Transfer printing sheet creation device

Abstract

Smoothly load multiple sheets into the discharge tray. [Solution] The transfer printing sheet creation apparatus 1 comprises a transfer unit 250, a discharge tray 310, and a discharge guide 320. The transfer unit 250 transfers the viscoelastic layer onto the printed layer by transporting a sheet S in which a film having a viscoelastic layer and a printed layer are formed in a stacked state. The discharge tray 310 has a first inclined surface 311 on which the sheets S discharged from the transfer unit 250 are stacked. The discharge guide 320 has a second inclined surface 321 that guides the sheets S discharged from the transfer unit 250 toward the discharge tray 310. The first inclined surface 311 has a larger angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal direction than the second inclined surface 321 (θ1 > θ2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transfer printing sheet creating apparatus for creating a transfer printing sheet for transferring a printing layer to an object through a viscoelastic layer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a layer transfer apparatus that overlays, conveys, heats, and presses a second sheet having an adhesive layer onto a first sheet on which a printing layer is formed by an image forming apparatus, and thermally transfers the adhesive layer to the printing layer (see Patent Document 1). The sheet with the adhesive layer transferred to the printing layer can print the printing layer on a fabric such as a T-shirt, for example.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when creating a plurality of transfer printing sheets, it is desirable that a plurality of sheets can be stacked on the discharge tray. However, since the friction of the viscoelastic layer of the sheet with the viscoelastic layer transferred is large, it is difficult for the sheets to slide relative to each other. Therefore, in the process of stacking the sheets on the discharge tray, if the stacked sheets and the next sheet to be discharged adhere to each other, the sheets adhere to each other, and there is a problem that it is difficult to stack the plurality of sheets smoothly.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to smoothly stack a plurality of sheets on a discharge tray in a transfer printing sheet creating apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the transfer printing sheet creation apparatus of this disclosure creates a transfer printing sheet in which a sheet, a printing layer, and a viscoelastic layer are laminated in this order, and for transferring the printing layer to an object via the viscoelastic layer. The transfer printing sheet creation apparatus comprises a transfer unit, a discharge tray, and a discharge guide. The transfer unit transfers the viscoelastic layer onto the printed layer by transporting a sheet in which a film having a viscoelastic layer and a printed layer are formed in a stacked state. The discharge tray has a first inclined surface on which the sheets discharged from the transfer unit are stacked. The discharge guide has a second inclined surface that guides the sheet discharged from the transfer unit toward the discharge tray. The first inclined surface has a greater angle of inclination relative to the horizontal than the second inclined surface.

[0007] Since the discharge tray has a first inclined surface with a greater angle of inclination relative to the horizontal than the second inclined surface, even when multiple sheets with the viscoelastic layer transferred to them are discharged, the sheets do not stick together and can be smoothly loaded onto the discharge tray. In addition, the second inclined surface, which has a gentler angle of inclination, guides the sheets onto the discharge tray, preventing the discharged sheets S from being arranged haphazardly.

[0008] Furthermore, a connecting member may be provided to connect the discharge guide and the discharge tray such that the upper end of the first inclined surface is positioned lower than the lower end of the second inclined surface.

[0009] By providing a connecting member that connects the discharge guide and the discharge tray such that the upper end of the first inclined surface is lower than the lower end of the second inclined surface, a step is created between the first and second inclined surfaces. This step separates the sheets loaded on the discharge tray from the sheets sliding down the second inclined surface. As a result, the sheets sliding down the second inclined surface can move to the lower end of the discharge tray without adhering to the sheets loaded on the tray.

[0010] Furthermore, the lower end of the second inclined surface may protrude downstream in the direction of movement of the sheet guided by the second inclined surface, beyond at least a portion of the connecting member.

[0011] Because the lower end of the second inclined surface protrudes downstream from the connecting part in the direction of movement, the front end of the sheet can be easily separated from the sheet loaded on the discharge tray.

[0012] The discharge tray may also have a stopper that protrudes upward from the lower end of the first inclined surface and supports the lower end of the discharged sheet.

[0013] The discharge tray has a stopper, which allows the sheet to be held in the discharge tray.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting member may have a connecting portion that is rotatably connected to the discharge guide. The discharge tray may also be rotatable between a loading position on which the discharged sheets can be loaded and a rotating position rotated from the loading position.

[0015] The discharge tray is rotatable between a loading position where discharged sheets can be loaded and a rotational position, allowing the discharge tray to be positioned in the rotational position for efficient use of space.

[0016] Furthermore, at least one of the discharge tray or discharge guide may have a through hole.

[0017] By forming through holes in at least one of the discharge tray or discharge guide, the weight of the discharge tray or discharge guide can be reduced, and the frictional resistance between the sheet and the discharge tray or discharge guide can be decreased.

[0018] Furthermore, the discharge tray may be made of sheet metal.

[0019] Furthermore, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface with respect to the horizontal direction may be 50 to 80°.

[0020] Since the inclination angle of the first inclined surface with respect to the horizontal direction is 50° or more, it is possible to prevent the next sheet from adhering to and moving on the sheet stacked on the discharge tray.

