Transfer printing sheet forming apparatus

Abstract

To enable a user to perform image formation and layer transfer without moving a sheet from an image forming apparatus to a layer transfer apparatus.SOLUTION: The transfer printing sheet creation device 1 includes the exposure device 105 that exposes the photosensitive drum 161, the first rotating body (the first heating roller 181) that fixes the printing layer to the sheet S, the supply reel 231 around which the film PF having the viscoelastic layer is wound, the take-up reel 235 that takes up the film PF, the second rotating body (the second heating roller 260) that transfers the viscoelastic layer onto the printing layer of the sheet S, the pressure receiving portion (the first spacer 511), and the leg portion (the first side frame 521). The pressure receiving portion is located above the exposure device 105 and receives a load from the supply reel 231, the take-up reel 235, and the second rotating body. The leg portion extends downward from the pressure receiving portion, passes outside the exposure device 105 in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and extends to a lower end of the apparatus 1.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, 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] When creating a transfer printing sheet, a printing layer is formed on a sheet using an image forming device, and then the sheet with the printed layer formed thereon is moved by the user to a layer transfer device, which is time-consuming for the user to move the sheet from the image forming device to the layer transfer device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a transfer print sheet producing device that allows a user to perform image formation and layer transfer without having to move the sheet from the image forming device to the layer transfer device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the transfer printing sheet producing device of the present disclosure is a device for producing a transfer printing sheet. The transfer printing sheet is a sheet in which a sheet, a printing layer, and a viscoelastic layer are laminated in this order. The transfer printing sheet is a sheet for transferring the printing layer to an object via the viscoelastic layer. The transfer printing sheet producing device includes an exposure device, a first rotating body, a supply reel, a take-up reel, a second rotating body, a pressure receiving portion, and a leg portion. The exposure device exposes the photosensitive drum. The first rotating body is a member for fixing the print layer onto the sheet. A film having a viscoelastic layer is wound around the supply reel. The take-up reel takes up the film. The second rotating body transfers the sheet on which the print layer has been formed by the first rotating body and the film in a superimposed state, thereby transferring the viscoelastic layer onto the print layer. The pressure receiving section is located above the exposure device and receives the load from the supply reel, the take-up reel, and the second rotating body. The legs extend downward from the pressure receiving portion, pass outside the exposure device in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and extend to the lower end of the transfer printing sheet producing device.

[0007] By configuring the transfer printing sheet production device to include an exposure device, a first rotating body, a supply reel, a take-up reel, and a second rotating body, image formation and layer transfer can be performed without the user having to move the sheet from the image forming device to the layer transfer device. Also, by configuring the pressure-receiving unit located above the exposure device to receive the load from the supply reel, take-up reel, and second rotating body, and the legs extending downward from the pressure-receiving unit to extend to the lower end of the transfer printing sheet production device, passing outside the exposure device in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, the load from the supply reel, take-up reel, and second rotating body is not transmitted to the exposure device, so deformation of the exposure device can be suppressed.

[0008] The transfer printing sheet creation device may also include a first housing that houses the exposure device and the first rotating body, and a second housing that houses the supply reel, the take-up reel, and the second rotating body, the second housing being positioned above the first housing. The pressure receiving portion may be located between the first housing and the second housing, and may support the second housing so that a gap is created between the portion of the top surface of the first housing that overlaps with the exposure device when viewed from the top-bottom direction and the second housing.

[0009] The second housing may have a sheet discharge outlet, and the pressure-receiving portion may have a first portion that supports one end of the second housing in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and a second portion that supports the other end of the second housing in the axial direction, the second portion being located at a distance in the axial direction from the first portion, and the space between the first portion and the second portion may be located below the discharge outlet.

[0010] The second housing may have a positioning portion for positioning the second housing relative to the first housing in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. The positioning portion may protrude downward and be inserted into the first housing.

[0011] The positioning portion may also be in the shape of a fork extending downward and having a recess at the lower end. The first housing may have a convex rib that fits into the recess and restricts the positioning portion from moving in a predetermined direction.

[0012] The positioning portions may be located on one side and the other side of the second housing in the axial direction.

[0013] The transfer printing sheet creation device may also include a first control board located within the first housing, a second control board located within the second housing, and a connector connecting the first control board and the second control board. The first control board, the second control board and the connector may be located on the same side in the axial direction of the transfer printing sheet producing device.

[0014] By configuring the first control board, the second control board, and the connector to be located on the same axial side of the transfer printing sheet creation device, the harness connecting the first control board and the connector and the harness connecting the connector and the second control board can be shortened.

[0015] Furthermore, the positioning portion located on the same side as the connector in the axial direction may position the second housing relative to the first housing in the axial direction.

[0016] By configuring the positioning portion located on the same side as the connector to position the second housing in the axial direction, the connector of the first housing and the connector of the second housing can be connected with high precision.

[0017] The first housing may also include a bracket that axially sandwiches the positioning portion located on the same side as the connector, thereby restricting axial movement of the positioning portion.

