Transfer printing sheet forming apparatus

Abstract

To reduce the waste of a viscoelastic layer.SOLUTION: A transfer printing sheet creation device 1 includes a photosensitive drum 161, an exposure device, a transfer device, a first rotating body (first heating roller 181), and a second rotating body (second heating roller 260). The transfer device transfers the toner image T supplied onto the photosensitive drum 161 exposed by the exposure device to the sheet S, and forms the toner image T on the sheet S. The first rotator fixes the toner image T to the sheet S. The second rotor transfers the viscoelastic layer PF3 onto the toner image T by conveying the film PF having the viscoelastic layer PF3 and the sheet S on which the toner image T is formed in an overlapped state. In the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 161, a maximum image formation length WG, which is the maximum length of the toner image T formed on the sheet S, is greater than the length WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transfer printing sheet producing device that produces a transfer printing sheet for transferring a printing layer to an object via a viscoelastic layer. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a layer transfer device has been known in which a second sheet having an adhesive layer is superimposed on a first sheet on which a printing layer has been formed by an image forming device, and the two sheets are conveyed, heated, and pressurized to thermally transfer the adhesive layer to the printing layer (see Patent Document 1). The sheet on which the adhesive layer has been transferred can be used to print the printing layer onto fabric such as a T-shirt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-059086 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, just because a printing layer can be formed over a wide width in the image forming unit does not necessarily mean that the viscoelastic layer needs to be transferred over the entire width. In other words, if the width of the viscoelastic layer is unnecessarily wide, there is a problem in that a large portion of the viscoelastic layer is unused, resulting in waste.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce waste of the viscoelastic layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The transfer printing sheet production device for achieving the above-mentioned object is a device for producing a transfer printing sheet in which a sheet, a printing layer, and a viscoelastic layer are laminated in this order, and for transferring the printing layer to an object via the viscoelastic layer. The transfer printing sheet production device includes a photosensitive drum, an exposure device, a transfer device, a first rotating body, and a second rotating body. The exposure device exposes the photosensitive drum. The transfer device transfers the toner supplied onto the photosensitive drum exposed by the exposure device to a sheet, forming a printing layer on the sheet. The first rotating body fixes the printing layer to the sheet. The second rotating body transfers the viscoelastic layer onto the printing layer by transporting the film with the viscoelastic layer and the sheet with the printing layer formed in a superimposed state. In the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the maximum image width, which is the maximum width of the print layer formed on the sheet, is larger than the width of the viscoelastic layer.

[0007] Because the maximum image width is larger than the width of the viscoelastic layer, waste of the viscoelastic layer can be reduced. Also, a printing layer that does not transfer the viscoelastic layer can be formed in the area of ​​the sheet where the viscoelastic layer does not overlap.

[0008] Furthermore, the maximum exposure width, which is the maximum range exposed by the exposure device in the axial direction, may be larger than the width of the viscoelastic layer.

[0009] Since the maximum exposure width is larger than the width of the viscoelastic layer, waste of the viscoelastic layer can be reduced.

[0010] The toner supplying device may further include a developing roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum, and a supply roller that supplies toner to the developing roller and has an outer peripheral surface that contacts the developing roller. The outer peripheral surface of the supply roller may have a width greater than the width of the viscoelastic layer in the axial direction.

[0011] In the axial direction, the width of the outer peripheral surface of the supply roller is greater than the width of the viscoelastic layer, so that waste of the viscoelastic layer can be reduced.

[0012] Furthermore, the width of the viscoelastic layer in the axial direction may be smaller than the width of the photosensitive drum.

[0013] Since the width of the viscoelastic layer in the axial direction is smaller than the width of the photosensitive drum, waste of the viscoelastic layer can be reduced.

[0014] Furthermore, the width of the viscoelastic layer in the axial direction may be smaller than the width of the first rotor.

[0015] In the axial direction, the width of the viscoelastic layer is smaller than the width of the first rotor, so that waste of the viscoelastic layer can be reduced.

[0016] The film may also be attachable centrally in the axial direction.

[0017] By arranging the film at the center in the axial direction, images or characters can be formed on both ends of the sheet without transferring the viscoelastic layer.

[0018] The film may also be attachable to one side of the photosensitive drum in the axial direction.

[0019] By disposing the film on one side in the axial direction, images or characters that do not transfer the viscoelastic layer can be formed on the other side of the sheet.

[0020] The film may also be axially movable.

[0021] Since the film is movable in the axial direction, there is an increased degree of freedom in selecting the area where the viscoelastic layer is to be transferred and the area where it is not to be transferred.

[0022] The film forming apparatus may further include a sensor capable of detecting the position of the film in the axial direction, and a control unit, and the control unit may form a printing layer at a position corresponding to the position of the film detected by the sensor.

[0023] A sensor capable of detecting the position of the viscoelastic layer is provided, and a printing layer is formed at the position of the film detected by the sensor, so that the printing layer can be formed in the area where the viscoelastic layer overlaps.

[0024] The second rotating body may have a roller that contacts the film, a central heater that heats the central portion in the axial direction, and end heaters that heat the end portions in the axial direction, and the control unit may be configured to control the heat generation amounts of the central heater and end heaters based on the position of the film detected by the sensor.

[0025] By controlling the heat output of the center heater and the edge heaters, it is possible to heat only the necessary parts of the roller.

[0026] The conveying device may further include a conveying chute located downstream of the second rotating body in the sheet conveying direction, for guiding the sheet discharged from the second rotating body, and the width of the conveying chute may be greater than the width of the viscoelastic layer.

[0027] Since the width of the transport chute is greater than the width of the viscoelastic layer, a film wider than the viscoelastic layer can also be smoothly guided.

[0028] The half-outflow temperature of the viscoelastic layer may be lower than the half-outflow temperature of the toner.

