JP2009190366A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of removing liquid recipient particles remaining on an intermediate transfer body. <P>SOLUTION: A heater 60 blows hot air to ink-recipient particles 16 which remain on an intermediate transfer belt 12, without being transferred to a sheet material P and are conveyed toward a cleaning blade 28. Thus, moisture is removed from the ink-recipient particles 16. Further, the cleaning blade 28 removes the ink-recipient particles 16 whose moisture is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 12. The moisture is removed from the ink-recipient particles in the method, so that many ink-recipient particles 16 remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12 can be removed therefrom. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a droplet discharge head that discharges droplets.

  In Patent Document 1, liquid receptive particles are supplied in a layer form on an intermediate transfer member, and droplets are ejected from a nozzle provided in a liquid droplet ejecting head to the liquid receptive particle layer to form an image. An image forming apparatus for transferring a layer on which an image is formed to a recording medium is described.

  Further, this image forming apparatus describes a removal roller that removes liquid-receptive particles that have not been transferred to a recording medium and remained on the intermediate transfer member from the intermediate transfer member.

Specifically, the removing roller is configured to remove liquid-receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member while being driven to rotate in contact with the intermediate transfer member.
JP 2001-10224 A

  However, if the adhesive force of the remaining liquid-receptive particles is strong, the liquid-receptive particles remain attached to the removing roller, so that it is considered that the liquid-receptive particles cannot be satisfactorily removed from the intermediate transfer member.

  An object of the present invention is to remove the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member in consideration of the above fact.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that supplies liquid receptive particles that receive droplets in a layer form on an intermediate transfer body, and is supplied onto the intermediate transfer body by the particle supply apparatus. A liquid droplet ejection head for ejecting liquid droplets from the nozzle to the liquid receptive particle layer; a transfer member for transferring the liquid receptive particle layer from which the liquid droplets have been ejected by the liquid droplet ejection head; A fixing member that fixes the layer of the liquid receptive particles transferred to the recording medium by the transfer member to the recording medium, and removes moisture from the liquid receptive particles that remain on the intermediate transfer body without being transferred to the recording medium. And a cleaning member that removes the liquid receptive particles from which the moisture has been removed by the moisture removing unit from the intermediate transfer member.

  According to the above configuration, the particle supply means supplies the liquid receptive particles that receive the droplets in a layered manner on the intermediate transfer member. Further, droplets are ejected from the nozzle of the droplet ejection head onto the layer of liquid receptive particles on the intermediate transfer member, and an image is formed on the layer of liquid receptive particles.

  In addition, the transfer member transfers the layer of liquid receptive particles from which droplets are discharged by the droplet discharge head to the recording medium, and the fixing member fixes the layer of liquid receptive particles transferred to the recording medium to the recording medium. .

  On the other hand, the moisture removing means removes moisture from the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer body without being transferred to the recording medium. The cleaning member removes the liquid receptive particles from which the moisture has been removed by the moisture removing means from the intermediate transfer member.

  Here, the adhesive force of the liquid-receptive particles from which moisture has been removed is smaller than the adhesive force between the liquid-receptive particles retaining moisture and the intermediate transfer member.

  For this reason, the cleaning member can remove many liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member as compared with the case where the moisture of the liquid receptive particles is not removed.

  The image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the moisture removing unit heats the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member to remove water from the liquid receptive particles. It is a heater.

  According to the above configuration, the heater that is the moisture removing unit heats the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member to remove the water from the liquid receptive particles. In this way, it is possible to remove the moisture of the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member using a versatile heater.

  The image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the moisture removing unit irradiates the liquid-receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer body with microwaves to irradiate water from the liquid-receptive particles. It is characterized by being a microwave heating device for removing water.