[0021] Also, the inclination angle of the second inclined surface with respect to the horizontal direction may be 10 to 49°.

[0022] Further, the transfer printing sheet creating device may further include a process unit having a photosensitive drum, the process unit transferring the toner supplied onto the photosensitive drum onto the sheet to form a printing layer on the sheet, a first housing that houses the process unit, the first housing having a first wall and a second wall that are separated from each other in the horizontal direction, and a second housing that is disposed above the first housing and houses a transfer unit, the second housing having a discharge port for discharging the sheet from inside the second housing to outside the second housing. And the discharge port may be located between the first wall and the second wall in the horizontal direction, and at least a part of the discharge guide may be located directly above the first housing.

[0023] Also, at least a part of the discharge tray may be configured to be located below the upper surface of the first housing.

[0024] Also, the discharge guide may have a plate shape.

[0025] Further, the transfer unit may transfer a viscoelastic layer onto the printing layer formed on the lower surface of the sheet, and the sheet may be discharged in a state where the viscoelastic layer is transferred onto the lower surface of the sheet.

[0026] Also, the discharge guide may have side guides that project upward from the second inclined surface at both ends in the width direction of the sheet.

[0027] Since the discharge guide has side guides, it is possible to prevent the sheet from protruding in the width direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the discharge tray may have side guides that protrude upward from the first inclined surface at both ends in the width direction of the sheet.

[0029] The discharge tray has side guides, which helps prevent the sheet from overflowing in the width direction.

[0030] Furthermore, the inclination angle of the second inclined surface with respect to the horizontal direction may be smaller than the inclined surface with respect to the horizontal direction in which the sheet discharged from the transfer section is discharged.

[0031] Furthermore, the dimensions of the discharge guide in the direction of sheet movement may be smaller than the dimensions of the discharge tray in the direction of sheet movement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to this disclosure, the objective is to smoothly load multiple sheets into the discharge tray in a transfer printing sheet creation apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a transfer printing sheet creation apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing a layer transfer apparatus. [Figure 4] The images show a cross-sectional view (a) of a sheet and film with a printed layer formed on it, a cross-sectional view (b) of the film pressed onto the sheet, and a cross-sectional view (c) of the film peeling off from the sheet. [Figure 5] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the transfer printing sheet and the fabric are pressed together, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the transfer printing sheet has been peeled off the fabric onto which the printed layer has been transferred. [Figure 6] Figure (a) shows a transfer printing sheet on which a mirror image of the toner image has been formed, Figure (b) shows the transfer printing sheet placed on a fabric with a portion peeled off, and Figure (c) shows the fabric with the toner image transferred onto it. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a transfer printing sheet creation device. [Figure 8] This figure shows the discharge tray and discharge guide in the loading position and in the rotating position. [Figure 9] Figures (a), (b), and (c) illustrate the process by which the sheets with the viscoelastic layer transferred are loaded onto the discharge tray. [Figure 10] (a), (b), and (c) are perspective views of the discharge tray and discharge guide in other configurations. [Figure 11] (a) and (b) are perspective views of the discharge tray and discharge guide in other configurations. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, directions will be described as those shown in Figure 1. The left side of Figure 1 will be referred to as "front," the right side as "back," the far side of the page as "left," and the near side as "right." The top and bottom of Figure 1 will be referred to as "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. The front-back direction corresponds to a predetermined direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0035] The transfer printing sheet creation apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 is an apparatus for creating the transfer printing sheet PS shown in Figure 6(a). The transfer printing sheet PS is a sheet for transferring a printed layer to an object via a viscoelastic layer. The object is, for example, a fabric CL such as a T-shirt as shown in Figure 6(b). The object may also be made of leather, ceramics, wood, resin, metal, etc. Furthermore, the object is not limited to a flat object but may also be a three-dimensional object.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5(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. Sheet S has a second substrate layer PS1 and a second release layer PS2. The second release layer PS2 is located between the second substrate layer PS1 and the toner image T.

[0037] The second substrate layer PS1 is a sheet-like substrate made of paper or polymer material, and supports the second release layer PS2. The second substrate layer PS1 is preferably transparent. In this embodiment, the second substrate layer PS1 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and has a thickness of 12 to 16 μm.

[0038] The second release layer PS2 is the layer on which the toner image T is formed. The second release layer PS2 supports the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 after the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred onto the toner image T formed on the second release layer PS2, and facilitates the peeling of the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 from the second base layer PS1 when transferring the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 to a fabric CL or the like. The second release layer PS2 contains a transparent material that is easily peeled from the second base layer PS1, such as a wax-based resin. In this embodiment, the thickness of the second release layer PS2 is 10 to 15 μm.

