WO2007052620A1

WO2007052620A1 - Heating discharge print head and image forming device having same

Info

Publication number: WO2007052620A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/321687
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hisanobu Matsuzoe
Original assignee: Fukuoka Technoken Kogyo, Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-11-01
Filing date: 2006-10-31
Publication date: 2007-05-10
Also published as: JPWO2007052620A1; WO2007052340A1

Abstract

A heating discharge print head in which the discharge from the discharge electrode can be easily and reliably controlled by selectively heating the discharge electrode by means of heating means spaced from the discharge electrode, and which has an excellent mass-productivity and an excellent reliability achieved by simplifying the structure, is free of restriction on the shape and position of the discharge electrode in respect of its manufacture, has an excellent designability, leads to an improvement of the resolution and recording speed of the image thanks to easy high-density mounting, can print a high-quality image, and is excellent in practicability. The heating discharge print head in which the discharge from the discharging section of a discharge electrode is controlled by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode to which a discharge control voltage is applied comprises (a) a discharge unit having a discharge section composed of the discharge electrode and (b) a heating unit so provided as to be spaced from the discharge unit and having heating means for selectively heating the discharge electrode by applying light.

Description

Heat discharge type print head and image forming apparatus having the same

Technical field

The present invention relates to a heat discharge type print head that forms an image on a recording medium such as a digital paper by irradiating and emitting ions by discharge, and an image forming apparatus including the same. Background art

In recent years, as shown in (Patent Document 1), an ion irradiation method, which is an electrostatic latent image forming method different from the electrophotographic method, has been developed.

The electrophotographic method uses two processes, uniform charging and exposure, to release the exposed portion of the charge on the uniformly charged photoconductor, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor as the electrostatic latent image carrier. In contrast, in the ion irradiation method, in an atmosphere where ions can be generated (such as in the air), only selective charging (electrostatic latent image formation charging) is performed by irradiation of ions generated by discharge from the discharge electrode. Since the formation of an electrostatic latent image can be completed on an electrostatic latent image carrier (it is not necessarily a photoconductor as long as it is an insulator), a more simplified electrostatic latent image formation method It is.

The application of such an electrostatic latent image forming method is a static development method for a recording medium of an electrostatic development method in which a visible image appears inside due to the action of the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface. An electrostatic latent image can be directly formed by ion irradiation to change the latent image into a visible image.

In particular, the heating / discharging method, as shown in (Patent Document 1) and (Patent Document 2), which discharges by selective heating of the discharge electrode, is a driver IC that supports low withstand voltage such as 5V drive for heating control. From the viewpoint of controlling discharge, this is the most excellent control method. For this reason, it is an optimal print head that is currently conceivable for writing in a non-contact manner on an electrostatic development type recording medium generally called digital paper.

Incidentally, as a digital paper at the present time, a minute ball is color-coded into two colors (for example, black and white), and the ball is rotated by the difference in electrical characteristics of each color to display an arbitrary color, a minute ball Electrophoresis in which fine powder of two colors (for example, black and white) is mixed in the ball and only one color is floated and displayed due to the difference in electrical characteristics of the fine powder of each color There is a liquid crystal system that displays the background color of the part where the shutter is opened by opening and closing the liquid crystal shutter of the liquid crystal plate or micro liquid crystal block.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-326756

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-069350

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0003] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has had the following problems.

(1) In (Patent Document 1) and (Patent Document 2), since the discharge of the discharge electrode is controlled by heating the heating element, the discharge electrode to which a high voltage is applied and the heating element that heats the discharge electrode are used. In order to prevent pinholes from being generated in the insulating film, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the insulating film or to apply it over several times. It led to an increase in man-hours.

(2) In order to improve image resolution and recording speed, it is necessary to mount multiple discharge electrodes at a high density. There were restrictions on the forming technology. In addition, due to variations in the resistance value of the heating element, unevenness in the amount of discharge easily occurs due to heating spots on the discharge electrode, so the heating method using the heating element has limitations in resolution, image quality, and recording speed. .

(3) Furthermore, in order to selectively heat a plurality of discharge electrodes by a heating element, the electrode pattern for energizing the heating element and the heating control are complicated, so that the mounting density and the recording speed are improved. It was a restriction.

From the above viewpoints, a heating discharge type print head capable of improving the resolution, quality, and recording speed of an image by reliably performing heating control of the discharge electrode without being restricted by the manufacturing technology, There has been a strong demand for an image forming apparatus equipped with the same.

[0004] The present invention meets the above-mentioned demand, and by selectively heating the discharge electrode with heating means spaced from the discharge electrode, the discharge from the discharge electrode can be easily and reliably controlled without unevenness. Simplifies the structure that eliminates the need to form an insulating film between heating means, and is excellent in mass productivity and reliability. Excellent in design flexibility without being restricted in manufacturing by the shape and arrangement of the discharge electrode. Easily high-density mounting, improving image resolution and recording speed Providing high-quality, highly practical heat-discharge printheads that can be used, and versatility and image quality that can form electrostatic latent images on electrostatic development-type recording media and various electrostatic latent image carriers An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with a heat discharge type print head having excellent reliability.

Means for solving the problem

In order to solve the above-described problems, a heat-discharge type print head of the present invention and an image forming apparatus including the same have the following configurations.

The heat discharge type print head according to claim 1 of the present invention is a heat discharge type print head that controls the generation of discharge from the discharge generation portion of the discharge electrode by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode to which a discharge control voltage is applied. (A) a discharge unit provided with a discharge unit having the discharge electrode; and (b) the discharge of the discharge unit of the discharge unit disposed apart from the discharge unit. And a heat generating unit having heating means for selectively heating the electrode by irradiating light.

This configuration has the following effects.

(1) Since the discharge generation from the discharge generation part of the discharge electrode is controlled by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode to which the discharge control voltage is applied, the discharge is not generated only by applying the discharge control voltage to the discharge electrode. Therefore, it is possible to prepare for the discharge with the discharge control voltage applied, so that the discharge electrode is selectively irradiated by irradiating light from the heating means of the heat generating unit that does not need to control the high discharge control voltage. It can be heated to generate an electric discharge to form an image on an electrostatic development type recording medium, and an electrostatic latent image can be formed on a variety of electrostatic latent image carriers.

(2) Since the heating means for selectively heating the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit by irradiating light is disposed apart from the discharge unit, the discharge electrode and the heating means are insulated. Therefore, it is possible to reliably insulate between the discharge electrode and the heating means without providing an insulating film or the like, reduce the number of manufacturing steps, and improve the mass productivity and the reliability of the heating control.

(3) Since the discharge unit and the heat generation unit are spaced apart from each other, they can be used in a simple combination, and either the discharge unit or the heat generation unit can be used. When a problem occurs, only the problem can be repaired and replaced, and it is excellent in maintenance and resource saving.

(4) Since the discharge unit and the heat generating unit are spaced apart from each other, the discharge part of the discharge unit and the heating means of the heat generating unit do not come into contact with each other! The cooling time can be greatly shortened, the response of the discharge stop to the heating stop can be improved, and the presence or absence of the discharge can be switched in a short time, and the image quality and the recording speed can be improved.

[0006] Here, the discharge control voltage applied to the discharge electrode is V ヽ, which does not cause a discharge when only applied, but a voltage range where a discharge occurs by heating the discharge electrode to which the voltage is applied. Since the discharge control voltage can be applied to the electrode and the generation of discharge can be controlled by heating with the heating means, it is easy to selectively discharge from the discharge generation part of the discharge electrode by selecting the heating location by the heating means. It has excellent flexibility in the shape of the discharge electrode.

[0007] In addition to forming the discharge electrode having a plurality of discharge generation portions in a single flat plate shape such as a rectangular shape or a square shape, the discharge portion includes, for example, connecting one end portions of the plurality of discharge electrodes with a common electrode. It can be formed in a comb shape, or can be formed in a ladder shape by connecting both ends of a plurality of discharge electrodes with a common electrode. Providing a common electrode in the vicinity of the discharge electrode increases the heat radiation area of the discharge part and increases the heat capacity, thereby improving the cooling effect of the discharge electrode and the response to heat stoppage. Since voltage can be applied, the stability of discharge can be further improved. In the discharge electrode formed in a flat plate shape, the vicinity of the heating position by the heating means becomes a discharge generating portion, and the portions other than the discharge generating portion become common electrodes.

In particular, in a discharge part formed in a comb shape or a ladder shape, when the width of the common electrode is wider than the width of the discharge electrode, the cooling effect of the discharge electrode, which is temporarily heated to 100 to 300 ° C, is reduced. It is possible to improve and prevent the heat from burning, so that the discharge can be stopped quickly in response to the heating off, the discharge time interval can be shortened and the presence or absence of discharge can be switched in a short time, and the recording speed can be increased. High speed can be achieved. In addition, the resistance value of the common electrode can be reduced, and the potential difference generated between the discharge electrodes connected by the common electrode can be suppressed as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to reduce the variation in the discharge amount of each discharge electrode, and the discharge stability is excellent.

[0008] When the discharge part is formed in a comb shape, the shape of each discharge electrode can be formed in a substantially rectangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a semicircular shape, a bullet shape, or a combination thereof. Further, the peripheral length around the edge of the discharge electrode can be increased by further dividing a part of the discharge electrode with a slit or by forming an uneven portion on the peripheral edge. Since the discharge electrode has a large discharge amount of peripheral edge force, increasing the discharge amount from the discharge electrode can increase the amount of ions and the emitted light intensity by increasing the circumference around the edge. The discharge control voltage and heating temperature can be set low, and energy saving and discharge generation efficiency are excellent. In addition, since the voltage applied to the discharge electrode can be set low, the discharge electrode is also excellent in long life.

Instead of dividing the end portion of the discharge electrode or forming the uneven portion on the peripheral edge portion, a discharge hole portion may be formed in the vicinity of the discharge generating portion (heating position). As a result, the peripheral force at the edge of the discharge hole can also generate a discharge, and the same effect as dividing the end of the discharge electrode can be obtained. The shape of the discharge hole portion can be formed in various shapes such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a polygon such as a quadrangle and a hexagon, and a star shape. Further, the number and size of the discharge hole portions per location of the discharge generation portion (near the heating position) can be appropriately selected and combined. It should be noted that the uneven portions of the discharge electrode and the discharge holes can be formed by the above-described etching or laser heating.

[0009] The discharge part is formed by depositing a metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum on the substrate by vapor deposition, sputtering, printing, plating, or the like, and then etching as necessary to pattern the discharge electrode or the common electrode. After thinning at least a part of the metal to be formed, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, etc. by etching or cutting, etc., if necessary, pattern formation of discharge electrodes, common electrodes, etc. by etching, laser caching, etc. Are preferably used. In addition, the discharge electrode may be formed using a conductive material such as carbon nanotube or carbon.

When the discharge part is formed on the substrate, the material of the substrate may be any material that can form the discharge part on the surface and has heat resistance to withstand the heating by the heating means. . In addition, when heating is performed from the back side of the substrate by the heating means, those having heat transfer properties that can transfer heat generated by the heating means to the discharge electrode are preferably used. Specifically, synthetic resins such as glass, polyimide, aramid, and polyetherimide are preferably used. A discharge unit is formed by forming a discharge portion on a substrate. If the substrate is made of a synthetic resin such as polyimide, aramid, or polyetherimide, the substrate is flexible.

After forming the discharge part on the flat substrate, the discharge unit can be bent or bent to be deformed to a desired shape and fixed to the shape holding plate, etc. Excellent in mass production, shape flexibility and assembly workability.

In addition, a conductive material layer may be formed on at least the surface of the common electrode in the discharge part. As a result, the resistance value of the common electrode can be further reduced, the potential difference generated between the discharge electrodes can be reliably reduced, and the discharge stability is excellent. As long as the conductive material layer has conductivity superior to that of the discharge part, it can be easily formed by screen printing of silver paste or silver plating. By increasing the thickness of the conductive material layer, the resistance value of the common electrode can be reduced, and the discharge stability can be improved.

Although the thickness of the discharge electrode in the discharge part depends on the material, the thickness when formed of gold is preferably 0.1 to 100 / ζ m. As the discharge electrode becomes thinner than 0.1 μm, it tends to be susceptible to wear, and the life of the discharge electrode tends to be shortened. As the discharge electrode becomes thicker than 100 m, the heat capacity increases and the response to heating on / off is increased. Tends to decrease, and the deviation is not preferable. By reducing the thickness of the discharge electrode to 100 m or less, it is possible to quickly recover from the heated state and to increase the printing speed.

[0011] As the heat generating unit, a method of irradiating laser light, a method of irradiating infrared rays, or the like is preferably used. As a method for irradiating laser light, a laser scanner unit similar to a conventional electrophotographic method can be used. Combining a heating means such as a laser generator with an optical scanning unit such as a polygon mirror or a galvano mirror to scan only the laser beam with respect to the discharge electrode, or serially scan the heating unit with respect to the discharge electrode A thing etc. are used suitably. In addition, a condensing unit such as an optical fiber or a condensing lens may be provided between the discharge unit and the heat generating unit to collect light such as laser light or infrared light emitted from the heating means and irradiate the discharge electrode. Yeah. The optical flux is applied to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit. In addition to scanning the eyebar, when using an optical fiber array in which a large number of optical fibers are arranged with high density and high accuracy, laser light and infrared rays are simultaneously applied to multiple discharge electrodes (discharge generating parts). Can be selectively irradiated, enabling high-speed recording and excellent practicality. At this time, each optical fiber 1 and the discharge electrode (discharge generating part) may correspond one-to-one, and the exit tip of the optical fiber 1 may be fixed to the discharge unit. In addition, the discharge electrode of the discharge part can be formed by directly depositing chromium and gold plating on the light exit surface of the light collecting part such as the tip of the exit of the optical fiber. In this case, the recording medium may be scanned with only the discharge unit relative to the electrostatic latent image carrier, or the discharge unit and the heat generation unit may be run together.

[0012] When the discharge portion is formed in a comb shape, a ladder shape, or the like, discharge is easily generated from the peripheral portion of the discharge electrode by forming the width of the discharge electrode narrower than the spot diameter of laser light or infrared rays. Excellent power efficiency. In addition, since the range of the discharge generation part is defined by the spot diameter of laser light or infrared rays, variation in the discharge amount due to the displacement of the heating position can be reduced, and the image quality is excellent in uniformity.

