EP1043631A1 - Method and system of fixing a preprint on thermal paper - Google Patents

Method and system of fixing a preprint on thermal paper Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1043631A1
EP1043631A1 EP00400732A EP00400732A EP1043631A1 EP 1043631 A1 EP1043631 A1 EP 1043631A1 EP 00400732 A EP00400732 A EP 00400732A EP 00400732 A EP00400732 A EP 00400732A EP 1043631 A1 EP1043631 A1 EP 1043631A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
thermal
paper
cooling
fixing
layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00400732A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Philippe Bos
Daniel Kinet
Jean-Pierre Brunin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NIPSON Sas
Original Assignee
Nipson SA
Xeikon France SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nipson SA, Xeikon France SA filed Critical Nipson SA
Publication of EP1043631A1 publication Critical patent/EP1043631A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M7/00—After-treatment of prints, e.g. heating, irradiating, setting of the ink, protection of the printed stock
    • B41M7/009—After-treatment of prints, e.g. heating, irradiating, setting of the ink, protection of the printed stock using thermal means, e.g. infrared radiation, heat
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/20—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat
    • G03G15/2003—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/20—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat
    • G03G15/2003—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat
    • G03G15/2007—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat using radiant heat, e.g. infrared lamps, microwave heaters
    • G03G15/201—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat using radiant heat, e.g. infrared lamps, microwave heaters of high intensity and short duration, i.e. flash fusing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/65—Apparatus which relate to the handling of copy material
    • G03G15/6588—Apparatus which relate to the handling of copy material characterised by the copy material, e.g. postcards, large copies, multi-layered materials, coloured sheet material
    • G03G15/6591—Apparatus which relate to the handling of copy material characterised by the copy material, e.g. postcards, large copies, multi-layered materials, coloured sheet material characterised by the recording material, e.g. plastic material, OHP, ceramics, tiles, textiles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00443—Copy medium
    • G03G2215/00523—Other special types, e.g. tabbed

