, thickness, material, etc.), so in this embodiment, the air blowing direction is changed depending on the type of sheet, thereby reducing variation in sheet separation performance.

[0046] The air blowing direction of the air blowing units 130, 140 is changed by moving (rotating) the air blowing units 130, 140 in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the side fences 123, 124 in the positive Y direction and the negative Y direction. The movement (rotation) amounts of the air blowing units 132, 133, 134, 142, 143, 144 that move in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the side fences 123, 124 are different, and the air blowing unit located on the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction (negative side in the X direction) moves by a larger amount. In other words, when the side fences 123, 124 are moved forward and backward, the third air blowing unit 133, 143 rotates more than the second air blowing unit 132, 142 from the front side of the sheet, and the fourth air blowing unit 134, 144 rotates even more than the third air blowing unit 133, 143.

[0047] Furthermore, the first air blowing units 131, 141 from the front side of the sheet are not linked to the forward and backward movements of the side fences 123, 124, and the air blowing direction is fixed to one direction. This is because a sheet is always present in front of the air blowing units 131, 141 regardless of the sheet size.

[0048] The individual initial positions, movement amounts, and air blowing directions for each sheet of the air blowing units 130, 140 relative to the side fences 123, 124 are not limited to the above configurations. The individual initial positions, movement amounts, and air blowing directions for each sheet of the air blowing units 130, 140 can be changed as desired, for example, by changing the component specifications based on previously obtained experimental data.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the main part showing an example of the configuration of the direction changing means, Fig. 5(a) shows the state when a small size sheet is placed on the sheet separating device, and Fig. 5(b) shows the state when a large size sheet is placed on the sheet separating device. Note that in Fig. 5, the description will be based on the configuration of the left side fence 123 and the air blowing unit 132, but the same configuration is also applied to the other air blowing units 133 and 134.

[0050] The direction-changing mechanism for changing the air blowing direction of the air blowing unit 132 in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the side fence 123 is composed of a plate-shaped gear (rack) 120f and a circular gear (pinion) 135 that meshes with the rack 120f. The rack 120f is provided on the side of a fixed member such as the frame 120 or a tray on which the sheet P is placed. The pinion 135 is provided below the air blowing unit 132 (negative side in the Z direction). The pinion 135 and the air blowing unit 132 are integrated by fixing the air blowing unit 132 to one end (upper end) of a rotation shaft 136 of the pinion 135, which enables the pinion 135 and the air blowing unit 132 to rotate synchronously.

[0051] In the above configuration, when the side fence 123 is moved in the direction narrowing the width (direction of the right arrow) from the state shown in Fig. 5(a), the pinion 135 meshing with the rack 120f rotates counterclockwise. Since the air blowing part 132 also rotates counterclockwise in synchronization with the rotation of the pinion 135, the air blowing port 132a of the air blowing part 132 rotates in the positive X-direction.

[0052] 5(b) in the direction in which the width is increased (the direction of the left arrow), the pinion 135 meshed with the rack 120f rotates clockwise. The air blowing unit 132 also rotates clockwise in synchronization with the rotation of the pinion 135, so that the air blowing port 132a of the air blowing unit 132 rotates in the negative X-direction.

[0053] 5 illustrates the relationship between the movement direction of the side fence 123 and the rotation direction of the air blowing part 132, and the initial position of the air blowing part 132 is not limited to this. That is, although the position in which the air blowing port 132a faces the Y direction has been described as the initial position in Fig. 5(a) and Fig. 5(b), the initial position can be changed to any position.

[0054] In addition, in the case of the right side fence 124, the width narrowing direction and the width widening direction are opposite to those of the left side fence 123, with the "width narrowing direction" being the leftward direction and the "width widening direction" being the rightward direction. In the case of the side fence 124, when the side fence 124 is moved in the width narrowing direction, the air blowing section 142 (143, 144) rotates clockwise, and the air blowing port rotates on the positive side of the X direction. In addition, when the side fence 124 is moved in the width widening direction, the air blowing section 142 (143, 144) rotates counterclockwise, and the air blowing port rotates on the negative side of the X direction.

[0055] The above configuration makes it possible to change the air blowing direction of the air blowing section 132 (133, 134, 142, 143, 144) in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the side fence 123 (124). Here, the rack 120f and the pinion 135 are an example of a "direction changing means".