In order to obtain a high-quality image, the discharge unit is fixed and the heating unit is combined with an optical scanning unit such as a polygon mirror, galvanometer mirror, and condenser lens. It is preferable to perform full scanning. The distance for separating the heat generating unit and the discharge unit is defined by the output of the heating means and the size and arrangement of the polygon mirror, galvanometer mirror, condenser lens, and the like. Moreover, you may enclose between a heat generating unit and a discharge unit with a heat insulating material as needed. The heat generated by the heating means can be efficiently transferred to the discharge electrode without escaping to the outside, and malfunctions due to external heat can be reliably prevented, resulting in excellent reliability. When the entire heating unit is scanned with respect to the discharge unit, the discharge electrode can be reliably heated by irradiating the discharge electrode with light of sufficient intensity, and the discharge generation is excellent in stability.

In particular, when the recording medium is a large electrostatic latent image carrier, a plurality of heat generating units may be provided instead of scanning the heat generating unit.

[0013] A heat-discharge type print head according to claim 2 is the heat-discharge type print head according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit is disposed on a heat receiving surface side of the discharge electrode of the discharge portion. Formation It has the structure provided with the heat absorption layer which has the heat absorption property made.

With this configuration, in addition to the operation of claim 1, the following operation is provided.

(1) Since the discharge unit has a heat absorption layer having heat absorption formed on the heat receiving surface side of the discharge electrode of the discharge unit, the heat transmitted by the light generated by the heating means of the heat generation unit is absorbed. It is absorbed by the layer and can be reliably transmitted to the discharge electrode, resulting in excellent heating efficiency.

Here, the heat absorption layer can be formed by, for example, black paint, chrome plating or the like. When heating the discharge part formed on the substrate of the discharge unit from the back side of the substrate, the translucent substrate is used. The discharge part may be formed on the heat absorption layer formed thereon, or the heat absorption layer and the discharge part may be formed so as to sandwich the translucent substrate.

Further, instead of directly forming the heat absorption layer on the substrate or the discharge part, a heat absorption layer formed of glass colored with chrome plating may be laminated on the substrate and the discharge part.

In addition, when the discharge part itself is formed of a conductive material such as carbon nanotube or carbon and has heat absorption, the heat absorption layer may not be provided.

[0014] The invention according to claim 3 is the heat discharge type print head according to claim 2, wherein the heat absorption layer is formed based on a print pattern corresponding to image information. Have.

With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the second aspect, the following operation is provided.

(1) Since the heat absorption layer is formed based on the print pattern corresponding to the image information, the discharge electrode can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information, and the reliability of image formation can be improved. Excellent.

(2) By having a heat absorption layer formed in advance based on the print pattern, the same image can be repeatedly created in a short time, which is excellent in mass productivity and with multiple types of heat absorption with different print patterns. By preparing layers, different images can be easily formed simply by exchanging them, and it is excellent in versatility and practicality.

Here, as described above, the heat absorption layer is formed of a film, glass, or the like to form a base of the discharge unit. It can be laminated on a plate. Since the heat absorption layer can be easily attached to and detached from the discharge unit, it can be easily exchanged. For images that are frequently printed, a print pattern corresponding to the image information may be prepared. Further, if a black solid heat absorption layer is used, it can be selectively heated by the heating means of the heat generating unit as usual, and an arbitrary image can be formed.

When forming an electrostatic latent image on a transparent flat-plate electrostatic latent image carrier made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or glass, the discharge unit and the heating unit are supported by the electrostatic latent image. You can place them across your body. Laser light, infrared light, or other light emitted from the heating means of the heat generating unit passes through the electrostatic latent image carrier and is irradiated to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit to propagate heat. When laminating a ground electrode part and a voltage application part for applying an electric field between the electrostatic latent image carrier and the discharge electrode of the discharge unit, the ground electrode part and the voltage application part are made of transparent electrodes such as ITO. By forming, light such as laser light and infrared light can be transmitted.

[0016] A heat-discharge type print head according to claim 4 is the heat-discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the discharge unit is the discharge unit. It has the structure provided with the translucent layer which has the translucency formed in the heat-receiving surface side of the discharge electrode. With this configuration, in addition to the operation of any one of claims 1 to 3, it has the following operation.

(1) Since the discharge unit has a light-transmitting light-transmitting layer formed on the heat-receiving surface side of the discharge electrode of the discharge part, the substrate on which the discharge part is formed can be reinforced. It is possible to improve the handling and performance of the robot.

(2) Since a light-transmitting light-transmitting layer is formed on the heat-receiving surface side of the discharge electrode of the discharge part, laser light, infrared light, etc. emitted from the heating means of the heat generating unit disposed on the back surface side of the discharge electrode It is possible to reliably irradiate the discharge electrode with heat and heat it, and to suppress a decrease in heat transfer.

Here, as the material of the light transmitting layer, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass or the like is preferably used.

[0017] The invention according to claim 5 is the heating discharge type according to any one of claims 1 to 4. In the print head, the discharge unit may be disposed on a shape holding plate having an opening formed at a position corresponding to the discharge electrode of the discharge portion. With this configuration, in addition to the operation of any one of claims 1 to 4, the following operation is provided.

(1) The discharge unit is arranged on a shape-holding plate with an opening formed at a position corresponding to the discharge electrode of the discharge part, so that the shape of the discharge unit is maintained and handling is improved. It is possible to force the discharge electrode of the discharge unit without obstructing the shape-retaining plate even when laser light or infrared light is irradiated by the heating means of the heating unit. It can be heated to generate a discharge.

[0018] Here, as the shape holding plate, a plate made of a material such as ceramic, glass, metal or the like is suitable as long as it has a rigidity sufficient to hold the shape of the discharge unit. In particular, when the shape-retaining plate is made of a material with excellent heat dissipation, such as aluminum, the heat generated in the discharge part can be dissipated from the shape-retaining plate, thus serving as a heat sink. . As a result, the discharge part can be rapidly cooled to improve the response of the discharge stop to the heating stop, and the printing speed can be increased.

[0019] The invention according to claim 6 is the heat discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heat generating unit is configured to release the discharge of the discharge unit of the discharge unit. The electric electrode has a configuration including an optical scanning unit that scans light emitted from the heating unit.

With this configuration, in addition to the operation of any one of claims 1 to 5, the following operation is provided.

(1) The heating unit has an optical scanning unit that scans the light emitted from the heating means with respect to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit, so that the discharge unit is fixed in an arbitrary position (discharge It is possible to generate a discharge by selectively heating the generating part), and it is possible to form a high quality image with no positional deviation and excellent image quality reliability. Here, as the optical scanning unit, a unit that scans the optical element using the above-described polygon mirror or a Ganolevano mirror is preferably used. When the recording medium is a large electrostatic latent image carrier, the heating unit is scanned with respect to the electrostatic latent image carrier. As a result, a visible image or an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the entire surface of the recording medium.

[0020] The invention according to claim 7 is the heat discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heat generating unit is used as the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit. It has the structure provided with the heat generating unit scanning part to scan.

(1) By having a heat generating unit scanning section that scans the heating unit with respect to the discharge electrode of the discharge section of the discharge unit, the discharge electrode can be irradiated with light of sufficient intensity and reliably heated. Excellent discharge stability.

Here, the scanning unit that scans the heating unit may be any unit that can serially scan the heating unit with respect to the discharge electrode!

[0021] The invention described in claim 8 is the heat discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heat generating unit is connected to the heating means and the discharge unit. The discharge unit has a configuration including an optical fiber for irradiating the discharge electrode with light.

(1) Since the heating unit has an optical fiber that is connected to the heating means and irradiates light to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit, it collects and discharges light such as laser light and infrared light emitted by the heating means. It is possible to irradiate the electrode, and the discharge generation efficiency is excellent.

Here, in addition to selectively irradiating and heating the discharge electrode (discharge generating portion) by scanning the optical fiber with respect to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit, a number of optical fibers Use an optical fiber array with high density and high precision. By using an optical fiber array, it is possible to selectively irradiate light to a plurality of discharge electrodes (discharge generation portions) at the same time, enabling high-speed recording and excellent practicality. In addition, each optical fiber and discharge electrode (discharge generation part) have a one-to-one correspondence, so that it is possible to reliably discharge from a predetermined discharge electrode (discharge generation part) that does not cause displacement of the heating position. Generating The image quality is excellent and the image quality is highly reliable.

[0023] The invention according to claim 9 is the heat-discharge type print head according to claim 8, wherein the heat generating unit is configured to apply the light to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit. An optical fiber scanning unit for scanning the fiber is provided.

With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the eighth aspect, the following operation is provided.

(1) Since the heat generating unit has an optical fiber scanning unit for moving the optical fiber against the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit, only the optical fiber is scanned with the discharge unit fixed. It is possible to generate a discharge by selectively heating an arbitrary position of the discharge part (discharge generation part), and it is possible to form a high-quality image with no positional deviation, and the image quality is highly reliable. .

[0024] The invention according to claim 10 is the heat discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge unit and the heat generating unit are separated from each other, and An inter-unit connection optical fiber connecting between the discharge electrode of the discharge unit and the heating means of the heat generating unit, and the discharge light emitted from the heating means in the inter-unit connection optical fiber. It has the structure which irradiates an electrode.

With this configuration, in addition to the operation of any one of claims 1 to 4, the following operation is provided.

(1) In the discharge unit and the heat generating unit that are separated from each other, the inter-unit connecting optical fiber has a unit connecting optical fiber that connects between the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharging unit and the heating means of the heat generating unit. By irradiating the discharge electrode with light emitted from the heating means, the discharge unit and the heat generating unit can be handled as a unit, and there is no need to align the discharge unit and the heat generating unit. Part) can be reliably heated to generate a discharge, and the discharge is highly reliable.

(2) Since the distant discharge unit and the heat generating unit are connected by a unit-to-unit optical fiber, it is possible to scan the discharge unit together with the heat generating unit with a single drive system, thus simplifying the structure. In addition to being excellent in space saving, the recording medium is displaced in the irradiation position of ions with respect to the electrostatic latent image carrier 1, and the reliability of image quality is excellent. [0025] Here, the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit and the heating means of the heat generating unit are connected together by an inter-unit connection optical fiber, but the inter-unit connection optical fiber 1 is heated. The light emitted by the means is guided to the discharge electrode, and the discharge electrode of the discharge part and the heating means as the heat source are not in direct contact with each other but are separated from each other.

When connecting the discharge unit and the heat generating unit with an inter-unit connection optical fiber, the outlet end of the inter-unit connection optical fiber 1 may be fixed to the discharge unit, or the discharge is directly applied to the exit end of the inter-unit connection optical fiber. Part of the discharge electrode may be formed.

[0026] The invention according to claim 11 is the heat discharge type print head according to claim 10, wherein the discharge portion of the discharge unit is formed at an exit tip of the inter-unit connecting optical fiber. It has a configuration comprising a discharge electrode and a discharge control voltage input unit formed integrally with the discharge electrode on the side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber.

With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the tenth aspect, the following operation is provided.

(1) Discharge electrode force of the discharge part of the discharge unit It is formed at the outlet end of the interunit optical fiber connected to the heating means of the heat generating unit, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the discharge unit. In addition to being excellent in mass productivity, the discharge unit can be made compact and space saving and handling are excellent.

(2) Discharge unit force of the discharge unit By having a discharge control voltage input unit formed integrally with the discharge electrode on the side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber, a high voltage substrate or the like can be electrically connected to the discharge control voltage input unit. Since the discharge control voltage can be reliably applied to the discharge electrodes via the discharge control voltage input section, the side force of the inter-unit connecting optical fiber can be reliably applied to the surface of the discharge electrodes. While the discharge electrode is not formed, the recording surface of the recording medium is brought close to the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier, and the recording medium reliably prevents contact between the electrostatic latent image carrier and the electrical connection portion. And is excellent in the reliability of discharge generation.

[0027] Here, the discharge electrode and the discharge control voltage input unit of the discharge unit can be easily formed by evaporating chromium and gold-plating directly on the exit tip and side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber. Can do.

If a high-voltage board is placed on the side of one unit-connecting optical fiber, etc., the electrical wiring for applying the discharge control voltage can be shortened, improving the reliability of voltage supply. Can be made. In addition, the high-voltage board can be handled as a unit with the discharge unit and heat generation unit, and no electrical wiring is required, so it can be easily incorporated into the image forming apparatus, and it is easy to handle and mass-produce. In particular, when scanning the discharge unit, the high-voltage board can be moved together, reducing the occurrence of continuity defects that are difficult to apply load to the electrical wiring, and improving the reliability and durability of the electrical connection. Excellent.

[0028] The invention according to claim 12 is the heat discharge type print head according to claim 11, wherein the heat radiating plate is disposed in contact with the discharge control voltage input portion on one side surface of the optical fiber. It has the structure which is equipped with.

With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the eleventh aspect, the following operation is provided.

(1) By having a heat sink placed in contact with the discharge control voltage input section on the side of the inter-unit connection optical fiber, the heat generated in the discharge section can be quickly dissipated from the heat sink. In addition, the discharge part can be rapidly cooled to improve the response to the heating stop, and the printing speed can be increased.

[0029] Here, as the material of the heat radiating plate, a metal having excellent heat radiating properties such as aluminum is preferably used. When irregularities are formed on the surface of the heat sink by grooves or the like, the surface area of the heat sink can be increased, and the efficiency of heat dissipation can be improved. The heat sink can be fixed by various methods. For example, a heat sink that is sandwiched between two metal plates from both sides and fixed with screws or the like is preferably used. At this time, if one of the metal plates and the high voltage substrate are electrically connected, a discharge control voltage can be applied from the metal plate. In particular, an optical fiber array in which a large number of inter-unit connecting optical fibers are arranged. When using V, the discharge control voltage can be simultaneously applied to the discharge electrodes of a large number of unit-connected optical fibers using this metal plate as a common electrode, which makes it easy to handle. In addition, by filling the periphery of the unit-to-unit optical fiber with conductive silicon or the like, the fixing stability is excellent without impeding the conductivity.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect of the invention is the heating / discharging type print head according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects of the invention, wherein the discharge tube is connected by the inter-unit connecting optical fiber. The apparatus includes a head scanning unit that scans at least the discharge unit of the knit and the heat generating unit with respect to the recording medium or the electrostatic latent image carrier. With this configuration, in addition to the operation of any one of claims 10 to 12, the following operation is provided.

(1) Large-format recording by having a head scanning unit that scans at least the discharge unit of the discharge unit and the heat generation unit connected by the unit-connected optical fiber to the recording medium or electrostatic latent image carrier. Since the medium can reliably form a visible image or an electrostatic latent image on the entire surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier, it has excellent versatility. In particular, when the heat generating unit is moved together with the discharge unit, the discharge electrode can be reliably heated by irradiating the discharge electrode with sufficient intensity, and the discharge generation is excellent in stability.