[0039] Returning to Figure 1, the transfer printing sheet creation apparatus 1 comprises an image forming apparatus 100, a layer transfer apparatus 200, and an ejection unit 300. The layer transfer apparatus 200 is located on top of the image forming apparatus 100. The layer transfer apparatus 200 is detachable from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 100 comprises a first housing 102, a supply unit 103, a process unit 104, a first intermediate transport roller MR1, an intermediate discharge roller RR, and a flapper FP. The first housing 102 houses the supply unit 103, the process unit 104, and the first intermediate transport roller MR1. An intermediate discharge tray 102T is formed on the upper surface of the first housing 102. The intermediate discharge tray 102T loads sheets S on which a toner image T has been formed and the viscoelastic layer PF3 has not been transferred. The first housing 102 has a first wall W1 and a second wall W2 that are separated from each other in the horizontal direction. The first wall W1 is located at the front of the first housing 102. The second wall W2 is located at the rear of the first housing 102. That is, the first wall W1 and the second wall W2 are separated from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0041] The supply unit 103 is located in the lower part of the first housing 102. The supply unit 103 comprises a supply tray 131 and a supply mechanism 134.

[0042] The supply tray 131 is a tray that holds the sheets S to be supplied to the process unit 104. The supply mechanism 134 is a mechanism that supplies the sheet S in the supply tray 131 to the process unit 104.

[0043] The process unit 104 transfers the toner supplied onto the photosensitive drum 161 to the sheet S and forms a printed layer on the sheet S. The process unit 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.

[0044] The exposure device 105 is located at the top of the first housing 102 and includes a light source and a polygon mirror (not shown). The exposure device 105 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 by rapidly scanning the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 with a light beam indicated by a dashed line.

[0045] The process unit 106 is located between the exposure apparatus 105 and the supply tray 131. The process unit 106 includes a drum unit 120 and four toner cartridges 130.

[0046] The drum unit 120 comprises four photosensitive drums 161 and four chargers (not shown). The four photosensitive drums 161 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. Each of the four toner cartridges 130 contains toner of the respective colors: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The toner cartridge 130 is equipped with a developing roller 163 and a supply roller 164.

[0047] 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 peripheral surface 164A that contacts the developing roller 163.

[0048] The belt unit 107 is positioned between the process unit 106 and the supply tray 131. The belt unit 107 comprises a drive roller 171, a driven roller 172, a conveyor belt 173, and four transfer rollers 174.

[0049] The conveyor belt 173 is an endless belt. The conveyor belt 173 is stretched between the drive roller 171 and the driven roller 172. Inside the conveyor belt 173, the transfer roller 174 is positioned to sandwich the conveyor belt 173 between itself and the corresponding photosensitive drum 161.

[0050] The charger charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 161. Then, the exposure device 105 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 to form an electrostatic latent image based on the image data on the surface of the photosensitive drum 161. The developing roller 163 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 161. This forms a toner image T on the photosensitive drum 161. Then, as 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.

[0051] The fixing device 108 is a device that heat-fixes a toner image T to a sheet S. The fixing device 108 is located 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 pressurizing member 182, and a fixing transport 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.

[0052] The first pressurizing member 182 has an endless pressurizing belt 182A and a rubber pad 182B that sandwiches the pressurizing belt 182A between itself and the first heating roller 181. The pressurizing belt 182A rotates in accordance with the rotation of the first heating roller 181. The first pressurizing member 182 sandwiches the sheet S between itself and the first heating roller 181. The fixing and conveying roller 183 conveys the sheet S that is being conveyed from the first heating roller 181.

[0053] The first intermediate conveyor roller MR1 is a roller that conveys the sheet S, which has passed through the fixing device 108, toward the layer transfer device 200. The first intermediate conveyor roller MR1 is located downstream of the fixing conveyor roller 183 in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0054] The intermediate discharge roller RR is a roller that transports the sheet S, which has passed through the fixing device 108, toward the intermediate discharge tray 102T. In the direction of transport of the sheet S, the intermediate discharge roller RR is located downstream of the fixing transport roller 183 and in front of the first intermediate transport roller MR1.

[0055] The flapper FP is positioned between the fixing device 108 and the first intermediate conveyor roller MR1. The flapper FP is movable between a first position shown by a solid line and a second position shown by a dashed line. When the flapper FP is in the first position, the sheet S is guided toward the intermediate discharge roller RR. When the flapper FP is in the second position, the sheet S is guided toward the first intermediate conveyor roller MR1.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the layer transfer apparatus 200 is a device that places a film PF consisting of multiple layers on the surface of a sheet S on which a toner image T is formed, and transfers the viscoelastic layer PF3 of the film PF onto the toner image T.

[0057] The layer transfer apparatus 200 comprises a second housing 202, a second intermediate transport roller MR2, a sheet transport section 210, a film supply section 230, and a transfer section 250.

[0058] The second housing 202 houses the second intermediate transport roller MR2, the sheet transport 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 a sheet S (specifically, the transfer printing sheet PS) discharge port 203. The discharge port 203 is located on the front of the second housing 202. The discharge port 203 discharges the sheet S from inside the second housing 202 to the outside of the second housing 202. The discharge port 203 faces diagonally downwards and forwards. In the horizontal direction, the discharge port 203 is located between the first wall W1 and the second wall W2.

[0059] 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 composed of two housings, but it may also be composed of a single housing in which the first housing 102 and the second housing 202 are integrally formed.

[0060] The second intermediate transport roller MR2 is a roller that transports the sheet S, which is transported from the image forming apparatus 100, toward the transfer section 250. As shown in Figure 1, the first intermediate transport roller MR1 and the second intermediate transport roller MR2 each transport the sheet S, which is transported from the first heating roller 181, toward the second heating roller 260, which is an example of a second rotating body.

