Transfer printing sheet creation device

Abstract

In a transfer printing sheet creation device, multiple sheets are smoothly loaded onto the discharge tray. [Solution] The transfer printing sheet creation apparatus 1 comprises a housing (second housing 202), a transfer unit, a discharge roller, a discharge tray 310, and a discharge guide 320. 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 have been formed in a stacked state. The discharge roller discharges the sheet onto which the viscoelastic layer has been transferred from the housing to the outside of the housing. The discharge tray 310 is capable of holding the sheets discharged by the discharge roller. The discharge guide 320 supports both ends of the sheet in the width direction as it is being transported by the discharge roller. The discharge guide 320 curves the sheet so that both ends in the width direction are positioned above the center.

Description

Technical Field

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[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 overlaps, 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 on which the adhesive layer is transferred to the printing layer can print the printing layer on, for example, a fabric such as a T-shirt.

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 a discharge tray. However, since the friction of the viscoelastic layer of the sheet on which the viscoelastic layer is transferred is large, it is difficult for the sheets to slide relative to each other. For this reason, in the process of stacking the sheets on the discharge tray, when 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 housing, a transfer unit, a discharge roller, a discharge tray, and a discharge guide. The transfer unit is located inside the housing. 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 roller discharges the sheet, onto which the viscoelastic layer has been transferred in the transfer section, from inside the housing to outside the housing. The discharge tray can hold the sheets discharged by the discharge roller. The discharge guide supports both ends of the sheet in the width direction as it is being conveyed by the discharge roller. The discharge guide curves the sheet so that both ends in the width direction of the sheet are positioned above the center.

[0007] The discharge guide curves the sheet so that both ends in the width direction of the sheet being conveyed by the discharge roller are positioned above the center. This prevents the stacked sheet from sticking together with the next sheet to be discharged during the process of loading the sheet onto the discharge tray, allowing multiple sheets to be smoothly loaded onto the discharge tray.

[0008] Furthermore, the discharge guide may have a concave roller.

[0009] Because the discharge guide has a concave roller, the discharge guide can curve the sheet being conveyed by the discharge roller.

[0010] The discharge guide may also have two rollers that can contact both ends of the sheet in the width direction.

[0011] The discharge guide has two rollers that can contact both ends of the sheet in the width direction, allowing the discharge guide to curve the sheet being conveyed by the discharge rollers.

[0012] Furthermore, the two rollers may have tapered surfaces where the outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter in the width direction of the sheet.

[0013] The two rollers have tapered surfaces where the outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter in the width direction of the sheet, making it easy to bend the sheet being conveyed by the discharge roller.

[0014] Furthermore, the discharge guide may include a central guide that guides the center of the sheet in the width direction, and end guides that guide both ends of the sheet in the width direction, the end guides being positioned above the central guide.

[0015] Because the discharge guide has a central guide and end guides positioned above the central guide, the discharge guide can curve the sheet being conveyed by the discharge roller.

[0016] Furthermore, rollers may be provided on at least one of the central guide and the end guides.

[0017] Since rollers are positioned on at least one of the central guide and the end guides, the sheet being transported by the discharge roller can pass smoothly through the central guide or the end guides.

[0018] Furthermore, the discharge guide may include a first shaft extending in the sheet transport direction, which contacts one end of the sheet in the width direction to guide the sheet, and a second shaft extending in the sheet transport direction, which contacts the other end of the sheet in the width direction to guide the sheet. The discharge tray may be configured to be located below the first and second shafts so as to be able to receive sheets falling between the first and second shafts.

[0019] Since it has a first shaft that guides the sheet by contacting one end in the width direction of the sheet and a second shaft that guides the sheet by contacting the other end in the width direction, the discharge guide can curve the sheet being conveyed by the discharge roller.

[0020] Also, the distance between the first shaft and the second shaft may be configured to become smaller as it goes downstream in the conveyance direction of the sheet.

[0021] Since the distance between the first shaft and the second shaft becomes smaller as it goes downstream in the conveyance direction of the sheet, when the sheet falls from between the first shaft and the second shaft after being discharged from the discharge roller, the upstream end of the sheet falls first. If it is not constant whether the sheet falls from the downstream end or the upstream end, the position where the sheet falls is not stable, but by making the sheet fall from the upstream end, the position where the sheet falls can be stabilized.

