JP2000347520A - Method and device for image forming - Google Patents

Method and device for image forming

Info

Publication number
JP2000347520A
JP2000347520A JP2000092165A JP2000092165A JP2000347520A JP 2000347520 A JP2000347520 A JP 2000347520A JP 2000092165 A JP2000092165 A JP 2000092165A JP 2000092165 A JP2000092165 A JP 2000092165A JP 2000347520 A JP2000347520 A JP 2000347520A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
toner image
electrostatic latent
image
latent image
toner
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.)
Granted
Application number
JP2000092165A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP3567119B2 (en
Inventor
Koichi Ishii
浩一 石井
Hitoshi Yagi
均 八木
Mitsunaga Saito
三長 斉藤
Masahiro Hosoya
雅弘 細矢
Yasushi Matsune
泰 真常
Seijitsu Oka
青日 大岡
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Toshiba Corp
Original Assignee
Toshiba Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Toshiba Corp filed Critical Toshiba Corp
Priority to JP2000092165A priority Critical patent/JP3567119B2/en
Publication of JP2000347520A publication Critical patent/JP2000347520A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP3567119B2 publication Critical patent/JP3567119B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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  • Wet Developing In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Electrostatic Charge, Transfer And Separation In Electrography (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the transfer efficiency of a toner image by transferring the toner image filmed on a recording medium while exerting shearing stress. SOLUTION: The toner image on a photoreceptor 101 is heated and a solvent is removed, so that it is filmed at a toner image heating means 119. The surface speed of the photoreceptor 101 is set to be higher than that of an intermediate transfer medium 106, so that the shearing stress is exerted to the toner image. The sticking force of the toner image is deteriorated by the shearing stress, so that it is easily peeled from the surface of a releasing layer 113. The toner image is fed to an area brought into contact with the recording medium 110 supported by a pressure roller 109 by the intermediate transfer medium 106 to which the toner image is transferred. The surface speed of the pressure roller 109 is set to be lower than that of the intermediate transfer medium 106, so that the toner image is easily transferred to the surface of the recording medium 110 from the intermediate transfer medium 106 by actuating the shearing stress to the toner image.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、画像形成方法及び
画像形成装置に関する。[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming method and an image forming apparatus.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】液体現像剤を用いた湿式画像形成装置
は、乾式では実現出来ないサブミクロンサイズの微細ト
ナーを使用できる為、高画質化が実現可能である。ま
た、その他にもトナー粒子中の、樹脂に対する顔料の比
が乾式のそれより高い為、少量のトナーで十分な画像濃
度が得られ経済的である事、使用するトナーの樹脂のガ
ラス転移温度が低く、トナーを用紙に定着する温度を低
く設定する事が出来る為、省エネルギーである事等の利
点も有している。2. Description of the Related Art A wet image forming apparatus using a liquid developer can use a submicron-sized fine toner which cannot be realized by a dry type, and therefore can achieve high image quality. In addition, since the ratio of the pigment to the resin in the toner particles is higher than that of the dry type, sufficient image density can be obtained with a small amount of toner, which is economical, and the glass transition temperature of the resin of the toner used is low. Since the temperature at which the toner is fixed on the paper can be set low, there are also advantages such as energy saving.

【０００３】一方、従来の湿式画像形成装置には、まだ
いくつかの本質的な問題が含まれている。これらの問題
の１つとして転写手段における画質の劣化があげられ
る。従来は、感光体上に付着している液体現像剤を、電
界の作用で用紙に直接転写していた為、用紙表面の凹凸
に応じた電界変動による転写むらが生じていた。また、
使用する場所の温度や湿度等の環境依存性や、用紙の電
気特性のばらつき等によって、転写不良も生じ易かっ
た。これらにより、転写手段において転写画像の画質が
著しく劣化していた。On the other hand, the conventional wet image forming apparatus still has some essential problems. One of these problems is deterioration of image quality in the transfer unit. Conventionally, the liquid developer adhering to the photoreceptor has been directly transferred to the sheet by the action of an electric field, so that the transfer unevenness due to the electric field fluctuation according to the unevenness of the sheet surface has occurred. Also,
Improper transfer was also likely to occur due to environmental dependence such as temperature and humidity at the place of use and variations in paper electrical characteristics. As a result, the image quality of the transferred image in the transfer unit has been significantly deteriorated.

【０００４】この様な問題を解決する為、感光体から一
旦電界により中間転写媒体へと転写し、その後に中間転
写媒体から紙などの記録媒体に圧力を用い、または圧力
と熱を用いて転写する装置が、米国特許第５，１４８，
２２２号、同第５，１６６，７３４号、同第５，２０
８，６３７号等に開示されている。中間転写媒体を、表
面が平滑で電気抵抗のばらつきや変動の少ない材料で構
成する事は比較的容易である為、用紙へ直接電界で転写
する場合に比べて、転写手段による画質の劣化は大幅に
改良される。In order to solve such a problem, the image is temporarily transferred from a photoreceptor to an intermediate transfer medium by an electric field, and then transferred from the intermediate transfer medium to a recording medium such as paper using pressure, or using pressure and heat. An apparatus for performing this is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 222, No. 5,166,734, No. 5,20
8,637 and the like. Since it is relatively easy to construct the intermediate transfer medium from a material with a smooth surface and little variation or variation in electrical resistance, the image quality is significantly degraded by the transfer means as compared to the case of direct transfer to paper by an electric field. To be improved.

【０００５】さらに、中間転写媒体に付着した溶媒は、
用紙へ圧力を用いて、または圧力と熱を用いて転写する
前に、加熱やエアーの吸引などによって気化させたり吸
い取ったりすることが可能であるため、用紙への溶媒付
着も著しく低減できる。Further, the solvent attached to the intermediate transfer medium is:
Before the transfer to the sheet using pressure or using pressure and heat, the sheet can be vaporized or sucked by heating, suction of air, or the like, so that the adhesion of the solvent to the sheet can be significantly reduced.

【０００６】また、その他にも特公昭４６−４１６７９
号や、特開昭６２−２８０８８２号等には、電界転写を
用いる事なく、感光体から中間転写媒体への転写、中間
転写媒体から記録媒体への転写の双方において、圧力に
よる転写、または圧力と熱による転写を行う装置が開示
されている。この場合は、圧力によって、または圧力と
熱によってのみ転写する為、電界転写の場合に見られた
問題は生じない。In addition, Japanese Patent Publication No. 46-41679
And JP-A-62-280882, the transfer by pressure or the transfer from the photoreceptor to the intermediate transfer medium or the transfer from the intermediate transfer medium to the recording medium without using electric field transfer. And an apparatus for performing transfer by heat. In this case, since the transfer is performed only by pressure or only by pressure and heat, the problem seen in the case of electric field transfer does not occur.

【０００７】しかし、感光体から一旦電界により中間転
写媒体へと転写し、その後に中間転写媒体から紙などの
記録媒体に圧力を用い、または圧力と熱を用いて転写す
る装置でも、実際は次のような問題が残されている。つ
まり、感光体上のトナー像を中間転写媒体に転写する際
に、単色のトナー像については高い転写効率が得られる
ものの、感光体上で複数色のトナー像を順次重ね合せた
像を転写する場合には、転写効率が低下したり転写むら
が生じるといった欠点がある。これは、感光体上で複数
色のトナー像を順次重ね合せた像を転写する場合には、
通常、各色のトナー像を現像する毎にトナー像を固定す
る為に、トナー像を固定する回数が色によって異なり、
かかる電界が異なってくる為である。そのため、中間転
写媒体上でトナー像を重ね合せる必要があり、その場
合、各色毎の位置ずれが問題となったり、プロセス速度
の低下を招いたりした。[0007] However, even in an apparatus in which an image is temporarily transferred from a photoreceptor to an intermediate transfer medium by an electric field and then transferred from the intermediate transfer medium to a recording medium such as paper using pressure or using pressure and heat, the following apparatus is actually used. Such problems remain. In other words, when transferring the toner image on the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer medium, although a high transfer efficiency is obtained for a single color toner image, an image in which a plurality of color toner images are sequentially superimposed on the photoconductor is transferred. In such a case, there are drawbacks such as a decrease in transfer efficiency and uneven transfer. This is because when transferring an image in which toner images of a plurality of colors are sequentially superimposed on a photoconductor,
Normally, in order to fix the toner image each time the toner image of each color is developed, the number of times the toner image is fixed differs depending on the color.
This is because such electric fields differ. For this reason, it is necessary to superimpose the toner images on the intermediate transfer medium. In this case, misregistration of each color becomes a problem, and the process speed is reduced.

【０００８】また、感光体から中間転写媒体への転写、
中間転写媒体から記録媒体への転写の双方において、圧
力による転写、または圧力と熱による転写を行う装置で
は、感光体から中間転写媒体への転写、中間転写媒体か
ら記録媒体への転写のいずれにあっても、転写前にトナ
ー像がある程度溶媒が除去されフィルム化していること
が重要である。A transfer from the photosensitive member to an intermediate transfer medium,
In both the transfer from the intermediate transfer medium to the recording medium and the transfer by pressure or the transfer by pressure and heat, the transfer from the photoreceptor to the intermediate transfer medium or the transfer from the intermediate transfer medium to the recording medium can be performed. Even so, it is important that the solvent is removed to some extent from the toner image before transfer to form a film.

【０００９】感光体上でフィルム化したトナー像は、感
光体表面への付着力が増大しているため、これを転写す
る際には高い圧力と熱が必要とされる。これは、感光体
と中間転写媒体の表面エネルギーを最適化することであ
る程度の解決が可能であるが、材料の選択の余地を狭め
ることとなり、装置コストの低減や記録の信頼性の維持
を困難にする一因となっていた。Since the toner image formed on the photoreceptor has an increased adhesion to the surface of the photoreceptor, a high pressure and heat are required for transferring the toner image. This can be solved to some extent by optimizing the surface energy of the photoreceptor and the intermediate transfer medium, but this will reduce the room for material selection, making it difficult to reduce equipment costs and maintain recording reliability. Was one of the causes.

【００１０】[0010]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】上に述べたように、感
光体から一旦電界により中間転写媒体へと転写し、その
後に中間転写媒体から紙などの記録媒体に圧力を用い、
または圧力と熱を用いて転写する装置では、電界を作用
させる事で生じる問題の全てを解決する事が出来ない。As described above, the image is temporarily transferred from the photoreceptor to the intermediate transfer medium by an electric field, and then pressure is applied from the intermediate transfer medium to a recording medium such as paper.
Alternatively, an apparatus that performs transfer using pressure and heat cannot solve all problems caused by applying an electric field.

