WO2007052340A1 - Heating discharge type printhead and image-forming device including the same - Google Patents

Heating discharge type printhead and image-forming device including the same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007052340A1
WO2007052340A1 PCT/JP2005/020138 JP2005020138W WO2007052340A1 WO 2007052340 A1 WO2007052340 A1 WO 2007052340A1 JP 2005020138 W JP2005020138 W JP 2005020138W WO 2007052340 A1 WO2007052340 A1 WO 2007052340A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
discharge
heat
heating
print head
type print
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2005/020138
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Hisanobu Matsuzoe
Original Assignee
Fukuoka Technoken Kogyo, Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fukuoka Technoken Kogyo, Co., Ltd. filed Critical Fukuoka Technoken Kogyo, Co., Ltd.
Priority to PCT/JP2005/020138 priority Critical patent/WO2007052340A1/en
Priority to JP2007524119A priority patent/JPWO2007052620A1/en
Priority to PCT/JP2006/321687 priority patent/WO2007052620A1/en
Publication of WO2007052340A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007052340A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/133348—Charged particles addressed liquid crystal cells, e.g. controlled by an electron beam
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/385—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective supply of electric current or selective application of magnetism to a printing or impression-transfer material
    • B41J2/41—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective supply of electric current or selective application of magnetism to a printing or impression-transfer material for electrostatic printing
    • B41J2/415—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective supply of electric current or selective application of magnetism to a printing or impression-transfer material for electrostatic printing by passing charged particles through a hole or a slit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/054—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern using X-rays, e.g. electroradiography
    • G03G15/0545—Ionography, i.e. X-rays induced liquid or gas discharge

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a heat discharge type print head that forms an image on a recording medium such as a digital paper by irradiating and emitting ions by discharge, and an image forming apparatus including the same.
  • Patent Document 1 an ion irradiation method, which is an electrostatic latent image forming method different from the electrophotographic method, has been developed.
  • the electrophotographic method uses two processes, uniform charging and exposure, to release the exposed portion of the charge on the uniformly charged photoconductor, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor as the electrostatic latent image carrier.
  • the ion irradiation method in an atmosphere where ions can be generated (such as in the air), only selective charging (electrostatic latent image formation charging) is performed by irradiation of ions generated by discharge from the discharge electrode. Since the formation of an electrostatic latent image can be completed on an electrostatic latent image carrier (it is not necessarily a photoconductor as long as it is an insulator), a more simplified electrostatic latent image formation method It is.
  • the application of such an electrostatic latent image forming method is a static development method for a recording medium of an electrostatic development method in which a visible image appears inside due to the action of the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface.
  • An electrostatic latent image can be directly formed by ion irradiation to change the latent image into a visible image.
  • the heating / discharging method as shown in (Patent Document 1) and (Patent Document 2), which discharges by selective heating of the discharge electrode, is a driver IC that supports low withstand voltage such as 5V drive for heating control. From the viewpoint of controlling discharge, this is the most excellent control method. For this reason, it is an optimal print head that is currently conceivable for writing in a non-contact manner on an electrostatic development type recording medium generally called digital paper.
  • a minute ball is color-coded into two colors (for example, black and white), and the ball is rotated by the difference in electrical characteristics of each color to display an arbitrary color
  • a minute ball Electrophoresis in which fine powder of two colors (for example, black and white) is mixed in the ball and only one color is floated and displayed due to the difference in electrical characteristics of the fine powder of each color
  • a liquid crystal system that displays the background color of the part where the shutter is opened by opening and closing the liquid crystal shutter of the liquid crystal plate or micro liquid crystal block.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-326756
  • Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-069350
  • the electrode pattern for energizing the heating element and the heating control are complicated, so that the mounting density and the recording speed are improved. It was a restriction.
  • a heating discharge type print head capable of improving the resolution, quality, and recording speed of an image by reliably performing heating control of the discharge electrode without being restricted by the manufacturing technology, There has been a strong demand for an image forming apparatus equipped with the same.
  • the present invention meets the above-mentioned demands.
  • the discharge from the discharge electrode can be controlled easily and reliably without unevenness, and the structure is simplified. It has excellent mass productivity and reliability, has excellent design flexibility that does not impose manufacturing restrictions on the shape and arrangement of the discharge electrode, and can easily mount images at high density to improve image resolution and recording speed.
  • High-quality and highly practical heat-discharge type stamp that can be improved
  • An image with a heat-discharge-type printhead that provides excellent image quality and reliability, as well as versatility that enables electrostatic latent images to be formed on various types of electrostatic development image recording media and various electrostatic latent image carriers.
  • An object is to provide a forming apparatus.
  • a heat-discharge type print head of the present invention and an image forming apparatus including the same have the following configurations.
  • the heating discharge type print head according to claim 1 of the present invention is a heating discharge type print head that controls the generation of discharge from the discharge electrode by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode to which a discharge control voltage is applied. And a heating unit that heats the discharge electrode that is disposed apart from the discharge unit and that heats the discharge electrode.
  • This configuration has the following effects.
  • a discharge can be generated by selectively heating the discharge electrode by a heating means that does not need to control the discharge control voltage to be a voltage, and a visible image can be formed on the recording medium.
  • the heating means for heating the discharge electrode is disposed away from the discharge portion having the discharge electrode, the discharge electrode without providing an insulating film or the like for insulating the discharge electrode and the heating means It is possible to reliably insulate from the heating means, reduce the number of manufacturing steps, and improve the mass productivity and the reliability of the heating control.
  • the heating means can be moved.
  • a plurality of discharge electrodes or arbitrary positions of the discharge electrodes can be selectively heated, the fine adjustment of the heating position can be facilitated, the image quality can be improved, and the heating means can be reduced in size, saving space. Excellent in properties.
  • the discharge part and the heating means are arranged apart from each other, the discharge part and the heat source do not come into contact with each other! Therefore, the cooling time of the discharge electrode in the heating stopped state is greatly shortened. Therefore, it is possible to improve the responsiveness to the heating stop, switch the presence or absence of discharge in a short time, and improve the image quality and the recording speed.
  • the discharge control voltage applied to the discharge electrode is V ⁇ , which does not cause a discharge when only applied, but a voltage range where a discharge occurs by heating the discharge electrode to which the voltage is applied. Since the generation of discharge can be controlled by applying a discharge control voltage to the electrode and heating with the heating means, any discharge electrode or any position of the discharge electrode can be easily selected by selecting the heating location by the heating means ( Discharge can be selectively generated from the discharge generating portion), and the flexibility of the shape of the discharge electrode is excellent. Of the discharge part, the vicinity of the heating position by the heating means is the discharge generation part.
  • the discharge part is formed by depositing a metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum on the substrate by vapor deposition, sputtering, printing, plating, etc., and then etching as necessary to form a pattern of the discharge electrode or common electrode. It is preferable to use at least a part of a metal such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum, etc. after thinning by etching, cutting, etc., and then patterning the discharge electrode by etching, laser processing, etc., if necessary. .
  • the discharge electrode may be formed using a conductive material such as carbon.
  • the material of the substrate may be any material that can form the discharge part on the surface and has heat resistance to withstand the heating by the heating means.
  • those having heat transfer properties that can transfer heat generated by the heating means to the discharge electrode are preferably used.
  • synthetic resins such as glass, polyimide, aramid, and polyetherimide are preferably used.
  • the discharge portion includes, for example, connecting one end portions of the plurality of discharge electrodes with a common electrode. It can be formed in a comb shape, or can be formed in a ladder shape by connecting both ends of a plurality of discharge electrodes with a common electrode.
  • a common electrode in the vicinity of the discharge electrode, the cooling effect of the discharge electrode and responsiveness to heating stop can be achieved by increasing the heat radiation area of the discharge part and increasing the heat capacity.
  • the discharge stability and the like can be further improved.
  • the discharge portion (discharge electrode) formed in a flat plate shape is a common electrode except for the discharge generation portion.
  • the common electrode is wider than the discharge electrode, it will temporarily be 100-30.
  • the discharge can be stopped quickly in response to heating off, and the discharge time interval can be shortened in a short time.
  • the presence or absence of discharge can be switched, and the recording speed can be increased.
  • the resistance value of the common electrode can be reduced, and the potential difference generated between the discharge electrodes connected by the common electrode can be suppressed as much as possible. Excellent stability.
  • each discharge electrode can be formed in a substantially rectangular shape, trapezoidal shape, semicircular shape, bullet shape, or a combination thereof.
  • the peripheral length around the edge of the discharge electrode can be increased by further dividing a part of the discharge electrode with a slit or by forming an uneven portion on the peripheral edge. Since the discharge electrode has a large discharge amount of peripheral edge force, increasing the discharge amount from the discharge electrode can increase the amount of ions and the emitted light intensity by increasing the circumference around the edge.
  • the discharge control voltage and heating temperature can be set low, and energy saving and discharge generation efficiency are excellent. In addition, since the voltage applied to the discharge electrode can be set low, the discharge electrode is also excellent in long life.
  • a discharge hole portion may be formed in the vicinity of the discharge generating portion (heating position).
  • the peripheral force at the edge of the discharge hole can also generate a discharge, and the same effect as dividing the end of the discharge electrode can be obtained.
  • the shape of the discharge hole portion can be formed in various shapes such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a polygon such as a quadrangle and a hexagon, and a star shape. Further, the number and size of the discharge hole portions per location of the discharge generation portion (near the heating position) can be appropriately selected and combined. It should be noted that the uneven portions of the discharge electrode and the discharge holes can be formed by the above-described etching or laser heating.
  • a conductive material layer may be formed on at least the surface of the common electrode in the discharge part.
  • the resistance value of the common electrode can be further reduced, the potential difference generated between the respective discharge electrodes can be reliably reduced, and the discharge stability is excellent.
  • the conductive material layer has conductivity superior to that of the discharge part, it can be easily formed by screen printing of silver paste or silver plating. By increasing the thickness of the conductive material layer, the resistance value of the common electrode can be reduced, and the discharge stability can be improved.
  • the thickness of the discharge electrode is preferably 0.1 ⁇ m to 100 m when it is formed with a force plate depending on the material.
  • the discharge electrode tends to be affected by wear as the thickness of the discharge electrode becomes thinner than 0. m, and the life of the discharge electrode tends to be shortened. As the thickness exceeds 100 m, the heat capacity increases, and the response to heating on and off is increased. There is a tendency to be easily lowered, and deviation is not preferable. By reducing the thickness of the discharge electrode to 100 m or less, it is possible to quickly recover from the heated state and to increase the printing speed.
  • a method of irradiating laser light a method of irradiating infrared rays, or the like is preferably used.
  • a method of irradiating laser light a laser scanner unit similar to the conventional electrophotographic method can be used, and the laser irradiation unit is combined with a polygon mirror or a galvano mirror to scan only the laser light with respect to the discharge electrode.
  • a device that serially scans the laser irradiation portion itself with respect to the discharge electrode is preferably used.
  • laser light or infrared light may be condensed by an optical fiber or a condensing lens and irradiated to the discharge electrode.
  • the discharge part can be formed by depositing chromium and gold plating directly on the exit tip of the optical fiber or on the surface of the condenser lens. In this case, an image can be formed by scanning the discharge portion together with the heating means with respect to the recording medium.
  • the discharge electrode is easily generated from the peripheral edge of the discharge electrode by making the width of the discharge electrode narrower than the spot diameter of laser light or infrared rays. Excellent in properties.
  • the range of the discharge generation part is defined by the spot diameter of laser light or infrared rays, variation in the discharge amount due to the displacement of the heating position can be reduced, and the image quality is excellent in uniformity.
  • the distance for separating the heating means and the discharge electrode is defined by the output of the heating means and the size and arrangement of the polygon mirror, galvanometer mirror, condenser lens, and the like. Moreover, you may cover between a heating means and a discharge electrode with a heat insulating material as needed. The heat generated by the heating means can be efficiently transferred to the discharge electrode without escaping to the outside, and malfunction due to external heat can be surely prevented, resulting in excellent reliability.
  • a heat discharge type print head according to claim 2 of the present invention is the heat discharge type print head according to claim 1, wherein the heating means includes a laser irradiation section. Yes. With this configuration, in addition to the operation of claim 1, the following operation is provided.
  • any discharge electrode to which a discharge control voltage is applied or any position of the discharge electrode can be selectively heated with laser light to generate a discharge.
  • the minute range can be heated, so that the recording medium is irradiated with electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays, etc. in one place. Therefore, it is possible to improve the image quality and improve the image quality.
  • the discharge generation part By irradiating the laser beam from the laser irradiation part, the discharge generation part can be heated with a substantially constant amount of heat, so that it is possible to reduce heating spots and suppress the occurrence of variations in the discharge amount. Image quality can be improved.
  • the laser irradiating part can be heated by irradiating the discharge generating part of the discharge electrode with laser light.
  • the layout of the entire apparatus and the shape of the discharge electrode It can be selected as appropriate according to the arrangement, the irradiation direction of electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays, and the like.
  • the discharge electrode is heated by irradiating laser light from the back side of the substrate. Electrode surface forces can also generate a discharge.
  • the surface of the board An image can be formed on the recording medium by arranging the surface and the medium substrate surface (recording surface) of the recording medium to face each other and irradiating ions, etc. due to discharge in a direction substantially orthogonal to the discharge electrode.
  • the discharge electrode surface is heated by irradiating laser light from the front surface or the back surface side of the substrate. Force discharge can be generated.
  • an image can be formed on the recording medium by arranging the end face of the substrate and the medium substrate surface (recording surface) of the recording medium to face each other and irradiating ions or the like due to discharge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the discharge electrode.
  • the discharge electrode is heated by irradiating laser light from the front surface or the back surface side of the substrate.
  • the force near the electrode end face can also generate a discharge.
  • an image can be formed on the recording medium by arranging the end face of the substrate and the medium substrate surface (recording surface) of the recording medium to face each other and irradiating ions or the like due to discharge in a substantially square direction with respect to the discharge electrode.
  • the discharge electrode of the heat discharge type print head is provided on the surface opposite to the medium substrate surface (back side of the recording medium) of the recording medium on which recording is performed by irradiating ions accompanying discharge from the heat discharge type print head.
  • ions can be reliably irradiated from the discharge electrode of the heat discharge type print head toward the recording medium. Since the irradiation position accuracy can be improved, the unit dots in the recording medium can be miniaturized to form a high-definition image.
  • the invention described in claim 3 is the heat discharge type print head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge electrode is formed, arranged, or coated on the surface of the discharge electrode heated by the heating means. It has a structure with a heat absorption layer provided!
  • the heat absorption layer can be formed by, for example, black paint, chrome plating, etc.
  • the heat absorption layer is heated on the substrate. What is necessary is just to form a discharge part after forming an absorption layer.
  • a heat absorption layer may be formed by chrome plating or the like directly on at least the surface of the discharge electrode heated by the heating means.
  • a heat absorption layer formed of a black colored film or chrome-plated glass may be laminated with the discharge part.
  • the invention according to claim 4 is the heat-discharge type print head according to claim 3, wherein the heat absorption layer includes a print pattern formed according to image information. is doing.
  • the discharge electrode can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information, and the reliability of image formation can be improved. Excellent.
  • the heat absorption layer can be formed of a film, glass or the like and laminated on the discharge part. Since it can be easily replaced by making the heat absorption layer detachable with respect to the discharge part, it is sufficient to prepare a print pattern corresponding to the image information to be printed frequently. If a black solid heat absorption layer is used, it can be selectively heated by a heating means as usual, and an arbitrary image can be formed.
  • the invention according to claim 5 is the heating discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge portion is excluded from the discharge generation portion of the discharge portion. It has a structure provided with an overlying covering film.
  • a step can be formed between the surface of the discharge generation part and the surface of the coating film, so that it faces the discharge electrode.
  • the gap between the recording medium and the recording medium to be arranged can be kept constant, the contact with the discharge generation part can be prevented, and the discharge with the strength of the discharge generation part can be stabilized.
  • the coating film is covered with the common electrode and over the discharge electrode excluding the discharge generation part. More specifically, the coating film has an opening formed in a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially bullet-like shape, a substantially rectangular shape, or the like in the discharge generation portion (near the heating position by the heating means) of the discharge portion. .
  • the opening may be formed independently for each of the plurality of discharge generation portions, or may be formed in a long hole shape so as to extend over the plurality of discharge generation portions.
  • the coating film is made of an insulator and is made of glass, synthetic resin such as aramid polyimide, SiO
  • Ceramics such as 2 and my strength are preferably used.
  • the coating film can be formed by screen printing, vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like.
  • the invention according to claim 6 is the heat-discharge type print head according to claim 5, wherein the print head has an uneven portion formed on the surface of the coating film.
  • the concavo-convex portions of the coating film can be easily formed by screen printing or the like, the presence or absence of the concavo-convex portions does not complicate the coating film forming process and is excellent in mass productivity. Also, using inorganic materials such as SiON and SiO and other insulating materials (regardless of organic and inorganic),
  • An uneven portion may be formed on the surface of the coating film.
  • An image forming apparatus has a configuration including the heat-discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 6. This configuration has the following effects.
  • An image can be formed by ion irradiation or light emission by discharge from a heat-discharge type print head, and the image forming process can be simplified.
  • the image forming apparatus can form an image on a recording medium that has been initialized in advance and whose printing content has been erased.
  • a charging roller, charging brush, etc. as a restoring device, the surface of the recording medium can be uniformly charged inside the image forming apparatus to initialize the recording medium, and rewriting to the recording medium is repeated. Can do.
  • an electronic paper such as a twisting ball method, an electrophoretic method, or a liquid crystal method is preferably used. It is also possible to form an image on an electronic paper or the like using an organic-inorganic nanocomposite that is reduced by acid reduction with a metal ion such as bismuth ion. Furthermore, an electronic paper using a photochromic compound that reacts to light emission by discharge can also be used.
  • the invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the visible image appears inside due to the action of electric charges due to the discharge of the heating and discharging type print head. On the other hand, it has a configuration for recording.
  • a ground electrode part for applying an electric field between the discharge electrode of the heat discharge type print head and the recording medium or a positive voltage applying part for applying a positive voltage is disposed on the back side of the recording medium.
  • a positive voltage By applying a positive voltage, negative ions generated by discharge are attracted to the surface of the recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to reliably irradiate the recording medium with ions and to improve the image quality.
  • the invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an electrostatic latent image carrier that faces the heat discharge type print head. .
  • an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by ion irradiation from the heat discharge type print head. Since the electrostatic latent image can be used to electrostatically develop the recording medium to form a visible image, the heating / discharge type print head does not directly face the recording medium, and the heating / discharge type print head becomes dirty. Can be prevented.
  • the electrostatic latent image carrier various shapes such as a drum type and a belt type can be used.
  • the material of the electrostatic latent image carrier any material can be used as long as its surface is charged by ion irradiation. Therefore, an insulator such as alumite that does not need to be a photoconductor can be used. If the electrostatic latent image carrier is a photoconductor, it can be neutralized by irradiating it with light, and if it is an insulator, it can be neutralized with an AC voltage. In addition, when the electrostatic latent image carrier is an insulator, it is less likely to deteriorate than the photoreceptor and has a long life.
  • the invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the electrostatic latent image carrier and an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier.
  • an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by irradiating ions from the heat-discharge type print head, an exposure optical system such as a polygon mirror is not required, and the number of parts is reduced. Less structure can be simplified.
  • a visible image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier, and the visible image is transferred to the printing medium by the transfer means.
  • various media such as OHP sheets and glossy paper can be used as printing media, and the versatility is excellent.
  • the electrostatic latent image carrier the same ones as described above can be used.
  • the developing means a developing device that performs toner development is preferably used, but development may be performed by ink or other methods.
  • a transfer means for transferring a visible image to a printing medium a transfer fixing roller in which the surface of a metal roller such as aluminum is covered with a synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber is preferably used. If a pressure fixing type toner is used during toner development, a visible image can be transferred to a printing medium and fixed by pressing with a transfer means.
  • the image forming apparatus includes a cleaner that physically removes and cleans the toner remaining on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier after transfer, and before writing (ion irradiation) with a heat-discharge type print head. It is preferable to provide a static eliminator for neutralizing the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. As a result, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier in a stable state at all times, and the reliability is excellent. In addition, when an insulator such as anodized is used as the electrostatic latent image carrier, it is particularly excellent in long-life property because scratching damage by the cleaner hardly occurs.
  • the discharge part and heating means manufactured separately can be used in a simple combination. It is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head excellent in maintainability and resource saving that can easily repair and replace the discharge part or the heating means in which a combination occurs.
  • the heating means arranged apart from the discharge part can be moved to selectively heat a plurality of discharge electrodes or any position of the discharge electrodes, fine adjustment of the heating position is easy. It is easy to improve the image quality, and it is possible to provide a high quality heat discharge type print head that can downsize the heating means and is excellent in space saving.
  • the heating means has a laser irradiation section, any discharge electrode to which a discharge control voltage is applied or any position of the discharge electrode can be selectively heated with laser light to generate a discharge. It is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head that is easy to control, has excellent design flexibility and is practical.
  • a heat absorption layer is formed or disposed on the surface of the discharge electrode heated by the heating means.
  • a heat discharge type print head excellent in heating efficiency that can absorb heat generated by the heating means in the heat absorption layer and reliably transfer the heat to the discharge electrode. it can.
  • the discharge electrode can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information.
  • a discharge type print head can be provided.
  • a highly reliable heat discharge type print head capable of maintaining a constant gap with the medium, preventing contact between the discharge generation part and the recording medium, and stabilizing the discharge from the discharge generation part. Can be provided.
  • the unevenness formed on the surface of the coating film extends the surface distance, increases the surface resistance, and prevents the discharge generating force of the delaminated discharge electrode from leaking to the surroundings. It is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head excellent in discharge stability and efficiency without causing a decrease in applied voltage (discharge control voltage) applied to the electrode.
