Image forming apparatus and image forming method

Abstract

To provide an image forming device capable of finely forming a decorative image having a pattern of pasted powder.SOLUTION: An image forming device is provided, comprising a powder holding member for holding a powder pattern formed by powder on a surface thereof, and a transfer member configured to constitute a nip section for nipping a recording medium having an image pattern formed thereon between itself and the powder holding member so as to paste the powder constituting the powder pattern of the powder holding member onto the image pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

Background Art

[0002] As one of the metallic printing techniques for forming a decorative image with a gloss, a technique of attaching powder to a toner image is known. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, "Powder P having gloss is supplied to the powder holding surface 22a of the powder holding member 22 in the powder attaching device 20, and the powder holding surface 22a is rubbed by the rubbing member 24 to adhesively hold the powder P in a state where it is oriented in a single layer. In this state, the recording medium S that has passed through the heating member 21 is conveyed to the nip portion between the powder holding member 22 and the opposing member 25 of the powder attaching device 20. As a result, the powder P adhesively held on the powder holding surface 22a of the powder holding member 22 is transferred to the image pattern 100 that has developed adhesiveness by melting while maintaining the adhesive state on the powder holding surface 22a, that is, while maintaining the state of being oriented in a single layer." It is described that "By attaching the powder P having gloss in a state of being oriented in a single layer to the surface of the image pattern 100 that functions as an adhesive, it becomes possible to obtain a gloss image 101 having a sufficient gloss."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the metallic printing technology described above, the powder is held tackily across the entire surface of the powder-holding member. As a result, in the nip area, powder is also positioned opposite the background area on the recording medium where no image pattern has been formed, and there is a risk of the powder being transferred to the background area. Even a small amount of powder transferred to the background area is easily visible due to its glossiness, and this adversely affects the characteristics of the image formed on the recording medium.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of forming a detailed decorative image having a pattern of applied powder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising: a powder holding member that holds a powder pattern composed of powder on its surface; a nip portion that nips a recording medium on which an image pattern is formed between itself and the powder holding member; and a transfer member that applies the powder constituting the powder pattern of the powder holding member to the image pattern at the nip portion. The present invention also provides an image forming method carried out using an image forming apparatus with such a configuration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of forming a decorative image having a pattern of applied powder with fine detail. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the surface layer of the powder holding member in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an image pattern formed on a recording medium according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]This figure shows an example of a powder holding pattern formed by the powder holding pattern forming apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a powder holding pattern formed on the powder holding member of a powder application device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a decorative image formed on a recording medium according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the surface layer of the conveying member in the powder holding member and powder supply member of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the surface layer of the powder holding member in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows a pattern sheet manufacturing apparatus used in the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a sheet component used in the manufacture of patterned sheets. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of a pattern sheet manufactured using a sheet material. [Figure 15] This is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the powder application apparatus, image forming apparatus, powder application method, and image forming method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of redundant components will be omitted.

[0010] ≪First Embodiment≫ FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in this figure is for forming a decorative image having a pattern to which powder is attached, and includes a powder attaching device 10 and a powder holding pattern forming device 20. Hereinafter, the configurations of these powder attaching device 10 and powder holding pattern forming device 20 will be described in order.

[0011] <Powder attaching device 10> The powder attaching device 10 attaches powder P to an image pattern 100 previously formed on the main surface of a recording medium S to form a decorative pattern 101d, and forms a decorative image having the decorative pattern 101d. Further, the powder P has, for example, gloss, and in this case, the image pattern 100 can be made into a decorative pattern 101d with a glossy feeling.

[0012] Here, among the image patterns 100 previously formed on the main surface of the recording medium S, in addition to the base pattern 101 to which the powder P is attached, there may also be a non-decoration pattern 102 to which the powder P is not attached. The non-decoration pattern 102 is, for example, a text pattern such as an explanatory text for explaining an image composed of the decorative pattern 101d. These base patterns 101 and non-decoration patterns 102 may be patterns formed in the same process, or may be patterns formed by different processes, different devices, and different materials.

[0013] The powder attaching device 10 attaches the powder P only to the base pattern 101 among the image patterns 100. Also, it is possible that all of the image patterns 100 are base patterns 101. Here, at least the base pattern 101 among the image patterns 100 is assumed to be composed of, for example, toner.

