Image formation device

Abstract

To provide an image formation device which can inhibit creases etc. from occurring in a recording medium due to heat.SOLUTION: An image formation device 100 includes: an image formation unit 210; a heating unit 310; a transport member 330; an upstream side transport member 350; a detection unit 50; a transport passage 500; a retreat passage 510; and a control unit 91. The heating unit 310 heats paper P with images formed thereon. The transport member 330 is disposed facing the heating unit 310 and transports the paper P. The upstream side transport member 350 is disposed at the upstream side relative to the transport member 330 and transports the paper P. The retreat passage 510 is branched from the transport passage 500 and enables the paper P to retreat. The control unit 91 rotates the upstream side transport member 350 in a reverse direction to transport the paper P to the retreat passage 510 when detecting an abnormality of the image formation device 100 based on a detection result of the detection unit 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus equipped with an image forming section that forms an image on a recording medium and a heating section that heats the recording medium on which the image has been formed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus equipped with an inkjet image forming section that forms an image on a medium and a dielectric heating section that heats the medium on which the image has been formed. The inkjet image forming section ejects ink onto the medium. The dielectric heating section dries the medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-165000 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an image forming apparatus such as that described in Patent Document 1, for example, when a jam (paper jam) occurs in a heating unit including a heating section, the heating section is switched from on to off.

[0005] However, even if the heating unit is switched off, the heating unit continues to be in a high temperature state. Therefore, for example, if the conveyance of a subsequent recording medium is stopped while the recording medium is being conveyed to the heating unit, the subsequent recording medium continues to be in a high temperature state. Therefore, the recording medium may wrinkle and / or warp due to heat, or the recording medium may be damaged. Hereinafter, the occurrence of wrinkles and / or warping in the recording medium, or the occurrence of damage to the recording medium, may be described as "creases, etc., occurring in the recording medium."

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles and the like on a recording medium due to heat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention forms an image on a recording medium. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a heating section, a transport member, an upstream transport member, a detection section, a transport path, an evacuation path, and a control section. The image forming section forms the image on the recording medium. The heating section heats the recording medium on which the image has been formed. The transport member is disposed opposite the heating section and transports the recording medium. The upstream transport member is disposed upstream of the transport member and transports the recording medium. The detection section detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus. The transport path transports the recording medium on which the image has been formed by the image forming section to the transport member. The evacuation path branches off from the transport path and evacuates the recording medium. The control section controls at least the upstream transport member. The upstream transport member is capable of forward rotation to transport the recording medium toward the transport member and reverse rotation to transport the recording medium to the opposite side of the transport member. When the control unit detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus based on a detection result from the detection unit, the control unit reversely rotates the upstream transport member to transport the recording medium to the evacuation path. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles or the like on a recording medium due to heat. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a drying unit and its surroundings of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a jam occurs in the drying unit of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] An image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the periphery of a drying unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium by an inkjet method. The recording medium includes, for example, a sheet. The sheet includes, for example, paper P or a resin film. In this embodiment, the sheet includes paper P. The recording medium may include, for example, a cloth.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a supply unit 10, an apparatus main body 20, a drying unit 30, and a discharge unit 40.

[0014] The supply unit 10 supplies paper P to the device body 20. The supply unit 10 has a paper feed cassette and multiple transport roller pairs (neither shown). The paper feed cassette stores paper P. The multiple transport roller pairs transport paper P. The multiple transport roller pairs transport paper P one sheet at a time from the paper feed cassette to the device body 20.

[0015] The device main body 20 has an image forming section 210 that forms an image on paper P. The image forming section 210 ejects ink onto the paper P. The image forming section 210 has, for example, four line heads 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d that respectively correspond to the colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. In other words, the image forming device 100 is a color printing machine.

[0016] The apparatus main body 20 has a first conveying section 220, a conveying guide 230, and a second conveying section 240. The first conveying section 220 conveys the paper P. Specifically, the first conveying section 220 has a conveying roller pair 221. The conveying roller pair 221 conveys the paper P from the supply unit 10 downstream in the conveying direction (toward the image forming section 210).

