JP2012194368A - Apparatus for manufacturing lenticular sheet and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for manufacturing a lenticular sheet and a method for manufacturing a lenticular sheet.SOLUTION: The apparatus for manufacturing a lenticular sheet includes: a photoreceptor; a light irradiation unit for forming an electrostatic latent image in stripes at a predetermined pitch on the photoreceptor; a development unit for developing the electrostatic latent image into a transparent toner image in stripes by applying a transparent toner on the photoreceptor; and a transfer unit for transferring the transparent toner image in stripes onto a transparent substrate. The apparatus further includes a transparent toner image formation and transfer unit for forming the transparent toner image in stripes on the transparent substrate, and a lens formation unit for press-molding the transparent toner image in stripes with a die having grooves to form convex lenses arranged at the pitch.

Description

  The present invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method of a lenticular sheet used for displaying a three-dimensional stereoscopic image.

  A lenticular sheet is a lenticular image (two or more images) printed on the back side of a sheet, in which a large number of elongated fine semi-cylindrical convex lenses (lenticular lenses) are arranged in parallel on the sheet surface. An image divided into strips and alternately arranged in accordance with the pitch of the lenticular lens) is switched according to the viewing angle by the refractive effect of the convex lens. When such a lenticular sheet is used, a plurality of images can be switched by changing the viewing angle. In particular, by using the parallax from the left and right eyes, a stereoscopic image can be realized without using a special device such as 3D glasses, and therefore, it is widely used for applications such as posters and signboards.

  As a method for producing such a lenticular sheet, for example, a thermoplastic resin layer for forming a lenticular lens is formed on one side of a transparent substrate showing translucency, and an image is formed with toner on the other side. After forming an image with toner using a transparent base material provided with a thermoplastic image-receiving layer, the resin layer for forming a lenticular lens is pressed under heat to form an irregular shape to form a lens. It is known that an image having a lens layer on the surface can be obtained by performing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-26477 A

  However, the lenticular lens is formed by the conventional method in addition to an apparatus for forming a lenticular lens by forming a thermoplastic resin layer formed on a transparent substrate into a concavo-convex shape by hot pressing or the like. A separate device for forming the thermoplastic resin layer on the material is required. Therefore, there is a demand for a lenticular sheet production apparatus and production method that can be easily produced by a single apparatus by performing all the steps from formation of a transparent toner image to formation of a lenticular lens by an electrophotographic method.

  By the way, an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method can form a high-quality image with good reproducibility, operability, and low cost. Therefore, a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and a composite having two or more of these functions are used. Widely used as a machine. In the electrophotographic system, a latent image is formed by irradiating light on a photoconductor, and the latent image is usually developed with toner particles of about 5 to 10 μm, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor is formed on a desired recording medium. Transfer and fix. Here, when a transparent toner having good light transmittance is used as the toner, a transparent toner image can be formed on recording media of various sizes, thicknesses, and materials. By using transparent toner in this way, it becomes possible to form a transparent toner image on a recording medium, and it is relatively easy to form a recording medium provided with a transparent toner image with a roller having an uneven shape on the surface. A lenticular sheet can be produced. As a recording medium used in these electrophotographic lenticular sheet production apparatuses, a lenticular lens layer is formed on one side of a transparent substrate in addition to a recording sheet having smooth surfaces such as paper, a plastic film and an OHP sheet. There is a lenticular sheet.

  Here, in order to obtain a good 3D image or the like, formation of a high-quality lens having a certain thickness is extremely important. The thickness of the lens is mainly determined by the resolution and the thickness of the transparent substrate. Generally, the higher the resolution, the greater the thickness of the lens required to exhibit a good 3D effect. A 3D image can be obtained by viewing an image formed according to the specifications of the lens through the lens, but if the lens is too thin, the lens cannot bend the light sufficiently, so that a good 3D image is obtained. I can't get it. Therefore, formation of a transparent toner image having a certain thickness is indispensable for producing a lenticular sheet exhibiting high lens effects (high resolution, good 3D effect, etc.).

  However, as the amount of transparent toner increases, it becomes more difficult to achieve both the adhesion between the transparent toner and the transparent substrate and the releasability between the transparent toner and the surface of the lens forming roller. That is, as the amount of transparent toner required for fixing increases, the amount of heat required for lens formation also increases, and the problem of “low temperature offset” due to insufficient heating of the transparent toner image is likely to occur. On the other hand, in order to sufficiently fix the transparent toner to the transparent substrate, the interface temperature between the transparent substrate and the transparent toner is important, and it is necessary to ensure this temperature above a certain level. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the heated surface side. However, if the amount of the transparent toner is large, the temperature difference inside the transparent toner image becomes large, and consequently the temperature difference inside the transparent toner image becomes large. Further, the cohesive force inside the transparent toner image is lowered, and the problem of “hot offset” is likely to occur. Therefore, when a “layer” of a transparent toner image is formed on the entire surface of a transparent substrate by a conventional electrophotographic image forming method, the amount of transparent toner required for forming a lens increases as the thickness increases. For this reason, problems such as offset are likely to occur, which hinders good lens formation.

  In addition, when a transparent toner image is formed on the entire surface of the transparent substrate and then a lens is formed by a lens forming roller by the action of heat and pressure, the transparent toner image is formed up to a region that originally does not require transparent toner. Further, the concave portion of the lens portion is a portion that does not originally require transparent toner, which not only consumes the transparent toner more than necessary, but also increases the power consumption required for forming the lens.

  Therefore, when forming a lens on the surface of a transparent substrate by electrophotography using a transparent toner, a good lens can be formed, and the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus capable of suppressing the consumption of transparent toner and the power consumption required for lens formation. And a production method has been desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the amount of transparent toner required for lens formation can be minimized when forming a lens on the surface of a transparent substrate by electrophotography using transparent toner. It is an object of the present invention to provide a lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method that are less likely to cause problems such as offset, can be favorably formed, and can reduce the consumption and power consumption of transparent toner required for lens formation.

The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a photosensitive member, a light irradiation unit for forming a striped electrostatic latent image having a predetermined pitch on the photosensitive member, and a transparent toner applied on the photosensitive member. A striped transparent toner comprising: a developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image into a striped transparent toner image; and a transfer unit for transferring the striped transparent toner image onto a transparent substrate. A transparent toner image forming transfer unit for forming an image on the transparent substrate, and a convex lens in which the striped transparent toner image is pressure-molded with a mold having a groove and arranged at the pitch. A lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus including a lens forming unit is provided.
The lenticular sheet manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a light irradiation step for forming a striped electrostatic latent image having a predetermined pitch on a photosensitive member, and applying the transparent toner on the photosensitive member to form the electrostatic latent image. A development process for developing the striped transparent toner image; and a transfer process for transferring the striped transparent toner image onto a transparent substrate, wherein the striped transparent toner image is transferred to the transparent base. A transparent toner image forming step for forming on the material, and a lens forming step for forming a convex lens in which the striped transparent toner image is pressure-molded by a mold having a groove and arranged at the pitch. A method for producing a lenticular sheet is provided.

  According to the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, stripes are formed at predetermined positions on the transparent substrate so as to match the shape of the grooves forming the lens molding mold formed in the lens forming portion when the transparent toner image is formed. By forming a transparent toner image, the amount of increase in transparent toner can be reduced even if the thickness of each transparent toner image is increased as compared with the conventional case where a transparent toner layer is formed over the entire surface of a transparent substrate. . Therefore, problems such as offset are unlikely to occur, and favorable lens formation is possible. Further, since the consumption and power consumption of the transparent toner required for lens formation can be suppressed, an efficient and efficient lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus can be realized. The same applies to the lenticular sheet manufacturing method.

  In addition, by using an electrophotographic method, a latent image is formed on a photoconductor by light irradiation, and a transparent toner image having good light transmittance formed on the photoconductor is transferred and fixed on a transparent substrate. Striped transparent toner images can be formed on transparent substrates of various sizes, thicknesses, and materials. Further, by forming a striped transparent toner image on the transparent substrate and molding the transparent substrate provided with the striped transparent toner image with a mold having concave and convex grooves on the surface, the resolution is improved. A high quality lenticular sheet having a high quality 3D effect can be produced relatively easily and inexpensively.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the lenticular sheet production apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a fixing unit illustrated in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the lens formation part shown in FIG. It is a principal part perspective view of the lens formation part shown in FIG. It is the principal part expanded view seen from the conveyance direction of the transparent base material of the lens formation part shown in FIG. It is a principal part perspective view of the modification of the lens formation part shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part when the lens forming unit shown in FIG. 6 is viewed from the roller axial direction. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 1st modification of the lenticular sheet preparation apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 2nd modification of the lenticular sheet preparation apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the lenticular sheet preparation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 of the lens forming portion shown in FIG. 10. It is a principal part perspective view of the lens formation part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 of the lens forming portion shown in FIG. 12. It is explanatory drawing which shows the lens formation result by Example 1 and a comparative example of the lens formation part shown in FIG. It is a principal part perspective view of the 1st modification of the lens formation part shown in FIG. It is a principal part perspective view of the 2nd modification of the lens formation part shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the lens formation part shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 of the lens forming portion shown in FIG. 16. It is a principal part perspective view of the 3rd modification of the lens formation part shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the lens formation part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a photosensitive member, a light irradiation unit for forming a striped electrostatic latent image having a predetermined pitch on the photosensitive member, and a transparent toner applied on the photosensitive member. A striped transparent toner comprising: a developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image into a striped transparent toner image; and a transfer unit for transferring the striped transparent toner image onto a transparent substrate. A transparent toner image forming transfer unit for forming an image on the transparent substrate, and a convex lens in which the striped transparent toner image is pressure-molded with a mold having a groove and arranged at the pitch. A lens forming unit.
The lenticular sheet manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a light irradiation step for forming a striped electrostatic latent image having a predetermined pitch on a photosensitive member, and applying the transparent toner on the photosensitive member to form the electrostatic latent image. A development process for developing the striped transparent toner image; and a transfer process for transferring the striped transparent toner image onto a transparent substrate, wherein the striped transparent toner image is transferred to the transparent base. A transparent toner image forming step for forming on the material, and a lens forming step for forming a convex lens in which the striped transparent toner image is pressure-molded by a mold having a groove and arranged at the pitch. .

  The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention has a stripe pattern at a position on the transparent substrate that aligns with the groove, focusing on the relative relationship between (i) the groove of the lens forming portion and (ii) the transparent toner image. Since the transparent toner image is formed, the transparent toner can be formed only in a portion directly necessary for lens formation, and a good and wasteful lens formation can be realized. The same applies to the lenticular sheet manufacturing method.

In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of transparent toner image forming and transferring portions for forming a striped transparent toner image on a transparent base material, and the stacked striped transparent toner image having a groove are provided. A lens forming unit for forming convex lenses arranged at a predetermined pitch by pressure molding with a mold, and each transparent toner forming unit includes a photosensitive member and a striped electrostatic latent image of the pitch on the photosensitive member. A light irradiating part for forming an image; a developing part for applying a transparent toner on the photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image into a striped transparent toner image; and the striped transparent toner image And a transfer part for transferring to the transparent substrate.
In the method for producing a lenticular sheet according to the present invention, a plurality of transparent toner image forming steps for forming a striped transparent toner image on a transparent substrate, and a mold having a groove for the stacked striped transparent toner images. Forming a convex lens arrayed at a predetermined pitch by pressure molding with a transparent toner forming step for forming a striped electrostatic latent image of the pitch on the photoreceptor. A light irradiation step, a developing step for applying a transparent toner on the photoconductor to develop the electrostatic latent image into a striped transparent toner image, and the striped transparent toner image on the transparent substrate. And a transfer step for transferring to the substrate.