[0018] The transfer print sheet producing device may also include a gear that transmits a driving force to the second rotating body. The connector may be located on one side of the transfer printing sheet producing device in the axial direction, and the gear may be located on the other side of the transfer printing sheet producing device.

[0019] The transfer printing sheet creation device may also include a first power supply board that supplies electricity to a first heater that heats the first rotating body, and a second power supply board that supplies electricity to a second heater that heats the second rotating body. The transfer printing sheet producing device may have one end and the other end in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the first power supply board and the second power supply board may be located on the one end side of the transfer printing sheet producing device.

[0020] By configuring the first control board and the second control board to be both located on one end side of the transfer print sheet producing device, the harness connecting the first control board and the second control board can be shortened.

[0021] The pressure receiving portion may be positioned above the first housing at a distance, and the leg portion may be positioned above the first housing at a distance in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0022] By configuring the pressure receiving portion and the leg portion to be spaced apart from the first housing, it is possible to prevent the first housing from being deformed by the loads from the supply reel, the take-up reel, and the second rotating body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] Image formation and layer transfer can be performed without the user having to move the sheet from the image forming device to the layer transfer device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a transfer print sheet producing device according to a first 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. 2 is a perspective view of the transfer printing sheet producing device as seen from the left side. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transfer printing sheet producing device as seen from the right side. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second drive mechanism. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. [Figure 9] 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 10] 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 11] (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 12] 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 13] (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 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the width of a viscoelastic layer of a transfer printing sheet. [Figure 15] 1 is a perspective view showing the transfer printing sheet producing apparatus with the cover of the layer transfer device and the front cover of the image forming device open. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a side view showing the transfer printing sheet producing apparatus with the cover of the layer transfer device and the front cover of the image forming device open. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the transfer printing sheet producing device with the first cover and second cover open. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a front view of the transfer printing sheet producing device; [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the pressure-receiving portion and the leg portion. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a metal fitting for positioning the second housing. [Figure 21] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing the relationship between the metal fittings of the second housing and the bracket of the first housing. [Figure 22] FIG. 10A shows a state in which the first metal fitting is positioned in the front-to-rear direction by the first bracket, and FIG. 10B shows a state in which the second metal fitting is positioned in the front-to-rear direction by the second bracket. [Figure 23] FIG. 1(a) shows a state in which the first metal fitting is positioned in the left-right direction by the first bracket, and FIG. 1(b) shows a state in which the second metal fitting is not positioned in the left-right direction by the second bracket. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a transfer printing sheet producing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a transfer printing sheet producing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 27]10 is a diagram showing a state in which the film cartridge overlaps only the pressure belt as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 28] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the film cartridge overlaps only the exposure device, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the second opening faces directly upward. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the first opening faces directly upward. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] [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 corresponds to a predetermined direction perpendicular to the top-bottom direction and the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0026] The transfer printing sheet creation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that creates the transfer printing sheet PS shown in FIG. 13(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. 13(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.

[0027] 12(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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 3, the sheet conveying section 210 includes upstream conveying rollers 211, downstream conveying rollers 212, and discharge rollers 213. 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 unit FU.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The film cartridge FC 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] As shown in Figure 11(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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] Also, the half-flow temperature of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is lower than the half-flow temperature of the toner. The half outflow temperature can 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 below 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1 further includes a first power supply board B1 that supplies electricity to the first heater H1, and a second power supply board B2 that supplies electricity to the second heater H2. 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.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 4, the transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1 further includes a control unit CU, a connector 310, and a first drive mechanism 320. The control unit CU has a first control board 110 and a second control board 280. The first control board 110 is located in the first housing 102. The second control board 280 is located in the second housing 202.

[0080] The first control board 110 is a device that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The first control board 110 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output units, etc., and performs various processes by executing programs prepared in advance. The first control board 110 is capable of executing a printing process that forms an image on a sheet S.

[0081] The second control board 280 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output circuits, etc., and controls the layer transfer device 200 by performing various arithmetic processing based on programs and data stored in the ROM, etc.

[0082] Connector 310 is a member for connecting first control board 110 and second control board 280. Connecting first control board 110 and second control board 280 via connector 310 enables data to be exchanged between first control board 110 and second control board 280.

[0083] The transfer printing sheet production device 1 has one end 1L and the other end 1R in the left-right direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The first control board 110, the second control board 280, and the connector 310 are arranged on the one end 1L side of the transfer printing sheet production device 1, more specifically, on the left end side. In other words, the first control board 110, the second control board 280, and the connector 310 are located on the same side in the axial direction of the transfer printing sheet production device 1.

[0084] 5, the connector 310 has a first connector 311 provided in the first housing 102 and a second connector 312 provided in the second housing 202. The first connector 311 is connected to the first control board 110 by a harness.

[0085] The second connector 312 is a so-called floating connector. The second connector 312 has a first member 313 connectable to the first connector 311, and a second member 314 supporting the first member 313 so that the first member 313 can move back and forth and left and right.

