JP2000158795A - Method and apparatus for recording - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for recordingInfo
- Publication number
- JP2000158795A JP2000158795A JP10336741A JP33674198A JP2000158795A JP 2000158795 A JP2000158795 A JP 2000158795A JP 10336741 A JP10336741 A JP 10336741A JP 33674198 A JP33674198 A JP 33674198A JP 2000158795 A JP2000158795 A JP 2000158795A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- intermediate transfer
- powder
- transfer member
- viscosity
- droplets
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、液滴噴射装置を用
いた記録方法及び装置に関し、より詳細には、画像信号
に応じて液滴噴射装置より噴射された液滴を、中間転写
体上に均一に形成された粉末上に噴射して該中間転写体
上に可視画像を形成し、次いで、該可視画像を普通紙上
に転写するいわゆる転写式の記録方法及び装置に関す
る。[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a recording method and apparatus using a droplet ejecting apparatus, and more particularly, to a method of ejecting a droplet ejected from a droplet ejecting apparatus in response to an image signal on an intermediate transfer member. The present invention relates to a so-called transfer type recording method and apparatus for spraying onto a uniformly formed powder to form a visible image on the intermediate transfer member, and then transferring the visible image onto plain paper.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】インクジェット記録方法のように、色材
を含有した液体を液滴として、画像信号に応じた画像記
録を行う方法においては、上質紙のような普通紙に、に
じみの少ない記録を行うことは重要な技術課題である。
その課題を解決するために、従来より、さまざまな提案
がなされており、その中で、中間転写体を用い、色材を
含有した液体（インク）の粘度を高めてから記録紙に転
写する方法が提案されている。2. Description of the Related Art In a method of recording an image in accordance with an image signal by using a liquid containing a coloring material as liquid droplets as in an ink jet recording method, recording with little bleeding on plain paper such as high quality paper is performed. Doing is an important technical task.
In order to solve the problem, various proposals have hitherto been made. Among them, a method of using an intermediate transfer body to increase the viscosity of a liquid (ink) containing a color material and then transferring the liquid to recording paper. Has been proposed.
【０００３】そのような方法として、例えば、特開平７
−８９０６７号公報に開示された発明は、中間転写体型
インクジェットと呼ばれる記録装置で、一旦、中間転写
体上にインク画像を形成し、そのインクが程好い粘度に
なったところで、インク画像を記録紙に転写することに
より、記録紙である普通紙上でのインクのにじみ等を解
決するようにしたものである。As such a method, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
The invention disclosed in JP-A-89067 is a recording apparatus called an intermediate transfer body type ink jet, which forms an ink image on the intermediate transfer body once, and when the ink has a suitable viscosity, prints the ink image on a recording paper. By transferring the image on the recording paper, ink bleeding on plain paper as recording paper is solved.
【０００４】また、上記特開平７−８９０６７号公報に
開示された発明の欠点解消を図った発明として、本出願
人は、先に、特願平９−３５９２０８号を出願した。こ
の発明は、中間転写体上に吸水性の粉末を塗布してお
き、インク画像がその中間転写体に到達するとその粉末
によってインクの粘度が上昇することを利用して、普通
紙上に転写されたインクのにじみを解決するようにした
ものである。The present applicant has previously filed Japanese Patent Application No. 9-359208 as an invention for solving the drawbacks of the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-89067. According to the present invention, a water-absorbing powder is applied on an intermediate transfer member, and when the ink image reaches the intermediate transfer member, the ink is transferred onto plain paper by utilizing the fact that the viscosity of the ink is increased by the powder. This is to solve the bleeding of the ink.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記特
開平７−８９０６７号公報に開示された発明は、予め、
中間転写体に界面活性剤を塗布しておき、ぬれ性を上げ
るようにしたものであり、程好い粘度になるまでにかな
りの時間が必要である。そのため、中間転写体ひいては
記録紙上に、にじみが生じ、高速記録には不向きであ
り、特に、ベタ画像の場合に、にじみが大きく、例え
ば、ラインプリンタ等により校正して高速化しようとし
ても、このにじみの点で高速化に限界があった。However, the invention disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-89067 is
A surfactant is applied to the intermediate transfer member so as to increase the wettability, and it takes a considerable time until the viscosity reaches a suitable level. Therefore, bleeding occurs on the intermediate transfer body and thus on the recording paper, and is not suitable for high-speed recording.Especially, in the case of a solid image, bleeding is large. There was a limit to speeding up in terms of bleeding.
【０００６】また、上記特願平９−３５９２０８号とし
て出願した発明では、転写後に中間転写体上に残った未
使用の粉末をクリーニングするために、ブレードやブラ
シ等の専用クリーニング部材が必要である。通常は、画
像部分より非画像部（背景部）の面積が多いので、その
未使用の粉末をクリーニングしてしまうと粉末の使用量
が多くなる。また、未使用の状態で粉末を長期間放置す
ると、中間転写体上の粉体が吸湿して増粘し、ブレード
やブラシ等のクリーニング部材ではクリーニングができ
なくなるという問題点もあった。In the invention filed as Japanese Patent Application No. 9-359208, a dedicated cleaning member such as a blade or a brush is required to clean unused powder remaining on the intermediate transfer member after transfer. . Normally, the area of the non-image portion (background portion) is larger than that of the image portion, and therefore, if the unused powder is cleaned, the usage amount of the powder increases. Further, if the powder is left unused for a long period of time, the powder on the intermediate transfer body absorbs moisture and thickens, so that there is a problem that cleaning cannot be performed by a cleaning member such as a blade or a brush.
