JP2004212432A - Color image forming method and color image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact and portable color image forming apparatus and a color image forming method easy to control. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus, a toner hopper 72 in an image forming section 16 holds a capsulated toner Te containing ten each of magenta, cyan, yellow and black small diameter microcapsules 47 having a diameter of 0.5-2 μm in each large diameter microcapsule 46 having a diameter of 5-10 μm. Fine tourmaline particles 86 formed by pulverizing tourmaline are further contained in the capsulated toner Te or externally added to the toner Te. The image forming apparatus is fabricated in such a way that when a developing roller 76 rotates, the capsulated toner Te on a periphery thereof is selectively irradiated with ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic line head 73 in the positions of pixels corresponding to image information. In the image forming apparatus, the capsulated toner Te in selected positions develops colors upon irradiation with ultrasonic waves and is converted to a capsulated toner Te' having a reduced charge amount or reversed charge polarity, and the toner Te' is transferred onto an intermediate transfer roller 71 and further transferred onto paper 81 on a conveyor belt 74 by transfer voltage from a transfer roller 75. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a novel color image forming method and a color image forming apparatus using microcapsules that can be broken by an external stimulus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of computers as information devices centering on personal computers, printer devices have become widespread as one of the peripheral devices. Various types of color printers have been proposed for this printer. In particular, remarkable progress has been made in electrophotographic, thermal transfer, and ink jet printer systems, and the color images formed by these devices have been used for analog cameras that have long been used in terms of beauty and resolution. Is the momentum that replaces it.
[0003]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a so-called tandem color image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic system. As shown in the figure, the tandem type color image forming apparatus has four image forming units 1M, 1C, 1Y, and 1K of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K). Each of the image forming units 1M, 1C, 1Y, and 1K is provided with a corresponding developing unit 2M, 2C, 2Y, or 2K.
[0004]
The recording paper P is conveyed as indicated by the dashed arrow B with the circulating movement of the conveyance belt 5 in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow A. During this time, optical writing is performed from the optical writing heads 3M, 3C, 3Y, and 3K of the image forming units 1M, 1C, 1Y, and 1K to the corresponding photosensitive drums 4M, 4C, 4Y, and 4K. The toner images of the respective colors are developed on the latent image by the developing units 2M, 2C, 2Y, and 2K.
[0005]
The transfer of the magenta (M) toner image from the photosensitive drum 4M on which the toner image has been developed onto the recording paper P is performed, and thereafter, for each color in the order of cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K). The toner images are superimposed and transferred onto the recording paper P. After that, a fixing process is performed by the heat fixing device 6, and the toner image is heat-fixed to the recording paper P and discharged outside the apparatus.
[0006]
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of another electrophotographic color image forming apparatus. This apparatus is a four-rotation, one-pass type color image forming apparatus. This device also has a developing device 7M for magenta (M), a developing device 7C for cyan (C), a developing device 7Y for yellow (Y), and a developing device 7K for black (K). Each developing device stores a corresponding color toner.
[0007]
Optical writing is performed for each color on the photoreceptor belt 8 by an optical writing head 9, an electrostatic latent image based on image data is formed on the photoreceptor belt 8, and the electrostatic latent image is formed by a developing device of a corresponding color. The latent image is developed. Then, the toner image formed on the photoreceptor belt 8 is transferred to the transfer drum 11, and the transfer process is sequentially repeated for each color, so that the toner images of four colors are transferred to the transfer drum 11. The toner image transferred to the transfer drum 11 is further transferred to a recording sheet P, and is thermally fixed to the recording sheet P by a fixing roller 12.
[0008]
On the other hand, as a new method, a special recording paper pre-coated with an ink layer containing microcapsules that responds to external stimuli such as light and heat is used as a new method, and a light corresponding to image information is used. An apparatus for forming an image by applying heat or heat has also been proposed.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described conventional electrophotographic color image forming apparatus is excellent in that plain paper can be used as the recording paper P. However, since a plurality of inks and toners are required for each color, management of consumables is difficult. It becomes complicated.
[0010]
In addition, for example, a plurality of (for example, four) developing units and image forming units must be built in, and the number of components increases and the size of the apparatus also increases. Since high precision is required for the alignment of these colors, it takes time to assemble in a factory, which causes a reduction in work efficiency. Further, the structure is complicated, which is disadvantageous in terms of weight reduction of the device.
[0011]
On the other hand, in the case of a color image forming apparatus using a dedicated recording paper pre-coated with an ink layer containing microcapsules, the ink is basically applied to the entire surface of the recording paper, which causes an increase in cost. Another problem is that plain paper cannot be used. Further, since the printing process for a plurality of colors is repeated, it is difficult to manage color misregistration, and it is inevitable that the apparatus becomes complicated.
[0012]
An object of the present invention is to provide a microcapsule toner that develops a desired color according to image information by a predetermined stimulus in view of the above-described conventional situation, and uses the developed microcapsule toner as image information of a transfer material such as paper. The present invention provides a color image forming apparatus and a color image forming method for performing a printing process by transferring the image to a position corresponding to the color image.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
First, the color image forming method according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises large-diameter microcapsules in which a plurality of types of small-diameter microcapsules surrounded by a capsule wall that can be destroyed by a predetermined stimulus are dispersedly included in a support material, and mixed with each other. A microcapsule formed by dispersing one of the reactive substances that cause a color-forming reaction to occur on the inside of each of the small-diameter microcapsule walls and dispersing the other of the reactive substances on the support outside the small-diameter microcapsule walls. An image forming method using a toner, wherein the microcapsule toner is carried and transported based on a suction force of static electricity, and a predetermined stimulus corresponding to color component information in image information is applied to the microcapsule toner. Then, the predetermined stimulus destroys a predetermined capsule wall of the plurality of types of small-diameter microcapsules and a predetermined reactivity. A color-forming step of causing a color-forming reaction by diffusing and mixing the qualities with each other, and simultaneously converting the electrostatic property of the microcapsule toner that has caused the color-forming reaction; and a micro-step that directly or directly generates the color-forming reaction via an intermediate transfer medium. A transfer step of transferring the capsule toner to a print medium, and a fixing step of fixing the microcapsule toner transferred to the print medium to the print medium, at least executing a color image based on the colored microcapsule toner. It is configured to be formed on the print medium. The microcapsule toner is constituted by, for example, incorporating or externally adding a powder obtained by pulverizing any of the tourmaline family.
