CN101503021B - Image forming method, image forming apparatus, intermediate transfer body, method of modifying surface of intermediate transfer body - Google Patents

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

Formation method, imaging device, intermediate transfer body, and the method on the surface of modification intermediate transfer body

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 one Chinese patent application of " formation method, imaging device, intermediate transfer body, and the method on the surface of modification intermediate transfer body ".

Technical field

The present invention relates to all to use a kind of formation method and a kind of imaging device of ink-jet printing system, a kind of intermediate transfer body that 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, all use the intermediate transfer body when they form images, so that make the influence of the China ink amount that image can not receive in printed medium, to absorb on 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 time of requiring by the forme production process with cost and buy the great amount of investment that printing machine needs, the cost and the speed of each printed sheet is had very little adverse effect, because the amount of production printed matter is very big.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 hope 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 to be transported to the client to printed matter.

Aspect above-mentioned meeting the need of market, ink-jet printing system comes into the picture as a kind of hope technology.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 post in the expectation that increases 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 receives 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 through capillary absorption because penetrate the type China ink.If on the paper of the less black absorbability of tool, print; Then China ink possibly keep being absorbed in the paper from the teeth outwards and not exclusively; This possibly cause undesirable phenomenon; As remain the bleeding off (bleeding) that mixes with adjacent drops of China ink and form pearl (beading) with the ink droplet that the ink droplet that lands in the past is pulled to landing afterwards, 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, on printed medium, to form black image.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 property from the transfer article to the printed medium and the image transfer printing after, can clean the easy property of transfer article that the surface of hoping 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 property 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, remain on the ability on the intermediate transfer body to black image if the surface of transfer article is processed to strengthen by the surface with higher black absorbability, then becoming is difficult to keep the good transfer printing property 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 property, 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 property of the black image of intermediate transfer body, and can on various printed mediums, form high-quality black image.

For example in the open No.5-330035 (1993) of Japanese patent application, a kind of method is provided, wherein transfer article is heated, and being increased in the density of China ink on the transfer article, 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 possibly 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 used hotmelt ink as such in the open No.7-223312 (1995) of Japanese patent application, and the hotmelt ink that melts with injection of heating ink gun and black feed system.Yet; In this case; Because it is bigger to adhere to the thickness of China ink; So the black image that after transfer printing, on printed medium, forms is being seen nature, make transfer printing after the picture quality on printed medium more dissatisfied, be similar at Japanese patent application and disclose disclosed method among the 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 that kind, 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 vital task that needs completion particularly solves the requirements of two kinds of opposition; But i.e. high black image retentivity and the high black image transfer printing property from middle transfer article to printed medium on the intermediate transfer body are so that the transfer ink image on printed medium becomes high quality graphic.

Accomplished 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 property from middle transfer article to printed medium on the intermediate transfer body; So that allow on the printed medium of wide region, to print high quality graphic, and absorb how many China inks have nothing to do with printed medium, need not sacrifice the height printing flexibility of ink-jet printing system.Another object of the present invention is, a kind of intermediate transfer body that in this formation method, uses 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 first aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of formation method, the method comprising the steps of:

Through on the surface that is applied to energy the intermediate transfer body surface modification treatment being carried out on this surface;

Through forming image at the intermediate transfer body of surface modification from the ink-jet printing apparatus ejecting ink; And

Be transferred to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms on the printed medium.

In 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 through being used for surface modification is by surface modification;

Through forming image at the intermediate transfer body from the ink-jet printing apparatus ejecting ink; And

Be transferred to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms on the printed medium.

In the third aspect of the invention, provide a kind of imaging device, this equipment comprises:

Be used for installing through the energy that is used for surface modification and apply by the device of the intermediate transfer body of surface modification;

Be used for forming the device of image through the intermediate transfer body of installing at erecting device from the ink-jet printing apparatus ejecting ink; And

Be used for being transferred to the device on the printed medium to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms.

In 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 through being used for surface modification is by surface modification;

Be used for forming the device of image through the intermediate transfer body of installing at erecting device from the ink-jet printing apparatus ejecting ink; And

Be used for being transferred to the device on the printed medium to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms.

