diaphragm capsule

Abstract

The present application provides a film cartridge, a film unit, and a layer transfer apparatus capable of suppressing contact of an operator with a supported layer including a transfer layer and capable of suppressing peeling of the supported layer remaining on the support layer. The film cartridge (200) includes a supply spool (31) that winds a multilayer film (F) having a supported layer (F2) including a transfer layer (F22) and a support layer (F1), and a take-up spool (35) for taking up the multilayer film (F). The multilayer film (F) is wound to a supply shaft portion (31A) in a manner that the supported layer (F2) contacts the supply shaft portion (31A), and is wound to a take-up shaft portion (35A) in a manner that the supported layer (F2) contacts the take-up shaft portion (35A).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the following patent application:

[0002] Application No. 201980086447.6

[0003] Filing Date: May 24, 2019

[0004] Invention Title: Film cartridge, film unit, and layer transfer apparatus TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to a film cartridge, a film unit, and a layer transfer apparatus for transferring a transfer layer on a toner image formed on a sheet. BACKGROUND

[0006] In the past, as a film unit, a structure has been known in which a supply spool on which a multilayer film having a transfer layer inside is wound and a take-up spool are provided, and the film unit is capable of being attached to and detached from a layer transfer apparatus (see Patent Literature 1). In this technology, the multilayer film also has a support layer that supports the transfer layer. Further, the multilayer film is wound on the supply spool and the take-up spool in a manner that the support layer is in contact with the supply spool and the take-up spool. Thus, the outer surface of the roll of the multilayer film wound on the supply spool is configured to expose the support layer to the outside, and the outer surface of the roll of the multilayer film wound on the take-up spool is configured to expose the support layer to the outside.

[0007] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0008] PATENT LITERATURE

[0009] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-290685

[0010] However, in the prior art, the outer surface of the roll of the multilayer film wound on the supply spool is configured to expose the support layer to the outside, and thus, in the work of mounting the supply spool on which the multilayer film is wound to the holder of the film unit, the worker can come into contact with the support layer containing the transfer layer, and the supported support layer can be damaged. In addition, since the supported support layer located on the outer surface of the roll of the multilayer film wound on the take-up spool is exposed to the outside after the layer transfer, the supported support layer remaining on the support layer can peel off. SUMMARY

[0011] It is desirable to suppress the case where the worker comes into contact with the supported support layer containing the transfer layer in the work of mounting the supply spool to the holder, and to suppress the case where the supported support layer remaining on the support layer peels off after the layer transfer.

[0012] In view of the above-described background, a film cartridge capable of being attached to and detached from a layer transfer device that transfers a transfer layer with respect to a toner image formed on a sheet is provided. The film cartridge includes a supply spool having a supply shaft portion around which a multilayer film is wound, the multilayer film including a supported layer including the transfer layer and a support layer that supports the supported layer, and a take-up spool having a take-up shaft portion for taking up the multilayer film.

[0013] The multilayer film is wound around the supply shaft portion with the supported layer in contact with the supply shaft portion, and is wound around the take-up shaft portion with the supported layer in contact with the take-up shaft portion.

[0014] In addition, a film unit is disclosed that includes the above-described film cartridge, a holder that supports the supply spool and the take-up spool, a first guide shaft that contacts the support layer of the multilayer film pulled out from the supply spool to change a traveling direction of the multilayer film, and a second guide shaft that contacts the support layer of the multilayer film guided by the first guide shaft to change the traveling direction of the multilayer film.

[0015] According to this structure, the multilayer film is wound around the supply shaft portion with the supported layer in contact with the supply shaft portion, so that when the supply spool is attached to the holder, even if the worker contacts the multilayer film wound around the supply spool, the worker only contacts the support layer and does not contact the supported layer, so that the supported layer can be protected. In addition, the multilayer film is wound around the take-up shaft portion with the supported layer in contact with the take-up shaft portion, so that in the multilayer film taken up by the take-up spool, the supported layer remaining on the support layer can be prevented from peeling off by the support layer.

[0016] The film cartridge can also include a supply case that houses the supply spool. In addition, the supply spool can be rotatably supported by the supply case. In addition, the supply spool can have a supply gear at an axial end portion of the supply spool, the supply gear being exposed to the outside from a cutout formed in the supply case. In addition, the supply case can have two side walls provided at the axial end portions, an outer side wall located at a position separated from the side wall closer to the supply gear among the two side walls in the axial direction and covering at least a portion of the supply gear from the axial direction, and a peripheral wall connecting the one side wall and the outer side wall.

[0017] The supply gear can be at least a portion of which is located between the one side wall and the outer side wall and is exposed to the outside from a cutout formed in the peripheral wall. In addition, the supply spool can be rotatably supported by the side wall.

[0018] It is preferable that the outer side wall not overlap the tooth tip of the supply gear in a range of an angle αl of the cutout around the rotation axis of the supply spool as viewed in the axial direction of the supply spool. In addition, it is preferable that the outer side wall not overlap the tooth root of the supply gear in a range of the angle αl of the cutout around the rotation axis of the supply spool as viewed in the axial direction of the supply spool.

[0019] The supply case can be configured to be attached by being rotated around the rotation axis of the supply spool with respect to a holder different from the film cassette. In this case, it is preferable that the angle αl of the cutout around the rotation axis of the supply spool be larger than a rotation angle α2 when the supply case is attached to the holder.

[0020] In addition, the take-up spool can have flanges provided at both end portions of the take-up spool portion and a take-up gear disposed outside the flanges in the axial direction of the take-up spool. In addition, the take-up gear can be disposed coaxially with the take-up spool portion.

[0021] In addition, the support layer can be transparent.

[0022] In the film unit, the supply spool and the take-up spool can be attached to and detached from the holder.

[0023] Thus, compared to a film unit in which, for example, the spools and the holder cannot be attached and detached, the holder can be reused, and thus environmental protection can be facilitated.

[0024] In addition, the supply spool and the take-up spool can be attached to and detached from the holder in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply spool.

[0025] In addition, in the film cassette having the supply case that houses the supply spool, the film unit can further have an attachment / detachment guide portion that guides the supply case in a prescribed direction when the supply case is attached to and detached from the holder, and a direction of movement of the supply case guided by the attachment / detachment guide portion when the supply case is detached from the holder is a direction that does not include a component of a direction opposite to a direction in which the multilayer film is pulled out from the supply spool.

[0026] Thus, when the supply case is detached from the holder, the tension of the multilayer film applied between the first guide shaft and the supply spool is reduced, and thus the supply case can be easily detached from the holder.

[0027] In addition, the first guide shaft can be disposed outside a projection region in which the supply case is projected in the prescribed direction.

[0028] Thus, the supply case can be prevented from interfering with the first guide shaft when the supply case is attached to or detached from the attachment / detachment guide portion.

[0029] Further, at least a portion of the first guide shaft can be disposed in a projection region in which the supply case is projected in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to a plane including an axis of rotation of the supply spool and an axis of rotation of the take-up spool.

[0030] Thus, the supply case can be brought close to the take-up spool in a direction in which the axis of rotation of the supply spool and the axis of rotation of the take-up spool are connected, and thus the film unit can be prevented from being enlarged.

[0031] Further, the supply case can have an elongated engagement portion, and the attachment / detachment guide portion can have a guide groove that guides the engagement portion in the prescribed direction, and a circular holding hole that is continuous with the guide groove and holds the engagement portion so as to be rotatable. The guide groove can have a width that is smaller than a long side of the engagement portion and larger than a short side of the engagement portion, and the holding hole can have a diameter that is larger than the long side of the engagement portion.

