JP2004333857A - Color image forming method using microcapsule toner and color image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color image forming method which performs printing processing by using a microcapsule toner which develops a desired color meeting image information by the stimulus of the elastic wave generated from an optical distorted element by irradiation with UV light and to provide a color image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: Optical shutters 88 arranged between respective PLZT elements 76 of a PLZT element linear array 75 and a linear light source 80 are equipped with discrete shutters 89 (89-1 to 89-n) of the number corresponding to the total number (n) of the PLZT elements 76. The stationary UV light 90 normally lit and emitted from the linear light source 80 toward the PLZT element linear array 75 is selectively cast as modulated UV light 91 to each of the respective PLZT elements 76 by opening and closing the discrete shutters 89 of the shutters 88 and the positions and opening and closing time of the discrete shutters 89 and the timing thereof are controlled, by which the ultrasonic waves focused or deflected to an arbitrary position are generated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a color image forming method and a color image forming apparatus for performing printing by developing a desired color by destroying a small-diameter microcapsule of a microcapsule toner by an elastic wave generated in a photostrictive element by laser light irradiation. .
[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 in analog cameras that have been used for a long time in terms of beauty and resolution. It is comparable to salt photography and is an alternative to it.
[0003]
FIG. 20 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]
In addition, 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. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)
In addition, three or more types of pigment capsules coated with a photo-curable resin that cures with light of different wavelengths are encapsulated in one type of toner and transferred to plain paper as color printing on plain paper. Thereafter, a photoreactive color toner that emits full-color color by sequentially irradiating image data of three or more types of light having different wavelengths onto the toner image transferred onto the plain paper and a printing method using the same have been proposed. I have. (For example, see Patent Document 2.)
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-B-6-96338 (page 2, right column, line 50 to page 3, left column, line 23), FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-8-106172 (paragraphs [0021] to [0025]), FIGS. 1 and 2)
[0008]
[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.
[0009]
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.
[0010]
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. Furthermore, since the printing process of a plurality of colors is repeated, it is difficult to manage color misregistration, and there is a problem that the apparatus is inevitably complicated.
[0011]
Further, the invention using the dye capsule of the photocurable resin is improved in that plain paper can be used, but since light stimulation is premised, light transmission to the dye capsule sealed in the toner is inferior. In addition, there is a problem that responsiveness is difficult due to the configuration of curing with light energy, and it is impossible to respond to recent demands for high-speed printing.
[0012]
An object of the present invention is to provide a microcapsule toner that emits a desired color according to image information by stimulating an elastic wave generated from a photostrictive element by irradiating a laser beam having a predetermined modulation frequency in view of the above conventional situation. To provide a color image forming method and a color image forming apparatus for performing a printing process by using a color image forming method.
[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 color image using a microcapsule toner in which one of the reactive substances causing a color-forming reaction is dispersed inside the small-sized microcapsule walls and the other of the reactive substances is dispersed outside the small-sized microcapsule walls. Forming a microcapsule toner on a print medium via an intermediate transfer medium or directly to finally transfer and fix the microcapsule toner on the print medium in accordance with image information; and The microcapsules having a color corresponding to the color component information in the image information with respect to the microcapsule toner given to the Irradiating a laser beam of a predetermined modulation frequency to each of the optical strain elements of the optical strain element array arranged to form a color, thereby generating an elastic wave in the desired optical strain element, thereby generating an ultrasonic wave from the optical strain element. Irradiates the microcapsule toner with the ultrasonic waves to selectively destroy predetermined capsule walls of the plurality of types of small-diameter microcapsules so that predetermined reactive substances are diffused and mixed with each other to generate a color reaction. And at least the following steps are performed to form a color image based on the developed toner on the print medium.
[0014]
In the color forming step, the desired optical distortion is obtained by selectively irradiating an ultraviolet laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser device to the optical distortion element via a polygon mirror and an fθ lens. The device is configured to generate the elastic wave, and a linear light source constantly irradiates each optical distortion element of the linear optical distortion element with a laser beam having a predetermined modulation frequency as described in claim 3. And the elastic wave is generated in a desired optical distortion element by opening and closing a switch disposed between the electrodes of the optical distortion element, and for example, as described in claim 4, The optical path of a predetermined ultraviolet light uniformly irradiated from the linear light source toward each optical distortion element of the linear optical distortion element array is formed by an optical shutter disposed between the linear light source and the optical distortion element linear array. The elastic wave is generated in the desired optical distortion element by selectively opening and closing the optical distortion element by the optical distortion element. The desired light source is selectively turned on for a predetermined period and at a predetermined time by a point light source linear array having a number of point light sources corresponding to each light distortion device of the array. It is configured to generate an elastic wave.
[0015]
The optical strain element is, for example, a ceramic polycrystal of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate obtained by adding lanthanum oxide to a compound of lead titanate and lead zirconate and sintering the compound. Be composed.
Next, the color image forming apparatus of the invention according to claim 7 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 dispersed and included in a support material. Using a microcapsule toner in which one of the reactive substances that are mixed to cause a color-forming reaction is dispersed inside the small-sized microcapsule walls, and the other of the reactive substances is dispersed outside the small-sized microcapsule walls. A color image forming apparatus for forming a color image, wherein the microcapsule toner is applied to the print medium via an intermediate transfer medium or directly to finally transfer and fix the microcapsule toner on the print medium according to image information. Toner applying means, and the image for the microcapsule toner applied to the print medium by the toner applying means. Irradiating laser light of a predetermined modulation frequency to each optical distortion element of the optical distortion element linear array arranged to cause the microcapsule toner to develop a color corresponding to the color component information in the report, the desired optical distortion is obtained. By generating an elastic wave in the element, an ultrasonic wave is irradiated from the optical strain element onto the microcapsule toner, and the ultrasonic wave selectively destroys a predetermined capsule wall of the plurality of types of small-diameter microcapsules, thereby causing a predetermined damage. And a color-forming means for causing the reactive substances to diffuse and mix with each other to generate a color-forming reaction, so as to form a color image based on the color-formed toner on the print medium.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. The color image forming apparatus 10 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.