In this way, it is possible to repeatedly and gradually fix the striped transparent toner image on the transparent substrate, so that it is more resistant to melting a large amount of transparent toner at once. The offset property is remarkably improved.
Further, in the electrophotographic system, the thickness range of the transparent toner image that is satisfactorily formed by one fixing process is currently several microns to several tens of microns. Since a toner image can be formed, a high-quality and high-quality 3D image can be realized even in an electrophotographic system.

In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the transparent toner image forming and transferring unit is configured such that the width of the transverse area of each transparent toner image constituting the striped transparent toner image is smaller as the layer is farther from the transparent substrate. It may be formed over the material.
In the lenticular sheet manufacturing method according to the present invention, in the transparent toner image forming step, the width of the transverse area of each transparent toner image constituting the striped transparent toner image is made smaller as the layer is farther from the transparent substrate. It may be formed so as to overlap.

  In this way, the cross-sectional area of each transparent toner image constituting the striped transparent toner image can be formed in a convex shape and can be matched with the concave shape of the corresponding groove, so that the transparent toner image can be smoothly smoothed by the groove. A good lens can be formed by the simple pressing.

  In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the transparent toner image forming and transferring unit is configured such that the thickness of each transparent toner image constituting the striped transparent toner image is larger than the depth of the corresponding groove, and each transparent toner The cross-sectional area of the image may be formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding groove.

  In this way, by making the thickness of the transparent toner image thicker than the depth of the groove, it is possible to secure a pressing force at the time of lens formation, and to make the cross-sectional area of the transparent toner image equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the groove. The lens can be formed satisfactorily without a shortage of the transparent toner amount necessary for the lens formation.

  In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the lens forming section is disposed by facing a lens forming roller that is heated by a heater and rotates about an axis, and pressurizes the lens forming roller. The lens forming roller includes a mold having the groove formed in the rotation direction of the lens forming roller on an outer peripheral surface, and the pressure roller presses the lens forming roller to form the lens. A lens forming nip is formed between the lens and the roller, and the transparent base material is conveyed to the lens forming nip, and the lens forming roller receives the striped transparent toner image in the lens forming nip. A convex lens that is pressure-molded with a mold and arranged at the pitch may be formed.

  In this way, by forming the lens forming portion into a roller shape and forming a lens forming nip portion having a predetermined length between the pressure roller and the pressure forming roller, the pressure can be concentrated on the lens forming nip portion. A pressing force sufficient for forming can be secured. In addition, by passing the transparent base material through the lens forming nip portion at a predetermined linear velocity, it is possible to finely adjust the heating time required for lens formation. Formation is possible.

  In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the lens forming unit includes a belt support member provided with a heater, a belt support roller that rotates about an axis, and a belt support member and a belt support roller that are rotatably stretched between the belt support member and the belt support roller. An endless lens forming belt heated by a heater, and a pressure roller disposed to face the belt support roller via the lens forming belt, the lens forming belt being A mold having the groove formed in the rotation direction is provided on an outer peripheral surface, and the pressure roller presses the lens forming belt to form a lens forming nip portion between the lens forming belt and the transparent base. The material is conveyed to the lens forming nip portion, and the lens forming belt is striped through the lens forming nip portion. A toner image by pressing at the mold may be configured to form a convex lens arranged in the pitch.

  In this way, the heat capacity can be reduced by making the lens forming portion into a belt shape, and the lens forming belt can be heated by a belt support member having a heater, so that the temperature can be quickly raised and the warm-up time can be reduced. Since a significant shortening can be realized, lens formation can be facilitated.

  Further, when a lens forming belt is used, the outer peripheral length of the lens forming belt can be freely set without depending on the diameter of the belt support roller, so that it is easy to ensure the uniformity of the groove interval on the entire outer surface of the lens forming belt. . Therefore, unlike the case where grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the roller, the outer peripheral length of the roller is exactly an integral multiple of the pitch width of the lenticular lens in order to keep the interval between adjacent grooves constant throughout the entire periphery. There is no need to design the roller diameter.

  In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the mold may have the groove formed in the axial direction.

  In this way, by forming the grooves in the axial direction of the lens forming roller or the lens forming belt, the elongated transparent sheet is fed to the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus in the longitudinal direction, so that the transversal direction of the transparent sheet Therefore, the lenticular sheet can be easily formed, thereby improving the productivity of the lenticular sheet. In particular, mass production of a lenticular sheet that obtains a 3D effect when the lenticular lens along the short direction of the elongated sheet is viewed from the longitudinal direction can be easily realized.

  In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the transparent toner image formation transfer unit further includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a formation position of the striped transparent toner image on the transparent base material, and the adjustment mechanism includes the adjustment mechanism The stripe-shaped transparent toner image in the lens forming nip portion may be aligned with the mold by adjusting the formation position in a direction parallel to the transparent substrate surface and perpendicular to the transport direction.

  In this way, even if a gap occurs between the groove formed on the lens forming roller or the lens forming belt and the transparent toner image formed on the transparent substrate, the transparent toner image is formed by the adjusting mechanism. By adjusting the position in parallel to the transparent substrate surface and in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the transparent substrate, alignment can be facilitated and a lenticular sheet having a good lens shape can be produced.

  In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the adjustment mechanism aligns the striped transparent toner image in the lens forming nip portion with the mold by adjusting the forming position in the transport direction. Also good.

  In this way, even if a gap occurs between the groove formed on the lens forming roller or the lens forming belt and the transparent toner image formed on the transparent substrate, the transparent toner image is formed by the adjusting mechanism. By adjusting the position in the transport direction of the transparent substrate, alignment can be easily performed, and a lenticular sheet having a good lens shape can be produced.

  In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the axial length of the groove portion may be longer than the axial length of the transparent substrate in the lens forming nip portion.

In this way, the axial length of the groove portion on the outer peripheral surface of the lens forming roller or the lens forming belt is set to be longer than the axial length of the transparent base material capable of passing paper at the lens forming nip portion. As a result, the contact state between the groove portion and the transparent substrate in the lens forming nip portion is always uniform and stable, so that a highly accurate lenticular sheet can be manufactured.
For example, when the outer diameter of the groove part of the lens forming roller is different from that of the other part, when the width of the transparent base material is larger than the groove part, the contact state between the transparent base material and the groove / non-groove part is not uniform. However, such an inconvenience is eliminated by the above arrangement.

  In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the maximum value of the length from the shaft to the groove surface in the lens forming nip portion is from the shaft to the lens forming portion surface other than the groove portion in the lens forming nip portion. It may be more than the maximum value of the length.

  By doing this, the maximum value of the length from the shaft to the groove surface at the lens forming nip is not less than the maximum value of the length from the shaft to the surface of the lens forming portion other than the groove at the lens forming nip. Regardless of the size of the transparent base material, the contact state between the groove portion and the transparent base material in the lens forming nip portion is uniform and stable, so that a highly accurate lenticular sheet can be produced.

  By the way, a lens forming roller for forming a lens is a roller having a groove portion on the surface of which the surface is cut with a cutting tool such as a diamond tool. Since the shape of the groove portion of this roller has a great influence on the quality of the lens, at least the groove portion needs to be processed very precisely.

  However, when dealing with various sizes of transparent substrates, it is impossible to form a satisfactory lens depending on the size of the width of the transparent substrate, even if the groove shape is finished with very high accuracy. There is. Here, the width size of the transparent substrate is the length in the direction orthogonal to the paper passing direction of the transparent substrate. When the width of the transparent substrate is longer than the length of the groove formed on the surface of the lens forming roller, the non-grooved portion that has not been cut is in contact with the transparent substrate, so that the contact state between the groove and the transparent substrate is Insufficient lens shape may occur, or the worst lens formation itself may be impossible. The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention solves the above-described problem, and a good and uniform lens can be formed on a transparent base material of any width.

  In order to form a good lens, the relative relationship between the size, position, shape, etc. between (i) the groove of the lens forming portion, (ii) the transparent toner image, and (iii) the transparent substrate is important. However, focusing on the relative relationship between (i) the groove portion of the lens forming portion and (iii) the transparent base material, the lens forming nip is adjusted by adjusting the length of the groove portion with respect to the transparent base material of a predetermined size. The contact state between the groove portion and the transparent substrate in the portion is ensured, and favorable lens formation is possible.

The various preferable aspects shown here can also be combined.
Hereinafter, a lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following description is an illustration in all the points, Comprising: It should not be understood as limiting this invention.

  It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratio of dimensions and the like of each drawing is different from the actual one. Similarly, it should be noted that the ratios of dimensions and the like differ between drawings. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following explanation or technical common sense.

<< First Embodiment >>
Based on FIGS. 1-5, the lenticular sheet preparation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

≪Configuration of lenticular sheet manufacturing equipment≫
The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is an apparatus that manufactures a lenticular sheet in which a lens layer having an uneven shape is formed on the surface of a transparent substrate by an electrophotographic method. As shown in FIG. 1, the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a transparent toner image forming unit 1, a transfer unit 2, a transparent base material supply unit 3, a fixing unit 4, a lens forming unit 5, and a transparent base material discharge unit 6. .

The transparent toner image forming unit 1 includes a photoconductor drum 11, a charging unit 12, an optical scanning unit 13, a developing unit 14, a developer supply container 15, a drum cleaner 16, and a photoconductor neutralizing unit 17. The charging unit 12, the developing unit 14, the transfer unit 2, the drum cleaner 16, and the photosensitive member neutralizing unit 17 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 11 in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 11. The
The light irradiation unit according to the present invention includes a charging unit 12 and a light scanning unit 13, and the transparent toner image forming and transferring unit 10 according to the present invention includes a transparent toner image forming unit 1, a transfer unit 2, and a registration roller. 34 and the fixing unit 4.

≪Outline of operation of lenticular sheet manufacturing equipment≫
In the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by the charging unit 12 and the optical scanning unit 13, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by using the transparent toner by the developing unit 14 to form a transparent toner image. Form. Subsequently, transparent toner is supplied to the developing unit 14 by the developer supply container 15, the transparent toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is removed by the drum cleaner 16, and the photosensitive drum 11 is discharged by the photosensitive member discharging unit 17. Do. Next, the transparent substrate is supplied to the transfer unit 2 by the transparent substrate supply unit 3, and the transparent toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the transparent substrate surface by the transfer unit 2. Subsequently, the fixing unit 4 heats and presses the transparent substrate onto which the transparent toner image has been transferred to fix the transparent toner image on the transparent substrate. Next, the lens forming unit 5 forms a transparent toner image fixed on the transparent base material into a concavo-convex shape to form a lens layer. The transparent base material on which the lens layer is formed is discharged from the transparent base material discharge unit 6.

