CN101503021A - Image forming method, image forming apparatus, intermediate transfer body, method of modifying surface of intermediate transfer body - Google Patents
Image forming method, image forming apparatus, intermediate transfer body, method of modifying surface of intermediate transfer body Download PDFInfo
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- CN101503021A CN101503021A CNA2009100061945A CN200910006194A CN101503021A CN 101503021 A CN101503021 A CN 101503021A CN A2009100061945 A CNA2009100061945 A CN A2009100061945A CN 200910006194 A CN200910006194 A CN 200910006194A CN 101503021 A CN101503021 A CN 101503021A
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
- B41M5/025—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
- B41M5/0256—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet the transferable ink pattern being obtained by means of a computer driven printer, e.g. an ink jet or laser printer, or by electrographic means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M1/00—Inking and printing with a printer's forme
- B41M1/06—Lithographic printing
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Abstract
The invention allows an image printing on a wide range of print media regardless of how much ink the print media absorb, without sacrificing a high printing flexibility of an ink jet printing system. To this end, the image forming method of this invention includes: a process of modifiying a surface of an intermediate transfer body by applying energy to the surface; a process of ejecting ink onto the surface-modified intermediate transfer body by using an ink jet printing device; and a process of transferring ink from the intermediate transfer body to a print medium. With this invention, therefore, an ink image can be formed on the intermediate transfer body having a surface layer, without causing bleeding or beading, and then transferred onto the print medium in good condition.
Description
The application of this division is based on that application number is 200480017636.1, the applying date is on June 22nd, 2004, denomination of invention is divided an application for the Chinese patent application of " formation method, imaging device, intermediate transfer body, and the method on the surface of modification intermediate transfer body ".
Technical field
A kind of intermediate transfer body that the present invention relates to all to use a kind of formation method of ink-jet printing system and a kind of imaging device, in this formation method, uses, and the method on the surface of this intermediate transfer body of a kind of modification.More particularly, the present invention relates to: a kind of formation method and a kind of imaging device, they all use the intermediate transfer body during imaging on printed medium, so that make image can not be subjected to the influence of the China ink amount that absorbs in printed medium; A kind of intermediate transfer body is used in this formation method; And the method on the surface of this intermediate transfer body of a kind of modification.
Background technology
Paper as the main flow formation method of printed medium current be offset printing.Offset printing is a kind of technology of suitable batch printing.In other words, the forme that is used for image is configured and is arranged on printing machine, so that form the copy of image with the speed of 9,000 copies of about per minute.The shortcoming of offset printing as the time and the cost that are required by the forme production process and buy the great amount of investment that printing machine needs, has very little adverse effect to the cost and the speed of each printed sheet, because it is very big to produce the amount of printed matter.Therefore we can say that the market demand has been mated in offset printing very well.
Since recent years and more and more styles just in the ascendant for the trend of information diversity printed matter with printing in a small amount, so exposed the production cost of the forme that is used for each printed matter problem of higher that becomes.And, owing to wish that the instantaneous availability of information is becoming more and more important, thus more and more require printed matter required than short production cycle.Because current offset printing prepares forme production and prints familiar (stablizing of printing machine) to have the very long lead time from text, so even when the quantity that copies is very little, the production cycle can not shorten.And because huge facility investment is essential and the exigent skill level of all processes, so the production site is restricted, this means needs the time that printed matter is transported to the client.
Aspect above-mentioned meeting the need of market, ink-jet printing system wishes that as a kind of technology comes into the picture.Because ink-jet printing system does not use forme, so it is suitable for printing copy in a small amount.And, because it does not require large-scale equipment or high-caliber professional knowledge, thus the printed matter of hope can be produced on demand, and therefore be sent in the expectation of increase for ink-jet printing system.
Inferior in some of offset prints, the gloss of printed matter is arranged, at the printed matter of producing by ink jet printing at the impressionability on the thin paper, impressionability and printing cost on paper is two-sided.If some improves to this, can expect that then ink-jet printing system advances to commercial printing.
The gloss of printed matter mainly is subjected to the influence of the surface smoothness of paper (printed medium).Ink-jet printing system usually uses the type that the penetrates China ink that penetrates paper, and photographic fixing therein.Because the colouring agent of China ink is along paper surface photographic fixing, the paper that uses need have highly level and smooth surface to produce gloss.
Paper with height smooth surface generally has low black absorbability.This is to absorb by capillary absorption because penetrate the type China ink.If on the paper of the less black absorbability of tool, print, then China ink may keep being absorbed in the paper from the teeth outwards and not exclusively, this may cause undesirable phenomenon, as remain the bleeding off (bleeding) that mixes with adjacent drops of China ink and ink droplet that the ink droplet that landed in the past is pulled to landing afterwards forms pearl (beading), cause the decline of print image quality and the failure of drying.In these cases, the use ink-jet printing system forms image and does not cause very difficulty of these problems on the paper with high surface smoothness level.
Ink-jet printing system has two types: continuous type and promptly need type, back one type is used electric transducer (heating element heater) and electromechanical transducer (piezoelectric element).In arbitrary type, can only spray low viscosity inks.This be because the China ink that in ink-jet printing system, uses to require be high flow, in ink gun, realize suitable black jet performance simultaneously.Simultaneously, on the surface of printed medium, require China ink to present low flow behavior, be mixed with each other or draw suction to prevent adjacent drops.In above-mentioned ink-jet printing system, when the high flow China ink was ejected on the printed medium, the China ink on printed medium need have lazy flow.In other words, be the opposite characteristic that on print head or surface, requires China ink according to China ink at printed medium.
In order to satisfy opposition requirement simultaneously to China ink, a kind of new system (using the imaging system of intermediate transfer body) is proposed, its China and Mexico's image is formed on the transfer article (or intermediate transfer body), and image is transferred to from this transfer article on the printed medium of hope, to form black image on printed medium.In this system, the China ink that sprays from ink gun appends on the transfer article to form black image at transfer article temporarily, and its flowability has reduction to a certain degree in the time of on transfer article, and black then image is transferred on the printed medium from transfer article.
When using so a kind of transfer article, consider the China ink transfer printing from the transfer article to the printed medium and the image transfer printing after, can clean the easiness of transfer article that the surface of wishing transfer article has less black absorbability or for not absorbing black surface.Yet if use the transfer article with the surface that does not absorb China ink simply, the China ink on transfer article keeps liquidation, makes to be difficult to remaining under the kilter at the black image on the transfer article.In other words, can make as the intermediate transfer surface and be difficult to for strengthening surface that transfer printing from the black image of intermediate transfer body will not absorb China ink remaining under the kilter at the black image on the intermediate transfer body.On the contrary, if the surface of transfer article is made to strengthen by the surface with higher black absorbability black image is remained on ability on the intermediate transfer body, then becoming is difficult to keep good transfer printing from the black image of intermediate transfer body.
State in the use in the imaging system of intermediate transfer body, for remaining on the high-quality of the black image on the printed medium, importantly, between high-level ability that remains on the black image on the intermediate transfer body and high level transfer printing, average out from the black image of intermediate transfer body.Yet, also must realize a kind of imaging system, this imaging system is set up the high-level ability that remains on the black image on the intermediate transfer body and from the high level transfer printing of the black image of intermediate transfer body, and can form high-quality black image on various printed mediums.
For example in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.5-330035 (1993), provide a kind of method, wherein transfer article is heated, and being increased on the transfer article density of China ink, and is reduced in the black flowable on the transfer article thus.Simple heating transfer body, yet, can only reduce the China ink flowability in less degree ground, cause black image to be dispersed on the transfer article rapidly.In other words, black image can not remain on the transfer article under the kilter, and this makes transfer printing again, and the black image on printed medium is dissatisfied afterwards.The heat that this method has a transfer article may arrive the problem of ink gun and dry injection nozzle, causes to spray to lose efficacy.Therefore this method does not also drop into actual the use.
Proposed another kind of method, this method is as among the Japanese Patent Application Publication No.7-223312 (1995), uses hotmelt ink, and heating ink gun and black feed system are to spray the hotmelt ink of fusing.Yet, in this case, because it is bigger to adhere to the thickness of China ink, so the black image that forms on printed medium after transfer printing is being seen not nature, make after transfer printing the picture quality on printed medium more dissatisfied, be similar to disclosed method in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.5-330035 (1993).When using hotmelt ink, China ink need be heated to the molten state of hope.This fusion process holding time, and some restriction to black composition is arranged, a lot of places can not be satisfactory.
Summary of the invention
If can be from above clear, in ink-jet printing system, the use of intermediate transfer body is easily aspect the free degree that printed medium selects strengthening.Yet, even adopt the system of intermediate transfer body still to have improved space, so that the quality of the transfer ink image on printed medium is higher.
One of the vital task that need finish particularly solves the requirement of two kinds of opposition, but i.e. high black image retentivity and the high black image transfer printing from middle transfer article to printed medium on the intermediate transfer body is so that the transfer ink image on printed medium becomes high quality graphic.
Finished the present invention in order to overcome above problem.Therefore one object of the present invention is, a kind of formation method and a kind of imaging device are provided, but this formation method and imaging device can be provided at the unique combination of high black image retentivity and the high black image transfer printing from middle transfer article to printed medium on the intermediate transfer body, on the printed medium of wide region, print high quality graphic so that allow, and absorb how many China inks have nothing to do, need not sacrifice the height printing flexibility of ink-jet printing system with printed medium.Another object of the present invention is, a kind of intermediate transfer body that uses in this formation method is provided, and the method on the surface of this intermediate transfer body of a kind of modification also is provided.
More particularly, might form image having on the intermediate transfer body of superficial layer but the invention enables with good release property, and do not cause bleeding off or Cheng Zhu, and remove the China ink that anhydrates following of kilter then and be transferred on the printed medium from middle transfer article.
