Foil transfer device

Abstract

To provide a foil transfer device capable of improving peelability of a foil film from a sheet, and capable of quickly lowering the temperature of a heating member and the like.SOLUTION: A foil transfer device 1 includes: a heating member (heating roller 61) for heating a foil film F; a pressure member (pressure roller 51) for pinching the foil film F and a sheet S between itself and the heating member; a peeling member (peeling roller 42) for peeling the foil film F from the sheet S; fans 210, 220 for forming an airflow in the foil transfer device 1; and a switching mechanism 400 capable of switching the airflow by the fans 210, 220. The switching mechanism 400 can be switched between a first state for supplying the air toward the foil film F positioned between the heating member and the peeling member, and a second state for supplying the air toward the heating member or the pressure member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foil transfer device that transfers a transfer layer containing foil onto a sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a known foil transfer device includes a heating element that heats the foil film, a pressure element that sandwiches the foil film and the sheet between the heating element and the pressure element, a peeling element that peels the foil film that has passed between the heating element and the pressure element from the sheet, and a fan that supplies air toward the foil film positioned between the heating element and the peeling element (see Patent Document 1). With this technology, the foil film positioned between the heating element and the peeling element is cooled by the fan, thereby improving the peelability of the foil film from the sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-116185 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, the air from the fan is always directed toward the foil film located between the heating member and the peeling member, so it may take a long time for the temperature of the heating member to drop.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a foil transfer device that can improve the peelability of a foil film from a sheet and can quickly lower the temperature of a heating element, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the foil transfer device according to the present invention is a device that overlays a sheet on a foil film having a transfer layer containing foil, and transfers the transfer layer onto the sheet. The foil transfer device includes a heating member, a pressure member, a peeling member, a fan, and a switching mechanism. The heating element heats the foil film. The pressure member sandwiches the foil film and the sheet between the pressure member and the heating member. The peeling member peels the foil film from the sheet by changing the traveling direction of the foil film that has passed between the heating member and the pressure member to a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet. The fan creates an air flow within the foil transfer device. The switching mechanism is a mechanism that can switch the air flow by the fan between a first state in which air is supplied toward the foil film located between the heating member and the peeling member, and a second state in which air is supplied toward the heating member or the pressure member.

[0007] According to this configuration, by setting the switching mechanism to the first state during foil transfer, it is possible to improve the peelability of the foil film from the sheet, and by setting the switching mechanism to the second state during non-foil transfer, it is possible to quickly lower the temperature of the heating element, etc.

[0008] The switching mechanism may also have a movable member that is movable between a first position that guides air toward the foil film located between the heating member and the peeling member, and a second position that guides air toward the heating member or the pressure member, and when the movable member is located at the first position, the switching mechanism is in the first state, and when the movable member is located at the second position, the switching mechanism is in the second state.

[0009] The foil transfer device may also include a duct for guiding air, which includes a first duct for guiding air toward the foil film located between the heating member and the peeling member, and a second duct branching from the first duct for guiding air toward the heating member or the pressure member. When the movable member is located at the first position, it may open the first duct and close the second duct, and when it is located at the second position, it may close the first duct and open the second duct.

[0010] The first duct may have a first outlet for discharging air, the second duct may have a second outlet for discharging air, and the area of ​​the second outlet may be larger than the area of ​​the first outlet.

[0011] According to this configuration, the second exhaust port has a large area, so that the air can be applied to a wide area of ​​the heating member or the pressure member, and therefore the heating member or the pressure member can be cooled efficiently.

[0012] The foil transfer device may also include a duct for guiding air, the duct having a first outlet opening toward the foil film located between the heating member and the peeling member, and a second outlet opening toward the heating member or the pressure member. The movable member may open the first exhaust port and close the second exhaust port when located at the first position, and close the first exhaust port and open the second exhaust port when located at the second position.

[0013] The area of ​​the second outlet may be larger than the area of ​​the first outlet.

[0014] According to this configuration, the second exhaust port has a large area, so that the air can be applied to a wide area of ​​the heating member or the pressure member, and therefore the heating member or the pressure member can be cooled efficiently.

[0015] The movable member may also be a flapper having a shaft extending in a first direction and a plate-shaped portion extending from the shaft in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and being rotatable around the shaft.

[0016] The foil transfer device may further include a control unit that sets the switching mechanism to the first state when a foil transfer process for transferring the transfer layer onto the sheet is to be performed, and sets the switching mechanism to the second state when the foil transfer process is not to be performed.