  According to the above configuration, the microwave heating device removes moisture from the liquid receptive particles by irradiating the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer body with microwaves. That is, only the liquid receptive particles having moisture can be heated to remove the water from the liquid receptive particles.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that supplies liquid receptive particles that receive droplets in a layer form on the intermediate transfer member, and is supplied onto the intermediate transfer member by the particle supply device. A liquid droplet ejection head for ejecting liquid droplets from the nozzle to the liquid receptive particle layer; a transfer member for transferring the liquid receptive particle layer from which the liquid droplets have been ejected by the liquid droplet ejection head to a recording medium; A fixing member for fixing the layer of liquid receptive particles transferred to the recording medium by the transfer member to the recording medium; and the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer body without being transferred to the recording medium. Receiving means for receiving from the body; moisture removing means for removing moisture from the liquid receptive particles received by the receiving means; and receiving liquid accepting particles from which moisture has been removed by the moisture removing means. Ku and the cleaning member, and having a.

  According to the above configuration, the particle supply means supplies the liquid receptive particles that receive the droplets in a layered manner on the intermediate transfer member. Further, droplets are ejected from the nozzle of the droplet ejection head onto the layer of liquid receptive particles on the intermediate transfer member, and an image is formed on the layer of liquid receptive particles.

  In addition, the transfer member transfers the layer of liquid receptive particles from which droplets are discharged by the droplet discharge head to the recording medium, and the fixing member fixes the layer of liquid receptive particles transferred to the recording medium to the recording medium. .

  On the other hand, the receiving means receives the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member without being transferred to the recording medium from the intermediate transfer member. The moisture removing means removes moisture from the liquid receptive particles received by the receiving means. Further, the cleaning member removes the liquid receptive particles from which moisture has been removed by the moisture removing unit from the receiving unit.

  Therefore, for example, when the cleaning member is a blade or the like that removes liquid-receptive particles remaining in contact with the object from the object, the liquid-receptive particles can be removed without damaging the intermediate transfer member.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the receiving means is a roller member that rotates in contact with the intermediate transfer member, and the roller member is the intermediate transfer member. The liquid receptive particles remaining from the water are received, and the cleaning member removes the liquid receptive particles from which moisture has been removed by the moisture removing means from the roller member.

  According to the above configuration, the roller member receives the liquid receptive particles remaining from the intermediate transfer member, and the cleaning member removes the liquid receptive particles from which the water has been removed by the water removing unit from the roller member.

  In this way, the remaining liquid receptive particles can be received using the intermediate transfer member and the roller member that is driven to rotate.

  The image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the receiving means is a rotatable roller member, and the roller member is in contact with the intermediate transfer member and rotated in a driven manner. And a moving means for moving to a second position separated from the intermediate transfer member and in contact with the clean member, and the liquid remaining on the intermediate transfer member by the roller member moved to the first position. The cleaning member receives the receptive particles, and the cleaning member removes the liquid receptive particles from which the water has been removed by the water removing unit from the roller member moved to the second position.

  According to the above configuration, the receiving means is a roller member, and the moving means is a first position where the roller member is in contact with the intermediate transfer member and is rotated by rotation, and the second position is spaced apart from the intermediate transfer member and is in contact with the clean member. Move to position.

  The roller member moved to the first position by the moving means receives the liquid-receptive particles remaining from the intermediate transfer member by being driven to rotate with the intermediate transfer member. Further, the roller member moved to the second position by the moving means is in contact with the cleaning member.

  Further, the moisture removing means removes moisture from the liquid receptive particles received by the roller member from the intermediate transfer member. Further, the cleaning member removes the liquid receptive particles from which moisture has been removed by the moisture removing means from the roller member.

