JP2000326558A - Method for recovering hydrophobicity of photocatalyst hydrophilic member, method for erasing latent image on image carrier body, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Method for recovering hydrophobicity of photocatalyst hydrophilic member, method for erasing latent image on image carrier body, and image forming apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- JP2000326558A JP2000326558A JP11138666A JP13866699A JP2000326558A JP 2000326558 A JP2000326558 A JP 2000326558A JP 11138666 A JP11138666 A JP 11138666A JP 13866699 A JP13866699 A JP 13866699A JP 2000326558 A JP2000326558 A JP 2000326558A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- hydrophilic
- image
- image carrier
- photocatalytic
- aqueous liquid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 45
- 239000011941 photocatalyst Substances 0.000 title abstract description 7
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 65
- 230000005660 hydrophilic surface Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 230000005661 hydrophobic surface Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000001699 photocatalysis Effects 0.000 claims description 79
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000001678 irradiating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N titanium oxide Inorganic materials [Ti]=O OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 11
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 238000013032 photocatalytic reaction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000002274 desiccant Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000855 fungicidal effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000417 fungicide Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen peroxide Chemical compound OO MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000005871 repellent Substances 0.000 description 3
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910004298 SiO 2 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910010413 TiO 2 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- XHCLAFWTIXFWPH-UHFFFAOYSA-N [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[V+5].[V+5] Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[V+5].[V+5] XHCLAFWTIXFWPH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- DMSMPAJRVJJAGA-UHFFFAOYSA-N benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one Chemical compound C1=CC=C2C(=O)NSC2=C1 DMSMPAJRVJJAGA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 1
- TUJKJAMUKRIRHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydroxyl Chemical compound [OH] TUJKJAMUKRIRHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910010272 inorganic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011147 inorganic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011368 organic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001568 sexual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003980 solgel method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004544 sputter deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001935 vanadium oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
- Y02P20/50—Improvements relating to the production of bulk chemicals
- Y02P20/584—Recycling of catalysts
Landscapes
- Catalysts (AREA)
- Printers Or Recording Devices Using Electromagnetic And Radiation Means (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、疎水性状態から光
照射によって親水性状態に変化し得る表面を有する光触
媒親水性部材の光照射後の親水性表面を疎水性表面に回
復させる光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復方法、及び前記
光触媒親水性部材を少なくとも表面に有する像担持体上
に光照射によって形成される親水性の潜像を消去する像
担持体上の潜像消去方法、並びに前記光触媒親水性部材
を少なくとも表面に有する像担持体を備えた画像形成装
置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface which can be changed from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation to restore a hydrophilic surface after light irradiation to a hydrophobic surface. Method of restoring hydrophobicity of member, method of erasing a latent latent image formed by irradiating light on an image carrier having at least the photocatalytic hydrophilic member on the surface, and method of erasing a latent image on the image carrier, and the photocatalyst The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with an image carrier having a hydrophilic member at least on a surface.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】光触媒反応は、光触媒反応を示す部材表
面に光を照射することにより、該部材表面又はその表面
上の物質に光誘起される反応である。この光触媒反応を
利用して、従来各種の提案がなされている。例えば、特
開平１−１３４４８８号公報や特開平９−１３１９１４
号公報では、光触媒反応を示す部材として酸化チタン
（ＴｉＯ2 ）を用い、酸化チタンからなる像担持体表面
に疎水性（撥水性）物質を塗布し、その疎水性（撥水
性）物質が塗布された像担持体表面に選択露光すること
により、光触媒反応によって光が照射された部分の疎水
性（撥水性）物質を分解除去して潜像（凹画像部）を形
成し、該潜像に親水性のインクを含ませ、その潜像に付
着したインクを記録媒体上に転写する画像形成装置が開
示されている。2. Description of the Related Art A photocatalytic reaction is a reaction in which light is radiated to a surface of a member exhibiting a photocatalytic reaction, whereby the surface of the member or a substance on the surface is photoinduced. Various proposals have conventionally been made using this photocatalytic reaction. For example, JP-A-1-134488 and JP-A-9-131914
In the publication, titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) is used as a member showing a photocatalytic reaction, and a hydrophobic (water-repellent) substance is applied to the surface of an image carrier made of titanium oxide, and the hydrophobic (water-repellent) substance is applied. The exposed surface of the image carrier is selectively exposed to light to decompose and remove hydrophobic (water-repellent) substances in a portion irradiated with light by a photocatalytic reaction to form a latent image (concave image portion). There is disclosed an image forming apparatus in which a latent ink is contained and the ink attached to the latent image is transferred onto a recording medium.
【０００３】一方、光触媒反応として、酸化チタンのよ
うな金属酸化物の疎水性状態の表面が光照射によって親
水性表面に変化する反応も知られている。On the other hand, as a photocatalytic reaction, a reaction in which the surface of a metal oxide such as titanium oxide in a hydrophobic state is changed to a hydrophilic surface by light irradiation is also known.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】この光触媒親水性反応
を利用した像担持体を搭載した画像形成装置を作れば、
疎水性物質の塗布は不要になるので、それだけ装置が簡
素化される。ところが、光触媒親水性を示す物質を利用
した光触媒親水性部材の光照射後の親水性表面を疎水性
表面に回復させる効果的、且つ、具体的な方法は提案さ
れていない。それゆえ、光触媒親水性部材を表面に有す
る像担持体を備える画像形成装置が考えられなくもない
が、そのような画像形成装置では、像担持体上の画像露
光により形成される親水性の潜像を短時間で消去して次
の画像形成に備えることはできない。If an image forming apparatus equipped with an image carrier utilizing this photocatalytic hydrophilic reaction is produced,
Since the application of a hydrophobic substance is not required, the apparatus is simplified accordingly. However, an effective and specific method for restoring the hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member after light irradiation to a hydrophobic surface using a substance exhibiting photocatalytic hydrophilicity has not been proposed. Therefore, an image forming apparatus including an image carrier having a photocatalytic hydrophilic member on the surface is inevitable. However, in such an image forming apparatus, a hydrophilic latent image formed by image exposure on the image carrier is used. The image cannot be erased in a short time to prepare for the next image formation.