[0017] The foil transfer device may further include a housing body having an opening, a cover movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, a locking member movable between a locked position that locks the cover in the closed position and an unlocked position that unlocks the cover, and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the housing body, and the control unit may position the locking member at the locked position when the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and position the locking member at the unlocked position when the detected temperature is less than the predetermined value.

[0018] According to this configuration, if the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined value after the foil transfer process is completed, the locking member is in the locked position, and the first cover cannot be opened until the detected temperature drops below the predetermined value. However, when such foil transfer is not being performed, the switching mechanism is in the second state, which efficiently cools the heating member and the like, allowing the detected temperature to quickly drop below the predetermined value, thereby shortening the period during which the cover cannot be opened.

[0019] The heating member may be a heating roller, and the pressure member may be a pressure roller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the peelability of the foil film from the sheet and also to quickly lower the temperature of the heating element or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1A is a view showing a foil transfer device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a view showing a locking mechanism. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view showing the foil transfer device with the cover open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the structure around the switching mechanism in the first state. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the structure around the switching mechanism in the second state. [Figure 5] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing a second outlet, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing a first outlet. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the switching mechanism according to the second embodiment is in a first state. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the switching mechanism according to the second embodiment is in a second state. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second outlet in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the switching mechanism according to the third embodiment is in a first state. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the switching mechanism according to the third embodiment is in a second state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, directions will be described in terms of the directions shown in Fig. 1(a). That is, the right side of Fig. 1(a) will be referred to as "front", the left side of Fig. 1(a) will be referred to as "rear", the front side of Fig. 1(a) will be referred to as "left", and the back side of Fig. 1(a) will be referred to as "right". Furthermore, the top and bottom of Fig. 1(a) will be referred to as "top and bottom".

[0023] 1(a), foil transfer device 1 is a device for transferring a transfer layer having a foil such as aluminum onto a toner image formed on sheet S by an image forming device such as a laser printer. Foil transfer device 1 includes a housing 2, a sheet tray 3, a sheet conveying unit 10, a film supply unit 30, and a transfer unit 50.

[0024] The housing 2 is made of resin or the like and includes a housing main body 21 and a cover 22. The housing main body 21 has an opening 21A (see FIG. 2) at the top. The opening 21A is an opening for attaching and detaching a film unit FU, which will be described later, to the housing main body 21. The cover 22 is a member for opening and closing the opening 21A. The rear end of the cover 22 is rotatably supported by the housing main body 21. The cover 22 is rotatable between a closed position (position in FIG. 1) in which the opening 21A is closed, and an open position (position in FIG. 2) in which the opening 21A is open.

[0025] The sheet tray 3 is a tray on which sheets S such as paper and transparencies are placed. The sheet tray 3 is provided at the rear of the housing 2. The sheet S is placed on the sheet tray 3 with the surface on which the toner image is formed facing downward.

[0026] The sheet conveying unit 10 includes a sheet supply mechanism 11 and a sheet discharge mechanism 12. The sheet supply mechanism 11 is a mechanism that conveys the sheets S on the sheet tray 3 one by one toward the transfer unit 50. The sheet supply mechanism 11 includes a pickup roller and a conveying roller.

[0027] The sheet discharge mechanism 12 is a mechanism that discharges the sheet S that has passed through the transfer unit 50 to the outside of the housing 2. The sheet discharge mechanism 12 includes a plurality of transport rollers.

[0028] The film supply section 30 is a section that supplies the foil film F so as to overlap the sheet S conveyed from the sheet supply mechanism 11. The film supply section 30 includes a film unit FU and a drive source such as a motor (not shown).

[0029] 2, the film unit FU is detachably attached to the housing main body 21 from above. The film unit FU includes a supply reel 31, a take-up reel 35, an upstream guide roller 41, a peeling roller 42 as an example of a peeling member, and a downstream guide roller 43. A foil film F is wound around the supply reel 31 of the film unit FU.

[0030] The foil film F has a supporting layer and a supported layer. The supporting layer is a tape-shaped transparent substrate made of a polymer material, and supports the supported layer.

[0031] The supported layer has a release layer, a transfer layer, and an adhesive layer. The release layer is a layer that facilitates peeling of the transfer layer from the support layer and is disposed between the support layer and the transfer layer. The release layer contains a transparent material, such as a wax-based resin, that is easily peeled from the support layer.

[0032] The transfer layer is a layer to which the toner image is transferred and includes a foil. The foil is a thinly rolled metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum. The transfer layer also includes a coloring material such as gold, silver, or red, and a thermoplastic resin. The transfer layer is disposed between the release layer and the adhesive layer.

