Water absorption device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To solve complication of a device structure, and to realize easy installation.SOLUTION: A water absorption device 20 which is provided at an image forming device 1 for conveying a medium S on which image formation is performed, by attaching the same to an endless belt 11, and which absorbs residual water after washing the endless belt 11 includes: a first support shaft 21 along an axial direction of rollers 111 and 112 for conveying the endless belt 11; and a plurality of water absorbing rollers 22 provided on the first support shaft 21, and coming into contact with the surface of the endless belt 11. The plurality of water absorbing rollers 22 may be arranged closely without a gap, or may be arranged with a gap.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water absorption device and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus that adheres a medium to the surface of an endless belt and conveys it to a head for image formation, after peeling and recovering the medium after image formation, the surface of the endless belt is cleaned by a cleaning device arranged on the downstream side. The above cleaning device has a wiping roller and wipes the moisture of the endless belt after cleaning. However, when continuously used, the water absorption amount becomes saturated, the water absorption capacity decreases, and the wiping of the places where water tends to accumulate becomes insufficient. Therefore, a narrow small roller is additionally arranged for each of the expected multiple insufficient wiping places.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art, for each small roller, a support mechanism for pressing against the endless annular belt is provided and arranged on the downstream side of the wiping roller. For this reason, the configuration of the image forming apparatus becomes complicated, and an installation space has to be secured for each of the plurality of small rollers.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a water absorption device that eliminates the complication of the device configuration and is easy to install, and an image forming apparatus equipped with the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the inventions according to claims 1 to 7 are as follows in a water absorption device. An image forming apparatus is provided that transports a medium on which image formation is performed by an endless belt, and is located downstream of the transport direction by the endless belt relative to the cleaning device for the endless belt, and the medium is transported by the endless belt to A water absorption device located upstream of the supplying medium device, which absorbs residual moisture from the endless belt after cleaning, A first support shaft along the axial direction of the roller that conveys the endless belt, A plurality of water-absorbing rollers are provided on the first support shaft and are in contact with the surface of the endless belt, It is equipped with.

[0007] The invention described in claim 10 relates to a water absorption device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The aforementioned multiple The invention is characterized by comprising a restricting body that restricts the movement of the water absorption roller along the first support shaft.

[0008] Claim 1 The invention described is, moreover, A cylindrical core member is provided between the first support shaft and each of the water absorption rollers. Each of the aforementioned core members is characterized by having a narrower axial width than the outer water-absorbing roller.

[0009] The invention described in claim 9 is the same as that described in claims 1 and 4 to 8. In a water absorption device described in any one of the items, The plurality of water-absorbing rollers are characterized in that the portion facing an adjacent water-absorbing roller is an inclined surface with respect to the axial direction.

[0010] The inventions described in claims 2 and 3 are further, The plurality of water-absorbing rollers have one side of the opposing portion with the adjacent water-absorbing roller that is convex, and the other side of the opposing portion that is concave. The present invention is characterized in that one opposing portion and the other opposing portion can be fitted together.

[0011] The invention described in claim 2 further, The opposing portion of one side is composed of two convex planes, and the opposing portion of the other side is composed of two concave planes.

[0012] The invention described in claim 3 further, The opposing portion of one side has a convex shape with convex ridges, and the opposing portion of the other side has a concave shape with concave grooves.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 further, The water absorption roller has a cut that divides it so as not to be continuous in the circumferential direction centered on the first support shaft.

[0014] The invention described in claim 11 is the same as claims 1 to 10. In the water absorption device according to any one of the above, The plurality of water absorption rollers include those having different widths in the axial direction.

[0015] The invention according to claim 12 is the water absorption device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claims 6 to 8, A plurality of the first support shafts provided with a plurality of the water absorption rollers are provided, The first support shaft has circumferential grooves at both ends, and the circumferential grooves are fitted into U-shaped cutouts formed in the support wall, The multiple It is characterized in that it presses against the surface of the endless belt based on the total mass load of the water absorption roller and the first support shaft.

[0016] The invention described in claim 13 is the same as claim 12 In the water absorption device according to the above, It is characterized by including a plurality of the first support shafts provided in a concentric arrangement.

[0017] The invention described in claim 5 further, It is characterized by including a pair of rotatable receiving rollers for mounting and supporting the first support shaft.

[0018] The invention according to claim 6 further includes A single water absorption roller is provided, and a second support shaft is provided along the axial direction, The second support shaft is provided with circumferential grooves at both ends, and the circumferential grooves are fitted into U-shaped notches formed in the support wall. The aforementioned single The system is characterized by pressing the water-absorbing roller and the second support shaft against the surface of the endless belt based on their combined mass load.

[0019] The invention described in claim 8 is the same as claim 6 or claim 7 In the water absorption device described above, The device is characterized by comprising a plurality of the aforementioned second support shafts arranged concentrically.