  For example, when the water removing unit heats the liquid receptive particles to remove the water from the liquid receptive particles, the water removing unit is liquid when the roller member moves to the second position separated from the intermediate transfer member. Heating the receptive particles prevents heat from escaping to the intermediate transfer member. For this reason, water can be efficiently removed from the liquid receptive particles.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member can be removed.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(overall structure)
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, an intermediate transfer belt 12 as an endless belt-like intermediate transfer member, and a charging device 36 that charges the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. A particle supplying device 18 for supplying ink receiving particles 16 as liquid receiving particles to a charged region on the intermediate transfer belt 12 to form an ink receiving particle layer 16A; and an ink on the ink receiving particle layer 16A. An ink receiving head in which ink droplets are ejected onto the sheet material P by applying pressure or the like by superimposing a sheet material P as a recording medium on the intermediate transfer belt 12 and an inkjet recording head 20 that ejects droplets to form an image. The ink receptive particle layer 16A is fixed to the sheet material P by applying heat to the transfer member 22 for transferring the receptive particle layer 16A and the ink receptive particle layer 16A. That the fixing member 14, a cassette 24 for accommodating a plurality of sheets P, the sheet material P is configured to include a discharge tray 34 is discharged.

  Further, a cleaning blade 28 is provided downstream of the transfer member 22 as a cleaning member that removes the ink receiving particles 16 remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 from the intermediate transfer belt 12 in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 12. ing. The cleaning blade 28 has a plate shape made of an elastic material such as polyurethane.

  In addition, a heater 60 is provided between the cleaning blade 28 and the transfer member 22 as a moisture removing unit that removes moisture from the ink receiving particles 16 that are not transferred to the sheet material P and remain on the intermediate transfer belt 12. ing. Details of the heater 60 will be described later.

  Next, each device will be described.

(Intermediate transfer belt)
The intermediate transfer belt 12 includes a base layer of a conductive polyimide film having a thickness of 1 mm, and a surface layer of PFA fluororesin (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer) on the base layer. It is configured. That is, by providing the surface with PFA fluororesin, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 has low surface energy that improves releasability.

(Charging device)
The charging device 36 is formed in a roller shape, and is rotated in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 12. Further, a conveyance roller 32 connected to the ground is provided at a position facing the charging device 36 with the intermediate transfer belt 12 interposed therebetween.

  When electric power is applied to the charging device 36, a voltage is applied between the charging device 36 and the conveying roller 32, and a positive charge is charged on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12.

Specifically, in the charging device 36, an elastic layer (foamed urethane resin) in which a conductivity-imparting material is dispersed is formed on a rod-shaped outer peripheral surface made of stainless steel, and the volume resistivity is 10 ⁶ Ω · cm or more and 10 ^8. It is a roller-shaped member adjusted to about Ω · cm or less.

  Furthermore, the surface of the elastic layer is coated with a water / oil repellent coating layer (for example, composed of a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA)) having a thickness of 5 μm to 100 μm.

  Further, a DC power source is connected to the charging device 36, and the transport roller 32 is electrically connected to the frame ground. The charging device 36 is driven to rotate while the intermediate transfer belt 12 is sandwiched between the charging roller 32 and a predetermined potential difference is generated between the grounded conveying roller 32 and the charging device 36. For this reason, a charge can be given to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. In this embodiment, the charging device 36 applies a voltage of 1 kv, for example, to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 to charge the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. The charging device 36 may be composed of a corotron or the like.

(Particle supply device)
The particle supply device 18 includes a supply roller 18A at a portion facing the intermediate transfer belt 12, and a charging blade 18B that presses the ink receiving particles 16 against the supply roller 18A and negatively charges the ink receiving particles 16. Is provided. Further, the charging blade 18B comes into contact with the supply roller 18A by a doctor blade method, and has a function of regulating the layer thickness of the ink receiving particles 16 supplied to the surface of the supply roller 18A.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the supply roller 18A is a solid aluminum roller, and the charging blade 18B is a metal plate (such as SUS) on which urethane rubber is attached to apply pressure. .

  With this configuration, the ink receiving particles 16 charged by the charging blade 18B are transported to a portion facing the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the supply roller 18A. Then, the negatively charged ink receiving particles 16 move to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 by an electric field formed by the potential difference between the supply roller 18A and the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. Thus, the ink receiving particle layer 16A is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 12. The charging blade 18B also has a function of regulating the layer thickness of the ink receiving particles 16 supplied to the surface of the supply roller 18A.