【０００７】本発明は、上述のごとき実情に鑑みてなさ
れたもので、中間転写体を用いてインクジェット液滴を
増粘して転写する記録方式において、転写後の未使用粉
末を再使用し、また、粉末使用量を画像部に使用された
量だけに限定でき、さらには、空気中の湿度を吸収して
劣化した粉末のみを回収することができる記録方法及び
装置を提供することを目的としてなされたものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and in a recording system in which an ink jet droplet is thickened and transferred using an intermediate transfer member, unused powder after transfer is reused. It is another object of the present invention to provide a recording method and apparatus capable of limiting the amount of powder used to only the amount used in an image portion and further recovering only powder that has deteriorated by absorbing humidity in the air. It was done.
【０００８】[0008]
【課題を解決するための手段】請求項１の発明は、中間
転写体の表面に、予め液滴により溶解または膨潤可能で
かつ該液滴の粘度を上昇させることができかつ前記中間
転写体から剥離可能な粉末の層を形成し、液滴を画像信
号に応じて中間転写体上に噴射して該中間転写体上に可
視画像を形成し、次いで、前記可視画像を記録紙上に転
写する記録方法において、前記中間転写体の表面を前記
粉末に対して粘性を示す物質で形成し、転写後に前記中
間転写体上に残留している粉末を除去せずに再使用する
ことを特徴としたものである。According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a surface of an intermediate transfer member which can be dissolved or swelled by droplets in advance; the viscosity of the droplets can be increased; Forming a layer of peelable powder, forming a visible image on the intermediate transfer body by spraying droplets onto the intermediate transfer body in accordance with an image signal, and then transferring the visible image onto a recording paper In the method, the surface of the intermediate transfer body is formed of a substance exhibiting viscosity to the powder, and the powder remaining on the intermediate transfer body after transfer is reused without being removed. It is.
【０００９】請求項２の発明は、請求項１の発明におい
て、前記中間転写体表面に比べ液滴または空気中の湿度
により粘度が上昇した前記粉末に対しての離型性が劣る
表面を持ったクリーニング部材を、転写後の前記中間転
写体表面に接触させて前記粘度が上昇した粉末を前記中
間転写体から除去することを特徴としたものである。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the surface of the intermediate transfer member has a surface which is inferior in releasability to the powder whose viscosity has increased due to the humidity in the droplets or air as compared with the surface of the intermediate transfer member. The cleaning member is brought into contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer body after the transfer to remove the powder having the increased viscosity from the intermediate transfer body.
【００１０】請求項３の発明は、請求項２の発明におい
て、前記クリーニング部材が転写ローラを兼用すること
を特徴としたものである。A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second aspect of the present invention, the cleaning member also serves as a transfer roller.
【００１１】請求項４の発明は、請求項２の発明におい
て、前記中間転写体から除去された粉末を回収容器内に
回収格納し、記録装置内で発生する余剰インクまたは破
棄インクを前記回収容器に導き、前記回収粉末に吸収さ
せることを特徴としたものである。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the powder removed from the intermediate transfer member is collected and stored in a collection container, and the excess ink or discarded ink generated in the recording apparatus is removed from the collection container. To be absorbed by the recovered powder.
【００１２】請求項５の発明は、中間転写体の表面に、
予め液滴により溶解または膨潤可能でかつ該液滴の粘度
を上昇させることができかつ前記中間転写体から剥離可
能な粉末の層を形成し、液滴を画像信号に応じて中間転
写体上に噴射して該中間転写体上に可視画像を形成し、
次いで、前記可視画像を記録紙上に転写する記録装置に
おいて、前記中間転写体の表面を前記粉末に対して粘性
を示す物質で形成するとともに、前記中間転写体表面に
比べ液滴または空気中の湿度により粘度が上昇した前記
粉末に対しての離型性が劣る表面を持ったクリーニング
部材を有し、転写後の前記中間転写体表面に接触させて
粘度が上昇した前記粉末を前記中間転写体から除去する
ことを特徴としたものである。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the surface of the intermediate transfer member is
A layer of powder that can be dissolved or swelled by droplets in advance, can increase the viscosity of the droplets, and can be separated from the intermediate transfer member is formed, and the droplets are formed on the intermediate transfer member in accordance with an image signal. Jetting to form a visible image on the intermediate transfer member,
Next, in a recording apparatus that transfers the visible image onto recording paper, the surface of the intermediate transfer body is formed of a substance having viscosity with respect to the powder, and the humidity of the droplets or air is lower than the surface of the intermediate transfer body. A cleaning member having a surface with poor releasability for the powder whose viscosity has increased is contacted with the surface of the intermediate transfer member after transfer, and the powder whose viscosity has increased from the intermediate transfer member It is characterized by being removed.