[0032] Thus, the engagement portion is inserted into the guide groove with the long side direction of the engagement portion coinciding with the prescribed direction, and when the engagement portion reaches the holding hole, the engagement portion does not come out of the guide groove in the prescribed direction by rotating the supply case, and thus the supply case can be attached to or detached from the attachment / detachment guide portion with a simple operation.

[0033] Further, the holding member can have a restriction portion that restricts rotation of the supply case in a state in which the engagement portion is held by the holding hole. The long side direction of the engagement portion of the supply case in a state in which rotation is restricted by the restriction portion can cross the prescribed direction.

[0034] Thus, the orientation of the engagement portion can be determined by the restriction portion, and thus the supply case can be prevented from coming off the attachment / detachment guide portion.

[0035] Further, the supply case can have a first opening for pulling the multilayer film of the supply spool to the outside. The first opening can have an upstream end and a downstream end located at a position that is separated from the upstream end toward a downstream side in a rotation direction of the supply spool. In a state in which rotation of the supply case is restricted by the restriction portion, the downstream end can be located between the multilayer film and an outer common tangent line that is common to the first guide shaft and the supply shaft portion and is located on a side farther from the take-up spool. The multilayer film can follow an inner common tangent line that is common to the first guide shaft and the supply shaft portion.

[0036] Thus, the downstream end can be disposed close to the multilayer film without interference and as close as possible to the state immediately before the multilayer film is used up, so the size of the first opening can be reduced, and the rigidity of the supply tank can be improved.

[0037] In addition, the holding member can have a boss guided by a guide of the layer transfer device, and the boss and the engagement portion can be located on a rotation axis of the supply spool.

[0038] In addition, the film unit can include a third guide shaft that contacts the supported layer of the multilayer film guided by the second guide shaft to change the advancing direction of the multilayer film and guide the multilayer film toward the take-up spool, and the third guide shaft can be movable to a first position on the supply spool side compared to a straight line connecting the center of the take-up spool portion and the center of the second guide shaft and a second position on the side opposite the supply spool compared to the straight line and at a distance from the second guide shaft greater than the maximum diameter of the roll of the multilayer film wound on the take-up spool.

[0039] Thus, when the third guide shaft is in the first position, the angle of the multilayer film bent by the second guide shaft can be an acute angle, so when the multilayer film overlapped on the sheet at the time of layer transfer is peeled from the sheet after layer transfer, the transferred layer can be cleanly peeled from the sheet. In addition, when the third guide shaft is in the second position, the distance between the axes of the second guide shaft and the third guide shaft is greater than the maximum diameter of the roll of the multilayer film wound on the take-up spool, so the take-up spool can be easily removed by the second guide shaft and the third guide shaft.

[0040] In addition, the holding member can include a base frame and a restriction frame supported by the base frame in a movable manner, the restriction frame can have the third guide shaft and be movable between a restriction position that restricts movement of the take-up spool in the attachment and detachment direction and a release position that releases the restriction of movement of the take-up spool, the third guide shaft can be in the first position when the restriction frame is in the restriction position, and the third guide shaft can be in the second position when the restriction frame is in the release position.

[0041] Thus, when the take-up spool is removed, if the restriction frame is moved to the release position, the third guide shaft moves together with the restriction frame to the second position, so the removal work of the take-up spool can be easily performed.

[0042] In addition, the base frame can have a first holding portion that holds the supply reel, a second holding portion that holds the take-up reel, and a linking portion that links the first holding portion and the second holding portion, and the linking portion can be disposed on one side of a plane that includes an axis of rotation of the supply reel and an axis of rotation of the take-up reel.

[0043] Thus, a space is formed between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, and therefore, in the layer transfer device, a heating roller can be disposed between the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

[0044] In addition, the film unit can include a locking member that is provided to the restriction frame, restricts movement of the restriction frame from the restriction position to the release position by engaging with the base frame, and is forced against the base frame by a force applied to the third guide shaft from the multi-layer film.

[0045] Thus, the locking member engages with the base frame by the force from the multi-layer film, and therefore, compared to a structure in which, for example, a spring or the like is provided to the restriction frame so that the restriction frame does not shake in the restriction position, cost can be reduced.

[0046] In addition, the restriction frame can have one end portion that is located at a position farthest from the supply reel in a state in which the restriction frame is located at the restriction position, and the one end portion can have a second opening that faces the take-up reel to the outside.

[0047] In this case, the support layer can also be transparent.

[0048] Thus, the transfer layer can be visually confirmed from the second opening of the restriction frame through the transparent support layer, and therefore, when the multi-layer film is replaced, the user or the like can be prevented from confusing the type (color) of the transfer layer.

[0049] In addition, the outer surface of the base frame can have a first surface that is located at a position farther from the third guide shaft than the axis of rotation of the take-up reel in a direction orthogonal to a plane that includes the axis of rotation of the supply reel and the axis of rotation of the take-up reel, the restriction frame can be rotatable with respect to the base frame about a rotation axis that is farther from the third guide shaft than the axis of rotation of the take-up reel in the orthogonal direction, the take-up reel can have a farthest portion that is farthest from the supply reel, and the one end portion of the restriction frame can be closer to the supply reel than the farthest portion in a state in which the restriction frame is located at the restriction position.

[0050] Thus, one end portion of the restriction frame is arranged at a position closer to the supply reel than the most distal portion of the take-up reel, and therefore the restriction frame can be turned greatly even in a state where the first face of the base frame is placed on a placement face of a workbench or the like, and the take-up reel can be easily replaced.

[0051] Further, the second opening can be larger than the width of the multilayer film, and a distance from an edge of the second opening, which is opposite to the outer surface of the multilayer film, to the rotation axis of the take-up reel can be larger than the maximum radius of the roll of the multilayer film wound around the take-up reel.

[0052] Thus, by winding the multilayer film around the take-up reel, even if the diameter of the roll of the multilayer film wound around the take-up reel gradually increases, interference of the multilayer film with the edge of the second opening can be suppressed.

[0053] Further, the holding member can have a handle at each of the axial ends of the take-up reel.

[0054] Thus, the work of attaching and detaching the film unit with respect to the layer transfer device can be easily performed.

[0055] Further, the handle can protrude to a side opposite to the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft, as compared to the multilayer film erected on the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft.

[0056] Thus, contact of the handle with the multilayer film when a user grasps the handle can be suppressed.

[0057] Further, the film unit can be attachable and detachable with respect to the layer transfer device in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply reel.

[0058] Further, the film unit can include a drive transmission member that receives a driving force from a drive source provided to the layer transfer device and transmits the driving force to the take-up reel.

[0059] Further, in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to a plane including the rotation axis of the supply reel and the rotation axis of the take-up reel, the second guide shaft can be located farther from the supply reel than the first guide shaft.

[0060] Further, the layer transfer device including the housing to which the film unit is attachable and detachable includes a heating member that heats the multilayer film and a pressurizing member that presses the multilayer film between the heating member.

[0061] The housing includes a housing main body having a third opening and a cover that opens and closes the third opening.

[0062] The pressurizing member is provided to the cover.

[0063] According to the film cartridge, the film unit, and the layer transfer apparatus described above, the operator can be prevented from contacting the transfer layer during the operation of mounting the supply spool to the holder, and the transfer layer remaining on the support layer after the layer transfer can be prevented from peeling off. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] Figure 1 is a view showing a layer transfer apparatus in which a film unit according to an embodiment is mounted.

[0065] Figure 2 is a view showing a state in which a cover of a layer transfer apparatus is opened.

[0066] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view (a) showing a relationship between a multilayer film and each shaft, and a cross-sectional view (b) showing layers of the multilayer film in detail.