[0061] The first intermediate conveyor roller MR1 and the second intermediate conveyor roller MR2 each consist of a pair of rollers capable of gripping the sheet S. The first intermediate conveyor roller MR1 and the second intermediate conveyor roller MR2 are each located in the conveying path R of 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.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first intermediate transport roller MR1 is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 100, and the second intermediate transport roller MR2 is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the layer transfer apparatus 200. The first intermediate transport roller MR1 and the second intermediate transport roller MR2 may be driven by a common motor.

[0063] From the time the sheet S is conveyed from the first heating roller 181 to the second heating roller 260, each roller is positioned such that the sheet S is always in contact with at least one of the first heating roller 181, each intermediate conveying roller MR1, MR2, and the second heating roller 260.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, the sheet conveying unit 210 includes an upstream conveying roller 211, a downstream conveying roller 212, and a discharge roller 213. The upstream conveying roller 211, the downstream conveying roller 212, and the discharge roller 213 each consist of two rollers, and the sheet S is conveyed by the rotation of each roller with the sheet S sandwiched between them.

[0065] The upstream conveying roller 211 is positioned upstream of the transfer section 250 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The downstream conveying roller 212 is positioned downstream of the transfer section 250 in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0066] The discharge roller 213 is positioned downstream of the downstream conveying roller 212 in the direction of conveying the sheet S. The discharge roller 213 discharges the sheet S from the discharge port 203.

[0067] The film supply unit 230 is the part that supplies film PF so as to overlap it with the sheet S conveyed from the upstream conveying roller 211. The film supply unit 230 is equipped with a film unit FU.

[0068] The film unit FU is detachable from the second housing 202. The film unit FU includes a film cartridge FC and a holder H.

[0069] The film cartridge FC is located above the toner cartridge 130 (see Figure 1). 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 comprises film PF, a supply reel 231, and a take-up reel 235.

[0070] As shown in Figure 1, when viewed from above, 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 vertical direction, the 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. To put it another way, in the front-to-back direction, 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 the range from one end to the other of the film cartridge FC.

[0071] In this embodiment, when viewed from above, 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, the area AF corresponding to the shadow of the film cartridge FC when projected in the vertical direction overlaps with the exposure device 105 and the three photosensitive drums 161 located downstream in the transport direction of the sheet S. To put it another way, in the front-to-back direction, a part of the exposure device 105 and the three photosensitive drums 161 are located within the range from one end to the other of the film cartridge FC.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4(a), the film PF includes a viscoelastic layer PF3 and is a film for transferring the viscoelastic layer PF3. The film PF has a first base layer PF1, a first release layer PF2, and a viscoelastic layer PF3. The first release layer PF2 is formed on the first base layer PF1. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is formed on the first release layer PF2.

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

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

[0075] The viscoelastic layer PF3 is a layer transferred to the toner image T and contains a viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic material is a viscoelastic material made of polymer material. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is a material that readily adheres to the toner image T heated by the transfer unit 250 and also readily adheres to the 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 the transfer target should be selected. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is located on the surface of the film PF. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is thicker than the first release layer PF2. The thickness of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is 16 to 30 μm. Preferably, the thickness of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is 30 to 40 μm.

[0076] Furthermore, the half-discharge temperature of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is lower than the half-discharge temperature of the toner. The 1 / 2 outflow temperature can be measured, for example, as follows. Using a flow tester (Shimadzu Corporation, CFT-500EX), a 1.3g sample was heated at a heating rate of 6°C / min while a 20kgf load was applied via a plunger, extruding it through a nozzle with a diameter of 1.0mm and a length of 10.0mm. A plot of the flow tester's plunger drop against temperature was obtained. In the plunger drop-temperature curve, the temperature at the inflection point where the plunger drop changes from a stable region of zero to an increasing region was defined as the outflow start temperature, and the temperature at which half of the sample had flowed out was defined as the half-outflow temperature.

[0077] Returning to Figure 3, the supply reel 231 has the film PF wound around it. The take-up reel 235 takes up the film PF. The holder H has multiple guide axes HA that guide the film PF.

[0078] The transfer section 250 is the part that transfers a viscoelastic layer PF3 onto the toner image T formed on the sheet S by placing a sheet S on top of the film PF being transported from the supply reel 231 toward the take-up reel 235, and then heating and pressurizing the sheet S and film PF together.

[0079] The transfer unit 250 is located inside the second housing 202. The transfer unit 250 nips the film PF and the sheet S and transfers at least one layer of film PF onto the toner image T on the sheet S. The transfer unit 250 transfers the viscoelastic layer PF3 onto the toner image T formed on the lower surface of the sheet S (see Figures 4(a), (b), (c)). The transfer unit 250 includes a pressure roller 251 and a second heating roller 260 as an example of a second rotating body.

[0080] 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 positioned above the film PF and is able to contact 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 it.

[0081] 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 positioned below the film PF and is in contact with 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 having the viscoelastic layer PF3 in a stacked state.