Here, the head scanning unit may scan only the discharge unit relative to the recording medium or the electrostatic latent image carrier, or may scan both the discharge unit and the heat generating unit. By scanning the discharge unit at least, it is possible to select an arbitrary area of the electrostatic latent image carrier on the recording medium and form an electrostatic latent image on the visible image.

[0031] The heating discharge type print head according to claim 14 is the heating discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the light emitted by the heating means of the heat generating unit. Is a laser beam.

With this configuration, the following operation is provided in addition to the operation of any one of claims 1 to 13.

(1) Since the light emitted by the heating means of the heat generating unit is laser light, any position (discharge generation part) of the discharge electrode to which the discharge control voltage is applied is selectively heated by the laser light to generate discharge. Can be made.

(2) Heating unit force of the heat generating unit By narrowing the spot diameter of the irradiated laser beam, a very small range can be heated, so that the recording medium is an electron ion with respect to the electrostatic latent image carrier, It is possible to irradiate ultraviolet rays and the like in one place, which is excellent in image formation efficiency and image quality.

(3) Heating power of the heating unit By irradiating the laser beam, the discharge generation part of the discharge electrode can be heated with a substantially constant amount of heat. Image quality can be improved.

[0032] Here, the heating means of the heat generating unit selectively emits laser light to the discharge generating portion of the discharge electrode. The direction of laser irradiation that can be heated by irradiation can be selected as appropriate according to the overall layout of the device, the shape and arrangement of the discharge electrodes, and the irradiation direction of electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays, etc. can do.

For example, when the discharge electrode is formed so that a plurality of discharge generating portions are arranged on the surface of the substrate in a zigzag or matrix form, the discharge electrode is heated by irradiating laser light from the back side of the substrate, Discharge electrode surface force Discharge can be generated. At this time, the surface of the discharge electrode and the surface of the medium substrate (recording surface) of the recording medium are arranged opposite to each other and the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier is irradiated in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface of the discharge electrode. As a result, an image (visible image) can be formed on the recording medium, or an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier.

In addition, when the discharge electrode is formed so that a plurality of discharge generating portions are arranged in parallel on the end surface of the substrate, the surface of the discharge electrode is heated by irradiating the front surface or back side force laser light of the substrate. Force discharge can be generated. At this time, the end surface of the substrate and the surface of the medium substrate (recording surface) of the recording medium are opposed to each other, and the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier is radiated in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface of the discharge electrode. Thus, an image can be formed on the recording medium, or an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier.

Furthermore, when the discharge electrode is formed so that a plurality of discharge generating portions are arranged in parallel on the front surface end portion of the substrate, the discharge electrode is heated by irradiating laser light from the front surface or the back surface side of the substrate. Force discharge near the end face can be generated. At this time, the end surface of the substrate and the surface of the medium substrate (recording surface) of the recording medium are arranged so as to face each other, and ions or the like due to discharge are irradiated in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the discharge electrode. An image can be formed on a recording medium, or an electrostatic latent image can be formed on an electrostatic latent image carrier.

In addition, the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit and the recording medium are provided on the surface opposite to the medium substrate surface (the back side of the recording medium) of the recording medium on which recording is performed by irradiating ions accompanying the discharge from the heat discharge type print head By disposing a ground electrode part or a voltage application part for applying an electric field between them, the discharge electrode force of the discharge part can also be directed to the recording medium to reliably irradiate ions, and the ion irradiation position accuracy can be improved. Therefore, the unit dots on the recording medium can be made finer and a high-definition image can be formed. [0034] The invention according to claim 15 is the heat discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 14, except for the discharge generation part of the discharge part of the discharge unit, And having a configuration including a coating film covering the discharge portion.

With this configuration, the following operation is provided in addition to the operation of any one of claims 1 to 14.

(1) Since it has a coating film that covers the discharge part except for the discharge generation part of the discharge part of the discharge unit, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of discharge due to a force other than the discharge generation part of the discharge part, It is possible to irradiate electrons, ions, and ultraviolet rays in one place, and it has excellent image forming efficiency.

(2) By forming the coating film excluding the discharge generation part of the discharge part of the discharge unit, a step can be formed between the surface of the discharge generation part and the surface of the coating film. The gap between the opposed recording medium and the electrostatic latent image carrier can be kept constant, the contact with the discharge generation part can be prevented, and the discharge with the strength of the discharge generation part can be stabilized. .

[0035] Here, when the discharge part is formed in a comb shape or a ladder type and has a common electrode and a discharge electrode, the covering film is covered by the common electrode and is covered by the discharge electrode excluding the discharge generating part. . More specifically, the coating film has an opening formed in a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially bullet-like shape, a substantially rectangular shape, or the like in the discharge generation portion (near the heating position by the heating means) of the discharge electrode. . The opening may be formed independently for each of the plurality of discharge generation portions, or may be formed in a continuous long hole shape so as to extend over the plurality of discharge generation portions.

The coating film is made of an insulator and is made of glass, synthetic resin such as aramid polyimide, SiO

Ceramics such as 2 and my strength are preferably used. The coating film can be formed by screen printing, vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like.

[0036] The invention according to claim 16 is the heat-discharge type print head according to claim 15, and has a configuration including a concavo-convex portion formed on a surface of the coating film.

With this configuration, in addition to the effect of claim 15, the following effect is obtained.

(1) By providing many irregularities on the surface of the coating film, the surface distance is extended, the surface resistance increases, and current is prevented from leaking from the discharge generation part of the delaminated discharge electrode to the surroundings. so In this case, the applied voltage applied to the discharge electrode is not reduced, and the discharge is stable and efficient.

Here, since the concavo-convex portions of the coating film can be easily formed by screen printing or the like, the presence or absence of the concavo-convex portions does not complicate the coating film forming process and is excellent in mass productivity. Also, using inorganic materials such as SiON and SiO and other insulating materials (regardless of organic and inorganic),

2

An uneven portion may be formed on the surface of the coating film.

[0037] The invention according to claim 17 is the heat discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the discharge part of the discharge unit is connected to a negative ion on the discharge electrode. It has a configuration including at least one first discharge portion to which a generation discharge control voltage is applied and at least one second discharge portion to which a positive ion generation discharge control voltage is applied to the discharge electrode.

With this configuration, the following operations are provided in addition to the operation of any one of claims 1 to 16.

(1) The discharge unit of the discharge unit includes a first discharge unit to which a discharge control voltage for generating negative ions is applied to the discharge electrode and a second discharge unit to which a discharge control voltage for generating positive ions is applied to the discharge electrode. By having at least one or more, it is possible to selectively irradiate the recording surface of the recording medium with negative ions and positive ions, so that an image is formed while complementing the printed and non-printed parts based on the image information. Can be excellent in image quality reliability.

(2) The discharge part of the discharge unit includes a first discharge part to which a discharge control voltage for generating negative ions is applied to the discharge electrode and a second discharge part to which a discharge control voltage for generating positive ions is applied to the discharge electrode. By having at least one or more, it is possible to erase the non-printing part and write the printing part on the recording medium on which the image has already been formed, based on the image information of the new image. Separately, a recording medium without using an image erasing unit can be repeatedly used, and the image forming apparatus can be downsized.

Here, the negative ion generation discharge control voltage and the positive ion generation discharge control voltage are applied to the discharge electrodes of the first discharge portion and the second discharge portion, respectively, with voltages having different polarities. Depending on the type of recording medium, the image is erased with either negative ions or positive ions, and the image is written with the other. 1st discharge part and 2nd discharge part are one common When formed on the substrate, the non-printed portion of the image can be erased and the printed portion can be written in parallel during one scan, thereby shortening the time required for image formation.

[0039] The invention described in claim 18 is the heat discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the discharge control is applied to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit. The electrical connection portion force for applying the voltage is arranged on a surface different from the placement surface of the discharge generation portion of the discharge electrode.

With this configuration, the following operation is provided in addition to the operation of any one of claims 1 to 17.

(1) Since the electrical connection part for applying the discharge control voltage to the discharge electrode of the discharge part of the discharge unit is arranged on a different surface from the arrangement surface of the discharge generation part of the discharge electrode, While the discharge generating portion is brought close to the surface of the recording medium, the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier can reliably prevent contact between the electrostatic latent image carrier and the electrical connection portion. Excellent reliability.

Here, when the electrical connection portion is on a surface different from the surface on which the discharge generation portion of the discharge electrode is disposed, the discharge generation portion of the discharge electrode faces the recording surface of the recording medium to the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. The recording medium may be a position that does not interfere with the electrostatic latent image carrier. For example, with respect to the discharge generation part arranged on the surface of the discharge unit, an electrical connection part may be arranged on the back surface or side surface (end surface) of the discharge unit.

[0040] An image forming apparatus according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention has a configuration including the heat discharge type print head according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects.

This configuration has the following effects.

(1) An image can be formed by ion irradiation or light emission by discharge from a heat-discharge type print head, and the image forming process can be simplified.

(2) It is possible to form an electrostatic latent image or an image by oxidation-reduction reaction by ion irradiation, and an electron using a photochromic compound that reacts to ultraviolet light, visible light, etc. by discharge light emission. An image can be formed on a paper or the like.

[0041] Here, the image forming apparatus can form an image on a recording medium that has been initialized in advance and whose print content has been erased. As a restorer (initialization means), a charging roller or charging brush The surface of the recording medium can be uniformly charged inside the image forming apparatus to initialize the recording medium, and rewriting to the recording medium can be repeated. Instead of providing a restorer, unnecessary recording can be erased by irradiating a recording medium on which an image has been formed from a heat-discharge type print head with ions having a polarity opposite to that at the time of image formation.

[0042] As a recording medium on which an image is formed by ion irradiation, electronic paper such as a twisting ball method, an electrophoretic method, and a liquid crystal method is preferably used. It is also possible to form an image on an electronic paper or the like using an organic-inorganic nanocomposite that is reduced by acid reduction with a metal ion such as bismuth ion. Furthermore, an electronic paper using a photochromic compound that reacts to light emission by discharge can also be used.

Further, in the case of using a recording medium in which writing can be performed by applying an electric charge while irradiating ultraviolet rays, an ultraviolet lamp may be provided. When irradiating ultraviolet rays from the back side of the recording medium, a glass tube or a transparent roller is arranged so as to be in contact with the back side of the recording medium, and an ultraviolet lamp is accommodated inside the glass medium. In addition, it is possible to reliably irradiate ultraviolet rays while conveying the recording medium.

[0043] The invention according to claim 20 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium in which a visible image appears due to the action of electric charges generated by the discharge of the heating and discharging type print head. Have a configuration for recording.

With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the nineteenth aspect, the following operation is provided.

(1) Since a visible image can be formed in the recording medium in a non-contact manner by the discharge from the heat-discharge type print head, damage to the recording medium with a small number of parts can be suppressed to the minimum necessary. Can be practical.

Here, a ground electrode part for applying an electric field between the discharge electrode of the heat discharge type print head and the recording medium or a voltage applying part for applying a positive or negative voltage is arranged on the back side of the recording medium. By applying a positive or negative voltage, it is possible to reliably irradiate the recording surface of the recording medium with negative or positive ions generated by the discharge, thereby improving the image quality.

[0044] The invention according to claim 21 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the heating is performed. The discharge type print head has a configuration including an electrostatic latent image carrier facing the discharge unit.

(1) By having an electrostatic latent image carrier facing the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by ion irradiation from the heat discharge type print head. Since the recording medium can be electrostatically developed with the electrostatic latent image to form a visible image, the discharge unit of the heat-discharge type print head and the recording medium do not directly face each other. Can prevent dirt.

Here, as the electrostatic latent image carrier, various shapes such as a drum type and a belt type can be used. As the material of the electrostatic latent image carrier, any material can be used as long as its surface is charged by ion irradiation. Therefore, an insulator such as alumite that does not need to be a photoconductor can be used. If the electrostatic latent image carrier is a photoconductor, it can be neutralized by irradiating it with light, and if it is an insulator, it can be neutralized with an AC voltage. In addition, when the electrostatic latent image carrier is an insulator, it is less likely to deteriorate than the photoreceptor and has a long life.

[0045] The invention according to claim 22 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the electrostatic latent image carrier and an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. A developing means for forming a visible image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier based on an image; and a transfer means for transferring the visible image to a printing medium. Yes.

With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the twenty-first aspect, the following operation is provided.

(1) Since an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by irradiating ions from the heat-discharge type print head, an exposure optical system such as a polygon mirror is not required, and the number of parts is reduced. Less structure can be simplified.

(2) Based on the electrostatic latent image by the visualization means, a visible image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier, and the visible image is transferred to the printing medium by the transfer means. In addition to plain paper, various media such as OHP sheets and glossy paper can be used as printing media, and the versatility is excellent.

Here, as the electrostatic latent image carrier, the same ones as described above can be used. As the developing means, a developing device that performs toner development is preferably used. Development may be performed by the method. As a transfer means for transferring a visible image to a printing medium, a transfer fixing roller in which the surface of a metal roller such as aluminum is covered with a synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber is preferably used. If a pressure fixing type toner is used during toner development, a visible image can be transferred to a printing medium and fixed by pressing with a transfer means.

The image forming apparatus includes a cleaner that physically removes and cleans the toner remaining on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier after transfer, and before writing (ion irradiation) with a heat-discharge type print head. It is preferable to provide a static eliminator for neutralizing the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. As a result, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier in a stable state at all times, and the reliability is excellent. In addition, when an insulator such as anodized is used as the electrostatic latent image carrier, it is particularly excellent in long-life property because scratching damage by the cleaner hardly occurs.

[0047] The invention according to claim 23 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 19, in which an electrostatic latent image is formed by the action of electric charges generated by discharge from the heating and discharging type print head. The image bearing member has a structure provided with a visible image forming means for forming a visible image based on the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image carrier.

(1) Visualization means for forming a visible image based on an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by the action of electric charges generated by discharge from a heat-discharge type print head Therefore, a visible image can be formed sequentially based on the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier, and the image quality is highly reliable.

(2) A flat (sheet-like) electrostatic latent image carrier can be used as a printing medium, and a high-quality image can be formed on a large amount of electrostatic latent image carrier in a short time. Excellent.

Here, as the electrostatic latent image carrier, a flat plate formed of transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) glass or the like is preferably used. By laminating a ground electrode part and a voltage application part on this electrostatic latent image carrier, an electric field can be applied between the discharge electrode of the discharge part of the discharge unit and the electrostatic latent image carrier, and It is possible to reliably irradiate ions with the electrostatic force from the discharge electrode carrier to the electrostatic latent image carrier, thereby improving the ion irradiation position accuracy. Laser light and infrared light can be transmitted through the ground electrode part and voltage application part. By forming it with a transparent electrode such as ITO, it is possible to irradiate the discharge electrode of the discharge part with laser light or infrared rays from the heating means placed opposite the discharge unit so as to sandwich the electrostatic latent image carrier. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can be downsized.