[0022] Also, the first shaft and the second shaft may be arranged at positions where the front end of the sheet contacts.

[0023] Since the first shaft and the second shaft contact the front end of the sheet, the front end of the sheet can be supported by the first shaft and the second shaft.

[0024] Also, the first shaft and the second shaft may be arranged to be line-symmetrical about a line passing through the center of the sheet in the width direction.

[0025] Also, the distance between the first shaft and the second shaft may be configured to be larger than the width of the sheet at the upstream end in the conveyance direction and smaller than the width of the sheet at the downstream end in the conveyance direction.

[0026] Because the distance between the first and second shafts is smaller than the width of the sheet at the downstream end in the conveying direction, the front end of the sheet can be supported by the first and second shafts. Also, because the distance between the first and second shafts is larger than the width of the sheet at the upstream end in the conveying direction, the rear end of the sheet is more likely to fall down between the first and second shafts.

[0027] Furthermore, the cross-sections of the first shaft and the second shaft may be circular.

[0028] Furthermore, the lower edge of the discharge tray may be positioned at the same height as the bottom surface of the housing, or above the bottom surface.

[0029] Because the lower edge of the output tray is positioned at the same height as the bottom surface of the housing, or above the bottom surface, the space below the housing can be used effectively. For example, even if a transfer printing sheet creation device is placed above an image forming device that forms the printing layer, the output tray does not interfere with the image forming device.

[0030] The discharge tray may also include a mounting plate on which the discharged sheets are stacked, and a pair of first walls extending upward from both ends of the mounting plate in the width direction.

[0031] Since the discharge tray has a mounting plate and a pair of first walls extending upward from both ends of the mounting plate in the width direction, it is possible to prevent the discharged sheet from overflowing from both ends in the width direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the pair of first walls may have openings.

[0033] Because the first wall has an opening, the first wall can be made lighter, and the sheets inside the discharge tray are easier to see.

[0034] Furthermore, the discharge tray may have a second wall extending upward from the downstream end in the transport direction of the mounting plate. The second wall may also have a holding portion for holding the first shaft and the second shaft.

[0035] Alternatively, the holding portion may have a cylindrical section, and the first shaft and the second shaft may be held by a portion of the first shaft and a portion of the second shaft fitting into the cylindrical section.

[0036] Alternatively, the transfer unit may transfer the viscoelastic layer to the printed layer formed on the lower surface of the sheet, and the sheet may be discharged with the viscoelastic layer transferred to the lower surface of the sheet.

[0037] Furthermore, the angle of inclination of the sheet guided by the discharge guide relative to the horizontal direction may be smaller than the angle of inclination of the sheet discharged from the transfer unit relative to the horizontal direction in which the sheet is discharged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] According to this disclosure, the objective is to smoothly load multiple sheets into the discharge tray of a transfer printing sheet creation apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a transfer printing sheet creation apparatus according to the first 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 the transfer printing sheet preparation apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the discharge unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] (a) is a perspective view of the holding section of the first shaft and the second shaft, and (b) is a top view. [Figure 10] This is a top view of the discharge unit. [Figure 11] Figures (a), (b), and (c) illustrate the process by which the sheet is loaded onto the discharge unit. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the discharge unit (a) according to the second embodiment and the discharge unit (b) according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the discharge unit (a) according to the fourth embodiment and the discharge unit (b) according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the discharge unit according to the sixth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] The first embodiment 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 100 comprises a first housing 102, a supply unit 103, a process unit 104, and a first intermediate transport roller MR1. The first housing 102 houses the supply unit 103, the process unit 104, and the first intermediate transport roller MR1. The first housing 102 has an intermediate discharge tray 102T formed on its upper surface. The intermediate discharge tray 102T holds 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The fuser unit 108 is a device that heat-fixes a toner image T to a sheet S. The fuser unit 108 is located behind the process unit 106 and the belt unit 107. The fuser unit 108 includes a first heating roller 181 as an example of a first rotating body, a first pressurizing member 182, and a fuser transport roller 183. The first heating roller 181 has a first heater HT1 inside. The first heater HT1 heats the first heating roller 181. The first heating roller 181 heats the sheet S.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The layer transfer apparatus 200 comprises a second housing 202, a second intermediate transport roller MR2, a sheet transport unit 210, a film supply unit 230, and a transfer unit 250. The second housing 202 is an example of a housing.