[0017]
The color image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming unit 11, a sheet feeding unit 12, a sheet conveying unit 13, a power supply and a control unit 14. The image forming unit 11 includes a photosensitive drum 15, an optical writing head 16, a capsule toner hopper 17, an ultrasonic line head 18, and the like.
[0018]
The paper supply unit 12 includes a paper supply cassette 19 and a paper supply roller 21, and the recording paper P stored in the paper supply cassette 19 is carried out of the paper supply cassette 19 for each rotation of the paper supply roller 21. The sheet is sent to the sheet transport unit 13. The paper transport unit 13 transports the recording paper P carried out from the paper feed cassette 19 along a guide plate, and a toner image described later is transferred to the recording paper P by the transfer unit 22. The recording paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is heat-fixed on the paper surface by the fixing device 23, and is discharged onto a paper stacker 25 by a discharge roller 24.
[0019]
The power supply and control unit 14 generates a power supply unit 26 for supplying power to the image forming unit 11 and the like, and optical writing data to be supplied to the optical writing head 16, and supplies an image to be supplied to the ultrasonic line head 18. It comprises a control unit (control circuit) 27 for generating data. The specific configuration of the control circuit of the control unit 27 will be described later.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the image forming unit 11. As described above, the image forming unit 11 includes the photosensitive drum 15, the optical writing head 16, the capsule toner hopper 17, and the ultrasonic line head 18 as essential parts. In the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 15, a charging roller 28, the above-described optical writing head 16, a capsule toner developing roller 29, a transfer roller 31, and a cleaner 32 are provided.
[0021]
A microcapsule toner T (hereinafter, simply referred to as a capsule toner T) is accommodated in the capsule toner hopper 17, and a stirring member 33 is rotatably installed so as to be buried in the capsule toner T. Is provided with a capsule toner supply roller 34 in contact with the capsule toner developing roller 29.
[0022]
The stirring member 33 stirs the capsule toner T and applies a negative (−) charge to the capsule toner T by frictional charging. The capsule toner supply roller 34 supplies the capsule toner T provided with the negative charge to the capsule toner developing roller 29.
[0023]
The optical writing head 16 is supplied with optical writing data from the control unit (control circuit) 27 described above, and performs optical writing on the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 15. A uniform charge is previously applied to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 15 by a charging roller 28, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by optical writing from the optical writing head 16. As will be described later in detail, the capsule toner T is electrostatically attached to the electrostatic latent image by a capsule toner developing roller 29 to be developed, and the developed capsule toner T is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 15. As a result, the sheet is conveyed to a position immediately above the transfer roller 31.
[0024]
An intermediate transfer belt 35 is located between the photosensitive drum 15 and the transfer roller 31. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is nipped and conveyed between the photosensitive drum 15 and the transfer roller 31. The capsule toner T electrostatically attached to the photoconductor drum 15 is attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 35 by an electric field acting between the transfer roller 31 and the toner. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is circulating in the direction of arrow C. The capsule toner T adsorbed on the intermediate transfer belt 35 reaches directly below the ultrasonic line head 18 as the intermediate transfer belt 35 circulates.
[0025]
Image data is supplied from the control unit (control circuit) 27 to the ultrasonic line head 18, and the ultrasonic line head 18 irradiates the capsule toner T moving between the accommodating roller 36 accommodating the ultrasonic line head 18 and the opposing roller 37 with ultrasonic waves. At this time, the walls of the fine capsules contained in the capsule toner T adsorbed on the intermediate transfer belt 35 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. 35 is developed.
[0026]
The colored capsule toner which has been colored to form a color toner image as described above is transferred to the recording paper P by the transfer roller 37 in the transfer section 22. The colored capsule toner transferred to the recording paper P is subjected to a heat fixing process in the fixing device 23 as described above, and is discharged onto a discharge stacker 25 by a discharge roller 24. Capsule toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 35 after the transfer is removed by the belt cleaner 38.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the above-described capsule toner T. As shown in the figure, the capsule toner T contains four types of small-diameter microcapsules 41 (41M, 41C, magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K)) in a large-diameter microcapsule 40. 41Y and 41K), and each small-diameter microcapsule 41 has a small-diameter capsule wall 42 formed therein.
[0028]
The small-diameter microcapsules 41 are randomly dispersed in the gel-like holding layer 43 sealed in the large-diameter microcapsules 40. It should be noted that the small-diameter microcapsules 41 'shown in the figure are colored small-diameter microcapsules. The developer 44 covers the outside of the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter microcapsule 41.
[0029]
The large-diameter microcapsules 40 have a diameter of 5 μm to 10 μm. For example, one large-diameter microcapsule 40 contains about 10 small-diameter microcapsules 41 each. The diameter of each small-diameter microcapsule 41 is, for example, about 0.5 μm to 2 μm.
[0030]
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the structure of the small-diameter microcapsules 41. The small-diameter microcapsules 41 are covered with a small-diameter capsule wall 42 and include a coloring agent 45, and the outside of the small-diameter capsule wall 42 is covered with a color developer 44 as described above. The small-diameter capsule walls 42 of the small-diameter microcapsules 41 have different diameters and thicknesses. That is, the small-diameter microcapsules 41M, 41C, 41Y, and 41K have different diameters and the thickness of the small-diameter capsule wall 42, and by having such a configuration, the resonance frequency at which the small-diameter capsule wall 42 is destroyed is different, and The structure can be broken at different resonance frequencies for each small-diameter microcapsule.
[0031]
Also, in addition to the diameter and thickness of each of the above-mentioned small-diameter microcapsules, the resonance frequency of destruction can be varied by changing the material. Can be set.
