JP3924820B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that transfers an image onto a transfer medium by heating and pressurizing an intermediate transfer medium on which the image is formed on the transfer medium. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method for forming a non-transfer area having a single shape or shape.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a method for writing an image on an intermediate transfer medium based on image information, in addition to the most frequently used printing method, the thermal transfer recording method, electrophotographic method, ink jet method, photopolymerization described in the present invention are described. Various transfer recording methods using a recording material or the like can be cited as technically possible examples.
[0003]
Then, it is technically difficult to form an image directly on the final recording medium (final product) to which an image is to be applied using these image forming methods, the mass productivity is poor, or the cost becomes high. In the case where there are some problems such as, an image is first formed on the intermediate transfer medium as described above, and then the image is transferred to the final product by transfer.
[0004]
When the image forming method is, for example, a thermal transfer recording method using a sublimation dye, a final recording medium is formed with a thermal transfer ribbon in which a sublimation dye is coated on a base film so as to be capable of thermal transfer. The desired image can be transferred and recorded on the transfer material by superimposing the obtained transfer material and selectively heating the thermal transfer ribbon and the transfer material based on the image data prepared using a thermal head or the like. Is widely known as a publicly known fact.
[0005]
According to this method, for example, when a human face or the like is individually recorded on each transferred object, a large number of different images can be easily recorded as gradation-rich color images on the transferred object. There is an advantage not seen in the case of the printing method in that it can be recorded. If such a record of each person's face or the like is to be dealt with by the printing method, it is generally very uneconomical because it requires a great deal of cost, labor and time.
[0006]
However, the thermal transfer recording method using a sublimation dye has a drawback. In other words, materials that can be dyed with a sublimable material are limited, and can be applied only to transferred materials of limited materials such as polyester, acrylic resin, and vinyl chloride resin.
[0007]
Therefore, as a means for carrying out the thermal transfer recording using a sublimation dye in spite of the use of a material other than these as the material to be transferred, for example, JP-A-63-81093 In the image writing section using a sublimation dye transfer ribbon and a thermal head, an image is first written on a film-like intermediate transfer medium having an adhesive layer, and then in the transfer section. There has been proposed a system in which an image on a transfer medium is transferred to the transfer target body by applying heat and pressure to the transfer target body together with the adhesive layer using a transfer roller.
[0008]
By the way, this method is only an example of a sublimation dye, but in an image forming method for a transfer target that does not directly form an image for various reasons, an image is formed once on an intermediate transfer medium. The method of transferring the image together with the layer on which the image is formed (image layer) to the transfer target is basically the same, and hereinafter, this recording method will be referred to as an indirect transfer method.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Now, when transferring a layer on which an image is formed on a transfer target (including a hologram, a preprint, etc., this layer is hereinafter referred to as an image layer), it is desired to transfer the image onto the transfer target. In order to form a non-transfer area as a non-transfer area (for example, a sign panel or a stamp field), is it necessary to select heating / pressing (contact / non-contact) with a heat roller having a plate-like mold on the heating / pressurizing member? Therefore, it was necessary to select a heating part by a thermal head.
[0010]
However, even if a heat roller with a plate-shaped mold is used as the heating and pressing member, if the transferred material has irregularities, the mold cannot cleanly separate the contact portion and the non-contact portion, and this countermeasure Therefore, even if a plate-shaped mold is formed on a heat roller having an elastomer layer, there is a problem that the mold itself does not have a stable shape due to elasticity, and a beautiful non-contact portion cannot be formed.
[0011]
Further, it is impossible to arbitrarily change the position and shape of the non-transfer portion, and there is a problem that the heat roller must be replaced every time to cope with it.
In addition, regarding the selection of the heating section by the thermal head, if there is unevenness on the non-transfer body, there is no power at all, and above all, foreign matters etc. are likely to collide with the thermal head and be damaged, so it is very expensive to apply heat. There was a problem of being a pressure means.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made paying attention to such a problem, and has a non-transfer area (for example, a signature area, a semiconductor, a magnetic stripe, a hologram, an electronic device for transmission / reception) that does not transfer a transfer image. When an indirect transfer method is used, in which a transfer image is drawn on an adhesive layer of an intermediate transfer medium and a transfer image is formed on the transfer object by transferring the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium to the transfer object. An image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of improving the quality of a transferred image onto a transferred body having such a non-transfer area by accurately forming the contour of the non-transfer area of the transferred body, and enabling mass production. The purpose is to propose. In order to achieve such an object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention heats and presses an intermediate transfer medium on which a transfer image is drawn on an adhesive layer, thereby transferring a transfer image on the adhesive layer. An image forming apparatus for transferring to a transfer object, A supply reel holding a transport film provided with a plurality of flaky members that form a non-transfer area interposed between the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium and the transfer target, and the transport film from the supply reel A pressure-conveying and conveying roller that conveys and attaches the flaky member to the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium; and a take-up reel that winds the conveying film separated from the flaky member; A non-transfer area forming means for forming the non-transfer area by attaching the flaky member to a predetermined position of the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium before the step of heating and pressing the transfer body; It is characterized by.
