Conveying device, liquid ejecting device, image forming device and post-processing device

Abstract

To reduce device cost and the number of assembly processes.SOLUTION: In a transport device in which multiple rotating bodies arranged on the opposite surface side to a liquid adhering surface of a sheet on which liquid is adhered and projection rotating bodies 42 having multiple projections and arranged on the liquid adhering surface side and projecting in the outer diameter direction are arranged at intervals in the sheet transporting direction on a sheet transport path which has curved transporting parts at least partially, the rotating bodies and the protrusion rotating bodies 42 are arranged so as to be in contact with each other, the number of protrusion rotating bodies 42 arranged in the sheet width direction B is greater on the upstream side in the sheet transporting direction than on the downstream side in the sheet transporting direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device, a liquid ejecting device, an image forming apparatus, and a post-processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers are provided with a conveying device that conveys a sheet having liquid such as ink attached thereto.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2002-220147) describes a configuration in which a recording sheet having ink attached thereto is sandwiched between a roller and a spur and conveyed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By using a spur with a smaller contact area with the sheet than the roller, it is possible to prevent the undried ink on the sheet from being disturbed and the image quality from being deteriorated. However, if the spur still comes into strong contact with the liquid-adhered surface of the sheet, the ink on the sheet may be disturbed or a contact mark may be left by the spur. Therefore, it is desirable to adjust the contact pressure of the spur with the sheet so that it is not too large. However, if the contact pressure of the spur with the sheet decreases, the behavior of the sheet becomes unstable, and a new problem occurs in that the conveyability of the sheet decreases.

[0005] As a countermeasure against such a decrease in conveyability, there is a method of increasing the number of spurs arranged in the sheet conveying direction. By arranging many spurs in a line across the sheet width direction, it is possible to improve the conveying force and conveying stability of the spurs even if the contact pressure of the spurs against the sheet is small. However, arranging many spurs causes other problems, such as increased device costs and increased assembly man-hours. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a conveying device in which a rotating body is arranged on the side of a sheet having liquid attached thereto, opposite to the liquid-adhered surface thereof, and a protruding rotating body having a plurality of protrusions protruding in an outer diameter direction and arranged at intervals in a sheet conveying direction on a sheet conveying path having at least a curved conveying portion, the rotating body and the protruding rotating body being arranged so as to be in contact with each other, The rotating body and the protruding rotating body include the rotating body and the protruding rotating body that are in contact with each other, and the rotating body and the protruding rotating body that are not in contact with each other, The number of the protruding rotors arranged in the sheet width direction is greater on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction than on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost of the device and the number of assembly steps. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conveying path from an image forming unit to a sheet discharging unit; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a roller. [Figure 4] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing other configurations of the roller. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a spur. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another configuration of a spur. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the downstream spur is thickened. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the number of protrusions on the downstream side is increased. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which rollers are arranged intermittently in the axial direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which rollers are arranged continuously in the axial direction. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the roller and the spur are arranged so as not to come into contact with each other. [Figure 17] 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a spur enters between rollers; FIG. [Figure 18] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the amount of spur penetration changes in the axial direction. [Figure 19] 13 is a diagram for explaining the action and effect when the amount of penetration of the spur is changed. FIG. [Figure 20] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a conveying path in which both rollers and spurs that come into contact with each other and rollers and spurs that do not come into contact with each other are arranged. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which spurs are arranged so as to be in contact with each other. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which spurs are arranged so as not to come into contact with each other. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of another image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of still another image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. [Diagram 25] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a reversing conveying path to which the present invention can be applied; [Figure 26] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a transport unit to which the present invention can be applied; [Figure 27] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an example of a liquid ejection apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a post-processing device to which the present invention can be applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing for explaining the present invention, components such as members and components having the same function or shape are given the same reference numerals as far as they can be distinguished, and the description thereof will be omitted after the first description.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a document transport device 1, an image reading device 2, an image forming section 3, a sheet supply device 4, a cartridge mounting section 5, a drying device (heating device) 6, and a sheet discharge section 7. In addition, a sheet aligning device 200 is disposed beside the image forming apparatus 100.

[0012] The document transport device 1 is a device that separates documents one by one from a document tray 11 and transports them toward a contact glass 13 of an image reading device 2. The document transport device 1 includes a plurality of transport rollers and the like as a document transport means for transporting the documents.

[0013] The image reading device 2 is a device that reads an image of an original placed on the contact glass 13 or an image of an original passing over the contact glass 13. The image reading device 2 includes an optical scanning unit 12 as an image reading section. The optical scanning unit 12 includes a light source that irradiates light onto the original placed on the contact glass 13, and a CCD (charge-coupled device) or the like as an image reading means that reads an image from the light reflected from the original. A contact image sensor (CIS) or the like may also be used as the image reading means.

[0014] The image forming unit 3 has a liquid ejection head 14 as a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid ink onto a sheet. The liquid ejection head 14 may be a so-called serial type that ejects ink while moving in the main scanning direction (sheet width direction), or may be a so-called line type that ejects ink without moving a plurality of liquid ejection heads aligned in the main scanning direction.

[0015] A plurality of ink cartridges 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15Bk are removably mounted in the cartridge mounting section 5. Each of the ink cartridges 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15Bk is filled with ink of a different color, such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The ink in each ink cartridge is supplied to the liquid ejection head 14 by a supply pump.

[0016] The sheet supply device 4 is provided with a plurality of paper feed cassettes 16 as sheet storage units. Each paper feed cassette 16 stores paper P, so-called cut paper, which has been cut to a predetermined size in the paper transport direction (sheet transport direction), such as A4 size or B4 size, as a sheet on which an image is to be formed. Each paper feed cassette 16 is also provided with a paper feed roller 17 as a sheet feeding means and a separation pad 18 as a sheet separating means.