[0017] The transport guide 230 guides the paper P. The transport guide 230 is disposed between the first transport section 220 and the second transport section 240. The transport guide 230 guides the paper P from the first transport section 220 to the second transport section 240.

[0018] The second conveying section 240 is disposed opposite the image forming section 210. In this embodiment, the second conveying section 240 is disposed below the image forming section 210. The second conveying section 240 conveys the paper P. In other words, the image forming section 210 ejects ink toward the paper P being conveyed by the second conveying section 240.

[0019] In this embodiment, the second transport section 240 transports while applying suction to the paper sheet P. Specifically, the second transport section 240 has a transport belt 241, a drive roller 242, a driven roller 243, an auxiliary roller 244, and a blower fan 245.

[0020] The conveyor belt 241 is an endless belt. The conveyor belt 241 is stretched around a driving roller 242, a driven roller 243, and an auxiliary roller 244 under tension. The conveyor belt 241 has a plurality of through holes formed therein. The through holes allow air to pass through.

[0021] The driving roller 242 is configured to be rotatable. For example, a torque from a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the driving roller 242. The driving roller 242 rotates the conveyor belt 241.

[0022] The driven roller 243 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the conveyor belt 241 .

[0023] The auxiliary rollers 244 are rotated in accordance with the rotation of the conveyor belt 241. For example, two auxiliary rollers 244 are provided. Furthermore, for example, at least one auxiliary roller 244 maintains the tension of the conveyor belt 241 at a substantially constant level. Note that only one auxiliary roller 244 may be provided, or no auxiliary roller 244 may be provided.

[0024] The blower fan 245 brings the paper sheet P into close contact with the second transport section 240. Specifically, the blower fan 245 sucks the paper sheet P to bring it into close contact with the transport belt 241. The blower fan 245 has, for example, a propeller and a motor (both not shown). The motor rotates the propeller to generate an airflow.

[0025] The blower fan 245 is disposed, for example, inside the second transport section 240. Specifically, the blower fan 245 is disposed, for example, inside the transport belt 241. When the blower fan 245 is driven, the paper sheet P comes into close contact with the upper surface of the transport belt 241. As a result, the paper sheet P is transported by the transport belt 241 while being in close contact with the upper surface of the transport belt 241.

[0026] The apparatus body 20 has a third conveying section 260. The third conveying section 260 conveys the paper P. Specifically, the third conveying section 260 has a conveying roller pair 261. The conveying roller pair 261 conveys the paper P from the second conveying section 240 downstream in the conveying direction (toward the drying unit 30).

[0027] The drying unit 30 includes a heating section 310 , a transport member 330 , and an upstream transport member 350 .

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 310 heats the paper P on which an image has been formed. In other words, the heating unit 310 heats the ink on the paper P. The heating unit 310 includes, for example, a heater 311. The heater 311 heats the paper P by, for example, irradiating it with light. For example, the heater 311 includes a halogen heater, a carbon heater, or an infrared light emitting diode. In this embodiment, the heating unit 310 includes a plurality of heaters 311. Also, in this embodiment, the heater 311 includes a halogen heater. Note that the heating unit 310 may include a heating device that heats the paper P by blowing heat generated by the heater.

[0029] The heating section 310 faces the upper surface of the paper P (the surface on which an image is formed). The heating section 310 is disposed near the transport member 330. The heating section 310 is separated from the paper P and the transport member 330.

[0030] The transport member 330 is disposed facing the heating section 310. In this embodiment, the transport member 330 is disposed below the heating section 310. The transport member 330 transports the paper P. The transport member 330 transports the paper P to the discharge unit 40. In this embodiment, the transport member 330 transports the paper P while sucking it. Specifically, the transport member 330 has a transport belt 331, a drive roller 332, a driven roller 333, an auxiliary roller 334, and a blower fan 335.