In a first aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of formation method, the method comprising the steps of:
By on the surface that energy is applied to the intermediate transfer body surface modification treatment being carried out on this surface;
Form image by spray China ink from ink-jet printing apparatus at the intermediate transfer body of surface modification; And
The image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
In a second aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of formation method, the method comprising the steps of:
The intermediate transfer body is provided, and this intermediate transfer body has at least a surface that comprises fluorine compounds and silicone compounds, and the plasma treatment by being used for surface modification is by surface modification;
Form image by spraying China ink at the intermediate transfer body from ink-jet printing apparatus; And
The image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
In a third aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of imaging device, this equipment comprises:
Be used for installing by the energy that is used for surface modification and apply by the device of the intermediate transfer body of surface modification;
Be used for by spray the device that the black intermediate transfer body of installing at erecting device forms image from ink-jet printing apparatus; And
Be used for the image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to device on the printed medium.
In a fourth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of imaging device, this equipment comprises:
Be used for installing the device of intermediate transfer body, this intermediate transfer body has at least a surface that comprises fluorine compounds and silicone compounds, and the plasma treatment by being used for surface modification is by surface modification;
Be used for by spray the device that the black intermediate transfer body of installing at erecting device forms image from ink-jet printing apparatus; And
Be used for the image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to device on the printed medium.
In a fifth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of formation method that uses the intermediate transfer body, this intermediate transfer body applies by surface modification by the energy that is used for surface modification, and the method comprising the steps of:
First liquid that is used for increasing black viscosity is coated on the intermediate transfer body;
Form image by China ink being ejected into the intermediate transfer body that is coated with first liquid from ink-jet printing apparatus; And
The image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
In a sixth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of imaging device method, the method comprising the steps of:
The intermediate transfer body is provided, and this intermediate transfer body has at least a surface that comprises fluorine compounds and silicone compounds, and the plasma treatment by being used for surface modification is by surface modification;
First liquid that is used for increasing black viscosity is coated on the intermediate transfer body;
Form image by China ink being ejected into the intermediate transfer body that is coated with first liquid from ink-jet printing apparatus; And
The image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
In a seventh aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of surface modifying method of intermediate transfer body, this method comprises the step that applies surface modification by energy, and this intermediate transfer body and function comes the image that China ink forms is formed on the surface, and the image that forms from the teeth outwards is transferred on the printed medium.
In a eighth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of surface modifying method of intermediate transfer body, the method comprising the steps of:
The intermediate transfer body is provided, and this intermediate transfer body has at least a surface that comprises fluorine compounds and silicone compounds, and is used to be formed into the image that China ink forms upward surperficial and be used for the image that forms from the teeth outwards is transferred on the printed medium; With
Apply the intermediate transfer body that surface modification provides by the energy that is used for surface modification.
In a ninth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of intermediate transfer body, this intermediate transfer body applies by surface modification by energy, and is used to be formed into the image that China ink forms upward surperficial and be used for the image that forms from the teeth outwards is transferred on the printed medium.
In a tenth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of intermediate transfer body, this intermediate transfer body has at least a surface that comprises fluorine compounds and silicone compounds, plasma treatment by being used for surface modification is by surface modification, and is used to that the image that China ink forms is formed into the surface and goes up and be used for the image of formation from the teeth outwards is transferred on the printed medium.
In a eleventh aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of formation method, the method comprising the steps of:
By plasma treatment and surfactant coating surface modification treatment is carried out on the surface of middle transfer article, this surface comprises at least a of fluorine compounds and silicone compounds;
On the intermediate transfer body of surface modification, form image by spraying China ink; And
The image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
In a twelveth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of formation method, the method comprising the steps of:
The intermediate transfer body is provided, and this intermediate transfer body has at least a surface that comprises fluorine compounds and silicone compounds, and applies by surface modification by plasma treatment and the surfactant that is used for surface modification;
Form image by spray China ink from ink-jet printing apparatus at the intermediate transfer body of surface modification; And
The image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of imaging device that uses the intermediate transfer body, this intermediate transfer body has at least a surface that comprises fluorine compounds and silicone compounds, and this equipment comprises:
Be used for by the device of plasma treatment and surfactant coating to middle transfer article surface modification treatment;
Be used for by spraying China ink forms image on the intermediate transfer body of surface modification device; And
Be used for the image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to device on the printed medium.
In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of imaging device, this equipment comprises:
Be used for installing the device of intermediate transfer body, this intermediate transfer body has at least a surface that comprises fluorine compounds and silicone compounds, and applies by surface modification by plasma treatment and the surfactant that is used for surface modification;
Be used for by spray the device that the black intermediate transfer body of installing at erecting device forms image from ink-jet printing apparatus; And
Be used for the image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to device on the printed medium.
In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of formation method, the method comprising the steps of:
Make the surface of intermediate transfer body stand plasma treatment;
Liquid is coated on the intermediate transfer body after plasma treatment, and this liquid comprises the surfactant of the wettability on the surface that is used for improving the intermediate transfer body;
Be coated to and applied on the intermediate transfer body that comprises surfactant being used for reaction liquid to China ink reaction;
Form image by spray the intermediate transfer body of China ink after the reaction liquid coating from ink-jet printing apparatus; And
The image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
In a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of formation method, the method comprising the steps of:
The intermediate transfer body is provided, and this intermediate transfer body has at least a surface that comprises fluorine compounds and silicone compounds, and the plasma treatment by being used for surface modification and the coating of liquid that comprises surfactant are by surface modification;
Liquid is coated on the intermediate transfer body after plasma treatment, and this liquid reduces the flowability of the China ink on the intermediate transfer body;
Form image by spray the intermediate transfer body of China ink after the liquid coating from ink-jet printing apparatus; And
The image that forms on the intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
In this manual, " printed medium " not only refers to the paper of common use in printing equipment, and refers to receive cloth, plastic foil, and any other material of China ink widely.
Can be applicable to ink-jet printing apparatus of the present invention and be included as various types of ink guns that ink jet printing proposes, also form bubble thus to spray black ink gun, to use electromechanical transducer by the heat energy that electric transducer produces to cause the film boiling in China ink to spray black ink gun and to utilize static or the ink gun of air stream injection ink droplet as utilization.Certainly, from the viewpoint that size reduces, use ink gun expediently based on electric transducer.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram, and expression is a kind of rough structure of imaging device according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a calcspar, and expression is used for the typical control system of the imaging device in the control chart 1;
Fig. 3 is a flow chart, the typical process of the imaging of the control system of expression use Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a flow chart, and expression is according to the typical process of the imaging of second embodiment of the invention; And
Fig. 5 is a flow chart, and expression is according to the essential part of the operation of the imaging of second embodiment of the invention.
The specific embodiment
To describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to accompanying drawing.
I. first embodiment
1. the overview of imaging device
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram, and expression is a kind of rough structure of imaging device according to an embodiment of the invention.In Fig. 1, Reference numeral 1 indication intermediate transfer body, this intermediate transfer body is actuated to rotate around axis 1A on the direction of arrow F, but and has a superficial layer 2 with good release property.In Fig. 1, the energy applicator of surface modification treatment is carried out in Reference numeral 3 representatives to superficial layer 2.In the device of representing in Fig. 1, applying device 4,5 is placed between energy applicator 3 and ink-jet unit 6 and contacts with the surface of intermediate transfer body 1, so that wettability altered contents and black viscosity improving components are coated on the described surface.Although the applying device 4 of the wettability altered contents that is used for applying such as surfactant might not be provided and be used for applying the applying device 5 of black viscosity improving components, but, they are installed preferably from improving the viewpoint that the intermediate transfer body keeps the ability of black image.
After these compositions have been coated on the surface, ink-jet unit 6 ink droplet jet to the surface of intermediate transfer body 1, to form image (mirror image) from the teeth outwards.Then, the print surface of printed medium 10 is contacted with the image that forms on intermediate transfer body 1, and pressure roll 11 press the back side of printed medium 10 so that image is transferred on the printed medium 10.
In the device of representing in Fig. 1, the water that is provided with the fan form is removed promotion device 8, with evaporation from the China ink that forms image at intermediate transfer body 1 with except that anhydrating or solvent composition.Except that this layout or replace this layout, can use warm-up mill 9, this warm-up mill 9 is placed to the dorsal part of hollow intermediate transfer body 1 and contacts.
Pressurized between the fixing roller 12 that has the good surface smoothness as described above by the printed medium 10 after the intermediate transfer body 1 printing image.Also might be with fixing roller 12 heating printed mediums 10, to give printing material durability immediately.
Then, in the device of Fig. 1, after being transferred to black image on the printed medium 10, the intermediate transfer body is washed in order to accepting next image by cleaning unit 13 in next step.
In traditional ink-jet printing system, black photographic fixing mostly penetrates in the paper as printed medium by China ink and realize that the state of formed image becomes according to the China ink amount that absorbs in printed medium.So, restricted to the kind of the printed medium that uses.On the other hand,, offset printing device designs, so offset printing device is for it lacked flexibility when different images was exported on the different pages when producing because being a large amount of printings of identical printed matter.
Yet,, produce following advantage by means of the present invention.If can from implement that above-mentioned imaging device of the present invention understands like that, the kind of printed medium is not subjected to the black quantitative limitation that absorbs in printed medium, allow to carry out on the medium of broad variety high quality printing.This can realize utilizing the imaging of the feature of ink-jet printing system again, as fabulous flexibility, can produce required printed matter immediately.
2. the description of process
Above-mentioned imaging device comprises that some implement some devices of following process, but promptly by energy apply implement to the surface of the intermediate transfer body 1 of superficial layer with good release property carry out modification process (hereinafter being called process (X)), by ink-jet printing system image is formed on process (process (Y)) on the intermediate transfer body with modified surface, and the black image that on intermediate transfer body 1, forms of handle be transferred to process (process (Z)) on the printed medium.To explain these processes (X)-(Z) and be used for implementing their device by example.
2.1 process (X)
Process (X) but apply by energy modification carried out on the surface of the intermediate transfer body 1 that has the superficial layer with good release property.
In the embodiment in figure 1, consider some characteristic requirements, comprise the rigidity of bearing applied pressure during transfer process, dimensional accuracy and by rotator inertia reduce can improved control response, the cylinder of being made by the light metal such as aluminium alloy is used as the support member of the superficial layer of intermediate transfer body.Superficial layer 2 is set on cylinder surface, so forms intermediate transfer body 1.