[0029] Since the half-flow temperature of the viscoelastic layer is lower than the half-flow temperature of the toner, the toner can be prevented from flowing out when the viscoelastic layer is fixed by heat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce waste of the viscoelastic layer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a transfer print sheet producing device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a layer transfer apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second heating roller. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first film unit (a), a second film unit (b), and a third film unit (c). [Figure 6] FIG. 1(a) shows three attached sensors, and FIG. 1(b) shows a table showing the conditions for determining which sensor is attached. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. [Figure 8] 1A is a diagram showing a state in which an image is formed on a sheet in an image forming unit, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state in which the intermediate conveying rollers are stopped and the sheet is temporarily stopped. [Figure 9] 10A shows a state in which the rotation of the intermediate conveying roller has resumed, and FIG. 10B shows a state in which layer transfer has started in the transfer section. [Figure 10] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a sheet and film on which a printed layer is formed, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the film pressed against the sheet, and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the base layer of the film peeling off from the sheet. [Figure 11] 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the transfer printing sheet and fabric are pressed together, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the transfer printing sheet has been peeled off from the fabric to which the printing layer has been transferred. [Figure 12] (a) shows a transfer printing sheet on which a mirror image of a toner image is formed, (b) shows the transfer printing sheet placed on fabric and partially peeled off, and (c) shows the fabric with the toner image transferred. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the width of a viscoelastic layer of a transfer printing sheet. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how a transfer print sheet is created when the first film unit is attached. [Figure 16]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of how a transfer print sheet is created when the second film unit is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, directions will be described in terms of the directions shown in FIG. 1. The left side of FIG. 1 is referred to as the "front", the right side of FIG. 1 as the "rear", the back side of the paper in FIG. 1 as the "left", and the front side of the paper in FIG. 1 as the "right". Also, the top and bottom of FIG. 1 are referred to as the "top and bottom". In this embodiment, the left-right direction corresponds to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum or the axial direction of the first rotating body. Also, the front-back direction corresponds to a predetermined direction perpendicular to the top-bottom direction and the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0033] The transfer printing sheet creation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that creates the transfer printing sheet PS shown in FIG. 12(a). The transfer printing sheet PS is a sheet for transferring a printing layer to an object via a viscoelastic layer. The object is, for example, a piece of fabric CL such as a T-shirt shown in FIG. 12(b). The object may be leather, ceramic, wood, resin, metal, or the like. Furthermore, the object is not limited to a flat object, but may also be a three-dimensional object.

[0034] 11(a), the transfer printing sheet PS is a sheet in which a sheet S, a toner image T as an example of a printing layer, and a viscoelastic layer PF3 are laminated in this order. The sheet S has a second base layer PS1 and a second release layer PS2. The second release layer PS2 is located between the second base layer PS1 and the toner image T.

[0035] The second base layer PS1 is a sheet-like base material made of paper or a polymer material, and supports the second release layer PS2. The second base layer PS1 is preferably transparent. In this embodiment, the second base layer PS1 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and has a thickness of 12 to 16 μm.

[0036] The second release layer PS2 is a layer on which a toner image T is formed. After the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred onto the toner image T formed on the second release layer PS2, the second release layer PS2 supports the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3, and serves to facilitate peeling of the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 from the second base layer PS1 when the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 are transferred to a fabric CL or the like. The second release layer PS2 contains a transparent material, such as a wax-based resin, that is easily peeled from the second base layer PS1. In this embodiment, the thickness of the second release layer PS2 is 10 to 15 μm.

[0037] Returning to Fig. 1, the transfer print sheet production apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a layer transfer apparatus 200. The layer transfer apparatus 200 is located above the image forming apparatus 100. The layer transfer apparatus 200 is detachable from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a first housing 102, a supply unit 103, an image forming unit 104, and first intermediate conveyance rollers MR1. The first housing 102 houses a supply unit 103, an image forming unit 104, and a first intermediate conveying roller MR1.

[0039] The supply unit 103 is provided in the lower part inside the first housing 102. The supply unit 103 includes a supply tray 131 and a supply mechanism 134.

[0040] The supply tray 131 is a tray that stores the sheets S to be supplied to the image forming unit 104. The supply mechanism 134 is a mechanism that supplies the sheet S in the supply tray 131 to the image forming unit 104.

[0041] The image forming section 104 forms a toner image T on a sheet S. The image forming section 104 includes an exposure device 105, a process unit 106, a belt unit 107 as an example of a transfer device, and a fixing device 108.

[0042] The exposure device 105 is disposed in the upper part of the first housing 102 and includes a light source, a polygon mirror, and the like (not shown). The exposure device 105 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 by scanning a light beam indicated by a dashed dotted line over the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 at high speed.

[0043] The process unit 106 is disposed between the exposure device 105 and the supply tray 131. The process unit 106 includes a drum unit 120 and four toner cartridges 130.

[0044] The drum unit 120 includes four photosensitive drums 161 and four chargers (not shown). The four photosensitive drums 161 are arranged in a line in the front-rear direction. Toner of each color, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, is accommodated in each of the four toner cartridges 130. The toner cartridge 130 includes a developing roller 163 and a supply roller 164.

[0045] The developing roller 163 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 161 . The supply roller 164 supplies toner to the developing roller 163. The supply roller 164 has an outer circumferential surface 164A that comes into contact with the developing roller 163.

[0046] The belt unit 107 is disposed between the process unit 106 and the supply tray 131. The belt unit 107 includes a drive roller 171, a driven roller 172, a conveyor belt 173, and four transfer rollers 174.

[0047] The conveyor belt 173 is an endless belt. The conveyor belt 173 is stretched between a drive roller 171 and a driven roller 172. A transfer roller 174 is disposed inside the conveyor belt 173 so as to sandwich the conveyor belt 173 between itself and the corresponding photosensitive drum 161.

[0048] The charger charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 161. Thereafter, the exposure device 105 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 to light, forming an electrostatic latent image based on the image data on the surface of the photosensitive drum 161. The development roller 163 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 161. As a result, a toner image T is formed on the photosensitive drum 161. Thereafter, when the sheet S is transported between the photosensitive drum 161 and the transfer roller 174 by the transport belt 173, the toner image T on the photosensitive drum 161 is transferred to the sheet S.

[0049] The fixing device 108 is a device that thermally fixes the toner image T to the sheet S. The fixing device 108 is disposed behind the process unit 106 and the belt unit 107. The fixing device 108 includes a first heating roller 181 as an example of a first rotating body, a first pressure member 182, and a fixing conveyance roller 183. The first heating roller 181 has a first heater H1 inside. The first heater H1 heats the first heating roller 181. The first heating roller 181 heats the sheet S.

[0050] The first pressure member 182 has an endless pressure belt 182A and a rubber pad 182B that sandwiches the pressure belt 182A between itself and the first heating roller 181. The pressure belt 182A rotates following the rotation of the first heating roller 181. The first pressure member 182 sandwiches the sheet S between itself and the first heating roller 181. The fixing conveying roller 183 conveys the sheet S conveyed from the first heating roller 181.

[0051] The first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​are rollers that convey the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 108 toward the layer transfer device 200. The first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​are located downstream of the fixing conveying rollers 183 in the sheet S conveying direction.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the layer transfer device 200 is a device that overlays a film PF made up of multiple layers on the surface of the sheet S on which the toner image T is formed, and transfers a viscoelastic layer PF3 of the film PF onto the toner image T.

[0053] The layer transfer device 200 includes a second housing 202, a second intermediate conveyance roller MR2, a first sheet sensor SS1, a second sheet sensor SS2, a sheet conveyance section 210, a film supply section 230, and a transfer section 250.