[0020] The invention described in claim 7 further, A single water absorption roller is provided, and a second support shaft is provided parallel to the axial direction, The invention is characterized by comprising a pair of rotatable support rollers that support the second support shaft.

[0021] Claim 14 The invention described relates to an image forming apparatus, Claims 1 to 13 A water absorption device as described in any one of the items, The endless belt and, The cleaning device for the endless belt, Image forming unit, It is characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] With the above configuration, the present invention makes it possible to eliminate the complexity of the apparatus configuration and provide a water absorption device that is easy to install, as well as an image forming apparatus equipped therewith. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the water absorption device (1). [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the support structure of the first support axis. [Figure 4]This is a side view showing the support structure of the first support axis. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of a water absorption device showing an example where the number and arrangement of water absorption rollers have been changed. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of a water absorption device to which a regulatory element is applied. [Figure 7] This is a side view of the regulatory body. [Figure 8] This is an axial cross-sectional view of an example in which a core member is applied to a water absorption device. [Figure 9] This is a plan view of embodiment (2) of a water absorption device, in which the opposing portion of each water absorption roller to the adjacent water absorption roller is an inclined surface with respect to the axial direction. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of an embodiment (2) of a water absorption device, in which one of the opposing parts of each water absorption roller is convex, consisting of two planes, and the other opposing part is concave, consisting of two planes. [Figure 11] This is a plan view of an embodiment (2) of a water absorption device, in which one of the opposing parts of each water absorption roller is convex with a convex ridge, and the other opposing part is concave with a concave groove. [Figure 12] This is a plan view of the water absorption device (3). [Figure 13] This is a side view of the water absorption device (3). [Figure 14] This is a plan view of a water absorption device (4) in which water absorption rollers of different axial widths are arranged side by side. [Figure 15] This is a plan view of a water absorption device (4) in which water absorption rollers with different axial widths are arranged in a different combination than that shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] This is a plan view of a water absorption device (5) in which two closely spaced first support shafts are arranged side by side in the conveying direction. [Figure 17] This is a plan view of a water absorption device (5) in which two sparsely spaced first support shafts are arranged side by side in the conveying direction. [Figure 18] This is a plan view of an embodiment (5) of a water absorption device in which a densely arranged first support shaft and a sparsely arranged first support shaft are arranged side by side in the conveying direction. [Figure 19] This is a plan view of an embodiment (6) of a water absorption device, in which the first support shaft is arranged on the upstream side in the conveying direction and the second support shaft is arranged on the downstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 20] This is a plan view of an embodiment (6) of a water absorption device, in which two first support shafts are arranged on the upstream side in the conveying direction and a second support shaft is arranged on the downstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 21] This is a plan view of an embodiment (6) of a water absorption device, in which the first support shaft is arranged on the downstream side in the conveying direction and the two second support shafts are arranged on the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 22] This is a side view of the support structure of the first support shaft, which is an embodiment (7) of the water absorption device and has a different configuration from that shown in Figures 3 and 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following is one embodiment of the present invention and is not limited to the present invention.

[0025] [Outline of Embodiments of the Invention] Figure 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1, which is an embodiment of the invention. The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a head 2 as an image forming unit, a media supply device 3, and an endless belt type media transport device 10.

[0026] A cloth is used as the image-forming medium S. An inkjet method is used for the head 2, which ejects ink onto the medium S. The media transport device 10 comprises an endless belt 11, a washing device 12, and a water absorption device 20.

[0027] The endless belt 11 is wound and installed between a plurality of rollers 111, 112, and is driven to move by the rotational drive of a motor (not shown) that serves as a rotational drive source provided on the roller 111 side. In this case, the roller 112 rotates in a driven manner, but the roller 112 may be driven and the roller 111 may be driven. Alternatively, each of the rollers 111, 112 may be driven by a separate motor to perform synchronous rotation.

[0028] Point P1 on the endless belt 11 is the belt water absorption position by the water absorption device 20. The medium supply device 3 supplies the medium S to the surface of the endless belt 11 within the range that is downstream in the direction of travel of the endless belt 11 and upstream of the head 2, relative to the belt water absorption position P1. The media supply device 3 guides the media S unwound from an unwinding roller (not shown) to the endless belt 11 and presses it against the surface of the endless belt 11 with a pressure roller 31. The surface of the endless belt 11 is an adhesive surface with a layer of adhesive formed thereon. As a result, the media S pressed by the pressure roller 31 adheres to the surface of the endless belt 11 and can be transported towards the head 2 by the endless belt 11, which is running in sync with the media supply device 3.

[0029] After image formation is performed on the medium S by the head 2, it is peeled off from the surface of the endless belt 11 by a peeling means (not shown), dried in a drying device (not shown), and then recovered by being wound onto a winding roller or the like.

[0030] Meanwhile, the endless belt 11, after the medium S has been removed, is cleaned by a cleaning device 12 located downstream in the direction of travel. The cleaning device 12 is equipped with, in order, a spray nozzle 121 for spraying water onto the endless belt 11, a brush roller 122 for brushing the endless belt 11, a spray nozzle 123 for spraying water again, and a blade 124 for scraping off any attached water droplets, and performs the cleaning process.