Yet intermediate transfer body or the support member that is used for its superficial layer are only required and are guaranteed that superficial layer can contact with the printed medium line at least.According to the structure of imaging device or be transferred to form on the printed medium, they can form the shape of roller, band or sheet.Except that the material that guarantees the line contact, the intermediate transfer body also can use the material with big strain, as the notch board that uses in the intaglio plate bat printing.
As shown in fig. 1, but on the surface of intermediate transfer body 1, form superficial layer with good release property.In this manual, but good release property is the finger writing or painting image can remove and do not adhere to the lip-deep state of intermediate transfer body.But release property is high more, superficial layer 2 during cleaning load and black transferring rate aspect favourable more.On the contrary, but along with release property increases, the critical surface tension of material generally reduces, and makes material more may repel liquid such as China ink, and this makes black image more be difficult to remain on the superficial layer again.The preferred in the present invention material that uses presented a kind of like this physical property before surface treatment, its water repellency is expressed as 30mN/m or littler with critical surface tension, perhaps to represent being 70 degree or bigger with the contact angle of water.In other words, the preferred material that is used for intermediate transfer body of the present invention has such character, as long as use common unit, the intermediate transfer body just repelled the China ink that applies before by surface treatment, therefore the China ink of coating can not form image (that is, black image hold facility is lower).
More particularly, but the superficial layer 2 with good release property can form by carrying out surface treatment, as on the surface of intermediate transfer body, being coated with fluorine or silicone oil being coated on the surface.Yet, but wish that superficial layer 2 is formed by the elastomeric material with good release property, because it can reach higher transfer efficiency.But elastomeric material can advantageously use surface-treated NBR and polyurethane rubber and all have the fluorubber and the silicon rubber of good release property inherently.Silicon rubber obtains with all kinds, as vulcanization type, single curing type liquid and biliquid curing type.All these types can suitably be used.Although the hardness of the elastic caoutchouc of superficial layer depends on the thickness and the rigidity of the printed medium 10 that contacts with superficial layer, and thereby wish to optimize superficial layer hardness, can produce desirable effect but when measure, have in 10 and 100 the uses of elastic caoutchouc of hardness between spending by type A hardometer (meeting JIS K 6253).If elastic caoutchouc has the hardness between 40 and 80 degree, then can handle the printed medium of almost all kinds.
In process (X), by being applied energy, it is modified by the superficial layer 2 of the intermediate transfer body 1 of above-mentioned structure.But the surface to middle transfer article applies the surperficial wettability that energy has improved the material with good release property, suppresses black repellency thus.The surface of the intermediate transfer body that so obtains except that good cleaning and image transfer printing ability, also has preferable image hold facility (China ink being remained on the ability of the point that lands by suitably suppressing black repellency).The means that are used to apply energy can be any by carrying out surface treatment, as ultraviolet radiation, flame treatment, corona discharge and plasma treatment, to surface modification so that its hydrophilic means.Certainly, if but the superficial layer with good release property form by the material that comprises fluorine compounds or silicone compounds, then at atmospheric pressure or to reduce plasma treatment under the pressure be method for optimizing especially easily.This combination can not only provide effective Hydrophilic Surface Treatment, and its transfer printing speed also can prevent to be transferred to the black image that forms on the intermediate transfer body on the printed medium in the process afterwards the time descends or improves this transfer printing speed.Above-mentioned plasma treatment comprises a part of Corona discharge Treatment, this Corona discharge Treatment with the oxygen activation in the atmosphere on the surface of processed matrix, to produce hydroxyl.Fluorine compounds or silicone compounds comprise corresponding oil ingredient.
Must disclose by selecting the hope effect complete mechanism behind of material and the combination results of selecting surperficial modified method.Yet, as if a kind of significant trend arranged, promptly under the situation of fluorine or the existence of silicone oil component, can clearly observe water-wetted surface and maintenance or improved transfer printing speed simultaneously, and the surface just can continue these effects of maintenance in case be modified.From these true judgements, suppose except the chemical action (introducing hydrophilic radical from the teeth outwards) of at least a portion of the rubber constituent, filler composition and the oil component that make superficial layer plasma treatment hydrophilic, known to usually, physical action (surface roughening) has also changed the part of rubber structure, has strengthened oil component motion from the teeth outwards.
Surface treatment can be implemented as expression in the embodiment in figure 1, but wherein energy applicator 3 carries out modification to the surface of intermediate transfer body 1 with good release property continuously or with predetermined space.Selectively, surface treatment also can not used energy applicator 3 but by using the intermediate transfer body of its surface modification be carried out.These two kinds of methods also can be used in combination, promptly might be according to the thin slice quantity of printing, use intermediate transfer body that its surface has been modified and handle, so that the surface modification effect maximization by using the energy applicator of in system, installing 3 superficial layer 2 to be carried out the auxiliary surface modification with appropriate intervals.
2.2 process (Y)
This is by using ink-jet unit to form the process of image on the intermediate transfer body.
The ink-jet unit that is used for imaging is unrestricted aspect black jet mode and structure.Ink-jet unit can be to use electric transducer (heating element heater) or electromechanical transducer (piezoelectric element) with continuous mode or promptly to need pattern to carry out the unit that China ink sprays.About the structure of ink-jet unit, let us is seen for example structure of Fig. 1.Ink gun can be the linear head cage structure, its China and Mexico's injection nozzle be arranged on the axis direction of intermediate transfer body 1 (with the surperficial vertical direction of figure on).Can use the head of another kind of type, this head is being arranged its nozzle on preset range on the tangential direction of intermediate transfer or on the circumferencial direction.Print by scanning this head in the axial direction.And, the print head of the number of the black color that can also use and when forming image, use.
The China ink that uses in imaging process (Y) is not subjected to any concrete restriction yet.Can use common obtainable dyestuff or pigment colouring agent, and also use to have and be used to dissolve and/or the water-based ink of the aqueous liquid medium of disperse dyes and pigment as China ink.Pigment inks is particularly suitable for producing durable printing image.
Possible dyestuff is C.I.Direct Blue (directly blue) 6,8,22,34,70,71,76,78,86,142,199; C.I.Acid Blue (acid blue) 9,22,40,59,93,102,104,117,120,167,229; C.I.Direct Red (directly red) 1,4,17,28,83,227; C.I.Acid Red (acid red) 1,4,8,13,14,15,18,21,26,35,37,249,257,289; C.I.Direct Yellow (directly yellow) 12,24,26,86,98,132,142; C.I.Acid Yellow (Indian yellow) 1,3,4,7,11,12,13,14,19,23,25,34,44,71; C.I.Food Black (edible black) 1,2; And C.I.Acid Black (acid black) 2,7,24,26,31,52,112,118.
Possible pigment is C.I.Pigment Blue (alizarol saphirol) 1,2,3,15; 3,16,22, C.I.Pigment Red (paratonere) 5,7,12,48 (Ca), 48 (Mn), 57 (Ca), 112,122, C.I.Pigment Yellow (pigment yellow) 1,2,3,13,16,83, Carbon Black (carbon black) No.2300,900,33,40,52, MA7,8, MCF 88 (Mitsubishi Kasei manufacturing), RAVEN1255 (Columbia manufacturing), REGAL330R, 660R, MOGUL (Cabot manufacturing), Color Black FW1, FW18, S170, S150, and Printex35 (Degussa manufacturing).
These pigment aspect application model without any restriction.They can use with the form of for example self-dispersion type (pigment of no dispersant), resin dispersion type and microcapsule-type.Suitable pigment decentralized medium comprises the water-soluble dispersion resin with weight average molecular wt of about 1,000 to 15,000.More particularly, block that they comprise the water soluble vinyl resin, made by styrene and its derivative or random copolymer and its salt, vinylnaphthalene and its derivative, α, the aliphatic alcohol esters of β-ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid, acrylic acid and its derivative, maleic acid and its derivative, itaconic acid and its derivative or fumaric acid and its derivative.
For the durability of the image that improves formation, can add water-soluble resin and water-soluble cross-linker.Unique requirement to these materials is that they can coexist with black composition.As water-soluble resin, can suitably use above-mentioned dispersion resin.As water-soluble cross-linker, can suitably use oxazoline and carbodiimides with slow response according to black stability.
The aqueous liquid medium of forming China ink with colouring agent listed above can comprise organic solvent, and after the viscosity of China ink that raises, the amount of organic solvent is the decisive factor of the character of China ink.In the system that uses according to intermediate transfer body of the present invention, China ink almost only comprises colouring agent and high boiling organic solvent when it is transferred on the printed medium.Consider this fact, under its optimum value, determine the amount of organic solvent.Preferred organic comprises the following water-soluble material with higher boiling and low vapor pressure.
Organic solvent can comprise for example polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, propane diols, butanediol, triethylene glycol, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol (DEG), ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol (DEG) monomethyl ether or glycerine.These two or more can mix use.In order to regulate viscosity and surface tension, alcohol such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol or surfactant can add in the China ink.
About forming the blending ratio of black composition, without limits.Can suitably regulate blending ratio according to the jet power of selecting and the nozzle diameter of ink gun.China ink for example can comprise the colouring agent of 0.1-10%, solvent, the surfactant of 0.01-5% and the purifying waste water of residue percentage of 5-40%.
When at a high speed carrying out imaging, effectively, provide before at black course of injection (Y) black viscosity improving components is coated to process on the intermediate transfer body.The China ink viscosity improving components not only suppress China ink on the intermediate transfer body flowability so that during high speed imaging bleeding off and become the pearl minimum, and raising remains on ability on the intermediate transfer body to black image.
In other words, because during fast imaging, the China ink amount of time per unit coating is greater than normal amount, so bleeding off and Cheng Zhugeng may take place.On the intermediate transfer body, China ink also may be by fluidisation.Thereby, when using the device of Fig. 1, before China ink applies by the black viscosity improving components of applying device 5 coatings, thereby ink droplet will land in the place that applies black viscosity improving components.This arrangement guarantees that China ink and black viscosity improving components contact with each other in the place that ink droplet has landed, and reduces the mobile of China ink and thus China ink is remained on the place that it lands.