[0031] The conveyor belt 331 is an endless belt. The conveyor belt 331 is stretched around a driving roller 332, a driven roller 333, and an auxiliary roller 334 under tension. The conveyor belt 331 has a plurality of through holes formed therein. The through holes allow air to pass through.

[0032] The driving roller 332 is configured to be rotatable. For example, a rotational force from a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the driving roller 332. The driving roller 332 rotates the conveyor belt 331.

[0033] The driven roller 333 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the conveyor belt 331 .

[0034] The auxiliary rollers 334 are rotated in accordance with the rotation of the conveyor belt 331. For example, two auxiliary rollers 334 are provided. Furthermore, for example, at least one auxiliary roller 334 maintains the tension of the conveyor belt 331 at a substantially constant level. Note that only one auxiliary roller 334 may be provided, or no auxiliary roller 334 may be provided.

[0035] The blower fan 335 brings the paper P into close contact with the conveying member 330. Specifically, the blower fan 335 sucks the paper P to bring it into close contact with the conveying belt 331. The blower fan 335 has, for example, a propeller and a motor (both not shown). The motor rotates the propeller to generate an airflow. Note that in this specification, the rotation of the propeller may be referred to as the rotation of the blower fan. Also, in this specification, the rotation speed of the propeller may be referred to as the rotation speed of the blower fan.

[0036] The blower fan 335 is disposed, for example, inside the conveying member 330. Specifically, the blower fan 335 is disposed, for example, inside the conveying belt 331. When the blower fan 335 is driven, the paper sheet P comes into close contact with the upper surface 331a of the conveying belt 331. As a result, the paper sheet P is conveyed by the conveying belt 331 while being in close contact with the upper surface 331a of the conveying belt 331. Note that the blower fan 335 does not have to be disposed inside the conveying belt 331. For example, the blower fan 335 may be disposed below the conveying belt 331. In other words, the blower fan 335 may be disposed, for example, below the lower surface 331b of the conveying belt 331.

[0037] The upstream transport member 350 is disposed upstream of the transport member 330 in the transport direction. The upstream transport member 350 transports the paper P. The upstream transport member 350 transports the paper P from the device body 20 to the transport member 330. The upstream transport member 350 transports the paper P while sucking it. The upstream transport member 350 can rotate forward to transport the paper P downstream (toward the transport member 330) and reverse to transport the paper P to the opposite side to the transport member 330. Specifically, the upstream transport member 350 has a transport belt 351, a drive roller 352, a driven roller 353, an auxiliary roller 354, and a blower fan 355.

[0038] The conveyor belt 351 is an endless belt. The conveyor belt 351 is stretched around a driving roller 352, a driven roller 353, and an auxiliary roller 354 under tension. The conveyor belt 351 has a plurality of through holes formed therein. The through holes allow air to pass through.

[0039] The driving roller 352 is configured to be rotatable. For example, a rotational force is transmitted to the driving roller 352 from a motor (not shown). The driving roller 352 rotates the conveyor belt 351 in a forward rotation direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 2) and a reverse rotation direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 2). In other words, the driving roller 352 rotates the conveyor belt 351 in a forward rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction.

[0040] The driven roller 353 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the conveyor belt 351 .

[0041] In this embodiment, the conveyor belt 351 is rotated forward and backward by one driving roller 352, but the present invention is not limited to this. The conveyor belt 351 may be rotated backward by, for example, a driving roller (not shown), or may be rotated backward by a driven roller 353. When the conveyor belt 351 is rotated backward by the driven roller 353, the driven roller 353 is configured to be capable of rotating forward and backward.

[0042] The auxiliary rollers 354 are rotated in accordance with the rotation of the conveyor belt 351. For example, two auxiliary rollers 354 are provided. Furthermore, for example, at least one auxiliary roller 354 maintains the tension of the conveyor belt 351 at a substantially constant level. Note that only one auxiliary roller 354 may be provided, or no auxiliary roller 354 may be provided.