[0056] As described above, this embodiment is a sheet separating device 12 having side fences 123, 124 that are provided to be movable toward and away from the ends of the width direction (Y direction) of the sheets P and that regulate the position of the ends of the sheets P, and air blowing units 130, 140 that blow air onto the ends of the sheets P, and is equipped with a direction changing mechanism (rack 120f, pinion 135) that changes the air blowing direction in conjunction with the moving forward and backward movements of the side fences 123, 124. This can reduce variation in the performance of separating the sheets from the sheet stack.

[0057] As described above, the air blowing sections 130, 140 are provided in a plurality of positions in the direction perpendicular to the width direction of the sheet P (X direction).

[0058] As described above, the direction (X direction) perpendicular to the width direction (Y direction) is the conveying direction of the sheet P, and among the multiple air blowing units 130, 140, the air blowing units 131, 141 installed downstream in the conveying direction are not linked to the forward and backward movements of the side fences 123, 124. This allows optimal separation to be performed according to the type of sheet.

[0059] [Configuration for changing the amount of movement of the air application part] Next, a configuration for changing the amount of movement (amount of rotation) of the air blowing part that moves in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the side fence will be described with reference to FIG.

[0060] Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing an example of the configuration of the direction changing means, where Figure 6(a) shows a configuration in which the amount of movement of the air blowing part is reduced, and Figure 6(b) shows a configuration in which the amount of movement of the air blowing part is increased.

[0061] The movement amount of the air blowing parts 130, 140, which are an example of an air applying part, is changed by changing the diameter of the pinion 135 provided below the air blowing parts 130, 140. In FIG. 6(a), the rotating shaft 136 has one end (upper end) to which the air blowing parts 130, 140 are fixed. The other end (lower end) of the rotating shaft 136 is fixed to the bottom plates (side fence bottom plates) 123b, 124b of the side fences 123, 124 via bearings 123c, 124c. The pinion 135A is fixed to the rotating shaft 136, and the rack 120f is provided at a position where it meshes with teeth formed on the outer periphery of the pinion 135A. The rack 120f is fixed to, for example, the bottom plate 120d of the frame body 120.

[0062] The configuration shown in FIG. 6(b) differs from that of FIG. 6(a) in that it includes a pinion 135B having a smaller diameter than pinion 135A.

[0063] In the above configuration, when the side fences 123, 124 move forward and backward, the side fence bottom plates 123b, 124b move in the forward and backward direction (perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 6). When the side fence bottom plates 123b, 124b (side fences 123, 124) move, the pinions 135A, 135B meshed with the rack 120f rotate. The rotation of the pinions 135A, 135B is transmitted to a rotating shaft 136 fixed to the pinions 135A, 135B, and rotates the air blowing units 130, 140 fixed to the upper end of the rotating shaft 136.

[0064] In this way, by changing the diameter of the pinion 135 used depending on the arrangement positions of the air blowing parts 130, 140 on the side fences 123, 124, it is possible to make the movement amounts of the air blowing parts 130, 140 differ individually.

[0065] For example, in the configuration of Fig. 3, the pinion 135A of Fig. 6(a) is used for the second air blowing portion 132, 142 from the front side of the seat, and the pinion 135B of Fig. 6(b) is used for the third air blowing portion 133, 143. Also, a pinion with an even smaller diameter than the pinion 135B is used for the fourth air blowing portion 134, 144. This results in a configuration in which the air blowing portions 133, 143 rotate more than the air blowing portions 132, 142, and the air blowing portions 134, 144 rotate even more than the air blowing portions 133, 143, when the side fences 123, 124 are moved forward or backward.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the movement amount of the air blowing units 130, 140 linked to the forward and backward movements of the side fences 123, 124 differs for each of the air blowing units. This makes it possible to change the movement amount for each of the air blowing units, and optimal sheet separation can be performed according to the type of sheet. Also, by reducing the movement amount of the air blowing unit on the side where a sheet always exists (positive side in the X direction), it is possible to always provide air. On the other hand, by increasing the movement amount of the air blowing unit on the side where a sheet no longer exists depending on the sheet size (negative side in the X direction), it is possible to quickly correct the unnecessary air blowing direction and not adversely affect sheet separation.

[0067] [Configuration for adjusting the initial position of the air applying part] Here, the air flow in the air blowing section will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow in the air applying section.