[0014] Such a powder application device 10 has a cylindrical powder holding member 11. The powder application device 10 also includes a powder supply member 12, a friction member 13, a transfer member 14, a cleaning member 15, and a fixing member 16 arranged in order along the side surface (hereinafter referred to as the side surface) of the cylindrical powder holding member 11. Furthermore, the powder application device 10 includes a transport path 17 for transporting the recording medium S. The configuration of each of these components will be described below, followed by a description of the configuration of the powder P used here.

[0015] [Powder holding member 11] The powder holding member 11 is cylindrical and rotates around its cylindrical axis by a drive motor. The powder holding member 11 also forms a nip portion 10a that pressurizes and holds the recording medium S together with the transfer member 14 (described later) and the transport path 17. This powder holding member 11 has an adhesive powder holding pattern 200 on its cylindrical side surface. The powder holding member 11 holds the powder P (described next) by adhering it to the powder holding pattern 200. This powder holding pattern 200 is a pattern formed by the powder holding pattern forming device 20 (described later).

[0016] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the surface layer of the powder holding member 11 in the first embodiment, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the surface layer of the side circumferential surface of the cylindrical powder holding member 11. As shown in this figure, the surface layer of the powder holding member 11 has a laminated structure of the outermost release layer 11a and an elastic layer 11b provided as a base for the release layer 11a, and has a powder holding pattern 200 on top of the release layer 11a.

[0017] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the powder holding member 11 is equipped with a heating mechanism 110, and is configured to heat the side circumferential surface, including the surface of the powder holding pattern 200.

[0018] The release layer 11a is a layer that prevents image offset, where the image pattern 100 on the recording medium S adheres to the powder holding member 11 side, in the nip portion 10a where the recording medium S is sandwiched between the powder holding member 11 and the transfer member 14. This release layer 11a also prevents the powder P from adhering, exhibiting a weak adhesive force [Foff] to the powder P. It is preferable that such a release layer 11a is made of a heat-resistant material, for example, a layer made of fluororesin.

[0019] Furthermore, the elastic layer 11b is a layer in the nip portion 10a described above that allows the side surface of the powder holding member 11 to follow the surface of the recording medium S. It is preferable that such an elastic layer 11b is made of a heat-resistant material, for example, a layer made of urethane rubber or silicone rubber.

[0020] Furthermore, the powder holding pattern 200 provided on the side surface of the powder holding member 11 is a pattern composed of an adhesive material. Here, the powder holding pattern 200 is composed of toner T as a colorant supplied from the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20, which will be described later. By heating to a predetermined temperature, it melts and exhibits a strong adhesive force [Fon] to the powder P. Here, a strong adhesive force [Fon] to the powder P is defined as being stronger than the adhesive force [Foff] of the release layer 11a to the powder P, where the amount of adhesion [Foff] < adhesive force [Fon].

[0021] Furthermore, the toner T used as a coloring material to constitute the powder holding pattern 200 may be a colorless transparent toner, a white toner, or a colored toner. If the adhesive material constituting the powder holding pattern 200 is a colored toner, the color tone of the colored toner is appropriately selected according to the color tone of the background pattern 101 formed on the recording medium S, and is, for example, the same color as the background pattern 101.

[0022] In particular, on the side surface of the powder holding member 11, the powder holding pattern 200 has a pattern shape that corresponds to the base pattern 101 formed on the recording medium S. Here, "corresponding" means a mirror image pattern of the pattern shape and arrangement of the recording medium S when it is inverted in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction x of the recording medium S supplied to the nip portion 10a.

[0023] Furthermore, the powder retention pattern 200 is not limited to being composed of toner, but may be composed of any material capable of achieving the aforementioned adhesion force [Fon].

[0024] [Powder supply member 12] The powder supply member 12 is for supplying powder P to the side surface of the powder holding member 11 and is provided along the axial direction of the cylindrical powder holding member 11. Such a powder supply member 12 includes a storage container 12a for storing powder P and a transport member 12b housed within the storage container 12a.

[0025] Of these, the storage container 12a has an opening that is positioned along the axial direction of the cylindrical powder holding member 11.