【００１１】また、感光体から中間転写媒体への転写、
及び中間転写媒体から記録媒体への転写を、ともに圧力
の作用、または圧力と熱の作用で転写する装置では、電
界を作用させる事で生じる種々の問題を回避できるもの
の、高い転写効率を得る為には、高い圧力と熱が必要と
され、その条件を緩和する為には、構成部材として使用
する材料の選択の余地を狭めてしまう。A transfer from a photosensitive member to an intermediate transfer medium;
In an apparatus that performs transfer from an intermediate transfer medium to a recording medium by both the action of pressure or the action of pressure and heat, it is possible to avoid various problems caused by the action of an electric field, but to obtain high transfer efficiency. This requires high pressure and heat, and in order to alleviate the conditions, there is less room for selection of materials used as constituent members.

【００１２】[0012]

【課題を解決するための手段】そこで本発明は、静電潜
像保持体表面に静電潜像を形成する工程と、現像手段に
よって前記静電潜像から前記静電潜像保持体表面にトナ
ー像を現像する工程と、現像された前記トナー像をフィ
ルム化する工程と、フィルム化された前記トナー像にせ
ん断応力をかけながら記録媒体上へ転写する工程とを具
備する事を特徴とする画像形成方法を提供する。Accordingly, the present invention provides a process for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of an electrostatic latent image holding member, and a step of developing the electrostatic latent image from the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member by developing means. Developing a toner image, forming the developed toner image into a film, and transferring the filmed toner image onto a recording medium while applying a shearing stress to the toner image. An image forming method is provided.

【００１３】また本発明は、静電潜像保持体表面に静電
潜像を形成する工程と、現像手段によって前記静電潜像
から前記静電潜像保持体表面にトナー像を現像する工程
と、現像された前記静電潜像保持体表面の前記トナー像
を中間転写媒体上へ転写する第１の転写工程と、前記中
間転写媒体上の前記トナー像をフィルム化する工程と、
フィルム化された前記トナー像にせん断応力をかけなが
ら記録媒体上へ転写する第２の転写工程とを具備する事
を特徴とする画像形成方法を提供する。Further, according to the present invention, a step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member and a step of developing a toner image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member from the electrostatic latent image by developing means And a first transfer step of transferring the developed toner image on the electrostatic latent image holding member surface to an intermediate transfer medium, and a step of forming the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium into a film,
A second transfer step of transferring the toner image formed into a film onto a recording medium while applying a shear stress to the toner image.

【００１４】この画像形成方法の、前記第２の転写工程
は、前記中間転写媒体に非固着状態で設けられる弾性層
を有し、前記トナー像の担持面に垂直方向に圧力を加
え、担持面の接線方向へ引き延ばして転写しても良い。In the image forming method, the second transfer step includes an elastic layer provided in a non-fixed state on the intermediate transfer medium, and applies pressure in a direction perpendicular to the toner image bearing surface to apply the pressure to the toner image bearing surface. May be extended in the tangential direction of the transfer.

【００１５】さらに本発明は、静電潜像保持体表面に静
電潜像を形成する工程と、現像手段によって前記静電潜
像から前記静電潜像保持体表面にトナー像を現像する工
程と、現像された前記潜像保持体表面の前記トナー像を
フィルム化する工程と、フィルム化された前記トナー像
にせん断応力をかけながら中間転写媒体上へ転写する工
程と、前記中間転写媒体上の前記トナー像にせん断応力
をかけながら記録媒体上へ転写する工程とを具備する事
を特徴とする画像形成方法を提供する。Further, according to the present invention, a step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member and a step of developing a toner image from the electrostatic latent image onto the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member by developing means Forming the toner image on the surface of the latent image holding member into a film, transferring the film onto the intermediate transfer medium while applying a shearing stress to the toner image, and forming the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium. Transferring the toner image onto a recording medium while applying a shear stress to the toner image.

【００１６】この画像形成方法の、前記第１の転写工程
と前記第２の転写工程の少なくとも一方は、前記中間転
写媒体に非固着状態で設けられる弾性層を有し、前記中
間転写媒体の前記トナー像と接する面に垂直方向に圧力
を加え、前記トナー像と接する面の接線方向へ引き延ば
して転写しても良い。In this image forming method, at least one of the first transfer step and the second transfer step has an elastic layer provided on the intermediate transfer medium in a non-fixed state. The transfer may be performed by applying pressure in a direction perpendicular to the surface in contact with the toner image and extending in the tangential direction of the surface in contact with the toner image.

【００１７】またこれら全ての画像形成方法の、トナー
像が担持される面と前記記録媒体の表面速度が異なって
も良い。In all of these image forming methods, the surface on which the toner image is carried and the surface speed of the recording medium may be different.

【００１８】さらに本発明は、静電潜像保持体表面に静
電潜像を形成する工程と、現像手段によって前記静電潜
像から前記静電潜像保持体表面にトナー像を現像する工
程と、前記静電潜像保持体表面に形成されたトナー像を
フィルム化する工程と、フィルム化された前記トナー像
にせん断応力をかけながら中間転写媒体上へ転写する第
１の転写工程と、前記中間転写媒体上のフィルム化され
た前記トナー像を記録媒体に転写する第２の転写工程と
を具備する事を特徴とする画像形成方法を提供する。Further, according to the present invention, a step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member and a step of developing a toner image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member from the electrostatic latent image by a developing means And a step of forming a toner image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member into a film, and a first transfer step of transferring the filmed toner image onto an intermediate transfer medium while applying a shearing stress to the toner image, A second transfer step of transferring the toner image formed into a film on the intermediate transfer medium to a recording medium.

【００１９】また、前記静電潜像保持体の表面速度と前
記中間転写媒体の表面速度が異なっていてもよい。The surface speed of the latent electrostatic image holding member may be different from the surface speed of the intermediate transfer medium.

【００２０】また、前記第１の転写工程は、前記中間転
写媒体に非固着状態で設けられる弾性層を有し、前記中
間転写媒体の前記トナー像の接する面に垂直方向に圧力
を加えることで、前記トナー像と接する面の接線方向へ
引き延ばして静電潜像保持体から中間転写媒体へトナー
像を転写しても良い。In the first transfer step, an elastic layer is provided on the intermediate transfer medium in a non-fixed state, and a pressure is applied in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the intermediate transfer medium in contact with the toner image. Alternatively, the toner image may be transferred from the electrostatic latent image holding member to an intermediate transfer medium by extending the surface in contact with the toner image in a tangential direction.

【００２１】前記静電潜像保持体表面に形成されるトナ
ー像は、キャリア液とトナー粒子とからなるトナー像で
あっても良い。The toner image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member may be a toner image composed of a carrier liquid and toner particles.

【００２２】前記フィルム化する工程は、前記キャリア
液を除去し、トナー像を乾燥させる工程であっても良
い。The step of forming a film may be a step of removing the carrier liquid and drying the toner image.

【００２３】また、前記フィルム化する工程は、トナー
像を、乾燥時の前記トナー粒子のガラス転移点よりも高
い温度に加熱する工程であっても良い。Further, the step of forming a film may be a step of heating the toner image to a temperature higher than a glass transition point of the toner particles at the time of drying.

【００２４】さらに本発明は、静電潜像保持体と、前記
静電潜像保持体表面を帯電させる帯電器と、帯電した前
記静電潜像保持体表面に静電潜像を形成する光学系装置
と、前記静電潜像の形成された前記静電潜像保持体表面
に液体トナーを供給しトナー像を形成する現像手段と、
前記トナー像をフィルム化するフィルム化手段と、フィ
ルム化された前記トナー像にせん断応力をかけながら記
録媒体上へ転写する転写手段とからなる事を特徴とする
画像形成装置を提供する。Further, the present invention provides an electrostatic latent image holding member, a charger for charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member, and an optical element for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member. System device, developing means for supplying a liquid toner to the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a film forming means for forming the toner image into a film; and a transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the film onto a recording medium while applying a shearing stress.

【００２５】また本発明は、静電潜像保持体と、前記静
電潜像保持体表面を帯電させる帯電器と、帯電した前記
静電潜像保持体表面に静電潜像を形成する光学系装置
と、前記静電潜像の形成された前記静電潜像保持体表面
に液体トナーを供給しトナー像を形成する現像手段と、
現像された前記感光体表面の前記トナー像を中間転写媒
体上へ転写する第１の転写手段と、前記中間転写媒体上
の前記トナー像をフィルム化するフィルム化手段と、フ
ィルム化された前記トナー像にせん断応力をかけながら
記録媒体上へ転写する第２の転写手段とからなる事を特
徴とする画像形成装置を提供する。Further, the present invention provides an electrostatic latent image holding member, a charger for charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member, and an optical device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member. System device, developing means for supplying a liquid toner to the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image,
First transfer means for transferring the developed toner image on the photoreceptor surface onto an intermediate transfer medium, film forming means for forming the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium into a film, and film-forming toner And a second transfer means for transferring the image onto a recording medium while applying a shearing stress to the image.

【００２６】この画像形成装置の第２の転写手段は、前
記中間転写媒体に非固着状態で設けられる弾性層を有
し、前記トナー像の担持面に垂直方向に圧力を加え、担
持面の接線方向へ引き延ばして転写しても良い。The second transfer means of the image forming apparatus has an elastic layer provided in a non-fixed state on the intermediate transfer medium, and applies a pressure in a direction perpendicular to the toner image carrying surface to make a tangent to the carrying surface. It may be stretched in the direction and transferred.

【００２７】さらに本発明は、静電潜像保持体体と、前
記静電潜像保持体表面を帯電させる帯電器と、帯電した
前記感光体表面に静電潜像を形成する光学系装置と、前
記静電潜像の形成された前記静電潜像保持体表面に液体
トナーを供給しトナー像を形成する現像手段と、前記ト
ナー像をフィルム化するフィルム化手段と、フィルム化
された前記トナー像にせん断応力をかけながら中間転写
媒体上へ転写する第１の転写手段と、前記中間転写媒体
上の前記トナー像にせん断応力をかけながら記録媒体上
へ転写する第２の転写手段とからなる事を特徴とする画
像形成装置を提供する。Further, the present invention provides an electrostatic latent image holding member, a charger for charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member, and an optical device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the photosensitive member. Developing means for supplying a liquid toner to the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image; film forming means for forming the toner image into a film; A first transfer unit that transfers the toner image onto the intermediate transfer medium while applying a shear stress to the toner image, and a second transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium onto the recording medium while applying a shear stress. An image forming apparatus is provided.