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of methods and systems for fixing a preprint on thermal paper.
  • the methods and systems concerned with this invention are based on various technologies such as magnetography, electrophotography or xerography, electrography or ionography.
  • Such printing methods and systems require a phase of fixing by fusion, in order to definitively fix the ink on the paper.
  • the fixing phase is carried out by means of known type such as heating rollers whose temperature is around 180 ° C.
  • the fixing phase is also likely to be carried out by means of a radiant oven heating the entire paper to a temperature of about 150 ° C.
  • Another technique for carrying out the fixing phase consists in heat only the parts of the paper on which the ink has been filed: the techniques used for the fixing phase are based on the use of Xenon flash lamps, or infrared halogen lamps closely focused, whose radiation is little absorbed by the paper at the level of the exposed areas.
  • the areas discovered are areas of the paper where no printing has been done. For example, areas discovered in magnetographic processes correspond to the non-inked areas.
  • An object of the present invention is to allow fixing by fusion preprinting thermal paper without the heat sensitive side of said thermal paper does not turn.
  • the present invention provides a method of fixing a preprint of thermal paper, the preprint having resulted in the transfer of ink onto the non-thermal face of said thermal paper, characterized in that it consists in cooling the thermal layer of said paper thermal during the ink melting so as to maintain the temperature of said thermal layer at a value lower than the bend temperature of said layer.
  • the present invention also relates to a fixing system a preprint on the non-thermal side of thermal paper comprising means for driving the moving paper, a fixing device by fusion, characterized in that it comprises means for cooling the thermal layer of thermal paper.
  • the present invention is relates to a method of fixing a preprint on a paper thermal 1.
  • Thermal paper 1 is traditionally made from a thermally chemical substrate 2 neutral; the substrate 2 has an average thermal conductivity due to the humidity it contains (about 2% water by mass). The thickness of the substrate is around 60-65 microns. The substrate 2 is coated with a layer 3 micron thickness insulator with higher resistivity thermal, then a heat-sensitive layer 4. Thermo-sensitive layer 4 has an average thickness of 3 to 5 microns. The thickness e of the paper thermal is about 65 micrometers for the lightest papers.
  • the turning temperature T1 of the so-called heat-sensitive layer 4 thermal layer is of the order of 80 ° C-85 ° C. Turning temperature T1 depends on the thickness and material of the heat-sensitive layer 4 as well than the amount of water it contains.
  • Thermal paper 1 has two sides 5 and 6: the back side 5 of the side of the substrate 2 known as non-thermal side 5, the front side 6 on the side of the thermal layer 4 called thermal face 6. Preprinting is done on the non-thermal face 5.
  • thermal paper is subjected to a non-thermal side 5 pre-printing using a magnetographic printer.
  • the process and systems described below are applicable to xerographic printing technologies or ionographic.
  • the magnetographic preprint includes a method of magnetization.
  • the magnetization process consists in magnetizing the surface of a magnetic recording element such as a drum magnetic so as to form a set of magnetized points constituting a magnetic latent image.
  • the magnetographic printer includes a set of elementary writing heads composing point by point the latent image on the magnetic drum.
  • the preprint then includes a revelation process.
  • the revelation process consists in depositing on the magnetized surface a ink, pulverulent in the example described, which remains applied only on the magnetized points of said surface and thus to form an image of powder: the image is revealed on contact with magnetic ink particles.
  • the process of revealing the preprint is followed by a process transfer: the powder image is transferred to a printing medium such as thermal paper.
  • the paper 1 is introduced into heating means such as a 7-8 flash oven ( Figure 2).
  • heating means such as a 7-8 flash oven ( Figure 2).
  • the thermal waves emitted by heating means are absorbed by the ink that attaches to the paper.
  • the method according to the present invention consists in cooling the layer thermal 4 of said paper 1 thermal during the ink melting phase so as to maintain the temperature T2 of said layer 4 at a value lower than the bend temperature T1.
  • the method consists in cooling the thermal layer 4 of said thermal paper 1 when the thermal wave arrives on the thermal side 6 of the paper.
  • the temperature of thermal layer 4 is limited to a value lower than the bend temperature T2 during the fixing phase using cooling means, certain embodiments of which are described below.
  • the thermal paper 1 is driven in an oven 7 at a given speed V.
  • the ambient temperature T3 of the oven is approximately 30 ° C.
  • the oven 7 includes a device 8 for fixing by fusion of the Xenon flash type. Oven 7 and device 8 for fixing by fusion are installed opposite face 5 no thermal on which the preprint is performed.
  • Thermal paper 1 receives energy from the flash: the temperature of the entire paper rises to about 90 ° C then slowly cools down to room temperature T3 of the oven. The paper then comes out of the oven and cools to temperature T4 outdoor ambient.
  • the temperature reached by the thermal layer 4 of the paper 1 is higher than the bend temperature T1 when it receives the energy from the flash, this which causes this layer to turn.
  • the system according to the invention and as illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises cooling means 9.
  • the cooling means are arranged opposite the thermal face 6 as well as the fixing device 8.
  • the paper 1 is entrained between the fixing device 8 and the means 9 of cooling.
  • the cooling means 9 comprise a sole 10 in contact with the paper 1 and more precisely with the thermal side 6 of the paper.
  • the sole 10 extends over a distance L substantially greater than the length I of the fixing device 8, in the direction of movement of the paper 1.
  • the distance ratio L / l depends on the speed of movement of the paper as well as the thickness of the paper: it is chosen so that the time taken by the paper to cover the length of the sole protrusion 10 by relation to the fixing device 8 (L - I) is equal to the time taken by the wave thermal emitted by the fixing device 8 to pass through the paper.
  • the speed of the paper being of 60 meters / minute
  • the length L of sole 10 is 380 millimeters and the length I of the fixing device 8 is 260 millimeters.
  • Sole 10 is consisting for example of an aluminum profile under the shaped like a rectangular plate.
  • a turbine 11 or any other equivalent means is disposed in the extension of the sole 10 in the direction of movement of the paper 1 of so as to produce a flow F of fresh fluid directed towards the sole.
  • the fluid consists of air.
  • the turbine 11 is arranged opposite the surface of the paper 1, opposite the oven, on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction of the paper to that of the fixing device 8 and sole 10. When the paper is no longer in contact with sole 10, it will moves between the furnace 7 and the turbine 11.
  • the hearth 10 is subjected to an air flow sufficient charge to dissipate the calories from the fixing device 8.
  • the sole is cooled to a maximum temperature of 35 ° C.
  • Figure 3 shows the results obtained with the illustrated system comprising a sole 10 cooled to a temperature of 30 ° C.
  • the temperature of the inked surface of the non-thermal side of the paper is about 210 ° C.
  • the temperature of the non-inked surface of the face 5 non-thermal is about 118 ° C.
  • the layer temperature thermal 4 does not exceed 55 ° C.
  • the temperature of the thermal layer 4 remains below the turn temperature T1.
  • the cooling means 9 comprise a floor 12 cooled by a circuit 13 of cooling fluid and in the example described from cold water.
  • Sole 12 is consisting for example of a copper plate.
  • the cold water circuit 13 is composed for example of a coil 14 in copper tube welded and glued on the free face 15 of the sole 12.
  • the face 16 opposite the free face 15 is in contact with the paper 1 and more precisely with the thermal side 6 of the paper 1.
  • the overall direction of water movement is that of moving paper.
  • the water flow is adjustable by any type of means known as a valve.
  • the floor 12 is arranged so that the cold water circuit 13 is found in the area opposite the fixing device 17.
  • the water temperature and flow are chosen so as to keep the side 16 in contact with the paper at a temperature below 40 ° C.
  • the water temperature is maintained around 20 ° C.
  • the water flow rate is more than 15 liters / minute and the fixing power is around 80%.
  • the temperature is chosen to avoid condensation problems on the sole: it should therefore not be too low.
  • the parameters differ if the fixing power changes.
  • the length of the sole is 1120 millimeters (mm) and the width of 555 mm.
  • the sole has a thickness of 4 mm.
  • the diameter of the coil 14 is 18 mm.
  • the length total of the tube forming the coil 14 is 9 meters.
  • the forming tube coil is bent 15 times so as to have 16 lengths of 500 mm transverse to the sole. Each length of coil is separated by a distance of 80 mm.
  • a temperature control circuit is provided to control and measure the floor temperature in real time.
  • the circuit includes temperature probes. The probes detect any overheating of the layer thermal 4 and thus make it possible to react at the operating level.
  • the sole preferably has a curve to improve the contact between the paper and the sole.
  • the cooling means 9 are presented in the form of a drum 18 cooled by circulation of cooling fluid.
  • the paper 1 is driven so as to wrap around the drum 18 during the fixing phase.
  • the shape of the flash oven 19 is semi-cylindrical: the flash oven 19 partially envelops the drum 18.
  • the oven and the drum are coaxial.
  • the drum 18 is made of a material having good thermal conductivity. It consists for example of aluminum. he comprises an outer cylinder 20 of 50 cm in diameter as well as a inner cylinder 21 disposed at a diametrically distance of 7 centimeters of the outer cylinder.
  • the cooling fluid and for example cold water circulates between the inner 20 and outer 21 cylinders. The water is cooled to a temperature of around 25-26 ° C.
  • the entire surface of the paper 1 must be pressed onto the means 9 of cooling and more precisely on the surface of the sole 10, 12 or drum 18 or any other equivalent means.
  • the surface of the sole 10, 12 and drum 18 must be smooth and free of any roughness, holes, dust or equivalent. It can be treated by nickel plating to improve its condition.
  • the paper tension must be correct in order to improve the plating.
  • a temperature control circuit of the type provided for in the second embodiment allows to react in real time to avoid that the thermal layer does not turn.
  • the method and the system according to the invention make it possible not to disrupt the fixation by fusion.
  • the method of fixing a preprint for thermal paper 1 according to the present invention is characterized in that it consists in cooling the thermal layer 4 of said thermal paper during the ink melting so as to maintain the temperature of said thermal layer at a value lower than the bend temperature T1 of said layer.
  • the method consists in cooling the thermal layer 4 when the wave thermal fixing arrives on the thermal side 6 of the paper.
  • the system for fixing a preprint on side 5 no thermal of a thermal paper 1 comprising drive means moving paper, a fuser 8, 17, 19 is characterized in that it comprises means 9 for cooling the thermal layer 4 of thermal paper 1.
  • the thermal paper 1 is pressed against the means 9 of cooling arranged opposite the fixing device 8, 17, 19.
  • the surface of the cooling means 9 in contact with the paper is subjected to a smoothing treatment.
  • the cooling means extend in the direction longitudinal of the paper over a greater distance than the fixing 8, 17, 19.
  • the surface of the cooling means in contact with the paper is shapely.
  • the cooling means include a bottom 10,12.
  • the floor 10, 12 is cooled by means of a flow of cooling fluid.
  • the sole 10 is cooled by a turbine 11.
  • the sole 12 is cooled by a coolant circuit 13.
  • the cooling means have a drum 18 comprising an inner and an outer cylinder 21 20 between which a cooling fluid circulates.
  • the system comprises a control circuit for controlling and measuring the temperature of the sole, detect any overheating and react in real time.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract

Thermal paper (1) is introduced in flash-oven (7, 8). Thermal waves are absorbed by ink, allowing ink to set. Method compris cooling of thermal layer (4) during fusion phase of ink so as to maintain temperature of thermal layer to temperature lower to toning temperature. Cooling of thermal layer starts when thermal wave touches thermal face (6) of paper. An Independent claim is also included for the apparatus used to apply fixing method.

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des procédés et systèmes de fixation d'une préimpression sur papier thermique.The present invention relates to the field of methods and systems for fixing a preprint on thermal paper.

L'art antérieurThe prior art

Les procédés et systèmes concernés par cette invention sont basés sur des technologies diverses telles que la magnétographie, l'électrophotographie ou xérographie, l'électrographie ou ionographie.The methods and systems concerned with this invention are based on various technologies such as magnetography, electrophotography or xerography, electrography or ionography.

De tels procédés et systèmes d'impression nécessitent une phase de fixation par fusion, afin de fixer définitivement l'encre sur le papier.Such printing methods and systems require a phase of fixing by fusion, in order to definitively fix the ink on the paper.

La phase de fixation est réalisée par des moyens de type connu tels que des rouleaux chauffants dont la température est d'environ 180°C. La phase de fixation est également susceptible d'être réalisée au moyen d'un four radiant chauffant l'ensemble du papier à une température d'environ 150°C. Une autre technique pour réaliser la phase de fixation consiste à chauffer uniquement les parties du papier sur lesquelles l'encre a été déposée : les techniques utilisées pour la phase de fixation sont basées sur l'utilisation de lampes flash au Xénon, ou de lampes halogènes à infrarouge proche fortement focalisées, dont les rayonnements sont peu absorbés par le papier au niveau des zones découvertes. Les zones découvertes sont les zones du papier au niveau desquelles aucune impression n'a été réalisée. Par exemple, les zones découvertes dans les procédés magnétographiques correspondent aux zones non encrées.The fixing phase is carried out by means of known type such as heating rollers whose temperature is around 180 ° C. The fixing phase is also likely to be carried out by means of a radiant oven heating the entire paper to a temperature of about 150 ° C. Another technique for carrying out the fixing phase consists in heat only the parts of the paper on which the ink has been filed: the techniques used for the fixing phase are based on the use of Xenon flash lamps, or infrared halogen lamps closely focused, whose radiation is little absorbed by the paper at the level of the exposed areas. The areas discovered are areas of the paper where no printing has been done. For example, areas discovered in magnetographic processes correspond to the non-inked areas.

On connaít des applications nécessitant une préimpression en grande masse de données variables ou personnalisées comme, par exemple, pour des tickets ou coupons. Après façonnage et distribution, ledit ticket ou coupon est soumis à une impression finale pour oblitération ou invalidation ultérieure. L'impression finale effectuée par exemple sur un terminal de point de vente, est réalisée de préférence sur papier thermique.We know applications requiring a large preprint mass of variable or personalized data such as, for example, tickets or coupons. After shaping and distribution, said ticket or coupon is subject to final printing for cancellation or invalidation later. The final printing carried out for example on a point terminal of sale, is preferably carried out on thermal paper.

Or lors de la phase de fixation de la préimpression par flash au xénon ou halogène à infrarouge proche, la fixation de l'encre sur un papier thermique par fusion provoque une surchauffe locale à travers le papier : l'énergie absorbée aux endroits imprimés traverse le papier et développe une image sur la face recto thermique du papier thermique. La face recto noircit. Il n'est donc pas possible de réaliser l'impression finale de la face recto.Now during the fixing phase of the xenon flash preprint or near infrared halogen, fixing the ink on paper thermal fusion causes local overheating through the paper: the energy absorbed at the printed places crosses the paper and develops an image on the front side of thermal paper. The front side darkens. It is therefore not possible to achieve the final impression of the face front.

On connaít une solution basée sur une réduction importante des puissances émises par flash ou halogène : cependant, le fixation obtenue ne résiste pas aux contraintes mécaniques requises pour un ticket ou coupon.We know a solution based on a significant reduction in powers emitted by flash or halogen: however, the fixation obtained does not not withstand the mechanical constraints required for a ticket or coupon.

Une autre solution consiste à utiliser une fixation chimique utilisant un solvant qui s'évapore et est recyclé : cette solution est très contraignante d'un point de vue environnemental et sa mise en oeuvre est coûteuse.Another solution is to use a chemical fixation using a solvent which evaporates and is recycled: this solution is very restrictive from an environmental point of view and its implementation is costly.

