JP2006321055A - Apparatus of forming toner image and method of forming toner image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form a highly precise image of toner on a glass substrate at a high speed by efficiently forming a highly precise electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor of a photosensitive drum. <P>SOLUTION: At a latent image forming part 4 of the toner image forming apparatus, a light source part 42 is set inside of a cylindrical member 41 where a plurality of opening arrays are arranged and formed along the outer peripheral face. Light emitted from the light source part 42 while the cylindrical member 41 rotates synchronously with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31 illuminates the photoreceptor 312 via a part of the opening arrays of the rotating cylindrical member 41. An illumination region on the photoreceptor 312 of the light which passes the opening arrays 51 moves at the same speed in the same direction as those of the movement of the front face of the photoreceptor 312. Thus the highly precise electrostatic latent image according to the opening arrays is efficiently formed on the photoreceptor 312. Consequently, the highly precise toner image can be formed on the glass substrate at the high speed in the toner image forming apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for forming a toner image on an object.

  Conventionally, color filters have been used in liquid crystal display devices used in TV devices and computer display units, and dyeing methods, pigment dispersion methods, or electrodeposition methods are known as methods for producing color filters. It has been. In these methods, since a photolithography technique is used, a process of drawing a pattern (that is, irradiating a light pattern) using a pattern original plate on a glass substrate that is a base material of a color filter is performed (drawing process). (For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). Patent Document 3 discloses a technique of using a liquid crystal shutter array having a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged shutter elements instead of a pattern original plate in an apparatus used for a drawing process.

  However, when a photolithography technique is used, many processes are required, and thus it takes a long time to manufacture a color filter. In addition, a printing method in which ink is directly printed on a substrate by an intaglio method, a relief printing method, a silk screen method, or the like is also known, but the printing method requires a very special technique.

On the other hand, an electrophotographic method is also known in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on a transparent photoconductive layer provided on a glass substrate, and a toner is applied to the electrostatic latent image to produce a color filter. In the electrophotographic method, a complicated process such as application of a photosensitive material is not performed, so that a color filter can be manufactured in a short time and at a low cost because almost no waste material is generated. Further, in Patent Document 4, a toner image is formed on a photosensitive member of a photosensitive drum by a charger, a latent image forming unit, and a developing unit arranged around the photosensitive drum, and a gap is formed between the photosensitive drum and the glass substrate. A printing apparatus that transfers toner on a photoreceptor to a glass substrate while being provided is disclosed. In such a printing apparatus, a color filter can be manufactured without forming a transparent photoconductive layer on a glass substrate.
JP-A-5-335205 JP 2003-84445 A JP 7-37773 A JP-T-2002-527783

  By the way, when an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photosensitive member of a photosensitive drum in electrophotography, it is generally emitted from an LED head having a light source in which a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged, or from a laser. A head that scans with laser light is used as a latent image forming unit. As dedicated LED heads, those that can form an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member at a resolution of 1200 dpi (dot per inch) are commercially available, but liquid crystal used in a display unit of a TV apparatus or a computer. In a display device or the like, since a color filter in which a plurality of pixels are arranged at a fine pitch is used, it is necessary to form an electrostatic latent image with higher resolution. Although it is technically possible to improve the resolution of the LED head (for example, 2400 dpi), the cost required for practical use increases. Further, it is possible to form an electrostatic latent image with a resolution of 5000 dpi by using a head that scans with laser light. However, such a head requires a long time to form an electrostatic latent image. End up. Furthermore, generally, the higher the resolution of the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor, the larger the size of the input drawing data, making it difficult to speed up the processing in the latent image forming unit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and by forming a high-precision electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member of a photosensitive drum efficiently, a high-precision toner image can be formed on a glass substrate at high speed. The purpose is that.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a toner image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on an object, and has a cylindrical photosensitive member having a rotation axis as a center and a photosensitive member that rotates around the rotation axis. A drum, a latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the charged photoconductor with light, a developing unit that applies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor, A transfer unit that transfers the toner to an object, and the latent image forming unit is provided between a light source unit, the light source unit and the photosensitive drum, and a plurality of light beams from the light source unit pass therethrough. A light passage area array arranged in parallel with the rotation axis, and moving the plurality of light passage areas in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum. An irradiation area of the light passing through the photosensitive member is defined as the photosensitive member. And a irradiation area moving means for moving in the same direction at the same speed as the moving surface.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the toner image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the mask portion has a cylindrical shape whose central axis is parallel to the rotation axis, and the light source portion is disposed therein. The irradiation region moving means is a rotation mechanism that rotates the cylindrical member around the central axis.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the toner image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the mask portion includes the light source portion disposed therein, and a plurality of light passage region arrays are arranged along the surface. It is a part of the formed annular belt, and the irradiation region moving means is a moving mechanism that circulates and moves the annular belt around a plurality of axes parallel to the rotation axis.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the toner image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the mask portion is a liquid crystal shutter array having a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged shutter elements, and the irradiation area moving means Is a drive control unit that performs ON / OFF control of each of the plurality of shutter elements.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the toner image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the light source unit emits slit light extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis toward the mask unit. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the toner image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the surface of the mask portion on the photoconductor side is insulative, and the mask portion is a slit from the light source portion. It abuts on the photosensitive member at a portion irradiated with light.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the toner image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the latent image forming unit emits light emitted from the light source unit and passed through the mask unit. It has a lens that leads to the photoconductor.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the toner image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in the region other than the light passage region of the mask portion, from the photosensitive member side to the mask portion. Reflection of incident light is prevented.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the toner image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the object is a filter base material of a color filter used in a display device, and the toner is A color toner which becomes a filter layer by being fixed on the filter base material.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is a toner image forming method for forming a toner image on an object, and a cylindrical photosensitive member centered on the rotation axis of a photosensitive drum that rotates about the rotation axis. A latent image forming step of forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the photosensitive member with light, a developing step of applying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member, and A transfer step of transferring the toner to an object, and in the latent image forming step, a plurality of light passage regions through which light from the light source portion passes are rotated between the light source portion and the photosensitive drum. A mask portion having a light passage region array arranged in parallel with the axis is provided, and the light passing through the light passage region row is moved by moving the plurality of light passage regions in synchronization with rotation of the photosensitive drum. The irradiation area on the photoconductor is the photoconductor At the same speed as the moving surface move in the same direction.