[0067] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a film cartridge.

[0068] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a holder.

[0069] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration around a first opening of a supply tank.

[0070] Figure 7 are cross-sectional views (a), (b) showing a relationship between an engaging portion and a attachment / detachment guide portion.

[0071] Figure 8 is a side view of the film unit as viewed from the shaft direction.

[0072] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view (a) showing a state in which the restriction frame is moved to the release position, and a view (b) showing the restriction frame in the restriction position as viewed from the second opening side.

[0073] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a relationship between a locking member and a base frame.

[0074] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a supply gear side of a supply spool.

[0075] Figure 12 is Figure 11 I-I cross-sectional view of FIG.

[0076] Figure 13 is a view showing a notch of a supply tank, a view (a) showing a state in which an engaging portion is made to enter a holding hole, and a view (b) showing a state in which the supply tank is rotated from the state of (a) to complete the mounting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] An embodiment will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. Also, in the following description, first, the overall structure of the layer transfer device will be explained simply, and then the structure of the film unit and the film cartridge will be explained.

[0078] In the following description, the directions are explained in the directions shown in Figure 1 . That is, the right side of the Figure 1 is taken as "front", the left side of the Figure 1 is taken as "back", the paper face near side of the Figure 1 is taken as "left", and the paper face inner side of the Figure 1 is taken as "right". Also, the up and down of the Figure 1 is taken as "up and down".

[0079] As shown in Figure 1 , the layer transfer device 1 is, for example, a device for transferring a foil of aluminum or the like on a toner image on a sheet S after a toner image is formed on the sheet S by an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer. The layer transfer device 1 is provided with a housing 2, a sheet tray 3, a sheet conveying section 10, a film supply section 30, and a transfer section 50.

[0080] The housing 2 is composed of resin or the like, and is provided with a housing main body 21 and a cover 22. The housing main body 21 has a third opening 21A (refer to Figure 2 ) in the upper portion. The third opening 21A is an opening for attaching and detaching a film unit FU described later with respect to the housing main body 21. The cover 22 is a member for opening and closing the third opening 21A. The rear end portion of the cover 22 is supported to the housing main body 21 in a rotatable manner.

[0081] The sheet tray 3 is a tray on which a sheet S of paper, an OHP film, or the like is placed. The sheet tray 3 is provided in the rear portion of the housing 2. Also, the sheet S is placed on the sheet tray 3 with the face on which a toner image is formed facing downward.

[0082] The sheet conveying section 10 is provided with a sheet supply mechanism 11 and a sheet discharge mechanism 12. The sheet supply mechanism 11 is a mechanism for conveying the sheet S on the sheet tray 3 toward the transfer section 50 one sheet at a time. The sheet supply mechanism 11 is provided with a pickup roller and a conveying roller.

[0083] The sheet discharge mechanism 12 is a mechanism for discharging the sheet S that has passed through the transfer section 50 to the outside of the housing 2. The sheet discharge mechanism 12 is provided with a plurality of conveying rollers.

[0084] The film supply section 30 is a portion that supplies a plurality of layers of the film F in a manner so as to overlap the sheet S conveyed from the sheet supply mechanism 11. The film supply section 30 is provided with a film unit FU and a drive source 80 such as a motor.

[0085] As shown in Figure 2As shown, the film unit FU is detachable with respect to the housing main body 21 in a direction orthogonal to the axis direction of the supply spool 31 described later. The film unit FU is provided with the supply spool 31, the take-up spool 35, the first guide shaft 41, the second guide shaft 42, and the third guide shaft 43. The supply spool 31 of the film unit FU has the multilayer film F wound thereon.

[0086] As shown in (a), the multilayer film F has a support layer F1 and a supported layer F2. The support layer F1 is a transparent substrate of a belt shape composed of a high molecular material, and supports the supported layer F2. Figure 3 As shown in (a), the multilayer film F has a support layer F1 and a supported layer F2. The support layer F1 is a transparent substrate of a belt shape composed of a high molecular material, and supports the supported layer F2.

[0087] Figure 3 As shown in (b), the supported layer F2 has a peeling layer F21, a transfer layer F22, and an adhesive layer F23. The peeling layer F21 is a layer for easily peeling the transfer layer F22 from the support layer F1, and is disposed between the support layer F1 and the transfer layer F22. The peeling layer F21 contains a transparent material, such as a wax-based resin, which easily peels from the support layer F1.

[0088] The transfer layer F22 is a layer to be transferred to a toner image, and contains a foil. The foil is a metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum, and is a metal that is calendered to be thin. In addition, the transfer layer F22 contains a coloring material such as gold, silver, or red, and a thermoplastic resin. The transfer layer F22 is disposed between the peeling layer F21 and the adhesive layer F23.

[0089] The adhesive layer F23 is a layer for easily adhering the transfer layer F22 to a toner image. The adhesive layer F23 contains a material, such as a vinyl chloride-based resin or an acrylic-based resin, which easily adheres to a toner image that is heated by the transfer section 50 described later.

[0090] The supply spool 31 is composed of a resin or the like, and has a supply shaft portion 31A that winds the multilayer film F. The multilayer film F is wound to the supply shaft portion 31A in a manner that the supported layer F2 including the transfer layer F22 contacts the supply shaft portion 31A. That is, the multilayer film F is wound to the supply spool 31 with the support layer F1 on the outside and the supported layer F2 (transfer layer F22) on the inside. Thus, in the multilayer film F wound to the supply shaft portion 31A in a roll shape, the portion located on the outermost side has the support layer F1 on the outside of the supported layer F2.

[0091] The take-up spool 35 is composed of a resin or the like, and has a take-up shaft portion 35A that winds the multilayer film F. The multilayer film F is wound to the take-up shaft portion 35A in a manner that the supported layer F2 including the transfer layer F22 contacts the take-up shaft portion 35A. That is, the multilayer film F is wound to the take-up spool 35 with the support layer F1 on the outside and the supported layer F2 (transfer layer F22) on the inside. Thus, in the multilayer film F wound to the take-up shaft portion 35A in a roll shape, the portion located on the outermost side has the support layer F1 on the outside of the supported layer F2. ​

[0092] In addition, Figure 3 For convenience, the diagram illustrates the state where the multilayer film F is wound to its maximum extent on both the supply reel 31 and the take-up reel 35. In reality, when the membrane unit FU is new, the diameter of the cylindrical multilayer film F wound on the supply reel 31 is the largest, while the diameter of the cylindrical multilayer film F not wound on the take-up reel 35, or wound on the take-up reel 35, is the smallest. Furthermore, during the lifespan of the membrane unit FU (when the multilayer film F is used up), the diameter of the cylindrical multilayer film F wound on the take-up reel 35 is the largest, while the diameter of the cylindrical multilayer film F not wound on the supply reel 31, or wound on the supply reel 31, is the smallest.

[0093] The first guide shaft 41 is a shaft used to change the travel direction of the multilayer film F pulled out from the supply reel 31. The first guide shaft 41 is made of resin or the like. The first guide shaft 41 is in contact with the support layer F1 of the multilayer film F. The first guide shaft 41 is disposed in the projection area AR1 (the area enclosed by the dashed line in the figure) in which the supply box 32 described later is projected along an orthogonal direction to the plane FF containing the rotation axis X1 of the supply reel 31 and the rotation axis X2 of the take-up reel 35.

[0094] The second guide shaft 42 is used to change the travel direction of the multilayer film F after it has been guided by the first guide shaft 41. The second guide shaft 42 is made of resin or the like. The second guide shaft 42 is in contact with the support layer F1 of the multilayer film F. The second guide shaft 42 is located further away from the supply roll 31 than the first guide shaft 41 in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the plane FF containing the rotation axes X1 and X2.