[0068] The air blowing units 130, 140, which are examples of air applying units, are connected to the blower fan 160 via ducts 130b, 140b. The blower fan 160 is attached, for example, to the inside of the side fences 123, 124. Air generated by the blower fan 160 passes through the ducts 130b, 140b, is sent to the air blowing units 130, 140, and is sent out from the air blowing ports 130a, 140a.

[0069] The connection between the air blowing parts 130, 140 and the ducts 130b, 140b, and the connection between the rotating shaft 136 and the ducts 130b, 140b are constructed with packing made of sponge material or rubber to prevent air leakage.

[0070] The number of blower fans 160 may be appropriately set according to the required air volume, and may be configured such that one blower fan 160 is provided for each of the plurality of air blowing sections, or one blower fan 160 is shared by the plurality of air blowing sections. In the latter case, for example, the duct 130b (140b) is branched inside the side fence 123 (124) so ​​that air is supplied from one blower fan 160 to the plurality of air blowing sections. The air volume of the blower fan 160 is controlled according to the type of sheet used (size, thickness, material, etc.).

[0071] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an attachment configuration of the air imparting part, Fig. 8(a) shows an example of a configuration using a leaf spring, and Fig. 8(b) shows an example of a configuration using a screw. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an initial position adjustment means for the air imparting part.

[0072] In Fig. 8(a), the air blowing parts 130, 140 are rotatably installed on the receiving stands 123d, 124d formed on the side fences 123, 124. The ducts 130b, 140b and the like described in Fig. 7 are housed inside the receiving stands 123d, 124d. The top plates 123e, 124e of the side fences 123, 124 are located above the air blowing parts 130, 140, and leaf springs 123f, 124f are provided on the lower surfaces of the top plates 123e, 124e. The air blowing parts 130, 140 are supported by having their upper surfaces pressed against the receiving stands 123d, 124d by the elastic force of the leaf springs 123f, 124f.

[0073] 8(b), cushioning materials 130c, 140c for receiving the tips of the screws 123g, 124g are provided on the upper surfaces of the air blowing parts 130, 140, and the cushioning materials 130c, 140c are fastened by the screws 123g, 124g from the top boards 123e, 124e. The upper surfaces of the air blowing parts 130, 140 are pressed by the fastening force of the screws 123g, 124g, and are supported by being pressed against the receiving bases 123d, 124d.

[0074] In the configurations of Fig. 8(a) and Fig. 8(b), recesses 130d, 140d are formed on the inner upper surface of the air blowing section 130, 140 into which the upper end 136a of the rotating shaft 136 can be fitted. The upper end 136a and the recesses 130d, 140d do not have a circular cross-sectional shape, but rather have a polygonal cross-sectional shape (Fig. 9(a)) or a star-shaped cross-sectional shape (Fig. 9(b)) as shown in Fig. 9. Therefore, by changing the fitting position of the upper end 136a and the recesses 130d, 140d in the circumferential direction, it becomes possible to attach the air blowing section 130, 140 to the rotating shaft 136 at any angle. This makes it possible to adjust the initial position of the air blowing section 130, 140 to any angle when the side fences 123, 124 are installed at the maximum width (or minimum width). Here, the upper end portion 136a of the rotating shaft 136 and the recesses 130d, 140d of the air blowing portions 130, 140 are an example of the "initial position adjustment means."

[0075] As described above, in this embodiment, an initial position adjustment means (the upper end 136a of the rotating shaft 136 and the recesses 130d, 140d of the air blowing parts 130, 140) that makes it possible to adjust the initial positions of the air blowing parts 130, 140 relative to the side fences 123, 124 is provided between the side fences 123, 124 and the air blowing parts 130, 140. This makes it possible to finely adjust the initial position for each air blowing part, enabling more optimal separation to be performed according to the type of sheets.

[0076] [Configuration of the adjustment member of the air application section] Next, the configuration of the adjustment member of the air applying section will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the adjustment member, and Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the adjustment member. Here, the air blowing section 140 side installed on the side fence 124 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the air blowing section 130 side installed on the side fence 123.

[0077] 10, a shielding plate 140e is provided inside air blowing section 140. Shielding plate 140e is attached to, for example, the above-mentioned duct 140b, and the upper end of shielding plate 140e is in contact with the inner upper surface of air blowing section 140. Shielding plate 140e has a C-shaped cross section with a part of a cylinder cut out, and air sent from duct 140b is sent out from the cutout part of shielding plate 140e.