≪Configuration of each part of lenticular sheet manufacturing equipment≫
Next, the configuration of each part of the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described in detail.

  The photosensitive drum 11 is a roller-like member that is supported by a driving unit (not shown) so as to be rotatable around an axis. The photoconductor drum 11 is a photoconductor that includes a photoconductive layer and carries an electrostatic latent image and thus a transparent toner image TI on the surface of the photoconductive layer. As the photosensitive drum 11, for example, a photosensitive drum formed of a conductive base made of aluminum or the like and a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of the conductive base can be used. As the conductive substrate, a cylindrical, columnar, or sheet-shaped conductive substrate can be used, and among them, a cylindrical conductive substrate can be preferably used. Examples of the photosensitive layer include an organic photosensitive layer and an inorganic photosensitive layer.

  The organic photosensitive layer is a laminate of a charge generation layer, which is a resin layer containing a charge generation material, and a charge transport layer, which is a resin layer containing a charge transport material, or a charge generation material and charge transport in one resin layer. Examples thereof include a resin layer containing a substance. Examples of the inorganic photosensitive layer include a resin layer containing one or more selected from zinc oxide, selenium, amorphous silicon and the like. An underlayer may be interposed between the conductive substrate and the photosensitive layer. A surface layer (protective layer) for protecting the photosensitive layer may be provided on the surface of the photosensitive layer.

  The charging unit 12 is a member that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to a predetermined polarity and potential. The charging unit 12 is installed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 11 along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 11. The charging unit 12 may be a charging device of either a contact charging method or a non-contact charging method. The charging unit 12 is disposed so as to be in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 in the case of a contact charging type charging device, and is disposed so as to be separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 in the case of a non-contact charging type charging device.

  As the charging unit 12, a brush-type charging device, a roller-type charging device, a corona discharge device, an ion generating device, or the like can be used. The brush type charging device and the roller type charging device are contact charging type charging devices. As the brush type charging device, there are a type using a charging brush and a type using a magnetic brush. The corona discharge device and the ion generator are non-contact charging devices. Corona discharge devices include those using wire-like discharge electrodes, those using sawtooth discharge electrodes, and those using needle-like discharge electrodes.

  The optical scanning unit 13 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 in a charged state with laser light corresponding to image information composed of a digital signal, and forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Form. A semiconductor laser device or the like can be used for the optical scanning unit 13.

  The developing unit 14 includes a developing tank 141, a developing roller 142, and a stirring roller 143. The developing tank 141 is a container-like member that contains a two-component developer containing transparent toner and a carrier. The developing roller 142 is a roller-like member that is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis. The developing roller 142 is provided so that a part of the developing roller 142 protrudes outward from an opening formed on the surface facing the photosensitive drum 11 and is close to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

  The developing roller 142 includes a fixed magnetic pole (not shown), and the developer is carried on the surface of the developing roller 142 by the fixed magnetic pole. The developing roller 142 supplies the carried developer to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 at a proximity portion (developing nip portion) between the developing roller 142 and the photosensitive drum 11, and is transparent on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. A toner image TI is formed. The developing roller 142 is driven to rotate in the direction opposite to that of the photosensitive drum 11. Accordingly, in the developing nip portion, the surface of the developing roller 142 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 move in the same direction. The developing roller 142 is connected to a power source (not shown), and a DC voltage (developing voltage) is applied from the power source. As a result, the developer on the surface of the developing roller 142 is smoothly supplied to the electrostatic latent image.

  The developing unit 14 is a container-like member having an internal space with an opening formed on a surface facing the photosensitive drum 11. The developing unit 14 includes a stirring roller 143 in its internal space and stores the developer. As the developer 14, a developer usually used in the field of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be used. The developer 14 is not limited to a method of developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 using a two-component developer including a transparent toner and a carrier. Only the transparent toner is used. It is good also as a system developed using the one-component developer which consists of these. In the case of using the developing roller 142 incorporating the fixed magnet as described above, a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier is usually used. On the other hand, in a one-component developer that does not use a carrier, a roller such as a rubber roller or a metal roller that does not have a fixed magnet inside is used.

  The stirring roller 143 is a screw-like member that is supported inside the developing unit 14 so as to be rotatable around an axis. The stirring roller 143 feeds the developer in the developing unit 14 to the periphery of the surface of the developing roller 142 by rotational driving.

  The developer supply container 15 is a container-like member that stores the developer therein. The developer replenishing container 15 replenishes the developing unit 14 with the developer according to the consumption state of the developer in the developing unit 14.

The drum cleaner 16 removes and collects the developer remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after the developer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the transparent substrate by the transfer unit 2 by the developing unit 14.
The photosensitive member neutralizing unit 17 neutralizes the photosensitive drum 11 after the developer is collected by the drum cleaner 16. An illuminating member such as a lamp can be used for the photoreceptor charge eliminating portion 17.

  The transfer unit 2 includes a transfer roller 21 that can be driven to rotate about an axis by a drive unit (not shown). The transfer roller 21 is provided in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 11. A pressure contact portion between the transfer roller 21 and the photosensitive drum 11 is referred to as a transfer nip portion. The transfer roller 21 transfers the transparent toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 onto the surface of the transparent substrate supplied by the transparent substrate supply unit 3 described later at the transfer nip portion. The transfer roller 21 conveys a transparent base material carrying an unfixed transparent toner image to the lens forming unit 5.

  For the transfer roller 21, for example, a roller-shaped member including a metal shaft body and a conductive layer covering the surface of the metal shaft body is used. The metal shaft body is formed of a metal alloy such as stainless steel. The conductive layer is formed of a conductive elastic body or the like. As the conductive elastic body, an elastic body generally used in the field of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses can be used. For example, ethylene / propylene / diene rubber (EPDM), foamed EPDM, foamed material containing a conductive agent such as carbon black. Examples include urethane. Further, the surface may be covered with a tube material such as PFA.

  The transfer roller 21 is connected to a high voltage power source (not shown). A high voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the transparent toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is applied to the transfer roller 21 from a high voltage power source. As a result, the transparent toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is smoothly transferred to the surface of the transparent substrate.

  The transparent base material supply unit 3 includes a transparent base material transport path 30, a plurality of transparent base material cassettes 311, 312, 313, pickup rollers 321, 322, 323, a transport roller 33, a resist A roller 34. Here, the transparent substrate is a sheet made of resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and having a thickness of about 100 to 600 μm. The sizes include A4, B5, B4, postcard size and the like, and are stored in a transparent base cassette corresponding to the size.

  The transparent base material conveyance path 30 passes the transparent base material stored in the transparent base material cassettes 311, 312, and 313 to the transparent base material discharge part 6 via the transfer part 2, the fixing part 4 and the lens forming part 5. This is a route for feeding one sheet at a time. The pickup rollers 321, 322, and 323 are roller-like members that feed the transparent base materials in the transparent base material cassettes 311, 312, and 313 one by one into the transparent base material conveyance path 30. The conveyance rollers 33 are a pair of roller-like members provided so as to be in pressure contact with each other, and convey the transparent base material fed by the pickup rollers 321, 322 and 323 toward the registration rollers 34. The registration rollers 34 are a pair of roller-like members provided so as to be in pressure contact with each other. The registration roller 34 feeds the transparent base material to the transfer nip portion in synchronization with the transfer of the transparent toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to the transfer nip portion.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the transparent substrate discharge unit 6 is provided downstream of the lens forming unit 5, and the lenticular sheet having a lens layer formed on one surface of the transparent substrate in the lens forming unit 5 is a transparent substrate. It is conveyed to the material discharge unit 6. The transparent base material discharge unit 6 includes a pair of discharge rollers 60 and 61 that are in pressure contact with each other. The lenticular sheet passes through the pressure contact portion between the pair of discharge rollers 60 and 61 and is discharged to the outside of the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100.

<Configuration of fixing unit>
Next, the configuration of the fixing unit 4 according to the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing unit 4 includes a fixing roller 40, a pressure roller 41, and a fixing cleaning unit 42. The fixing roller 40 is a roller-like member provided so as to be rotatable around an axis by a support unit (not shown), and is rotationally driven by a drive unit (not shown) at a predetermined peripheral speed. The fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 are rotationally driven in the directions of arrows DFR and DPR, respectively, and the transparent base material TS carrying the transparent toner image TI is conveyed from the direction of the arrow DTS to the fixing nip portion FN. In the fixing nip portion FN, the fixing roller 40, together with the pressure roller 41, heats and melts the transparent toner image TI transferred on one surface of the transparent base material TS to fix it.

  As the fixing roller 40, a roller-shaped member including a cored bar 401, an elastic layer 402, and a surface layer 403 can be used. As the metal forming the cored bar 401, a metal having high thermal conductivity can be used. For example, aluminum, iron, or the like can be used. Examples of the shape of the cored bar 401 include a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape.

  The material constituting the elastic layer 402 is not particularly limited as long as it has rubber elasticity, and is preferably excellent in heat resistance. Specific examples of such a material include silicon rubber, fluorine rubber, or fluorosilicon rubber. Among these, silicon rubber having excellent rubber elasticity is particularly preferable.

  The material constituting the surface layer 403 is not particularly limited as long as it is excellent in heat resistance and durability and has a weak adhesion to the transparent toner. Specific examples of such materials include fluorine resin materials such as PFA (copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), or fluorine rubber.

  The fixing roller 40 includes an internal heater lamp 43 inside the roller. Further, the internal heater lamp 43 is disposed along the central axis of the fixing roller 40 (here, the same as the rotation axis). In the first embodiment, a halogen lamp is used as the internal heater lamp 43. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any heating means for heating the fixing roller 40 may be used.

  The pressure roller 41 is rotatably provided in a state of being pressed against the fixing roller 40 by a pressure mechanism (not shown). A pressure contact portion between the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 is a fixing nip portion FN. The pressure roller 41 rotates following the rotation of the fixing roller 40. When the transparent toner image TI is heated and fixed to the transparent base material TS by the fixing roller 40, the pressure roller 41 presses the transparent toner in a molten state against the transparent base material TS, so that the transparent toner image TI is transparent. Promotes fixing to the substrate TS.

  As the pressure roller 41, a roller-shaped member including a metal core 411, an elastic layer 412 and a surface layer 413 can be used. As materials constituting the core metal 411, the elastic layer 412, and the surface layer 413, the same materials as those constituting the core metal 401, the elastic layer 402, and the surface layer 403 of the fixing roller 40 can be used, respectively. Further, the shape of the cored bar 411 is the same as that of the cored bar 401 of the fixing roller 40.

  The pressure roller 41 includes an internal heater lamp 44 inside. The internal heater lamp 44 transfers heat to the transparent base material TS at the time of fixing the transparent toner image TI in order to shorten the startup time from when the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is turned on until the transparent toner image TI can be formed. This is to prevent a rapid decrease in the surface temperature of the pressure roller 41 caused by the above. In the first embodiment, a halogen lamp is used as the internal heater lamp 44.

≪Configuration of fixing cleaning section≫
Next, the configuration of the fixing cleaning unit 42 of the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described based on FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing cleaning unit 42 includes a web 421, a delivery roller 422, a web pressing roller 423, and a winding roller 424, and is a pressing portion between the web 421 and the surface of the fixing roller 40. The offset toner or the like adhering to the surface of the fixing roller 40 is removed by friction with the web 421 in the cleaning nip portion CN.