[0062] 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 outside 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The discharge roller 213 is positioned downstream of the downstream conveying roller 212 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The discharge roller 213 discharges the sheet S, on which the viscoelastic layer PF3 has been transferred in the transfer section 250, from inside the second housing 202 to outside the second housing 202. The discharge roller 213 discharges the sheet S from the discharge port 203.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The film unit FU is detachable from the second housing 202. The film unit FU includes a film cartridge FC and a holder H.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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 HT2 inside. The second heater HT2 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] Here, referring to Figures 4 to 6, we will explain how the viscoelastic layer PF3 is pressed onto the toner image T, and how the toner image T is adhered to the fabric CL via the viscoelastic layer PF3.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Next, we will explain the discharge unit 300. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the discharge unit 300 is detachable from the second housing 202. The discharge unit 300 is mounted on the front side of the layer transfer device 200. The discharge unit 300 includes a discharge tray 310, a discharge guide 320, and a fixing member 330.

[0098] The discharge guide 320 has a first shaft 321 and a second shaft 322. The discharge tray 310 is positioned below the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 so that it can receive the sheet S that falls from between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 of the discharge guide 320.

[0099] The discharge tray 310 is capable of loading the sheets S discharged by the discharge roller 213. The discharge tray 310 has a mounting plate 311, a pair of first walls 312, and a second wall 313.

[0100] The mounting plate 311 is on which the discharged sheets S are stacked. The mounting plate 311 has a rectangular flat plate shape. In this embodiment, the mounting plate 311 extends horizontally. Therefore, multiple sheets S placed on the mounting plate 311 are stacked on top of each other.

[0101] A pair of first walls 312 extend upward from both ends of the mounting plate 311 in the width direction. The pair of first walls 312 have a rectangular flat plate shape. The pair of first walls 312 have an opening 312A. In this embodiment, the opening 312A has a rectangular shape and is formed in the central and front portions of each first wall 312.

[0102] The second wall 313 extends upward from the downstream end of the mounting plate 311 in the transport direction. The second wall 313 has a rectangular flat plate shape. The second wall 313 has a second opening 313A and a holding portion 313H.

[0103] In this embodiment, the second opening 313A has a rectangular shape. The second opening 313A is located in the central part of the second wall 313.

[0104] The holding portion 313H holds the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322. As shown in Figure 9, the holding portion 313H has a bridge portion H1, a first shaft holder H2, and a second shaft holder H3.

[0105] The bridging section H1 spans from the right portion to the left portion of the second opening 313A. The bridging section H1 has a first recess H11 and a second recess H12. The first recess H11 and the second recess H12 are grooves that are recessed downwards. The first recess H11 and the second recess H12 are positioned so as to overlap with the second opening 313A when viewed from the front-to-back direction (see Figure 8). The first recess H11 and the second recess H12 are side by side.

[0106] The rear end of the first shaft holder H2 is fixed to the first recess H11. The first shaft holder H2 extends forward from the bridge portion H1 (see Figure 1). The first shaft holder H2 has a first groove H21, a first cylindrical portion H22, and a first stopper H23.

[0107] The first cylindrical portion H22 and the first stopper H23 are examples of cylindrical portions. The first groove H21 is a groove formed on the upper surface of the first shaft holder H2 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the first shaft holder H2. The first cylindrical portion H22 is located at the rear end of the first shaft holder H2. The first cylindrical portion H22 has a through hole corresponding to the outer diameter of the first shaft 321. The first stopper H23 is formed at the front end of the first shaft holder H2. The first stopper H23 has a hole corresponding to the outer diameter of the first shaft 321. The first stopper H23 has a wall H24 against which the end of the first shaft 321 abuts. The first shaft 321 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion H22 from the rear, moves forward along the first groove H21, then enters the hole in the first stopper H23 and is fixed in place by abutting against the wall H24.