[0013]
Claims 8 The image forming method is an image forming method in which a transfer image of an adhesive layer is transferred to a transfer medium by heating and pressing an intermediate transfer medium on which the transfer image is depicted on the adhesive layer, Transporting the transport film from a supply reel holding a transport film provided with a plurality of flaky members that form a non-transfer area interposed between the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium and the transfer target, and transported by pressure The flaky member is attached to the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium by a roller, and the transport film separated from the flaky member is taken up by a take-up reel, whereby the intermediate transfer medium is transferred to the transfer object. Forming the non-transfer area at a predetermined position of the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium before the heating and pressing step; It is characterized by.
[0014]
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 and a claim 8 According to this image forming method, for example, the adhesive layer where the adhesive seal is applied as a flaky member is not thermally bonded to the transfer target by heating and pressurization, and a non-transfer area is formed on the transfer target. Is possible.
[0015]
In addition, using adhesive stickers, labels, or films that are arranged and attached to release paper as a flake-like member, aligning and selecting the attachment position, size, or shape of the adhesive sticker on the release paper, and selecting them, The position, size, and shape of the non-transfer area on the body can be set arbitrarily.
[0016]
In particular, if the adhesive seal is made into a roll shape and the adhesive sticking means for attaching to the intermediate transfer medium can be changed arbitrarily, a non-transfer area can be created at any location on the transfer target. It becomes possible to do. For example, the position of the non-transfer area can be changed by displacing the support shaft of the roll in the width direction of the adhesive seal or adjusting the feed amount in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive seal.
[0017]
In addition, in preparation for the case where the shape of the transfer object changes in shape or form, such as a plastic card or passport, a plurality of seals to be attached to the intermediate transfer medium are prepared. By arranging multiple blocks and adjusting the roll feed amount, the size or shape of the adhesive seal can be changed, so that one or more non-transfer areas of various sizes and shapes can be formed on the transfer target. Can be created.
[0018]
Claim 4 The image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus for transferring the transfer image of the adhesive layer to the transfer target by heating and pressing the intermediate transfer medium on which the transfer image is drawn on the adhesive layer. A tank for holding a liquid material that forms a release coating film that forms a non-transfer area by imprinting on the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium, a plate that is impregnated with the liquid material supplied from the tank, and the plate And an arm for forming the release coating film on the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium, and before the step of heating and pressing the intermediate transfer medium to the transfer target, the intermediate transfer medium A non-transfer area forming means for forming the non-transfer area by imprinting the plate on a predetermined position of the adhesive layer; It is characterized by.
[0019]
Claims 9 The image forming method is an image forming method in which a transfer image of an adhesive layer is transferred to a transfer medium by heating and pressing an intermediate transfer medium on which the transfer image is depicted on the adhesive layer, A liquid substance that forms a release coating film that forms a non-transfer area by imprinting on the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium is held in a tank, and the plate is impregnated with the liquid substance supplied from the tank, By imprinting the plate on the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium, the intermediate transfer medium is placed at a predetermined position of the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium before the step of heating and pressing the intermediate transfer medium to the transfer target. Forming a transfer area It is characterized by.
[0020]
The non-transfer area can be created by coating a release liquid on the intermediate transfer medium in addition to the above-described sticking of the sealing material. Claim 4 Image forming apparatus and claim 9 According to this image forming method, the part adhesive layer to which the release liquid is applied on the intermediate transfer medium is not thermally bonded to the transfer object even by heating and pressurization, so that this part can be set as a non-transfer area. The liquid mentioned here includes liquids such as grease, paste, paint, etc. whose viscosity has been improved with soap bases or powders in addition to colloids such as sols and gels in addition to complete liquids such as oil. To do.