[0026] The transport member 12b is, for example, a rotating cylindrical shape. By rotating in the opposite direction to the powder holding member 11, the transport member 12b transports the powder P stored in the storage container 12a to the opening of the storage container 12a and supplies the powder P to the side surface of the powder holding member 11. The powder supply member 12 is equipped with a regulating member (not shown) positioned opposite the side surface of the transport member 12b and is configured to supply a fixed amount of powder P to the side surface of the powder holding member 11.

[0027] The side surface of such a transport member 12b is preferably adhesive from the viewpoint of holding powder P, and transfers powder P from the side surface of the transport member 12b to the side surface of the powder holding member 11. In such a transport member 12b, the adhesive force [F12] to powder P on the side surface is preferably greater than the adhesive force [Foff] to powder P on the release layer 11a of the powder holding member 11 described above, and it is preferable that the relationship is adhesive force [F12] > adhesive force [Foff]. Also, the adhesive force [F12] to powder P on the side surface of the transport member 12b is preferably smaller than the adhesive force [Fon] to powder P on the powder holding pattern 200 of the powder holding member 11 described above, and it is preferable that the relationship is adhesive force [Fon] > adhesive force [F12]. This makes it possible to suppress the transfer of powder P from the transport member 12b to the exposed portion of the release layer 11a of the powder holding member 11 (see Figure 2(1)).

[0028] Furthermore, since heat is transferred from the powder holding member 11, the material constituting the surface of the conveying member 12b is preferably heat-resistant, and is made of, for example, silicone rubber.

[0029] [Abrasion member 13] The abrasive member 13 abrades the side surface of the powder holding member 11, which is covered with powder P supplied from the powder supply member 12. This removes excess powder P from the side surface of the powder holding member 11. Specifically, it removes powder P that is attached to the release layer 11a of the powder holding member 11 with a weak adhesive force [Foff], and the uppermost powder P of the powder P that is laminated in multiple layers on the powder holding pattern 200. At the same time, by abrading the side surface of the powder holding member 11, the abrasive member 13 orients the powder P held in the powder holding pattern 200 of the powder holding member 11 so that it is aligned with the surface of the powder holding pattern 200 (see Figure 2(2) above). By orienting the powder P, the contact area between each powder P and the powder holding pattern 200 increases, and the adhesive force of the powder P to the powder holding pattern 200 increases. As a result, the transfer of excess powder P from the side surface of the powder holding member 11 to the recording medium S can be prevented. Furthermore, by holding the powder P in an oriented state relative to the powder holding pattern 200, the powder P transferred from the powder holding pattern 200 onto the recording medium S can also be kept in an oriented state.

[0030] The friction member 13 is a cylindrical roller wrapped with a brush, sponge, rubber, or nonwoven fabric, and is positioned in contact with the side surface of the powder holding member 11, thereby rubbing against the side surface of the rotating powder holding member 11. The friction member 13 should be rotated at a speed difference relative to the rotation of the powder holding member 11. A collection section may also be arranged around the friction member to collect excess powder P removed from the powder holding member 11.

[0031] [Transfer member 14] The transfer member 14 is used to transfer the powder P, which is tacked onto the powder holding pattern 200 on the powder holding member 11, to the base pattern 101 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S. The transfer member 14 is cylindrical and, together with the transport path 17, forms a nip portion 10a that pressurizes and holds the recording medium S between itself and the powder holding member 11.

[0032] The transfer member 14 is equipped with a heating mechanism 140. Heating of the transfer member 14 by the heating mechanism 140 causes the image pattern 100 on the recording medium S to melt and become tacky. Then, the powder holding pattern 200 provided on the powder holding member 11 corresponding to the background pattern 101 of the image pattern 100, and the powder P tacked and held in an oriented state on the powder holding pattern 200, come into contact with the background pattern 101 and are pressed together. As a result, the oriented powder P is transferred from the side surface of the powder holding member 11 to the background pattern 101, and the powder P is attached to the background pattern 101. Furthermore, since the powder holding pattern 200 of the powder holding member 11 is formed on the upper part of the release layer 11a, the powder holding pattern 200 is also transferred to the background pattern 101 side together with the oriented powder P.