[0033] The adhesive layer is a layer for making it easier for the transfer layer to adhere to the toner image, and contains a material that easily adheres to the toner image heated by the transfer unit 50 (described later), such as a vinyl chloride resin or an acrylic resin.

[0034] The supply reel 31 is made of resin or the like and has a supply shaft portion 31A around which the foil film F is wound. One end of the foil film F is fixed to the supply shaft portion 31A.

[0035] The take-up reel 35 is made of resin or the like, and has a take-up shaft portion 35A for taking up the foil film F. The other end of the foil film F is fixed to the take-up shaft portion 35A.

[0036] The upstream guide roller 41, the peeling roller 42, and the downstream guide roller 43 are shafts for changing the traveling direction of the foil film F. The upstream guide roller 41, the peeling roller 42, and the downstream guide roller 43 are made of SUS (stainless steel) or the like.

[0037] The upstream guide roller 41 is located upstream of the transfer section 50 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The upstream guide roller 41 changes the traveling direction of the foil film F pulled out from the supply reel 31 so that it becomes approximately parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet S. In the following description, the conveying direction of the sheet S will also be simply referred to as the "conveying direction."

[0038] The peeling roller 42 is located downstream of the transfer section 50 in the conveying direction. The peeling roller 42 peels the foil film F from the sheet S by changing the traveling direction of the foil film F that has passed through the transfer section 50, more specifically, between a pressure roller 51 and a heating roller 61 described later, to a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0039] The downstream guide roller 43 determines the angle of the foil film F when peeling the foil film F from the sheet S (hereinafter also referred to as the "peeling angle"). Here, the peeling angle is the angle between the portion of the foil film F stretched between the upstream guide roller 41 and the peeling roller 42 and the portion stretched between the peeling roller 42 and the downstream guide roller 43. The downstream guide roller 43 changes the traveling direction of the foil film F guided by the peeling roller 42 and guides it to the take-up reel 35.

[0040] With the film unit FU attached to the foil transfer device 1, the take-up reel 35 is driven to rotate counterclockwise as shown by a drive source (not shown). As the take-up reel 35 rotates, the foil film F wound around the supply reel 31 is pulled out, and the pulled-out foil film F is guided by the rollers 41 to 43 and wound onto the take-up reel 35. More specifically, during foil transfer, the foil film F is fed out by the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 (described later), and the foil film F is pulled out from the supply reel 31. Then, the foil film F fed from the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 is wound onto the take-up reel 35.

[0041] The transfer unit 50 is a section for transferring a transfer layer onto the toner image formed on the sheet S by applying heat and pressure to the sheet S and the foil film F in a superposed state. The transfer unit 50 includes a pressure roller 51 as an example of a pressure member and a heating roller 61 as an example of a heating member. The transfer unit 50 heats and presses the sheet S and the foil film F in a superposed state at the nip portion between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61.

[0042] The pressure roller 51 is a roller in which the periphery of a cylindrical core metal is covered with a rubber layer made of silicone rubber. The pressure roller 51 is disposed above the foil film F and is capable of contacting the back surface of the sheet S (the surface opposite to the front surface on which the toner image is formed).

[0043] The pressure roller 51 has both ends rotatably supported by the cover 22. The pressure roller 51 sandwiches the sheet S and the foil film F between itself and the heat roller 61, and is driven to rotate by a drive source, thereby causing the heat roller 61 to rotate.

[0044] The heating roller 61 is a roller in which a heater is disposed inside a cylindrical metal tube, and heats the foil film F and the sheet S. The heating roller 61 is disposed below the foil film F and is in contact with the foil film F.

[0045] In this embodiment, the heating roller 61 is moved by a contact / separation mechanism 70 for bringing the heating roller 61 into contact with and separating it from the foil film F. The contact / separation mechanism 70 is disposed between the supply reel 31 and the take-up reel 35 in the conveying direction. When the cover 22 is closed, the contact / separation mechanism 70 moves the heating roller 61 to a contact position where it comes into contact with the foil film F in accordance with the timing at which the sheet S is supplied to the transfer unit 50. When the cover 22 is open or when foil transfer to the sheet S is not performed in the transfer unit 50, the contact / separation mechanism 70 positions the heating roller 61 at a separation position where it is separated from the foil film F. The contact / separation mechanism 70 performs the above-described operations under the control of a control unit 100, which will be described later.

[0046] In the foil transfer device 1 configured in this manner, the sheets S placed on the sheet tray 3 with their front surfaces facing downwards are transported one by one by the sheet supply mechanism 11 toward the transfer unit 50. The sheets S are superimposed on the foil film F supplied from the supply reel 31 on the upstream side of the transfer unit 50 in the transport direction, and are transported to the transfer unit 50 with the toner image on the sheets S and the foil film F in contact with each other.