[0086] Returning to FIG. 4 , the first drive mechanism 320 is a mechanism that transmits the driving force of a motor (not shown) to the supply unit 103 and the image forming unit 104. The first drive mechanism 320 has multiple gears, including a first gear G1 that transmits the driving force to the first heating roller 181. The first gear G1 is located on one side of the transfer printing sheet creation apparatus 1 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the first gear G1 is located on the left end side of the transfer printing sheet creation apparatus 1.

[0087] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the transfer printing sheet production apparatus 1 further includes a second drive mechanism 330. The second drive mechanism 330 is a mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor M1 shown in Figure 7 to the sheet conveying section 210, the film supply section 230, and the transfer section 250. The second drive mechanism 330 has multiple gears, including a second gear G2 that transmits the driving force to the second heating roller 260. The second gear G2 is located on the other side of the transfer printing sheet production apparatus 1 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the second gear G2 is located on the right end side of the transfer printing sheet production apparatus 1.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The control unit CU constantly and repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 8, 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.

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CU will be described. As shown in Fig. 9(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. 9(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.

[0108] 10(a), when the sheet S is temporarily stopped and 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 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] When the sheet S is sent to the transfer unit 250, as shown in Fig. 11(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.

[0111] Then, after the overlapping sheet S and film PF pass through transfer section 350, the film PF is guided by guide shaft HA in a direction away from sheet S, and as shown in Figure 11(c), the film PF is peeled off from sheet S. When the film PF is peeled off from sheet S, the toner image T and viscoelastic layer PF3 remain on sheet S, and the viscoelastic layer PF3 corresponding to the portion where the toner image T is not formed remains on the film PF. In this way, the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred to the toner image T on sheet S, and a transfer printing sheet PS is created.

[0112] 12(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.

[0113] 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 12(b).

[0114] An example of a transfer printing sheet PS is shown in Figure 13(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.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 13(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. 13(c), the toner image T is adhered to the fabric CL via the viscoelastic layer PF3.

[0116] Next, the size of the width WP in the axial direction of the viscoelastic layer PF3 of the transfer printing sheet PS will be described with reference to FIG. 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 smaller 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 maximum image forming width WG (the toner image T formed to the maximum width) is located within the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3.

[0117] 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 smaller than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3. In the axial direction, the maximum exposure width WD3 (the exposed portion on the photosensitive drum 161 exposed at the maximum exposure width WD) is located within the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3.

[0118] 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 distance from one end to the other end of the second component in the axial direction.

[0119] In the axial direction, the width WS of the outer peripheral surface 164A of the supply roller 164 is smaller than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3. In the axial direction, the outer peripheral surface 164A of the supply roller 164 is located within the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 15 and 16, the first housing 102 has a first opening 102A for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 130, and a third opening 102B through which the supply tray 131 can pass. The supply tray 131 can be attached to and detached from the first housing 102 through the third opening 102B.

[0126] The first opening 102A allows the drum unit 120, which has the toner cartridge 130 attached thereto, to pass through. The first opening 102A faces forward, which is an example of a first direction that is perpendicular to the up-down direction. The first opening 102A is opened and closed by a front cover CV.

[0127] The third opening 102B faces forward and is located below the first opening 102A.

[0128] The second housing 202 includes a base portion 221 and a cover 222 .

[0129] The base portion 221 has a second opening 221A at its top. The second opening 221A is an opening for attaching and detaching a film unit FU (described later) to the base portion 221. The second opening 221A faces diagonally upward and forward. In other words, the second opening 221A faces both forward and upward.

[0130] The cover 222 is a member for opening and closing the second opening 221A. The cover 222 is rotatable between a closed position where the second opening 221A is closed and an open position where the second opening 221A is opened. The pressure roller 251 is rotatably supported by the cover 222 at both ends.

[0131] 17, the housing 10 of the transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1 has an exposure opening 10A. The exposure opening 10A is an opening that exposes the transport path R of the sheet S between the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260. The exposure opening 10A faces rearward.

[0132] Specifically, the first housing 102 has a lower portion of the exposure opening 10A, and the second housing 202 has an upper portion of the exposure opening 10A.

[0133] The transfer printing sheet producing apparatus 1 further includes a first cover 410 and a second cover 420. The first cover 410 and the second cover 420 are located on the rear end side of the transfer printing sheet producing apparatus 1.

[0134] The first cover 410 opens and closes the lower part of the exposure opening 10 A. The first cover 410 is supported by the first housing 102 so as to be rotatable.

[0135] The second cover 420 is located on top of the first cover 410. The second cover 420 opens and closes the upper part of the exposure opening 10A. The second cover 420 is supported by the second housing 202 so as to be rotatable.

[0136] 1, the first cover 410 is rotatable about a first axis X1, and in the closed state, the first cover 410 extends upward from the first axis X1.

[0137] The second cover 420 is rotatable about the second axis X2. In the closed state, the second cover 420 extends downward from the second axis X2. The tip of the first cover 410 farthest from the first axis X1 and the tip of the second cover 420 farthest from the second axis X2 face each other.

[0138] The second shaft X2 is located between the second heating roller 260 and the first shaft X1 in the front-rear direction. The transport path R from the first heating roller 181 to the second heating roller 260 is curved in an arc that convexly curves backward. The first heating roller 181 is located inside the transport path R, and the first axis X1 is located outside the transport path R. The second heating roller 260 is located inside the transport path R, and the second axis X2 is located outside the transport path R.