【００１３】[0013]
【発明の実施の形態】図１は、本発明による記録方法及
び装置の一実施例を説明するための要部構成図で、図
中、１はセット剤塗布装置、２はセット剤補給ローラ、
２ａはブレード、３はセット剤塗布ローラ、３ａはブレ
ード、６は中間転写体装置、６ａ，６ｂ，６ｃはロー
ラ、７は中間転写体、１１は印字装置、１６は給紙装
置、１７は転写紙（記録紙）、１８はレジストローラ、
２１は転写装置、２２は転写ローラ、２６は排紙装置、
３１はクリーニング装置、３２はクリーニングローラ、
３２ａはスクレーパである。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main part of a recording method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
2a is a blade, 3 is a setting agent application roller, 3a is a blade, 6 is an intermediate transfer device, 6a, 6b, 6c are rollers, 7 is an intermediate transfer member, 11 is a printing device, 16 is a paper feeding device, and 17 is a transfer. Paper (recording paper), 18 is a registration roller,
21 is a transfer device, 22 is a transfer roller, 26 is a paper discharge device,
31 is a cleaning device, 32 is a cleaning roller,
32a is a scraper.
【００１４】まず、印字開始信号を受けると、セット剤
塗布装置１により、セット剤（液滴によって溶解または
膨潤可能でかつその液滴の粘度を上昇させることができ
かつ剥離可能な粉末）が転写体装置６の転写ベルト（中
間転写体）７に塗布される。セット剤は、アクリル酸樹
脂，アクリル酸／メタクリル酸共重合樹脂，メタクリル
酸樹脂，澱粉などの吸水性を有する粉末で、０.５〜２
０μｍ程度の粒径を有している。First, when a printing start signal is received, a setting agent (powder that can be dissolved or swelled by droplets, can increase the viscosity of the droplets, and can be separated) is transferred by the setting agent application device 1. The toner is applied to the transfer belt (intermediate transfer member) 7 of the body device 6. The setting agent is a water-absorbing powder such as an acrylic resin, an acrylic acid / methacrylic acid copolymer resin, a methacrylic acid resin, and a starch.
It has a particle size of about 0 μm.
【００１５】セット剤塗布装置１に設けられている駆動
モータ（図示せず）からの駆動力により、セット剤補給
ローラ２と塗布ローラ３が回転する。補給ローラ２に
は、ブレード２ａが接触しており、これにより、セット
剤の補給量の調整及び補給ローラ２上でのセット剤の均
一化が図られる。補給ローラ２と塗布ローラ３は接触し
ており、補給ローラ２からのセット剤が塗布ローラ３に
移り、塗布ローラ３にセット剤が均一に塗布される。ま
た、塗布ローラ３には、ブレード３ａが取り付けられて
おり、ブレード３ａは塗布ローラ３上のセット剤の薄層
均一化を行なうとともに、セット剤塗布装置１からのセ
ット剤の洩れを防止している。The driving force from a drive motor (not shown) provided in the setting agent application device 1 causes the setting agent supply roller 2 and the application roller 3 to rotate. The blade 2 a is in contact with the replenishing roller 2, thereby adjusting the replenishing amount of the setting agent and making the setting agent uniform on the replenishing roller 2. The replenishing roller 2 and the application roller 3 are in contact with each other, and the setting agent from the replenishing roller 2 moves to the application roller 3, and the setting agent is uniformly applied to the application roller 3. Further, a blade 3a is attached to the application roller 3, and the blade 3a makes a thin layer of the setting agent on the application roller 3 uniform and prevents the setting agent from leaking from the setting agent application device 1. I have.
【００１６】セット剤塗布装置１が作動するとともに、
転写体装置６も作動し、セット剤塗布装置１と中間転写
体７との接触により、セット剤が中間転写体７上に塗布
される。中間転写体７には、シリコーンゴムやフッ素ゴ
ムなど、粉末（セット剤）が表面に付着し易い材料を使
用しており、これにより、中間転写体７の表面に薄層の
粉末層が形成される。転写体装置６は、中間転写体７，
３本のローラ６ａ，６ｂ，６ｃ，駆動モータ（図示せ
ず），位置制御エンコーダ（図示せず），その筺体（図
示せず）などから構成されており、セット剤塗布装置１
と共に作動するようになっている。When the setting agent application device 1 operates,
The transfer member device 6 also operates, and the setting agent is applied onto the intermediate transfer member 7 by the contact between the setting agent application device 1 and the intermediate transfer member 7. The intermediate transfer member 7 is made of a material such as silicone rubber or fluorine rubber to which a powder (setting agent) easily adheres to the surface, whereby a thin powder layer is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer member 7. You. The transfer body device 6 includes an intermediate transfer body 7,
The setting agent application device 1 includes three rollers 6a, 6b, 6c, a drive motor (not shown), a position control encoder (not shown), and a housing (not shown) thereof.
It is designed to work with.
【００１７】中間転写体７にセット剤が塗布され、その
セット剤の塗布部分が印字装置１１の位置に移動する
と、印字動作が始まり、印字装置１１により、中間転写
体７上に塗布されたセット剤上に画像が印字される。印
字装置１１は、水性のインクを吐出するインクジェット
のヘッドである。水性のインクは、薄層形成されている
吸水性のセット剤（粉末）に吸収され、適度の粘性を持
ったゲル状物質になる。When the set agent is applied to the intermediate transfer member 7 and the applied portion of the set agent moves to the position of the printing device 11, a printing operation starts, and the printing device 11 applies the set agent applied to the intermediate transfer member 7. An image is printed on the agent. The printing device 11 is an inkjet head that ejects water-based ink. The water-based ink is absorbed by the water-absorbing setting agent (powder) formed in a thin layer, and becomes a gel-like substance having an appropriate viscosity.