[0082] The heat capacity of the second heating roller 260 is greater than that of the first heating roller 181. For example, the first heating roller 181 and the 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 the second heating roller 260 can be made greater than that of the first heating roller 181 by setting at least one parameter from the thickness of the metal tube, the thickness of the rubber, and the diameter of the heating roller (the diameter of the outer surface of the rubber) to be greater for the second heating roller 260 than for the first heating roller 181.

[0083] The second heating roller 260 is movable between a contact position, where it is in contact with 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 convey the film PF and the sheet S by being driven while in contact. Specifically, the pressure roller 251 is rotationally driven when the second heating roller 260 is in the contact position, causing the second heating roller 260 to rotate in its favor. As a result, the pressure roller 251 and the second heating roller 260 convey the film PF and the sheet S that are sandwiched between the pressure roller 251 and the second heating roller 260.

[0084] In the layer transfer apparatus 200 configured in this way, the sheet S transported from the image forming apparatus 100 is transported toward the transfer section 250. The sheet S is superimposed with the film PF supplied from the supply reel 231 on the upstream side in the sheet transport direction of the transfer section 250, and the sheet S is transported toward the transfer section 250 with the toner image T of the sheet S and the film PF in contact.

[0085] In the transfer section 250, as the sheet S and film PF pass through the nip between the pressure roller 251 and the second heating roller 260, they are heated and pressurized 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 is completed, the sheet S is discharged to the outside of the second housing 202.

[0086] Here, referring to Figures 4 to 6, we will explain how the viscoelastic layer PE3 is pressed onto the toner image T, and how the toner image T is bonded to the fabric CL via the viscoelastic layer PF3.

[0087] When the sheet S is sent to the transfer unit 250, as shown in Figure 4(b), the sheet S and the film PF are heat-pressed together in the transfer unit 250 while overlapping. When the sheet S and film PF are heat-pressed together while overlapping, the viscoelastic layer PF3 is pressed onto the areas where the toner image T is formed. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is not pressed onto the areas where the toner image T is not formed.

[0088] Then, after the overlapping sheet S and film PF pass through the transfer section 250, the film PF is guided by the guide shaft HA in the direction away from the sheet S, and as shown in Figure 4(c), the film PF is peeled off the sheet S. When the film PF is peeled off the sheet S, the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 remain on the sheet S, and the viscoelastic layer PF3 corresponding to the areas where the toner image T has not been formed remains on the film PF. In this way, the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred to the toner image T on the sheet S, and a transfer print sheet PS is created.

[0089] Next, as shown in Figure 5(a), the transfer printing sheet PS is placed on the fabric CL and heated and pressed using a dedicated press machine (not shown). This presses the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 onto the fabric CL.

[0090] 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 5(b).

[0091] An example of a transfer printing sheet PS is shown in Figure 6(a). A mirror image of the toner image T, which is covered 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 of transferring the image of the letters "ABC" to the fabric CL is shown. In this case, a mirror image of "ABC" that is reversed left to right is formed on the sheet S.

[0092] As shown in Figure 6(b), the user presses the transfer printing sheet PS onto the fabric CL and heats and presses it with a dedicated press machine (not shown). As a result, as shown in Figure 6(c), the toner image T is bonded to the fabric CL via the viscoelastic layer PF3.

[0093] Next, we will explain the discharge unit 300. As shown in Figure 7, the discharge unit 300 is detachable from the second housing 202. The discharge unit 300 includes a discharge tray 310, a discharge guide 320, a connecting member 330, and a fixing member 340.

[0094] At least a portion of the discharge tray 310 is located below the upper surface of the first housing 102. In this embodiment, the entire discharge tray 310 is located below the upper surface of the first housing 102.

[0095] The discharge tray 310 holds the sheets S discharged from the discharge port 203. The discharge tray 310 can hold multiple sheets S. The dimension L1 of the discharge tray 310 in the direction of movement of the sheets S is greater than the dimension of the sheets S. The discharge tray 310 is made of sheet metal. The discharge tray 310 has a flat plate shape. The discharge tray 310 has a first inclined surface 311, a stopper 312, and a through hole 313.

[0096] The first inclined surface 311 is where the sheets S discharged from the transfer section 250 are loaded.

[0097] The stopper 312 supports the lower end of the discharged sheet S. The stopper 312 has an L-shape. The stopper 312 protrudes upward from the lower end of the first inclined surface 311, and its tip is bent at a 90° angle.

[0098] The through hole 313 is formed in the center of the first inclined surface 311. The through hole 313 has a rectangular shape.

[0099] The discharge guide 320 guides the sheet S discharged from the discharge port 203 to the discharge tray 310. At least a portion of the discharge guide 320 is located directly above the first housing 102. In this embodiment, most of the discharge guide 320 is located directly above the first housing 102, with a portion of its tip located in front of the first housing 102.

[0100] The discharge guide 320 is made of sheet metal. The discharge guide 320 has a flat plate shape. The dimension L2 of the discharge guide 320 in the direction of movement of the sheet S is smaller than the dimension of the discharge tray 310 in the direction of movement of the sheet S (L1 > L2). The discharge guide 320 has a second inclined surface 321 and a side guide 322.

[0101] The second inclined surface 321 guides the sheet S discharged from the transfer unit 250 toward the discharge tray 310.