[0108] The rear end of the second shaft holder H3 is fixed to the second recess H11. The second shaft holder H3 extends forward from the bridge portion H1 (see Figure 1). The second shaft holder H3 has a second groove H31, a second cylindrical portion H32, and a second stopper H33.

[0109] The second cylindrical portion H32 and the second stopper H33 are examples of cylindrical portions. The second groove H31 is a groove formed on the upper surface of the second shaft holder H3 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the second shaft holder H3. The second cylindrical portion H32 is located at the rear end of the second shaft holder H3. The second cylindrical portion H32 has a through hole corresponding to the outer diameter of the second shaft 321. The second stopper H33 is formed at the front end of the second shaft holder H3. The second stopper H33 has a hole corresponding to the outer diameter of the second shaft 321. The second stopper H33 has a wall H34 against which the end of the second shaft 321 abuts. The second shaft 322 is inserted into the second cylindrical portion H32 from the rear, moves forward along the second groove H31, then enters the hole in the second stopper H33 and is fixed in place by abutting against the wall H34.

[0110] Here, as shown in Figure 10, the line passing through the center of the sheet S in the width direction is defined as the center line C. The first shaft holder H2 and the second shaft holder H3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line C. The distance between the first shaft holder H2 and the second shaft holder H3 decreases as you move downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The first shaft holder H2 and the second shaft holder H3 each extend diagonally forward so as you move downstream from the bridge section H1 in the conveying direction, approaching the center line C. The angle θ1 between the first shaft holder H2 and the center line C is preferably 5 to 30°, and more preferably 5 to 15°. The angle θ2 between the second shaft holder H3 and the center line C is preferably 5 to 30°, and more preferably 5 to 15°.

[0111] Returning to Figures 7 and 8, the discharge guide 320 guides the sheet S discharged from the discharge port 203 to the discharge tray 310 via the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322. The first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 are positioned so that they contact the front end of the sheet S.

[0112] The first shaft 321 is an elongated shaft with a circular cross-section. The first shaft 321 extends in the direction of conveying the sheet S. The first shaft 321 penetrates the first cylindrical portion H22. The front part of the first shaft 321 fits into the first groove H21. The front end of the first shaft 321 fits into the hole of the first stopper H23 and is locked to the first stopper H23. The rear end of the first shaft 321 is a free end. In this way, the first shaft 321 is held by the holding portion 313H by a part of the first shaft 321 fitting into the cylindrical portion of the first shaft holder H2.

[0113] The second shaft 322 is an elongated shaft with a circular cross-section. The second shaft 322 extends in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The second shaft 322 penetrates through the second cylindrical portion H32. The front portion of the second shaft 322 enters the second groove H31. The front end portion of the second shaft 322 enters the hole of the second stopper H33 and is locked to the second stopper H33. The rear end portion of the second shaft 322 is a free end. Thus, the second shaft 322 is held by the holding portion 313H by a part of the second shaft 322 entering the cylindrical portion of the second shaft holder H3.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 10, the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 are arranged to be line-symmetrical about the center line C. And the distance between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 becomes smaller toward the downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet S. Specifically, the distance L1 between the upstream end (rear end) in the conveying direction of the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 is larger than the width LS of the sheet (L1 > LS). Also, the distance L2 between the downstream ends in the conveying direction of the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 is smaller than the width LS of the sheet S (L2 < LS). Note that the distance L2 between the downstream ends in the conveying direction of the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 is the distance of the downstream end of the portion not held by the holding portion 313H.

[0115] The first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 each extend obliquely forward so as to approach the center line C from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The angle θ1 formed by the first shaft 321 and the center line C is preferably 5 to 30°, more preferably 5 to 15°. Also, the angle θ2 formed by the second shaft 322 and the center line C is preferably 5 to 30°, more preferably 5 to 15°.

[0116] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 extend horizontally. Therefore, the sheet S is guided approximately horizontally by the discharge guide 320. On the other hand, the sheet S is discharged downward by the discharge roller 213. Specifically, the sheet S is discharged by the discharge roller 213 at an inclination angle θ3 with respect to the horizontal. Therefore, the inclination angle of the sheet S guided horizontally by the discharge guide 320 with respect to the horizontal is smaller than the inclination angle θ3 with respect to the horizontal in the discharge direction from which the sheet S discharged from the transfer section 250 is discharged. The discharge direction of the sheet S refers to the direction in which the sheet S is directed when discharged from the discharge port 203. In this embodiment, the discharge direction of the sheet S is the direction along the common tangent of the pair of discharge rollers 213.