  According to the present invention, a highly accurate electrostatic latent image can be efficiently formed on a photoconductor, so that a highly accurate toner image can be formed on an object at high speed.

  In the inventions of claims 2 and 3, electrostatic latent images can be continuously formed on the photoreceptor, and in the invention of claim 4, electrostatic latent images formed on the photoreceptor can be easily formed. Can be changed.

  In the invention of claim 5, an electrostatic latent image can be accurately formed on the photosensitive member by preventing light from being irradiated to unnecessary portions on the mask portion. The electrostatic latent image can be formed on the photosensitive member with higher accuracy.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the photosensitive member with higher accuracy while separating the photosensitive member from the mask portion. In the eighth aspect of the invention, the photosensitive member side is moved to the mask portion. It is possible to prevent the quality of the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member from being deteriorated due to the reflection of incident light. In the invention of claim 9, the color filter can be manufactured in a short time.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a toner image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The toner image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment is an apparatus that forms a toner image on a glass substrate using electrophotography, and the toner image is fixed on the glass substrate via a fixing device (not shown) downstream. As a result, a color filter for a liquid crystal display device is manufactured. In practice, three toner image forming apparatuses 1 and fixing apparatuses corresponding to toners of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are provided in a row.

  The toner image forming apparatus 1 has a substrate moving mechanism 2 that horizontally moves the glass substrate 9 in the Y direction in FIG. 1, and a glass drum 9 that faces the glass substrate 9 on the substrate moving mechanism 2 and is electrophotographic. A process unit 3 for forming a color toner image of R, G or B is provided on the top.

  The substrate moving mechanism 2 has a plurality of transfer rollers 21 that extend horizontally in the X direction in FIG. 1 and are arranged in the Y direction. A motor is connected to a part of the plurality of transport rollers 21, and the lower surface of the glass substrate 9 (the main surface opposite to the process unit 3) is supported by the plurality of transport rollers 21 while the glass substrate 9 is in the Y direction. Move to. A transfer roller 22 is provided on the lower side of the glass substrate 9 at a position facing the process unit 3, and the toner (R, G, or B color toner) on the photosensitive drum of the process unit 3 is made of glass by the transfer roller 22. Transferred onto the substrate 9.

  The process unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum 31 connected to a motor (not shown) via a speed reducer, and the photosensitive drum 31 is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis J1 parallel to the X direction in FIG. The photosensitive drum 31 includes a drum body 311 that is formed of a metal such as aluminum and that has a rotation axis J1 as the center. The drum body 311 is electrically grounded. On the outer peripheral surface of the drum body 311, for example, a single layer type organic photoreceptor having a phthalocyanine pigment (hereinafter simply referred to as “photoreceptor 312”) is uniformly applied (or deposited). Note that the photoreceptor 312 may be formed of a material other than a single-layer organic photoreceptor having a phthalocyanine pigment.

  The process unit 3 further includes a charger 32 provided to face the photosensitive drum 31, and the charger 32 generates ions to charge the photoreceptor 312. The photosensitive drum 31 is formed on the photosensitive body 312 and the latent image forming unit 4 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive body 312 by emitting light for image formation clockwise from the charger 32. A developing unit 33 that develops by applying wet toner (for example, toner dispersed in an isoparaffin-based insulating solvent) to the electrostatic latent image, a cleaner 34 that cleans the surface of the photoreceptor 312, and light. A static eliminator 35 that emits and neutralizes the photoreceptor 312 is disposed. The developing unit 33 is connected to a toner supply unit (not shown) that supplies wet toner as a developer. The transfer roller 22 is provided between the developing unit 33 and the cleaner 34.

  FIG. FIG. 2A is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the latent image forming unit 4, and FIG. B is FIG. It is sectional drawing in the position shown by arrow AA in A. In addition, FIG. In B, a part of the photosensitive drum 31 is also illustrated. The latent image forming unit 4 is shown in FIG. A and FIG. B has a cylindrical cylindrical member 41 centering on a central axis J2 parallel to the X direction in B. The length of the cylindrical member 41 in the X direction is substantially the same as that of the photosensitive drum 31. FIG. As shown to A, the cylindrical member 41 is provided with a cylindrical cylindrical support portion 401 centering on the central axis J <b> 2 on each of the (+ X) side and the (−X) side of each cylindrical member 41. And is supported rotatably by a support rod 404 described later. A flange 403 is formed on the cylindrical member 41 side of each cylindrical support portion 401, and both end surfaces of the cylindrical member 41 are fixed to the flange 403 to support the cylindrical member 41.