[0033] Furthermore, the image pattern 100, including the base pattern 101, and the powder holding pattern 200 harden as their temperature decreases after passing through the nip portion 10a. As a result of this hardening, adhesive properties are established, and the powder P is adhered to the image pattern 100 and the powder holding pattern 200. This makes it possible to obtain a decorative pattern 101d in which glossy powder P is attached to the surface of the base pattern 101, which is composed of toner T as an adhesive material.

[0034] [Cleaning component 15] The cleaning member 15 removes residue of powder P and powder holding pattern 200 from the side surface of the powder holding member 11 after it has passed through the nip portion 10a, which is composed of the transfer member 14 and the powder holding member 11. Such a cleaning member 15 is cylindrical in shape with a brush, sponge, rubber, or nonwoven fabric (web) wrapped around it, and is used in contact with the side surface of the powder holding member 11. The cylindrical cleaning member 15 may be rotated with a speed difference between it and the powder holding member 11. The cleaning member 15 may also be plate-shaped or sheet-shaped made of metal or resin. The plate-shaped or sheet-shaped cleaning member 15 is used with its end surface in contact with the side surface of the powder holding member 11, blocking and scraping off residue on the side surface of the powder holding member 11. The cleaning member 15 may also be a combination of a cylindrical one and a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped one.

[0035] By providing such a cleaning member 15, it is possible to prevent powder P and residue of the powder holding pattern 200 remaining on the side surface of the powder holding member 11 after passing through the nip section from being supplied to the recording medium S and transferred when the powder holding member 11 next passes through the nip section due to the rotation of the powder holding member 11.

[0036] [Fixing member 16] The fixing member 16 pressurizes the powder holding pattern 200 between itself and the side surface of the powder holding member 11, fixing it to the side surface of the powder holding member 11. The powder holding pattern 200 is a pattern formed on the side surface of the powder holding member 11 by the powder holding pattern forming device 20, which will be described next, and is composed of toner particles, for example. The powder holding member 11 also has a heating mechanism 110, and its side surface is heated. As a result, the powder holding pattern 200, which is pressed between the side surface of the powder holding member 11 and the fixing member 16, is heated at the same time as it is pressed, and becomes a film-like material in which, for example, toner particles soften and become tacky.

[0037] Such a fixing member 16 is cylindrical and is positioned downstream of the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 (described next) and upstream of the powder supply member 12 (described earlier) with respect to the rotational direction of the powder holding member 11. Furthermore, it is preferable that the side surface of the fixing member 16 has a structure similar to the fixing section of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, with a release layer made of fluororesin on a base layer made of silicone rubber.

[0038] [Transport route 17] The transport path 17 transports the recording medium S on which the image pattern 100 is formed in a transport direction x toward the nip section 10a. Such a transport path 17 is composed of, for example, a belt transport device, which transports the recording medium S held on the outer surface of the belt in a transport direction x perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical powder holding member 11, and inserts the recording medium S into the nip section 10a. The recording medium S is transported to the nip section 10a together with the transport path 17 with the surface on which the image pattern 100 is formed facing outwards.

[0039] The transport path 17 also includes a transport control unit 17a for transporting the recording medium S on which the image pattern 100 is formed to the nip section 10a at a predetermined timing. This transport control unit 17a is composed of a computer. The computer is hardware used as a so-called computer and includes non-volatile storage units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). Based on a program stored in the storage unit, the transport control unit 17a notifies the powder holding pattern forming apparatus, which will be described next, of the timing for transporting the recording medium S.

[0040] [Powder P] Next, the composition of the powder P used in the powder application device 10 described above will be explained. The powder P has a non-spherical shape, not a perfect sphere. It is preferable that the non-spherical powder P has a flattened particle shape, from the viewpoint of oriented and adhering it along the surface of the powder holding pattern 200. The "flattened particle shape" of the non-spherical powder P means that when the maximum length of the particles in the non-spherical powder P is the major axis, the maximum length in the direction perpendicular to the major axis is the minor axis, and the minimum length in the direction perpendicular to the major axis is the thickness, the ratio of the minor axis to the thickness is 3 or more.

[0041] Because the powder P has such a flat particle shape, when the side surface of the powder holding member 11 that holds the powder P is rubbed with the abrasive member 13, a wide surface including the major and minor axes of the powder P adheres to the surface of the powder holding pattern 200, and the powder P is held in an oriented state relative to the surface of the powder holding pattern 200.