  • An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image by irradiating and emitting ions by discharge from a heat discharge type print head is simple and has excellent productivity.
  • the discharge from the heat discharge type print head can form a visible image in a non-contact manner inside the recording medium, and the damage to the recording medium with a small number of parts can be minimized. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with excellent mass productivity, practicality and reliability.
  • a recording medium can be electrostatically developed with an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an electrostatic latent image carrier by irradiation of ions from a heat-discharge type print head, a visible image can be formed. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus excellent in practicality and reliability in which the discharge type print head and the recording medium do not directly face each other, and the heat discharge type print head can be prevented from being stained.
  • the visible image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by the visible image means can be transferred to the printing medium by the transfer means, such as OHP sheet, glossy paper, etc. in addition to plain paper
  • An image forming apparatus excellent in versatility and practicality capable of printing on various printing media can be provided.
  • the electrostatic latent image carrier that can form an electrostatic latent image only by selective charging (electrostatic latent image formation charging) by ion irradiation need not be a photoconductor, the range of material selection However, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is widely versatile, has excellent mass productivity, and has a long life.
  • FIG. 1 (a) Schematic cross-sectional view of the main part showing the use state of the heat-discharge type print head in Embodiment 1 (b) Main part showing the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head in Embodiment 1 Schematic plan view
  • FIG. 2 (a) Schematic plan view of the main part showing a first modification of the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. (B) A—A line arrow in FIG. 2 (a) Visual end view
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic end view of a main part showing a second modification of the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 (a) Main part schematic view showing the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in Embodiment 2. (b) Main part schematic plane showing the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a modification of the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head in the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 4.
  • FIG. 7 is a main part schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 6.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus in a seventh embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of the heat discharge type print head used in the first embodiment
  • FIG. 1 (b) is a head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in the first embodiment. It is a principal part schematic top view which shows these.
  • 1 is a heat discharge type print head according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention
  • 2 is a head substrate of the heat discharge type print head 1
  • 3 is formed of a synthetic resin such as glass, polyimide, aramid, or polyetherimide.
  • the substrate of the head substrate 2, 4 is the heat absorption layer of the head substrate 2 formed by applying black paint containing carbon etc.
  • 5 is gold, silver
  • etching is performed to form a ladder-type board 2
  • 5a is a plurality of discharge electrodes of discharge section 5
  • 5b is a plurality of discharge electrodes
  • the common electrode of the discharge part 5 connected to both ends of the discharge electrode 5a, 6 is disposed apart from the discharge part 5, and is a laser irradiation part that selectively heats the discharge electrode 5a from the back side of the head substrate 2.
  • Heating discharge type print head with 1 heating means, 7 is A discharge generating portion of the discharge electrode 5 that generates a discharge when heated by the heating means 6, 20 is a digital page on which a visible image is formed by the action of electric charges from the discharge electrode 5 of the heat discharge type print head 1.
  • 21 is a medium substrate surface of the recording medium 20, 22 is a surface of the medium substrate of the recording medium 20, and 22 is a voltage application unit of the recording medium 20 that is disposed on the back side of the recording medium 20 and to which a positive voltage is applied. It is.
  • a black paint is applied on one surface of the substrate 3 made of synthetic resin such as glass, polyimide, aramid, or polyetherimide, or chromium is vapor-deposited to heat the heat absorption layer.
  • the material of the substrate 3 is not limited to the present embodiment, the heat absorption layer 4 and the discharge part 5 can be formed on the surface, and the heat resistance that can withstand the heating by the heating means 6 If the heating means 6 is capable of transferring heat generated by the heating means 6 to the discharge electrode 5,
  • a plurality of discharge electrodes 5a and a common electrode 5b connecting them are formed on the surface of the substrate 3 on which the heat absorption layer 4 is formed.
  • the discharge electrode 5a and the common electrode 5b are formed by depositing a metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum by vapor deposition, sputtering, printing, plating, etc., and then forming a pattern by etching, laser coating, or the like. Is preferably used.
  • a conductive material such as carbon may be used.
  • the discharge part 5 is formed in a ladder shape and divided into a plurality of discharge electrodes 5a, thereby increasing the discharge amount of the peripheral force of the discharge electrode 5a and improving the discharge efficiency. Also discharge By providing the common electrode 5b in the vicinity of the electrode 5a, the cooling effect of the discharge electrode 5a and the response to heating stop are improved by increasing the heat radiation area of the discharge part 5 and increasing the heat capacity. Furthermore, since a stable voltage can always be applied by reducing the resistance value, the discharge stability is also excellent.
  • the shape of the discharge part 5 is not limited to the present embodiment, and the number and arrangement of the discharge electrodes 5a can be selected as appropriate, and can also be arranged in a staggered pattern, a grid pattern, or the like. .
  • the entire discharge part 5 may be formed in a single flat plate shape such as a rectangular shape or a square shape. ⁇ .
  • only one end portion of the plurality of discharge electrodes 5a may be connected to the common electrode 5b to form a comb shape, or a part of the discharge electrode 5a may be further divided by a slit or the like, or an uneven portion may be formed on the peripheral portion. It may be formed.
  • a discharge hole portion may be formed in the discharge generation portion 7 (near the heating position) of the discharge electrode 5a.
  • the edge peripheral force of the discharge hole can also generate a discharge, and the same effect as dividing the end of the discharge electrode 5a can be obtained.
  • the shape of the discharge hole can be formed in various shapes such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a polygon such as a quadrangle and a hexagon, and a star shape. Note that the number, shape, and size of the discharge hole portions per location in the discharge generating portion 7 (near the heating position) can be appropriately selected and combined.
  • the AC voltage and DC voltage applied to the discharge electrode 5a can be used in various combinations.
  • the discharge electrode 5a is superimposed with a voltage of 700V by DC bias on AC550Vpp (triangular wave 1kHz) as an example. Applied as a discharge control voltage.
  • AC550Vpp triangular wave 1kHz
  • a discharge control voltage When only an AC voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5a, a force that generates positive and negative ions is superimposed.
  • a negative DC voltage only negative ions can be selected, and the discharge can be stabilized.
  • a positive DC voltage may be superimposed on an AC voltage.
  • Discharging does not occur just by applying a discharge control voltage to the discharge electrode 5a, and the heating means 6 is separately controlled to selectively heat the discharge electrode 5a to the substrate 3 side force (100 to 300 ° C). As a result, a discharge is generated from the selectively heated discharge electrode 5a.
  • an electrostatic latent image can be formed or an image can be formed by an oxidation-reduction reaction.
  • an image can be formed on a recording medium that reacts to light emission such as ultraviolet light and visible light.
  • the heating discharge type print head 1 in the present embodiment controls the generation of discharge by controlling the temperature of each discharge electrode 5a to which a discharge control voltage is applied.
  • the applied voltage is constant and does not need to be controlled, and by controlling the presence or absence of heating by the heating means 6, it is possible to control the generation of ions and to generate a large amount of ions efficiently.
  • a ground electrode section is formed on the back surface of the recording medium 20. May be provided and grounded, or a voltage may be applied between the discharge electrode 5a and the voltage application unit 22.
  • the heating means 6 provided with the laser irradiation unit may be a combination of a polygon mirror and a galvanometer mirror.
  • the arbitrary discharge electrode 5a can be heated by serially scanning the heating means 6 itself, and an image can be formed on the recording medium 20.
  • laser light may be condensed with an optical fiber and irradiated.
  • the heating means 6 it is sufficient if the discharge electrode 5 a can be selectively heated away from the discharge part 5.
  • infrared rays are transmitted with an optical fiber or a condensing lens. What is condensed and irradiated is preferably used. In order to obtain a high-quality image, it is necessary to scan the laser beam and infrared rays with a small force.
  • the heating means 6 must be combined with a polygon mirror, a galvano mirror, a condensing lens, etc., and the heating means 6 Must be separated from the discharge electrode 5a.
  • the distance for separating the heating means 6 and the discharge electrode 5a is defined by the output of the heating means 6 and the size and arrangement of the polygon mirror, galvanometer mirror, condenser lens, and the like.
  • the space between the heating means 6 and the discharge electrode 5a may be covered with a heat insulating material. As a result, the heat generated by the heating means 6 can be efficiently transmitted to the discharge electrode 5a without escaping to the surroundings, and malfunction due to external heat can be surely prevented, resulting in excellent reliability.
  • discharge generation from the discharge electrode 5a is controlled by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode 5a to which the discharge control voltage is applied, preparation for discharge is performed with the discharge control voltage applied to the discharge electrode 5a.
  • the discharge electrode 5a can be selectively heated by the heating means 6 that does not need to control a high discharge control voltage, and a discharge can be generated to form a visible image on the recording medium 20.
  • the heating means 6 for heating the discharge electrode 5a is disposed apart from the discharge portion 5 having the discharge electrode 5a, an insulating film for insulating the discharge electrode 5a and the heating means 6 is used. Without being provided, the discharge electrode 5a and the heating means 6 can be reliably insulated, the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced, and the mass productivity and the reliability of the heating control can be improved.
  • the heating unit 7 is moved to selectively select a plurality of discharge electrodes 5a or arbitrary positions of the discharge electrodes 5a. Heating can be performed, the fine adjustment of the heating position is easy, the image quality can be improved, and the heating means 6 can be miniaturized, resulting in excellent space saving.
  • any discharge electrode 5a to which a discharge control voltage is applied or an arbitrary position of the discharge electrode 5a is selectively heated by laser light to generate discharge. Can be made.
  • the recording medium 20 can be irradiated with electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays, and the like in a centralized location, which is excellent in image formation efficiency and image quality. Image quality can be improved.
  • FIG. 2 (a) is a schematic plan view showing the main part of the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head according to the second embodiment
  • FIG. 2 (b) is an end view taken along line AA in FIG. 2 (a). It is.
  • the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the head substrate 2a has a coating film 8 covered on the surface of the discharge part 5, The point is that the coating film 8 has a substantially circular opening 8a at a position where the coating film 8 hits the discharge generating portion 7 of each discharge electrode 5a.
  • the manufacturing method of the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a coating film forming step for forming the coating film 8 on the surface of the discharge part 5 is added. Yes, and the rest are the same as in Embodiment 1 and will not be described.
  • Covering film 8 is made of glass, synthetic resin such as aramidya polyimide, ceramic such as SiO, My strength, etc.
  • This insulator was formed by screen printing, vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like.
  • the shape of the opening 8a can be formed into a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially bullet-like shape, a substantially rectangular shape, or the like other than a substantially circular shape. Further, instead of forming the plurality of independent openings 8a, a long hole-like opening extending over the plurality of discharge electrodes 5a may be formed.
  • a heat discharge type print head By combining the heating means 7 similar to that of the first embodiment with the head substrate 2a formed as described above, a heat discharge type print head can be obtained.
  • the driving method as the heat discharge type print head is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in the second embodiment.
  • the modification of the head substrate differs from that of the second embodiment in that the surface of the coating film 8 of the head substrate 2b A plurality of concave and convex portions 8b are formed.
  • the uneven portion 8b of the coating film 8 can be easily formed by screen printing or the like, the presence or absence of the uneven portion 8b does not complicate the coating film forming process and is excellent in mass productivity.
  • inorganic materials such as SiO N and SiO, and other insulating materials (regardless of organic and inorganic) are used.
  • the uneven portion 8b may be formed on the surface of the coating film 8.
  • a step can be formed between the surface of the discharge generation part 7 and the surface of the coating film 8.
  • the gap between the discharge electrode 5a and the recording medium 20 arranged opposite to the discharge electrode 5a can be kept constant, the contact with the discharge generation part 7 can be prevented, and the discharge from the discharge generation part 7 can be stabilized. .
  • FIG. 4 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main part of the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head according to Embodiment 3
  • FIG. 4 (b) is the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head according to Embodiment 3. It is a principal part schematic top view which shows these.
  • the head substrate 2d of the heat discharge type print head in the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the substantially flat substrate 3 made of a metal such as stainless steel, copper, or aluminum.
  • the discharge electrode 5a is formed by thinning by etching or cutting except for the outer periphery that becomes the common electrode 5b, and a plurality of matrix electrodes are formed by etching or laser caching.
  • the discharge hole portion 9 is provided, and the discharge portion 5 is formed.
  • the discharge electrode 5a is improved in discharge generation efficiency by applying gold plating to the surface.
  • the size of the discharge hole part 9 is formed smaller than the spot diameter of the laser beam and arranged in a matrix form By doing so, it is possible to reliably generate a discharge from the peripheral edge of the discharge hole portion 9, and to reduce variation in the amount of discharge due to the displacement of the heating position, and excellent image quality uniformity.
  • the shape of the discharge hole 9 can be formed in various shapes such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a polygonal shape such as a hexagonal shape and an octagonal shape, and a star shape. Further, the number, shape, size, pitch, and the like of the discharge hole portions 9 per one place in the discharge generation portion 7 (near the heating position) can be appropriately selected and combined.
  • the manufacturing method of the head substrate 2d of the heat discharge type print head in the third embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the substrate is obtained by etching, cutting I ", laser processing, etc. in the discharge portion forming step. 3 is directly processed to form the discharge part 5 integrated with the substrate 3.
  • the head substrate 2d can be formed from a single substrate 3, and the number of components can be reduced, and the manufacturing process can be simplified because there is no need for bonding between the substrate 3 and the discharge part 5, etc. It is easy to handle as 2d and has excellent durability and reliability.
  • a heat discharge type print head By combining the heating means 6 similar to that of the first embodiment with the head substrate 2d formed as described above, a heat discharge type print head can be obtained.
  • another member in which the film is colored black or glass is chrome-plated can be used as a heat absorption layer laminated with the head substrate 2d.
  • the heat absorption layer By making the heat absorption layer detachable with respect to the discharge part 5, it can be easily replaced, and the maintenance is excellent.
  • use a solid heat absorption layer of black perform selective heating with heating means 6 to print any image, use a heat absorption layer on which a print pattern is formed in advance, A specific image can be printed repeatedly.
  • the driving method as the heat discharge type print head is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a modification of the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head according to the third embodiment.
  • the modification of the head substrate is different from the third embodiment in that a slit-like discharge hole 9a is formed in the discharge portion 5 of the head substrate 2e.
  • the method of manufacturing the head substrate 2e of the heat-discharge type print head in the modification is different from that of the third embodiment only in the pattern of the discharge hole 9a, and the process is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.
  • the common electrode 5b thicker than the discharge electrode 5a, the heat radiation area of the discharge part 5 can be increased and the heat capacity can be increased. Responsiveness is improved, and a stable voltage can always be applied by reducing the resistance value, so that the stability of discharge can be further improved.
  • the discharge electrode 5a can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information, and the image forming reliability is excellent.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the fourth embodiment.
  • 10 is an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 provided with a heat discharge type print head 1
  • 11 is an image forming apparatus 10 for uniformly charging a medium substrate surface 21 a of a medium substrate 21 of a recording medium 20.
  • a restorer 22 a is a ground electrode portion that is disposed on the back side of the medium substrate 21 of the recording medium 20 and applies an electric field between the discharge electrode 5 a of the heating and discharging type print head 1 and the recording medium 20.
  • a charging roller, a charging brush, or the like is preferably used as the restoring device 11.
  • a ground electrode roller may be provided instead of the flat ground electrode portion 22a, or a voltage applying unit 22 may be provided to apply a voltage as in the first embodiment.
  • the restorer 11 When irradiating negative ions from the heat discharge type print head 1, the restorer 11 charges the medium substrate surface 21 a of the recording medium 20 to a positive polarity opposite in polarity to the ions irradiated from the heat discharge type print head 1.
  • the combination of the head substrate 2 and the heating means 6 has been described as the heat discharge type print head 1, but the heads R2a, 2b, 2c of the second and third embodiments are described. , 2d, 2e!
  • the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment Since the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operations.
  • An image can be formed by ion irradiation or light emission by discharge from the heat-discharge type print head 1, and the image forming process can be simplified.
  • An image can be formed on a paper or the like.
  • the recording medium 20 in which a visible image appears inside can be initialized by the action of electric charges due to discharge, and is unnecessary. It is possible to repeatedly rewrite to the recording medium 20 by deleting a new recording.
  • FIG. 7 is a main part schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the fifth embodiment.
  • the image forming apparatus 10a according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is different from the fourth embodiment in that the back side of the head substrate 2d of the heat-discharge type print head la is subjected to black colored film chrome plating.
  • the heat absorbing layer 4a formed of glass or the like is detachably disposed, and an infrared lamp is used as the heating means 6a.
  • the heating means 6a using an infrared lamp simply irradiates the entire surface of the heat absorption layer 4a with infrared rays.
  • the discharge electrode 5a can be heated, and a large amount of images can be formed in a short time.
  • the combination of the head substrate 2d and the heating means 6a using an infrared lamp has been described as the heat discharge type print head la.
  • the head substrate 2 according to the first to third embodiments. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2e may be used, or heating means 6 equipped with a laser irradiation unit may be used.
  • the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment Since the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operation in addition to the fourth embodiment. (1) Since the heat absorption layer 4a has a print pattern formed in accordance with the image information, the discharge electrode 5a can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information, thereby improving the reliability of image formation. Excellent.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.
  • the image forming apparatus 10b according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is different from the fourth embodiment in that the head substrate 2 of the heat discharge type print head lb has a plurality of calorie heat means 6 provided with a laser irradiation unit. And an electrostatic latent image in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by irradiation of ions from the heat discharge type print head lb.
  • the image bearing member 12 and the static eliminator 13 for neutralizing the surface of the electrostatic latent image bearing member 12 before writing (ion irradiation) by the heat discharge type print head lb are provided.
  • An image can be formed by scanning the head substrate 2 together with the heating unit 6 with respect to the recording medium 20.
  • an optical fiber array 6b in which a large number of optical fibers are arranged with high density and high accuracy, a plurality of discharge electrodes 5a (discharge generating part 7) are simultaneously irradiated with laser light selectively. Therefore, high-speed recording is possible and the utility is excellent.
  • the discharge electrode 5a can also be formed by directly depositing chromium on the outlet end of the optical fiber and plating it with gold.
  • the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 various shapes such as a drum type and a belt type can be used. Further, as the material of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12, any material can be used as long as the surface is charged by irradiation of ions, and therefore an insulator such as alumite that does not need to be a photoconductor can be used. Further, by providing the static eliminator 11, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 in a stable state, and the reliability is excellent. When the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 is a photosensitive body, it can be neutralized by irradiating light, and when it is an insulator, it can be neutralized with an AC voltage.
  • the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is different from that of the fourth embodiment in that the medium substrate of the recording medium 20 is directly from the heat-discharge type print head lb. Instead of irradiating the surface 21a with ions, an electrostatic latent image is once formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier 12, and the recording medium 20 is electrostatically developed with the electrostatic latent image to form a visible image. It is.
  • a voltage applying unit 22 may be provided on the back surface of the recording medium 20 instead of the ground electrode unit 22a to apply a voltage.
  • the combination of the head substrate 2, the heating unit 6, and the optical fiber 6b has been described as the heat discharge type print head lb.
  • the head substrate 2a according to the first and second embodiments is described. , 2b, or 2c may be used.
  • Heat-discharge type print head An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 by irradiation of ions from lb, and the recording medium 20 is electrostatically developed with the electrostatic latent image to be visible. An image can be formed, and the heat discharge type print head lb and the recording medium 20 do not directly face each other, and the heat discharge type print head lb can be prevented from being stained.
  • an electrostatic latent image can be formed in only one step of ion irradiation, and the image forming process can be simplified.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.
  • 10c is an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 7 provided with a heat discharge type print head 1
  • 15 is an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface by irradiation of ions from the heat discharge type print head 1.
  • the electrostatic latent image carrier 16 is a developing unit as a visualization means for forming a visible image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 based on the electrostatic latent image
  • 17 is a visible image printed.
  • the developing device 16 that performs toner development is used as the developing means, but the development may be performed by ink or other methods.
  • the transfer fixing roller 17 a roller made of a metal such as aluminum and coated with a synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber was used. Toner When a pressure fixing type toner is used during development, the toner is pressed by the transfer fixing roller 17 to transfer and fix the visible image on the surface 25 of the print medium 25.
  • an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 in a stable state, and the reliability is excellent.
  • the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 may be the same as the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 in the sixth embodiment.
  • the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 is neutralized by the static eliminator 19.
  • the neutralization is performed by corona discharge, for example.
  • the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 is exposed by irradiating the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 that has been electrically cleaned and the afterimage of the electrostatic latent image has disappeared with negative ions from the heat-discharge type print head 1.
  • a negative electrostatic latent image is formed at The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 16 and becomes a visible image. The visible image is pressed by the transfer fixing roller 17 and transferred and fixed on the surface 25 of the print medium 25.
  • the heat discharge type print heads la and lb described in the fifth and sixth embodiments are used. Combinations may be used.
  • the image forming apparatus of the seventh embodiment Since the image forming apparatus of the seventh embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operations.
  • Electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by the irradiation of ions from the heat-discharge type print head 1
  • an exposure optical system such as a polygon mirror is not required, so the number of parts is small and the structure can be simplified.
  • the developing device 16 that is a visualization means can form a visible image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 based on the electrostatic latent image, and the visible image can be printed on the printing medium by the transfer means. Since it can be transferred to the 25 surface 25a, various media such as plain paper, OHP sheets, glossy paper, etc. can be used as the print medium 41, which is excellent in versatility.