[0031] Furthermore, after cleaning, any remaining moisture on the endless belt 11 is absorbed by the water absorption device 20 at the water absorption position P1 on the downstream side in the direction of travel. The water absorption device 20 is positioned so that the water absorption roller 22 is pressed against the surface of the endless belt 11 at the water absorption position P1.

[0032] As described above, the circulating transport of the endless belt 11 repeatedly performs the cycle of supplying the medium S, forming an image, removing the medium S, washing with water, and absorbing residual moisture.

[0033] [Various types of water absorption devices] The water absorption device 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 described above will now be explained in more detail. The structure of the water absorption device 20 can take the following multiple forms (1) to (7). These will be explained in order below.

[0034] [Type of water absorption device (1)] Figure 2 is a plan view of the most basic embodiment (1) of the water absorption device 20. The water absorption device 20 includes a first support shaft 21 parallel to the axial direction of the rotation axes of two rollers 111 and 112 around which the endless belt 11 is wound, and a plurality of water absorption rollers 22 provided on the first support shaft 21 and in contact with the surface of the endless belt 11.

[0035] Each water-absorbing roller 22 is an annular shape that is continuous around the first support shaft 21 when viewed from the direction along the first support shaft 21 (hereinafter referred to as the axial direction), and has a through hole through which the first support shaft 21 is inserted. Each water-absorbing roller 22 can rotate while sliding against the first support shaft 21 within the through hole. Alternatively, the first support shaft 21 and each water-absorbing roller 22 may rotate as a single unit. Each water-absorbing roller 22 is made of a sponge, rubber sponge, nonwoven fabric hardened into the above shape, water-absorbing fiber material, etc. The water-absorbing roller 22 can be made of any material that has water absorption and elasticity.

[0036] The axial width of each water-absorbing roller 22 is sufficiently smaller and uniform than the axial width of the endless belt 11. Figure 2 illustrates a case where four water-absorbing rollers 22 are arranged side by side without gaps in the axial direction. The number of water-absorbing rollers 22 provided on a single first support shaft 21 can be multiple. The total axial width when all the water-absorbing rollers 22 are lined up without gaps may be the same as or greater than the width of the endless belt 11. In this case, it is preferable that the entire width of the endless belt 11 is in contact with the water-absorbing rollers 22. Furthermore, if it is known that moisture does not adhere to both ends of the endless belt 11, the total width may be set so that the water absorption rollers 22 do not come into contact with both ends of the endless belt 11, as shown in Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the support structure of the first support shaft 21, and Figure 4 is a side view. Each water-absorbing roller 22 presses against the surface of the endless belt 11 based on the total load of all the water-absorbing rollers 22 and the first support shaft 21, and absorbs water while being driven to rotate by the endless belt 11. Therefore, within the image forming apparatus 1, the first support shaft 21 is positioned such that each water absorption roller 22 is pressed against the belt water absorption position P1 within the upper half of the circumferential surface area of ​​the endless belt 11, as shown in Figure 1.

[0038] The first support shaft 21 is a hollow or solid metal round bar with a uniform outer diameter, and circumferential grooves 211 (not shown except in Figures 3 and 4) are formed around the outer circumference at both ends. The circumferential grooves 211 of the first support shaft 21 fit into U-shaped notches 231 formed in the support walls 23 (only one side is shown) that support each end.

[0039] The notch 231 is open upward at the upper end of the support wall 23, and the upper end is further widened. The width of the notch 231 (width in the direction perpendicular to the depth direction) is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the inner bottom surface of the circumferential groove 211 of the first support shaft 21, and less than the outer diameter of the first support shaft 21 (excluding the widened portion at the upper end). As a result, the first support shaft 21 can be easily mounted from the upper end of the notch 231 while engaging the circumferential groove 211, and can also be easily removed from the notch 231 by moving upward. Furthermore, when the first support shaft 21 is mounted, its axial movement is restricted by the circumferential groove 211. Furthermore, when the first support shaft 21 is attached to each support wall 23 and each water-absorbing roller 22 is pressed against the endless belt 11, the depth of the notch 231 is set such that there is a small gap n between the outer circumference of the inner bottom of the circumferential groove 211 and the bottom of the notch 231. In other words, the support wall 23 does not support the mass load of the first support shaft 21, and is configured so that the total mass load of almost all of the water-absorbing rollers 22 and the first support shaft 21 becomes the pressure load of the outer surface of each water-absorbing roller 22 against the surface of the endless belt 11.