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 42 increases, the resonance frequency shifts to a higher direction. When the material of the small-diameter capsule wall 42 becomes harder, the resonance frequency shifts to a higher direction. Therefore, each of the small-diameter microcapsules 41M, 41C, 41Y, and 41K is designed to have a different resonance frequency corresponding to each of the above elements.
[0032]
In addition, the coloring ratio of each small-diameter microcapsule 41 can be changed according to the energy amount of the irradiated ultrasonic wave. Therefore, the color development ratio of magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) can be controlled to realize a free halftone.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the control circuit of the control unit 27 of the power supply and control unit 14 described above. The control unit (control circuit) 27 includes an interface (I / F) 46, a print control unit 47, a CPU 48, a RAM 49, and a ROM 50. Video data is supplied from an RGB (R (red), G (green), B (blue)) input 51 to the interface (I / F) 46, and an operation signal is input from the operation panel 52 to the CPU 48.
[0033]
The interface (I / F) 46 performs multi-value processing for converting video data (RGB signals) supplied from a host device such as a personal computer into CMYK values. In this case, a color conversion table corresponding to the device is registered in the interface (I / F) 46 in advance, and the interface (I / F) 46 converts the RGB signals into CMYK values while referring to the color conversion table. I do.
[0034]
The CPU 48 performs a process based on a program stored in the ROM 50, and executes a printing process according to an operation signal input from the operation panel 52. The RAM 49 is used as a work area when the CPU 48 performs control processing, and is composed of a plurality of registers.
[0035]
The CPU 48 sends a control signal to the interface (I / F) 46 and a printer controller in the print control unit 47 to perform print data creation processing. The print control unit 47 includes a printer controller 53 and a print unit 54.
[0036]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific circuit block of the print control unit 47. In the drawing, a printer controller 53 includes a main scanning / sub-scanning control circuit 55, an OR circuit 56, an oscillation circuit 57, a magenta color control circuit 58M, a cyan color control circuit 58C, a yellow color control circuit 58Y, and a black color control circuit 58K. It is configured. On the other hand, the printing section 54 includes the optical writing head 16 and the ultrasonic line head 18 described above.
[0037]
As described above, the image data converted into the CMYK values by the interface (I / F) 46 is further supplied from the interface (I / F) 46 to magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K). ) Is output to the OR circuit 56. Here, the logical sum circuit 56 calculates the logical sum of CMYK and outputs the result to the optical writing head 16.
[0038]
That is, the data of the logical sum including all the pixel data of CMYK is output to the optical writing head 16 and the optical writing is performed on the photosensitive drum 15 described above. Therefore, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 15 based on the logical sum data including all the CMYK pixel data. When the main scanning control signal and the sub-scanning control signal are supplied from the main scanning / sub-scanning control circuit 55 to the OR circuit 56, and the OR data is supplied to the optical writing head 16, 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 58M to the black color control circuit 58K, and synchronized with the oscillation signals fm, fc, fy, fk output from the oscillation circuit 57, the ultrasonic line head 18 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 18, and the capsule toner adsorbed on the intermediate transfer belt 35 described above. Ultrasonic waves having a frequency corresponding to T (resonance frequency described later) are applied.
[0040]
Therefore, the small-diameter microcapsules in the capsule toner T that have undergone a wave resonating 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 58M is different, the capsule toner T which has received the ultrasonic wave has a small-diameter microcapsule 41M, 41C, 41Y or 41K of the corresponding color. Only 42 is destroyed. This mechanism is because the outer diameters of the small-diameter microcapsules 41 are different from each other, and the resonance frequency at which the small-diameter microcapsules 41 are broken is different for each small-diameter microcapsule 41.
[0041]
For example, the coloring signal fm output from the magenta coloring control circuit 58M destroys only the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter microcapsule 41M in the capsule toner T, and performs magenta (M) color development. Further, the coloring signal fc output from the cyan coloring control circuit 58C destroys only the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter microcapsule 41C and performs cyan (C) coloring. Further, the same applies to yellow (Y) and black (K). The coloring signals fy and fk output from the yellow coloring control circuit 58Y and the black coloring control circuit 58K are limited to the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter capsule 41Y or 41K. And yellow (Y) or black (K) is developed.
[0042]
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 17, the photosensitive drum 15 rotates and an optical writing signal is supplied to the optical writing head 16 from the control unit (control circuit) 27 described above. Then, optical writing is performed on the photosensitive drum 15 based on the logical sum data. A uniform charge is previously applied to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 15 by a charging roller 28, 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 ORing 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 29. .
[0043]
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the development processing and the subsequent processing. The capsule toner T accommodated in the capsule toner hopper 17 is agitated by the agitating member 33 described above, 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 29, and the capsule toner T is thinly electrostatically attached to the peripheral surface of the capsule toner developing roller 29. In this state, the photosensitive drum 15 and the capsule toner developing roller 29 rub against each other, and the capsule toner T adhered to the capsule toner developing roller 29 electrostatically adheres to the photosensitive surface on which the electrostatic latent image is formed. .
[0044]
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 15 and is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 by the transfer roller 31. In this case, by applying a bias voltage of + (plus) to the transfer roller 31, the minus (-) capsule toner T adheres to the intermediate transfer belt 35 in an electric field. Thereafter, the capsule toner T attached to the intermediate transfer belt 35 is irradiated with ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic line head 18 disposed in the color forming section, and selectively develops a color.
[0045]
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 18. FIG.
FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a state in which the capsule toner T is receiving ultrasonic irradiation 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.
[0046]
As described above, the capsule toner T contains four types of small-diameter microcapsules 41M, 41C, 41Y, and 41K of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) in the large-diameter capsule 40. Then, the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter microcapsule that has received the ultrasonic wave of the resonance frequency is broken, and the color developing agent 45 inside mixes with the color developing agent 44 to react and develop color.