[0047] In the transfer section 50, when the sheet S and the foil film F pass through the nip between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61, they are heated and pressed by the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51, and the foil is transferred onto the toner image.

[0048] After the foil is transferred, the sheet S and the foil film F are transported in close contact to the peeling roller 42. When the sheet S and the foil film F pass the peeling roller 42, the traveling direction of the foil film F changes to a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet S, so that the foil film F is peeled off from the sheet S.

[0049] The foil film F peeled off from the sheet S is taken up by the take-up reel 35. Meanwhile, the sheet S from which the foil film F has been peeled off is discharged by the sheet discharge mechanism 12 to the outside of the housing 2 with the surface on which the foil has been transferred facing downward.

[0050] The foil transfer device 1 further includes a locking mechanism 90, a temperature sensor Sa, and a control unit 100. The locking mechanism 90 is a mechanism for locking the cover 22 in the closed position. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the locking mechanism 90 includes a locking member 91 for restricting or releasing the rotation of a hook 81 that is rotatably provided on the cover 22. Here, the hook 81 is rotatable together with a handle 83 that is operated by a user. The tip of the hook 81 is engageable with a lock pin RP that is provided on the housing main body 21. When the cover 22 is in the closed position, the hook 81 is movable between an engaged position (position indicated by a solid line) where it engages with the lock pin RP and a disengaged position (position indicated by a two-dot chain line) where it disengages from the lock pin RP.

[0051] The locking member 91 is movable between a locked position (position indicated by a solid line) that restricts movement of the hook 81 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and a released position (position indicated by a two-dot chain line) that releases the restriction on movement of the hook 81. When positioned at the locked position, the locking member 91 locks the cover 22 in the closed position. When positioned at the released position, the locking member 91 unlocks the cover 22.

[0052] The temperature sensor Sa is a sensor that detects the temperature inside the housing main body 21. The temperature sensor Sa can be disposed, for example, in a position where it can detect the temperature of the transfer unit 50.

[0053] The control unit 100 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and input / output circuits, and performs various arithmetic operations based on programs and data stored in the ROM or the like to execute control. The control unit 100 has a function of positioning the locking member 91 in the locked position when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sa is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and positioning the locking member 91 in the unlocked position when the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined value. Specifically, the control unit 100 positions the locking member 91 in each position by controlling a solenoid for moving the locking member 91.

[0054] 1(a), the foil transfer device 1 includes a first fan 210 and a second fan 220 as examples of fans, a duct 300, and a switching mechanism 400. The first fan 210 and the second fan 220 are fans for forming an air flow within the foil transfer device 1. Specifically, the first fan 210 and the second fan 220 are arranged so that air flows from the cover 22 side toward the bottom of the housing main body 21.

[0055] The first fan 210 is a fan that draws air outside the housing main body 21 into the housing main body 21. The first fan 210 is provided on the cover 22. The first fan 210 is located above the pressure roller 51. The first fan 210 is located upstream of the pressure roller 51 in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0056] The second fan 220 is a fan that exhausts air inside the housing main body 21 to the outside of the housing main body 21. The second fan 220 is provided in the housing main body 21. The second fan 220 is located below the transfer unit 50.

[0057] 3, the duct 300 is a cylindrical member that guides the air discharged from the first fan 210. The duct 300 is provided in the cover 22. The duct 300 has a first duct 310 and a second duct 320.

[0058] The first duct 310 is a duct that guides air toward the foil film F located between the heating roller 61 and the peeling roller 42. The first duct 310 has an upstream flow path 311, a downstream flow path 312, and an outlet forming member 313.

[0059] The upstream flow path 311 is located on the opposite side of the pressure roller 51 from the heating roller 61. The upstream flow path 311 extends downstream in the transport direction from the first fan 210. More specifically, the upstream flow path 311 extends downstream in the transport direction from the pressure roller 51.

[0060] The upstream flow path 311 has a downstream opening H1 through which air is discharged. The downstream opening H1 is open toward the foil film F located upstream of the peeling roller 42 in the conveying direction. Although not shown, an upstream opening (not shown) is formed in one of the walls constituting the upstream flow path 311, adjacent to the first fan 210. The air discharged from the first fan 210 is taken into the upstream flow path 311 through the upstream opening.

[0061] The downstream flow path 312 is disposed adjacent to the downstream side of the downstream opening H1 in the direction of travel of air flowing through the upstream flow path 311. The downstream flow path 312 has an upstream opening H2 and a downstream opening H3. In the following description, the direction of travel of air is also referred to as the "air blowing direction."