Aspect the of the present invention the 5th, provide a kind of formation method that uses the intermediate transfer body, this intermediate transfer body applies by surface modification through the energy that is used for surface modification, and the method comprising the steps of:

Be coated to first liquid that is used for increasing black viscosity on the intermediate transfer body;

Form image through being ejected into the intermediate transfer body that is coated with first liquid to China ink from ink-jet printing apparatus; And

Be transferred to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms on the printed medium.

Aspect the of the present invention the 6th, 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 through being used for surface modification is by surface modification;

Be coated to first liquid that is used for increasing black viscosity on the intermediate transfer body;

Form image through being ejected into the intermediate transfer body that is coated with first liquid to China ink from ink-jet printing apparatus; And

Be transferred to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms on the printed medium.

Aspect the of the present invention the 7th; Provide a kind of surface modifying method of intermediate transfer body; This method comprises the step that applies surface modification through energy, and this intermediate transfer body and function comes to be formed into the image that China ink forms on the surface, and is transferred to the image that forms from the teeth outwards on the printed medium.

In eight 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 surface to the image that China ink forms and goes up and be used for being transferred to the image of formation from the teeth outwards on the printed medium; With

Energy through being used for surface modification applies, the intermediate transfer body that surface modification provides.

Aspect the of the present invention the 9th, provide a kind of intermediate transfer body, this intermediate transfer body applies by surface modification through energy, and is used to be formed into the surface to the image that China ink forms and goes up and be used for being transferred to the image of formation from the teeth outwards on the printed medium.

Aspect the of the present invention the tenth; 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 through being used for surface modification is by surface modification, and is used to be formed into the surface to the image that China ink forms and goes up and be used for being transferred to the image of formation from the teeth outwards on the printed medium.

In the tenth one side of the present invention, provide a kind of formation method, the method comprising the steps of:

Through 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 through ejecting ink; And

Be transferred to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms on the printed medium.

Aspect the of the present invention the 12, 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 through plasma treatment and the surfactant that is used for surface modification;

Through forming image at the intermediate transfer body of surface modification from the ink-jet printing apparatus ejecting ink; And

Be transferred to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms on the printed medium.

Aspect the of the present invention the 13, 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 applying device to middle transfer article surface modification treatment through plasma treatment and surfactant;

Be used on the intermediate transfer body of surface modification, forming the device of image through ejecting ink; And

Be used for being transferred to the device on the printed medium to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms.

Aspect the of the present invention the 14, 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 through plasma treatment and the surfactant that is used for surface modification;

Be used for forming the device of image through the intermediate transfer body of installing at erecting device from the ink-jet printing apparatus ejecting ink; And

Be used for being transferred to the device on the printed medium to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms.

Aspect the of the present invention the 15, provide a kind of formation method, the method comprising the steps of:

Make the surface of intermediate transfer body stand plasma treatment;

Be coated to liquid on the intermediate transfer body after plasma treatment, 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;

Through forming image from the intermediate transfer body of ink-jet printing apparatus ejecting ink after reaction liquid applies; And

Be transferred to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms on the printed medium.

Aspect the of the present invention the 16, 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 coating of plasma treatment through being used for surface modification and the liquid that comprises surfactant is by surface modification;

Be coated to liquid on the intermediate transfer body after plasma treatment, this liquid reduces the flowability of the China ink on the intermediate transfer body;

Through forming image from the intermediate transfer body of ink-jet printing apparatus ejecting ink after liquid applies; And

Be transferred to the image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms 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, as utilize the heat energy that produces by electric transducer with cause the film boiling in China ink and form thus bubble with the ink gun of ejecting ink, use electromechanical transducer with the ink gun of ejecting ink and utilize static or the ink gun of air stream inkjet drop.Certainly, from the viewpoint that size reduces, use ink gun expediently based on electric transducer.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a sketch map, 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 processing 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 processing 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 processing 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 sketch map, 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 on the direction of arrow F, rotate around axis 1A, 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 in Fig. 1, representing, 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, to be coated to wettability altered contents and black viscosity improving components on the said 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 on intermediate transfer body 1, forms, and the back side that pressure roll 11 presses printed medium 10 is to be transferred to image on the printed medium 10.