[0047]
For example, FIG. 2B shows a state in which an ultrasonic wave S having a single resonance frequency is applied to the capsule toner T from the ultrasonic line head 18. 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 18. In this case, the small-diameter capsules that vibrate at these resonance frequencies S1 or S2 are destroyed and each develops a color.
[0048]
For example, if only the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter microcapsule 41M is broken, a magenta (M) color is developed. Further, when only the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter microcapsule 41C is broken, cyan (C) color is developed. Further, when the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter microcapsule 41M and the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter microcapsule 41C are broken, a red color develops, and the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter microcapsule 41C and the small-diameter capsule wall of the small-diameter microcapsule 41Y. When 42 is destroyed, blue color develops.
[0049]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a time chart when the ultrasonic oscillation is performed by the ultrasonic line head 18. First, when the main scanning / synchronization signal is output from the main scanning / sub-scanning control circuit 55 (the timing (1) shown in FIG. 9), the first strobe signal ((1) shown in FIG. 9) is supplied. At this time, the ultrasonic output is performed according to the image data (1) supplied to the ultrasonic line head 18. 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).
[0050]
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.
[0051]
In this way, the capsule toner T that has received the ultrasonic irradiation from the ultrasonic line head 18 and has developed color in accordance with the print data moves to the position of the transfer section 22 (transfer roller 37) while being attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 35, The image is transferred to the recording paper P.
Thereafter, the colored microcapsule toner is sent to the fixing device 23 as described above, and the heat fixing process is performed. The fixing device 23 includes at least a heat roller and a pressure roller. The fixing device 23 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.
[0052]
As described above, the large diameter microcapsules 40 contain the four types of small diameter microcapsules 41M, 41C, 41Y, and 41K of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K). Using the toner T as a developer, the ultrasonic line head 18 irradiates ultrasonic waves based on the print data, and selectively destroys the small-diameter capsule walls 42 of the small-diameter microcapsules 41M, 41C, 41Y, and 41K. A color image can be printed on the recording paper P by causing the color former 45 and the developer 44 to react to form a color.
[0053]
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 17. For example, when a disposable type developing device unit (toner unit) is used, only one unit needs to be replaced.
[0054]
In the above description, the ultrasonic line head 18 is installed on the side opposite to the surface on which the capsule toner T is attached with the intermediate transfer belt 35 interposed therebetween. It is not limited.
FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams showing various examples of the arrangement position of the ultrasonic line head 18. FIG. 2A shows an example in which the ultrasonic line head 18 is disposed outside the intermediate transfer belt 35, and FIG. 2B shows an example in which the ultrasonic line head 18 is disposed outside the vicinity of the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 15. FIG. 4C shows an example in which the ultrasonic line head 18 is disposed inside the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 15.
[0055]
Looking at the relationship of the color forming position of the capsule toner T, in FIG. 10A, the ultrasonic line head 18 colors the capsule toner T transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 as in the case of FIG. In FIGS. 10B and 10C, the ultrasonic line head 18 causes the capsule toner T in a state of being electrostatically attached to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 15 before being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 to produce a color. . In this case, the small-diameter microcapsules 41M, 41C, 41Y, or 41K are destroyed on the photosensitive surface to form a color, and the colored toner is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 by the transfer roll 31.
[0056]
10A, 10B, and 10C, the positional relationship of the ultrasonic line head 18 with respect to the capsule toner T indicates that the ultrasonic line head 18 in FIGS. Is arranged on the side where the capsule toner T is attached. In FIG. 10C, the opposite side to the side where the capsule toner T is attached (the intermediate transfer belt in FIG. The ultrasonic line head 18 is provided on the inner surface side of the photosensitive drum 15 (in FIG. 10C, on the inner peripheral surface side of the photosensitive drum 15).
[0057]
As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, in the case where the ultrasonic line head 18 is disposed on the side where the capsule toner T is attached, the photosensitive surface of the intermediate transfer belt 35 or the photosensitive drum 15 is used. The ultrasonic line head 18 is configured so that the toner layer of the capsule toner T attached thereon and the ultrasonic line head 18 are in close contact with each other. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the acoustic impedance from being adversely affected by the air layer.
[0058]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a radiation state of the ultrasonic waves S when the ultrasonic line head 18 is installed on the side where the capsule toner T is attached. As described above, D indicates the layer thickness of the capsule toner T, S indicates ultrasonic waves (converged ultrasonic waves), and d indicates the convergence resolution of ultrasonic waves. In this case, the capsule toner T is directly irradiated with the ultrasonic wave without passing through the intermediate transfer belt 35 or the photosensitive drum 15, so that the small-diameter microcapsules can be more efficiently destroyed.
[0059]
In the description of the above embodiment, the intermediate transfer belt 35 is used. However, the configuration may be such that the capsule toner T before color development or the capsule toner T after color development is directly transferred from the photosensitive drum 15 to the recording paper P. Good. With such a configuration, the arrangement of the intermediate transfer belt 35 can be omitted, and the size of the apparatus can be further reduced.
[0060]
When the uncolored toner is directly transferred to the recording paper P as described above, the ultrasonic line head 18 is disposed between the transfer unit and the fixing device, and the color forming process is performed before performing the fixing process. Is also good. Even in this case, the ultrasonic line head 18 may be disposed from the surface of the recording paper P on which the uncolored toner adheres, or from the opposite surface.
[0061]
Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the heat fixing process is performed on the uncolored toner and then the color developing process is performed. Also in this case, the ultrasonic line head 18 can be provided on any side of the recording paper P.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of another configuration of the capsule toner T. In the present example, the configuration of each small-diameter microcapsule 41 (typically shown as a small-diameter microcapsule 41M in the figure) is such that a coloring agent 45 is included inside the small-diameter capsule wall 42 and a developer 44 is provided outside. Is located. Further, a bubble 60 contained in a shell 59 is sealed inside the small-diameter capsule wall 42.