[0054] The second housing 202 houses the second intermediate conveyance roller MR2, the first sheet sensor SS1, the second sheet sensor SS2, the sheet conveyance section 210, the film supply section 230, and the transfer section 250. The second housing 202 is located above the first housing 102. The second housing 202 has an outlet 203 for the sheet S (more specifically, the transfer printing sheet PS). The outlet 203 is located on the front surface of the second housing 202. The outlet 203 faces diagonally downward and forward.

[0055] The first housing 102 and the second housing 202 constitute the housing 10 of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1. In this embodiment, the housing of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1 is made up of two housings, but it may also be made up of a single housing in which the first housing 102 and the second housing 202 are integrally formed.

[0056] The second intermediate conveying roller MR2 is a roller that conveys the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 toward the transfer unit 250. As shown in FIG. 1, the first intermediate conveying roller MR1 and the second intermediate conveying roller MR2 each convey the sheet S conveyed from the first heating roller 181 toward the second heating roller 260, which is an example of a second rotating body.

[0057] The first intermediate conveying roller MR1 and the second intermediate conveying roller MR2 each consist of a pair of rollers capable of sandwiching the sheet S. The first intermediate conveying roller MR1 and the second intermediate conveying roller MR2 each are located on a conveying path R for the sheet S between the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260. The length of the conveying path R is greater than the length of the sheet S.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first intermediate conveying roller MR1 is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 100, and the second intermediate conveying roller MR2 is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the layer transfer device 200. The first intermediate conveying roller MR1 and the second intermediate conveying roller MR2 may be driven by a common motor.

[0059] Until the sheet S is transported from the first heating roller 181 to the second heating roller 260, each roller is positioned so that the sheet S is always in contact with at least one of the first heating roller 181, each intermediate transport roller MR1, MR2, and the second heating roller 260.

[0060] The first sheet sensor SS1 and the second sheet sensor SS2 are sensors that detect the presence or absence of the sheet S. The first sheet sensor SS1 and the second sheet sensor SS2 are located on the conveying path R.

[0061] The first sheet sensor SS1 and the second sheet sensor SS2 each have, for example, a lever that swings when pressed by the sheet S, and an optical sensor that detects the position of the lever. In this embodiment, the first sheet sensor SS1 and the second sheet sensor SS2 output an ON signal when the lever is pressed by the sheet S.

[0062] The first sheet sensor SS1 is located between the first intermediate conveying roller MR1 and the second intermediate conveying roller MR2 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The second intermediate conveying roller MR2 is located between the first sheet sensor SS1 and the second sheet sensor SS2 in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0063] 3, the sheet conveying section 210 includes upstream conveying rollers 211, downstream conveying rollers 212, discharge rollers 213, and a conveying chute 290. Each of the upstream conveying rollers 211, downstream conveying rollers 212, and discharge rollers 213 consists of two rollers, and the sheet S can be conveyed by rotating each roller with the sheet S sandwiched between them.

[0064] The upstream transport rollers 211 are disposed upstream of the transfer unit 250 in the transport direction of the sheet S. The downstream transport rollers 212 are disposed downstream of the transfer unit 250 in the transport direction of the sheet S.

[0065] The discharge rollers 213 are disposed downstream of the downstream conveyance rollers 212 in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. The discharge rollers 213 cause the sheet S to be discharged from the discharge port 203.

[0066] The conveying chute 290 is located downstream of the second heating roller 260 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The conveying chute 290 guides the sheet S discharged from the second heating roller 260. The conveying chute 290 holds downstream conveying rollers 212 and discharge rollers 213.

[0067] The film supply section 230 is a section that supplies the film PF so as to overlap the sheet S transported from the upstream transport rollers 211. The film supply section 230 includes a film cartridge FC.

[0068] The film unit FU is detachably attached to the second housing 202. The film unit FU has a film cartridge FC and a holder H.

[0069] The film unit FU is located above the toner cartridge 130. The supply tray 131 is located below the toner cartridge 130. The film cartridge FC is detachable from the holder H. The film cartridge FC includes a film PF, a supply reel 231, and a take-up reel 235.

[0070] 1, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the film cartridge FC overlaps with at least one of the photosensitive drum 161, the exposure device 105, and the first heating roller 181. In other words, when the film cartridge FC is projected in the top-bottom direction, an area AF corresponding to the shadow of the film cartridge FC overlaps with at least one of the photosensitive drum 161, the exposure device 105, and the first heating roller 181. In yet other words, at least a portion of at least one of the photosensitive drum 161, the exposure device 105, and the first heating roller 181 is located within a range from one end of the film cartridge FC to the other end in the front-to-rear direction.

[0071] In this embodiment, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the film cartridge FC overlaps with the exposure device 105 and the three photosensitive drums 161 located downstream in the transport direction of the sheet S. In other words, when the film cartridge FC is projected in the top-bottom direction, an area AF corresponding to the shadow of the film cartridge FC overlaps with the exposure device 105 and the three photosensitive drums 161 located downstream in the transport direction of the sheet S. In other words, a part of the exposure device 105 and the three photosensitive drums 161 are located within a range from one end of the film cartridge FC to the other in the front-rear direction.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10(a), the film PF includes a viscoelastic layer PF3 and is a film for transferring the viscoelastic layer PF3. The film PF has a first base layer PF1, a first release layer PF2, and a viscoelastic layer PF3. The first release layer PF2 is formed on the first base layer PF1. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is formed on the first release layer PF2.

[0073] The first base layer PF1 supports the first release layer PF2 and the viscoelastic layer PF3. In this embodiment, the first base layer PF1 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and has a thickness of 12 to 16 μm.

[0074] The first release layer PF2 is a layer for facilitating peeling of the viscoelastic layer PF3 from the first base layer PF1, and is disposed between the first base layer PF1 and the viscoelastic layer PF3. The first release layer PF2 contains a transparent material, such as a wax-based resin, that is easily peeled from the first base layer PF1. In this embodiment, the thickness of the first release layer PF2 is 10 to 15 μm.

[0075] The viscoelastic layer PF3 is a layer to be transferred to the toner image T and contains a viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic material is a polymeric material having viscoelasticity. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is made of a material that easily adheres to the toner image T heated by the transfer unit 250 and also to a transfer target such as fabric. The viscoelastic layer PF3 contains, for example, a vinyl chloride resin or an acrylic resin, but any material suitable for adhesion to a transfer target may be selected. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is disposed on the surface of the film PF. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is thicker than the first release layer PF2. The thickness of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is 16 to 30 μm. Preferably, the thickness of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is 30 to 40 μm.

[0076] Also, the half-flow temperature of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is lower than the half-flow temperature of the toner. The half outflow temperature may be measured, for example, as follows. Using a flow tester (Shimadzu Corporation, CFT-500EX), a 1.3 g sample is heated at a temperature increase rate of 6°C / min, and a 20 kgf load is applied by the plunger. The sample is extruded from a nozzle 1.0 mm in diameter and 10.0 mm in length, and a plot of the plunger depression of the flow tester is obtained against temperature. The temperature at which the plunger depression changes from a stable region of zero to an increasing region on the plunger depression vs. temperature curve is the inflection point, and the temperature at which half of the sample has flowed out is the half-outflow temperature.