[0139] In the front-rear direction, the outer surface 421 of the second cover 420 is flush with the outer surface 411 of the first cover 410. Note that the outer surface 421 of the second cover 420 may be closer to the second heating roller 260 than the outer surface 411 of the first cover 410 in the front-rear direction.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 9(b), the seat S in a state stopped by the stop processing by the control unit CU overlaps both the first cover 410 and the second cover 420 when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 18, the length L11 of the first housing 102 is greater than the length L12 of the second housing 202 in the axial direction.

[0142] As shown in Figure 19, the transfer printing sheet creation apparatus 1 further includes a first spacer 511 as an example of a first portion of the pressure receiving portion, a second spacer 512 as an example of a second portion of the pressure receiving portion, and a first side frame 521 and a second side frame 522 as examples of leg portions.

[0143] The first spacer 511 and the second spacer 512 are rectangular block-shaped members that receive a load from the layer transfer device 200 (see also FIG. 4). The first spacer 511 and the second spacer 512 receive the load from the supply reel 231, the take-up reel 235, and the second heating roller 260 via the second housing 202.

[0144] The first spacer 511 and the second spacer 512 are positioned above the exposure device 105. More specifically, the first spacer 511 and the second spacer 512 are positioned between the first housing 102 and the second housing 202. The first spacer 511 and the second spacer 512 are sandwiched between the first housing 102 and the second housing 202. The first spacer 511 and the second spacer 512 support the second housing 202 so that a gap is formed between the second housing 202 and a portion F11 of the top surface F1 of the first housing 102 that overlaps with the exposure device 105 when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

[0145] The first spacer 511 supports one end of the second housing 202 in the axial direction. The second spacer 512 supports the other axial end of the second housing 202. The second spacer 512 is positioned at an axial distance from the first spacer 511. As shown in FIG. 1 , the space between the first spacer 511 and the second spacer 512 is positioned below the outlet 203.

[0146] Returning to FIG. 19, the first housing 102 has a first side frame 521, a second side frame 522, a first side panel 531, a second side panel 532, and an upper panel 540.

[0147] The first side frame 521 supports one left-right end of the exposure device 105. The first side frame 521 extends downward from a position below the first spacer 511, passes outside the exposure device 105 in the left-right direction, more specifically on the left side, and extends to the lower end of the transfer printing sheet production apparatus 1.

[0148] The second side frame 522 supports the other left-right end of the exposure device 105. The second side frame 522 extends downward from a position below the second spacer 512, passes outside the exposure device 105 in the left-right direction, more specifically on the right side, and extends to the lower end of the transfer printing sheet production apparatus 1.

[0149] The first side panel 531 covers the outer side surfaces in the left-right direction and the top surface of the first side frame 521. The second side panel 532 covers the outer side surfaces in the left-right direction and the top surface of the second side frame 522.

[0150] The upper panel 540 is positioned above the exposure device 105 with a gap therebetween. The left end of the upper panel 540 and a portion of the first side panel 531 are sandwiched between the first spacer 511 and the first side frame 521 in the vertical direction. The right end of the upper panel 540 and a portion of the second side panel 532 are sandwiched between the second spacer 512 and the second side frame 522 in the vertical direction.

[0151] Here, a part of the first side panel 531 and a part of the upper panel 240 sandwiched between the first spacer 511 and the first side frame 521 can be seen as, for example, a pressure-receiving portion. In this case, the first side frame 521 extends downward from the pressure-receiving portion.

[0152] Furthermore, a part of the first side panel 531 and a part of the upper panel 540 that are sandwiched between the first spacer 511 and the first side frame 521 can be seen as, for example, a leg portion. In this case, the leg portion extends downward from the first spacer 511 that serves as a pressure-receiving portion.

[0153] As shown in Fig. 20, second housing 202 further has a first metal fitting 610 and a second metal fitting 620 as positioning parts. Note that Fig. 20 shows a portion of the rear side of second housing 202.

[0154] The first metal fitting 610 and the second metal fitting 620 are plate-shaped metal fittings having surfaces that are perpendicular to the left-right direction. The first metal fitting 610 and the second metal fitting 620 function to position the second housing 202 relative to the first housing 102 in the front-rear direction. The first metal fitting 610 is located on one side of the second housing 202 in the axial direction, specifically the left side. The second metal fitting 620 is located on the other side of the second housing 202 in the axial direction, specifically the right side.

[0155] First metal fitting 610 and second metal fitting 620 each protrude downward and can be inserted into first housing 102. First metal fitting 610 and second metal fitting 620 each have a fork shape that extends downward and have recesses 611, 621 at their lower ends.

[0156] 21(a), the first housing 102 further includes a first bracket 630 as an example of a bracket, and a second bracket 640. The first bracket 630 is located on one side of the first housing 102 in the axial direction, specifically the left side. The second bracket 640 is located on the other side of the first housing 102 in the axial direction, specifically the right side.