Un but de la présente invention est de permettre la fixation par fusion de la préimpression d'un papier thermique sans que la face thermo-sensible dudit papier thermique ne vire.An object of the present invention is to allow fixing by fusion preprinting thermal paper without the heat sensitive side of said thermal paper does not turn.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

Dans ce contexte, la présente invention propose un procédé de fixation d'une préimpression d'un papier thermique, la préimpression ayant abouti au transfert d'encre sur la face non thermique dudit papier thermique, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste à refroidir la couche thermique dudit papier thermique pendant la fusion de l'encre de manière à maintenir la température de ladite couche thermique à une valeur inférieure à la température de virage de ladite couche.In this context, the present invention provides a method of fixing a preprint of thermal paper, the preprint having resulted in the transfer of ink onto the non-thermal face of said thermal paper, characterized in that it consists in cooling the thermal layer of said paper thermal during the ink melting so as to maintain the temperature of said thermal layer at a value lower than the bend temperature of said layer.

La présente invention concerne également un système de fixation d'une préimpression sur la face non thermique d'un papier thermique comportant des moyens d'entraínement du papier en déplacement, un dispositif de fixation par fusion, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens de refroidissement de la couche thermique du papier thermique.The present invention also relates to a fixing system a preprint on the non-thermal side of thermal paper comprising means for driving the moving paper, a fixing device by fusion, characterized in that it comprises means for cooling the thermal layer of thermal paper.

Présentation des figuresPresentation of the figures

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront à la lumière de la description qui suit, donnée à titre d'exemple illustratif et non limitatif de la présente invention, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 est une coupe montrant la constitution d'un papier thermique ;
  • la figure 2 est un schéma simplifié global d'une première forme de réalisation du système selon la présente invention ;
  • la figure 3 est un diagramme illustrant les résultats obtenus à l'aide du système représenté sur la figure 2 ;
  • la figure 4 est un schéma simplifié global d'une deuxième forme de réalisation du système selon la présente invention ;
  • la figure 5 est une coupe selon l'axe X-X du système représenté sur la figure 4 ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue simplifiée de côté d'une troisième forme de réalisation du système selon la présente invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the description which follows, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a section showing the constitution of a thermal paper;
  • FIG. 2 is a simplified overall diagram of a first embodiment of the system according to the present invention;
  • Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the results obtained using the system shown in Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a simplified overall diagram of a second embodiment of the system according to the present invention;
  • Figure 5 is a section along the axis XX of the system shown in Figure 4;
  • Figure 6 is a simplified side view of a third embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

Description de formes de réalisation de l'inventionDescription of embodiments of the invention

Comme représenté sur les figures 1, 2, 4 à 6, la présente invention se rapporte à un procédé de fixation d'une préimpression sur un papier thermique 1.As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 to 6, the present invention is relates to a method of fixing a preprint on a paper thermal 1.

Le papier thermique 1, comme le montre la figure 1, est traditionnellement réalisé à partir d'un substrat 2 chimique thermiquement neutre ; le substrat 2 présente une conductivité thermique moyenne due à l'humidité qu'il contient (environ 2% d'eau en masse). L'épaisseur du substrat est d'environ 60-65 microns. Le substrat 2 est enduit d'une couche 3 isolante d'épaisseur micronique présentant une plus forte résistivité thermique, puis d'une couche 4 thermo-sensible. La couche 4 thermo-sensible a une épaisseur moyenne de 3 à 5 microns. L'épaisseur e du papier thermique est d'environ 65 micromètres pour les papiers les plus légers.Thermal paper 1, as shown in Figure 1, is traditionally made from a thermally chemical substrate 2 neutral; the substrate 2 has an average thermal conductivity due to the humidity it contains (about 2% water by mass). The thickness of the substrate is around 60-65 microns. The substrate 2 is coated with a layer 3 micron thickness insulator with higher resistivity thermal, then a heat-sensitive layer 4. Thermo-sensitive layer 4 has an average thickness of 3 to 5 microns. The thickness e of the paper thermal is about 65 micrometers for the lightest papers.

La température de virage T1 de la couche 4 thermo-sensible dite couche thermique est de l'ordre de 80°C-85°C. La température de virage T1 dépend de l'épaisseur et de la matière de la couche 4 thermo-sensible ainsi que de la quantité d'eau qu'elle contient.The turning temperature T1 of the so-called heat-sensitive layer 4 thermal layer is of the order of 80 ° C-85 ° C. Turning temperature T1 depends on the thickness and material of the heat-sensitive layer 4 as well than the amount of water it contains.

Le papier thermique 1 présente deux faces 5 et 6 : la face verso 5 du côté du substrat 2 dite face 5 non thermique, la face recto 6 du côté de la couche thermique 4 dite face 6 thermique. La préimpression est réalisée sur la face 5 non thermique.Thermal paper 1 has two sides 5 and 6: the back side 5 of the side of the substrate 2 known as non-thermal side 5, the front side 6 on the side of the thermal layer 4 called thermal face 6. Preprinting is done on the non-thermal face 5.

Dans la forme de réalisation illustrée ci-après, le papier thermique est soumis à une pré-impression de la face 5 non thermique à l'aide d'une imprimante magnétographique. Le procédé et les systèmes décrits ci-après sont applicables aux technologies d'impression xérographique ou ionographique.In the embodiment illustrated below, thermal paper is subjected to a non-thermal side 5 pre-printing using a magnetographic printer. The process and systems described below are applicable to xerographic printing technologies or ionographic.

La préimpression magnétographique comporte un procédé de magnétisation. Le procédé de magnétisation consiste à magnétiser la surface d'un élément d'enregistrement magnétique tel qu'un tambour magnétique de façon à former un ensemble de points magnétisés constituant une image latente magnétique. L'imprimante magnétographique comporte un ensemble de têtes élémentaires d'écriture composant point par point l'image latente sur le tambour magnétique.The magnetographic preprint includes a method of magnetization. The magnetization process consists in magnetizing the surface of a magnetic recording element such as a drum magnetic so as to form a set of magnetized points constituting a magnetic latent image. The magnetographic printer includes a set of elementary writing heads composing point by point the latent image on the magnetic drum.

La préimpression comporte ensuite un procédé de révélation. Le procédé de révélation consiste à déposer sur la surface magnétisée une encre, pulvérulente dans l'exemple décrit, qui reste appliquée uniquement sur les points magnétisés de la dite surface et à former ainsi une image de poudre : l'image se révèle au contact de particules d'encre magnétique.The preprint then includes a revelation process. The revelation process consists in depositing on the magnetized surface a ink, pulverulent in the example described, which remains applied only on the magnetized points of said surface and thus to form an image of powder: the image is revealed on contact with magnetic ink particles.