【００２８】この画像形成装置の第１の転写手段と前記
第２の転写手段の少なくとも一方は、前記中間転写媒体
に非固着状態で設けられる弾性層を有し、前記中間転写
媒体の前記トナー像と接する面に垂直方向に圧力を加
え、前記トナー像と接する面の接線方向へ引き延ばして
転写しても良い。At least one of the first transfer means and the second transfer means of the image forming apparatus has an elastic layer provided in a non-fixed state on the intermediate transfer medium, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium is provided. Alternatively, a pressure may be applied in the vertical direction to the surface in contact with the toner image to extend in the tangential direction of the surface in contact with the toner image to transfer.

【００２９】さらにこれら全ての画像形成装置のトナー
像が担持される面と前記記録媒体の表面速度が異なって
も良い。Furthermore, the surface speed of the recording medium may be different from the surface of the image forming apparatus on which the toner image is carried, and the surface speed of the recording medium.

【００３０】さらに本発明は、静電潜像保持体と、前記
静電潜像保持体表面を帯電させる帯電器と、帯電した前
記静電潜像保持体表面に静電潜像を形成する光学系装置
と、前記静電潜像の形成された前記静電潜像保持体表面
に液体トナーを供給しトナー像を形成する現像手段と、
現像された前記感光体表面の前記トナー像をフィルム化
するフィルム化手段と、フィルム化された前記トナー像
をせん断応力をかけながら中間転写媒体上へ転写する第
１の転写手段と、前記中間転写媒体上にフィルム化され
たトナー像を記録媒体上へ転写する第２の転写手段とか
らなる事を特徴とする画像形成装置を提供する。Further, the present invention provides an electrostatic latent image holding member, a charger for charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member, and an optical device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member. System device, developing means for supplying a liquid toner to the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image,
Film forming means for forming the developed toner image on the photoreceptor surface into a film, first transferring means for transferring the filmed toner image onto an intermediate transfer medium while applying shear stress, and the intermediate transfer An image forming apparatus comprising: a second transfer unit that transfers a toner image formed into a film on a medium onto a recording medium.

【００３１】前記静電潜像保持体の表面速度と前記中間
転写媒体の表面速度が異ならせても良い。The surface speed of the electrostatic latent image carrier may be different from the surface speed of the intermediate transfer medium.

【００３２】前記第１の転写手段は、前記中間転写媒体
に非固着状態で設けられる弾性層を有し、前記中間転写
媒体の前記トナー像の接する面に垂直方向に圧力を加え
ることで、前記トナー像と接する面の接線方向へ引き延
ばして静電潜像保持体表面から中間転写媒体へトナー像
を転写しても良い。The first transfer means has an elastic layer provided in a non-fixed state on the intermediate transfer medium, and applies a pressure in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the intermediate transfer medium which is in contact with the toner image to thereby form the first transfer means. The toner image may be transferred from the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member to the intermediate transfer medium by extending the surface in contact with the toner image in a tangential direction.

【００３３】前記静電潜像保持体表面に形成されるトナ
ー像は、キャリア液とトナー粒子とから構成してもよ
い。The toner image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member may be composed of a carrier liquid and toner particles.

【００３４】前記フィルム化手段は、前記キャリア液を
除去し、トナー像を乾燥させる手段とすることができ
る。The film forming means may be a means for removing the carrier liquid and drying the toner image.

【００３５】前記フィルム化手段は、トナー像を、乾燥
時の前記トナー粒子のガラス転移点よりも高い温度に加
熱する手段とすることもできる。The film forming means may be a means for heating the toner image to a temperature higher than the glass transition point of the toner particles during drying.

【００３６】なお、本発明におけるフィルム化とは、ト
ナーの溶媒がある程度除去され、トナー粒子同士に凝集
力や粘着力が働く状態にすることであり、例えば膜状に
一体化した状態や、トナー粒子のガラス転移点以上に加
熱し、粘着力が付与された状態にすることを指す。The film formation in the present invention means that the solvent of the toner is removed to some extent and a cohesive force or an adhesive force is applied to the toner particles. It refers to heating to a temperature higher than the glass transition point of the particles to obtain a state in which tackiness is imparted.

【００３７】[0037]

【発明の実施の形態】以下に、本発明の実施例を詳細に
説明するが、本発明はこれらの実施例に限定されるもの
ではない。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

【００３８】まず、本発明の第１の実施例について説明
する。この第１の実施例の構成を図１に示す。First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the first embodiment.

【００３９】本実施例の画像形成装置は、静電潜像保持
体としての感光体１０１と、その周囲に感光体１０１表
面を一様に帯電させる帯電器１０２、帯電電荷に対して
画信号に応じた光照射を行い、静電潜像を形成する光学
系装置１０３、静電潜像の形成された感光体１０１表面
に液体トナーを塗布する事で感光体１０１表面にトナー
像を形成する現像手段１０４、形成されたトナー像をフ
ィルム化するためのフィルム化手段１０５、フィルム化
されたトナー像を転写するための中間転写媒体１０６、
感光体１０１表面の残留トナーを回収するためのクリー
ニング手段１０７、更に感光体１０１表面の帯電電荷を
除去するための除電手段１０８を有する。The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a photosensitive member 101 as an electrostatic latent image holding member, a charger 102 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive member 101 around the photosensitive member 101, and an image signal for the charged charges. An optical system device 103 that forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating light corresponding to the light, and a developing device that forms a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 101 by applying liquid toner to the surface of the photoconductor 101 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed Means 104, film forming means 105 for forming the formed toner image into a film, intermediate transfer medium 106 for transferring the filmed toner image,
The cleaning unit 107 includes a cleaning unit 107 for collecting residual toner on the surface of the photoconductor 101, and a charge removing unit 108 for removing charged charges on the surface of the photoconductor 101.

【００４０】また、中間転写媒体１０６の感光体１０１
との接触位置とは別の位置に、圧力を付与するための加
圧ローラ１０９を有し、中間転写媒体１０６と加圧ロー
ラ１０９との間に記録媒体１１０が搬送される。The photosensitive member 101 of the intermediate transfer medium 106
A pressure roller 109 for applying pressure is provided at a position different from the contact position with the recording medium 110, and the recording medium 110 is transported between the intermediate transfer medium 106 and the pressure roller 109.

【００４１】感光体１０１は、アルミニウム等からなる
金属ドラム１１１表面に約１０〜約４０μｍの厚さの感
光層１１２、好ましくは更にその上にフッ素系樹脂、シ
リコーン系樹脂等からなる厚み約５μｍ以下の離型層１
１３を有する。The photosensitive member 101 has a photosensitive layer 112 having a thickness of about 10 to about 40 μm on the surface of a metal drum 111 made of aluminum or the like, and preferably further has a thickness of about 5 μm or less made of a fluororesin, a silicone resin or the like. Release layer 1
13.

【００４２】現像手段１０４は、液体トナー１１４を保
持するトナー保持部材１１５と液体トナー１１４を感光
体１０１表面上の離型層１１３に供給するための現像ロ
ーラ１１６を有する。The developing means 104 has a toner holding member 115 for holding the liquid toner 114 and a developing roller 116 for supplying the liquid toner 114 to the release layer 113 on the surface of the photosensitive member 101.

【００４３】トナー像のフィルム化手段１０５は、現像
手段１０４によって形成されたトナー像のかぶり取り及
び液体トナーの膜厚規制を行なうスクイーズ手段１１
７、スクイーズされたトナー像の離型層１１３表面への
付着力を高めるためのトナー像固定手段１１８、固定さ
れたトナー像を加熱してトナー像から溶媒を除去するた
めのトナー像加熱手段１１９、から構成される。さらに
トナー像加熱手段１１９は、感光体１０１に対して非接
触状態で設けられ、例えばハロゲンランプ等の光照射手
段であっても良い。The toner image forming means 105 includes a squeezing means 11 for fogging the toner image formed by the developing means 104 and controlling the thickness of the liquid toner.
7. Toner image fixing means 118 for increasing the adhesion of the squeezed toner image to the surface of the release layer 113, and toner image heating means 119 for heating the fixed toner image to remove the solvent from the toner image. , Consisting of Further, the toner image heating unit 119 is provided in a non-contact state with the photoconductor 101, and may be a light irradiation unit such as a halogen lamp.

【００４４】液体トナー１１４は絶縁性の炭化水素系溶
媒などのキャリア液中に顔料成分を含有した径が約２μ
ｍ以下のトナー粒子を分散させたものであり、本実施例
の場合、トナー粒子は溶媒中でプラス帯電している。ま
た、現像手段によって、キャリア液中をトナー粒子が移
動することで、静電潜像を可視像化したトナー粒子から
なるトナー像が形成される。The liquid toner 114 contains a pigment component in a carrier liquid such as an insulating hydrocarbon solvent and has a diameter of about 2 μm.
m or less, and in this embodiment, the toner particles are positively charged in the solvent. Further, the toner particles are moved in the carrier liquid by the developing means, so that a toner image composed of toner particles obtained by visualizing the electrostatic latent image is formed.

【００４５】中間転写媒体１０６は金属ローラ１２０と
その表面に形成された厚み約１ｍｍ以下のウレタンゴ
ム、フッ素ゴム、エピクロルヒドリンゴム、シリコーン
ゴム等の弾性層１２１からなる。金属ローラ１２０の内
面には、ハロゲンランプ等から構成されるヒータ１２２
を具備している。The intermediate transfer medium 106 includes a metal roller 120 and an elastic layer 121 formed on the surface thereof and having a thickness of about 1 mm or less, such as urethane rubber, fluorine rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, or silicone rubber. A heater 122 composed of a halogen lamp or the like is provided on the inner surface of the metal roller 120.
Is provided.

【００４６】加圧ローラ１０９は金属ローラであるか、
または金属ローラの表面に弾性層を構成している事が好
ましく、さらにその内面にヒータを設けてローラ全体を
約６０〜約１００℃程度に加熱する事がより好ましい。The pressure roller 109 is a metal roller,
Alternatively, it is preferable that an elastic layer is formed on the surface of the metal roller, and it is more preferable that a heater is provided on the inner surface to heat the entire roller to about 60 to about 100 ° C.

【００４７】また、感光体１０１、中間転写媒体１０
６、加圧ローラ１０９はそれぞれ図示しない独立の駆動
機構によって、独立に回転するようになっている。The photosensitive member 101 and the intermediate transfer medium 10
6. The pressure rollers 109 are independently rotated by independent drive mechanisms (not shown).

【００４８】次に本実施例の画像形成装置による画像形
成のプロセスについて説明する。Next, an image forming process performed by the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

【００４９】まず、帯電器１０２によって感光体１０１
表面は＋８００Ｖ程度に一様帯電される。First, the photosensitive member 101 is charged by the charger 102.
The surface is uniformly charged to about + 800V.