[0062]
When the bubble 60 is included as described above, the acoustic impedance around the bubble 60 can be changed. Specifically, the acoustic impedance varies depending on the diameter of the bubble 60 and the material and thickness of the shell 59 surrounding the bubble 60, and the resonance frequency can be varied by combining the above-described elements.
[0063]
For example, when the bubble 60 is included, the resonance frequency set by the diameter, thickness, and material of the small-diameter capsule wall 42 largely depends on the radius of the bubble 60 and the material and thickness of the shell 59. Therefore, for example, the resonance frequency can be largely changed by changing the size radius or the like of the bubble 60 for each small-diameter microcapsule 41. With this configuration, the degree of freedom of color development for each small-diameter microcapsule 41 is increased, and the range of selection of the resonance frequency is also expanded.
[0064]
The small-diameter capsule containing the bubble 60 can be used for all of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K). When three types of small-diameter capsules 41M, 41C, and 41Y are used. Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to the case where two types of small diameter capsules 41M and 41C and 41Y and 41K are used. In the above example, the shell 59 is formed in the bubbles 60 of the small-diameter microcapsules 41M, 41C, 41Y, and 41K, but a configuration in which the shell 59 is not formed may be adopted.
[0065]
FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the ultrasonic line head 18. In the ultrasonic line head 18 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.
[0066]
14 (a) is a top view of the ultrasonic line head 18, FIG. 14 (b) is a top view of an individual application electrode described later, and FIG. 14 (c) is a DD ′ arrow in FIG. 14 (b). (D) is a sectional view taken along the line EE 'of FIG. (C). The ultrasonic line head 18 described in this example is configured by laminating five layers of members in a carrier 61, 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) 62-5, a fourth layer is provided with an ultrasonic element 62-4 as a piezoelectric element, and a third layer is arranged in a strip shape in the main scanning direction. An individual application electrode 62-3 is provided, and an acoustic impedance matching layer 62-2 for reducing a difference in acoustic impedance between the ultrasonic element 62-4 and the ultrasonic propagation medium is provided on the second layer. Further, an acoustic lens 62-1 is provided on the first layer.
[0067]
The individual applying electrode 62-3 and the common electrode (earth) 62-5 are connected to the ultrasonic element 62-4, and the individual wiring 62-3-1 is connected to the individual applying electrode 62-3, respectively. An ultrasonic output signal is provided. The ultrasonic element 62-4 is distorted when the above signal is applied, and ultrasonic vibration is excited at a predetermined frequency.
[0068]
The ultrasonic vibration excited by the ultrasonic element 62-4 is refracted by the acoustic lens 62-1 through the acoustic impedance matching layer 62-2 and is focused on a specified position (specified distance). As described above, the acoustic impedance matching layer 62-2 has a function of reducing the difference in acoustic impedance between the ultrasonic element 62-4 and the ultrasonic wave propagation medium.
[0069]
By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the small-diameter capsule wall 42 of the small-diameter microcapsule 41 is destroyed by the ultrasonic resonance for the color development of the capsule toner T. In order to destroy the small-diameter capsule wall 42 in this manner, as described above, the ultrasonic waves having the destruction frequency of the small-diameter capsule wall 42 are focused and generated by the ultrasonic line head 18 constituted by a piezoelectric element such as PZT. The small-diameter microcapsules 41 are selectively destroyed to develop each color.
[0070]
In this case, the ultrasonic line head 18 forms a linear array by arranging chips of piezoelectric elements such as PZT in a line, and applies an AC driving voltage to each piezoelectric element of the linear array to generate ultrasonic waves. .
In order to drive the piezoelectric element in this manner, many high-speed and high-withstand-voltage driving elements are required, resulting in a costly configuration. In order to apply the drive voltage to the piezoelectric element, a very large number of electric wirings (see individual wirings 62-3-1 to the individual application electrode layers 62-3 in FIG. 14B) are required. The configuration becomes complicated.
[0071]
Instead of generating ultrasonic waves by such a piezoelectric element, ultrasonic waves are generated by using an optical distortion element, and the small-diameter microcapsules 41 of a plurality of colors are resonated and selectively destroyed as described above, and each color is destroyed. It can also be colored. The use of the optical distortion element simplifies the configuration because the linear array optical distortion element does not require a drive wiring like a piezoelectric element. This will be described below as a second embodiment.
<Second embodiment>
FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a color image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a principle of generation of ultrasonic waves.
[0072]
The configuration of the main part shown in FIG. 15A shows the configuration of the color developing unit. The color developing section 63 is configured by arranging a predetermined number (for example, the number of pixels in the main scanning direction) of a high-power semiconductor laser device 64, a polygon mirror 65, an fθ lens 66, and a PLZT element 67 as an optical distortion element in one row. It is constituted by a PLZT element linear array 68.
[0073]
Of the above configuration, the high-power semiconductor laser device 64, the polygon mirror 65, and the fθ lens 66 can be easily configured using a laser unit used in an existing laser printer or the like.
The high-power semiconductor laser device 64 irradiates the polygon mirror 65 with an ultraviolet laser 69 modulated at a desired frequency corresponding to a required wave number according to the image data.
[0074]
In the example shown in the figure, the polygon mirror 65 has a mirror surface with a side surface perpendicular to each side forming a hexagon, and rotates intermittently at a predetermined speed in a clockwise direction indicated by an arrow F in the figure.
The ultraviolet light laser 69 emitted from the high-power semiconductor laser device 64 is emitted to one mirror surface of the polygon mirror 65 and reflected. The ultraviolet laser 69 whose optical path is changed by this reflection changes the fθ lens while transitioning from the optical path 69-1 to the optical path 69-n (n is the number of pixels in the main scanning direction) due to a change in the angle of the mirror surface caused by the rotation of the polygon mirror 65. It is incident on 66.