[0043] The blower fan 355 brings the paper sheet P into close contact with the upstream transport member 350. Specifically, the blower fan 355 sucks the paper sheet P to bring it into close contact with the transport belt 351. The blower fan 355 has, for example, a propeller and a motor (both not shown). The motor rotates the propeller to generate an airflow.

[0044] The blower fan 355 is disposed, for example, inside the upstream transport member 350. Specifically, the blower fan 355 is disposed, for example, inside the transport belt 351. When the blower fan 355 is driven, the paper P comes into close contact with the upper surface 351a of the transport belt 351. As a result, the paper P is transported by the transport belt 351 while being in close contact with the upper surface 351a of the transport belt 351. Note that the blower fan 355 does not have to be disposed inside the transport belt 351. For example, the blower fan 355 may be disposed below the transport belt 351. In other words, the blower fan 355 may be disposed, for example, below the lower surface 351b of the transport belt 351.

[0045] The suction force of the upstream transport member 350 when the upstream transport member 350 rotates forward to transport the paper P (e.g., during image formation) is, for example, substantially the same as the suction force of the transport member 330. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the suction force of the upstream transport member 350 when the upstream transport member 350 rotates backward to transport the paper P is greater than the suction force of the transport member 330.

[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, the rotation speed of the blower fan 355 can be changed in two or more stages. The rotation speed of the blower fan 355 when the upstream transport member 350 rotates in the reverse direction to transport the paper P is set to be higher than the rotation speed of the blower fan 355 when the upstream transport member 350 rotates in the forward direction to transport the paper P.

[0047] The suction force of the upstream transport member 350 when the upstream transport member 350 rotates forward to transport the paper P (for example, during image formation) may be higher than the suction force of the transport member 330. In this case, for example, the rotation speed of the blower fan 355 may not be changeable. For example, the through holes of the transport belt 351 may be larger than the through holes of the transport belt 331. For example, the number of through holes of the transport belt 351 may be greater than the number of through holes of the transport belt 331. For example, the blower fan 355 may be a larger fan than the blower fan 335. In either case, the suction force of the upstream transport member 350 can be easily made higher than the suction force of the transport member 330.

[0048] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a conveying path 500 and an evacuation path 510. The conveying path 500 conveys the paper P, on which an image has been formed in the image forming section 210, to the conveying member 330. In this embodiment, the conveying path 500 extends from the second conveying section 240 to the conveying member 330.

[0049] The retreat path 510 branches off from the transport path 500 and retreats the paper P. In this embodiment, the retreat path 510 is disposed in the drying unit 30. More specifically, in this embodiment, the retreat path 510 is disposed in the housing 30a of the drying unit 30. The retreat path 510 branches off from the transport path 500 at a position on the upstream transport member 350 or a position upstream of the upstream transport member 350. In this embodiment, the retreat path 510 branches off from the transport path 500 at a position on the upstream transport member 350. The retreat path 510 retreats the paper P that is transported by the upstream transport member 350 on the transport path 500 to the opposite side (upstream side) from the transport member 330.

[0050] Image forming apparatus 100 includes guide member 360. Guide member 360 is disposed in evacuation path 510. In other words, guide member 360 constitutes a part of evacuation path 510. Guide member 360 guides paper P transported through evacuation path 510 toward the downstream side in the evacuation direction. By including guide member 360 in image forming apparatus 100, paper P can be easily guided along evacuation path 510.