【００１８】画像の形に形成されたゲル状物質は、転写
装置２１において、転写紙１７に接触し、加圧されて該
転写紙１７へそっくり転移する。中間転写体７の表面が
シリコーンまたはフッ素系の弾性体であるので、ゲル状
物質に対しては離型性が良く、中間転写体７には、その
ゲル状物質はほとんど残存しない。図１に示した実施例
は、印字装置１１がシャトル方式の例であるが、印字装
置１１を１つ又は２つ以上のラインヘッド等で構成して
も良い。ラインヘッドで印字機構を構成した時は、連続
的に印字及び転写が行なわれる。The gel-like substance formed in the form of an image comes into contact with the transfer paper 17 in the transfer device 21 and is pressed and transferred to the transfer paper 17 in its entirety. Since the surface of the intermediate transfer member 7 is a silicone or fluorine-based elastic material, it has good releasability from a gel-like substance, and the gel-like substance hardly remains on the intermediate transfer member 7. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 11 is an example of a shuttle system. However, the printing apparatus 11 may be constituted by one or more line heads. When the printing mechanism is constituted by the line head, printing and transfer are continuously performed.
【００１９】印字されている最中又は終了後に、給紙装
置１６から転写紙１７が送り出され、レジストユニット
のレジストローラ１８まで送られる。中間転写体７に形
成された画像にタイミングを合わせ、レジストローラ１
８から転写紙１７が送り出され、転写装置２１の転写ロ
ーラ２２などにより、中間転写体７上の画像が転写紙１
７に転写され、排紙装置２６により排紙されストックさ
れる。During or after the printing, the transfer paper 17 is sent out from the paper feeding device 16 and sent to the registration roller 18 of the registration unit. The timing is adjusted to the image formed on the intermediate transfer member 7 and the registration roller 1
The transfer paper 17 is sent out of the transfer paper 8 and the image on the intermediate transfer body 7 is transferred by the transfer roller 22 of the transfer device 21 or the like.
The sheet is transferred to the sheet 7, and is discharged and stocked by the sheet discharging device 26.
【００２０】転写後の中間転写体７には、転写された画
像部分は離型層が露出しているが、画像に使われなかっ
た部分は、セット剤の薄層がそのまま残っている。次の
印字のために、中間転写体７上にセット剤の薄層を再生
する必要があるが、その際、中間転写体７上に残存して
いるセット剤を載せたまま、セット剤塗布装置１で再塗
布するだけで、前述のごとくして離型層が露出した部
分、すなわち、中間転写体７の表面が露出した粘着性の
ある部分を粉末の薄層でカバーすることができ、消費さ
れた部分へ粉末を供給することができる。In the intermediate transfer member 7 after the transfer, the release layer is exposed in the transferred image portion, but a thin layer of the setting agent remains in the portion not used for the image. For the next printing, it is necessary to regenerate a thin layer of the setting agent on the intermediate transfer member 7, and at this time, the setting agent coating device is left with the remaining setting agent on the intermediate transfer member 7. 1, the portion where the release layer is exposed as described above, that is, the sticky portion where the surface of the intermediate transfer body 7 is exposed can be covered with a thin layer of powder. The powder can be supplied to the designated portion.
【００２１】装置が使われない状態が長く続く場合は、
中間転写体７上の粉末が、空気中の湿度を吸収して粘度
が上昇することもある。そのような粉末をそのまま作像
には使用できないので、使用前に粘度が上昇した粉末の
みを中間転写体７から取り除く必要がある。クリーニン
グローラ３２は、そのために設けられたもので、該クリ
ーニングローラ３２には、金属表面または樹脂コートの
ような平滑性があって離型性はそれほど高くない材料が
使用されており、上述のごとくして粘度が上昇した粉末
をクリーニングローラ３２に付着させることにより、中
間転写体７からその粉末（つまり、空気中の湿度を吸収
して粘度が上昇した粉末）を除去することができる。除
去された粉末は、スクレーパ３２ａでクリーニングロー
ラ３２の表面から回収される。劣化した粉末が取り除か
れた中間転写体７は、次の印字のために、セット剤塗布
装置１でセット剤の薄層が全面に再塗布され、再び作像
への使用が可能となる。If the device is not used for a long time,
The powder on the intermediate transfer body 7 may absorb the humidity in the air and increase the viscosity. Since such powder cannot be used as it is for image formation, it is necessary to remove only the powder whose viscosity has increased from the intermediate transfer member 7 before use. The cleaning roller 32 is provided for that purpose. The cleaning roller 32 is made of a material having smoothness and not so high releasability, such as a metal surface or a resin coat, as described above. By adhering the powder having the increased viscosity to the cleaning roller 32, the powder (that is, the powder whose viscosity has been increased by absorbing the humidity in the air) can be removed from the intermediate transfer member 7. The removed powder is collected from the surface of the cleaning roller 32 by the scraper 32a. The intermediate transfer member 7 from which the deteriorated powder has been removed is re-coated on the entire surface with a thin layer of the setting agent by the setting agent applying device 1 for the next printing, and can be used again for image formation.