[0017] The drying device 6 includes a pair of heating rotors that sandwich and heat the paper while transporting it. The heat source included in the drying device 6 may be a radiant heat heater that emits infrared rays, such as a halogen heater or a carbon heater, or an electromagnetic induction type heat source. The drying device 6 may also be a hot air generator that blows hot air onto the paper to heat it.

[0018] The sheet alignment device 200 is a post-processing device that aligns the paper sheets sent from the image forming device 100. In addition to the sheet alignment device 200, other post-processing devices such as a staple processing device that staples the paper sheets or a punch processing device that punches holes in the paper sheets may be provided.

[0019] The operation of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0020] When an instruction to start a printing operation is given, a sheet P is fed from one of the multiple sheet feed cassettes 16. More specifically, as the sheet feed roller 17 rotates, the topmost sheet P stored in the sheet feed cassette 16 is separated from the other sheets (sheet stack) by the sheet feed roller 17 and the separation pad 18 and sent out.

[0021] When the paper P is transported to a horizontal transport path 20 facing the image forming unit 3, an image is formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 3. In detail, the ejection operation of the liquid ejection head 14 is controlled according to image information of the original read by the image reading device 2 or print information instructed to be printed from a terminal, and ink is ejected onto the image forming surface (upper surface) of the paper P to form an image. Note that the image formed on the paper P may be a meaningful image such as a character or a figure, or may be a pattern that does not have any meaning in itself.

[0022] When double-sided printing is performed, the paper P is guided to the reversing conveying path 21 by conveying the paper P in the opposite direction downstream of the image forming unit 3 in the paper conveying direction. More specifically, after the rear end of the paper P passes through the first path switching means 31 arranged downstream of the image forming unit 3 in the paper conveying direction, the first path switching means 31 switches the conveying path to the reversing conveying path 21 and the paper P is conveyed in the opposite direction. As a result, the paper P is guided to the reversing conveying path 21. Then, as the paper P passes through the reversing conveying path 21, the paper P is conveyed again to the image forming unit 3 in an inverted state, and an image is formed on the back side of the paper P by the same operation of the image forming unit 3 as described above.

[0023] The paper P on which the image has been formed is selectively guided to the conveyance path 22 passing through the drying device 6 or the conveyance path 23 not passing through the drying device 6 by the second path switching means 32 located downstream of the first path switching means 31 in the paper conveyance direction. When the paper P is guided to the conveyance path 22 passing through the drying device 6, the ink on the paper P is dried by the drying device 6. On the other hand, when the paper P is guided to the conveyance path 23 not passing through the drying device 6, the paper P is selectively guided by the third path switching means 33 to the conveyance path 24 leading to the sheet discharge section 7 or the conveyance path 25 leading to the sheet alignment device 200. In addition, the paper P that has passed through the drying device 6 is also selectively guided by another fourth path switching means 34 to the conveyance path 26 leading to the sheet discharge section 7 or the conveyance path 27 leading to the sheet alignment device 200.

[0024] When the paper P is guided to the transport paths 24, 26 leading to the sheet discharge section 7, the paper P is discharged to the sheet discharge section 7. On the other hand, when the paper P is guided to the transport paths 25, 27 leading to the sheet alignment device 200, the paper P is transported to the sheet alignment device 200, where the paper P is aligned and placed. This completes a series of printing operations. Note that in this embodiment, a so-called face-down paper discharge method is adopted in which the paper P is sent to the sheet discharge section 7 or the sheet alignment device 200 with its image forming surface (the surface on which ink is attached in the case of single-sided printing) facing down, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a face-up paper discharge method in which the paper P is sent with its image forming surface facing up may also be used.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conveying path (sheet conveying path) 90 leading from the image forming unit 3 to the sheet discharging unit 7 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the direction of the arrow on the dashed line indicates the paper conveying direction (sheet conveying direction) in which paper is conveyed.

[0026] 2, a conveying path 90 leading from the image forming unit 3 to the sheet discharge unit 7 is provided with a conveying device 39 including a plurality of rollers 41 and a plurality of spurs 42. Each roller 41 and each spur 42 are pressurized by a biasing means such as a spring so that at least one of them approaches the other, and are in pressure contact with each other. In this way, when a sheet P enters between the roller 41 and the spur 42 that are in pressure contact with each other, the sheet P is conveyed while being sandwiched between the roller 41 that is driven to rotate and the spur 42 that is driven to rotate. Note that the spur 42 may be driven to rotate instead of the roller 41.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 3, the roller 41 as a rotating body is composed of a cylindrical elastic body 44 provided on the outer circumferential surface of a support shaft 43. Various elastic materials such as rubber can be used as the material of the elastic body 44, and in particular, a material having good releasability to ink or good water repellency is preferable. A coating layer made of a material having good releasability or water repellency may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the elastic body 44. The roller 41 may be continuously provided in the axial direction of the support shaft 43 extending in the paper width direction (sheet width direction) B intersecting with the paper conveying direction A as in the example shown in Fig. 3, or may be intermittently provided in the axial direction of the support shaft 43 as in the example shown in Fig. 4.

[0028] The spur 42 is a disk-shaped protruding rotor provided with a plurality of protrusions protruding in the outer diameter direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the spurs 42 are provided at intervals in the axial direction of the support shaft 45 extending in the paper width direction B. The intervals between the spurs 42 may be equal or different. As shown in the example in FIG. 6, a spur group 420 in which the plurality of spurs 42 are arranged so as to be close to each other may be arranged at equal or different intervals along the axial direction of the support shaft 45. The support shaft 45 may be a shaft that passes through all the spurs 42, or may be a plurality of shafts that are individually provided for each spur 42 or each spur group 420.

