Medium processing device, and medium processing method

Abstract

To reduce deterioration of an intermediate transfer part.SOLUTION: A medium processing device for forming an image on a medium includes: a head part for coating a liquid onto an intermediate transfer part; a transfer part for transferring an intermediate image formed of the liquid from the intermediate transfer part to the medium; a cleaning part for cleaning the intermediate transfer part; a first temperature control part for performing control so that transfer by the transfer part is performed under a temperature which is higher than a glass transition temperature and equal to or lower than a melting point; and a second temperature control part for performing control so that cleaning by the cleaning part is performed under a temperature higher than the melting point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a media processing device and a media processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology for performing processes such as image formation by transferring an image onto a medium such as paper using an intermediate transfer unit such as an intermediate transfer belt, rather than directly. Specifically, after a process of forming an intermediate image by applying ink to the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer unit is performed, the intermediate image is transferred onto the medium.

[0003] Thereafter, the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer unit on which the ink has been applied must be washed (cleaned) before the subsequent image is formed. Therefore, a technique for applying an aqueous cleaning liquid in a process for removing the previous image adhering to the image forming surface is known (for example, see Patent Document 1, etc.). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional techniques use a cleaning liquid for cleaning. When a cleaning liquid is used, the cleaning liquid may deteriorate the intermediate transfer unit. That is, the conventional techniques have a problem that the intermediate transfer unit is easily deteriorated, for example, when a cleaning liquid is used for cleaning or when the intermediate transfer unit is strongly rubbed.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to reduce deterioration of an intermediate transfer unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above objects, a media processing device comprises: A media processing device that forms an image on a medium, A head unit that applies liquid to the intermediate transfer unit; a transfer section that transfers an intermediate image formed with the liquid from the intermediate transfer section to the medium; a cleaning unit that cleans the intermediate transfer unit; a first temperature control unit that controls the transfer by the transfer unit to be performed at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the melting point; a second temperature control unit that controls the cleaning unit to perform cleaning at a temperature higher than the melting point; Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, deterioration of the intermediate transfer section can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a media processing device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration for performing temperature control. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between temperature and liquid state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall process. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, specific examples will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment is not limited to the specific examples described below.

[0010] [Overall configuration example] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a media processing device. Below, an example will be described in which the medium is "paper P" and the media processing device is an image forming device 100 that forms an image on paper P. In the image forming device 100 below, the intermediate transfer unit is an intermediate transfer belt 1.

[0011] When the rotary roller 11 rotates in a rotation direction A1, the intermediate transfer belt 1 moves in a movement direction A2.

[0012] For example, when forming a full-color image, that is, in four colors, the head unit 2 is made up of four color heads. Specifically, the head unit 2 is made up of a yellow head 2Y, a magenta head 2M, a cyan head 2C, and a black head 2K. In the following, the liquid is ink, and an example is given in which an image is formed when the head unit 2 applies the ink to the paper P.

[0013] However, the head unit 2 may include heads other than the yellow head 2Y, the magenta head 2M, the cyan head 2C, and the black head 2K. For example, the head unit 2 may include a head corresponding to a color such as white.

[0014] The head unit 2 forms an image on the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer belt 1 (hereinafter, the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 1 is referred to as an "intermediate image").

[0015] The transfer unit 3 is realized by, for example, a transfer roller, etc. The transfer unit 3 transfers the intermediate image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 1 onto the paper P transported in the transport direction A3.

[0016] The cleaning unit 4 cleans the intermediate transfer belt 1. For example, the cleaning unit 4 is realized by a roller, a blade, or the like. The cleaning unit 4 brings the roller, the blade, or the like into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 1 to perform cleaning to remove the remains of the intermediate image remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 1.

[0017] The detection unit 5 is realized by, for example, an optical sensor. However, the detection unit 5 may also be realized by an encoder. In addition, the type of sensor for the detection unit 5 is not important as long as it can detect the position of the intermediate transfer belt 1. The sensors that realize the detection unit 5 may be installed at multiple locations or may be of multiple types.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 100 may include a drying device or the like.

[0019] [Example of intermediate transfer belt] The intermediate transfer belt 1 includes, for example, an aluminum support and a silicone rubber surface layer formed on the support.