Le procédé de révélation de la préimpression est suivi d'un procédé de transfert : l'image de poudre est transférée sur un support d'impression tel qu'un papier thermique.The process of revealing the preprint is followed by a process transfer: the powder image is transferred to a printing medium such as thermal paper.

La préimpression se termine par le procédé de fixation par fusion : la poudre déposée sur la face 5 non thermique du papier est fixée définitivement par fusion sur ledit papier.The preprint ends with the fusion fixing process: the powder deposited on the non-thermal side of the paper is fixed definitively by fusion on said paper.

Pour ce faire, la papier 1 est introduit dans des moyens de chauffage tels qu'un four flash 7-8 (figure 2). Les ondes thermiques émises par les moyens de chauffage sont absorbées par l'encre qui se fixe sur le papier.To do this, the paper 1 is introduced into heating means such as a 7-8 flash oven (Figure 2). The thermal waves emitted by heating means are absorbed by the ink that attaches to the paper.

Le procédé selon la présente invention consiste à refroidir la couche thermique 4 dudit papier 1 thermique pendant la phase de fusion de l'encre de manière à maintenir la température T2 de ladite couche 4 à une valeur inférieure à la température de virage T1.The method according to the present invention consists in cooling the layer thermal 4 of said paper 1 thermal during the ink melting phase so as to maintain the temperature T2 of said layer 4 at a value lower than the bend temperature T1.

Selon un développement de l'invention, le procédé consiste à refroidir la couche thermique 4 dudit papier 1 thermique lorsque l'onde thermique arrive sur la face 6 thermique du papier. According to a development of the invention, the method consists in cooling the thermal layer 4 of said thermal paper 1 when the thermal wave arrives on the thermal side 6 of the paper.

La température de la couche thermique 4 est limitée à une valeur inférieure à la température de virage T2 pendant la phase de fixation à l'aide de moyens de refroidissement dont certaines formes de réalisation sont décrites ci-après.The temperature of thermal layer 4 is limited to a value lower than the bend temperature T2 during the fixing phase using cooling means, certain embodiments of which are described below.

Selon une première forme de réalisation illustrée sur la figure 2, le papier thermique 1 est entraíné dans un four 7 à une vitesse donnée V. La température T3 ambiante du four est d'environ 30 °C. Le four 7 comprend un dispositif 8 de fixation par fusion du type par flash au Xénon. Le four 7 et le dispositif 8 de fixation par fusion sont installés en vis à vis de la face 5 non thermique sur laquelle la préimpression est réalisée. Le papier thermique 1 reçoit l'énergie du flash : la température de l'ensemble du papier monte à environ 90°C puis se refroidit lentement vers la température T3 ambiante du four. Le papier sort ensuite du four et se refroidit à la température T4 ambiante extérieure.According to a first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the thermal paper 1 is driven in an oven 7 at a given speed V. The ambient temperature T3 of the oven is approximately 30 ° C. The oven 7 includes a device 8 for fixing by fusion of the Xenon flash type. Oven 7 and device 8 for fixing by fusion are installed opposite face 5 no thermal on which the preprint is performed. Thermal paper 1 receives energy from the flash: the temperature of the entire paper rises to about 90 ° C then slowly cools down to room temperature T3 of the oven. The paper then comes out of the oven and cools to temperature T4 outdoor ambient.

La température atteinte par la couche thermique 4 du papier 1 est supérieure à la température T1 de virage lorsqu'il reçoit l'énergie du flash, ce qui provoque le virage de cette couche.The temperature reached by the thermal layer 4 of the paper 1 is higher than the bend temperature T1 when it receives the energy from the flash, this which causes this layer to turn.

Le système selon l'invention et tel qu'illustré sur la figure 2 comprend des moyens 9 de refroidissement. Les moyens de refroidissement sont disposés en vis à vis de la face 6 thermique ainsi que du dispositif de fixation 8. Le papier 1 est entraíné entre le dispositif de fixation 8 et les moyens 9 de refroidissement.The system according to the invention and as illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises cooling means 9. The cooling means are arranged opposite the thermal face 6 as well as the fixing device 8. The paper 1 is entrained between the fixing device 8 and the means 9 of cooling.

Les moyens 9 de refroidissement comportent une sole 10 en contact avec le papier 1 et plus précisément avec la face 6 thermique du papier. La sole 10 s'étend sur une distance L sensiblement plus grande que la longueur I du dispositif 8 de fixation, dans le sens du déplacement du papier 1. Le rapport des distances L/l dépend de la vitesse de déplacement du papier ainsi que de l'épaisseur du papier : il est choisi de manière que le temps mis par le papier pour parcourir la longueur du dépassement de la sole 10 par rapport au dispositif 8 de fixation (L - I) soit égal au temps mis par l'onde thermique émise par le dispositif 8 de fixation pour traverser le papier. Lorsque le papier arrive en regard de l'extrémité intérieure du dispositif 8 de fixation dans la direction longitudinale du papier, une onde thermique O arrive sur le papier. L'onde O traverse le papier en dehors du dispositif 8 de fixation. Le dépassement de la sole par rapport au dispositif 8 de fixation permet le refroidissement de la couche thermique lorsque l'onde thermique O a traversé le papier et arrive au niveau de la face 6 thermique.The cooling means 9 comprise a sole 10 in contact with the paper 1 and more precisely with the thermal side 6 of the paper. The sole 10 extends over a distance L substantially greater than the length I of the fixing device 8, in the direction of movement of the paper 1. The distance ratio L / l depends on the speed of movement of the paper as well as the thickness of the paper: it is chosen so that the time taken by the paper to cover the length of the sole protrusion 10 by relation to the fixing device 8 (L - I) is equal to the time taken by the wave thermal emitted by the fixing device 8 to pass through the paper. When the paper arrives opposite the inner end of the device 8 of fixing in the longitudinal direction of the paper, a thermal wave O arrives on paper. The O wave crosses the paper outside the device 8 of fixation. The protrusion of the sole relative to the fixing device 8 allows cooling of the thermal layer when the thermal wave O has passed through the paper and arrives at the thermal face 6.