[0075]
lens 66 sequentially selects an ultraviolet laser 69-i (i = 1, 2,..., n) from the rear to each PLZT element 67 of the PLZT element linear array 68 arranged in front. Irradiate. Thus, a desired ultrasonic wave 71 can be generated from a desired PLZT element 67.
[0076]
As shown in FIG. 15B, each of the above-mentioned PLZT elements 67 is made of PLZT ceramics 72 having a small rectangular parallelepiped shape. PLZT ceramics 72 is lead lanthanum zirconate titanate obtained by adding lanthanum oxide to a compound of lead titanate and lead zirconate, and is a polycrystalline ceramic and a kind of piezoelectric material.
[0077]
“PLZT” of PLZT ceramics is named from the element symbols of lead (Pb), lanthanum (La), zirconium (Zi), and titanium (Ti), which are elements contained in the material.
The PLZT element 67 forms electrodes 73 (upper electrode 73a, lower electrode 73b) on both ends (upper and lower end faces in FIG. 15B) of the above PLZT ceramics 72, and performs an upward polarization process shown by an arrow G in the figure. It is configured by applying.
[0078]
When the side surface of the PLZT element 67 is irradiated with an ultraviolet light laser 69 having a wavelength of about 365 nm as shown in FIG. 15B by the color developing section 63 shown in FIG. An internal electromotive current is generated in the polarization direction by the power effect, and as a result, mechanical strain is generated by a high-voltage piezoelectric effect generated by storing charges in the electrode. The two effects, the photovoltaic effect and the piezoelectric effect, are collectively referred to as the photostrictive effect.
[0079]
Here, when a side surface of the PLZT element 67 is irradiated with an ultraviolet light (modulated ultraviolet light) laser (hereinafter, simply referred to as “ultraviolet light”) which is periodically turned ON / OFF, when the ultraviolet light is ON, the above-described optical distortion effect When mechanical distortion occurs and the ultraviolet light is turned off, the optical distortion effect disappears, and the generated mechanical distortion returns to its original state.
[0080]
Thus, mechanical distortion occurs in synchronization with the modulation speed of the ultraviolet light. This mechanical strain causes the medium around the PLZT element 67 to vibrate, and an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the modulation speed of the ultraviolet light is generated.
In this way, each PLZT element 67 of the PLZT element linear array 68 is sequentially and selectively irradiated with the ultraviolet light from the color developing section 63 constituted by using a normal laser unit, whereby the individual PLZT element By generating a desired ultrasonic wave at 67, color development similar to that of the ultrasonic line head 18 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 can be performed using the PLZT element linear array 68.
[0081]
In this manner, since a linear array of photostrictive elements such as a PLZT element or the like is used in a row to selectively radiate modulated ultraviolet light and generate ultrasonic waves, electric wiring and a drive circuit are required. Instead, it is possible to generate linearly arranged ultrasonic waves with a simple configuration.
[0082]
Also, since it is not necessary to provide electrical wiring to the fine PLZT element, it is easy to create a linear array of ultrasonic generating elements, and since the PLZT element is driven by ultraviolet light, another ultrasonic piezoelectric element can be used. Unlike the case of driving, a high-speed and high-withstand-voltage driving element is not required, and the entire device can be manufactured at low cost.
<Third embodiment>
FIG. 16 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a color developing unit of the color image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this example, the wirings 77 (from the upper and lower electrodes 73 (upper electrode 73 a and lower electrode 73 b) at the upper and lower ends of the individual PLZT elements 76 arranged in one line constituting the PLZT element linear array 75. 77a, 77b) are respectively drawn out.
[0083]
Then, a switch 78 is formed between the respective wirings 77a and 77b. Each of the PLZT elements 76 is configured such that the upper and lower electrodes 73 are short-circuited or opened by the respective switches 78.
A line light source 80 that emits a modulated ultraviolet light 79 is arranged close to the PLZT element linear array 75. The modulated ultraviolet light 79 irradiates the side surfaces of all the PLZT elements 76 while being periodically turned ON / OFF.
[0084]
At this time, in the PLZT element 76 in which the switch 78 is open, electric charges generated by the photovoltaic effect are stored in the electrodes 73 at the upper and lower ends, and a high voltage is generated at both ends of the element by the electric charges. Distortion is generated to generate ultrasonic waves, which are radiated to the outside.
[0085]
On the other hand, in the PLZT element 76 in which the switch 78 is closed and the electrodes 73 at the upper and lower ends are short-circuited, no electric charge is stored in the electrode 73, so that no high voltage is generated, and therefore no mechanical distortion occurs. No super-waves occur.
By providing the switches 73 between the upper and lower electrodes 73 of each PLZT element 76 in this manner, it is possible to control the generation position and generation timing of the ultrasonic wave. The switch 78 is different from opening and closing of a switch accompanied by a driving force from a drive circuit, and simply needs to be simply opened and closed at a predetermined timing, has a simple configuration, and is easily controlled.
[0086]
Also, by providing a switch mechanism for opening and closing the electrodes at the upper and lower ends of each PLZT element 76 constituting the PLZT element linear array in this manner, it is possible to focus and reduce the ultrasonic waves emitted from the PLZT element linear array. The deflection can be controlled.
[0087]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the concept of controlling the focusing and deflection of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the PLZT element linear array. As shown in FIG. 17, a line light source 80 that emits the modulated ultraviolet light 79 shown in FIG. 16 is arranged in the vicinity of the back (left side in the figure) of the PLZT element linear array 75. The light modulation power supply 81 is connected.
[0088]
Wirings are drawn from the above-mentioned upper and lower electrodes from each PLZT element 76, and switches 78 are provided. A switch control circuit 83 is provided between these switches 78 and the CPU 82 of the central control unit.