[0049] The invention according to claim 24 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the electrostatic latent image carrier is sandwiched between the discharge unit of the heat-discharge type print head. It has a configuration equipped with a charger.

With this configuration, in addition to the operation of Claim 23, the following operation is provided.

(1) Between the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit and the electrostatic latent image carrier by having a charger disposed opposite the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head across the electrostatic latent image carrier. In addition, since the electric field can be easily and reliably formed, the electrostatic latent image carrier is excellent in handleability without the necessity of laminating a ground electrode part or a voltage application part on the electrostatic latent image carrier. Here, any charger can be used as long as it can be charged with the opposite polarity to the ions irradiated from the discharge electrode of the discharge unit!

[0050] The invention according to claim 25 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the visualization means includes the electrostatic latent image bearing member sandwiching the electrostatic latent image carrier. It has a structure arranged opposite to the discharge unit.

(1) Since the visualization means is arranged opposite to the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head with the electrostatic latent image carrier interposed therebetween, it is excellent in space saving and discharge of the electrostatic latent image carrier. At the same time as forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface facing the unit, a visible image can be formed on the surface facing the visualization means of the electrostatic latent image carrier, reducing the time required for image formation. It is possible to improve image reliability and productivity.

Here, as the visualization means, those similar to those described in claim 22 are preferably used. In the case of using a developing device that performs toner development, the type of toner may be liquid toner or powder toner (dry toner).

The invention's effect

[0051] As described above, according to the heat discharge type print head of the present invention and the image forming apparatus including the same, the following advantageous effects can be obtained. According to the invention described in claim 1, the following effects are obtained.

(1) Since the discharge generation from the discharge generation part of the discharge electrode is controlled by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode to which the discharge control voltage is applied, the discharge is not generated only by applying the discharge control voltage to the discharge electrode. Therefore, it is possible to prepare for the discharge with the discharge control voltage applied, so that the discharge electrode is selectively irradiated by irradiating light from the heating means of the heat generating unit that does not need to control the high discharge control voltage. It is easy and practical to control the discharge that can generate heat and discharge to form an image on an electrostatic development type recording medium and to form an electrostatic latent image on a variety of electrostatic latent image carriers. It is possible to provide an excellent heat discharge type print head.

(2) No insulating film is required to insulate the discharge unit from the heat generation unit, reducing the number of manufacturing steps and improving the mass productivity, and the discharge unit of the discharge unit disposed apart from each other. It is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head excellent in practicality, handling, and property that can reliably insulate between the discharge electrode and the heating means of the heat generating unit and improve the reliability of heating control. it can.

(3) Separately manufactured discharge units and heat generating units can be used in a simple combination, and defective discharge units or heat generating units can be easily repaired and replaced. Excellent maintenance and resource saving. Further, it is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head.

(4) Since the discharge unit and the heat generating unit are arranged apart from each other! /, The discharge electrode in the heating stopped state where the discharge part of the discharge unit and the heating means that is the heat source of the heat generating unit do not come into contact with each other. The cooling time can be greatly shortened to improve the response of the discharge stop to the heating stop, and the presence or absence of discharge can be switched in a short time. An excellent heat discharge type print head can be provided.

[0052] According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the following effect is obtained.

(1) Heating efficiency that heat absorbed by light emitted from the heating means of the heating unit is absorbed by the heat absorption layer formed on the heat receiving surface side of the discharge electrode and can be reliably transmitted to the discharge electrode It is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head excellent in the above.

[0053] According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of claim 2, the following effect is obtained. The

(1) Since the heat absorption layer is formed based on the print pattern corresponding to the image information, the discharge electrode can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information and excellent in image formation reliability. Further, it is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head.

(2) Having a heat-absorbing layer with a pre-printed pattern allows the same image to be created repeatedly in a short time, providing excellent mass productivity and providing multiple types of heat-absorbing layers with different print patterns. By doing so, it is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head excellent in versatility and practicality, which can easily form different images simply by exchanging them.

[0054] According to the invention of claim 4, the effect of any one of claims 1 to 3 is achieved, and the following effects are obtained.

(1) When the discharge generating part of the discharge electrode of the discharge unit is placed opposite to the surface of the recording medium or electrostatic latent image carrier, the heating means of the heating unit arranged on the back side of the discharge electrode generates power. The laser light or infrared light that is generated is transmitted through the light-transmitting layer formed on the heat-receiving surface side of the discharge electrode, and can be reliably irradiated and heated on the heat-receiving surface (back surface) of the discharge electrode. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head with excellent reliability that can suppress the above-mentioned problem.

[0055] According to the invention of claim 5, the effect of any one of claims 1 to 4 is achieved, and the following effects are obtained.

(1) Since the discharge unit is disposed on the shape holding plate, the shape of the discharge unit can be maintained, and it is easy to handle! It is possible to irradiate laser discharge light or infrared light to any position of the discharge electrode through an opening formed at a position corresponding to the discharge electrode of the discharge section from the heating means of the discharge section. It is possible to provide a highly reliable heat discharge type print head that can reliably generate a discharge from the generating portion.

[0056] According to the invention described in claim 6, the effect of any one of claims 1 to 5 is achieved, and the following effects are obtained.

(1) With the discharge unit fixed, the light scanning unit scans the light emitted by the heating means. Therefore, it is possible to selectively heat any position (discharge generation part) of the discharge electrode to generate a discharge, and it is possible to form a high-quality image with no positional deviation. It is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head having excellent reliability.

[0057] According to the invention of claim 7, the effect of any one of claims 1 to 5 is reduced, and the following effects are obtained.

(1) With the discharge unit fixed, the entire heat generation unit is scanned by the heat generation unit scanning unit, so that the discharge electrode can be reliably heated by irradiating light with sufficient intensity. It is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head excellent in performance.

[0058] According to the invention of claim 8, the effect of any one of claims 1 to 5 is reduced, and the following effects are obtained.

(1) Heat discharge with excellent discharge generation efficiency that can irradiate the discharge electrode by condensing light such as laser light and infrared rays emitted from the heating means with an optical fiber connected to the heating means A mold print head can be provided.

[0059] According to the invention of claim 9, in addition to the effect of claim 8, the following effect is obtained.

(1) With the discharge unit fixed, the optical fiber is scanned by the optical fiber scanning unit, so that any position (discharge generation unit) of the discharge unit can be selectively heated to generate a discharge. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head that is capable of forming a high-quality image with no positional deviation and excellent in image quality reliability.

[0060] According to the invention of claim 10, the effect of any one of claims 1 to 4 is obtained, and has the following effects.

(1) Since the inter-unit connecting optical fiber connecting the discharge unit and the heat generating unit separated from each other can irradiate the discharge electrode with light emitted from the heating means, it is possible to handle the discharge unit and the heat generating unit integrally. This is a heat discharge type print head that eliminates the need to align the discharge unit and the heat generation unit, and can reliably heat the desired discharge electrode (discharge generation part) to generate discharge. Can be provided.

(2) The unit-to-unit optical fiber is connected between the discharge unit and the heating unit that are separated. As a result, it is possible to scan the discharge unit together with the heat generating unit with a single drive system, and the structure is simple and excellent in space-saving. However, it is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head with excellent image quality reliability.

[0061] According to the invention of claim 11, in addition to the effect of claim 10, the following effect is obtained.

(1) Discharge electrode force of the discharge unit of the discharge unit The discharge unit manufacturing process is simplified and mass-produced because it is formed at the exit end of the interunit optical fiber connected to the heating means of the heat generation unit. It is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head that is excellent in performance, has a compact discharge unit, and saves space and is easy to handle.

(2) By simply connecting a high voltage substrate etc. to the discharge control voltage input unit formed integrally with the discharge electrode on the side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber, discharge from the side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber is possible. Since the discharge control voltage can be reliably applied to the discharge electrode via the control voltage input section, the discharge electrode in which no electrical connection is formed on the surface of the discharge electrode is brought close to the recording surface of the recording medium. However, it is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head that can reliably prevent the contact between the recording medium and the electrical connection portion and has excellent discharge generation reliability.

[0062] According to the invention of claim 12, in addition to the effect of claim 11, the following effect is obtained.

(1) The heat generated by the discharge electrode formed integrally with the discharge control voltage input section can be quickly brought into contact with the discharge control voltage input section by contacting the discharge control voltage input section on the side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber. Dissipates heat from the heat sink, enables rapid cooling of the discharge part, improves discharge stop response to heat stop, and achieves high printing speed reliability. Further, it is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head.

[0063] According to the invention of claim 13, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 10 to 12, the following effect is obtained.

(1) At least one discharge unit of the discharge unit and the heat generating unit connected by the inter-unit connection optical fiber is scanned with respect to the electrostatic latent image carrier by the head scanning unit. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head excellent in versatility that can form an electrostatic latent image on the entire surface of a large-sized recording medium. .

[0064] According to the invention of claim 14, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 13, the following effect is obtained.

(1) Since the light emitted by the heating means of the heat generating unit is laser light, any position (discharge generation part) of the discharge electrode to which the discharge control voltage is applied is selectively heated by the laser light to generate discharge. It is possible to provide a heating / discharging type print head that can be controlled easily, is easily designed, and has excellent practicality.

(2) Heating unit force of the heating unit Since the laser beam can irradiate a minute range, electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays, etc. are concentrated in one place on the electrostatic latent image carrier. Thus, it is possible to provide a high-quality heat discharge type print head excellent in energy saving and reliability, which can be irradiated and can be improved in image formation efficiency and image quality.

(3) Providing a high-quality and highly reliable heat-discharge-type printhead that can reduce the unevenness of discharge by heating with a laser beam with a substantially constant amount of heat, thereby preventing variations in discharge amount. can do.

[0065] According to the invention of claim 15, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 14, the following effect is obtained.

(1) By covering the discharge part with a coating film except for the discharge generation part of the discharge part of the discharge unit, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of discharge due to excessive spot force other than the discharge generation part of the discharge part, It is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head excellent in the efficiency of image formation, which can irradiate electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays and the like in one place on a recording medium.

(2) By forming the coating film except for the discharge generation part of the discharge part of the discharge unit, a step is formed between the surface of the discharge generation part and the surface of the coating film, and is disposed opposite to the discharge electrode. The gap between the recording medium and the electrostatic latent image carrier can be kept constant, the contact between the discharge generation part and the recording medium can be prevented, and the discharge from the discharge generation part can be prevented. It is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head that can be stabilized and excellent in reliability. [0066] According to the invention of claim 16, in addition to the effect of claim 15, the following effect is obtained.

(1) The unevenness formed on the surface of the coating film extends the surface distance, increases the surface resistance, and prevents the discharge generating force of the delaminated discharge electrode from leaking to the surroundings. It is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head excellent in discharge stability and efficiency without causing a decrease in applied voltage (discharge control voltage) applied to the electrode.

[0067] According to the invention of claim 17, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 16, the following effect is obtained.

(1) From each of the first discharge portion where the discharge control voltage for generating positive ions is applied to the discharge electrode and the second discharge portion where the discharge control voltage for generating negative ions is applied to the discharge electrode, the recording medium is statically discharged. The recording surface (surface) of the electrostatic latent image carrier can be selectively irradiated with positive ions and negative ions. Based on the image information, electrostatic latent images and It is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head that can form a visual image and has excellent image quality reliability.

[0068] According to the invention of claim 18, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 17, the following effect is obtained.

(1) Since the electrical connection part for applying the discharge control voltage to the discharge electrode of the discharge part of the discharge unit is arranged on a different surface from the arrangement surface of the discharge generation part of the discharge electrode, Discharge generation that can reliably prevent contact between the electrostatic latent image carrier and the electrical connection portion while the discharge generator is placed close to the surface of the recording medium. It is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head having excellent reliability.

[0069] According to the invention of claim 19, the following effects are obtained.

(1) An image can be formed by ion irradiation or light emission by discharge from a heat-discharge type print head, and an image forming apparatus having a simple image forming process and excellent productivity can be provided.

(2) It is possible to provide a versatile image forming apparatus capable of forming an electrostatic latent image or a visible image on various recording media by ion irradiation or light emission by discharge.

[0070] According to the invention of claim 20, in addition to the effect of claim 19, the following effect is obtained. Have.

(1) The discharge from the heat discharge type print head can form a visible image in a non-contact manner inside the recording medium, and the damage to the recording medium with a small number of parts can be minimized. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with excellent mass productivity, practicality and reliability.

According to the invention of claim 21, in addition to the effect of claim 19, the following effect is obtained.

(1) Since a recording medium can be electrostatically developed with an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an electrostatic latent image carrier by irradiation of ions from a heat-discharge type print head, a visible image can be formed. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus excellent in practicality and reliability in which the discharge unit of the discharge type print head and the recording medium do not directly face each other, and contamination of the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head can be prevented.

[0072] According to the invention of claim 22, in addition to the effect of claim 21, the following effect is obtained.

(1) Since it has an electrostatic latent image carrier that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface by ion irradiation, it does not require an exposure optical system such as a polygon mirror, and it has a small number of parts and a simple structure for mass production. An image forming apparatus having excellent properties can be provided.

(2) The visible image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by the visible image means can be transferred to the printing medium by the transfer means, such as OHP sheet, glossy paper, etc. in addition to plain paper An image forming apparatus excellent in versatility and practicality capable of printing on various printing media can be provided.

(3) Since the electrostatic latent image carrier that can form an electrostatic latent image only by selective charging (electrostatic latent image formation charging) by ion irradiation need not be a photoconductor, the range of material selection However, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is widely versatile, has excellent mass productivity, and has a long life.

[0073] According to the invention of claim 23, in addition to the effect of claim 19, the following effect is obtained.

(1) Since a visible image can be sequentially formed based on the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier, a flat (sheet-like) electrostatic latent image carrier is printed. Mass production that can be used as a medium and can form high-quality images in a short time on a large number of electrostatic latent image carriers. An image forming apparatus having excellent properties can be provided.

According to the invention of claim 24, in addition to the effect of claim 23, the following effect is obtained.

(1) An electric field can be easily and reliably formed between the discharge part of the discharge unit and the charger that are arranged opposite to each other with the electrostatic latent image carrier interposed therebetween, and a discharge can be generated from the discharge electrode of the discharge part. Since the electrostatic latent image can be formed by reliably irradiating the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier, there is no need to stack a ground electrode portion or a voltage application portion on the electrostatic latent image carrier. An image forming apparatus excellent in the handleability of the electrostatic latent image carrier can be provided.