[0077] Returning to Figure 3, the film PF is wound around the supply reel 231. The take-up reel 235 takes up the film PF. The holder H has a plurality of guide shafts HA for guiding the film PF.

[0078] Multiple types of film cartridges FC with different widths and positions of the film PF can be attached to the holder H. For example, as shown in Figures 5(a), (b), and (c), the holder H can be fitted with a first film cartridge FC1, a second film cartridge FC2, or a third film cartridge FC3.

[0079] The first film unit FU1 is the first film cartridge FC1 shown in FIG. 5(a) attached to the holder H. The first film cartridge FC1 has a film PF with a width M1 that is approximately half the width of the sheet S. In the first film cartridge FC1, the film PF is disposed at the center. When attached to the layer transfer device 200, the first film unit FU1 holds the film PF so that the film PF does not face one end 261B or the other end 261C of the second heating roller 260, but faces only the center 261A (see FIG. 4).

[0080] The first film unit FU1 has three recesses formed on the outer peripheral wall, and engagement pieces P1 and P3 are fixed to the two recesses on the left and right sides, but no engagement piece is fixed to the central recess.

[0081] The second film unit FU2 is the second film cartridge FC2 shown in FIG. 5(b) attached to the holder H. The second film cartridge FC2 has a film PF with a width M2 slightly smaller than M1. In the second film cartridge FC2, the film PF is positioned off to one side. When attached to the layer transfer device 200, the second film unit FU2 holds the film PF so that the film PF does not face the other end 261C of the second heating roller 260, but faces across the center 261A and one end 261B (see FIG. 4).

[0082] The second film unit FU2 has three recesses formed on the outer wall, of which engaging pieces P1 and P2 are fixed to the central recess and one of the recesses on the left or right side, and no engaging piece is fixed to the other recess on the left or right side.

[0083] The third film unit FU3 is the third film cartridge FC3 shown in FIG. 5(c) attached to the holder H. The third film cartridge FC3 has a film PF with a width M3 larger than M1. In the third film cartridge FC3, the film PF is disposed at the center. When attached to the layer transfer device 200, the third film unit FU3 holds the film PF so that the film PF faces across the central portion 261A, the first portion 261B, and the second portion 261C of the second heating roller 260 (see FIG. 4).

[0084] The third film unit FU3 has three recesses formed on the outer peripheral wall, and the engaging pieces P1, P2, and P3 are fixed to all three recesses formed on the outer peripheral wall.

[0085] When the first film unit FU1 or the third film unit FU3 is attached to the layer transfer device 200, the film PF is attached to the center of the photosensitive drum 161 in the axial direction. Furthermore, when the second film unit FU2 is attached to the layer transfer device 200, the film PF is attached to one side of the photosensitive drum 161 in the axial direction.

[0086] 6(a), the layer transfer apparatus 200 further includes a first attachment sensor AS1, a second attachment sensor AS2, and a third attachment sensor AS3. The first attachment sensor AS1, the second attachment sensor AS2, and the third attachment sensor AS3 are examples of sensors capable of detecting the position of the film.

[0087] The first attachment sensor AS1, second attachment sensor AS2, and third attachment sensor AS3 are disposed at positions corresponding to the engagement pieces P1, P2, and P3 of the film unit FU when the film unit FU is attached to the layer transfer device 200. The first attachment sensor AS1, second attachment sensor AS2, and third attachment sensor AS3 each have a lever that swings when pressed by the engagement pieces P1, P2, and P3 of the film unit FU, and an optical sensor that detects the position of the lever. The first attachment sensor AS1, second attachment sensor AS2, and third attachment sensor AS3 each output a HIGH signal when the lever is not pressed by the engagement pieces P1, P2, and P3, and output a LOW signal when the lever is pressed by the engagement pieces P1, P2, and P3.

[0088] As shown in Figure 6(b), the control unit CU determines that the first film unit FU1 is attached when the signals from the first attachment sensor AS1 and the third attachment sensor AS3 are LOW and the signal from the second attachment sensor AS2 is HIGH. Furthermore, when the signals from the first attachment sensor AS1 and the second attachment sensor AS2 are LOW and the signal from the third attachment sensor AS3 is HIGH, the control unit CU determines that the second film unit FU2 is attached. Furthermore, when the signals from the first attachment sensor AS1, the second attachment sensor AS2, and the third attachment sensor AS3 are all LOW, the control unit CU determines that the third film unit FU3 is attached. Furthermore, when the signals from the first attachment sensor AS1, the second attachment sensor AS2, and the third attachment sensor AS3 are all HIGH, the control unit CU determines that no film unit FU is attached. In this way, the control unit CU can detect the axial position of the film PF by determining the type of film unit FU using the first attachment sensor AS1, the second attachment sensor AS2, and the third attachment sensor AS3. Then, the control unit CU controls the image forming device 100 to form a toner image T at a position corresponding to the detected position of the film PF.

[0089] The transfer section 250 is a section for transferring the viscoelastic layer PF3 onto the toner image T formed on the sheet S by overlapping the sheet S on the film PF transported from the supply reel 231 to the take-up reel 235 and then applying heat and pressure to the sheet S and the film PF while they are sandwiched together.

[0090] The transfer unit 250 is disposed within the second housing 202. The transfer unit 250 nips the film PF and the sheet S, and transfers at least one layer of the film PF onto the toner image T on the sheet S. The transfer unit 250 includes a pressure roller 251 and a second heating roller 260 as an example of a second rotating body.

[0091] The pressure roller 251 is a roller that sandwiches the film PF and the sheet S between itself and the second heating roller 260. The pressure roller 251 is disposed above the film PF and is capable of contacting the surface of the sheet S opposite to the surface on which the toner image T is formed. The pressure roller 251 conveys the film PF and the sheet S between itself and the second heating roller 260 while being pressed against the second heating roller 260.

[0092] The second heating roller 260 is a roller that heats the film PF and the sheet S. As shown in Fig. 4, the second heating roller 260 has a second heater H2 and a roller 261. The second heater H2 has a center heater 262 and an end heater 263.

[0093] The roller 261 is formed in a cylindrical shape and comes into contact with the film PF. The roller 261 comes into contact with the film PF and heats the film PF and the sheet S.

[0094] The roller 261 has a central portion 261A in the axial direction, one end portion 261B which is one end in the width direction, and another end portion 261C which is the other end in the width direction.

[0095] The central heater 262 heats the central portion 261A in the axial direction of the roller 261. Specifically, the central heater 262 has a higher output in the widthwise center 262A than in both end portions 262B in the widthwise direction. The central heater 262 heats the central portion 261A more strongly than the one end portion 261B and the other end portion 261C.