In the device of in Fig. 1, representing, 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 as above-mentioned, has the good surface smoothness through the printed medium after intermediate transfer body 1 printed images 10.Also might use 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 through China ink and realizes, the state of formed image becomes according to the China ink amount that in printed medium, absorbs.So, the kind of the printed medium that uses is had restriction.On the other hand,, offset printing device designs, so offset printing device is for it lacked flexibility when pictures different 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.That kind that if can understand from the above-mentioned imaging device of embodiment of the present invention, the kind of printed medium do not receive the black quantitative limitation that in printed medium, absorbs, allow on the medium of broad variety, to carry out high quality printing.This can realize utilizing the imaging of the characteristic of ink-jet printing system again, like 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 through energy apply implement to the surface of the intermediate transfer body 1 of superficial layer with good release property carry out modification process (hereinafter is called process (X)), by ink-jet printing system be formed on image 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 the process (process (Z)) on the printed medium.To explain these processes (X)-(Z) and be used for implementing their device through example.

2.1 process (X)

Process (X) but apply through 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 through rotator inertia reduce can improved control response property, the cylinder of being processed 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 the 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, like the notch board that in the intaglio plate bat printing, uses.

As shown in fig. 1, but superficial layer on the surface of intermediate transfer body 1, formed with good release property.In this manual, but good release property is the finger writing or painting image energy removes and do not adhere to the lip-deep state of intermediate transfer body.But release property is high more, and is favourable more aspect load and the black transferring rate of superficial layer 2 during cleaning.On the contrary, but along with release property increases, the critical surface tension of material generally reduces, and makes material more possibly repel the 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 is just being repelled the China ink that applies before the surface treatment; Therefore the China ink that applies 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 through carrying out surface treatment, as on the surface of intermediate transfer body, being coated with fluorine or being coated to silicone oil on the surface.Yet, but hope 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, like 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 hope optimizing table surface 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), through 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 landing and putting through suitably suppressing black repellency).The means that are used to apply energy can be any through carrying out surface treatment, like 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 on the intermediate transfer body, forms 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 the matrix that is processed, to produce hydroxyl.Fluorine compounds or silicone compounds comprise corresponding oil ingredient.

Must disclose through 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 at least a portion chemical action hydrophilic, the common plasma treatment of knowing (introducing hydrophilic radical from the teeth outwards) of the rubber constituent, filler composition and the oil component that make superficial layer; 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 through using the intermediate transfer body of its surface modification 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 through 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 through using ink-jet unit on the intermediate transfer body, to form the process of image.

The ink-jet unit that is used to form images 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 the 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 through this head of scanning on 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 in imaging process (Y), uses does not receive 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 printed images.

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; MA 7,8; 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 have no restriction aspect application model.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, processed 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 the above colouring agent of listing 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, confirm 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, not restriction.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 being carried out at a high speed picture, effectively, provide before at black course of injection (Y) to be coated to the process on the intermediate transfer body to black viscosity improving components.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 with becomes pearl minimum, and raising remains on the ability on the intermediate transfer body to black image.

In other words, because during fast imaging, the China ink amount that time per unit applies is greater than normal amount, so bleeding off and Cheng Zhugeng possibly take place.On the intermediate transfer body, China ink also maybe be by fluidisation.Thereby, when using the device of Fig. 1, before China ink applies, apply black viscosity improving components, thereby ink droplet will land in the place that applies black viscosity improving components by applying device 5.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 remains on the place that it lands to China ink thus.

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 the solid constituent that comprises its China and Mexico's component condenses, causes the situation of the part rising of black viscosity.

Spendable black viscosity improving components should suitably be selected according to the black kind that is used to form images.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; Be mixed into pigment composition in the China ink, add the white or the transparent fine grained that color are had very little influence, perhaps add water-soluble resin with the metal ion reaction with the color same color of dyestuff composition.