[0021]
Claim 6 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 5. In the image forming apparatus, the heating and pressing unit is either a heat roller having an elastomer layer on a surface thereof or a heat belt having a pressure layer of an elastomer layer on a back surface contacting the intermediate transfer medium. It is characterized by that.
[0022]
Claim 6 According to this image forming apparatus, the transfer roller or the transfer belt is a heat roller having an elastomer layer on the surface contacting the intermediate transfer medium, or a heat belt having an elastomer layer on the back surface contacting the intermediate transfer medium. Therefore, even if there is unevenness on the transfer object, the unevenness can be absorbed by the elastomer layer, and the image can be transferred to the entire surface of the uneven pressure transfer object.
[0023]
Claim 7 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 Either Described in item 1 The image forming apparatus includes a light-adhesive member that removes an unnecessary layer existing on a non-transfer area by being in pressure contact with the transfer object after being heated and pressed on the transfer object. And
[0024]
Claim 7 According to the image forming apparatus, the image layer of the intermediate transfer medium that is not thermally bonded to the transfer material (including the heat adhesion layer that also serves as the image receiving layer) remaining on the transfer material is unnecessary. Further, it is possible to remove burrs, dust, and the like, which are fragments thereof, by adhering them to a light adhesive roller or a light adhesive tape, so that a good transfer object can be provided.
[0025]
Claim 2 The image forming apparatus of claim 1's In the image forming apparatus, the flaky member is made of an adhesive seal material, and a sticking position on the intermediate transfer medium can be changed.
[0026]
Claim 3 The image forming apparatus of claim 2 In this image forming apparatus, a release treatment is performed on the side of the adhesive sealant that does not adhere to the intermediate transfer medium.
[0028]
Claim 4 When the means for applying the liquid having releasability is a porous plate such as sponge, the liquid is impregnated and applied to the plate, so that a delicate non-transfer area can be easily created. If a mechanism for moving the application means is provided so that the position where the liquid is applied can be arbitrarily changed, or if a plurality of plates to be applied are facilitated, the size or shape to be applied can be freely changed. One or more various sizes and shapes of non-transfer areas can be created.

[0029]
Claim 3 According to this image forming apparatus, the surface of the adhesive seal that contacts the transfer target (the surface that does not adhere to the intermediate transfer medium) is subjected to a release treatment such as impregnation or coating with a release material such as silicon or fluorine. Therefore, even if the material to be transferred is easily heat-bonded (for example, coated paper coated with a thermoplastic resin), these heat-bondable materials do not adhere to or adhere to the adhesive seal. A good non-transfer area can be created.
[0030]
Claim 5 The image forming apparatus of claim 4 In the image forming apparatus, the liquid having releasability contains one or a mixture of a silicon-based material, a fluorine-based material, and a fluorosilicon-based material.
[0031]
Claim 5 According to the image forming apparatus, a release coating film for forming a non-transfer area is used. Mold release Therefore, even if the material to be transferred is easily heat-bonded (for example, coated paper coated with a thermoplastic resin), these materials that are easily heat-bonded are used for the adhesive seal. Since it does not adhere or adhere, a good non-transfer area can be created.
[0032]
Note that the reason why indirect transfer is good is that an image having a high gradation can be formed by sublimation transfer even on a transfer object that cannot be sublimated, and an image can be formed on uneven and rough surfaces. It is done.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0034]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals 1 and 1 ′ denote transferred members such as plastic cards and passports. This transfer object 1, 1 'is detachably set on the tray 2 (2') fixed to the frame or chassis of the image forming apparatus, and is fixed on the tray 2 'at the right side of FIG. After that, the image is transferred by moving to the left side of FIG.
[0035]
Note that the positions of the transfer target 1 and the tray 2 indicated by solid lines are positions when the image on the intermediate transfer medium 6 is heated and pressed by the heat roller 40 on the transfer target 1. The tray 2 includes wheels 4 and 5, and moves to the left and right in FIG. 1 along the rail 3 by an actuator (not shown) and a drive system that are provided in the frame.
[0036]
Reference numeral 6 denotes an intermediate transfer medium made of a transfer film in which an adhesive layer is formed on a base film. The intermediate transfer medium is supplied from a supply reel 23 and is guided by guide rollers 13, 15, 16, and 39 and conveying rollers 17 and 18 (in the case of advancement). It is led to the take-up reel 24 via the rotation direction h), 20, 19 (rotation direction d when traveling). In this embodiment, a hologram image layer made of hologram is formed inside the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium 6, and the transfer position of the hologram image and the transfer object 1 is either on the adhesive layer or the base film. A registration mark is drawn for the alignment, and the registration mark is detected by an optical registration mark sensor 11 disposed between the supply reel 23 and the platen roller 10.