【００５０】次に光学系装置１０３によって、画像部は
＋２００Ｖ程度まで電位を低下させ、離型層１１３表面
に静電潜像を形成する。Next, the potential of the image portion is reduced to about +200 V by the optical system device 103, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the release layer 113.

【００５１】現像手段１０４は、現像ローラ１１６が離
型層１１３表面に対して１５０μｍ程度のギャップを設
けて保持されており、このギャップは現像ローラ１１６
が供給する液体トナー１１４によって埋め尽くされてい
る。現像ローラ１１６には＋５００Ｖ程度の電圧が印加
されるため、感光体１０１と現像ローラ１１６が液体ト
ナー１１４を介して接する領域を静電潜像が通過する
と、画像部においては現像ローラ１１６から感光体１０
１へ向う方向に、非画像部においては感光体１０１から
現像ローラ１１６へ向う方向に電界が形成されるため、
プラス帯電した液体トナー１１４中のトナー粒子は画像
部にのみ付着する。この結果、現像手段１０４通過後に
は離型層１１３表面にトナー像が形成される。この時、
画像部の電位は＋３００Ｖ程度まで上昇する。The developing means 104 holds the developing roller 116 with a gap of about 150 μm from the surface of the release layer 113.
Are filled with the liquid toner 114 supplied. Since a voltage of about +500 V is applied to the developing roller 116, when the electrostatic latent image passes through a region where the photosensitive member 101 and the developing roller 116 are in contact with each other via the liquid toner 114, in the image area, the photosensitive member 101 10
In the non-image portion, an electric field is formed in a direction from the photosensitive member 101 to the developing roller 116,
The toner particles in the positively charged liquid toner 114 adhere only to the image area. As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of the release layer 113 after passing through the developing unit 104. At this time,
The potential of the image section rises to about + 300V.

【００５２】次のスクイーズ手段１１７として設けられ
た金属ローラにおいては、金属ローラは離型層１１３表
面から５０μｍ程度のギャップを介して設けられてお
り、＋２００Ｖ程度の電圧が印加される。液体トナー像
がスクイーズ手段１１７に接近すると、離型層１１３表
面から金属ローラへ向う方向に強電界が形成されるが、
特に非画像部において強い電界が形成されるため、非画
像部に浮遊している帯電トナー粒子が回収される。ま
た、これと同時にトナー像の膜厚が規制され、薄膜化さ
れる。In the metal roller provided as the next squeezing means 117, the metal roller is provided with a gap of about 50 μm from the surface of the release layer 113, and a voltage of about +200 V is applied. When the liquid toner image approaches the squeezing means 117, a strong electric field is formed in the direction from the surface of the release layer 113 to the metal roller.
Particularly, since a strong electric field is formed in the non-image portion, the charged toner particles floating in the non-image portion are collected. At the same time, the thickness of the toner image is regulated and the toner image is made thinner.

【００５３】さらに、トナー像固定手段１１８において
は、帯電器と同様の電荷付与手段を用いてトナー像の表
面電位を＋８００Ｖ程度まで帯電させる。この表面電荷
によりトナー像の画像部において、トナー像の表面から
感光体１０１内の金属ドラム１１１方向に電界が形成さ
れるため、トナー像中のトナー粒子は離型層１１３表面
により接近し、金属ドラム１１１との間に働く鏡像力が
増大することでより強く固定される。Further, in the toner image fixing means 118, the surface potential of the toner image is charged to about +800 V by using the same charge applying means as the charger. Due to this surface charge, an electric field is formed in the image portion of the toner image from the surface of the toner image toward the metal drum 111 in the photoreceptor 101, so that the toner particles in the toner image approach the surface of the release layer 113, and As the image force acting between the drum 111 and the drum 111 increases, the image is fixed more strongly.

【００５４】次にトナー像加熱手段１１９において、ト
ナー像は７０℃程度まで加熱され、トナー像に含まれる
大部分の溶媒が除去される。これらスクイーズ手段１１
７、トナー像固定手段１１８及びトナー像加熱手段１１
９を経て、トナー像はフィルム化される。即ち、トナー
像は、現像後の状態から約８０％以上の溶媒が除去され
ることでフィルム化する。Next, in the toner image heating means 119, the toner image is heated to about 70 ° C., and most of the solvent contained in the toner image is removed. These squeeze means 11
7. Toner image fixing means 118 and toner image heating means 11
After 9, the toner image is formed into a film. That is, the toner image is formed into a film by removing about 80% or more of the solvent from the state after the development.

【００５５】一般に液体トナーにはガラス転移点の低い
トナー粒子が使用されており、このトナー粒子はキャリ
ア液中においては膨潤した状態で分散しているが、キャ
リア液の除去に伴い、トナー粒子相互間に働く凝集力が
大きく作用するようになり、一体化して膜状になる。こ
の場合、加熱手段１１９は必ずしも必要ではなく、例え
ば送風手段により、キャリア液除去を促進しても良い。
また、ガラス転移点の高いトナー粒子の場合、溶媒の除
去のみでは、トナー粒子相互間に働く凝集力は十分に大
きくならないが、トナー粒子のガラス転移点温度以上に
加熱することで粘着力が高まり、トナー粒子相互間に粘
着力が働き、フィルム化することができる。粘着力を高
めるための加熱は、中間転写媒体１０６を加熱すること
で行っても良い。Generally, toner particles having a low glass transition point are used in a liquid toner, and the toner particles are dispersed in a swelling state in a carrier liquid. The cohesive force acting between them acts greatly, and they are integrated into a film. In this case, the heating unit 119 is not always necessary, and the removal of the carrier liquid may be promoted by, for example, a blowing unit.
Further, in the case of toner particles having a high glass transition point, the cohesive force acting between the toner particles does not become sufficiently large only by removing the solvent, but the adhesive force is increased by heating the toner particles to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature. Adhesive force acts between the toner particles to form a film. The heating for increasing the adhesive strength may be performed by heating the intermediate transfer medium 106.

【００５６】フィルム化したトナー像は、次に感光体１
０１と中間転写媒体１０６が接する領域に搬送される。
あるいは感光体１０１上のトナー像は中間転写媒体１０
６と感光体１０６が接触する領域において加熱されフィ
ルム化する。The toner image formed into a film is then transferred to the photosensitive member 1
01 is conveyed to the area where the intermediate transfer medium 106 is in contact.
Alternatively, the toner image on the photoreceptor 101 is
The film is heated in a region where the photoconductor 6 and the photoconductor 106 are in contact with each other.

【００５７】この領域では、Ａ４幅換算で２０〜６０ｋ
ｇｆ程度の荷重による圧力と、内部に設けられたヒータ
１２２によりトナー粒子のガラス転移点以上、例えば７
０℃程度に加熱された中間転写媒体１０６からの熱が供
給される。このように中間転写媒体１０６を加熱するこ
とで、トナー粒子の粘着力を増大させ、中間転写媒体１
０６への付着力を高めている。この際、感光体１０１を
ガラス転移点未満に保持させることで、トナー粒子の感
光体１０１への付着力を高めずに、中間転写媒体への付
着力を高めることが好ましい。In this area, the A4 width is 20 to 60 k
The pressure due to the load of about gf and the heater 122 provided therein provide a temperature higher than the glass transition point of the toner particles, for example, 7
Heat from the intermediate transfer medium 106 heated to about 0 ° C. is supplied. By heating the intermediate transfer medium 106 in this way, the adhesive force of the toner particles is increased, and the intermediate transfer medium 1 is heated.
06 has increased adhesion. At this time, it is preferable to increase the adhesion of the toner particles to the intermediate transfer medium without increasing the adhesion of the toner particles to the photoconductor 101 by keeping the photoconductor 101 below the glass transition point.

【００５８】図２に感光体１０１と中間転写媒体１０６
とが接する部分の拡大図を示す。図２に示すように、感
光体１０１の表面速度ｖ１は中間転写媒体１０６の表面
速度ｖ２よりも大きく設定されている。このような速度
差を設けると図２のようにトナー像２０１と離型層１１
３表面との界面においては感光体１０１の移動方向と同
方向の力ｆ１がかかる。一方、トナー像２０１と弾性層
１２１表面との界面においては感光体１０１の移動方向
と逆方向の力ｆ２が作用し、トナー像２０１はせん断応
力を受ける。このせん断応力によりトナー像２０１の離
型層１１３表面への付着力が低下し、トナー像２０１を
離型層１１３表面から容易に剥離することが可能とな
る。なお、せん断応力を働かせるためにはｖ１、ｖ２の
大きさを異ならせれば良いが、本発明者らが実験を行っ
たところ、 ｖ１＞ｖ２とした時に特にトナー像２０１
の剥離性が高いことを確認できた。また速度比、ｖ２／
ｖ１については、トナー像２０１に十分なせん断応力を
作用させ、画像を乱さない様、０．８〜０．９８、さら
には０．９〜０．９５程度に設定するのが望ましい。FIG. 2 shows the photosensitive member 101 and the intermediate transfer medium 106.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion where the contact is made. As shown in FIG. 2, the surface velocity v 1 of the photosensitive member 101 is set to be larger than the surface velocity v 2 of the intermediate transfer medium 106. When such a speed difference is provided, the toner image 201 and the release layer 11 are provided as shown in FIG.
At the interface between the 3 surfaces such force f 1 of the same direction as the moving direction of the photosensitive member 101. On the other hand, at the interface between the toner image 201 and the elastic layer 121 surface acts to move the direction opposite to the direction of force f 2 of the photosensitive member 101, the toner image 201 is subjected to a shear stress. Due to this shear stress, the adhesive force of the toner image 201 to the surface of the release layer 113 is reduced, and the toner image 201 can be easily separated from the surface of the release layer 113. In order to apply the shearing stress, the magnitudes of v 1 and v 2 may be made different. However, when the present inventors conducted an experiment, it was found that when v 1 > v 2 , the toner image 201 was particularly damaged.
It was confirmed that the peeling property was high. The speed ratio, v 2 /
v For 1, by applying a sufficient shear stress to the toner image 201, as not to disturb the image, 0.8 to 0.98, more desirably set to about 0.9 to 0.95.

【００５９】図１で、感光体１０１が更に回転移動する
と、転写されずに残った離型層１１３表面の残留トナー
がクリーニング手段１０７により除去され、また残留電
荷が除電手段１０８により除去される。In FIG. 1, when the photosensitive member 101 is further rotated, the residual toner remaining on the surface of the release layer 113 which has not been transferred is removed by the cleaning means 107, and the residual charge is removed by the charge removing means 108.