【０００５】そこで本発明は、疎水性状態から光照射に
よって親水性状態に変化し得る表面を有する光触媒親水
性部材の光照射後の親水性表面を疎水性表面に回復させ
る光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復方法であって、光触媒
親水性部材の光照射後の親水性表面を疎水性表面に簡単
に、短時間で回復させることができる光触媒親水性部材
の疎水性回復方法を提供することを課題とする。Accordingly, the present invention provides a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface which can be changed from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation to restore the hydrophilic surface after light irradiation to a hydrophobic surface. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for recovering the hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member, which can easily and quickly recover the hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member after irradiation with light to a hydrophobic surface. And
【０００６】また本発明は、疎水性状態から光照射によ
って親水性状態に変化し得る表面を有する光触媒親水性
部材を少なくとも表面に有する像担持体上に形成される
親水性の潜像を消去する像担持体上の潜像消去方法であ
って、前記像担持体に光照射によって形成される親水性
の潜像を簡単に、短時間で消去することができる像担持
体上の潜像消去方法を提供することを課題とする。The present invention also eliminates a hydrophilic latent image formed on an image carrier having at least a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface capable of changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation. A method for erasing a latent image on an image carrier, wherein the method is capable of easily and quickly erasing a hydrophilic latent image formed on the image carrier by light irradiation. The task is to provide
【０００７】また本発明は、疎水性状態から光照射によ
って親水性状態に変化し得る表面を有する光触媒親水性
部材を少なくとも表面に有する像担持体の表面を露光す
ることにより、該像担持体上に親水性の潜像を形成し、
その潜像にインクを付着させて可視画像とし、この可視
画像を被転写体上に転写する画像形成装置であって、前
記像担持体上に形成される親水性の潜像を次の画像形成
に備えて簡単に、短時間で消去することができる画像形
成装置を提供することを課題とする。Further, the present invention provides a method for exposing an image carrier having at least a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface capable of changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation on the surface of the image carrier. Forming a hydrophilic latent image on the
An image forming apparatus for forming a visible image by attaching ink to the latent image, and transferring the visible image onto a transfer-receiving member, wherein the hydrophilic latent image formed on the image carrier is subjected to the next image forming. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily erasing in a short time in preparation for the problem.
【０００８】[0008]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明者は前記課題を解
決するため研究を重ねたところ、次のことを見出した。
すなわち、本発明者は、疎水性状態から光照射によって
親水性状態に変化し得る表面を有する光触媒親水性部材
の光照射後の親水性表面が酸化のメカニズムにより疎水
性表面に回復することに着目し、該親水性表面に酸化能
のある水性液を接触させることで、該親水性表面を疎水
性表面に回復させることができることを見出した。Means for Solving the Problems The present inventor has conducted various studies to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has found the following.
That is, the present inventor pays attention to the fact that the hydrophilic surface after light irradiation of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface that can be changed from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation is restored to a hydrophobic surface by an oxidation mechanism. However, they have found that the hydrophilic surface can be restored to a hydrophobic surface by contacting the hydrophilic surface with an oxidizing aqueous liquid.
【０００９】本発明は、かかる知見に基づくものであ
り、次の光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復方法及び像担持
体上の潜像消去方法並びに画像形成装置を提供する。 （１）光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復方法 疎水性状態から光照射によって親水性状態に変化し得る
表面を有する光触媒親水性部材の光照射後の親水性表面
を疎水性表面に回復させる光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回
復方法であり、前記光触媒親水性部材の少なくとも親水
性表面を酸化能のある水性液に接触させることを特徴と
する光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復方法。 （２）像担持体上の潜像消去方法 疎水性状態から光照射によって親水性状態に変化し得る
表面を有する光触媒親水性部材を少なくとも表面に有す
る像担持体上に光照射によって形成される親水性の潜像
を消去する像担持体上の潜像消去方法であり、前記像担
持体表面における光触媒親水性部材の少なくとも親水性
表面を酸化能のある水性液に接触させることを特徴とす
る像担持体上の潜像消去方法。 （３）画像形成装置 疎水性状態から光照射によって親水性状態に変化し得る
表面を有する光触媒親水性部材を少なくとも表面に有す
る像担持体と、前記像担持体表面に露光して該像担持体
に親水性の潜像を形成する画像露光装置と、前記親水性
潜像にインクを付着させて可視画像を形成する現像装置
と、前記可視画像を被転写体上に転写させる転写装置
と、前記転写装置による被転写体への可視画像転写後に
前記像担持体上の少なくとも親水性表面を酸化能のある
水性液に接触させて該親水性表面を疎水性表面に回復さ
せる潜像消去装置とを備えていることを特徴とする画像
形成装置。本発明に係る光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復
方法では、疎水性状態から光照射によって親水性状態に
変化し得る表面を有する光触媒親水性部材の光照射後の
親水性表面を疎水性表面に回復させるにあたり、前記光
触媒親水性部材の少なくとも親水性表面を酸化能のある
水性液に接触させる。この方法は光触媒親水性部材を採
用する各種技術分野で利用できる。The present invention is based on this finding and provides the following method for recovering hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member, a method for erasing a latent image on an image carrier, and an image forming apparatus. (1) Method of Restoring Hydrophobicity of Photocatalytic Hydrophilic Member Photocatalytic hydrophilicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface that can be changed from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation to restore the hydrophilic surface after light irradiation to a hydrophobic surface. A method for restoring the hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member, comprising contacting at least a hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member with an oxidizing aqueous liquid. (2) Method of Erasing Latent Image on Image Carrier Hydrophilic formed by light irradiation on an image carrier having at least a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface capable of changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation Image erasing method for erasing a latent image on an image carrier, wherein at least the hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member on the surface of the image carrier is brought into contact with an oxidizing aqueous liquid. A method for erasing a latent image on a carrier. (3) Image Forming Apparatus An image carrier having at least a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface capable of changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation, and an image carrier obtained by exposing the surface of the image carrier to light. An image exposing device that forms a hydrophilic latent image on, a developing device that forms a visible image by attaching ink to the hydrophilic latent image, a transfer device that transfers the visible image onto a transfer target, A latent image erasing device that restores the hydrophilic surface to a hydrophobic surface by bringing at least a hydrophilic surface on the image carrier into contact with an aqueous solution having an oxidizing ability after a visible image is transferred to a transfer target by a transfer device. An image forming apparatus comprising: In the method for recovering hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member according to the present invention, the hydrophilic surface after photoirradiation of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface that can be changed from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation is restored to a hydrophobic surface. In doing so, at least the hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member is brought into contact with an oxidizing aqueous liquid. This method can be used in various technical fields employing a photocatalytic hydrophilic member.
【００１０】本発明に係る像担持体上の潜像消去方法で
は、疎水性状態から光照射によって親水性状態に変化し
得る表面を有する光触媒親水性部材を少なくとも表面に
有する像担持体上に光照射によって形成される親水性の
潜像を消去するにあたり、前記像担持体表面における光
触媒親水性部材の少なくとも親水性表面を酸化能のある
水性液に接触させる。In the method for erasing a latent image on an image carrier according to the present invention, a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface capable of changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation is provided on at least the image carrier having a hydrophilic member on the surface. In erasing the hydrophilic latent image formed by the irradiation, at least the hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member on the surface of the image carrier is brought into contact with an oxidizing aqueous liquid.