[0095] The third guide shaft 43 is a shaft that changes the travel direction of the multilayer film F after it has been guided by the second guide shaft 42 and guides it toward the winding shaft 35. The third guide shaft 43 is made of resin or the like. The third guide shaft 43 is in contact with the supported layer F2 (adhesive layer F23) of the multilayer film F.

[0096] like Figure 1 As shown, with the film unit FU installed in the layer transfer apparatus 1, the take-up reel 35 is driven by the drive source 80 located in the housing 2 to rotate counterclockwise as shown. When the take-up reel 35 rotates, the multilayer film F wound on the supply reel 31 is pulled out, and the pulled-out multilayer film F is wound onto the take-up reel 35. Specifically, in foil transfer, the multilayer film F is fed out by the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 (described later), thereby pulling the multilayer film F out from the supply reel 31. Then, the multilayer film F fed out from the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 is wound onto the take-up reel 35.

[0097] The first guide shaft 41 guides the multilayer film F pulled from the supply reel 31 to support the layer F2 (see reference). Figure 3The first guide shaft 41 guides the multilayer film F pulled out from the supply spool 31 in a manner so as to overlap the sheet S transported in a state where the toner image faces downward. The first guide shaft 41 changes the transport direction of the multilayer film F pulled out from the supply spool 31 to a direction substantially parallel to the transport direction of the sheet S.

[0098] The second guide shaft 42 contacts the multilayer film F that has passed through the transfer section 50 and changes the transport direction of the multilayer film F that has passed through the transfer section 50 to a direction different from the transport direction of the sheet S. The multilayer film F transported in a state of overlapping the sheet S by the transfer section 50 is guided in a direction different from the sheet S by the second guide shaft 42 and is peeled from the sheet S.

[0099] The transfer section 50 is a portion for transferring the transfer layer F22 to the toner image formed on the sheet S by heating and pressing the sheet S and the multilayer film F in a state of overlapping. The transfer section 50 has a pressing roller 51 as an example of a pressing member and a heating roller 61 as an example of a heating member. The transfer section 50 overlaps and heats and presses the sheet S and the multilayer film F at a nip between the pressing roller 51 and the heating roller 61.

[0100] The pressing roller 51 is a roller in which the circumference of a cylindrical core metal is covered with a rubber layer composed of silicone rubber. The pressing roller 51 is disposed on the upper side of the multilayer film F and can contact the back surface (the surface opposite to the surface on which the toner image is formed) of the sheet S.

[0101] Both end portions of the pressing roller 51 are rotatably supported to the cover 22. The pressing roller 51 sandwiches the sheet S and the multilayer film F between the pressing roller 51 and the heating roller 61 and rotates by being driven by the drive source 80 to drive-rotate the heating roller 61.

[0102] The heating roller 61 is a roller in which a heater is disposed inside a metal pipe formed in a cylindrical shape and heats the multilayer film F and the sheet S. The heating roller 61 is disposed on the lower side of the multilayer film F and contacts the multilayer film F.

[0103] Further, in the present embodiment, the heating roller 61 is moved by a contact / separation mechanism 70 for contacting / separating the heating roller 61 with respect to the multilayer film F. In a state where the cover 22 is closed, the contact / separation mechanism 70 moves the heating roller 61 to a contact position where the heating roller 61 contacts the multilayer film F in cooperation with the timing at which the sheet S is supplied to the transfer section 50. In addition, in a case where the cover 22 is opened, in a case where the sheet S is not subjected to foil transfer in the transfer section 50, the contact / separation mechanism 70 locates the heating roller 61 at a separation position where the heating roller 61 is separated from the multilayer film F.

[0104] In the layer transfer apparatus 1 configured in this way, the sheet S, placed on the sheet tray 3 with its surface facing down, is conveyed one sheet at a time toward the transfer unit 50 via the sheet supply mechanism 11. The sheet S overlaps with the multilayer film F supplied from the supply roll 31 on its upstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the transfer unit 50, and is conveyed to the transfer unit 50 in a state where the toner image of the sheet S is in contact with the multilayer film F.

[0105] In the transfer section 50, the sheet S and the multilayer film F are heated and pressed by the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51 when passing through the clamping part between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61. The foil is transferred onto the toner image, that is, the adhesive layer F23 of the multilayer film F is bonded to the toner image.

[0106] After the foil is transferred, the sheet S and the multilayer film F are conveyed to the second guide shaft 42 in a close-fitting state. As the sheet S and the multilayer film F pass through the second guide shaft 42, the conveying direction of the multilayer film F changes to a direction different from that of the sheet S. Therefore, the multilayer film F is peeled off from the sheet S, that is, the supported layer F2 is peeled off from the support layer F1 of the multilayer film F. The supported layer F2 includes an adhesive layer F23 bonded to the toner image, a transfer layer F22 containing the foil, and a release layer F21. Furthermore, when the supported layer F2 is peeled off from the support layer F1, sometimes a portion of the supported layer F2, specifically a portion of the release layer F21, remains in the support layer F1.

[0107] The multilayer film F, which is peeled from the sheet S and contains the support layer F1 peeled from the support layer F2 that is bonded to the sheet S, is wound onto the take-up reel 35. On the other hand, the sheet S from which the multilayer film F has been peeled off is discharged to the outside of the housing 2 by the sheet discharge mechanism 12 with the foil-coated surface facing down.

[0108] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the membrane unit FU includes a retainer 100 made of resin or the like and a membrane cartridge 200 that can be loaded and unloaded relative to the retainer 100. The membrane cartridge 200 includes a supply roll 31 and a take-up roll 35 on which the aforementioned multilayer membrane F is wound, as well as a supply box 32. The supply roll 31 (more specifically, the supply box 32) and the take-up roll 35 can be loaded and unloaded relative to the retainer 100 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply roll 31.

[0109] like Figure 4 and Figure 13(a) shown, the supply case 32 is a hollow case that houses the supply reel 31. The supply case 32 is made of resin or the like, has an outer peripheral wall 32A, two side walls 32B, and an outer side wall 32J. The two side walls 32B are provided at the axial ends of the supply reel 31. The supply reel 31 is rotatably supported to the respective side walls 32B of the supply case 32. The outer side wall 32J is located at a position apart from the side wall 32B of the two side walls 32B that is closer to the supply gear 31G in the axial direction. In addition, the outer side wall 32J covers at least a portion of the supply gear 31G from the axial direction. The outer peripheral wall 32A has a substantially cylindrical portion that covers the multilayer film F wound around the supply shaft portion 31A of the supply reel 31. In addition, the outer peripheral wall 32A is a portion that covers the outer periphery of the supply gear 31G, and has a portion that links the one side wall 32B and the outer side wall 32J. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 32A that covers the supply reel 31 and the outer peripheral wall 32A that covers the supply gear 31G are continuous, but the two portions of the outer peripheral wall 32A can be separated by the one side wall 32B.

[0110] As shown in Figure 4 , each side wall 32B has an engagement portion 32C (see also Figure 13 (a)) that is long in the axial direction of the supply reel 31, and each engagement portion 32C is a portion that is guided by the attachment / detachment guide portion G of the holder 100 described later, and is formed in a rounded rectangular shape.

[0111] The supply reel 31 has a supply gear 31G (see also Figure 13 (a)) at the axial end of the supply reel 31 in the supply shaft portion 31A. At least a portion of the supply gear 31G is located between the one side wall 32B and the outer side wall 32J when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply reel 31. The supply gear 31G is exposed to the outside from a cutout 32F formed in the outer peripheral wall 32A that links the one side wall 32B and the outer side wall 32J. Thus, the supply gear 31G can be engaged with a gear outside. In addition, at least a portion of the supply gear 31G is covered by the outer side wall 32J, so that, for example, when the film cartridge 200 is attached to the holder 100, interference of an object outside with the supply gear 31G from the axial direction of the supply reel 31 can be suppressed.