  The latent image forming unit 4 is provided with a rotation mechanism 43 having a motor 431. A gear 432 is attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 431. The rotating gear 432 engages with a gear formed on the cylindrical support portion 401, and the cylindrical member 41 rotates about the central axis J2. The rotation mechanism 43 may be a mechanism that rotates the cylindrical support 401 via a belt. In addition, a light source unit 42 that emits light (continuous light) toward the photoconductor 312 is disposed inside the cylindrical member 41, and the light source unit 42 is supported on both sides in the X direction by support rods 404 through holes of the respective bearings 402. Supported by. The support bar 404 is fixed outside the cylindrical support part 401.

  FIG. As shown in B, the light source unit 42 includes a light source 421 such as a lamp or an LED array, and a light shielding box 422 in which the light source 421 is provided. A slit-like opening 423 that is elongated in the X direction is formed in a portion of the light shielding box 422 that faces the photosensitive drum 31, and slit-like light that extends in the X direction through the opening 423 (hereinafter simply referred to as “slit light”). Is emitted. The slit light is emitted toward a part of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41 located between the light source unit 42 and the photoconductor 312. The latent image forming unit 4 may be designed such that the inside of the support bar 404 is hollow and the light source 421 of the light source unit 42 is replaceable.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing a part of the longitudinal section of the cylindrical member 41, and FIG. 4 is a view showing a part of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41. As shown in FIG. 3, the cylindrical member 41 has a cylindrical transparent base material 411 formed of glass or resin, and a black light shielding material is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the transparent base material 411 with a light-shielding material. A pattern 412 (shown with parallel oblique lines in FIGS. 3 and 4) is formed. As shown in FIG. 4, the light shielding pattern 412 is formed so as to cover a region other than the plurality of arranged rectangular regions, and the light irradiated to the region of the light shielding pattern 412 among the slit light from the light source unit 42 is The light that is shielded and irradiated to the region (rectangular region) other than the light shielding pattern 412 is transmitted through the cylindrical member 41 and irradiated onto the photoconductor 312. That is, on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41, a plurality of openings (optical openings) 511 through which light from the light source unit 42 passes are formed, and the plurality of openings 511 arranged in a row in the X direction are used as the opening row 51. If it grasps | ascertains, it will be in the state by which the several opening row | line | column 51 was arranged in the circumferential direction with the fixed pitch along the outer peripheral surface. As shown in FIG. 3, when the length along the outer peripheral surface of each opening 511 is L1, and the width of the gap between two openings 511 adjacent to each other in this direction is L2, the length of the outer periphery of the cylindrical member 41 Is an integral multiple of (L1 + L2) (that is, ((L1 + L2) × n) where n is a natural number).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a flow of processing in which the toner image forming apparatus 1 forms a toner image on the glass substrate 9. Note that steps S12 to S15 in FIG. 5 show the flow of processing focusing on a part of the photoconductor 312, and the entire photoconductor 312 is actually performed substantially in parallel in time.

  In the toner image forming apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, first, the photosensitive drum 31 rotates at a constant speed clockwise around the rotation axis J1 (that is, the rotation direction indicated by the arrow 71 in FIGS. 1 and 2.B). The glass substrate 9 also starts to move in the (+ Y) direction at a constant speed (step S11). In the process unit 3, by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31, a cylindrical photosensitive member 312 centering on the rotation axis J <b> 1 is arranged around each peripheral configuration (that is, the charger 32, the latent image forming unit 4, the developing unit 33). , The cleaner 34 and the static eliminator 35) are continuously moved, and the processing on the photosensitive member 312 with these peripheral configurations is started. In the glass substrate 9 in the present embodiment, a grid-like black matrix is formed in advance on the upper surface (that is, the surface facing the process unit 3) by another apparatus.

  In the charger 32, charges are sequentially applied to a part of the photoreceptor 312 (hereinafter referred to as “target part”) that reaches the facing position, and the surface of the target part is uniformly charged (step S12). . The charged target portion continuously moves to the light irradiation position of the latent image forming unit 4.

  In the latent image forming unit 4, FIG. A rotating mechanism 43 shown in FIG. As shown in B, while the cylindrical member 41 is rotated counterclockwise around the central axis J2 (that is, the rotation direction indicated by the arrow 72 in FIG. Light is continuously applied to a portion of the cylindrical member 41 located between the light source unit 42 and the photosensitive drum 31. At this time, the rotation mechanism 43 is synchronized with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31 so that the linear velocity at the outer periphery of the cylindrical member 41 is equal to the linear velocity at the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 31 (tangential speed in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis). Then, the cylindrical member 41 is rotated.

  Here, when attention is paid to one opening row 51 on the cylindrical member 41 shown in FIG. 4 (hereinafter, referred to as “target opening row 51”), the target opening row 51 is turned into the light source unit 42 by the rotation of the cylindrical member 41. A region on the cylindrical member 41 irradiated with the slit light from (a part of the region 61 irradiated with the slit light is shown by a two-dot chain rectangle in FIG. 4, and the Y direction of this region 61 in FIG. , The light beam that has passed through each opening 511 of the aperture array 51 of interest faces the latent image forming unit 4 on the photoreceptor 312 (see FIG. 2). The target site is irradiated. Irradiation region on the photoconductor 312 of light that has passed through the aperture row 51 of interest (more precisely, on the photoconductor 312 that is irradiated with light that has passed through the plurality of apertures 511 included in the aperture row 51 of interest and aligned in the X direction) The set of a plurality of regions) is moved in the same direction at the same speed as the movement of the target portion of the photoconductor 312, and the irradiation region is continuously irradiated with light. Then, when the target aperture row 51 moves to the outside of the region 61, the irradiation of light onto the photoconductor 312 via the target aperture row 51 is stopped. In this way, while the target aperture row 51 is located in the region 61, the light that has passed through the target aperture row 51 is continuously emitted to the same region on the photoconductor 312, and a sufficient amount of light is applied to the region. Is granted.