[0096] The end heater 263 heats the axial ends of the roller 261, i.e., one end 261B and the other end 261C. Specifically, the end heater 263 has a higher output at both ends 263B in the axial direction than at the center 263A in the width direction. The end heater 263 heats the one end 261B and the other end 261C more strongly than the center 261A.

[0097] The second heating roller 260 transfers the viscoelastic layer PF3 onto the toner image T by transporting the sheet S on which the toner image T has been formed by the first heating roller 181 and the film PF having the viscoelastic layer PF3 in a superimposed state.

[0098] The heat capacity of second heating roller 260 is greater than that of first heating roller 181. For example, first heating roller 181 and second heating roller 260 each have a metal tube and rubber covering the outer surface of the metal tube. In this case, the heat capacity of second heating roller 260 can be made greater than that of first heating roller 181 by setting at least one parameter of the thickness of the metal tube, the thickness of the rubber, and the diameter of the heating roller (diameter of the outer surface of the rubber) so that the second heating roller 260 is greater than the first heating roller 181.

[0099] The second heating roller 260 can be moved between a pressure contact position where it contacts the pressure roller 251 and a separated position where it is separated from the pressure roller 251 by a pressure contact / separation mechanism (not shown). The pressure roller 251 and the second heating roller 260 can be driven in a pressure contact state to transport the film PF and the sheet S. More specifically, the pressure roller 251 is driven to rotate the second heating roller 260 when it is rotated while the second heating roller 260 is in the pressure contact position. As a result, the pressure roller 251 and the second heating roller 260 transport the film PF and the sheet S sandwiched between the pressure roller 251 and the second heating roller 260.

[0100] In the layer transfer device 200 configured in this manner, the sheet S conveyed from the image forming device 100 is conveyed toward the transfer unit 250. The sheet S is superimposed on the film PF supplied from the supply reel 231 on the upstream side of the transfer unit 250 in the sheet conveying direction, and is conveyed to the transfer unit 250 with the toner image T on the sheet S and the film PF in contact with each other.

[0101] In the transfer unit 250, when the sheet S and the film PF pass through the nip portion between the pressure roller 251 and the second heating roller 260, they are heated and pressed by the second heating roller 260 and the pressure roller 251, and the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred onto the toner image T formed on the sheet S. In the following description, the transfer of the viscoelastic layer PF3 to the sheet S will also be simply referred to as "layer transfer." After the layer transfer, the sheet S is discharged to the outside of the second housing 202.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer print sheet production apparatus 1 further includes a first power supply board B1 that supplies electricity to the first heater H1, a second power supply board B2 that supplies electricity to the second heater H2, and a control unit CU. The transfer printing sheet production device 1 has one end 1B and the other end 1F in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The first power supply board B1 and the second power supply board B2 are both located on the one end 1B side of the transfer printing sheet production device 1, more specifically, on the rear end side.

[0103] The control unit CU has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output unit, etc., and controls the operations of the image forming apparatus 100 and the layer transfer apparatus 200 by executing a program stored in advance.

[0104] The control unit CU has a function of controlling both the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260. A first conveying speed, which is the conveying speed of the sheet S conveyed by the first heating roller 181, is higher than a second conveying speed, which is the conveying speed of the sheet conveyed by the second heating roller 260.

[0105] The control unit CU has a function of changing the rotational speed of the first intermediate conveying roller MR1 so that the conveying speed of the first sheet changes from the third conveying speed corresponding to the first conveying speed to the fourth conveying speed corresponding to the second conveying speed after the trailing end of the first sheet passes the first heating roller 181 and before the leading end of the first sheet contacts the second heating roller 260.

[0106] The control unit CU can execute a stop process to temporarily suspend the sheet S in a state separated from the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260 by stopping the first intermediate conveyance roller MR1 while the sheet S is being conveyed by the first intermediate conveyance roller MR1. In this embodiment, the control unit CU stops the first intermediate conveyance roller MR1 before the leading edge of the sheet S being conveyed by the first intermediate conveyance roller MR1 reaches the second intermediate conveyance roller MR2. Note that the control unit CU may also temporarily suspend the sheet S in a state separated from the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260 by stopping the intermediate conveyance rollers MR1 ​​and MR2 while the sheet S is being conveyed by the two intermediate conveyance rollers MR1 ​​and MR2. However, for example, when the first motor driving the first intermediate conveyance roller MR1 and the second motor driving the second intermediate conveyance roller MR2 are different, it is desirable to perform the control of this embodiment. The control of this embodiment can prevent problems caused by mismatching the timing of stopping and restarting the first and second motors.

[0107] The time T2 during which the sheet S is temporarily stopped in the stopping process is shorter than the time T1 it takes for the sheet S from its leading edge to its trailing edge to pass through the first heating roller 181. By setting the time T2 in this manner, the temperature of the sheet S being conveyed toward the second heating roller 260 becomes higher than the temperature of the sheet S being conveyed toward the first heating roller 181.

[0108] The control unit CU has a function of conveying the sheet S at the third conveying speed by the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1, stopping the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​to stop the sheet S, and rotating the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​and the second intermediate conveying rollers MR2 after the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​have stopped so that the sheet S is conveyed at the fourth conveying speed. The control unit CU stops the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​based on information from the first sheet sensor SS1.

[0109] The control unit CU constantly and repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 7, the control unit CU first determines whether or not a print command for creating a transfer print sheet PS has been received (S1). The print command is output to the control unit CU by operating, for example, an operation panel of the transfer print sheet creating device 1.

[0110] If it is determined in step S1 that a print transfer command has not been received (No), the control unit CU ends this process. If it is determined in step S1 that a print transfer command has been received (Yes), the control unit CU turns on the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 to start heating the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260 (S2).

[0111] After step S2, when the fixing device 108 is ready to fix the toner image T to the sheet S, the control unit CU starts conveying the sheet S by the supply unit 103 (S3). Here, the state in which the fixing device 108 is ready to fix the toner image T to the sheet S refers to a state in which the temperature of the fixing device 108 has reached a fixing temperature suitable for fixing, or a state in which the temperature of the fixing device 108 has reached a temperature (slightly lower than the fixing temperature) taking into account the temperature of the fixing device that rises while the sheet S is conveyed from the supply unit 103 to the fixing device 108.

[0112] After step S3, the control unit CU executes an image forming process in which the image forming unit 104 forms an image on the sheet S (S4). In the image forming process, the control unit CU rotates the first heating roller 181 at a rotation speed such that the conveying speed of the sheet S on the first heating roller 181 becomes a first conveying speed.