  The web 421 is fed from the feed roller 422 toward the web pressure roller 423, wound around the web pressure roller 423, pressed against the surface of the fixing roller 40, and then wound around the winding roller 424.

As the web 421, for example, a heat resistant nonwoven fabric can be used. Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular as a heat resistant nonwoven fabric, For example, the nonwoven fabric etc. which have an appropriate softness | flexibility and mechanical strength including aromatic polyamide fiber and the polyester fiber softened at high temperature are mentioned. Such heat-resistant nonwoven fabrics are commercially available, and examples thereof include Nomex (registered trademark) and Himeron (registered trademark). The thickness of the web 421 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30 to 100 μm. In the first embodiment, the web 421 having a thickness of 40 μm is used. Further, the web 421 may be impregnated with oil having a releasing effect. As the oil, those commonly used in the field of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses can be used, and examples thereof include silicone oils such as dimethyl silicone oil, amino-modified silicone oil, mercapto-modified silicone oil, and fluorine-modified silicone oil. In the first embodiment, the web 421 is impregnated with silicon oil having a viscosity of about 0.01 m ² / s (10000 centistokes, 25 ° C.).

  The feed roller 422 is supported so as to be able to be driven and rotated around the axis, and the web 421 is wound around and held on the surface thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the feed roller 422 is configured to be driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow DW to send out the web 421.

  The web pressure roller 423 is a roller-like member that is axially supported at both ends in an axial direction so as to be driven and rotated by a bearing (not shown). The web pressure roller 423 is provided so as to be in pressure contact with the surface of the fixing roller 40 via the web 421 by a spring pressing means (not shown). The web pressure roller 423 rotates following the winding operation of the web 421 by the winding roller 424. As the web pressure roller 423, for example, a roller-shaped member including a metal core and an elastic layer formed on the surface of the metal core is used. Examples of the elastic material constituting the elastic layer include heat-resistant rubber such as silicon rubber, foams thereof, and the like.

The surface hardness of the elastic layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20 ° to 30 ° (Asker-c, Asker C hardness). For example, a spring member or the like is used as the pressing means. The pressing force to the fixing roller 40 is preferably 3793.6 Pa (0.039 kgf / cm ² ) to 18967.9 Pa (0.19 kgf / cm ² ). If it is less than 3793.6 Pa, the offset toner tends to damage the surface layer of the inside 40 of the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, and there is a possibility that defective fixing of the transparent toner image TI may occur.

  The length of the web pressing roller 423 in the axial direction may be larger than the maximum width of the transparent toner image TI to be formed in the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. Further, the width of the cleaning nip portion CN (cleaning nip width) has a great influence on the cleaning performance of the fixing cleaning portion 42, and therefore it is preferable to design the width within the appropriate range. The cleaning nip width CN is mainly determined by the pressing force of the web pressure roller 423 against the fixing roller 40, the roller diameter of the web pressure roller 423, and the like. In the first embodiment, the web pressing roller 423 has an axial width of 310 mm longer than the maximum width of the transparent toner image TI and a roller diameter of 20 mm.

  The winding roller 424 is provided so as to be rotatable around an axis by a driving unit (not shown), and winds the web 421 after contacting the fixing roller 40. The web 421 is fed out from the feed roller 422 by the rotational drive of the winding roller 424, and the cleaning operation is started.

  The operation of the fixing cleaning unit 42 is controlled by a control unit (not shown). The control means is a driving means (not shown) that drives the take-up roller 424 to rotate when the number of transparent base materials TS that have passed through the fixing nip FN or the rotation speed of the fixing roller 40 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Then, a control signal for starting the cleaning operation is sent to a motor provided inside the main body of the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. Upon receiving the control signal, the driving means rotates the winding roller 424 to wind the web 421 by a certain amount. By this winding, the web 421 is sent out from the feed roller 422 in the direction of the arrow DW. The fed web 421 is cleaned by taking in offset toner or the like on the surface of the fixing roller 40. In addition, although the example of operation | movement which winds up the web 421 intermittently with the winding roller 424 was shown, it is not limited to it, It winds up continuously according to the timing which the transparent base material TS passes through the fixing nip part FN. May be performed.

≪Temperature control of fixing roller and pressure roller≫
Next, temperature control of the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 according to the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described.

  In the first embodiment, a fixing roller side thermistor 47 is provided so as to be close to the fixing roller 40. The fixing roller side thermistor 47 detects the surface temperature of the fixing roller 40. The detection result by the fixing roller side thermistor 47 is input to the control means. The control unit determines whether or not the surface temperature of the fixing roller 40 is within a predetermined set temperature (fixing temperature) based on the detection result of the fixing roller side thermistor 47. When the surface temperature of the fixing roller 40 is lower than a predetermined fixing temperature setting range, the control unit sends a control signal to a power source connected to the internal heater lamp 43 to supply power to the internal heater lamp 43. Encourage fever. Further, when the surface temperature of the fixing roller 40 is higher than a predetermined fixing temperature setting range, the control unit sends a control signal to a power source connected to the internal heater lamp 43 to supply power to the internal heater lamp 43. Stop.

  In the first embodiment, the pressure roller side thermistor 48 is provided so as to be close to the pressure roller 41. The pressure roller side thermistor 48 detects the surface temperature of the pressure roller 41. The detection result by the pressure roller side thermistor 48 is input to the control means. The control means determines whether the surface temperature of the pressure roller 41 is within a predetermined set temperature (fixing temperature) based on the detection result of the pressure roller side thermistor 48. When the surface temperature of the pressure roller 41 is lower than a predetermined fixing temperature setting range, the control unit sends a control signal to a power source connected to the internal heater lamp 44 to supply power to the internal heater lamp 44. To encourage fever. In addition, when the surface temperature of the pressure roller 41 is higher than a predetermined fixing temperature setting range, the control unit sends a control signal to a power source connected to the internal heater lamp 44 so that the electric power for the internal heater lamp 44 is reduced. Stop supplying.

  In the fixing unit 4, the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 are heated to the respective set temperatures, and the thermistors 47 and 48 provided in the vicinity of the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 reach the set temperatures. And the detection result is input to the control means. When the detection result is input, the control unit sends a control signal to a driving unit that rotationally drives the fixing roller 40 to rotate the fixing roller 40. Accordingly, the pressure roller 41 is driven to rotate. In this state, the transparent base material TS on which the transparent toner image TI is formed is conveyed from the transfer unit 2 to the fixing nip unit FN. When passing through the fixing nip portion FN, the transparent toner image TI is heated and pressurized and fixed on one surface of the transparent substrate TS. In the first embodiment, the thickness of the transparent toner image TI formed on one surface of the transparent substrate TS is preferably 20 to 40 μm.

  Here, the surface temperature of the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 is set to a temperature range 10 to 80 ° C. higher than the softening temperature of the binder resin constituting the transparent toner, preferably 180 to 200 ° C.

≪Configuration of lens forming part≫
Next, based on FIG. 3, the structure of the lens formation part 5 in the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lens forming unit 5 presses the transparent toner image TI formed on one surface of the transparent substrate TS to form a concavo-convex shape by applying pressure under heating, and the concavo-convex shape is formed on one surface of the transparent substrate TS. A lens layer is formed. The lens forming unit 5 includes a pair of rollers including a lens forming roller 50 and a lens forming pressure roller 51.

  The lens forming roller 50 is a roller-like member supported at both ends in the axial direction and rotatably provided around the axis, and is driven to rotate at a predetermined peripheral speed by a driving unit (not shown). The lens forming roller 50 is heated so as to reach a predetermined lens forming temperature, and detects that the lens forming roller side thermistor 57 provided in the vicinity of the lens forming roller 50 has reached the predetermined lens forming temperature. The result is input to the control means. And a control means sends a control signal to the drive means which rotationally drives the lens formation roller 50, and rotates the lens formation roller 50 in the direction of arrow DLR. Accordingly, the lens forming pressure roller 51 is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow DLPR.

  The transparent base material TS carrying the transparent toner image TI passes through the lens forming nip portion LN formed by the lens forming roller 50 and the lens forming pressure roller 51 so as to contact the lens forming roller 50. The transparent toner image TI formed as a layer on the transparent substrate TS is heated from the heating source (internal heater lamp 53) inside the lens forming roller 50 and the pressure on the outer peripheral surface of the lens forming roller 50 at the lens forming nip LN. Is formed by heating to form an uneven lenticular lens.

  The lens forming roller 50 includes a core metal 511 and a surface layer 513. As a material constituting the metal core 511, for example, aluminum, iron, stainless steel, or the like can be used. The shape of the cored bar 511 is a right cylindrical shape, and both ends of the cored bar 511 in the axial direction may or may not have a drawing structure.

  The surface layer 513 is a layer coated on the surface of the cored bar 511 and ensures the releasability of the transparent toner. Examples of the material constituting the surface layer 513 include fluorine-based resin materials such as PFA (copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Alternatively, a DLC (diamond-like carbon) material containing these fluororesins may be used. In addition, the thickness of the surface layer 513 is preferably about 50 nm to 30 μm. If the thickness of the surface layer 513 is extremely thin, durability becomes a problem. If the surface layer 513 is too thick, the groove shape of the cored bar 511 may be buried, and as a result, the lens formation may not be successful. Because.

  Instead of forming the surface layer 513 on the surface of the lens forming roller 50, a release agent such as silicone oil may be applied to secure the release property of the transparent toner. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which apply | coats mold release agents, such as a silicone oil, on a surface layer. As the silicone oil, an oil having a viscosity of about 1,000 CS to 10,000 CS can be used.

  The lens forming roller 50 includes an internal heater lamp 53 inside the roller. The internal heater lamp 53 is arranged along the central axis (here, the same as the rotation axis) of the lens forming roller 50. In the first embodiment, a halogen lamp is used as the internal heater lamp 53. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any heating means for heating the lens forming roller 50 may be used.

  The lens forming pressure roller 51 is in contact with the surface opposite to the surface on which the transparent toner image TI of the transparent substrate TS conveyed to the lens forming portion 5 is formed. The lens forming pressure roller 51 is supported at both ends in the axial direction, and is rotatably provided in a state where the lens forming lens forming roller 50 is pressed by a pressure mechanism (not shown). The pressure contact portion between the lens forming roller 50 and the lens forming pressure roller 51 forms a lens forming nip portion LN. Ball bearings are inserted into both end portions of the lens forming pressure roller 51 in the axial direction, and the lens forming pressure roller 51 rotates following the rotation of the lens forming roller 50. The lens forming pressure roller 51 presses the transparent toner image TI against the transparent substrate TS when the lens forming roller 50 heat-molds the transparent toner image TI into the uneven shape. Promote molding into shape. The lens forming pressure roller 51 presses the lens forming roller 50 with a pressing force having a uniform pressing force in the axial direction and a total load of 400 N by a pressing mechanism. As the lens forming pressure roller 51, a normal pressure roller used in a fixing unit of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be used.