【００１１】また、本発明に係る画像形成装置では、疎
水性状態から光照射によって親水性状態に変化し得る表
面を有する光触媒親水性部材を少なくとも表面に有する
像担持体上に前記画像露光装置からの光照射によって親
水性の潜像が形成される。該親水性の潜像は前記現像装
置にて現像され可視画像とされる。該可視画像は前記転
写装置によって被転写体へ転写される。その被転写体へ
の可視画像の転写後の像担持体上の親水性の潜像を消去
するにあたり、前記像担持体表面における光触媒親水性
部材の少なくとも親水性表面を前記潜像消去装置にて酸
化能のある水性液に接触させる。Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image exposure apparatus is provided on an image carrier having at least a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface capable of changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation. Irradiates a hydrophilic latent image. The hydrophilic latent image is developed by the developing device to be a visible image. The visible image is transferred to the transfer object by the transfer device. In erasing the hydrophilic latent image on the image carrier after the transfer of the visible image to the transferred body, at least the hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member on the surface of the image carrier is removed by the latent image erasing device. Contact with oxidizing aqueous liquid.
【００１２】本発明の光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復方
法によると、光触媒親水性部材の少なくとも親水性表面
を酸化能のある水性液に接触させるので、酸化のメカニ
ズムにより該親水性表面を疎水性表面に短時間で回復さ
せることができる。また、本発明の光触媒親水性部材の
疎水性回復方法では、光触媒親水性部材を酸化能のある
水性液に接触させるだけなので、それだけ簡単に光触媒
親水性部材の光照射後の親水性表面を疎水性表面に回復
させることができる。According to the method for recovering hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member of the present invention, at least the hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member is brought into contact with an aqueous solution having an oxidizing ability. The surface can be recovered in a short time. Further, in the method for recovering hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member of the present invention, since the photocatalytic hydrophilic member is simply brought into contact with an aqueous liquid having an oxidizing ability, the hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member after light irradiation can be easily hydrophobicized. Can be restored to a sexual surface.
【００１３】また、本発明の像担持体上の潜像消去方法
及び画像形成装置によると、前記像担持体表面における
光触媒親水性部材の少なくとも親水性表面を酸化能のあ
る水性液に接触させるので、酸化のメカニズムにより該
親水性表面を疎水性表面に短時間で回復させることがで
き、これにより像担持体上の潜像を消去することができ
る。また、本発明の像担持体上の潜像消去方法及び画像
形成装置では、光触媒親水性部材を酸化能のある水性液
に接触させるだけなので、疎水性物質を塗布する必要が
なく、それだけ簡単に、安全に像担持体上の潜像を消去
することができる。According to the method for erasing a latent image on an image carrier and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, at least the hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member on the surface of the image carrier is brought into contact with an oxidizing aqueous liquid. By the mechanism of oxidation, the hydrophilic surface can be restored to the hydrophobic surface in a short time, whereby the latent image on the image carrier can be erased. Further, in the method for erasing a latent image on an image carrier and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, since the photocatalytic hydrophilic member is merely brought into contact with an aqueous liquid having an oxidizing ability, there is no need to apply a hydrophobic substance, and it is simpler. Thus, the latent image on the image carrier can be safely erased.
【００１４】いずれにしても本発明に用いることができ
る水性液とは、水そのものや水を主体とした水溶液、例
えば水を主体とした酸化剤、速乾剤、防カビ剤等を含む
水溶液である。この速乾剤としては、アルコール類を例
示でき、防カビ剤としては、ゼネカ株式会社製のＰｒｏ
ｘｅｌ等を例示できる。いずれにしても本発明に用いる
ことができる酸化能のある水性液としては、 超音波照射されている水性液、 酸化剤を含む水性液 超音波照射されている酸化剤を含む水性液などを例示
できる。In any case, the aqueous liquid that can be used in the present invention is water itself or an aqueous solution mainly containing water, for example, an aqueous solution mainly containing water containing an oxidizing agent, a quick-drying agent, a fungicide, or the like. is there. Examples of the quick-drying agent include alcohols. Examples of the fungicide include Prone manufactured by Zeneca Corporation.
xel etc. can be illustrated. In any case, examples of the oxidizing aqueous liquid that can be used in the present invention include an aqueous liquid irradiated with ultrasonic waves, an aqueous liquid containing an oxidizing agent, and an aqueous liquid containing an oxidizing agent irradiated with ultrasonic waves. it can.
【００１５】前記酸化剤を含む水性液としては、過酸化
水素（Ｈ2 Ｏ2 ）の水溶液（過酸化水素水）等を例示で
きる。なお、水性液に超音波を照射する場合、超音波照
射されている水性液は酸化力の強いヒドロキシラジカル
を発生し、ここに親水性表面を接触させることで、疎水
性表面に戻すことができる。また、水性液に超音波を照
射する場合、本発明の画像形成装置における潜像消去装
置としては、前記転写後の前記像担持体上の少なくとも
親水性表面に水性液を供給する装置と、該水性液に超音
波を照射する超音波照射装置とを含むものを例示でき
る。この場合、水性液を供給する装置としては、表面が
移動する像担持体の一部が浸かる水性液容器、水性液を
像担持体へ流出させるポンプを含む供給装置等を例示で
きる。Examples of the aqueous liquid containing the oxidizing agent include an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) (aqueous hydrogen peroxide). In addition, when irradiating an ultrasonic wave to the aqueous liquid, the aqueous liquid irradiated with the ultrasonic wave generates a hydroxyl radical having a strong oxidizing power, and by bringing the hydrophilic surface into contact with the aqueous liquid, it can be returned to the hydrophobic surface. . Further, when irradiating the aqueous liquid with ultrasonic waves, as a latent image erasing device in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, an apparatus for supplying an aqueous liquid to at least a hydrophilic surface on the image carrier after the transfer, And an ultrasonic irradiation device for irradiating an ultrasonic wave to the aqueous liquid. In this case, examples of the device for supplying the aqueous liquid include an aqueous liquid container in which a part of the image carrier whose surface moves is immersed, and a supply device including a pump for discharging the aqueous liquid to the image carrier.
【００１６】前記光触媒親水性部材としては、代表例と
して、その表面が４価の酸化チタン（ＴｉＯ2 ）を含ん
でいる場合を例示できる。この光触媒親水性部材の表面
は、例えば、スパッタ法、ゾルゲル法等の薄膜形成手法
などでその全体が光触媒親水性物質で形成されていても
よいし、光触媒親水性物質粒子をバインダーで結合した
状態のものでもよい。A typical example of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member is a case where its surface contains tetravalent titanium oxide (TiO 2 ). The surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member may be entirely formed of a photocatalytic hydrophilic substance by, for example, a thin film forming technique such as a sputtering method or a sol-gel method, or a state in which the photocatalytic hydrophilic substance particles are bound with a binder. It may be.