[0037]
The intermediate transfer medium 6 is stretched from the supply reel 23 to the take-up reel 24 through the guide roller 13, the platen roller 10, the guide rollers 15, 16, 39, the transport rollers 17, 18, 19, 20, and the clamp rollers 8, 9. Is fixed to the peripheral surface of the platen roller 10 at a predetermined distance in the peripheral surface direction of the platen roller 10 with respect to the position of the registration mark sensor 11 as a reference. The interval is adjusted so that the next image is positioned. By detecting the registration mark of the intermediate transfer medium 6 by the registration mark sensor 11, the transfer image on the adhesive layer is aligned on the platen roller 10. A cleaning pad 12 is disposed above the registration mark sensor 11, and the cleaning pad 12 removes dust on the adhesive layer side on which an image of the intermediate transfer medium 6 is written. At the same time, dust on the image surface of the intermediate transfer medium is removed.
[0038]
The peripheral surface of the platen roller 10 is coated with a fluorine-based polymer compound on the elastomer layer, and clamp rollers 8 and 9 held by arms (not shown) are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the platen roller 10 such as an air cylinder. The actuator is provided so as to be in contact with and separated from the peripheral surface of the platen roller 10. When writing an image, the arm is tilted by the contraction of the air cylinder, the clamp rollers 8 and 9 are brought into contact with the peripheral surface of the platen roller 10 via the intermediate transfer medium 6, and the intermediate transfer medium 6 is fixed to the platen roller 10. The Reference numeral 25 denotes a cleaning roller for removing dust on the peripheral surface of the platen roller 10.
[0039]
In this embodiment, two types of thermal transfer using a sublimation dye and a molten ink are performed in image writing. The ink ribbon 7 is supplied from a supply reel 26 and is taken up by guide rollers 34, 35, 36, and 37, a transport roller 28 (rotation direction g when traveling), 29 and cleaning rollers 32 and 33 that also serve as guide rollers. 27, and the thermal head 38 writes the image on the intermediate transfer medium 6 based on the image information. In addition, in order to distinguish the ink ribbon 7 from each color or each printing method (for example, sublimation thermal transfer and fusion thermal transfer), the sensor mark formed on the ink ribbon is read by the interrupter sensors 30 and 31 in advance. And alignment.
[0040]
The intermediate transfer medium 6 on which the transfer image is formed on the adhesive layer by the thermal head 38 separates the clamp arms 8 and 9 from the platen roller 10 and rotates the transport rollers 17, 18, 19 and 20 in the d and h directions. As a result, it is sent to the upper surface of the tray 2. The intermediate transfer medium 6 on the transfer medium 1 mounted on the tray 2 is lowered by moving the heat roller 40 in the direction b and heated and pressed on the transfer medium 1, whereby an image (image receiving image) of the intermediate transfer medium is obtained. A so-called image layer such as a thermal adhesive layer that also serves as a layer), a hologram layer, a protective layer (not shown), or the like is transferred to the transfer target 1.
[0041]
The heat roller 40 has a halogen lamp heater 41 inside, a hollow cylinder blackened inside, and a reverse crown having a conductive heat vulcanizing silicone rubber on the surface and a fluorine polymer compound on the outermost surface. The shape of the heat roller prevents the occurrence of wrinkles on the intermediate transfer medium by rotating its peripheral speed (r is r) slightly faster than the conveyance speed of the intermediate transfer medium or the transfer medium.
[0042]
The heat roller 40 detects the surface temperature by the temperature sensor 21 and keeps the surface temperature constant by a temperature controller or the like (not shown). A cleaning roller 22 is provided in the vicinity of the heat roller 40 to keep the surface of the heat roller 40 clean.
[0043]
Near the lower part of the heat roller 40, safety shutters C and C 'that open and close each other are provided. During heat and pressure, the safety shutters C and C are opened and the heat roller 40 is lowered to the tray 2 side. The image layer of the intermediate transfer medium 6 is transferred onto the transfer medium 1 by heating and pressing. The cleaning roller 22 and the temperature sensor 21 are also lowered / raised at the time of the lowering / raising / lowering.