[0112] As shown in Figure 6 , the outer peripheral wall 32A has a first opening 32D. The first opening 32D is an opening for pulling the multilayer film F of the supply reel 31 to the outside. The first opening 32D has an upstream end E1 and a downstream end E2 located at a position apart from the upstream end E1 toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the supply reel 31.

[0113] With the membrane cartridge 200 installed in the retainer 100, the downstream end E2 is located between the multilayer film F and the outer common tangent line L2. The outer common tangent line L2 is the common tangent line L2 shared by the first guide shaft 41 and the supply shaft portion 31A. The multilayer film F is along the inner common tangent line L1 shared by the first guide shaft 41 and the supply shaft portion 31A. Here, the state in which the membrane cartridge 200 is installed in the retainer 100 is indicated by the limiting part 150 described later (see reference). Figure 12 The rotation of the supply box 32 is restricted. Furthermore, the external common tangent L2 between the first guide shaft 41 and the supply shaft portion 31A is one of two external common tangents located on the side furthest from the take-up reel 35 and the side closest to it. Additionally, the multilayer film F along the inner common tangent L1 refers to the multilayer film F stretched between the first guide shaft 41 and the supply shaft portion 31A when all the multilayer film F wound around the supply reel 31 is pulled out.

[0114] Return to Figure 4 The take-up reel 35 has the aforementioned take-up reel portion 35A, two flanges 35B, and a take-up gear 35C, which serves as an example of a drive transmission component. The axial end of the take-up reel 35 in the take-up reel portion 35A is formed by a second guide portion GD2 (see reference 2010) formed in the housing body 21. Figure 2 The guided portion protrudes outward compared to flange 35B.

[0115] Flange 35B is a portion used to restrict the movement of the multilayer film F wound on the take-up shaft portion 35A in the width direction. Flange 35B is formed into a circular plate with a diameter larger than that of the take-up shaft portion 35A and is disposed at both ends of the take-up shaft portion 35A.

[0116] The take-up gear 35C is a gear used to receive driving force from the drive source 80 provided in the layer transfer apparatus 1 and transmit the driving force to the take-up shaft portion 35A. The take-up gear 35C is axially disposed outside the flange 35B. The take-up gear 35C is coaxially disposed with the take-up shaft portion 35A.

[0117] like Figure 5 As shown, the retainer 100 has a base frame 110 and a limiting frame 120 supported on the base frame 110 in a rotatable (movable) manner. The base frame 110 has a first retaining part 111, a second retaining part 112, two connecting parts 113 and two handles 114.

[0118] The first holding part 111 is the part that holds the supply box 32. The first holding part 111 holds the supply roll 31 via the supply box 32. The first holding part 111 has an outer peripheral wall 111A that is generally arc-shaped in cross-section and two side walls 111B.

[0119] The outer peripheral wall 111A is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the supply box 32. Each side wall 111B is disposed at each end of the outer peripheral wall 111A in the axial direction of the supply roll 31.

[0120] Each sidewall 111B axially clamps a first guide shaft 41, supporting the first guide shaft 41 so that it can rotate. Each sidewall 111B has a loading / unloading guide G that guides the supply box 32 in a predetermined direction during loading and unloading. The loading / unloading guide G is formed on the axially inner surface of each sidewall 111B (the inner surface opposite the supply box 32 in the axial direction).

[0121] like Figure 7 As shown in (a) and (b), the loading / unloading guide G has a guide groove G1 and a retaining hole G2. The guide groove G1 is a groove that guides the engaging part 32C in a predetermined direction (the direction of the arrow in the figure). The width of the guide groove G1 (the length orthogonal to the predetermined direction) is smaller than the long side of the engaging part 32C and larger than the short side of the engaging part 32C.

[0122] The orientation of the guide engagement portion 32C in the guide groove G1 is defined as follows. For example... Figure 7 As shown in (b), the specified direction is set as follows: the direction of movement DD of the supply box 32 guided by the guide groove G1 when the supply box 32 is removed from the holder 100, that is, the direction of removal is a direction that does not include a component of the direction DR2 opposite to the direction DR1 from which the multilayer film F is pulled out from the supply roll 31. In addition, the specified direction is set as a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply roll 31. Here, "the direction DR1 from which the multilayer film F is pulled out from the supply roll 31" is a direction that varies according to the diameter of the roll of multilayer film F wound on the supply roll 31, but refers to the direction when all the multilayer film F wound on the supply roll 31 has been pulled out.

[0123] In this embodiment, when the supply box 32 is removed from the retainer 100 in a predetermined direction, the guide groove G1 guides the engagement portion 32C of the supply box 32 in such a manner that the distance between the supply reel 31 and the first guide shaft 41 gradually decreases. Specifically, the predetermined direction is set such that, with the supply reel 31 mounted on the retainer 100, the distance D2 between the center of the first guide shaft 41 and the straight line L3 along the predetermined direction, passing through the rotation axis X1 of the supply reel 31, is smaller than the distance D1 between the supply reel 31 and the first guide shaft 41.

[0124] The first guide shaft 41 is positioned outside the area AR2 (the area enclosed by the dashed line in the figure) obtained by projecting the supply box 32 along a predetermined direction when the supply box 32 is mounted on the retainer 100.

[0125] The retaining hole G2 is a circular hole that holds the engaging part 32C in a rotatable position and is connected to the guide groove G1. The center of the retaining hole G2 is aligned with the rotation axis X1. The diameter of the retaining hole G2 is larger than the long side of the engaging part 32C. When the engaging part 32C is guided through the guide groove G1 into the retaining hole G2, and the supply box 32 is rotated counterclockwise around the rotation axis X1 as shown in the figure, the supply box 32 and... Figure 12 The limiting part 150 shown is contacted and positioned, so that the supply box 32 is installed on the retainer 100.

[0126] The limiting part 150 is a portion that restricts the rotation of the supply box 32 when the engaging part 32C is held in the retaining hole G2. The limiting part 150 is provided on one side wall 111B of the retaining member 100. In addition, the supply box 32 has a contact part 32E that contacts the limiting part 150. The contact part 32E is provided on one side wall 32B of the supply box 32 (the side wall 32B on the side where the supply gear 31G is disposed).

[0127] Furthermore, the positions of the limiting part 150 and the contact part 32E are defined such that the long side direction of the engaging part 32C of the supply box 32, which is in a state where rotation is limited by the limiting part 150, intersects with a predetermined direction. In other words, the long side direction of the engaging part 32C of the supply box 32, which is in a state where rotation is limited by the limiting part 150, intersects with a predetermined direction along the direction containing... Figure 7 (b) The line L3 intersects the specified direction of the movement direction DD shown in the diagram.

[0128] Here, as Figure 13 As shown, the angle α1 of the cut 32F about the rotation axis X1 of the supply box 32 is less than 180°. Figure 13 In this context, angle α1 is the angle formed by two straight lines connecting the rotating shaft X1 and the end adjacent to the cutout 32F of the outer peripheral wall 32A. This suppresses the reduction in rigidity of the outer peripheral wall 32A due to an excessively large cutout 32F. Furthermore, the angle α1 of the cutout 32F is larger than the rotation angle α2 when the supply box 32 is mounted on the retainer 100. The rotation angle α2 is the rotation angle until the contact portion 32E abuts against the limiting portion 150 after the engaging portion 32C enters the retaining hole G2 through the guide groove G1. This suppresses the engagement of the second gear 134 (see reference 150) with the supply gear 31G. Figure 5 )put one's oar in.