[0014]
Next, the color image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is composed of large-diameter microcapsules in which a plurality of types of small-diameter microcapsules surrounded by a capsule wall that can be destroyed by a predetermined stimulus are dispersedly included in a support material. One of the reactive substances mixed to cause a color-forming reaction is dispersed inside the small-sized microcapsule walls, and the other of the reactive substances is dispersed in the support material outside the small-sized microcapsule walls. An image forming apparatus using a capsule toner, comprising: conveyance means for carrying and conveying the microcapsule toner based on a suction force of static electricity; and a predetermined stimulus corresponding to color component information in image information for the microcapsule toner. And a predetermined capsule wall of the plurality of types of small-diameter microcapsules is destroyed by the predetermined stimulus, and a predetermined reaction is performed. The coloring substances are diffused and mixed with each other to generate a color-forming reaction, and at the same time, the color-forming means for converting the electrostatic property of the microcapsule toner which has caused the color-forming reaction, and the color-forming reaction via the intermediate transfer medium or directly. Transfer means for transferring the microcapsule toner to a print medium, and fixing means for fixing the microcapsule toner transferred to the print medium to the print medium, at least comprising a color image based on the colored microcapsule toner. It is configured to be formed on the print medium. The above-mentioned microcapsule toner is constituted by, for example, enclosing or externally adding a powder obtained by pulverizing any of tourmaline family.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
The color image forming apparatus 15 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a printer connected to a host device of a personal computer connected in a peer-to-peer manner or a printer connected to a LAN (local area network). There may be.
[0016]
The color image forming apparatus 15 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming unit 16, a sheet feeding unit 17, a sheet conveying unit 18, a power supply and a control unit 19. The image forming unit 16 includes a photosensitive drum 21, an optical writing head 22, a capsule toner hopper 23, an ultrasonic line head 24, and the like.
[0017]
The paper supply unit 17 includes a paper supply cassette 25 and a paper supply roller 26, and the recording paper P stored in the paper supply cassette 25 is carried out of the paper supply cassette 25 for each rotation of the paper supply roller 26. The sheet is sent to the sheet transport unit 18. The paper transport unit 18 transports the recording paper P carried out from the paper feed cassette 25 along the guide plate, and a toner image described later is transferred to the recording paper P by the transfer unit 27. The recording paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is heat-fixed on the paper surface by the fixing device 28, and is discharged onto a paper stacker 31 by a discharge roller 29.
[0018]
The power supply and control unit 19 generates a power supply unit 32 for supplying power to the image forming unit 16 and the like, and optical writing data to be supplied to the optical writing head 22, and supplies an image to be supplied to the ultrasonic line head 24. A control unit (control circuit) 33 for generating data is configured. The specific configuration of the control circuit of the control unit 33 will be described later.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the image forming unit 16. As described above, the image forming unit 16 includes the photosensitive drum 21, the optical writing head 22, the capsule toner hopper 23, and the ultrasonic line head 24 as main components. In the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 34, the above-described optical writing head 22, a capsule toner developing roller 35, a transfer roller 36, and a cleaner 37 are provided.
[0020]
A microcapsule toner T (hereinafter, simply referred to as a capsule toner T) is accommodated in the capsule toner hopper 23, and a stirring member 38 is rotatably installed so as to be buried in the capsule toner T. Is provided with a capsule toner supply roller 39 in contact with the capsule toner developing roller 35.
[0021]
The stirring member 38 stirs the capsule toner T and applies a minus (-) charge to the capsule toner T by frictional charging. The capsule toner supply roller 39 supplies the capsule toner T provided with the negative charge to the capsule toner developing roller 35.
[0022]
The optical writing data is supplied to the optical writing head 22 from the control unit (control circuit) 33 described above, and performs optical writing on the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 21. A uniform charge is previously applied to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by the charging roller 34, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by optical writing from the optical writing head 22. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a capsule toner developing roller 35, and a capsule toner T described later is electrostatically attached to the electrostatic latent image, and is conveyed to a position immediately above the transfer roller 36.
[0023]
An intermediate transfer belt 41 is located between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 36. The intermediate transfer belt 41 is nipped and conveyed between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 36. The capsule toner T electrostatically attached to the photosensitive drum 21 is attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 41 by an electric field acting between the transfer roller 36 and the toner. The intermediate transfer belt 41 is circulating in the direction of arrow C. The capsule toner T adsorbed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 reaches directly below the ultrasonic line head 24 as the intermediate transfer belt 41 circulates.
[0024]
Image data is supplied from the control unit (control circuit) 33 to the ultrasonic line head 24, and the ultrasonic line head 24 irradiates ultrasonic waves to the capsule toner T moving between the accommodating roller 42 accommodating the ultrasonic line head 24 and the opposing roller 43. At this time, the walls of the microcapsules contained in the capsule toner T adsorbed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 are destroyed, and a color-forming reaction occurs due to a reactive substance inside, and the capsule toner T develops a color to form a color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt. 41 is developed.
[0025]
The colored capsule toner that has been colored to form a color toner image as described above is transferred to the recording paper P by the transfer roller 44 in the transfer unit 27. Further, the colored capsule toner transferred to the recording paper P is subjected to the heat fixing process in the fixing device 28 as described above, and is discharged onto the discharge stacker 31 by the discharge roller 29. Capsule toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 41 after the transfer is removed by the belt cleaner 45.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the capsule toner T. As shown in the figure, the capsule toner T contains four types of small diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y) and black (K) in a large diameter microcapsule 46. The small diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K have a small diameter capsule wall 48 formed therein.
[0027]
The small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K are randomly dispersed in the gel-like holding layer 49 sealed in the large-diameter microcapsules 46. It should be noted that the small-diameter microcapsules 47 'shown in FIG.
[0028]
The diameter of the large-diameter microcapsules 46 is 5 μm to 10 μm. For example, one large-diameter microcapsule 46 accommodates about 10 small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K. The diameter of the small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, 47K is, for example, about 0.5 μm to 2 μm.
[0029]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K. The small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K are covered with a small-diameter capsule wall 48, enclose a coloring agent 47a, and a developer 50 covers the outside of the small-diameter capsule wall 48. The small-diameter capsule walls 48 of the small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K have different diameters and thicknesses. In other words, the small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K have different diameters and different thicknesses of the small-diameter capsule wall 48, and thus have different resonance frequencies at which the small-diameter capsule wall 48 is destroyed. The structure is such that each small microcapsule can be broken at a different resonance frequency.