[0062] The upstream opening H2 is an opening for taking in air discharged from the upstream flow path 311 into the downstream flow path 312. The upstream opening H2 faces the downstream opening H1. The downstream opening H3 is open toward the foil film F located upstream of the peeling roller 42 in the conveying direction.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the outlet forming member 313 is a member having a first outlet Ho1 that discharges air from the downstream flow path 312. The first outlet Ho1 is made up of a plurality of holes H4. Each hole H4 is formed in the shape of a slit that is long in the conveying direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet forming member 313 is fixed to the downstream flow path 312 so as to cover the downstream opening H3.

[0064] The second duct 320 is a duct that guides air toward the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51. The second duct 320 branches off from the first duct 310. Specifically, the second duct 320 extends from an upstream portion of the first duct 310 in the air blowing direction toward the pressure roller 51.

[0065] When viewed from the direction in which the pressure roller 51 and the heat roller 61 face each other, the second duct 320 overlaps with the pressure roller 51 and the heat roller 61. The tip of the second duct 320 has an arc-shaped notch 321 that follows the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller 51. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the second duct 320 has a second exhaust port Ho2 that exhausts air from inside the second duct 320.

[0066] The second discharge outlet Ho2 is a rectangular opening that is long in the width direction of the sheet S. In the following description, the width direction of the sheet S will also be simply referred to as the "width direction." The area of ​​the second discharge outlet Ho2 is larger than the area of ​​the first discharge outlet Ho1, which is the total area of ​​the multiple holes H4 shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0067] Specifically, the length of the second discharge outlet Ho2 in the transport direction is greater than the length of the hole H4 that constitutes the first discharge outlet Ho1 in the transport direction. Also, the length of the second discharge outlet Ho2 in the width direction is greater than the length of the first discharge outlet Ho1 in the width direction. Here, the length of the first discharge outlet Ho1 in the width direction is the distance between the outer edges of the two outermost holes H4 in the width direction.

[0068] When viewed from the direction in which the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 face each other, a part of the second discharge port Ho2 overlaps with the pressure roller 51, and another part does not overlap with the pressure roller 51. This allows the air discharged from the second discharge port Ho2 to be efficiently supplied to both the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61.

[0069] The switching mechanism 400 is a mechanism that can switch between the air flow by the first fan 210 and the second fan 220. The switching mechanism 400 can be switched between a first state in which air is supplied toward the foil film F located between the heating roller 61 and the peeling roller 42, and a second state in which air is supplied toward the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51.

[0070] Specifically, the switching mechanism 400 includes a flapper 410 as an example of a moving member, and a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the flapper 410. The drive mechanism includes, for example, a motor and gears.

[0071] The flapper 410 has a shaft 411 and a plate-shaped portion 412. The shaft 411 extends in a width direction, which is an example of a first direction. The shaft 411 is disposed at a position adjacent to a branch point of the first duct 310 and the second duct 320.

[0072] The plate-like portion 412 extends in a second direction perpendicular to the width direction from the shaft 411. The flapper 410 is rotatable with respect to the duct 300 around the shaft 411.

[0073] The flapper 410 is rotatable between a first position shown in Fig. 3 and a second position shown in Fig. 4. In the first position, the flapper 410 guides air toward the foil film F located between the heating roller 61 and the peeling roller 42. In the second position, the flapper 410 guides air toward the heating roller 61 or the pressure roller 51.

[0074] When the flapper 410 is located at the first position, it opens the first duct 310 and closes the second duct 320. When the flapper 410 is located at the second position, it closes the first duct 310 and opens the second duct 320. When the flapper 410 is located at the first position, the switching mechanism 400 is in the first state. When the flapper 410 is located at the second position, the switching mechanism 400 is in the second state.

[0075] The control unit 100 sets the switching mechanism 400 to the first state when performing a foil transfer process to transfer a transfer layer to the sheet S. Furthermore, the control unit 100 sets the switching mechanism 400 to the second state when not performing a foil transfer process.

[0076] Next, the operation of the switching mechanism 400 will be described in detail. When the control unit 100 receives a transfer command to start the foil transfer process, it performs a process of pressing the heating roller 61 against the pressure roller 51 and a process of positioning the locking member 91 in the locked position. At this time, the control unit 100 also drives the fans 210 and 220 and performs a process of positioning the flapper 410 in the first position. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, during the foil transfer process, the air taken into the duct 300 from the first fan 210 passes through the first duct 310 and flows toward the foil film F between the heating roller 61 and the peeling roller 42. This improves the peelability of the foil film F from the sheet S during the foil transfer process.

