Transfer printing sheet forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent a first rotor and a second rotor from thermally affecting each other.SOLUTION: A transfer printing sheet creation device 1 includes a photosensitive drum 161, a belt unit 107, a first heating roller 181, and a second heating roller 260. The belt unit 107 transfers the toner supplied onto the photosensitive drum 161 to the sheet to form a toner image T on the sheet. The first heating roller 181 fixes the toner image T to the sheet by heat. The second heat roller 260 thermally transfers the viscoelastic layer PF3 onto the toner image T by conveying the film having the viscoelastic layer PF3 and the sheet on which the toner image T is formed in a stacked state. When viewed in the up-down direction, the second heating roller 260 does not overlap the first heating roller 181.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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, there has been known an apparatus that overlays a second sheet having an adhesive layer on a first sheet on which a printing layer has been formed by an image forming apparatus, and then conveys, heats, and pressurizes the first sheet 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, forming a printing layer on a sheet using an image forming device and then transferring a viscoelastic layer onto the printing layer using a layer transfer device is time-consuming, so there is a demand for a transfer printing sheet creation device that can form a printing layer and transfer a viscoelastic layer.

[0005] However, if the first rotating body that fixes the printing layer by heat and the second rotating body that transfers the viscoelastic layer by heat are arranged so that they overlap when viewed from above, the heat generated by either the first rotating body or the second rotating body will affect the other, making it difficult to control the temperature of the first rotating body and the second rotating body.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress the thermal influence between the first rotating body and the second rotating body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A transfer printing sheet production device for achieving the above-mentioned object is a transfer printing sheet production device that produces a transfer printing sheet in which a sheet, a printing layer, and a viscoelastic layer are laminated in this order, and which produces a transfer printing sheet for transferring the printing layer to an object via the viscoelastic layer. The transfer printing sheet production device includes a photosensitive drum, a transfer device, a first rotating body, and a second rotating body. The transfer device transfers the toner supplied to the photosensitive drum onto the sheet, forming a print layer on the sheet. The first rotating body fixes the print layer to the sheet with heat. The second rotating body transports the film with the viscoelastic layer and the sheet with the print layer in a superimposed state, transferring the viscoelastic layer onto the print layer with heat. When viewed from above and below, the second rotating body does not overlap with the first rotating body.

[0008] By preventing the first and second rotating bodies from overlapping when viewed from above, it is possible to prevent the first and second rotating bodies from affecting each other by heat, which makes it easier to manage the temperatures of the first and second rotating bodies.

[0009] Furthermore, the second rotating body may be configured so as not to overlap the exposure device when viewed from above and below.

[0010] Since the second rotating body and the exposure device do not overlap in the vertical direction, it is possible to suppress the thermal influence of the second rotating body on the exposure device.

[0011] The device may further include a supply reel around which a film having a viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film. The supply reel, the film, and the take-up reel may be located at different positions in the horizontal direction from the photosensitive drum and the first rotating body.

[0012] The device may further include a supply reel around which a film having a viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film. At least one of the supply reel, the film, and the take-up reel may be configured to overlap at least a portion of the photosensitive drum and the first rotor when viewed horizontally.

[0013] When viewed horizontally, at least one of the supply reel, film, and take-up reel overlaps with at least a portion of the photosensitive drum and the first rotating body, thereby preventing the transfer printing sheet production device from becoming larger in the vertical direction.

[0014] The apparatus may further include a supply reel around which a film having a viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film. The supply reel, the film, and the take-up reel may be configured so as not to overlap either the photosensitive drum or the first rotating body when viewed in the horizontal direction.

[0015] The transfer print sheet production device may further include a housing having one horizontal end and the other horizontal end, and the conveyance direction in which the sheet is conveyed on the photosensitive drum may be from the one end to the other end, and the conveyance direction in which the sheet is conveyed on the second rotating body may be from the one end to the other end.

[0016] Since the conveying directions in which the sheet is conveyed on the photosensitive drum and the second rotating body are substantially the same, there is no need to change the conveying path of the sheet, which prevents the transfer printing sheet producing device from becoming large.

[0017] The transfer print sheet production device may further include a housing having one horizontal end and the other horizontal end, and the transport direction in which the sheet is transported on the photosensitive drum may be a direction from the one end to the other end, and the transport direction in which the sheet is transported on the second rotating body may be a direction from the other end to the one end.