[0020] The material of the support is not limited to aluminum, and may be any material having sufficient mechanical strength. That is, the material of the support may be resin, metal, alloy, etc. Specifically, the support may include polyimide, nickel, nickel alloy, thermosetting resin, ceramic, etc., other than aluminum.

[0021] The material of the surface layer is, for example, silicone rubber. However, the material of the surface layer is not limited to silicone rubber and may be any elastic material that has low surface energy and high conformability to the paper P. In addition, it is preferable that the material of the surface layer has high releasability for ink.

[0022] It is desirable that the elasticity of the surface layer is such that, during transfer, the surface layer can deform along the fibers of the paper P. The elasticity of the surface layer increases the contact area between the surface layer and the paper P, thereby achieving a high transfer rate.

[0023] Furthermore, when transferring at a low pressure, it is desirable for the surface layer to be made of a material that is somewhat soft. Alternatively, the surface layer may be a thin coating. Specifically, the surface layer may be made of silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, phenylsilicone rubber, fluororubber, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, or the like. The thickness of the surface layer is preferably about 0.1 to 1 mm, and preferably 0.2 to 0.6 mm.

[0024] Ink adheres to the intermediate transfer belt 1 not by electrostatic force as in the method using toner, but by the adhesive force of the ink. Therefore, it is desirable for the intermediate transfer belt 1 to have a property that allows ink to adhere easily to the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer belt 1 when the ink is applied by the head unit 2, that is, high wettability. Furthermore, it is desirable for the intermediate transfer belt 1 to have a property that allows the intermediate image to be easily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 1 to the paper P by transfer after the ink is applied, that is, after the intermediate image is formed. In this way, it is desirable for the intermediate transfer belt 1 to have a property that allows both wettability and peelability with respect to the ink. Furthermore, it is desirable for the intermediate transfer belt 1 to have elasticity for transfer.

[0025] Furthermore, it is desirable for the intermediate transfer belt 1 to have heat resistance in case high temperatures are required for drying during cleaning.

[0026] [Temperature control example] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for performing temperature control. For example, the drying unit 6 is installed upstream of the transfer unit 3 in the moving direction A2 and downstream of the head unit 2. Specifically, the drying unit 6 is a heating device (which may or may not be in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 1; for example, an infrared heater) and a blower. Below, an example in which the transfer temperature T1 is controlled by the drying unit 6 (hereinafter referred to as "first temperature control") will be described.

[0027] The first temperature control is not limited to the control by the drying unit 6, and may be performed by other types of devices at other positions.

[0028] For example, the heating unit 7 controls the cleaning temperature T2 (hereinafter referred to as "second temperature control"). Specifically, the heating unit 7 is built into a roller or the like used in the cleaning unit 4.

[0029] The second temperature control is not limited to control by the heating unit 7, and may be performed by other types of devices at other positions.

[0030] Moreover, the drying section 6 and the heating section 7 may be composed of a plurality of devices.

[0031] It is preferable that the airflow caused by the drying unit 6 or the transport of the paper P is used to cool the intermediate transfer belt 1, etc., at a position downstream of the cleaning unit 4. However, the intermediate transfer belt 1, etc., downstream of the cleaning unit 4 may be cooled by, for example, a heat sink, an air-cooling device, or a water-cooling device.

[0032] Hereinafter, the temperature at which the head unit 2 applies ink to the intermediate transfer belt 1 to form an image is referred to as the "printing temperature T3." It is desirable to control the temperature by cooling (hereinafter referred to as "third temperature control") so that the printing temperature T3 is sufficiently lower than the melting point Tm of the ink (the melting point may also be called the thermal melting temperature or the melting temperature. Hereinafter, the melting point of the ink will simply be called the "melting point Tm"). If an intermediate image is formed at a temperature higher than the melting point Tm, the head unit 2 may be damaged. Therefore, if the temperature is controlled by cooling so that the printing temperature T3 is equal to or lower than the heat resistance temperature of the head unit 2 (for example, about 60°C), damage to the head unit 2 can be reduced.

[0033] The first temperature control and the second temperature control may include a temperature sensor or the like in order to precisely control the transfer temperature T1 and the cleaning temperature T2.

[0034] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between temperature and the state of a liquid. For example, ink after drying (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "ink") is a liquid having the characteristics with respect to temperature shown in characteristic graph 8. Note that characteristic graph 8 differs depending on the type of liquid.