[0029] Here, if the roller 41 and the spur 42 arranged at the same position in the paper transport direction are regarded as one transport means, then in the transport path 90 from the image forming unit 3 to the sheet discharge unit 7, four transport means 40A-40D are arranged at intervals in the paper transport direction (sheet transport direction) as shown in Fig. 2. Hereinafter, the four transport means 40A-40D will be referred to as "first transport means 40A", "second transport means 40B", "third transport means 40C", and "fourth transport means 40D" in order from the side closest to the image forming unit 3, and the upstream side and downstream side in the paper transport direction will be simply referred to as "upstream side" and "downstream side" in the description.

[0030] 2, in the conveying path 90 of this embodiment, the first conveying means 40A is disposed in a first horizontal conveying section 91, the second conveying means 40B is disposed in a first curved conveying section 92, the third conveying means 40C is disposed in a vertical conveying section 93, and the fourth conveying means 40D is disposed in a second horizontal conveying section 95. In addition, a second curved conveying section 94 is provided between the vertical conveying section 93 and the second horizontal conveying section 95.

[0031] In contrast, in the conveying path upstream of the conveying path 90 (the conveying path upstream of the image forming unit 3), a plurality of conveying means each having a pair of rollers such as a rubber roller are arranged. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a sheet is sent out from the sheet supply device 4, the sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 3 while being sandwiched between the roller pair.

[0032] However, since paper has wet ink on it immediately after an image is formed on it, if the paper after image formation is transported by the pair of rollers, the ink on the paper may adhere to the rollers, causing the image to be distorted or the ink on the rollers may adhere to the paper that is transported thereafter.

[0033] Therefore, in this embodiment, spurs 42, which have a smaller contact area with the paper than rollers, are arranged in the transport path 90 along which the paper is transported after image formation, suppressing image distortion. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the spurs 42 are arranged on the liquid-adhered surface (surface on which ink I is adhered) Pa side of the paper P, so that even if the spurs 42 come into contact with the liquid-adhered surface Pa of the paper P, ink is less likely to adhere to the spurs 42, suppressing image distortion during transport. Also, it is possible to suppress staining of the paper that is transported thereafter. Note that the "liquid-adhered surface" means the surface (front side) to which liquid (ink) is adhered in the case of single-sided printing, and means the surface (rear side) to which liquid (ink) is adhered the second time in the case of double-sided printing.

[0034] In this manner, in this embodiment, by arranging the spurs 42 on the liquid-adhered surface Pa side of the paper P, it is possible to transport the paper while suppressing image distortion. Meanwhile, the roller 41 comes into contact with the surface Pb opposite the liquid-adhered surface Pa side of the paper P, but in the case of single-sided printing, there is no ink adhering to the opposite surface Pb, so there is no risk of ink adhering to the roller 41.

[0035] In addition, in double-sided printing, after an image is formed on the front side of the paper P, it is preferable to once transport the paper P to the drying device 6 (see FIG. 1) to dry the image (ink) on the front side. In this case, it is preferable that the paper that has been dried is transported again to the image forming unit 3 without passing through the drying device 6. Specifically, after the drying process of the image on the front side, the paper P is switched back and guided to the conveying path 25 and the conveying path 23 shown in FIG. 1, and the paper P is guided to the image forming unit 3 via the reversing conveying path 21. Alternatively, the paper P may be guided to the upstream side of the conveying path 22 from the drying device 6 via another conveying path that bypasses the drying device 6, and the paper P may be guided to the image forming unit 3 via the reversing conveying path 21. In this way, by performing the drying process of the image on the front side before forming the image on the back side, even if the roller 41 comes into contact with the image on the front side after the image on the back side is formed, the ink is less likely to adhere to the roller 41, so that the deterioration of image quality due to the contact of the roller 41 can be suppressed.

[0036] However, even in a configuration using spurs 42 as a conveying member as in this embodiment, if the ink is not dried easily, such as when a large amount of ink adheres to the paper, there is a risk that the contact marks of the spurs may be left on the liquid-adhered surface Pa and the image may be distorted. Furthermore, such contact marks of the spurs 42 and image distortion are more likely to occur the greater the contact pressure of the spurs 42 with the paper P. Therefore, in order to suppress the contact marks and image distortion, it is preferable to reduce the contact pressure of the spurs 42 with the paper P. However, reducing the contact pressure of the spurs 42 creates a new problem in that the conveying force and conveying stability of the spurs 42 are reduced.

[0037] One method for solving this problem is to increase the number of spurs 42 aligned in the paper width direction B to improve the conveyance. By increasing the number of spurs 42 aligned in the paper width direction B, conveyance can be ensured even if the contact pressure of the spurs 42 is reduced. However, when the number of spurs 42 is increased, other problems arise, such as increased device costs and increased assembly man-hours.

[0038] Therefore, in the transport device according to the present invention, the following measures are taken to ensure image quality and transportability while suppressing an increase in the number of spurs.

[0039] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the conveying device according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings of each embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which only the spurs 42 of each of the three conveying means 40A to 40C, which are the first to third conveying means 40A to 40C counting from the upstream side of the conveying path 90, are shown.

[0041] Immediately after the ink is ejected and an image is formed on the paper, the paper is wet due to the moisture in the ink. Therefore, the more upstream the transport path is, where the ink has not yet dried, the more likely it is that spur marks and image distortion will occur. In order to prevent such spur marks and image distortion, it is preferable to reduce the contact pressure of the spurs against the paper, as described above.

[0042] For this reason, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the contact pressure of the spurs 42 against the paper is reduced on the upstream side of the transport path 90 where spur contact marks and image distortion are particularly likely to occur. Specifically, assuming that the contact pressures between the rollers 41 and the spurs 42 in the first transport means 40A on the upstream side, the second transport means 40B on the midstream side, and the third transport means 40 on the downstream side are Fa, Fb, and Fc, respectively, the contact pressures Fa, Fb, and Fc are set to gradually decrease from the downstream side to the upstream side (Fa <Fb<Fc)。

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, by setting the contact pressure between the roller 41 and the spur 42 to gradually decrease from the downstream side to the upstream side, the contact pressure of the spur 42 against the paper P can be reduced on the upstream side compared to the downstream and midstream sides, thereby suppressing contact marks from the spur and image distortion.