  • the present invention can easily and reliably control the discharge of the discharge electrode force, simplify the structure, and have excellent mass productivity and reliability. No restrictions on manufacturing with respect to the shape and arrangement of the discharge electrode Excellent design flexibility, easy high-density mounting to improve image resolution and recording speed High quality and practicality
  • a heat-discharge type print head an image can be formed on a recording medium such as a digital paper by irradiating and emitting ions by discharge.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Printers Or Recording Devices Using Electromagnetic And Radiation Means (AREA)
  • Facsimile Heads (AREA)
  • Electrophotography Using Other Than Carlson'S Method (AREA)

Abstract

A heating discharge type printhead with high quality and excellent practicability is provided in which discharge from the discharge electrodes can be controlled simply and infallibly by selectively heating discharge electrodes using a heating means provided apart from the discharge electrodes, a simplified configuration provides excellent mass-productivity and reliability, the design is highly flexible without manufacture restrictions on the shape and arrangement of the discharge electrodes, and the image resolution and recording rate can be improved with the ease of high-density mounting. The heating discharge type printhead which controls discharge from discharge electrodes by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrodes to which a discharge-controlling voltage is applied comprises a discharger having the discharge electrodes and a heating means which is provided apart from the discharger and heats the discharge electrodes.

Description

加熱放電型印字ヘッド及びそれを備えた画像形成装置  Heat discharge type print head and image forming apparatus having the same
技術分野  Technical field
[0001] 本発明は、放電によるイオンの照射や発光により、デジタルぺーパ等の記録媒体に 画像を形成する加熱放電型印字ヘッド及びそれを備えた画像形成装置に関する。 背景技術  The present invention relates to a heat discharge type print head that forms an image on a recording medium such as a digital paper by irradiating and emitting ions by discharge, and an image forming apparatus including the same. Background art
[0002] 近年、（特許文献 1)に示すように、電子写真方式とは別方式の静電潜像形成方式 である、イオン照射方式が開発されてきている。  In recent years, as shown in (Patent Document 1), an ion irradiation method, which is an electrostatic latent image forming method different from the electrophotographic method, has been developed.
電子写真方式が一様帯電 +露光という 2工程で、一様帯電した感光体上の露光し た部分の電荷を逃がすことで、静電潜像担持体としての感光体上に静電潜像を形成 するのに対し、イオン照射方式では、イオン生成可能な雰囲気中（大気中等）におい ては、放電電極からの放電により発生するイオンの照射による選択的帯電 (静電潜像 形成帯電)のみで静電潜像担持体 (絶縁体であれば良 、ので、必ずしも感光体であ る必要はない)上に静電潜像の形成を完了できるので、より簡素化された静電潜像 形成方式である。  The electrophotographic method uses two processes, uniform charging and exposure, to release the exposed portion of the charge on the uniformly charged photoconductor, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor as the electrostatic latent image carrier. In contrast, in the ion irradiation method, in an atmosphere where ions can be generated (such as in the air), only selective charging (electrostatic latent image formation charging) is performed by irradiation of ions generated by discharge from the discharge electrode. Since the formation of an electrostatic latent image can be completed on an electrostatic latent image carrier (it is not necessarily a photoconductor as long as it is an insulator), a more simplified electrostatic latent image formation method It is.
このような静電潜像形成方式を応用したものは、表面に形成された静電潜像の電 荷の作用により内部に可視像が出現する静電現像方式の記録媒体に対して、静電 潜像をイオン照射により直接形成して潜像を顕像に変化させることができる。  The application of such an electrostatic latent image forming method is a static development method for a recording medium of an electrostatic development method in which a visible image appears inside due to the action of the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface. An electrostatic latent image can be directly formed by ion irradiation to change the latent image into a visible image.
特に、（特許文献 1)や (特許文献 2)に示すような放電電極への選択的加熱で放電 を行わせる加熱放電方式は、加熱の制御に 5V駆動のような低耐電圧対応のドライバ ICが使用できるので、放電の制御の観点からは最も優れた制御方式である。そのた め、一般的にデジタルぺーパと称される静電現像方式の記録媒体に非接触で書き 込むには、現在考え得る最適な印字ヘッドである。  In particular, the heating / discharging method, as shown in (Patent Document 1) and (Patent Document 2), which discharges by selective heating of the discharge electrode, is a driver IC that supports low withstand voltage such as 5V drive for heating control. From the viewpoint of controlling discharge, this is the most excellent control method. For this reason, it is an optimal print head that is currently conceivable for writing in a non-contact manner on an electrostatic development type recording medium generally called digital paper.
因に、現時点におけるデジタルぺーパとしては、微小なボールを二色 (例えば白黒 )に色分けし、各色の電気特性の違いによりボールを回転して任意の一色を表示す るツイストボール方式、微小なボール中に二色 (例えば白黒)の微粉末を混入し、各 色の微粉末が持つ電気特性の違いにより一色のみを浮上させて表示する電気泳動 方式、液晶板あるいは微小な液晶ブロックの液晶シャッターを開閉して、シャッターを 開けた部分の背景色を表示する液晶方式等がある。 Incidentally, as a digital paper at the present time, a minute ball is color-coded into two colors (for example, black and white), and the ball is rotated by the difference in electrical characteristics of each color to display an arbitrary color, a minute ball Electrophoresis in which fine powder of two colors (for example, black and white) is mixed in the ball and only one color is floated and displayed due to the difference in electrical characteristics of the fine powder of each color There is a liquid crystal system that displays the background color of the part where the shutter is opened by opening and closing the liquid crystal shutter of the liquid crystal plate or micro liquid crystal block.
特許文献 1：特開 2003 - 326756号公報  Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-326756
特許文献 2 :特願 2004— 069350号公報  Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-069350
発明の開示  Disclosure of the invention
発明が解決しょうとする課題  Problems to be solved by the invention
[0003] し力しながら、上記従来の技術にお!、ては、以下のような課題を有して ヽた。 [0003] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has had the following problems.
(1) (特許文献 1)、（特許文献 2)では、放電電極の放電を発熱素子の加熱により制 御するので、高電圧が印加される放電電極と、放電電極を加熱する発熱素子との間 を確実に絶縁しなければならず、絶縁膜にピンホールが発生するのを防止するため に、絶縁膜の厚みを厚くしたり、複数回に分けて重ね塗りしたりする必要があり、生産 工数の増加につながつていた。  (1) In (Patent Document 1) and (Patent Document 2), since the discharge of the discharge electrode is controlled by heating the heating element, the discharge electrode to which a high voltage is applied and the heating element that heats the discharge electrode are used. In order to prevent pinholes from being generated in the insulating film, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the insulating film or to apply it over several times. It led to an increase in man-hours.
(2)画像の解像度や記録速度を向上させるためには、複数の放電電極を高密度に 実装しなければならないが、放電電極及び発熱素子の形状や配置に対し、放電電 極や発熱素子の形成技術上の制約を受けていた。また、発熱素子の抵抗値のばら つきにより、放電電極の加熱斑が生じ易ぐ放電量にばらつきが発生するため、発熱 素子を用いた加熱方法では解像度、画像品質及び記録速度の限界があった。 (2) In order to improve image resolution and recording speed, it is necessary to mount multiple discharge electrodes at a high density. There were restrictions on the forming technology. In addition, due to variations in the resistance value of the heating element, unevenness in the amount of discharge easily occurs due to heating spots on the discharge electrode, so the heating method using the heating element has limitations in resolution, image quality, and recording speed. .
(3)さらに、発熱素子によって複数の放電電極を選択的に加熱するためには、発熱 素子に通電するための電極パターンや加熱制御が複雑ィ匕し、実装密度や記録速度 を向上させる上での制約となっていた。 (3) Furthermore, in order to selectively heat a plurality of discharge electrodes by a heating element, the electrode pattern for energizing the heating element and the heating control are complicated, so that the mounting density and the recording speed are improved. It was a restriction.
以上のような観点から、製造技術上の制約を受けることなぐ放電電極の加熱制御 を斑なく確実に行って、画像の解像度や品質、記録速度を向上させることができる加 熱放電型印字ヘッド及びそれを備えた画像形成装置が強く要望されていた。  From the above viewpoints, a heating discharge type print head capable of improving the resolution, quality, and recording speed of an image by reliably performing heating control of the discharge electrode without being restricted by the manufacturing technology, There has been a strong demand for an image forming apparatus equipped with the same.
[0004] 本発明は上記要望に応えるもので、放電電極から離間した加熱手段で放電電極を 選択的に加熱することにより、放電電極からの放電を斑なく簡便かつ確実に制御でき 、構造を簡素化して量産性、信頼性に優れ、放電電極の形状や配置に対して製造 上の制約を受けることがなぐ設計自在性に優れ、容易に高密度実装して画像の解 像度や記録速度を向上させることができる高品質で実用性に優れる加熱放電型印 字ヘッドの提供、及び静電現像方式の記録媒体や多種多様な静電潜像担持体に静 電潜像を形成できる汎用性、画像品質の信頼性に優れる加熱放電型印字ヘッドを 備えた画像形成装置の提供を目的とする。 [0004] The present invention meets the above-mentioned demands. By selectively heating the discharge electrode with a heating means spaced from the discharge electrode, the discharge from the discharge electrode can be controlled easily and reliably without unevenness, and the structure is simplified. It has excellent mass productivity and reliability, has excellent design flexibility that does not impose manufacturing restrictions on the shape and arrangement of the discharge electrode, and can easily mount images at high density to improve image resolution and recording speed. High-quality and highly practical heat-discharge type stamp that can be improved An image with a heat-discharge-type printhead that provides excellent image quality and reliability, as well as versatility that enables electrostatic latent images to be formed on various types of electrostatic development image recording media and various electrostatic latent image carriers. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.
課題を解決するための手段 Means for solving the problem
上記課題を解決するために本発明の加熱放電型印字ヘッド及びそれを備えた画 像形成装置は、以下の構成を有している。  In order to solve the above-described problems, a heat-discharge type print head of the present invention and an image forming apparatus including the same have the following configurations.
本発明の請求項 1に記載の加熱放電型印字ヘッドは、放電制御電圧が印加された 放電電極を温度制御することにより前記放電電極からの放電の発生制御を行う加熱 放電型印字ヘッドであって、前記放電電極を有する放電部と、前記放電部と離間し て配設され前記放電電極を加熱する加熱手段と、を備えた構成を有して!/ヽる。  The heating discharge type print head according to claim 1 of the present invention is a heating discharge type print head that controls the generation of discharge from the discharge electrode by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode to which a discharge control voltage is applied. And a heating unit that heats the discharge electrode that is disposed apart from the discharge unit and that heats the discharge electrode.
この構成により、以下のような作用を有する。  This configuration has the following effects.
(1)放電制御電圧が印加された放電電極を温度制御することにより放電電極からの 放電の発生制御を行うので、放電電極に放電制御電圧を印加した状態で放電に備 えることができ、高電圧となる放電制御電圧を制御する必要がなぐ加熱手段により 放電電極を選択的に加熱することで放電を発生させ、記録媒体に可視像を形成する ことができる。  (1) Since the generation of discharge from the discharge electrode is controlled by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode to which the discharge control voltage is applied, it is possible to prepare for discharge with the discharge control voltage applied to the discharge electrode. A discharge can be generated by selectively heating the discharge electrode by a heating means that does not need to control the discharge control voltage to be a voltage, and a visible image can be formed on the recording medium.
(2)放電電極を加熱する加熱手段が、放電電極を有する放電部と離間して配設され ているので、放電電極と加熱手段を絶縁するための絶縁膜などを設けることなぐ放 電電極と加熱手段との間を確実に絶縁することができ、製造工数を低減でき、量産 性及び加熱制御の信頼性を向上させることができる。  (2) Since the heating means for heating the discharge electrode is disposed away from the discharge portion having the discharge electrode, the discharge electrode without providing an insulating film or the like for insulating the discharge electrode and the heating means It is possible to reliably insulate from the heating means, reduce the number of manufacturing steps, and improve the mass productivity and the reliability of the heating control.
(3)放電部と加熱手段が離間して配設されているので、別々に製造したものを簡便 に組合せて使用することができ、放電部又は加熱手段の 、ずれか一方に不具合が 生じた際に、不具合が生じたものだけを修理、交換することができ、メンテナンス性、 省資源性に優れる。  (3) Since the discharge part and the heating means are separated from each other, the separately manufactured products can be used in a simple combination, and either the discharge part or the heating means is defective. At the same time, it is possible to repair and replace only the defective ones, which is excellent in maintainability and resource saving.
(4)放電部と加熱手段が離間して配設されていることにより、加熱手段を移動させて (4) Since the discharge part and the heating means are spaced apart, the heating means can be moved.
、複数の放電電極或いは放電電極の任意の位置を選択的に加熱することができ、加 熱位置の微調整が容易で画像品質を向上できると共に、加熱手段を小型化すること ができ、省スペース性に優れる。 (5)放電部と加熱手段が離間して配設されていることにより、放電部と発熱源が接触 することがな!、ので、加熱停止状態での放電電極の冷却時間を大幅に短縮すること ができ、加熱停止に対する応答性を向上させて短時間で放電の有無を切替えること ができ、画像品質及び記録速度を向上できる。 In addition, a plurality of discharge electrodes or arbitrary positions of the discharge electrodes can be selectively heated, the fine adjustment of the heating position can be facilitated, the image quality can be improved, and the heating means can be reduced in size, saving space. Excellent in properties. (5) Since the discharge part and the heating means are arranged apart from each other, the discharge part and the heat source do not come into contact with each other! Therefore, the cooling time of the discharge electrode in the heating stopped state is greatly shortened. Therefore, it is possible to improve the responsiveness to the heating stop, switch the presence or absence of discharge in a short time, and improve the image quality and the recording speed.
[0006] ここで、放電電極に印加する放電制御電圧とは、印加しただけでは放電は起こらな Vヽが、その電圧が印加された放電電極を加熱することにより放電が起こる電圧域を言 放電電極に放電制御電圧を印加すると共に、加熱手段で加熱を行うことにより放電 の発生を制御できるので、加熱手段による加熱箇所を選択することで容易に任意の 放電電極或いは放電電極の任意の位置 (放電発生部）から選択的に放電を発生さ せることができ、放電電極の形状の自在性に優れる。尚、放電部の内、加熱手段によ る加熱位置近傍が放電発生部となる。 [0006] Here, the discharge control voltage applied to the discharge electrode is V ヽ, which does not cause a discharge when only applied, but a voltage range where a discharge occurs by heating the discharge electrode to which the voltage is applied. Since the generation of discharge can be controlled by applying a discharge control voltage to the electrode and heating with the heating means, any discharge electrode or any position of the discharge electrode can be easily selected by selecting the heating location by the heating means ( Discharge can be selectively generated from the discharge generating portion), and the flexibility of the shape of the discharge electrode is excellent. Of the discharge part, the vicinity of the heating position by the heating means is the discharge generation part.
[0007] 放電部は、基板上に金、銀、銅、アルミニウム等の金属を蒸着、スパッタ、印刷、メッ キなどで形成した後、必要に応じてエッチングして放電電極や共通電極をパターン 形成するもの、ステンレス、銅、アルミニウム等の金属の少なくとも一部をエッチングや 切削等により薄肉化した後、必要に応じてエッチングやレーザ加ェ等により放電電極 をパターン形成するもの等が好適に用いられる。また、その他にカーボン等の導電材 料を用いて放電電極を形成してもよ ヽ。  [0007] The discharge part is formed by depositing a metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum on the substrate by vapor deposition, sputtering, printing, plating, etc., and then etching as necessary to form a pattern of the discharge electrode or common electrode. It is preferable to use at least a part of a metal such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum, etc. after thinning by etching, cutting, etc., and then patterning the discharge electrode by etching, laser processing, etc., if necessary. . In addition, the discharge electrode may be formed using a conductive material such as carbon.
基板上に放電部を形成する場合、基板の材質としては、表面に放電部を形成する ことができると共に、加熱手段による加熱に耐える耐熱性を有するものであればよい 。また、加熱手段で基板の裏面側から加熱を行う場合、加熱手段が発する熱を放電 電極に伝達できる熱伝達性を有するものが好適に用いられる。具体的には、ガラス やポリイミド，ァラミド，ポリエーテルイミド等の合成樹脂等が好適に用いられる。  When the discharge part is formed on the substrate, the material of the substrate may be any material that can form the discharge part on the surface and has heat resistance to withstand the heating by the heating means. In addition, when heating is performed from the back side of the substrate by the heating means, those having heat transfer properties that can transfer heat generated by the heating means to the discharge electrode are preferably used. Specifically, synthetic resins such as glass, polyimide, aramid, and polyetherimide are preferably used.
[0008] 放電部は、複数の放電発生部を有する放電電極を長方形状や正方形状等の一枚 の平板状に形成する以外に、例えば複数の放電電極の一端部を共通電極で接続し て櫛型に形成したり、複数の放電電極の両端部を共通電極で接続して梯子型等に 形成したりできる。放電電極近傍に共通電極を設けることで、放電部の放熱面積の 拡大及び、熱容量の増大により、放電電極の冷却効果、加熱停止に対する応答性が 向上し、また、抵抗値の低減により常に安定した電圧を印加できるので、放電の安定 性等を更に向上させることができる。尚、平板状に形成した放電部 (放電電極）は、放 電発生部以外が共通電極となる。 [0008] In addition to forming the discharge electrode having a plurality of discharge generation portions in a single flat plate shape such as a rectangular shape or a square shape, the discharge portion includes, for example, connecting one end portions of the plurality of discharge electrodes with a common electrode. It can be formed in a comb shape, or can be formed in a ladder shape by connecting both ends of a plurality of discharge electrodes with a common electrode. By providing a common electrode in the vicinity of the discharge electrode, the cooling effect of the discharge electrode and responsiveness to heating stop can be achieved by increasing the heat radiation area of the discharge part and increasing the heat capacity. In addition, since a stable voltage can always be applied by reducing the resistance value, the discharge stability and the like can be further improved. Note that the discharge portion (discharge electrode) formed in a flat plate shape is a common electrode except for the discharge generation portion.
特に、共通電極の幅を放電電極の幅より幅広に形成した場合、一時的に 100〜30 In particular, if the common electrode is wider than the discharge electrode, it will temporarily be 100-30.
0°Cに加熱される放電電極の冷却効果が向上し、熱の籠りを防ぐことができるので、 加熱のオフに迅速に応答して放電を停止でき、放電時間間隔を短縮して短時間で 放電の有無を切替えることができ、記録速度の高速ィ匕を図ることができる。また、共通 電極の抵抗値を引き下げることができ、共通電極で接続された各々の放電電極の間 に生じる電位差を極力抑えることができるので、各々の放電電極における放電量の ばらつきを低減でき、放電の安定性に優れる。 Since the cooling effect of the discharge electrode heated to 0 ° C is improved and heat can be prevented, the discharge can be stopped quickly in response to heating off, and the discharge time interval can be shortened in a short time. The presence or absence of discharge can be switched, and the recording speed can be increased. In addition, the resistance value of the common electrode can be reduced, and the potential difference generated between the discharge electrodes connected by the common electrode can be suppressed as much as possible. Excellent stability.
[0009] 放電部を櫛型に形成する場合、各々の放電電極の形状は、略矩形状、台形状、半 円形状、砲弾状あるいはこれらを組合せた形状等に形成することができる。また、放 電電極の一部をさらにスリット等で分割したり、周縁部に凹凸部を形成したりすること で放電電極の縁周辺の周長を増加させることができる。放電電極は縁周辺力 の放 電量が多いので、縁周辺の周長を長くすることで、放電電極からの放電量を増加さ せて照射されるイオン量や発光強度を増加させることができ、放電制御電圧や加熱 温度を低く設定することができ、省エネルギー性及び放電発生の効率性に優れる。 また、放電電極への印加電圧を低く設定できるので、放電電極の長寿命性にも優れ る。  [0009] When the discharge part is formed in a comb shape, the shape of each discharge electrode can be formed in a substantially rectangular shape, trapezoidal shape, semicircular shape, bullet shape, or a combination thereof. Further, the peripheral length around the edge of the discharge electrode can be increased by further dividing a part of the discharge electrode with a slit or by forming an uneven portion on the peripheral edge. Since the discharge electrode has a large discharge amount of peripheral edge force, increasing the discharge amount from the discharge electrode can increase the amount of ions and the emitted light intensity by increasing the circumference around the edge. The discharge control voltage and heating temperature can be set low, and energy saving and discharge generation efficiency are excellent. In addition, since the voltage applied to the discharge electrode can be set low, the discharge electrode is also excellent in long life.
放電電極の端部を分割したり周縁部に凹凸部を形成したりする代りに、放電発生 部 (加熱位置）の近傍に放電孔部を形成してもよい。これにより、放電孔部の縁周辺 力も放電を発生させることができ、放電電極の端部を分割するのと同様の作用を得る ことができる。放電孔部の形状は、略円形、略楕円形、四角形や六角形等の多角形 、星形など様々な形状に形成することができる。また、放電発生部 (加熱位置近傍） の 1箇所当たりの放電孔部の数及び大きさは適宜選択して組合せることができる。尚 、放電電極の凹凸部ゃ放電孔部は前述のエッチングやレーザ加ェ等により形成する ことができる。  Instead of dividing the end portion of the discharge electrode or forming the uneven portion on the peripheral edge portion, a discharge hole portion may be formed in the vicinity of the discharge generating portion (heating position). As a result, the peripheral force at the edge of the discharge hole can also generate a discharge, and the same effect as dividing the end of the discharge electrode can be obtained. The shape of the discharge hole portion can be formed in various shapes such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a polygon such as a quadrangle and a hexagon, and a star shape. Further, the number and size of the discharge hole portions per location of the discharge generation portion (near the heating position) can be appropriately selected and combined. It should be noted that the uneven portions of the discharge electrode and the discharge holes can be formed by the above-described etching or laser heating.