[0040] [Aspects of water absorption devices (1): Effects and benefits] In the image forming apparatus 1, the endless belt 11 is transported, an image is formed on the medium S, and after it is removed from the endless belt 11, the endless belt 11 is washed by the washing device 12. When the washed endless belt 11 reaches the belt water absorption position P1, each water absorption roller 22 of the water absorption device 20, which rolls while pressing against the endless belt 11, can absorb any remaining moisture after washing. As image formation progresses, and water absorption by the water absorption device 20 is performed continuously, the water absorption roller 22, which absorbs water at locations where residual moisture is likely to accumulate, approaches saturation in water absorption capacity, and its water absorption capacity decreases. At this time, the first support shaft 21 of the water absorption device 20 can be easily attached to and detached from each notch 231, and each water absorption roller 22 can be easily removed from the first support shaft 21, so that water absorption rollers 22 that are close to saturation can be easily and quickly replaced. Specifically, the first support shaft 21 is pulled upward from each notch 231, the corresponding water absorption roller 22 is removed from the first support shaft 21, and replaced with a new, dry water absorption roller 22. Then, the first support shaft 21 is fitted into each notch 231 from above, completing the replacement process and allowing image formation to resume.

[0041] As described above, in the configuration where multiple water-absorbing rollers 22 are provided on a single first support shaft 21, the device configuration can be simplified compared to the case where each water-absorbing roller 22 is individually supported by multiple support mechanisms, making it possible to reduce the number of parts, simplify manufacturing, and reduce manufacturing costs. In addition, since multiple water-absorbing rollers 22 are provided on a single first support shaft 21, space can be saved compared to the case where a support mechanism is provided for each water-absorbing roller 22, making it possible to miniaturize the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, in a configuration where multiple water-absorbing rollers 22 are provided on a single first support shaft 21, if the amount of residual moisture generated differs at different positions in the width direction of the endless belt 11, it is sufficient to replace only some of the water-absorbing rollers 22 in the areas where the amount of residual moisture is high at a high frequency. This makes it possible to efficiently utilize the water-absorbing rollers 22 in an operation that assumes replacement. Furthermore, when drying the water-absorbing roller 22 for reuse, a water-absorbing roller 22 with a smaller axial width reduces the burden of drying work and also shortens the drying time.

[0042] Furthermore, in order to suppress the movement of moisture between each water-absorbing roller 22, it is preferable to form a moisture-impermeable film on the surface of each water-absorbing roller 22 that faces the adjacent water-absorbing roller 22, or to place a partition member between each water-absorbing roller 22.

[0043] [Aspect of a water absorption device (1): Modified example] Figure 5 is a plan view of the water absorption device 20 showing an example in which the number and arrangement of the water absorption rollers 22 have been changed. As shown in the figure, the water absorption rollers 22 may not be arranged closely together on the first support shaft 21. For example, the water absorption rollers 22 may be arranged to avoid areas in the washing device 12 where moisture is less likely to remain. In this case, examples of advantages include easier replacement of the water absorption roller 22 and a reduction in the number of water absorption rollers 22 used.

[0044] Figure 6 also shows a plan view of an example in which the regulating body 24 is applied to the water absorption device 20. Since each water-absorbing roller 22 is not fixed to the first support shaft 21, there is a risk of axial displacement. Therefore, a restricting body 24 that can be fixed axially to the first support shaft 21 may be placed at the side ends of the water-absorbing rollers 22 to prevent axial displacement.

[0045] Figure 7 is a side view of the regulatory body 24 as seen from the axial direction. As shown in the figure, the restrictor 24 is roughly C-shaped and ring-shaped, and is not continuous in the circumferential direction, with a gap provided in a part of it. Opposing walls 241 and 242 are formed across the gap, with a through hole 244 into which a screw 243 can be loosely inserted in one of the opposing walls 241, and a screw hole 245 into which a screw 243 is screwed in in the other opposing wall 242. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the central hole of the restrictor 24 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first support shaft 21. In addition, a notch may be formed on the opposite side of the dividing position in the circumferential direction of the restrictor 24 to give the restrictor 24 flexibility. Note that if the material of the restrictor 24 is flexible, it is not necessary to provide a notch.

[0046] The regulating body 24 is positioned such that the first support shaft 21 is inserted into its central hole and the regulating body 24 contacts the side end of the water absorption roller 22, which is properly positioned in the axial direction. Then, a screw 243 is screwed into the screw hole 245 of the opposing wall 242 through the through hole 244 of the opposing wall 241 and tightened. In this way, the regulating body 24 tightens the first support shaft 21 that has passed through its central hole and is fixed to the first support shaft 21. By fixing the regulating body 24 to both sides of the water absorption roller 22, axial displacement of the water absorption roller 22 is prevented. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the regulating body 24 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the water absorption roller 22 (more precisely, the minimum outer diameter when pressed against the endless belt 11), and counterbore holes 246 and 247 are formed on the through hole 244 side and the screw hole 245 side, respectively. Therefore, the regulating body 24 is hidden within the inner range of the outer diameter of the water absorption roller 22, and the screw 243 is also hidden within the inner range of the outer diameter of the regulating body 24, so they do not come into contact with the endless belt 11, and no scratches or other damage occur due to sliding.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, when multiple water absorption rollers 22 are arranged closely together, axial misalignment is suppressed. However, to more strictly prevent misalignment, regulating bodies 24 can be provided only at two locations, at both ends in the axial direction of the closely spaced water absorption rollers 22. The restricting body 24 is not limited to the illustrated structure and may be any other structure capable of restricting the axial movement of the water absorption roller 22. For example, it may be composed of a ring made of a material that generates a greater frictional force with respect to the first support shaft 21 than the water absorption roller 22, such as rubber, and the movement of the water absorption roller 22 may be restricted by the frictional force between the central hole and the first support shaft 21. Furthermore, the above-mentioned regulating body 24 is applicable to all embodiments of the water absorption device 20 shown in this embodiment.