【００１７】前記光触媒親水性部材の表面に含まれる材
料としては、前記の酸化チタン（ＴｉＯ2 ）に限定され
るものではなく、酸化バナジウム、その他の金属酸化物
を広く利用でき、さらに酸化けい素（ＳｉＯ2 ）などの
無機材料、ポリシロキサンなどの有機材料等を挙げるこ
とができる。なお、光照射によって親水性表面に変化し
得る金属酸化物では、金属の種類によって親水性表面に
変化し得る照射光の波長が異なる。従って、前記金属酸
化物を金属種と照射光の波長との関係で選択するとよ
い。The material contained in the surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member is not limited to the above-mentioned titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), but vanadium oxide and other metal oxides can be widely used. Examples thereof include inorganic materials such as (SiO 2 ) and organic materials such as polysiloxane. In the case of a metal oxide that can change to a hydrophilic surface by light irradiation, the wavelength of irradiation light that can change to a hydrophilic surface differs depending on the type of metal. Therefore, it is preferable to select the metal oxide based on the relationship between the metal species and the wavelength of the irradiation light.
【００１８】[0018]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面
を参照して説明する。図１は本発明に係る光触媒親水性
部材の疎水性回復方法の１例である像担持体上の潜像消
去方法を実施する潜像消去装置の１例を備えた本発明に
係る画像形成装置の１例の概略構成を示す側面図であ
る。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an image forming apparatus according to the present invention including an example of a latent image erasing apparatus for performing a method of erasing a latent image on an image carrier, which is an example of a method of recovering hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member according to the present invention. It is a side view which shows the schematic structure of one example.
【００１９】この画像形成装置は、中央にドラム形状の
像担持体１を備えている。像担持体１の周囲には、画像
露光装置２、現像装置３、転写装置４、潜像消去装置５
がこの順に配置されている。像担持体１は図中時計方向
Ａに回転駆動される。像担持体１はドラム形状のもの
で、疎水性状態Ｒから光照射によって親水性状態Ｓに変
化し得る表面Ｑを有する膜状の光触媒親水性部材１０
（本例では酸化チタン（ＴｉＯ2 ）膜）をドラム本体表
面に有するものである。これにより、像担持体１表面へ
の光照射によって像担持体１上に親水性の潜像が形成さ
れる。なお、ここでは像担持体１はドラム形状のものを
用いるが、ベルト形状のものを用いてもよい。This image forming apparatus has a drum-shaped image carrier 1 at the center. An image exposing device 2, a developing device 3, a transfer device 4, a latent image erasing device 5 are provided around the image carrier 1.
Are arranged in this order. The image carrier 1 is driven to rotate clockwise A in the figure. The image carrier 1 has a drum shape, and is a film-shaped photocatalytic hydrophilic member 10 having a surface Q that can be changed from a hydrophobic state R to a hydrophilic state S by light irradiation.
(In this example, a titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) film) is provided on the drum main body surface. Thus, a hydrophilic latent image is formed on the image carrier 1 by irradiating the surface of the image carrier 1 with light. Here, the image carrier 1 has a drum shape, but may have a belt shape.
【００２０】転写装置４は像担持体１に臨み、図中転写
部Ｐを形成している。転写部Ｐの図中上方にはガイド板
６ａ及びタイミングローラ対７が設けられ、さらに図示
を省略した給紙部が設けられている。また、下方にはガ
イド板６ｂが設けられ、さらに図示を省略した排出ロー
ラ対及び排紙トレイが設けられている。画像露光装置２
は図示を省略した画像読み取り装置等から送られてくる
画像情報に基づき光Ｚ、本例では４０ｍＷ／ｃｍ2 のパ
ワーで、波長３４０ｎｍの近紫外光を像担持体１に照射
でき、これにより像担持体１上に親水性の潜像Ｓを形成
できる。The transfer device 4 faces the image carrier 1 and forms a transfer portion P in the figure. A guide plate 6a and a pair of timing rollers 7 are provided above the transfer unit P in the figure, and a paper supply unit (not shown) is provided. A guide plate 6b is provided below, and a discharge roller pair and a paper discharge tray (not shown) are provided. Image exposure device 2
Can irradiate the image carrier 1 with light Z, in this example, near ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 340 nm at a power of 40 mW / cm 2 based on image information sent from an image reading device or the like (not shown). A hydrophilic latent image S can be formed on the carrier 1.
【００２１】現像装置３はインク容器３１及び現像ロー
ラ３２等を含んでいる。インク容器３１はインク３３を
収容している。インク３３は少なくとも色剤と水からな
る水性インクである。現像ローラ３２は図中反時計方向
Ｂ方向に回転駆動され、ローラ３２の回転に伴って該ロ
ーラ表面にインク薄層、本例では数μｍ〜１００μｍ程
度の薄層を形成できる。これにより、像担持体１上の親
水性の潜像Ｓにインク３３を付着させることができる。
すなわち、像担持体１上にインク画像Ｔを形成できる。The developing device 3 includes an ink container 31, a developing roller 32, and the like. The ink container 31 contains the ink 33. The ink 33 is an aqueous ink including at least a coloring agent and water. The developing roller 32 is driven to rotate in the counterclockwise direction B in the figure, and a thin layer of ink, in this example, about several μm to 100 μm can be formed on the roller surface with the rotation of the roller 32. This allows the ink 33 to adhere to the hydrophilic latent image S on the image carrier 1.
That is, the ink image T can be formed on the image carrier 1.
【００２２】図２に図１に示す像担持体１及び潜像消去
装置５の斜視図を示す。潜像消去装置５は水性液Ｌを像
担持体１に供給する水性液容器５１、及び水性液Ｌに超
音波を照射する超音波照射装置５２を含んでいる。水性
液容器５１には水性液Ｌが収容され、その水性液Ｌに表
面Ｑが図中Ａ方向に移動する像担持体１の一部が浸けら
れている。水性液容器５１の大きさは、像担持体１の大
きさに依存するので、それに応じた大きさを決定するこ
とができる。水性液Ｌの容量としては、像担持体１の一
部が浸かる程度の容量であればよい。また、像担持体１
の周速度としては、潜像Ｓが良好に消去されるのに必要
な時間を満足する周速度であればよい。超音波照射装置
５２は水性液Ｌに、それには限定されないが、例えば１
０ｋＨｚ〜５ＭＨｚ（本例では５０ｋＨｚ）の周波数の
超音波を、それには限定されないが、例えば１０Ｗ〜１
ｋＷ（本例では１５０Ｗ）のパワーで照射することがで
きるものを採用する。なお、水性液Ｌの容量、像担持体
１の周速度、水性液Ｌに照射する超音波のパワー及び周
波数については、それぞれ潜像の消去効率と、出力や大
きさなどの装置制約とのバランスをとって最適な値に決
定することができる。FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image carrier 1 and the latent image erasing device 5 shown in FIG. The latent image erasing device 5 includes an aqueous liquid container 51 for supplying the aqueous liquid L to the image carrier 1 and an ultrasonic irradiation device 52 for irradiating the aqueous liquid L with ultrasonic waves. The aqueous liquid L is contained in the aqueous liquid container 51, and a part of the image carrier 1 whose surface Q moves in the direction A in the drawing is immersed in the aqueous liquid L. Since the size of the aqueous liquid container 51 depends on the size of the image carrier 1, the size can be determined accordingly. The volume of the aqueous liquid L may be a volume that allows a part of the image carrier 1 to be immersed. Further, the image carrier 1
May be any peripheral speed that satisfies the time required for the latent image S to be properly erased. The ultrasonic irradiation device 52 is used for the aqueous liquid L, but is not limited thereto.