(Inkjet recording head)
The inkjet recording head 20 includes an inkjet recording head 20Y that ejects yellow ink droplets, an inkjet recording head 20M that ejects magenta ink droplets, an inkjet recording head 20C that ejects cyan ink droplets, and a black ink droplet. It includes an inkjet recording head 20K that discharges, and an inkjet recording head 20F that discharges transparent droplets that impart adhesiveness to the ink receiving particle layer 16A.

  These ink jet recording heads 20 are driven by piezoelectric (piezo), thermal, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ink jet recording head 20 that applies ink droplets to the ink receiving particle layer 16 </ b> A (see FIG. 3) based on image information supplies nozzles 40 that eject ink droplets and ink to the nozzles 40. The supply flow path 42 is provided.

  Specifically, the nozzle 40 is provided on the nozzle surface 44A of the nozzle plate 44 formed of polyimide resin, and the supply flow path 42 is formed by opening a plurality of laminated plates 46.

  Further, a counterbore plate 48 made of SUS provided with a circular hole having a diameter larger than that of the nozzle 40 is laminated on the nozzle plate 44. The counterbore plate 48 and the nozzle surface 44A opened from the opening of the counterbore plate 48 are provided with a fluororesin coat 50 as a water repellent layer.

  In addition to the fluororesin coat 50, examples of the water repellent layer include a silicone-based water repellent film, a plasma polymerization protective film, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nickel eutectoid plating.

  Examples of the fluororesin coat 50 include a tetrafluoroethylene-6 fluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), a tetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE), and a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer resin (PFA). ), Fluorine-based resins such as vinylidene fluoride resin and vinyl fluoride resin.

(Transfer member)
As shown in FIG. 3, the transfer member 22 is provided with a transfer roller 22 </ b> A and a driven roller 22 </ b> B that sandwich the sheet material P via the intermediate transfer belt 12. The transfer roller 22A incorporates a heating source, and the driven roller 22B is pressurized toward the transfer roller 22A via the intermediate transfer belt 12 and the sheet material P.

  For the transfer roller 22A and the driven roller 22B, for example, a material in which the outer surface of an aluminum core is coated with silicone rubber and further coated with PFA fluororesin can be used.

  With this configuration, when the ink receiving particle layer 16A on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred to the sheet material P by the transfer member 22 or by heating and pressurization, the ink receiving particle layer on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred. The ink receiving particle layer 16A is attached to the sheet material P by increasing the viscosity of the ink receiving particle layer 16A by applying heat to the 16A and holding and conveying the sheet material P in a state where pressure is applied. . Thus, the ink receiving particle layer 16A on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred to the sheet material P.

  The ink receiving particle layer 16A is transferred to the sheet material P by increasing the viscosity of the ink receiving particle layer 16 constituting the ink receiving particle layer 16A by heat in this way. For example, the embossed paper is used as the sheet material P. Even when paper having irregularities on the surface thereof is used, the ink receptive particle layer 16A can be satisfactorily transferred to the sheet material P.

  In addition, as the sheet material P, any of a permeable medium (for example, plain paper, inkjet-coated paper, etc.) and a non-penetrable medium (for example, art paper, resin film, etc.) can be applied. Further, the sheet material P is not limited to these, and includes other industrial products such as semiconductor substrates.

(Fixing member)
The fixing member 14 includes a heating roller 14A having a built-in heating source, and a pressure roller 14B provided to face the heating roller 14A. The sheet material P is formed by the heating roller 14A and the pressure roller 14B. Is nipped and conveyed.

  In the present embodiment, the surface of the heating roller 14A is controlled at 160 ° C. Further, the ink liquid component (solvent or dispersion medium) held in the ink receiving particle layer 16A is held in the ink receiving particle layer 16A as it is even after transfer / fixing.