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, the form that then 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 have about 10% mass density more than the aqueous solution of the slaine listed.Even the black viscosity improving components of this layer is thinner, also can realize its function well.

Although Fig. 1 representes that the applying device 5 of roller coat glassware type as preferred applying device, also can use the applying device of other type, like the spraying and applying device.Also can use the print head that sprays the liquid of viscosity improving components through 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 the not restriction of these materials, 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 to provide black viscosity to increase the material of ability and the combination that improves image durability.

Even coating for black viscosity improving components; Effectively; Add surfactant or surfactant in the black viscosity improving components to; Perhaps before applying black viscosity improving components, improve composition to the wettability such as surfactant through bringing device 4 and be coated onto on the intermediate transfer body.Wettability is modified into branch and is designed to be increased in the 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 before China ink sprays, applies through applying device 4 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 ejecting ink through can obtain the situation of better print result by means of dry well this composition after black viscosity improving components applies of dry run.In this case, between applying device 5 and ink-jet unit 6, drying device can be set.

2.3 process (Z)

This is that a handle is transferred to the process on the printed medium 10 at the black image that forms on the intermediate transfer body 1, and this printed medium 10 can have the form of continuous paper except that section paper, like 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 on printed medium, form the image of good quality.

Yet if too short to the time of the image transfer printing in process (Z) from the black image that process (Y), forms, the water yield that is included in the China ink can not be reduced to the level that is allowed by printed medium through 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 from China ink, to eliminate water thus.The another kind of device that is used for promoting water to remove can be the device from black image formation surface side heating intermediate transfer body.Selectively, through 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 through the intermediate transfer body is as stated pressurizeed by the fixing roller with good surface smoothness 12.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 the cleaning unit of in next stage, installing 13 washings, 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 be placed to the intermediate transfer body with water surface is contacted and wash simultaneously or erasing.The erasing method can comprise that pasting said surface keeps a moistening erasing roller.These two kinds of methods certainly make up use.

After washing, if necessary, for effective dry, the surface of intermediate transfer body can perhaps apply air blast by the erasing roller extruding 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

Above process and the means of implementing them have been described in detail.The characteristic of the present invention and embodiment can be summarised as, and has set up a kind of technology, and it can be having height transfer printing property, 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 and is transferred to black image the superior performance of printed medium aspect and remains on the unique combination of the high ability on the intermediate transfer body to black image from middle transfer article, makes the quality of the transfer ink image on printed medium higher.Why this is possible with illustrated 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 on the surface of intermediate transfer body, only having an appointment 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 on printed medium, requires need be supplied with in the surface of intermediate transfer body.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 hoping to strengthen China ink.But generally comprise big water gaging, so increase the inside coalescence force of China ink through 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 sooner 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 possibly 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 on the different printing sheet, producing different images, 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 stated, even on different thin slices, produce different images, have the intermediate transfer body of higher clean-up performance and also guarantee high-quality printed images 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 processed hydrophilic, to allow aqueous inks and black viscosity improving components to apply with thin layer and not to be ostracised.This not only improves the quality of image, and through 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 through the surface modification that applies energy such as plasma treatment just having.But modification has the surface of the higher black transfer efficiency and the intermediate transfer body of good release property by means of applying through 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,, black image is coated to black viscosity improving components on the intermediate transfer body before forming, even also can prevent image deterioration during in short time period, applying a large amount of black high speed printing processes.In other words, mobile through 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, the high-molecular coagulant of listing as the example of black viscosity improving components and the water-soluble fluid power of metal ion condense China ink immediately with to reduce China ink mobile.

But yet be not easy to be coated in black viscosity improving components equably on the surface with good release property.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 applying black viscosity improving components before with good release property through the energy that the surface is applied such as plasma treatment.

And, even make black image become possibility,, but suitably be coated to difficulty on the surface with good release property to China ink as long as apply the surperficial contact method of use for China ink through surface modification.The object of the invention is through being achieved the ink jet printing method that suitably applies China ink with the noncontact mode as formation method.

3. exemplary embodiments

Secondly, for each printing process with some embodiment of illustrated in detail and the example that is used for comparison.In description subsequently, " part " and " % " is with the quality term, only if in addition special explanation.