[0051] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a conveying direction changing member 370. The conveying direction changing member 370 changes the conveying direction of the paper P conveyed by the upstream conveying member 350, and guides the paper P to the evacuation path 510. Specifically, the conveying direction changing member 370 is disposed at a branching portion 520 where the evacuation path 510 branches off from the conveying path 500. The conveying direction changing member 370 is configured to be swingable around a swing center 370a, for example, but is not particularly limited thereto. The conveying direction changing member 370 is disposed at a first position P1 and a second position P2, for example, by being swingable around the swing center 370a. The first position P1 is a position where the paper P conveyed by the forward rotation of the upstream conveying member 350 is conveyed to the conveying member 330. The first position P1 is a position where the conveying direction changing member 370 is normally disposed during image formation. On the other hand, the second position P2 is a position where the upstream transport member 350 rotates in the reverse direction to change the transport direction of the transported paper P, and transports the paper P to the retreat path 510. When the upstream transport member 350 rotates in the reverse direction, the paper P is transported substantially horizontally along the upper surface 351a of the transport belt 351, and then transported diagonally upward by the transport direction changing member 370 arranged at the second position P2. The second position P2 is a position where the transport direction changing member 370 is arranged when an abnormality occurs during image formation, as will be described later.

[0052] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an evacuation transport member 380. The evacuation transport member 380 transports the paper P. The evacuation transport member 380 includes, for example, a transport roller pair 381. The transport roller pair 381 transports the paper P from the upstream transport member 350 downstream in the evacuation direction (the opposite side to the transport path 500).

[0053] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a storage section 390. The storage section 390 is disposed downstream of the evacuation path 510 in the evacuation direction. The storage section 390 stores at least a part of the paper P. The storage section 390 is made of, for example, sheet metal. The storage section 390 has, for example, a box shape. Specifically, the storage section 390 has, for example, a box shape in which only a portion facing the evacuation conveying member 380 is open. That is, the storage section 390 has, for example, a box shape in which only a portion that receives the paper P is open. The storage section 390 does not have to have a box shape. However, it is preferable that the portion of the storage section 390 facing the heating section 310 is covered with a wall.

[0054] In this embodiment, the evacuation path 510 is constituted by the guide member 360 and the storage section 390. The evacuation path 510 extends obliquely upward from the transport path 500, and then extends in a direction approaching the heating section 310.

[0055] The discharge unit 40 discharges the paper P. The discharge unit 40 has a discharge tray and a plurality of transport roller pairs (neither of which are shown). The plurality of transport roller pairs transport the paper P from the drying unit 30 to the discharge tray. The paper P on which an image has been formed is stacked on the discharge tray.

[0056] The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a detection unit 50 for detecting an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100. The detection unit 50 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100, and includes, for example, a detection sensor. The detection unit 50 is, for example, a sensor for detecting an abnormality in the drying unit 30. The detection unit 50 is, for example, disposed inside the drying unit 30. In this embodiment, the detection unit 50 is, for example, disposed downstream in the conveying direction of the conveying member 330. In this embodiment, the detection unit 50 detects the presence or absence of the paper P. The detection unit 50 transmits a detection signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 91 described later. Note that the detection unit 50 may, for example, detect the presence or absence of the paper P between the heating unit 310 and the conveying member 330, or may be disposed in the heating unit 310 and detect the temperature of the heating unit 310.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a sensor 60 that detects the presence or absence of paper P. The sensor 60 transmits a detection signal indicating the detection result to a control unit 91, which will be described later. The sensor 60 is disposed, for example, inside the apparatus main body 20. Note that the sensor 60 may be disposed, for example, inside the drying unit 30, or may be disposed on the upstream side or downstream side of the upstream transport member 350 in the transport direction.

[0058] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 will be further described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a block diagram that shows a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a jam has occurred in the drying unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0059] 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control device 90. The control device 90 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The control device 90 includes a control unit 91 and a storage unit 92.

[0060] The control unit 91 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 91 realizes the functions of the control unit 91 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 92. The control unit 91 controls the operation of at least the upstream transport member 350. In this embodiment, the control unit 91 controls the operations of the supply unit 10, the apparatus main body 20, the drying unit 30, and the discharge unit 40.

[0061] The storage unit 92 has memories such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a Random Access Memory (RAM), etc. The storage unit 92 stores computer programs executed by the control unit 91.