  For the heating roller 14A and the pressure roller 14B, for example, an outer surface of an aluminum core covered with silicone rubber and further coated with a PFA fluororesin can be used.

  With this configuration, the sheet material P on which the ink receptive particle layer 16A is formed is nipped and conveyed by the heating roller 14A and the pressure roller 14B, thereby passing through a region between the heating roller 14A and the pressure roller 14B. The organic resin constituting the ink receptive particle layer 16A is softened (or melted) by being heated to a glass transition point (Tg) or higher, and pressure is applied to the ink receptive particle layer on the sheet material P. 16A is fixed.

(heater)
As shown in FIG. 1, a heater 60 that removes moisture from the ink receiving particles 16 that are not transferred to the sheet material P and remain on the intermediate transfer belt 12 includes a heat generating member 62 (for example, an infrared heater) that generates heat. A fan 64 that blows air heated by the heat generating member 62 onto the ink receiving particles 16 and a housing 66 that stores them are configured.

  Specifically, the housing 66 is provided with an opening 66A directed to the intermediate transfer belt 12, and the air heated by the heat generating member 62 by rotating the fan 64 causes the opening 66A to be opened. Passing through the intermediate transfer belt 12. Accordingly, the moisture is removed from the ink receiving particles 16 remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12.

  The heater 60 of the present embodiment is provided with a temperature sensor (not shown) so as to blow hot air having a predetermined temperature onto the intermediate transfer belt 12. The temperature is determined based on the hot air irradiation area, the belt speed, and the like so that the ink receiving particles 16 do not exceed the melting point.

(Action / Effect)
Next, the operation of forming an image on the sheet material P with the above configuration will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, the intermediate transfer belt 12 is rotated by a driving force (not shown). Further, when electric power is applied to the charging device 36, a voltage is applied between the charging device 36 and the conveying roller 32, and a positive charge is charged on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12.

  An ink receptive particle layer 16 </ b> A of the negatively charged ink receptive particles 16 supplied from the particle supply device 18 is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 on which a positive charge is formed on the surface by the charging device 36. .

  Further, on the ink receiving particle layer 16A formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12, ink droplets of each color from the ink jet recording head 20, that is, 20K, 20C, 20M, 20Y, and 20F, and the ink receiving particle layer 16A. Transparent droplets imparting adhesive properties are ejected to form a color image.

  Further, the ink receiving particle layer 16 </ b> A on which the color image is formed is conveyed by the intermediate transfer belt 12. Further, the ink receptive particle layer 16 </ b> A is transferred together with the color image by the transfer member 22 to the sheet material P transported from the cassette 24 by the transport roller 26.

  The fixing member 14 sandwiches and conveys the sheet material P to which the ink receptive particle layer 16A has been transferred. As a result, the ink receptive particle layer 16A is fixed to the sheet material P, and the sheet material P on which the color image is fixed is discharged to the discharge tray 34.

  On the other hand, particles remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12 without being transferred to the sheet material P are conveyed toward the cleaning blade 28.

  The heater 60 disposed between the transfer member 22 and the cleaning blade 28 is not transferred to the sheet material P but remains on the intermediate transfer belt 12 and is transferred to the ink receiving particles 16 conveyed toward the cleaning blade 28. Spray. Thereby, moisture is removed from the ink receiving particles 16.

  Further, the cleaning blade 28 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 12 and removes the ink receiving particles 16 from which moisture has been removed by the heater 60 from the intermediate transfer belt 12. The ink receiving particles 16 removed by the cleaning blade 28 are collected in a collection box 52 disposed below the cleaning blade 28.

  As described above, the heater 60 removes moisture from the ink receiving particles 16 remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12, so that the heater 60 remains on the intermediate transfer belt 12 as compared with the case where moisture is not removed from the ink receiving particles 16. The large number of ink receiving particles 16 can be removed from the intermediate transfer belt 12.