[0129] Furthermore, when viewed along the direction extending from the rotation axis X1, the outer wall 32J does not overlap with the tooth tip of the supply gear 31G within the angle α1 where the notch 32F is formed. Also, when viewed along the direction extending from the rotation axis X1, the outer wall 32J does not overlap with the tooth root of the supply gear 31G within the angle α1 where the notch 32F is formed. That is, the distance between the edge 32H of the outer wall 32J at the angle α1 where the notch 32F is formed and the rotation axis X1 is less than the radius of the tooth tip circle and less than the radius of the tooth root circle of the supply gear 31G. Therefore, when the supply box 32 is mounted on the retainer 100, interference between the second gear 134 and the outer wall 32J of the supply box 32 can be suppressed.

[0130] Return to Figure 5 A gear mechanism 130 is provided on the side wall 111B of one of the two. The gear mechanism 130 is a mechanism for applying the load of a torque limiter (not shown) provided on the housing body 21 to the supply spool 31. Furthermore, the structure of the gear mechanism 130 will be described later.

[0131] Each sidewall 111B has a cylindrical boss 111C. Specifically, the sidewall 111B on the side where the gear mechanism 130 (described later) is located has a boss 111C via a gear cover GC. Here, the gear cover GC is a cover that covers the gear mechanism 130 and has a boss 111C. The gear cover GC is fixed to the axially outer surface of the sidewall 111B.

[0132] Each boss 111C is formed by the first guide portion GD1 (see reference) in the housing body 21 during the loading and unloading of the membrane unit FU to the housing body 21. Figure 2 The guiding part. One boss 111C protrudes from the axially outer surface of the sidewall 111B. The other boss 111C protrudes from the axially outer surface of the gear cover GC.

[0133] The second holding part 112 is the part that holds the winding reel 35. In detail, the second holding part 112 together with the limiting frame 120 forms a hollow box, and the winding reel 35 is housed in the hollow box.

[0134] The second holding portion 112 has a cover portion 112A and two side walls 112B. The cover portion 112A covers the multilayer film F wound on the winding spool 35. Each side wall 112B is disposed at each end of the cover portion 112A in the axial direction of the winding spool 35.

[0135] The two connecting portions 113 are the parts that connect the first holding portion 111 and the second holding portion 112. Specifically, each connecting portion 113 is arranged at a distance along the axial direction of the supply roll 31. The connecting portion 113 on one side of the axial direction connects the side wall 111B of the first holding portion 111 to the side wall 112B of the second holding portion 112. In addition, the connecting portion 113 on the other side of the axial direction connects the side wall 111B of the first holding portion 111 to the side wall 112B of the second holding portion 112.

[0136] By forming the connecting portion 113 in this way, the retaining member 100 has a through hole 100A extending in the aforementioned orthogonal direction. Each handle 114 is disposed on each connecting portion 113. Each handle 114 is disposed at both axial ends of the winding reel 35 in the retaining member 100.

[0137] like Figure 8 As shown, the connecting part 113 is disposed on one side of the plane FF that includes the rotating shaft X1 for supplying the reel 31 and the rotating shaft X2 for winding the reel 35 (top side of the figure). Each handle 114 protrudes to the side opposite to the first guide shaft 41 and the second guide shaft 42 (top side of the figure) compared to the multilayer film F mounted on the first guide shaft 41 and the second guide shaft 42.

[0138] The outer surface of the base frame 110 has a first surface 110A, which is located on the same side of the rotation axis X2 of the take-up reel 35 relative to the third guide axis 43 in an orthogonal direction to the plane FF containing the rotation axis X1 of the supply reel 31 and the rotation axis X2 of the take-up reel 35. The first surface 110A is located further away from the third guide axis 43 than the rotation axis X2 of the take-up reel 35.

[0139] Restriction frame 120 is able to Figure 8 The shown restriction position and Figure 9 (a) shows the rotation between the release positions. When the limiting frame 120 is in the limiting position, it restricts the movement of the take-up reel 35 in the loading / unloading direction. Furthermore, when the limiting frame 120 is in the release position, it releases the restriction on the movement of the take-up reel 35.

[0140] The limiting frame 120 has a third guide shaft 43. When the limiting frame 120 is in the limiting position, the third guide shaft 43 is in a first position, and when the limiting frame 120 is in the releasing position, the third guide shaft 43 is in a second position.

[0141] When the third guide shaft 43 is in the first position, it is located on the supply roll 31 side relative to the straight line L4 connecting the center of the take-up shaft portion 35A (the rotation axis X2 of the take-up roll 35) and the center of the second guide shaft 42. When the third guide shaft 43 is in the second position, it is located on the opposite side of the supply roll 31 relative to the straight line L4. Furthermore, when the third guide shaft 43 is in the second position, the distance between it and the second guide shaft 42 is greater than the maximum diameter of the roll of the multilayer film F wound on the take-up roll 35. That is, the axial distance between the second guide shaft 42 and the third guide shaft 43 in the second position is greater than the maximum diameter of the roll of the multilayer film F wound on the take-up roll 35.

[0142] The limiting frame 120 has an end 120E located furthest from the supply reel 31 when in the limiting position. Specifically, the end 120E is located furthest from the supply reel 31 in a direction along the straight line connecting the rotation axis X1 of the supply reel 31 and the rotation axis X2 of the take-up reel 35. For example... Figure 9 As shown in (b), one end 120E has a second opening 120A that allows the multilayer film F wound on the take-up reel 35 to face outward when the limiting frame 120 is in the limiting position.

[0143] The axial length D3 of the second opening 120A is greater than the width D4 of the multilayer film F. Additionally, as... Figure 8 As shown, the distance D5 from the edge E11 of the second opening 120A opposite to the outer surface of the multilayer film F to the rotation axis X2 of the winding spool 35 is larger than the maximum radius of the roll of the multilayer film F wound on the winding spool 35.

[0144] The limiting frame 120 is able to rotate relative to the base frame 110 about the rotation axis 121. The rotation axis 121 is located in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the plane FF described above, at a position farther away from the third guide axis 43 than the rotation axis X2 of the take-up reel 35.

[0145] In detail, such as Figure 9 As shown in (b), the limiting frame 120 has two sidewalls 122 and connecting walls 123 connecting each sidewall 122. Figure 8 As shown, each sidewall 122 is rotatably supported on the base frame 110. Furthermore, each sidewall 122 supports the third guide shaft 43 so that it can rotate. Moreover, each sidewall 122 has a recess 122A for the winding shaft portion 35A of the winding shaft 35 to enter.

[0146] The recess 122A, together with the recess 112D formed in the second retaining portion 112, forms a hole for retaining the take-up shaft portion 35A. This hole engages with the take-up shaft portion 35A with clearance. The take-up shaft portion 35A is capable of moving within the hole in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0147] The take-up reel 35 has a farthest portion B1 that is furthest from the supply reel 31. In this embodiment, the flange 35B of the take-up reel 35 has a farthest portion B1. The farthest portion B1 is located at the position furthest from the supply reel 31 in the direction along the straight line connecting the rotation axis X1 of the supply reel 31 and the rotation axis X2 of the take-up reel 35.

[0148] One end 120E of the limiting frame 120 is closer to the supply reel 31 than the farthest part B1 when the limiting frame 120 is in the limiting position. In detail, one end 120E is closer to the supply reel 31 than the farthest part B1 in a direction along the straight line connecting the rotation axis X1 of the supply reel 31 and the rotation axis X2 of the take-up reel 35.