[0030]
In addition to the diameter and thickness of each of the small-diameter microcapsules, the resonance frequency of destruction can be varied by changing the material, and by adding the material to the setting element of the resonance frequency at which ultrasonic waves radiate, a more detailed resonance frequency can be obtained. Settings can be made.
For example, when the diameter of the small-diameter microcapsule increases, the resonance frequency of the ultrasonic wave shifts to a lower direction, and when the thickness of the small-diameter capsule wall 48 increases, the resonance frequency shifts to a higher direction. When the material of the small-diameter capsule wall 48 becomes harder, the resonance frequency shifts to a higher direction. Therefore, each of the small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K is designed to have a different resonance frequency corresponding to each of the above elements.
[0031]
The color development ratio of each of the small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K can be changed according to the energy amount of the emitted ultrasonic waves. Therefore, the color development ratio of magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) can be controlled to realize a free halftone.
[0032]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the power supply and the control circuit of the control unit 33 of the control unit 19 described above. The control unit (control circuit) 33 includes an interface (I / F) 51, a print control unit 52, a CPU 53, a RAM 54, and a ROM 55. Video data is supplied from an RGB (R (red), G (green), B (blue)) input 56 to the interface (I / F) 51, and an operation signal is input from the operation panel 57 to the CPU 53.
[0033]
The interface (I / F) 51 performs multi-value processing for converting video data (RGB signals) supplied from, for example, a personal computer as a host device into CMYK values. In this case, a color conversion table corresponding to the device is registered in the interface (I / F) 51 in advance, and the interface (I / F) 51 converts the RGB signals into CMYK values while referring to the color conversion table. I do.
[0034]
The CPU 53 performs a process based on a program stored in the ROM 55, and executes a printing process according to an operation signal input from the operation panel 57.
The RAM 54 is used as a work area during the control processing by the CPU 53, and is composed of a plurality of registers.
[0035]
The CPU 53 sends a control signal to the interface (I / F) 51 and a printer controller in the print control unit 52 to perform print data creation processing. The print control unit 52 includes a printer controller 58 and a print unit 59.
[0036]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific circuit block of the print control unit 52. In the figure, a printer controller 58 includes a main scanning / sub-scanning control circuit 60, an OR circuit 61, an oscillation circuit 62, a magenta color control circuit 63M, a cyan color control circuit 63C, a yellow color control circuit 63Y, and a black color control circuit 63K. It is configured. On the other hand, the printing section 59 includes the optical writing head 22 and the ultrasonic line head 24 described above.
[0037]
As described above, the image data converted into CMYK values by the interface (I / F) 51 is further processed by the interface (I / F) 51 into magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K). ) Is output to the OR circuit 61 as pixel data. Here, the logical sum circuit 61 calculates the logical sum of CMYK and outputs the result to the optical writing head 22.
[0038]
That is, the data of the logical sum including all the pixel data of CMYK is output to the optical writing head 22, and the optical writing is performed on the photosensitive drum 21 described above. Therefore, an electrostatic latent image based on the logical sum data including all the CMYK pixel data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 described above. When the main scanning control signal and the sub-scanning control signal are supplied from the main scanning / sub-scanning control circuit 60 to the OR circuit 61, and the OR data is supplied to the optical writing head 22, the main scanning direction control and the sub-scanning control are performed. Used for scanning direction control.
[0039]
The CMYK pixel data is also supplied to the corresponding magenta color control circuit 63M to black color control circuit 63K, and the ultrasonic line head 24 is synchronized with the oscillation signals fm, fc, fy, and fk output from the oscillation circuit 62. Is output to That is, color development data corresponding to each of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) is supplied to the ultrasonic line head 24, and the capsule toner adsorbed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 described above. Ultrasonic waves having a frequency corresponding to T (resonance frequency described later) are applied. Therefore, the small-diameter microcapsules in the capsule toner T that have received a wave that resonates with the irradiated ultrasonic waves are broken and develop color. In this case, since the frequency f of the coloring signal output from the magenta coloring control circuit 63M is different, the capsule toner T which has received the ultrasonic wave has the small-diameter capsule wall 48 of the corresponding small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K. Only destroyed. This mechanism is because the outer diameters of the small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K are different from each other, and the resonance frequency at which the small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K are destroyed differs.
[0040]
For example, the coloring signal fm output from the magenta coloring control circuit 63M destroys only the small-diameter capsule wall 48 of the small-diameter microcapsule 47M in the capsule toner T, and forms a magenta (M) color. Further, the coloring signal fc output from the cyan coloring control circuit 63C destroys only the small-diameter capsule wall 48 of the small-diameter microcapsule 47C, and develops a cyan (C) color. Further, the same applies to yellow (Y) and black (K). The coloring signals fy and fk output from the yellow coloring control circuit 63Y and the black coloring control circuit 63K are limited to the small-diameter capsule wall 48 of the small-diameter capsule 47Y or 47K. And yellow (Y) or black (K) is developed.
[0041]
In the above configuration, the processing operation of this example will be described below.
First, in a state where the capsule toner T is stored in the capsule toner hopper 23, the photosensitive drum 21 rotates, and an optical writing signal is supplied to the optical writing head 22 from the control unit (control circuit) 33 described above. Then, optical writing is performed on the photosensitive drum 21 based on the logical sum data. A uniform charge is previously applied to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by a charging roller 34, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive surface on which optical writing has been performed. The electrostatic latent image is obtained by OR-adding all the image data of M, C, Y, and K based on the logical sum data as described above. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the capsule toner developing roller 35. .
[0042]
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the development processing and the subsequent processing. The capsule toner T accommodated in the capsule toner hopper 23 is agitated by the above-described agitating member 38, and a negative (−) charge is applied by frictional charging as described above. Further, a predetermined bias voltage is applied to the capsule toner developing roller 35, and the capsule toner T is thinly electrostatically attached to the peripheral surface of the capsule toner developing roller 35. In this state, the photosensitive drum 21 and the capsule toner developing roller 35 rub against each other, and the capsule toner T adhered to the capsule toner developing roller 35 electrostatically adheres to the photosensitive surface on which the electrostatic latent image is formed. .
[0043]
The capsule toner T electrostatically adhered to the photosensitive surface in this manner is carried to the transfer unit according to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 21 and is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 41 by the transfer roller 36. In this case, by applying a bias voltage of + (plus) to the transfer roller 36, the minus (−) capsule toner T adheres to the intermediate transfer belt 41 in an electric field. Thereafter, the capsule toner T attached to the intermediate transfer belt 41 is irradiated with ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic line head 24 disposed in the color forming section, and selectively develops a color.