  Further, the moisture of the ink receiving particles 16 remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12 can be removed by using a versatile heater 60.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. It is clear to the contractor. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the ink receiving particles 16 remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12 are heated by driving the fan 64 with the air heated by the heat generating member 62, but the heat generating member is used without using the fan 64. The ink receiving particles 16 may be heated directly with air heated by 62.

  In the above embodiment, the cleaning blade 28 is always applied to the intermediate transfer belt 12. However, a moving means for moving the cleaning blade is provided, and the cleaning blade 28 is appropriately set according to the amount of ink receiving particles remaining on the intermediate transfer belt. A cleaning blade may be applied to the intermediate transfer belt.

  In the above embodiment, the intermediate transfer belt 12 is formed of a conductive polyimide film base layer and a PFA fluororesin surface layer. However, a rubber material (urethane, CR, NBR) or a resin material (PET) is used. , ETFE, PI, PAI, PFA, PVDF).

  Next, a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In addition, about the same member as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a heater provided with a heat generating member is not provided, but instead, a microwave heating device 70 is provided.

  With this configuration, the microwave heating device 70 irradiates the ink receiving particles 16 remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12 with microwaves. The frequency of the microwave to be used is 2.45 GHz that is generally used in a microwave oven or the like. The irradiated microwaves vibrate the water molecules in the ink receiving particles 16, so that the ink receiving particles 16 generate heat internally. As a result, only the ink receptive particles 16 that retain moisture can be heated to remove the moisture from the ink receptive particles 16.

  Next, a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, about the same member as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the heater provided with the heat generating member is not provided, and instead, the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 12 (the conveying roller 32 is disposed). The induction heating device 80 for heating the intermediate transfer belt 12 is provided on the side where the intermediate transfer belt 12 is heated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the intermediate transfer belt 12 has a substrate part 12 </ b> A formed of a metal material (for example, iron, stainless steel, nickel, copper, aluminum, etc.) that can be induction-heated, and has a release property. And a surface layer 12B formed of a low surface energy resin material (for example, PFA).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the induction heating device 80 includes an exciting coil 82, and an eddy current is generated around a magnetic flux generated by applying a high-frequency AC voltage to the exciting coil 82. Further, Joule heat is generated by this eddy current flowing through the base material portion 12A of the intermediate transfer belt 12 having electric resistance, and the surface layer 12B (see FIG. 6) of the intermediate transfer belt 12 is heated by the Joule heat. It has become so.

  With this configuration, a high-frequency AC voltage is applied to the exciting coil 82 of the induction heating device 80 to heat the surface layer 12B (see FIG. 6) of the intermediate transfer belt 12. Thereby, moisture is removed from the ink receiving particles 16.

  Further, the cleaning blade 28 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 12 and removes the ink receiving particles 16 from which moisture has been removed by the induction heating device 80 from the intermediate transfer belt 12. The ink receiving particles 16 removed by the cleaning blade 28 are collected in a collection box 52 disposed below the cleaning blade 28.

  In this way, since the intermediate transfer belt 12 is directly heated without contact, there is little heat transfer loss and the intermediate transfer belt 12 can be heated rapidly, so that the water content of the remaining ink receiving particles 16 can be efficiently obtained. Can be removed.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, about the same member as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a heater for blowing hot air to the intermediate transfer belt 12 is not provided, and instead, the ink remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is received. A receiving roller 86 for receiving the sex particles 16 is provided.

  Specifically, the receiving roller 86 includes a roller member 86 </ b> A that rotates in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 12 and a rod-shaped swinging member 86 </ b> B that contacts and separates the roller member 86 </ b> A from the intermediate transfer belt 12. It is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the roller member 86A is formed of hollow aluminum or stainless steel, and the surface of the roller member 86A is a metal surface of the material itself. As a result, the surface energy of the roller member 86 </ b> A is higher than the surface energy of the intermediate transfer belt 12. In this way, by making the surface energy of the roller member 86A higher than the surface energy of the intermediate transfer belt 12, the ink receiving particles 16 remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12 are transferred to the sandwiching portion between the roller member 86A and the intermediate transfer belt 12. When conveyed, it is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 12 and adheres to the roller member 86A.