[0048] Figure 8 shows an axial cross-sectional view of an example in which the core member 25 is applied to the water absorption device 20. Although Figure 8 illustrates a case with two water absorption rollers 22, more may be used. The core member 25 is a cylindrical body interposed between the first support shaft 21 and each of the water absorption rollers 22. The core member 25 is made of a harder material than the water absorption rollers 22 and is made of a material with similar wear resistance to the first support shaft 21. The axial width of the core member 25 is set to be slightly shorter than that of the water absorption rollers 22, and both ends of the core member 25 are positioned axially inward from both ends of the water absorption rollers 22.

[0049] The core member 25 rotates together with the water absorption roller 22, causing sliding relative to the first support shaft 21. By providing the core member 25 inside each water absorption roller 22, the inside of the water absorption roller 22 can be protected from deterioration, damage, and wear due to sliding, thereby extending the lifespan of the water absorption roller 22. Furthermore, since the core member 25 has a shorter axial width than the water-absorbing rollers 22, when the water-absorbing rollers 22 are arranged closely together, the core member 25 prevents obstruction and the formation of gaps between each water-absorbing roller 22, making it possible to absorb water without leakage in the axial direction of the endless belt 11. Furthermore, the core member 25 described above is applicable to all embodiments of the water absorption device 20 shown in this embodiment.

[0050] [Aspects of water absorption devices (2)] In the above-described embodiment (1), an example was given in which the opposing portion of each water-absorbing roller 22 with the adjacent water-absorbing roller 22 consists of a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, but the invention is not limited to this. An example of embodiment (2) of the water-absorbing device 20, in which the opposing portion has a different form from embodiment (1), is shown in Figures 9 to 11.

[0051] Figure 9 is a plan view of the case where the opposing portions 221 and 222 of each water-absorbing roller 22, facing each other, are inclined surfaces with respect to the axial direction. In this case, the opposing portions 221 and 222 of two adjacent water-absorbing rollers 22 are both inclined surfaces that are inclined at the same angle with respect to the axial direction, and the water-absorbing rollers 22 can be arranged side by side with their opposing portions 221 and 222 in close contact with each other.

[0052] Figures 10 and 11 are plan views showing a case where one of the opposing parts of each water absorption roller 22 is convex and the other is concave, and one opposing part 221 and the other opposing part 222 can be fitted together. More specifically, the water absorption roller 22 in Figure 10 has a shape in which one opposing portion 221 intersects such that the interior angle of the two planes is less than 180° and is convex toward the adjacent water absorption roller 22, and the other opposing portion 222 intersects such that the interior angle of the two planes is greater than 180° and is concave toward the adjacent water absorption roller 22. The sum of the interior angles of the two portions is set to be 360°, and one opposing portion 221 and the other opposing portion 222 can be fitted together. This allows the water absorption rollers 22 to be arranged side by side with their opposing parts 221 and 222 in close contact with each other.

[0053] Furthermore, in the water absorption roller 22 shown in Figure 11, one opposing portion 221 is provided with a convex ridge that protrudes toward the other opposing portion, and the other opposing portion 222 is provided with a concave groove that is concave toward the one opposing portion 221, so that the width of the convex ridge and the concave groove are the same, and the height of the convex ridge and the depth of the concave groove are the same. This allows the water-absorbing rollers 22 to be arranged side by side with their opposing parts 221 and 222 in close contact with each other, while the convex ridges are fitted into the concave grooves.

[0054] In the water absorption rollers 22 shown in Figures 9 to 11 above, when multiple water absorption rollers 22 are arranged closely together in the axial direction on the first support shaft 21, the opposing portions 221 and 222 of adjacent water absorption rollers 22 are arranged to overlap in the axial direction. Therefore, even if there is a small gap between each water absorption roller 22, the overlapping portion of any of the water absorption rollers 22 will be pressed against the endless belt 11, making it possible to absorb water without creating any gaps in the axial direction.

[0055] [Type of water absorption device (3)] Figure 12 is a plan view of embodiment (3) of the water absorption device 20, and Figure 13 is a side view seen from the axial direction. In the water absorption device 20 described above, an annular water absorption roller 22 that is continuous in the circumferential direction when viewed from the axial direction was exemplified, but the device is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the figure, the water absorption roller 22 may be configured to have a cut 223 that divides it so that it is not continuous in the circumferential direction centered on the first support shaft 21. In this case, it is preferable that the water-absorbing roller 22 be formed from a material that has elasticity and shape retention.