【００６０】一方、トナー像の転写を受けた中間転写媒
体１０６は、図１の矢印の方向に回転移動して、加圧ロ
ーラ１０９に支持された記録媒体１１０と接する領域
に、トナー像を搬送し、トナー像にＡ４幅換算で４０〜
１００ｋｇｆ程度の荷重による圧力を作用させる。On the other hand, the intermediate transfer medium 106 that has received the transfer of the toner image rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 and conveys the toner image to a region in contact with the recording medium 110 supported by the pressure roller 109. The toner image has an A4 width of 40 to
A pressure is applied by a load of about 100 kgf.

【００６１】図３は中間転写媒体１０６と記録媒体１１
０と加圧ローラ１０９の接する部分の拡大図である。図
３の様に、加圧ローラ１０９の表面速度ｖ3を中間転写
媒体１０６の表面速度ｖ２よりも小さく設定する。加圧
ローラ１０９と記録媒体１１０の界面で作用する摩擦力
により、記録媒体１１０の速度がｖ３となるようにする
と、トナー像の上下面で、中間転写媒体１０６の接線方
向に作用する力の方向が互いに逆となるため、トナー像
にせん断応力を作用させることができる。そして、中間
転写媒体１０６上からトナー像が記録媒体１１０表面へ
容易に転写され、記録媒体１１０上に画像が形成され
る。FIG. 3 shows the intermediate transfer medium 106 and the recording medium 11
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion where 0 and a pressure roller 109 are in contact. As shown in FIG. 3, the surface speed v 3 of the pressure roller 109 is set lower than the surface speed v 2 of the intermediate transfer medium 106. By the frictional force acting at the interface of the pressure roller 109 and the recording medium 110, when such speed of the recording medium 110 is v 3, the upper and lower surfaces of the toner image, a force acting in the tangential direction of the intermediate transfer medium 106 Since the directions are opposite to each other, a shear stress can be applied to the toner image. Then, the toner image is easily transferred from the intermediate transfer medium 106 to the surface of the recording medium 110, and an image is formed on the recording medium 110.

【００６２】このようにトナー像には、感光体１０１と
中間転写媒体１０６、また中間転写媒体１０６と加圧ロ
ーラ１０９に支持される記録媒体１１０の接する領域に
おいて、圧力及び熱の作用に加え、それぞれの部材の回
転方向に沿ったせん断応力が作用する。このため、転写
する側からのトナー像の剥離、及び転写される側へのト
ナー像の転移が容易となり、トナー像の転写効率を向上
させることが可能となる。なお、中間転写媒体１０６か
ら記録媒体１１０への転写工程において、加圧ローラ１
０９を加熱すると、記録媒体１１０との接触による中間
転写媒体１０６表面のトナー像の温度低下を抑制するこ
とができ、更に転写効率を向上させることも出来る。As described above, in the area where the photosensitive member 101 and the intermediate transfer medium 106 and the intermediate transfer medium 106 and the recording medium 110 supported by the pressing roller 109 are in contact with the toner image, pressure and heat are applied to the toner image. A shear stress acts along the rotation direction of each member. For this reason, it is easy to separate the toner image from the transfer side and to transfer the toner image to the transfer side, and it is possible to improve the transfer efficiency of the toner image. In the transfer process from the intermediate transfer medium 106 to the recording medium 110, the pressure roller 1
When 09 is heated, a decrease in the temperature of the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium 106 due to the contact with the recording medium 110 can be suppressed, and the transfer efficiency can be further improved.

【００６３】ところで、図２、図３の様に転写する側と
転写される側に速度差を設ける場合には、転写する側に
おけるトナー像の大きさと、転写される側におけるトナ
ー像の大きさが異なってしまう。図２のように、トナー
像２０１は離型層１１３から弾性層１２１への転写前後
において、速度比ｖ２／ｖ１の比率に応じて収縮する。
同様に図３のようにトナー像２０１は弾性層１２１から
記録媒体１１０への転写前後において、ｖ３／ｖ２の比
率に応じて収縮する。そのため、記録媒体１１０表面の
トナー像は、原画像からｖ３／ｖ１の比率で変化するこ
ととなる。When a speed difference is provided between the transfer side and the transfer side as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the size of the toner image on the transfer side and the size of the toner image on the transfer side are determined. Will be different. As shown in Figure 2, before and after the transfer from the toner image 201 is the release layer 113 to the elastic layer 121, contracts in accordance with the ratio of the velocity ratio v 2 / v 1.
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, the toner image 201 contracts before and after the transfer from the elastic layer 121 to the recording medium 110 according to the ratio of v 3 / v 2 . Therefore, the toner image on the surface of the recording medium 110 changes at a ratio of v 3 / v 1 from the original image.

【００６４】従って、記録媒体１１０表面のトナー像を
原画像と同一とするためには、転写時のトナー像の変形
率を考慮して予め原画像から変形させた静電潜像を形成
しておくことで、最終的に得られる記録媒体１１０上の
画像を原画像と等しくすることも可能である。Therefore, in order to make the toner image on the surface of the recording medium 110 the same as the original image, an electrostatic latent image previously deformed from the original image is formed in consideration of the deformation rate of the toner image at the time of transfer. By doing so, the finally obtained image on the recording medium 110 can be made equal to the original image.

【００６５】次に、本発明の第２の実施例について説明
する。この第２の実施例の構成を図４に示す。図４にお
いては、図１と共通する部分には同じ符号を付け、その
説明を省略する。Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the second embodiment. In FIG. 4, portions common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

【００６６】本実施例の画像形成装置は、感光体１０１
から中間転写媒体１０６への転写を電界を用いて行い、
その後中間転写媒体１０６表面のトナー像を記録媒体１
１０に圧力と熱で転写する。構成としては、トナー像加
熱手段を感光体付近に設けず、図４に示す様に、中間転
写媒体１０６に非接触状態で設けられるトナー像加熱手
段４０１を有する以外は図１と同様の構成である。The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes a photosensitive member 101.
Is transferred to the intermediate transfer medium 106 using an electric field,
Thereafter, the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium 106 is
Transfer to 10 with pressure and heat. The configuration is the same as that of FIG. 1 except that the toner image heating unit is not provided near the photoconductor and a toner image heating unit 401 is provided in a non-contact state with the intermediate transfer medium 106 as shown in FIG. is there.

【００６７】第１の実施例と同様に離型層１１３表面に
形成されたトナー像は、スクイーズ手段１１７、トナー
像固定手段１１８を経て、中間転写媒体１０６に接近す
る位置まで搬送される。感光体１０１と中間転写媒体１
０６との間は約５０μｍ以下のギャップが設けられてい
るが、離型層１１３表面に形成された液体トナーによる
トナー像に含まれる溶媒によって埋め尽くされている。
感光体１０１と中間転写媒体１０６との間には６００Ｖ
程度の電圧が印加されており、液体トナー中のトナー粒
子は電気泳動により弾性層１２１表面に移動する。As in the first embodiment, the toner image formed on the surface of the release layer 113 is conveyed to a position approaching the intermediate transfer medium 106 via the squeezing means 117 and the toner image fixing means 118. Photoconductor 101 and intermediate transfer medium 1
Although a gap of about 50 μm or less is provided between the release layer 113 and the surface of the release layer 113, the gap is filled with the solvent contained in the toner image formed by the liquid toner formed on the surface of the release layer 113.
600 V between the photosensitive member 101 and the intermediate transfer medium 106
Voltage is applied, and the toner particles in the liquid toner move to the surface of the elastic layer 121 by electrophoresis.

【００６８】このようにして中間転写媒体１０６に転写
されたトナー像は、トナー像加熱手段１１９及び中間転
写媒体１０６内部のヒータ１２２からの熱により７０℃
以上に加熱され、フィルム化される。フィルム化された
トナー像は第１の実施例と同様の作用により記録媒体１
１０に転写され、最終画像が得られる。本実施例におい
ても中間転写媒体１０６と加圧ローラ１０９に支持され
た記録媒体１１０との間でせん断応力が働き、良好な画
像を得る事が出来る。The toner image thus transferred to the intermediate transfer medium 106 is heated to 70 ° C. by the heat from the toner image heating means 119 and the heater 122 inside the intermediate transfer medium 106.
The film is heated as described above to form a film. The toner image formed into a film is recorded on the recording medium 1 by the same operation as in the first embodiment.
10 and a final image is obtained. Also in this embodiment, a shear stress acts between the intermediate transfer medium 106 and the recording medium 110 supported by the pressure roller 109, so that a good image can be obtained.

【００６９】次に、本発明の第３の実施例について説明
する。この第３の実施例の構成を図５に示す。図５は、
図１の中間転写媒体１０６付近の拡大図に相当する。Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the third embodiment. FIG.
This corresponds to an enlarged view near the intermediate transfer medium 106 in FIG.

【００７０】本実施例の画像形成装置の基本的な構成
は、第１の実施例と同様であるが、図５の様に中間転写
媒体１０６の構成要素である弾性層１２１が金属ローラ
１２０に対して非固着状態で設けられており、また感光
体１０１、中間転写媒体１０６及び加圧ローラ１０９の
表面速度がすべて等しい点が異なる。The basic structure of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the elastic layer 121 which is a component of the intermediate transfer medium 106 is attached to the metal roller 120 as shown in FIG. However, they are provided in a non-fixed state, and the surface speeds of the photoconductor 101, the intermediate transfer medium 106, and the pressure roller 109 are all equal.

【００７１】次に図６、図７、図８を用いて本実施例に
おける動作原理について説明する。Next, the operation principle of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

【００７２】まず、図６の様に中間転写媒体１０６と、
離型層１１３表面のトナー像２０１が回転に伴って、こ
れらの接触位置まで移動する。First, as shown in FIG. 6, the intermediate transfer medium 106
The toner image 201 on the surface of the release layer 113 moves to these contact positions with the rotation.

【００７３】次に図７の様に、この中間転写媒体１０６
と感光体１０１の接触位置において、圧力Ｐが印加さ
れ、中間転写媒体１０６表面の弾性層１２１は、厚み方
向に圧縮される。この時、弾性層１２１は金属ローラ１
２０とは非固着状態で設けられているため、中間転写媒
体１０６の接線方向にも力が作用し、この方向に弾性層
１２１が伸張する。よって、弾性層１２１は中間転写媒
体１０６の接線方向に伸張された状態で離型層１１３表
面のトナー像２０１と接触することになる。Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the intermediate transfer medium 106
The pressure P is applied at the contact position between the elastic layer 121 and the photosensitive member 101, and the elastic layer 121 on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium 106 is compressed in the thickness direction. At this time, the elastic layer 121 is
20 is provided in a non-fixed state, so that a force acts also in the tangential direction of the intermediate transfer medium 106, and the elastic layer 121 expands in this direction. Therefore, the elastic layer 121 comes into contact with the toner image 201 on the surface of the release layer 113 while being extended in the tangential direction of the intermediate transfer medium 106.