[0018] By making the conveying directions of the sheet opposite to each other on the photosensitive drum and the second rotating body, the location where the sheet is supplied and the location where the sheet is discharged can be located close to each other.

[0019] The image forming apparatus may further include a supply reel around which a film having a viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film. The supply reel, the film, and the take-up reel may be located below the photosensitive drum.

[0020] The image forming apparatus may further include a supply reel around which a film having a viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film. The supply reel, the film, and the take-up reel may be configured to be located above the photosensitive drum.

[0021] The device may also include a toner cartridge that stores toner, a film cartridge that has a supply reel around which a film having a viscoelastic layer is wound and a take-up reel that winds up the film, and a housing that has a first opening for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge and a second opening for attaching and detaching the film cartridge, and the first opening and the second opening may each face upward.

[0022] Since the first opening and the second opening face upward, the toner cartridge and the film cartridge can be attached and detached from above.

[0023] The device may also include a toner cartridge that stores toner, a film cartridge that has a supply reel around which a film having a viscoelastic layer is wound and a take-up reel that winds up the film, and a housing that has a first opening for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge and a second opening for attaching and detaching the film cartridge, and the first opening and the second opening may each be configured to face the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0024] The device may also include a toner cartridge that stores toner, a film cartridge that has a supply reel around which a film having a viscoelastic layer is wound and a take-up reel that winds up the film, and a housing that has a first opening for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge and a second opening for attaching and detaching the film cartridge, and the first opening and the second opening may be configured to face in different directions.

[0025] The housing may include a first housing that houses the first rotating body and a second housing that is separate from the first housing and houses the second rotating body. The first opening may be formed in the first housing, and the second opening may be formed in the second housing.

[0026] Since the first housing and the second housing are separate bodies, the first housing and the second housing can be easily separated when the transfer print sheet producing device is not in use.

[0027] The device may further include a housing having a side surface and an operation panel disposed on the side surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the first rotating body and the second rotating body from affecting each other with heat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a transfer print sheet producing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) is a cross-sectional view of a transfer printing sheet with a printing layer formed thereon and a viscoelastic layer film, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the viscoelastic layer film pressed against the transfer printing sheet, and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the base layer of the viscoelastic layer film peeling off from the transfer printing sheet. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view (a) shows the state in which a transfer printing sheet with a viscoelastic layer transferred thereto is pressed against fabric, and cross-sectional view (b) shows the state after the transfer printing sheet has been peeled off from the fabric with the printing layer transferred thereto. [Figure 4] (a) shows a mirror image of the second image formed on the second surface, (b) shows a transfer printing sheet placed on fabric and partially peeled off, and (c) shows the fabric with the second image transferred. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first opening and a second opening in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a transfer printing sheet producing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a transfer print sheet producing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a transfer printing sheet producing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a transfer print sheet producing device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view showing a first opening and a second opening in a sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13(b) is a perspective view showing a first opening and a second opening in a seventh embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a first opening and a second opening in the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. 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 and the left-right direction are horizontal.

[0031] The transfer printing sheet creation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that creates the transfer printing sheet PS shown in FIG. 2(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 fabric CL such as a T-shirt shown in FIG. 3(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.

[0032] 3(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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 transferring the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 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.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 1, the transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1 includes a housing 10, an image forming device 100, a layer transferring device 200, and an intermediate conveying section 300.

[0036] The housing 10 houses the image forming device 100, the layer transfer device 200, and the intermediate conveyance section 300. An operation panel PA is arranged in the housing 10. In this embodiment, the operation panel PA is arranged on the top surface of the housing 10. The operation panel PA is a panel that can display messages. A user can operate the transfer print sheet creation device 1 by reading the messages displayed on the operation panel PA and operating buttons on the operation panel PA.

[0037] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a supply unit 103 and an image forming unit 104 .

[0038] The supply unit 103 is provided in the lower part of the housing 10. The supply unit 103 includes a supply tray 131 and a supply mechanism 134.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The exposure device 105 is disposed in the upper part of the housing 10 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The intermediate conveying unit 300 conveys the sheet S, on which the toner image T has been formed by the image forming apparatus 100, to the layer transfer device 200. The intermediate conveying unit 300 has an intermediate conveying path 310 and intermediate conveying rollers 320. The intermediate conveying path 310 extends in the front-rear direction. A plurality of intermediate conveying rollers 320 are arranged on the intermediate conveying path 310. The intermediate conveying rollers 320 convey the sheet S, which has passed between the first heating roller 181 and the first pressure member 182 of the image forming unit 104, toward the layer transfer device 200.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The layer transfer device 200 includes a transport roller 211, a film supply unit 230, a transfer unit 250, and an ejection tray 270.