[0056] In the above-described water absorption device 20, when the water absorption roller 22 approaches saturation and needs to be replaced, it can be removed from the first support shaft 21 by widening the slit 223, and can also be removed by pulling it on the opposite side of the slit 223 as shown in Figure 13. Therefore, replacement becomes extremely easy and maintainability is improved. Furthermore, the water absorption roller 42 (see Figures 19 to 21), which will be described later, may also have a configuration that includes slits.

[0057] [Aspects of water absorption devices (4)] In the previously described embodiment (1), the example was given where the axial width of each water absorption roller 22 is uniform, but water absorption rollers 22 with different axial widths may be mixed together. An example of embodiment (4) of the water absorption device 20 in which water absorption rollers 22 with different axial widths are mixed together is shown in Figures 14 and 15. These are water absorption devices 20 that combine a water absorption roller 22 with a narrow axial width (referred to as "22A" for distinction) and a water absorption roller 22 with a wide axial width (referred to as "22B" for distinction).

[0058] The water absorption device 20 in Figure 14 has a long water absorption roller 22B positioned in the axial center of the first support shaft 21, with shorter water absorption rollers 22A positioned on both sides thereof. The water absorption device 20 in Figure 15 has a short water absorption roller 22A positioned in the axial center of the first support shaft 21, with long water absorption rollers 22B positioned on both sides thereof. A water absorption device 20 that combines long and short water absorption rollers 22A and 22B, as described above, can be appropriately selected according to the location where residual moisture is generated, enabling more efficient use of the water absorption rollers 22A and 22B.

[0059] [Anatomy of a water absorption device (5)] In the aforementioned embodiment (1), the case in which there is one first support shaft 21 is illustrated, but there may be multiple first support shafts 21. An example of embodiment (5) of the water intake device 20 with multiple first support shafts 21 is shown in Figures 16 to 18.

[0060] The water absorption device 20 in Figure 16 has two first support shafts 21 (with a dense arrangement) on which the four water absorption rollers 22 shown in Figure 2 are densely arranged, positioned side by side in the direction of transport of the endless belt 11. The water absorption device 20 in Figure 17 has two first support shafts 21 (sparsely arranged) with the two water absorption rollers 22 of Figure 5 located at separate ends, arranged side by side in the direction of transport of the endless belt 11. Note that the axial arrangement of the water absorption rollers 22 does not have to be the same for each first support shaft 21. In the water absorption device 20 shown in Figure 18, the densely arranged first support shafts 21 are positioned downstream of the endless belt 11 in the conveying direction, and two sparsely arranged first support shafts 21 are positioned side by side upstream of the endless belt 11 in the conveying direction. In this configuration, only one sparsely arranged first support shaft 21 may be used.

[0061] A water absorption device 20, such as those described above, in which multiple first support shafts 21 are arranged in the direction of transport of the endless belt 11, can be appropriately selected according to the amount of residual moisture, enabling effective water absorption. Furthermore, when using a combination of densely arranged first support shafts 21 and sparsely arranged first support shafts 21, either one may be designated as the upstream direction of the conveying direction of the endless belt 11. However, if the first support shaft 21 with a sparse arrangement is placed upstream of the first support shaft 21 with a dense arrangement as shown in Figure 18, the water absorption roller 22 provided on the sparsely arranged first support shaft 21 will absorb more water, and therefore the replacement frequency is expected to increase. In that case, the replacement of the water absorption roller 22 will be easier on the sparsely arranged first support shaft 21 than on the densely arranged first support shaft 21, making it a water absorption device 20 with higher maintainability.

[0062] [Aspects of water absorption devices (6)] In the embodiment (1) described above, a water absorption device 20 having only a first support shaft 21 that supports multiple water absorption rollers 22 was illustrated, but it may also be configured to further include a second support shaft 41 that supports only one water absorption roller 42. An example of embodiment (6) of the water absorption device 20 with the second support shaft 41 added is shown in Figures 19 to 21.

[0063] The second support shaft 41 is on the same axis as the first support shaft 21. Therefore, the support structure of the second support shaft 41 is the same as that of the first support shaft 21. Furthermore, the water-absorbing roller 42 provided on the second support shaft 41 is identical to the aforementioned water-absorbing roller 22 except for its width in the axial direction. Therefore, the regulating body 24 and core member 25 applied to the first support shaft 21 and water absorption roller 22 can also be applied to the second support shaft 41 and water absorption roller 42.

[0064] The axial width of the water absorption roller 42 shall be the length corresponding to the entire range of the endless belt 11 that requires water absorption. It may be the same as the total axial width of the endless belt 11, or it may be greater. If water absorption is not required at both ends of the endless belt 11, the axial width may be the width excluding those ends.