[0035] As shown in characteristic graph 8, the ink coating is in a liquid state at a temperature higher than the melting point Tm. When the ink coating is in a liquid state, the ink remaining on the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer belt 1 is easily removed from the intermediate transfer belt 1 during cleaning. In other words, when the cleaning temperature T2 at which cleaning is performed is controlled by the second temperature control to be higher than the melting point Tm, the ink is easily removed from the intermediate transfer belt 1, and a high cleaning effect is obtained.

[0036] Furthermore, when the temperature of the ink is higher than the glass transition temperature Tg and lower than the melting point Tm, the coating film becomes rubbery. When the ink is in a rubbery state, it has high viscoelasticity. Therefore, when the ink is transferred in a rubbery state, the ink is easily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 1 to the paper P.

[0037] At temperatures below the glass transition temperature Tg, the ink is in a solid state and is in a state in which it easily adheres to and is difficult to peel off from the intermediate transfer belt 1. Therefore, if an intermediate image is transferred at a temperature below the glass transition temperature Tg, the ink is likely to remain on the intermediate transfer belt 1 and become a "transfer residue."

[0038] The glass transition temperature Tg is, for example, −20° C. to 80° C. The glass transition temperature Tg differs depending on the type of liquid.

[0039] The melting point Tm is, for example, higher than the glass transition temperature Tg by 50° C. to 140° C. The melting point Tm differs depending on the type of liquid.

[0040] Specifically, when the ink contains a urethane resin, the glass transition temperature Tg is about 40°C and the melting point Tm is about 220°C.

[0041] As described above, the ink changes its coating state to a solid, rubbery, or liquid state depending on the temperature. Specifically, when the temperature is higher than the glass transition temperature Tg, the ink changes from a solid to a rubbery state. When the temperature is higher than the melting point Tm, the ink changes from a rubbery state to a liquid state.

[0042] The glass transition temperature Tg and melting point Tm of each ink are determined by measurement using, for example, a differential scanning calorimeter.

[0043] [Hardware configuration example] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 has a hardware configuration including a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU100H1"), a read only memory (hereinafter referred to as "ROM100H2"), a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM100H3"), an actuator 100H4, a sensor 100H5, and an input / output device 100H6.

[0044] The CPU 100H1 is an example of a calculation device and a control device.

[0045] The ROM 100H2 and the RAM 100H3 are examples of storage devices.

[0046] The actuator 100H4 is a driving device that rotates the rotating roller 11 etc. The actuator 100H4 may include a control device such as a driver, and mechanical parts such as a reducer.

[0047] The sensor 100H5 is a detection device that detects the temperature or the position of the intermediate transfer belt 1, etc.

[0048] The input / output device 100H6 receives input from a user and outputs to the user a processing result, etc. For example, the input / output device 100H6 is an operation panel, etc.

[0049] With the above configuration, the arithmetic device, the control device, and the storage device cooperate with each other based on the program to execute various processes. Note that there may be another information processing device that executes the processes. Furthermore, the hardware configuration may further include an external or internal arithmetic device, a control device, a storage device, an input device, an output device, a communication device, or an auxiliary device.

[0050] Furthermore, the above hardware may be implemented, for example, in a concentrated manner in the image forming apparatus 100, or may be implemented in a peripheral device or the like.

[0051] [Overall processing example] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the overall process. For example, when image data is input, the overall process starts.

[0052] In step S0501, the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 forms an intermediate image on the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer belt 1 by applying ink with the head unit 2.

[0053] In step S0502, image forming apparatus 100 performs a first temperature control. Specifically, image forming apparatus 100 controls the temperature so that transfer temperature T1 is higher than glass transition temperature Tg and equal to or lower than melting point Tm.

[0054] In step S0503, the image forming apparatus 100 transfers the intermediate image from the intermediate transfer belt 1 to the paper P at a transfer temperature T1.

[0055] In step S0504, the image forming apparatus 100 performs the second temperature control. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 controls the temperature so that the cleaning temperature T2 is higher than the melting point Tm.

[0056] In step S0505, the image forming apparatus 100 cleans the intermediate transfer belt 1.