[0113] Furthermore, in the image forming process, the control unit CU rotates the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​at a rotation speed such that the conveying speed of the sheet S at the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​becomes a third conveying speed corresponding to the first conveying speed. At this time, the control unit CU rotates the second intermediate conveying rollers MR2 at a rotation speed such that the conveying speed becomes a fourth conveying speed, which will be described later. Note that the control unit CU may stop the second intermediate conveying rollers MR2 during the image forming process.

[0114] Here, the third transport speed may be substantially the same as the first transport speed, and may be slightly slower or faster than the first transport speed. The third transport speed is faster than the second transport speed.

[0115] After step S4, the control unit CU determines whether the trailing edge of the sheet S has passed through the first heating roller 181 based on the signal from the first sheet sensor SS1 (S5). In detail, the control unit CU determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the first sheet sensor SS1 detected the leading edge of the sheet S, and if it determines that the predetermined time has passed, it determines that the trailing edge of the sheet S has passed through the first heating roller 181.

[0116] The position of the trailing edge of the sheet S when it is determined that the trailing edge of the sheet S has passed through the first heating roller 181 changes depending on the setting of the predetermined time. For example, the position of the trailing edge of the sheet S may be a position between the first heating roller 181 and the fixing conveying roller 183, or may be a position downstream of the fixing conveying roller 183. In this embodiment, the position of the trailing edge of the sheet S when it is determined that the trailing edge of the sheet S has passed through the first heating roller 181 is set to a position downstream of the fixing conveying roller 183. This prevents the fixing conveying roller 183 from acting as a resistance when the sheet S is conveyed by the first intermediate conveying roller MR1.

[0117] The control unit CU repeats step S4 until it determines that the trailing edge of the sheet S has passed through the first heating roller 181 (No), and when it determines that the trailing edge of the sheet S has passed through the first heating roller 181 (Yes), it stops the first intermediate conveying roller MR1 (S6).

[0118] After step S6, when the state of the transfer unit 250 becomes a state in which layer transfer is possible, the control unit CU rotates the first intermediate conveying roller MR1 and the second intermediate conveying roller MR2 at a rotational speed such that the conveying speed of the sheet S at the first intermediate conveying roller MR1 and the second intermediate conveying roller MR2 becomes a fourth conveying speed corresponding to the second conveying speed (S7).

[0119] Here, the fourth conveying speed may be approximately the same as the second conveying speed, and may be slightly slower or faster than the second conveying speed. The conveying speed of the sheet S at the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​and the conveying speed of the sheet S at the second intermediate conveying rollers MR2 may also be approximately the same as the second conveying speed, and may be slightly different. The fourth conveying speed is slower than the first conveying speed and the third conveying speed.

[0120] After step S7, the control unit CU rotates the rollers 211-213 of the sheet conveying unit 210 of the layer transfer device 200 (S8). After step S8, the control unit CU presses the second heating roller 260 against the pressure roller 251 and rotates it at the timing when the toner image T on the sheet S reaches the transfer unit 250 based on a signal from the second sheet sensor SS2 (S9). At this time, the second heating roller 260 rotates at a rotation speed such that the conveying speed of the sheet S by the second heating roller 260 becomes a second conveying speed. Whether the toner image T on the sheet S has reached the transfer unit 250 can be determined, for example, by determining whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the second sheet sensor SS2 detected the leading edge of the sheet S. The second predetermined time may be set, for example, based on the distance from the leading edge of the sheet S to the toner image T, which is included in the print transfer command.

[0121] After step S9, the control unit CU separates and stops the second heating roller 260 after the toner image T on the sheet S has left the transfer unit 250 (for example, at the timing when the trailing edge of the sheet S passes the guide shaft HA on the downstream side of the second heating roller 260) (S10). Whether the toner image T on the sheet S has left the transfer unit 250 can be determined, for example, by determining whether a third predetermined time has elapsed since the second heating roller 260 was pressed against the sheet S. The third predetermined time may be set, for example, based on the length of the toner image T in the transport direction, which is included in the print transfer command.

[0122] After step S10, the control unit CU ejects the sheet S from the second housing 202, and then stops the rollers 211 to 213 of the sheet conveying unit 210 (S11), and ends this process.

[0123] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CU will be described. As shown in Fig. 8(a), when the control unit CU receives a print transfer command, it rotates each roller of the image forming unit 104 and also rotates the first intermediate conveying roller MR1. When the image forming unit 104 finishes forming an image on the sheet S and the trailing edge of the sheet S passes through the fixing conveying rollers 183, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the control unit CU stops the first intermediate conveying roller MR1 to temporarily suspend the conveyance of the sheet S. At this time, the control unit CU also stops each roller of the image forming unit 104. Note that the rotation of each roller may continue while the sheet S is temporarily suspending.

[0124] After the sheet S is temporarily stopped, when the transfer unit 250 is ready to perform layer transfer, the control unit CU rotates the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​at a rotation speed slower than before the temporary stop, as shown in Fig. 9(a). As a result, the conveying speed of the sheet S conveyed by the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​becomes a fourth conveying speed corresponding to the conveying speed (second conveying speed) in the transfer unit 250.

[0125] Therefore, the sheet S conveyed from the first intermediate conveying rollers MR1 ​​is smoothly delivered to the sheet conveying section 210 and conveyed to the transfer section 250.

[0126] When the sheet S is sent to the transfer unit 250, as shown in Fig. 10(b), the sheet S and the film PF are thermocompression-bonded in an overlapping state in the transfer unit 250. When the sheet S and the film PF are thermocompression-bonded in an overlapping state, the viscoelastic layer PF3 is pressure-bonded to the portion where the toner image T is formed. Note that the viscoelastic layer PF3 is not pressure-bonded to the portion where the toner image T is not formed.

[0127] Then, after the overlapping sheet S and film PF pass through transfer section 250, guide shaft HA guides the film PF in a direction away from sheet S, causing the film PF to be peeled off from sheet S, as shown in Figure 10(c). When film PF is peeled off sheet S, toner image T and viscoelastic layer PF3 remain on sheet S, and viscoelastic layer PF3 corresponding to the portion on which toner image T is not formed remains on film PF. In this way, viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred to toner image T on sheet S, and transfer printing sheet PS is created.

[0128] 11(a), the transfer printing sheet PS is placed on the fabric CL and heated and pressed together using a dedicated press (not shown), thereby pressing the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 onto the fabric CL.

[0129] Once the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 have been pressed onto the fabric CL, the user peels off the second base layer PS1 of the transfer printing sheet PS. After peeling off the second base layer PS1 of the transfer printing sheet PS, only the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 remain on the fabric CL, as shown in Figure 11(b).

[0130] An example of a transfer printing sheet PS is shown in Figure 12(a). A mirror image of a toner image T coated with a viscoelastic layer PF3 is formed on the surface of the transfer printing sheet PS. The mirror image of the toner image T is a mirror image of the image to be transferred to the fabric CL. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which an image of the letters "ABC" is transferred to the fabric CL. In this case, a mirror image of "ABC" that is flipped left to right is formed on the sheet S.