[0077] 4, when the foil transfer process is completed, the control unit 100 performs a process of separating the heating roller 61 from the pressure roller 51, and also performs a process of moving the flapper 410 from the first position to the second position while keeping the fans 210 and 220 driven. As a result, after the foil transfer process is completed, the air taken into the duct 300 from the first fan 210 flows through the second duct 320 toward the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61. Therefore, after the foil transfer process is completed, the temperature inside the foil transfer device 1 can be quickly lowered.

[0078] When the temperature inside the foil transfer device 1 falls below a predetermined value, the control unit 100 moves the locking member 91 from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby allowing the user to open the cover 22. The timing for stopping the fans 210, 220 may be when the temperature inside the foil transfer device 1 falls below a predetermined value, or may be after a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the foil transfer process.

[0079] As described above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment. By setting the switching mechanism 400 to the first state during foil transfer, it is possible to improve the peelability of the foil film F from the sheet S. Furthermore, by setting the switching mechanism 400 to the second state during non-foil transfer, it is possible to quickly lower the temperature of the heating roller 61 and the like.

[0080] The second discharge port Ho2 has a large area, so that the air can be applied to a wide area of ​​the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51, and therefore the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51 can be cooled efficiently.

[0081] When foil transfer is not being performed, the switching mechanism 400 is in the second state, which efficiently cools the heating roller 61 and other components, allowing the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sa to be quickly reduced to below a predetermined value, thereby shortening the period during which the cover 22 cannot be opened.

[0082] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the first embodiment, the same components and processes as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0083] 6, the foil transfer apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment includes a duct 500 having a different structure from that of the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, the arrangement of the flapper 410 is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0084] The duct 500 is not branched as in the first embodiment, but extends from the first fan 210 toward the upstream side in the conveying direction of the peeling roller 42. The duct 500 has an upstream flow path 511 and a downstream flow path 512, which have a structure slightly different from that of the first embodiment.

[0085] The upstream portion of the upstream flow path 511 in the air blowing direction does not branch off toward the pressure roller 51. A downstream opening H11 located at the downstream end of the upstream flow path 511 in the air blowing direction opens toward the foil film F located upstream of the peeling roller 42 in the conveying direction, and also opens toward the pressure roller 51. The shape of the upstream flow path 511 is substantially the same as the shape of the upstream flow path 311 in the first embodiment. The downstream opening H11 allows the flapper 410 to pass through.

[0086] The downstream flow path 512 differs from the downstream flow path 312 of the first embodiment only in the upstream opening H21 located at the upstream end in the air blowing direction, and the other structures are substantially the same as the downstream flow path 312 of the first embodiment. The upstream opening H21 is formed to a size that allows the flapper 410 to pass through.

[0087] A discharge port forming member 313 similar to that of the first embodiment is arranged to cover a downstream opening H3 located at the downstream end in the air blowing direction of the downstream flow path 512. A second discharge port forming member 513 is arranged between the downstream opening H11 of the upstream flow path 511 and the pressure roller 51 so as to cover a part of the downstream opening H11.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 8, the second discharge port forming member 513 is a member having a second discharge port Ho21 that discharges air from the downstream flow path 512. The second discharge port Ho21 is made up of a plurality of holes H5. Each hole H5 is formed in the shape of a slit that is long in the conveyance direction. The second discharge port Ho21 opens toward the pressure roller 51 (see FIG. 6).

[0089] The hole H5 constituting the second discharge outlet Ho21 has a length in the transport direction that is smaller than the hole H4 constituting the first discharge outlet Ho1 shown in FIG. 5(b), but a length in the width direction that is larger than the hole H4. Furthermore, the pitch between the multiple holes H5 is smaller than the pitch between the multiple holes H4. As a result, the sum of the areas of the multiple holes H5 is larger than the sum of the areas of the multiple holes H4. In other words, even in the second embodiment, the area of ​​the second discharge outlet Ho21 is larger than the area of ​​the first discharge outlet Ho1.

[0090] 6, the shaft 411 of the flapper 410 is disposed near the upstream opening H21 of the downstream flow path 512. The flapper 410 is rotatable between a first position shown in FIG. 6 and a second position shown in FIG. 7.