[0053] The housing 10 houses a transport roller 211, a film supply unit 230, and a transfer unit 250. The housing 10 has an outlet 203 for the sheet S (more specifically, the transfer printing sheet PS). The outlet 203 is located at the rear end 10B of the housing 10.

[0054] The conveying rollers 211 supply the sheet S conveyed by the intermediate conveying section 300 to the transfer section 250.

[0055] The film supply section 230 is a section that supplies the film PF so as to overlap the sheet S conveyed from the conveyance rollers 211. The film supply section 230 includes a film unit FU.

[0056] The film unit FU is detachable from the housing 10. The film unit FU has a film cartridge FC and a holder H.

[0057] The film cartridge FC is detachably attached to the holder H. The film cartridge FC includes a film PF, a supply reel 231, and a take-up reel 235.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2(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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Returning to Figure 1, 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The transfer unit 250 is disposed within the housing 10. 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.

[0066] 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 below 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.

[0067] The second heating roller 260 is a roller that heats the film PF and the sheet S. The second heating roller 260 has a second heater H2 inside. The second heater H2 heats the second heating roller 260. The second heating roller 260 is disposed above the film PF and is capable of contacting the film PF. 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, which has the viscoelastic layer PF3, in an overlapping state.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In the transfer unit 250, when the sheet S and the film PF pass through the nip 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 housing 10.

[0072] The discharge tray 270 is attached to the outer surface of the housing 10. The discharge tray 270 is capable of receiving and stacking the transfer printing sheets PS discharged from the housing 10.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the image forming device 100, the layer transfer device 200, and the intermediate conveyance section 300 are arranged side by side in this order in the front-rear direction.

[0074] When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the second heating roller 260 does not overlap the first heating roller 181. Furthermore, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the second heating roller 260 does not overlap the exposure device 105. In other words, the second heating roller 260 is located at a different position in the horizontal direction from the first heating roller 181. Furthermore, the second heating roller 260 is located at a different position in the horizontal direction from the exposure device 105.

[0075] Furthermore, when viewed in the horizontal direction, at least one of the supply reel 231, the film PF, and the take-up reel 235 overlaps with at least a portion of the photosensitive drum 161 and the first heating roller 181. In this embodiment, when viewed in the horizontal direction, the supply reel 231, the film PF, and the take-up reel 235 all overlap with at least a portion of the photosensitive drum 161 and the first heating roller 181. Furthermore, the supply reel 231, the film PF, and the take-up reel 235 are located at different positions in the horizontal direction from the photosensitive drum 161 and the first heating roller 181.

[0076] Here, the housing 10 has a front end 10A as an example of one end in the horizontal direction and a rear end 10B as an example of the other end in the horizontal direction. The conveyance direction in which the sheet S is conveyed on the photosensitive drum 161 is a direction from the front end 10A toward the rear end 10B. The conveyance direction in which the sheet S is conveyed on the second heating roller 260 is a direction from the front end 10A toward the rear end 10B. In this embodiment, the conveyance direction in the image forming apparatus 100 and the conveyance direction in the layer transfer apparatus 200 are substantially the same direction.

[0077] 5, the housing 10 has a first opening M1, a second opening M2, a first cover K1, and a second cover K2. The first opening M1 and the second opening M2 each face upward.

[0078] The first opening M1 is formed in the top wall of the housing 10. The first opening M1 is located at the front of the housing 10 corresponding to the image forming apparatus 100. The first opening M1 faces upward. The first opening M1 is an opening for installing and removing the toner cartridge 130. The first cover K1 is movable between a closed position that covers the first opening M1 and an open position that opens the first opening M1. When the first cover K1 is in the open position, the toner cartridge 130 is installed and removed by passing through the first opening M1.

[0079] The second opening M2 is formed in the upper wall of the housing 10. The second opening M2 is located at the rear of the housing 10 corresponding to the layer transfer device 200. The second opening M2 faces upward. The second opening M2 is an opening for attaching and detaching a film cartridge FC. The second cover K2 is movable between a closed position that covers the second opening M2 and an open position that opens the second opening M2. When the second cover K2 is in the open position, the film unit FU is attached and detached by passing through the second opening M2.