[0044]
FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams for explaining the principle that the capsule toner T selectively emits color by being irradiated with ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic line head 24. FIG.
FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a state in which the capsule toner T is being irradiated with ultrasonic waves in the above-described color forming portion. Here, an arrow D indicates the layer thickness of the capsule toner T, a broken line S indicates an ultrasonic wave (converged ultrasonic wave), and an arrow d indicates a convergence resolution (for example, one pixel) of the ultrasonic wave.
[0045]
As described above, the capsule toner T includes four types of small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) in the large-diameter capsule 46. The small-diameter capsule wall 48 of the small-diameter microcapsule that has received the ultrasonic wave at the resonance frequency is broken, and the color developing agent 47a inside is mixed with the color developing agent 50 to react and develop color.
[0046]
For example, FIG. 2B shows a state in which the ultrasonic wave S having a single resonance frequency is applied to the capsule toner T from the ultrasonic line head 24. In this case, only the small-diameter microcapsules that vibrate at this resonance frequency are destroyed and develop color. FIG. 3C shows a state in which ultrasonic waves S1 and S2 having two resonance frequencies are irradiated on the capsule toner T from the ultrasonic line head 24. In this case, the small-diameter capsules that vibrate at these resonance frequencies S1 or S2 are destroyed and each develops a color.
[0047]
For example, when only the small-diameter capsule wall 48 of the small-diameter microcapsule 47M is broken, a magenta (M) color develops. Further, when only the small-diameter capsule wall 48 of the small-diameter microcapsule 47C is broken, cyan (C) color is developed. When the small-diameter capsule wall 48 of the small-diameter microcapsule 47M and the small-diameter capsule wall 48 of the small-diameter microcapsule 47C are broken, a red color develops, and the small-diameter capsule wall 48 of the small-diameter microcapsule 47C and the small-diameter capsule wall of the small-diameter microcapsule 47Y. When 48 is destroyed, a blue color develops.
[0048]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a time chart when ultrasonic oscillation is performed by the ultrasonic line head 24. First, when a main scanning synchronization signal is output from the main scanning / sub-scanning control circuit 60 (timing (1) shown in FIG. 9), the first strobe signal ((1) shown in FIG. 9) is supplied. At this time, an ultrasonic output is performed according to the image data (1) supplied to the ultrasonic line head 24. First, ultrasonic output is performed in accordance with magenta (M) image data of gradation 1 (timing {circle around (2)}). Next, similarly, ultrasonic output according to image data of gradation 1 is performed for cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) ((3) to (5) shown in FIG. Timing).
[0049]
Next, ultrasonic output is performed according to the image data of the gradation 2, and the ultrasonic irradiation according to the image data of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) is performed as described above. This is performed for the capsule toner T (the timings (6) to (9) shown in the figure). Hereinafter, in the same manner, for the gradations 3 and 4, the ultrasonic output according to the image data of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) is applied to the capsule toner T. Done.
[0050]
In this way, the capsule toner T which receives the ultrasonic irradiation from the ultrasonic line head 24 and develops the color in accordance with the print data moves to the position of the transfer section 27 (transfer roller 44) while being attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 41, The image is transferred to the recording paper P.
Thereafter, the colored microcapsule toner is sent to the fixing device 28 as described above, and the heat fixing process is performed. The fixing device 28 has at least a heat roller and a pressure roller. The fixing device 28 melts the colored micro toner with heat and pressure while nipping and transporting the recording paper P between the heat roller and the pressure contact roller, and thermally fixes the recording paper P on the recording paper P.
[0051]
As described above, a capsule in which four types of small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) are included in a large-diameter microcapsule 46. Using the toner T as a developer, ultrasonic waves are irradiated from the ultrasonic line head 24 based on the print data to selectively destroy the small-diameter capsule walls 48 of the small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y, and 47K. A color image can be printed on the recording paper P by causing the color former 47a and the developer 50 to react with each other to produce a color.
[0052]
Therefore, with the above-described configuration, the size of the printer can be reduced as compared with the conventional printer, and each of the colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) can be used. It is not necessary to adjust the printing position.
Also, the replenishment of the capsule toner T may be performed for a single capsule toner hopper 23. For example, when a disposable type developer unit (toner unit) is used, only one unit needs to be replaced.
[0053]
In the above description, the ultrasonic line head 24 is installed on the side opposite to the adhesion surface of the capsule toner T with the intermediate transfer belt 41 interposed. However, the position where the ultrasonic line head 24 is arranged is It is not limited.
FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams showing various examples of the arrangement position of the ultrasonic line head 24. FIG. FIG. 2A shows a configuration in which the ultrasonic line head 24 is disposed on the side where the capsule toner T is attached. FIG. 4B shows a configuration in which an ultrasonic line head 24 is provided near the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and the ultrasonic irradiation is performed in a state where the capsule toner T is electrostatically attached to the photosensitive surface. FIG. 3C shows a configuration in which an ultrasonic line head 24 is provided at a position in contact with the inner periphery of the photosensitive drum 21.
[0054]
FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of the ultrasonic line head 24. In the ultrasonic line head 24 shown in the figure, the longitudinal direction is the main scanning direction, and the short direction is the sub-scanning direction. An ultrasonic element described later is formed in the main scanning direction. Hereinafter, this will be specifically described.
[0055]
12 (a) is a top view of the ultrasonic line head 24, FIG. 12 (b) is a top view of an individual applying electrode described later, and FIG. 12 (c) is a DD ′ arrow of FIG. 12 (b). (D) is a sectional view taken along the line EE 'in FIG. (C). The ultrasonic line head 24 described in this example is configured by laminating five members in a carrier 65, as shown in FIGS. 3 (c) and 3 (d), and has a lowermost layer (fifth layer). Is provided with a common electrode layer (earth layer) 66-5, a fourth layer is provided with an ultrasonic element 66-4 as a piezoelectric element, and a third layer is arranged in a strip shape in the main scanning direction. An individual application electrode layer 66-3 is provided, and an acoustic impedance matching layer 66-2 for reducing a difference in acoustic impedance between the ultrasonic element 66-4 and the ultrasonic propagation medium is provided on the second layer. Further, an acoustic lens 66-1 is provided on the first layer.