[0117] As shown in Figure 8, the fixing member 330 extends backward from the rear end of the discharge tray 310. As shown in Figure 1, when the discharge unit 300 is attached to the layer transfer device 200, the fixing member 330 fits into the front of the layer transfer device 200. The fixing member 330 fits into the front of the layer transfer device 200, thereby fixing the discharge unit 300 to the layer transfer device 200. In this case, the lower end of the discharge tray 310 is positioned at the same height as the lower surface of the second housing 202 of the layer transfer device 200, or above the lower surface.

[0118] Next, with reference to Figures 11(a), (b), and (c), the process by which the sheet S on which the viscoelastic layer PF3 has been transferred is loaded onto the discharge tray 310 will be explained. For clarity, the upper half of the second wall 313 of the discharge tray 310 has been omitted in Figures 11(a), (b), and (c).

[0119] As shown in Figure 11(a), the sheet S is transported by the discharge roller 213 and discharged from the discharge port 203. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 250 transfers the viscoelastic layer PF3 to the toner image T formed on the lower surface of the sheet S, so the sheet S is discharged with the viscoelastic layer PF3 transferred to the lower surface of the sheet S.

[0120] The front end of the discharged sheet S contacts the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322. The first shaft 321 contacts one end of the sheet S in the width direction (the right side of the sheet S) to guide the sheet S. The second shaft 322 contacts the other end of the sheet S in the width direction (the left side of the sheet S) to guide the sheet S. In this way, the discharge guide 320 supports both ends of the sheet S in the width direction as it is being conveyed by the discharge roller 213.

[0121] The sheet S being transported by the discharge roller 213 is supported at both ends in the width direction by the discharge guide 320 and is guided from the position shown in Figure 11(a) to the position shown in Figure 11(b).

[0122] As shown in Figure 11(b), when the entire sheet S is removed from the discharge roller 213, the rear end of the sheet S is positioned at the rear ends of the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322, as shown in Figure 10. The distance L1 between the upstream ends (rear ends) of the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 in the conveying direction is greater than the width LS of the sheet (L1 > LS). Therefore, as shown in Figure 11(c), the rear end of the sheet S enters between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 and falls down from between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322. At this time, the part of the sheet S other than the rear end is in contact with the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322. As a result, when the rear end of the sheet S falls below the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322, the central part of the sheet S in the width direction moves downward. Consequently, the sheet S curves so that both ends in the width direction of the sheet S are positioned above the central part. In other words, the discharge guide 320 curves the sheet S so that both ends in the width direction of the sheet S are positioned above the center.

[0123] Subsequently, when the sheet S falls down from between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322, the sheet S is loaded onto the discharge tray 310.

[0124] As described above, the following effects can be obtained according to this embodiment. Conventionally, because the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred to the sheet S, the friction of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is high, making it difficult for the sheets S to slide against each other, and making it difficult to smoothly stack multiple sheets S on the discharge tray. However, according to this embodiment, the discharge guide 320 curves the sheet S so that both ends in the width direction of the sheet S being conveyed by the discharge roller 213 are positioned above the center. As a result, during the process of the sheets S being loaded onto the discharge tray 310, contact between the loaded sheets S and the next sheet S to be discharged is suppressed, and multiple sheets S can be smoothly loaded onto the discharge tray 310. In this embodiment, the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 of the discharge guide 320 guide the sheets S to be dropped onto the discharge tray 310 from above, so that the sheets S do not come into contact with sheets S already loaded on the discharge tray 310 until they are loaded onto the discharge tray 310. As a result, the sheets S can be moved smoothly to the discharge tray 310.

[0125] Furthermore, the discharge guide 320 has a first shaft 321 that contacts one end of the sheet S in the width direction to guide the sheet S, and a second shaft 322 that contacts the other end of the sheet S in the width direction to guide the sheet. As a result, the discharge guide 320 can curve the sheet S being conveyed by the discharge roller 213.