[0157] The first bracket 630 has a first wall 631 , a second wall 632 , and a rib 633 . The first wall 631 is a plate-like wall having a surface perpendicular to the up-down direction. The first wall 631 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The second wall 632 extends downward from the inner edge of the first wall 631 in the left-right direction.

[0158] The first bracket 630 has a hole 634 formed across the first wall 631 and the second wall 632. The first metal fitting 610 can be inserted into the hole 634 from above (see FIG. 21(b)). The first wall 631 has a surface 634A that forms the outer edge of the hole 634 in the left-right direction.

[0159] The rib 633 is convex and protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the center in the front-rear direction of the lower end of the second wall 632. As shown in Figure 21(b), when the first fitting 610 is inserted into the hole 634 of the first bracket 630, the rib 633 fits into the recess 611 of the first fitting 610.

[0160] 22(a), when the first fitting 610 is inserted into the hole 634 of the first bracket 630, the rib 633 enters the recess 611 of the first fitting 610, and the front-to-rear edge of the hole 634 comes into contact with the first fitting 610. As a result, the rib 633 and hole 634 of the first bracket 630 restrict movement of the first fitting 610 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 21, the second bracket 640 has a structure substantially similar to that of the first bracket 630, and restricts the movement of the second metal fitting 620 in the front-rear direction.

[0162] In detail, the second bracket 640 has a first wall 641 , a second wall 642 , and a rib 643 . The first wall 641 is a plate-like wall having a surface perpendicular to the up-down direction. The first wall 641 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The second wall 642 extends downward from the inner edge of the first wall 641 in the left-right direction.

[0163] The second bracket 640 has a hole 644 formed across the first wall 641 and the second wall 642. The second metal fitting 620 can be inserted into the hole 644 from above (see FIG. 21(b)). The first wall 641 has a surface 644A that forms the outer edge of the hole 644 in the left-right direction.

[0164] The rib 643 is convex and protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the center in the front-rear direction of the lower end of the second wall 642. As shown in Figure 21 (b), when the second fitting 620 is inserted into the hole 644 of the second bracket 640, the rib 643 fits into the recess 621 of the second fitting 620.

[0165] 22(b), when second fitting 620 is inserted into hole 644 of second bracket 640, rib 643 enters recess 621 of second fitting 620, and the front-to-rear edge of hole 644 comes into contact with second fitting 620. As a result, rib 643 and hole 644 of second bracket 640 restrict movement of second fitting 620 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0166] The first metal fitting 610 is located on the same side as the connector 310 (see FIG. 4) in the left-right direction. In other words, the first metal fitting 610 and the connector 310 are both located on the left end side of the transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1.

[0167] 23(a), the first metal fitting 610 also has the function of positioning the second housing 202 in the left-right direction relative to the first housing 102. Specifically, the first bracket 630 clamps the first metal fitting 610 in the left-right direction between a surface 634A of the first wall 631 and the second wall 632, thereby restricting movement of the first metal fitting 610 in the left-right direction.

[0168] 23(b), second bracket 640 does not position second fitting 620 in the left-right direction. Specifically, surface 644A of first wall 641 of second bracket 640 is spaced apart from second fitting 620. Second wall 642 of second bracket 640 is spaced apart from second fitting 620.

[0169] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the transfer print sheet producing device 1 to have the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260, image formation and layer transfer can be performed without the user having to move the sheet from the image forming device to the layer transfer device.

[0170] By configuring the control unit CU to control the first heating roller 181 and the second heating roller 260, the operation of fixing the toner image T to the sheet S using the first heating roller 181 and the operation of transferring the viscoelastic layer PF3 onto the toner image T using the second heating roller 260 can be performed consecutively.

[0171] By configuring the time T2 during which the sheet S is temporarily stopped in the stopping process to be shorter than the time T1 it takes for the sheet S from its leading edge to its trailing edge to pass over the first heating roller 181, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the sheet S from dropping while it is temporarily stopped, and it is possible to heat the sheet S with less energy during layer transfer by the second heating roller 260. In addition, since the efficiency of heating the viscoelastic layer PF3 is high, the viscoelastic layer PF3 can be easily transferred to the toner image T.

[0172] By configuring the temperature of the sheet S conveyed toward the second heating roller 260 to be higher than the temperature of the sheet S conveyed toward the first heating roller 181, the sheet S at a higher temperature is supplied to the second heating roller 260, so that the sheet S can be heated with less energy during layer transfer by the second heating roller 260. In addition, since the efficiency of heating the viscoelastic layer PF3 is high, the viscoelastic layer PF3 can be easily transferred to the toner image T.

[0173] By configuring the sheet S to always be in contact with at least one of the first heating roller 181, intermediate conveying rollers MR1, MR2, and second heating roller 260 while the sheet S is being transported from the first heating roller 181 to the second heating roller 260, the sheet S is supported by at least one of the first heating roller 181, intermediate conveying rollers MR1, MR2, and second heating roller 260 on the transport path R from the first heating roller 181 to the second heating roller 260, so that the sheet S can be transported stably.