[0065] In the water absorption device 20 shown in Figure 19, the first support shaft 21 is positioned on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the endless belt 11, and the second support shaft 41 is positioned on the downstream side. Furthermore, the water absorption device 20 in Figure 20 has two first support shafts 21 positioned upstream in the conveying direction of the endless belt 11, and a second support shaft 41 positioned downstream. The two first support shafts 21 are arranged concentrically, and each is equipped with multiple water absorption rollers 22.

[0066] In the water absorption device 20 shown in Figures 19 and 20, by placing the water absorption rollers 22 in areas where residual moisture is likely to accumulate, the replacement frequency of the downstream water absorption rollers 42 can be kept sufficiently low. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration of the water absorption device 20 while efficiently utilizing the water absorption rollers 22 and 42.

[0067] In the water absorption device 20 shown in Figure 21, the first support shaft 21 is positioned downstream in the conveying direction of the endless belt 11, and the two second support shafts 41 are positioned upstream. The two second support shafts 41 are positioned concentrically. The first support shaft 21 described above has multiple water-absorbing rollers 22 densely arranged so as to absorb water from almost the entire axial width of the endless belt 11, and each second support shaft 41 is positioned in a location where residual moisture is likely to occur. With this configuration, by placing the water absorption rollers 42 in areas where residual moisture is likely to accumulate, the replacement frequency of the downstream water absorption rollers 22 can be kept sufficiently low. This allows for efficient use of the water absorption rollers 22 and 42 while simplifying the configuration of the water absorption device 20.

[0068] [Aspects of water absorption devices (7)] The support structure for the first support shaft 21 shown in Figures 3 and 4 above is not designed to support the first support shaft 21 so that it can rotate smoothly. Therefore, during water absorption, each water absorption roller 22 rotates with the first support shaft 21 as its center. However, a support structure that allows the first support shaft 21 to rotate smoothly may also be used.

[0069] Figure 22 shows a configuration in which both ends of the first support shaft 21 are supported by a pair of receiving rollers 52 that are rotatably supported via bearings 53 by a shaft member 51 provided on the inner wall of the image forming apparatus 1 (only one end is shown). Both shaft members 51 are parallel to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the rollers 111 and 112 of the endless belt 11, and the two receiving rollers 52 are arranged horizontally side by side in close proximity so that their outer circumferences do not touch. The first support shaft 21 has one end resting in the groove between two side-by-side receiving rollers 52. Since the two receiving rollers 52 can rotate smoothly by bearings 53, even if each water absorption roller 22 or the first support shaft 21 is subjected to a small torque, the two receiving rollers 52 will roll, allowing the first support shaft 21 to rotate.

[0070] The support structure for the first support shaft 21 shown in Figure 22 only requires the end of the first support shaft 21 to rest on the two receiving rollers 52, which makes attaching and detaching the first support shaft 21 even easier and has the advantage of being very efficient to work with. Furthermore, not only the first support shaft 21, but also the second support shaft 41 mentioned above may be supported in a configuration that includes the pair of receiving rollers 52 described above.

[0071] [others] The embodiments of the present invention described above should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the above description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0072] For example, the number of first support shafts 21 and second support shafts 41, the number of water absorption rollers 22 provided on the first support shaft 21, the axial width of the first support shafts 21 and second support shafts 41, and the axial arrangement of the water absorption rollers 22 and 42 can be changed as desired.

[0073] Furthermore, the head 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to an inkjet system; any type of head capable of image formation can be used. Also, the medium S is not limited to fabric; any sheet-like medium can be used for image formation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1. Image forming apparatus 2 heads 3 Media supply device 10. Media transport device 11 Endless belt 12 Washing device 20 Water absorption device 21 1st spindle 22, 22A, 22B, 42 Water absorption rollers 23 Supporting wall 24 Regulatory bodies 25 Core component 51 Shaft member 52 Rollers 53 Bearings 111,112 Rollers 211 Circumferential groove 221,222 Opposing part 223 cuts P1 Belt water absorption position S medium

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming apparatus that transports a medium on which an image is formed by an endless belt, and is located downstream of the endless belt in the transport direction relative to the cleaning device for the endless belt, and upstream of a medium supply device that supplies the medium to the endless belt, and is a water absorption device that absorbs residual moisture from the endless belt after cleaning, A first support shaft along the axial direction of the roller that conveys the endless belt, A plurality of water-absorbing rollers are provided on the first support shaft and are in contact with the surface of the endless belt, Equipped with, A cylindrical core member is provided between the first support shaft and each of the water absorption rollers. A water absorption device characterized in that each of the core members has a narrower axial width than the outer water absorption roller.