[0102] The lower end of the second inclined surface 321 is located below and in front of the upper end of the first inclined surface 311 (see also Figure 1). In other words, the lower end of the second inclined surface 321 and the upper end of the first inclined surface 311 are separated by a predetermined distance.

[0103] The side guides 322 are positioned at both ends of the second inclined surface 321 in the width direction of the sheet S. The side guides 322 protrude upward from the second inclined surface 321. The side guides 322 extend along the second inclined surface 321 in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0104] As shown in Figure 1, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 311 with respect to the horizontal is 50 to 80°. The inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 321 with respect to the horizontal is 10 to 49°. The inclination angle of the first inclined surface 311 is greater than that of the second inclined surface 321 (θ1 > θ2). Also, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 311 with respect to the horizontal is greater than the inclined surface θ3 in the discharge direction from which the sheet S discharged from the transfer section 250 is discharged (θ1 > θ3). Also, the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 321 with respect to the horizontal is smaller than the inclined surface θ3 in the discharge direction from which the sheet S discharged from the transfer section 250 is discharged (θ3 > θ2). Note that the discharge direction of the sheet S refers to the direction in which the sheet S discharged from the discharge port 203 is directed. In this embodiment, the discharge direction of the sheet S is the direction along the common tangent of the pair of discharge rollers 213.

[0105] The connecting member 330 extends upward from the upper end of the first inclined surface 311. The connecting member 330 has a flat plate shape. The connecting member 330 connects the discharge guide 320 and the discharge tray 310. Specifically, the connecting member 330 connects the discharge guide 320 and the discharge tray 310 such that the upper end of the first inclined surface 311 is positioned lower than the lower end of the second inclined surface 321. The lower end of the second inclined surface 321 protrudes downstream in the direction of movement of the sheet S guided by the second inclined surface 321 from at least a portion of the connecting member 330.

[0106] The connecting member 330 has a first connecting portion 330A, which is an example of a connecting portion. The first connecting portion 330A is, for example, a hinge with a locking function. The connecting member 330 is connected to the front of the discharge guide 320 by the first connecting portion 330A. The discharge tray 310 is rotatably connected to the discharge guide 320 via the connecting member 330.

[0107] The fixing member 340 fixes the discharge guide 320 to the second housing 202. When the discharge unit 300 is mounted to the second housing 202, a portion of the fixing member 340 is inserted into the second housing 202 and fixed in place. The fixing member 340 has a second connecting portion 340A. The second connecting portion 340A is, for example, a hinge with a locking function. The second connecting portion 340A is connected to the rear of the discharge guide 320. The fixing member 340 is rotatably connected to the discharge guide 320 via the second connecting portion 340A.

[0108] As shown in Figure 8, the discharge tray 310 and discharge guide 320 are rotatable between a loading position shown by a solid line and a rotation position shown by a dashed line. The loading position is the position where the discharged sheets S can be loaded. When the discharge tray 310 and discharge guide 320 are in the loading position, sheets can be loaded onto the discharge tray 310. The rotation position is the position rotated upward from the loading position. When the discharge tray 310 and discharge guide 320 are in the rotation position, a gap is created between the discharge tray 310 and discharge guide 320 and the intermediate discharge tray 102T, making it easier to remove the sheets S from the intermediate discharge tray 102T.

[0109] Next, referring to Figure 9, we will explain how the sheet S on which the viscoelastic layer PF3 has been transferred is loaded onto the discharge tray 310. Figure 9 illustrates the case where the second sheet S2 is transported while the first sheet S1 is already placed on the discharge tray 310.

[0110] As shown in Figure 9(a), the sheet S2 discharged from the discharge port 203 is guided toward the discharge tray 310 by the discharge guide 320. The sheet S is discharged with the viscoelastic layer PF3 transferred to its lower surface. At this time, since the lower end of the discharge guide 320 is positioned in front of the upper end of the discharge tray 310, the front end of the sheet S2 is sent in front of the rear end of the sheet S1. Therefore, the front end of the second sheet S2 does not come into contact with the rear end of the first sheet S1.

[0111] As shown in Figure 9(b), when the front edge of the second sheet S2 reaches the discharge tray 310, the front edge of the second sheet S2 approaches the first sheet S1. However, since the second sheet S2 is separated from the first sheet S1, sheet S2 does not adhere to sheet S1 and moves downward.

[0112] As shown in Figure 9(c), an air layer is interposed between the second sheet S2 and the first sheet S1 until just before the second sheet S2 overlaps the first sheet S1. Therefore, sheet S2 does not adhere to sheet S1 and is smoothly loaded onto the discharge tray 310.

[0113] As described above, the following effects can be obtained according to this embodiment. Conventionally, because the viscoelastic layer PF3 has been transferred to the sheets S, the friction of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is high, making it difficult for the sheets to slide against each other, and thus making it difficult to smoothly load multiple sheets S onto the discharge tray. However, according to the transfer printing sheet creation apparatus 1, since the discharge tray 310 has a first inclined surface 311 whose angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal is greater than that of the second inclined surface 321 of the discharge guide 320, even when multiple sheets S on which the viscoelastic layer PF3 has been transferred are discharged, the sheets do not stick to each other and can be smoothly loaded onto the discharge tray 310. Furthermore, if the sheets S discharged from the outlet are suddenly loaded onto a steeply sloping surface, multiple sheets S may end up lined up haphazardly. However, with the transfer printing sheet creation device 1, the sheets S are guided to the discharge tray 310 by the second inclined surface 321 with a gentle inclination angle, thereby preventing the discharged sheets S from being arranged haphazardly.