Here, the increase of China ink viscosity comprises not only that wherein the colouring agent of the component of forming China ink contacts the situation of black viscosity improving components to cause chemical reaction or physical absorption, to cause black viscosity to rise overally with resin, and comprises the situation that the solid constituent of its China and Mexico's component condenses, causes the part of black viscosity to rise.
Spendable black viscosity improving components should suitably be selected according to the black kind that is used for imaging.For dye ink, for example, effectively use high-molecular coagulant.For pigment inks, can advantageously use to include the liquid that helps the metal ion that pigment condenses with fine dispersion particle.And, if use dye ink as China ink and metal ion as black viscosity improving components, then preferably, pigment composition with the color same color of dyestuff composition is mixed in the China ink, interpolation has the white or the transparent fine grained of very little influence to color, perhaps adds the water-soluble resin with the metal ion reaction.
High-molecular coagulant as black viscosity improving components comprises for example cation high molecular coagulating agent, anionic polymer coagulating agent, non ionic polymer coagulating agent and Amphiphatic high polymer coagulating agent.Metal ion comprises for example such as Ca
2+, Cu
2+, Ni
2+, Mg
2+, and Zn
2+And so on bivalent metal ion; With such as Fe
3+And Al
3+And so on trivalent metal ion.If apply the liquid that comprises these metal ions, then the form that preferably belongs to salting liquid with underwater gold applies it.In the anion of slaine, be Cl
-, NO
3 -, SO
4 2-, I
-, Br
-, ClO
3 -And RCOO
-(R representation hydrocarbyl).
The amount of the black viscosity improving components that applies preferably is arranged to, the sum of metal ion electric charge be equal to or greater than the opposite polarity that in painted China ink, exists ionic charge sum 0.5-2 doubly.For this purpose, can use the aqueous solution of slaine listed above with about 10% mass density.Even the black viscosity improving components of this layer is thinner, also can realize its function well.
Although Fig. 1 represents that the applying device 5 of roller coat glassware type as preferred applying device, also can use the applying device of other type, as the spraying and applying device.Also can use the print head that sprays the liquid of viscosity improving components by the effect of inkjet mechanism.
In order to improve the durability of final formation image, can add water-soluble resin and water-soluble cross-linker.To these materials without limits, as long as they can coexist with black viscosity improving components.If have highly active slaine as black viscosity improving components, then water-soluble resin can use PVA and PVP expediently.Water-soluble cross-linker can preferably use oxazoline and carbodiimides, this carbodiimides with in China ink, disperse and suitably used carboxylic acid reaction for colouring agent.Particularly, aziridine is the material that can provide black viscosity to increase ability and improve the combination of image durability.
Even coating for black viscosity improving components, effectively, surfactant or surfactant are added in the black viscosity improving components, perhaps before applying black viscosity improving components, by bringing device 4 wettability such as surfactant is improved composition and be coated onto on the intermediate transfer body.Wettability is modified into branch and is designed to be increased in affinity between intermediate transfer body and the black viscosity improving components, and therefore preferably uses surfactant.
Even in the structure that does not use black viscosity improving components, the wettability such as surfactant that applied by applying device 4 before China ink sprays is improved composition, also is being effective aspect the affinity of improving intermediate transfer body and China ink.
When forming image,, then no problem usually if the coating of black viscosity improving components is thinner.Yet, had wherein before spraying China ink by can obtain the situation of better print result by means of dry well this composition after black viscosity improving components coating of dry run.In this case, between applying device 5 and ink-jet unit 6, drying device can be set.
2.3 process (Z)
To be a handle be transferred to process on the printed medium 10 at the black image that forms on the intermediate transfer body 1 for this, and this printed medium 10 removes the form that can have continuous paper the paper of cutting into slices, as coiling paper and fan-fold paper.Printed medium 10 is made by pressure roll 11 and contacts with the imaging surface of intermediate transfer body 1, and receives China ink thus.In this embodiment, because in this stage, water in the China ink on intermediate transfer body 1 has had to a certain degree evaporation and its viscosity to rise, so even printed medium has less black absorbability, also can form the image of good quality on printed medium.
Yet if too short to the time of the image transfer printing in process (Z) from the black image that forms process (Y), the water yield that is included in the China ink can not be reduced to the level that is allowed by printed medium by natural evaporation.Consider a kind of like this situation, the imaging device of Fig. 1 has the water of mounted fan (it can send warm braw) form between the position that forms black image and the position of carrying out the image transfer printing and removes promotion device 8, promotes to eliminate from China ink water thus.The another kind of device that is used for promoting water to remove can be the device that heats the intermediate transfer body from black image formation surface side.Selectively, by being placed to the surface that to realize heating the intermediate transfer body with the contacted warm-up mill 9 of the dorsal part of hollow intermediate transfer body 1.
The printed medium that is printed by the intermediate transfer body is pressurizeed by the fixing roller 12 with good surface smoothness as mentioned above.Fixing roller 12 also can be provided with the function of heating printed medium 10.This will give printing material durability immediately.
In the device of Fig. 1 illustrated, the intermediate transfer body after being transferred to black image on the printed medium, by cleaning unit 13 washings of installing in next stage, is prepared for receiving next image then.Cleaning unit preferably adopts direct clean method or erasing method.Directly clean method can be included in the spray water shower or the intermediate transfer body is placed to water surface is contacted and wash simultaneously or erasing.The erasing method can comprise that pasting described surface keeps a moistening erasing roller.These two kinds of methods certainly are used in combination.
After washing, if necessary, for effective dry, air blast be pushed or be applied in the surface of intermediate transfer body can by the erasing roller of drying.According to the China ink that uses, be used to improve the blending constituent of wettability for purpose for realizing that cleaning can be utilized.In this case, wettability is improved composition applying device 4 and also can be used as cleaning device.
2.4 the advantage of embodiment
Describe above process in detail and implemented their means.The feature of the present invention and embodiment can be summarised as, and has set up a kind of technology, and it can be having the height transfer printing, but the surface modification that for example has an intermediate transfer body of good release property becomes the surface that can not receive black or black viscosity improving components with repelling.This technology is provided at black image is transferred to the superior performance of printed medium aspect and black image is remained on the unique combination of the high ability on the intermediate transfer body from middle transfer article, makes the quality of the transfer ink image on printed medium higher.This is possible will what to be interpreted as in detail below.
But the reason that gives the good release property in surface of intermediate transfer body 1 is to improve black transfer efficiency.For the common transfer printing means that comprise offset printing, half China ink of only having an appointment on the surface of intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium, remaining half be retained on the intermediate transfer body.The intermediate transfer body that has residue of ink in its surface receives China ink supply next time then.In other words, the twice of the China ink amount that requires need be supplied with in the surface of intermediate transfer body on printed medium.If the improvement transfer efficiency then can reduce to supply with the China ink amount of intermediate transfer body.By means of the present invention and embodiment, can easily improve transfer efficiency, and China ink supply with volume reduce to produce following five advantages.
(1) reduces bleeding off and become pearl
Bleeding off and one-tenth pearl (bleeding and beading) are all caused by the contact between the ink droplet.Thereby the chance that reduces to cause contacting between the ink droplet that supplies to the black volume of intermediate transfer body reduces.
(2) the water evaporation reduces
For improved transfer efficiency, the strong inside coalescence force of wishing to strengthen China ink.But generally comprise big water gaging, so increase the inside coalescence force of China ink by removing to anhydrate owing to be used for the China ink of ink jet printing.At this moment, the black volume of per unit surface area is more little on the intermediate transfer body, and the water removal can be carried out soon more and be easy more.
(3) gain of the point during transfer printing reduces
The black volume of each point is big more on the intermediate transfer body, and it may be flattened and spot diameter will be big more by pressure more during its transfer printing, causes the resolution ratio that descends.Yet the black volume energy that reduces prevents this situation.
(4) load during cleaning reduces
Because the black volume of lip-deep residue at the intermediate transfer body after transfer printing reduces, so cleaning becomes easier.Particularly when producing different images on the different printing sheet, the surface of intermediate transfer body need be cleaned before each imaging.In this case, the present invention is very favourable.
(5) improved black utilization rate
The black volume that is abandoned by cleaning is more little, and black utilization rate is just high more, and this reduces operating cost and wastage again.
As mentioned above, even on different thin slices, produce different images, have the intermediate transfer body of higher clean-up performance and also guarantee high-quality printing image as the combination of the ink-jet printing apparatus of digital image printing device.
Therefore in addition, ink-jet printing system can use the China ink with very little solids content, and can create image and do not sacrifice unique texture of printed medium or paper.In order to utilize this ability, the surface of intermediate transfer body is made hydrophilic, is not ostracised with the thin layer coating to allow aqueous inks and black viscosity improving components.This not only improves the quality of image, and by spread out the removal that China ink quickens water than unfertile land, this causes the another one characteristics again, promptly can handle high speed printing.
But the surface with good release property is good aspect transfer efficiency.But a kind of like this surface generally is a water repels, and if do not give certain surface treatment, then repelling the liquid such as China ink, this makes in this lip-deep image maintenance and forms difficulty.Handle this problem, that is, make to keep and to form black image on the higher black transfer efficiency surface why in the present invention or present embodiment, middle transfer article being carried out by the surface modification that applies energy such as plasma treatment just having.But modification has the surface of the intermediate transfer body of higher black transfer efficiency and good release property by means of applying by the energy such as plasma treatment, can make the intermediate transfer surface be suitable for keeping China ink to keep intrinsic higher black transfer efficiency simultaneously.
And, before black image forms, black viscosity improving components is coated on the intermediate transfer body, even in short time period, also can prevent image deterioration during the high speed printing process of a large amount of China inks of coating.In other words, mobile by reducing China ink, if ink droplet should contact each other, then can prevent the harmful phenomenon such as China ink becomes pearl and bleeding off.In so-called " fine and close (solid) " printing zone, no matter transfer efficiency can be provided with De Duogao, is difficult to also prevent that adjacent drops from contacting with each other.On the contrary, can condense immediately China ink and to reduce China ink mobile of the aqueous solution of high-molecular coagulant of listing as the example of black viscosity improving components and metal ion.