  The lens forming pressure roller 51 includes a cored bar 521, an elastic layer 522, and a surface layer 523. As a material constituting the metal core 521, for example, aluminum, iron, stainless steel, or the like can be used. The shape of the cored bar 521 is a right cylindrical shape, and both ends of the cored bar 521 in the axial direction may or may not have a drawing structure.

  The elastic layer 522 is provided to enlarge the region of the lens forming nip portion LN formed by the lens forming roller 50 and the pressure roller 52 and is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cored bar 521. As a material constituting the elastic layer 522, a material having rubber elasticity, more preferably a material having rubber elasticity and excellent in heat resistance can be used. Specific examples of such a material include silicon rubber, fluorine rubber, or fluorosilicon rubber. Moreover, although it is good also as a foam of these materials, especially the silicon rubber which is excellent in rubber elasticity is preferable. The lens formation nip width WLN (length in the transport direction DTS of the transparent base material TS of the lens formation nip portion LN) is preferably 7 mm, for example.

  The surface layer 523 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 522. As a material constituting the surface layer 523 formed on the surface of the lens forming pressure roller 51, a material having excellent heat resistance and durability and weak adhesion to the transparent toner can be used. Specific examples of the material constituting the surface layer 523 include fluorine-based resin materials such as PFA (copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), and fluorine rubber. It is done. When PFA or PTFE is used as the surface layer 523, a tube made of these materials may be covered or coated. Note that the thickness of the surface layer 523 is preferably 10 μm to 50 μm.

<Temperature control of lens forming roller>
As with the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41, the thermistor 57 is used for temperature control of the lens forming roller 50 according to the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. Here, the surface temperature of the lens forming roller 50 is set to a temperature range higher by 0 to 80 ° C., preferably 140 to 200 ° C. than the softening temperature of the binder resin constituting the transparent toner.

≪Ingredients of transparent toner≫
Next, the components of the transparent toner according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The transparent toner is a light-transmitting toner, and is composed of the same components as those normally used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus except that it does not contain a colorant. The transparent toner contains a binder resin, and a release agent is added as necessary. Further, in addition to the binder resin and the release agent, a general toner additive such as a charge control agent and an external additive may be contained.

  As binder resin, polystyrene resin, resin made of homopolymer of substituted styrene, styrene copolymer resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, cyclic Examples thereof include olefin resins. These binder resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Among these binder resins, the binder resin for transparent toner is preferably a binder resin having a softening point of 100 to 150 ° C. and a glass transition point of 50 to 80 ° C. in consideration of storage stability and durability. Polyester resins having the above softening point and glass transition point are also preferred. Moreover, a cyclic olefin resin is also favorable from the viewpoint of transparency.

  The release agent is not particularly limited, and for example, wax can be used. As the wax, a wax usually used in the field of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses can be used. For example, polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, paraffin wax, ester wax and the like can be mentioned. In addition, if content of a mold release agent is a range normally used, it will not specifically limit.

  The charge control agent is not particularly limited as long as it can charge the transparent toner or control its chargeability. However, it is preferable that the toner does not affect the transparency of the transparent toner. Examples of such charge control agents generally include nigrosine dyes, quaternary ammonium salts, triphenylmethane derivatives, zinc salicylate complexes, zinc naphtholates, metal oxides of benzylic acid derivatives, and the like. These charge control agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more charge control agents. In addition, the content of the charge control agent is not particularly limited as long as it is in a normally used range.

  The transparent toner can be produced according to a known toner base particle method. Examples of the production method include a pulverization method, a suspension polymerization method, and an emulsion aggregation method. The volume average particle diameter of the transparent toner is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2 μm to 10 μm. This is because when forming the lenticular lens, a transparent toner image TI having a thickness as uniform as possible including the edge portion of the region is formed. When the volume average particle size is smaller than 2 μm, the fluidity of the transparent toner is lowered. For this reason, during the developing operation in the developing unit 14, the supply, stirring and charging of the transparent toner become insufficient, and problems such as insufficient amount of transparent toner and an increase in reversely charged toner occur. As a result, there is a possibility that problems such as inability to form a favorable transparent toner layer may occur. On the other hand, when the volume average particle size of the transparent toner exceeds 10 μm, the surface smoothness of the transparent toner image TI formed on the surface of the transparent substrate TS, and thus the surface smoothness of the lens layer generated by molding of the transparent toner image TI is high. May decrease. Further, as described later, there is a possibility that a sharp image is difficult to be obtained when a line image is printed.

  The external additive is for the purpose of imparting functions such as powder flowability improvement, triboelectric chargeability improvement, heat resistance improvement, long-term storage stability improvement, cleaning property improvement, and abrasion property control of the photoreceptor surface to the transparent toner. Added. As the external additive, an external additive usually used in the field of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses can be used. For example, an external additive such as silica, alumina, titanium oxide, acrylic fine powder, or metal soap fine particles Is mentioned. The addition amount of the external additive is not particularly limited as long as it is a range that is usually used.

  The transparent toner produced as described above can be used as a one-component developer as it is, and can also be used as a two-component developer by mixing and stirring with a carrier. The carrier used together with the transparent toner as the two-component developer is not particularly limited, and a carrier usually used in the field of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be used. As the carrier, for example, a carrier made of a magnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, or a magnetic oxide such as ferrite or magnetite, is preferably used. Alternatively, a resin-coated carrier in which these carriers are coated as a core particle with a resin material and a coating layer is formed on the surface of the core particle may be used. Whether to use a carrier without a coating layer or a resin-coated carrier is preferably selected according to the transparent toner component, and one kind may be used alone, or two or more kinds may be used. May be used in combination. The volume average particle diameter of the carrier is not particularly limited, but in order to form a transparent toner image TI with good surface smoothness, the carrier volume average particle diameter is preferably 30 μm to 100 μm.

  The production method of the two-component developer is not particularly limited, and can be produced by a known method. The transparent toner of the present invention is preferably contained so as to have a concentration of 3 wt% to 20 wt% with respect to the total amount of the two-component developer.

  The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a fixing unit 4 that forms a transparent toner image TI on one surface of a transparent substrate TS, and the transparent toner image TI. A lens forming portion 5 that forms a lens layer by forming it into a concavo-convex shape is provided separately. Therefore, the degree of freedom in setting the heating conditions in the fixing unit 4 and the lens forming unit 5 can be improved, the hot offset resistance is excellent, and the adhesive strength of the lens layer to the transparent substrate TS is sufficiently ensured. The lenticular sheet can be produced with one apparatus.

  As an example, uniform charging was performed by the charging unit 12 using an organic photosensitive drum 11 having a diameter of 30 mm. The photosensitive drum 11 thus charged was exposed by the optical scanning unit 13 to form a latent image for forming a transparent toner image TI. The optical scanning unit 13 performed writing of a striped image with a semiconductor laser device. The striped images were formed along the sub-scanning direction (the circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum 11, that is, the transport direction of the transparent base material TS), and the pitch between the strips in the main scanning direction was 254 μm. The latent image formed in this manner was developed by the developing unit 14 containing the transparent toner to form a striped transparent toner image TI having a thickness of about 30 μm on the photosensitive drum 11.

  If a problem such as offset occurs in order to obtain the thickness of the transparent toner image TI of about 30 μm, two or more transparent toner image forming transfer units 10 are arranged in series as shown in FIG. It is good also as a system which transfers sequentially on the transparent base material TS conveyed. This will be described in detail later.

Specific specifications of the two-component developer and the transparent substrate TS used in the first embodiment are as follows.
[Two-component developer]
(Transparent toner)
Binder resin: 94.5 parts by weight of cyclic olefin resin Charge control agent: 0.5 parts by weight of metal oxide of benzylic acid derivative Wax: 5.0 parts by weight of polyethylene wax (external additive)
Small particle size silica 1.0 part by weight for 100 parts by weight of transparent toner Titanium oxide 1.5 parts by weight for 100 parts by weight of transparent toner Volume average particle diameter of 6.5 μm by kneading and pulverization based on these materials Transparent toner was obtained.
(Career)
Using a carrier having a volume average particle diameter of 50 μm, a ferrite carrier was added so that the concentration ratio of the transparent toner to the two-component developer was 8%.
[Transparent substrate]
An A4 size PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet having a thickness of 550 μm was used.

  Using the developer, the transparent toner image TI formed on the photoconductive drum 11 is transferred onto the transparent substrate TS at the transfer nip formed by the transfer units 21 and 21a and the photoconductive drums 11 and 11a, respectively. did. The transparent base material TS on which the striped transparent toner image TI is formed in this way is subsequently conveyed to the lens forming unit 5.

Details of the fixing unit 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are as follows.
[Fixing part]
(Fixing roller)
The fixing roller 40 is formed by forming a silicon rubber layer having a thickness of 2 mm as an elastic layer 402 on the outer peripheral surface of an iron cored bar 401 having an outer diameter of 36 mm and a wall thickness of 2 mm, and further forming a surface layer on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 402. 403 is a roller having an outer diameter of about 40 mm provided with a PFA tube layer having a thickness of 40 μm. The temperature of the fixing roller 40 was set to 200 ° C.
(Pressure roller)
In the pressure roller 41, a 1 mm thick silicon rubber layer was formed as an elastic layer 412 on an iron cored bar 411 having an outer diameter of 38 mm and a wall thickness of 1 mm, and a 40 μm thick PFA tube layer was further provided as a surface layer 413. A roller having an outer diameter of approximately 40 mm. The pressure contact load of the pressure roller 41 to the fixing roller 40 was 600N. The nip width was about 6 mm. The speed at which the transparent base material TS passes through the fixing nip portion FN was set to 30 mm / sec.

The specifications of the lens forming unit 5 are as follows.
[Lens forming part]
(Lens forming roller)
An aluminum core bar having an outer diameter of 39.6 mm and a wall thickness of 2 mm and having both ends squeezed was used. The core metal surface was mechanically processed to form grooves having a pitch of 254 μm and a depth of about 30 μm in the same direction with respect to the rotation direction DLR of the lens forming roller 50 with a width of about 300 mm.
The surface was coated with fluorine in order to ensure the releasability of the transparent toner. The thickness of the fluorine coat was 2 μm.
(Pressure roller for lens formation)
A silicon rubber layer having a thickness of 1.5 mm was provided as an elastic body on the outer peripheral surface of an iron cored bar made of iron having an outer diameter of 36.9 mm, an inner diameter of 32.9 mm, and a wall thickness of 2 mm and having no drawing structure. The silicon rubber had a JIS-A hardness of 30 °. As the surface layer, a PFA tube layer having a thickness of 50 μm was used. The product outer diameter is a 40.0 mm roller. Moreover, the axial direction length of a metal core is 313 mm, and the axial direction length of an elastic layer is 312 mm. The weight was 400N. The width of the nip formed by both rollers was about 2 mm. The linear velocity of both rollers was 28 mm / sec.
(lamp)
A halogen lamp 53 was provided inside the lens forming roller 50, and the temperature was controlled by a thermistor 57 to 150 ° C.

  With such a configuration, the fixing conditions and the lens forming conditions can be individually adjusted, so that the fixing process and the lens forming process can be performed under optimum conditions, respectively, and a good lenticular sheet can be manufactured.