Dans un exemple de forme de réalisation, la vitesse du papier étant de 60 mètres/minute, la longueur L de la sole 10 est de 380 millimètres et la longueur I du dispositif 8 de fixation est de 260 millimètres. La sole 10 est constituée par exemple d'un profilé en aluminium se présentant sous la forme d'une plaque rectangulaire.In an exemplary embodiment, the speed of the paper being of 60 meters / minute, the length L of sole 10 is 380 millimeters and the length I of the fixing device 8 is 260 millimeters. Sole 10 is consisting for example of an aluminum profile under the shaped like a rectangular plate.

Une turbine 11 ou tout autre moyen équivalent est disposée dans le prolongement de la sole 10 dans le sens de déplacement du papier 1 de manière à produire un flux F de fluide frais dirigé vers la sole. Dans l'exemple décrit, le fluide est constitué d'air. La turbine 11 est disposée parallèlement à la surface du papier 1, en vis à vis du four, du côté opposé dans la direction longitudinale du papier à celui du dispositif de fixation 8 et de la sole 10. Lorsque le papier n'est plus en contact avec la sole 10, il se déplace entre le four 7 et la turbine 11. La sole 10 est soumis à un flux d'air frais suffisant pour dissiper les calories issues du dispositif de fixation 8. La sole est refroidie à une température maximale de 35°C.A turbine 11 or any other equivalent means is disposed in the extension of the sole 10 in the direction of movement of the paper 1 of so as to produce a flow F of fresh fluid directed towards the sole. In the example described, the fluid consists of air. The turbine 11 is arranged opposite the surface of the paper 1, opposite the oven, on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction of the paper to that of the fixing device 8 and sole 10. When the paper is no longer in contact with sole 10, it will moves between the furnace 7 and the turbine 11. The hearth 10 is subjected to an air flow sufficient charge to dissipate the calories from the fixing device 8. The sole is cooled to a maximum temperature of 35 ° C.

La figure 3 indique les résultats obtenus avec le système illustré comprenant une sole 10 refroidie à une température de 30°C. La température de la surface encrée de la face 5 non thermique du papier s'élève à environ 210°C. La température de la surface non encrée de la face 5 non thermique s'élève à environ 118°C. La température de la couche thermique 4 ne dépasse pas 55°C. La température de la couche thermique 4 reste inférieure à la température de virage T1. Le procédé et le système selon l'invention permettent d'éviter le noircissement de la face 6 thermique pendant la phase de fixation par fusion.Figure 3 shows the results obtained with the illustrated system comprising a sole 10 cooled to a temperature of 30 ° C. The temperature of the inked surface of the non-thermal side of the paper is about 210 ° C. The temperature of the non-inked surface of the face 5 non-thermal is about 118 ° C. The layer temperature thermal 4 does not exceed 55 ° C. The temperature of the thermal layer 4 remains below the turn temperature T1. The process and the system according to the invention make it possible to avoid blackening of the thermal face 6 during the fixing phase by fusion.

Selon une deuxième forme de réalisation illustrée sur la figure 4, les moyens 9 de refroidissement comportent une sole 12 refroidie par un circuit 13 de fluide refroidissant et dans l'exemple décrit d'eau froide. La sole 12 est constituée par exemple d'une plaque de cuivre. Le circuit d'eau froide 13 est composé par exemple d'un serpentin 14 en tube de cuivre soudé et collé sur la face libre 15 de la sole 12. La face 16 opposée à la face libre 15 est en contact avec le papier 1 et plus précisément avec la face 6 thermique du papier 1. La direction globale de déplacement de l'eau est celle du déplacement du papier. Le débit de l'eau est réglable par tout type de moyen connu tel qu'une vanne.According to a second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the cooling means 9 comprise a floor 12 cooled by a circuit 13 of cooling fluid and in the example described from cold water. Sole 12 is consisting for example of a copper plate. The cold water circuit 13 is composed for example of a coil 14 in copper tube welded and glued on the free face 15 of the sole 12. The face 16 opposite the free face 15 is in contact with the paper 1 and more precisely with the thermal side 6 of the paper 1. The overall direction of water movement is that of moving paper. The water flow is adjustable by any type of means known as a valve.

La sole 12 est disposée de manière que le circuit 13 d'eau froide se trouve dans la zone en regard du dispositif 17 de fixation.The floor 12 is arranged so that the cold water circuit 13 is found in the area opposite the fixing device 17.

La température et le débit de l'eau sont choisis de manière à garder la face 16 en contact avec le papier à une température inférieure à 40°C. La température de l'eau est maintenue aux environs de 20°C. Pour une vitesse de 100 mètres/minute, le débit de l'eau est supérieur à 15 litres/minute et la puissance de fixation est d'environ 80%.The water temperature and flow are chosen so as to keep the side 16 in contact with the paper at a temperature below 40 ° C. The water temperature is maintained around 20 ° C. For a speed 100 meters / minute, the water flow rate is more than 15 liters / minute and the fixing power is around 80%.

La température est choisie pour éviter les problèmes de condensation sur la sole : elle ne doit donc pas être trop basse. Les paramètres diffèrent si la puissance de fixation change.The temperature is chosen to avoid condensation problems on the sole: it should therefore not be too low. The parameters differ if the fixing power changes.

Dans la forme de réalisation illustrée, la longueur de la sole est de 1120 millimètres (mm) et la largeur de 555 mm. La sole présente une épaisseur de 4 mm. Le diamètre du serpentin 14 est de 18 mm. La longueur totale du tube formant le serpentin 14 est de 9 mètres. Le tube formant serpentin est coudé 15 fois de manière à présenter 16 longueurs de 500 mm transversales à la sole. Chaque longueur de serpentin est séparé d'une distance de 80 mm.In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the sole is 1120 millimeters (mm) and the width of 555 mm. The sole has a thickness of 4 mm. The diameter of the coil 14 is 18 mm. The length total of the tube forming the coil 14 is 9 meters. The forming tube coil is bent 15 times so as to have 16 lengths of 500 mm transverse to the sole. Each length of coil is separated by a distance of 80 mm.