[0044] However, if the contact pressure of the spurs 42 on the upstream side is reduced, the conveyance of the paper by the spurs 42 (conveyance force and conveyance stability) decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to ensure conveyance on the upstream side, the number of spurs 42 aligned in the paper width direction B is made greater on the upstream side than on the downstream side, as shown in Fig. 7. Specifically, in this embodiment, assuming that the numbers of spurs of the first conveying means 40A on the upstream side, the second conveying means 40B on the midstream side, and the third conveying means 40 on the downstream side are Ha, Hb, and Hc, respectively, the numbers of spurs Ha, Hb, and Hc are set to gradually increase from the downstream side to the upstream side (Ha>Hb>Hc).

[0045] In this embodiment, the number of spurs 42 arranged in the paper width direction B is greater on the upstream side than on the downstream side, thereby improving the conveyance on the upstream side. As a result, even on the upstream side where the contact pressure of the spurs 42 is small, sufficient conveyance force is obtained, and the paper is less likely to flutter, ensuring stable conveyance. The positions of the spurs 42 in the paper width direction B on the upstream side, midstream side, and downstream side may be the same position (corresponding position) as each other, or may be different positions from each other. In addition, the "number of spurs arranged in the paper width direction" or "number of spurs" of each of the conveying means 40A, 40B, and 40C means the number of spurs arranged in a specific width region such as the maximum paper passing width region through which the maximum width paper passes. Therefore, the magnitude relationship of the "number of spurs arranged in the paper width direction" or "number of spurs" in the present invention refers to the magnitude relationship when comparing the numbers of spurs arranged in the same width region.

[0046] On the other hand, since the ink on the paper dries faster on the midstream and downstream sides than on the upstream side, there is little risk of the spurs leaving contact marks on the paper or the image on the paper being distorted, even if the contact pressure of the spurs 42 is increased. Therefore, in order to ensure transportability, the contact pressure of the spurs 42 can be increased on the midstream and downstream sides compared to the upstream side. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of spurs 42 on the midstream and downstream sides compared to the upstream side.

[0047] As described above, in this embodiment, by arranging the necessary number of spurs appropriately on the upstream side, downstream side, and midstream side between them of the conveying path, it is possible to ensure image quality and conveying performance while suppressing an increase in the number of spurs. In particular, since the number of spurs 42 on the midstream and downstream sides can be reduced compared to the upstream side, it is possible to reduce the cost of the device and the number of assembly steps.

[0048] Next, an embodiment different from the first embodiment will be described. Below, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the other parts will be omitted as they have basically the same configuration.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 8, in the second embodiment of the present invention, among the upstream first conveying means 40A, the middle stream second conveying means 40B, and the downstream third conveying means 40C, the number of strokes Ha and Hb of the upstream and middle stream conveying means 40A and 40B are made larger than the number of strokes Hc of the downstream third conveying means 40C (Ha, Hb > Hc). Also, in the present embodiment, the number of strokes Ha and Hb of the upstream and middle stream conveying means 40A and 40B are made the same (Ha = Hb).

[0051] Thus, in the present embodiment, since the number of strokes Ha and Hb of the upstream and middle stream conveying means 40A and 40B are made larger than the number of strokes Hc of the downstream third conveying means 40C, even if the contact pressures Fa and Fb of the respective strokes 42 on the upstream and middle stream sides are made smaller than the contact pressure Fc of the respective strokes 42 on the downstream side (Fa, Fb < Fc), conveyance performance can be ensured. Thereby, on the upstream and middle stream sides where the drying of the ink has not progressed as compared with the downstream side, while ensuring the conveyance performance, it is possible to suppress the contact marks of the strokes and the image disturbance. On the other hand, on the downstream side, since the number of strokes 42 can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the device cost and the assembly man-hours.

[0052] In the present embodiment, since the number of strokes on the upstream and middle stream sides are the same as each other, following this, the contact pressures Fa and Fb of the respective strokes 42 on the upstream and middle stream sides may also be set to the same magnitude (Fa = Fb). Also, in order to effectively suppress the contact marks of the strokes and the image disturbance on the upstream side, the contact pressure Fa of each stroke 42 on the upstream side may be made smaller than the contact pressure Fb of each stroke 42 on the middle stream side (Fa < Fb).

[0053] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 9, in the third embodiment of the present invention, among the upstream first conveying means 40A, the middle stream second conveying means 40B, and the downstream third conveying means 40C, the number of strokes Ha of the upstream first conveying means 40A is made larger than the number of strokes Hb and Hc of the middle stream and downstream conveying means 40B and 40C, respectively (Ha>Hb, Hc).

[0055] Thus, in this embodiment, by making the number of strokes Ha of the upstream conveying means 40A larger than the number of strokes Hb and Hc of the middle stream and downstream conveying means 40B and 40C, respectively, even if the contact pressure Fa of each stroke 42 on the upstream side is made smaller than the contact pressures Fb and Fc of the strokes 42 on the middle stream and downstream sides (Fa<Fb, Fc), the transportability can be ensured. As a result, on the upstream side where the drying of the ink has not progressed as much as on the middle stream and downstream sides, while ensuring the transportability, the contact marks of the strokes and the image disturbance can be suppressed. On the other hand, on the middle stream and downstream sides, since the number of strokes 42 can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the device cost and the assembly man-hours.