[0062] The control unit 91 detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the detection result of the detection unit 50. When the control unit 91 detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the detection result of the detection unit 50, the control unit 91 turns off the heating unit 310. That is, the control unit 91 stops the supply of electricity to the heating unit 310. In other words, the control unit 91 stops driving the heating unit 310.

[0063] Furthermore, when the control unit 91 detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the detection result of the detection unit 50, the control unit 91 conveys the paper P to the retreat path 510 by rotating the upstream conveying member 350 in the reverse direction.

[0064] Specifically, for example, the control unit 91 detects a jam (paper jam) or abnormal heat generation, etc., based on the detection result of the detection unit 50. For example, if the detection unit 50 does not detect the paper P within a predetermined time after the sensor 60 detects the paper P, the control unit 91 detects that an abnormality (jam) has occurred in the drying unit 30. Also, for example, if the detection unit 50 continues to detect the paper P even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the paper P by the detection unit 50, the control unit 91 detects that an abnormality (jam) has occurred at the exit (downstream) of the drying unit 30. Also, for example, if the temperature of the heating unit 310 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 91 detects that an abnormality (heat generation) has occurred in the heating unit 310.

[0065] When the control unit 91 detects an abnormality, it stops driving the transport member 330. When the control unit 91 detects an abnormality, it switches the rotation of the upstream transport member 350 from forward rotation to reverse rotation. In this embodiment, the control unit 91 maintains the driving of the blower fan 335.

[0066] In this way, when the control unit 91 detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the detection result of the detection unit 50, it rotates the upstream transport member 350 in the reverse direction, and transports the paper P to the retreat path 510. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the paper P from stopping on the transport member 330. That is, for example, it is possible to prevent the paper P from waiting below the heating unit 310. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the paper P from being in a high temperature state for a long time, and therefore it is possible to prevent the paper P from being wrinkled and / or warped, or from being damaged. As a result, it is possible to prevent the paper P from being wrinkled or the like due to heat.

[0067] Furthermore, by transporting the paper P to the evacuation path 510, it is possible to prevent undried ink from soiling the periphery of the transport path 500.

[0068] As described above, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 91 detects a jam (a jam of paper P) in the transport member 330 based on the detection result of the detection unit 50. When the control unit 91 detects a jam in the transport member 330, it rotates the upstream transport member 350 in the reverse direction to transport the paper P following the jammed paper P to the evacuation path 510 (see the outline arrow in FIG. 4). When detecting a jam, the jam is not detected until a predetermined time has elapsed since the jam occurred. Therefore, at the time when the jam is detected, a part of the following paper P is transported to below the heating unit 310. Therefore, when a jam in the transport member 330 is detected, it is particularly effective to rotate the upstream transport member 350 in the reverse direction to transport the following paper P to the evacuation path 510.

[0069] Furthermore, when the control unit 91 detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the detection result of the detection unit 50, the control unit 91 moves the transport direction changing member 370 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Therefore, the transport direction of the succeeding paper P transported by the upstream transport member 350 rotating in the reverse direction can be easily changed. Therefore, the succeeding paper P can be easily transported to the retreat path 510.

[0070] Furthermore, when control unit 91 detects an abnormality in image forming apparatus 100 based on the detection result of detection unit 50, it makes the suction force of upstream transport member 350 greater than the suction force of transport member 330. For example, when control unit 91 detects an abnormality, it may increase the rotation speed of blower fan 355 compared to before the abnormality was detected. In this way, when control unit 91 detects an abnormality, by making the suction force of upstream transport member 350 greater than the suction force of transport member 330, paper P can be easily transported by upstream transport member 350 to the opposite side to transport member 330 against the suction force of transport member 330.

