Recording device

Abstract

To provide a technology advantageous for improvement of quality of recording.SOLUTION: A recording device as the recording device which applies ink to a medium to be recorded by means of a recording medium to form an image includes a plurality of temperature adjusting means which are set in parallel in the carriage direction of the medium to be recorded and adjust a temperature of the medium to be recorded, a plurality of measurement means which measure the temperatures of the mediums to be recorded temperature-adjusted by respective temperature-adjusting means and control means which makes temperature adjusting ability of the respective temperature adjusting means variable. Therein, each of the plurality of temperature adjusting means has a temperature adjusting area for temperature-adjusting the area in a width direction of the medium to be recorded and each of the plurality of measurement means measures a temperature in a width direction of the medium to be recorded, and the control means controls the plurality of temperature adjusting means based on the temperature measured by the plurality of measurement means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which ink is ejected from a recording head onto an intermediate drum, also referred to as an intermediate transfer member (or simply a transfer member), to form an image on the intermediate drum, and the image is transferred to a recording medium to record the image. Further, Patent Document 2 describes a thermal transfer machine in which a transfer material is brought into contact with an object to be transferred by a heated transfer roller for transfer. According to Patent Document 2, a plurality of auxiliary heaters are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the transfer roller in order to suppress a decrease in the surface temperature of the transfer roller due to contact with the object to be transferred.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, since a mechanism for controlling the temperature of the intermediate transfer member is not provided, it is susceptible to disturbances (such as ambient temperature, ink droplet amount, difference in heat absorption amount for each ink color, etc.), and it is difficult to maintain the temperature of the intermediate transfer member within an appropriate range. Further, according to Patent Document 2, although a decrease in the surface temperature of the transfer roller is suppressed, a mechanism for suppressing a decrease in the temperature of the transfer material is not provided. These can also cause a decrease in the quality of recording.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of the above problems by the inventor, and an exemplary object thereof is to provide a technology advantageous for improving the quality of recording.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a recording apparatus, and the recording apparatus is a recording apparatus that forms an image by applying ink to a recording medium by a recording means, a plurality of temperature adjusting means arranged in parallel in the conveyance direction of the recording medium for adjusting the temperature of the recording medium, a plurality of measuring means for measuring the temperature of the recording medium whose temperature is adjusted by each temperature adjusting means, and control means for making the temperature adjusting ability of each temperature adjusting means variable, each of the plurality of temperature adjusting means has a temperature adjusting region for adjusting the temperature of a region in the width direction of the recording medium, each of the plurality of measuring means measures the temperature in the width direction of the recording medium, and the control means controls the plurality of temperature adjusting means based on the temperature measured by the plurality of measuring means and in the temperature adjustment region, the region corresponding to the width direction in the second temperature adjustment region located upstream in the conveyance direction is wider than that in the first temperature adjustment region located downstream in the conveyance direction characterized in that.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the quality of recording.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0010] <Recording system> FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a recording system (recording apparatus) 1 according to an embodiment. Arrows X, Y, and Z are substantially orthogonal to each other. Arrow X and arrow Y respectively correspond to the left-right direction (width direction) and the front-back direction (depth direction) and together form a horizontal direction, and arrow Z corresponds to the up-down direction (height direction). The same shall apply to other figures described later.

[0011] The recording system 1 is a so-called sheet-fed inkjet printer, which includes a recording device 1A and a conveying device 1B. Although details will be described later, a recording object P' is manufactured by transferring an ink image onto a recording medium P, which is a cut sheet, via a transfer body (recording medium to be recorded) 2. In this embodiment, the recording medium P is conveyed in the X direction. Also, the Y direction corresponds to the width direction of the recording medium P or the transfer body 2.

[0012] In addition, as the ink, aqueous pigment ink containing pigments, water, resin, etc. can be used, but it is not limited thereto.

[0013] <Recording device> The recording device 1A includes a recording unit 3, a transfer unit 4, peripheral units 5A to 5E, and a supply unit 6.

[0014] <Recording unit> FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the recording unit 3. The recording unit 3 includes a plurality of recording heads 30, a carriage 31, and a slide unit 32. The recording heads 30 discharge liquid ink onto the transfer body 2 to form an ink image of a recorded image.

[0015] Each of the plurality (here, nine) of recording heads 30 is a full-line head extending in the Y direction so as to be able to discharge ink over the entire area of the recording medium P, and a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the Y direction on the ink discharge surface. The transfer body 2 is configured in a cylindrical shape and is configured to rotate about its central axis as a rotation axis. Therefore, the plurality of recording heads 30 are arranged radially so as to face the surface of the transfer body 2. In this embodiment, the ink discharge surface of the recording head 30 faces the surface of the transfer body 2 with a minute gap (for example, several mm (millimeters)).

[0016] Each nozzle is provided with a discharge element (not shown). The discharge element is configured to make the pressure inside the nozzle high and discharge the ink inside the nozzle, for example. In this embodiment, an electrothermal conversion element (heater) is used, but a piezo element may be used in other embodiments. Alternatively, as yet another embodiment, a laser or the like that realizes the transfer of the transfer body 2 by static electricity may be used.

[0017] The plurality of recording heads 30 are configured to discharge different types of ink. Different types of ink are typically inks having different colorants (for example, yellow ink, magenta ink, cyan ink, black ink, etc.). That is, one recording head 30 discharges one type of ink. As another embodiment, one recording head 30 may be configured to discharge a plurality of types of ink, or some of the recording heads 30 may discharge ink that does not contain a colorant (for example, clear ink).

[0018] The carriage 31 fixes the plurality of recording heads 30 at their end portions on the ink discharge surface side, thereby more appropriately maintaining the distance between the ink discharge surface and the surface of the transfer body. Further, the carriage 31 is displaceable while mounting the recording head 30 under the guidance of the guide unit RL. In the present embodiment, the guide unit RL is a rail-shaped member extending in the Y direction, and a pair of them are provided spaced apart in the X direction. The slide portions 32 are installed on each side portion of the carriage 31 in the X direction, engage with the guide unit RL, and slide in the Y direction under the guidance of the guide unit RL.

[0019] FIG. 3 schematically shows the mode of the displacement of the recording unit 3. A recovery unit 12 is provided at the rear part of the recording system 1. The recovery unit 12 includes a cap mechanism that caps the ink discharge surface of the recording head 30, a wiper mechanism that wipes the ink discharge surface, and a suction mechanism that sucks the ink in the recording head 30 from the ink discharge surface by negative pressure. With such a configuration, the recovery unit 12 restores the discharge performance of the recording head 30.

[0020] The guide unit RL extends in the Y direction from the transfer body 2 to the recovery unit 12. The recording unit 3 is displaceable between positions POS1 to POS3 under the guidance of the guide unit RL. Although details will be described later, the positions POS1, POS2, and POS3 are the ejection position POS1, the preliminary recovery position POS2, and the recovery position POS3, respectively.