[0042] The thickness of the non-spherical powder P is preferably about 0.2 to 10 μm, and more preferably 0.2 to 5.0 μm, from the viewpoint of fully exhibiting the appearance effect when the powder P adheres to the surface of the image pattern 100 in an oriented state.

[0043] If the thickness of the powder P is too small, it becomes difficult to recover the upper layer of powder P due to overlapping. In this case, it becomes difficult to sufficiently orient the powder P along the surface of the powder holding pattern 200, and it also becomes difficult to directly adhere one layer of powder P to the powder holding pattern 200. Furthermore, the powder P becomes more easily damaged during the decorative image formation process, and variations in the size of the powder P tend to occur. On the other hand, if the thickness of the powder P is too large, the powder P adhered to the image pattern 100 tends to detach from the image pattern 100.

[0044] Furthermore, the major and minor axes of the flattened particle-shaped powder P are preferably about 1 to 50 μm, and more preferably 15 to 50 μm. If the major and minor axes are too small, handling becomes difficult. On the other hand, if the major and minor axes are too large, it becomes difficult to form high-resolution images and can lead to a decrease in the tonal gradation of the image.

[0045] The constituent materials of the powder P described above are not limited. From the viewpoint of achieving the desired metallic luster in the final image, the powder P is preferably a metal powder or a metal oxide powder, as long as it provides a glossy finish. The non-spherical powder can also be made by mixing particles of two or more materials with different compositional properties.

[0046] Examples of such powders P include those made of metal materials, those made of metal oxides, those in which a metal oxide layer or resin layer is coated on the surface of metal powder, those in which a metal layer or resin layer is coated on the surface of metal oxide powder, and those in which a metal layer or metal oxide layer is coated on the surface of resin powder.

[0047] Furthermore, the powder P described above may be a synthetic product or a commercially available product. Commercially available products used as powder P include Sunshine Baby Chrome Powder, Aurora Powder, Pearl Powder (all manufactured by GG Corporation), ICEGEL Mirror Metal Powder (manufactured by TAT Corporation), Pika Ace MC Shine Dust, Effect C (manufactured by Kurachi Co., Ltd., "Pika Ace" is a registered trademark of the company), PREGEL Magic Powder, Mirror Series (manufactured by PriAnfa Co., Ltd., "PREGEL" is a registered trademark of the company), Bonnail Shine Powder (manufactured by K's Planning Co., Ltd., "BONNAIL" is a registered trademark of the company), Metashine (manufactured by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd., "Metashine" is a registered trademark of the company), LG neo (manufactured by Oike Kogyo Co., Ltd., "LG neo" is a registered trademark of the company), Astroflake (manufactured by Nippon Boshiko Kogyo Co., Ltd., a registered trademark of Okazaki Ichi), and Aluminum Pigment (manufactured by Toyo Aluminum Co., Ltd.).

[0048] <Powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20> Next, the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 is an apparatus for forming a powder holding pattern 200 on the powder application apparatus 10, and is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming, for example, a toner pattern as the powder holding pattern 200. However, the powder holding pattern 200 formed by the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is a toner pattern consisting of aggregates of toner particles T, and does not have adhesive properties in the formed state, but develops adhesive properties after subsequent heating.

[0049] Such a powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 comprises a photoreceptor drum 21, a reset unit 22, a charging unit 23, an exposure unit 24, a developing unit 25, a cleaning unit 26, a transfer belt 27, and a control unit 28 acting as a computer. It forms a powder holding pattern 200 consisting of aggregates of toner particles T on the outer surface of the transfer belt 27. The direction of movement of the transfer belt 27 is opposite to the direction of rotation of the powder holding member 11.

[0050] Such a powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 transfers the powder holding pattern 200 to the side surface of the powder holding member 11 of the powder application apparatus 10 downstream of the cleaning member 15 in the rotational direction of the powder holding member 11, and upstream of the fixing member 16.

[0051] A detailed explanation of the configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is omitted here. However, the control unit 28 controls each part of the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 so that the powder holding pattern 200, which has a shape corresponding to the background pattern 101 formed on the recording medium S, is formed in accordance with the timing of the transport of the recording medium S by the transport path 17 of the powder application apparatus 10. Details of the control of the powder holding pattern 200 formation by the control unit 28 will be explained in the following image forming method.