【００２２】図２は、図１に示した記録方法及び装置の
中間転写体７上におけるセット剤の様子を説明するため
の図で、図中、３は塗布ローラ、４はセット剤、７は中
間転写体、７ａは粘着層、１２はインク液滴である。FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the state of the setting agent on the intermediate transfer member 7 of the recording method and apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in which 3 is an application roller, 4 is a setting agent, and 7 is An intermediate transfer member, 7a is an adhesive layer, and 12 is an ink droplet.
【００２３】図２（Ａ）は、セット剤４が中間転写体７
に塗布された状態を説明するための図で、中間転写体７
の表面に、セット剤（粉末）４に対して粘着性のある、
例えば、シリコーンゴムやフッ素ゴムなどの粘着層７ａ
が形成されており、セット剤４が付着し易いため、中間
転写体７の表面には、略一層のセット剤４の層ができて
いる。セット剤４は、アクリル酸樹脂，アクリル酸／メ
タクリル酸共重合樹脂，メタクリル酸樹脂，澱粉などの
吸水性を示す粉末で、０.５〜２０μｍ程度の粒径を有
している。FIG. 2A shows that the setting agent 4 has the intermediate transfer member 7.
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a state in which the intermediate transfer member 7 is applied to the intermediate transfer member 7.
Has an adhesive property to the setting agent (powder) 4 on the surface thereof.
For example, an adhesive layer 7a such as silicone rubber or fluorine rubber.
Is formed, and the setting agent 4 easily adheres. Therefore, the surface of the intermediate transfer member 7 has substantially one layer of the setting agent 4. The setting agent 4 is a powder exhibiting water absorption, such as an acrylic resin, an acrylic acid / methacrylic acid copolymer resin, a methacrylic resin, and starch, and has a particle size of about 0.5 to 20 μm.
【００２４】図２（Ｂ）は、インクジェットにより、中
間転写体７上に画像が書き込まれた状態を説明するため
の図で、インクジェットで画像が記録されると、インク
液滴１２の部分は、セット剤４が吸水して膨潤すること
により、粘度が上がり粘着性が出てくる。FIG. 2B is a view for explaining a state in which an image is written on the intermediate transfer member 7 by the ink jet. When the image is recorded by the ink jet, the portion of the ink droplet 12 becomes: When the setting agent 4 absorbs water and swells, the viscosity increases and the stickiness comes out.
【００２５】図２（Ｃ）は、中間転写体７上の画像（イ
ンク液滴１２）を転写紙１７に転写した後の中間転写体
７の状態を説明するための図で、中間転写体７上に転写
紙を重ねると粘度が上がったインク液滴１２の部分だけ
が転写紙に転写されて、中間転写体７上には、非画像部
の未使用セット剤４のみが残る。FIG. 2C is a view for explaining the state of the intermediate transfer member 7 after the image (ink droplet 12) on the intermediate transfer member 7 has been transferred onto the transfer paper 17. When the transfer paper is overlaid, only the portion of the ink droplets 12 whose viscosity has increased is transferred to the transfer paper, and only the unused setting agent 4 in the non-image area remains on the intermediate transfer body 7.
【００２６】図２（Ｄ）は、画像が転写された後の中間
転写体７上にセット剤を再塗布する状態を説明するため
の図で、画像の転写によってセット剤４が欠落した中間
転写体７上に、そのままの状態で、セット剤塗布装置１
（塗布ローラ３）によってセット剤４の再塗布を行う
と、図２（Ｅ）に示したように、中間転写体７の表面が
露出している部分だけにセット剤４が付着する。つま
り、中間転写体７上のセット剤４によって被われている
部分では、粘着層７ａのシリコーンゴムによる粘着性が
ないので、この部分へのセット剤４は付着しにくく、二
層以上のセット剤の付着はない。FIG. 2D is a view for explaining a state in which the setting agent is re-applied on the intermediate transfer body 7 after the image is transferred. On the body 7, the set agent application device 1
When the setting agent 4 is re-applied by the (application roller 3), as shown in FIG. 2E, the setting agent 4 adheres only to a portion where the surface of the intermediate transfer body 7 is exposed. That is, since the adhesive layer 7a is not sticky by the silicone rubber in the portion of the intermediate transfer member 7 covered with the setting agent 4, the setting agent 4 hardly adheres to this portion, and the two or more layers of the setting agent There is no adhesion.
【００２７】図３は、本発明による記録方法及び装置の
他の実施例を説明するための要部構成図で、図中、４′
は粘度が上昇したセット剤で、その他、図１あるいは、
図２に示した実施例と同じ作用をする部分には、図１あ
るいは図２に示した実施例と同じ符号が付してある。FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main part of a recording method and apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Is a setting agent having an increased viscosity, and in addition, FIG. 1 or
Parts having the same functions as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or FIG.