Yet be not easy but black viscosity improving components is coated on the surface with good release property equably.If only apply black viscosity improving components, then it is ostracised on the intermediate transfer surface.And if added the wettability improving agent, then will require a large amount of reagent.This makes overlay thicker, offsets the above-mentioned advantage that reduces black volume.Therefore very effectively be, but make the surface of intermediate transfer body, and to make the surface thus be enough hydrophilic before applying black viscosity improving components with good release property by the energy that the surface is applied such as plasma treatment.
And, even make black image become possibility,, but China ink suitably is coated to difficulty on the surface with good release property as long as surperficial contact method is used in coating for China ink by surface modification.Purpose of the present invention is by being achieved the ink jet printing method that suitably applies China ink in the noncontact mode as formation method.
3. exemplary embodiments
Secondly, will explain some embodiment and the example that is used for comparison in detail for each printing process.In description subsequently, " part " and " % " is represented with the quality term, unless in addition special explanation.
Embodiment 1
(a) surface modification of transfer article
As the intermediate transfer body, this embodiment uses silicon rubber (KE12 that Shinetsu Kagaku makes) with 40 degree hardness thick and form at aluminum drum coating 0.2mm.At first, under the following conditions by using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device 3 (ST-7000 that Keyence makes) that modification is carried out on the surface of middle transfer article.
Radiation length: 5mm
Plasma pattern: height
Processing speed: 100mm/sec
(b) coating of black viscosity improving components
Secondly, the intermediate transfer body that the surface is modified applies black viscosity improving components by using the roller coat glassware.As black viscosity improving components, use the aluminum chloride hexahydrate aqueous solution of 10% quality.
(c) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph
Secondly, and the operation ink-jet unit (spray nozzle density: 1200dpi (point/inch), spray volume: 4pl, driving frequency: 8kHz), the character picture that the mirror image of formation aqueous inks is put upside down on the intermediate transfer body.Here, the China ink of use has following component.When black image was formed on the intermediate transfer body, it kept well and does not become pearl to generate.
-pigment (the carbon ink MCF 88 that Mitsubishi Kagaku makes): 5 parts
-styrene/acrylic/ethyl acrylate copolymer (acid number: 240, weight average molecular wt: 5,000): 1 part
-glycerine: 10 parts
-ethylene glycol: 5 parts
-surfactant (the Acetylenol EH that Kawaken Fine Chemicals makes): 1 part
-ion exchange water: 78 parts
(d) transfer printing
Make the intermediate transfer body that stands above series of processes process and have the very face coat printing paper of Xiao Mo absorbability (the NPi coated paper of the A-size that Nippon Paper makes, 1000 weight (ream weight amounts by the pressure roll effect; JIS P 001): 40.5kg) contact with each other, so that black image is transferred on the printing paper.On the image on the printing paper, do not find into pearl, and the quality of character is good.After the image transfer printing, on the intermediate transfer body, almost there is not residue of ink, so the intermediate transfer body can no problemly receive next image immediately after this.
Embodiment 2
(a) surface modification of transfer article
As the intermediate transfer body, this embodiment uses silicon rubber (KE30 that Shinetsu Kagaku makes) the coating 0.2mm on aluminum drum with 60 degree hardness thick and form.At first, under the following conditions by using the surface of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device (the Plasma Atom Handy that Nippon Paint makes) modification intermediate transfer body.
Radiation length: contact
Plasma pattern: standard
Processing speed: 10mm/sec
(b) coating of black viscosity improving components
Secondly, fluorinated surface activator 0.5% (Seimi Chemical make SurflonS-141) adds in the calcium chloride dihydrate aqueous solution of 10% quality, and uses the roller coat glassware that this solution is coated onto on the surface of the intermediate transfer body that the surface is modified.
(c) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph
Secondly, and the operation ink-jet unit (spray nozzle density: 1200dpi, spray volume: 4pl, driving frequency: 8kHz), the character picture of putting upside down with the mirror image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms four kinds of colors of ink.Here, the China ink of use has following component.When black image was formed on the intermediate transfer body, it kept well and does not become pearl and bleeding off to generate.
-following pigment: 8 parts
Black: carbon black (the carbon ink MCF 88 that Mitsubishi Kagaku makes)
Blue or green: pigment blue 15
Pinkish red: paratonere 7
Yellow: pigment yellow 74
-styrene/acrylic/ethyl acrylate copolymer (acid number: 240, weight average molecular wt: 5,000): 1 part
-glycerine: 10 parts
-ethylene glycol: 5 parts
-surfactant (the Acetylenol EH that Kawaken Fine Chemicals makes): 1 part
-ion exchange water: 78 parts
(d) transfer printing
Mounted fan work between ink-jet unit and pressure roll is to dry facing to the lip-deep black image at the intermediate transfer body.Then, make the intermediate transfer body by the pressure roll effect and have the very face coat printing paper of Xiao Mo absorbability (the NPi coated paper of the A-size that Nippon Paper makes, 1000 weight: 40.5kg) contact with each other, black image is transferred on the printing paper.On the image on the printing paper, both do not observed into pearl and also do not observed bleeding off, and the quality of transferred image is good.
Then, the small portion of residual China ink on the intermediate transfer body is removed by pasting the moistening erasing roller of transfer article placement.
(a) surface modification of transfer article
As the intermediate transfer body, it is thick and form that this embodiment uses the silicon rubber (KE24 that Shinetsu Kagaku makes) with 80 degree hardness to be coated with 0.5mm on aluminum drum.At first, under the following conditions by using the surface of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device 3 (ST-7000 that Keyence makes) modification intermediate transfer body.
Radiation length: 5mm
Plasma pattern: metal
Processing speed: 75mm/sec
(b) coating of black viscosity improving components
Secondly, use the roller coat glassware that fluorinated surface activator (the Surflon S-141 that Seimi Chemical makes) is coated on the surface of the intermediate transfer body that the surface is modified.Then, use the roller coat glassware to apply high-molecular coagulant (C577S that the Mitsui Cytec makes) aqueous solution of 5% quality.
(c) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph
Secondly, and the operation ink-jet unit (spray nozzle density: 1200dpi, spray volume: 4pl, driving frequency: 8kHz), the character picture of putting upside down with the mirror image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms four kinds of colors of ink.Here, the China ink of use has following component.When black image was formed on the intermediate transfer body, it kept well and does not become pearl to generate.
-following pigment: 4 parts
Black: C.I. edible black 2
Blue or green: C.I. is indigo plant 199 directly
Pinkish red: C.I. acid red 289
Yellow: the C.I. acid yellow 23
-glycerine: 10 parts
-ethylene glycol: 5 parts
-surfactant (the Acetylenol EH that Kawaken Fine Chemicals makes): 1 part
-ion exchange water: 80 parts
(d) transfer printing
Keep being driven,, quicken the evaporation of water from image with the black image of heating on the intermediate transfer body with the contacted warm-up mill in back (surface temperature: 60 ℃) of intermediate transfer body.Then, make the intermediate transfer body by the pressure roll effect and have the very face coat printing paper of Xiao Mo absorbability (the NPi coated paper of the A-size that Nippon Paper makes, 1000 weight: 40.5kg) contact with each other, so that black image is transferred on the printing paper.Do not observe into pearl in the image on printing paper, the quality of transferred image is good.
Then, the small portion of residual China ink on the intermediate transfer body is removed by pasting the moistening erasing roller of transfer article placement.
Embodiment 4
(a) surface modification of transfer article
In this embodiment, with silane coupling agent (KBM503 that the Shinetsu Kagaku makes) polyester film that substrate coating 0.5mm is thick, apply the thickness of 0.5mm then with the silicon rubber with 40 degree hardness (KE12 that Shinetsu Kagaku makes), to form the superficial layer of intermediate transfer body.Use parallel-plate-type plasma processor modification intermediate transfer surface layer under the following conditions.
-radiation length: 5mm
-gas flow: 100sccm (standard cc/min)
-pressure: 0.08torr (1.066Pa)
-power: 1,200W
-the processing time: 30 seconds
Secondly, this superficial layer is wrapped on the aluminum drum to form the intermediate transfer body.
(b) coating of black viscosity improving components
Secondly, the fluorinated surface activator 1% (SurflonS-141 that Seimi Chemical makes) adds in the calcium chloride dihydrate aqueous solution of 10% quality, and uses the roller coat glassware that this solution is coated onto on the surface of intermediate transfer body.
(c) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph
Secondly, (spray nozzle density: 1200dpi, spray volume: 4pl, driving frequency: 10kHz), with the character picture that the mirror image that forms four kinds of colors of ink on the intermediate transfer body is put upside down, this intermediate transfer body scribbles black viscosity improving components to the operation ink-jet unit.The China ink that uses is identical with use in embodiment 2.When black image was formed on the intermediate transfer body, it kept well and had not both become pearl also not have bleeding off to generate.
(d) transfer printing
Mounted fan work between ink-jet unit and pressure roll is facing to the lip-deep black image blowing at the intermediate transfer body.Then, make the intermediate transfer body by the pressure roll effect and have the very face coat printing paper of Xiao Mo absorbability (the NPi coated paper of the A-size that Nippon Paper makes, 1000 weight: 40.5kg) contact with each other, black image is transferred on the printing paper.On the image on the printing paper, both do not observed into pearl and also do not observed bleeding off, and the quality of transferred image is good.
Then, the small portion of residual China ink on the intermediate transfer body is removed by pasting the moistening erasing roller of transfer article placement.
(a) surface modification of transfer article
In this embodiment, with silane coupling agent (KBM503 that the Shinetsu Kagaku makes) polyester film that substrate coating 0.5mm is thick, and apply the thickness of 0.5mm then with the silicon rubber with 40 degree hardness (KE12 that Shinetsu Kagaku makes), to form the superficial layer of intermediate transfer body.Use the superficial layer of parallel-plate-type plasma processor modification intermediate transfer body under the following conditions.The intermediate transfer surface layer of modification is installed on the surface of aluminum drum then.
-radiation length: 5mm
-gas flow: 100sccm
-pressure: 0.08torr (1.066Pa)
-power: 1,200W
-the processing time: 30 seconds
And, under the following conditions by using the surface of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device (ST-7000 that Keyence makes) modification intermediate transfer body.