[0126] Furthermore, the distance between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 decreases as the sheet S moves downstream in the conveying direction. As a result, when the sheet S falls from between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 after being discharged from the discharge roller 213, the upstream end of the sheet S falls first. If the sheet S does not consistently fall from either the downstream or upstream end, the position in which the sheet S falls will not be stable. However, by having the sheet S fall from the upstream end first, the position in which the sheet S falls can be stabilized.

[0127] In addition, since the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 come into contact with the front end of the sheet S, the front end of the sheet S can be supported by the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322.

[0128] In addition, the distance between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 is smaller than the width LS of the sheet at the downstream end in the conveyance direction (L2 < LS). Therefore, the front end of the sheet S can be supported by the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322. Also, the distance between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 is larger than the width LS of the sheet S at the upstream end in the conveyance direction (L1 > LS). Therefore, the rear end of the sheet S is likely to fall downward through between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322. When the rear end of the sheet S falls downward through between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322, the sheet S curves from the rear end to the front end, and by curving, the entire sheet S can fall downward through between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322.

[0129] In addition, since the lower end of the discharge tray 310 is arranged at the same height as the lower surface of the second housing 202 of the layer transfer device 200 or above the lower surface, the space below the second housing 202 can be effectively utilized. For example, even when the layer transfer device 200 is arranged above the image forming device 100 that forms the printing layer, the discharge tray 310 does not interfere with the image forming device 100.

[0130] In addition, since the discharge tray 310 has a placement plate 311 and a pair of first walls 312 that extend upward from both ends in the width direction of the placement plate 311, it is possible to suppress the discharged sheet S from protruding from both ends in the width direction.

[0131] In addition, since the first wall 312 has an opening 312A, the first wall 312 can be lightened, and it is easy to visually recognize the sheet S in the discharge tray 310.

[0132] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 12(a). In the following description, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0133] As shown in Figure 12(a), the discharge unit 400 in the second embodiment includes a discharge tray 410, a discharge guide 420, and a fixing member 430.

[0134] The discharge tray 410 can hold the sheets S discharged by the discharge roller 213. The fixing member 430 fixes the discharge unit 400 to the layer transfer device 200.

[0135] The discharge guide 420 has a concave roller 421. The concave roller 421 has an inverted crown shape, narrower in the center and wider at both ends in the width direction of the sheet S. The concave roller 421 is positioned between the discharge port 203 of the layer transfer device 200 and the discharge tray 410. The concave roller 421 is positioned above the discharge tray 410. The concave roller 421 is rotatably supported. The concave roller 421 may be rotationally driven by a motor (not shown).

[0136] According to the discharge unit 400 of the second embodiment, since the discharge guide 420 has a concave roller 421, the discharge guide 420 can curve the sheet S being conveyed by the discharge roller 213. The sheet S discharged from the discharge port 203 is curved by the concave roller 421 so that both ends in the width direction of the sheet S are positioned above the center. The sheet S curved by the concave roller 421 is less likely to sag downwards compared to an uncurved sheet S and moves straight in the direction of discharge. Therefore, the sheet S can move to the discharge tray 410 without sagging downwards. Furthermore, even if multiple sheets S with the viscoelastic layer PF3 transferred are discharged, the sheets S being discharged by the discharge roller 213 are less likely to adhere to the sheets S already loaded on the discharge tray 410, so that multiple sheets S can be smoothly loaded onto the discharge tray 410 without the sheets S sticking to each other.

[0137] Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 12(b). In the following description, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0138] As shown in Figure 12(b), the discharge unit 500 in the third embodiment includes a discharge tray 510, a discharge guide 520, and a fixing member 530.

[0139] The discharge tray 510 can hold the sheets S discharged by the discharge roller 213. The fixing member 530 fixes the discharge unit 500 to the layer transfer device 200.

[0140] The discharge guide 520 has two rollers 521 and 522. The two rollers 521 and 522 have tapered surfaces, with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter in the width direction of the sheet S. Roller 521 is capable of contacting one end of the sheet S in the width direction of the sheet S. Roller 522 is capable of contacting the other end of the sheet S in the width direction of the sheet S. The two rollers 521 and 522 are positioned between the discharge port 203 of the layer transfer device 200 and the discharge tray 410. The two rollers 521 and 522 are positioned above the discharge tray 410. The two rollers 521 and 522 are rotatably supported. The two rollers 521 and 522 may be rotationally driven by a motor (not shown).