An ultrasonic wave having a frequency of 0 kHz to 5 MHz (in this example, 50 kHz) may be used.
What can be irradiated with power of kW (150 W in this example) is adopted. Note that the capacity of the aqueous liquid L, the peripheral speed of the image carrier 1, and the power and frequency of the ultrasonic wave applied to the aqueous liquid L balance the latent image erasing efficiency and the device restrictions such as output and size. To determine the optimum value.
【００２３】なお、ここでは水性液Ｌを像担持体１に供
給する装置として、表面Ｑが移動する像担持体１の一部
が浸かる水性液容器５１を用いるが、水性液Ｌを像担持
体１へ流出させるポンプを含む供給装置等を用いてもよ
い。水性液Ｌは、水を主体とした水溶液、本例では水を
主体とし、速乾剤であるアルコール類及び防カビ剤（こ
こではゼネカ株式会社製のＰｒｏｘｅｌ）を含む水溶液
である。Here, as an apparatus for supplying the aqueous liquid L to the image carrier 1, an aqueous liquid container 51 in which a part of the image carrier 1 on which the surface Q is moved is used. A supply device or the like including a pump for flowing out to 1 may be used. The aqueous liquid L is an aqueous solution mainly composed of water, in this example, an aqueous solution mainly composed of water and containing an alcohol which is a quick-drying agent and a fungicide (Proxel manufactured by Zeneca Corporation).
【００２４】図１に示すように転写装置４はローラ形状
のもので、像担持体１に圧接されており、図中Ｂ方向に
回転駆動される。これにより、像担持体１上のインク画
像Ｔを後述する記録媒体８（被転写体の１例）に転写で
きる。なお、ここでの転写装置４の像担持体１に対する
転写圧は、インク画像Ｔを記録媒体８に良好に転写で
き、画像再現性がとれる圧力である。As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer device 4 has a roller shape, is pressed against the image carrier 1, and is driven to rotate in the direction B in the figure. As a result, the ink image T on the image carrier 1 can be transferred to a recording medium 8 (an example of an object to be transferred) described later. Here, the transfer pressure of the transfer device 4 to the image carrier 1 is a pressure at which the ink image T can be satisfactorily transferred to the recording medium 8 and the image reproducibility can be obtained.
【００２５】以上説明した画像形成装置によると、像担
持体１が回転駆動される。露光装置２から照射された光
Ｚが像担持体１表面、さらに言えば光触媒親水性部材１
０を露光し、親水性の潜像Ｓを形成する。この潜像Ｓは
像担持体１の回転に伴って現像装置３に移行する。現像
装置３では、現像ローラ３２の回転に伴ってローラ３２
にインク容器３１からのインク３３の薄層が形成され、
このインク薄層が像担持体１に形成される親水性の潜像
Ｓの現像に供され、これを可視インク画像Ｔとする。According to the image forming apparatus described above, the image carrier 1 is driven to rotate. The light Z emitted from the exposure device 2 is applied to the surface of the image carrier 1, more specifically, the photocatalytic hydrophilic member 1.
0 is exposed to form a hydrophilic latent image S. The latent image S moves to the developing device 3 as the image carrier 1 rotates. In the developing device 3, the rotation of the developing roller 32
A thin layer of ink 33 from the ink container 31 is formed,
This thin ink layer is used for developing a hydrophilic latent image S formed on the image carrier 1, and this is used as a visible ink image T.
【００２６】インク画像Ｔは転写部Ｐに移行し、記録媒
体８に転写される。記録媒体８は図示を省略した給紙ロ
ーラによって同じく図示を省略した給紙トレイから送り
出され、タイミングローラ対７に送られる。タイミング
ローラ対７は、像担持体１上のインク画像Ｔと同期をと
って、記録媒体８を送り出す。記録媒体８は、ガイド板
６ａに支持されて転写部Ｐに移行する。The ink image T moves to the transfer section P and is transferred to the recording medium 8. The recording medium 8 is sent out from a paper feed tray (not shown) by a paper feed roller (not shown), and is sent to the timing roller pair 7. The timing roller pair 7 sends out the recording medium 8 in synchronization with the ink image T on the image carrier 1. The recording medium 8 moves to the transfer portion P while being supported by the guide plate 6a.
【００２７】転写部Ｐでは、転写装置４が記録媒体８を
裏面から像担持体１の方向へ押圧する。像担持体１上の
インク画像Ｔは記録媒体８に接触し、記録媒体８に転写
される。記録媒体８はインク画像転写後、ガイド板６ｂ
に支持されて図示を省略した排紙ローラ対にて排紙トレ
イへ排出される。In the transfer section P, the transfer device 4 presses the recording medium 8 from the back surface toward the image carrier 1. The ink image T on the image carrier 1 comes into contact with the recording medium 8 and is transferred to the recording medium 8. After the ink image is transferred to the recording medium 8, the guide plate 6b
And is discharged to a discharge tray by a discharge roller pair (not shown).
【００２８】記録媒体８にインク画像を転写した後の像
担持体１には、親水性の潜像Ｓが形成されたままになっ
ている。この潜像Ｓは像担持体１の回転に伴って潜像消
去装置５に移行する。潜像消去装置５では、像担持体１
の表面Ｑが水性液容器５１に収容され超音波照射装置５
２にて超音波を照射されている水性液Ｌに接触される。The hydrophilic latent image S is still formed on the image carrier 1 after the transfer of the ink image to the recording medium 8. The latent image S moves to the latent image erasing device 5 as the image carrier 1 rotates. In the latent image erasing device 5, the image carrier 1
Of the ultrasonic irradiation device 5
At 2, the aqueous liquid L is irradiated with ultrasonic waves.
【００２９】この画像形成装置によると、像担持体１に
おける光触媒親水性部材１０の少なくとも親水性表面Ｓ
を酸化能のある水性液Ｌに接触させるので、酸化のメカ
ニズムにより親水性表面Ｓを疎水性表面Ｒに回復させる
ことができ、これにより像担持体１上の潜像を消去する
ことができる。このように図１に示す画像形成装置で
は、光触媒親水性部材１０を酸化能のある水性液Ｌに接
触させるだけなので、疎水性物質を塗布する必要がな
く、それだけ簡単に、短時間で、安全に像担持体１上の
潜像Ｓを消去することができる。According to this image forming apparatus, at least the hydrophilic surface S of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member 10 in the image carrier 1
Is brought into contact with the aqueous liquid L having an oxidizing ability, so that the hydrophilic surface S can be restored to the hydrophobic surface R by the mechanism of oxidation, whereby the latent image on the image carrier 1 can be erased. As described above, in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, since the photocatalytic hydrophilic member 10 is merely brought into contact with the aqueous liquid L having an oxidizing ability, there is no need to apply a hydrophobic substance. Thus, the latent image S on the image carrier 1 can be erased.