[0071] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the operation when an abnormality occurs during image formation by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

[0072] In step S1, the control unit 91 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the control unit 91 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus 100 during image formation by the image forming apparatus 100. During image formation, the heating unit 310, the transport member 330, and the upstream transport member 350 are driven. That is, the heating unit 310 is turned on and generates heat. The transport member 330 transports the paper P to the downstream side (the discharge unit 40 side). In addition, the blower fan 335 of the transport member 330 rotates at a predetermined rotation speed. As a result, the paper P on the transport member 330 is in close contact with the transport belt 331. The transport member 330 transports the paper P at a predetermined speed. Similarly, the upstream transport member 350 transports the paper P to the downstream side (the transport member 330 side). In addition, the blower fan 355 of the upstream transport member 350 rotates at a predetermined rotation speed. As a result, the paper sheet P on the upstream transport member 350 is in close contact with the transport belt 351. The upstream transport member 350 transports the paper sheet P at a predetermined speed. The transport direction changing member 370 is disposed at the first position P1.

[0073] Then, the control unit 91 determines, based on the detection result of the detection unit 50, whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0074] If the control unit 91 determines in step S1 that no abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus 100, the determination in step S1 is repeated.

[0075] On the other hand, if the control unit 91 determines in step S1 that an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus 100, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0076] Next, in step S2, the control unit 91 stops driving the heating unit 310. In other words, the control unit 91 stops heating by the heating unit 310. Specifically, the control unit 91 stops the supply of electricity to the heating unit 310, for example.

[0077] Next, in step S3, the control unit 91 stops the conveyance by the conveying member 330. That is, the control unit 91 stops the rotation of the conveying member 330. Meanwhile, the control unit 91 maintains the driving of the blower fan 335. That is, the blower fan 335 maintains the suction of the paper P. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the paper P that has jammed on the conveying member 330 from floating or bending and approaching the heating unit 310.

[0078] Next, in step S4, the control unit 91 reversely rotates the upstream transport member 350. As a result, the paper sheet P on the upstream transport member 350 is transported in a direction away from the transport member 330 (upstream side).

[0079] Next, in step S5, the control unit 91 changes the conveying direction of the paper P conveyed by the upstream conveying member 350. Specifically, the control unit 91 changes the conveying direction changing member 370 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. As a result, the paper P is conveyed from the conveying path 500 to the evacuation path 510. Also, in step S5, the control unit 91 starts driving the evacuation conveying member 380. As a result, the paper P conveyed to the evacuation path 510 by the upstream conveying member 350 is further conveyed along the evacuation path 510 by the evacuation conveying member 380. Then, the leading edge of the paper P is disposed in the storage unit 390 disposed at the deepest part of the evacuation path 510.

[0080] Next, in step S6, the control unit 91 makes the suction force of the upstream transport member 350 greater than the suction force of the transport member 330. Specifically, for example, the rotation speed of the blower fan 355 of the upstream transport member 350 is increased compared to when the upstream transport member 350 rotates forward to transport the paper P (step S1). This allows the upstream transport member 350 to easily transport the paper P to the opposite side (upstream side) from the transport member 330 against the suction force of the transport member 330. In other words, even if the upstream transport member 350 is rotated in the reverse direction in step S4 and the paper P is not transported upstream due to the suction force of the transport member 330, the paper P can be transported upstream by increasing the suction force of the upstream transport member 350.

[0081] In this manner, the process in the event that an abnormality occurs in image forming apparatus 100 ends.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the heating by the heating unit 310 is stopped and the transport by the transport member 330 is stopped before the upstream transport member 350 is rotated in the reverse direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reverse rotation of the upstream transport member 350 may be started before or at the same time that the heating by the heating unit 310 is stopped and the transport by the transport member 330 is stopped.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the position of the conveying direction changing member 370 is changed or the suction force of the upstream conveying member 350 is increased after the upstream conveying member 350 is rotated in the reverse direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reverse rotation of the upstream conveying member 350 may be started after or at the same time as the position of the conveying direction changing member 370 is changed or the suction force of the upstream conveying member 350 is increased.