[0141] According to the discharge unit 500 of the third embodiment, since the discharge guide 520 has two rollers 521 and 522, the discharge guide 520 can curve the sheet S being conveyed by the discharge roller 213, similar to the second embodiment.

[0142] Next, a fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 13(a). In the following description, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0143] As shown in Figure 13(a), the discharge unit 600 in the fourth embodiment includes a discharge tray 610, a discharge guide 620, and a fixing member 630.

[0144] The discharge tray 610 can hold the sheets S discharged by the discharge roller 213. The fixing member 630 fixes the discharge unit 600 to the layer transfer device 200.

[0145] The discharge guide 620 has a central guide 621 and end guides 622 and 623. The central guide 621 has a flat plate shape and extends in the direction of sheet S discharge. The central guide 621 contacts the lower surface of sheet S and guides the central part of sheet S in the width direction. The end guides 622 and 623 are positioned above the central guide 621. Specifically, the end guides 622 and 623 have a flat plate shape and extend diagonally so that they are positioned higher the further they are from the central guide 621. The end guides 622 and 623 contact the underside of the sheet S and guide both ends of the sheet S in the width direction. By contacting both ends of the sheet S in the width direction, the end guides 622 and 623 lift both ends of the sheet S.

[0146] According to the discharge unit 600 of the fourth embodiment, since the discharge guide 620 has a central guide 621 and end guides 622 and 623, the discharge guide 620 can bend the sheet S being conveyed by the discharge roller 213, similar to the second embodiment.

[0147] Next, a fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 13(b). In the following description, components that are substantially the same as those in the fourth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0148] The fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that rollers are arranged on the central guide 621 and the end guides 622 and 623. As shown in Figure 13(b), in the fifth embodiment, the discharge unit 700 has a roller R1 positioned on the central guide 621, and rollers R2 and R3 positioned on the end guides 622 and 623. The rollers R1, R2, and R3 are rotatably supported by the respective guides 621, 622, and 623. Note that the rollers R1, R2, and R3 may be rotationally driven by a motor (not shown).

[0149] In the discharge unit 700 of the fifth embodiment, similar to the fourth embodiment, the discharge guide 620 can curve the sheet S being conveyed by the discharge roller 213. In addition, since rollers R1, R2, and R3 are arranged on the central guide 621 and the end guides 622 and 623, the sheet S can pass through the central guide 621 and the end guides 622 and 623 smoothly.

[0150] Next, a sixth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 14. In the following description, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0151] As shown in Figure 14, the discharge unit 800 in the sixth embodiment includes a discharge tray 810, a discharge guide 820, and a fixing member 830.

[0152] The discharge tray 810 can hold the sheets S discharged by the discharge roller 213. The fixing member 830 fixes the discharge unit 800 to the layer transfer device 200.

[0153] The discharge guide 820 has two rollers 821 and 822. The two rollers 821 and 822 have a cylindrical shape. Roller 821 is capable of contacting one end of the sheet S in the width direction of the sheet S. Roller 822 is capable of contacting the other end of the sheet S in the width direction of the sheet S. The two rollers 821 and 822 are positioned between the discharge port 203 of the layer transfer device 200 and the discharge tray 810. The two rollers 821 and 822 are positioned above the discharge tray 810. The two rollers 821 and 822 are rotatably supported. The two rollers 821 and 822 may be rotationally driven by a motor (not shown).

[0154] According to the discharge unit 800 of the sixth embodiment, since the discharge guide 820 has two rollers 821 and 822, the discharge guide 820 can bend the sheet S being conveyed by the discharge roller 213, similar to the second embodiment.

[0155] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be used in various forms as illustrated below.

[0156] In the first embodiment described above, the cross-sections of the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 were circular, but the cross-sections may be elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal.

[0157] In the first embodiment described above, the distance between the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 decreased as the sheet S was transported downstream, but the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 may be parallel. Also, the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 were arranged symmetrically with respect to a central line C passing through the center of the sheet S in the width direction, but they do not have to be symmetrical. For example, the first shaft 321 may extend parallel to the transport direction of the sheet S, and the second shaft 322 may extend in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the sheet S.