【００３０】次に本発明に係る光触媒親水性部材の疎水
性回復方法を実施する装置の他の例について図３及び図
４を参照しながら説明する。図３は本発明に係る光触媒
親水性部材の疎水性回復方法を実施する光触媒親水性部
材の疎水性回復装置の１例を備えた油性インク用ホワイ
トボードの一部の概略構成を示す斜視図であり、図４は
図３に示すホワイトボードへの油性インクによる情報の
印字から印字情報の拭き取りまでの状態を示す図であ
る。Next, another example of an apparatus for performing the method for recovering hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a part of an oil-based ink whiteboard provided with an example of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member hydrophobicity recovery apparatus for performing the photocatalytic hydrophilic member hydrophobicity recovery method according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state from printing of information with oil-based ink on the whiteboard shown in FIG. 3 to wiping of the printed information.
【００３１】図３に示すホワイトボードは、ベルト１０
１、駆動ローラ１０２、テンションローラ兼バックアッ
プローラ１０３、従動ローラ１０４、露光装置１０５、
インク拭き取り用部材１０６、疎水性回復装置１１０を
含んでいる。なお、テンションローラ兼バックアップロ
ーラ１０３及びインク拭き取り用部材１０６でインク拭
き取り装置１０７を構成している。The white board shown in FIG.
1, drive roller 102, tension roller / backup roller 103, driven roller 104, exposure device 105,
An ink wiping member 106 and a hydrophobicity recovery device 110 are included. Note that the ink wiping device 107 is constituted by the tension roller / backup roller 103 and the ink wiping member 106.
【００３２】ベルト１０１はベルト形状のもので、その
ベルト本体が、疎水性状態１０１ａから光照射によって
親水性状態１０１ｂに変化し得る表面を有する膜状の光
触媒親水性部材１０１’（本例では酸化チタン（ＴｉＯ
2 ）膜）で覆われている。従って、ベルト１の表面、す
なわち膜状の光触媒親水性部材１０１’は、光照射によ
って疎水性表面１０１ａから親水性表面１０１ｂに変化
する。The belt 101 has a belt shape, and the main body of the belt is a film-shaped photocatalytic hydrophilic member 101 ′ having a surface that can be changed from a hydrophobic state 101 a to a hydrophilic state 101 b by light irradiation (in this example, an oxidized state). Titanium (TiO
2 ) covered with membrane). Therefore, the surface of the belt 1, that is, the film-shaped photocatalytic hydrophilic member 101 'is changed from the hydrophobic surface 101a to the hydrophilic surface 101b by light irradiation.
【００３３】ベルト１０１は、駆動ローラ１０２、テン
ションローラ兼バックアップローラ１０３、従動ローラ
１０４に巻き掛けられており、駆動ローラ１０２の図中
Ａ方向の回転駆動に伴って図中Ｃ方向に駆動される。露
光装置１０５は、波長３４０ｎｍの近紫外光をベルト１
０１に照射でき、これによりベルト１０１の疎水性表面
１０１ａを親水性表面１０１ｂに変化させることができ
る。The belt 101 is wound around a driving roller 102, a tension roller / backup roller 103, and a driven roller 104, and is driven in the direction C in the figure as the driving roller 102 rotates in the direction A in the figure. . The exposure device 105 transmits near-ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 340 nm to the belt 1.
01, whereby the hydrophobic surface 101a of the belt 101 can be changed to a hydrophilic surface 101b.
【００３４】インク拭き取り用部材１０６はベルト１０
１を介してテンションローラ兼バックアップローラ１０
３に対向する位置に設けられている。これにより、ベル
ト１０１上のインクを拭き取ることができる。疎水性回
復装置１１０は、水性液容器１１１、超音波照射装置１
１２を備えている。水性液容器１１１には水性液Ｌが収
容され、その水性液Ｌに表面が図中Ｃ方向に移動するベ
ルト１０１の一部が浸けられている。超音波照射装置１
１２は水性液Ｌに、本例では５０ｋＨｚの周波数の超音
波を本例では１５０Ｗのパワーで照射することができ
る。The ink wiping member 106 is a belt 10
1 through a tension roller and a backup roller 10
3 are provided. Thereby, the ink on the belt 101 can be wiped off. The hydrophobicity recovery device 110 includes an aqueous liquid container 111, an ultrasonic irradiation device 1
12 are provided. The aqueous liquid container 111 contains the aqueous liquid L, and a part of the belt 101 whose surface moves in the direction C in the drawing is immersed in the aqueous liquid L. Ultrasonic irradiation device 1
Numeral 12 can irradiate the aqueous liquid L with an ultrasonic wave having a frequency of 50 kHz in this embodiment at a power of 150 W in this embodiment.
【００３５】水性液Ｌは、図１に示す画像形成装置に用
いた水性液と同様のものを用いる。すなわち、水を主体
とした水溶液、本例では水を主体とした速乾剤であるア
ルコール類及び防カビ剤を含む水溶液である。図３に示
すホワイトボードによると、ベルト１０１への印字に先
立って、ベルト１０１が図中Ｃ方向に駆動され、ベルト
１０１における光触媒親水性部材１０１’の印字領域Ｘ
の表面が疎水性状態１０１ａにされる（図４（Ａ）参
照）。この部材１０１’表面が疎水性状態１０１ａにさ
れる動作についてはのちほど説明する。The aqueous liquid L is the same as the aqueous liquid used in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. That is, it is an aqueous solution mainly composed of water, in this example, an aqueous solution mainly composed of water and containing an alcohol which is a quick-drying agent and a fungicide. According to the whiteboard shown in FIG. 3, prior to printing on the belt 101, the belt 101 is driven in the direction C in the figure, and the printing area X of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member 101 ′ on the belt 101 is changed.
Is brought into a hydrophobic state 101a (see FIG. 4A). The operation of bringing the surface of the member 101 'into the hydrophobic state 101a will be described later.
【００３６】この状態の印字領域Ｘに情報が油性インク
によって印字される（図４（Ｂ）参照）。次に印字領域
Ｘに記載されたインク文字（図中Ｍの文字）を拭き取る
にあたり、ベルト１０１が図中Ｃ方向に駆動され、露光
装置１０５から光Ｚが照射される。これにより、光Ｚを
照射された印字領域Ｘの表面は疎水性状態１０１ａから
親水性状態１０１ｂにされる（図４（Ｃ）参照）。そし
て、インク拭き取り用部材１０６にて印字情報が拭き取
られる。このとき、印字領域Ｘの表面は親水性状態１０
１ｂなので、印字されている油性インクは光触媒親水性
部材１０１’からインク拭き取り用部材１０６により拭
き取られ易くなっている。In this state, information is printed on the print area X with oil-based ink (see FIG. 4B). Next, in wiping the ink characters (the characters in M in the figure) written in the print area X, the belt 101 is driven in the direction C in the figure, and light Z is emitted from the exposure device 105. Thus, the surface of the print area X irradiated with the light Z is changed from the hydrophobic state 101a to the hydrophilic state 101b (see FIG. 4C). Then, the print information is wiped off by the ink wiping member 106. At this time, the surface of the print area X is in the hydrophilic state 10
1b, the printed oil-based ink is easily wiped off from the photocatalytic hydrophilic member 101 'by the ink wiping member 106.