  The portion of the target portion of the photoconductor 312 that is irradiated with light is removed by moving the surface charge into the photoconductor 312. In addition, since the charged state is maintained as it is in the portion that is not irradiated with light, an image (that is, an electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 312 (ie, an electrostatic latent image) (step S13).

  Actually, the plurality of opening rows 51 on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41 move relative to the region 61 relatively fixed to the light source unit 42, and each of the opening rows 51 included in the region 61. The position of the irradiation area of the light that has passed through the photosensitive member 312 is fixed relative to the photosensitive member 312. Accordingly, a portion of the cylindrical member 41 located between the light source unit 42 and the photosensitive drum 31 serves as a mask unit that partially blocks light, and on the photosensitive member 312 as the cylindrical member 41 rotates. The electrostatic latent image is continuously formed.

  At this time, even if a part of the light irradiated onto the photoconductor 312 is reflected toward the cylindrical member 41 side, the reflected light toward the area of the light shielding pattern 412 is absorbed and the light shielding pattern 412 is absorbed. The reflected light traveling toward the region where there is no light is guided to the inside of the cylindrical member 41. Therefore, it is possible to prevent light incident on the cylindrical member 41 from the photosensitive member 312 side from being reflected by the cylindrical member 41 and irradiating unnecessary portions on the photosensitive member 312 with light.

  The portion (target portion) where the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31 in FIG. 1 moves to a position facing the developing portion 33, and wet toner (into the solvent) is developed by the developing roller 331 upstream of the developing portion 33. Dispersed and charged toner) is applied to the electrostatic latent image (step S14). At this time, a predetermined voltage is applied to the developing roller 331, and the toner adheres only to a portion of the photosensitive member 312 where the charge has been removed, and the electrostatic latent image is developed. That is, a toner image is formed on the target portion of the photoreceptor 312.

  Unnecessary wet toner on the target site is scraped off by the squeegee roller 332 on the downstream side of the developing unit 33 and returned to the developing unit 33. The target portion on which the toner image is formed moves to the semiconductive sponge roller 333 provided on the downstream side of the developing unit 33. A voltage having the same polarity as the toner is applied to the center of the semiconductive sponge roller 333, and the toner at the target portion is pressed against the photoconductor 312 by an electric repulsive force while removing unnecessary solvent on the target portion.

  The target portion moves to a position facing the transfer roller 22, and a predetermined voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied to the transfer roller 22, so that the toner on the target portion of the photoreceptor 312 moves to the surface of the glass substrate 9. Transferred (step S15).

  The target portion continues to move to the position of the cleaner 34, and unnecessary materials such as toner remaining on the target portion of the photoreceptor 312 (that is, toner that has not been transferred to the glass substrate 9) are removed by the cleaner 34 to be exposed. The surface of the body 312 is cleaned, and the photoreceptor 312 is mechanically returned to the initial state. Then, light is irradiated by a combination of a lamp and a filter, or a static eliminator 35 having an LED or the like, so that the photosensitive member 312 is neutralized and is electrically returned to an initial state.

  When the processes in steps S12 to S15 are performed almost in parallel on the respective parts on the photoconductor 312 and the toner is continuously transferred onto the surface of the glass substrate 9, the printing on the entire glass substrate 9 is completed. Then, the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31 is stopped, the substrate moving mechanism 2 is stopped, and the printing process by the toner image forming apparatus 1 is finished (step S16). As a result, a toner image of one color is formed on the entire upper surface of the glass substrate 9.

  As described above, in practice, when three toner image forming apparatuses corresponding to the respective colors of R, G, and B are prepared and a toner image of one color is formed on the glass substrate 9, glass The substrate 9 is conveyed to the next toner image forming apparatus to form the next color toner image. As a result, R, G, and B toner images are formed on the glass substrate 9 by the three toner image forming apparatuses, and finally, the toner images are heated and melted by the fixing device and fixed on the glass substrate 9. The color filter is completed.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the color filter 8 manufactured using the toner image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the color filter 8. As shown in FIG. 6, the color filter 8 includes a filter base material 81 that is a glass substrate and a color filter layer 82 formed on the filter base material 81. The filter layer 82 has a group of three pixel elements of R, G, and B as one pixel, and a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged on the filter substrate 81. 6 and 7, the R pixel element is denoted by reference numeral 821R, the G pixel element is denoted by reference numeral 821G, and the B pixel element is denoted by reference numeral 821B.

  As described above, the black matrix 83 (see FIG. 7) having a mesh shape (see FIG. 7) that partitions each part of the filter layer 82 (that is, the pixel elements 821R, 821G, and 821B) on the filter substrate 81. And a plurality of R pixel elements 821R, a plurality of G pixel elements 821G, and a plurality of B pixel elements 821B are each formed with an R toner image. In the apparatus, the G toner image forming apparatus, and the B toner image forming apparatus, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 312 is developed with wet color toner of the color, and then the color on the photoreceptor 312 is developed. The toner is transferred to the glass substrate 9 and further fixed on the glass substrate 9 using heat. When the color filter 8 is used in a liquid crystal display device, a transparent insulating film (so-called overcoat) that entirely covers the filter layer 82 and the black matrix 83 is formed by another device, and is formed on the insulating film. A pattern of a transparent conductive layer (for example, ITO (Indium-Tin-Oxide)) is separately formed.