Radiation length: 5mm
Plasma pattern: metal
Processing speed: 200mm/sec
(b) coating of black viscosity improving components
Secondly, the intermediate transfer body that uses the roller coat glassware that the surface is modified scribbles black viscosity improving components.As black viscosity improving components, use the aluminum chloride hexahydrate aqueous solution of 10% quality, add 1% fluorinated surface activator (the Surflon S-141 that Seimi Chemical makes) for this solution.
(c) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph
Secondly, (spray nozzle density: 1200dpi, spray volume: 4pl, driving frequency: 12kHz), with the character picture that the mirror image that forms four kinds of colors of ink on the intermediate transfer body is put upside down, this intermediate transfer body scribbles black viscosity improving components to the operation ink-jet unit.The China ink that uses is identical with use in embodiment 2.When black image was formed on the intermediate transfer body, it kept well and had not both become pearl also not have bleeding off to generate.
(d) transfer printing
Mounted fan work between ink-jet unit and pressure roll is facing to the lip-deep black image blowing at the intermediate transfer body.Then, make the intermediate transfer body by the pressure roll effect and have the very face coat printing paper of Xiao Mo absorbability (the NPi coated paper of the A-size that Nippon Paper makes, 1000 weight: 40.5kg) contact with each other, so that black image is transferred on the printing paper.On the image on the printing paper, both do not observed into pearl and also do not observed bleeding off, and the quality of transferred image is good.
Then, the small portion of residual China ink on the intermediate transfer body is removed by the moistening erasing roller that is pasting the transfer article placement.
Comparative example 1
Except that the intermediate transfer body without undergoing the surface modification, with embodiment 1 in identical mode carry out the image printing.As a result, the black anamorphose on the intermediate transfer body, and the picture quality on printed medium is so poor after transfer printing, so that small characters can not be read.
Comparative example 2
Except that the intermediate transfer body uses the surfacing of the buttress rubber do not have releasability, with embodiment 5 in identical mode carry out the image printing.As a result, transferring rate reduces, and in order to be implemented in the image of the good quality that embodiment 5 obtains, and needs to use about 1.5 times of the black volume that consumes in embodiment 5.Remove 1.6 times of time that the time that needs of anhydrating is its cost among embodiment 5 from being imaged onto transfer printing by blowing operation.And the image of this example has the some gain bigger slightly than embodiment 5, and resolution ratio descends.
4. the example of control system and control program
When using the various unit that adopt in one of above embodiment to build the imaging device of Fig. 1, control system can form as described in following.
Fig. 2 represents the typical construction of a kind of control system that can build for the imaging device of Fig. 1.In integral body was designated as 100 imaging device, Reference numeral 101 was represented CPU, is used for the main control unit of whole system.Be designated as 103 be to comprise the ROM of the operating system of storing CPU 101 and be used for interim store various kinds of data and image data processing and be used for the RAM memory of other work.Be designated as 117 be to image source apparatus 150, send data and order or receive the interface of data and order from image source apparatus 150, described view data source apparatus 150 is an image data source, it can adopt master computer or other form.
Be designated as 110 be the driver element that is used in process (a) to (d) driving intermediate transfer body 1.Reference numeral 115 representatives are used for the induction system of printed medium 10, and comprise the driver element that is used for pressure roll 11 and is used for fixing roller 12.Bus 120 interconnection said elements, and also interconnection energy applicator 3, applying device 4, applying device 5, ink-jet unit 6, the water that can have one of form of describing in above embodiment is removed and is promoted device 8, warm-up mill 9 and cleaning unit 13, and sends the control signal from CPU 101.These elements can be equipped with state sensor, thereby the signal that detects is transferred to CPU 101 through bus 120.
Fig. 3 represents flow chart, and the exemplary program of the imaging process of using above control system is shown.
When receiving view data and having stipulated the printing of this view data from image source apparatus 150, view data is carried out predetermined picture handle, make ink-jet unit 6 can form image (step S1).If the view data that sends from image source apparatus is not the data that mirror image is put upside down, then this image processing comprises puts upside down processing.
When ink-jet unit 6 is prepared printing, intermediate transfer body 1 is rotated (step S3), be afterwards and the surface modification process (X) or (a) driving (the step S5 of relevant energy applicator 3, this can comprise be used for the driving of applying device 4 of coated surfaces activator), then be and be used for black viscosity improving components is coated to the driving (step S6) of the relevant applying device 5 of process (b) on the intermediate transfer body 1, then be and imaging process (Y) or (c) driving (step S7) of relevant ink-jet unit 6, then be all be used for black image be transferred on the printed medium process (Z) or (b) relevant water remove and promote device 8, warm-up mill 9, the driving of printed medium induction system 115 and cleaning unit 13.These elements are synchronously driven, to guarantee for good imaging modification intermediate transfer surface and to guarantee correctly to aim at the position that forms image and transferred image position on printed medium.If ink-jet unit 6 is serial print types, then imaging is carried out in the rotation of the preset distance of main scanning by the ink gun that hockets and intermediate transfer body 1.When the processing of the view data of finishing ormal weight, this program is withdrawed from.
Although the surface modification that applies by energy is always carried out in supposition in imaging in above program, also can be in due course and carry out.In other words, it can carry out before imaging, and perhaps the selection on opportunity can be managed according to the time and the printed data amount of cost, and perhaps it can be independent of imaging by the degeneration that monitors the intermediate transfer surface and carries out.These can make up as required.And, also the time and the degree of carrying out surface modification can be set suitably.For example, the enforcement of surface modification treatment can be the complete rotation several times to middle transfer article 1.
Other
All processes (a)-(d) that the present invention might not carry out during imaging or all devices of carrying out relevant process might not be housed.In other words, keeping its performance during the long duration very much if apply the intermediate transfer physical efficiency of surface modification by energy, then the present invention also comprises by using in advance intermediate transfer body through surface modification to carry out the formation method of process (c) to (d) or process (b) to (d) and the imaging device of the device of these processes of execution is housed, and this intermediate transfer body is by the process (a) of for example getting in touch embodiment 4 and describing surface modification in advance.In other words, unique requirement is that before the image on the intermediate transfer body formed, intermediate transfer body quilt is surface modification suitably.So the surface modification process needn't be coated to the intermediate transfer body or carried out immediately before the formation of black image on the intermediate transfer body in black viscosity improving components.Surface modification device also might not be arranged in the imaging device.In other words, the intermediate transfer body can be removably mounted on the erecting device in the imaging device.Perhaps the intermediate transfer body after the surface modification can be installed on the erecting device.Except that these, the present invention also comprises: the method for a kind of modification intermediate transfer surface, this intermediate transfer body are suitable for execution and carry out above process (c) or process (b) and formation method (c); This intermediate transfer body, and by using this intermediate transfer body to carry out a kind of method and a kind of device of imaging.
In the present invention, be not absolutely necessary, can omit in the coating of above process (b) China and Mexico viscosity improving components.Yet, but in order to strengthen the retentivity of black image on the intermediate transfer body, should preferably carry out process (b).Process (b) when carrying out, but improves the retentivity of black image on the intermediate transfer body, and this provides on printed medium again than not carrying out the measured transfer ink image of matter that process (b) obtains.
II. second embodiment
1. feature structure
Secondly, will explain the second embodiment of the present invention.This embodiment is characterised in that the intermediate transfer body has the surface of being made by the material of fluorochemical or silicone compounds, and should stand plasma treatment and surfactant is applied it upward to be modified by making it in the surface.After surface modification, the process that is basically the same as those in the first embodiment promptly forms image and then it is transferred on the printed medium on the intermediate transfer body.Thereby, imaging device can have almost with in the identical construction shown in Fig. 1.Therefore following description concentrates on the difference with first embodiment.
The intermediate transfer body 1 of this example has a superficial layer 2, and this superficial layer has stood the Hydrophilic Surface Treatment by the coating of plasma treatment and surfactant.The surface modification treatment that atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device 3 is assisted superficial layer 2 with proper spacing with surfactant applying device 4 makes the surface modification effect maximum with the quantity according to printing thin.
In order to remove any too much surfactant of supplying with from applying device 4, cleaning unit can be installed between surfactant applying device 4 and the black viscosity improving components applying device 5.If the interval that the auxiliary surface modification is handled can be provided with longlyer, the cleaning unit 13 that then is used for cleaning the surface of intermediate transfer body after black image transfer printing also can be used for removing too much surfactant.In this case, device can an idle process (this process phase inversion with intermediate transfer body 1 in the example of Fig. 1 is corresponding).
For later process, this example has the similar structure with first embodiment aspect the black viscosity improving components of applying device 5 coating, and have install be used for carrying out after other necessary unit of process.
The imaging device of this embodiment is characterised in that surface modification process (hereinafter being called process (X ')), and in this surface modification process, the surface of intermediate transfer body 1 is modified by plasma treatment and surfactant coating.The similar aspect of this imaging device and first embodiment is, it comprises that enforcement is transferred to the device of the process on the printed medium by ink jet printing method in the process that forms black image on the intermediate transfer body with the black image that forms on the intermediate transfer body, and can preferably be arranged on the device that the process of the black viscosity improving components of coating is implemented in imaging before.To describe the device of process (X ') and implementation process (X ') in detail by example.
Process (X ') is the process on the surface of modification intermediate transfer body by the surface being carried out plasma treatment and surfactant coat operations, and this surperficial material comprises fluorine compounds and silicone compounds at least.
The material optimum condition that is used for superficial layer 2 is that it comprises one of fluorine compounds and silicone compounds.But these compounds have good release property with respect to China ink, and therefore the greater efficiency of transfer ink image is provided.Fluorine compounds described herein and silicone compounds comprise fluorocarbon oil and silicone oil, and they are the important materials that can improve transfer efficiency especially.But release property is as defining among first embodiment.The example of superficial layer 2 also is similar to the example that contact first embodiment explains.