The switch control circuit 83 is provided with a delay circuit 84 corresponding to each switch 78 of the PLZT element linear array 75. The PLZT element linear array 75 is divided into a number of blocks 85 (85-1, 85-2,..., 85-n). Controls the timing of short circuits.
[0089]
In the example shown in the block 85-1 of FIG. 17, the opening timing of the switch 78 is advanced as the PLZT element 76 is located closer to the end of the block, and the opening timing of the switch 78 is increased as the PLZT element 76 is located closer to the center of the block. Delay. Then, an ultrasonic wave is generated first from the PLZT element 76 on the end side of the block, and a converged ultrasonic wave 86 whose wavefront converges at the center is formed according to the Hoihen's principle.
[0090]
Further, in the example shown in the block 85-2, the opening timing of the switch 78 is sequentially delayed from one end side, and by controlling in this manner, it is possible to generate a deflected ultrasonic wave 87 deflected in the direction. By combining the delay control shown in blocks 85-1 and 85-2, the convergence direction of the focused ultrasound can be deflected from the center to an arbitrary position.
[0091]
As described above, the convergence and deflection of the ultrasonic wave to an arbitrary position can be easily controlled only by providing a simple mechanism for electrically opening and shorting the both-end electrodes of the PLZT element constituting the PLZT element linear array. Will be able to do it.
The timing control of the generation and driving of the ultrasonic wave by the optical distortion effect of the PLZT element can be controlled not by the switch as described above but by the irradiated ultraviolet light itself. This will be described below as a fourth embodiment.
<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a color developing unit of the color image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In this example, the electrodes 73 (upper electrode 73a, lower electrode 73b) at the upper and lower ends of each PLZT element 76 of the PLZT element linear array 75 have no switches, and both electrodes are always open.
[0092]
An optical shutter 88 composed of a transmission modulator is disposed between each PLZT element 76 and the line light source 80 in place of the abolished switch. The optical shutter 88 includes an LCD shutter or a PLZT shutter, and is provided with a number of individual shutters 89 (89-1, 89-2,..., 89-m) corresponding to the total number n of the PLZT elements 76. You.
[0093]
In this configuration, the line light source 80 is always turned on. The stationary ultraviolet light 90 emitted from the line light source 80 toward the PLZT element linear array 75 is selectively emitted as modulated ultraviolet light 91 to each PLZT element 76 by opening and closing the individual shutter 89 of the shutter 88. .
[0094]
Then, by modulating the opening / closing time and the opening / closing interval of the individual shutter 89, an ultrasonic wave having a desired frequency can be obtained. Also in this case, by controlling the position of the individual shutter 89 to be opened and closed and the timing of the opening and closing, the generated ultrasonic waves can be focused or deflected to an arbitrary position.
<Fifth embodiment>
FIG. 19 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a color developing unit of the color image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In this example, the line light source and the optical shutter as described above are eliminated, and a point light source linear array 92 in which point light sources are arranged in one line is disposed instead. Each point light source of the point light source linear array 92 is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the PLZT element 76. In this configuration, a desired PLZT element 76 can generate an ultrasonic wave by modulating the ON / OFF time interval of the ultraviolet light 93 emitted from each point light source.
[0095]
Also in this case, by controlling the lighting position and the lighting timing of the point light source, the generated ultrasonic waves can be converged and deflected as described with reference to FIG. Obtainable.
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, for example, a photostrictive element linear array is formed by using photostrictive elements such as PLZT elements in a row, and ultrasonic waves are generated by selectively irradiating modulated ultraviolet light. This eliminates the need for electrical wiring and drive circuits, and is convenient because it can generate ultrasonic waves arranged in a line with a simple configuration.
[0097]
Also, since it is not necessary to provide electrical wiring to the fine PLZT element, it is easy to create a linear array of ultrasonic generating elements, and since the PLZT element is driven by ultraviolet light, another ultrasonic piezoelectric element can be used. Unlike the case of driving, a high-speed and high-withstand-voltage driving element is not required, and the entire device can be manufactured at low cost.
[0098]
Further, by providing a switch that simply opens and closes at a predetermined timing between the upper and lower electrodes of each PLZT element, the position and timing of generation of ultrasonic waves can be controlled, and the driving force from the driving circuit can be controlled. It is possible to provide an ultrasonic generating element linear array that has a simple configuration and is easy to control, unlike the opening and closing of a switch accompanied by the above.
[0099]
Also, by interposing a delay mechanism in the control of the switch for electrically opening and shorting the electrodes at both ends of the PLZT element, it is possible to easily control the convergence and deflection of the ultrasonic wave to an arbitrary position. .
Also, since the point light source corresponding to each optical distortion element of the optical distortion element linear array selectively irradiates ultraviolet light to each optical distortion element and controls convergence and deflection of ultrasonic waves to an arbitrary position. Thus, it is possible to provide a color developing section having a simpler configuration in a color image forming apparatus.
[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 first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a capsule toner T used in the color image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a small-diameter microcapsule included in a capsule toner T.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit of a control unit of a power supply and a control unit in the overall configuration of the color image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a specific circuit block diagram of a print control unit in a control circuit of the control unit.
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a developing process and subsequent processes in the color image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
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 an ultrasonic line head.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a time chart when ultrasonic oscillation is performed by an ultrasonic line head.
FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams showing various examples of the arrangement position of the ultrasonic line head.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state of emission of ultrasonic waves when the ultrasonic line head is installed on the side where the capsule toner T is attached.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of another configuration of the capsule toner T.
FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the ultrasonic line head.
14A is a top view of the ultrasonic line head, FIG. 14B is a top view of the individual application electrode, FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD ′ of FIG. 14B, and FIG. c) is a sectional view taken along the line EE 'of FIG.