[0114] Furthermore, by providing a connecting member 330 that connects the discharge guide 320 and the discharge tray 310 such that the upper end of the first inclined surface 311 is positioned lower than the lower end of the second inclined surface 321, a step is created between the first inclined surface 311 and the second inclined surface 321. This step separates the sheet S loaded on the discharge tray 310 from the sheet S sliding down the second inclined surface 321. As a result, the sheet S sliding down the second inclined surface 321 can move to the lower end of the discharge tray 310 without adhering to the sheet S loaded on the discharge tray 310. Furthermore, since the lower end of the second inclined surface 321 is located below and in front of the upper end of the first inclined surface 311, it is easier to load many sheets S onto the discharge tray 310.

[0115] Furthermore, since the lower end of the second inclined surface 321 protrudes downstream in the direction of movement from the connecting member 330, the front end of the sheet S can be easily separated from the sheet S loaded on the discharge tray 310.

[0116] Furthermore, the discharge tray 310 has a stopper 312, which allows the sheet S to be held in place in the discharge tray 310.

[0117] Furthermore, the discharge tray 310 is rotatable between a loading position on which the discharged sheets S can be loaded and a rotating position rotated from the loading position. Therefore, the discharge tray 310 can be positioned in the rotating position to make effective use of space. For example, when supplying sheets S to the process unit 104, the discharge tray 310 can be rotated to the rotating position so that it does not get in the way.

[0118] Furthermore, the presence of a through-hole 313 in the discharge tray 310 reduces the weight of the discharge tray 310 and minimizes frictional resistance between the sheet S and the discharge tray 310. Additionally, because the through-hole 313 is located in the center of the sheet S in the width direction, when the sheet S is positioned on the discharge tray 310, the center of the sheet S enters the through-hole 313. When the center of the sheet S enters the through-hole 313, the center of the sheet S in the width direction tends to curve backward (see Figure 7). When the sheet S placed on the discharge tray 310 curves, the contact area with the next discharged sheet S decreases, making it less likely for the sheets to stick together. In addition, the curvature of the sheet S provides vertical rigidity to the sheet S, making it easier for the sheet S to stand upright on the stopper 312.

[0119] Furthermore, by having an inclination angle of 50° or more with respect to the horizontal direction of the first inclined surface 311, it is possible to prevent the next sheet S from sticking to the sheet S loaded on the discharge tray 310 and becoming immobile.

[0120] Furthermore, the presence of side guides 322 in the discharge guide 320 helps to prevent the sheet S from overflowing in the width direction.

[0121] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be used in various forms as illustrated below. In the following description, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0122] In the embodiment described above, the discharge tray 310 and the discharge guide 320 were separate components, but they may be integrated. For example, the discharge unit 400 shown in Figure 10(a) has a discharge tray 410, a discharge guide 420, and a connecting member 430 integrally formed. The discharge tray 410 has a first inclined surface 411 and a stopper 412. The discharge guide 420 has a second inclined surface 421. The first inclined surface 411 has a greater angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal than the second inclined surface 421. Even with this configuration, multiple sheets S can be smoothly loaded onto the discharge tray 410 without the sheets sticking to each other.

[0123] In the embodiment described above, the discharge unit had a connecting member, but the connecting member can be omitted. For example, the discharge unit 500 shown in Figure 10(b) has a discharge tray 510 and a discharge guide 520. The discharge tray 510 and the discharge guide 520 are continuous. The discharge tray 510 has a first inclined surface 511 and a stopper 512. The discharge guide 520 has a second inclined surface 521. The first inclined surface 511 has a greater angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal than the second inclined surface 521. Even with this configuration, multiple sheets S can be smoothly loaded onto the discharge tray 510 without the sheets sticking to each other.

[0124] In the embodiment described above, the connecting member of the discharge unit had a flat plate shape, but the connecting member may also have a curved surface. For example, the discharge unit 600 shown in Figure 10(c) has a discharge tray 610, a discharge guide 620, and a connecting member 630 integrally formed. The discharge tray 610 has a first inclined surface 611 and a stopper 612. The discharge guide 620 has a second inclined surface 621. The first inclined surface 611 has a greater angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal than the second inclined surface 621. The connecting member 630 has a curved plate shape. Even with this configuration, multiple sheets S can be smoothly loaded onto the discharge tray 610 without the sheets sticking to each other.