[0084] In this embodiment, as described above, when the control unit 91 detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the detection result of the detection unit 50, the control unit 91 rotates the upstream transport member 350 in the reverse direction, and transports the paper P to the evacuation path 510. Therefore, for example, the paper P can be prevented from stopping on the transport member 330. This prevents the paper P from being in a high temperature state for a long period of time, thereby preventing the paper P from wrinkling and / or warping, and from being damaged. As a result, the paper P can be prevented from wrinkling due to heat.

[0085] Furthermore, by transporting the paper P to the evacuation path 510, it is possible to prevent undried ink from soiling the periphery of the transport path 500.

[0086] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components across different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings are mainly shown schematically for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0087] For example, as shown in Fig. 1, an example has been described in which the image forming apparatus 100 is configured by sequentially connecting the supply unit 10, the apparatus main body 20, the drying unit 30, and the discharge unit 40, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the supply unit, the drying unit, and the discharge unit may be provided inside the apparatus main body.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the inkjet type image forming apparatus 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a toner type (also called an electrophotographic type or a laser type) image forming apparatus.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the transport member 330 includes the transport belt 331, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transport member may not include the transport belt 331 and may be configured by transport rollers.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the upstream transport member 350 has the transport belt 351, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upstream transport member may not have the transport belt 351 and may be configured by transport rollers.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the guide member 360 that guides the paper P toward the downstream side in the retraction direction and the transport direction changing member 370 that changes the transport direction of the paper P by swinging are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one of the guide member 360 and the transport direction changing member 370 may be provided.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the control unit 91 stops the conveyance by the conveying member 330 when an abnormality is detected, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the conveying member 330 may be configured to be rotatable in the reverse direction, and the control unit 91 may rotate the conveying member 330 in the reverse direction in the same manner as the upstream conveying member 350 when an abnormality is detected.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the example in which the control unit 91 turns off the heating unit 310 when it detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 91 does not have to turn off the heating unit 310 when it detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100. [Industrial Applicability]

[0094] The present invention is applicable to the field of image forming devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 50: Detection section 91: Control section 100: Image forming device 210: Image forming section 310: Heating section 330: Transport member 350: Upstream conveying member 360: Guide member 370: Conveying direction changing member 500: Transport path 510: Evacuation route P: Paper (recording medium)

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, an image forming unit for forming the image on the recording medium; a heating section for heating the recording medium on which the image is formed; a conveying member disposed opposite the heating unit and configured to convey the recording medium; an upstream transport member disposed upstream of the transport member and configured to transport the recording medium; a detection unit for detecting an abnormality in the image forming apparatus; a conveying path for conveying the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the conveying member; an evacuation path that branches off from the transport path and through which the recording medium is evacuated; A control unit that controls at least the upstream transport member; Equipped with the upstream transport member is capable of forward rotation to transport the recording medium toward the transport member and reverse rotation to transport the recording medium to the opposite side to the transport member, When the control unit detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus based on a detection result of the detection unit, the control unit reversely rotates the upstream transport member to transport the recording medium to the evacuation path.

2. The control unit detects a jam of the recording medium in the conveying member based on a detection result of the detection unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit, when detecting a jam of the recording medium in the transport member, rotates the upstream transport member in a reverse direction to transport the recording medium to the evacuation path.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member disposed in the evacuation path and configured to guide the recording medium.

4. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transport direction changing member that changes the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the upstream transport member to the opposite side of the transport member, and guides the recording medium to the evacuation path.

5. The conveying member conveys the recording medium while suctioning the recording medium, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when detecting the abnormality, stops the conveyance of the recording medium by the conveyance member and maintains suction of the recording medium by the conveyance member.

6. the upstream transport member transports the recording medium while suctioning the recording medium; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a suction force of the upstream transport member when the upstream transport member rotates in the reverse direction to transport the recording medium is greater than a suction force of the transport member.

Images