≪Detailed shape of lens forming part≫
Hereinafter, the detailed shape of the lens formation part 5 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, on the surface of the lens forming roller 50, a plurality of transparent toner images TI formed on one surface of the transparent substrate TS are formed at a predetermined pitch so as to be formed into an uneven lens layer. Grooves are formed. FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. As shown in these drawings, in the first embodiment, the groove is formed along the rotation direction DLR of the lens forming roller 50. Examples of such a groove processing method include mechanical processing using a metal tool or the like, processing using a laser, and the like.

  In the first embodiment, when the grooves are formed in the axial direction of the lens forming roller 50, the lens forming roller 50 maintains the distance between adjacent grooves on the surface of the lens forming roller 50 throughout the entire circumference of the roller. It is necessary to set the outer peripheral length of 50 to an integer multiple of the pitch width of the lenticular lens. If not set to an integral multiple, the gap between the grooves on a part of the roller surface is shorter (or longer) than the other parts, resulting in inconsistency and causing the lens pitch width to be non-uniform.

≪Conditions for good lens formation≫
In the first embodiment, when the lens is formed by the lens forming roller 50 in which the grooves are formed in the rotational direction of the lenticular roller, the striped images are formed on the photosensitive drum 11 in the sub scanning direction by the optical scanning units 13 and 13a. To form. At this time, it is necessary to match the position of the transparent toner image TI formed on the transparent substrate TS with the position of the groove formed on the surface of the lens forming roller 50. As an adjustment method, it is possible to adjust the writing position on the photosensitive drum 11 in the main scanning direction. When the writing optical system has a resolution of 1200 dpi, it is possible to control at a pitch of about 21 μm, and by providing an adjustment mechanism of ± 6 steps at a pitch of 21 μm, it is possible to adjust even if “deviation” occurs. The adjustment mechanism can be displayed on the operation panel and can be adjusted by the user.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the shape of each groove of the groove portion GP formed on the surface layer 513 of the lens forming roller 50 and each stripe shape of the transparent toner image TI formed on the transparent substrate TS are as follows. The transparent base material TS is conveyed to the lens forming nip portion LN so as to be aligned. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion B in FIG.
Here, HTS is the thickness of the transparent base material TS, WTS is the width of the transparent base material TS, WGP is the width of the groove portion GP of the lens forming portion 5, PLR is the pitch interval of the grooves of the lens forming roller 50, HLG Is the groove depth of the lens forming roller 50, PTI is the pitch interval between the transparent toner images TI, HTI is the thickness of the transparent toner image TI, WTI is the width of the transparent toner image TI, and STI is the transparent toner image. Each interval between TIs is shown.

The conditions for the groove for forming a good lens and the transparent toner image TI are as follows.
(I) The pitch interval PLR of the grooves is equal to the pitch interval PTI between the transparent toner images TI.
(PLR = PTI)
(Ii) The thickness HTI of the transparent toner image TI is larger than the groove depth HLG.
(HTI> HLG)
(Iii) It is desirable that the groove cross-sectional area SG is equal to or larger than the cross-sectional area STI of the transparent toner.
(SG ≧ STI)
Here, (i) is a condition for matching the entire transparent toner image TI and the entire groove. (Ii) is a condition for ensuring a minimum pressing force from the surface layer 513 to the transparent toner image TI during lens formation. (Iii) is a condition for forming a good lens after pressing. These conditions are for realizing the above-described reason, and may be different from the conditions as long as the reason for the condition is satisfied.

  5A and 5B show the transparent base material TS and the surface layer 513 apart from each other in order to show the positional relationship between the groove and the transparent toner image TI before forming the lens. Actually, as shown in FIG. 5C, in the lens forming nip portion LN, the transparent toner image TI is pressed by the surface layer 513 to be transformed into a lens-shaped transparent toner lens TL.

  As a result of lens formation under these conditions, a good lens could be formed. In addition, the toner amount could be reduced in terms of toner consumption.

≪Modification of lens forming part≫
A modification of the lens forming unit 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In the first embodiment, the case where the striped image of the transparent toner is formed in the sub-scanning direction has been described, but it may be formed in the main scanning direction.
In that case, as shown in FIG. 6A, the groove formed on the surface of the lens forming roller 50a is formed in the axial direction of the lens forming roller 50a. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. A striped transparent toner image TI having a pitch of 254 μm in the main scanning direction was similarly formed on the transparent substrate. The toner and developer used are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The lens forming roller 50a and the lens forming pressure roller 51 are all the same as in the first embodiment, except that the groove formation on the lens forming roller 50a is changed from the rotational direction DLR of the lens forming roller 50a to the axial direction. It is. As a result of lens formation in this way, a good lens could be formed. Note that the transparent toner image formed on the transparent substrate TS is also formed when the striped transparent toner image TI is formed in the main scanning direction and the lens is formed by a roller having grooves formed in the axial direction of the lenticular roller. It is necessary to match the position of TI with the position of the groove formed on the surface of the lens forming roller 50a.

  As a specific adjustment method, it is possible to respond by adjusting the write timing in the sub-scanning direction. When the writing optical system has a resolution of 1200 dpi, control at a pitch of about 21 μm is possible. For example, markings indicating the irregularities of the grooves are performed on the lens forming roller 50a. The position of the mark may be a position indicating a convex portion or a position indicating a concave portion. A reflective photosensor is installed on the opposite surface of the lens forming roller 50a, the reflected light is read while rotating the lens forming roller 50a, and the surface irregularities of the lens forming roller 50a are detected based on the reflected light information. By controlling the writing position based on the detection information, it is possible to correct “deviation” in the sub-scanning direction.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the shape of each groove of the groove portion GP formed on the surface layer 513a of the lens forming roller 50a and the stripe shape of the transparent toner image TI formed on the transparent substrate TS are as follows. The transparent base material TS is conveyed to the lens forming nip portion LN so as to be aligned. FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. As proceeding in the transport direction DTS, the transparent toner image TI on the transparent substrate TS is sequentially transformed into the transparent toner lens TL by heating and pressurization in the lens forming nip LN.
The conditions for the groove for forming a good lens and the transparent toner image TI and the meaning of each symbol are the same as in the description of FIG.

≪Other variations≫
In addition to the modifications described above, instead of using the lens forming rollers 50 and 50a for forming a lens, the lens forming rollers 50b and 50d provided with the non-groove portions NGP as shown in FIGS. 16, lens forming belts 56 and 56a as shown in FIG. 18 may be used. The lens forming rollers 50b and 50d and the lens forming belts 56 and 56a will be described in detail later. Both of the modifications are the same in that the position / shape of the transparent toner image TI is formed so as to match the position / shape of the groove of the lens forming portion 5.

≪Modification of lenticular sheet manufacturing equipment≫
Hereinafter, based on FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the 1st and 2nd modification of the lenticular sheet preparation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, respectively.
In addition, it is similar to the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, and about the corresponding part, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. About the lens formation part 5 which concerns on a 2nd modification, there is no problem by the same structure as 1st Embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100a according to the first modification does not include the fixing unit 4 like the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, and fixes the transparent toner image TI to the transparent base material TS. The lens formation is not performed in a separate process, but is performed simultaneously by the lens forming unit 5.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100b according to the second modification is similar to the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 except that the non-contact fixing unit 4b is provided instead of the fixing unit 4 described above. Composed. When forming a thick transparent toner fixing layer, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the fixing roller in order to ensure the fixing strength between the transparent base material TS and the transparent toner TI. It tends to occur. In the case of the non-contact fixing unit 4b, such a problem does not occur because the transparent toner TI is heated and fixed in a non-contact state.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the fixing unit 4b included in the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100b includes two plate-like heaters 40b and 41b facing each other with a predetermined interval. For example, a ceramic heater or the like can be used as the heaters 40b and 41b. The transparent substrate TS to which the transparent toner image TI has been transferred in the transfer unit 2 passes between the two heaters 40b and 41b. As a result, the transparent toner image TI formed on one surface of the transparent substrate TS is heated and melted and fixed without contact, and a transparent toner image TI is formed on one surface of the transparent substrate TS.

  Thus, in the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100b, the transparent toner image TI transferred to one surface of the transparent base material TS in the fixing unit 4b is heated in a non-contact manner, and the transparent toner image TI is formed on one surface of the transparent base material TS. Therefore, the occurrence of hot offset in the fixing unit 4b can be prevented. Therefore, the heating temperature in the fixing unit 4b can be set to a high value, and the fixing unit 4b can form a transparent toner image TI having a large thickness with high quality. Therefore, the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100b can manufacture a lenticular sheet on which a thick lens layer is formed with high quality.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, based on FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the detail of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated.

  The lenticular sheet production apparatus 100c shown in FIG. 10 is configured in the same manner as the lenticular sheet production apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 except that it further includes one transparent toner image formation transfer unit 10c. The transparent toner image forming and transferring portions 10 and 10c basically have the same configuration. In the second embodiment, the two transparent toner image formation transfer units 10 and 10c are provided in series along the transport direction DTS of the transparent base material TS. The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 100c includes transparent toner image formation transfer units 10 and 10c, and sequentially forms transparent toners in the transparent toner image formation transfer units 10 and 10c, so that two layers of transparent toner images are formed on one surface of the transparent substrate TS. TI is formed by stacking. In FIG. 10, the transparent toner image forming and transferring portions 10 and 10c are arranged in series. However, if necessary, a transparent toner image forming and transferring portion may be further added.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the cross-sectional area of the striped transparent toner image TI may be formed in a convex shape over the entire layer so as to match the concave shape of the cross-sectional area of the groove. By forming in this way, smooth pressing over the entire groove shape is ensured without forming an unnecessary transparent toner image TI in the concave portion of the lens, and good lens formation becomes possible. FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of a portion E in FIG. 11A, showing an example in which two layers of a striped transparent toner image TI are laminated, and FIG. 11C shows an example in which three layers are laminated. .

«Third embodiment»
Next, based on FIGS. 12 and 13, an example of high-quality lens formation that focuses on the relationship between the groove portion GP of the lens formation portion 5 b and the transparent base material TS will be described in the third embodiment. All the embodiments are common in that a good lenticular lens is realized by geometrical alignment with the groove part GP of the lens forming parts 5, 5a and 5b.

  In the third embodiment, a transparent toner image TI having a thickness of 20 μm is formed on one surface of the transparent substrate TS using the following toner, developer, and fixing roller. As shown in FIG. 12A, the transparent toner forming region is provided with a portion (void portion) where the toner is not applied on the transparent base material TS by 3 mm on both the front, back, left and right. For example, in the case of A4 size (297 mm × 210 mm), it is 291 mm × 204 mm. Further, the paper passing direction was horizontal paper passing (the direction in which the longitudinal direction of the transparent substrate TS is orthogonal to the paper passing direction). FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of a portion F in FIG. The specific specifications of the two-component developer, the transparent substrate TS, and the fixing unit used in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In 3rd Embodiment, Example 1, Example 2, and a comparative example are shown below according to the relative relationship between the shape of the lens formation roller 50b and the shape of transparent base material TS.

Example 1
In Example 1, lens formation was performed under the following conditions.
Using the transparent toner image TI having a thickness of about 20 μm formed on one surface of the transparent substrate TS described above, a lens having a thickness of about 30 μm was formed on the transparent toner image TI by the lens forming roller 50b.