[0131] As shown in Fig. 12(b), the user presses the transfer printing sheet PS against the fabric CL and heats and presses it with a dedicated press (not shown). As a result, as shown in Fig. 12(c), the toner image T is adhered to the fabric CL via the viscoelastic layer PF3.

[0132] Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the size of the width WP in the axial direction of the viscoelastic layer PF3 of the transfer printing sheet PS will be described. In the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 161, the maximum image-forming width WG, which is the maximum width of the toner image T formed on the sheet S, is larger than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 before it is transferred to the sheet S by the second heating roller 260. In the axial direction, the width WS of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is located within the maximum image-forming width WG (the toner image T formed at its widest).

[0133] A maximum exposure width WD3, which is the maximum range exposed by the exposure device 105, in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 161 is larger than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3. In the axial direction, the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is located within the maximum exposure width WD3 (the exposed portion on the photosensitive drum 161 exposed at the maximum exposure width WG).

[0134] In this specification, the phrase "the first component (e.g., the exposed portion) is located within the width of the second component (e.g., the viscoelastic layer) in the axial direction" means that the first component is located within the width of the second component when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Also, "within the width of the second component" means the area between one end and the other end of the second component in the axial direction.

[0135] The width WS of the outer peripheral surface 164A of the supply roller 164 in the axial direction is greater than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3. The width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 in the axial direction is located within the range of the outer peripheral surface 164A of the supply roller 164.

[0136] In the axial direction, the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is smaller than the width WD1 of the photosensitive drum 161. Specifically, the width of the photosensitive drum 161 is the width of the outer peripheral surface of a metal tube 161A, which will be described later. In the axial direction, the viscoelastic layer PF3 is located within the width WD1 of the photosensitive drum 161.

[0137] The photosensitive drum 161 has a metal tube 161A, a first photosensitive layer L1, a second photosensitive layer L2, a third photosensitive layer L3, and a fourth photosensitive layer L4. The first photosensitive layer L1 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the metal tube 161A.

[0138] The second photosensitive layer L2 is formed on the first photosensitive layer L1. The third photosensitive layer L3 is formed on the second photosensitive layer L2. The fourth photosensitive layer L4 is formed on the third photosensitive layer L3. The axial widths of the first photosensitive layer L1, the second photosensitive layer L2, the third photosensitive layer L3, and the fourth photosensitive layer L4 gradually decrease in this order. In this embodiment, there are four photosensitive layers, but the number of photosensitive layers may be less than four or more than four.

[0139] In the axial direction, the second photosensitive layer L2 is located within the width WD2 of the first photosensitive layer L1. In the axial direction, the third photosensitive layer L3 is located within the width of the second photosensitive layer L2. In the axial direction, the fourth photosensitive layer L4 is located within the width of the third photosensitive layer L3.

[0140] The width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 in the axial direction is smaller than the width WD2 of the first photosensitive layer L1. In the axial direction, the viscoelastic layer PF3 is located within the width WD2 of the first photosensitive layer L1.

[0141] The width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 in the axial direction is smaller than the width WH of the first heating roller 181. The width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is located within the range of the first heating roller 181 in the axial direction.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 14, the conveying chute 290 has a side guide 291 and a plurality of guide ribs 292.

[0143] The side guides 291 are disposed at both ends in the axial direction of the conveying chute 290. The side guides 291 guide the sheet S so that it does not protrude in the axial direction.

[0144] A plurality of guide ribs 292 are arranged between the side guides 291 arranged on both ends. Each of the plurality of guide ribs 292 extends from the downstream transport roller 212 toward the downstream side in the sheet transport direction.

[0145] In the axial direction, the width WR of the conveying chute 290 is larger than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3. In the axial direction, the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is located within the width WR of the conveying chute 290. Note that the width WR of the conveying chute 290 is the width between the side guides 291 arranged at both ends in the axial direction.

[0146] Next, an example of how to create a transfer print sheet PS when the first film unit FU1 is attached will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, when the first film unit FU1 is attached to the layer transfer device 200, the film PF having a width M1 is positioned at the center in the axial direction. In this case, if a toner image T is formed in the center of the axial direction, the toner image T can be transferred to the object, but even if a toner image T is formed at both ends of the axial direction, the toner image T will not be transferred to the object. Therefore, for example, a toner image T that is a mirror image of "ABC" to be transferred to the object is printed in the center of the sheet S. Then, at both ends in the axial direction, a toner image T, which is a reduced mirror image of "ABC" as a reference image, a positioning line, and a two-dimensional barcode toner image T are printed. The two-dimensional barcode contains information indicating, for example, the product number of the item to be transferred, the creator, the creation date, etc. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is preferably white to improve the color development of the toner image T, so if white paper is used as the sheet S, it will be difficult to see. However, by printing a reference image as in this example, the user can see the reduced toner image T and check the image to be transferred. The user can also check the positioning lines and two-dimensional barcode, and then use a dedicated press to transfer "ABC" onto fabric or the like.

[0147] Next, an example of how to create a transfer print sheet PS when the second film unit FU2 is attached will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, when the second film unit FU2 is attached to the layer transfer device 200, the film PF having a width M2 is positioned to one side in the axial direction. In this case, if a toner image T is formed on one half of the axial direction, the toner image T can be transferred to the object, but even if a toner image T is formed on the other half of the axial direction, the toner image T will not be transferred to the object. Therefore, for example, a toner image T that is a mirror image of "ABC" to be transferred to the object is printed on one half of the sheet S. Then, a normal image of "ABC" is printed on the other half of the axial direction as a reference image. Although not shown, positioning lines and a two-dimensional barcode may also be printed. Users can check the design using the correct image of "ABC" and then use a special press to transfer "ABC" onto fabric or other materials.

[0148] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. According to the transfer printing sheet producing device 1, the maximum imaging width WG in the axial direction is greater than the widths M1, M2, and M3 of the viscoelastic layer PF3, so waste of the viscoelastic layer PF3 can be reduced. Also, a toner image T without transferring the viscoelastic layer PF3 can be formed in the portion of the sheet S where the viscoelastic layer PF3 does not overlap.

[0149] Furthermore, the maximum exposure width WD3, which is the maximum range exposed by the exposure device 105 in the axial direction, is larger than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3. That is, since the maximum exposure width WD, which is one of the factors that determine the maximum imaging width WG, is larger than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 in the axial direction, waste of the viscoelastic layer PF3 can be reduced.

[0150] Furthermore, the width WS of the outer peripheral surface 164A of the supply roller 164 in the axial direction is larger than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3. That is, the width WS of the outer peripheral surface 164A of the supply roller 164, which is one of the factors that determine the maximum image formation width WG, is larger than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 in the axial direction, so that waste of the viscoelastic layer PF3 can be reduced.