[0056]
The individual application electrode 66-3 and the common electrode (earth) 66-5 are connected to the ultrasonic element 66-4, and the above-mentioned ultrasonic output signal is supplied. The ultrasonic element 66-4 is distorted when the above signal is applied, and ultrasonic vibration is excited at a predetermined frequency.
The ultrasonic vibration excited by the ultrasonic element 66-4 is refracted by the acoustic lens 66-1 through the acoustic impedance matching layer 66-2 and is focused on a specified position (specified distance). As described above, the acoustic impedance matching layer 66-2 has a function of reducing the difference in acoustic impedance between the ultrasonic element 66-4 and the ultrasonic propagation medium.
[0057]
Here, it is difficult to process the ultrasonic element 66-4 to a fine size in order to focus the ultrasonic beam of the pixel size at the specified position, and to destroy the small-diameter capsule wall 48 described above. Since it is difficult to obtain the required sound pressure with one ultrasonic element 66-4, it is necessary to focus the ultrasonic beams of the plural ultrasonic elements 66-4 in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. An ultrasonic beam having a pixel size is focused on a designated position.
[0058]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ultrasonic element 66-4 arranged in the main scanning direction (X direction) and the focusing position of the ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic element 66-4. Note that, for the sake of explanation, element numbers 1, 2, 3,... Are assigned to the ultrasonic element 66-4 from the left side of the drawing. Further, pixel numbers (for example, 1 to 7168) are assigned to the focusing positions shown in FIG. The focusing position is, for example, a position where the capsule toner T electrostatically adheres to the intermediate transfer belt 41 in FIG. 7 and the ultrasonic line head 24 faces the back surface of the belt. 10 (a), 10 (b) and 10 (c) is a position where the capsule toner T electrostatically adhered faces the ultrasonic line head 24 in FIG. 10 (a), (b) and (c). There may be a position on the recording paper P that has been set.
[0059]
FIG. 14 is an enlarged view showing a part of the arrangement of the ultrasonic element 66-4. For example, the ultrasonic elements "1" to "6" are enlarged. The ultrasonic elements 66-4 adjacent to each other are arranged with an interval d, and simultaneously drive m (for example, 6) ultrasonic elements 66-4 with time delay. For example, considering the point A shown in the figure, at the same time, m (for example, six) ultrasonic elements 66-4 are time-delayed, and a strong point (point A) is placed at the center of the six ultrasonic elements 66-4. Apply ultrasound. For example, the distance between the ultrasonic element 66-4 of “1” and the point A, the distance between the ultrasonic element 66-4 of “2” and the point A, and the distance of the ultrasonic element 66-4 of “3” and the point A are The output timing of each ultrasonic element 66-4 is shifted from the distance difference and the propagation speed of the ultrasonic wave, and the ultrasonic output is performed at a predetermined timing. By performing such control, it is possible to simultaneously irradiate the point A with a powerful ultrasonic wave.
[0060]
Also, by adjusting the timing of the ultrasonic output from the ultrasonic element 66-4, not only at the point A, but also at a position narrower than the arrangement pitch of the ultrasonic elements 66-4 (for example, a position of 1 / 2d, B Ultrasonic beams output from the plurality of ultrasonic elements 66-4 can be focused on the point (). Therefore, for example, a strong ultrasonic beam is focused on the capsule toner T at one pixel interval by controlling the focus position of the ultrasonic beam at one pixel interval (at a pitch d) in the main scanning direction. Thus, the small-diameter capsule wall 48 is destroyed and a desired color can be generated at one pixel interval.
[0061]
In this example, since the small-diameter microcapsules 47M, 47C, 47Y and 47K of four colors of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y) and black (K) are used, the ultrasonic line head having the above configuration is used. 24 is required for each color.
In the sub-scanning direction, the focusing size of the ultrasonic beam can be reduced by utilizing the refraction of the acoustic lens 66-1. Therefore, by configuring the focused pixel size small in the sub-scanning direction, an image with higher resolution can be formed. For example, by setting the pixel size to １, an ultrasonic beam can be supplied four times to one pixel, and color control of four gradations can be performed.
[0062]
Such four-tone color control is described with reference to the time chart of FIG. 9, and the four-tone control can be performed by using the ultrasonic line head 24 having the above configuration. Note that the gray scale control is not limited to the four gray scale control, and although not specifically shown, another gray scale control such as two gray scale control or eight gray scale control may be employed.
[0063]
In any case, a color image can be formed in one shot by the configuration using the toner particles composed of the large-diameter microcapsules and the processing method described in this example.
In the configuration of the color image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, the optical writing head 22 for selectively electrostatically adhering the microcapsule toner to the toner image carrier, and a desired color for the microcapsule toner Although two types of heads, the ultrasonic line head 24, are used for coloring the microcapsules, it is also possible to perform both electrostatic adsorption and coloring of the microcapsule toner with only one developing head. This will be described below as a second embodiment.
[0064]
FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a main part of the color image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The main part of the color image forming apparatus 70 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes an intermediate transfer roller 71, a capsule toner hopper 72, an ultrasonic line head 73, a paper transport belt 74, a main transfer roller 75, and the like.
[0065]
It should be noted that the paper supply unit 17, the paper transport unit 18, the power supply and control unit 19, the fixing unit 28, the paper discharge roller 29, the paper stacker 31, and the paper supply unit 17, which are provided in the color image forming apparatus 70 shown in FIG. Various devices similar to the charging roller 34, the cleaner 37, the stirring member 38, and the like are not illustrated in FIG.
[0066]
In the color image forming apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 15, a microcapsule toner Te (hereinafter, simply referred to as a capsule toner Te) before coloring, which will be described in detail later, is contained in the capsule toner hopper 72 described above. A capsule toner developing roller 76 is provided to bury the right half surface and expose the left half surface to the outside. Further, a capsule toner supply roller 77, a doctor blade 78, and a residual toner removing roller 79 are disposed in contact with the capsule toner developing roller.
[0067]
The intermediate transfer roller 71 is disposed such that the right peripheral surface thereof is in contact with the above-described capsule toner developing roller 76, and a uniform charge is previously applied to its photosensitive surface by a charging roller (not shown). .
Then, an ultrasonic wave as a developing head of only one kind is provided near the upper surface of the upper left half surface of the capsule toner developing roller 76 which is exposed to the outside between the intermediate transfer roller 71 and the capsule toner hopper 72. A line head 73 is provided.
The ultrasonic line head 73 is supplied with image data from a control unit (control circuit) (not shown) and, based on the image data, electrostatically adheres to the surface of the capsule toner developing roller 76 and faces the intermediate transfer roller 71. Ultrasonic irradiation is performed on the capsule toner Te rotating and moving on the surface.