[0010] また、放電部の内の少なくとも共通電極の表面には導電材層を形成してもよい。こ れにより、共通電極の抵抗値を更に引き下げることができ、各々の放電電極間に生じ る電位差を確実に低減でき、放電の安定性に優れる。導電材層は放電部よりも優れ た導電性を有するものであればよぐ銀ペーストのスクリーン印刷ゃ銀メツキ等により 容易に形成することができる。導電材層の厚みを増すことにより、共通電極の抵抗値 を低減でき、放電の安定性を向上させることができる。 In addition, a conductive material layer may be formed on at least the surface of the common electrode in the discharge part. This As a result, the resistance value of the common electrode can be further reduced, the potential difference generated between the respective discharge electrodes can be reliably reduced, and the discharge stability is excellent. As long as the conductive material layer has conductivity superior to that of the discharge part, it can be easily formed by screen printing of silver paste or silver plating. By increasing the thickness of the conductive material layer, the resistance value of the common electrode can be reduced, and the discharge stability can be improved.
放電電極の厚さは材質にもよる力 金で形成する場合の厚さは 0. 1 μ m〜100 mが好ましい。放電電極の厚さが 0.： mより薄くなるにつれ摩耗の影響を受け易く 放電電極の寿命が短くなる傾向があり、 100 mより厚くなるにつれ熱容量が増加し 加熱のオン Zオフに対する応答性が低下し易くなる傾向があり、 、ずれも好ましくな い。放電電極の厚さを 100 m以下にすることで、加熱状態から急速に復帰させるこ とができ、印字速度を高速ィ匕することができる。  The thickness of the discharge electrode is preferably 0.1 μm to 100 m when it is formed with a force plate depending on the material. The discharge electrode tends to be affected by wear as the thickness of the discharge electrode becomes thinner than 0. m, and the life of the discharge electrode tends to be shortened. As the thickness exceeds 100 m, the heat capacity increases, and the response to heating on and off is increased. There is a tendency to be easily lowered, and deviation is not preferable. By reducing the thickness of the discharge electrode to 100 m or less, it is possible to quickly recover from the heated state and to increase the printing speed.
加熱手段としては、レーザ光を照射する方式や赤外線を照射する方式等が好適に 用いられる。レーザ光を照射する方式としては、従来の電子写真方式と同様のレー ザスキャナユニットを用いることができ、レーザ照射部にポリゴンミラー又はガルバノミ ラーを組合せて放電電極に対してレーザ光のみをスキャンさせるもの、放電電極に 対してレーザ照射部自体をシリアル走査させるもの等が好適に用いられる。また、レ 一ザ光や赤外線を光ファイバ一や集光レンズで集光して放電電極に照射してもよい 。特に多本数の光ファイバ一を高密度かつ高精度に配列した光ファイバ一アレイを 用いた場合、同時に複数の放電電極 (放電発生部）に対し、レーザ光や赤外線を選 択的に照射することができ、高速記録が可能で実用性に優れる。また、光ファイバ一 の出口先端や集光レンズの表面に直接、クロムを蒸着して金メッキすることにより放電 部を形成することもできる。この場合、記録媒体に対して加熱手段と共に放電部をス キャンすることにより画像を形成することができる。  As the heating means, a method of irradiating laser light, a method of irradiating infrared rays, or the like is preferably used. As a method of irradiating laser light, a laser scanner unit similar to the conventional electrophotographic method can be used, and the laser irradiation unit is combined with a polygon mirror or a galvano mirror to scan only the laser light with respect to the discharge electrode. For example, a device that serially scans the laser irradiation portion itself with respect to the discharge electrode is preferably used. Further, laser light or infrared light may be condensed by an optical fiber or a condensing lens and irradiated to the discharge electrode. In particular, when an optical fiber array in which a large number of optical fibers are arranged with high density and high precision is used, laser light and infrared rays can be selectively irradiated to a plurality of discharge electrodes (discharge generating portions) simultaneously. It is possible to record at high speed and is highly practical. Alternatively, the discharge part can be formed by depositing chromium and gold plating directly on the exit tip of the optical fiber or on the surface of the condenser lens. In this case, an image can be formed by scanning the discharge portion together with the heating means with respect to the recording medium.
放電部を櫛型や梯子型等に形成する場合、放電電極の幅をレーザ光や赤外線の スポット径よりも狭く形成することにより、放電電極の周縁部から放電が発生し易ぐ放 電の効率性に優れる。また、放電発生部の範囲がレーザ光や赤外線のスポット径で 規定されるため、加熱位置の位置ずれによる放電量のばらつきを低減することができ 、画像品質の均一性に優れる。 高画質の画像を得るためには、加熱手段にポリゴンミラー，ガルバノミラー，集光レ ンズ等を組合せ、レーザ光や赤外線を細かく走査する必要があり、加熱手段と放電 電極とを離間させなければならない。尚、加熱手段と放電電極とを離間させる距離は 、加熱手段の出力及びポリゴンミラー，ガルバノミラー，集光レンズ等の大きさや配置 などにより規定される。また、必要に応じて加熱手段と放電電極との間を断熱材で覆 つてもよい。加熱手段が発する熱を外部に逃すことなく効率的に放電電極に伝達す ることができると共に、外部の熱による誤動作を確実に防止することができ信頼性に 優れる。 When the discharge part is formed in a comb shape, a ladder shape, etc., the discharge electrode is easily generated from the peripheral edge of the discharge electrode by making the width of the discharge electrode narrower than the spot diameter of laser light or infrared rays. Excellent in properties. In addition, since the range of the discharge generation part is defined by the spot diameter of laser light or infrared rays, variation in the discharge amount due to the displacement of the heating position can be reduced, and the image quality is excellent in uniformity. In order to obtain a high-quality image, it is necessary to combine a polygon mirror, galvanometer mirror, condensing lens, etc. with the heating means, and scan the laser light and infrared rays finely. Unless the heating means and the discharge electrode are separated from each other, Don't be. The distance for separating the heating means and the discharge electrode is defined by the output of the heating means and the size and arrangement of the polygon mirror, galvanometer mirror, condenser lens, and the like. Moreover, you may cover between a heating means and a discharge electrode with a heat insulating material as needed. The heat generated by the heating means can be efficiently transferred to the discharge electrode without escaping to the outside, and malfunction due to external heat can be surely prevented, resulting in excellent reliability.
[0012] 本発明の請求項 2に記載の加熱放電型印字ヘッドは、請求項 1に記載の加熱放電 型印字ヘッドであって、前記加熱手段が、レーザ照射部を備えた構成を有している。 この構成により、請求項 1の作用に加え、以下のような作用を有する。  [0012] A heat discharge type print head according to claim 2 of the present invention is the heat discharge type print head according to claim 1, wherein the heating means includes a laser irradiation section. Yes. With this configuration, in addition to the operation of claim 1, the following operation is provided.
(1)加熱手段が、レーザ照射部を有することにより、放電制御電圧が印加された任意 の放電電極若しくは放電電極の任意の位置をレーザ光により選択的に加熱して放電 を発生させることができる。  (1) Since the heating means has a laser irradiation section, any discharge electrode to which a discharge control voltage is applied or any position of the discharge electrode can be selectively heated with laser light to generate a discharge. .
(2)レーザ照射部から照射されるレーザ光のスポット径を絞ることにより、微小範囲を 加熱することができるので、記録媒体に対して電子やイオン、紫外線等を一箇所に集 中して照射させることができ、画像形成の効率性に優れると共に画像品質を向上させ ることがでさる。  (2) By narrowing the spot diameter of the laser beam emitted from the laser irradiation unit, the minute range can be heated, so that the recording medium is irradiated with electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays, etc. in one place. Therefore, it is possible to improve the image quality and improve the image quality.
(3)レーザ照射部からレーザ光を照射することにより、略一定の熱量で放電発生部を 加熱することができるので、加熱斑を低減して放電量のばらつきが発生するのを抑え ることができ、画像品質を向上させることができる。  (3) By irradiating the laser beam from the laser irradiation part, the discharge generation part can be heated with a substantially constant amount of heat, so that it is possible to reduce heating spots and suppress the occurrence of variations in the discharge amount. Image quality can be improved.
[0013] ここで、レーザ照射部は放電電極の放電発生部にレーザ光を照射して加熱できる ものであればよぐレーザ光を照射する方向については、装置全体のレイアウトや放 電電極の形状や配置、電子，イオン，紫外線等の照射方向に応じて、適宜、選択す ることがでさる。  [0013] Here, the laser irradiating part can be heated by irradiating the discharge generating part of the discharge electrode with laser light. As for the direction of irradiating the laser light, the layout of the entire apparatus and the shape of the discharge electrode It can be selected as appropriate according to the arrangement, the irradiation direction of electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays, and the like.
例えば、基板の表面に千鳥状やマトリックス状等に複数の放電発生部を配置するよ うに放電部を形成した場合、基板の裏面側からレーザ光を照射して放電電極を加熱 することにより、放電電極表面力も放電を発生させることができる。このとき、基板の表 面と記録媒体の媒体基板表面 (記録面)を対向配置し、放電によるイオン等を放電電 極と略直交方向に照射することで、記録媒体上に画像を形成できる。 For example, when the discharge part is formed so that a plurality of discharge generation parts are arranged on the surface of the substrate in a zigzag or matrix form, the discharge electrode is heated by irradiating laser light from the back side of the substrate. Electrode surface forces can also generate a discharge. At this time, the surface of the board An image can be formed on the recording medium by arranging the surface and the medium substrate surface (recording surface) of the recording medium to face each other and irradiating ions, etc. due to discharge in a direction substantially orthogonal to the discharge electrode.
また、基板の端面に並列に複数の放電発生部を配置するように放電部を形成した 場合、基板の表面或いは裏面側からレーザ光を照射して放電電極を加熱することに より、放電電極表面力 放電を発生させることができる。このとき、基板の端面と記録 媒体の媒体基板表面 (記録面)を対向配置し、放電によるイオン等を放電電極と略直 交方向に照射することで、記録媒体上に画像を形成できる。  In addition, when the discharge part is formed so that a plurality of discharge generation parts are arranged in parallel on the end face of the substrate, the discharge electrode surface is heated by irradiating laser light from the front surface or the back surface side of the substrate. Force discharge can be generated. At this time, an image can be formed on the recording medium by arranging the end face of the substrate and the medium substrate surface (recording surface) of the recording medium to face each other and irradiating ions or the like due to discharge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the discharge electrode.
さらに、基板の表面端部に並列に複数の放電発生部を配置するように放電部を形 成した場合、基板の表面或いは裏面側からレーザ光を照射して放電電極を加熱する ことにより、放電電極端面付近力も放電を発生させることができる。このとき、基板の 端面と記録媒体の媒体基板表面 (記録面)を対向配置し、放電によるイオン等を放電 電極と略平方方向に照射することで、記録媒体上に画像を形成できる。  Furthermore, when the discharge part is formed so that a plurality of discharge generation parts are arranged in parallel on the front surface edge of the substrate, the discharge electrode is heated by irradiating laser light from the front surface or the back surface side of the substrate. The force near the electrode end face can also generate a discharge. At this time, an image can be formed on the recording medium by arranging the end face of the substrate and the medium substrate surface (recording surface) of the recording medium to face each other and irradiating ions or the like due to discharge in a substantially square direction with respect to the discharge electrode.
[0014] 尚、加熱放電型印字ヘッドからの放電に伴うイオンを照射して記録を行う記録媒体 の媒体基板表面と反対側の面 (記録媒体の裏側）に、加熱放電型印字ヘッドの放電 電極と記録媒体間に電界をかけるための接地電極部又は電圧印加部を配設するこ とにより、加熱放電型印字ヘッドの放電電極から記録媒体に向かってイオンを確実に 照射することができ、イオンの照射位置精度を向上させることができるので、記録媒 体における単位ドットを微細化して高精細な画像を形成することができる。  [0014] It should be noted that the discharge electrode of the heat discharge type print head is provided on the surface opposite to the medium substrate surface (back side of the recording medium) of the recording medium on which recording is performed by irradiating ions accompanying discharge from the heat discharge type print head. By arranging a ground electrode part or a voltage application part for applying an electric field between the recording medium and the recording medium, ions can be reliably irradiated from the discharge electrode of the heat discharge type print head toward the recording medium. Since the irradiation position accuracy can be improved, the unit dots in the recording medium can be miniaturized to form a high-definition image.
[0015] 請求項 3に記載の発明は、請求項 1又は 2に記載の加熱放電型印字ヘッドであって 、前記放電電極の前記加熱手段により加熱される側の表面に形成又は配設若しくは 塗設された熱吸収層を備えた構成を有して!/、る。  [0015] The invention described in claim 3 is the heat discharge type print head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge electrode is formed, arranged, or coated on the surface of the discharge electrode heated by the heating means. It has a structure with a heat absorption layer provided!
この構成により、請求項 1又は 2の作用に加え、以下のような作用を有する。  With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect, the following operation is provided.
(1)放電電極の加熱手段により加熱される側の表面に形成又は配設若しくは塗設さ れた熱吸収層を有するので、加熱手段により発せられる熱を熱吸収層で吸収し、確 実に放電電極に伝達することができ、加熱の効率性に優れる。  (1) Since it has a heat absorption layer formed, disposed or coated on the surface of the discharge electrode that is heated by the heating means, the heat generated by the heating means is absorbed by the heat absorption layer, and discharge is reliably performed. It can be transmitted to the electrode and is excellent in heating efficiency.
ここで、熱吸収層は、例えば黒色の塗料、クロムメツキ等により形成することができる 基板上に形成される放電部の加熱を基板の裏面側から行う場合には、基板上に熱 吸収層を形成した上に、放電部を形成するようにすればよい。また、基板を用いない 場合は、放電電極の少なくとも加熱手段により加熱される側の表面に直接、クロムメッ キ等により熱吸収層を形成すればよい。 Here, the heat absorption layer can be formed by, for example, black paint, chrome plating, etc. When heating the discharge part formed on the substrate from the back side of the substrate, the heat absorption layer is heated on the substrate. What is necessary is just to form a discharge part after forming an absorption layer. In the case where a substrate is not used, a heat absorption layer may be formed by chrome plating or the like directly on at least the surface of the discharge electrode heated by the heating means.
更に、放電電極や放電電極が形成される基板に直接、熱吸収層を形成する代わり に、黒色に着色したフィルムやクロムメツキを施したガラスで形成した熱吸収層を放電 部と積層してもよい。  Furthermore, instead of forming the heat absorption layer directly on the discharge electrode or the substrate on which the discharge electrode is formed, a heat absorption layer formed of a black colored film or chrome-plated glass may be laminated with the discharge part. .
[0016] 請求項 4に記載の発明は、請求項 3に記載の加熱放電型印字ヘッドであって、前 記熱吸収層が、画像情報に応じて形成された印字パターンを備えた構成を有してい る。  [0016] The invention according to claim 4 is the heat-discharge type print head according to claim 3, wherein the heat absorption layer includes a print pattern formed according to image information. is doing.
この構成により、請求項 3の作用に加え、以下のような作用を有する。  With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the third aspect, the following operation is provided.
(1)熱吸収層が、画像情報に応じて形成された印字パターンを備えることにより、画 像情報に基づいて確実に放電電極を選択的に加熱することができ、画像形成の信 頼性に優れる。  (1) Since the heat absorption layer has a print pattern formed according to the image information, the discharge electrode can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information, and the reliability of image formation can be improved. Excellent.
(2)予め印字パターンが形成された熱吸収層を有することにより、同一の画像を簡便 に多量に作成することができ量産性に優れると共に、印字パターンの異なる複数種 類の熱吸収層を用意することにより、それらを交換するだけで異なる画像を簡便に形 成することができ汎用性、実用性に優れる。  (2) By having a heat absorption layer with a pre-printed pattern, the same image can be easily produced in large quantities, and it is excellent in mass productivity, and multiple types of heat absorption layers with different print patterns are prepared. By doing so, different images can be easily formed simply by exchanging them, and the versatility and practicality are excellent.
ここで、熱吸収層は前述のように、フィルムやガラス等で形成して放電部に積層する ことができる。放電部に対して熱吸収層を着脱自在とすることで容易に交換すること ができるので、頻繁に印刷する画像情報に応じた印字パターンを用意しておけばよ い。また、黒ベタの熱吸収層を使用すれば、通常通り、加熱手段で選択的に加熱を 行うことができ、任意の画像を形成することができる。  Here, as described above, the heat absorption layer can be formed of a film, glass or the like and laminated on the discharge part. Since it can be easily replaced by making the heat absorption layer detachable with respect to the discharge part, it is sufficient to prepare a print pattern corresponding to the image information to be printed frequently. If a black solid heat absorption layer is used, it can be selectively heated by a heating means as usual, and an arbitrary image can be formed.
[0017] 請求項 5に記載の発明は、請求項 1乃至 4の内いずれ力 1項に記載の加熱放電型 印字ヘッドであって、前記放電部の放電発生部を除 、て前記放電部に覆設された被 覆膜を備えた構成を有して 、る。 [0017] The invention according to claim 5 is the heating discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge portion is excluded from the discharge generation portion of the discharge portion. It has a structure provided with an overlying covering film.
この構成により、請求項 1乃至 4の内いずれか 1項の作用にカ卩え、以下のような作用 を有する。  With this configuration, in addition to the operation of any one of claims 1 to 4, the following operation is provided.
(1)放電部の放電発生部を除いて放電部に覆設された被覆膜を有するので、放電 部の放電発生部以外の箇所から放電が発生するのを防止でき、電子やイオン、紫外 線を一箇所に集中して照射させることができ画像形成の効率性に優れる。 (1) Since it has a coating film covering the discharge part except for the discharge generation part of the discharge part, It is possible to prevent discharge from being generated from a part other than the discharge generating part of the part, and it is possible to irradiate electrons, ions, and ultraviolet rays in one place, and it is excellent in the efficiency of image formation.
(2)放電部の放電発生部を除!ヽて被覆膜を形成することにより、放電発生部表面と 被覆膜の表面との間に段差を形成することができるので、放電電極と対向配置される 記録媒体との間のギャップを一定に保つことができ、放電発生部との接触を防止でき 、放電発生部力もの放電を安定させることができる。  (2) By forming the coating film by removing the discharge generation part of the discharge part, a step can be formed between the surface of the discharge generation part and the surface of the coating film, so that it faces the discharge electrode. The gap between the recording medium and the recording medium to be arranged can be kept constant, the contact with the discharge generation part can be prevented, and the discharge with the strength of the discharge generation part can be stabilized.
[0018] ここで、放電部が共通電極と放電電極を有する場合、被覆膜は共通電極に覆設さ れると共に、放電発生部を除く放電電極に覆設される。より具体的には、被覆膜は、 放電部の放電発生部 (加熱手段による加熱位置近傍）に略円形状、略楕円形状、略 砲弾状、略矩形状等に形成された開口部を有する。開口部は複数の放電発生部に 対し、それぞれ独立に形成してもよいし、複数の放電発生部にまたがるように長孔状 に連続させて形成してもよ ヽ。 [0018] Here, when the discharge part has a common electrode and a discharge electrode, the coating film is covered with the common electrode and over the discharge electrode excluding the discharge generation part. More specifically, the coating film has an opening formed in a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially bullet-like shape, a substantially rectangular shape, or the like in the discharge generation portion (near the heating position by the heating means) of the discharge portion. . The opening may be formed independently for each of the plurality of discharge generation portions, or may be formed in a long hole shape so as to extend over the plurality of discharge generation portions.
被覆膜は絶縁体で形成され、ガラス、ァラミドゃポリイミド等の合成樹脂、 SiO  The coating film is made of an insulator and is made of glass, synthetic resin such as aramid polyimide, SiO
2等の セラミック、マイ力等が好適に用いられる。尚、被覆膜はスクリーン印刷、蒸着、スパッ タ等で形成することができる。  Ceramics such as 2 and my strength are preferably used. The coating film can be formed by screen printing, vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like.
[0019] 請求項 6に記載の発明は、請求項 5に記載の加熱放電型印字ヘッドであって、前 記被覆膜の表面に形成された凹凸部を備えた構成を有している。  [0019] The invention according to claim 6 is the heat-discharge type print head according to claim 5, wherein the print head has an uneven portion formed on the surface of the coating film.
この構成により、請求項 5の作用に加え、以下のような作用を有する。  With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the fifth aspect, the following operation is provided.
(1)被覆膜の表面に多くの凹凸部を設けることにより、表面距離が伸延されて表面抵 抗が増加し、電流が剥身の放電電極の放電発生部から周囲に漏電するのを防止で き、放電電極に印加した印加電圧の低下がなくなり、放電の安定性、効率性に優れ る。  (1) By providing many irregularities on the surface of the coating film, the surface distance is extended, the surface resistance increases, and current is prevented from leaking from the discharge generation part of the delaminated discharge electrode to the surroundings. In addition, the applied voltage applied to the discharge electrode is not reduced, and the discharge is excellent in stability and efficiency.
ここで、被覆膜の凹凸部はスクリーン印刷等で容易に形成することができるので、凹 凸部の有無が被覆膜形成工程を煩雑にすることはなく量産性に優れる。また、 SiON , SiO等の無機質やその他の絶縁性を有する材質 (有機 ·無機を問わず)を用いて、 Here, since the concavo-convex portions of the coating film can be easily formed by screen printing or the like, the presence or absence of the concavo-convex portions does not complicate the coating film forming process and is excellent in mass productivity. Also, using inorganic materials such as SiON and SiO and other insulating materials (regardless of organic and inorganic),
2 2
被覆膜の表面に凹凸部を形成しても良い。  An uneven portion may be formed on the surface of the coating film.
[0020] 本発明の請求項 7に記載の画像形成装置は、請求項 1乃至 6の内いずれか 1項に 記載の加熱放電型印字ヘッドを備えた構成を有している。 この構成により、以下のような作用を有する。 [0020] An image forming apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention has a configuration including the heat-discharge type print head according to any one of claims 1 to 6. This configuration has the following effects.