[0075] According to the invention of claim 25, in addition to the effect of claim 23, the following effect is obtained.

(1) Since the visualization means is arranged opposite to the discharge unit of the heat-discharge type print head with the electrostatic latent image carrier interposed therebetween, it has excellent space saving and the discharge unit of the electrostatic latent image carrier. -At the same time as forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface facing the screen, a visible image can be formed on the surface facing the visualization means of the electrostatic latent image carrier. Can be shortened, and an image forming apparatus with excellent image reliability and productivity can be provided.

[FIG. 1] (a) Schematic diagram of a main part showing a use state of a heat discharge type print head in Embodiment 1 (b) Main part showing a discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in Embodiment 1 Model front view

[FIG. 2] (a) Main part schematic front view showing the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head according to the second embodiment of the present invention. (B) End view taken along line A—A in FIG. 2 (a).

FIG. 3 is a schematic end view of a main part showing a modification of the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[FIG. 4] (a) Main part schematic cross-sectional view showing a discharge unit of a heat discharge type print head in Embodiment 3 (b) Main part schematic front view showing a discharge unit of a heat discharge type print head in Embodiment 3 Figure

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modification of the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in the third embodiment. Area

6) (a) Main part schematic cross-sectional view showing the use state of the heat-discharge type print head in Embodiment 4 (b) Main part schematic front view showing the discharge unit of the heat-discharge type print head in Embodiment 4

[FIG. 7] (a) Perspective view of main part showing discharge unit of heat discharge type print head in embodiment 5 (b) Perspective view of main part showing heat discharge type print head in embodiment 5 [8] Implementation Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 6

9] Schematic diagram of the main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the seventh embodiment.

圆 10] Schematic diagram showing the main part of the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus in a ninth embodiment.

圆 12] is a schematic diagram of the main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the tenth embodiment. 圆 13] is a schematic diagram of the main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the eleventh embodiment. 圆 14] is an image in the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 15] is a schematic diagram of the main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment.

1, 1 ', la, lb, lc Heating discharge type print head

2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f

3 Board

3a Translucent layer

3b shape retaining plate

3c opening

4, 4a Heat absorption layer

5, 5 ', 15 Discharge section

5a Discharge electrode

5A discharge opening

5b Common electrode

5c Discharge control voltage input section

6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D Heating unit 6a, 6b Heating means

6d Optical fiber connection between units

6e optical fiber array

7 Discharge generator

8 Coating film

8a opening

8b Concavity and convexity

9, 9a Discharge hole

10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, lOg Image forming device

11 Restorer

12, 12a Electrostatic latent image carrier

13 Static eliminator

14 Heat sink

14a Fixing member

14b Electrical wiring

15a First discharge part

15b Second discharge part

16 Developer

17 Transfer fixing roller

18 Cleaner

19 Band ^^

20, 20a Recording medium

21 Media substrate

21a Media substrate surface

22 Voltage application section

22a Ground electrode

30 Printing media

0a ¾t¾ 35a, 35b Keiichi

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0078] (Embodiment 1)

The heat-discharge type print head according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part showing the usage state of the heat discharge type print head in the first embodiment, and FIG. 1 (b) is a discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in the first embodiment. It is a principal part schematic front view which shows a kit.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a heat discharge type print head according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, 2 is a discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head 1, and 3 is formed of a synthetic resin such as glass, polyimide, aramid, polyetherimide or the like. The substrate of the discharge unit 2, 3 a is a translucent layer formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass or the like and is disposed on the heat receiving surface side of the substrate 3, 4 is carbon or the like on the substrate 3 The heat absorption layer of the discharge unit 2 is formed by applying the black paint contained or vapor-depositing chromium, 5 is formed by vapor deposition of metal such as gold, silver, copper, and aluminum, sputtering, printing, plating, etc. After that, the discharge part of the discharge unit 2 formed into a ladder shape by etching, 5a is a plurality of discharge electrodes of the discharge part 5, and 5b is a common electrode of the discharge part 5 connecting both ends of the plurality of discharge electrodes 5a 5A is the discharge electrode 5a The discharge opening of the discharge part 5 formed between 5a, 6 is the heating unit of the heat-discharge type print head 1 spaced apart from the discharge part 5, and 6a is the substrate 3 side of the discharge unit 2 Force Discharge electrode 5a is heated by the heating unit 6 that heats the heat generating unit 6 that irradiates laser light that selectively heats the back surface of the discharge electrode 5a. , 20 is a recording medium such as a digital paper on which a visible image is formed by the action of electric charges from the discharge generating part 7 of the discharge electrode 5a of the heating discharge type print head 1, and 21 is a medium base of the recording medium 20. Reference numeral 21a denotes a medium substrate surface of the recording medium 20, and 22 denotes a voltage application unit of the recording medium 20 which is disposed on the back side of the recording medium 20 and to which a positive voltage is applied.

Next, a method for manufacturing the discharge unit will be described.

First, in the heat absorption layer forming step, a black paint is applied on one surface of a translucent substrate 3 such as glass, a synthetic resin such as polyimide, aramid, polyetherimide, or chrome. To form the heat absorption layer 4. The material of the substrate 3 is not limited to the present embodiment, and the heat absorption layer 4 and the discharge part 5 can be formed on the surface, and the heat resistance to withstand the heating by the heating means 6a and the heating means If it has a heat transfer property that can transfer the heat propagated by the light emitted by 6a to the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge part 5. When the discharge electrode 5a has sufficient heat absorption, the heat absorption layer 4 may not be necessarily provided, and the arrangement of the substrate 3 and the heat absorption layer 4 may be switched.

[0080] Next, in the discharge portion forming step, a plurality of discharge electrodes 5a and a common electrode 5b connecting them are formed on the surface of the substrate 3 on which the heat absorption layer 4 is formed. The discharge electrode 5a and the common electrode 5b are formed by depositing a metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum by vapor deposition, sputtering, printing, plating, etc., and then forming a pattern by etching, laser coating, or the like. Is preferably used. In addition, a conductive material such as carbon may be used.

The discharge part 5 is formed in a ladder shape and divided into a plurality of discharge electrodes 5a, thereby increasing the discharge amount of the peripheral force of the discharge electrode 5a and improving the discharge efficiency. Further, by providing the common electrode 5b in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 5a, the cooling effect of the discharge electrode 5a and the responsiveness to the heating stop are improved by increasing the heat radiation area of the discharge part 5 and increasing the heat capacity. Furthermore, since a stable voltage can always be applied by reducing the resistance value, the discharge stability is also excellent.

It should be noted that the shape of the discharge part 5 is not limited to the present embodiment, and the number and arrangement of the discharge electrodes 5a can be selected as appropriate, and can also be arranged in a staggered pattern, a grid pattern, or the like. (See Figures 4 and 5). In addition, since any part heated by the heating means 6 becomes the discharge generation part 7 and discharge occurs, the entire discharge part 5 is formed as a single flat (solid) shape such as a rectangle or a square. May be. Furthermore, only one end portion of the plurality of discharge electrodes 5a may be connected to the common electrode 5b to form a comb shape, or a part of the discharge electrode 5a may be further divided by a slit or the like, or a concavo-convex portion may be formed on the peripheral portion. May be formed. Further, a discharge hole portion may be formed in the discharge generating portion 7 (near the heating position) of the discharge electrode 5a. As a result, a discharge can be generated from the periphery of the edge of the discharge hole, and the same action as dividing the end of the discharge electrode 5a can be obtained. The shape of the discharge hole can be formed in various shapes such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a polygon such as a quadrangle or a hexagon, and a star shape. In addition, it hits one place of the discharge generation part 7 (near the heating position) The number, shape, and size of the discharge holes can be appropriately selected and combined.

In the present embodiment, the substrate 3 is reinforced with the light-transmitting layer 3a. However, when the substrate 3 has sufficient rigidity, the light-transmitting layer 3a is not necessarily provided.

A method of driving the heat discharge type print head formed as described above will be described.

The AC voltage and DC voltage applied to the discharge electrode 5a can be used in various combinations.In this embodiment, the discharge electrode 5a is superimposed with a voltage of 700V by DC bias on AC550Vpp (triangular wave 1kHz) as an example. Applied as a discharge control voltage. When only an AC voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5a, a force that generates positive and negative ions is superimposed. By superimposing a negative DC voltage, only negative ions can be selected, and the discharge can be stabilized. In order to select only positive ions, a positive DC voltage may be superimposed on an AC voltage. Discharging does not occur just by applying a discharge control voltage to the discharge electrode 5a, and the heating means 6 is separately controlled to selectively heat the discharge electrode 5a to the substrate 3 side force (100 to 300 ° C). As a result, a discharge is generated from the discharge generating portion 7 (near the heating position) of the selectively heated discharge electrode 5a.

When an electric discharge occurs, ions are generated in an atmosphere where ions can be generated, and the recording medium 20 is directed and irradiated with ions as shown in FIG. 1 (a). The recording medium 20 can form an electrostatic latent image or an image by oxidation-reduction reaction depending on the type. In addition, an image can be formed on a recording medium that reacts to light emission such as ultraviolet light and visible light.

[0083] The heating discharge type print head 1 in the present embodiment controls the temperature of each discharge electrode 5a to which a discharge control voltage is applied and controls the generation of discharge. The applied voltage is constant and does not need to be controlled, and by controlling the presence or absence of heating by the heating means 6a, ion generation can be controlled, and a large amount of ions can be generated efficiently. By applying a positive voltage to the voltage application unit 22 provided on the back surface of the recording medium 20, the discharge electrode 5a moves from the discharge electrode 5a to a desired position on the recording medium 20 due to the potential difference between the discharge electrode 5a and the voltage application unit 22. Therefore, negative ions can be intensively irradiated and image quality can be improved. In addition, since there is only a potential difference between the discharge electrode 5a of the heat discharge type print head 1 and the recording medium 20, instead of applying a positive voltage at the voltage applying section 22, a ground electrode section is formed on the back surface of the recording medium 20. It may be grounded or the discharge electrode 5a and voltage A voltage may be applied to the application unit 22.

[0084] The discharge electrode 5a of the discharge unit 5 of the discharge unit 2 is scanned with a laser beam (not shown) such as a polygon mirror or a galvanometer mirror by laser light emitted from the heating means 6a that is a heat source of the heat generation unit 6. The arbitrary discharge electrode 5a can be heated and an image can be formed on the recording medium 20 by causing the heating unit 6 itself to perform serial scanning with the heating unit scanning section (not shown). At this time, with the discharge unit 2 fixed, the discharge electrode 5a can be selectively heated to generate a discharge from the discharge generation section 7, and a high-quality image without misalignment can be formed. Excellent image quality reliability. In addition, laser light may be condensed and irradiated with a single optical fiber.

[0085] As the heating means 6a of the heat generating unit 6, an infrared ray may be used in addition to the one that irradiates the laser beam from the laser generating unit as long as the heating unit 6a can be selectively heated away from the discharge unit 5. What is condensed and irradiated with an optical fiber or a condensing lens is preferably used. In order to obtain a high-quality image, it is necessary to scan laser light and infrared rays finely. Therefore, the heating unit 6 must be combined with an optical scanning unit such as a polygon mirror, a galvano mirror, and a condenser lens. 6 and the discharge electrode 5a must be separated. The distance for separating the heat generating unit 6 and the discharge electrode 5a is defined by the output of the heating means 6a and the size and arrangement of the optical scanning unit such as a polygon mirror, a galvano mirror, and a condenser lens. Further, the heat generating unit 6 and the discharge unit 2 may be surrounded by a heat insulating material as necessary. As a result, the heat generated by the heating means 6a can be efficiently transferred to the discharge electrode 5a without escaping to the surroundings, and malfunction due to external heat can be reliably prevented, resulting in excellent reliability.

[0086] Since the heat-discharge type print head according to Embodiment 1 is configured as described above, it has the following operations.

(1) Since the discharge generation from the discharge generating part 7 of the discharge electrode 5a is controlled by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode 5a to which the discharge control voltage is applied, the discharge control voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5a. The discharge electrode 5a is selectively heated by the heating means 6a of the heat generating unit 6 which can be prepared for discharge and does not need to control the discharge control voltage, which is a high voltage. A visible image can be formed on the recording medium 20. (2) Since the heating means 6a for selectively heating the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge unit 5 of the discharge unit 2 based on the image information is disposed apart from the discharge unit 2, the heating means 6a is heated with the discharge electrode 5a. The insulation between the discharge electrode 5a and the heating means 6a without providing an insulating film to insulate the means 6a can be reliably insulated, reducing the number of manufacturing steps, and improving the mass productivity and reliability of heating control Can be made.

(3) Since the discharge unit 2 and the heat generating unit 6 are arranged apart from each other, they can be used in a simple combination, and a problem occurs in either the discharge unit 2 or the heat generating unit 6. It is possible to repair and replace only those that have malfunctioned at the same time, and it is excellent in maintainability and resource saving.

(4) Since the discharge unit 2 and the heat generating unit 6 are spaced apart from each other, the discharge means 5 of the discharge unit 2 and the heating means 6a that is the heat generation source of the heat generating unit 6 do not come into contact with each other. The cooling time of the discharge electrode 5a in the stopped state can be greatly shortened, the response of the discharge stop to the heating stop can be improved, and the presence or absence of discharge can be switched in a short time, improving the image quality and recording speed it can.

(5) Since the light emitted from the heating means 6a is laser light, any discharge electrode 5a to which a discharge control voltage is applied is selectively heated by the laser light to generate a discharge from the discharge generation part 7. Can do.

(6) By narrowing the spot diameter of the laser light emitted from the heating means 6a, the micro range can be heated by heat, so that electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays, etc. are concentrated on the recording medium 20 in one place. Irradiation is possible, and the image formation efficiency is improved and the image quality can be improved.

(7) Since the discharge unit 2 has the heat absorption layer 4 having heat absorption laminated on the heat receiving surface side of the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge part 5, the heat generated by the heating means 6a is generated in the heat absorption layer 4. Since it can be absorbed and reliably transmitted to the discharge electrode 5a, it is possible to prevent heat from diffusing and expanding the discharge generation area to reduce image quality, and shorten the irradiation time from the heating means 6a. And it is excellent in heating efficiency.

(8) When the heat generating unit 6 has an optical scanning unit that scans the light emitted from the heating means 6a with respect to the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge unit 5 of the discharge unit 2, the discharge unit 2 is released in a fixed state. Any discharge electrode 5a of the electrical section 5 can be selectively heated to generate a discharge from the discharge generation section 7, and it is possible to form a high-quality image without misalignment. Excellent in properties.