[0068]
At this time, the walls of the microcapsules contained in the capsule toner Te are broken, and a color-forming reaction occurs due to the reactive substance inside, so that the capsule toner Te develops color. As a result, the color toner image formed by the colored capsule toner Te ′ mixed with the uncolored capsule toner Te is developed on the surface of the capsule toner developing roller 76. Also in this case, as described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, a desired color can be selectively formed by the difference in frequency.
[0069]
In addition to the color development, the ultrasonic irradiation from the ultrasonic line head 73 causes the ground powder of the tourmaline group contained or externally added to the colored capsule toner Te ′ to be electrostatically polarized. As a result, the charge amount of the colored capsule toner Te ′ decreases or reverses.
[0070]
The colored capsule toner Te ′ that has developed color and has a reduced charge amount has a positive polarity that is relatively weaker than the uncolored capsule toner Te with respect to the capsule toner developing roller 76, so that the surface facing the intermediate transfer roller 71. At this time, the toner is attracted to the intermediate transfer roller 71 having a stronger negative polarity.
[0071]
The surface without toner indicated by the capsule toner developing roller 76-1 in the same figure shows a state after the color-forming capsule toner Te ′ adhered thereto has been transferred to the intermediate transfer roller 71 side as indicated by a dashed arrow a. ing.
The paper transport belt 74 described above transports the paper 81 to the lower surface of the intermediate transfer roller 71. On the lower surface of the intermediate transfer roller 71, the above-described main transfer roller 75 is disposed with a sheet conveyance belt 74 interposed therebetween. The paper is transported between the intermediate transfer roller 71 and the main transfer roller 75 by the paper transport belt 74.
The capsule toner Te ′ electrostatically transferred to the intermediate transfer roller 71 is attracted to the paper 81 side by an electric field acting between the main transfer roller 75 and forms a color toner image on the surface of the paper 81. The paper 81 on which the color toner image is formed is heat-fixed to the paper surface by heat and pressure in a fixing device (not shown), and is also discharged onto a paper stacker by a discharge roller (not shown). You.
[0072]
FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing the structure of the microcapsule toner contained in the capsule toner hopper of the image forming unit in this example. This configuration is almost the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 3, that is, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the capsule toner Te contains magenta (M) and cyan (C) in the large-diameter microcapsule 82. ), Yellow (Y), and black (K). The small-diameter microcapsules 83M, 83C, 83Y, and 83K are included therein. Each of the small-diameter microcapsules 83M, 83C, 83Y, and 83K has a small-diameter capsule wall 84. Is formed.
[0073]
The small-diameter microcapsules 83M, 83C, 83Y, and 83K are randomly dispersed in the gel-like holding layer 85 enclosed in the large-diameter microcapsules 82. It should be noted that the small-diameter microcapsules 83 'shown in FIG.
[0074]
The large-diameter microcapsules 82 have a diameter of 5 μm to 10 μm. For example, one large-diameter microcapsule 82 accommodates about 10 small-diameter microcapsules 83M, 83C, 83Y, and 83K each. The diameter of the small diameter microcapsules 83M, 83C, 83Y, 83K is, for example, about 0.5 μm to 2 μm.
[0075]
Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the electric stone formed by pulverizing the tourmaline group is randomly dispersed in the gel-like holding layer 85 in the large-diameter microcapsule 82. A powder 86 is arranged. Alternatively, tourmaline powder 86 is externally added to the large-diameter microcapsules 82 as shown in FIG.
[0076]
The above-mentioned tourmaline tribes generally include elbaite (lithia), shawl (iron), burger light and drabite (magnesium), ruberite (red), chrome drabite (chrome), and uvite (lime lime). It is a substance classified into six.
When this is represented by a chemical formula, it can be represented as "(X) (Y) A16 (BO3) 3Si6018 (Z)". Here, X = Na or Ca, Y = Fe or Mg or Li, Al or Mg, Fe, Z = OH or 0, OH, F or OH, F.
[0077]
Generally, tourmaline family generates static electricity when heated. Accordingly, when the ultrasonic line head 73 irradiates the ultrasonic waves, the pulverized powder of the tourmaline group included or externally added to the capsule toner Te generates heat, generates static electricity, and is electrostatically polarized. As a result, the charge amount of the capsule toner Te decreases or reverses. This charge amount can be controlled as desired by adjusting the vibration, impact and heat generated by the irradiation of the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic line head 73.
[0078]
FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b) are diagrams illustrating a phenomenon in which the colored capsule toner Te ′ which has developed a color and has changed in the charge amount due to the configuration of the capsule toner Te is transferred to the photosensitive drum side. FIG. 17 (a) shows only a portion related to the transfer of the color-forming capsule toner Te ′ in FIG. 15 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 17 (b) shows the transfer mechanism of the color-forming capsule toner Te ′. I have.
[0079]
As shown in FIG. 17A, a transfer bias Vt of a high minus voltage is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 71 from a transfer bias power supply 87. Further, a developing bias Vb having a high minus voltage is applied to the capsule toner developing roller 76 from a developing bias power supply 88. The relationship | Vt |> | Vb | is maintained between the transfer bias Vt and the developing bias Vb.
[0080]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, there is a potential difference of | Vt | − | Vb | between the intermediate transfer roller 71 and the capsule toner developing roller 76, and the intermediate transfer roller 71 is charged by the potential difference. On the other hand, the capsule toner developing roller 76 has a relatively positive potential. Thus, an electric field E is formed from the capsule toner developing roller 76 toward the intermediate transfer roller 71 by the potential difference | Vt | − | Vb |.
[0081]
Then, as shown in FIG. 9A, the uncolored capsule toner Te electrostatically adsorbed on the surface of the capsule toner developing roller 76 receives an ultrasonic wave 89 corresponding to the image data given from the control unit. The light is emitted from the sound wave line head 73. By the external stimulus of irradiation of the ultrasonic wave 89, the small-diameter microcapsules 83M, 83C, 83Y or 83K or the small-diameter capsule wall 84 encapsulated in the encapsulated toner Te particles shown in FIG. 16A or FIG. Destroyed. As a result, the uncolored capsule toner Te is formed into a desired color by forming the capsule toner Te 'into a desired color, and a color toner image corresponding to the image data is sequentially formed on the surface of the capsule toner developing roller 76.