[0078] Fig. 10(a) shows a state in which the air blowing port 140a of the air blowing unit 140 faces toward the negative side in the X direction, that is, toward the upstream side in the sheet transport direction. Fig. 10(b) shows a state in which the air blowing port 140a faces perpendicular to the X direction. Fig. 10(c) shows a state in which the air blowing port 140a faces toward the positive side in the X direction, that is, toward the downstream side in the sheet transport direction.

[0079] 10(a) and 10(b) show the orientation of the air blowing unit 140 when blowing air onto a relatively large sheet. In this case, the cutout portion of the shielding plate 140e faces the air blowing port 140a of the air blowing unit 140, and sufficient air can be blown out.

[0080] 10(c) shows the orientation of the air blowing section 140 when blowing air onto a relatively small sheet. In this case, more than half of the air blowing port 140a is blocked by the blocking plate 140e, and the amount of air from the air blowing port 140a is limited.

[0081] By providing the shielding plate 140e as described above, it becomes possible to adjust the amount of air applied (amount of air blowing) in addition to changing the direction (air blowing direction) of the air blowing section 140 in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the side fence 124. Here, the shielding plate 140e is an example of an "adjusting member."

[0082] 10 is applied to, for example, the sheet separating device 12 shown in Fig. 3, mainly in the second air blowing section 142 from the front of the sheet and the third air blowing section 143. Note that the first air blowing section 141 does not have the shielding plate 140e.

[0083] The configuration shown in Fig. 11 differs from the configuration shown in Fig. 10 in the arrangement of the shielding plate 140e. That is, the position of the shielding plate in Fig. 11 is shifted slightly counterclockwise from the position of the shielding plate in Fig. 10, and the overlapping range between the air blowing port 140a and the shielding plate 140e is increased.

[0084] In Fig. 11(a), the air blowing port 140a of the air blowing unit 140 faces toward the negative side in the X direction, that is, toward the upstream side in the sheet transport direction. In Fig. 11(b), the air blowing port 140a faces perpendicular to the X direction. In Fig. 11(c), the air blowing port 140a faces toward the positive side in the X direction, that is, toward the downstream side in the sheet transport direction.

[0085] In Fig. 11(a), air blowing port 140a of air blowing unit 140 faces a cutout provided in shielding plate 140e, and sufficient air can be blown out. In Fig. 11(b), about half of air blowing port 140a is blocked by shielding plate 140e, so the amount of air from air blowing port 140a is limited. In Fig. 11(c), air blowing port 140a is completely blocked by shielding plate 140e, so no air is blown out.

[0086] 11 is applied to the sheet separating device 12 shown in FIG. 3, for example, the arrangement of the shielding plate 140e is mainly applied to the fourth air blowing section 144 from the front of the sheets.

[0087] As described above, in this embodiment, the air blowing unit 140 includes the shielding plate 140e that adjusts the amount of air applied (blow amount). This makes it possible to adjust the amount of air applied (blow amount) from the air blowing unit 140 in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the side fence 124, and allows for more optimal sheet separation depending on the type of sheet.

[0088] As described above, the direction (X direction) perpendicular to the width direction (Y direction) is the sheet conveying direction, and the shielding plate 140e is disposed in the air blowing unit 140 so that the amount of air blown from the air blowing port 140a of the air blowing unit 140 decreases from the position perpendicular to the conveying direction toward the downstream side in the conveying direction. This makes it possible to block unnecessary air early and prevent the air flow for sheet separation from being disturbed.

[0089] As described above, the arrangement of the shielding plate 140e shown in Fig. 10 is applied to the air blowing units 142 and 143, and the arrangement of the shielding plate 140e shown in Fig. 11 is applied to the air blowing unit 144. That is, the shielding plate 140e is provided with different adjustment ranges (shielding ranges) in the multiple air blowing units 142, 143, and 144. This makes it possible to block air on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction at an earlier timing than on the downstream side. For small-sized sheets, air is not needed on the upstream side in the conveying direction, so the shielding plate 140e can block the air and prevent unnecessary air flow from being generated.

[0090] <Supplementary Information> In the present invention, a "liquid applying device" is a device that has a head for applying liquid and applies the liquid by driving the head. The liquid applying device includes not only a device that can apply liquid to an object to which the liquid can adhere, but also a device that applies liquid into air or liquid.