[0149] like Figure 5 As shown, two locking members 140 are provided in the limiting frame 120. Each locking member 140 is supported on the connecting wall 123 of the limiting frame 120 in a manner that allows it to move axially. In addition, each locking member 140 is forced in a mutually separating direction by a spring (not shown).

[0150] The locking member 140 has an operating part 141 and an extension part 142. The operating part 141 is operated by the user. Each operating part 141 is arranged at the axial center of the connecting wall 123 of the limiting frame 120.

[0151] The extension 142 extends axially outward from the operating part 141. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the top end 143 of the extension 142 engages with the recess 112C of the second retaining portion 112 formed in the base frame 110. Furthermore, by engaging the top end 143 with the recess 112C, the movement of the limiting frame 120 from the limiting position to the releasing position is restricted.

[0152] When the operating part 141 is not operated, the top end 143 is forced towards the recess 112C by a spring (not shown), thereby engaging with the recess 112C. Alternatively, the top end 143 disengages from the recess 112C when the operating part 141 moves against the force of the spring.

[0153] Here, as Figure 8 As shown, with the limiting frame 120 in the limiting position, the third guide shaft 43 receives a force from the multilayer film F. Specifically, with the limiting frame 120 in the limiting position, if the take-up reel 35 is driven, tension is applied to the multilayer film F between the second guide shaft 42 and the take-up reel portion 35A, causing the multilayer film F to maintain a straight posture between the second guide shaft 42 and the take-up reel portion 35A.

[0154] As a result, the third guide shaft 43 and the limiting frame 120 are subjected to a force from the multilayer film F and are forced in the direction from the limiting position toward the releasing position.

[0155] Therefore, as Figure 10 As shown, the top end 143 of the locking member 140 is also forced against the side of the recess 112C of the base frame 110 by the force applied from the multilayer film F to the third guide shaft 43. That is, the top end 143 of the locking member 140 is forced from the restricted position to the released position by the force from the multilayer film F, thereby contacting the side of the recess 112C.

[0156] like Figure 11 As shown, the gear mechanism 130 for applying load to the supply spool 31 includes a frame gear 131 and a gear train 132. The frame gear 131 is a gear that meshes with a housing gear 21G disposed on the housing body 21. The frame gear 131 is connected to the torque limiter described above via the housing gear 21G.

[0157] Gear train 132 is a gear train in which the rotation direction of the supply gear 31G is opposite to the rotation direction of the frame gear 131. By making the rotation directions of the supply gear 31G and the frame gear 131 opposite, the following situation is suppressed: when the multilayer film F is pulled out from the supply reel 31, the supply reel 31 moves towards the first guide GD1 (refer to...) Figure 2 It moves in the direction of separation.

[0158] The gear train 132 includes a first gear 133 and a second gear 134. The first gear 133 meshes with the frame gear 131. The second gear 134 is a two-stage gear, having a large-diameter gear section 134A and a small-diameter gear section 134B.

[0159] The large-diameter gear section 134A is a gear with a diameter larger than that of the small-diameter gear section 134B. The large-diameter gear section 134A meshes with the first gear 133. The small-diameter gear section 134B meshes with the supply gear 31G.

[0160] The frame gear 131 is coaxially configured with the supply gear 31G. In addition, the aforementioned boss 111C and engaging part 32C are located on the rotation axis X1 of the supply reel 31.

[0161] Next, the replacement procedure for the membrane unit (FU) will be explained.

[0162] In such Figure 1 As shown, if all the multilayer films F in the film unit FU are used up in the foil transfer process, the user... Figure 2The cover 22e of the housing 2 is lifted to open the third opening 21A of the housing body 21. Then, the user removes the membrane unit FU from the housing body 21 while guiding the membrane unit FU through the guides GD1 and GD2 of the housing body 21.

[0163] At this point, the user can grasp it with their hand. Figure 5 The membrane unit FU can be removed by using the two handles 114 shown, thus making the removal of the membrane unit FU easy.

[0164] After that, as Figure 7 As shown in (b), the user rotates the supply box 32 approximately 45° relative to the retainer 100 of the membrane unit FU, thereby aligning the orientation of the engaging portion 32C with the guide groove G1. Then, the user guides the engaging portion 32C using the guide groove G1 while removing the supply box 32 along the moving direction DD.

[0165] At this time, the supply box 32 passes through the area AR2 enclosed by the dotted line in the figure, thus suppressing interference between the supply box 32 and the first guide shaft 41. Furthermore, since the moving direction DD is a direction that does not include a component of the direction DR2 opposite to the direction DR1 from which the multilayer film F is pulled out from the supply reel 31, the tension of the multilayer film F applied between the first guide shaft 41 and the supply reel 31 is reduced when the supply box 32 is removed from the holder 100. Therefore, the user can easily remove the supply box 32 from the holder 100.

[0166] After that, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in (a), the user rotates the limiting frame 120 from the limiting position to the releasing position. Here, since one end 120E of the limiting frame 120 is positioned closer to the supply roll 31 than the farthest part B1 of the take-up roll 35 in the limiting position, the limiting frame 120 can be rotated significantly even when the first surface 110A of the base frame 110 is placed on a mounting surface such as a worktable, making it easy to unload the take-up roll 35.

[0167] Furthermore, when the limiting frame 120 is moved to the released position, the third guide shaft 43 moves together with the limiting frame 120 to the second position, thus allowing easy removal of the take-up reel 35. In particular, when the third guide shaft 43 is in the second position, the distance between the second guide shaft 42 and the third guide shaft 43 is larger than the maximum diameter of the roll of the multilayer film F wound on the take-up reel 35, thus allowing easy removal of the take-up reel 35 between the second guide shaft 42 and the third guide shaft 43. Moreover, the operations of installing a new membrane cassette 200 onto the retainer 100 and installing the membrane unit FU onto the housing body 21 can be performed in the reverse order of the above operations, therefore, descriptions are omitted.

[0168] In addition to the effects described above, the following effects can also be obtained according to this embodiment:

[0169] By winding the multilayer film F around the supply shaft 31A with the supported layer F2 in contact with the supply shaft 31A, the multilayer film F is wound around the supply roll 31 with the support layer F1 on the outside and the supported layer F2 on the inside, thus preventing the user from contacting the supported layer F2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multilayer film F wound around the supply roll 31 is covered by the supply box 32, so the user will not contact the supported layer F2 on the supply roll 31 side. However, even without the supply box 32, the supported layer F2 is protected by the support layer F1, thus also preventing the user from contacting the supported layer F2.

[0170] Furthermore, by winding the multilayer film F around the take-up shaft 35A in such a way that the supported layer F2 is in contact with the take-up shaft 35A, a support layer F1 is disposed on the outside of the supported layer F2 of the multilayer film F while it is wound on the take-up shaft 35. Therefore, the support layer F1 can be used to suppress the peeling of the supported layer F2 remaining on the support layer F1.

[0171] By enabling the membrane cartridge 200 to be attached to and detached relative to the retainer 100, the retainer 100 can be reused compared to membrane units, for example, where the membrane cartridge and retainer cannot be attached or detached, thus contributing to environmental protection.

[0172] By projecting the supply box 32 into the projection area AR1 along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the plane FF containing the rotation axes X1 and X2 (refer to...) Figure 3 The first guide shaft 41 is configured so that the supply box 32 can be brought close to the winding shaft 35 in the direction of the straight line connecting the rotating shafts X1 and X2, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the membrane unit FU.