[0021] At the ejection position POS1, the ink ejection surface of the recording head 30 faces the surface of the transfer body 2, and the recording unit 3 can eject ink onto the transfer body 2. At the recovery position POS3, the recording unit 3 is located on the recovery unit 12, and the recovery unit 12 performs a performance recovery process on the recording head 30. In the present embodiment, a preliminary recovery process can also be performed at the preliminary recovery position POS2 between the ejection position POS1 and the recovery position POS3. For example, at the preliminary recovery position POS2 while the recording head 30 is moving from the ejection position POS1 to the recovery position POS3, the recovery unit 12 can perform a preliminary recovery process on the recording head 30.

[0022] <Transfer unit> Referring to FIG. 1 again, the transfer unit 4 includes a transfer drum (transfer cylinder) 41 and a pressure cylinder 42. These cylinders 41 and 42 are cylindrical rotors that rotate about a shaft body in the Y direction as the rotation axis. The illustrated arrows indicate the rotation directions of these cylinders 41 and 42. Here, it is assumed that the transfer drum 41 rotates clockwise and the pressure cylinder 42 rotates counterclockwise.

[0023] The aforementioned transfer body 2 is supported on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 41 and is continuously or intermittently provided around the outer peripheral surface. When provided continuously, the transfer body 2 is formed in an endless belt shape. When provided intermittently, the transfer body 2 is formed by dividing it into a plurality of segments in an end-belt shape, and each segment is arranged in an arc shape at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 41.

[0024] The transfer body 2 moves cyclically while drawing a circular orbit as the transfer drum 41 rotates. Here, it is assumed that the transfer body 2 rotates clockwise in the figure. Depending on the rotation phase of the transfer drum 41, the position of the transfer body 2 can be distinguished into a pre-discharge processing region R1 to R2, a discharge region R3, a post-discharge processing region R4 to R5, a transfer region R6, and a post-transfer processing region R7. The transfer body 2 passes through regions R1 to R7 cyclically. Although details will be described later, predetermined processing is performed on the transfer body 2 by the peripheral units 5A to 5E in the regions R1 to R2, R4 to R5, and R7.

[0025] The pre-discharge processing regions R1 to R2 are regions for performing pre-processing on the transfer body 2 before the ink is discharged by the recording unit 3. In the pre-discharge processing region R1, processing is performed by the peripheral unit 5A. In the pre-discharge processing region R2, processing is performed by the peripheral unit 5B. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the transfer body 2, the region R1 is located in one side part (here, the left side part), and the region R2 is located in one side upper part (here, the left upper part).

[0026] The discharge region R3 is a region where the recording unit 3 discharges ink onto the transfer body 2 to form an ink image. The discharge region R3 is located in the upper part and can be provided wider than the other regions R1 to R2 and R4 to R7 in this embodiment.

[0027] The post-discharge processing regions R4 to R5 are regions for performing processing on the ink image after the ink is discharged. In the post-discharge processing region R4, processing is performed by the peripheral unit 5C, and in the post-discharge processing region R5, processing is performed by the peripheral unit 5D. The region R4 is located in the other side upper part (here, the right upper part), and the region R5 is located in the other side lower part (here, the right lower part).

[0028] The transfer region R6 is a region where the ink image on the transfer body 2 is transferred to the recording medium P by the transfer unit 4. The region R6 is located in the lower part.

[0029] The post-transfer processing area R7 is an area where post-processing is performed on the transfer body 2 after transfer. In the post-transfer processing area R7, processing by the peripheral unit 5E is performed. Note that the area R7 is located in one lower side (here, the lower left side).

[0030] The transfer body 2 may be composed of a single layer, but it is preferably composed of a laminate of multiple layers. When the transfer body 2 is composed of multiple layers, for example, it may include three layers: a surface layer, an elastic layer, and a compression layer. The surface layer is the outermost layer having an image formation surface on which an ink image is formed. The compression layer absorbs deformation, disperses the local pressure fluctuations, and maintains transferability even during high-speed recording. The elastic layer is a layer between the surface layer and the compression layer.

[0031] As the material of the surface layer, resin, ceramic, etc. can be used. Alternatively, from the viewpoint of improving durability, etc., materials with a high compression elastic modulus, for example, acrylic resin, acrylic silicone resin, fluorine-containing resin, etc. may be used, or condensates obtained by condensing hydrolyzable organosilicon compounds may be used. The surface layer may be subjected to surface treatment in order to improve the wettability of the reaction liquid, the transferability of the image, etc. Examples of the surface treatment include frame treatment, corona treatment, plasma treatment, polishing treatment, roughening treatment, active energy ray irradiation treatment, ozone treatment, surfactant treatment, silane coupling treatment, or a combination of these treatments. Also, an arbitrary surface shape may be provided on the surface layer.

[0032] As materials for the compression layer, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, acrylic rubber, chloroprene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, etc. can be used. When molding such rubber materials, a predetermined amount of vulcanizing agent, vulcanization accelerator, etc. are blended, and further, a foaming agent, hollow fine particles or a filler such as salt may be blended as necessary to make the rubber material porous. Thereby, the compression layer can be compressed with a volume change of the bubble portion in response to various pressure fluctuations, so that deformation in directions other than the compression direction is small, which is advantageous for improving transferability and durability. As the porous rubber material, there are those having a continuous pore structure in which each pore is continuous with each other and those having a closed pore structure in which each pore is independent, and either structure may be adopted, or a structure combining these may be adopted.

[0033] As members of the elastic layer, resins, ceramics, etc. can be used. Alternatively, from the viewpoint of improving workability, etc., elastomer materials, rubber materials, etc. may be used. Examples thereof include fluorosilicone rubber, phenyl silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, chloroprene rubber, urethane rubber, nitrile rubber, etc. Other examples include ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, styrene rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, ethylene / propylene / butadiene copolymer, nitrile butadiene rubber, etc. In particular, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber and phenyl silicone rubber are advantageous for improving shape stability and durability because they have a small compression set. Also, these rubbers have a small change in elastic modulus with respect to temperature change, which is also advantageous for further improving transferability.

[0034] Between the surface layer and the elastic layer and between the elastic layer and the compression layer, a predetermined adhesive or double-sided tape can be used to fix them. Also, in order to suppress the axial elongation that may occur in the transfer body 2 when it is attached to the transfer drum 41, or to maintain stiffness, the transfer body 2 may further include a reinforcing layer having a high compression elastic modulus. A woven fabric can be used as an example. The transfer body 2 may be produced by arbitrarily combining several of the above-mentioned layers.

[0035] The impression cylinder 42 is pressed against the transfer body 2 on its outer peripheral surface. On the outer peripheral surface of the impression cylinder 42, one or more grip mechanisms for holding the leading end portion of the recording medium P are provided. A plurality of grip mechanisms may be provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the impression cylinder 42. The recording medium P is conveyed while being in close contact or adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the impression cylinder 42, and when passing through the portion (nip portion) nipped or sandwiched between the impression cylinder 42 and the transfer body 2, the ink image on the transfer body 2 is transferred to the recording medium P.

[0036] A power source or drive source such as a motor for driving the transfer drum 41 and the impression cylinder 42 is provided in common for these, and the power or driving force is distributed to the transfer drum 41 and the impression cylinder 42 by a transmission mechanism such as a gear mechanism.