Embodiment 1

(a) surface modification of transfer article

As the intermediate transfer body, it is thick and form that this embodiment uses silicon rubber (KE12 that Shinetsu Kagaku makes) with 40 degree hardness to apply 0.2mm at aluminum drum.At first, under following condition, modification is carried out on the surface of middle transfer article through use atmospheric pressure plasma treatment device 3 (ST-7000 that Keyence makes).

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 through 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 through the pressure roll effect; JIS P 001): 40.5kg) contact with each other, to be transferred to black image 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, it is thick and form that this embodiment uses the silicon rubber (KE30 that Shinetsu Kagaku makes) with 60 degree hardness on aluminum drum, to apply 0.2mm.At first, under following condition, pass through to use 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 to be coated onto this solution 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 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, be transferred to black image on the printing paper through the pressure roll effect.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 through pasting the moistening erasing roller of transfer article placement.

Embodiment 3

(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 on aluminum drum, to be coated with 0.5mm.At first, under following condition, pass through to use 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 to be coated to fluorinated surface activator (the Surflon S-141 that Seimi Chemical makes) 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 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, by the pressure roll effect to be transferred to black image 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 through 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.Under following condition, use parallel-plate-type plasma processor modification intermediate transfer surface layer.

-radiation length: 5mm

-gas flow: 100sccm (standard cc/min)

-pressure: 0.08torr (1.066Pa)

-power: 1,200W

-the processing time: 30 seconds

Secondly, be wrapped in this superficial layer 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 to be coated onto this solution 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 on the intermediate transfer body, forms four kinds of colors of ink 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 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, be transferred to black image on the printing paper by the pressure roll effect.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 through pasting the moistening erasing roller of transfer article placement.

Embodiment 5

(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.Under following condition, use the superficial layer of parallel-plate-type plasma processor modification intermediate transfer body.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, the surface of under following condition, passing through to use 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 on the intermediate transfer body, forms four kinds of colors of ink 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 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, by the pressure roll effect to be transferred to black image 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 through 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 in embodiment 5, consumes.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 through 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 in one of above embodiment, adopt to build the imaging device of Fig. 1, the control system can form as described in following.

Fig. 2 representes a kind of typical construction of controlling 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, said view data source apparatus 150 is an image data source, it can adopt perhaps other form of master computer.

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 in above embodiment, describing 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 representes flow chart, and the exemplary program of the imaging process of the above control of use 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 of sending 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 being coated to black viscosity improving components 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 the driving that promotes device 8, warm-up mill 9, printed medium induction system 115 and cleaning unit 13.These elements drive with being synchronized, 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 the rotation of the preset distance of main scanning through the ink gun that hockets and intermediate transfer body 1 is carried out to picture.When the processing of the view data of accomplishing ormal weight, this program is withdrawed from.

Although the surface modification that applies through energy is always carried out in supposition in imaging processing in above program, also can be in due course and carry out.In other words, it can carry out before the imaging processing, and perhaps the selection on opportunity can be managed according to time and the printed data amount of cost, and perhaps it can be independent of imaging processing through the degeneration of supervision 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 processing perhaps might not be equipped with all devices of carrying out relevant process.In other words; Keeping its performance during the long duration very much if apply the intermediate transfer physical efficiency of surface modification through energy; Then the present invention also comprises through 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 through 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 on the intermediate transfer body, carries out immediately before the formation of black image 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 through using this intermediate transfer body to be carried out to a kind of method and a kind of device of picture.

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, the measured transfer ink image of matter that this provides than carries out process (b) to obtain again on printed medium.

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 processed by the material of fluorochemical or silicone compounds, and should stand plasma treatment and apply it to surfactant upward to be modified through 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 is transferred to it on the printed medium then on the intermediate transfer body.Thereby, imaging device can have almost with in the identical construction shown in Fig. 1.The following difference that therefore concentrates on first embodiment of describing.