[0082]
At the same time, the tourmaline powder 86 contained or externally added to the colored capsule toner Te ′ is electrostatically polarized by the same external stimulus, thereby decreasing the charge amount of the cell toner Te ′ or charging polarity. To reverse.
Since the charge amount of the undeveloped capsule toner Te which has not been irradiated with the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic line head 73 does not change, as shown in FIG. The capsule toner Te ′ which remains adsorbed on the toner developing roller 76 and has the above-described color and has a reduced charge amount or reversed charge polarity is subjected to the suction action Eb of the electric field E due to the potential difference | Vt | − | Vb |. Transfer to the intermediate transfer roller 71. As a result, a color toner image including the colored capsule toner Te ′ is transferred onto the intermediate transfer roller 71.
[0083]
FIG. 18 shows a modification of the configuration shown in FIG. 15, in which the ultrasonic line head 73 located between the intermediate transfer roller 71 and the capsule toner hopper 72 in the configuration shown in FIG. The example which arrange | positioned inside is shown. The acoustic lens at the tip of the ultrasonic line head 73 is in contact with the inner wall of the capsule toner developing roller 76, so that the ultrasonic line head 73 uses the inner wall of the capsule toner developing roller 76, that is, a solid material as a medium, to lower the irradiation energy. Thus, more powerful ultrasonic waves can be applied to the capsule toner Te ′.
[0084]
FIG. 19 is a side sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a main part of a color image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The main part of the color image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a capsule toner hopper 72, an ultrasonic line head 73, a paper transport belt 74, a main transfer roller 75, and the like.
[0085]
In the main part of the color image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, a microcapsule toner Te (hereinafter simply referred to as a capsule toner Te) before coloring is accommodated in a capsule toner hopper 72, and a capsule toner developing roller 76 is arranged at a lower portion. The point that the ultrasonic line head 73 is arranged close to the upper surface of the left side of the capsule toner developing roller 76 is the same as that of FIG.
[0086]
Note that, also in this example, the paper supply unit 17, the paper transport unit 18, the power supply and control unit 19, the fixing unit 28, the paper discharge rollers 29, and the like shown in FIG. 1 provided in the color image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Various devices similar to the paper stacker 31, the charging roller 34, the cleaner 37, the stirring member 38, and the like are not shown.
[0087]
Further, the configuration of the present example is different from the case of FIG. 15 in that the intermediate transfer roller 71 is not provided, and the colored capsule toner Te ′ is formed on the paper 81 conveyed by the paper conveyance belt 74 by the transfer roller 75. That is, the image is directly transferred from the capsule toner developing roller 76. Since there is no intermediate transfer roller 71, there is an advantage that the entire apparatus is reduced in size and weight.
[0088]
FIG. 20A is an external perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a capsule toner developing roller in a color image forming apparatus as a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 20B is an exploded perspective view of the constituent members. FIG. The color image forming apparatus of this example is similar to the configuration in which the ultrasonic line head 73 is removed from the configuration of FIG. In other words, instead of using an ultrasonic line head, a polymer piezoelectric element 91 is formed on the surface of the capsule toner developing roller 90 as shown in FIG. The capsule toner is directly transferred to the paper.
[0089]
The structure of the surface of the capsule toner developing roller 90 is, as shown in FIG. 2B, the lowermost layer (first layer) of the ultrasonic absorption layer 92, the second electrode layer 93, and the height of the third layer. It comprises a molecular piezoelectric film layer 94, a fourth (GND) common electrode layer 95, and a fifth protective layer 96. Each electrode 93-1 of the electrode layer 93 is fixedly disposed on the ultrasonic absorption layer 92, and is connected to an individual wiring electrode (not shown) for receiving a drive signal. The electrodes 93-1 are formed in the main scanning direction (longitudinal direction of the capsule toner developing roller 90) by, for example, the number of pixels 1 to 7168 shown in FIG. Direction) are arranged at intervals according to the resolution in the sub-scanning direction.
[0090]
In the capsule toner developing roller 90, the electrode 93-1 is selectively driven by a drive signal based on image data transmitted from the control unit via the individual wiring electrode, and the electrode 93-1 and the GND common electrode layer 95 The portion corresponding to the selectively driven electrode 93-1 of the polymer piezoelectric film layer 94 interposed therebetween is oscillated at a high frequency. The high-frequency vibration radiated from the polymer piezoelectric film layer 94 by the high-frequency vibration is adsorbed on the protective layer 96 via the GND common electrode layer 95 and the protective layer 96 as shown in FIG. The color of the encapsulated toner Te shown in (1) is developed, and the charge amount is reduced or the charge polarity is reversed.
[0091]
In the configuration of the present example, since it is possible to irradiate ultrasonic waves directly to the capsule toner Te without using air as a medium as in the case of the ultrasonic line head 73 in FIG. 19, energy efficiency is increased.
As described above, according to the second to fourth embodiments, the micro-capsule toner of the first embodiment which emits a desired color according to image information by a predetermined stimulus is provided. In an epoch-making one-shot image forming / transfer-type color image forming apparatus that transfers only the microcapsule toner, the color development and transfer of the microcapsule toner can be performed using only one developing head. Therefore, it is possible to provide a color image forming apparatus having a small and lightweight configuration.
[0092]
In any of the above-described embodiments, liquid development may be used instead of dry development in consideration of the energy efficiency of the ultrasonic irradiation element.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a microcapsule toner that generates a desired color according to image information by a predetermined stimulus and reduces the charge amount or reverses the charge polarity is provided, and only one type of the toner is provided. The color development and transfer of the microcapsule toner can be performed using the developing head of (1), so that the color image formation that does not require the color registration at the time of operation is easy, and the toner management for forming the color image with only one kind of toner is easy. It is possible to provide a method.
[0094]
Similarly, since a color image can be formed with one type of toner and only one type of developing head, it is possible to provide a color image forming apparatus having an extremely small and lightweight configuration.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an image forming unit of the color image forming apparatus according to the basic embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a microcapsule toner stored in a capsule toner hopper of an image forming unit.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a small-diameter microcapsule included in a microcapsule toner.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit of a control unit in the power supply and the control unit.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific circuit block of a print control unit of the control circuit.
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a development process and subsequent processes performed by the color image forming apparatus.
FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams for explaining the principle that the microcapsule toner selectively emits color by being irradiated with ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic line head.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a time chart when ultrasonic oscillation is performed by an ultrasonic line head.
FIGS. 10 (a), (b) and (c) are diagrams showing various examples of arrangement positions of an ultrasonic line head.
FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of the ultrasonic line head.
12A is a top view of an ultrasonic line head, FIG. 12B is a top view of an individual application electrode, FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD ′ of FIG. 12B, and FIG. ) Is a sectional view taken along the line EE ′.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an ultrasonic element arranged in the main scanning direction (X direction) and a focus position of an ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic element.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged view showing a part of the arrangement of the ultrasonic element.
FIG. 15 is a side sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a main part of a color image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.
FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating a structure of a microcapsule toner housed in a capsule toner hopper of an image forming unit according to the second embodiment.
FIGS. 17 (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating a phenomenon in which a colored capsule toner Te ′ which has developed a color from an uncolored capsule toner Te and whose charge amount has changed is transferred to the photosensitive drum side.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the configuration of the main part of the color image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a side sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a main part of a color image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 20A is an external perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a capsule toner developing roller in a color image forming apparatus as a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 20B is an exploded perspective view of its constituent members.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional tandem type color image forming apparatus.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional four-rotation, one-pass color image forming apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1M, 1C, 1Y, 1K Image forming unit
2M, 2C, 2Y, 2K developing unit
3M, 3C, 3Y, 3K optical writing head
4M, 4C, 4Y, 4K Photoconductor drum
5 Conveyor belt
P Recording paper
6 Thermal fuser
7M, 7C, 7Y, 7K developing unit
8 Photoreceptor belt
9 Optical writing head
11 Transfer drum
12 Fixing roller
15 Color image forming apparatus
16 Image forming unit
17 Paper feed unit
18 Paper transport unit
19 Power supply and control unit
21 Photoconductor drum
22 Optical writing head
23 Capsule Toner Hopper
24 Ultrasonic Line Head
25 Paper cassette
26 Feed Roller
27 Transfer unit
28 Fixing unit
29 Paper ejection roller
31 Paper Stacker
32 power supply
33 control unit (control circuit)
34 charging roller
35 Capsule toner developing roller
36 Transfer Roller
37 Cleaner
T capsule toner
38 Stirring member
39 Capsule toner supply roller
41 Intermediate transfer belt
42 Storage roller
43 Opposing roller
44 Transfer Roller
45 belt cleaner
46 Large-diameter microcapsules
47M, 47C, 47Y, 47K Small-diameter microcapsules
47a Color former
48 small diameter capsule wall
49 Retention layer
50 color developer
51 Interface (I / F)
52 Print control unit
53 CPU
54 RAM
55 ROM
56 RGB input
58 Printer Controller
59 Printing section
60 main scan / sub scan control circuit
61 OR circuit
62 Oscillation circuit
63M magenta color control circuit
63C Cyan color control circuit
63Y yellow color control circuit
63K black color control circuit
65 Carrier
66-1 Acoustic lens
66-2 Acoustic impedance matching layer
66-3 Individually applied electrode layer
66-4 Ultrasonic element
66-5 Common electrode layer (earth layer)
70 Color Image Forming Apparatus
71 Intermediate transfer roller
72 Capsule Toner Hopper
Te uncolored capsule toner
Te 'colored capsule toner
73 Ultrasonic Line Head
74 Paper transport belt
75 transfer roller
76 Capsule toner developing roller
77 Capsule toner supply roller
78 Doctor Blade
79 Residual toner removal roller
81 paper
82 Large-diameter microcapsules
83M, 83C, 83Y, 83K Small-diameter microcapsules
83 'small color microcapsules
84 Small-diameter capsule wall
85 Retention layer
86 tourmaline powder
87 Transfer bias power supply
88 Development bias power supply
89 Ultrasound
90 Capsule toner developing roller
91 Polymer Piezoelectric Element
92 Ultrasonic absorption layer
93 electrode layer
93-1 electrode
94 Polymer Piezoelectric Film Layer
95 GND (ground) common electrode layer
96 protective layer

Claims (4)

A large-diameter microcapsule in which a plurality of types of small-diameter microcapsules surrounded by a capsule wall that can be broken by a predetermined stimulus is dispersed and encapsulated in a support material, and one of the reactive substances that cause a color-forming reaction when mixed with each other, An image forming method using a microcapsule toner that is dispersed inside a small-diameter microcapsule wall and the other of the reactive substances is dispersed in the support material outside each of the small-diameter microcapsule walls,
A step of carrying and transporting the microcapsule toner based on a suction force of static electricity,
A predetermined stimulus corresponding to the color component information in the image information is applied to the microcapsule toner, and the predetermined stimulus destroys a predetermined capsule wall of the plurality of types of small-diameter microcapsules and a predetermined reactivity. A color-forming step in which the substances are diffused and mixed with each other to cause a color-forming reaction, and at the same time, convert the electrostatic property of the microcapsule toner having caused the color-forming reaction;
A transfer step of transferring the microcapsule toner having caused the color-forming reaction to a print medium via an intermediate transfer medium or directly,
A fixing step of fixing the microcapsule toner transferred to the print medium to the print medium,
And forming a color image based on the colored microcapsule toner on the print medium. 2. The color image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the microcapsule toner contains or externally adds a powder obtained by pulverizing any of tourmaline family. A large-diameter microcapsule in which a plurality of small-diameter microcapsules surrounded by a capsule wall that can be destroyed by a predetermined stimulus is dispersed and encapsulated in a support material, and one of the reactive substances that are mixed with each other to cause a color-forming reaction, An image forming apparatus using a microcapsule toner that is dispersed inside a small-diameter microcapsule wall and the other of the reactive substances is dispersed in the support material outside the respective small-diameter microcapsule walls,
Conveyance means for carrying and conveying the microcapsule toner based on a suction force of static electricity,
A predetermined stimulus corresponding to the color component information in the image information is given to the microcapsule toner, and the predetermined stimulus destroys a predetermined capsule wall of the plurality of types of small-diameter microcapsules and a predetermined reactivity. A coloring means for diffusing and mixing the substances with each other to cause a color-forming reaction, and at the same time, converting the electrostatic property of the microcapsule toner having caused the color-forming reaction;
Transfer means for transferring the microcapsule toner having caused the color-forming reaction to a print medium via an intermediate transfer medium or directly,
Fixing means for fixing the microcapsule toner transferred to the print medium to the print medium,
A color image forming apparatus that forms a color image based on the colored microcapsule toner on the print medium. 4. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the microcapsule toner contains or externally adds a powder obtained by pulverizing any of tourmaline family.

Images