[0056] However, in this embodiment, different from the above-described embodiments, the number of strokes Hb of the middle stream second conveying means 40B is made smaller than the number of strokes Hc of the downstream third conveying means 40C (Hb<Hc). Generally, when the number of strokes is reduced, the transportability tends to decrease. However, in this embodiment, since the middle stream second conveying means 40B is arranged in the first curved conveying portion 92 shown in FIG. 2, the contact pressure of the roller 41 on the paper is larger than that of the other conveying means arranged in the linear conveying path. That is, in the first curved conveying portion 92 where the middle stream second conveying means 40B is arranged, the paper P is pressed against the roller 41 by the restoring force with which the bent paper P tries to return to its original state, so that the contact pressure of the paper P on the roller 41 becomes large. For this reason, in the middle stream second conveying means 40B, the transportability can be ensured even if the number of strokes is reduced.

[0057] Thus, in the middle stream second conveying means 40B, since the transportability can be ensured by the restoring force of the curved paper, the number of strokes can be reduced, and the device cost and the assembly man-hours can be reduced.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 10, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first conveying means 40A on the upstream side, the second conveying means 40B on the midstream side, and the third conveying means 40 on the downstream side each have a plurality of spur groups 420. In this case, each spur group 420 is composed of three spurs 42 arranged close to each other. In this embodiment, the number of spur groups 420 in each of the conveying means 40A to 40C gradually increases from the downstream side to the upstream side. Therefore, the number of spurs 42 itself also gradually increases from the downstream side to the upstream side.

[0060] In this embodiment, the number of spurs 420 is gradually increased from the downstream side to the upstream side, and the number of spurs 42 on the upstream side is particularly large, so that even if the contact pressure of each spur 42 on the upstream side is reduced, the conveyance performance can be ensured and the contact marks of the spurs and the image distortion can be suppressed. Also, the number of spurs 42 on the downstream side can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce the device cost and the assembly man-hours.

[0061] In this embodiment, the positions of the spurs 42 on the upstream, midstream, and downstream sides in the paper width direction B are different from one another, except for the spur groups 420 at both ends in the axial direction. In this way, the positions of the spurs 42 on the upstream, midstream, and downstream sides in the paper width direction B are different, and therefore the contact positions of the spurs with the paper are also different, making it possible to prevent the spurs 42 from repeatedly contacting the same position on the paper (a position that overlaps across the paper transport direction A). This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the occurrence of contact marks from the spurs.

[0062] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] 11, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, among the first conveying means 40A on the upstream side, the second conveying means 40B on the midstream side, and the third conveying means 40 on the downstream side, only the third conveying means 40C on the downstream side has a plurality of spurs 42 that do not constitute a spur group 420. Each of the other conveying means 40A, 40B each has a plurality of spur groups 420.

[0064] In this way, each of the conveying means 40A to 40C may have either a configuration without the spur group 420 or a configuration with the spur group 420. Also, in this embodiment, the number of spurs 42 arranged in the paper width direction B gradually increases from the downstream side to the upstream side, so that the contact pressure of each spur 42 can be reduced, particularly on the upstream side, and the contact marks of the spurs and the image disturbance can be suppressed while ensuring the conveyance performance. Also, on the downstream side, the number of spurs 42 can be reduced, so that the device cost and the assembly man-hours can be reduced. Note that the conveying means without the spur group 420 is not limited to the third conveying means 40C on the downstream side, but may be the second conveying means 40B on the midstream side or the first conveying means 40A on the upstream side.

[0065] Moreover, the spurs 42 provided in each of the conveying means 40A to 40C may have the following configuration.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the spurs 42 of the downstream third conveying means 40C are thicker in the axial direction (paper width direction B) than the spurs 42 of the upstream and midstream conveying means 40A, 40B. In this way, by making the thickness Tc of the downstream spurs 42 in the axial direction (paper width direction B) thicker than the thicknesses Ta, Tb of the upstream and midstream spurs 42 in the axial direction (paper width direction B), the contact area of ​​the spurs 42 with the paper increases in the paper width direction B on the downstream side, improving conveyance. Therefore, by adopting the configuration shown in FIG. 12, even on the downstream side where the number of spurs is smaller than on the upstream and midstream sides, conveyance is improved, paper flapping is suppressed, and paper can be conveyed more stably. In addition to the downstream spurs 42, the midstream spurs 42 may also be thicker than the upstream spurs 42.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the spurs 42 of the downstream third conveying means 40C are configured to have a larger number of protrusions per unit rotation angle than the spurs 42 of the upstream and midstream conveying means 40A, 40B. In this way, by making the number of protrusions per unit rotation angle of the downstream spurs 42 larger than the number of protrusions per unit rotation angle of the upstream and midstream spurs 42, the number of protrusions that come into contact with the paper increases on the downstream side, improving the conveying performance. Therefore, by adopting the configuration shown in FIG. 13, the conveying performance is improved even on the downstream side, which has fewer spurs than the upstream and midstream sides, and the flapping of the paper can be suppressed, making it possible to convey the paper more stably. In addition to the downstream spurs 42, the midstream spurs 42 may also have a larger number of protrusions than the upstream spurs 42.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the relationship between the number of spurs and the contact pressure has been described using the three conveying means 40A-40C arranged on the conveying path 90 as an example, but the relationship between the number of spurs and the contact pressure of the present invention may be established at least for two conveying means arranged relatively upstream and downstream. That is, the number of spurs may be greater on the midstream side than on the downstream side, the upstream side than on the midstream side, or the upstream side than on the downstream side, and the contact pressure of the spurs may be smaller on the midstream side than on the downstream side, the upstream side than on the midstream side, or the upstream side than on the downstream side. In addition, such a relationship between the number of spurs and the contact pressure may be similarly applied to a configuration including other conveying means (such as the fourth conveying means 40D) arranged on the conveying path 90.

[0069] In addition to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments, the conveying means may have configurations as shown in Figs.