(9) When the heat generating unit 6 has a heat generating unit scanning section that scans the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge section 5 of the discharge unit 2 with sufficient intensity of light, the discharge electrode 5a is reliably heated. The discharge stability is excellent.

(10) When the heat generating unit 6 has an optical fiber that is connected to the heating unit 6a and irradiates light to the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge unit 5 of the discharge unit 2, the laser beam emitted from the heating unit 6a is condensed and discharged. It can irradiate the electrode 5a and is excellent in the efficiency of discharge generation.

(11) When the heating unit 6 has an optical fiber scanning unit that scans the optical fiber 1 with respect to the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge unit 5 of the discharge unit 2, only the optical fiber 1 with the discharge unit 2 fixed Can be generated by selectively heating any discharge electrode 5a of the discharge part 5 to generate a discharge from the discharge generation part 7, and forming a high-quality image without misalignment. Excellent image quality reliability.

(12) Since the discharge unit 2 has the translucent light-transmitting layer 3a formed on the heat receiving surface side of the discharge electrode 5a (the heat receiving surface side of the substrate 3) of the discharge unit 5, the discharge unit 5 The substrate 3 to be formed can be reinforced, and the handleability of the discharge unit 2 can be improved.

(13) Since the translucent light-transmitting layer 3a is formed on the heat receiving surface side of the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge part 5, the light is emitted from the heating means 6a of the heat generating unit 6 disposed on the back surface side of the discharge electrode 5a. Therefore, it is possible to reliably irradiate and heat the discharge electrode 5a with light such as laser light or infrared light, which can suppress a decrease in heat transfer.

(Embodiment 2)

The discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

Fig. 2 (a) is a schematic front view of the main part showing the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in the second embodiment, and Fig. 2 (b) is an end view taken along line AA in Fig. 2 (a). is there.

In FIG. 2, the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in the second embodiment is implemented. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the discharge unit 2a has a coating film 8 covered on the surface of the discharge part 5, and the coating film 8 is approximately at a position where it hits the discharge generation part 7 of each discharge electrode 5a. A point having a circular opening 8a, a point in which the stacking order of the substrate 3 and the heat absorption layer 4 is reversed, and a point having the light-transmitting layer 3a are the points.

The manufacturing method of the discharge unit of the heating discharge type print head in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the coating film forming process for forming the coating film 8 on the surface of the discharge part 5 is added. Yes, and the rest are the same as in Embodiment 1 and will not be described. Covering film 8 is made of glass, synthetic resin such as aramidya polyimide, ceramic such as SiO, My strength, etc.

2

This insulator was formed by screen printing, vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like.

The shape of the opening 8a can be formed into a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially bullet-like shape, a substantially rectangular shape, or the like other than a substantially circular shape. Further, instead of forming the plurality of independent openings 8a, a long hole-like opening extending over the plurality of discharge electrodes 5a may be formed.

By combining the discharge unit 2a formed as described above with the heat generation unit 6 similar to that described in the first embodiment, a heat discharge type print head can be obtained.

Note that the driving method as the heat discharge type print head is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 3 is an end view showing a modification of the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in the second embodiment.

The modification of the discharge unit is different from the second embodiment in that a plurality of uneven portions 8b are formed on the surface of the coating film 8 of the discharge unit 2b.

Since the uneven portion 8b of the coating film 8 can be easily formed by screen printing or the like, the presence or absence of the uneven portion 8b does not complicate the coating film forming process and is excellent in mass productivity. In addition, inorganic materials such as SiO N and SiO, and other insulating materials (regardless of organic and inorganic) are used.

2

Thus, the uneven portion 8b may be formed on the surface of the coating film 8.

In the present embodiment, when the discharge part 5 has a heat absorption property, the heat absorption layer 4 is not necessarily provided, and the heat absorption layer 4 is formed on the substrate 3 as in the first embodiment. It may be arranged on the discharge part 5 side of the. In addition, a translucent layer 3a may be provided to protect the heat absorption layer 4.

The heat absorption layer 4 is formed based on a print pattern corresponding to image information. A thing may be used. Since the heat absorption layer 4 is formed in a printed pattern, the discharge electrode 5a can be selectively heated reliably based on image information, and the reliability of image formation is excellent. In addition, it is possible to repeatedly create the same image in a short time, which is excellent in mass productivity, and by preparing multiple types of heat absorption layers with different print patterns, different images can be easily created simply by exchanging them. It can be formed and has excellent versatility.

[0090] Since the heat-discharge type print head according to the second embodiment is configured as described above, in addition to the actions obtained in the first embodiment, the following actions are obtained.

(1) Since the discharge unit 5 has the coating film 8 covered on the discharge part 5 except for the discharge generation part 7 of the discharge part 5, the discharge is generated from a place other than the discharge generation part 7 of the discharge part 5. This makes it possible to prevent irradiation of electrons, ions, and ultraviolet rays in a single location, and is excellent in image forming efficiency.

(2) By forming the coating film 8 except for the discharge generation part 7 of the discharge part 5 of the discharge unit 2a, a step can be formed between the surface of the discharge generation part 7 and the surface of the coating film 8. As a result, the gap between the discharge electrode 5a and the recording medium 20 arranged opposite to the electrostatic latent image carrier can be kept constant, and contact with the discharge generation section 7 can be prevented. The discharge from the can be stabilized.

(3) By providing many uneven portions 8b on the surface of the coating film 8, the surface distance is extended, the surface resistance increases, and the current leaks from the discharge generation portion 7 of the discharge electrode 5a to the surroundings. Therefore, the applied voltage applied to the discharge electrode 5a is not reduced, and the discharge stability and efficiency are excellent.

[0091] (Embodiment 3)

A discharge unit of a heat discharge type print head according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components similar to those in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 4 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part showing the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in the third embodiment, and FIG. 4 (b) shows the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in the third embodiment. It is a principal part schematic front view shown.

In FIG. 4, the discharge unit 2c of the heat discharge type print head in the third embodiment is implemented. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the central portion of a substantially flat substrate 3 made of a metal such as stainless steel, copper, or aluminum is thinned by etching or cutting to form the discharge electrode 5a, and the outer periphery of the substrate 3 The portion is a thick common electrode 5b, and a plurality of discharge hole portions 9 are provided in a matrix by etching or laser processing, so that the substrate 3 and the discharge portion 5 are integrally formed. 5b 'is the back surface of the discharge part 5, and the discharge electrode 5a is plated with gold (not shown) to improve the discharge generation efficiency! /

[0092] Since the substrate 3 and the discharge unit 5 of the discharge unit 2c are formed in a single body, the discharge control voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5a on the back surface 5b 'of the discharge unit 5 (the back surface of the discharge unit 2c). An electrical connection (not shown) can be arranged. As a result, even if the discharge generating portion 7 of the discharge electrode 5a is brought close to the recording surface of the recording medium 20 and the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier, the recording medium 20 is in contact with the electrostatic latent image carrier. Therefore, the distance between the discharge electrode 5a and the recording medium 20 can be kept appropriate, and the discharge reliability is excellent. Note that the arrangement of the electrical connection portions is not limited to the present embodiment, and the discharge generation portion 7 of the discharge electrode 5a is connected to the recording surface of the recording medium 20 on a surface different from the arrangement surface of the discharge generation portion 7. If the recording medium 20 is positioned so as not to interfere with the electrostatic latent image carrier when facing the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier.

[0093] Since the range of the discharge generating portion 7 is defined by the spot diameter of the laser beam or infrared ray irradiated from the heating means 6a of the heat generating unit 6, the size of the discharge hole portion 9 is set to a spot such as a laser beam. By forming it in a matrix shape smaller than the diameter of the discharge, it is possible to reliably generate discharge from the peripheral edge of the discharge hole 9 and to reduce variations in the amount of discharge due to misalignment of the heating position. Excellent image quality uniformity. The shape of the discharge hole 9 can be formed in various shapes such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a polygon such as a hexagonal shape and an octagonal shape, and a star shape. Further, the number, shape, size, pitch, and the like of the discharge hole portions 9 per one place in the discharge generation portion 7 (near the heating position) can be appropriately selected and combined.

[0094] In addition, the manufacturing method of the discharge unit 2c of the heating discharge type print head in the third embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the substrate is formed by etching, cutting I ", laser processing, etc. in the discharge portion forming step. 3 is directly processed to form the discharge part 5 integrated with the substrate 3.

It is possible to form the discharge unit 2c from a single board 3 and reduce the number of parts. In addition, it is not necessary to attach the substrate 3 to the discharge part 5 and the manufacturing process can be simplified, and it can be easily handled as the discharge unit 2c and has excellent durability and reliability.

By combining the discharge unit 2c formed as described above with the heat generation unit 6 similar to that described in the first embodiment, a heat discharge type print head can be obtained. In addition, another member in which the film is colored black or the glass is chrome-plated can be used as a heat absorption layer laminated with the discharge unit 2c. By making the heat absorption layer detachable with respect to the discharge part 5, it can be easily replaced, and it has excellent maintainability. As usual, a heat absorption layer is placed so as to cover the entire surface of the discharge part 5, and the heat generation unit 6 performs selective heating to print an arbitrary image. Layers can be used to print specific images repeatedly.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a modification of the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in the third embodiment.

The modification of the discharge unit is different from the third embodiment in that a slit-like discharge hole 9a is formed in the discharge part 5 of the discharge unit 2d.

The manufacturing method of the discharge unit 2d of the heat-discharge type print head in the modified example is different from that of the third embodiment only in the pattern of the discharge hole 9a, and the process is the same, and the description thereof is omitted. The width, pitch, etc. of the discharge hole 9a can be selected as appropriate. The width of the 1S discharge hole 9a is made smaller than the spot diameter of laser light or the like, and a plurality of discharge hole parts 9a are formed in the spot diameter. When arranged, it is possible to reliably generate a discharge from the peripheral edge of the discharge hole 9a, to reduce variation in the amount of discharge due to the displacement of the heating position, and to achieve excellent image quality uniformity.

Further, since the combination with the discharge unit 6 and the heat absorption layer and the driving method as the heat discharge type print head are the same as those in the third embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0096] Since the heat-discharge type print head of the third embodiment is configured as described above, in addition to the functions obtained in the first embodiment, the following functions are provided.

(1) By forming the common electrode 5b thicker than the discharge electrode 5a, the heat radiation area of the discharge part 5 can be reduced. The expansion and increase of the heat capacity can be achieved, the cooling effect of the discharge electrode 5a, the response to the heating stop can be improved, and a stable voltage can be constantly applied by reducing the resistance value. Etc. can be further improved.

(2) By forming matrix-shaped or slit-shaped discharge holes 9, 9a in the discharge electrode 5a and increasing the peripheral length of the discharge generating portion 7 of the discharge electrode 5a, the amount of discharge from the discharge electrode 5a is increased. Thus, the amount of emitted ions and the emission intensity can be increased, the discharge control voltage and the heating temperature can be set low, and the energy saving and discharge generation efficiency are excellent. In addition, since the voltage applied to the discharge electrode 5a can be set low, the life of the discharge electrode 5a is excellent.

(3) When the heat absorption layer on which the printing pattern corresponding to the image information is formed is used, the discharge electrode 5a can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information, and the image forming reliability is excellent.

(4) If a heat absorption layer with a pre-printed pattern is used, the same image can be created repeatedly in a short time, providing excellent mass productivity and preparing multiple types of heat absorption layers with different print patterns. Therefore, different images can be easily formed simply by exchanging them, and the versatility and practicality are excellent.

(Embodiment 4)

A heat-discharge type print head according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components as those in Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 6 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part showing the usage state of the heat discharge type print head in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 6 (b) is a discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in the fourth embodiment. It is a principal part schematic front view which shows a kit.

In FIG. 6, the heating and discharging type print head in the fourth embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the discharging unit 2e of the heating and discharging type print head 1 ′ is connected to the discharging electrode 5a (see FIG. 6 (b)). One first discharge part 15a to which the discharge control voltage for negative ion generation is applied and one second discharge part 15b to which the discharge control voltage for positive ion generation is applied to the discharge electrode 5a (see FIG. 6 (b)) The points having the discharge portions 15 arranged in parallel and the discharge unit 2e are connected to the discharge electrodes 5a of the discharge portion 15. Are disposed on the shape-retaining plate 3b having the opening 3c formed at a position corresponding to the first discharge portion 15a and the second discharge portion 15b of the discharge unit 2e. A heating unit 6A, 6B each having a heating means 6a, 6b, and an electric power for applying a discharge control voltage to each of the first discharge part 15a and the second discharge part 15b of the discharge part 5. The connecting portion is arranged on a different surface from the arrangement surface of the discharge generating portion 7 of the discharge electrode 5a.

Further, the recording medium 20a differs from the recording medium 20 in the first embodiment in that a ground electrode portion 22a is disposed on the back side of the medium substrate 21 instead of the voltage applying portion 22.

The manufacturing method of the discharge unit of the heating discharge type print head in the fourth embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the first same as the discharge section 5 in the first embodiment on one common substrate 2. Since the discharge part 15a and the second discharge part 15b are provided side by side, the other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The substrate 3 of the discharge unit 2e is formed of flexible synthetic resin such as polyimide, aramid, or polyetherimide. After the discharge portion 5 is formed on the substrate 3 in a flat state, the shape holding plate 3b having a substantially rectangular plate shape is formed. When disposing, the both ends of the discharge unit 2e were respectively bent and fixed to the side surface (end surface) of the shape holding plate 3b. As a result, an electrical connection part for applying a discharge control voltage to each of the first discharge part 15a and the second discharge part 15b of the discharge part 5 can be disposed on the side surface (end face) of the shape holding plate 3b. Therefore, even if the discharge generating portion 7 of the discharge electrode 5a is close to the recording surface of the recording medium 20a, the recording medium 20a is in contact with the electrostatic latent image carrier and the electrical connection portion. Therefore, the distance between the discharge electrode 5a and the recording medium 20a can be kept appropriate, and the discharge reliability is excellent. The electrical connection portion may be disposed on the back surface (heat generating unit 6A, 6B) side of the shape holding plate 3b as long as it is disposed on a surface different from the surface on which the discharge generating portion 7 of the discharge electrode 5a is disposed. Yo ...

Heat generating units 6A, 6B provided with heating means 6a, 6b similar to the heating means 6 in the first embodiment in each of the first discharge part 15a and the second discharge part 15b of the discharge unit 2e formed as described above. By combining the above, a heat discharge type print head 1 ′ is obtained.