(1)加熱放電型印字ヘッドからの放電によるイオンの照射や発光により画像を形成 することができ、画像形成のプロセスを簡素化することができる。  (1) An image can be formed by ion irradiation or light emission by discharge from a heat-discharge type print head, and the image forming process can be simplified.
(2)イオン照射によれば静電潜像の形成や酸化還元反応による画像の形成も可能 であり、また放電の発光によれば紫外線や可視光線等に反応するフォトクロミック化 合物を用いた電子ぺーパ等に画像を形成することができる。  (2) It is possible to form an electrostatic latent image or an image by oxidation-reduction reaction by ion irradiation, and an electron using a photochromic compound that reacts to ultraviolet light, visible light, etc. by discharge light emission. An image can be formed on a paper or the like.
[0021] ここで、この画像形成装置は、予め初期化され印字内容が消去された記録媒体に 画像を形成することができる。復元器として、帯電ローラや帯電ブラシ等を備えること により、画像形成装置の内部で記録媒体の表面を一様に帯電させ記録媒体を初期 化することができ、記録媒体への書き換えを繰返し行うことができる。  Here, the image forming apparatus can form an image on a recording medium that has been initialized in advance and whose printing content has been erased. By providing a charging roller, charging brush, etc. as a restoring device, the surface of the recording medium can be uniformly charged inside the image forming apparatus to initialize the recording medium, and rewriting to the recording medium is repeated. Can do.
尚、復元器を備える代わりに、加熱放電型印字ヘッドから画像が形成された記録媒 体に画像形成時と逆極性のイオンを照射することで、不要な記録を消去することもで きる。  Instead of providing a restorer, unnecessary recording can be erased by irradiating a recording medium on which an image has been formed from a heat-discharge type print head with ions having a polarity opposite to that at the time of image formation.
イオンの照射により画像を形成する記録媒体としては、ツイストボール方式、電気泳 動方式、液晶方式等の電子ぺーパが好適に用いられる。また、ビスマスイオンなどの 金属イオンで酸ィ匕還元させ消発色する有機無機ナノコンポジットを用いた電子ぺー パ等へ画像を形成することもできる。さらに、放電による発光に反応するフォトクロミツ ク化合物等を用いた電子ぺーパ等も使用することができる。  As a recording medium on which an image is formed by ion irradiation, an electronic paper such as a twisting ball method, an electrophoretic method, or a liquid crystal method is preferably used. It is also possible to form an image on an electronic paper or the like using an organic-inorganic nanocomposite that is reduced by acid reduction with a metal ion such as bismuth ion. Furthermore, an electronic paper using a photochromic compound that reacts to light emission by discharge can also be used.
[0022] 請求項 8に記載の発明は、請求項 7に記載の画像形成装置であって、前記加熱放 電型印字ヘッドの放電による電荷の作用で内部に可視像が出現する記録媒体に対 して記録を行う構成を有して ヽる。 [0022] The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the visible image appears inside due to the action of electric charges due to the discharge of the heating and discharging type print head. On the other hand, it has a configuration for recording.
この構成により、請求項 7の作用に加え、以下のような作用を有する。  With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the seventh aspect, the following operation is provided.
(1)加熱放電型印字ヘッドからの放電により、記録媒体の内部に非接触で可視像を 形成することができるので、部品点数が少なぐ記録媒体へのダメージも必要最低限 に押えることができ実用性に優れる。  (1) Since a visible image can be formed in the recording medium in a non-contact manner by the discharge from the heat-discharge type print head, damage to the recording medium with a small number of parts can be suppressed to the minimum necessary. Can be practical.
ここで、記録媒体の裏側には加熱放電型印字ヘッドの放電電極と記録媒体間に電 界をかけるための接地電極部又は正電圧を印加する正電圧印加部を配設する。正 電圧を印加することで、放電により発生する負のイオンを記録媒体の表面に引きつけ ることができ、確実にイオンを記録媒体に照射することができ、画像品質の向上を図 ることがでさる。 Here, on the back side of the recording medium, a ground electrode part for applying an electric field between the discharge electrode of the heat discharge type print head and the recording medium or a positive voltage applying part for applying a positive voltage is disposed. By applying a positive voltage, negative ions generated by discharge are attracted to the surface of the recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to reliably irradiate the recording medium with ions and to improve the image quality.
[0023] 請求項 9に記載の発明は、請求項 7に記載の画像形成装置であって、前記加熱放 電型印字ヘッドに対向する静電潜像担持体を備えた構成を有している。  [0023] The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an electrostatic latent image carrier that faces the heat discharge type print head. .
この構成により、請求項 7の作用に加え、以下のような作用を有する。  With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the seventh aspect, the following operation is provided.
(1)加熱放電型印字ヘッドに対向する静電潜像担持体を有することにより、加熱放電 型印字ヘッドからのイオン照射で静電潜像担持体の表面に静電潜像を形成すること ができ、その静電潜像で記録媒体を静電現像して可視像を形成することができるの で、加熱放電型印字ヘッドと記録媒体が直接対向せず、加熱放電型印字ヘッドの汚 れを防止できる。  (1) By having an electrostatic latent image carrier facing the heat discharge type print head, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by ion irradiation from the heat discharge type print head. Since the electrostatic latent image can be used to electrostatically develop the recording medium to form a visible image, the heating / discharge type print head does not directly face the recording medium, and the heating / discharge type print head becomes dirty. Can be prevented.
ここで、静電潜像担持体としては、ドラム型やベルト型等の様々な形状のものを用 いることができる。静電潜像担持体の素材としては、イオンの照射により表面が帯電 するものであればよいので、感光体である必要はなぐアルマイト等の絶縁体を用い ることができる。静電潜像担持体が感光体の場合、光を照射することで除電すること ができ、絶縁体の場合は AC電圧で除電することができる。また、静電潜像担持体が 絶縁体の場合、感光体に比べ劣化が発生し難く長寿命性に優れる。  Here, as the electrostatic latent image carrier, various shapes such as a drum type and a belt type can be used. As the material of the electrostatic latent image carrier, any material can be used as long as its surface is charged by ion irradiation. Therefore, an insulator such as alumite that does not need to be a photoconductor can be used. If the electrostatic latent image carrier is a photoconductor, it can be neutralized by irradiating it with light, and if it is an insulator, it can be neutralized with an AC voltage. In addition, when the electrostatic latent image carrier is an insulator, it is less likely to deteriorate than the photoreceptor and has a long life.
[0024] 請求項 10に記載の発明は、請求項 9に記載の画像形成装置であって、前記静電 潜像担持体と、前記静電潜像担持体の表面に形成された静電潜像に基づ ヽて前記 静電潜像担持体の表面に可視像を形成する顕像化手段と、前記可視像を印字媒体 に転写する転写手段と、を備えた構成を有している。 [0024] The invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the electrostatic latent image carrier and an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. A developing means for forming a visible image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier based on an image; and a transfer means for transferring the visible image to a printing medium. Yes.
この構成により、請求項 9の作用に加え、以下のような作用を有する。  With this configuration, in addition to the operation of the ninth aspect, the following operation is provided.
(1)加熱放電型印字ヘッドからのイオンの照射により静電潜像担持体の表面に静電 潜像を形成することができるので、ポリゴンミラー等の露光光学系を必要とせず、部品 点数が少なく構造を簡素化できる。  (1) Since an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by irradiating ions from the heat-discharge type print head, an exposure optical system such as a polygon mirror is not required, and the number of parts is reduced. Less structure can be simplified.
(2)顕像化手段により静電潜像に基づ!/ヽて静電潜像担持体の表面に可視像を形成 することができ、転写手段で可視像を印字媒体に転写して記録を行うことができるの で、普通紙の他、 OHPシート、光沢紙等の様々な媒体を印字媒体として使用するこ とができ汎用性に優れる。 [0025] ここで、静電潜像担持体としては、前述と同様のものを用いることができる。顕像ィ匕 手段としては、トナー現像を行う現像器が好適に用いられるが、インクやその他の方 法で現像を行ってもよい。可視像を印字媒体に転写するための転写手段として、ァ ルミ-ゥム等の金属製のローラの表面をシリコーンゴム等の合成ゴムで被覆した転写 定着ローラ等が好適に用いられる。トナー現像の際に圧力定着型のトナーを用いれ ば、転写手段により押圧することで可視像を印字媒体に転写できると共に、定着させ ることがでさる。 (2) Based on the electrostatic latent image by the visualization means, a visible image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier, and the visible image is transferred to the printing medium by the transfer means. In addition to plain paper, various media such as OHP sheets and glossy paper can be used as printing media, and the versatility is excellent. Here, as the electrostatic latent image carrier, the same ones as described above can be used. As the developing means, a developing device that performs toner development is preferably used, but development may be performed by ink or other methods. As a transfer means for transferring a visible image to a printing medium, a transfer fixing roller in which the surface of a metal roller such as aluminum is covered with a synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber is preferably used. If a pressure fixing type toner is used during toner development, a visible image can be transferred to a printing medium and fixed by pressing with a transfer means.
画像形成装置には、転写後の静電潜像担持体の表面に残留したトナーを物理的 に搔き取って清浄ィ匕するクリーナと、加熱放電型印字ヘッドによる書き込み (イオン照 射)の前に静電潜像担持体の表面を除電する除電器を備えることが好ましい。これに より、常に安定した状態で静電潜像担持体の表面に静電潜像を形成することができ 信頼性に優れる。また、静電潜像担持体としてアルマイト等の絶縁体を用いた場合、 クリーナによる搔き取りのダメージが発生し難ぐ特に長寿命性に優れる。  The image forming apparatus includes a cleaner that physically removes and cleans the toner remaining on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier after transfer, and before writing (ion irradiation) with a heat-discharge type print head. It is preferable to provide a static eliminator for neutralizing the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. As a result, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier in a stable state at all times, and the reliability is excellent. In addition, when an insulator such as anodized is used as the electrostatic latent image carrier, it is particularly excellent in long-life property because scratching damage by the cleaner hardly occurs.
発明の効果  The invention's effect
[0026] 以上のように、本発明の加熱放電型印字ヘッド及びそれを備えた画像形成装置に よれば、以下のような有利な効果が得られる。  As described above, according to the heat discharge type print head of the present invention and the image forming apparatus including the same, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.
請求項 1に記載の発明によれば、以下のような効果を有する。  According to the invention described in claim 1, the following effects are obtained.
(1)放電制御電圧が印加された放電電極を温度制御することにより放電電極からの 放電の発生制御を行うので、放電電極に放電制御電圧を印加した状態で放電に備 えることができ、高電圧となる放電制御電圧を制御する必要がなぐ加熱手段により 放電電極を選択的に加熱することで放電を発生させ、記録媒体に可視像を形成する ことができる放電制御が容易で実用性に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを提供するこ とがでさる。  (1) Since the generation of discharge from the discharge electrode is controlled by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode to which the discharge control voltage is applied, it is possible to prepare for discharge with the discharge control voltage applied to the discharge electrode. It is easy and practical to control the discharge so that a visible image can be formed on the recording medium by generating a discharge by selectively heating the discharge electrode by a heating means that does not need to control the discharge control voltage. It is possible to provide an excellent heat discharge type print head.
(2)放電電極と加熱手段を絶縁するための絶縁膜などが不要で製造工数を低減して 量産性を向上させることができると共に、離間して配設された放電電極と加熱手段と の間を確実に絶縁することができ、加熱制御の信頼性を向上させることができる実用 性、取扱 、性に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを提供することができる。  (2) An insulating film or the like for insulating the discharge electrode and the heating means is unnecessary, and the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced and the mass productivity can be improved, and between the discharge electrode and the heating means arranged apart from each other. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head excellent in practicality, handling, and properties that can reliably insulate the heat and improve the reliability of heating control.
(3)別々に製造した放電部と加熱手段を簡便に組合せて使用することができ、不具 合が生じた放電部又は加熱手段を容易に修理、交換することができるメンテナンス性 、省資源性に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを提供することができる。 (3) The discharge part and heating means manufactured separately can be used in a simple combination. It is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head excellent in maintainability and resource saving that can easily repair and replace the discharge part or the heating means in which a combination occurs.
(4)放電部と離間して配設された加熱手段を移動させて、複数の放電電極或いは放 電電極の任意の位置を選択的に加熱することができるので、加熱位置の微調整が容 易で画像品質を向上できると共に、加熱手段を小型化することができる高品質で省 スペース性に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを提供することができる。  (4) Since the heating means arranged apart from the discharge part can be moved to selectively heat a plurality of discharge electrodes or any position of the discharge electrodes, fine adjustment of the heating position is easy. It is easy to improve the image quality, and it is possible to provide a high quality heat discharge type print head that can downsize the heating means and is excellent in space saving.
(5)放電部と加熱手段が離間して配設されて!/ヽるので、放電部と発熱源が接触する ことがなぐ加熱停止状態での放電電極の冷却時間を大幅に短縮して加熱停止に対 する応答性を向上させることができ、放電の有無を短時間で切替えることができる高 品質で高速記録が可能な実用性、信頼性に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを提供す ることがでさる。  (5) Since the discharge part and the heating means are spaced apart from each other, the heating time is greatly shortened and the cooling time of the discharge electrode is significantly shortened when the discharge part is not in contact with the heat source. To provide a heat discharge type print head with improved practicality and high reliability capable of high-speed and high-speed recording, which can improve the response to a stop and can switch the presence or absence of discharge in a short time. It is out.
[0027] 請求項 2に記載の発明によれば、請求項 1の効果に加え、以下のような効果を有す る。  [0027] According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the following effect is obtained.
(1)加熱手段が、レーザ照射部を有することにより、放電制御電圧が印加された任意 の放電電極若しくは放電電極の任意の位置をレーザ光により選択的に加熱して放電 を発生させることができる制御が容易で設計自在性、実用性に優れた加熱放電型印 字ヘッドを提供することができる。  (1) Since the heating means has a laser irradiation section, any discharge electrode to which a discharge control voltage is applied or any position of the discharge electrode can be selectively heated with laser light to generate a discharge. It is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head that is easy to control, has excellent design flexibility and is practical.
(2)レーザ照射部から照射されるレーザ光により、微小範囲を加熱することができる ので、記録媒体に対して電子やイオン、紫外線等を一箇所に集中して照射させること ができ、画像形成の効率性に優れると共に画像品質を向上させることができる高品 質で省エネルギー性、信頼性に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを提供することができ る。  (2) Since a minute range can be heated by the laser light emitted from the laser irradiation unit, it is possible to irradiate the recording medium with electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays, etc. in one place, thereby forming an image. In addition, it is possible to provide a high-quality, heat-dissipating and reliable heat-discharge print head that can improve image quality and improve image quality.
(3)レーザ光によって略一定の熱量で加熱することにより、加熱斑を低減して放電量 のばらつきが発生するのを抑えることができる高品質で信頼性に優れた加熱放電型 印字ヘッドを提供することができる。  (3) Providing a high-quality and highly reliable heat-discharge-type printhead that can reduce the unevenness of discharge by heating with a laser beam with a substantially constant amount of heat, thereby preventing variations in discharge amount. can do.
[0028] 請求項 3に記載の発明によれば、請求項 1又は 2の効果にカ卩え、以下のような効果 を有する。  [0028] According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of claim 1 or 2, the following effect is obtained.
(1)加熱手段により加熱される側の放電電極の表面に熱吸収層が形成又は配設若 しくは塗設されているので、加熱手段により発せられる熱を熱吸収層で吸収し、確実 に放電電極に伝達することができる加熱の効率性に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを 提供することができる。 (1) A heat absorption layer is formed or disposed on the surface of the discharge electrode heated by the heating means. In other words, it is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head excellent in heating efficiency that can absorb heat generated by the heating means in the heat absorption layer and reliably transfer the heat to the discharge electrode. it can.
[0029] 請求項 4に記載の発明によれば、請求項 3の効果に加え、以下のような効果を有す る。  [0029] According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of claim 3, the following effect is obtained.
(1)熱吸収層に画像情報に応じた印字パターンが形成されていることにより、画像情 報に基づいて確実に放電電極を選択的に加熱することができる画像形成の信頼性 に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを提供することができる。  (1) Since the print pattern corresponding to the image information is formed on the heat absorption layer, the discharge electrode can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information. A discharge type print head can be provided.
(2)予め印字パターンが形成された熱吸収層を有することにより、同一の画像を簡便 に多量に作成することができ量産性に優れると共に、印字パターンの異なる複数種 類の熱吸収層を用意することにより、それらを交換するだけで異なる画像を簡便に形 成することができる汎用性、実用性に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを提供することが できる。  (2) By having a heat absorption layer with a pre-printed pattern, the same image can be easily produced in large quantities, and it is excellent in mass productivity, and multiple types of heat absorption layers with different print patterns are prepared. By doing so, it is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head excellent in versatility and practicality, which can easily form different images simply by exchanging them.
[0030] 請求項 5に記載の発明によれば、請求項 1乃至 4の内いずれか 1項の効果にカロえ、 以下のような効果を有する。  [0030] According to the invention described in claim 5, the effect of any one of claims 1 to 4 is reduced, and the following effects are obtained.
(1)放電部の放電発生部を除いて放電部に被覆膜を覆設することにより、放電部の 放電発生部以外の余分な箇所力も放電が発生するのを防止でき、電子やイオン、紫 外線等を記録媒体の一箇所に集中して照射させることができる画像形成の効率性に 優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを提供することができる。  (1) By covering the discharge part with a coating film except for the discharge generation part of the discharge part, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of discharge due to excessive spot force other than the discharge generation part of the discharge part. It is possible to provide a heat discharge type print head excellent in the efficiency of image formation, which can irradiate ultraviolet rays or the like in one place on a recording medium.
(2)放電部の放電発生部を除!ヽて被覆膜を形成することにより、放電発生部表面と 被覆膜の表面との間に段差を形成し、放電電極と対向配置される記録媒体との間の ギャップを一定に保つことができ、放電発生部と記録媒体との接触を防止でき、放電 発生部からの放電を安定させることができる信頼性に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッド を提供することができる。  (2) By forming the coating film by removing the discharge generation part of the discharge part, a step is formed between the surface of the discharge generation part and the surface of the coating film, and the recording is arranged opposite to the discharge electrode. A highly reliable heat discharge type print head capable of maintaining a constant gap with the medium, preventing contact between the discharge generation part and the recording medium, and stabilizing the discharge from the discharge generation part. Can be provided.
[0031] 請求項 6に記載の発明によれば、請求項 5の効果に加え、以下のような効果を有す る。  [0031] According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effect of claim 5, the following effect is obtained.
(1)被覆膜の表面に形成した凹凸部により、表面距離が伸延されて表面抵抗が増加 し、電流が剥身の放電電極の放電発生部力も周囲に漏電するのを防止でき、放電電 極に印加した印加電圧 (放電制御電圧）の低下が発生せず、放電の安定性、効率性 に優れた加熱放電型印字ヘッドを提供することができる。 (1) The unevenness formed on the surface of the coating film extends the surface distance, increases the surface resistance, and prevents the discharge generating force of the delaminated discharge electrode from leaking to the surroundings. It is possible to provide a heat-discharge type print head excellent in discharge stability and efficiency without causing a decrease in applied voltage (discharge control voltage) applied to the electrode.
[0032] 請求項 7に記載の発明によれば、以下のような効果を有する。  [0032] According to the invention of claim 7, the following effects are obtained.
(1)加熱放電型印字ヘッドからの放電によるイオンの照射や発光により画像を形成 することができる画像形成のプロセスが簡素で生産性に優れた画像形成装置を提供 することができる。  (1) An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image by irradiating and emitting ions by discharge from a heat discharge type print head is simple and has excellent productivity.
(2)放電によるイオンの照射や発光により、各種記録媒体に静電潜像や可視像を形 成することができる汎用性に優れた画像形成装置を提供することができる。  (2) It is possible to provide a versatile image forming apparatus capable of forming an electrostatic latent image or a visible image on various recording media by ion irradiation or light emission by discharge.
[0033] 請求項 8に記載の発明によれば、請求項 7の効果に加え、以下のような効果を有す る。  [0033] According to the invention described in claim 8, in addition to the effect of claim 7, the following effect is obtained.
(1)加熱放電型印字ヘッドからの放電により、記録媒体の内部に非接触で可視像を 形成することができ、部品点数が少なぐ記録媒体へのダメージも必要最低限に押え ることができる量産性、実用性、信頼性に優れた画像形成装置を提供することができ る。  (1) The discharge from the heat discharge type print head can form a visible image in a non-contact manner inside the recording medium, and the damage to the recording medium with a small number of parts can be minimized. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with excellent mass productivity, practicality and reliability.
[0034] 請求項 9に記載の発明によれば、請求項 7の効果に加え、以下のような効果を有す る。  [0034] According to the invention of claim 9, in addition to the effect of claim 7, the following effect is obtained.
(1)加熱放電型印字ヘッドからのイオンの照射により静電潜像担持体の表面に形成 した静電潜像で記録媒体を静電現像して可視像を形成することができるので、加熱 放電型印字ヘッドと記録媒体が直接対向せず、加熱放電型印字ヘッドの汚れを防 止できる実用性、信頼性に優れた画像形成装置を提供することができる。  (1) Since a recording medium can be electrostatically developed with an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an electrostatic latent image carrier by irradiation of ions from a heat-discharge type print head, a visible image can be formed. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus excellent in practicality and reliability in which the discharge type print head and the recording medium do not directly face each other, and the heat discharge type print head can be prevented from being stained.
[0035] 請求項 10に記載の発明によれば、請求項 9の効果に加え、以下のような効果を有 する。 [0035] According to the invention of claim 10, in addition to the effect of claim 9, the following effect is obtained.