  As described above, in the latent image forming unit 4 of the toner image forming apparatus 1, the light source unit 42 is provided inside the cylindrical member 41 in which the plurality of opening rows 51 are arranged along the outer peripheral surface. While rotating in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31, the light emitted from the light source unit 42 is irradiated onto the photosensitive member 312 through a part of the opening row 51 of the rotating cylindrical member 41. At this time, the position of the irradiation region on the photoconductor 312 of the light that has passed through the aperture row 51 is fixed relative to the photoconductor 312, so that the photoconductor 312 has a high accuracy corresponding to the aperture row 51. An electrostatic latent image is formed efficiently and at high speed. As a result, the toner image forming apparatus 1 can form a high-precision toner image on the glass substrate 9 at a higher speed than when a latent image forming unit that scans a light spot from a light emitting diode or laser is provided. The color filter 8 can be manufactured in a short time.

  In the latent image forming unit 4, slit light extending in the X direction parallel to the rotation axis J <b> 1 from the light source unit 42 is part of the cylindrical member 41 positioned as a mask unit between the light source unit 42 and the photosensitive drum 31. Irradiated. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary portion of the cylindrical member 41 from being irradiated with light and to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 312 with high accuracy. Furthermore, even when light is incident on the cylindrical member 41 from the photosensitive member 312 side, for example, the light irradiated onto the photosensitive member 312 is reflected toward the cylindrical member 41 side, Since the light shielding pattern 412 serves as an antireflection layer for preventing reflection of light incident on a region other than the opening 511, the light incident on the cylindrical member 41 from the photosensitive member 312 side is reflected on the photosensitive member 312. It is possible to prevent the quality of the electrostatic latent image from being deteriorated (for example, the contrast is lowered).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the latent image forming unit. In the latent image forming unit 4a in FIG. 8, a transparent insulating layer 413 (indicated by a thick line in FIG. 8) that covers the light shielding pattern 412 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41. In addition, the cylindrical member 41 abuts on the photosensitive member 312 at a portion irradiated with the slit light from the light source unit 42, and light passing through each opening 511 (see FIG. 4) passes onto the photosensitive member 312 via the insulating layer 413. It is irradiated.

  Also in the toner image forming apparatus having the latent image forming unit 4a in FIG. 8, the linear velocity at the outer periphery of the cylindrical member 41 and the linear velocity at the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 31 are equalized as in the toner image forming apparatus 1 in FIG. Light is irradiated through the aperture row 51 to a portion on the photoreceptor 312 that moves in the same direction at the same speed while being in close contact with a part of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41. At this time, the surface of the cylindrical member 41 on the side of the photoconductor 312 (that is, the outer peripheral surface) is insulative, so that the charge of the charged photoconductor 312 is suppressed from being lost by the cylindrical member 41.

  Here, FIG. In the B latent image forming unit 4, a slight gap is provided between the cylindrical member 41 and the photosensitive drum 31, so that a certain limit is imposed on the shape accuracy of the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member 312. . On the other hand, in the latent image forming unit 4a, the cylindrical member 41 abuts on the photoconductor 312 at the portion irradiated with the slit light from the light source unit 42, so that the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor 312 with a simple structure. Can be formed with higher accuracy, and a highly accurate toner image can be formed on the glass substrate 9 in a short time. 8, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41 is made insulating by forming the insulating layer 413. However, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 41 is provided even when the insulating layer 413 is not provided. May have a sufficient insulating property, the insulating layer 413 may be omitted (the same applies when the annular belt 45 of the second embodiment described later is brought into contact with the photoreceptor 312).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing still another example of the latent image forming unit. In the latent image forming unit 4b of FIG. 9, a lens array 44 (for example, Selfoc lens array ((trade name): Nippon Sheet Glass) in which a plurality of lenses are arranged in the X direction between the cylindrical member 41 and the photoreceptor 312. The lens array 44 forms an image of the portion irradiated with the slit light on the cylindrical member 41 on the photosensitive member 312.

  Also in the toner image forming apparatus having the latent image forming unit 4b in FIG. 9, the opening row 51 (see FIG. 4) is exposed between the light source unit 42 and the photosensitive drum 31 like the toner image forming apparatus 1 in FIG. The drum 31 moves in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis J1 (see FIG. 1) of the drum 31 in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31. The light emitted from the light source unit 42 and passed through the aperture array 51 is guided onto the photoconductor 312 by the lens array 44, and the light irradiation area on the photoconductor 312 has the same speed as the movement of the surface of the photoconductor 312. To move in the same direction. Accordingly, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the photoconductor 312 with higher accuracy in a state where the photoconductor 312 and the cylindrical member 41 are separated from each other, and a highly accurate toner image can be formed on the glass substrate 9. It can be formed at high speed.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a latent image forming unit 4c according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the latent image forming unit 4c, FIG. A and FIG. An annular belt (hereinafter referred to as “annular belt”) 45 is provided instead of the cylindrical member 41 of the latent image forming unit 4 shown in FIG. In the latent image forming unit 4c, the annular belt 45 is hung on two rollers 451 and 452 that can rotate around central axes J3 and J4 parallel to the rotation axis J1 (see FIG. 1) of the photosensitive drum 31, respectively. The roller 451 has a transparent cylindrical shape formed of glass or resin, is provided in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 31, and a light source unit 42 is provided inside the roller 451 (hereinafter referred to as “cylindrical roller 451”). Be placed. The cylindrical roller 451 has the same structure as FIG. It is rotatably supported by the same configuration (cylindrical support 401, bearing 402 and flange 403) as that for the cylindrical member 41 of A, and is rotated about the central axis J3 by the rotation mechanism 43.