[0057] In step S0506, image forming apparatus 100 judges whether or not the process is completed. Specifically, when a print job is input based on image data or the like, image forming apparatus 100 judges whether or not all images in the print job have been formed.

[0058] Next, if it is the end (YES in step S0506), image forming apparatus 100 ends the entire process. On the other hand, if it is not the end (NO in step S0506), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step S0507. That is, it proceeds to the next round.

[0059] In step S0507, image forming apparatus 100 performs a third temperature control. Specifically, image forming apparatus 100 controls the temperature so that printing temperature T3 is equal to or lower than melting point Tm.

[0060] [Example of functional configuration] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a head unit 2, a transfer unit 3, a cleaning unit 4, a first temperature control unit 21, and a second temperature control unit 22. The image forming apparatus 100 preferably further includes a third temperature control unit 23 and a drying unit 6.

[0061] The head unit 2 performs a process of applying ink to the intermediate transfer belt 1 .

[0062] The transfer unit 3 performs a transfer procedure for transferring the intermediate image from the intermediate transfer belt 1 to the paper P.

[0063] The cleaning unit 4 performs a cleaning procedure for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 1 .

[0064] The first temperature control unit 21 performs a first temperature control procedure for controlling the transfer unit 3 to perform the transfer at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature Tg and equal to or lower than the melting point Tm. For example, the first temperature control unit 21 realizes this by controlling the drying unit 6.

[0065] The second temperature control unit 22 performs a second temperature control procedure for controlling the cleaning by the cleaning unit 4 to be performed at a temperature higher than the melting point Tm. For example, the second temperature control unit 22 realizes this by controlling the heating unit 7.

[0066] The third temperature control unit 23 performs a third temperature control procedure in which, after cleaning by the cleaning unit 4, the intermediate transfer belt 1 is cooled and the head unit 2 applies ink to the intermediate transfer belt 1 at a temperature equal to or lower than the melting point Tm. For example, the third temperature control unit 23 realizes this by controlling the drying unit 6.

[0067] The drying unit 6 is located upstream of the transfer unit 3 in the movement direction and downstream of the head unit 2, and performs a drying procedure to dry the ink.

[0068] If the cleaning temperature T2 is higher than the melting point Tm, the ink that has become the "transfer residue" becomes liquid. This makes it easier to remove the ink during cleaning. This makes it easier to remove the ink from the intermediate transfer belt 1 by cleaning, which improves the cleaning effect of cleaning the intermediate transfer unit.

[0069] Furthermore, when the transfer temperature T1 is higher than the glass transition temperature Tg and lower than the melting point Tm, the ink becomes rubbery, which makes it easier for the ink to be transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 1 to the paper P during transfer, thereby reducing the amount of "transfer residue."

[0070] When a cleaning liquid is used, for example, the cleaning liquid containing an organic solvent may cause the intermediate transfer belt 1 to swell, or the intermediate transfer belt 1 may harden and crack, resulting in damage to the intermediate transfer belt 1. On the other hand, if a cleaning liquid is not used or the amount used can be reduced, deterioration caused by the cleaning liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, if deterioration of the intermediate transfer belt 1 can be reduced, the life of the intermediate transfer belt 1 can be extended. In addition, if there is little "transfer residue" or the ink has high releasability, wear caused by strong rubbing of the intermediate transfer belt 1 during cleaning can be reduced, and deterioration of the intermediate transfer belt 1 can be reduced.

[0071] Furthermore, if no cleaning liquid is used or the amount of cleaning liquid used can be reduced, consumable items such as cleaning liquid can be eliminated or reduced, leading to cost reduction.

[0072] [Media example] The medium means a medium to which paint or liquid can adhere at least temporarily, and to which it adheres and sticks, or to which it adheres and penetrates, etc. For example, the medium is a recording medium such as paper, recording paper, film, or cloth, an electronic board, an electronic component such as a piezoelectric element, a powder layer, an organ model, or an examination cell, and unless otherwise specified, includes all objects to which paint or liquid adheres.

[0073] The material of the medium is not limited as long as it can be coated with paint or liquid, such as paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, or ceramics, even if only temporarily.