Un circuit de contrôle de la température est prévu pour contrôler et mesurer la température de la sole en temps réel. Le circuit comporte des sondes de température. Les sondes détectent toute surchauffe de la couche thermique 4 et permettent ainsi de réagir au niveau du fonctionnement.A temperature control circuit is provided to control and measure the floor temperature in real time. The circuit includes temperature probes. The probes detect any overheating of the layer thermal 4 and thus make it possible to react at the operating level.

La sole présente de préférence un galbe pour améliorer le contact entre le papier et la sole.The sole preferably has a curve to improve the contact between the paper and the sole.

Selon une troisième forme de réalisation du système tel que représenté sur la figure 6, les moyens 9 de refroidissement se présentent sous la forme d'un tambour 18 refroidi par circulation de fluide refroidissant. Le papier 1 est entraíné de manière à s'enrouler autour du tambour 18 pendant la phase de fixation. La forme du four flash 19 est semi-cylindrique : le four flash 19 enveloppe partiellement la tambour 18. Le four et le tambour sont coaxiaux.According to a third embodiment of the system such as shown in Figure 6, the cooling means 9 are presented in the form of a drum 18 cooled by circulation of cooling fluid. The paper 1 is driven so as to wrap around the drum 18 during the fixing phase. The shape of the flash oven 19 is semi-cylindrical: the flash oven 19 partially envelops the drum 18. The oven and the drum are coaxial.

Le tambour 18 est composé d'un matériau présentant une bonne conductibilité thermique. Il est constitué par exemple d'aluminium. Il comporte un cylindre 20 extérieur de 50 centimètres de diamètre ainsi qu'un cylindre 21 intérieur disposé à une distance diamétralement de 7 centimètres du cylindre extérieur. Le fluide refroidissant et par exemple l'eau froide circule entre les cylindres intérieur 20 et extérieur 21. L'eau est refroidie à une température d'environ 25-26°C.The drum 18 is made of a material having good thermal conductivity. It consists for example of aluminum. he comprises an outer cylinder 20 of 50 cm in diameter as well as a inner cylinder 21 disposed at a diametrically distance of 7 centimeters of the outer cylinder. The cooling fluid and for example cold water circulates between the inner 20 and outer 21 cylinders. The water is cooled to a temperature of around 25-26 ° C.

Dans les première, deuxième et troisième formes de réalisation, l'entière surface du papier 1 doit être plaquée sur les moyens 9 de refroidissement et plus précisément sur la surface de la sole 10, 12 ou du tambour 18 ou tout autre moyen équivalent. La surface de la sole 10, 12 et du tambour 18 doit être lisse et dépourvue de toute aspérités, trous, poussières ou équivalents. Elle est susceptible d'être traitée par nickelage pour en améliorer l'état.In the first, second and third embodiments, the entire surface of the paper 1 must be pressed onto the means 9 of cooling and more precisely on the surface of the sole 10, 12 or drum 18 or any other equivalent means. The surface of the sole 10, 12 and drum 18 must be smooth and free of any roughness, holes, dust or equivalent. It can be treated by nickel plating to improve its condition.

La tension du papier doit être correcte dans le but d'améliorer le placage.The paper tension must be correct in order to improve the plating.

Un circuit de contrôle de la température du type de celui prévu dans la deuxième forme de réalisation permet de réagir en temps réel pour éviter que la couche thermique ne vire.A temperature control circuit of the type provided for in the second embodiment allows to react in real time to avoid that the thermal layer does not turn.

Le procédé et le système selon l'invention permettent de ne pas perturber la fixation par fusion.The method and the system according to the invention make it possible not to disrupt the fixation by fusion.

Le procédé de fixation d'une préimpression d'un papier thermique 1 selon la présente invention, la préimpression ayant abouti au transfert d'encre sur la face 5 non thermique dudit papier thermique, est caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste à refroidir la couche thermique 4 dudit papier thermique pendant la fusion de l'encre de manière à maintenir la température de ladite couche thermique à une valeur inférieure à la température de virage T1 de ladite couche.The method of fixing a preprint for thermal paper 1 according to the present invention, the preprint having resulted in the transfer ink on the non-thermal side 5 of said thermal paper, is characterized in that it consists in cooling the thermal layer 4 of said thermal paper during the ink melting so as to maintain the temperature of said thermal layer at a value lower than the bend temperature T1 of said layer.

Le procédé consiste à refroidir la couche thermique 4 lorsque l'onde thermique de fixation arrive sur la face 6 thermique du papier.The method consists in cooling the thermal layer 4 when the wave thermal fixing arrives on the thermal side 6 of the paper.

Le système de fixation d'une préimpression sur la face 5 non thermique d'un papier thermique 1 comportant des moyens d'entraínement du papier en déplacement, un dispositif de fixation par fusion 8, 17, 19, est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens 9 de refroidissement de la couche thermique 4 du papier thermique 1. The system for fixing a preprint on side 5 no thermal of a thermal paper 1 comprising drive means moving paper, a fuser 8, 17, 19 is characterized in that it comprises means 9 for cooling the thermal layer 4 of thermal paper 1.

Le papier thermique 1 est plaqué contre les moyens 9 de refroidissement disposés en regard du dispositif de fixation 8, 17, 19.The thermal paper 1 is pressed against the means 9 of cooling arranged opposite the fixing device 8, 17, 19.

La surface des moyens 9 de refroidissement en contact avec le papier est soumise à un traitement par lissage.The surface of the cooling means 9 in contact with the paper is subjected to a smoothing treatment.

Les moyens de refroidissement s'étendent dans la direction longitudinale du papier sur une distance plus importante que le dispositif de fixation 8, 17, 19.The cooling means extend in the direction longitudinal of the paper over a greater distance than the fixing 8, 17, 19.