[0099] Next, a method of driving the heat-discharge type print head in Embodiment 4 will be described. For example, when the recording medium 20a is a type of recording medium in which an image is displayed by the action of negative charges and the image is erased by the action of positive charges, negative ions are applied to the first discharge portion 15a. By applying a discharge control voltage for generation and selectively heating the discharge electrode 5a of the first discharge section 15a by the heating means 6a of the heat generating unit 6A based on the image information, negative ions are generated in the printed portion of the image. Can be irradiated.

Further, a discharge control voltage for generating positive ions is applied to the second discharge part 15b, and the discharge electrode 5b of the second discharge part 15b is selectively applied by the heating means 6b of the heating unit 6B based on the image information V. By heating, positive ions can be irradiated to the non-printed portion of the image.

Therefore, the entire surface of the medium substrate surface 21a of the medium substrate 21 of the recording medium 20a can be overwritten by irradiating either the positive ion or the negative ion, so that regardless of whether there is an existing image, A new image can be formed reliably, and the recording medium 20a can be used repeatedly.

[0100] The shapes and configurations of the first discharge part 15a and the second discharge part 15b are not limited to the present embodiment, but are the same as or similar to those of the discharge part 5 described in the first embodiment. It is possible to appropriately select the same unit as the discharge unit 5 in the discharge units 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d described in Embodiments 2 and 3.

In the present embodiment, each of the first discharge portion 15a and the second discharge portion 15b is provided. However, the number and arrangement of the first discharge portion 15a and the second discharge portion 15b are not limited to this, and can be appropriately selected.

Whether positive ions or negative ions are used for image writing and erasing can be selected according to the recording medium 2 Oa.

If the first discharge part 15a and the second discharge part 15b have sufficient heat absorption, the heat absorption layer 4 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0101] Since the heat-discharge type print head according to the fourth embodiment is configured as described above, in addition to the functions obtained in the first to third embodiments, the following functions are provided.

(1) The discharge unit 15 of the discharge unit 2e includes a first discharge unit 15a in which the discharge control voltage for generating negative ions is applied to the discharge electrode 5a, and a first discharge unit in which the discharge control voltage for generating positive ions is applied to the discharge electrode 5a. Recording of the recording medium 20a by having at least one or more of the two discharge portions 15b Since negative ions and positive ions can be selectively irradiated onto the surface, an image can be formed while complementing the printed and non-printed parts based on the image information, and the image quality is highly reliable. .

(2) The discharge unit 15 includes a first discharge unit 15a in which a discharge control voltage for generating negative ions is applied to the discharge electrode 5a, and a second discharge unit in which a discharge control voltage for generating positive ions is applied to the discharge electrode 5a. By including at least one or more 15b, the non-printing part is erased and the printing part is written on the recording medium 20a on which an image has already been formed, based on the image information of the new image. Therefore, it is possible to repeatedly use the recording medium 20a without separately using an image erasing unit, and to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus.

(3) Since the discharge unit 2e is disposed on the shape holding plate 3b having the opening 3c formed at a position corresponding to the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge unit 15, the shape of the discharge unit 2e is maintained. In addition to improving the handleability, the force on the back side of the substrate 3 of the discharge unit 2e also generates heat. Even when laser light is irradiated by the heating means 6a, 6b of the units 6A, 6B, the shape retaining plate 3b does not get in the way. The discharge electrode 5a of the discharge part 15 can be reliably heated to generate a discharge.

(4) The electric connection part for applying the discharge control voltage to the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge part 15 of the discharge unit 2e is arranged on a different surface from the arrangement surface of the discharge generation part 7 of the discharge electrode 5a. Accordingly, the recording medium 20a is brought into contact with the electrostatic latent image carrier and the electrical connection portion while the discharge generating portion 7 of the discharge electrode 5a is brought close to the recording surface of the recording medium 20a. It can be surely prevented and has excellent reliability in generating discharge.

(Embodiment 5)

A heat-discharge type print head according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in Embodiments 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 7 (a) is a perspective view of the main part showing the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head in the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 7 (b) is a perspective view of the main part showing the heat discharge type print head in the fifth embodiment. FIG.

In FIG. 7, the discharge queue of the heat discharge type print head according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the first and fourth embodiments is that the inter-unit connection light connected to the heating means 6a of the heat generating unit 6C, instead of forming the discharge part 5 on the substrate 3, as shown in FIG. 7 (a). The discharge electrode 5a is formed at the outlet end of the fiber 6d, and the discharge control voltage input portion 5c is formed integrally with the discharge electrode 5a on the side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d to form the discharge portion 5 '. This is the point as unit 2f.

The discharge electrode 5a and the discharge control voltage input portion 5c can be formed by directly depositing chromium on the front end and the side surface of the inter-unit connecting optical fiber 6d and gold plating.

As shown in Fig. 7 (b), a large number of inter-unit connection optical fibers 6d formed with discharge parts 5 'are sandwiched between metal heatsinks 14 with excellent heat dissipation such as aluminum on both sides, and screws By fixing with a fixing member 14a such as a stop type, a heat discharge type print head la is obtained. At this time, the heat sink 14 can be used as a common electrode by electrically connecting one of the heat sink 14 and the high voltage board (not shown) with the electric wiring 14b, and a large number of inter-unit connection lights can be used. The discharge control voltage can be simultaneously applied to the discharge electrode 5a of the fiber 6d through each discharge control voltage input section 5c, and the handleability is excellent. In addition, it is excellent in fixation stability without interfering with conductivity by filling around the connecting optical fiber 6d between units with conductive silicon etc.

[0103] When a high voltage substrate (not shown) for applying a discharge control voltage to the discharge electrode 5a is fixed to the side of the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d, the electrical wiring 14b can be shortened, The reliability of voltage supply can be improved. In addition, the high-voltage board can be handled integrally with the heat generating unit 6C and the discharge unit 2f, and the electrical wiring 14b is not required, so it can be easily incorporated into the image forming apparatus, and it is easy to handle and mass-produce. In particular, when scanning the heat-discharge type print head la, the high-voltage board can be moved together with the heat generating unit 6C and the discharge unit 2 ^. The electrical connection reliability and durability are excellent.

In addition, when unevenness | corrugation is formed in the surface of the heat sink 14 with a groove | channel etc., the surface area of the heat sink 14 can be expanded and the efficiency of heat dissipation can be improved.

[0104] The heating / discharge type print head according to the fifth embodiment is configured as described above. In addition to the same actions as those obtained in Form 1, it has the following actions.

(1) Since the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge part 5 ′ of the discharge unit 2f is formed at the exit end of the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d connected to the heating means 6, the heat generating unit 6C and the discharge unit 2f Can be handled as a unit, and the positioning of the heat generating unit 6C and the discharge unit 2f is not required, so that the discharge can be generated reliably and the discharge reliability is excellent.

(2) Since the discharge electrode 5a is deposited at the outlet end of the inter-unit connecting optical fiber 6d connected to the heating means 6, the discharge unit 2f is combined with the heat generating unit 6C in one drive system (scanning unit). Therefore, the structure can be simplified, the space can be saved, and the reliability of the image quality can be improved.

(3) Since the discharge electrode 5a is formed at the outlet end of the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d connected to the heating means 6a of the heating unit 6C, the manufacturing process of the discharge unit 2f can be simplified. In addition to being excellent in mass productivity, the discharge unit 2f can be made compact and space-saving and easy to handle.

(4) The discharge unit 5f of the discharge unit 2f has a discharge control voltage input unit 5c formed integrally with the discharge electrode 5a on the side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d, thereby controlling discharge of the high-voltage board, etc. It can be electrically connected to the voltage input section 5c, and the discharge control voltage can be reliably applied to the discharge electrode 5a from the side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d via the discharge control voltage input section 5c. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the contact between the recording medium and the electrical connection portion while bringing the discharge electrode 5a in which the electrical connection portion is not formed on the surface of the discharge electrode 5a close to the recording surface of the recording medium. Excellent discharge generation reliability.

(5) By having the heat sink 14 arranged in contact with the discharge control voltage input section 5c on the side of the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d, the heat generated in the discharge section 5a can be quickly dissipated from the heat sink 14 In addition, the discharge part 5 'can be rapidly cooled to improve the response to heating stop and to increase the printing speed.

(6) By having a head scanning section that scans at least the discharge unit 2f of the discharge unit 6C and the heat generation unit 2f connected by the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d with respect to the recording medium or the electrostatic latent image carrier, A large-format recording medium can be surely visible on the entire surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. An electrostatic latent image can be formed and is excellent in versatility. In particular, when the heating unit 6C is scanned together with the discharge unit 2f, the discharge electrode can be reliably heated by irradiating the discharge electrode with sufficient intensity of light, resulting in excellent discharge stability.

(7) When using an optical fiber array in which multiple unit-connected optical fibers 6d are arrayed, discharge control is simultaneously applied to the discharge electrode 5a of multiple unit-connected optical fibers 6d using the heat sink 14 as a common electrode. A voltage can be applied, and the handleability is excellent.

[0105] (Embodiment 6)

An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components similar to those in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 8, 10 is an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 6 provided with a heat discharge type print head 1, and 11 is an image forming apparatus 10 for uniformly charging the medium substrate surface 21a of the medium substrate 21 of the recording medium 20a. It is a restorer.

A voltage corresponding to a discharge control voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 5a of the heat-discharge type print head 1 and the ground electrode portion 22a disposed on the back side of the medium substrate 21 of the recording medium 20. As the restoring device 11, a charging roller, a charging brush, or the like is preferably used.

Instead of providing the restorer 11, the heating discharge type print head 1 can be irradiated with ions having the opposite polarity to that at the time of image formation to erase unnecessary recordings and rewrite the recording medium 20a repeatedly. .

Further, a ground electrode roller may be provided instead of the flat ground electrode portion 22a, or a voltage applying unit 22 may be provided to apply a voltage as in the first embodiment.

The operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.

When irradiating negative ions from the heat discharge type print head 1, the restorer 11 charges the medium substrate surface 21 a of the recording medium 20 a to a positive polarity opposite in polarity to the ions irradiated from the heat discharge type print head 1.

Next, by irradiating the medium substrate surface 21a of the recording medium 20a from the heat discharge type print head 1 with a negative ion, a visible image appears inside the recording medium 20a due to the negative charge. The Note that the visible image that appears inside the recording medium 20a is maintained unless a large potential difference occurs.

In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the combination of the discharge unit 2 and the heat generating unit 6 has been described as the heat discharge type print head 1, but instead of the discharge unit 2, the second embodiment and the third embodiment are used. Any of the discharge units 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d may be used. Further, instead of the heat discharge type print head 1, the heat discharge type print head 1 ′ of the fourth embodiment or the heat discharge type print head la of the fifth embodiment may be used. When the heating / discharging type print head 1 ′ of Embodiment 4 is used, the image can be erased by the heating / discharging type print head 1 ′, so that the restorer 11 is not necessary.

Since the image forming apparatus of the sixth embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operations.

(1) An image can be formed by ion irradiation or light emission by discharge from the heat-discharge type print head 1, and the image forming process can be simplified.

(3) Since the restorer 11 that uniformly charges the medium substrate surface 21a of the recording medium 20a is provided, the recording medium 20a in which a visible image appears can be initialized due to the action of electric charges due to discharge. Unnecessary records can be erased and rewriting to the recording medium 20a can be repeated.

(4) By having the heat discharge type print head 1, an image can be formed in the inside of the recording medium 20a in a non-contact manner simply by irradiating the medium substrate surface 21a of the recording medium 20a. As a result, the damage to the recording medium 20a with a small amount of damage can be suppressed to the minimum necessary, and the practicality is excellent.

[Embodiment 7]

An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components as those in the first to sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.

In FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 10a according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention differs from the sixth embodiment in that a black colored film or chrome plating is applied to the back side of the discharge unit 2d of the heat discharge type print head lb. The heat absorbing layer 4a made of glass or the like is detachably disposed.

If a print pattern corresponding to the image information that is frequently printed is formed on the heat absorption layer 4a, the heating means 6a of the heat generating unit 6 and the infrared lamp force are also applied to the heat absorption layer 4a such as laser light and infrared rays. It is possible to form an image by irradiating light and selectively heating the discharge electrode 5a according to the print pattern to generate discharge. In particular, when an infrared lamp is used as the heating means 6a, the entire surface of the heat absorption layer 4a can be irradiated with infrared rays at once, and a large amount of images can be formed in a short time.

It should be noted that in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the combination of the discharge unit 2d and the heat generation unit 6 is replaced by the first to third embodiments instead of the force discharge unit 2d described as the heat discharge type print head lb. Any one of the discharge units 2, 2a, 2b, and 2c may be used. Further, instead of the heat discharge type print head 1, the heat discharge type print head 1 of the fourth embodiment or the heat discharge type print head la of the fifth embodiment may be used. When the heating / discharge type print head 1 ′ according to the fourth embodiment is used, the image can be erased by the heating / discharge type print head 1 ′, so that the restorer 11 is not necessary.

[0110] Since the image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment is configured as described above, in addition to the sixth embodiment, the image forming apparatus has the following operation.

(1) Since the heat absorption layer 4a has a print pattern formed in accordance with the image information, the discharge electrode 5a can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information, thereby improving the reliability of image formation. Excellent.

(2) By having the heat absorption layer 4a on which the print pattern is formed in advance, the same image can be repeatedly created in a short time, and it is excellent in mass productivity, and a plurality of types of heat absorption layers 4a with different print patterns are provided. By preparing, different images can be easily formed simply by exchanging them, and the versatility and practicality are excellent.

[Embodiment 8] An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components similar to those in the first to seventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 10 (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating a main part of the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the eighth embodiment. (b) is a front view of a principal portion showing a heat discharge type print head lb of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 8. FIG.

In FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 10b according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is different from the sixth embodiment in that the discharge unit 2 of the heating / discharge type print head lc has a large number of units as the heating means 6a of the heating unit 6D. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by irradiating the ion from the discharge head of the heat discharge type print head lc. And a static eliminator 13 that neutralizes the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 before writing (ion irradiation) by the heat discharge type print head lc. It is.

[0112] An image can be formed by scanning the discharge unit 2 together with the heat generating unit 6D with respect to the recording medium 20a. In addition, by using an optical fiber array 6e in which a large number of inter-unit connection optical fibers 6d are arranged with high density and high accuracy, laser light can be selected simultaneously for multiple discharge electrodes 5a (discharge generator 7). It is possible to irradiate automatically, high speed recording is possible, and it is excellent in practicality.

As the electrostatic latent image carrier 12, various shapes such as a drum type and a belt type can be used. Further, as the material of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12, any material can be used as long as the surface is charged by irradiation of ions, and therefore an insulator such as alumite that does not need to be a photoconductor can be used.