[0044]
Beside the platen roller 10 and below the thermal head 38, before the step of heating and pressurizing the intermediate transfer medium 6 to the transfer target 1, between the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium 6 and the transfer target. A supply reel 51 of an adhesive seal material 53 is provided as a flaky member that forms a non-transfer area. An adhesive material such as acrylic or rubber is applied to the adhesive surface A of the adhesive seal material 53. The adhesive seal material 53 is lightly adhered and held on the adhesive transport film 52 and is sent from the supply reel 50 toward the take-up reel 51.
[0045]
The adhesive seal material 53 is conveyed in the l direction by the pressure-conveying and conveying roller 54 that is in the process of being sent from the supply reel 50 to the take-up reel 51, and adheres to the intermediate transfer medium 6 on the platen roller 10 on the pressure-sensitive conveying roller 54. Affixed at a predetermined position on layer B. The support surface C of the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface A of the pressure-sensitive adhesive seal material 53 of the transport film 52 is subjected to a separation process (mold release process) with light adhesiveness. The back surface D of the support surface C of the transport film 52 is subjected to, for example, a silicon-based separation process (release process) having a strong releasability, and the adhesive material of the adhesive seal material 53 is fixed to the transport film 52. There is nothing to do.
[0046]
When affixing the adhesive seal material 53 on the intermediate transfer medium 6, the pressure-conveying and conveying roller 54 is pressed against the intermediate transfer medium on the platen roller 10 as shown in FIG. Except when affixed to the sheet, as shown in FIG. 2, the adhesive sealing material, the transport film, etc. are retracted so as not to contact the intermediate transfer medium.
[0047]
The intermediate transfer medium 6 to which the adhesive seal material 53 is attached is moved and transferred onto the transfer target 1 by the heat roller 40 after moving the transfer image onto the transfer target 1. Since the heat-adhesive layer B also serving as an image receiving layer on the surface of the image layer of the intermediate transfer medium 6 is covered with the adhesive seal material 53 at the pasted portion, the adhesive seal material 53 is not in contact with the transfer target 1. The affixed part becomes a non-transfer area.
[0048]
After the heat roller 40 is heated and pressurized and the safety shutters C and C ′ are opened and closed and the heat roller 40 is raised, the tray 2 moves to the loading / unloading position indicated by the dotted line. When the tray 2 returns to the carry-in / take-out position, the transfer object 1 ′ and the light adhesive tape 42 having a light adhesive disposed above the tray 2 ′ are in pressure contact with the upper surface of the transfer object 1. Therefore, an unnecessary sealant 53 remaining on the transfer target 1, an image layer of the intermediate transfer medium 6 that is not thermally bonded to the transfer target 1 (including a thermal bonding layer that also serves as an image receiving layer), and their Debris such as burrs and dust are attached to the light adhesive tape 42 and removed. As a result, it is possible to obtain a complete body of the transfer body 1 having a non-transfer area at a predetermined location and having an image transferred on the entire surface.
[0049]
In this embodiment, the transport film 52 has different peel strength on both sides of the film, but in the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, like a normal sticker sheet (sticker seal). In addition, it is possible to use a release sheet 62 that has been peeled only on one side, with the adhesive sealing material 63 lightly adhered to the release treatment side.
[0050]
3 and 4, the diameter of the pressure-conveying roller 54 is such that the pressure-sensitive adhesive material 63 is naturally peeled from the release sheet 62 when the pressure-sensitive adhesive material 63 is conveyed onto the pressure-bonding and conveying roller 54. Is made small, so that the peeled end E of the separated adhesive seal material 63 is formed. In this state, as shown in FIG. 4, if the adhesive side of the adhesive seal material 63 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer medium 6 and then pressed by the pressure roller 65, the intermediate transfer medium can be used without using a special release film. Adhesive seal material 63 can be affixed onto 6.
[0051]
[Experimental example]
With respect to this embodiment, the inventors conducted an experiment by attaching an adhesive seal material on the intermediate transfer medium under the following conditions.
[0052]
As the material 1 to be transferred, paper, PET sheet subjected to easy adhesion treatment, vinyl chloride card, ABS resin card, and primer-coated polycarbonate sheet were selected.
[0053]
Adhesive seal material 53 is made of acrylic and rubber adhesive materials, and the base material is paper base material, aluminum base material, PET base material, PET base material + non-adhesive side aluminum vapor deposition, paper base material + non-adhesive side Fluorine coat, paper substrate + non-adhesive side silicon coat, fluororesin substrate (adhesive material is silicon), aluminum substrate + non-adhesive side fluorine coat, aluminum substrate + silicon coat, PET substrate + non-adhesive side Fluorine coat, PET base material + non-adhesive side silicon coat, etc. were used.