[0070] The conveying means shown in Fig. 14 has a configuration including a plurality of rollers 41 arranged intermittently in the axial direction and a plurality of spur groups 420 in contact with each roller 41. The conveying means shown in Fig. 15 differs from Fig. 14 in that the rollers 41 are provided continuously across the plurality of spur groups 420. In particular, in the example shown in Fig. 15, the contact area between the rollers 41 and the paper P is increased, improving conveyability. For this reason, it is preferable to apply the configuration shown in Fig. 15 to the conveying means on the upstream side where the contact pressure of the spurs 42 with the paper is small.

[0071] As shown in the example of FIG. 16, the roller 41 and the spur 42 may be arranged to be shifted in the axial direction (paper width direction) so as not to contact each other.

[0072] 17 shows an example in which spurs 42 enter between rollers 41. In this case, the outer diameter direction tip Q of each spur 42 is arranged to enter the inner diameter side (support shaft 43 side) of roller 41 relative to position K on the outer circumferential surface of roller 41, so that the paper P can be conveyed while being curved by roller 41 and spur 42. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 17, even if cockling (waviness) occurs in paper P, the cockling can be corrected by conveying paper P while bending it in the opposite direction to the cockling.

[0073] 18 shows an example in which the positions of the tips Q of the spurs 42 in the outer diameter direction are different. In this case, the amount of penetration of the tips Q of the spurs 42 into the position K of the outer circumferential surface of the roller 41 changes gradually (curved) over the axial direction, so that the curvature of the paper P bent by the roller 41 and the spurs 42 can be made gentler (smaller). This reduces the load on the paper P and prevents damage to the paper P and deterioration of image quality.

[0074] 19, the contact pressure and conveying force of the spurs 42 with respect to the paper P can be adjusted by changing the intrusion amount R of the tip Q of each spur 42. That is, when the intrusion amount R of the tip Q of each spur 42 is large (when the intrusion amount is R1), the curvature of the paper P is larger than when the intrusion amount R is small (when the intrusion amount is R2), and the paper holding force by the rollers 41 and the spurs 42 is larger. Therefore, the force for conveying the paper P is larger, and conveyability is improved. On the other hand, when the intrusion amount R of the spurs 42 is small, the contact pressure of the spurs 42 with respect to the paper P can be reduced. Therefore, by making the intrusion amount R of the spurs 42 smaller on the upstream side than the intrusion amount R of the spurs 42 on the downstream side, it is possible to reduce the contact pressure of the spurs 42 on the upstream side and suppress the contact marks of the spurs and image distortion.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in the example of FIG. 20, each of the conveying means 40A-40D arranged on the conveying path 90 may be both a conveying means having rollers 41 and spurs 42 that come into contact with each other (first conveying means 40A), and a conveying means having rollers 41 and spurs 42 that do not come into contact with each other (second conveying means 40B, third conveying means 40C, fourth conveying means 40D).

[0076] Moreover, the conveying means may be configured such that the spurs 42 are in contact with each other as shown in FIG. 21, or may be configured such that the spurs 42 are arranged to be shifted from each other in the axial direction as shown in FIG.

[0077] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus in which the conveying device according to the present invention is installed is not limited to the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 1, but the present invention can also be applied to, for example, the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 23 or FIG.

[0078] The configuration of other image forming apparatuses to which the present invention can be applied will be described below. Note that in each image forming apparatus, the description will be mainly on the parts that are different from the above-mentioned embodiment, and the other parts are the same as the above-mentioned embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0079] 23 includes an original transport device 1, an image reading device 2, an image forming unit 3, a sheet supply device 4, a cartridge mounting unit 5, a transport device 39, and a sheet discharge unit 7, similar to the above-described embodiment, and further includes a manual sheet supply device 8. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 3 is disposed to face a transport path 80 along which paper P is transported obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0080] Manual sheet feeder 8 has manual tray 51 as a placement section for placing paper, and paper feed roller 52 as a feeding means for feeding paper from manual tray 51. Manual tray 51 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body so as to be openable (swingable). When manual tray 51 is in the open state (the state shown in FIG. 23), paper can be placed on manual tray 51 and fed.

[0081] 23, when an instruction to start a printing operation is given, paper P is supplied from the sheet supply device 4 or the manual sheet supply device 8, and the paper P is transported to the image forming unit 3 by the transport device 39. Then, when the paper P is transported to the image forming unit 3, ink is ejected from the liquid ejection head 14 onto the paper P to form an image.

[0082] When performing double-sided printing, after the paper P passes through the image forming unit 3, the paper P is transported in the opposite direction, and the first path switching means 71 guides the paper P to the reversing transport path 81. By passing through the reversing transport path 81, the paper P is transported again to the image forming unit 3 in an inverted state, and an image is formed on the back side of the paper P.

[0083] The paper P with images formed on one or both sides is conveyed further downstream by the conveying device 39 through the first path switching means 71. The paper P is then selectively guided by the second path switching means 72 to either the conveying path 82 leading to the upper sheet discharge section 7 or the conveying path 83 leading to the lower sheet discharge section 7. When the paper P is guided to the conveying path 82 leading to the upper sheet discharge section 7, the paper P is discharged to the upper sheet discharge section 7. On the other hand, when the paper P is guided to the conveying path 83 leading to the lower sheet discharge section 7, the paper P is further selectively guided by the third path switching means 73 to either the conveying path 84 leading to the lower sheet discharge section 7 or the conveying path 85 leading to the sheet alignment device 200.

[0084] Then, when the paper P is guided to the conveying path 84 toward the lower sheet discharge section 7, the paper P is discharged to the lower sheet discharge section 7. On the other hand, when the paper P is guided to the conveying path 85 toward the sheet alignment device 200, the paper P is conveyed to the sheet alignment device 200, where the paper P is aligned and placed.