[0080] Next, the operation of producing the transfer printing sheet PS by the transfer printing sheet producing apparatus 1 will be described.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 1, when a user operates a button on an operation panel PA to instruct the creation of a transfer printing sheet PS, a sheet S is conveyed from a supply tray 131 to an image forming unit 104 by a supply unit 103.

[0082] In the image forming unit 104, the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 is charged by a charger (not shown). Thereafter, the exposure device 105 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 to light, and an electrostatic latent image based on image data is formed 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.

[0083] The sheet S onto which the toner image T has been transferred is thermally fixed by the fixing device 108 and is then transported to the layer transfer device 200 by the intermediate transport section 300.

[0084] The sheet S transported to the layer transfer device 200 is transported by the transport roller 211 toward the transfer unit 250 with the surface on which the toner image T is formed facing upward. The sheet S is then superimposed on the film PF supplied from the supply reel 231, and is transported to the transfer unit 250 with the toner image T and the film PF in contact with each other.

[0085] In the transfer section 250, as the sheet S and film PF pass through the nip 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. This causes the viscoelastic layer PF3 to adhere to the toner image T formed on the sheet S (see FIG. 2(b)). Then, as the sheet S passes through the guide shaft HA, the film PF is guided in a direction different from that of the sheet S and is peeled off from the sheet S. Here, the first peeling force of the first peeling layer PF2, which is the force required to peel the first base layer PF1 from the viscoelastic layer PF3, is smaller than the second peeling force of the second peeling layer PS2, which is the force required to peel the second base layer PS1 from the toner image T. Therefore, the first base layer PF1 peels off from the viscoelastic layer PF3 while the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 remain adhered to the second peeling layer PS2. In other words, the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred onto the toner image T. In this way, the transfer printing sheet PS is produced.

[0086] The created transfer printing sheet PS is discharged onto a discharge tray 270.

[0087] When a user transfers a print sheet PS as shown in Fig. 4(a) onto fabric CL, the user places the print sheet PS on top of the fabric CL and heats and presses them together using a dedicated press (not shown) as shown in Fig. 4(b). As a result, the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 are pressed onto the fabric CL as shown in Fig. 3(a).

[0088] Then, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the second base layer PS1 of the transfer printing sheet PS is peeled off from the fabric CL. When the second base layer PS1 of the transfer printing sheet PS is peeled off, the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 remain on the fabric CL, as shown in Figs. 3(b) and 4(c).

[0089] As described above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment. In the transfer print sheet production device 1, the first heating roller 181, which heat fixes the toner image T, and the second heating roller 260, which heat transfers the viscoelastic layer PF3, are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed from above. This makes it possible to prevent the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260 from affecting each other's heat, compared to when they are arranged so that they overlap when viewed from above. As a result, it is possible to prevent temperature control of the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260 from becoming difficult.

[0090] In addition, the second heating roller 260 and the exposure device 105 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed from the top-bottom direction. Therefore, the thermal influence of the second heating roller 260 on the exposure device 105 can be suppressed compared to when the second heating roller 260 and the exposure device 105 are arranged so that they overlap when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

[0091] Furthermore, when viewed horizontally, at least one of the supply reel 231, the film PF and the take-up reel 235 overlaps with at least a portion of the photosensitive drum 161 and the first heating roller 181, thereby preventing the transfer printing sheet creation device 1 from becoming larger in the vertical direction.

[0092] Furthermore, the conveying direction in which the sheet S is conveyed is substantially the same between the photosensitive drum 161 and the second heating roller 260. Therefore, there is no need to change the conveying path of the sheet S, which prevents the transfer print sheet production apparatus 1 from becoming large.

[0093] Furthermore, since the first opening M1 and the second opening M2 face upward, the toner cartridge 130 and the film cartridge FC can be attached and detached from above.

[0094] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In the following description, the same components as those in the embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] [Second embodiment] The transfer print sheet production apparatus 1A of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has a switchback mechanism 400. It also differs from the first embodiment in that the second heating roller 260 does not overlap the first heating roller 181 and the exposure device 105 when viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 6, the transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1A has a switchback mechanism 400. The switchback mechanism 400 has a switchback path SB1 and a switchback roller SR1.