[0091] When the flapper 410 is located at the first position, it opens the first discharge outlet Ho1 of the discharge outlet forming member 313 and closes the second discharge outlet Ho21 of the second discharge outlet forming member 513. When the flapper 410 is located at the second position, it closes the first discharge outlet Ho1 and opens the second discharge outlet Ho21. In the second embodiment as described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0092] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the second embodiment, the same components and processes as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0093] 9, the foil transfer device 1B of the third embodiment includes a duct 600 having a different structure from that of the second embodiment. The duct 600 has a structure substantially similar to that of the upstream flow path 511 of the second embodiment, but the downstream opening H12 located at the downstream end in the air blowing direction is positioned farther from the foil film F than the downstream opening H11 of the second embodiment.

[0094] In the third embodiment, the flapper 410 is not disposed inside the duct 600, but is disposed downstream of the downstream opening H12 of the duct 600 in the air blowing direction. The flapper 410 is rotatable between a first position shown in FIG. 9 and a second position shown in FIG. 10. When the flapper 410 is located at the first position, it guides air toward the foil film F located between the heating roller 61 and the peeling roller 42. When the flapper 410 is located at the second position, it guides air toward the pressure roller 51. The third embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0095] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below. The switching mechanism is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment, and may be, for example, an oscillating mechanism that changes the direction of the fan.

[0096] The moving member is not limited to the flapper 410, but may be a shutter that opens and closes a flow path or an outlet in a duct.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the state of the switching mechanism 400 is switched by the control unit 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the state of the switching mechanism may be switched manually. In this case, it is preferable to provide a handle that can operate the switching mechanism from outside the housing body.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the fans are configured with the first fan 210 and the second fan 220, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of fans may be one. For example, in the first embodiment, the foil transfer device 1 may be configured to include the first fan 210 but not the second fan 220. Alternatively, the foil transfer device 1 may be configured to include the second fan 220 but not the first fan 210.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the foil transfer device is exemplified as a device that transfers a transfer layer onto a toner image formed on a sheet, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the foil transfer device may be any device that transfers a transfer layer onto a sheet. For example, the foil transfer device may be configured to include a thermal head as a heating member.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the heating roller 61 is exemplified as the heating member, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the heating member may be, for example, a cylindrical fixing film slidably supported by a guide.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the pressure roller 51 is exemplified as the pressure member, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the pressure member may be, for example, one that includes a belt and a pad.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the peeling roller 42 is exemplified as the peeling member, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the peeling member may be, for example, a plate-shaped blade.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the foil film F is configured with four layers, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the foil film may have any number of layers as long as it has a transfer layer and a support layer.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the cover 22 is configured to be rotatable, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cover may be configured to be slidable linearly.

[0105] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 Foil transfer device 42 Peeling roller 51 Pressure roller 61 Heating roller 210 First Fan 220 Second Fan 400 Switching Mechanism F foil film S seat

Claims

1. A foil transfer device that overlays a sheet on a foil film having a transfer layer containing foil, and transfers the transfer layer to the sheet, a heating element for heating the foil film; a pressure member that sandwiches the foil film and the sheet between the pressure member and the heating member; a peeling member that peels the foil film from the sheet by changing the traveling direction of the foil film that has passed between the heating member and the pressure member to a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet; a fan that forms an air flow within the foil transfer device; A switching mechanism capable of switching the air flow by the fan, a first state in which air is supplied toward the foil film located between the heating member and the peeling member; a switching mechanism that can switch between a first state and a second state in which air is supplied toward the heating member or the pressurizing member, The switching mechanism is a first position for directing air toward the foil film located between the heating member and the peeling member; a second position where the air is guided toward the heating member or the pressurizing member, When the moving member is located at the first position, the moving member is in the first state, When the movable member is located at the second position, the movable member is in the second state, A duct for guiding air, a first duct for guiding air toward the foil film located between the heating member and the peeling member; a second duct branching from the first duct and guiding air toward the heating member or the pressurizing member; The moving member is When the valve is located at the first position, the valve opens the first duct and closes the second duct; When the foil transfer device is located at the second position, the first duct is closed and the second duct is opened.

2. the first duct has a first outlet for discharging air; the second duct has a second outlet for discharging air, 2. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the second outlet is larger than the area of ​​the first outlet.