[0054]
Further, the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium 6 includes vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / copolymer, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / copolymer + polyester, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / copolymer + acrylic resin, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / copolymer + chloride. Vinyl etc. were used.
[0055]
As the light adhesive tape 42 for removing burrs, etc., a Scotch drafting tape (No. 230), a Scotch mending tape (No. 810), a self-fusing tape, and the like were used as experiments. , Not limited to this.
[0056]
Further, the heat roller 40 uses a halogen lamp heater as a heat source, and the temperature control detects the roller surface temperature and performs temperature control by feedback. The core of the heat roller 40 is made of high tension aluminum (A5056), the inner surface of the cylinder is blackened, and the stainless steel brush is connected to the housing. The roller surface of the heat roller 40 is an elastomer layer and is made of conductive heat vulcanized silicone rubber. As the material of the roller surface of the heat roller 40, a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether is used, and the roller surface shape is an inverted crown type in which the central portion is recessed, and the peripheral speed is slightly higher than the medium conveying speed. Thus, in accordance with the linear moving speed of the transfer target 1 on the tray 2, the shift between the intermediate transfer medium 6 and the transfer target 1 is minimized. The roller temperature of the heat roller 40 was heated and pressurized at 162 ° C.
[0057]
According to this experiment, a transfer area having a clean outline that creates a good non-transfer area on the transfer object 1 was successfully formed.
[0058]
Next, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an embodiment in which a non-transfer area is created by coating a release liquid on an intermediate transfer medium will be described. In this invention, the release liquid includes colloids such as sols and gels in addition to complete liquids such as oil, and liquids such as grease, paste, and paint whose viscosity has been improved with soap bases and powders. Contains fluid.
[0059]
In FIG. 5, the configuration of the image forming apparatus is basically the same as that in FIGS. In the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a release coating film is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium 6 on which the image is to be written before the step of heating and pressing the intermediate transfer medium 6 onto the transfer target 1. A porous sponge-like plate 60 is provided as a coating film forming means for creating a non-transfer area of the adhesive layer on the transfer target 1 when the intermediate transfer medium 6 is heated and pressed. A non-transfer area is formed (coated) by applying a release liquid to the sponge-like plate 60 and impressing it on the intermediate transfer medium 6. Thereafter, when heat and pressure are applied by the heat roller 40, since the release liquid is present in the thermal adhesive layer that also serves as the image receiving layer that is the surface layer of the intermediate transfer medium 6, the thermal adhesive layer and the transfer target are thermally bonded. There is nothing to be done.
[0060]
The release liquid to be impregnated into the sponge-like plate 60 is stored in advance in the tank 61, and is stamped onto the intermediate transfer medium 6 by swinging the arm 65 through the hinges 64 and 63 by an actuator (not shown). I can do it. Further, the spring 62 can be slightly swung by the spring 62 so that the plate 60 can be evenly stamped on the intermediate transfer medium.
[0061]
After the release coating film is formed on the intermediate transfer medium 6, the material to be transferred is brought into pressure contact with the light adhesive tape 42 having light adhesiveness at the loading / unloading position of the tray 2 indicated by the dotted line. 1. Lightly sticking to unnecessary release liquid remaining on 1 and image layers not thermally bonded to the transfer target 1 (including a heat bonding layer that also serves as an image receiving layer) and burrs and dust that are fragments thereof The tape 42 is removed.
[0062]
When imprinting on the intermediate transfer medium 6, the plate 60 is pressed against the intermediate transfer medium 6 on the platen roller 10 as shown in FIG. 5. However, except when imprinting, the arm 65 is moved as shown in FIG. 6. The plate 60 is retracted from the intermediate transfer medium 6 by moving backward.
[0063]
With respect to this embodiment, the inventors successfully coated a release liquid on the intermediate transfer medium under the following conditions to create a good non-transfer area on the transfer target.