La surface des moyens de refroidissement en contact avec le papier est galbée.The surface of the cooling means in contact with the paper is shapely.

Les moyens de refroidissement comportent une sole 10,12.The cooling means include a bottom 10,12.

La sole 10, 12 est refroidie au moyen d'un flux de fluide refroidissant.The floor 10, 12 is cooled by means of a flow of cooling fluid.

Selon une forme de réalisation de l'invention, la sole 10 est refroidie par une turbine 11.According to one embodiment of the invention, the sole 10 is cooled by a turbine 11.

Selon une autre forme de réalisation de l'invention, la sole 12 est refroidie par un circuit de fluide refroidissant 13.According to another embodiment of the invention, the sole 12 is cooled by a coolant circuit 13.

Selon une autre forme de réalisation, les moyens de refroidissement comportent un tambour 18 comprenant un cylindre intérieur 21 et extérieur 20 entre lesquels un fluide refroidissant circule.According to another embodiment, the cooling means have a drum 18 comprising an inner and an outer cylinder 21 20 between which a cooling fluid circulates.

Selon un développement de l'invention, le système comporte un circuit de contrôle permettant de contrôler et mesurer la température de la sole, de détecter toute surchauffe et de réagir en temps réel.According to a development of the invention, the system comprises a control circuit for controlling and measuring the temperature of the sole, detect any overheating and react in real time.

Claims (11)

Procédé de fixation d'une préimpression d'un papier thermique (1), la préimpression ayant abouti au transfert d'encre sur la face (5) non thermique dudit papier thermique, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste à refroidir la couche thermique (4) dudit papier thermique pendant la fusion de l'encre de manière à maintenir la température de ladite couche thermique à une valeur inférieure à la température de virage (T1) de ladite couche.Method for fixing a preprint of thermal paper (1), the preprint that resulted in ink transfer to the non-thermal side (5) said thermal paper, characterized in that it consists in cooling the layer thermal (4) of said thermal paper during the melting of the ink so to maintain the temperature of said thermal layer at a value lower than the turning temperature (T1) of said layer. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste à refroidir la couche thermique (4) lorsque l'onde thermique de fixation arrive sur la face (6) thermique du papier.Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of cool the thermal layer (4) when the thermal fixing wave arrives on the thermal side (6) of the paper. Système de fixation d'une préimpression sur la face (5) non thermique d'un papier thermique (1) comportant des moyens d'entraínement du papier en déplacement, un dispositif de fixation par fusion (8, 17, 19), caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens (9) de refroidissement de la couche thermique (4) du papier thermique (1).System for fixing a preprint on the non-thermal face (5) a thermal paper (1) comprising means for driving the paper on the move, a fusion fixing device (8, 17, 19), characterized in that it comprises means (9) for cooling the layer thermal (4) thermal paper (1). Système selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que le papier thermique (1) est plaqué contre les moyens (9) de refroidissement disposés en regard du dispositif de fixation (8, 17, 19).System according to claim 3, characterized in that the paper thermal (1) is pressed against the cooling means (9) arranged opposite the fixing device (8, 17, 19). Système selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que la surface des moyens (9) de refroidissement en contact avec le papier (1) est soumise à un traitement de lissage.System according to claim 4, characterized in that the surface of the cooling means (9) in contact with the paper (1) is subjected to smoothing treatment. Système selon l'une des revendications 3 à 5, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de refroidissement s'étendent dans la direction longitudinale du papier sur une distance plus importante que le dispositif de fixation (8, 17, 19). System according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the cooling means extend in the longitudinal direction of the paper over a greater distance than the fixing device (8, 17, 19). Système selon l'une des revendications 3 à 6, caractérisé en ce que la surface des moyens de refroidissement en contact avec le papier est galbée.System according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the surface of the cooling means in contact with the paper is curved. Système selon l'une des revendications 3 à 7, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de refroidissement comportent une sole (10,12).System according to one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the cooling means include a hearth (10,12). Système selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que la sole (10) est refroidie au moyen d'un flux de fluide refroidissant.System according to claim 8, characterized in that the sole (10) is cooled by a flow of cooling fluid. Système selon l'une des revendications 3 à 6, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de refroidissement comportent un tambour (18) comprenant un cylindre intérieur (21) et extérieur (20) entre lesquels un fluide refroidissant circule.System according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the cooling means comprise a drum (18) comprising a inner (21) and outer (20) cylinder between which a cooling fluid circulates. Système selon l'une des revendications 3 à 10, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un circuit de contrôle permettant de contrôler et mesurer la température de la sole, de détecter toute surchauffe et de réagir en temps réel.System according to one of Claims 3 to 10, characterized in that it has a control circuit to control and measure the floor temperature, detect any overheating and react in time real.
EP00400732A 1999-04-02 2000-03-16 Method and system of fixing a preprint on thermal paper Withdrawn EP1043631A1 (en)

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FR9904128 1999-04-02
FR9904128A FR2791784B1 (en) 1999-04-02 1999-04-02 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FIXING A PRE-PRINT ON THERMAL PAPER

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Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5953876A (en) * 1982-09-21 1984-03-28 Nec Corp Flash fixation device
JPH01145192A (en) * 1987-12-01 1989-06-07 Hitachi Ltd Image receiving material for thermal transfer
EP0344789A2 (en) * 1988-06-02 1989-12-06 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Recording card
US5210580A (en) * 1991-09-03 1993-05-11 Eastman Kodak Company Toner image fixing method and device in which a pressure member is cooled

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5953876A (en) * 1982-09-21 1984-03-28 Nec Corp Flash fixation device
JPH01145192A (en) * 1987-12-01 1989-06-07 Hitachi Ltd Image receiving material for thermal transfer
EP0344789A2 (en) * 1988-06-02 1989-12-06 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Recording card
US5210580A (en) * 1991-09-03 1993-05-11 Eastman Kodak Company Toner image fixing method and device in which a pressure member is cooled

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 008, no. 157 (P - 288) 20 July 1984 (1984-07-20) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 013, no. 400 (M - 867) 6 September 1989 (1989-09-06) *

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