[0074] [Other embodiments] The predetermined process may be a process other than image formation. For example, the predetermined process may be a surface treatment, formation of an electronic circuit resist pattern, or three-dimensional modeling. Specifically, the media processing device may be a three-dimensional modeling device (also called a "three-dimensional modeling device") that ejects modeling liquid onto a powder layer formed by forming a layer of powder in order to form a three-dimensional object (also called a "three-dimensional object").

[0075] A pre-processing device may be provided in the periphery of the media processing device, or the pre-processing device may be integrated with the media processing device.

[0076] There may be multiple media processing devices, preprocessing devices, or information processing devices, that is, each process may be performed in a distributed, parallel, or redundant manner by multiple devices.

[0077] The above-described medium processing method is performed by a medium processing device having a calculation device, a control device, and a storage device, etc. The medium processing method may also be realized by a program or the like.

[0078] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows.

[0079] <1> A media processing device that forms an image on a medium, A head unit that applies liquid to the intermediate transfer unit; a transfer section that transfers an intermediate image formed with the liquid from the intermediate transfer section to the medium; a cleaning unit that cleans the intermediate transfer unit; a first temperature control unit that controls the transfer by the transfer unit to be performed at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the melting point; a second temperature control unit that controls the cleaning unit to perform cleaning at a temperature higher than the melting point; The media processing device includes:

[0080] <2> a third temperature control unit that controls the head unit to apply the liquid to the intermediate transfer unit at a temperature equal to or lower than the melting point after the cleaning by the cleaning unit. the above <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device.

[0081] <3> The liquid is An ink comprising: When the toner is applied from the head unit, it adheres to the intermediate transfer unit by its adhesive force, The medium is It is paper, The intermediate transfer unit includes: An intermediate transfer belt, The glass transition temperature is -20°C to 80°C, The melting point is The temperature is 50° C. to 140° C. higher than the glass transition temperature. the above <1> or <2> The present invention relates to a media processing device.

[0082] <4> a drying unit that dries the liquid, the drying unit being located upstream of the transfer unit in the moving direction and downstream of the head unit. the above <1> ~ <3> 2 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, the present invention can be modified or modified without departing from the technical gist of the invention. Therefore, all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims are the subject of the present invention. The above-mentioned embodiments are preferred examples. Those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents, and such modifications are included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100: Image forming device A1: Rotation direction A2:Moving direction A3: Transport direction P:Paper 1: Intermediate transfer belt 2: Head section 3: Transfer section 4: Cleaning section 5: Detection section 6:Drying section 7: Heating part 8:Characteristics graph 21: First temperature control section 22: Second temperature control section 23: Third temperature control section T1: Transfer temperature T2: Cleaning temperature T3:Print temperature Tg: Glass transition temperature Tm: Melting point [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0085] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-215642 A

Claims

1. A media processing device that forms an image on a medium, A head unit that applies liquid to the intermediate transfer unit; a transfer section that transfers an intermediate image formed with the liquid from the intermediate transfer section to the medium; a cleaning unit that cleans the intermediate transfer unit; a first temperature control unit that controls the transfer unit to perform the transfer at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the melting point; a second temperature control unit that controls the cleaning unit to perform cleaning at a temperature higher than the melting point; A media processing device comprising:

2. a third temperature control unit that controls the head unit to apply the liquid to the intermediate transfer unit at a temperature equal to or lower than the melting point after the cleaning by the cleaning unit. The media processing device of claim 1 .

3. The liquid is An ink comprising: When the toner is applied from the head unit, it adheres to the intermediate transfer unit by its adhesive force, The medium is It is paper, The intermediate transfer unit includes: An intermediate transfer belt, The glass transition temperature is -20°C to 80°C, The melting point is The temperature is 50° C. to 140° C. higher than the glass transition temperature. The media processing device of claim 1 .

4. a drying unit that dries the liquid, the drying unit being located upstream of the transfer unit in the moving direction and downstream of the head unit. The media processing device of claim 1 .

5. A media processing method executed by a media processing device that forms an image on a medium, comprising: applying a liquid to an intermediate transfer unit; a transfer step of transferring the liquid-formed intermediate image from the intermediate transfer section to the medium; a cleaning step of cleaning the intermediate transfer unit; a first temperature control step of controlling the transfer step to be performed at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the melting point; a second temperature control step of controlling the cleaning step to be performed at a temperature higher than the melting point; A media processing method comprising:

Images