(1)イオンの照射により表面に静電潜像が形成される静電潜像担持体を有するので 、ポリゴンミラー等の露光光学系を必要とせず、部品点数が少なく構造が簡素な小型 で量産性に優れた画像形成装置を提供することができる。  (1) Since it has an electrostatic latent image carrier that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface by ion irradiation, it does not require an exposure optical system such as a polygon mirror, and it has a small number of parts and a simple structure for mass production. An image forming apparatus having excellent properties can be provided.
(2)顕像ィ匕手段により静電潜像担持体の表面に形成された可視像を転写手段で印 字媒体に転写することができ、普通紙の他、 OHPシート、光沢紙等の様々な印字媒 体に印字が可能な汎用性、実用性に優れた画像形成装置を提供することができる。 (3)イオンの照射による選択的帯電 (静電潜像形成帯電)のみで静電潜像が形成で きる静電潜像担持体は感光体である必要がな 、ので、素材の選択の幅が広く汎用 性、量産性に優れ、長寿命性に優れた画像形成装置を提供することができる。 図面の簡単な説明 (2) The visible image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by the visible image means can be transferred to the printing medium by the transfer means, such as OHP sheet, glossy paper, etc. in addition to plain paper An image forming apparatus excellent in versatility and practicality capable of printing on various printing media can be provided. (3) Since the electrostatic latent image carrier that can form an electrostatic latent image only by selective charging (electrostatic latent image formation charging) by ion irradiation need not be a photoconductor, the range of material selection However, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is widely versatile, has excellent mass productivity, and has a long life. Brief Description of Drawings
[0036] [図 1] (a)実施の形態 1における加熱放電型印字ヘッドの使用状態を示す要部模式 断面図 (b)実施の形態 1における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板を示す要部模 式平面図  [Fig. 1] (a) Schematic cross-sectional view of the main part showing the use state of the heat-discharge type print head in Embodiment 1 (b) Main part showing the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head in Embodiment 1 Schematic plan view
[図 2] (a)本発明の実施の形態 1における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板の第 1 の変形例を示す要部模式平面図 (b)図 2 (a)の A— A線矢視模式端面図  [FIG. 2] (a) Schematic plan view of the main part showing a first modification of the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. (B) A—A line arrow in FIG. 2 (a) Visual end view
[図 3]本発明の実施の形態 1における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板の第 2の変 形例を示す要部模式端面図  FIG. 3 is a schematic end view of a main part showing a second modification of the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[図 4] (a)実施の形態 2における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板を示す要部模式 断面図 (b)実施の形態 2における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板を示す要部模 式平面図  [FIG. 4] (a) Main part schematic view showing the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in Embodiment 2. (b) Main part schematic plane showing the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in Embodiment 2. Figure
[図 5]実施の形態 3における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板の変形例を示す平 面図  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a modification of the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head in the third embodiment.
[図 6]実施の形態 4における画像形成装置の構成を示す要部模式図  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 4.
[図 7]実施の形態 5における画像形成装置の構成を示す要部模式図  FIG. 7 is a main part schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the fifth embodiment.
[図 8]実施の形態 6における画像形成装置の構成を示す要部模式図  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 6.
[図 9]実施の形態 7における画像形成装置の構成を示す要部模式図  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus in a seventh embodiment.
符号の説明  Explanation of symbols
[0037] 1, la, lb 加熱放電型印字ヘッド [0037] 1, la, lb Heat discharge type print head
2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e ヘッド基板  2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e Head substrate
3 基板  3 Board
4, 4a 熱吸収層  4, 4a Heat absorption layer
5 放電部  5 Discharge section
5a 放電電極  5a Discharge electrode
5b 共通電極 6， 6a 加熱手段 5b Common electrode 6, 6a Heating means
6b 光ファイバ一  6b optical fiber
7 放電発生部  7 Discharge generator
8 被覆膜  8 Coating film
8a 開口部  8a opening
8b 凹凸部  8b Concavity and convexity
9, 9a 放電孔部  9, 9a Discharge hole
10, 10a, 10b, 10c 画像形成装置  10, 10a, 10b, 10c Image forming device
11 復元器  11 Restorer
12, 15 静電潜像担持体  12, 15 Electrostatic latent image carrier
13, 19 除電器  13, 19
16 現像器  16 Developer
17 転写定着ローラ  17 Transfer fixing roller
18 クリーナ  18 Cleaner
20 記録媒体  20 Recording media
21 媒体基板  21 Media substrate
21a 媒体基板表面  21a Media substrate surface
22 電圧印加部  22 Voltage application section
22a 接地電極部  22a Ground electrode
25 印字媒体  25 Printing media
25a ¾tffl  25a ¾tffl
発明を実施するための最良の形態 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(実施の形態 1)  (Embodiment 1)
本発明の実施の形態 1における加熱放電型印字ヘッドについて、以下図面を参照 しながら説明する。  The heat-discharge type print head according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
図 1 (a)は実施の形態 1における加熱放電型印字ヘッドの使用状態を示す要部模 式断面図であり、図 1 (b)は実施の形態 1における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基 板を示す要部模式平面図である。 図 1中、 1は本発明の実施の形態 1における加熱放電型印字ヘッド、 2は加熱放電 型印字ヘッド 1のヘッド基板、 3はガラスやポリイミド，ァラミド，ポリエーテルイミド等の 合成樹脂で形成されたヘッド基板 2の基板、 4は基板 3上にカーボン等を含有する黒 色の塗料を塗布したり、クロムを蒸着したりして形成したヘッド基板 2の熱吸収層、 5 は金、銀、銅、アルミニウム等の金属を蒸着、スパッタ、印刷、メツキなどで形成した後 、エッチングして梯子型に形成したヘッド基板 2の放電部、 5aは放電部 5の複数の放 電電極、 5bは複数の放電電極 5aの両端部を接続した放電部 5の共通電極、 6は放 電部 5と離間して配設されヘッド基板 2の裏面側から放電電極 5aを選択的に加熱す るレーザ照射部を備えた加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1の加熱手段、 7は加熱手段 6でカロ 熱されることにより放電が発生する放電電極 5の放電発生部、 20は加熱放電型印字 ヘッド 1の放電電極 5からの放電による電荷の作用で可視像が形成されるデジタルぺ ーパ等の記録媒体、 21は記録媒体 20の媒体基板、 21aは記録媒体 20の媒体基板 表面、 22は記録媒体 20の裏側に配設され正電圧が印加された記録媒体 20の電圧 印加部である。 FIG. 1 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of the heat discharge type print head used in the first embodiment, and FIG. 1 (b) is a head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in the first embodiment. It is a principal part schematic top view which shows these. In FIG. 1, 1 is a heat discharge type print head according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, 2 is a head substrate of the heat discharge type print head 1, and 3 is formed of a synthetic resin such as glass, polyimide, aramid, or polyetherimide. The substrate of the head substrate 2, 4 is the heat absorption layer of the head substrate 2 formed by applying black paint containing carbon etc. on the substrate 3 or vapor-depositing chromium, 5 is gold, silver, After forming a metal such as copper or aluminum by vapor deposition, sputtering, printing, plating, etc., etching is performed to form a ladder-type board 2, 5a is a plurality of discharge electrodes of discharge section 5, 5b is a plurality of discharge electrodes The common electrode of the discharge part 5 connected to both ends of the discharge electrode 5a, 6 is disposed apart from the discharge part 5, and is a laser irradiation part that selectively heats the discharge electrode 5a from the back side of the head substrate 2. Heating discharge type print head with 1 heating means, 7 is A discharge generating portion of the discharge electrode 5 that generates a discharge when heated by the heating means 6, 20 is a digital page on which a visible image is formed by the action of electric charges from the discharge electrode 5 of the heat discharge type print head 1. 21 is a medium substrate surface of the recording medium 20, 22 is a surface of the medium substrate of the recording medium 20, and 22 is a voltage application unit of the recording medium 20 that is disposed on the back side of the recording medium 20 and to which a positive voltage is applied. It is.
次に、ヘッド基板の製造方法について説明する。  Next, a method for manufacturing the head substrate will be described.
まず、熱吸収層形成工程において、ガラスやポリイミド，ァラミド，ポリエーテルイミド 等の合成樹脂等の基板 3の一方の面上に黒色の塗料を塗布したり、クロムを蒸着し たりして熱吸収層 4を形成する。尚、基板 3の材質は、本実施の形態に限定されるも のではなぐ表面に熱吸収層 4及び放電部 5を形成することができると共に、加熱手 段 6による加熱に耐える耐熱性と、加熱手段 6が発する熱を放電電極 5に伝達できる 熱伝達性を有するものであればょ 、。  First, in the heat absorption layer forming step, a black paint is applied on one surface of the substrate 3 made of synthetic resin such as glass, polyimide, aramid, or polyetherimide, or chromium is vapor-deposited to heat the heat absorption layer. Form 4. The material of the substrate 3 is not limited to the present embodiment, the heat absorption layer 4 and the discharge part 5 can be formed on the surface, and the heat resistance that can withstand the heating by the heating means 6 If the heating means 6 is capable of transferring heat generated by the heating means 6 to the discharge electrode 5,
次に、放電部形成工程において、基板 3の熱吸収層 4を形成した面上に複数の放 電電極 5a及びそれらを接続する共通電極 5bを形成する。放電電極 5a及び共通電 極 5bの形成には、金、銀、銅、アルミニウム等の金属を、蒸着ゃスパッタ、印刷、メッ キなどで形成した後、エッチングやレーザカ卩ェ等によりパターン形成するものが好適 に用いられる。また、その他にカーボン等の導電材料を用いてもよい。  Next, in the discharge portion forming step, a plurality of discharge electrodes 5a and a common electrode 5b connecting them are formed on the surface of the substrate 3 on which the heat absorption layer 4 is formed. The discharge electrode 5a and the common electrode 5b are formed by depositing a metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum by vapor deposition, sputtering, printing, plating, etc., and then forming a pattern by etching, laser coating, or the like. Is preferably used. In addition, a conductive material such as carbon may be used.
放電部 5は、梯子型に形成して複数の放電電極 5aに分割することにより、放電電極 5aの縁周辺力 の放電量を増加させ、放電の効率性を向上させている。また、放電 電極 5aの近傍に共通電極 5bを設けることで、放電部 5の放熱面積の拡大及び、熱 容量の増大により、放電電極 5aの冷却効果、加熱停止に対する応答性が向上する。 さらに、抵抗値の低減により常に安定した電圧を印加できるので、放電の安定性にも 優れる。 The discharge part 5 is formed in a ladder shape and divided into a plurality of discharge electrodes 5a, thereby increasing the discharge amount of the peripheral force of the discharge electrode 5a and improving the discharge efficiency. Also discharge By providing the common electrode 5b in the vicinity of the electrode 5a, the cooling effect of the discharge electrode 5a and the response to heating stop are improved by increasing the heat radiation area of the discharge part 5 and increasing the heat capacity. Furthermore, since a stable voltage can always be applied by reducing the resistance value, the discharge stability is also excellent.
[0040] 尚、放電部 5の形状は本実施の形態に限定されるものではなぐ放電電極 5aの数 や配置は適宜、選択することができ、千鳥状や格子状等に配置することもできる。ま た、加熱手段 6によって加熱された任意の箇所が放電発生部 7となって放電が発生 するので、放電部 5全体を長方形状や正方形状等の一枚の平板状に形成してもよ ヽ 。さらに、複数の放電電極 5aの一端部のみを共通電極 5bで接続して櫛型に形成し てもよいし、放電電極 5aの一部をさらにスリット等で分割したり、周縁部に凹凸部を形 成したりしてもよい。また、放電電極 5aの放電発生部 7 (加熱位置近傍）に放電孔部 を形成してもよい。これにより、放電孔部の縁周辺力も放電を発生させることができ、 放電電極 5aの端部を分割するのと同様の作用を得ることができる。放電孔部の形状 は、略円形、略楕円形、四角形や六角形等の多角形、星形など様々な形状に形成 することができる。尚、放電発生部 7 (加熱位置近傍)の 1箇所当たりの放電孔部の数 、形状及び大きさは適宜、選択して組合せることができる。  [0040] The shape of the discharge part 5 is not limited to the present embodiment, and the number and arrangement of the discharge electrodes 5a can be selected as appropriate, and can also be arranged in a staggered pattern, a grid pattern, or the like. . In addition, since any part heated by the heating means 6 becomes the discharge generation part 7 and discharge occurs, the entire discharge part 5 may be formed in a single flat plate shape such as a rectangular shape or a square shape.ヽ. Furthermore, only one end portion of the plurality of discharge electrodes 5a may be connected to the common electrode 5b to form a comb shape, or a part of the discharge electrode 5a may be further divided by a slit or the like, or an uneven portion may be formed on the peripheral portion. It may be formed. Further, a discharge hole portion may be formed in the discharge generation portion 7 (near the heating position) of the discharge electrode 5a. As a result, the edge peripheral force of the discharge hole can also generate a discharge, and the same effect as dividing the end of the discharge electrode 5a can be obtained. The shape of the discharge hole can be formed in various shapes such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a polygon such as a quadrangle and a hexagon, and a star shape. Note that the number, shape, and size of the discharge hole portions per location in the discharge generating portion 7 (near the heating position) can be appropriately selected and combined.
[0041] 以上のように形成された加熱放電型印字ヘッドの駆動方法につ!、て説明する。 A method of driving the heat discharge type print head formed as described above will be described.
放電電極 5aに印加する交流電圧や直流電圧の数値は、色々な組み合わせが考え られる力 本実施の形態では放電電極 5aに、一例として AC550Vpp (三角波 1kHz) に DCバイアスで 700Vの電圧を重畳して放電制御電圧として印加した。放電電極 5aに交流電圧のみを印加すると正負のイオンが生成される力 負の直流電圧を重畳 することにより、負のイオンのみを選別することができ、放電を安定させることができる 。尚、正のイオンのみを選別するには交流電圧に正の直流電圧を重畳すればよい。 放電電極 5aに放電制御電圧を印加しただけでは放電は起こらず、更に別途、加熱 手段 6を制御して、放電電極 5aを基板 3側力も選択的に加熱（100〜300°C)するこ とにより、選択的に加熱された放電電極 5aから放電が発生する。  The AC voltage and DC voltage applied to the discharge electrode 5a can be used in various combinations.In this embodiment, the discharge electrode 5a is superimposed with a voltage of 700V by DC bias on AC550Vpp (triangular wave 1kHz) as an example. Applied as a discharge control voltage. When only an AC voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5a, a force that generates positive and negative ions is superimposed. By superimposing a negative DC voltage, only negative ions can be selected, and the discharge can be stabilized. In order to select only positive ions, a positive DC voltage may be superimposed on an AC voltage. Discharging does not occur just by applying a discharge control voltage to the discharge electrode 5a, and the heating means 6 is separately controlled to selectively heat the discharge electrode 5a to the substrate 3 side force (100 to 300 ° C). As a result, a discharge is generated from the selectively heated discharge electrode 5a.
放電が発生するとイオン生成可能な雰囲気中ではイオンが生成され、図 1 (a)で示 したように記録媒体 20へ向力つてイオンが照射される。記録媒体 20には、その種類 により静電潜像の形成や酸化還元反応による画像の形成ができる。また、紫外線や 可視光線等の発光に反応する記録媒体にも画像を形成することができる。 When an electric discharge occurs, ions are generated in an atmosphere where ions can be generated, and the recording medium 20 is directed and irradiated with ions as shown in FIG. 1 (a). The type of recording medium 20 Thus, an electrostatic latent image can be formed or an image can be formed by an oxidation-reduction reaction. In addition, an image can be formed on a recording medium that reacts to light emission such as ultraviolet light and visible light.
[0042] 本実施の形態における加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1は、放電制御電圧が印加された各 々の放電電極 5aの温度を制御して放電の発生制御を行うものであるため、放電電極 5aに印加する電圧は一定で制御が不要であり、加熱手段 6による加熱の有無を制御 するだけで、イオンの発生制御を行うことができ、多量のイオンを効率的に発生させる ことができる。記録媒体 20の裏面に設けた電圧印加部 22に正電圧を印加することに より、多量に発生した負のイオンを放電電極 5aから記録媒体 20に向かって集中的に 照射させることができるので、画像品質を向上させることができる。尚、加熱放電型印 字ヘッド 1の放電電極 5aと記録媒体 20との間に電位差があればよいので、電圧印加 部 22で正電圧を印加する代わりに、記録媒体 20の裏面に接地電極部を設けて接地 してもよいし、放電電極 5aと電圧印加部 22との間で電圧を印加してもよい。  [0042] The heating discharge type print head 1 in the present embodiment controls the generation of discharge by controlling the temperature of each discharge electrode 5a to which a discharge control voltage is applied. The applied voltage is constant and does not need to be controlled, and by controlling the presence or absence of heating by the heating means 6, it is possible to control the generation of ions and to generate a large amount of ions efficiently. By applying a positive voltage to the voltage application unit 22 provided on the back surface of the recording medium 20, it is possible to irradiate a large amount of negative ions generated from the discharge electrode 5a toward the recording medium 20. Image quality can be improved. In addition, since there is only a potential difference between the discharge electrode 5a of the heating discharge type print head 1 and the recording medium 20, instead of applying a positive voltage at the voltage applying section 22, a ground electrode section is formed on the back surface of the recording medium 20. May be provided and grounded, or a voltage may be applied between the discharge electrode 5a and the voltage application unit 22.
[0043] レーザ照射部を備えた加熱手段 6は、ポリゴンミラーやガルバノミラーを組合せたり [0043] The heating means 6 provided with the laser irradiation unit may be a combination of a polygon mirror and a galvanometer mirror.
、加熱手段 6自身をシリアル走査させたりすることにより、任意の放電電極 5aを加熱 することができ、記録媒体 20へ画像を形成することができる。また、レーザ光を光ファ ィバーで集光して照射してもよ 、。 加熱手段 6としては、放電部 5から離間して放電電極 5aを選択的に加熱できるもの であればよぐレーザ照射部からレーザ光を照射するもの以外に赤外線を光ファイバ 一や集光レンズで集光して照射するもの等が好適に用いられる。高画質の画像を得 るためには、レーザ光や赤外線を細力べ走査する必要があるため、加熱手段 6にポリ ゴンミラー，ガルバノミラー，集光レンズ等を組合せなければならず、加熱手段 6と放 電電極 5aとを離間させなければならない。尚、加熱手段 6と放電電極 5aとを離間させ る距離は、加熱手段 6の出力及びポリゴンミラー，ガルバノミラー，集光レンズ等の大 きさや配置などにより規定される。また、必要に応じて加熱手段 6と放電電極 5aとの 間を断熱材で覆ってもよい。これにより、加熱手段 6が発する熱を周囲に逃すことなく 効率的に放電電極 5aに伝達することができると共に、外部の熱による誤動作を確実 に防止することができ信頼性に優れる。 The arbitrary discharge electrode 5a can be heated by serially scanning the heating means 6 itself, and an image can be formed on the recording medium 20. Also, laser light may be condensed with an optical fiber and irradiated. As the heating means 6, it is sufficient if the discharge electrode 5 a can be selectively heated away from the discharge part 5. In addition to the means for irradiating the laser beam from the laser irradiation part, infrared rays are transmitted with an optical fiber or a condensing lens. What is condensed and irradiated is preferably used. In order to obtain a high-quality image, it is necessary to scan the laser beam and infrared rays with a small force. Therefore, the heating means 6 must be combined with a polygon mirror, a galvano mirror, a condensing lens, etc., and the heating means 6 Must be separated from the discharge electrode 5a. The distance for separating the heating means 6 and the discharge electrode 5a is defined by the output of the heating means 6 and the size and arrangement of the polygon mirror, galvanometer mirror, condenser lens, and the like. Further, if necessary, the space between the heating means 6 and the discharge electrode 5a may be covered with a heat insulating material. As a result, the heat generated by the heating means 6 can be efficiently transmitted to the discharge electrode 5a without escaping to the surroundings, and malfunction due to external heat can be surely prevented, resulting in excellent reliability.
[0044] 実施の形態 1の加熱放電型印字ヘッドは以上のように構成されているので以下の 作用を有する。 [0044] Since the heat-discharge type print head of Embodiment 1 is configured as described above, the following Has an effect.
(1)放電制御電圧が印加された放電電極 5aを温度制御することにより放電電極 5aか らの放電の発生制御を行うので、放電電極 5aに放電制御電圧を印加した状態で放 電に備えることができ、高電圧となる放電制御電圧を制御する必要がなぐ加熱手段 6により放電電極 5aを選択的に加熱することで放電を発生させ、記録媒体 20に可視 像を形成することができる。  (1) Since the discharge generation from the discharge electrode 5a is controlled by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode 5a to which the discharge control voltage is applied, preparation for discharge is performed with the discharge control voltage applied to the discharge electrode 5a. The discharge electrode 5a can be selectively heated by the heating means 6 that does not need to control a high discharge control voltage, and a discharge can be generated to form a visible image on the recording medium 20.
(2)放電電極 5aを加熱する加熱手段 6が、放電電極 5aを有する放電部 5と離間して 配設されて 、るので、放電電極 5aと加熱手段 6を絶縁するための絶縁膜などを設け ることなく、放電電極 5aと加熱手段 6との間を確実に絶縁することができ、製造工数を 低減でき、量産性及び加熱制御の信頼性を向上させることができる。  (2) Since the heating means 6 for heating the discharge electrode 5a is disposed apart from the discharge portion 5 having the discharge electrode 5a, an insulating film for insulating the discharge electrode 5a and the heating means 6 is used. Without being provided, the discharge electrode 5a and the heating means 6 can be reliably insulated, the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced, and the mass productivity and the reliability of the heating control can be improved.