【００３７】さらに、ベルト１０１は図中Ｃ方向に駆動
され、光触媒親水性部材１０１’の親水性状態１０１ｂ
の印字領域Ｘが疎水性回復装置１１０に移行する。疎水
性回復装置１１０では、ベルト１０１の印字領域Ｘの表
面が水性液容器１１１に収容され超音波照射装置１１２
にて超音波を照射されている水性液Ｌに接触される。Further, the belt 101 is driven in the direction C in the figure, and the hydrophilic state 101b of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member 101 'is obtained.
Is transferred to the hydrophobicity recovery device 110. In the hydrophobicity recovery device 110, the surface of the printing area X of the belt 101 is accommodated in the aqueous liquid container 111 and the ultrasonic irradiation device 112
Is brought into contact with the aqueous liquid L being irradiated with ultrasonic waves.
【００３８】この疎水性回復装置によると、ベルト１０
１における光触媒親水性部材１０１’の親水性表面１０
１ｂを酸化能のある水性液Ｌに接触させるので、酸化の
メカニズムにより親水性表面１０１ｂを疎水性表面１０
１ａに回復させることができる。このように疎水性回復
装置１１０では、光触媒親水性部材１０１’を酸化能の
ある水性液Ｌに接触させるだけなので、それだけ簡単
に、短時間で光触媒親水性部材１０１’の光照射後の親
水性表面１０１ｂを疎水性表面１０１ａに回復させるこ
とができる。According to this hydrophobicity recovery device, the belt 10
1 hydrophilic surface 10 of photocatalytic hydrophilic member 101 '
1b is brought into contact with the aqueous liquid L having an oxidizing ability, so that the hydrophilic surface 101b is converted into the hydrophobic surface 10 by the mechanism of oxidation.
1a. In this way, in the hydrophobicity recovery device 110, since the photocatalytic hydrophilic member 101 'is merely brought into contact with the aqueous liquid L having an oxidizing ability, the hydrophilicity of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member 101' after irradiation with light is easily and quickly reduced. Surface 101b can be restored to hydrophobic surface 101a.
【００３９】なお、本例では水性液Ｌに超音波を照射し
ているが、水性液Ｌとして、酸化能のある水性液が得ら
れれば、超音波を照射しなくてもよい。In this embodiment, the ultrasonic wave is applied to the aqueous liquid L. However, if an aqueous liquid having an oxidizing ability is obtained as the aqueous liquid L, the ultrasonic wave need not be applied.
【００４０】[0040]
【発明の効果】本発明によると、疎水性状態から光照射
によって親水性状態に変化し得る表面を有する光触媒親
水性部材の光照射後の親水性表面を疎水性表面に回復さ
せる光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復方法であって、光触
媒親水性部材の光照射後の親水性表面を疎水性表面に簡
単に、短時間で回復させることができる光触媒親水性部
材の疎水性回復方法を提供することができる。According to the present invention, a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface which can be changed from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation to restore the hydrophilic surface after light irradiation to a hydrophobic surface. A method for recovering hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member, which can easily and quickly recover a hydrophilic surface of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member after irradiation with light to a hydrophobic surface. Can be.
【００４１】また本発明によると、疎水性状態から光照
射によって親水性状態に変化し得る表面を有する光触媒
親水性部材を少なくとも表面に有する像担持体上に形成
される親水性の潜像を消去する像担持体上の潜像消去方
法であって、前記像担持体に光照射によって形成される
親水性の潜像を簡単に、短時間で消去することができる
像担持体上の潜像消去方法を提供することができる。Further, according to the present invention, a hydrophilic latent image formed on an image carrier having at least a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface capable of changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation is erased. A method for erasing a latent image formed on an image carrier by irradiating the image carrier with light, wherein the latent image can be easily and quickly erased in a short time. A method can be provided.
【００４２】また本発明によると、疎水性状態から光照
射によって親水性状態に変化し得る表面を有する光触媒
親水性部材を少なくとも表面に有する像担持体の表面を
露光することにより、該像担持体上に親水性の潜像を形
成し、その潜像にインクを付着させて可視画像とし、こ
の可視画像を被転写体上に転写する画像形成装置であっ
て、前記像担持体上に形成される親水性の潜像を次の画
像形成に備えて疎水性物質を塗布する必要がなく安全
に、簡単に、短時間で消去することができる画像形成装
置を提供することができる。Further, according to the present invention, by exposing at least the surface of an image carrier having a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface capable of changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation, the image carrier is exposed. An image forming apparatus that forms a hydrophilic latent image on the latent image, attaches the ink to the latent image to form a visible image, and transfers the visible image onto a transfer target, wherein the image forming apparatus is formed on the image carrier. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can safely, simply, and quickly erase a hydrophilic latent image in preparation for the next image formation without applying a hydrophobic substance.
【図１】本発明に係る光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復方
法の１例である像担持体上の潜像消去方法を実施する潜
像消去装置の１例を備えた本発明に係る画像形成装置の
１例の概略構成を示す側面図である。FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus according to the present invention including an example of a latent image erasing apparatus for performing a method of erasing a latent image on an image carrier, which is an example of a method of recovering hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member according to the present invention. It is a side view which shows the schematic structure of an example of an apparatus.
【図２】図１に示す像担持体及び潜像消去装置の斜視図
である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image carrier and the latent image erasing device shown in FIG.
【図３】本発明に係る光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復方
法を実施する光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復装置の１例
を備えた油性インク用ホワイトボードの一部の概略構成
を示す斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a part of an oil-based ink whiteboard provided with an example of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member hydrophobicity recovery device for performing the photocatalytic hydrophilic member hydrophobicity recovery method according to the present invention. It is.
【図４】図３に示すホワイトボードへの油性インクによ
る情報の印字から印字情報の拭き取りまでの状態を示す
図であり、図（Ａ）はベルトにおける光触媒親水性部材
の印字領域表面の疎水性状態を示す図であり、図（Ｂ）
は図（Ａ）の状態において油性インクにより情報を印字
した状態を示す図であり、図（Ｃ）は図（Ｂ）の状態に
おいて光を照射した後の親水性状態を示す図である。4 is a diagram showing a state from printing of information with oil-based ink on a whiteboard shown in FIG. 3 to wiping of printing information, and FIG. 4A is a diagram showing hydrophobicity of a printing area surface of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member in a belt; It is a figure which shows a state, FIG.
FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a state in which information is printed with oil-based ink in the state of FIG. 5A, and FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a hydrophilic state after light irradiation in the state of FIG.
１ ドラム形状の像担持体 ２ 画像露光装置 ３ 現像装置 ３１ インク容器 ３２ 現像ローラ ４ 転写装置 ５ 潜像消去装置 ５１ 水性液容器 ５２ 超音波照射装置 ６ａ、６ｂ ガイド板 ７ タイミングローラ対 ８ 記録媒体 １０ 光触媒親水性部材 １０１ ベルト １０１’ 光触媒親水性部材 １０１ａ 疎水性状態 １０１ｂ 親水性状態 １０２ 駆動ローラ １０３ テンションローラ兼バックアップローラ １０４ 従動ローラ １０５ 露光装置 １０６ インク拭き取り用部材 １０７ インク拭き取り装置 １１０ 疎水性回復装置 １１１ 水性液容器 １１２ 超音波照射装置 Ｌ 水性液 Ｐ 転写部 Ｑ 像担持体１の表面 Ｒ 疎水性状態 Ｓ 親水性状態 Ｔ 可視インク画像 Ｘ 印字領域 Ｚ 光 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 drum-shaped image carrier 2 image exposure device 3 developing device 31 ink container 32 developing roller 4 transfer device 5 latent image erasing device 51 aqueous liquid container 52 ultrasonic irradiation device 6a, 6b guide plate 7 timing roller pair 8 recording medium 10 Photocatalytic hydrophilic member 101 Belt 101 'Photocatalytic hydrophilic member 101a Hydrophobic state 101b Hydrophilic state 102 Driving roller 103 Tension roller / backup roller 104 Follower roller 105 Exposure device 106 Ink wiping member 107 Ink wiping device 110 Hydrophobic recovery device 111 Aqueous liquid container 112 Ultrasonic irradiation device L Aqueous liquid P Transfer unit Q Surface of image carrier 1 Hydrophobic state S Hydrophilic state T Visible ink image X Printing area Z light
Claims (9)
に変化し得る表面を有する光触媒親水性部材の光照射後
の親水性表面を疎水性表面に回復させる光触媒親水性部
材の疎水性回復方法であり、前記光触媒親水性部材の少
なくとも親水性表面を酸化能のある水性液に接触させる
ことを特徴とする光触媒親水性部材の疎水性回復方法。1. A method for restoring the hydrophilicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member to a hydrophobic surface after irradiating a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface capable of changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation. Wherein at least the hydrophilic surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member is brought into contact with an aqueous solution having an oxidizing ability.
射されている水性液を用いる請求項１記載の光触媒親水
性部材の疎水性回復方法。2. The method for recovering hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member according to claim 1, wherein an aqueous liquid irradiated with ultrasonic waves is used as the aqueous liquid having an oxidizing ability.
チタンを含んでいる請求項１又は２記載の光触媒親水性
部材の疎水性回復方法。3. The method for recovering hydrophobicity of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member contains titanium oxide.
に変化し得る表面を有する光触媒親水性部材を少なくと
も表面に有する像担持体上に光照射によって形成される
親水性の潜像を消去する像担持体上の潜像消去方法であ
り、前記像担持体表面における光触媒親水性部材の少な
くとも親水性表面を酸化能のある水性液に接触させるこ
とを特徴とする像担持体上の潜像消去方法。4. A method for erasing a hydrophilic latent image formed by light irradiation on an image carrier having at least a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface capable of changing from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation. A method for erasing a latent image on an image carrier, the method comprising: contacting at least a hydrophilic surface of a photocatalytic hydrophilic member on the surface of the image carrier with an aqueous solution having an oxidizing ability. Method.
射されている水性液を用いる請求項４記載の像担持体上
の潜像消去方法。5. The method for erasing a latent image on an image carrier according to claim 4, wherein the oxidizing aqueous liquid is an aqueous liquid irradiated with ultrasonic waves.
チタンを含んでいる請求項４又は５記載の像担持体上の
潜像消去方法。6. The method according to claim 4, wherein said photocatalytic hydrophilic member has a surface containing titanium oxide.
に変化し得る表面を有する光触媒親水性部材を少なくと
も表面に有する像担持体と、 前記像担持体表面に露光して該像担持体に親水性の潜像
を形成する画像露光装置と、 前記親水性潜像にインクを付着させて可視画像を形成す
る現像装置と、 前記可視画像を被転写体上に転写させる転写装置と、 前記転写装置による被転写体への可視画像転写後に前記
像担持体上の少なくとも親水性表面を酸化能のある水性
液に接触させて該親水性表面を疎水性表面に回復させる
潜像消去装置とを備えていることを特徴とする画像形成
装置。7. An image carrier having at least a photocatalytic hydrophilic member having a surface which can be changed from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state by light irradiation, and an image carrier having a surface exposed to the image carrier. An image exposure device that forms a hydrophilic latent image, a developing device that forms a visible image by attaching ink to the hydrophilic latent image, a transfer device that transfers the visible image onto a transfer target, and the transfer. A latent image erasing device that restores the hydrophilic surface to a hydrophobic surface by bringing at least a hydrophilic surface on the image carrier into contact with an aqueous solution having an oxidizing ability after a visible image is transferred to a transfer target by an apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising:
担持体上の少なくとも親水性表面に水性液を供給する装
置と、該水性液に超音波を照射する超音波照射装置とを
含むものである請求項７記載の画像形成装置。8. The latent image erasing device includes a device for supplying an aqueous liquid to at least a hydrophilic surface on the image carrier after the transfer, and an ultrasonic irradiation device for irradiating the aqueous liquid with ultrasonic waves. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:
チタンを含んでいる請求項７又は８記載の画像形成装
置。9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the surface of the photocatalytic hydrophilic member contains titanium oxide.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11138666A JP2000326558A (en) | 1999-05-19 | 1999-05-19 | Method for recovering hydrophobicity of photocatalyst hydrophilic member, method for erasing latent image on image carrier body, and image forming apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11138666A JP2000326558A (en) | 1999-05-19 | 1999-05-19 | Method for recovering hydrophobicity of photocatalyst hydrophilic member, method for erasing latent image on image carrier body, and image forming apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2000326558A true JP2000326558A (en) | 2000-11-28 |
Family
ID=15227296
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11138666A Withdrawn JP2000326558A (en) | 1999-05-19 | 1999-05-19 | Method for recovering hydrophobicity of photocatalyst hydrophilic member, method for erasing latent image on image carrier body, and image forming apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2000326558A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8035796B2 (en) | 2007-06-27 | 2011-10-11 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Immersion exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method |
-
1999
- 1999-05-19 JP JP11138666A patent/JP2000326558A/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8035796B2 (en) | 2007-06-27 | 2011-10-11 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Immersion exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method |
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