[0037] <Peripheral unit> Referring to FIG. 1, the peripheral units 5A to 5E are arranged around the transfer drum 412. In the present embodiment, they are, in order, a wax application unit, a reaction liquid application unit, an absorption unit, a heating unit, and a cleaning unit. In the following description, the peripheral units 5A to 5E can be expressed as a wax application unit 5A, a reaction liquid application unit 5B, an absorption unit 5C, a heating unit 5D, and a cleaning unit 5E, respectively.

[0038] The wax application unit 5A applies wax onto the transfer body 2 before the ink is ejected by the recording unit 3. The wax is applied to the transfer body 2 so as to overlap at least a part of the region where the ink is applied. Thereby, a wax layer can be formed on the surface of the transfer body 2. The wax layer may be formed over the entire region corresponding to the recording medium P. Although details will be described later, it is preferable to use wax that is solid at normal temperature and undergoes a phase change to a liquid when heated and melted. Examples of mechanisms capable of applying wax include a bar coater, a gravure coater, an offset coater, a die coater, a blade coater, a knife coater, etc., or a configuration combining them may be adopted. Also, a roller may be used to apply wax to the transfer body 2, whereby wax can be uniformly applied to the region corresponding to the recording medium P.

[0039] The wax layer formed by applying wax to the transfer body 2 serves as a release layer for facilitating the peeling of the image on the transfer body 2. The wax may be a composition containing components other than wax.

[0040] Wax, in a narrow sense, is an ester of a higher monohydric or dihydric alcohol insoluble in water and a fatty acid, and includes animal waxes and plant waxes, but does not include fats and oils. In a broad sense, it includes various wax formulations and modified products such as high-melting fats, mineral waxes, and petroleum waxes. In this embodiment, any wax in the broad sense can be used without particular limitation. Wax in the broad sense can be classified into natural waxes, synthetic waxes, mixtures thereof (compounded waxes), and modified products thereof (modified waxes).

[0041] Examples of natural waxes include animal waxes (e.g., beeswax, spermaceti wax, lanolin), plant waxes (e.g., cork wax, carnauba wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax, candelilla wax, rice wax), mineral waxes (e.g., montan wax), and petroleum waxes (e.g., paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, petrolatum). Examples of synthetic waxes include hydrocarbon waxes such as Fischer-Tropsch wax and polyolefin waxes (e.g., polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax). Compounded waxes are mixtures of several of the above waxes. Modified waxes are those obtained by subjecting several of the above waxes to modification treatments such as oxidation, hydrogenation, alcohol modification, acrylic modification, and urethane modification. The wax is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, polyolefin wax, paraffin wax, and modified products thereof.

[0042] As the wax, it is preferably a solid at normal temperature (25 °C), more preferably one having a melting point of 40 °C or higher and 120 °C or lower, and still more preferably one having a melting point of 50 °C or higher and 100 °C or lower. The melting point of the wax can be measured by a test method conforming to a predetermined standard (here, the melting point test method described in item 5.3.1 of JIS standard K2235:1991 (petroleum wax)). In the case of microcrystalline wax, petrolatum or a mixture thereof, it can be measured by the test method described in item 5.3.2.

[0043] Incidentally, the melting point of the wax is liable to be affected by characteristics such as molecular weight (the higher the molecular weight, the higher the melting point), molecular structure (the melting point is higher for a straight chain and lower for the presence of branches), crystallinity (the higher the crystallinity, the higher the melting point), and density (the higher the density, the higher the melting point). Therefore, it is advisable to adjust these characteristics to make the melting point of the wax as desired.

[0044] The reaction liquid applying unit 5B applies a reaction liquid onto the transfer body 2 before the ink is ejected by the recording unit 3. The reaction liquid contains a component for increasing the viscosity of the ink. Here, the increase in the viscosity of the ink refers to chemically reacting or physically adsorbing a colorant, resin, etc. constituting the ink to increase the viscosity of the ink as a whole / partially. Other liquids may be used for the reaction liquid according to the application.

[0045] As the component for increasing the viscosity of the ink, substances (organic acids) that cause a change in the pH of the ink and aggregate the colorant in the ink, such as metal ions and polymer flocculants, can be used, but are not limited to this example. As a mechanism for applying the reaction liquid, for example, a roller, a recording head, a die coating device (die coater), a blade coating device (blade coater), etc. can be mentioned. If the reaction liquid is applied to the transfer body 2 before the ink is ejected, the ink adhering to the transfer body 2 can be quickly fixed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the so-called bleeding in which adjacent inks mix with each other.

[0046] The absorption unit 5C absorbs the liquid component from the ink image on the transfer body 2. Thereby, bleeding and the like of the image recorded on the recording medium P can be suppressed. From another perspective, the absorption unit 5C concentrates the ink that constitutes the ink image on the transfer body 2. Concentrating the ink means increasing the content ratio of coloring materials, resins, and the like with respect to the liquid component by reducing the liquid component contained in the ink.

[0047] Examples of the liquid component include water, organic solvents, etc. contained in ink and reaction liquids, and are not limited to these examples as long as they are fluid (do not have a fixed shape) and have a substantially constant volume.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the absorption unit 5C includes a liquid absorption member that contacts the ink image and reduces the amount of the liquid component of the ink image. The liquid absorption member may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of a roller or may be formed in an endless sheet shape and circulate. From the viewpoint of protecting the ink image, the moving speed of the liquid absorption member may be made the same as the peripheral speed of the transfer body 2, and the liquid absorption member may be moved in synchronization with the transfer body 2.

[0049] The liquid absorption member may include a porous body that contacts the ink image. In order to suppress the adhesion of ink solid components to the liquid absorption member, the pore diameter of the porous body on the surface that contacts the ink image may be 10 μm (micrometers) or less. The pore diameter here is the average value of the diameters and can be measured by known measurement methods such as mercury intrusion porosimetry, nitrogen adsorption method, and SEM image observation.

[0050] The heating unit 5D heats the ink image on the transfer body 2 by radiation of radiant heat before executing the transfer from the transfer body 2 to the recording medium P. By heating the ink image, the heating unit 5D can melt the resin in the ink image and improve the transferability of the ink image to the recording medium P. The temperature during heating may be equal to or higher than the minimum film-forming temperature (MFT) of the resin. The MFT can be measured by a method conforming to standards such as JIS K 6828-2:2003 and ISO2115:1996. From the viewpoint of further improving the transferability, the heating unit 5D is preferably heated at a temperature 10°C or more higher than the MFT, and more preferably at a temperature 20°C or more higher than the MFT. As the heating unit 5D, a known heating device such as an infrared heater, an infrared lamp, or a hot air fan may be used.

[0051] The cleaning unit 5E cleans the transfer body 2 after the transfer from the transfer body 2 to the recording medium P is completed. The cleaning unit 5E removes the ink, wax, reaction solution, and other residues remaining on the transfer body 2. Examples of the cleaning method include a method of cleaning by bringing a member made of a material with a high surface free energy (metal, polyimide-based) into contact with the transfer body 2. Alternatively, known methods such as a method of bringing a porous member into contact with the transfer body 2, a method of rubbing the surface of the transfer body 2 with a brush, and a method of scraping off the residues on the surface of the transfer body 2 with a blade may be used. Incidentally, known shapes such as a roller shape and a web shape can be used for the members enabling such cleaning.