【００７４】さらに図８の様に、中間転写媒体１０６と
感光体１０１が移動に伴って非接触状態になると、弾性
層１２１に印加されていた圧力が解除されるため、弾性
層１２１は元の状態となる様、中間転写媒体１０６の接
線方向に沿って収縮し、厚み方向については伸張する。
一連の作用により、離型層１１３とトナー像２０１との
界面においては弾性層１２１の収縮に伴うせん断応力が
働き、トナー像２０１は離型層１１３表面への付着力が
弱まり、剥離して弾性層１２１に移動する。Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the intermediate transfer medium 106 and the photosensitive member 101 are brought into a non-contact state as they move, the pressure applied to the elastic layer 121 is released, and the elastic layer 121 is restored to its original state. The intermediate transfer medium 106 contracts in the tangential direction and expands in the thickness direction so as to be in the state.
Due to a series of actions, a shear stress due to the contraction of the elastic layer 121 acts on the interface between the release layer 113 and the toner image 201, and the adhesion of the toner image 201 to the surface of the release layer 113 is weakened, and the toner image 201 is peeled off and elastically deformed. Move to layer 121.

【００７５】このように中間転写媒体１０６の弾性層１
２１を金属ローラ１２０と非固着状態とすることで、中
間転写媒体１０６の接線方向に、より大きな力を作用さ
せることが可能となる。従って、トナー像２０１は弾性
層１２１の厚み方向への力の作用だけでなく、接線方向
については、せん断応力の作用を受けることになるた
め、転写が容易になる。As described above, the elastic layer 1 of the intermediate transfer medium 106
By setting the 21 in a non-fixed state with the metal roller 120, it is possible to apply a greater force in the tangential direction of the intermediate transfer medium 106. Therefore, the toner image 201 is not only subjected to a force in the thickness direction of the elastic layer 121 but also subjected to a shear stress in the tangential direction, so that the transfer is facilitated.

【００７６】トナー像の中間転写媒体１０６から記録媒
体１１０への転写についても全く同様であり、両者の接
触位置において弾性層１２１と加圧ローラ１０９に支持
された記録媒体１１０の間の同様のせん断応力の作用に
より、トナー像を記録媒体１１０へと容易に転写するこ
とができる。The transfer of the toner image from the intermediate transfer medium 106 to the recording medium 110 is completely the same, and the similar shearing between the elastic layer 121 and the recording medium 110 supported by the pressure roller 109 at the contact position between them. The toner image can be easily transferred to the recording medium 110 by the action of the stress.

【００７７】弾性層１２１はより伸縮性の高い材料を用
いた方が、せん断応力をより効果的に作用させることが
でき、材料の強度を勘案の上、適宜選定すれば良い。例
えば、弾性層１２１のＪＩＳ Ｋ−６３０１のＡ形で規
定される硬度が４０〜６０度程度、厚みを０．１〜１ｍ
ｍ程度の範囲とすることが望ましい。When a material having higher elasticity is used for the elastic layer 121, a shear stress can be more effectively applied, and the elastic layer 121 may be appropriately selected in consideration of the strength of the material. For example, the elastic layer 121 has a hardness of about 40 to 60 degrees and a thickness of about 0.1 to 1 m, which is defined by the type A of JIS K-6301.
It is desirable to set the range to about m.

【００７８】本実施例においては、転写時に離型層１１
３と弾性層１２１、または弾性層１２１と加圧ローラ１
０９に支持される記録媒体１１０が接触し圧力が印加さ
れる際に、弾性層１２１の収縮、伸長に伴い、これに接
触したトナー像２０１の大きさが転写前後で変化する。In this embodiment, at the time of transfer, the release layer 11
3 and elastic layer 121, or elastic layer 121 and pressure roller 1
When the recording medium 110 supported by 09 contacts and pressure is applied, the size of the toner image 201 in contact with the elastic layer 121 changes before and after the transfer as the elastic layer 121 contracts and expands.

【００７９】原画像と記録媒体１１０の画像を一致させ
るためには、感光体１０１と中間転写媒体１０６の間に
かかる圧力と、中間転写媒体１０６と加圧ローラ１０９
の間にかかる圧力とを同じ値に設定すれば良く、Ａ４幅
換算で７０ｋｇｆ程度が好ましい。また、一般的には感
光体１０１から中間転写媒体１０６への転写に必要な圧
力は、中間転写媒体１０６から記録媒体１１０への転写
に必要な圧力よりも小さい。例えば、前者はＡ４幅換算
で約２０〜約６０ｋｇｆであるのに対し、後者は同約４
０〜約１００ｋｇｆ必要となる。このような場合には両
転写時における転写前後の画像の大きさの変化率が異な
るが、これについては静電潜像形成時に予め画像の大き
さを変化させても良い。In order to match the original image with the image on the recording medium 110, the pressure applied between the photoreceptor 101 and the intermediate transfer medium 106, the intermediate transfer medium 106 and the pressure roller 109
May be set to the same value, and preferably about 70 kgf in terms of A4 width. Generally, the pressure required for transfer from the photoconductor 101 to the intermediate transfer medium 106 is smaller than the pressure required for transfer from the intermediate transfer medium 106 to the recording medium 110. For example, the former is about 20 to about 60 kgf in A4 width conversion, while the latter is about 4 kgf.
0 to about 100 kgf is required. In such a case, the rate of change in the size of the image before and after the transfer is different between the two transfers, but the size of the image may be changed beforehand when the electrostatic latent image is formed.

【００８０】次に、本発明の第４の実施例について説明
する。この第４の実施例の構成を図９に示す。図９にお
いては、図１と共通する部分には同じ符号を付け、その
説明を省略する。Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 9, portions common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

【００８１】本実施例の画像形成装置は、中間転写媒体
を用いずに、直接感光体１０１から記録媒体１１０に圧
力と熱で転写する。In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the image is directly transferred from the photosensitive member 101 to the recording medium 110 by using pressure and heat without using the intermediate transfer medium.

【００８２】加圧ローラ１０９は金属ローラ９０１とそ
の表面に形成した弾性層９０２とからなり、その内部に
ヒータ９０３を設ける。The pressure roller 109 includes a metal roller 901 and an elastic layer 902 formed on the surface of the metal roller 901, and a heater 903 is provided inside the metal roller 901.

【００８３】第１の実施例と同様の過程を経て、離型層
１１３表面に形成されたフィルム化したトナー像は、離
型層１１３と加圧ローラ１０９に支持される記録媒体１
１０との接する領域に移動して、Ａ４幅換算で６０〜１
００ｋｇｆ程度の荷重による圧力を受ける。The toner image formed on the surface of the release layer 113 through the process similar to that of the first embodiment is transferred to the recording medium 1 supported by the release layer 113 and the pressure roller 109.
Move to the area in contact with 10 and convert it to 60-1 in A4 width conversion.
A pressure of about 00 kgf is applied.

【００８４】ここで、加圧ローラ１０９の表面速度を感
光体１０１の表面速度よりも小さく設定し、加圧ローラ
１０９と記録媒体１１０の間で作用する摩擦力により、
感光体１０１よりも記録媒体１１０が遅く移動するよう
設定する。このように設定することで、トナー像の上下
面で、感光体１０１の接線方向に作用する力の方向が互
いに逆となるため、トナー像にせん断応力を作用させる
ことができる。Here, the surface speed of the pressure roller 109 is set lower than the surface speed of the photosensitive member 101, and the frictional force acting between the pressure roller 109 and the recording medium 110 causes
The setting is made so that the recording medium 110 moves later than the photoconductor 101. With this setting, the directions of the forces acting in the tangential direction of the photoconductor 101 on the upper and lower surfaces of the toner image are opposite to each other, so that a shear stress can be applied to the toner image.

【００８５】よって、感光体１０１から記録媒体１１０
に直接圧力と熱により転写する場合においても、せん断
応力を作用させる事により、転写効率を向上させること
が可能となる。Therefore, the photosensitive member 101 is moved from the recording medium 110
Even in the case where transfer is performed directly by pressure and heat, the transfer efficiency can be improved by applying a shear stress.

【００８６】次に、本発明の第５の実施例について説明
する。この第５の実施例の構成を図１０に示す。Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the fifth embodiment.

【００８７】本実施例の画像形成装置は、乾式の画像形
成方法を用いて中間転写媒体に転写し、その後記録媒体
に転写を行う。The image forming apparatus of this embodiment transfers the image to the intermediate transfer medium by using a dry image forming method, and then transfers the image to the recording medium.

【００８８】図１０で本実施例に係る装置の構成を説明
する。本実施例の画像形成装置は、感光体１０１と、感
光体１０１を一様に帯電させる帯電器１０２、帯電電荷
に対して画信号に応じた光照射を行い、静電潜像を形成
する光学系装置１０３、粉体トナーを供給して感光体１
０１表面の離型層１１３に静電潜像からトナー像を形成
する現像手段１００１、トナー像を転写するための中間
転写媒体１００２、感光体１０１表面の帯電電荷を除去
するための除電手段１０８、更に感光体１０１表面の離
型層１１３の残留トナーを回収するためのクリーニング
手段１０７を有する。Referring to FIG. 10, the configuration of the apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a photoconductor 101, a charger 102 that uniformly charges the photoconductor 101, and an optical device that irradiates the charged charge with light according to an image signal to form an electrostatic latent image. System device 103, supplying powder toner to photoconductor 1
A developing unit 1001 for forming a toner image from an electrostatic latent image on the release layer 113 on the surface of the photoconductor 01; an intermediate transfer medium 1002 for transferring the toner image; Further, there is provided a cleaning unit 107 for collecting residual toner on the release layer 113 on the surface of the photoconductor 101.

【００８９】また、中間転写媒体１００２に接触して圧
力を付与するための加圧ローラ１０９はその内部にヒー
タを有する事が好ましい。中間転写媒体１００２と加圧
ローラ１０９との間に記録媒体１１０が搬送される。The pressure roller 109 for applying pressure by contacting the intermediate transfer medium 1002 preferably has a heater inside. The recording medium 110 is transported between the intermediate transfer medium 1002 and the pressure roller 109.