[0064]
As the material 1 to be transferred, paper, an easily adhesive-treated PET sheet, a vinyl chloride card, an ABS resin card, and a primer-coated polycarbonate sheet were used. In addition, as the mold release liquid, dimethylsilicone, perfluoropolyether, fluorosilicone, white oil, polyalphaolefin oil, and lithium soap group or polytetrafluoroethylene powder etc. are mixed with the above liquid to increase the viscosity. What was raised was used. Further, the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium 6 includes vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / copolymer, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / copolymer + polyester, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / copolymer + acrylic resin, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / copolymer + chloride. Vinyl was used. As the light adhesive tape 42 for removing burrs and the like, a Scotch drafting tape (No. 230), a Scotch mending tape (No. 810), a self-fusing tape, etc. were used. It goes without saying that it is not limited to those. The heat roller 40 used a halogen lamp heater as a heat source, and temperature control was performed by detecting the surface temperature of the roller and performing temperature control by feedback. The core was made of cylindrical high-strength aluminum (A5056), the inner surface of the cylinder was blackened, and grounded with a stainless steel brush. The roller surface elastomer layer was made of conductive heat vulcanized silicone rubber, and the roller surface material was made of a copolymer of ethylene tetrafluoride and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether. The roller surface shape was an inverted crown type, so that the peripheral speed of the roller peripheral surface was slightly faster than the medium transport speed. The roller temperature during heating and pressing was 160 ° C.
[0065]
According to this experiment, a transfer area having a clean outline that creates a good non-transfer area on the transfer object 1 was successfully formed.
[0066]
As a result, for example, when the shape of the non-transfer area of the transfer object changes, such as when a portion having a hologram or memory IC that should not be heated and pressed can be changed variously, the heat roller is turned on each time. This eliminates the need for replacement, improving mass productivity.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 and the claim 8 According to this image forming method, for example, the adhesive layer where the adhesive seal is applied as a flaky member is not thermally bonded to the transfer target by heating and pressurization, and a non-transfer area is formed on the transfer target. Is possible.
[0068]
In addition, using adhesive stickers, labels, or films that are arranged and attached to release paper as a flake-like member, aligning and selecting the attachment position, size, or shape of the adhesive sticker on the release paper, and selecting them, The position, size, and shape of the non-transfer area on the body can be set arbitrarily.
[0069]
In particular, if the adhesive seal is made into a roll shape and the adhesive sticking means for attaching to the intermediate transfer medium can be changed arbitrarily, a non-transfer area can be created at any location on the transfer target. It becomes possible to do. For example, the position of the non-transfer area can be changed by displacing the support shaft of the roll in the width direction of the adhesive seal or adjusting the feed amount in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive seal.
[0070]
As a result, for example, when the shape of the non-transfer area of the transfer object changes, such as when a portion having a hologram or memory IC that should not be heated and pressed can be changed variously, the heat roller is turned on each time. This eliminates the need for replacement, improving mass productivity.
[0071]
In addition, in preparation for the case where the shape of the transfer object changes in shape or form, such as a plastic card or passport, a plurality of seals to be attached to the intermediate transfer medium are prepared. By arranging multiple blocks and adjusting the roll feed amount, the size or shape of the adhesive seal can be changed, so that one or more non-transfer areas of various sizes and shapes can be formed on the transfer target. Can be created.
[0072]
Claim 4 Image forming apparatus and claim 9 According to this image forming method, the part adhesive layer to which the release liquid is applied on the intermediate transfer medium is not thermally bonded to the transfer object even by heating and pressurization, so that this part can be set as a non-transfer area. The liquid mentioned here includes liquids such as grease, paste, paint, etc. whose viscosity has been improved with soap bases or powders in addition to colloids such as sols and gels in addition to complete liquids such as oil. To do.
[0073]
Claim 6 According to this image forming apparatus, the transfer roller or the transfer belt is a heat roller having an elastomer layer on the surface contacting the intermediate transfer medium, or a heat belt having an elastomer layer on the back surface contacting the intermediate transfer medium. Therefore, even if there is unevenness on the transfer object, the unevenness can be absorbed by the elastomer layer, and the image can be transferred to the entire surface of the uneven pressure transfer object.
[0074]
Claim 7 According to the image forming apparatus, the image layer of the intermediate transfer medium that is not thermally bonded to the transfer material (including the heat adhesion layer that also serves as the image receiving layer) remaining on the transfer material is unnecessary. Further, it is possible to remove burrs, dust, and the like, which are fragments thereof, by adhering them to a light adhesive roller or a light adhesive tape, so that a good transfer object can be provided.
[0075]
Claim 4 When the means for applying the liquid having releasability is a porous plate such as sponge, the liquid is impregnated and applied to the plate, so that a delicate non-transfer area can be easily created. If a mechanism for moving the application means is provided so that the position where the liquid is applied can be arbitrarily changed, or if a plurality of plates to be applied are facilitated, the size or shape to be applied can be freely changed. One or more various sizes and shapes of non-transfer areas can be created.