[0052] In addition to the above wax application unit 5A, reaction liquid application unit 5B, absorption unit 5C, heating unit 5D, and cleaning unit 5E, a cooling unit having a cooling function for the transfer body 2 may be arranged as a peripheral unit. Alternatively, a part of the peripheral units 5A to 5E may be incidentally provided with a cooling function. Here, in the present embodiment, the temperature of the transfer body 2 rises due to the heat of the heating unit 5D. When the transfer body 2 with the increased temperature passes through the recording unit 3, heat acts on the recording head 30, and the landing performance of the ink may deteriorate, or the image film may crack in an excessively dry state. By cooling the transfer body 2 with the above cooling unit and maintaining the temperature of the transfer body 2 within a predetermined range, the recording performance of the recording head 30 when passing through the recording unit 3 can be appropriately maintained, and the formation of an image can be stabilized.

[0053] In addition, for the cooling unit, a mechanism for blowing air to the transfer body 2 or a mechanism for cooling the transfer body 2 by air cooling or water cooling by bringing a member (for example, a roller) into contact with the transfer body 2 may be used. Further, a mechanism for cooling the cleaning member of the cleaning unit 5E may be used for the cooling unit. In addition, this cooling may be performed at any timing from after the completion of transfer to before the application of the wax and the reaction liquid.

[0054] <Supply Unit> Referring to FIG. 1, the supply unit 6 supplies ink to each recording head 30 of the recording unit 3. The supply unit 6 can be provided at the rear part of the recording system 1. The supply unit 6 includes a plurality of storage parts TK, and in each storage part TK, ink of a corresponding type is stored. Further, the storage part TK may be composed of a main tank and a sub-tank.

[0055] Each storage unit TK communicates with each recording head 30 through a flow path 6a, and ink is supplied from the storage unit TK to the recording head 30. The flow path 6a may be a flow path for circulating ink between the storage unit TK and the recording head 30, and a pump or the like for circulating ink may be arranged in the middle thereof. Further, a degassing mechanism for degassing bubbles in the ink may be provided in the middle of the flow path 6a or in the storage unit TK, or a valve for adjusting the liquid pressure of the ink and the atmospheric pressure may be provided. Further, the height in the Z direction between the storage unit TK and the recording head 30 is preferably designed such that the ink liquid level in the storage unit TK is lower than the ink ejection surface of the recording head 30.

[0056] <Conveying device> Referring to FIG. 1, the conveying device 1B feeds the recording medium P before recording to the transfer unit 4, and discharges the recorded object P' that has been recorded after the transfer of the ink image is completed from the transfer unit 4. The conveying device 1B includes a feeding unit 7, a plurality of conveying cylinders 8 and 8a, a sprocket 8b, a chain 8c, and a recovery unit 8d. The recording medium P is conveyed from the feeding unit 7 to the transfer unit 4, and the recorded object P' is conveyed from the transfer unit 4 to the recovery unit 8d.

[0057] In addition, the illustrated arrows indicate the rotation direction of the element or the conveying direction of the recording medium P or the recorded object P'. Also, the feeding unit 7 side may be referred to as the upstream side (or simply the upstream side) in the conveying direction, and the recovery unit 8d side may be referred to as the downstream side (or simply the downstream side) in the conveying direction.

[0058] The feeding unit 7 includes a stacking unit on which a plurality of recording media P are stacked, and a feeding mechanism that feeds the recording media P one by one from the stacking unit to the most upstream conveying cylinder 8. Each of the conveying cylinders 8 and 8a is a cylindrical rotating body having the Y direction as the rotation axis. A grip mechanism for holding the leading end of the recording medium P (or the recorded object P') is provided on the outer peripheral surface of each of the conveying cylinders 8 and 8a. The grip mechanism controls its gripping operation and release operation so that the recording medium P is transferred between adjacent conveying cylinders 8 or 8a.

[0059] The conveying cylinder 8a is used to reverse the recording medium P, and two of them are provided in this embodiment. When double-sided recording on the recording medium P is performed, after the transfer to the front surface is completed, instead of conveying the recording medium P from the pressure cylinder 42 to the downstream conveying cylinder 8, the recording medium P is conveyed to the conveying cylinder 8a. In this embodiment, the recording medium P is turned inside out through two conveying cylinders 8a and then conveyed back to the pressure cylinder 42 via the conveying cylinder 8 on the upstream side of the pressure cylinder 42. As a result, the back surface of the recording medium P faces the transfer drum 41, and an ink image is transferred onto the back surface. In this way, double-sided recording on the recording medium P is performed.

[0060] Two sprockets 8b are arranged on the conveying cylinder 8 side and the recovery unit 8d side, and a chain 8c is arranged to run between them, enabling the recorded material P' to be conveyed to the recovery unit 8d. In this embodiment, one sprocket 8b is a driving sprocket and the other is a driven sprocket. The rotation of the driving sprocket causes the chain 8c to run circularly.

[0061] A plurality of grip mechanisms are provided on the chain 8c so as to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. Each grip mechanism grips the end of the recorded material P'. The recorded material P' is passed from the downstream conveying cylinder 8 to the grip mechanism of the chain 8c, and the recorded material P' gripped by the grip mechanism is conveyed to the recovery unit 8d by the running of the chain 8c, and the gripping is released in the recovery unit 8d. In this way, the recorded material P' is loaded into the recovery unit 8d.

[0062] <Post-processing unit> The conveying device 1B is provided with post-processing units 10A and 10B. The post-processing units 10A and 10B are arranged on the downstream side of the transfer unit 4 and perform predetermined post-processing on the recorded material P'. The post-processing unit 10A performs post-processing on the front surface of the recorded material P', and the post-processing unit 10B performs post-processing on the back surface of the recorded material P'. Examples of post-processing include coating for the purpose of protecting the image, enhancing the gloss, etc. Examples of coating include liquid application, sheet welding, lamination, etc.

[0063] <Inspection unit> The conveying device 1B is provided with inspection units 9A and 9B. The inspection units 9A and 9B are arranged on the downstream side of the transfer unit 4 and perform the following inspections on the recording material P'.

[0064] The inspection unit 9A is an imaging device that captures an image recorded on the recording material P'. For example, it includes an imaging element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor. The inspection unit 9A captures the recorded image during the recording operation (during the transfer from the transfer body 2 to the recording medium P). Based on the image captured by the inspection unit 9A, it is possible to confirm the temporal change such as the color tone of the recorded image and determine whether correction of the image data or the recording data is possible. In the present embodiment, the imaging range is set on the outer peripheral surface of the pressure cylinder 42, and the inspection unit 9A is arranged so as to be able to partially capture the recorded image immediately after transfer. Note that the inspection by the inspection unit 9A may be performed on the entire recorded image or may be performed partially (for example, every predetermined number).