[0052] <Image forming method> Next, the image forming method of the first embodiment will be described. The image forming method described here is an image forming method performed by the image forming apparatus 1 described with reference to Figure 1, and is carried out as follows. First, the control unit 28 of the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 acquires data relating to the image pattern formed on the recording medium S.

[0053] Figure 3 shows an example of an image pattern formed on a recording medium S in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, a plurality of image patterns 100 are formed on the recording medium S. These image patterns 100 consist of a base pattern 101 to which powder P is attached by the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1, and an undecorative pattern 102 to which powder P is not attached.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the control unit 28 of the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 forms a powder holding pattern 200 with a shape corresponding to the background pattern 101 of the image pattern 100, based on data relating to the background pattern 101 of the image pattern 100. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the powder holding pattern formed by the powder holding pattern forming apparatus in the first embodiment. Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the control unit 28 of the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 forms a toner pattern with a shape corresponding to the background pattern 101 of the image pattern 100 formed on the recording medium S as a powder holding pattern 200 on the outer surface of the transfer belt 27 by controlling the exposure unit 24 and other components.

[0055] As a result, the powder holding pattern 200, which consists of a toner pattern formed on the outer surface of the transfer belt 27, is supplied to the side surface of the powder holding member 11 as the transfer belt 27 moves. The transfer belt 27 of the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 then transfers the powder holding pattern 200 to the side surface of the powder holding member 11, which rotates in the opposite direction to the transfer belt 27.

[0056] The powder holding member 11 transports the powder holding pattern 200 transferred to its side surface to the nip portion with the fixing member 16, and pressurizes and heats the powder holding pattern 200 at this nip portion. As a result, the fixing member 16 becomes a film-like material in which the toner particles constituting the powder holding pattern 200 have softened and become tacky. Furthermore, the powder holding member 11 transports the tacky powder holding pattern 200 to the placement portion of the powder supply member 12. The powder supply member 12 supplies powder P to the powder holding pattern 200 transported by the powder holding member 11. As a result, powder P is held in the powder holding pattern 200 (see Figure 2(1)).

[0057] Subsequently, the powder holding member 11 transports the powder holding pattern 200, which holds the powder P, to the placement area of ​​the abrasive member 13. This causes the abrasive member 13 to abrade the powder holding pattern 200, removing the upper portion of the powder P held by the powder holding pattern 200. This also causes the powder P held by the powder holding pattern 200 to be oriented along the surface of the powder holding pattern 200. Furthermore, any powder P adhering to the release layer 11a of the powder holding member 11 is removed by abrade by the abrasive member 13 (see Figure 2(2)).

[0058] Figure 5 shows an example of a powder holding pattern 200 formed on the powder holding member 11 of the powder application device in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the powder holding pattern 200 is held on the release layer 11a of the powder holding member 11, and the powder P is held in an oriented state on the surface of the powder holding pattern 200. As a result, a powder pattern 100P composed of powder is formed on the powder holding pattern 200. In this state, the powder holding pattern 200 becomes a mirror image pattern of the base pattern 101 formed on the recording medium S.

[0059] Returning to Figure 1, the powder holding member 11 transports the powder holding pattern 200, which carries the powder pattern 100P composed of powder P, to the nip portion 10a with the transfer member 14.

[0060] Meanwhile, the transport control unit 17a of the transport path 17 transports the recording medium S on which the image pattern 100 is formed to the nip section 10a at a predetermined timing that coincides with the transport of the powder holding pattern 200 by the powder holding member 11. Here, the predetermined timing is the timing at which each base pattern 101 formed on the recording medium S and each powder holding pattern 200 formed on the powder holding member 11 corresponding to the base pattern 101 are stacked in the nip section 10a. The transport control unit 17a of the transport path 17 controls the timing of the transport of the recording medium S as described above, for example, based on a signal from the control unit 28 of the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20.

[0061] The nip section 10a pressurizes the recording medium S, which has been transported in the transport path 17, and the powder holding pattern 200, on which the powder P is supported in an oriented state on the outer surface of the powder holding member 11, while it is heated. As a result, the image pattern 100, including the background pattern 101 composed of toner, also becomes tacky, and the powder holding pattern 200, which is holding the powder P, is transferred from the release layer 11a of the powder holding member 11 to the tacky background pattern 101.