  Further, inside the roller member 86A, a heat generating member 88 (for example, an infrared heater) capable of generating heat to heat the roller member 86A from the inside and controlling the temperature is provided. That is, a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the surface temperature of the roller member 86A is provided. When the roller member 86A is heated by the heat generating member 88, this temperature sensor is used to make the roller member 86A predetermined. The temperature can be controlled.

  A rotational driving force is transmitted from the driving source to the rotational shaft of the roller member 86A, and the roller member 86A is rotationally driven even when the roller member 86A is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 12. ing.

  Further, the first position (see FIG. 7) where the roller member 86A is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 12, and the first position where the roller member 86A is brought into contact with the cleaning blade 90 that removes the ink receiving particles 16 attached to the roller member 86A from the roller member 86A. A swing member 86B that swings to the second position (see FIG. 8) swings about the rotation shaft 94. Then, under the control of a control unit (not shown), the swinging member 86B swings about the rotation shaft 94, and when the image is formed on the sheet material P, the roller member 86A comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 12. When the non-image is formed, the first position is moved to the second position where the cleaning blade 90 comes into contact.

  With the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, the ink receiving particles 16 remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12 without being transferred to the sheet material P during image formation are transported toward the transport roller 32. Further, the remaining ink receiving particles 16 are disposed at the first position, and are conveyed to the intermediate transfer belt 12 between the roller member 86 </ b> A and the intermediate transfer belt 12, which are driven and rotated by the intermediate transfer belt 12. It leaves and adheres to the roller member 86A.

  The moisture of the ink receiving particles 16 attached to the roller member 86A is removed by the heat generated by the heat generating member 88.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the image forming operation is completed (during non-image formation), the swing member 86B swings according to an instruction from the control unit, and the roller member 86A moves from the first position to the second position. Then, it comes into contact with the cleaning blade 90.

  The cleaning blade 90 contacts the roller member 86A and removes the ink receiving particles 16 from which moisture has been removed by the heat generated by the heat generating member 88 from the roller member 86A. Further, the ink receiving particles 16 removed by the cleaning blade 90 are collected in a collection box 92 disposed below the cleaning blade 90.

  Thus, the cleaning blade 90 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 12 to remove the ink receiving particles 16 from the intermediate transfer belt 12 in order to remove the ink receiving particles 16 attached to the roller member 86A by contacting the roller member 86A. The remaining ink receiving particles 16 can be removed without damaging the intermediate transfer belt 12 as compared with the case of removing.

  Further, if the roller member 86A is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 12 and generates heat from the heat generating member 88, the heat generated by the heat generating member 88 does not escape to the intermediate transfer belt 12, so that the ink can be received efficiently. Water can be removed from the conductive particles 16.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. It is clear to the contractor. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the roller member 86A swings between the first position and the second position. However, the roller member 86A does not have to swing, and the roller member does not swing from the first position. Also good. In this case, the cleaning blade is brought into contact with the roller portion arranged at the first position.

  In the above-described embodiment, the ink receiving particles 16 are received from the intermediate transfer belt 12 using the roller member 86A. However, the ink receiving particles are moved to the intermediate transfer belt by rotating the endless belt with the intermediate transfer belt. You may receive from.

  In the above embodiment, after the image forming operation is completed, the roller member 86A is moved from the first position to the second position and brought into contact with the cleaning blade 90. For example, when the predetermined number of sheets is reached, the roller member 86A is moved to the second position. The member may be moved from the first position to the second position, and further, the roller member is appropriately moved from the first position to the second position based on the amount of the ink receiving particles adhering to the roller member. May be. By shortening the time for contacting the cleaning blade and the roller member, it is possible to delay the deterioration of wear of the cleaning blade and the roller member.