【００９０】中間転写媒体１００２は中間転写ベルト１
００３と第１の転写ローラ１００４、第２の転写ローラ
１００５から構成される。中間転写ベルト１００３は第
１の実施例の弾性層１２１と同様の材料から構成され、
特に抵抗率が１０１０〜１０ １２Ωcm程度のものが好ま
しい。The intermediate transfer medium 1002 is the intermediate transfer belt 1
003, first transfer roller 1004, second transfer roller
1005. The intermediate transfer belt 1003 is
It is made of the same material as the elastic layer 121 of the first embodiment,
Especially when the resistivity is 1010-10 12Ωcm is preferred
New

【００９１】第２の転写ローラ１００５は内部にハロゲ
ンランプ等のヒータ１００６を具備し、加圧ローラ１０
９の表面速度と異なる表面速度で回転する。The second transfer roller 1005 has a heater 1006 such as a halogen lamp inside, and
9 rotates at a surface speed different from the surface speed.

【００９２】また、中間転写ベルト１００３が離型層１
１３との接触位置から記録媒体１１０との接触位置への
方向に移動する間に、トナー像を溶融するためのトナー
像加熱手段１００７を有する。トナー像加熱手段１００
７は図１０のように光照射手段を非接触に設けても良い
し、内部にヒータを有するヒートローラを中間転写ベル
ト１００３に接触させて設けてもよい。Further, the intermediate transfer belt 1003 is
A toner image heating unit 1007 for melting the toner image while moving in the direction from the contact position with the recording medium 110 to the contact position with the recording medium 110 is provided. Toner image heating means 100
7, a light irradiation unit may be provided in a non-contact manner as shown in FIG. 10, or a heat roller having a heater therein may be provided in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 1003.

【００９３】次に本実施例の画像形成装置による画像形
成のプロセスについて説明する。Next, an image forming process performed by the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

【００９４】まず、通常の乾式画像形成方法のプロセス
を経て、離型層１１３表面に粉体トナーを用いてトナー
像を形成する。First, a toner image is formed on the surface of the release layer 113 by using a powder toner through a process of a normal dry image forming method.

【００９５】第１の転写ローラ１００４には所定の転写
電圧が印加されており、トナー像は感光体１０１と中間
転写ベルト１００３の間に形成された電界により、中間
転写ベルト１００３表面へと転写される。A predetermined transfer voltage is applied to the first transfer roller 1004, and the toner image is transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 1003 by the electric field formed between the photosensitive member 101 and the intermediate transfer belt 1003. You.

【００９６】中間転写ベルト１００３表面に転写された
トナー像は、トナー像加熱手段１００７を通過する際に
加熱され、溶融しフィルム化される。The toner image transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 1003 is heated when passing through the toner image heating means 1007, and is melted and formed into a film.

【００９７】フィルム化したトナー像は第２の転写ロー
ラ１００５に支持される中間転写ベルト１００３と加圧
ローラ１０９に支持される記録媒体１１０との間に印加
される圧力の作用を受けるとともに、両ローラの速度差
によってローラの回転方向に沿ってせん断応力の作用を
受ける。これにより中間転写ベルト１００３上のトナー
像は記録媒体１１０上に容易に転写され、最終画像とな
って記録媒体１１０上に固定される。The toner image formed into a film receives the action of pressure applied between the intermediate transfer belt 1003 supported by the second transfer roller 1005 and the recording medium 110 supported by the pressure roller 109, Due to the speed difference between the rollers, a shear stress is exerted along the rotation direction of the rollers. Thus, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 1003 is easily transferred onto the recording medium 110, and is fixed on the recording medium 110 as a final image.

【００９８】粉体トナーを現像剤として用いた乾式画像
形成装置においては、トナー像は通常記録媒体表面に熱
定着されるまでは粉体の状態であるが、本実施例のよう
に途中の過程において熱溶融によりフィルム化すること
で、転写時のトナーの飛び散りによる画像乱れをなくす
ことができ、より高画質の画像を得ることが可能とな
る。この、フィルム化したトナー像は、本実施例のよう
にトナー像に対してせん断応力を作用させることで、転
写を容易にすることが可能となる。In a dry image forming apparatus using a powder toner as a developer, the toner image is usually in a powder state until it is heat-fixed to the surface of the recording medium. By forming a film by heat melting in the above, image disturbance due to scattering of toner at the time of transfer can be eliminated, and a higher quality image can be obtained. This toner image formed into a film can be easily transferred by applying a shear stress to the toner image as in the present embodiment.

【００９９】第１の実施例においては、図１の様に、ト
ナー像加熱手段１１９は、感光体１０１に対して非接触
状態で設けたが、図１１の様に、内部にヒータを具備し
たローラ１１０１で構成することもできる。図１１は、
第６の実施例の構成図を示すものであり、図１の非接触
状態で設けたトナー像加熱手段１１９の代わりに内部に
ヒータを有するローラ１１０１を設けたものである。ロ
ーラ１１０１表面はシリコーン樹脂等のトナー像が極め
て付着しにくい材料から構成され、 ローラ１１０１は
Ａ４幅換算で約１０ｋｇｆ以下のトナー像を乱さない程
度の圧力で感光体１０１表面に圧接される。In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the toner image heating means 119 is provided in a non-contact state with respect to the photosensitive member 101. However, as shown in FIG. It can also be constituted by a roller 1101. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a sixth embodiment, in which a roller 1101 having a heater inside is provided instead of the toner image heating unit 119 provided in a non-contact state in FIG. The surface of the roller 1101 is made of a material such as a silicone resin to which a toner image is extremely unlikely to adhere.

【０１００】更に図１２は第７の実施例を示すものであ
り、図１の非接触状態で設けたトナー像加熱手段の代わ
りに、ローラで構成されるトナー像加熱手段１２０１に
電圧を印加する事により、トナー像の電圧による固定
と、加熱によるフィルム化を、同時に行うことも可能で
ある。このような構成を取ることで、トナー像固定手段
を設けずに、トナー像を乱すことなくトナー像のフィル
ム化を行なうことが可能となる。FIG. 12 shows a seventh embodiment, in which a voltage is applied to a toner image heating means 1201 comprising rollers instead of the toner image heating means provided in a non-contact state in FIG. Accordingly, fixing of the toner image by voltage and formation of a film by heating can be performed at the same time. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to form the toner image into a film without disturbing the toner image without providing the toner image fixing means.

【０１０１】なお、静電潜像保持体として感光体を例示
して説明してきたが、本発明に係る静電潜像保持体は特
に感光体に限られるものではなく、例えば感光性のない
絶縁層を表面に有する基板あるいはドラムを使用するこ
ともできる。この場合には、帯電手段、露光手段に変え
て、画像信号に応じて電荷供給できる手段、たとえばイ
オンフローヘッドなどを具備することで、静電潜像保持
体表面に静電潜像を形成することが可能となる。また、
現像工程などそれ以降のプロセスについては、前述の感
光体を使用したものと同じプロセスを適用すれば良い。Although the photosensitive member has been described as an example of the electrostatic latent image holder, the electrostatic latent image holder according to the present invention is not particularly limited to the photosensitive member. A substrate or drum having a layer on the surface can also be used. In this case, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member by providing, instead of the charging unit and the exposure unit, a unit capable of supplying a charge according to an image signal, such as an ion flow head. It becomes possible. Also,
For the subsequent processes such as the development process, the same processes as those using the above-described photoconductor may be applied.

【０１０２】[0102]

【発明の効果】本発明の画像形成装置によれば、トナー
像を、被転写体から転写体に転写する際に、トナー像に
せん断応力を作用させる事により、トナー像の転写体へ
の転写効率を向上させる事が出来る。よって、安定した
画像を記録媒体に形成する事が出来る。According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a toner image is transferred from a transfer-receiving member to a transfer member, a shear stress is applied to the toner image to transfer the toner image to the transfer member. Efficiency can be improved. Therefore, a stable image can be formed on the recording medium.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】 本発明の第１の実施例に係る画像形成装置の
構成図。FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】 トナー像に作用するせん断応力を説明する第
１の図。FIG. 2 is a first diagram illustrating a shear stress acting on a toner image.

【図３】 トナー像に作用するせん断応力を説明する第
２の図。FIG. 3 is a second diagram illustrating the shear stress acting on the toner image.

【図４】 本発明の第２の実施例に係る画像形成装置の
構成図。FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

【図５】 本発明の第３の実施例に係る画像形成装置の
構成図。FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

【図６】 トナー像の感光体表面から中間転写媒体表面
への転写を説明する図。FIG. 6 is a view for explaining transfer of a toner image from a photoconductor surface to an intermediate transfer medium surface.

【図７】 トナー像の感光体表面から中間転写媒体表面
への転写を説明する図。FIG. 7 is a view for explaining transfer of a toner image from a photoconductor surface to an intermediate transfer medium surface.

【図８】 トナー像の感光体表面から中間転写媒体表面
への転写を説明する図。FIG. 8 is a view for explaining transfer of a toner image from a photoconductor surface to an intermediate transfer medium surface.

【図９】 本発明の第４の実施例に係る画像形成装置の
構成図。FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

【図１０】 本発明の第５の実施例に係る画像形成装置
の構成図。FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

【図１１】 本発明の第６の実施例に係る画像形成装置
の構成図。FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

【図１２】 本発明の第７の実施例に係る画像形成装置
の構成図。FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１０１…感光体 １０２…帯電器 １０３…光学系装置 １０４…現像手段 １０５…フィルム化手段 １０６…中間転写媒体 １０７…クリーニング手段 １０８…除電手段 １０９…加圧ローラ １１０…記録媒体 １１１…金属ドラム １１２…感光層 １１３…離型層 １１４…液体トナー １１５…トナー保持部材 １１６…現像ローラ １１７…スクイーズ手段 １１８…トナー像固定手段 １１９…トナー像加熱手段 １２０…金属ローラ １２１…弾性層 １２２…ヒータ ２０１…トナー像 ４０１…トナー像加熱手段 ９０１…金属ローラ ９０２…弾性層 ９０３…ヒータ １００１…現像手段 １００２…中間転写媒体 １００３…中間転写ベルト １００４…第１の転写ローラ １００５…第２の転写ローラ １００６…ヒータ １００７…トナー像加熱手段 １１０１…ローラ １２０１…トナー像加熱手段 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Photoconductor 102 ... Charger 103 ... Optical system device 104 ... Developing means 105 ... Film forming means 106 ... Intermediate transfer medium 107 ... Cleaning means 108 ... Static elimination means 109 ... Pressure roller 110 ... Recording medium 111 ... Metal drum 112 ... Photosensitive layer 113 Release layer 114 Liquid toner 115 Toner holding member 116 Developing roller 117 Squeezing means 118 Toner image fixing means 119 Toner image heating means 120 Metal roller 121 Elastic layer 122 Heater 201 Toner Image 401: toner image heating unit 901: metal roller 902: elastic layer 903: heater 1001: developing unit 1002: intermediate transfer medium 1003: intermediate transfer belt 1004: first transfer roller 1005: second transfer roller 1006: heater 1007 ... Toner image heating means 1 101: roller 1201: toner image heating means