[0062] As described above, a decorative pattern 101d is formed on the recording medium S by attaching powder P to the base pattern 101 of the image pattern 100, and a decorative image having the decorative pattern 101d is obtained. Note that the image pattern 100 including the base pattern 101 on the recording medium S hardens as its temperature decreases after passing through the nip portion 10a, and adhesive properties are developed through hardening, so the powder P is adhered and held to the base pattern 101. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a decorative image formed on the recording medium S in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the recording medium S has a decorative pattern 101d in which powder P is attached to the base pattern 101 of the image pattern 100.

[0063] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment described above, a powder pattern 100P made of powder P is formed in a shape corresponding to the background pattern 101 of the image pattern 100, and this powder pattern 100P is bonded to the background pattern 101 at the nip portion 10a. As a result, contact of the powder P with the background of the image pattern 100 including the background pattern 101 is suppressed at the nip portion 10a. As a result, it is possible to prevent the powder P from adhering to the background of the decorative pattern 101d to which the powder P is attached, and to form a decorative image having the decorative pattern 101d with fine detail.

[0064] ≪Variations≫ Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the first embodiment, and shows a modified example of the powder holding pattern 200'. Referring to Figures 1 and 7, the powder holding pattern 200' formed on the side surface of the powder holding member 11 by the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 has an outer diameter shape that is slightly larger than the mirror image pattern 101' of the base pattern 101. That is, the powder pattern 100P held by the powder holding pattern 200' has a shape that is slightly larger than the corresponding base pattern 101 in the nip portion 10a.

[0065] As a result, even if the layering state of the base pattern 101 and powder pattern 100P and the powder holding pattern 200' is not perfectly aligned and is misaligned at the nip portion 10a between the powder holding member 11 and the transfer member 14, the powder holding pattern 200' holding the powder P is transferred to the entire area of ​​the base pattern 101. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of areas in the base pattern 101 where the powder P is not bonded.

[0066] Furthermore, the odor from the nip portion 10a is transferred only to the powder-holding pattern 200' and powder pattern 100P portions laminated onto the base pattern 101, which has become tacky due to heating. The remaining powder-holding pattern 200' portion, i.e., the powder pattern 100P portion, remains on the powder-holding member 11 and is removed by the cleaning member 15. This modification is also applicable to the embodiments described below.

[0067] ≪Second Embodiment≫ Figure 8 is a configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. The only difference between the image forming apparatus 2 of the second embodiment shown in this figure and the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 is the arrangement of the sliding member 13. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, a detailed explanation of each component that would otherwise be redundant will be omitted.

[0068] In other words, in the image forming apparatus 2 of the second embodiment, the abrasive member 13 is arranged to abrade the side surface of the conveying member 12b in the powder supply member 12. More specifically, the abrasive member 13 is arranged to abrade the side surface of the conveying member 12b on the downstream side of the storage container 12a and on the upstream side of the powder holding member 11 with respect to the rotational direction of the conveying member 12b. As a result, the abrasive member 13 removes excess powder P supplied from the storage container 12a to the side surface of the conveying member 12b.

[0069] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the surface layer of the conveying member 12b in the powder holding member 11 and powder supply member 12 in the second embodiment. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the abrasive member 13 arranged as described above removes excess powder P from the side surface of the conveying member 12b, while leaving powder P oriented along the side surface of the conveying member 12b (see Figure 9(1) above).

[0070] Therefore, at the nip portion between the powder holding member 11 and the transport member 12b, the powder P, which is already oriented, is transferred to the powder holding pattern 200 nipped at this nip portion (see Figure 9(2) above).

[0071] The image forming method using the image forming apparatus 2 described above is carried out in the same manner as the image forming method described in the first embodiment.

[0072] <Effects of the second application method> Even in this second embodiment, a powder pattern 100P made of powder P is formed in a shape corresponding to the background pattern 101 of the image pattern 100, and this powder pattern 100P is bonded to the background pattern 101. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent powder P from adhering to the background of the decorative pattern 101d to which the powder P is attached, and to form a decorative image having the decorative pattern 101d in detail. Note that this second embodiment may be combined with the first embodiment, and in the case of combination, an additional sliding member that slides against the side surface of the powder holding member 11 may be provided on the upstream side of the nip portion 10a on the downstream side of the powder supply member 12 in the rotational direction of the powder holding member 11.