Process (X ') is pressed the superficial layer 2 of the intermediate transfer body 1 of above-mentioned structure by plasma treatment and surfactant coating modification.But the material with good release property as fluorine compounds and silicone compounds, generally presents low critical surface tension, and thereby the liquid of repulsion such as China ink and black viscosity improving components.Under this condition, black image can not be formed on the intermediate transfer body.In order to handle this situation, implement surface modification, so that black repulsion trend minimum by plasma treatment and surfactant coating.Plasma treatment is generally carried out under atmospheric pressure or the pressure that reduces, and can use atmosphere no problemly or reduce any of pressure type.The device that carries out plasma treatment under atmospheric pressure is more favourable, because the plasma processor 3 of its energy image pattern 1 is installed in the imaging device like that, and carry out the auxiliary surface modification according to the surface characteristic degenerate case and handle, the seriousness of this surface characteristic degenerate case depends on the quantity of printing thin.Plasma treatment described herein comprises that the oxygen activation that makes in the atmosphere is to produce the corona discharge of hydroxyl on described surface.
Finish surface modification on the surface by after plasma treatment, surfactant being coated to.For these processing, surface modification effect can keep the long time section.The surfactant that uses can comprise common surfactant, as cation surfactant, anionic surfactant, non-ionic surface activator, amphoteric surface's activator, fluorinated surface activator and silicone surfactant.
Be used for the means that the device of coated surfaces activator can preferably carry out roller coat, scraper coating and spraying, because these coating reagent continuously.According to the structure of imaging device, also can adopt is the dip-coating of batch process form.
This surface modification mode is not only carried out Hydrophilic Surface Treatment, and has and avoid degenerating or improve process place afterwards being formed on the effect that black image on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to the efficient on the printed medium.
Use under reducing pressure plasma treatment and the Hydrophilic Surface Treatment of surfactant coating be disclosed among the Japanese Patent Application No.61-036783 (1986), be limited to silicon rubber as the coating object.On the other hand, the present invention's use not only makes hydrophilic but also provides the intermediate transfer body that improves the China ink transfer printing.Therefore the present invention is basic principle with the obvious difference of above documents and to selected materials be used for the restriction of the environmental pressure of plasma treatment.
How the surface modification means of also not understanding these selected materials and selection have fully produced desirable effect.Yet, at fluorine or silicone oil composition where, as if obviously, Hydrophilic Surface Treatment of the present invention realizes forming the remarkable combination of the ability of the ability of surface hydrophilic and maintenance or improvement transfer printing, and in case handle, these effects often continue very long duration.This hint, except the common known chemical action (introducing hydrophilic radical from the teeth outwards) of the hydrophilic plasma treatment of at least a portion of the rubber constituent, filler composition and the oil component that make superficial layer, physical action (surface roughening) also changes the part of rubber structure to promote the motion of oil component from the teeth outwards.And, because the surfactant coating is adsorbed on by plasma treatment surfactant and is elevated on the surface of upper state, so hydrophilic radical forms from the teeth outwards, makes the surface become more stable water-wetted surface, the result is that the surface can present water-wet behavior during the very long period.In fact, a kind of so observed trend is arranged: deactivating at hydrophilic nmature and plasma has strong correlation between the time.In other words, the time interval between the coating of plasma treatment and surfactant is short more, and the effect that obtains is big more.
Intermediate transfer body after the surface modification generally can be removed too much surfactant by wash mill before supplying to next process.The processing that applied such as heating before washing can strengthen hydrophily in short time period.In the imaging device of Fig. 1, a kind of like this cleaning device can be installed between applying device 4 and the applying device 5.
As in the embodiment in figure 1, in imaging device, can always carry out or middle transfer article 1 is carried out surface modification with predetermined space with plasma processor 3 and surface active applying device 4.Perhaps the intermediate transfer body of surface modification can be with in the imaging device that plasma processor 3 and surface active applying device 4 are not installed therein.Selectively, they also can combine use.In other words, use the intermediate transfer body of surface modification in advance, plasma processor 3 and surface active applying device 4 are installed in the imaging device independently or in combination, and with appropriate intervals superficial layer 2 is carried out the auxiliary surface modification according to the quantity of printing thin then and handle, so that the surface modification effect maximum.
Under any situation, the technical characterictic of this embodiment is summarised as following 2 points: improve imaging performance by the intermediate transfer body with fluorine that higher transfer printing can be provided or silicone compounds is carried out Hydrophilic Surface Treatment; With the imaging that is implemented in by ink jet printing on the intermediate transfer body.The main effect that is produced by the realization of higher transfer printing is to be coated to reducing and improved clean-up performance of black volume on the intermediate transfer body.Above effect, the effect that produces by the imaging of using ink jet printing, and the effect that produces by the selectivity coating of black viscosity improving components be similar to those effects that in first embodiment, obtain.
The surface that comprises fluorine compounds or silicone compounds of Cai Yonging generally is to repel water in this embodiment, and if do not handle, then will repel the liquid such as China ink, make that formation and the maintenance from the teeth outwards of black image is difficult.The reason that the present invention or present embodiment carry out surface modification by the coating of plasma treatment and surfactant overcomes this problem exactly, promptly makes black image form with higher black transfer efficiency and keeps from the teeth outwards.By the intermediate transfer body with the surface that comprises fluorine with higher China ink transfer printing or silicon compound being stood comprise the surface modification treatment of above-mentioned plasma treatment and surfactant coating, can make the surface of intermediate transfer body be suitable for China ink and keep keeping simultaneously intrinsic high black transfer efficiency.
In this embodiment, carrying out the surfactant coating after plasma treatment is absolutely necessary.This is because be considered to introduce from the teeth outwards hydrophilic radical in the absorption that is elevated to the lip-deep surfactant of upper state by plasma treatment, makes that thus water-wetted surface is more stable and keep the hydrophilic nmature on surface in the very long period.
In this respect, present embodiment is with the coating that allows black viscosity improving components or to be used to improve first embodiment of coating of surfactant of wettability before this different.In other words, present embodiment is characterised in that, the surfactant coating is associated with plasma treatment to middle transfer article, makes surfactant have the function of the surface characteristic of change intermediate transfer body.On the other hand, first embodiment is characterised in that, surfactant coating is associated with the process of coating China ink and black viscosity improving components, and carries out before described process, surfactant is had be provided at the function of the affinity between intermediate transfer body and black or the black viscosity improving components.
2. exemplary embodiments
Secondly, will explain exemplary embodiments in detail for each printing process.In description subsequently, " part " and " % " is represented with the quality term, unless in addition special explanation.
(a) surface modification of transfer article
As the intermediate transfer body, this embodiment uses the silicon rubber (KE12 that Shinetsu Kagaku makes) with 40 degree hardness to apply 0.2mm on aluminum drum.At first, under the following conditions by using the surface of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device 3 (ST-7000 that Keyence makes) modification intermediate transfer body.
Radiation length: 5mm
Plasma pattern: height
Processing speed: 100mm/sec
Secondly, the intermediate transfer body is immersed in 3% the surfactant solution 10 seconds, this surfactant is made by the commercially available neutral detergent of being made up of sodium alkyl benzene sulfonate with the pure water dilution.Cylinder washes with water then, and dry.
(b) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph
Secondly, use the roller coat glassware that high-molecular coagulant (C577S that the Mitsui Cytec makes) aqueous solution by quality 5% is coated on the surface of intermediate transfer body.Then, and the operation ink-jet unit (spray nozzle density: 1200dpi (point/inch, a reference value), spray volume: 4pl, driving frequency: 12kHz), the character picture of putting upside down with the mirror image of formation aqueous inks on the intermediate transfer body.The China ink that uses has following component.When black image is formed on the intermediate transfer body, do not become pearl to generate.
-following dyestuff: 4 parts
Black: C.I. edible black 2
-glycerine: 10 parts
-diethylene glycol (DEG): 5 parts
-surfactant (the Acetylenol EH that Kawaken Fine Chemicals makes): 1 part
-ion exchange water: 80 parts
(c) transfer printing
After above process, make the intermediate transfer body and have the very face coat printing paper of Xiao Mo absorbability (the NPi coated paper of the A-size that Nippon Paper makes by the pressure roll effect, 1000 weight: 40.5kg) contact with each other, so that black image is transferred on the printing paper.On the image on the printing paper, do not observe into pearl, and the quality of transferred image is good.Almost do not have residue of ink on the intermediate transfer body, this intermediate transfer body can receive next image and not cause any problem under current state.
(a) surface modification of transfer article
As the intermediate transfer body, this embodiment uses silicon rubber (KE30 that Shinetsu Kagaku makes) the coating 0.2mm on aluminum drum with 60 degree hardness thick.At first, under the following conditions by using the surface of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device 3 (the Plasma Atom Handy that Nippon Paint makes) modification intermediate transfer body.
Radiation length: 1mm
Plasma pattern: standard
Processing speed: 10mm/sec
Secondly, intermediate transfer body and function 1% surfactant solution spraying 10 seconds, this 1% surfactant solution was made by dilute silicone surfactant (the Silwet L-77 that Nippon Unicar makes) with pure water.Cylinder washes with water then, and dry.
(b) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph
Secondly, by the surface of roller coat glassware with treat liquid coating intermediate transfer body, this treat liquid is by making in the calcium chloride dihydrate aqueous solution that 0.5% fluorinated surface activator (SurflonS-141 of Seimi Chemical manufacturing) is added to quality 10%.Then, and the operation ink-jet unit (spray nozzle density: 1200dpi, spray volume: 4pl, driving frequency: 10kHz), the character picture of putting upside down with the mirror image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms 4 kinds of colors of ink.The China ink that uses has following component.When black image is formed on the intermediate transfer body, both do not become pearl not have bleeding off to generate yet.
-following pigment: 3 parts
Black: carbon black (MCF88 that Mitsubishi Kagaku makes)
Blue or green: pigment blue 15
Pinkish red: paratonere 7
Yellow: pigment yellow 74
-styrene/acrylic/ethyl acrylate copolymer (acid number: 240, weight average molecular wt: 5,000): 1 part
-glycerine: 10 parts
-ethylene glycol: 5 parts
-surfactant (the Acetylenol EH that Kawaken Fine Chemicals makes): 1 part
-ion exchange water: 80 parts
(c) transfer printing
At first, mounted fan work between ink-jet unit and pressure roll is facing to the lip-deep black image blowing at the intermediate transfer body.Then, make the intermediate transfer body by the pressure roll effect and have the very face coat printing paper of Xiao Mo absorbability (the NPi coated paper of the A-size that Nippon Paper makes, 1000 weight: 40.5kg) contact with each other, so that black image is transferred on the printing paper.On the image on the printing paper, both do not observed into pearl and also do not observed bleeding off, and the quality of transferred image is good.