[0174] By configuring the length of the conveying path R from the first heating roller 181 to the second heating roller 260 to be longer than the length of the sheet S, it is possible to change the conveying speed of the sheet S within the conveying path R when the conveying speed of the sheet S at the first heating roller 181 is different from the conveying speed of the sheet S at the second heating roller 260, as in this embodiment.

[0175] By configuring the rotational speed of the first intermediate conveying roller MR1 to be changed after the rear end of the first sheet passes the first heating roller 181 and before the front end of the first sheet contacts the second heating roller 260, the conveying speed of the sheet S at the first heating roller 181 can be set to a speed suitable for fixing, and the conveying speed of the sheet S at the second heating roller 260 can be set to a speed suitable for transferring the viscoelastic layer PF3.

[0176] By configuring the sheet S to stop before changing the conveying speed of the sheet S from the third conveying speed to the fourth conveying speed, even if the first conveying speed and the second conveying speed are significantly different, the conveying speed can be changed without making the conveying path R from the first heating roller 181 to the second heating roller 260 longer than necessary.

[0177] Since the first control board 110 and the second control board 280 are both arranged on one end side of the transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1, the harness connecting the first control board 110 and the second control board 280 can be made short.

[0178] By adopting a configuration including a first power supply board B1 that supplies electricity to the first heater H1 and a second power supply board B2 that supplies electricity to the second heater H2, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the power supply compared to, for example, a configuration including one power supply board that supplies electricity to both the first heater H1 and the second heater H2. Also, for example, in a configuration using one power supply board, when electricity is supplied to both the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 simultaneously, there is a risk that the electrical output to one of the heaters will be insufficient. However, with a configuration including two power supply boards, the first power supply board B1 and the second power supply board B2, it is possible to prevent this insufficient output.

[0179] By making the heat capacity of the second heating roller 260 larger than that of the first heating roller 181, the second heating roller 260 can be heated while the second heating roller 260 is stopped, and a large amount of heat can be accumulated in the second heating roller 260. Therefore, when the second heating roller 260 is heated to a temperature suitable for layer transfer, unnecessary transport of the film PF by the rotating second heating roller 260 can be suppressed.

[0180] By configuring the film cartridge FC to overlap at least one of the photosensitive drum 161, the exposure device 105, and the first heating roller 181 when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the transfer printing sheet creation device 1 can be made smaller in the direction perpendicular to the top-bottom direction, compared to a configuration in which the film cartridge FC does not overlap any of the photosensitive drum 161, the exposure device 105, and the first heating roller 181 when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

[0181] By configuring both the first opening 102A and the second opening 221A to face forward, the toner cartridge 130 and the film cartridge FC can be attached and detached from the front side of the transfer printing sheet producing device 1.

[0182] By configuring the third opening 102B to face forward, the toner cartridge 130, film cartridge FC, and supply tray 131 can be attached and detached from the front side of the transfer printing sheet producing device 1.

[0183] By configuring the first cover 410 in the closed state to extend upward from the first axis X1 and the second cover 420 in the closed state to extend downward from the second axis X2, the first cover 410 and the second cover 420 have a so-called double door structure, so that when both the first cover 410 and the second cover 420 are open, the entire exposure opening 10A can be exposed, and sheets S jammed in the conveying path R can be easily removed.

[0184] When the sheet S is stopped by the process of stopping the sheet S, it is configured to overlap both the first cover 410 and the second cover 420 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the up-down direction of the first heating roller 181. Therefore, if an error occurs during the process of stopping the sheet S, the sheet S can be easily removed by opening at least one of the first cover 410 and the second cover 420.

[0185] Since the maximum image forming width WG is smaller than the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3, the viscoelastic layer PF3 can be transferred from one end of the toner image T to the other end in the axial direction.

[0186] By making the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 smaller than the width WD1 of the photosensitive drum 161, the amount of the viscoelastic layer PF3 that extends beyond the toner image T can be reduced compared to, for example, a configuration in which the width WP of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is larger than the width WD1 of the photosensitive drum 161, thereby enabling costs to be reduced.

[0187] By configuring the first gear G1 to be located on one side of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1 in the axial direction and the second gear G2 to be located on the other side of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1, it is possible to prevent the weight balance of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1 from becoming poor in the axial direction, compared to a configuration in which, for example, the first gear G1 and the second gear G2 are both located on one side of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1.

[0188] By configuring the second control board 280 to be located on one side of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1 in the axial direction and the second gear G2 to be located on the other side of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1, it is possible to prevent the weight balance of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1 in the axial direction from becoming poor.

[0189] The pressure-receiving section located above the exposure device 105 receives the load from the supply reel 231, the take-up reel 235 and the second heating roller 260, and the legs extending downward from the pressure-receiving section extend further outward in the left-right direction than the exposure device 105 to the lower end of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1. This prevents the load from the supply reel 231, the take-up reel 235 and the second heating roller 260 from being transmitted to the exposure device 105, thereby suppressing deformation of the exposure device 105.