(3)放電部 5と加熱手段 6を離間させて配設するので、別々に製造したものを簡便に 組合せて使用することができ、放電部 5又は加熱手段 6の 、ずれか一方に不具合が 生じた際に、不具合が生じたものだけを修理、交換することができ、メンテナンス性、 省資源性に優れる。  (3) Since the discharge part 5 and the heating means 6 are arranged apart from each other, separately manufactured products can be used in a simple combination, and there is a problem with either the discharge part 5 or the heating means 6. When a problem occurs, only the defective part can be repaired or replaced, resulting in excellent maintainability and resource saving.
(4)放電部 5と加熱手段 6が離間して配設されていることにより、加熱手段 7を移動さ せて、複数の放電電極 5a或 、は放電電極 5aの任意の位置を選択的に加熱すること ができ、加熱位置の微調整が容易で画像品質を向上できると共に、加熱手段 6を小 型化することができ、省スペース性に優れる。  (4) By disposing the discharge unit 5 and the heating unit 6 apart from each other, the heating unit 7 is moved to selectively select a plurality of discharge electrodes 5a or arbitrary positions of the discharge electrodes 5a. Heating can be performed, the fine adjustment of the heating position is easy, the image quality can be improved, and the heating means 6 can be miniaturized, resulting in excellent space saving.
(5)放電部 5と加熱手段 6が離間して配設されていることにより、放電部 5と発熱源が 接触することがな 、ので、加熱停止状態での放電電極 5aの冷却時間を大幅に短縮 することができ、加熱停止に対する応答性を向上させて短時間で放電の有無を切替 えることができ、画像品質及び記録速度を向上できる。  (5) Since the discharge unit 5 and the heating means 6 are spaced apart from each other, the discharge unit 5 and the heat source do not come into contact with each other, so the cooling time of the discharge electrode 5a in the heating stopped state is greatly increased. Therefore, it is possible to improve the responsiveness to the heating stop and to switch the presence or absence of discharge in a short time, thereby improving the image quality and the recording speed.
(6)加熱手段 6が、レーザ照射部を有することにより、放電制御電圧が印加された任 意の放電電極 5a若しくは放電電極 5aの任意の位置をレーザ光により選択的に加熱 して放電を発生させることができる。  (6) Since the heating means 6 has a laser irradiation part, any discharge electrode 5a to which a discharge control voltage is applied or an arbitrary position of the discharge electrode 5a is selectively heated by laser light to generate discharge. Can be made.
(7)加熱手段 6のレーザ照射部力 照射されるレーザ光のスポット径を絞ることにより (7) Laser irradiation part force of heating means 6 By narrowing the spot diameter of the irradiated laser beam
、微小範囲を加熱することができるので、記録媒体 20に対して電子やイオン、紫外線 等を一箇所に集中して照射させることができ、画像形成の効率性に優れると共に画 像品質を向上させることができる。 Since the minute range can be heated, the recording medium 20 can be irradiated with electrons, ions, ultraviolet rays, and the like in a centralized location, which is excellent in image formation efficiency and image quality. Image quality can be improved.
(8)放電電極 5aの加熱手段 6により加熱される側の表面に形成された熱吸収層 4を 有するので、加熱手段 6により発せられる熱を熱吸収層 4で吸収し、確実に放電電極 5aに伝達することができ、加熱の効率性に優れる。  (8) Since it has the heat absorption layer 4 formed on the surface heated by the heating means 6 of the discharge electrode 5a, the heat generated by the heating means 6 is absorbed by the heat absorption layer 4 to ensure that the discharge electrode 5a The heating efficiency is excellent.
[0045] (実施の形態 2) [0045] (Embodiment 2)
本発明の実施の形態 2における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板について、以 下図面を参照しながら説明する。  The head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
図 2 (a)は実施の形態 2における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板を示す要部模 式平面図であり、図 2 (b)は図 2 (a)の A— A線矢視端面図である。  FIG. 2 (a) is a schematic plan view showing the main part of the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 2 (b) is an end view taken along line AA in FIG. 2 (a). It is.
図 2において、実施の形態 2における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板が実施の 形態 1と異なるのは、ヘッド基板 2aが、放電部 5の表面に覆設された被覆膜 8を有し、 被覆膜 8が各々の放電電極 5aの放電発生部 7に当たる位置に略円形状の開口部 8a を有する点である。  In FIG. 2, the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the head substrate 2a has a coating film 8 covered on the surface of the discharge part 5, The point is that the coating film 8 has a substantially circular opening 8a at a position where the coating film 8 hits the discharge generating portion 7 of each discharge electrode 5a.
実施の形態 2における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板の製造方法が実施の形 態 1と異なるのは、放電部 5の表面に被覆膜 8を形成する被覆膜形成工程を追加した 点であり、それ以外については、実施の形態 1と同様なので説明を省略する。  The manufacturing method of the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a coating film forming step for forming the coating film 8 on the surface of the discharge part 5 is added. Yes, and the rest are the same as in Embodiment 1 and will not be described.
被覆膜 8はガラス、ァラミドゃポリイミド等の合成樹脂、 SiO等のセラミック、マイ力等  Covering film 8 is made of glass, synthetic resin such as aramidya polyimide, ceramic such as SiO, My strength, etc.
2  2
の絶縁体をスクリーン印刷、蒸着、スパッタ等することにより形成した。  This insulator was formed by screen printing, vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like.
尚、開口部 8aの形状は略円形状以外に、略楕円形状、略砲弾状、略矩形状等に 形成することができる。また、独立した複数の開口部 8aを形成する代わりに、複数の 放電電極 5aにまたがった長孔状の開口部を形成してもよい。  The shape of the opening 8a can be formed into a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially bullet-like shape, a substantially rectangular shape, or the like other than a substantially circular shape. Further, instead of forming the plurality of independent openings 8a, a long hole-like opening extending over the plurality of discharge electrodes 5a may be formed.
以上のように形成されたヘッド基板 2aに実施の形態 1と同様の加熱手段 7を組み合 わせることにより、加熱放電型印字ヘッドが得られる。  By combining the heating means 7 similar to that of the first embodiment with the head substrate 2a formed as described above, a heat discharge type print head can be obtained.
尚、加熱放電型印字ヘッドとしての駆動方法は、実施の形態 1と同様なので説明を 省略する。  Note that the driving method as the heat discharge type print head is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
[0046] 図 3は実施の形態 2における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板の変形例を示す 断面図である。  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head in the second embodiment.
ヘッド基板の変形例が実施の形態 2と異なるのは、ヘッド基板 2bの被覆膜 8の表面 に複数の凹凸部 8bが形成されている点である。 The modification of the head substrate differs from that of the second embodiment in that the surface of the coating film 8 of the head substrate 2b A plurality of concave and convex portions 8b are formed.
被覆膜 8の凹凸部 8bはスクリーン印刷等で容易に形成することができるので、凹凸 部 8bの有無が被覆膜形成工程を煩雑にすることはなく量産性に優れる。また、 SiO N, SiO等の無機質やその他の絶縁性を有する材質 (有機 ·無機を問わず)を用い Since the uneven portion 8b of the coating film 8 can be easily formed by screen printing or the like, the presence or absence of the uneven portion 8b does not complicate the coating film forming process and is excellent in mass productivity. In addition, inorganic materials such as SiO N and SiO, and other insulating materials (regardless of organic and inorganic) are used.
2 2
て、被覆膜 8の表面に凹凸部 8bを形成しても良い。  Thus, the uneven portion 8b may be formed on the surface of the coating film 8.
[0047] 実施の形態 2の加熱放電型印字ヘッドは以上のように構成されているので、実施の 形態 1で得られる作用に加え、以下の作用を有する。 [0047] Since the heat-discharge type print head according to the second embodiment is configured as described above, in addition to the functions obtained in the first embodiment, the following functions are provided.
(1)放電部 5の放電発生部 7を除いて放電部 5に覆設された被覆膜 8を有するので、 放電部 5の放電発生部 7以外の箇所力も放電が発生するのを防止でき、電子ゃィォ ン、紫外線を一箇所に集中して照射させることができ画像形成の効率性に優れる。 (1) Since it has the coating film 8 covered on the discharge part 5 except for the discharge generation part 7 of the discharge part 5, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of discharge even at a point other than the discharge generation part 7 of the discharge part 5. In addition, it is possible to concentrate and irradiate electrons and ultraviolet rays in one place, and it is excellent in the efficiency of image formation.
(2)放電部 5の放電発生部 7を除いて被覆膜 8を形成することにより、放電発生部 7表 面と被覆膜 8の表面との間に段差を形成することができるので、放電電極 5aと対向配 置される記録媒体 20との間のギャップを一定に保つことができ、放電発生部 7との接 触を防止でき、放電発生部 7からの放電を安定させることができる。 (2) By forming the coating film 8 except for the discharge generation part 7 of the discharge part 5, a step can be formed between the surface of the discharge generation part 7 and the surface of the coating film 8. The gap between the discharge electrode 5a and the recording medium 20 arranged opposite to the discharge electrode 5a can be kept constant, the contact with the discharge generation part 7 can be prevented, and the discharge from the discharge generation part 7 can be stabilized. .
(3)被覆膜 8の表面に多くの凹凸部 8bを設けることにより、表面距離が伸延されて表 面抵抗が増加し、電流が剥身の放電電極 5aの放電発生部 7から周囲に漏電するの を防止でき、放電電極 5aに印加した印加電圧の低下がなくなり、放電の安定性、効 率性に優れる。  (3) By providing many uneven portions 8b on the surface of the coating film 8, the surface distance is extended, the surface resistance increases, and the current leaks from the discharge generation portion 7 of the discharge electrode 5a to the surroundings. Therefore, the applied voltage applied to the discharge electrode 5a is not reduced, and the discharge stability and efficiency are excellent.
[0048] (実施の形態 3)  [0048] (Embodiment 3)
本発明の実施の形態 3における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板について、以 下図面を参照しながら説明する。  The head substrate of the heat discharge type print head according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
図 4 (a)は実施の形態 3における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板を示す要部模 式断面図であり、図 4 (b)は実施の形態 3における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基 板を示す要部模式平面図である。  FIG. 4 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main part of the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head according to Embodiment 3, and FIG. 4 (b) is the head substrate of the heat discharge type print head according to Embodiment 3. It is a principal part schematic top view which shows these.
図 4にお 、て、実施の形態 3における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板 2dが実施 の形態 1と異なるのは、ステンレス、銅、アルミニウム等の金属で形成された略平板状 の基板 3の共通電極 5bとなる外周を除いてエッチングや切削等により薄肉化して放 電電極 5aを形成すると共に、エッチングやレーザカ卩ェ等によりマトリックス状に複数 の放電孔部 9を設け、放電部 5を形成している点である。尚、放電電極 5aは表面に金 メツキを施すことにより放電の発生効率を向上させて 、る。 In FIG. 4, the head substrate 2d of the heat discharge type print head in the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the substantially flat substrate 3 made of a metal such as stainless steel, copper, or aluminum. The discharge electrode 5a is formed by thinning by etching or cutting except for the outer periphery that becomes the common electrode 5b, and a plurality of matrix electrodes are formed by etching or laser caching. The discharge hole portion 9 is provided, and the discharge portion 5 is formed. The discharge electrode 5a is improved in discharge generation efficiency by applying gold plating to the surface.
[0049] 放電発生部 7の範囲は、加熱手段 6のレーザ光のスポット径で規定されるため、放 電孔部 9の大きさをレーザ光のスポット径よりも小さく形成してマトリックス状に配置す ることにより、放電孔部 9の周縁部から確実に放電を発生させることができ、加熱位置 の位置ずれによる放電量のばらつきを低減することができ、画像品質の均一性に優 れる。尚、放電孔部 9の形状は、略円形、略楕円形、六角形や八角形等の多角形、 星形など様々な形状に形成することができる。また、放電発生部 7 (加熱位置近傍)の 1箇所当たりの放電孔部 9の数、形状、大きさ、ピッチ等は適宜選択して組合せること ができる。 [0049] Since the range of the discharge generating part 7 is defined by the spot diameter of the laser beam of the heating means 6, the size of the discharge hole part 9 is formed smaller than the spot diameter of the laser beam and arranged in a matrix form By doing so, it is possible to reliably generate a discharge from the peripheral edge of the discharge hole portion 9, and to reduce variation in the amount of discharge due to the displacement of the heating position, and excellent image quality uniformity. The shape of the discharge hole 9 can be formed in various shapes such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a polygonal shape such as a hexagonal shape and an octagonal shape, and a star shape. Further, the number, shape, size, pitch, and the like of the discharge hole portions 9 per one place in the discharge generation portion 7 (near the heating position) can be appropriately selected and combined.
[0050] また、実施の形態 3における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板 2dの製造方法が 実施の形態 1と異なるのは、放電部形成工程においてエッチング、切肖 I』、レーザ加工 等により、基板 3を直接、加工して基板 3と一体化された放電部 5を形成している点で ある。  [0050] In addition, the manufacturing method of the head substrate 2d of the heat discharge type print head in the third embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the substrate is obtained by etching, cutting I ", laser processing, etc. in the discharge portion forming step. 3 is directly processed to form the discharge part 5 integrated with the substrate 3.
一枚の基板 3からヘッド基板 2dを形成することができ、部品点数を低減できると共 に、基板 3と放電部 5との貼り合わせ等が不必要で製造工程を簡素化でき、ヘッド基 板 2dとしての取扱 、が容易で耐久性、信頼性に優れる。  The head substrate 2d can be formed from a single substrate 3, and the number of components can be reduced, and the manufacturing process can be simplified because there is no need for bonding between the substrate 3 and the discharge part 5, etc. It is easy to handle as 2d and has excellent durability and reliability.
以上のように形成されたヘッド基板 2dに実施の形態 1と同様の加熱手段 6を組み合 わせることにより、加熱放電型印字ヘッドが得られる。尚、フィルムを黒色に着色した り、ガラスにクロムメツキを施したりした別部材を熱吸収層としてヘッド基板 2dと積層し て用いることもできる。放電部 5に対して熱吸収層を着脱自在とすることで容易に交 換することができ、メンテナンス性に優れる。通常通り、黒ベタの熱吸収層を使用し、 加熱手段 6で選択的な加熱を行って、任意の画像を印字する以外に、予め印字バタ ーンが形成された熱吸収層を使用し、特定の画像を繰り返し印字することもできる。 尚、加熱放電型印字ヘッドとしての駆動方法は、実施の形態 1と同様なので説明を 省略する。  By combining the heating means 6 similar to that of the first embodiment with the head substrate 2d formed as described above, a heat discharge type print head can be obtained. In addition, another member in which the film is colored black or glass is chrome-plated can be used as a heat absorption layer laminated with the head substrate 2d. By making the heat absorption layer detachable with respect to the discharge part 5, it can be easily replaced, and the maintenance is excellent. As usual, use a solid heat absorption layer of black, perform selective heating with heating means 6 to print any image, use a heat absorption layer on which a print pattern is formed in advance, A specific image can be printed repeatedly. Note that the driving method as the heat discharge type print head is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
[0051] 図 5は実施の形態 3における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板の変形例を示す 平面図である。 ヘッド基板の変形例が実施の形態 3と異なるのは、ヘッド基板 2eの放電部 5にスリツ ト状の放電孔部 9aが形成されて ヽる点である。 FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a modification of the head substrate of the heat-discharge type print head according to the third embodiment. The modification of the head substrate is different from the third embodiment in that a slit-like discharge hole 9a is formed in the discharge portion 5 of the head substrate 2e.
変形例における加熱放電型印字ヘッドのヘッド基板 2eの製造方法が実施の形態 3 と異なるのは、放電孔部 9aのパターンの違いのみであり、工程としては同様であるの で説明を省略する。  The method of manufacturing the head substrate 2e of the heat-discharge type print head in the modification is different from that of the third embodiment only in the pattern of the discharge hole 9a, and the process is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.
また、加熱手段 6や熱吸収層との組合せや加熱放電型印字ヘッドとしての駆動方 法は、実施の形態 3と同様なので説明を省略する。  Further, since the combination with the heating means 6 and the heat absorption layer and the driving method as the heat discharge type print head are the same as those in the third embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0052] 実施の形態 3の加熱放電型印字ヘッドは以上のように構成されているので、実施の 形態 1で得られる作用に加え、以下の作用を有する。 [0052] Since the heat-discharge type print head according to the third embodiment is configured as described above, in addition to the functions obtained in the first embodiment, the following functions are provided.
(1)共通電極 5bを放電電極 5aよりも肉厚に形成することで、放電部 5の放熱面積の 拡大及び、熱容量の増大を図ることができ、放電電極 5aの冷却効果、加熱停止に対 する応答性が向上し、また、抵抗値の低減により常に安定した電圧を印加できるので 、放電の安定性等を更に向上させることができる。  (1) By forming the common electrode 5b thicker than the discharge electrode 5a, the heat radiation area of the discharge part 5 can be increased and the heat capacity can be increased. Responsiveness is improved, and a stable voltage can always be applied by reducing the resistance value, so that the stability of discharge can be further improved.
(2)放電電極 5aにマトリックス状やスリット状の放電孔部 9, 9aを形成し、放電電極 5a の放電発生部 7の周長を増加させることにより、放電電極 5aからの放電量を増カロさせ て照射されるイオン量や発光強度を増加させることができ、放電制御電圧や加熱温 度を低く設定することができ、省エネルギー性及び放電発生の効率性に優れる。また 、放電電極 5aへの印加電圧を低く設定できるので、放電電極 5aの長寿命性にも優 れる。  (2) By forming matrix-shaped or slit-shaped discharge holes 9, 9a in the discharge electrode 5a and increasing the peripheral length of the discharge generating portion 7 of the discharge electrode 5a, the amount of discharge from the discharge electrode 5a is increased. Thus, the amount of emitted ions and the emission intensity can be increased, the discharge control voltage and the heating temperature can be set low, and the energy saving and discharge generation efficiency are excellent. In addition, since the voltage applied to the discharge electrode 5a can be set low, the life of the discharge electrode 5a is excellent.
(3)画像情報に応じた印字パターンが形成された熱吸収層を用いた場合、画像情報 に基づいて確実に放電電極 5aを選択的に加熱することができ、画像形成の信頼性 に優れる。  (3) When the heat absorption layer on which the printing pattern corresponding to the image information is formed is used, the discharge electrode 5a can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information, and the image forming reliability is excellent.
(4)予め印字パターンが形成された熱吸収層を用いた場合、同一の画像を簡便に多 量に作成することができ量産性に優れると共に、印字パターンの異なる複数種類の 熱吸収層を用意することにより、それらを交換するだけで異なる画像を簡便に形成す ることができ汎用性、実用性に優れる。  (4) When a heat absorption layer with a pre-printed pattern is used, the same image can be easily produced in large quantities, providing excellent mass productivity and preparing multiple types of heat absorption layers with different print patterns. By doing so, different images can be easily formed simply by exchanging them, and the versatility and practicality are excellent.
[0053] (実施の形態 4)  [0053] (Embodiment 4)
本発明の実施の形態 4における画像形成装置について、以下図面を参照しながら 説明する。 The image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. explain.
図 6は実施の形態 4における画像形成装置の構成を示す要部模式図である。 図 6中、 10は加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1を備えた実施の形態 4における画像形成装 置、 11は記録媒体 20の媒体基板 21の媒体基板表面 21aを一様に帯電させる画像 形成装置 10の復元器、 22aは記録媒体 20の媒体基板 21の裏側に配設され加熱放 電型印字ヘッド 1の放電電極 5aと記録媒体 20間に電界をかけるための接地電極部 である。  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 6, 10 is an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 provided with a heat discharge type print head 1, and 11 is an image forming apparatus 10 for uniformly charging a medium substrate surface 21 a of a medium substrate 21 of a recording medium 20. A restorer 22 a is a ground electrode portion that is disposed on the back side of the medium substrate 21 of the recording medium 20 and applies an electric field between the discharge electrode 5 a of the heating and discharging type print head 1 and the recording medium 20.
復元器 11としては、帯電ローラや帯電ブラシ等が好適に用いられる。  As the restoring device 11, a charging roller, a charging brush, or the like is preferably used.
尚、復元器 11を備える代りに、加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1から画像形成時と逆極性の イオンを照射することで不要な記録を消去して記録媒体 20への書き換えを繰返し行 うことちでさる。  Instead of providing the restorer 11, it is possible to erase unnecessary recording by irradiating ions from the heat-discharge type print head 1 with the opposite polarity to that at the time of image formation and to rewrite the recording medium 20 repeatedly. Monkey.
また、平板状の接地電極部 22aの代りに接地電極ローラを備えてもよいし、実施の 形態 1と同様に電圧印加部 22を設けて電圧を印加してもよい。  Further, a ground electrode roller may be provided instead of the flat ground electrode portion 22a, or a voltage applying unit 22 may be provided to apply a voltage as in the first embodiment.
[0054] 以上のように構成された画像形成装置の動作につ!、て説明する。 The operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.
加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1から負のイオンを照射する場合、復元器 11で記録媒体 20 の媒体基板表面 21aを加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1から照射するイオンと逆極性の正に 帯電させる。  When irradiating negative ions from the heat discharge type print head 1, the restorer 11 charges the medium substrate surface 21 a of the recording medium 20 to a positive polarity opposite in polarity to the ions irradiated from the heat discharge type print head 1.
次に、加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1から記録媒体 20の媒体基板表面 21aに負のイオン を照射することで、負の電荷の作用により記録媒体 20の内部に可視像が出現する。 尚、記録媒体 20の内部に出現した可視像は、大きな電位差が生じない限り保持され る。  Next, by irradiating negative ion to the medium substrate surface 21a of the recording medium 20 from the heat discharge type print head 1, a visible image appears inside the recording medium 20 due to the action of the negative charge. Note that the visible image that appears inside the recording medium 20 is retained unless a large potential difference occurs.