【００２８】図３に示した実施例は、空気中の水分を吸
湿して粘度が上がったセット剤（劣化した粉末剤）４′
をクリーニングローラ３２により、中間転写体７から除
去するようにしたもので、クリーニングローラ３２の表
面は、金属表面または樹脂コートのような平滑性があっ
て離型性はそれほど高くない材料で構成されており、こ
れにより、前述のごとくして粘度が上昇した粉体４′を
転写体７から付着除去する。斯様にして除去された粉体
４′はスクレーパ３２ａにより、クリーニングローラ３
２の表面から回収される。なお、図３には、劣化した粉
末を除去するのにクリーニングローラ３２を用いる例を
示したが、劣化した粉体４′が取り除かれた中間転写体
７は、次段の塗付装置１でセット剤の薄層が全面に再生
されて、再度作像に使用可能となる。このクリーニング
ローラは、転写ローラ２２で兼用することができる。つ
まり転写ローラ２２の表面を中間転写体７の表面より離
型性が劣る表面に形成しておくことにより、転写紙を通
すことなく、中間転写体７の表面に該転写ローラの表面
を接触させることにより、前述のクリーニングローラ３
２と同様の作用を兼ねさせることができる。In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the setting agent (deteriorated powder) 4 'having increased viscosity by absorbing moisture in the air is used.
Is removed from the intermediate transfer member 7 by the cleaning roller 32. The surface of the cleaning roller 32 is made of a material having smoothness and a low releasability, such as a metal surface or a resin coat. As a result, the powder 4 ′ having increased viscosity as described above is attached and removed from the transfer body 7. The powder 4 'thus removed is removed by the scraper 32a by the cleaning roller 3.
2 from the surface. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the cleaning roller 32 is used to remove the deteriorated powder. However, the intermediate transfer body 7 from which the deteriorated powder 4 ′ has been removed is applied by the coating device 1 in the next stage. The thin layer of the setting agent is reproduced over the entire surface, and can be used again for image formation. This cleaning roller can also be used as the transfer roller 22. That is, by forming the surface of the transfer roller 22 on a surface having a lower releasability than the surface of the intermediate transfer member 7, the surface of the transfer roller is brought into contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer member 7 without passing the transfer paper. Thus, the cleaning roller 3
2 can also have the same effect.
【００２９】インクジェットのヘッドは、インクの乾燥
などによる目詰まり防止のために、定期的にインク吸引
や全ノズル吐出などの回復動作を行う必要があり、従来
技術においては、その際に使用されたインクは、フェル
ト等に吸収させてから破棄していた。In order to prevent clogging due to drying of the ink, it is necessary for the ink-jet head to periodically perform a recovery operation such as ink suction or ejection of all nozzles. The ink was discarded after being absorbed by felt or the like.
【００３０】請求項６の発明は、図３に示したようにし
て回収したセット剤（劣化した粉末）４′がまだ十分に
水分を吸収できることを利用し、この回収したセット剤
４′を容器に回収して上記ヘッド回復動作で発生したイ
ンクを吸収して収容するようにしたものである。The invention of claim 6 utilizes the fact that the set agent (deteriorated powder) 4 'recovered as shown in FIG. 3 can still sufficiently absorb moisture, and the recovered set agent 4' is used as a container. And the ink generated in the head recovery operation is absorbed and stored.
【００３１】[0031]
【発明の効果】請求項１の発明は、中間転写体の表面
に、予め液滴により溶解または膨潤可能でかつ該液滴の
粘度を上昇させることができかつ前記中間転写体から剥
離可能な粉末の層を形成し、液滴を画像信号に応じて中
間転写体上に噴射して該中間転写体上に可視画像を形成
し、次いで、前記可視画像を記録紙上に転写する記録方
法において、前記中間転写体の表面を前記粉末に対して
粘性を示す物質で形成し、転写後に前記中間転写体上に
残留している粉末を除去せずに再使用するようにしたの
で、液滴によって使用された量の粉末を供給するだけ
で、画像転写後の中間転写体を再使用することができ、
さらに、装置の簡素化と粉末使用量の低減による低コス
ト化が可能である。According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a powder which can be dissolved or swelled in advance by droplets on the surface of an intermediate transfer member, can increase the viscosity of the droplets, and can be peeled off from the intermediate transfer member. Forming a layer, forming a visible image on the intermediate transfer body by ejecting droplets onto the intermediate transfer body in accordance with an image signal, and then transferring the visible image onto recording paper, Since the surface of the intermediate transfer member is formed of a substance having viscosity with respect to the powder, and the powder remaining on the intermediate transfer member after transfer is reused without being removed, it is used by droplets. The intermediate transfer body after image transfer can be reused just by supplying
Further, the cost can be reduced by simplifying the apparatus and reducing the amount of powder used.
【００３２】請求項２の発明は、請求項１の発明におい
て、前記中間転写体表面に比べ液滴または空気中の湿度
により粘度が上昇した前記粉末に対しての離型性が劣る
表面を持ったクリーニング部材を、転写後の前記中間転
写体表面に接触させて前記粘度が上昇した粉末を前記中
間転写体から除去するようにしたので、装置が長く使わ
れない場合などにより、中間転写体上で空気中の湿度を
吸収して粘度が上昇した粉末を、使用前に先だって中間
転写体から取り除くことができ、粉末の使用量を最低限
に抑えることができる。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the surface of the intermediate transfer member has a surface which is inferior in releasability to the powder whose viscosity has increased due to the humidity in the droplets or air as compared with the surface of the intermediate transfer member. The cleaning member is brought into contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer member after the transfer to remove the powder having the increased viscosity from the intermediate transfer member. The powder whose viscosity has been increased by absorbing the humidity in the air can be removed from the intermediate transfer member prior to use, and the amount of powder used can be minimized.