Further, by providing the static eliminator 11, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 in a stable state, and the reliability is excellent. When the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 is a photosensitive body, it can be neutralized by irradiating light, and when it is an insulator, it can be neutralized with an AC voltage.

[0113] The operation of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention configured as described above is different from that of Embodiment 6 in that the medium of the recording medium 20a is directly from the heat-discharge type print head lc. Instead of irradiating the substrate surface 21a with ions, an electrostatic latent image is once formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier 12, and the recording medium 20a is electrostatically developed with the electrostatic latent image to form a visible image. It should be noted that a voltage applying unit 22 may be provided on the back surface of the recording medium 20a instead of the ground electrode unit 22a to apply a voltage.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the combination of the discharge unit 2, the heat generation unit 6D, and the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d has been described as the heat discharge type print head lc. Any of the discharge units 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2e of the embodiments 2 to 4 may be used. In particular, when the discharge unit 2e is used, the restorer 11 is unnecessary. Further, the heat discharge type print head la of the fifth embodiment may be used instead of the heat discharge type print head lc.

Since the image forming apparatus of the eighth embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operation in addition to the sixth embodiment.

(1) In the discharge unit 2 and the heat generating unit 6D that are separated from each other, the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d that connects between the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge unit 5 of the discharge unit 2 and the heating means 6a of the heat generating unit 6D is provided. By irradiating the discharge electrode 5a with light emitted from the heating means 6a through the inter-unit connecting optical fiber 6d, the discharge unit 2 and the heat generating unit 6D can be handled as a unit. Matching is not required, and a desired discharge electrode 5a (discharge generation part 7) can be reliably heated to generate a discharge, which is excellent in the reliability of discharge generation.

(2) Since the discharge unit 2 and the heat generating unit 6D that are separated from each other are connected by the inter-unit connection optical fiber 6d, the discharge unit 2 can be scanned together with the heat generating unit 6D by one drive system. In addition to being able to simplify the structure and being excellent in space saving, it is excellent in image quality reliability in which the displacement of the ion irradiation position on the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 hardly occurs.

(3) Heat-discharge type print head An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 by irradiation of ions from lc, and the electrostatic latent image is used to electrostatically develop the recording medium 20a and make it visible. An image can be formed, and the heat discharge type print head lc and the recording medium 20a do not face each other directly. The mold print head lb can be prevented from being stained.

(4) By using the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 that does not require uniform charging, an electrostatic latent image can be formed by only one step of ion irradiation, and the image forming process can be simplified. The

[0115] (Embodiment 9)

An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that components similar to those in the first to eighth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main part of the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the ninth embodiment. In FIG. 11, 10c is an image forming apparatus according to the ninth embodiment provided with the heating / discharging print head 1, and 16 is a microscope that forms a visible image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 based on the electrostatic latent image. A developing unit 17 as an image transfer means, a transfer fixing roller 17 as a transfer means for transferring a visible image to the surface 30a of the printing medium 30, and 18 remaining on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 after transfer A cleaner that physically removes and cleans the toner, and 30 is a variety of print media such as plain paper, OHP sheets, and glossy paper.

In the present embodiment, the developing device 16 that performs toner development is used as the image forming means. However, the developing may be performed by ink or other methods. As the transfer fixing roller 17, a roller made of a metal such as aluminum and coated with a synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber was used. Toner The pressure fixing type toner is used at the time of development so that the visible image is transferred and fixed on the surface 30a of the print medium 30 by being pressed by the transfer fixing roller 17.

Further, by providing the static eliminator 13 and the cleaner 18, the electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 in a stable state, and the reliability is excellent.

[0117] The operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.

When irradiating negative ions from the heat-discharge type print head 1, the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 is neutralized by the static eliminator 13. The neutralization is performed by corona discharge, for example. The surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 is irradiated by irradiating the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 that has been electrically cleaned and the afterimage of the electrostatic latent image disappears with negative ions from the heat-discharge type print head 1. A negative electrostatic latent image is formed at The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 16 and becomes a visible image. The visible image is transferred and fixed on the roller 17 , And transferred and fixed on the surface 30a of the print medium 30.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, in addition to the combination of the heat discharge type print head 1 described in the sixth embodiment, the heat discharge type print heads la and lc described in the fifth and eighth embodiments are used. Combinations may be used.

Since the image forming apparatus of the ninth embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following actions.

(1) The electrostatic latent image carrier 12 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by irradiation of ions from the heat discharge type print head 1 does not require an exposure optical system such as a polygon mirror. The number of parts is small and the structure can be simplified.

(2) The developing device 16 as a visualization means can form a visible image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 based on the electrostatic latent image, and the visible image can be printed on the printing medium by the transfer means. Since it can be transferred to 30 surface 3 Oa, various media such as OHP sheets and glossy paper can be used as printing media in addition to plain paper, and it is excellent in versatility.

[Embodiment 10]

An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in Embodiments 1 to 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the tenth embodiment. In FIG. 12, 10d is the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 10 provided with the heat-discharge type print head 1, 12a is a flat electrostatic latent image carrier formed of glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., and 35a is This is a positively charged toner developed by the developing device 16.

[0120] The operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.

By irradiating the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a with negative ions from the heat-discharge type print head 1, a negative electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a. The negative electrostatic latent image is developed with the positively charged toner 35a by the imager 16 to become a visible image. The visible image may be fixed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a using a fixing roller or the like.

When the ground electrode portion 22a is formed of a transparent electrode such as ITO that can transmit laser light and infrared rays, the heating discharge type print head 1 is disposed on the surface side of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a. Discharge unit 2 is disposed, and heat generating unit 6 is disposed on the ground electrode portion 22a side so as to face discharge tube 2 of heating discharge print head 1, and discharge portion 5 is discharged from ground electrode portion 22a side. The electrode 5a can be heated by irradiating it with laser light.

In the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment, in addition to the combination of the heat discharge type print head 1 described in the sixth embodiment, the combination of the heat discharge type print heads la and lc described in the fifth and eighth embodiments is used. Also good.

Since the image forming apparatus of the tenth embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operations.

(1) Heat discharge type print head An electrostatic latent image is formed by the action of electric charge from the discharge from the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a. A visible image that forms a visible image based on the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a. By having the developing device 16 as the converting means, a visible image can be formed sequentially based on the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a, and the image quality is reliable. Excellent.

(2) A flat (sheet-like) electrostatic latent image carrier 12a can be used as a printing medium, and a high-quality image can be formed on a large amount of electrostatic latent image carrier 12a in a short time. Excellent mass productivity.

[Embodiment 11]

The image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components similar to those in Embodiments 1 to 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 13 is a main part schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the eleventh embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a main part schematic diagram showing a modification of the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the eleventh embodiment.

In FIG. 13, the image forming apparatus in the eleventh embodiment is different from the tenth embodiment in that the image forming apparatus 10e is replaced with the ground electrode portion 22a on the back side of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a. In other words, it has a charger 19 disposed opposite to the discharge unit 2 of the heat discharge type print head 1 with the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a interposed therebetween.

In FIG. 14, the image forming apparatus in the modification of the eleventh embodiment is different from the eleventh embodiment in that the developing device 16 of the image forming apparatus 10f is connected to the heat discharge type print head 1 side. Rather, it is arranged on the charger 19 side.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 35b denotes a negatively charged toner developed by the developing device 16.

13 and 14, both sides of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a are selectively charged negatively and positively by the heat-discharge type print head 1 and the charger 19, respectively, and the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a A negative electrostatic latent image is formed on the front surface, and a positive electrostatic latent image is formed on the back surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a.

In the image forming apparatus 10e according to the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a negative electrostatic latent image is formed with the positively charged toner 35a by the developing device 16 arranged on the surface side of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a. .

In the image forming apparatus 10f according to the modification of the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the positive electrostatic latent image is developed with the negatively charged toner 35b by the developing device 16 disposed on the back side of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a. To do.

[0124] By providing the charger 19 in the image forming apparatuses 10e and 10f, there is no need to provide the ground electrode portion 22a on the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a, so a glass plate, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, or the like can be used. It can be used as the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a, and is excellent in mass productivity of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a.

The charger 19 may be any one that can be charged oppositely to the ions irradiated from the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge unit 2. Further, the toners 35a and 35b used in the developing device 16 can be selected to be positively or negatively charged according to the polarity of the electrostatic latent image to be developed.

Since the image forming apparatus of the eleventh embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operations.

(1) By having the charger 19 disposed opposite to the discharge unit 2 of the heating discharge type print head 1 with the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a interposed therebetween, the discharge electrode 5a of the discharge unit 5 of the discharge unit 2 Since the electric field can be easily and reliably formed between the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a and the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a, it is not necessary to stack the ground electrode portion 22a on the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a. Excellent in properties.

[Embodiment 12]

The image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components as those in Embodiments 1 to 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment. In FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus in the twelfth embodiment is different from the eleventh embodiment in that the image forming apparatus 10g is provided with the charger 19, and instead of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a, the heat discharge type printing is performed. The developing unit 16 is disposed opposite to the discharge unit 2 of the head 1.

By irradiating the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a with negative ions from the heat-discharge type print head 1, a negative electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a. At the same time, a visible image is formed by the positively charged toner 35a on the back surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a by the developing device 16 arranged opposite to the discharge unit 2.

Further, a positive electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a by irradiating positive ions from the heating / discharge type print head 1. In that case, a visible image can be formed with the negatively charged toner 35 b. The toner 35a and 35b used in the developing device 16 may be liquid toner or powder toner (dry toner).

Since the image forming apparatus of the twelfth embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operations.

(1) Since the developing device 16 as a visualization means is disposed opposite to the discharge unit 2 of the heat discharge type print head 1 with the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a interposed therebetween, it is excellent in space saving. In addition, when an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a facing the discharge unit 2, a visible image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12a facing the developing device 16. Therefore, the time required for image formation can be shortened, and the reliability and productivity of the image are excellent.

Industrial applicability

In the present invention, by selectively heating the discharge electrode with heating means spaced from the discharge electrode, discharge with a discharge electrode force can be controlled easily and reliably, the structure is simplified, and mass production and reliability are excellent. High-quality, practical use that is easy to design with high density and can improve image resolution and recording speed. By providing an excellent heat-discharge type print head, an image can be formed on a recording medium such as a digital paper by irradiating and emitting ions by discharge.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A heating and discharging type print head that controls the generation of discharge from the discharge generating portion of the discharge electrode by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode to which a discharge control voltage is applied,

(a) a discharge unit including a discharge unit having the discharge electrode; and (b) a light emitting unit that is disposed separately from the discharge unit by irradiating light to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit. And a heat generating unit having a heating means for heating the heating discharge type print head.

[2] The heating according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit includes a heat absorption layer having a heat absorption property formed on a heat receiving surface side of the discharge electrode of the discharge part. Discharge type printing head.

3. The heat discharge type print head according to claim 2, wherein the heat absorption layer is formed based on a print pattern corresponding to image information.

4. The discharge unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the discharge unit includes a light-transmitting light-transmitting layer formed on the heat receiving surface side of the discharge electrode of the discharge portion. Heat discharge type print head described in the section.

5. The discharge unit according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit is disposed on a shape holding plate having an opening portion formed at a position corresponding to the discharge electrode of the discharge portion. At least one of the heat discharge type print heads according to item 1.

[6] The heat generating unit includes an optical scanning unit that scans the light emitted from the heating unit with respect to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit.

6. The heat discharge type print head according to any one of 1 to 5.

7. The heating unit scanning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a heating unit scanning unit that scans the heating unit with respect to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit. Heat discharge type print head.

8. The heat generating unit includes an optical fiber that is connected to the heating means and irradiates light to the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit. The heat-discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[9] The heat generating unit is in front of the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit. 9. The heating discharge type print head according to claim 8, further comprising an optical fiber scanning unit that scans the optical fiber.

[10] The discharge unit and the heat generating unit that are spaced apart from each other include an inter-unit connecting optical fiber that connects the discharge electrode of the discharge unit of the discharge unit and the heating means of the heat generating unit. 5. The heating discharge type print head according to claim 1, wherein the discharge electrode is irradiated with light emitted from the heating means through the unit connecting optical fiber.

[11] The discharge portion of the discharge unit is formed integrally with the discharge electrode formed on the discharge tip of the inter-unit connection optical fiber and on the side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber. The heat discharge type print head according to claim 10, further comprising a control voltage input unit.

[12] The heating discharge type according to [11], further comprising: a heat sink arranged in contact with the discharge control voltage input portion on one side surface of the inter-unit connection optical fiber! Print head ,.

[13] A head scanning unit that scans at least the discharge unit of the discharge unit and the heat generation unit connected by the inter-unit connection optical fiber with respect to the recording medium or the electrostatic latent image carrier is provided. The heating / discharging type print head according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

[14] The heat discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the light emitted from the heating means of the heat generating unit is a laser beam.

[15] The method according to any one of [1] to [14], further comprising a coating film that covers the discharge unit except for the discharge generation unit of the discharge unit of the discharge unit. The heating discharge type print head as described.

16. The heat discharge type print head according to claim 15, further comprising an uneven portion formed on the surface of the coating film.

[17] The discharge unit of the discharge unit includes a first discharge unit in which a discharge control voltage for generating negative ions is applied to the discharge electrode, and a second in which a discharge control voltage for generating positive ions is applied to the discharge electrode. The discharge part according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising at least one discharge part. The heating discharge type print head according to any one of the above.

[18] The electrical connection portion for applying the discharge control voltage to the discharge electrode of the discharge portion of the discharge unit is disposed on a surface different from the disposition surface of the discharge generation portion of the discharge electrode. The heat-discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the force is any one of claims 1 to 17.

[19] An image forming apparatus comprising the heat-discharge type print head according to any one of [1] to [18].

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein recording is performed on a recording medium in which a visible image appears due to an effect of electric charges generated by discharge from the heating / discharge type print head.

21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising an electrostatic latent image carrier disposed so as to face the discharge unit of the heat discharge type print head.

[22] A visible image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier based on the electrostatic latent image carrier and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising: a visualization unit; and a transfer unit that transfers the visible image to a print medium.

[23] An electrostatic latent image is formed by the action of electric charges generated by the discharge from the heating and discharging type print head. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising: an image forming unit.

24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a charger disposed opposite to the discharge unit of the heating and discharging type print head with the electrostatic latent image carrier interposed therebetween.

25. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the visualization means is disposed to face the discharge unit of the heating / discharge type print head with the electrostatic latent image carrier interposed therebetween. .