[0097] The switchback path SB1 is located between the fixing device 108 and the intermediate conveying section 300. The switchback path SB1 extends upward from the exit of the fixing device 108. The switchback roller SR1 is disposed on the switchback path SB1. The switchback roller SR1 is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0098] The sheet S is drawn into the switchback path SB1 by the switchback roller SR1 rotating in the first direction. The sheet S drawn into the switchback path SB1 is sent to the intermediate conveying section 300 in an inverted state by the switchback roller SR1 rotating in the second direction.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the pressure roller 251 is disposed above the film PF, and the second heating roller 260 is disposed below the film PF. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the film cartridge FC is located below the conveyance path of the sheet S.

[0100] In the layer transfer device 200, the sheet S is conveyed by the conveying roller 211 with the surface on which the toner image T is formed facing downward toward the transfer unit 250. As in the first embodiment, the sheet S is superimposed on the film PF supplied from the supply reel 231, and is conveyed to the transfer unit 250 with the toner image T and the film PF in contact with each other.

[0101] When viewed from the top and bottom, the second heating roller 260 does not overlap the first heating roller 181 and the exposure device 105. When viewed from the horizontal direction, the second heating roller 260 does not overlap the first heating roller 181 and the exposure device 105.

[0102] In the transfer printing sheet creation device 1A of the second embodiment described above, the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260 are also arranged so that they do not overlap in the vertical direction, which reduces the thermal influence of the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260 on each other compared to when they are arranged overlapping in the vertical direction.

[0103] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. [Third embodiment] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the supply reel 231, the film PF, and the take-up reel 235 do not overlap the photosensitive drum 161 and the first heating roller 181 when viewed horizontally. The third embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that the conveying direction in the image forming apparatus 100 and the conveying direction in the layer transfer apparatus 200 are opposite to each other.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 7, a transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1B of the third embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100B, a layer transferring apparatus 200B, and a conveying section 300B.

[0105] The layer transfer device 200B is disposed above and behind the image forming apparatus 100B. The discharge tray 270 is disposed above the image forming apparatus 100B. Specifically, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the discharge tray 270 and the image forming apparatus 100B at least partially overlap each other.

[0106] The transport section 300B includes an intermediate transport path 310B and intermediate transport rollers 320B. The intermediate conveying path 310B extends rearward from the image forming apparatus 100B, then bends and extends upward. The intermediate conveying path 310B also extends upward, then bends forward and connects to the layer transfer device 200B.

[0107] The supply reel 231, film PF, and take-up reel 235 are positioned above the photosensitive drum 161. When viewed horizontally, the transfer print sheet production device 1B is configured such that the supply reel 231, film PF, and take-up reel 235 do not overlap with either the photosensitive drum 161 or the first heating roller 181. The conveyance direction in which the sheet S is conveyed on the photosensitive drum 161 is from the leading end 10A toward the trailing end 10B, and the conveyance direction in which the sheet S is conveyed on the second heating roller 260 is from the trailing end 10B toward the leading end 10A.

[0108] According to the transfer printing sheet creation device 1B, the conveying directions of the sheet S on the photosensitive drum 161 and the second heating roller 260 are opposite to each other, so that the location where the sheet S is supplied and the location where the sheet is discharged can be closer together compared to when the conveying directions are the same.

[0109] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. [Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the supply reel 231, the film PF, and the take-up reel 235 do not overlap the photosensitive drum 161 and the first heating roller 181 when viewed horizontally. The fourth embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that the conveying direction in the image forming apparatus 100 and the conveying direction in the layer transfer apparatus 200 are opposite to each other.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 8, a transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1C of the fourth embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100C, a layer transferring apparatus 200C, and a conveying section 300C.

[0111] The layer transfer device 200C is disposed above and in front of the image forming apparatus 100B.

[0112] The transport section 300C includes an intermediate transport path 310C and intermediate transport rollers 320C. The intermediate conveying path 310C extends upward from the image forming apparatus 100C, then bends and extends forward, and after extending forward, is connected to the layer transfer device 200C.

[0113] The supply reel 231, film PF, and take-up reel 235 are positioned above the photosensitive drum 161. When viewed horizontally, the transfer print sheet production device 1C is configured such that the supply reel 231, film PF, and take-up reel 235 do not overlap with either the photosensitive drum 161 or the first heating roller 181. The conveyance direction in which the sheet S is conveyed on the photosensitive drum 161 is from the leading end 10A toward the trailing end 10B, and the conveyance direction in which the sheet S is conveyed on the second heating roller 260 is from the trailing end 10B toward the leading end 10A.