【００３３】請求項３の発明は、請求項２の発明におい
て、前記クリーンニング手段が、転写ローラを兼用する
ので、構造を簡単化し、低コスト化を図ることができ
る。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, since the cleaning means also serves as a transfer roller, the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.
【００３４】請求項４の発明は、請求項２の発明におい
て、前記中間転写体から除去された粉末を回収容器内に
格納し、記録装置内で発生する余剰インクまたは破棄イ
ンクを前記回収容器に導き、前記粉末に吸収させるよう
にしたので、専用の不要インク吸収体を必要とせず、低
コスト化を図ることができる。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the powder removed from the intermediate transfer member is stored in a collection container, and surplus ink or discarded ink generated in the recording apparatus is stored in the collection container. Since the ink is guided and absorbed by the powder, a dedicated unnecessary ink absorber is not required, and the cost can be reduced.
【００３５】請求項５の発明は、中間転写体の表面に、
予め液滴により溶解または膨潤可能でかつ該液滴の粘度
を上昇させることができかつ前記中間転写体から剥離可
能な粉末の層を形成し、液滴を画像信号に応じて中間転
写体上に噴射して該中間転写体上に可視画像を形成し、
次いで、前記可視画像を記録紙上に転写する記録装置に
おいて、前記中間転写体の表面を前記粉末に対して粘性
を示す物質で形成するとともに、前記中間転写体表面に
比べ液滴または空気中の湿度により粘度が上昇した前記
粉末に対しての離型性が劣る表面を持ったクリーニング
部材を有し、転写後の前記中間転写体表面に接触させて
前記粘度が上昇した粉末を前記中間転写体から除去する
ようにしたので、液滴によって使用された量の粉末を供
給するだけで、画像転写後の中間転写体を再使用するこ
とができ、さらに、装置の簡素化と粉末使用量の低減に
よる低コスト化が可能である。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the surface of the intermediate transfer member is
A layer of powder that can be dissolved or swelled by droplets in advance, can increase the viscosity of the droplets, and can be separated from the intermediate transfer member is formed, and the droplets are formed on the intermediate transfer member in accordance with an image signal. Jetting to form a visible image on the intermediate transfer member,
Next, in a recording apparatus that transfers the visible image onto recording paper, the surface of the intermediate transfer body is formed of a substance having viscosity with respect to the powder, and the humidity of the droplets or air is lower than the surface of the intermediate transfer body. A cleaning member having a surface with poor releasability for the powder whose viscosity has increased is contacted with the surface of the intermediate transfer member after transfer to remove the powder whose viscosity has increased from the intermediate transfer member. By removing the powder, the intermediate transfer body after image transfer can be reused simply by supplying the amount of powder used by the droplet, and further, by simplifying the apparatus and reducing the amount of powder used Cost reduction is possible.
【図１】 本発明による記録方法及び装置の一実施例を
説明するための要部構成図である。FIG. 1 is a main configuration diagram for explaining an embodiment of a recording method and apparatus according to the present invention.
【図２】 図１に示した中間転写体７上におけるセット
剤の様子を説明するための図である。FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a state of a setting agent on an intermediate transfer member 7 shown in FIG.
【図３】 本発明による記録方法及び装置の他の実施例
を説明するための要部構成図である。FIG. 3 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining another embodiment of the recording method and apparatus according to the present invention.
１…セット剤塗布装置、２…補給ローラ、２ａ…ブレー
ド、３…塗布ローラ、３ａ…ブレード、４…セット剤、
４′…粘度が上昇したセット剤、６…転写体装置、６
ａ，６ｂ，６ｃ…ローラ、７…中間転写体、７ａ…粘着
層、１１…印字装置、１２…インク液滴、１６…給紙装
置、１７…転写紙、１８…レジストローラ、２１…転写
装置、２２…転写ローラ、２６…排紙装置、３１…クリ
ーニング装置、３２…クリーニングローラ、３２ａ…ス
クレーパ。DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Setting agent application apparatus, 2 ... Supply roller, 2a ... Blade, 3 ... Application roller, 3a ... Blade, 4 ... Setting agent,
4 ′: setting agent having increased viscosity, 6: transfer body device, 6
a, 6b, 6c: roller, 7: intermediate transfer member, 7a: adhesive layer, 11: printing device, 12: ink droplet, 16: paper feeding device, 17: transfer paper, 18: registration roller, 21: transfer device Reference numeral 22, a transfer roller, 26 a paper discharge device, 31 a cleaning device, 32 a cleaning roller, 32a a scraper.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 冨田 悟 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株式 会社リコー内 (72)発明者 高橋 朋子 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株式 会社リコー内 (72)発明者 柳川 信之 東京都大田区中馬込１丁目３番６号 株式 会社リコー内 Ｆターム(参考） 2C056 FD13 HA41 JB18 2H086 BA02 BA26 3B005 EB05 EB07 EB09 FA07 GA17 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Satoru Tomita 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock inside Ricoh Company (72) Tomoko Takahashi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock In Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Nobuyuki Yanagawa 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Ricoh Company (reference) 2C056 FD13 HA41 JB18 2H086 BA02 BA26 3B005 EB05 EB07 EB09 FA07 GA17
Claims (5)
解または膨潤可能でかつ該液滴の粘度を上昇させること
ができかつ前記中間転写体から剥離可能な粉末の層を形
成し、液滴を画像信号に応じて中間転写体上に噴射して
該中間転写体上に可視画像を形成し、次いで、前記可視
画像を記録紙上に転写する記録方法において、前記中間
転写体の表面を前記粉末に対して粘性を示す物質で形成
し、転写後に前記中間転写体上に残留している粉末を除
去せずに再使用することを特徴とする記録方法。Forming a liquid layer on a surface of an intermediate transfer member, which is capable of being dissolved or swelled by droplets in advance, and which can increase the viscosity of the droplets and can be separated from the intermediate transfer member; In a recording method in which a visible image is formed on the intermediate transfer body by ejecting the droplet onto the intermediate transfer body in accordance with the image signal, and then the visible image is transferred onto a recording paper, the surface of the intermediate transfer body is A recording method comprising: forming a substance having a viscosity with respect to powder; and reusing the powder remaining on the intermediate transfer body after transfer without removing the powder.