[0091] This "liquid applying device" can also include means for supplying, transporting, and discharging objects to which the liquid can be attached, as well as other pre-processing devices, post-processing devices, etc. For example, "liquid applying devices" include image forming devices that apply ink to form an image on paper, and three-dimensional modeling devices that apply modeling liquid to a powder layer formed by forming a layer of powder in order to form a three-dimensional object (a three-dimensional model).

[0092] In addition, the term "liquid applying device" is not limited to devices that apply liquid to visualize meaningful images such as letters and figures. For example, devices that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves and devices that create three-dimensional images are also included.

[0093] The above-mentioned "object to which liquid can adhere" means an object to which liquid can adhere at least temporarily, and to which the liquid adheres and sticks, or to which the liquid adheres and penetrates, etc. Specific examples include media such as paper, recording paper, film, cloth, and other recording media, electronic boards, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers, organ models, and test cells, and unless otherwise specified, includes all objects to which liquid can adhere.

[0094] The material of the "object to which a liquid can adhere" may be any material to which a liquid can adhere, even temporarily, such as paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, a current collector such as aluminum foil or copper foil, or an electrode having an active material layer formed on a current collector.

[0095] The "liquid" may have a viscosity and surface tension that can be applied from the head, and is not particularly limited, but is preferably one whose viscosity is 30 mPa·s or less at room temperature and pressure, or by heating or cooling. More specifically, examples of the liquid include solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, functional materials such as polymerizable compounds, resins, and surfactants, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids, proteins, and calcium, edible materials such as natural dyes, active materials and solid electrolytes used as electrode materials, and inks containing conductive materials and insulating materials. These can be used, for example, in inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, liquids for forming components of electronic elements and light-emitting elements, and electronic circuit resist patterns, material liquids for three-dimensional modeling, electrodes, electrochemical elements, and the like.

[0096] Furthermore, the "liquid applying device" may be a device in which the head and the object to which the liquid can be applied move relatively, but is not limited to this. Specific examples include a serial type device in which the head moves, a line type device in which the head does not move, etc.

[0097] Other examples of "liquid applying devices" include a treatment liquid application device that ejects a treatment liquid onto paper to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper for purposes such as modifying the surface of the paper, and an injection granulation device that sprays a composition liquid in which raw materials are dispersed through a nozzle to granulate fine particles of the raw materials.

[0098] What has been described above is one example, and other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, and other changes can be made within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can imagine. As long as the effects of the present invention are achieved in any of the following aspects, they are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0099] [Aspect 1] The first aspect is an air application device (e.g., sheet separating device 12) having a regulating member (e.g., side fences 123, 124) that is movable toward and away from the widthwise end of the sheet and regulates the position of the end of the sheet, and an air application section (e.g., air blowing section 130, 140) that applies air to the end of the sheet, characterized in that it is equipped with a direction changing means (e.g., rack 120f and pinion 135) that changes the direction in which the air is applied in conjunction with the moving forward and backward movement of the regulating member.

[0100] [Aspect 2] A second aspect is the first aspect, wherein the air applying section is provided in a plurality of units in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the sheet.

[0101] [Aspect 3] Aspect 3 is characterized in that, in aspect 2, the direction perpendicular to the width direction is the conveying direction of the sheet, and among the multiple air applying sections, the air applying section (e.g., air blowing sections 131, 141) installed downstream in the conveying direction is not linked to the forward and backward movement of the regulating member.

[0102] [Aspect 4] A fourth aspect is the second or third aspect, characterized in that the amount of movement of the air imparting portion linked to the advancement and retreat of the regulating member differs among the plurality of air imparting portions.

[0103] [Aspect 5] Aspect 5 is characterized in that in any one of aspects 1 to 4, an initial position adjustment means (e.g., an upper end portion 136a of a rotating shaft 136 and recesses 130d, 140d of air blowing portions 130, 140) is provided between the regulating member and the air applying portion, which makes it possible to adjust the initial position of the air applying portion relative to the regulating member.

[0104] [Aspect 6] A sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, characterized in that the air applying section includes an adjusting member (for example, a shielding plate 140e) that adjusts the amount of the air to be applied.