[0114] According to the transfer printing sheet creation device 1C, the conveying directions of the sheet S on the photosensitive drum 161 and the second heating roller 260 are opposite to each other, so that the location where the sheet S is supplied and the location where the sheet is discharged can be closer together compared to when the conveying directions are the same.

[0115] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. [Fifth embodiment] The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a plurality of layer transfer devices are provided for one image forming apparatus.

[0116] 9, the transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1D of the fifth embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100D, three layer transfer devices 200D, and an intermediate conveyance section 500. The three layer transfer devices 200D are arranged in a vertical line.

[0117] One of the three layer transfer devices 200D is located at the same height as the image forming apparatus 100D. The supply reel 231, the film PF, and the take-up reel 235 overlap with the photosensitive drum 161 when viewed in the horizontal direction.

[0118] One of the three layer transfer devices 200D is located above the image forming apparatus 100D. The supply reel 231, the film PF, and the take-up reel 235 are located above the photosensitive drum 161.

[0119] One of the three layer transfer devices 200D is located below the image forming apparatus 100D. The supply reel 231, the film PF, and the take-up reel 235 are located below the photosensitive drum 161.

[0120] The intermediate conveying section 500 has a first intermediate conveying path 511, a second intermediate conveying path 512, a third intermediate conveying path 513, a first intermediate conveying roller 521, a second intermediate conveying roller 522, a third intermediate conveying roller 523, a first flapper FP1, and a second flapper FP2.

[0121] The first intermediate conveying path 511 extends upward from the image forming apparatus 100D, then bends and extends forward, and is connected to one layer transfer device 200D. A plurality of first intermediate conveying rollers 521 are arranged on the first intermediate conveying path 511. The second intermediate conveying path 512 extends forward from the image forming apparatus 100D and is connected to one of the layer transfer devices 200D. A plurality of second intermediate conveying rollers 522 are arranged on the second intermediate conveying path 512. The third intermediate conveying path 513 extends downward from the image forming apparatus 100D, then bends and extends forward, and is connected to one layer transfer device 200D. A plurality of third intermediate conveying rollers 523 are arranged on the third intermediate conveying path 513.

[0122] The first flapper FP1 is movable between a first position shown by a solid line and a second position shown by a two-dot chain line, and the second flapper FP2 is movable between the first position shown by a solid line and a second position shown by a two-dot chain line. When the first flapper FP1 is located at the first position and the second flapper FP2 is located at the first position, the sheet S is guided to the first intermediate conveying path 511. When the first flapper FP1 is located at the first position and the second flapper FP2 is located at the second position, the sheet S is guided to the second intermediate conveying path 512. When the first flapper FP1 is located at the second position, the sheet S is guided to the third intermediate conveying path 513.

[0123] By controlling the first flapper FP1 and the second flapper FP2, the sheets S onto which the toner images T have been transferred can be sent one by one in order to the plurality of layer transfer devices 200D.

[0124] According to the transfer printing sheet production apparatus 1C, since multiple layer transfer devices 200D are provided for one image forming apparatus 100D, transfer printing sheets PS can be produced efficiently when the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 100D is faster than the transfer speed of the layer transfer devices 200D. Also, even while one of the multiple layer transfer devices 200D is being replaced with a consumable, transfer printing sheets PS can be produced by the other layer transfer devices 200D.

[0125] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0126] [Sixth embodiment] The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first opening and the second opening are oriented in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 161.

[0127] 10(a), a transfer print sheet production apparatus 1F according to the sixth embodiment has a housing 10F having a first opening M3, a second opening M4, a first cover K3, and a second cover K4. The first opening M3 and the second opening M4 are oriented in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 161, i.e., in the left-right direction.

[0128] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10(b). [Seventh embodiment] The seventh embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first opening and the second opening face in different directions.

[0129] The transfer print sheet production apparatus 1G of the seventh embodiment shown in Figure 10(b) has a housing 10G with a first opening M1, a second opening M4, a first cover K1, and a second cover K4. The first opening M1 faces upward. The second opening M4 faces the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 161. In other words, the first opening M1 and the second opening M4 face in different directions.

[0130] Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. [Eighth embodiment] The eighth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first opening and the second opening face in different directions.