[0190] By configuring the first control board 110, the second control board 280, and the connector 310 to be located on the same side in the axial direction of the transfer printing sheet creation device 1, the harness connecting the first control board 110 and the connector 310 and the harness connecting the connector 310 and the second control board 280 can be shortened.

[0191] By configuring the first metal fitting 610, which is located on the same side as the connector 310, to position the second housing 202 in the axial direction, the first connector 311 of the first housing 102 and the second connector 312 of the second housing 202 can be connected with high precision.

[0192] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that since this embodiment is a modification of the structure of the pressure-receiving portion and the leg portion of the first embodiment, components that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0193] As shown in Figure 24, the transfer print sheet creation device 2 according to the second embodiment includes a first housing 102 and a second housing 202 that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and also includes a table 700 that is not included in the first embodiment. The table 700 has a top plate 710 as an example of a pressure receiving portion, and four legs 720 as an example of a leg portion.

[0194] The top plate 710 supports the layer transfer apparatus 200 from below. The top plate 710 receives a load from the layer transfer apparatus 200. The top plate 710 is positioned above and spaced apart from the first housing 102 (see also FIG. 26). In the left-right direction, the length of the top plate 710 is greater than the length of the first housing 102.

[0195] The legs 720 extend downward from the top panel 710, passing outside the image forming apparatus 100 in the left-right direction, and extending to the lower end of the transfer printing sheet production apparatus 2. The four legs 720 extend downward from the four corners of the rectangular top panel 710, respectively.

[0196] Two of the four legs 720 are located on the left side of the first housing 102, and the remaining two legs 720 are located on the right side of the first housing 102. Each leg 720 is located at a distance from the first housing 102 in the left-right direction (see also FIG. 26).

[0197] 25, the top plate 710 has a recess 730 at its front end. In other words, the top plate 710 has a first portion 711, a second portion 712, and a base portion 713.

[0198] The base portion 713 is a plate-like portion that is long in the left-right direction. The first part 711 extends forward from the left end of the base part 713. The first part 711 supports the left end of the second housing 202 (see also FIG. 24).

[0199] The second part 712 extends forward from the right end of the base part 713. The second part 712 is located at a distance from the first part 711 in the left-right direction. The second part 712 supports the right end of the second housing 202. As shown in FIG. 26 , the space between the first part 711 and the second part 712 is located below the outlet 203 of the second housing 202.

[0200] In the second embodiment, the layer transfer device 200 is supported by the table 700 that is disposed at a distance from the first housing 102, so that deformation of the first housing 102 due to the load from the layer transfer device 200 can be suppressed.

[0201] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below. In the following description, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0202] The first rotating body may be a pressure belt 182 A. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when a pressure roller is provided instead of the first pressure member 182, the first rotating body may be a pressure roller.

[0203] The second rotating body may be a pressure roller 251. In addition, in the first embodiment, 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 a pressure belt.

[0204] 27, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the film cartridge FC may overlap only with the pressure belt 182A, which is an example of a first rotating body. In other words, when the film cartridge FC is projected from the top-bottom direction, the area AF corresponding to the shadow of the film cartridge FC may overlap only with the pressure belt 182A.

[0205] 28, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the film cartridge FC may overlap only with the exposure device 105. In other words, when the film cartridge FC is projected from the top-bottom direction, the area AF corresponding to the shadow of the film cartridge FC may overlap only with the exposure device 105.

[0206] 29, second opening 221A, which is located above first opening 102A, may face upward, specifically, directly upward. In this case, first opening 102A and third opening 102B may both face forward.

[0207] 30, the film cartridge FC may be located below the supply tray 131. In this case, the toner cartridge 810 may be located above the supply tray 131.

[0208] Specifically, in this embodiment, the transfer print sheet producing device 3 comprises a first housing 802, a second housing 902 that can be drawn out from the first housing 802, and a top cover 805.

[0209] The first housing 802 houses a supply tray 131, a belt unit 107, and a fixing device 108 that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, as well as a toner cartridge 810, an exposure device 820, and a second housing 902 that are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0210] The first housing 802 has a first opening 802A, a second opening 802B, and a third opening 802C. The first opening 802A is an opening for installing and removing the toner cartridge 810. The first opening 802A is located on the top surface of the first housing 802. The first opening 802A faces directly upward. The top cover 805 opens and closes the first opening 802A.

[0211] The toner cartridge 810 includes a photosensitive drum 161, a developing roller 163, and a supply roller 164. The toner cartridge 810 is detachable from the first housing 802 through the first opening 802A.

[0212] The exposure devices 820 have LEDs. Four exposure devices 820 are provided corresponding to the four toner cartridges 810. The exposure devices 820 are supported by the top cover 805.

[0213] The second opening 802B is an opening for inserting and removing the film cartridge FC. The second opening 802B is located at the bottom of the front surface of the first housing 802. The second opening 802B faces forward.

[0214] Second housing 902 can pass through second opening 802B and can be pulled out forward from first housing 802. Second housing 902 includes a base 921 that supports film cartridge FC and second heating roller 260, and a cover 922 that supports pressure roller 251.