The intermediate transfer body 1 of this example has a superficial layer 2, and this superficial layer has stood the Hydrophilic Surface Treatment through 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 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 after black image transfer printing, cleaning the surface of intermediate transfer body 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 applying from applying device 5, 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 is called process (X ')), and in this surface modification process, the surface of intermediate transfer body 1 applies through plasma treatment and surfactant and is modified.This imaging device and the similar aspect of first embodiment are; It comprises that enforcement is transferred to the device of the process on the printed medium through ink jet printing method in the process that forms black image on the intermediate transfer body with the black image that on the intermediate transfer body, forms, and can preferably be arranged on the device that imaging enforcement before applies the process of black viscosity improving components.To describe the device of process (X ') and implementation process (X ') in detail through example.

Process (X ') is the process on the surface of modification intermediate transfer body through 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 are 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 ') applies the superficial layer 2 of modification by the intermediate transfer body 1 of above-mentioned structure through plasma treatment and surfactant.But the material with good release property like 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 is minimum through 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 under atmospheric pressure, carries out plasma treatment is more favourable; Because plasma processor 3 that kind of its ability image pattern 1 are installed in the imaging device; 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 said surface.

Accomplish surface modification on the surface through after plasma treatment, being coated to surfactant.For these processing, surface modification effect can keep the long time section.The surfactant that uses can comprise common surfactant, like cation surfactant, anionic surfactant, non-ionic surface activator, amphoteric surface's activator, fluorinated surface activator and silicone surfactant.

Be used for that the device of coated surfaces activator can preferably carry out roller coat, scraper applies and the means of 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.

The Hydrophilic Surface Treatment that plasma treatment and the surfactant of use under reducing pressure applies is disclosed among the Japanese Patent Application No.61-036783 (1986), is limited to silicon rubber as applying object.On the other hand, the present invention's use not only makes hydrophilic but also provides the intermediate transfer body that improves China ink transfer printing property.Therefore the present invention is basic principle with the obvious difference of above documents and to selected materials and the restriction that is used for 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 ability of ability and the maintenance or the improvement transfer printing property of surface hydrophilic; 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 through 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 before washing, applies such as heating 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 used 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 is installed in the imaging device with surface active applying device 4 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 surface modification effect is maximum.

Under any situation, the technical characterictic of this embodiment is summarised as following 2 points: improve imaging performance through the intermediate transfer body with fluorine that higher transfer printing property can be provided or silicone compounds is carried out Hydrophilic Surface Treatment; With the imaging that is implemented in through ink jet printing on the intermediate transfer body.The main effect that is produced by the realization of higher transfer printing property 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 apply and the effect that produces is similar to those effects that in first embodiment, obtain by the selectivity of black viscosity improving components.

The surface that comprises fluorine compounds or silicone compounds of adopting in this embodiment generally is to repel water, 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 present invention or present embodiment apply the reason of carrying out surface modification through plasma treatment and surfactant and overcome this problem exactly, promptly make black image form with higher black transfer efficiency and keep from the teeth outwards.Comprise the surface modification treatment that above-mentioned plasma treatment and surfactant apply through the intermediate transfer body with the surface that comprises fluorine with higher China ink transfer printing property or silicon compound is stood, 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, after plasma treatment, carrying out the surfactant coating 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 in the very long period, keeps the hydrophilic nmature on surface.

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, surfactant applies with plasma treatment to middle transfer article and is associated, and 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 applies with the process that applies China ink and black viscosity improving components and is associated, and carries out before in said 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, for each printing process with the illustrated in detail exemplary embodiments.In description subsequently, " part " and " % " is with the quality term, only if in addition special explanation.

Embodiment 6

(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 on aluminum drum, to apply 0.2mm.At first, under following condition, pass through to use 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, be immersed in the intermediate transfer body in 3% the surfactant solution 10 seconds, this surfactant is processed through the commercially available neutral detergent of being made up of sodium alkyl benzene sulfonate with the pure water dilution.Cylinder is used water washing then, and dry.

(b) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph

Secondly, use the roller coat glassware to be coated to high-molecular coagulant (C577S that the Mitsui Cytec makes) aqueous solution on the surface of intermediate transfer body by quality 5%.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, to be transferred to black image on the printing paper.On the image on the printing paper, do not observe into pearl, and the quality of transferred image is good.On the intermediate transfer body, almost do not have residue of ink, this intermediate transfer body can receive next image and not cause any problem under current state.