[0105] [Aspect 7] Aspect 7 is characterized in that, in aspect 6, the direction perpendicular to the width direction is the conveying direction of the sheet, and the adjustment member is arranged within the air applying section (e.g., air blowing section 140) such that the amount of air applied from an air applying port (e.g., air blowing port 140a) of the air applying section (e.g., air blowing section 140) decreases from a position perpendicular to the conveying direction (e.g., Figures 10(b) and 11(b)) toward the downstream side of the conveying direction (e.g., Figures 10(c) and 11(c)).

[0106] [Aspect 8] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the sixth or seventh aspect, characterized in that the adjustment member is provided with different adjustment ranges in a plurality of air applying portions.

[0107] [Aspect 9] Aspect 9 is a sheet feeding device (e.g., feeding device 11, 11A, 11B) that applies air to the widthwise ends of stacked sheets and feeds the topmost sheet separated from the stacked sheets in a predetermined direction, characterized in that it is equipped with an air application device (e.g., sheet separating device 12, 12A, 12B) of any of aspects 1 to 8.

[0108] [Aspect 10] Aspect 10 is a liquid applying device (e.g., printing device 1) characterized by comprising a liquid applying means (e.g., liquid applying section 32) that applies liquid to a sheet, and a sheet feeding device (e.g., feeding device 11, 11A, 11B) of aspect 9 that feeds the sheet toward the liquid applying means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 Printing device 10 Loading section 11,11A,11B Feeding device 12, 12A, 12B Sheet separating device 13, 13A, 13B Feeding device 30 Printing Department 32 Liquid application section 120 Frame 120a Front side plate 120b left side board 120c right side plate 120d bottom plate 120e Pinion 120f Rack 121,122 Shaft member 123,124 Side fence 123a,124a Rack 123b, 124b Side fence bottom plate 123c, 124c Bearings 123d, 124d cradle 123e, 124e Top plate 123f, 124f Leaf spring 123g,124g Screw 125a, 125b Stopper 130, 131, 132, 133, 134 Air blowing section 130a, 132a Air nozzle 130b Duct 130c buffer material 130d recess 135, 135A, 135B Pinion 136 Rotational Axis 136a Upper end 140, 141, 142, 143, 144 Air blowing section 140a Air nozzle 140b Duct 140c buffer material 140d recess 140e shielding plate 151, 152, 153, 154 Air blowing section 160 Blower fan P, P1, P2 sheets

Claims

1. a regulating member provided to be movable toward and away from an end portion of the sheet in a width direction and regulating a position of the end portion of the sheet; an air applying unit that applies air to the end portion of the sheet; An air applying device having The air applying device further comprises a direction changing means for changing a direction of the air applying in association with the advancement and retreat of the regulating member.

2. 2. The air applying device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the air applying sections are provided in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the sheet.

3. a direction perpendicular to the width direction is a conveying direction of the sheet, 3. The air applying device according to claim 2, wherein, of the plurality of air applying sections, the air applying section disposed downstream in the conveying direction is not linked to the advancement and retreat of the regulating member.

4. 3. The air applying device according to claim 2, wherein the amount of movement of the air applying portion linked to the advancement and retreat of the regulating member differs among the plurality of air applying portions.

5. 2. The air applying device according to claim 1, further comprising an initial position adjustment means between the regulating member and the air applying portion, the initial position adjustment means being capable of adjusting an initial position of the air applying portion with respect to the regulating member.

6. 2. The air applying device according to claim 1, wherein the air applying section includes an adjusting member for adjusting an amount of the air to be applied.

7. a direction perpendicular to the width direction is a conveying direction of the sheet, 7. The air applying device according to claim 6, wherein the adjusting member is disposed in the air applying part such that an amount of the air applied from the air applying port of the air applying part decreases from a position perpendicular to the conveying direction toward a downstream side in the conveying direction.

8. 7. The air applying device according to claim 6, wherein the adjusting member is provided in a plurality of air applying portions so as to have different adjustment ranges.

9. 1. A sheet feeding device that applies air to widthwise ends of stacked sheets and feeds a top sheet separated from the stacked sheets in a predetermined direction, comprising: A sheet feeding device comprising the air applying device according to claim 1 .

10. A liquid applying means for applying a liquid to the sheet; a sheet feeding device according to claim 9 , which feeds the sheet toward the liquid applying means; A liquid applying device comprising:

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