[0065] The inspection unit 9B is an imaging device that captures an image recorded on the recording material P' in the same manner as the inspection unit 9A. For example, it includes an imaging element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor. The inspection unit 9B captures the recorded image during the test recording operation. The inspection unit 9B captures the entire recorded image, and based on the image captured by the inspection unit 9B, various basic settings for correction of the recording data can be performed. In the present embodiment, it is arranged so as to be able to capture the recording material P' conveyed by the chain 8c. When the inspection unit 9B captures the recorded image, the running of the chain 8c is temporarily stopped, and the inspection unit 9B captures the entire recorded image. The inspection unit 9B may be a scanner that scans the recording material P'.

[0066] <Control unit> FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are block diagrams showing a configuration example of the control unit 13 of the recording system 1. The control unit 13 is communicably connected to a host device (DFE (Digital Front End)) HC2, and the host device HC2 is communicably connected to a host device HC1.

[0067] In the host device HC1, original data for the recorded image is generated or stored. The original data is generated, for example, in the form of an electronic file such as a document file or an image file. The original data is transmitted from the host device HC1 to the host device HC2, and the host device HC2 converts the original data received from the host device HC1 into a data format (for example, RGB data representing an image in RGB (red, green, and blue)) that can be used by the control unit 13. The converted data is transmitted from the host device HC2 to the control unit 13 as image data, and the control unit 13 executes a recording operation based on the image data received from the host device HC2.

[0068] The control unit 13 is roughly divided into a main controller 13A and an engine controller 13B. The main controller 13A includes a processing unit 131, a storage unit 132, an operation unit 133, an image processing unit 134, a communication I / F (interface) 135, a buffer 136, and a communication I / F 137.

[0069] The processing unit 131 functions as a processor including a CPU or the like, reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 132, and controls the entire main controller 13A. The storage unit 132 is a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The storage unit 132 stores a program executed by the processing unit 131 and data that can be used for the execution of the program, and provides a work area for the CPU 131. The operation unit 133 is an input device such as a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse, and receives a user's instruction.

[0070] The image processing unit 134 is an electronic circuit having, for example, an image processing processor. The buffer 136 is, for example, a RAM, HDD, or SSD. The communication I / F 135 communicates with the host device HC2, and the communication I / F 137 communicates with the engine controller 13B. The dashed arrows shown in FIG. 4 illustrate the flow of image data processing. The image data received from the host device HC2 via the communication IF 135 is stored in the buffer 136. The image processing unit 134 reads the image data from the buffer 136, performs predetermined image processing on the read image data, and stores it back in the buffer 136. The image data after the image processing stored in the buffer 136 is transmitted to the engine controller 13B via the communication I / F 137 as recording data used by the print engine.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5, the engine controller 13B includes an engine control unit 14, a recording control unit 15A, a transfer control unit 15B, a reliability control unit 15C, a conveyance control unit 15D, and an inspection control unit 15E. These elements 14 and 15A to 15E include a processor such as a CPU, a storage device such as a RAM or ROM, and an interface with an external device, and realize corresponding functions (hereinafter, the elements 14 and 15A to 15E may be simply referred to as control units in some cases). The engine controller 13B uses these control units 14 and 15A to 15E to acquire the detection results of the sensor group and the actuator group 16 provided in the recording system 1 and perform drive control thereof.

[0072] Regarding the sensor group / actuator group shown in the figure, the sensor group includes sensors for detecting the position and speed of a movable part, sensors for detecting temperature, image pickup elements, and the like. The actuator group includes motors, electromagnetic solenoids, electromagnetic valves, and the like.

[0073] Note that the above classification of the functions in the control units 14 and 15A to 15E is an example, and a plurality of control units may be provided so that some of the control contents are further subdivided, or a plurality of control contents may be configured to be realizable by the same control unit.

[0074] The engine control unit 14 controls the entire system of the engine controller 13B.

[0075] The recording control unit 15A converts the recording data received from the main controller 13A into a data format suitable for driving the recording head 30, such as raster data. Further, the recording control unit 15A performs ejection control of each recording head 30.

[0076] The transfer control unit 15B controls the wax application unit 5A, the reaction liquid application unit 5B, the absorption unit 5C, the heating unit 5D, and the cleaning unit 5E.

[0077] The reliability control unit 15C controls the supply unit 6, the recovery unit 12, and the drive mechanism that moves the recording unit 3 between the ejection position POS1 and the recovery position POS3.

[0078] The conveyance control unit 15D performs drive control of the transfer unit 4 and control of the conveyance device 1B.

[0079] The inspection control unit 15E controls the inspection unit 9B and the inspection unit 9A.

[0080] <Operation example> FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing some modes in the recording operation, and the steps shown in states ST1 to ST7 are cyclically performed during the rotation of the transfer drum 41 and the pressure cylinder 42.

[0081] As shown in state ST1, first, wax W is applied from the wax application unit 5A onto the transfer body 2. The portion of the transfer body 2 where the wax W is applied moves as the transfer drum 41 rotates. Next, when the portion where the wax W is applied reaches the reaction liquid application unit 5B, as shown in state ST2, the reaction liquid L is applied from the reaction liquid application unit 5B onto the transfer body 2. The portion of the transfer body 2 where the reaction liquid L is applied moves as the transfer drum 41 rotates. Then, when the portion where the reaction liquid L is applied reaches under the recording head 30, as shown in state ST3, ink is ejected from the recording head 30 onto the transfer body 2. Thereby, the ink image IM is formed. At this time, the ejected ink mixes with the reaction liquid L on the transfer body 2, promoting the aggregation of the coloring material. The ejected ink is supplied from the storage section TK of the supply unit 6 to the recording head 30.

[0082] Furthermore, the ink image IM on the transfer body 2 moves as the transfer body 2 rotates. When the ink image IM reaches the absorption unit 5C, as shown in state ST4, the liquid component is absorbed from the ink image IM by the absorption unit 5C. After that, when the ink image IM reaches the heating unit 5D, as shown in state ST5, the ink image IM is heated by the heating unit 5D, the resin in the ink image IM melts, and the ink image IM is formed into a film. In synchronization with the formation of such an ink image IM, the recording medium P is conveyed by the conveying device 1B.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in state ST6, when the ink image IM and the recording medium P reach the nip portion between the transfer body 2 and the pressure cylinder 42, the ink image IM is transferred onto the recording medium P, and the recorded matter P' is manufactured. When the recorded matter P' passes through the nip portion, the image recorded on the recorded matter P' is photographed by the inspection unit 9A, and the recorded image is inspected. The recorded matter P' is conveyed by the conveying device 1B to the recovery unit 8d. After that, when the portion where the ink image IM was formed on the transfer body 2 reaches the cleaning unit 5E, as shown in state ST7, it is cleaned by the cleaning unit 5E.