[0131] The housing 10H of the transfer print sheet production device 1H of the eighth embodiment shown in Figure 11 has a first opening M5, a second opening M6, a first cover K5, and a second cover K6. The first opening M5 faces forward. The second opening M6 faces rearward. In other words, the first opening M5 and the second opening M6 face in opposite directions.

[0132] 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.

[0133] In the above-described embodiment, the transfer printing sheet producing device is configured from one housing, but the transfer printing sheet producing device may also be configured from multiple housings. For example, the housing may have a first housing that covers the image forming device and a second housing that covers the layer transfer device. That is, the first housing houses the first heating roller 181. The second housing is a second housing separate from the first housing and houses the second heating roller 260. In this case, the first opening is formed in the first housing, and the second opening is formed in the second housing.

[0134] Since the first housing and the second housing are separate bodies, the first housing and the second housing can be easily separated when the transfer print sheet producing device is not in use.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, the operation panel PA is arranged on the top surface of the housing, but as shown in FIG. 5(b), the operation panel PA may be arranged on the side surface of the housing.

[0136] In the above-described embodiment, the toner cartridge 130 is attached and detached through the first and third openings of the housing, but the process unit 106 may also be attached and detached through the first and third openings.

[0137] Furthermore, the image forming unit is not limited to a color unit, but may be a monochrome unit.

[0138] Furthermore, the elements described in the above-described embodiment and modifications can be implemented in appropriate combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1 Transfer printing sheet creation device 10. Housing 10A front end 10B rear end 100 Image forming device 105 Exposure equipment 106 Toner cartridge 107 Belt unit 108 Fixing device 161 Photosensitive drum 181 First heating roller 200 layer transfer device 260 Second heating roller T printing 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; a transfer device that transfers the toner supplied onto the photosensitive drum onto a sheet to form the print layer on the sheet; a first rotating body for fixing the printed layer to the sheet by heat; a second rotating body that transfers the viscoelastic layer onto the printing layer by heat 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 the second rotating body does not overlap the first rotating body when viewed from above and below.

2. an exposure device that exposes the photosensitive drum; 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the second rotating body does not overlap the exposure device when viewed from above.

3. The film further includes a supply reel around which the film having the viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film, 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the supply reel, the film, and the take-up reel are positioned at different positions in the horizontal direction from the photosensitive drum and the first rotating body.

4. The film further includes a supply reel around which the film having the viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film, 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed horizontally, at least one of the supply reel, the film, and the take-up reel overlaps with at least a portion of the photosensitive drum and the first rotating body.

5. The film further includes a supply reel around which the film having the viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film, 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the supply reel, the film, and the take-up reel do not overlap with either the photosensitive drum or the first rotating body when viewed horizontally.

6. The transfer printing sheet production device further includes a housing having one end in a horizontal direction and another end in a horizontal direction, a conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed on the photosensitive drum is a direction from the one end toward the other end, 2. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed on the second rotating body is a direction from the one end toward the other end.

7. The transfer printing sheet production device further includes a housing having one end in a horizontal direction and another end in a horizontal direction, a conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed on the photosensitive drum is a direction from the one end toward the other end, 2. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed on the second rotating body is a direction from the other end toward the one end.

8. The film further includes a supply reel around which the film having the viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film, 2. The transfer printing sheet producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply reel, the film, and the take-up reel are located below the photosensitive drum.

9. The film further includes a supply reel around which the film having the viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film, 2. The transfer printing sheet producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply reel, the film, and the take-up reel are positioned above the photosensitive drum.

10. a toner cartridge containing toner; a film cartridge having a supply reel around which the film having the viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film; a housing having a first opening for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge and a second opening for attaching and detaching the film cartridge; 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the first opening and the second opening each face upward.

11. a toner cartridge containing toner; a film cartridge having a supply reel around which the film having the viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film; a housing having a first opening for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge and a second opening for attaching and detaching the film cartridge; 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the first opening and the second opening are oriented in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

12. a toner cartridge containing toner; a film cartridge having a supply reel around which the film having the viscoelastic layer is wound, and a take-up reel that takes up the film; a housing having a first opening for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge and a second opening for attaching and detaching the film cartridge; 2. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the first opening and the second opening face in different directions.

13. the housing includes a first housing that houses the first rotating body, and a second housing that is separate from the first housing and houses the second rotating body, the first opening is formed in the first housing; 13. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 10, wherein the second opening is formed in the second housing.

14. 10. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing having a side surface; and an operation panel disposed on the side surface.

Images