2. An image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming apparatus that transports a medium on which an image is formed by an endless belt, and is located downstream of the endless belt in the transport direction relative to the cleaning device for the endless belt, and upstream of a medium supply device that supplies the medium to the endless belt, and is a water absorption device that absorbs residual moisture from the endless belt after cleaning, A first support shaft along the axial direction of the roller that conveys the endless belt, A plurality of water-absorbing rollers are provided on the first support shaft and are in contact with the surface of the endless belt, Equipped with, The plurality of water-absorbing rollers have one side of the opposing portion with the adjacent water-absorbing roller that is convex, and the other side of the opposing portion that is concave. The one opposing part and the other opposing part are mutually interlocking. A water absorption device characterized in that one of the opposing portions consists of two convex planes, and the other opposing portion consists of two concave planes.

3. An image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming apparatus that transports a medium on which an image is formed by an endless belt, and is located downstream of the endless belt in the transport direction relative to the cleaning device for the endless belt, and upstream of a medium supply device that supplies the medium to the endless belt, and is a water absorption device that absorbs residual moisture from the endless belt after cleaning, A first support shaft along the axial direction of the roller that conveys the endless belt, A plurality of water-absorbing rollers are provided on the first support shaft and are in contact with the surface of the endless belt, Equipped with, The plurality of water-absorbing rollers have one side of the opposing portion with the adjacent water-absorbing roller that is convex, and the other side of the opposing portion that is concave. The one opposing part and the other opposing part are mutually interlocking. A water absorption device characterized in that one of the opposing parts has a convex shape with a protruding ridge, and the other opposing part has a concave shape with a recessed groove.

4. An image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming apparatus that transports a medium on which an image is formed by an endless belt, and is located downstream of the endless belt in the transport direction relative to the cleaning device for the endless belt, and upstream of a medium supply device that supplies the medium to the endless belt, and is a water absorption device that absorbs residual moisture from the endless belt after cleaning, A first support shaft along the axial direction of the roller that conveys the endless belt, A plurality of water-absorbing rollers are provided on the first support shaft and are in contact with the surface of the endless belt, Equipped with, The water absorption device is characterized in that the water absorption roller has a cut that divides it so that it is not continuous in the circumferential direction centered on the first support shaft.

5. An image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming apparatus that transports a medium on which an image is formed by an endless belt, and is located downstream of the endless belt in the transport direction relative to the cleaning device for the endless belt, and upstream of a medium supply device that supplies the medium to the endless belt, and is a water absorption device that absorbs residual moisture from the endless belt after cleaning, A first support shaft along the axial direction of the roller that conveys the endless belt, A plurality of water-absorbing rollers are provided on the first support shaft and are in contact with the surface of the endless belt, Equipped with, A water absorption device characterized by comprising a pair of rotatable receiving rollers that support the first support shaft.

6. An image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming apparatus that transports a medium on which an image is formed by an endless belt, and is located downstream of the endless belt in the transport direction relative to the cleaning device for the endless belt, and upstream of a medium supply device that supplies the medium to the endless belt, and is a water absorption device that absorbs residual moisture from the endless belt after cleaning, A first support shaft along the axial direction of the roller that conveys the endless belt, A plurality of water-absorbing rollers are provided on the first support shaft and are in contact with the surface of the endless belt, Equipped with, A single water absorption roller is provided, and a second support shaft is provided parallel to the axial direction, The second support shaft is provided with circumferential grooves at both ends, and the circumferential grooves are fitted into U-shaped notches formed in the support wall. A water absorption device characterized by pressing the single water absorption roller and the second support shaft against the surface of the endless belt based on their combined mass load.

7. An image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming apparatus that transports a medium on which an image is formed by an endless belt, and is located downstream of the endless belt in the transport direction relative to the cleaning device for the endless belt, and upstream of a medium supply device that supplies the medium to the endless belt, and is a water absorption device that absorbs residual moisture from the endless belt after cleaning, A first support shaft along the axial direction of the roller that conveys the endless belt, A plurality of water-absorbing rollers are provided on the first support shaft and are in contact with the surface of the endless belt, Equipped with, A single water absorption roller is provided, and a second support shaft is provided parallel to the axial direction, A water absorption device characterized by comprising a pair of rotatable receiving rollers that support the second support shaft.

8. The water absorption device according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a plurality of the second support shafts arranged concentrically.

9. The water absorption device according to claim 1 and any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the portion of the plurality of water absorption rollers facing an adjacent water absorption roller is an inclined surface with respect to the axial direction.

10. The water absorption device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a restricting body that restricts the movement of the plurality of water absorption rollers along the first support axis.

11. The water absorption device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the plurality of water absorption rollers include those with different axial widths.

12. The first support shaft, which is provided with multiple water-absorbing rollers, comprises multiple such shafts, The first support shaft is provided with circumferential grooves at both ends, and the circumferential grooves are fitted into U-shaped notches formed in the support wall. The water absorption device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 8, characterized in that it presses against the surface of the endless belt based on the total mass load of the plurality of water absorption rollers and the first support shaft.

13. The water absorption device according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of the first support shafts arranged in a concentric manner.

14. A water absorption device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The endless belt and, The cleaning device for the endless belt, Image forming unit, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:

Images