[0085] 24 includes an original transport device 1, an image reading device 2, an image forming unit 3, a sheet supply device 4, a cartridge mounting unit 5, a transport device 39, a sheet discharge unit 7, and a manual sheet supply device 8, similar to the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 23. In this case, the image forming unit 3 is disposed to face a transport path 80 along which paper P is transported horizontally, similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0086] 24, when an instruction to start a printing operation is given, paper P is supplied from the sheet supply device 4 or the manual sheet supply device 8, and the paper P is transported to the image forming unit 3 by the transport device 39. Then, when the paper P is transported to the image forming unit 3, ink is ejected from the liquid ejection head 14 onto the paper P to form an image.

[0087] When performing double-sided printing, after the paper P passes through the image forming unit 3, the paper P is transported in the opposite direction, and the first path switching means 74 guides the paper P to the reversing transport path 87. By passing through the reversing transport path 87, the paper P is transported again to the image forming unit 3 in an inverted state, and an image is formed on the back side of the paper P.

[0088] The paper P with images formed on one or both sides is transported further downstream by the transport device 39 through the first path switching means 74. The paper P is then selectively guided by the second path switching means 75 to either the transport path 88 leading to the sheet discharge section 7 or the transport path 89 leading to the sheet alignment device 200. When the paper P is guided to the transport path 88 leading to the sheet discharge section 7, the paper P is discharged to the sheet discharge section 7. On the other hand, when the paper P is guided to the transport path 89 leading to the sheet alignment device 200, the paper P is transported to the sheet alignment device 200, where the paper P is aligned and placed.

[0089] By adopting the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment in the conveying device mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in Fig. 23 or 24, the same effect can be obtained. That is, since the image quality and conveying performance can be ensured while suppressing an increase in the number of spurs, the cost of the device and the number of assembly steps can be reduced.

[0090] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a conveying path that conveys the paper P from the image forming unit 3 to the sheet discharge unit 7, but is also applicable to a reversing conveying path that inverts the paper P and conveys it to the image forming unit 3. In the reversing conveying path, the rear end side of the paper on which an image has just been formed becomes the front end and enters due to the switchback operation of the paper (conveyance in the opposite direction), so if the spurs come into strong contact with the front end side of the paper after the switchback, there is a risk that the paper will be left with a contact mark of the spur or the image will be distorted.

[0091] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25, in the reverse conveying path 81, it is desirable that the contact pressure of the roller 41 and the spurs 42 be decreased in the order from the most downstream conveying means 40H to the upstream conveying means 40G, 40F. In addition, in the case where the roller 41 and the spurs 42 are configured not to contact each other, the advancement amount R of the spurs 42 (see FIG. 19) may be decreased in the order from the most downstream conveying means 40H to the upstream conveying means 40G, 40F. This can suppress the generation of contact marks and image disturbances caused by the spurs 42 contacting the paper P. In addition, the decrease in conveying performance caused by the contact pressure of the spurs 42 being smaller on the upstream side than on the downstream side can be compensated for by making the number of spurs on the upstream side greater than the number of spurs on the downstream side, as in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, and conveying performance can be ensured. For example, the number of spurs 42 may be increased in the order from the most downstream conveying means 40H to the upstream conveying means 40G, 40F.

[0092] Further, the present invention is not limited to a conveying device that is integrally provided in the image forming apparatus body, but can also be applied to a conveying unit (conveying device) that is detachable from the image forming apparatus body. Fig. 26 shows an example of a conveying unit 300 (conveying device 39) to which the present invention can be applied.

[0093] A transport unit 300 shown in FIG. 26 includes transport paths 88, 98 for transporting paper on which an image has been formed to a post-processing section (for example, sheet aligning device 200), and is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

[0094] By adopting the configuration of the above-described embodiment in such a transport unit 300, it is possible to ensure image quality and transportability while suppressing an increase in the number of spurs, and it is possible to reduce the cost of the device and the number of assembly steps.

[0095] Further, the present invention is not limited to a conveying device mounted on an image forming apparatus, but can also be applied to a liquid ejection device that ejects a treatment liquid or the like that does not form an image. Fig. 27 shows an example of a liquid ejection device to which the present invention can be applied.

[0096] The liquid ejection device shown in FIG. 27 includes, in addition to the image forming device 100, a treatment liquid ejection device 500 that ejects a treatment liquid for modifying the surface of a sheet before an image is formed. The treatment liquid ejection device 500 includes a liquid ejection section (treatment liquid ejection section) 70 that ejects a treatment liquid onto the sheet. In this case, the treatment liquid is ejected onto the sheet from the liquid ejection section 70 of the treatment liquid ejection device 500, and then the sheet is transported to the image forming device 100. Then, after an image is formed on the sheet in the image forming section 3, the sheet is transported to the drying device 6 by the transport device 39 including a spur and a transport roller, and the ink on the sheet is dried by the drying device 6. The liquid ejection device may include a drying device in the treatment liquid ejection device 500. In that case, after the treatment liquid is applied to the sheet in the treatment liquid ejection device 500, the treatment liquid on the sheet is dried by the drying device in the same device, and then the sheet is transported to the image forming device 100.

[0097] By adopting the configuration of the above-described embodiment in the conveying device 39 mounted on such a liquid ejection device, it is possible to ensure image quality and conveying performance while suppressing an increase in the number of spurs, thereby reducing the cost of the device and the number of assembly steps.

[0098] The present invention can also be applied to a post-processing device that performs post-processing on paper on which an image has been formed. Fig. 28 shows an example of a post-processing device 400 to which the present invention can be applied.