Hereinafter, will each process of the image pressing method of this embodiment be described.
(a) surface modification of transfer article
As the superficial layer of intermediate transfer body, this embodiment uses the thick aluminium sheet of 0.2mm, and 0.5mm is thick with fluorubber (Aflas150C that Asahi Glass makes) coating.At first, under the following conditions by using the surface of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device (AT-T02 that Sekisui Kagaku makes) modification intermediate transfer body.
Radiation length: 2mm
Input voltage: 240V
Frequency: 10kHz
Introduce gas: humid air
Processing time: 30 seconds
With the coating of 5% surfactant solution, this surfactant solution is made by dilute commercially available alkyl sulfate with pure water by the sponge roller in the intermediate transfer surface then.It keeps motionless 60 seconds, and washes with water then and drying.
Then, the intermediate transfer surface layer is wrapped on the aluminum drum as support member, to form the intermediate transfer body.
(b) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph
Secondly, use the roller coat glassware that fluorinated surface activator (the Surflon S-141 that Seimi Chemical makes) is coated on the surface of intermediate transfer body.
Secondly, be coated in the aluminum chloride hexahydrate aqueous solution of quality 10% by the roller coat glassware.Then, and the operation ink-jet unit (spray nozzle density: 1200dpi, spray volume: 4pl, driving frequency: 8kHz), the character picture of putting upside down with the mirror image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms 4 kinds of colors of ink.The China ink that uses is identical with use in embodiment 2.When black image is formed on the intermediate transfer body, both do not become pearl not have bleeding off to generate yet.
(c) transfer printing
At first, be mounted to the contacted warm-up mill in the back of intermediate transfer body (surface temperature: 60 ℃) and be operated, to quicken the evaporation of water from the black image on the intermediate transfer body.Then, make the intermediate transfer body by the pressure roll effect and have the very face coat printing paper of Xiao Mo absorbability (the NPi coated paper of the A-size that Nippon Paper makes, 1000 weight: 40.5kg) contact with each other, so that black image is transferred on the printing paper.Do not observe into pearl in the image on printing paper, and the quality of transferred image is good.
Then, the small portion of residual China ink on the intermediate transfer body is removed by pasting the moistening erasing roller of transfer article placement.Residue of ink is easily removed.
(a) surface modification of transfer article
In this embodiment, as the intermediate transfer body, with silane coupling agent (KBM503 that the ShinetsuKagaku makes) polyester film that substrate coating 0.5mm is thick, and be coated with the thickness of 0.2mm then with the fluorosioloxane rubber with 60 degree hardness (FE361-U that Shinetsu Kagaku makes), to form the superficial layer of intermediate transfer body.Use this superficial layer of parallel-plate-type plasma processor modification intermediate transfer body under the following conditions.
-radiation length: 5mm
-gas flow: 100sccm (standard cc/min)
-pressure: 0.08torr (1.066Pa)
-power: 1,200W
-the processing time: 30 seconds
Then, fluorinated surface activator (Seimi Chemical make Surflon S-141) with the pure water dilution to produce 10% surfactant solution, use the sponge roller that this solution is coated on the superficial layer of intermediate transfer body.This superficial layer keeps motionless 60 seconds, and washes with water then and drying.
This superficial layer be wrapped in as on the aluminum drum of support member to form the intermediate transfer body.
(b) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph
(spray nozzle density: 1200dpi, spray volume: 4pl, driving frequency: 5kHz), with the character picture that the mirror image that forms 4 kinds of colors of ink on the intermediate transfer body is put upside down, the surface of this intermediate transfer body scribbles black viscosity improving components to the operation ink-jet unit.The China ink that uses is identical with use in embodiment 6.When black image is formed on the intermediate transfer body, both do not become pearl not have bleeding off to generate yet.
(c) transfer printing
Mounted fan work between ink-jet unit and pressure roll is facing to the lip-deep black image blowing at the intermediate transfer body.Then, make the intermediate transfer body by the pressure roll effect and have the very face coat printing paper of Xiao Mo absorbability (the NPi coated paper of the A-size that Nippon Paper makes, 1000 weight: 40.5kg) contact with each other, so that black image is transferred on the printing paper.On the image on the printing paper, both do not observed into pearl and also do not observed bleeding off, and the quality of transferred image is good.
Even the intermediate transfer body of this embodiment also presents good imaging capability after six months storage.
3. the example of control system and control program
When the imaging device that uses at unit that above embodiment 4 adopts in 6 and element construction Fig. 1, can use such as control system shown in figure 2 (energy applicator 3 of Fig. 2 is the atmospheric pressure plasma treatment devices that can have one of the form of above embodiment, and applying device 4 is surfactant applying devices).
Fig. 4 is a flow chart, expression image forming program for example.Here the step carried out of those modes identical with first embodiment shown in Figure 3 gives identical Reference numeral.
Be characterised in that step S15 in individual program, step S15 is at surface modification process (X ') drive atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device 3 and surfactant applying device 4.
The example of Fig. 5 presentation surface modification program, this program makes atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device 3 carry out plasma treatment (step S31) when starting and makes applying device 4 coated surfaces activators (step S33).This program implementation duration and or the degree of surface modification can suitably determine.For example, this processing execution time can be arranged to several commentaries on classics of intermediate transfer body 1.
Other
About second embodiment, all devices of carrying out all processes (a)-(c) or have these processes of execution during the image printing treatment that 6-9 in conjunction with the embodiments describes in imaging device are not absolutely necessary.And the surface modification device of being constructed by plasma processor 3 and surfactant applying device 4 not necessarily will be arranged in the imaging device.Feature of the present invention also is a kind of intermediate transfer surface modification method, and this method is suitable for carrying out can implement process (b) and (c) the formation method relevant with embodiment 6-9.Feature of the present invention also is the intermediate transfer body.
And when carrying out surface modification treatment, plasma treatment and surfactant coating might not combine use, but they can be selected on demand.For example, if after two processes are all carried out,, then might only select their execution by only carrying out a surface modification effect that can keep satisfaction of process after this.
As mentioned above, the invention provides a kind of kind to printed medium without limits and can on the different pages, export the formation method of different digital image.The present invention can also be like this even printed medium is the gloss material with high-quality and the low-cost printing copy on a small quantity that produces also.
Claims (6)
1. formation method comprises step:
Coating and the black liquid that reacts on the intermediate transfer body of the hydrophilicity-imparting treatment of having carried out applying by energy;
Form image by China ink being coated in applied on the intermediate transfer body behind the aforesaid liquid; And
The image that forms on above-mentioned intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
2. formation method according to claim 1, wherein, aforesaid liquid is used to reduce the flowability of the China ink on above-mentioned intermediate transfer body.
3. formation method according to claim 1, wherein, above-mentioned hydrophilicity-imparting treatment is undertaken by plasma treatment.
4. formation method comprises step:
Middle transfer article carried out the hydrophilicity-imparting treatment that applies by energy;
To the coating of intermediate transfer body and the black liquid that reacts of having carried out above-mentioned hydrophilicity-imparting treatment;
Form image by China ink being coated in applied on the intermediate transfer body behind the aforesaid liquid; And
The image that forms on above-mentioned intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
5. formation method comprises step:
Be applied to the liquid that the flowability that makes the China ink on the above-mentioned intermediate transfer body reduces having carried out being coated with on the intermediate transfer body of plasma treatment;
Form image by China ink being coated in applied on the intermediate transfer body behind the aforesaid liquid; And
The image that forms on above-mentioned intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
6. formation method comprises step:
Middle transfer article is carried out plasma treatment;
Be applied to the liquid that the flowability that makes the China ink on the above-mentioned intermediate transfer body reduces having carried out being coated with on the intermediate transfer body of above-mentioned plasma treatment;
Form image by China ink being coated in applied on the intermediate transfer body behind the aforesaid liquid; And
The image that forms on above-mentioned intermediate transfer body is transferred on the printed medium.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2003178547A JP4054721B2 (en) | 2003-06-23 | 2003-06-23 | Image forming method and image forming apparatus |
| JP2003178548 | 2003-06-23 | ||
| JP2003-178548 | 2003-06-23 | ||
| JP2003178547 | 2003-06-23 | ||
| JP2003178548A JP4054722B2 (en) | 2003-06-23 | 2003-06-23 | Image forming method, image forming apparatus, and recorded product manufacturing method |
| JP2003-178547 | 2003-06-23 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNB2004800176361A Division CN100462230C (en) | 2003-06-23 | 2004-06-22 | Image forming method, image formng apparatus, intermediate transfer body, method of modifying surface of intermediate transfer body |
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| CN101503021A true CN101503021A (en) | 2009-08-12 |
| CN101503021B CN101503021B (en) | 2012-08-22 |
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| CNB2004800176361A Expired - Fee Related CN100462230C (en) | 2003-06-23 | 2004-06-22 | Image forming method, image formng apparatus, intermediate transfer body, method of modifying surface of intermediate transfer body |
| CN2009100061945A Expired - Fee Related CN101503021B (en) | 2003-06-23 | 2004-06-22 | Image forming method, image forming apparatus, intermediate transfer body, method of modifying surface of intermediate transfer body |
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| WO2000076774A1 (en) * | 1999-06-16 | 2000-12-21 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Thermal transfer recording device and method of thermal transfer record using the device |
| JP2002182497A (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2002-06-26 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Transfer device and image forming device using the same as well as method of manufacturing transfer member |
| JP4045759B2 (en) * | 2001-08-20 | 2008-02-13 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Image forming method |
| US20030103123A1 (en) * | 2001-12-04 | 2003-06-05 | Xerox Corporation | Continuous transfer and fusing application system |
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| CN1809460A (en) | 2006-07-26 |
| JP4054721B2 (en) | 2008-03-05 |
| CN100462230C (en) | 2009-02-18 |
| CN101503021B (en) | 2012-08-22 |
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