[0084] Due to the above-described states ST1 to ST7, the transfer body 2 has made one full rotation, and the transfer of the ink image onto the recording medium P is repeatedly performed in the same procedure. In the above description, for ease of understanding, an aspect where the transfer of the ink image IM onto one recording medium P is performed in one rotation of the transfer body 2 has been described. However, the transfer of the ink image IM onto a plurality of recording media P may be continuously performed in one rotation of the transfer body 2.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 7, when the above-described recording operation continues, maintenance of each recording head 30 may become necessary. State ST11 indicates a state where the recording unit 3 is positioned at the ejection position POS1. State ST12 indicates a state where the recording unit 3 has passed through the preliminary recovery position POS2. In this state, a process of recovering the ejection performance of the recording head 30 of the recording unit 3 is executed by the recovery unit 12 during the passage. Thereafter, as shown in state ST13, a process of recovering the ejection performance of the recording head 30 is executed by the recovery unit 12 in a state where the recording unit 3 is positioned at the recovery position POS3.

[0086] <Temperature control of the transfer body> FIG. 8 schematically shows the transfer body 2 capable of performing temperature control of the transfer body 2 and its surrounding components. In FIG. 8, among the components of the recording system 1 shown in FIG. 1, parts not directly related to the temperature control of the transfer body 2 are not shown.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 8, in the rotational direction of the transfer body 2, a temperature sensor 250 is provided on the downstream side of the reaction liquid application unit 5B, and a temperature sensor 251 is provided on the downstream side of the heating unit 5D. In this way, by arranging the temperature sensors 250 and 251 at two locations in the rotational direction, the temperature of the transfer body 2 cooled by the cleaning unit 5E and / or the wax application unit 5A is detected, and the temperature of the transfer body 2 heated by the heating unit 5D is also detected. As the temperature sensors 250 and 251, non-contact sensors capable of measuring the temperature of the transfer body 2 by detecting infrared rays radiated from the surface of the transfer body 2 may be used.

[0088] With such a configuration, the temperature of the transfer member 2 is maintained or held within the range of T1 to T2 [°C] directly below the recording unit 3, while it is maintained or held within the range of T3 to T4 [°C] at the nip portion between the transfer cylinder 41 and the pressure cylinder 42 where the image is transferred.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the time change of the surface temperature of the transfer member 2. The transfer member 2 performs the above-described recording operation while rotating at a rotational speed of one rotation per TC seconds. In FIG. 9, how the surface temperature of a certain point on the surface of the transfer member 2 changes during one rotation is illustrated. FIG. 9 shows the temperature profiles of the region on the transfer member 2 where there is an ink image IM (with recording), the region where there is no ink image IM (without recording), and the median value thereof (the median value of the surface temperature of the transfer member 2). Taking the origin (0 seconds) of the time axis as the starting point, the cycle ends at TC seconds and returns to the starting point again, and such a temperature profile is repeated.

[0090] Regarding the control for suitably maintaining the in-plane temperature of the transfer member 2 in the recording system 1 having such a configuration, it will be described below.

[0091] <Heating Unit> FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the heating unit 5D. The heating unit 5D includes a heating housing 200 and a plurality of heaters 210. An infrared heater is used for the heater 210, and here, six infrared heaters are arranged in parallel in the rotational direction of the transfer member 2 (the -Z direction in FIG. 10). The heater 210 has a heating range that covers the width of the image recording area of the recording medium with the maximum size that can be used. Here, the heater 210 is divided into a plurality of types of heaters 210a to 210c, and is configured to be capable of performing independent heating control for each type (hereinafter, simply referred to as the heater 210 when not particularly distinguished).

[0092] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the heating characteristics of the heater 210 in the depth direction (temperature adjustment region in the Y direction) of the transfer member 2. The heaters 210a to 210c have different heating characteristics in the depth direction of the transfer member 2.

[0093] The heater 210b contributes to heating the entire depth direction with the center of the transfer body 2 as a peak. The heating intensity at both ends of the heater 210b in the depth direction is low due to the light emission characteristics of the infrared heater. The heater 210a contributes to heating such that the -Y direction end side in the depth direction of the transfer body 2 becomes a peak. The heater 210c contributes to heating such that the +Y direction end side on the opposite side of the heater 210a becomes a peak. The heaters 210a and 210c are configured to compensate for the heating intensity at both ends of the heater 210b. The heaters 210a and the temperature sensors 251a to 251c are provided at positions where the temperature corresponding to the peak regions of the heaters 210a to 210c can be detected. Note that the heating characteristics of the present embodiment are an example, and the amplitude and shape of the heating intensity (function or action) are not limited to this example.

[0094] With such a configuration, in the transfer body 2, from the upstream in the rotation direction (the -Z direction in FIG. 10), the entire center region in the depth direction (Y direction) of the transfer body is mainly heated by the heater 210b. Then, both end portions in the depth direction of the transfer body are mainly heated by the heaters 210a and 210c.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling the heating of the transfer body 2 based on the temperature (detected temperature) detected by the temperature sensor 251.

[0096] In step S110, during the recording operation, the temperature of the transfer body 2 is measured by the temperature sensors 251a to 251c downstream of the heating unit 5D in the rotation direction of the transfer body 2, and this is acquired.

[0097] In step S120, the average value (average temperature) of the temperatures acquired by the temperature sensors 251a to 251c is calculated.

[0098] In step S130, based on the difference between the calculated temperature and the target temperature, the heater duty of the heater 210b of the heating unit 5D is calculated. Generally, the greater the duty, the greater the heating capacity, so the duty is calculated to be a larger value as the temperature of the transfer body 2 is lower.

[0099] In the embodiment, heating is performed by performing phase control of the power of the heater 210 built in the heating unit 5D according to the duty. Therefore, by increasing the duty, the calorific value of the heater 210 increases.

[0100] In steps S140 to S170, the duties of the heaters 210a and 210c are calculated. In step S140, the temperature difference between the temperature sensors 251a and 251b is calculated. In step S150, the duty of the heater 210a is calculated based on the temperature difference and the duty calculated in step S130. Similarly, in step S160, the temperature difference between the temperature sensors 251b and 251c is calculated. In step S170, the duty of the heater 210c is calculated based on the temperature difference and the duty calculated in step S130.

[0101] In the embodiment, the temperature difference between the temperature sensor 251b located at the center of the transfer body 2 and each temperature sensor corresponding to the depth direction of the transfer body 2 is calculated, and the duty of the heater 210 having the corresponding heating characteristics is calculated. Therefore, the lower the temperature in the region of the temperature sensor 251a is than the center, the greater the calorific value of the heater 210b becomes. Similarly, the lower the temperature in the region of the temperature sensor 251c is than the center, the greater the calorific value of the heater 210c becomes. Further, when each temperature difference is small, the duty based on the average temperature calculated in step S130 dominantly acts on the calorific value.

[0102] In step S180, the calculated duty is compared with the current duty, and if it is necessary to change the current duty, the current duty is changed to the calculated duty.

[0103] In step S190, it is determined whether or not the temperature when the transfer body 2 passes through the transfer region R6 is within the above temperature range. Here, when the detected temperature is within the predetermined temperature range, it is determined that the recording operation can be continued, and the process returns to step S110. Otherwise (when it is outside the temperature range) or when there is an instruction to end the recording, the recording operation is stopped.