15A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a color image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a principle of generation of ultrasonic waves.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a color developing unit of a color image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the concept of controlling the focusing and deflection of ultrasonic waves emitted from a PLZT element linear array.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a color developing unit of a color image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a color developing unit of a color image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventional electrophotographic so-called tandem type 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
10. Color image forming apparatus
11 Image forming unit
12 Paper feed unit
13 Paper transport unit
14 Power supply and control unit
15 Photoconductor drum
16 Optical writing head
17 Capsule toner hopper
18 Ultrasonic line head
19 cassettes
21 Feed Roller
22 Transfer unit
23 Fixing unit
24 paper ejection rollers
25 Paper Stacker
26 Power supply section
27 Control part (control circuit)
28 Charging roller
29 Capsule toner developing roller
31 Transfer roller
32 cleaner
T capsule toner
33 Stirring member
34 Capsule toner supply roller
35 Intermediate transfer belt
36 Storage roller
37 Opposed roller
37 Transfer Roller
38 Belt cleaner
40 Large-diameter microcapsules
41 (41M, 41C, 41Y, 41K) Small-diameter microcapsules
42 Small diameter capsule wall
43 Retention layer
44 Developer
45 color former
46 Interface (I / F)
47 Print control unit
48 CPU
49 RAM
50 ROM
51 RGB input
52 Operation panel
53 Printer Controller
54 Printing section
55 Main Scan / Sub Scan Control Circuit
56 OR circuit
57 oscillation circuit
58M magenta color control circuit
58C Cyan color control circuit
58Y yellow color control circuit
58K black color control circuit
59 shell
60 bubbles
61 Carrier
62-1 Acoustic lens
62-2 Acoustic impedance matching layer
62-3 Individually applied electrode layer
62-3-1 Individual Wiring
62-4 Ultrasonic element
62-5 Common electrode layer (earth layer)
63 color developing unit
64 High power semiconductor laser device
65 polygon mirror
66 fθ lens
67 PLZT element
68 PLZT linear array
71 Ultrasonic
72 PLZT ceramics
73 electrodes
73a top electrode
73b bottom electrode
75 PLZT element linear array
76 PLZT element
77 (77a, 77b) wiring
78 switch
79 Modulated ultraviolet light
80 line light source
81 Light modulation power supply
82 CPU
83 switch control circuit
84 Delay circuit
85 (85-1, 85-2, ..., 85-n) blocks
86 focused ultrasound
87 polarized ultrasound
88 Optical Chatter
89 (89-1, 89-2, ..., 89-m) Individual shutter
90 steady ultraviolet light
91 Modulated ultraviolet light
92 point light source linear array
93 UV light

Claims (7)

A large-diameter microcapsule in which a plurality 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, A color image forming method using a microcapsule toner, which is dispersed inside the small-diameter microcapsule wall, and the other of the reactive substances is dispersed outside the respective small-diameter microcapsule walls,
In order to finally transfer and fix the microcapsule toner on a print medium according to image information, a step of applying the print medium via the intermediate transfer medium or directly,
For each optical distortion element of the optical distortion element linear array arranged to cause the microcapsule toner to develop a color corresponding to the color component information in the image information with respect to the microcapsule toner applied to the print medium. By irradiating a laser beam having a predetermined modulation frequency to generate an elastic wave in the desired optical distortion element, ultrasonic waves are emitted from the optical distortion element to the microcapsule toner, and the plurality of kinds of small-diameter micro-waves are irradiated by the ultrasonic waves. A color forming step of selectively destroying a predetermined capsule wall of the capsule and causing a predetermined reactive substance to diffuse and mix with each other to generate a color forming reaction;
And forming a color image on the print medium based on the developed toner. In the color forming step, the elastic wave is generated in a desired photostrictive element by selectively irradiating an ultraviolet laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser device to the photostrictive element via a polygon mirror and an fθ lens. The color image forming method according to claim 1, wherein: In the color forming step, a linear light source constantly irradiates each optical distortion element of the optical distortion element linear array with laser light having a predetermined modulation frequency, and is disposed between the electrodes of the optical distortion element to open and close a switch. 2. The color image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the elastic wave is generated in the desired optical distortion element by the following method. The color forming step, between the linear light source and the linear optical distortion element, a predetermined ultraviolet light path uniformly irradiated from the linear light source toward each optical distortion element of the optical distortion element linear array. 2. The color image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the elastic wave is generated in a desired optical distortion element by selectively opening and closing the optical distortion element by an arranged optical shutter. In the color forming step, a desired point light source is selectively turned on for a predetermined period and timing by a point light source linear array having a number of point light sources corresponding to each light distortion element of the light distortion element linear array. 2. The color image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the elastic wave is generated in a desired optical distortion element by performing the step. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the optical strain element is a ceramic polycrystal made of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate which is sintered by adding lanthanum oxide to a compound of lead titanate and lead zirconate. 3. A method for forming a color image as described in 3, 4, or 5. 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, A color image forming apparatus that forms a color image using microcapsule toner, wherein the reactive substance is dispersed inside the small-diameter microcapsule walls and the other of the reactive substances is dispersed outside the small-diameter microcapsule walls.
To apply and fix the microcapsule toner finally on a print medium according to image information, via an intermediate transfer medium or directly apply a toner to the print medium,
A linear array of optical distortion elements arranged to cause the microcapsule toner to develop a color corresponding to the color component information in the image information with respect to the microcapsule toner applied to the print medium by the toner applying means; By irradiating a laser beam of a predetermined modulation frequency to each optical distortion element and generating an elastic wave to the desired optical distortion element, ultrasonic waves are radiated from the optical distortion element to the microcapsule toner, and the ultrasonic waves are used. Coloring means for selectively destroying a predetermined capsule wall of a plurality of types of small-diameter microcapsules and causing a predetermined reactive substance to diffuse and mix with each other to cause a color forming reaction,
Wherein a color image based on the color toner is formed on the print medium by performing at least the following.

Images