Embodiment 7

(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 following condition, pass through to use 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 processed through dilute silicone surfactant (the Silwet L-77 that Nippon Unicar makes) with pure water.Cylinder is used water washing then, and dry.

(b) in the formation of intermediate transfer body epigraph

Secondly; Apply the surface of intermediate transfer body by the roller coat glassware with treat liquid, this treat liquid is through processing in the calcium chloride dihydrate aqueous solution that adds 0.5% fluorinated surface activator (SurflonS-141 of Seimi Chemical manufacturing) 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 (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: 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 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, by the pressure roll effect to be transferred to black image 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.

Embodiment 8

Hereinafter, with each process of the image pressing method of describing this embodiment.

(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 (the Aflas 150C that Asahi Glass makes) coating.At first, under following condition, pass through to use 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

The intermediate transfer surface is applied with 5% surfactant solution by the sponge roller then, and this surfactant solution is processed through dilute commercially available alkyl sulfate with pure water.It keeps motionless 60 seconds, and uses water washing and drying then.

Then, be wrapped in the intermediate transfer surface layer 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 to be coated to fluorinated surface activator (the Surflon S-141 that Seimi Chemical makes) 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 operated, to quicken the evaporation of water from the black image on the intermediate transfer body.Then, 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, 1000 weight: 40.5kg) contact with each other, by the pressure roll effect to be transferred to black image 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 through pasting the moistening erasing roller of transfer article placement.Residue of ink is easily removed.

Embodiment 9

(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.Under following condition, use this superficial layer of parallel-plate-type plasma processor modification intermediate transfer body.

-radiation length: 5mm

-gas flow: 100sccm (standard cc/min)

-pressure: 0.08torr (1.066Pa)

-power: 1,200W

-the processing time: 30 seconds

Then, (the Surflon S-141 that Seimi Chemical makes) dilutes the surfactant solution to produce 10% with pure water the fluorinated surface activator, uses the sponge roller to be coated to this solution on the superficial layer of intermediate transfer body.This superficial layer keeps motionless 60 seconds, and uses water washing and drying then.

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 on the intermediate transfer body, forms 4 kinds of colors of ink 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 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, by the pressure roll effect to be transferred to black image 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 controlling system's (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) shown in figure 2.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart, expression image forming program for example.Here those give identical Reference numeral with step that the identical mode of first embodiment shown in Figure 3 is carried out.

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 with or the degree of surface modification can suitably confirm.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 during the image printing treatment that combines embodiment 6-9 to describe, carrying out all processes (a)-(c) or in imaging device, having these processes of execution are not absolutely necessary.And, not necessarily to be arranged in the imaging device by the surface modification device of plasma processor 3 with surfactant applying device 4 structures.Characteristic 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.Characteristic of the present invention also is the intermediate transfer body.

And when carrying out surface modification treatment, plasma treatment and surfactant apply 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 through only carrying out a surface modification effect that can keep satisfaction of process after this.

As stated, the present invention provides a kind of kind to printed medium not have to limit 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 (4)

1. formation method comprises step:

On the intermediate transfer body of the hydrophilicity-imparting treatment of the surface having been carried out apply, apply through making the black liquid that becomes segregation junction with the China ink reaction through energy;

Be coated in China ink to have applied through the ink-jet printing apparatus ejecting ink and form image on the intermediate transfer body behind the aforesaid liquid; And

Be transferred to the image that on above-mentioned intermediate transfer body, forms 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:

The surface of middle transfer article carried out the hydrophilicity-imparting treatment that applies through energy;

The intermediate transfer body that has carried out above-mentioned hydrophilicity-imparting treatment is applied through making the black liquid that becomes segregation junction with the China ink reaction;

Be coated in China ink to have applied through the ink-jet printing apparatus ejecting ink and form image on the intermediate transfer body behind the aforesaid liquid; And

Be transferred to the image that on above-mentioned intermediate transfer body, forms on the printed medium.

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