[0104] According to the present embodiment, based on the temperature measured by a plurality of temperature sensors 251 provided in the depth direction of the transfer body 2, the calorific value of the heater 210 corresponding to the depth direction (Y direction) in the heater 210 arranged in parallel in the rotation direction of the transfer body 2 is controlled. With such a configuration, the in-plane temperature on the surface of the transfer body 2 is maintained within an appropriate range, whereby the transferability of the transfer body 2 becomes appropriate. Further, by complementarily controlling the heating of the heater 210 having a plurality of heating ranges, the number of control systems can be suppressed, that is, the number and calorific value of the heater 210 can be changed relatively easily.

[0105] <Cooling unit> Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16. The cooling unit is composed of a contact roller that contacts the transfer body 2 of the cleaning unit 5E and a blower mechanism that blows air to the transfer body 2.

[0106] The cooling unit included in the cleaning unit 5E is composed of rotatable contact rollers 301 to 302 that contact and clean the transfer body 2 and a blower mechanism 320.

[0107] The contact pressure of the contact rollers 301 to 302 is controlled by a contact control mechanism (not shown), and a predetermined contact width is ensured by the contact control. Further, in the contact rollers 301 to 302, the surface temperature of the rollers is controlled by a temperature control configuration described later. Cooling is performed by conduction heat transfer with the transfer body 2 by the above-described contact control and temperature control.

[0108] FIG. 13 schematically shows the temperature control configuration of the contact rollers 301 to 302. The contact rollers 301 to 302 are hollow metal rollers, and water cooled to a predetermined temperature by a cooling water circulation device 310 circulates inside them. In the present embodiment, the cooling water is temperature-adjusted to 25° C. or lower. The temperature of the cooling water rises as it absorbs heat during passage due to the heat exchange between the metal roller and the cooling water. In order to suppress the deviation of the surface temperature between the plurality of rollers due to the change in the water temperature, as shown in FIG. 13, the circulation directions of the cooling water in the contact roller 301 and the contact roller 302 are made different from each other.

[0109] FIG. 14 schematically shows the air volume control configuration of the blower mechanism 320. The blower mechanism 320 is disposed downstream of the contact roller 301 in the rotation direction of the transfer body 2. Air is supplied to the air outlet 325 through the adjustment valve 322 by the blower 321, and the air is sent out or jetted onto the transfer body 2 and sprayed. In the embodiment, an air nozzle is used for the blower mechanism 320, and a high-pressure blower can be used for the blower 321. The adjustment valve 322 can be adjusted to an arbitrary opening degree from 0 (fully closed) to 100% (fully open), and by making the opening degree of the adjustment valve 322 variable, the air flow rate supplied to the air outlet 325 can be adjusted. As the air outlet 325, a plurality of air outlets (here, two, denoted as air outlets 325a and 325b, respectively) are provided. The adjustment valve 322 includes an adjustment valve 322a corresponding to the air outlet 325a and an adjustment valve 322b corresponding to the air outlet 325b. The air flow rate from each air outlet 325 is adjusted by the adjustment valves 322a and 322b.

[0110] FIG. 15 shows the cooling characteristics in the depth direction (temperature adjustment region in the Y direction) of the transfer body 2 of the cooling unit. The temperature sensors 250a to 250c are provided at positions where they can detect the temperatures corresponding to the center and the peak regions of the air outlets 325a to 325b. Note that the cooling characteristics of the present embodiment are merely examples, and the amplitude and shape of the cooling intensity (function or action) are not limited to this example.

[0111] The transfer body 2 is cooled by the contact rollers 301 to 302 from the upstream in the rotation direction over the entire width (Y direction) of the transfer body 2, and both end portions in the width direction of the transfer body 2 are mainly cooled by the air from the air outlets 325a to 325b. Since the surface temperature of the transfer body 2 after transfer is absorbed by the recording medium P, the temperature of both end portions is more likely to be higher than that of the central portion in the width direction of the transfer body 2. The air outlets 325a to 325b are configured to supplement the cooling of both end portions in the width direction of the transfer body 2.

[0112] As another embodiment, the cooling unit may be configured to be able to cool using a liquid as a refrigerant, that is, the temperature adjustment ability may be configured to be variable by changing the temperature of the liquid.

[0113] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the cooling control of the transfer body 2 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 250.

[0114] In step S210, during the recording operation, the temperature of the transfer body 2 is measured by the temperature sensor 250 downstream of the reaction liquid application unit 5B in the rotation direction of the transfer body 2, and the measurement result is obtained.

[0115] In step S220, an average value (average temperature) of the temperature is calculated based on the measurement results obtained by the temperature sensors 250a to 250c.

[0116] In step S230, based on the difference between the calculated temperature and the target temperature, the opening degree of the adjustment valve 322 of the cleaning unit 5E is calculated. Generally, the larger the opening degree of the adjustment valve 322, the larger the amount of air supplied to the air outlet 325. Therefore, the opening degree is calculated so as to be a larger value as the temperature of the transfer body 2 is higher.

[0117] In steps S240 to S270, the opening degrees of the adjustment valves 322a and 322b are corrected. In step S240, the temperature difference between the temperature sensors 250a and 250b is calculated. In step S250, based on the calculated temperature difference and the opening degree calculated in step S230, the opening degree of the adjustment valve 322a is corrected. Similarly, in step S260, the temperature difference between the temperature sensors 250b and 250c is calculated. In step S270, based on the calculated temperature difference and the opening degree calculated in step S230, the opening degree of the adjustment valve 322b is corrected.

[0118] In the embodiment, the temperature difference between the temperature sensor 250b located at the central portion of the transfer body 2 and each temperature sensor corresponding to the depth direction of the transfer body 2 is calculated, and the air flow rate supplied to the air outlet 325 having the corresponding cooling characteristics is adjusted. Therefore, the lower the temperature in the region of the temperature sensor 250a is than that at the central portion (the temperature of the temperature sensor 250b), the larger the air flow rate ejected from the air outlet 325a becomes. Similarly, the lower the temperature in the region of the temperature sensor 250c is than that at the central portion, the larger the air flow rate ejected from the air outlet 325b becomes. Also, when each temperature difference is small, the opening degree calculated in step S230 dominantly acts on the air flow rate.

[0119] In step S280, the calculated opening degree is compared with the current opening degree, and if the current opening degree needs to be changed, the current opening degree is changed to the calculated opening degree.

[0120] In step S290, it is determined whether the temperature when the transfer body 2 passes through the ejection region R3 is within the above-mentioned temperature range. Here, if the detected temperature is within the predetermined temperature range, it is determined that the recording operation can be continued and the process returns to step S210. Otherwise (when it is outside the temperature range) or when there is an instruction to end the recording, the recording operation is stopped.

[0121] According to this embodiment, based on the temperatures measured by a plurality of temperature sensors 251 provided in the depth direction of the transfer body 2, the cooling capacity of the cooling unit corresponding to the depth direction in the cooling units arranged side by side in the rotational direction of the transfer body 2 is controlled. With such a configuration, the in-plane temperature on the surface of the transfer body 2 is maintained within an appropriate range, thereby making the stability of image formation appropriate. Further, by suppressing the in-plane temperature difference with the blower mechanism 320, it is possible to suitably maintain the wax coating property of the wax coating unit 5A located downstream in the rotational direction of the transfer body 2 and the reaction liquid coating property of the reaction liquid coating unit 5B. Further, by performing complementary cooling control using a cooling unit having a plurality of cooling ranges, the number of control systems can be suppressed, that is, the number and the cooling capacity of the cooling units can be changed relatively easily.