  The annular belt 45 has a transparent endless belt made of, for example, resin as a base material, and a plurality of openings are formed by providing a light shielding pattern on the surface of the endless belt. In the annular belt 45 as well, as in the cylindrical member 41 in FIG. 4, a plurality of openings arranged in the X direction are defined as an opening row, and the plurality of opening rows are arranged in the circumferential direction along the surface. Further, assuming that the length of each opening along the circumferential direction of the annular belt 45 is L3, and the width of the gap between two openings adjacent to each other in this direction is L4, the length of the annular belt 45 is an integral multiple of (L3 + L4). Is done. The width of the annular belt 45 in the X direction is substantially the same as that of the photosensitive drum 31.

  In the toner image forming apparatus having the latent image forming unit 4c shown in FIG. 10, the rotating mechanism 43 (see FIG. 2.A) rotates the cylindrical roller 451, so that the annular belt 45 moves around the cylindrical roller 451 and the roller 452. It moves cyclically via. Then, the slit light from the light source unit 42 is irradiated toward a part of the opening row of the annular belt 45 positioned between the light source unit 42 and the photoreceptor 312. At this time, the rotation mechanism 43 circulates and moves along the annular belt 45 in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31, so that the position of the irradiation region on the photosensitive member 312 of the light passing through the opening row on the annular belt 45 is changed to the photosensitive member. The electrostatic latent image is formed by being fixed relatively to the 312 and applying a sufficient amount of light on the photoreceptor 312. Actually, in the annular belt 45, a plurality of aperture rows are arranged along the surface, so that electrostatic latent images are continuously formed on the photosensitive member 312.

  Further, in a region other than the opening of the annular belt 45, reflection of light incident on the annular belt 45 from the photoreceptor 312 side is prevented, and the quality of the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 312 is reduced. Is prevented. Then, toner is applied to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 312 by the developing unit 33 to form a toner image on the photoreceptor 312, and the toner image on the photoreceptor 312 is transferred to the glass substrate 9 (FIG. 1). reference).

  In this manner, the toner images of the respective colors are formed on the glass substrate 9 by the toner image forming apparatuses for the respective colors R, G, and B, and the color filter is completed by passing through the fixing device.

  As described above, in the toner image forming apparatus having the latent image forming unit 4 c in FIG. 10, the annular belt 45 in which the light source unit 42 is disposed is provided, and the rotating mechanism 43 synchronizes with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31. The annular belt 45 circulates and moves around a plurality of central axes J3 and J4 parallel to the rotation axis J1 of the photosensitive drum 31. As a result, the portion of the annular belt 45 located between the light source unit 42 and the photosensitive drum 31 serves as a mask unit that partially blocks light, and the light that has passed through the aperture row is irradiated on the photosensitive member 312. The region moves in the same direction at the same speed as the movement of the surface of the photoconductor 312, and a highly accurate electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor 312 efficiently and at high speed. As a result, the toner image forming apparatus having the latent image forming unit 4c can form a highly accurate toner image on the glass substrate 9 at high speed.

  Further, in the latent image forming unit 4c of FIG. 10, similarly to the latent image forming unit 4a of FIG. 8, an insulating layer is formed on the surface of the annular belt 45 on the photoconductor 312 side (that is, the outer side). However, the electrostatic latent image may be formed on the photosensitive member 312 with high accuracy by contacting the photosensitive member 312 at the portion irradiated with the slit light from the light source unit 42. Further, similarly to the latent image forming unit 4b in FIG. 9, a lens array 44 is provided between the photoconductor 312 and the photoconductor 312 is more accurately separated while separating the photoconductor 312 and the latent image forming unit 4c. An electrostatic latent image may be formed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a latent image forming unit 4d according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the latent image forming unit 4d, a liquid crystal shutter array 46 to which a drive control unit 47 is connected is provided between the light source unit 42 and the photoreceptor 312.

  The liquid crystal shutter array 46 has a plurality of minute shutter elements arranged two-dimensionally, and ON / OFF control using the liquid crystal of each of the plurality of shutter elements is performed by the drive control unit 47. Each shutter element is in a state of transmitting light emitted from the light source unit 42 when turned on, and is in a state of shielding light when turned off. Then, by turning on only the shutter elements included in each of the plurality of rectangular regions assumed on the shutter element array, a plurality of openings (optical) corresponding to the openings 511 in FIG. Typical openings) are formed. An antireflection layer is formed on the entire surface of the liquid crystal shutter array 46 on the photoconductor 312 side to prevent reflection of light incident on the liquid crystal shutter array 46 from the photoconductor 312 side. The liquid crystal shutter array 46 has substantially the same length as the photosensitive drum 31 in the X direction in FIG.

  In the toner image forming apparatus having the latent image forming unit 4 d shown in FIG. 11, when a toner image is formed on the glass substrate 9, the positions of the plurality of openings in the liquid crystal shutter array 46 are synchronized with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31. While moving, the liquid crystal shutter array 46 is irradiated with slit light.