  In the above embodiment, the heat generating member 88 is disposed inside the roller member 86A and the roller member 86A is heated to remove moisture from the ink receiving particles 16, but the heat generating member is disposed outside the roller member. Water may be removed from the ink receiving particles.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the surface of the roller member 86A is a metal surface of the material itself, but may be coated with a thermoplastic resin. In this case, it is preferable to use a material having a surface energy higher than that of the intermediate transfer belt, such as PI or PET.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the vicinity of a heater employed in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inkjet recording head employed in an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the side view which showed the microwave heating apparatus vicinity employ | adopted as the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the side view which showed the induction heating apparatus vicinity employ | adopted as the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an intermediate transfer belt employed in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the vicinity of a receiving roller employed in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the vicinity of a receiving roller employed in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image forming apparatus 12 Intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer member)
14 Fixing member 16 Ink receiving particles (liquid receiving particles)
18 Particle supply device 20 Inkjet recording head (droplet discharge head)
22 Transfer member 28 Cleaning blade (cleaning member)
60 Heater (moisture removal means)
70 Microwave heating device (moisture removal means)
80 Induction heating device (moisture removal means)
86A Roller member (roller member)
86B Oscillating member (moving means)
88 Heating member (moisture removal means)

Claims (6)

A particle supply device for supplying liquid receptive particles for receiving droplets in a layer form on the intermediate transfer member;
A droplet discharge head for discharging droplets from a nozzle to a layer of liquid receptive particles supplied onto the intermediate transfer member by the particle supply device;
A transfer member for transferring a layer of liquid receptive particles, from which droplets have been discharged by the droplet discharge head, to a recording medium;
A fixing member for fixing the layer of liquid receptive particles transferred to the recording medium by the transfer member to the recording medium;
Moisture removing means for removing moisture from the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer body without being transferred to the recording medium;
A cleaning member that removes the liquid receptive particles from which moisture has been removed by the moisture removing means from the intermediate transfer member;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moisture removing unit is a heater that removes moisture from the liquid receptive particles by heating the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member.   2. The microwave heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moisture removing unit is a microwave heating device that removes moisture from the liquid receptive particles by irradiating the liquid receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer body with microwaves. Image forming apparatus. A particle supply device for supplying liquid receptive particles for receiving droplets in a layer form on the intermediate transfer member;
A droplet discharge head for discharging droplets from a nozzle to a layer of liquid receptive particles supplied onto the intermediate transfer member by the particle supply device;
A transfer member for transferring a layer of liquid receptive particles, from which droplets have been discharged by the droplet discharge head, to a recording medium;
A fixing member for fixing the layer of liquid receptive particles transferred to the recording medium by the transfer member to the recording medium;
Receiving means for receiving liquid-receptive particles remaining on the intermediate transfer member without being transferred to the recording medium from the intermediate transfer member;
Moisture removing means for removing moisture from the liquid receptive particles received by the receiving means;
A cleaning member that removes the liquid receptive particles from which moisture has been removed by the moisture removing means from the receiving means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The receiving means is a roller member that rotates in contact with the intermediate transfer member,
The roller member receives the liquid receptive particles remaining from the intermediate transfer member, and the cleaning member removes the liquid receptive particles from which water has been removed by the water removing unit from the roller member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The receiving means is a rotatable roller member,
There is provided a moving means for moving the roller member to a first position where the roller member is driven to rotate in contact with the intermediate transfer member, and a second position which is separated from the intermediate transfer member and contacts the cleaning member.
The roller member moved to the first position receives the liquid-receptive particles remaining from the intermediate transfer member, and the cleaning member removes moisture from the roller member moved to the second position by the moisture removing unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the liquid receptive particles from which the water has been removed are removed.

Images