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 斉藤 三長 神奈川県川崎市幸区小向東芝町１番地 株 式会社東芝研究開発センター内 (72)発明者 細矢 雅弘 神奈川県川崎市幸区小向東芝町１番地 株 式会社東芝研究開発センター内 (72)発明者 真常 泰 神奈川県川崎市幸区小向東芝町１番地 株 式会社東芝研究開発センター内 (72)発明者 大岡 青日 神奈川県川崎市幸区小向東芝町１番地 株 式会社東芝研究開発センター内 Ｆターム(参考） 2H032 AA14 BA01 BA02 BA04 BA07 BA13 BA21 BA23 BA27 CA15 2H074 AA03 AA41 BB41 BB43 CC28 EE09  ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Mitsutoshi Saito 1st Toshiba R & D Center, Komukai-shi, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture (72) Inventor Masahiro Hosoya Komukai, Koyuki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa No. 1 Toshiba Town Co., Ltd. Toshiba Research & Development Center (72) Inventor Yasushi Yasushi Manochi 1 Koyuki Toshiba Town, Koyuki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Co., Ltd. 1F, Komukai Toshiba-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki-shi F-term in Toshiba R & D Center (reference) 2H032 AA14 BA01 BA02 BA04 BA07 BA13 BA21 BA23 BA27 CA15 2H074 AA03 AA41 BB41 BB43 CC28 EE09

Claims (11)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】静電潜像保持体表面に静電潜像を形成する
工程と、現像手段によって前記静電潜像から前記静電潜
像保持体表面にトナー像を現像する工程と、現像された
前記トナー像をフィルム化する工程と、フィルム化され
た前記トナー像にせん断応力をかけながら記録媒体上へ
転写する工程とを具備する事を特徴とする画像形成方
法。A step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member; a step of developing a toner image from the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member by a developing means; An image forming method comprising: a step of forming the formed toner image into a film; and a step of transferring the formed toner image onto a recording medium while applying a shearing stress. 【請求項２】静電潜像保持体表面に静電潜像を形成する
工程と、現像手段によって前記静電潜像から前記静電潜
像保持体表面にトナー像を現像する工程と、現像された
前記静電潜像保持体表面の前記トナー像を中間転写媒体
上へ転写する第１の転写工程と、前記中間転写媒体上の
前記トナー像をフィルム化する工程と、フィルム化され
た前記トナー像にせん断応力をかけながら記録媒体上へ
転写する第２の転写工程とを具備する事を特徴とする画
像形成方法。2. A step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member, a step of developing a toner image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member from the electrostatic latent image by developing means, A first transfer step of transferring the toner image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member onto an intermediate transfer medium, a step of forming the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium into a film, A second transfer step of transferring a toner image onto a recording medium while applying a shearing stress to the toner image. 【請求項３】静電潜像保持体表面に静電潜像を形成する
工程と、現像手段によって前記静電潜像から前記静電潜
像保持体表面にトナー像を現像する工程と、現像された
前記潜像保持体表面の前記トナー像をフィルム化する工
程と、フィルム化された前記トナー像にせん断応力をか
けながら中間転写媒体上へ転写する工程と、前記中間転
写媒体上の前記トナー像にせん断応力をかけながら記録
媒体上へ転写する工程とを具備する事を特徴とする画像
形成方法。3. A step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member, a step of developing a toner image from the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member by developing means, Forming the toner image on the surface of the latent image holding member into a film, transferring the film onto the intermediate transfer medium while applying a shearing stress to the toner image formed on the film, and applying the toner on the intermediate transfer medium to the toner image. Transferring the image onto a recording medium while applying shear stress to the image. 【請求項４】静電潜像保持体表面に静電潜像を形成する
工程と、現像手段によって前記静電潜像から前記静電潜
像保持体表面にトナー像を現像する工程と、前記静電潜
像保持体表面に形成されたトナー像をフィルム化する工
程と、フィルム化された前記トナー像にせん断応力をか
けながら中間転写媒体上へ転写する第１の転写工程と、
前記中間転写媒体上のフィルム化された前記トナー像を
記録媒体に転写する第２の転写工程とを具備する事を特
徴とする画像形成方法。4. A step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member, a step of developing a toner image from the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member by developing means, A step of forming a toner image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member into a film, and a first transfer step of transferring the film-formed toner image onto an intermediate transfer medium while applying a shearing stress to the toner image,
A second transfer step of transferring the toner image formed into a film on the intermediate transfer medium to a recording medium. 【請求項５】静電潜像保持体と、前記静電潜像保持体表
面を帯電させる帯電器と、帯電した前記静電潜像保持体
表面に静電潜像を形成する光学系装置と、前記静電潜像
の形成された前記静電潜像保持体表面に液体トナーを供
給しトナー像を形成する現像手段と、前記トナー像をフ
ィルム化するフィルム化手段と、フィルム化された前記
トナー像にせん断応力をかけながら記録媒体上へ転写す
る転写手段とからなる事を特徴とする画像形成装置。5. An electrostatic latent image holding member, a charger for charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member, and an optical device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member. Developing means for supplying a liquid toner to the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image; film forming means for forming the toner image into a film; An image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that transfers a toner image onto a recording medium while applying a shear stress. 【請求項６】静電潜像保持体と、前記静電潜像保持体表
面を帯電させる帯電器と、帯電した前記静電潜像保持体
表面に静電潜像を形成する光学系装置と、前記静電潜像
の形成された前記静電潜像保持体表面に液体トナーを供
給しトナー像を形成する現像手段と、現像された前記感
光体表面の前記トナー像を中間転写媒体上へ転写する第
１の転写手段と、前記中間転写媒体上の前記トナー像を
フィルム化するフィルム化手段と、フィルム化された前
記トナー像にせん断応力をかけながら記録媒体上へ転写
する第２の転写手段とからなる事を特徴とする画像形成
装置。6. An electrostatic latent image holding member, a charger for charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member, and an optical device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member. Developing means for supplying a liquid toner to the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image, and transferring the developed toner image on the photosensitive member surface onto an intermediate transfer medium A first transfer unit for transferring, a film forming unit for forming the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium into a film, and a second transfer for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium onto a recording medium while applying a shearing stress to the toner image And an image forming apparatus. 【請求項７】静電潜像保持体体と、前記静電潜像保持体
表面を帯電させる帯電器と、帯電した前記感光体表面に
静電潜像を形成する光学系装置と、前記静電潜像の形成
された前記静電潜像保持体表面に液体トナーを供給しト
ナー像を形成する現像手段と、前記トナー像をフィルム
化するフィルム化手段と、フィルム化された前記トナー
像にせん断応力をかけながら中間転写媒体上へ転写する
第１の転写手段と、前記中間転写媒体上の前記トナー像
にせん断応力をかけながら記録媒体上へ転写する第２の
転写手段とからなる事を特徴とする画像形成装置。7. An electrostatic latent image holding member, a charger for charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member, an optical device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the photoreceptor, Developing means for supplying a liquid toner to the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image; film forming means for forming the toner image into a film; A first transfer unit for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium while applying a shear stress, and a second transfer unit for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium onto the recording medium while applying a shear stress. Characteristic image forming apparatus. 【請求項８】静電潜像保持体と、前記静電潜像保持体表
面を帯電させる帯電器と、帯電した前記静電潜像保持体
表面に静電潜像を形成する光学系装置と、前記静電潜像
の形成された前記静電潜像保持体表面に液体トナーを供
給しトナー像を形成する現像手段と、現像された前記感
光体表面の前記トナー像をフィルム化するフィルム化手
段と、フィルム化された前記トナー像をせん断応力をか
けながら中間転写媒体上へ転写する第１の転写手段と、
前記中間転写媒体上にフィルム化されたトナー像を記録
媒体上へ転写する第２の転写手段とからなる事を特徴と
する画像形成装置。8. An electrostatic latent image holder, a charger for charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image holder, and an optical device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image holder. Developing means for supplying a liquid toner to the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image, and forming a film of the developed toner image on the photosensitive member surface Means, and a first transfer means for transferring the toner image formed into a film onto an intermediate transfer medium while applying a shearing stress,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a second transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed into a film on the intermediate transfer medium onto a recording medium. 【請求項９】前記静電潜像保持体表面に形成されるトナ
ー像は、キャリア液とトナー粒子とからなることを特徴
とする請求項５乃至８のいずれかに記載の画像形成装
置。9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the toner image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member comprises a carrier liquid and toner particles. 【請求項１０】前記フィルム化手段は、前記キャリア液
を除去し、トナー像を乾燥させる手段であることを特徴
とする請求項９記載の画像形成装置。10. An image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said film forming means is means for removing said carrier liquid and drying a toner image. 【請求項１１】前記フィルム化手段は、トナー像を、乾
燥時の前記トナー粒子のガラス転移点よりも高い温度に
加熱する手段であることを特徴とする請求項９記載の画
像形成装置。11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said film forming means is a means for heating the toner image to a temperature higher than a glass transition point of said toner particles during drying.
JP2000092165A 1999-03-30 2000-03-29 Image forming method and image forming apparatus Expired - Fee Related JP3567119B2 (en)

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1227374A2 (en) * 2001-01-24 2002-07-31 Xerox Corporation System and method for duplex printing
JP2003084583A (en) * 2001-09-11 2003-03-19 Toshiba Mach Co Ltd Offset transfer device and offset transfer method
EP1347348A1 (en) * 2002-03-20 2003-09-24 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Image forming apparatus and image forming method using liquid developer
US7228092B2 (en) 2004-11-16 2007-06-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Image forming apparatus using a liquid developer including a carrier liquid with toner particles dispersed in a solvent
JP2007212580A (en) * 2006-02-07 2007-08-23 Sharp Corp Transfer fixing device and image forming apparatus equipped therewith

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1227374A2 (en) * 2001-01-24 2002-07-31 Xerox Corporation System and method for duplex printing
JP2003084583A (en) * 2001-09-11 2003-03-19 Toshiba Mach Co Ltd Offset transfer device and offset transfer method
EP1347348A1 (en) * 2002-03-20 2003-09-24 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Image forming apparatus and image forming method using liquid developer
US7228092B2 (en) 2004-11-16 2007-06-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Image forming apparatus using a liquid developer including a carrier liquid with toner particles dispersed in a solvent
US7409179B2 (en) 2004-11-16 2008-08-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Image forming apparatus and absorbing roller with optimum pressing force
JP2007212580A (en) * 2006-02-07 2007-08-23 Sharp Corp Transfer fixing device and image forming apparatus equipped therewith
US7813684B2 (en) 2006-02-07 2010-10-12 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Transferring and fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same

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