  FIG. A and FIG. Each of B is a view showing a part of a plurality of openings 521 formed in the liquid crystal shutter array 46. Actually, in the liquid crystal shutter array 46, a large number of openings 521 are arranged in the X direction. In addition, FIG. A and FIG. In B, a part of the region 63 irradiated with the slit light from the light source unit 42 on the liquid crystal shutter array 46 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  When the drive control unit 47 performs ON / OFF control of each shutter element of the liquid crystal shutter array 46, FIG. As shown in A, the liquid crystal shutter array 46 includes a plurality of openings 521 arranged in the X direction as opening lines 52, and the plurality of opening lines 52 are arranged at a constant pitch in the Y direction. FIG. When attention is paid to the (+ Y) side opening row denoted by reference numeral 52a in A, the opening row 52a continuously moves in the (−Y) direction at a constant speed under the control of the drive control unit 47, and after a predetermined time has elapsed. FIG. It reaches the position shown in B. Thereafter, the liquid crystal further moves in the (−Y) direction at the same speed, and disappears in order from the (−Y) side portion of the opening row 52 a in the (−Y) side portion of the liquid crystal shutter array 46. In parallel with this, a plurality of aperture rows 52 sequentially appear at regular intervals in the (+ Y) side portion of the liquid crystal shutter array 46. With the above operation, the plurality of aperture rows 52 continuously move in the (−Y) direction at a constant speed.

  At this time, on the liquid crystal shutter array 46, the light emitted from the light source unit 42 is transmitted through the apertures 521 of the aperture rows 52 included in the region 63 and is irradiated onto the photoconductor 312. In the regions other than the apertures 521, Light is blocked. In addition, the plurality of aperture rows 52 on the liquid crystal shutter array 46 are arranged so that the irradiation area of the light passing through each aperture row 52 on the photoconductor 312 moves in the same direction at the same speed as the movement of the surface on the photoconductor 312. Is controlled in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31, a sufficient amount of light is applied to the irradiation region, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive member 312. Then, toner is applied to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 312 by the developing unit 33 to form a toner image on the photosensitive member 312, and the toner image on the photosensitive member 312 is transferred to the glass substrate 9 to be transferred to the glass substrate 9. A toner image is formed on the top (see FIG. 1).

  In this manner, the toner images of the respective colors are formed on the glass substrate 9 by the toner image forming apparatuses for the respective colors R, G, and B, and the color filter is completed by passing through the fixing device.

  As described above, the latent image forming unit 4d in FIG. 11 is provided with the liquid crystal shutter array 46 having a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged shutter elements, and the light from the light source unit 42 passes through the liquid crystal shutter array 46. An opening row 52 is formed in which the openings 521 are arranged in parallel to the rotation axis J1 of the photosensitive drum 31. Then, by moving the aperture row 52 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis J <b> 1 in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31, the irradiation area on the photoconductor 312 of the light passing through the aperture row 52 is directed to the photoconductor 312. Light is continuously irradiated to the irradiation region while being relatively fixed, and a highly accurate electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive member 312 efficiently and at high speed. As a result, the toner image forming apparatus having the latent image forming unit 4d can form a highly accurate toner image on the glass substrate 9 in a short time.

  Further, in the latent image forming unit 4d of FIG. 11, since the drive control unit 47 can freely control ON / OFF of each shutter element of the liquid crystal shutter array 46, the arrangement of a plurality of openings in the liquid crystal shutter array 46 is illustrated. 12 A and FIG. It is possible to make it different from B or to make the shape of each opening different. As a result, the latent image forming unit 4d can easily change the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 312 without replacing the components. Similarly to the latent image forming unit 4b in FIG. 9, the latent image forming unit 4d in FIG. 11 is provided with a lens array 44 between the photosensitive member 312 and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive member 312 with higher accuracy. May be.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

  In the first to third embodiments, the toner image on the photoreceptor 312 is directly transferred to the glass substrate 9. However, the toner image on the photoreceptor 312 may be indirectly transferred to the glass substrate 9. . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a toner image forming apparatus 1a according to another example. In the toner image forming apparatus 1 a, an intermediate transfer body 23 to which the toner image on the photosensitive drum 31 is transferred is provided, and the toner image is transferred onto the glass substrate 9 through the intermediate transfer body 23. Specifically, the intermediate transfer member 23 is an annular belt, and the intermediate transfer member 23 contacts the portion of the photosensitive drum 31 where the toner image is formed. Then, the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 312 by the latent image forming unit 4 and the developing unit 33 is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 23 circulated by the intermediate transfer roller 231 and sent to the glass substrate 9 to be transferred to the transfer roller. The voltage is applied between the intermediate transfer member 23 and the glass substrate 9 by 22, and the toner on the intermediate transfer member 23 is transferred to the glass substrate 9. The unnecessary toner on the intermediate transfer body 23 after the transfer is removed by the cleaner 24. As described above, in the toner image forming apparatus 1 a, not only the transfer roller 22 but also the intermediate transfer member 23 and the intermediate transfer roller 231 function as a transfer unit, and the toner on the photosensitive member 312 is once transferred to the intermediate transfer member 23. Transferred to the glass substrate 9.

  In the first embodiment, a shielding pattern may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical transparent substrate 411 in the cylindrical member 41 of FIG. That is, in the cylindrical member 41, a plurality of aperture rows are arranged along the side surface, so that electrostatic latent images can be continuously formed on the photoreceptor 312.

  In the first and second embodiments, the light shielding pattern on the cylindrical member 41 or the annular belt 45 prevents reflection of light incident from the photosensitive member 312 side. Similarly to the liquid crystal shutter array 46 in the third embodiment, an antireflection layer is formed on the entire surface on the photoconductor 312 side, so that deterioration of the quality of the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 312 is prevented. Good.

  In the first and second embodiments, the plurality of openings formed in the cylindrical member 41 or the annular belt 45 form physical openings in a base material formed of, for example, a light-shielding material. May be realized. In the first to third embodiments, the opening formed by the cylindrical member 41, the annular belt 45, or the liquid crystal shutter array 46 transmits only light having a specific wavelength emitted from the light source unit. It may be a thing. That is, in the toner image forming apparatus, in the cylindrical member 41 or the annular belt 45 (to be exact, a part thereof functions as a mask portion at any time) or the liquid crystal shutter array 46 serving as a mask portion, the light source portion 42 is used. The formation of an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 312 is realized by forming a plurality of light passage regions through which light from the light passes.