[0076]
Claim 3 According to this image forming apparatus, the surface of the adhesive seal that contacts the transfer target (the surface that does not adhere to the intermediate transfer medium) is subjected to a release treatment such as impregnation or coating with a release material such as silicon or fluorine. Therefore, even if the material to be transferred is easily heat-bonded (for example, coated paper coated with a thermoplastic resin), these heat-bondable materials do not adhere to or adhere to the adhesive seal. A good non-transfer area can be created.
[0077]
Claim 5 According to the image forming apparatus, a release coating film for forming a non-transfer area is used. Mold release Therefore, even if the material to be transferred is easily heat-bonded (for example, coated paper coated with a thermoplastic resin), these materials that are easily heat-bonded are used for the adhesive seal. Since it does not adhere or adhere, a good non-transfer area can be created.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration when an adhesive sealing material is attached by an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration when an adhesive sealing material is not attached by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration when an adhesive sealing material is attached by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration when an adhesive sealing material is not attached by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration when a release coating film is formed by an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration when a plate is released by an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Transferee
2 trays
6 Intermediate transfer media
7 Ink ribbon
10 Platen roller
42 Light adhesive tape
53 Adhesive sealant
60 Sponge plate
63 Adhesive sealant

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus for transferring a transfer image of an adhesive layer to a transfer medium by heating and pressing an intermediate transfer medium on which the transfer image is depicted on the adhesive layer,
A supply reel holding a transport film provided with a plurality of flaky members that form a non-transfer area interposed between the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium and the transfer target, and the transport film from the supply reel A pressure-conveying and conveying roller that conveys and attaches the flaky member to the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium; and a take-up reel that winds the conveying film separated from the flaky member; A non-transfer area forming means for forming the non-transfer area by attaching the flaky member to a predetermined position of the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium before the step of heating and pressing the transfer body; An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flaky member is made of an adhesive seal material, and a sticking position on the intermediate transfer medium can be changed. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein a release treatment is performed on a side of the adhesive seal material that does not adhere to the intermediate transfer medium. An image forming apparatus for transferring a transfer image of an adhesive layer to a transfer medium by heating and pressing an intermediate transfer medium on which the transfer image is depicted on the adhesive layer,
A tank for holding a liquid material that forms a release coating film that forms a non-transfer area by imprinting on the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium, a plate that is impregnated with the liquid material supplied from the tank, and the plate And an arm for forming the release coating film on the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium, and before the step of heating and pressing the intermediate transfer medium to the transfer target, the intermediate transfer medium An image forming apparatus comprising: a non-transfer area forming means for forming the non-transfer area by impressing the plate at a predetermined position of an adhesive layer . 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the liquid material having releasability for forming the release coating film contains any one of silicon-based, fluorine-based, and fluorosilicon-based materials in a single or mixed manner. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heating and pressing means is a heat roller having an elastomer layer on the surface, or elastomeric layer to the back in contact with the intermediate transfer medium An image forming apparatus, characterized in that it is one of heat belts having a pressure layer. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein after the pressurized heated to a transfer member, wherein a waste present by pressure contact with the non-transfer region to a transfer member An image forming apparatus comprising a light adhesive member for removing a layer. An image forming method for transferring a transfer image of an adhesive layer to a transfer medium by heating and pressing an intermediate transfer medium on which the transfer image is depicted on the adhesive layer,
Transporting the transport film from a supply reel holding a transport film provided with a plurality of flaky members that form a non-transfer area interposed between the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium and the transfer target, and transported by pressure The flaky member is attached to the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium by a roller, and the transport film separated from the flaky member is taken up by a take-up reel, whereby the intermediate transfer medium is transferred to the transfer object. An image forming method , wherein the non-transfer area is formed at a predetermined position of the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium before the heating and pressing step . An image forming method for transferring a transfer image of an adhesive layer to a transfer medium by heating and pressing an intermediate transfer medium on which the transfer image is depicted on the adhesive layer,
A liquid substance that forms a release coating film that forms a non-transfer area by imprinting on the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium is held in a tank, and the plate is impregnated with the liquid substance supplied from the tank, By imprinting the plate on the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium, the intermediate transfer medium is placed at a predetermined position of the adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer medium before the step of heating and pressing the intermediate transfer medium to the transfer target. An image forming method comprising forming a transfer region .

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