尚、本実施の形態における画像形成装置では、ヘッド基板 2と加熱手段 6を組み合 わせたものを加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1として説明したが、実施の形態 2及び 3のヘッド R2a, 2b、 2c、 2d, 2eの!ヽずれを ヽてもよ!ヽ。  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the combination of the head substrate 2 and the heating means 6 has been described as the heat discharge type print head 1, but the heads R2a, 2b, 2c of the second and third embodiments are described. , 2d, 2e!
[0055] 実施の形態 4の画像形成装置は以上のように構成されているので、以下の作用を 有する。 Since the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operations.
(1)加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1からの放電によるイオンの照射や発光により画像を形成 することができ、画像形成のプロセスを簡素化することができる。 (2)イオン照射によれば静電潜像の形成や酸化還元反応による画像の形成も可能 であり、また放電の発光によれば紫外線や可視光線等に反応するフォトクロミック化 合物を用いた電子ぺーパ等に画像を形成することができる。 (1) An image can be formed by ion irradiation or light emission by discharge from the heat-discharge type print head 1, and the image forming process can be simplified. (2) It is possible to form an electrostatic latent image or an image by oxidation-reduction reaction by ion irradiation, and an electron using a photochromic compound that reacts to ultraviolet light, visible light, etc. by discharge light emission. An image can be formed on a paper or the like.
(3)記録媒体 20の媒体基板表面 21aを一様に帯電させる復元器 11を有するので、 放電による電荷の作用により内部に可視像が出現する記録媒体 20を初期化すること ができ、不要な記録を消去して記録媒体 20への書き換えを繰返し行うことができる。 (3) Since the restorer 11 for uniformly charging the medium substrate surface 21a of the recording medium 20 is provided, the recording medium 20 in which a visible image appears inside can be initialized by the action of electric charges due to discharge, and is unnecessary. It is possible to repeatedly rewrite to the recording medium 20 by deleting a new recording.
(4)加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1を有することにより、記録媒体 20の媒体基板表面 21aに イオンを照射するだけで非接触で記録媒体 20の内部に画像を形成することができる ので、部品点数が少なぐ記録媒体 20へのダメージも必要最低限に押えることができ 実用性に優れる。 (4) By having the heat-discharge type print head 1, an image can be formed in the inside of the recording medium 20 in a non-contact manner simply by irradiating the medium substrate surface 21a of the recording medium 20 with less parts. Less damage to the recording medium 20 can be suppressed to the minimum necessary, and it is highly practical.
[0056] (実施の形態 5)  [Embodiment 5]
本発明の実施の形態 5における画像形成装置について、以下図面を参照しながら 説明する。  An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
図 7は実施の形態 5における画像形成装置の構成を示す要部模式図である。  FIG. 7 is a main part schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the fifth embodiment.
図 7において、本発明の実施の形態 5における画像形成装置 10aが実施の形態 4と 異なるのは、加熱放電型印字ヘッド laのヘッド基板 2dの裏側に黒色に着色したフィ ルムゃクロムメツキを施したガラス等で形成した熱吸収層 4aを着脱自在に配設して ヽ る点と、加熱手段 6aとして赤外線ランプを用いて 、る点である。  In FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 10a according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is different from the fourth embodiment in that the back side of the head substrate 2d of the heat-discharge type print head la is subjected to black colored film chrome plating. The heat absorbing layer 4a formed of glass or the like is detachably disposed, and an infrared lamp is used as the heating means 6a.
熱吸収層 4aに頻繁に印刷する画像情報に応じた印字パターンを形成しておけば、 赤外線ランプを用いた加熱手段 6aで熱吸収層 4a全面に赤外線を照射するだけで、 印字パターンに従って選択的に放電電極 5aを加熱することができ、大量の画像を短 時間で形成することができる。  If a print pattern corresponding to the image information that is frequently printed on the heat absorption layer 4a is formed, the heating means 6a using an infrared lamp simply irradiates the entire surface of the heat absorption layer 4a with infrared rays. In addition, the discharge electrode 5a can be heated, and a large amount of images can be formed in a short time.
尚、本実施の形態における画像形成装置では、ヘッド基板 2dと赤外線ランプを用 いた加熱手段 6aを組み合わせたものを加熱放電型印字ヘッド laとして説明したが、 実施の形態 1乃至 3のヘッド基板 2、 2a、 2b、 2c、 2eのいずれを用いてもよいし、レー ザ照射部を備えた加熱手段 6を用いてもょ ヽ。  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the combination of the head substrate 2d and the heating means 6a using an infrared lamp has been described as the heat discharge type print head la. However, the head substrate 2 according to the first to third embodiments. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2e may be used, or heating means 6 equipped with a laser irradiation unit may be used.
[0057] 実施の形態 5の画像形成装置は以上のように構成されているので、実施の形態 4に 加え、以下の作用を有する。 (1)熱吸収層 4aが、画像情報に応じて形成された印字パターンを備えることにより、 画像情報に基づいて確実に放電電極 5aを選択的に加熱することができ、画像形成 の信頼性に優れる。 Since the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operation in addition to the fourth embodiment. (1) Since the heat absorption layer 4a has a print pattern formed in accordance with the image information, the discharge electrode 5a can be selectively heated reliably based on the image information, thereby improving the reliability of image formation. Excellent.
(2)予め印字パターンが形成された熱吸収層 4aを有することにより、同一の画像を簡 便に多量に作成することができ量産性に優れると共に、印字パターンの異なる複数 種類の熱吸収層 4aを用意することにより、それらを交換するだけで異なる画像を簡便 に形成することができ汎用性、実用性に優れる。  (2) By having the heat absorption layer 4a on which a print pattern is formed in advance, the same image can be easily produced in large quantities, and it is excellent in mass productivity, and a plurality of types of heat absorption layers 4a with different print patterns. By preparing them, different images can be easily formed simply by exchanging them, which is excellent in versatility and practicality.
[0058] (実施の形態 6)  [0058] (Embodiment 6)
本発明の実施の形態 6における画像形成装置について、以下図面を参照しながら 説明する。  An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
図 8は実施の形態 6における画像形成装置の構成を示す要部模式図である。  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.
図 8において、本発明の実施の形態 6における画像形成装置 10bが実施の形態 4 と異なるのは、加熱放電型印字ヘッド lbのヘッド基板 2がレーザ照射部を備えたカロ 熱手段 6に多本数の光ファイバ一が接続された光ファイバ一アレイ 6bの出口先端に 配設されている点と、加熱放電型印字ヘッド lbからのイオンの照射により表面に静電 潜像が形成される静電潜像担持体 12と、加熱放電型印字ヘッド lbによる書き込み（ イオン照射)の前に静電潜像担持体 12の表面を除電する除電器 13を備えている点 である。  In FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 10b according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is different from the fourth embodiment in that the head substrate 2 of the heat discharge type print head lb has a plurality of calorie heat means 6 provided with a laser irradiation unit. And an electrostatic latent image in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by irradiation of ions from the heat discharge type print head lb. The image bearing member 12 and the static eliminator 13 for neutralizing the surface of the electrostatic latent image bearing member 12 before writing (ion irradiation) by the heat discharge type print head lb are provided.
[0059] 記録媒体 20に対して加熱手段 6と共にヘッド基板 2をスキャンすることにより画像を 形成することができる。また、多本数の光ファイバ一を高密度かつ高精度に配列した 光ファイバ一アレイ 6bを用いることにより、同時に複数の放電電極 5a (放電発生部 7) に対し、レーザ光を選択的に照射することができ、高速記録が可能で実用性に優れ る。尚、光ファイバ一の出口先端に直接、クロムを蒸着して金メッキすることにより放電 電極 5aを形成することもできる。  An image can be formed by scanning the head substrate 2 together with the heating unit 6 with respect to the recording medium 20. In addition, by using an optical fiber array 6b in which a large number of optical fibers are arranged with high density and high accuracy, a plurality of discharge electrodes 5a (discharge generating part 7) are simultaneously irradiated with laser light selectively. Therefore, high-speed recording is possible and the utility is excellent. The discharge electrode 5a can also be formed by directly depositing chromium on the outlet end of the optical fiber and plating it with gold.
静電潜像担持体 12としては、ドラム型やベルト型等の様々な形状のものを用いるこ とができる。また、静電潜像担持体 12の素材としては、イオンの照射により表面が帯 電するものであればよいので、感光体である必要がなぐアルマイト等の絶縁体を用 いることがでさる。 また、除電器 11を備えることにより、常に安定した状態で静電潜像担持体 12の表 面に静電潜像を形成することができ信頼性に優れる。尚、静電潜像担持体 12が感 光体の場合、光を照射することで除電することができ、絶縁体の場合は AC電圧で除 電することができる。 As the electrostatic latent image carrier 12, various shapes such as a drum type and a belt type can be used. Further, as the material of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12, any material can be used as long as the surface is charged by irradiation of ions, and therefore an insulator such as alumite that does not need to be a photoconductor can be used. Further, by providing the static eliminator 11, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 in a stable state, and the reliability is excellent. When the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 is a photosensitive body, it can be neutralized by irradiating light, and when it is an insulator, it can be neutralized with an AC voltage.
[0060] 以上のように構成された本発明の実施の形態 6における画像形成装置の動作が実 施の形態 4と異なるのは、加熱放電型印字ヘッド lbから直接、記録媒体 20の媒体基 板表面 21aにイオンを照射するのではなぐ一旦、静電潜像担持体 12に静電潜像を 形成し、その静電潜像で記録媒体 20を静電現像して可視像を形成する点である。 尚、記録媒体 20の裏面に接地電極部 22aの代りに電圧印加部 22を配設し、電圧 を印加するようにしてもよい。  The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is different from that of the fourth embodiment in that the medium substrate of the recording medium 20 is directly from the heat-discharge type print head lb. Instead of irradiating the surface 21a with ions, an electrostatic latent image is once formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier 12, and the recording medium 20 is electrostatically developed with the electrostatic latent image to form a visible image. It is. Note that a voltage applying unit 22 may be provided on the back surface of the recording medium 20 instead of the ground electrode unit 22a to apply a voltage.
また、本実施の形態における画像形成装置では、ヘッド基板 2と加熱手段 6及び光 ファイバー 6bを組み合わせたものを加熱放電型印字ヘッド lbとして説明したが、実 施の形態 1及び 2のヘッド基板 2a、 2b、 2cのいずれを用いてもよい。  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the combination of the head substrate 2, the heating unit 6, and the optical fiber 6b has been described as the heat discharge type print head lb. However, the head substrate 2a according to the first and second embodiments is described. , 2b, or 2c may be used.
[0061] 実施の形態 6の画像形成装置は以上のように構成されているので、実施の形態 5に 加え、以下の作用を有する。  Since the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is configured as described above, the following functions are provided in addition to the fifth embodiment.
(1)加熱放電型印字ヘッド lbからのイオンの照射により静電潜像担持体 12の表面に 静電潜像を形成し、その静電潜像で記録媒体 20を静電現像して可視像を形成する ことができ、加熱放電型印字ヘッド lbと記録媒体 20が直接対向せず、加熱放電型 印字ヘッド lbの汚れを防止できる。  (1) Heat-discharge type print head An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 by irradiation of ions from lb, and the recording medium 20 is electrostatically developed with the electrostatic latent image to be visible. An image can be formed, and the heat discharge type print head lb and the recording medium 20 do not directly face each other, and the heat discharge type print head lb can be prevented from being stained.
(2)—様帯電が不要な静電潜像担持体 12を用いることにより、イオン照射の一工程 だけで静電潜像を形成することができ、画像形成のプロセスを簡素化することができ る。  (2) —By using the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 that does not require charging, an electrostatic latent image can be formed in only one step of ion irradiation, and the image forming process can be simplified. The
[0062] (実施の形態 7)  [0062] (Embodiment 7)
本発明の実施の形態 7における画像形成装置について、以下図面を参照しながら 説明する。  An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
図 9は実施の形態 7における画像形成装置の構成を示す要部模式図である。 図 9中、 10cは加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1を備えた実施の形態 7における画像形成装 置、 15は加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1からのイオンの照射により表面に静電潜像が形成 される静電潜像担持体、 16は静電潜像に基づいて静電潜像担持体 15の表面に可 視像を形成する顕像化手段としての現像器、 17は可視像を印字媒体 25の表面 25a に転写する転写手段としての転写定着ローラ、 18は転写後の静電潜像担持体 15の 表面に残留したトナーを物理的に搔き取って清浄ィ匕するクリーナ、 19は加熱放電型 印字ヘッド 1による書き込み (イオン照射)の前に静電潜像担持体 15の表面を除電す る除電器、 25は普通紙、 OHPシート、光沢紙等の各種の印字媒体である。 FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a main part showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 9, 10c is an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 7 provided with a heat discharge type print head 1, and 15 is an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface by irradiation of ions from the heat discharge type print head 1. The electrostatic latent image carrier 16 is a developing unit as a visualization means for forming a visible image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 based on the electrostatic latent image, and 17 is a visible image printed. A transfer fixing roller as a transfer means for transferring to the surface 25a of the medium 25, 18 is a cleaner for physically scraping and cleaning the toner remaining on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 after transfer, 19 is A static eliminator 25 for neutralizing the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 before writing (ion irradiation) by the heat-discharge type print head 1, and 25 are various printing media such as plain paper, OHP sheet, and glossy paper.
[0063] 本実施の形態では、顕像ィ匕手段としてトナー現像を行う現像器 16を用いたが、イン クやその他の方法で現像を行ってもよい。転写定着ローラ 17は、アルミニウム等の金 属製のローラの表面をシリコーンゴム等の合成ゴムで被覆したものを用いた。トナー 現像の際に圧力定着型のトナーを用いることで、転写定着ローラ 17で押圧し、可視 像を印字媒体 25の表面 25に転写、定着させている。 In the present embodiment, the developing device 16 that performs toner development is used as the developing means, but the development may be performed by ink or other methods. As the transfer fixing roller 17, a roller made of a metal such as aluminum and coated with a synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber was used. Toner When a pressure fixing type toner is used during development, the toner is pressed by the transfer fixing roller 17 to transfer and fix the visible image on the surface 25 of the print medium 25.
また、クリーナ 18と除電器 19を備えることにより、常に安定した状態で静電潜像担 持体 15の表面に静電潜像を形成することができ信頼性に優れる。  In addition, by providing the cleaner 18 and the static eliminator 19, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 in a stable state, and the reliability is excellent.
尚、静電潜像担持体 15は、実施の形態 6における静電潜像担持体 12と同様のも のを用いることができる。  The electrostatic latent image carrier 15 may be the same as the electrostatic latent image carrier 12 in the sixth embodiment.
[0064] 以上のように構成された画像形成装置の動作につ!、て説明する。 The operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.
加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1から負のイオンを照射する場合、除電器 19で静電潜像担 持体 15の表面を除電する。除電は例えばコロナ放電により行う。電気的に清浄化さ れ静電潜像の残像が消滅した静電潜像担持体 15に、加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1から 負のイオンを照射することで、静電潜像担持体 15の表面に負の静電潜像が形成さ れる。静電潜像は現像器 16で現像され可視像となる。可視像は、転写定着ローラ 17 で押圧され、印字媒体 25の表面 25に転写、定着される。  When irradiating negative ions from the heat-discharge type print head 1, the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 is neutralized by the static eliminator 19. The neutralization is performed by corona discharge, for example. The surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 is exposed by irradiating the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 that has been electrically cleaned and the afterimage of the electrostatic latent image has disappeared with negative ions from the heat-discharge type print head 1. A negative electrostatic latent image is formed at The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 16 and becomes a visible image. The visible image is pressed by the transfer fixing roller 17 and transferred and fixed on the surface 25 of the print medium 25.
尚、本実施の形態における画像形成装置では、実施の形態 4で説明した加熱放電 型印字ヘッド 1の組合せ以外に、実施の形態 5及び 6で説明した加熱放電型印字へ ッド la、 lbの組合せを用いてもよい。  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, in addition to the combination of the heat discharge type print head 1 described in the fourth embodiment, the heat discharge type print heads la and lb described in the fifth and sixth embodiments are used. Combinations may be used.
[0065] 実施の形態 7の画像形成装置は以上のように構成されているので、以下の作用を 有する。 Since the image forming apparatus of the seventh embodiment is configured as described above, it has the following operations.
(1)加熱放電型印字ヘッド 1からのイオンの照射により表面に静電潜像が形成される 静電潜像担持体 15を有することにより、ポリゴンミラー等の露光光学系を必要としな いので、部品点数が少なく構造を簡素化できる。 (1) Electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by the irradiation of ions from the heat-discharge type print head 1 By having the electrostatic latent image carrier 15, an exposure optical system such as a polygon mirror is not required, so the number of parts is small and the structure can be simplified.
(2)顕像化手段である現像器 16により、静電潜像に基づいて静電潜像担持体 15の 表面に可視像を形成することができ、転写手段により可視像を印字媒体 25の表面 2 5aに転写することができるので、普通紙の他、 OHPシート、光沢紙等の様々な媒体 を印字媒体 41として使用することができ汎用性に優れる。  (2) The developing device 16 that is a visualization means can form a visible image on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier 15 based on the electrostatic latent image, and the visible image can be printed on the printing medium by the transfer means. Since it can be transferred to the 25 surface 25a, various media such as plain paper, OHP sheets, glossy paper, etc. can be used as the print medium 41, which is excellent in versatility.
産業上の利用可能性 Industrial applicability
本発明は、放電電極から離間した加熱手段で放電電極を選択的に加熱することに より、放電電極力もの放電を簡便かつ確実に制御でき、構造を簡素化して量産性、 信頼性に優れ、放電電極の形状や配置に対して製造上の制約を受けることがなぐ 設計自在性に優れ、容易に高密度実装して画像の解像度や記録速度を向上させる ことができる高品質で実用性に優れる加熱放電型印字ヘッドの提供を行って、放電 によるイオンの照射や発光により、デジタルぺーパ等の記録媒体に画像を形成する ことができる。  By selectively heating the discharge electrode with heating means separated from the discharge electrode, the present invention can easily and reliably control the discharge of the discharge electrode force, simplify the structure, and have excellent mass productivity and reliability. No restrictions on manufacturing with respect to the shape and arrangement of the discharge electrode Excellent design flexibility, easy high-density mounting to improve image resolution and recording speed High quality and practicality By providing a heat-discharge type print head, an image can be formed on a recording medium such as a digital paper by irradiating and emitting ions by discharge.

Claims

請求の範囲 The scope of the claims
[1] 放電制御電圧が印加された放電電極を温度制御することにより前記放電電極から の放電の発生制御を行う加熱放電型印字ヘッドであって、  [1] A heating-discharge-type print head that controls the generation of discharge from the discharge electrode by controlling the temperature of the discharge electrode to which a discharge control voltage is applied,
前記放電電極を有する放電部と、前記放電部と離間して配設され前記放電電極を 加熱する加熱手段と、を備えたことを特徴とする加熱放電型印字ヘッド。  A heating discharge type print head comprising: a discharge unit having the discharge electrode; and a heating unit that is disposed apart from the discharge unit and heats the discharge electrode.
[2] 前記加熱手段が、レーザ照射部を備えたことを特徴とする請求項 1に記載の加熱 放電型印字ヘッド。  [2] The heating discharge type print head according to [1], wherein the heating means includes a laser irradiation section.
[3] 前記放電電極の前記加熱手段により加熱される側の表面に形成又は配設若しくは 塗設された熱吸収層を備えたことを特徴とする請求項 1又は 2に記載の加熱放電型 印字ヘッド。  [3] The heat discharge type printing according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heat absorption layer formed, disposed or coated on a surface of the discharge electrode heated by the heating means. head.
[4] 前記熱吸収層が、画像情報に応じて形成された印字パターンを備えたことを特徴と する請求項 3に記載の加熱放電型印字ヘッド。  4. The heat-discharge type print head according to claim 3, wherein the heat absorption layer includes a print pattern formed according to image information.
[5] 前記放電部の放電発生部を除いて前記放電部に覆設された被覆膜を備えたことを 特徴とする請求項 1乃至 4の内いずれ力 1項に記載の加熱放電型印字ヘッド。 [5] The heating discharge type printing according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a coating film that covers the discharge portion except for a discharge generation portion of the discharge portion. head.
[6] 前記被覆膜の表面に形成された凹凸部を備えたことを特徴とする請求項 5に記載 の加熱放電型印字ヘッド。 6. The heat discharge type print head according to claim 5, further comprising an uneven portion formed on the surface of the coating film.
[7] 請求項 1乃至 6の内いずれか 1項に記載の加熱放電型印字ヘッドを備えたことを特 徴とする画像形成装置。 [7] An image forming apparatus comprising the heat-discharge type print head according to any one of [1] to [6].
[8] 前記加熱放電型印字ヘッドの放電による電荷の作用で内部に可視像が出現する 記録媒体に対して記録を行うことを特徴とする請求項 7に記載の画像形成装置。 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein recording is performed on a recording medium in which a visible image appears inside due to an effect of electric charge generated by discharge of the heating / discharge type print head.
[9] 前記加熱放電型印字ヘッドに対向して配置された静電潜像担持体を備えたことを 特徴とする請求項 7に記載の画像形成装置。 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an electrostatic latent image carrier disposed to face the heating / discharge type print head.
[10] 前記静電潜像担持体と、前記静電潜像担持体の表面に形成された静電潜像に基 づ ヽて前記静電潜像担持体の表面に可視像を形成する顕像化手段と、前記可視像 を印字媒体に転写する転写手段と、を備えたことを特徴とする請求項 9に記載の画像 形成装置。 [10] A visible image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier based on the electrostatic latent image carrier and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a visualization unit; and a transfer unit that transfers the visible image to a print medium.
PCT/JP2005/020138 2005-11-01 2005-11-01 Heating discharge type printhead and image-forming device including the same WO2007052340A1 (en)

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