[0099] The post-processing device 400 shown in FIG. 28 includes a conveying device 39 for conveying a sheet, and a post-processing section 401 for performing post-processing such as stapling or punching on the sheet. When a sheet is conveyed from the image forming device 100 to the post-processing device 400 shown in FIG. 28, the sheet is conveyed by the conveying device 39 and then placed on a loading tray 403 of the post-processing section 401. At this time, if the sheet is placed face-up (image forming surface facing upward), the image formation order may be reversed (formed from the following page). Furthermore, the sheet P placed on the loading tray 403 is conveyed in the reversed front-rear direction by the conveying rollers 402 provided in the post-processing section 401. As a result, the rear end of the sheet P hits the rear end regulating section 403a of the loading tray 403, and the rear end position of the sheet P is aligned. Furthermore, the conveying rollers 402 are configured to be movable from a position where they can contact the sheet P to a retreat position where they do not contact the sheet P so as not to interfere with the sheet discharge to the loading tray 403. Then, with the rear end position of the paper P aligned, the paper P is stapled or punched. Thereafter, the conveying rollers 402 rotate in the reverse direction, whereby the paper P on the loading tray 403 is discharged to the outside of the post-processing device 400.

[0100] By adopting a configuration similar to that of the above-described embodiment in the conveying device 39 mounted on such post-processing device 400, it is possible to ensure image quality and conveying performance while suppressing an increase in the number of spurs, thereby reducing the cost of the device and the number of assembly steps.

[0101] In the present invention, the sheet onto which the liquid adheres may be anything that the liquid can adhere at least temporarily, and that the liquid adheres and sticks to, or that the liquid adheres and penetrates. Specifically, the sheet includes paper, resin film, wallpaper, electronic boards, and the like. Examples of the material of the sheet include paper, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, and the like. The sheet onto which the liquid adheres may be cut paper that has been cut to a predetermined size in the paper transport direction, or a long roll of paper that has been wound into a roll. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 3. Image forming section 14 Liquid ejection head (liquid ejection section) 39 Transport Equipment 41 Roller (rotating body) 42 Spur (protruding rotor) 100 Image forming device 400 Aftertreatment device A Paper transport direction (sheet transport direction) B Paper width direction (sheet width direction) P Paper (sheet) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0103] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-220147 A

Claims

1. A conveying device in which a rotating body is arranged on a surface side of a sheet having liquid adhered thereto opposite to a liquid-adhered surface thereof, and a protruding rotating body is arranged on the liquid-adhered surface side and has a plurality of protrusions protruding in an outer diameter direction, the rotating body being arranged at intervals in a sheet conveying direction on a sheet conveying path having at least a curved conveying portion, The rotor and the protruding rotor are arranged to be in contact with each other, The rotating body and the protruding rotating body include the rotating body and the protruding rotating body that are in contact with each other, and the rotating body and the protruding rotating body that are not in contact with each other, A conveying device, characterized in that the number of the protruding rotors arranged in a sheet width direction is greater on an upstream side in a sheet conveying direction than on a downstream side in the sheet conveying direction.

2. A conveying device in which a rotating body is arranged on a surface side of a sheet having liquid adhered thereto opposite to a liquid-adhered surface thereof, and a protruding rotating body is arranged on the liquid-adhered surface side and has a plurality of protrusions protruding in an outer diameter direction, the rotating body being arranged at intervals in a sheet conveying direction on a sheet conveying path having at least a curved conveying portion, The rotating body and the protruding rotating body are arranged to be shifted in the sheet width direction so as not to contact each other, The rotating body and the protruding rotating body include the rotating body and the protruding rotating body that are in contact with each other, and the rotating body and the protruding rotating body that are not in contact with each other, A conveying device, characterized in that the number of the protruding rotors arranged in a sheet width direction is greater on an upstream side in a sheet conveying direction than on a downstream side in the sheet conveying direction.

3. A conveying device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the position of the protruding rotor differs in the sheet width direction on the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction and the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction.

4. A conveying device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact pressure between the rotating body and the protruding rotating body which are in contact with each other is different on the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction and the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction.

5. A conveying device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thickness of the protrusion rotating body in the sheet width direction is different on the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction and the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction.

6. A conveying device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the number of protrusions of the protrusion rotating body is different on the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction and the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction.

7. The protruding rotating bodies are respectively arranged on an upstream side in a sheet conveying direction, a downstream side in a sheet conveying direction, and a midstream side in a sheet conveying direction between the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction and the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction, The conveying device according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the protruding rotors arranged in the sheet width direction is greater on the upstream side and the midstream side in the sheet conveying direction than on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction.

8. The protruding rotating bodies are respectively arranged on an upstream side in a sheet conveying direction, a downstream side in the sheet conveying direction, and a midstream side in the sheet conveying direction between the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction and the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction, A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of protruding rotating bodies arranged in the sheet width direction is greater on the midstream side of the sheet conveying direction than on the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction, and is greater on the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction than on the midstream side of the sheet conveying direction.

9. The protruding rotating bodies are respectively arranged on an upstream side in a sheet conveying direction, a downstream side in a sheet conveying direction, and a midstream side in a sheet conveying direction between the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction and the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction, A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of protruding rotating bodies arranged in the sheet width direction is greater on the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction than on the midstream side of the sheet conveying direction, and is greater on the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction than on the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction.

10. The protruding rotating bodies are respectively arranged on an upstream side in a sheet conveying direction, a downstream side in a sheet conveying direction, and a midstream side in a sheet conveying direction between the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction and the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction, 10. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein a contact pressure between the rotating body and the protruding rotating body which are in contact with each other differs on a downstream side in the sheet conveying direction, an upstream side in the sheet conveying direction, and a midstream side in the sheet conveying direction.

11. A liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a sheet; A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; A liquid ejection device comprising:

12. An image forming unit that ejects liquid onto a sheet to form an image; A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; An image forming apparatus comprising:

13. A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a post-processing section for processing the sheet; A post-processing device comprising:

14. A conveying device described in any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a conveying path for conveying a sheet to a post-processing section where the sheet is processed.

Images