  An object to be processed in the toner image forming apparatus may be a substrate other than the glass substrate 9 such as a semiconductor substrate or a printed wiring board, and may be other than a substrate such as a printing paper or a film. . However, a regular repeating pattern is formed on a member (cylindrical member 41, annular belt 45, or liquid crystal shutter array 46) serving as a mask portion in the toner image forming apparatus (in consideration of cyclic movement). Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment, a light passage region row in which a plurality of light passage regions through which the light from the light source unit 42 passes is arranged in parallel to the rotation axis J1 of the photosensitive drum 31 is formed. It can be said that it is especially preferable to utilize for manufacture of a filter. In this case, the object to be processed in the toner image forming apparatus may be, for example, a transparent insulating film other than the glass substrate 9. In addition to the color filter for liquid crystal display devices, color filters for other display devices may be manufactured.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a toner image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows a latent image formation part. It is sectional drawing which shows a latent image formation part. It is a figure which shows a part of longitudinal section of a cylindrical member. It is a figure which shows a part of outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical member. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process which forms the image of a toner on a glass substrate. It is sectional drawing which shows a color filter. It is a top view which shows a color filter. It is a figure which shows the other example of a latent image formation part. It is a figure which shows the further another example of a latent image formation part. It is a figure which shows the latent image formation part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the latent image formation part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the some opening formed in a liquid-crystal shutter array. It is a figure which shows the some opening formed in a liquid-crystal shutter array. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a toner image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1a Toner image forming apparatus 4,4a-4d Latent image formation part 8 Color filter 9 Glass substrate 22 Transfer roller 23 Intermediate transfer body 31 Photosensitive drum 33 Developing part 41 Cylindrical member 42 Light source part 43 Rotation mechanism 44 Lens array 45 Ring belt 46 Liquid Crystal Shutter Array 47 Drive Control Unit 51, 52 Opening Row 81 Filter Base Material 82 Filter Layer 312 Photosensitive Element 412 Light-shielding Pattern 511, 521 Opening J1 Rotating Axis J2-J4 Central Axis S13-S15 Steps

Claims (10)

A toner image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on an object,
A photosensitive drum having a cylindrical photosensitive member centered on the rotation axis and rotating about the rotation axis;
A latent image forming portion that forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the charged photoreceptor with light;
A developing unit for applying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor;
A transfer portion for transferring the toner on the photoconductor to an object;
With
The latent image forming unit is
A light source unit;
A mask portion provided between the light source portion and the photosensitive drum and having a light passage region row in which a plurality of light passage regions through which light from the light source portion passes are arranged in parallel to the rotation axis;
By moving the plurality of light passage areas in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum, the irradiation area on the photoreceptor of the light passing through the light passage area array is moved at the same speed as the movement of the surface of the photoreceptor. Irradiation area moving means moving in the same direction;
A toner image forming apparatus comprising: The toner image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
A part of a cylindrical member in which the mask portion has a cylindrical shape whose central axis is parallel to the rotation axis, the light source portion is disposed therein, and a plurality of light passage region rows are arranged along the side surface And
The toner image forming apparatus, wherein the irradiation area moving means is a rotation mechanism that rotates the cylindrical member about the central axis. The toner image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The mask portion is a part of an annular belt in which the light source portion is disposed and a plurality of light passing region rows are arranged along the surface,
The toner image forming apparatus, wherein the irradiation region moving means is a moving mechanism that circulates the annular belt around a plurality of axes parallel to the rotation axis. The toner image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The mask portion is a liquid crystal shutter array having a plurality of shutter elements arranged two-dimensionally,
The toner image forming apparatus, wherein the irradiation area moving unit is a drive control unit that performs ON / OFF control of each of the plurality of shutter elements. The toner image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
A toner image forming apparatus, wherein the light source unit emits slit light extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis toward the mask unit. The toner image forming apparatus according to claim 5,
The surface of the mask portion on the photoreceptor side has an insulating property,
The toner image forming apparatus, wherein the mask portion is in contact with the photosensitive member at a portion irradiated with slit light from the light source portion. The toner image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The toner image forming apparatus, wherein the latent image forming unit includes a lens that guides light emitted from the light source unit and passed through the mask unit onto the photosensitive member. A toner image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A toner image forming apparatus, wherein reflection of light incident on the mask portion from the photosensitive member side is prevented in a region other than the light passage region of the mask portion. The toner image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The object is a filter base material of a color filter used for a display device,
A toner image forming apparatus, wherein the toner is a color toner that becomes a filter layer by being fixed on the filter substrate. A toner image forming method for forming a toner image on an object,
A latent image forming step of forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the photosensitive member with light after charging a cylindrical photosensitive member centered on the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum rotating about the rotational axis; ,
A developing step of applying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor;
A transfer step of transferring the toner on the photoreceptor to an object;
With
In the latent image forming step, a mask portion having a light passage region row in which a plurality of light passage regions through which light from the light source portion passes is arranged in parallel with the rotation axis between the light source portion and the photosensitive drum. By moving the plurality of light passage areas in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum, the irradiation area on the photoreceptor of the light passing through the light passage area row is changed with the movement of the surface of the photoreceptor. A toner image forming method characterized by moving in the same direction at the same speed.

Images