[0125] In the embodiments described above, the discharge tray did not have side guides, but the discharge tray may have side guides. Also, in the embodiments described above, the discharge guide did not have through holes, but the discharge guide may have through holes. For example, the discharge unit 700 shown in Figure 11(a) includes a discharge tray 710, a discharge guide 720, and a connecting member 730. The discharge tray 710 has a first inclined surface 711, a stopper 712, a through hole 713, and a side guide 714. The side guides 714 are located at both ends in the width direction of the sheet S and protrude upward from the first inclined surface 711. The discharge guide 720 has a second inclined surface 721, a through hole 722, and a side guide 723. The discharge tray 710 has side guides 714, which prevents the sheet S from overflowing in the width direction. Furthermore, the discharge guide 720 has through holes 722, which reduces its weight. Additionally, the reduced contact area between the sheet S and the discharge guide 720 makes it less likely for the sheet S to adhere to the discharge guide 720.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment, the discharge tray had a flat plate shape, but in the flat plate shape It is not necessary. For example, the discharge unit 800 shown in Figure 11(b) has a discharge tray 810, a stopper 812, a discharge guide 820, and a connecting member 830. The discharge tray 810 has a curved plate shape that is curved in the width direction of the sheet S. The discharge tray 810 has a first inclined surface 811. The discharge guide 820 has a second inclined surface 821 and a side guide 823. Because the discharge tray 810 has a curved plate shape, the sheet S placed on the discharge tray 810 bends along the curve of the discharge tray 810. When the sheet S placed on the discharge tray 810 bends, the contact area with the next discharged sheet S decreases, making it less likely for the sheets to stick together. In addition, the bending of the sheet S provides vertical rigidity to the sheet S, making it easier for the sheet to stand upright on the stopper 812.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, the through-holes formed in the discharge tray and discharge guide were rectangular in shape, but the through-holes may have other shapes, such as circular or polygonal. Furthermore, there may be multiple through-holes.

[0128] In the embodiments described above, the printing layer was formed of toner, but the printing layer may be made of something other than toner, such as ink.

[0129] In the above embodiment, examples of toner cartridges were given that had a developing roller and a supply roller, or a photosensitive drum, a developing roller and a supply roller. However, a toner cartridge can be any cartridge that contains toner, and does not necessarily have a photosensitive drum, a developing roller and a supply roller.

[0130] 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.

[0131] The elements described in the above embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 1. Transfer printing sheet creation device 250 Transfer section 310 Discharge Tray 311 1st slope 320 Disposal Guide 321 2nd slope θ1 Inclination angle of the first inclined surface θ2 Inclination angle of the second inclined surface

Claims

1. A transfer printing sheet manufacturing apparatus for creating a transfer printing sheet in which a sheet, a printed layer, and a viscoelastic layer are laminated in this order, and for transferring the printed layer to an object via the viscoelastic layer, A transfer unit that transfers the viscoelastic layer onto the printed layer by transporting the film having the viscoelastic layer and the sheet on which the printed layer is formed in a stacked state, A discharge tray having a first inclined surface on which sheets discharged from the transfer unit are stacked, The system includes a discharge guide having a second inclined surface that guides the sheet discharged from the transfer unit toward the discharge tray, A transfer printing sheet making apparatus characterized in that the first inclined surface has a larger angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal direction than the second inclined surface.

2. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting member that connects the discharge guide and the discharge tray such that the lower end of the second inclined surface is positioned lower than the upper end of the first inclined surface.

3. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower end of the second inclined surface protrudes downstream in the direction of movement of the sheet guided by the second inclined surface, beyond at least a portion of the connecting member.

4. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge tray further has a stopper that protrudes upward from the lower end of the first inclined surface and supports the lower end of the discharged sheet.

5. The connecting member has a connecting portion that is rotatably connected to the discharge guide, The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the discharge tray is rotatable between a loading position on which discharged sheets can be loaded and a rotating position rotated from the loading position.

6. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the discharge tray or the discharge guide has a through hole formed therein.

7. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge tray is made of sheet metal.

8. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the inclination angle of the first inclined surface with respect to the horizontal direction is 50 to 80°.

9. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the inclination angle of the second inclined surface with respect to the horizontal direction is 10 to 49°.

10. A process unit having a photosensitive drum, which transfers toner supplied onto the photosensitive drum to a sheet and forms the printed layer on the sheet, A first housing for housing the process unit, the first housing having a first wall and a second wall that are separated from each other in the horizontal direction, The present invention further comprises a second housing, which is positioned on the first housing and houses the transfer unit, and has an outlet for discharging the sheet from inside the second housing to outside the second housing, The discharge port is located horizontally between the first wall and the second wall. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the discharge guide is located directly above the first housing.

11. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that at least a portion of the discharge tray is located below the upper surface of the first housing.

12. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge guide has a plate shape.

13. The transfer unit transfers the viscoelastic layer to the printed layer formed on the lower surface of the sheet. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheet is discharged with the viscoelastic layer transferred to the lower surface of the sheet.

14. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge guide has side guides that protrude upward from the second inclined surface at both ends in the width direction of the sheet.

15. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge tray has side guides that protrude upward from the first inclined surface at both ends in the width direction of the sheet.

16. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle of inclination of the second inclined surface with respect to the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle of inclination of the surface with respect to the horizontal direction in which the sheet discharged from the transfer section is discharged.

17. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimensions of the discharge guide in the direction of sheet movement are smaller than the dimensions of the discharge tray in the direction of sheet movement.

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