[0122] By configuring the temperature control of the transfer body 2 by the above heating unit and cooling unit as shown in FIG. 8, the in-plane temperature on the surface of the transfer body 2 passing through the discharge region R3 and the transfer region R6 is maintained within an appropriate range, and the stability of image formation and transferability can be appropriately maintained. Further, since the in-plane temperature on the surface of the transfer body 2 passing through the discharge region R3 is maintained within an appropriate range, the in-plane difference in the initial temperature of the transfer body 2 passing through the heating unit 5D can be suppressed. Therefore, the in-plane temperature control of the surface of the transfer body 2 by the heating of the heating unit 5D can be realized with a shorter settling time. Similarly, the in-plane difference in the initial temperature of the transfer body 2 passing through the cooling unit can also be suppressed. Therefore, the in-plane temperature control of the surface of the transfer body 2 by the cooling of the cooling unit can be realized with a shorter settling time.

[0123] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the transfer body 2 is supported by the transfer cylinder 41, but other configurations can also be adopted. For example, a configuration in which a sheet-like and endless transfer body 2 is supported by a plurality of rotators so as to be circulably movable may be adopted, like the configuration of the absorption unit 5C illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0124] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that recording is performed on the transfer body 2, but other recording configurations can also be adopted. A configuration that can directly realize recording on the recording medium P may be adopted. For example, a configuration in which recording is performed on the recording medium P without passing through the transfer body 2 as in the configuration shown in FIG. 17 may be adopted.

[0125] <Program> The present invention may also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and by a process in which one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. For example, the present invention may be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0126] <Others> In the above description, a recording apparatus using an inkjet recording method has been described as an example, but the recording method is not limited to the above-described aspects. Further, the recording apparatus may be a single-function printer having only a recording function, or a multi-function printer having a plurality of functions such as a recording function, a FAX function, and a scanner function. Further, for example, it may be a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a color filter, an electronic device, an optical device, a micro-structure, etc. by a predetermined recording method.

[0127] Also, "recording" as used in this specification should be interpreted broadly. Therefore, the aspect of "recording" does not matter whether the object formed on the recording medium is significant information such as characters and figures, and also does not matter whether it is made manifest so that it can be perceived visually by humans.

[0128] Also, the "recording medium" should be interpreted as broadly as the above "recording". Therefore, the concept of "recording medium" can include any member capable of receiving ink, such as paper, cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, resin, wood, leather, etc., which are generally used.

[0129] Furthermore, "ink" should be interpreted broadly as in the case of the above "recording". Therefore, the concept of "ink" includes not only liquids that form images, patterns, etc. by being applied onto a recording medium, but also incidental liquids that can be used for processing the recording medium, treating the ink (e.g., coagulation or insolubilization of colorants in the ink applied to the recording medium), and the like.

[0130] The names of the individual elements or functional units described in the above embodiments are expressed based on their main functions in this specification, but they may also be expressed based on their secondary functions. Therefore, the present invention is not strictly limited to such expressions (such expressions can be replaced with similar expressions). In the same spirit, the expression "unit" may be replaced with "component, piece", "member", "structure", "assembly", "circuit, module", "means", etc., or may be omitted.

[0131] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, claims are appended to disclose the scope of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0132] 1: Recording system (recording device), 1A: Recording device, 5D: Heating unit 5D, 210: Heater, 13: Control unit.

Claims

1. A recording apparatus that forms an image by applying ink to a recording medium by a recording means, a plurality of temperature adjustment means that are arranged in parallel in the conveyance direction of the recording medium and adjust the temperature of the recording medium; a plurality of measurement means that measure the temperature of the recording medium whose temperature has been adjusted by each temperature adjustment means; and control means that makes the temperature adjustment ability by each temperature adjustment means variable, each of the plurality of temperature adjustment means has a temperature adjustment region that adjusts the temperature of a region in the width direction of the recording medium, each of the plurality of measurement means measures the temperature in the width direction of the recording medium, the control means controls the plurality of temperature adjustment means based on the temperature measured by the plurality of measurement means, in the temperature adjustment region, the region corresponding to the width direction of the second temperature adjustment region located upstream in the conveyance direction is wider than the first temperature adjustment region located downstream in the conveyance direction A recording apparatus characterized by this.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, among the plurality of temperature adjustment means, the temperature adjustment means located upstream in the conveyance direction has a higher temperature adjustment ability than the temperature adjustment means located downstream in the conveyance direction A recording apparatus characterized by this.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, among the plurality of temperature adjustment means, the temperature adjustment regions of at least two temperature adjustment means overlap each other, among the plurality of measurement means, at least one measurement means measures the temperature of the overlapping temperature adjustment region A recording apparatus characterized by this.

4. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the control means measures the temperature of the temperature adjustment region by the plurality of measurement means, and makes the temperature adjustment ability of the temperature adjustment means corresponding to the temperature adjustment region variable A recording apparatus characterized by this.

5. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, each of the plurality of temperature adjustment means is a heating means for heating the recording medium A recording apparatus characterized by this.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, the heating means is constituted by a heater, the control means makes the temperature adjustment ability variable based on the heating characteristics provided by the heater A recording apparatus characterized by this.

7. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Each of the plurality of temperature adjustment means is a cooling means for cooling the recording medium. A recording apparatus characterized by this.

8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cooling means includes a first cooling means that contacts and cools the recording medium. A recording apparatus characterized by this.

9. The recording apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the cooling means includes a second cooling means that ejects air by a blowing means. A recording apparatus characterized by this.

10. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first cooling means is configured to be able to cool using a liquid as a refrigerant, and the control means makes the temperature adjustment ability variable by changing the temperature of the liquid. A recording apparatus characterized by this.

11. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control means makes the temperature adjustment ability by the second cooling means variable by changing the amount of air supplied by the blowing means. A recording apparatus characterized by this.

12. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control means controls the temperature adjustment ability so that the temperature of the recording medium is within a predetermined range. A recording apparatus characterized by this.

13. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein when the temperature of the recording medium is outside a predetermined temperature range even if the control means controls the temperature adjustment ability of the temperature adjustment means, the recording operation is stopped. A recording apparatus characterized by this.

14. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a transfer means for transferring the image formed on the recording medium. A recording apparatus characterized by this.

15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the formation of the image on the recording medium is performed by a cycle of recording and transfer. A recording apparatus characterized by this.

16. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the recording medium is a rotating body that rotates based on a predetermined rotation axis, and the surface of the recording medium is configured to be able to move circularly on a circular orbit by this rotation, and the recording means, the plurality of temperature adjustment means, and the plurality of measurement means are arranged around the recording medium along the rotation direction of the recording medium. A recording apparatus characterized by this.

Images