[0158] In the first embodiment described above, the opening 312A of the first wall 312 of the discharge tray 310 had a rectangular shape and was formed in the central and front portions. However, the shape of the opening does not have to be rectangular, and its size and number are not particularly limited.

[0159] In the first embodiment described above, the second opening 313A of the second wall 313 of the discharge tray 310 was rectangular in shape and there was one opening. However, the shape of the opening does not have to be rectangular, and there are no particular limitations on its size or number.

[0160] In the first embodiment described above, the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 extended horizontally (see Figure 1), but the first shaft 321 and the second shaft 322 may be configured to extend diagonally so that they are positioned higher or lower as they move downstream in the conveying direction.

[0161] In the third embodiment described above, the two rollers 521 and 522 had tapered surfaces, but rollers with a shaft shape and no tapered surfaces may also be used.

[0162] In the fifth embodiment described above, rollers were arranged on the central guide 621 and the end guides 622 and 623, respectively. However, the rollers may be arranged on at least one of the central guide 621 and the end guides 622 and 623.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] The elements described in the above embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0167] 200-layer transfer device 202 Second enclosure 250 Transfer section 300 discharge units 310 Discharge Tray 320 Disposal Guide

Claims

1. A transfer printing sheet making 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, The casing and A transfer unit is provided within the housing and transports a sheet in which the film having the viscoelastic layer and the printed layer are formed in a stacked state, thereby transferring the viscoelastic layer onto the printed layer. A discharge roller for discharging the sheet onto which the viscoelastic layer has been transferred in the transfer section from inside the housing to outside the housing, A discharge tray capable of loading the sheets discharged by the discharge roller, A transfer printing sheet making apparatus characterized by comprising: an discharge guide that supports both ends in the width direction of the sheet being conveyed by the discharge roller, and curves the sheet so that both ends in the width direction of the sheet are positioned above the center.

2. The transfer printing sheet preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge guide has a concave roller.

3. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge guide has two rollers that can contact both ends of the sheet in the width direction of the sheet.

4. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the two rollers have tapered surfaces in which the outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter in the width direction of the sheet.

5. The aforementioned discharge guide is A central guide that guides the center of the sheet in the width direction, The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has end guides for guiding both ends of the sheet in the width direction, the end guides being positioned above the central guide.

6. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that a roller is provided on at least one of the central guide and the end guides.

7. The aforementioned discharge guide is A first shaft extending in the direction of sheet transport, the first shaft contacting one end of the sheet in the width direction to guide the sheet, The device includes a second shaft extending in the direction of sheet transport, which contacts the other end in the width direction and guides the sheet, The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge tray is located below the first shaft and the second shaft so as to be able to receive sheets falling between the first shaft and the second shaft.

8. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the distance between the first shaft and the second shaft decreases as the sheet is transported downstream.

9. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the first shaft and the second shaft are positioned so as to contact the front end of the sheet.

10. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the first shaft and the second shaft are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line passing through the center of the sheet in the width direction.

11. The distance between the first shaft and the second shaft is At the upstream end in the aforementioned transport direction, it is larger than the width of the sheet. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the downstream end in the transport direction is smaller than the width of the sheet.

12. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the cross-sections of the first shaft and the second shaft are circular.

13. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the lower end of the discharge tray is positioned at the same height as the lower surface of the housing or above the lower surface.

14. The aforementioned discharge tray is A mounting plate on which the discharged sheets are loaded, The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a pair of first walls extending upward from both ends of the mounting plate in the width direction.

15. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the pair of first walls have openings.

16. The discharge tray has a second wall extending upward from the downstream end of the aforementioned plate in the transport direction, The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the second wall has a holding portion for holding the first shaft and the second shaft.

17. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the holding portion has a cylindrical portion, and a part of the first shaft and a part of the second shaft are held by fitting into the cylindrical portion.

18. 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.

19. The transfer printing sheet making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle of inclination of the sheet guided by the discharge guide with respect to the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal direction in the discharge direction from which the sheet discharged from the transfer unit is discharged.

Images