て、前記中間転写体表面に比べ液滴または空気中の湿度
により粘度が上昇した前記粉末に対しての離型性が劣る
表面を持ったクリーニング部材を、転写後の前記中間転
写体表面に接触させて前記粘度が上昇した粉末を前記中
間転写体から除去することを特徴とする記録方法。2. The recording method according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the intermediate transfer member has a surface that is inferior in releasability to the powder whose viscosity has increased due to the humidity in droplets or air in comparison with the surface of the intermediate transfer member. A recording method, wherein a cleaning member is brought into contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer member after the transfer to remove the powder having the increased viscosity from the intermediate transfer member.
て、前記クリーニング部材が転写ローラを兼用すること
を特徴とする記録方法。3. The recording method according to claim 2, wherein said cleaning member also functions as a transfer roller.
て、前記中間転写体から除去された粉末を回収容器内に
回収格納し、記録装置内で発生する余剰インクまたは破
棄インクを前記回収容器に導き、前記回収粉末に吸収さ
せることを特徴とする記録方法。4. The recording method according to claim 2, wherein the powder removed from the intermediate transfer body is collected and stored in a collection container, and surplus ink or discarded ink generated in the recording apparatus is stored in the collection container. A recording method, wherein the recording powder is guided and absorbed by the recovered powder.
解または膨潤可能でかつ該液滴の粘度を上昇させること
ができかつ前記中間転写体から剥離可能な粉末の層を形
成し、液滴を画像信号に応じて中間転写体上に噴射して
該中間転写体上に可視画像を形成し、次いで、前記可視
画像を記録紙上に転写する記録装置において、前記中間
転写体の表面を前記粉末に対して粘性を示す物質で形成
するとともに、前記中間転写体表面に比べ液滴または空
気中の湿度により粘度が上昇した前記粉末に対しての離
型性が劣る表面を持ったクリーニング部材を有し、転写
後の前記中間転写体表面に接触させて粘度が上昇した前
記粉末を前記中間転写体から除去することを特徴とする
記録装置。5. A layer of a powder which can be dissolved or swelled by droplets in advance, can increase the viscosity of the droplets and can be peeled off from the intermediate transfer member, is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer member. In a recording apparatus for ejecting droplets onto an intermediate transfer body in accordance with an image signal to form a visible image on the intermediate transfer body, and then transferring the visible image onto recording paper, the surface of the intermediate transfer body is A cleaning member having a surface that is formed of a substance having viscosity with respect to powder and has a surface that is inferior in releasability to the powder whose viscosity has increased due to the humidity of droplets or air compared to the surface of the intermediate transfer body. A recording apparatus, comprising: removing the powder whose viscosity has increased due to contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer body after transfer from the intermediate transfer body.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP33674198A JP3801371B2 (en) | 1998-11-27 | 1998-11-27 | Recording method and apparatus |
| US09/442,869 US6623816B1 (en) | 1998-11-18 | 1999-11-18 | Recording method and apparatus with an intermediate transfer medium based on transfer-type recording mechanism |
| US10/648,111 US6837578B2 (en) | 1998-11-18 | 2003-08-26 | Recording method and apparatus with an intermediate transfer medium based on transfer-type recording mechanism |
| US10/993,904 US7070269B2 (en) | 1998-11-18 | 2004-11-19 | Recording method and apparatus with an intermediate transfer medium based on transfer-type recording mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP33674198A JP3801371B2 (en) | 1998-11-27 | 1998-11-27 | Recording method and apparatus |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2000158795A true JP2000158795A (en) | 2000-06-13 |
| JP3801371B2 JP3801371B2 (en) | 2006-07-26 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP33674198A Expired - Fee Related JP3801371B2 (en) | 1998-11-18 | 1998-11-27 | Recording method and apparatus |
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| Country | Link |
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| JP (1) | JP3801371B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8066365B2 (en) | 2008-09-24 | 2011-11-29 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Image forming apparatus and image forming method |
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1998
- 1998-11-27 JP JP33674198A patent/JP3801371B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8066365B2 (en) | 2008-09-24 | 2011-11-29 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Image forming apparatus and image forming method |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3801371B2 (en) | 2006-07-26 |
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