[Lens forming part]
(Lens forming roller)
The lens forming roller 50b according to Example 1 is obtained by machining the surface of an aluminum cored bar 511b having an outer diameter of 40.00 mm, a thickness of 2 mm, and a body length (axial direction length) of 315 mm in the circumferential direction of the roller. Grooves having a pitch of 254 μm and a depth of 30 μm were formed with a width of 305 mm.
In Example 1, the maximum width WTS of the transparent substrate TS passed through the lens forming nip LN is A4 (297 mm). Note that the outer diameter of the roller at the convex part of the groove part GP (twice the maximum value LGP of the length from the central axis of the lens forming roller 50b to the groove part GP) was 39.97 mm. A fluororesin coat layer having a thickness of 50 nm was provided as a surface layer 513b on the roller surface.

(Pressure roller for lens formation)
As the pressure roller 51 for lens formation, a silicon rubber (JIS-A hard) having a thickness of 5 mm is formed as an elastic layer 522 on an iron core bar 521 having an outer diameter of 29.76 mm, an inner diameter of 23.76 mm, and a wall thickness of 3 mm. A roller having an outer diameter of about 40 mm and a PFA tube layer having a thickness of 50 μm provided as a surface layer 523 was used. Further, the axial length of the metal core 521 of the lens forming pressure roller 51 is 313 mm, and the axial length of the elastic layer 522 is 312 mm. The pressure contact load of the lens forming pressure roller 51 to the lens forming roller 50b was 400N. The nip width WLN at this time was about 2 mm.
(Temperature of lens forming roller)
The temperature of the fixing roller 40 was set to 180 ° C.
(Conveying speed)
The speed of passing through the lens formation nip LN was 30 mm / sec.

<< Example 2 >>
(Lens forming roller)
The lens forming roller 50b according to Example 2 is obtained by machining the surface of an aluminum cored bar 511b having an outer diameter of 40.00 mm, a wall thickness of 2 mm, and a body length (length in the axial direction) of 315 mm in the circumferential direction of the roller. Grooves having a pitch of 254 μm and a depth of 30 μm were formed with a width of 294 mm. In this configuration, the width of the transparent base material TS that is passed through the lens forming nip LN is A4 (297 mm), as in the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13A, the outer diameter of the roller at the convex part of the groove part GP (twice the maximum value LGP of the length from the central axis of the lens forming roller 50b to the groove part GP) is 39.97 mm, Furthermore, the outer diameter of the non-groove part NGP outside the groove part GP was set to 39.95 mm by polishing. A fluororesin coat layer having a thickness of 50 nm was provided as a surface layer 513b on the roller surface. The temperature setting and speed of the lens forming pressure roller 50b and each roller are the same as those in the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a portion G in FIG.

≪Comparative Example≫
(Lens forming roller)
As a comparative example, a lens forming roller 50c is machined on the surface of an aluminum core bar 511c having an outer diameter of 40.00 mm, a thickness of 2 mm, and a body length (length in the axial direction) of 315 mm. Grooves having a pitch of 254 μm and a depth of 30 μm were formed with a width of 294 mm. In this configuration, the width of the transparent substrate TS passed through the lens forming nip LN is A4 (297 mm).
As shown in FIG. 13C, the outer diameter of the roller at the convex part of the groove part GP was 39.97 mm. A fluororesin coat layer having a thickness of 50 nm was provided as a surface layer 513c on the roller surface. The temperature setting and speed of the lens forming pressure roller and each roller are the same as those in the first embodiment.

≪Lens formation evaluation results≫
Hereinafter, based on Table 1, Table 2, and FIG. 14, the evaluation result of the lens formation by Example 1, Example 2, and a comparative example is demonstrated.

The formation state of the lenticular lens in Example 1, Example 2 and Comparative Example was evaluated. For the evaluation, Surfacorder SE3500 of Kosaka Laboratory was used.
Table 1 below shows the characteristics of each example, and Table 2 shows the evaluation results of lens formation in each example.

  In the table above, when the size of the transparent substrate TS is B5 size, formation of a good lens shape was confirmed in any of the examples. On the other hand, in the case of A4 size, a good lens shape was formed in Example 1 and Example 2, but a satisfactory lens shape was not obtained in Comparative Example.

  FIGS. 14A and 14B show a surface roughness meter on the surface of the lenticular sheet after lens formation by the lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to Example 1 and the comparative example, respectively, when an A4 size transparent substrate surface is used. It is the result measured by. The horizontal axis represents the measurement position (unit: μm) in the circumferential direction of the lens forming roller 50b on the lenticular sheet surface, and the vertical axis represents the thickness (unit: μm) of the lenticular sheet surface.

  When the width of the transparent substrate TS is wider than the width of the groove portion GP in the lens forming nip portion LN and the roller diameter of the non-groove portion NGP is larger than the maximum value of the roller diameter of the groove portion GP as in the comparative example, lens formation is performed. The roller 50c cannot sufficiently contact the transparent substrate TS at the lens forming nip portion LN. Therefore, the convex portion as shown in FIG. 14B has a distorted lens shape, and a good lens cannot be formed.

  On the other hand, the width of the groove portion GP is formed wider than the width of the transparent substrate TS as in the first embodiment, or the maximum value of the roller diameter of the groove portion GP is larger than the roller diameter of the non-groove portion NGP as in the second embodiment. Thus, sufficient contact with the transparent base material TS of any size is maintained in the lens forming nip portion LN. Therefore, good lens formation as shown in FIG. 14A can be easily realized.

<< First Modification of Lens Forming Section >>
Next, as shown in FIG. 15A, the first modification of the lens forming unit 5b according to the third embodiment is that the groove direction on the surface of the lens forming unit 5d is formed in the main scanning direction. Except for this, it is the same as the third embodiment. FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of a portion H in FIG.

<< Second Modification of Lens Forming Section >>
Next, a second modification of the lens forming portion 5b according to the third embodiment will be described based on FIGS. The second modified example has basically the same configuration as the first modified example except that the lens forming portion has a difference between a roller shape and a belt shape.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the lens forming portion 5b according to the second modification includes a belt support roller 55, an endless lens forming belt 56, and a belt support that includes a heater for suspending and heating the lens forming belt 56. The member 58, the lens forming pressure roller 51, the lens forming belt thermistor 57a which is a temperature adjusting member for adjusting the temperature of the lens forming belt 56, the belt support roller 55, and the lens forming pressure roller 51 are pressed against each other. A pressure spring (not shown) for applying pressure and a pressure release mechanism (not shown) for releasing the pressure contact are provided.

  The belt support roller 55 and the lens forming pressure roller 51 are pressed against each other with a predetermined load (for example, 400 N) by a pressure spring, and the lens forming nip portion LN (the belt support roller 55 and the lens forming lens) is interposed between the two rollers. A portion where the pressure roller 51 abuts each other).

  The belt support member 58 provided with a heater supports the lens forming belt 56 and quickly contacts the lens forming belt 56 to quickly heat the lens forming belt 56 to a predetermined temperature.

The belt support roller 55 according to the second modification forms a lens formation nip LN by being pressed against the lens formation pressure roller 51 via the lens formation belt 56, and at the same time, is rotated to drive the lens formation belt. 56 for the purpose of driving.
As the belt support roller 55, for example, a belt having a two-layer structure in which a lens forming belt base material 561 and a lens forming belt surface layer 562 are formed in order from the inside can be used. For the lens forming belt base material 561, for example, a metal such as iron, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or an alloy thereof is used. For the lens forming belt surface layer 562, a heat-resistant rubber material such as silicon rubber or fluororubber is suitable.
As the belt support roller 55, for example, a silicon rubber layer having a thickness of 5 mm is used as the elastic layer 552 on the outer peripheral surface of an iron core bar 551 having an outer diameter of 30 mm, an inner diameter of 24 mm, and a wall thickness of 3 mm.
Other components are basically the same as those in the first modification.

≪Details of lens forming belt construction≫
Next, details of the configuration of the lens forming belt 56 according to the second modification will be described.

  The lens forming belt 56 is an endless belt, and is suspended by a belt support member 58 including a heater and a belt support roller 55. When the belt support roller 55 rotates, the lens formation belt 56 is driven by the belt support roller 55. It rotates in the feed direction DLB. The lens forming belt 56 is elastic and forms a hollow cylindrical shape with a diameter of 50 mm, for example, when the lens forming belt 56 is cylindrical without being suspended from the belt supporting roller 55.

As shown in FIG. 16, the lens forming belt 56 is composed of two layers of a lens forming belt base material 561 and a lens forming belt surface layer 562 in order from the inner peripheral side.
Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the surface of the lens forming belt 56 has a plurality of grooves formed at a predetermined pitch. Examples of the groove processing method include mechanical processing using a metal cutting tool, processing using a laser, and the like. As the lens forming belt base material 561 of the lens forming belt 56, for example, a metal material such as aluminum, iron, stainless steel or the like can be used. A lens forming belt surface layer 562 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens forming belt substrate 561 in order to ensure the release property of the transparent toner. The lens forming belt surface layer 562 is made of a fluorine-based resin such as PFA (a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether) or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), like the surface layer 513 of the lens forming roller 50. Materials. Alternatively, a DLC (diamond-like carbon) material containing these fluororesins may be used. These thicknesses are preferably about 50 nm to 30 μm. As in the first embodiment, if it is extremely thin, durability becomes a problem, and if it is too thick, the groove part GP may be buried, resulting in a large change in the shape of the groove. As a result, lens formation may not be successful. Because.

  Note that a release agent such as silicone oil may be applied in order to ensure the release property of the transparent toner. As the silicone oil, an oil having a viscosity of about 1,000 CS to 10,000 CS can be used.

  The transparent toner image TI transported in the transport direction DTS through the lens forming nip LN is passed through the transparent base material TS formed on the surface, so that the transparent toner image TI is formed by the heat and pressure on the outer peripheral surface of the lens forming belt 56. By heat molding, a lenticular lens is formed on the transparent substrate TS. When the transparent base material TS carrying the transparent toner image TI passes through the lens forming nip portion LN, the lens forming belt 56 contacts the transparent toner image TI forming surface of the transparent base material TS, while the lens forming pressure roller 51. Is in contact with the surface of the transparent substrate TS opposite to the surface on which the transparent toner image TI is formed. The lens formation nip width WLN (the length in the transport direction DTS of the transparent base material TS of the lens formation nip portion LN) is, for example, 7 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, a large number of concave grooves are formed on the surface of the lens forming belt 56 that contacts the transparent toner image TI so that the transparent toner on the transparent substrate TS can be formed into a lens shape. ing. In the second modification, the grooves are formed in a direction parallel to the transport direction DTS of the transparent base material TS, that is, in the feed direction DLB of the lens forming belt 56. FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of a portion J in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, the lens forming belt 56 is composed of two layers of a lens forming belt base material 561 and a lens forming belt surface layer 562 in order from the inner peripheral side. A plurality of grooves are formed at a predetermined pitch. Examples of the groove processing method include mechanical processing using a metal cutting tool, processing using a laser, and the like. FIG. 18B is an enlarged view of a portion K in FIG.