[0173] The loading / unloading guide G has a guide groove G1 and a circular retaining hole G2, so that after the engaging part 32C is inserted into the guide groove G1, when the engaging part 32C reaches the retaining hole G2, the engaging part 32C will not disengage from the guide groove G1 in a predetermined direction by rotating the supply box 32. Therefore, the supply box 32 can be loaded and unloaded relative to the loading / unloading guide G with simple operation.

[0174] By using the limiting part 150 to restrict the rotation of the supply box 32, the orientation of the long side of the engaging part 32C can be made to be an orientation that intersects with a predetermined direction, thereby preventing the engaging part 32C from disengaging from the loading and unloading guide part G.

[0175] In the above embodiment, the downstream end E2 of the first opening 32D is positioned between the multilayer film F and the outer common tangent L2. The outer common tangent L2 is common to the first guide shaft 41 and the supply shaft portion 31A and is located on the side farther from the winding shaft 35. The multilayer film F is positioned along the inner common tangent L common to the first guide shaft 41 and the supply shaft portion 31A. As a result, the downstream end E2 can be positioned as close as possible to the multilayer film F in its state before it is almost used up without interference. Therefore, the size of the first opening 32D can be reduced, and the rigidity of the supply box 32 can be improved.

[0176] When the third guide shaft 43 is in the first position, the angle of the multilayer film F bent by the second guide shaft 42 is acute. Therefore, when the multilayer film F, which is superimposed on the sheet S during foil transfer, is peeled off from the sheet S after foil transfer, the transfer layer F22 can be cleanly peeled off from the sheet S.

[0177] Since a space is formed between the first holding portion 111 and the second holding portion 112, a heating roller 61 can be arranged between the first holding portion 111 and the second holding portion 112 in the layer transfer apparatus 1.

[0178] By utilizing the force from the multilayer membrane F to engage the locking member 140 with the base frame 110, the cost can be reduced compared to structures such as those that use springs to prevent the frame from wobbling in a restricted position.

[0179] Since the transfer layer F22 can be visually confirmed through the transparent support layer F1 and release layer F21 through the second opening 120A of the limiting frame 120, the user can be prevented from confusing the type (color) of the transfer layer F22 when replacing the multilayer film F.

[0180] By specifying the size of the second opening 120A as described above, interference between the multilayer film F and the edge of the second opening 120A can be suppressed even as the diameter of the roll of the multilayer film F wound on the take-up spool 35 gradually increases.

[0181] The handle 114 protrudes to the side opposite to the first guide shaft 41 and the second guide shaft 42 compared to the multilayer film F mounted on the first guide shaft 41 and the second guide shaft 42, thus preventing the user from contacting the multilayer film F when gripping the handle 114.

[0182] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in various modifications as illustrated below.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the entire first guide shaft 41 is disposed within the projection area AR1, which projects the supply box 32 along an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to the plane FF containing the rotation axes X1 and X2. However, a portion of the first guide shaft 41 may also be disposed within the area AR1.

[0184] In the above embodiment, a transfer layer F22 containing foil is illustrated, but the transfer layer may also be formed of thermoplastic resin, for example, without foil or coloring material.

[0185] In the above embodiment, the multilayer film F consists of four layers, but as long as the multilayer film has a transfer layer and a support layer, the number of layers can be any number.

[0186] In the above embodiment, a film unit FU is exemplified by having a retainer 100 capable of loading and unloading the film cartridge 200. However, it could also be a film unit in which the film cartridge is fixed to the retainer in a non-removable manner. In this case, it is possible to prevent the operator from coming into contact with the transfer layer of the multilayer film wound on the supply roll during the operation of fixing the supply roll to the frame of the film unit before shipment in a non-removable manner.

[0187] In the above embodiment, the layer transfer apparatus 1 is configured as an apparatus different from an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, but the layer transfer apparatus may also be configured as an integral part of the image forming apparatus.

[0188] In the above embodiments, the supply reel 31 and the take-up reel 35 are able to be loaded and unloaded relative to the holder 100 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply reel 31. However, they can also be configured such that the supply reel and the take-up reel are able to be loaded and unloaded relative to the holder in the axial direction of the supply reel.

[0189] In the above embodiment, a winding gear 35C is exemplified as a drive transmission component, but the drive transmission component may also be, for example, a coupling.

[0190] The various elements described in the above embodiments and variations can also be combined arbitrarily to implement the invention.

Claims

1. A film cartridge capable of being loaded and unloaded relative to a layer transfer apparatus for transferring a transfer layer onto a toner image formed on a sheet, characterized in that, have: A supply reel having a supply shaft portion for winding a multilayer film having a supported layer containing the transfer layer and a support layer supporting the supported layer, the supply reel being rotatable about a first rotation axis extending axially. A winding reel having a winding section for winding the multilayer film; as well as Supply box, which houses the supply reel, The multilayer film is wound around the supply shaft in such a way that the supported layer contacts the supply shaft, and is also wound around the take-up shaft in such a way that the supported layer contacts the take-up shaft. The supply shaft has a supply gear at one end in the axial direction. The supply box has two side walls and a locking portion. The two side walls are located at the axial end, and the locking portion is located on the side wall of the two side walls that is away from the supply gear. The supply box also has an outer side wall and an outer peripheral wall, the outer side wall being located axially separated from the other side wall of the two side walls near the supply gear, and covering at least a portion of the supply gear axially, the outer peripheral wall connecting the other side wall and the outer side wall. Viewed along the axial direction, the outer sidewall does not overlap with the tooth tip of the supply gear within the range of angle α1 about the first rotation axis of the cut formed in the outer peripheral wall.

2. A film cartridge capable of being loaded and unloaded relative to a layer transfer apparatus for transferring a transfer layer onto a toner image formed on a sheet, characterized in that, have: A supply reel having a supply shaft portion for winding a multilayer film having a supported layer containing the transfer layer and a support layer supporting the supported layer, the supply reel being rotatable about a first rotation axis extending axially. A winding reel having a winding section for winding the multilayer film; as well as Supply box, which houses the supply reel, The multilayer film is wound around the supply shaft in such a way that the supported layer contacts the supply shaft, and is also wound around the take-up shaft in such a way that the supported layer contacts the take-up shaft. The supply shaft has a supply gear at one end in the axial direction. The supply box has two side walls and a locking portion. The two side walls are located at the axial end, and the locking portion is located on the side wall of the two side walls that is away from the supply gear. The supply box also has an outer side wall and an outer peripheral wall, the outer side wall being located axially separated from the other side wall of the two side walls near the supply gear, and covering at least a portion of the supply gear axially, the outer peripheral wall connecting the other side wall and the outer side wall. Viewed along the axial direction, the outer sidewall does not overlap with the tooth root of the supply gear within the range of angle α1 about the first rotation axis of the cut formed in the outer peripheral wall.

3. The membrane box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The winding reel has a winding gear at one end in the axial direction, and the winding gear is driven by an input force.

4. The membrane box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The engaging part is a long strip with a long side and a short side.

5. The membrane box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When viewed from the axial direction, the engaging portion is a rounded rectangular shape.

6. The membrane box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The supply reel is rotatably supported on the supply box.

7. The membrane capsule according to claim 6, characterized in that, The supply reel is rotatably supported on the two side walls.

8. The membrane box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The supply box is mounted to the retainer by rotating the supply box about the first rotation axis relative to the retainer that supports the supply reel and the take-up reel. The angle α1 of the cut about the first rotation axis is greater than the rotation angle α2 when the supply box is installed on the retainer.

9. The membrane box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The take-up reel also has flanges disposed at both ends of the take-up reel portion, and the take-up gear is disposed axially on the outside of the flanges.

10. The membrane box according to claim 9, characterized in that, The take-up gear is coaxially arranged with the take-up shaft.

11. The membrane box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support layer is transparent.

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