[0151] Furthermore, the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 in the axial direction is smaller than the width WD1 of the photosensitive drum 161. That is, the width WD1 of the photosensitive drum 161, which is one of the factors that determine the maximum imaging width WG, is larger than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 in the axial direction, so that waste of the viscoelastic layer PF3 can be reduced.

[0152] Furthermore, the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 in the axial direction is smaller than the width WH of the first heating roller 181. That is, the width WH of the first heating roller 181, which is one of the factors that determine the maximum image formation width WG, is larger than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 in the axial direction, so that waste of the viscoelastic layer PF3 can be reduced.

[0153] Furthermore, the transfer print sheet production device 1 can mount the film PF in the center in the axial direction, or can mount it close to one side in the axial direction. By positioning the film PF in the center in the axial direction, images and characters can be formed on both ends of the sheet S without transferring the viscoelastic layer PF3. Furthermore, by positioning the film PF on one side in the width direction of the sheet S, images and characters can be formed on the other side of the sheet S without transferring the viscoelastic layer PF3. By forming images and characters on the sheet without transferring the viscoelastic layer PF3, it is possible to check the images and characters when transferring them to fabric using a dedicated press, reducing production errors.

[0154] The control unit CU also controls the formation of the toner image T at the position of the film PF detected by the first attachment sensor AS1, the second attachment sensor AS2, and the third attachment sensor AS3, thereby preventing the toner image T from being formed in a position not corresponding to the viscoelastic layer PF3, where the viscoelastic layer PF3 should be transferred.

[0155] The second heating roller 260 also has a center heater 262 that heats a central portion 261A in the axial direction, and end heaters 263 that heat the ends (one end 261B, the other end 261C). The control unit CU controls the amount of heat generated by the center heater 262 and the end heaters 263 based on the position of the film PF detected by the first attachment sensor AS1, the second attachment sensor AS2, and the third attachment sensor AS3. This allows heating only to the necessary portions.

[0156] Furthermore, since the width WR of the transport chute 290 is larger than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3, a sheet S that is wider than the viscoelastic layer PF3 can also be smoothly guided.

[0157] Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be practiced by appropriately modifying it as exemplified below. In the following description, the same components as those in the embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0158] The film PF may be movable in the axial direction. For example, a shaft may be passed through a central hole in the supply reel 231 around which the film PF is wound, and the supply reel 231 may be configured to slide along the longitudinal direction of the shaft. In this case, the user may move the supply reel 231 and the take-up reel 235 in the axial direction, or the supply reel 231 and the take-up reel 235 may be moved in the axial direction by an actuator or a link mechanism. If the film PF is movable in the axial direction, there is more freedom in selecting the area to which the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred and the area to which it is not transferred.

[0159] The sensor capable of detecting the position of the film is not limited to a contact sensor, but may be, for example, a proximity sensor that detects the proximity of the engagement pieces P1, P2, and P3. The sensor may also be a camera that photographs the film. In this case, the position of the film can be detected by analyzing the image taken by the camera.

[0160] The first rotating body may be a pressure belt 182 A. Furthermore, when a pressure roller is provided instead of the first pressure member 182, the first rotating body may be a pressure roller.

[0161] The second rotating body may be a pressure roller 251. Furthermore, when a pressure belt such as the first pressure member 182 is provided instead of the pressure roller 251, the second rotating body may be the pressure belt.

[0162] The printed layer may be, for example, ink.

[0163] At least one intermediate conveying roller is sufficient. While the intermediate conveying rollers are conveying the sheet, the rotation speed of the intermediate conveying rollers may be changed without stopping the rotation of the intermediate conveying rollers.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the exposure device is equipped with a light source such as an LED, a guide member for guiding light such as a polygon mirror, and a frame for supporting the light emitting device, but the exposure device may be, for example, the light source itself or the guide member itself.

[0165] In the above embodiment, examples of toner cartridges include one having a developing roller and a supply roller, and one having a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and a supply roller, but a toner cartridge may be any cartridge that contains toner, and does not have to have a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, or a supply roller.

[0166] The transfer device may be configured to include an intermediate transfer belt, a primary transfer roller that transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum to the intermediate transfer belt, and a secondary transfer roller that transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt to a sheet.

[0167] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 161 Photosensitive drum 181 First heating roller 260 Second heating roller PF film PF3 Viscoelastic Layer S seat T Toner image WG maximum image width WP Width of the viscoelastic layer

Claims

1. A transfer printing sheet producing device that produces a transfer printing sheet in which a sheet, a printing layer, and a viscoelastic layer are laminated in this order, and that is used to transfer the printing layer to an object via the viscoelastic layer, A photosensitive drum; an exposure device that exposes the photosensitive drum; a transfer device that transfers the toner supplied onto the photosensitive drum exposed by the exposure device onto a sheet, thereby forming the print layer on the sheet; a first rotating body for fixing the print layer to the sheet; a second rotating body that transfers the viscoelastic layer onto the printing layer by transporting the film having the viscoelastic layer and the sheet having the printing layer formed thereon in a superimposed state, A transfer printing sheet producing device, characterized in that a maximum image width, which is the maximum width of a printing layer formed on a sheet in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum, is larger than a width of the viscoelastic layer.

2. 2. The transfer print sheet producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a maximum exposure width, which is the maximum range that can be exposed by the exposure device in the axial direction, is greater than a width of the viscoelastic layer.

3. a developing roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum; a supply roller that supplies toner to the developing roller and has an outer circumferential surface that contacts the developing roller; 2. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the outer peripheral surface of the supply roller in the axial direction is greater than the width of the viscoelastic layer.

4. 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the viscoelastic layer in the axial direction is smaller than the width of the photosensitive drum.

5. 2. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the viscoelastic layer in the axial direction is smaller than the width of the first rotating body.

6. 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the film can be attached to the center in the axial direction.

7. 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the film can be attached to one side of the photosensitive drum in the axial direction.

8. 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the film is movable in the axial direction.

9. a sensor capable of detecting the position of the film in the axial direction; and a control unit, 8. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit forms a print layer at a position corresponding to the position of the film detected by the sensor.

10. The second rotating body is a roller in contact with the film; a central heater that heats a central portion in the axial direction; an end heater for heating an end portion in the axial direction, 10. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 9, wherein the control unit controls the heat generation amounts of the center heater and the edge heaters based on the film position detected by the sensor.

11. a conveying chute positioned downstream of the second rotating body in the sheet conveying direction and configured to guide the sheet discharged from the second rotating body; 2. The transfer printing sheet producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the width of the transport chute is greater than the width of the viscoelastic layer.

12. 2. The transfer printing sheet producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the half-flow temperature of the viscoelastic layer is lower than the half-flow temperature of the toner.

Images