  Similarly to the case of FIG. 12, the width of the groove portion GP is formed wider than the width of the transparent base material TS, and the maximum diameter of the roller diameter of the groove portion GP is made larger than the roller diameter of the non-groove portion NGP. If sufficient contact with the material TS is maintained in the lens formation nip portion LN, good lens formation can be easily realized.

<< Third Modification of Lens Forming Section >>
Next, a third modification of the lens forming portion 5b according to the third embodiment will be described based on FIGS. The third modification has the same configuration as the second modification except that the groove forming direction of the lens forming belt is different.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, a large number of concave grooves are formed on the surface of the lens forming belt 56a that contacts the transparent toner image TI so that the transparent toner on the transparent substrate TS can be formed into a lens shape. ing. In the third modified example, the grooves are formed in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction DTS of the transparent base material TS, that is, in the major axis direction of the belt support roller 55. FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of the L portion of the lens forming portion 5f shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the lens forming belt 56a according to the third modification is composed of two layers of a lens forming belt base material 561a and a lens forming belt surface layer 562a in this order from the inner peripheral side. A plurality of grooves are formed on the surface at a predetermined pitch. Examples of the groove processing method include mechanical processing using a metal cutting tool, processing using a laser, and the like. The material and configuration of the lens forming belt 56a are the same as those of the lens forming belt 56 according to the second embodiment. Other relationships are basically the same as those in FIG.

  By the way, in the case of the lens forming rollers 50a and 50d, when the grooves are formed in the axial direction of the lens forming rollers 50a and 50d, the distance between adjacent grooves on the surfaces of the lens forming rollers 50a and 50d is constant throughout the circumference of the rollers. In order to maintain this, it is necessary to set the outer peripheral lengths of the lens forming rollers 50a and 50d to an integral multiple of the pitch width of the lenticular lens. When not set to an integral multiple, the groove interval is shorter (or longer) than the pitch width of the lenticular lens on a part of the surface of the lens forming rollers 50a and 50d, resulting in non-uniformity.

However, by using the lens forming belt 56a according to the third modified example, the outer peripheral length of the lens forming belt 56a can be freely set without depending on the diameter of the belt support roller 55, so that the adjustment becomes easy. It is easy to ensure the uniformity of the groove spacing on the surface of 56a. Further, even if a part of the groove spacing on the surface of the lens forming belt 56a is uneven in the manufacturing process of the lens forming belt, the length of the part where the groove spacing is uniform on the surface of the lens forming belt When the length of the material TS is longer than the length in the transport direction DTS, the non-uniform portion can be avoided and only the portion where the uniformity is maintained can be used for lens formation. At that time, the position of the lens forming belt 56a in the feeding direction DLB is detected, the conveyance of the transparent base material TS is started from the portion where the groove interval of the lens forming belt 56a becomes uniform, and the groove of the lens forming belt 56a is started. A uniform portion is made to hit the transparent substrate TS. For detecting the position of the lens forming belt 56a in the feeding direction DLB, for example, there is a method of marking on the lens forming belt 56a and detecting with an optical sensor or the like.
In this way, even if the diameter of the belt support roller 55 is not an integral multiple of the pitch width of the lenticular lens, it is possible to maintain good lens pitch uniformity.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1c: Transparent toner image formation part 2, 2c: Transfer part 3: Transparent base material supply part 4, 4b, 4c: Fixing part 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f: Lens formation part 6: Transparent Substrate discharge unit 10, 10c: Transparent toner image formation transfer unit 11, 11c: Photoreceptor drum 12, 12c: Charging unit 13, 13c: Optical scanning unit 14, 14c: Development unit 15, 15c: Developer supply container 16, 16c: Drum cleaner 17, 17c: Photoconductor neutralization unit 21, 21c: Transfer roller 30: Transparent substrate transport path 33: Transport roller 34, 34c: Registration roller 40, 40b, 40c: Fixing roller 41, 41b, 41c: Add Pressure roller 42, 42c: Fixing cleaning unit 43, 44, 53: Internal heater lamp 47: Fixing roller side thermistor 48: Pressure roller side thermistor 50, 50a, 0b, 50c, 50d: lens forming roller 51: lens forming pressure roller 55: belt support roller 56, 56a: lens forming belt 57: lens forming roller thermistor 57a: lens forming belt thermistor 58: belt supporting member 60, 61 : Discharge roller 100, 100a, 100b, 100c: Lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus 141, 141c: Developing tank 142, 142c: Developing roller 143, 143c: Stirrer rollers 311, 312, 313: Transparent substrate cassettes 321, 322, 323: Pickup Rollers 401, 411, 421, 511, 511a, 511b, 511c, 521, 551: Core metal 402, 412, 522, 552: Elastic layer 403, 413, 513, 513a, 513b, 513c, 513d, 523: Surface layer 421: Web 422: Web feeding roller 423: Web press roller 424: Web winding roller 561, 561a: Lens forming belt substrate 562, 562a: Lens forming belt surface layer TI: Transparent toner image TS: Transparent substrate DTS: Transparent Substrate conveying direction DFR: Fixing roller rotation direction DPR: Pressure roller rotation direction DW: Web feed direction CN: Cleaning nip portion FN: Fixing nip portion WFN: Fixing nip width LN: Lens formation nip portion WLN: Lens formation Nip width DLR: Direction of rotation of lens forming roller DLRA: Direction of axis of lens forming roller DLPR: Direction of rotation of pressure roller for forming lens DLB: Direction of rotation of lens forming belt DBR: Direction of rotation of belt supporting roller DBRA: Direction of belt supporting roller Axial direction HTS: Thickness of transparent substrate WT : Width of transparent base material GP: Groove portion NGP: Non-groove portion LGP: Maximum length from the lens forming roller or belt support roller shaft to the groove surface LNGP: From the lens forming roller or belt support roller shaft to the non-groove surface WGP: lens forming roller width WLR: lens forming roller width WLB: lens forming belt width PLR: lens forming roller groove pitch HLG: lens forming roller groove depth PTI : Pitch interval between transparent toner images HTI: thickness of transparent toner image WTI: width of transparent toner image STI: interval between transparent toner images TL: transparent toner lens

Claims (14)

A photosensitive member, a light irradiation unit for forming a striped electrostatic latent image having a predetermined pitch on the photosensitive member, and a transparent toner is applied on the photosensitive member so that the electrostatic latent image is striped transparent. A developing unit for developing the toner image and a transfer unit for transferring the striped transparent toner image onto the transparent substrate, and forming the striped transparent toner image on the transparent substrate. A transparent toner image forming transfer portion for
A lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus comprising: a lens forming unit configured to form a convex lens in which the striped transparent toner image is pressure-molded with a mold having a groove and arranged at the pitch. A plurality of transparent toner image forming transfer portions for forming a striped transparent toner image on a transparent base material;
A lens forming portion for forming a convex lens in which the laminated transparent toner images laminated are pressure-molded with a mold having a groove and arranged at a predetermined pitch;
Each transparent toner forming unit includes a photoconductor, a light irradiation unit for forming the striped electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor, and a transparent toner on the photoconductor to apply the electrostatic toner. An apparatus for producing a lenticular sheet, comprising: a developing unit for developing a latent image into a striped transparent toner image; and a transfer unit for transferring the striped transparent toner image onto the transparent substrate.   The transparent toner image forming and transferring unit is formed by overlapping the width of the cross sectional area of each transparent toner image constituting the striped transparent toner image on the transparent base material as a layer farther from the transparent base material. 2. The lenticular sheet production apparatus according to 2.   The transparent toner image forming and transferring unit is configured such that the thickness of each transparent toner image constituting the striped transparent toner image is larger than the depth of the corresponding groove, and the transverse area of each transparent toner image The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lenticular sheet forming apparatus has a size larger than a cross-sectional area of the groove. The lens forming unit includes a lens forming roller that is heated by a heater and rotates around an axis, and a pressure roller that is disposed to face the lens forming roller and presses the lens forming roller.
The lens forming roller includes a mold having the groove formed in the rotation direction of the lens forming roller on an outer peripheral surface,
The pressure roller pressurizes the lens forming roller to form a lens forming nip portion with the lens forming roller;
The transparent substrate is conveyed to the lens forming nip portion,
5. The lens forming roller according to claim 1, wherein the lens-forming nip portion press-molds the striped transparent toner image with the mold to form a convex lens arranged at the pitch. 6. Lenticular sheet manufacturing equipment. The lens forming unit includes a belt support member including a heater, a belt support roller that rotates about an axis, and an endless lens that is rotatably stretched between the belt support member and the belt support roller and is heated by the heater. A forming belt, and a pressure roller disposed to face the belt support roller via the lens forming belt,
The lens forming belt is provided on the outer peripheral surface with a mold having the groove formed in the rotation direction of the belt support roller,
The pressure roller pressurizes the lens forming belt to form a lens forming nip portion with the lens forming belt;
The transparent substrate is conveyed to the lens forming nip portion,
5. The lens forming belt according to claim 1, wherein the lens-forming belt forms a convex lens in which the striped transparent toner image is pressure-molded with the mold and arranged at the pitch in the lens-forming nip portion. 6. Lenticular sheet manufacturing equipment.   The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the mold has the groove formed in the axial direction. The transparent toner image formation transfer unit further includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the formation position of the striped transparent toner image on the transparent substrate,
The adjusting mechanism aligns the striped transparent toner image in the lens forming nip portion with the mold by adjusting the forming position in a direction parallel to the transparent base surface and perpendicular to the transport direction. Item 7. The lenticular sheet production apparatus according to Item 5 or 6.   The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment mechanism aligns the striped transparent toner image in the lens forming nip portion with the mold by adjusting the forming position in the transport direction.   The lenticular sheet manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein a length of the groove portion in the axial direction is longer than a length of the transparent base material in the lens forming nip portion in the axial direction.   A maximum value of a length from the shaft to the surface of the groove portion in the lens forming nip portion is equal to or greater than a maximum value of a length from the shaft to the surface of the lens forming portion other than the groove portion in the lens forming nip portion. Item 11. The lenticular sheet production apparatus according to any one of Items 5 to 10. A light irradiation process for forming a striped electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor, and applying a transparent toner on the photoconductor to develop the electrostatic latent image into a striped transparent toner image. A transparent toner for forming the striped transparent toner image on the transparent substrate, and a transfer step for transferring the striped transparent toner image onto the transparent substrate. An image forming process;
A lens forming step for forming a convex lens in which the striped transparent toner image is pressure-molded with a mold having grooves and arranged at the pitch. A plurality of transparent toner image forming steps of overlapping and forming a striped transparent toner image on a transparent substrate;
A lens forming step for forming a convex lens in which the laminated transparent toner images laminated are pressure-molded with a mold having a groove and arranged at a predetermined pitch;
The transparent toner forming step includes a light irradiation step for forming the striped electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member, and a transparent toner is applied on the photosensitive member to form the striped electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member. A method for producing a lenticular sheet, comprising: a development step for developing a transparent toner image; and a transfer step for transferring the striped transparent toner image onto the transparent substrate.   14. The transparent toner image forming step forms the transparent toner image constituting the striped transparent toner image in such a manner that the width of the transverse area of each transparent toner image is made smaller as the layer farther from the transparent substrate is overlapped on the transparent substrate. A method for producing a lenticular sheet according to 1.

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