[0215] Base portion 921 has an opening on its top surface that is opened and closed by cover 922. Film cartridge FC is detachable from base portion 921. After pulling second housing 902 out of first housing 802, the user can open cover 922 to replace the film cartridge FC.

[0216] The third opening 802C is an opening through which the supply tray 131 can pass. The third opening 802C is located between the first opening 802A and the second opening 802B in the vertical direction. The third opening 802C is located on the front surface of the first housing 802. The third opening 802C faces forward. In other words, the third opening 802C faces in the direction in which the second opening 802B, which is below the first opening 802A, faces.

[0217] In this configuration, the second opening 802B and the third opening 802C face in the same direction, so that the film cartridge FC and the supply tray 131 can be attached and detached from the same side of the transfer print sheet producing apparatus 1.

[0218] The control unit may be made up of a single control board that controls the first rotating body and the second rotating body. The printed layer may be, for example, ink.

[0219] 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.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] The film cartridge may be directly attachable to and detachable from the second housing.

[0224] The first control board and the second control board may be disposed on the rear side, left side, or right side of the transfer printing sheet producing device. The first direction is not limited to forward, but may also be backward, left, or right.

[0225] When viewed from above and below, the film cartridge may overlap all of the photosensitive drum, the exposure device, and the first rotating body.

[0226] The positioning portion may be formed integrally with the second housing, for example.

[0227] The first power supply board and the second power supply board may be located on the front end side of the transfer printing sheet producing device. The legs may pass outside the exposure device in the front-to-rear direction.

[0228] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0229] 1 Transfer printing sheet creation device 105 Exposure equipment 161 Photosensitive drum 181 First heating roller 231 Supply Reel 235 Take-up reel 260 Second heating roller 511 First spacer 512 Second spacer 521 First side frame 522 Second side frame PF film PF3 viscoelastic layer PS transfer printing sheet S seat T Toner image

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 the transfer printing sheet is used to transfer the printing layer to an object via the viscoelastic layer, an exposure device that exposes a photosensitive drum; a first rotating body for fixing the printing layer to the sheet; a supply reel on which the film having the viscoelastic layer is wound; a take-up reel that takes up the film; a second rotating body that transfers the viscoelastic layer onto the printing layer by transporting the sheet on which the printing layer is formed and the film in a superimposed state by the first rotating body; a pressure receiving section located above the exposure device and receiving a load from the supply reel, the take-up reel, and the second rotating body; A transfer printing sheet creation device characterized by having a leg portion extending downward from the pressure-receiving portion, passing outside the exposure device in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and extending to the lower end of the transfer printing sheet creation device.

2. a first housing that houses the exposure device and the first rotating body; a second housing that houses the supply reel, the take-up reel, and the second rotating body, and is located above the first housing; The pressure receiving portion is A transfer printing sheet creation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is located between the first housing and the second housing and supports the second housing so that there is a gap between the portion of the top surface of the first housing that overlaps with the exposure device when viewed from the top and bottom and the second housing.

3. the second housing has a sheet discharge port, The pressure receiving portion is a first portion supporting one end of the second housing in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum; a second portion that supports the other end of the second housing in the axial direction and is located at a distance from the first portion in the axial direction; 3. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 2, wherein the space between the first portion and the second portion is located below the discharge port.

4. The transfer printing sheet creation device described in claim 2, characterized in that the second housing has a positioning portion for positioning the second housing relative to the first housing in the vertical direction and in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the positioning portion protruding downward and being inserted into the first housing.

5. The positioning portion is fork-shaped and extends downward, and has a recess at its lower end. The transfer printing sheet creation device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first housing has a convex rib that fits into the recess and restricts movement of the positioning portion in the predetermined direction.

6. 5. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 4, wherein the positioning portions are located on one side and the other side of the second housing in the axial direction.

7. a first control board located within the first housing; a second control board located within the second housing; a connector that connects the first control board and the second control board, 7. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 6, wherein the first control board, the second control board, and the connector are located on the same side of the transfer printing sheet producing device in the axial direction.

8. The transfer print sheet producing device according to claim 7 , wherein the positioning portion, which is located on the same side as the connector in the axial direction, positions the second housing relative to the first housing in the axial direction.

9. The transfer printing sheet creation device described in claim 8, characterized in that the first housing is provided with a bracket that clamps the positioning portion, which is located on the same side as the connector, in the axial direction, thereby restricting the positioning portion from moving in the axial direction.

10. a gear that transmits a driving force to the second rotor; 8. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 7, wherein the connector is located on one side of the transfer printing sheet producing device in the axial direction, and the gear is located on the other side of the transfer printing sheet producing device.

11. a first power supply substrate that supplies electricity to a first heater that heats the first rotating body; a second power supply substrate that supplies electricity to a second heater that heats the second rotating body, The transfer printing sheet producing device has one end and the other end in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, 2. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 1, wherein the first power supply board and the second power supply board are located on the one end side of the transfer printing sheet producing device.

12. the pressure-receiving portion is located above the first housing with a space therebetween; 3. The transfer printing sheet producing device according to claim 2, wherein the leg portion is positioned at a distance from the first housing in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

Images