3. A foil transfer device that overlays a sheet on a foil film having a transfer layer containing foil, and transfers the transfer layer to the sheet, a heating element for heating the foil film; a pressure member that sandwiches the foil film and the sheet between the pressure member and the heating member; a peeling member that peels the foil film from the sheet by changing the traveling direction of the foil film that has passed between the heating member and the pressure member to a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet; a fan that forms an air flow within the foil transfer device; A switching mechanism capable of switching the air flow by the fan, a first state in which air is supplied toward the foil film located between the heating member and the peeling member; a switching mechanism that can switch between a first state and a second state in which air is supplied toward the heating member or the pressurizing member, The switching mechanism is a first position for directing air toward the foil film located between the heating member and the peeling member; a second position where the air is guided toward the heating member or the pressurizing member, When the moving member is located at the first position, the moving member is in the first state, When the movable member is located at the second position, the movable member is in the second state, A duct for guiding air, a first outlet located between the heating member and the peeling member and opening toward the foil film; a duct having a second outlet opening toward the heating member or the pressurizing member, The moving member is When the nozzle is in the first position, the first outlet is open and the second outlet is closed; When the foil transfer device is located at the second position, the first discharge port is closed and the second discharge port is open.

4. 4. The foil transfer device according to claim 3, wherein the area of ​​the second outlet is larger than the area of ​​the first outlet.

5. the moving member is a flapper, a shaft extending in a first direction; a plate-like portion extending from the shaft in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, 5. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the foil transfer device is rotatable around the shaft.

6. Further comprising a control unit, The control unit When a foil transfer process is performed to transfer the transfer layer onto the sheet, the switching mechanism is set to the first state; 6. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism is set to the second state when the foil transfer process is not to be performed.

7. a housing body having an opening; a cover movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening; a locking member movable between a locking position that locks the cover in the closed position and an unlocking position that unlocks the cover; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the housing body, The control unit When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the locking member is positioned at the locking position; 7. The foil transfer device according to claim 6, wherein the locking member is positioned at the release position when the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined value.

8. 2. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the heating member is a heating roller and the pressure member is a pressure roller.

9. A foil transfer device that overlays a sheet on a foil film having a transfer layer containing foil, and transfers the transfer layer to the sheet, a heating roller for heating the foil film; a pressure roller that sandwiches the foil film and the sheet between the pressure roller and the heating roller; a peeling roller that peels off the foil film from the sheet by changing the traveling direction of the foil film that has passed between the heating roller and the pressure roller to a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet; a fan that forms an air flow within the foil transfer device; A flapper capable of switching the air flow by the fan, a first position for supplying air toward the foil film located between the heating roller and the peeling roller; a flapper movable between a first position and a second position to supply air toward the heating roller or the pressure roller; A duct for guiding air, a first duct for guiding air toward the foil film located between the heating roller and the peeling roller; a second duct branching from the first duct and guiding air toward the heating roller or the pressure roller; The flapper is When the valve is located at the first position, the valve opens the first duct and closes the second duct; When the foil transfer device is located at the second position, the first duct is closed and the second duct is opened.

10. the first duct has a first outlet for discharging air; the second duct has a second outlet for discharging air, 10. The foil transfer device according to claim 9, wherein the area of ​​the second outlet is larger than the area of ​​the first outlet.

11. A foil transfer device that overlays a sheet on a foil film having a transfer layer containing foil, and transfers the transfer layer to the sheet, a heating roller for heating the foil film; a pressure roller that sandwiches the foil film and the sheet between the pressure roller and the heating roller; a peeling roller that peels off the foil film from the sheet by changing the traveling direction of the foil film that has passed between the heating roller and the pressure roller to a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet; a fan that forms an air flow within the foil transfer device; A flapper capable of switching the air flow by the fan, a first position for supplying air toward the foil film located between the heating roller and the peeling roller; a flapper movable between a first position and a second position to supply air toward the heating roller or the pressure roller; A duct for guiding air, a first discharge port located between the heating roller and the peeling roller and opening toward the foil film; a duct having a second outlet opening toward the heating roller or the pressure roller, The flapper is When the nozzle is in the first position, the first outlet is open and the second outlet is closed; When the foil transfer device is located at the second position, the first discharge port is closed and the second discharge port is open.

12. 12. The foil transfer device according to claim 11, wherein the area of ​​the second outlet is larger than the area of ​​the first outlet.

13. The flapper is a shaft extending in a first direction; a plate-like portion extending from the shaft in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, 13. The foil transfer device according to claim 9, wherein the foil transfer device is rotatable around the shaft.

14. Further comprising a control unit, The control unit When a foil transfer process is performed to transfer the transfer layer to the sheet, the flapper is positioned at the first position; 14. The foil transfer device according to claim 9, wherein the flapper is positioned at the second position when the foil transfer process is not performed.

15. a housing body having an opening; a cover movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening; a locking member movable between a locking position that locks the cover in the closed position and an unlocking position that unlocks the cover; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the housing body, The control unit When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the locking member is positioned at the locking position; 15. The foil transfer device according to claim 14, wherein the locking member is positioned at the release position when the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined value.

Images