[0073] ≪Third Embodiment≫ Figure 10 is a configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment. The difference between the image forming apparatus 3 of the third embodiment shown in this figure and the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 is that it does not have a powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20, and is composed only of a powder application apparatus 10. As a result, the configuration of the powder holding member 11' and the transfer member 14' of the powder application apparatus 10 is different, and additional components include light irradiation members 18 and 19. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and redundant detailed descriptions of the same components will be omitted when describing the image forming apparatus 3 of the third embodiment.

[0074] <Powder application device 10> The powder application device 10 has the same overall configuration as that of the first embodiment. It applies powder P to an image pattern 100 that is pre-formed on the main surface of the recording medium S to form a decorative pattern 101d, thereby forming a decorative image having the decorative pattern 101d on the main surface of the recording medium S. However, in this case, at least the base pattern 101 of the image pattern 100 that is pre-formed on the main surface of the recording medium S is made of a photocurable resin such as UV-curable ink. Such a base pattern 101 is formed by a UV inkjet device.

[0075] [Powder holding member 11'] The powder holding member 11' is cylindrical and rotates around its cylindrical axis by a drive motor. The powder holding member 11' also forms a nip portion 10a that pressurizes and holds the recording medium S together with the transfer member 14 and the transport path 17. Such a powder holding member 11' has a powder holding pattern 200 on its cylindrical side surface, and holds the powder P, which will be described below, by making it adhere to the powder holding pattern 200. Note that this powder holding member 11' does not need to have a heating mechanism.

[0076] Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the surface layer of the powder holding member 11' in the third embodiment, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the surface layer of the side surface of the cylindrical powder holding member 11'. As shown in this figure, the surface layer of the powder holding member 11' has a laminated structure of an elastic layer 11b and an adhesive layer 11c above the elastic layer 11b. In addition, a non-adhesive film 11d is patterned on the upper part of the adhesive layer 11c, and the exposed portion of the adhesive layer 11c exposed from this non-adhesive film 11d forms the powder holding pattern 200. Next, the configuration of each layer will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0077] The elastic layer 11b is a layer in the nip portion 10a described above that allows the side surface of the powder holding member 11 to follow the surface of the recording medium S. Preferably, such an elastic layer 11b is made of a heat-resistant material, such as urethane rubber or silicone rubber.

[0078] The adhesive layer 11c is a layer for holding the powder P by adhesion. This adhesive layer 11c is provided on the surface of the sheet-like substrate 1001 shown only in Figure 11, and together with the substrate 1001 it constitutes the pattern sheet 1000a, and is wrapped around the outside of the elastic layer 11b. Such an adhesive layer 11c is made using a material selected from, for example, rubber-based adhesives, acrylic-based adhesives, silicone-based adhesives, emulsion-based adhesives, and hot-melt adhesives. The substrate 1001 is made of, for example, PET resin.

[0079] The powder holding pattern 200, formed by this adhesive layer 11c, holds the powder P supplied to the side surface of the powder holding member 11' by the powder supply member 12 by adhesion, forming a powder pattern 100P composed of the powder P (see Figure 11(1)). Furthermore, the upper layer of powder P among the multiple layers of powder P held on the powder holding pattern 200 is removed by rubbing the side surface of the powder holding member 11' with the abrasive member 13. The powder P remaining on the powder holding pattern 200 after rubbing with the abrasive member 13 is the powder P that constitutes the powder pattern 100P, and is oriented along the surface of the powder holding pattern 200 (see Figure 11(2) above).

[0080] The non-adhesive film 11d is a layer attached to the adhesive layer 11c. This non-adhesive film 11d is a layer that prevents image offset, where the image pattern 100 on the recording medium S adheres to the powder holding member 11' side, in the nip portion 10a where the recording medium S is sandwiched between the powder holding member 11' and the transfer member 14. This non-adhesive film 11d also serves to prevent the powder P from adhering, exhibiting a weak adhesive force [Foff] to the powder P.

[0081] As a result, the powder P (see Figure 11(1)) that adheres to the non-adhesive film 11d due to supply from the powder supply member 12 is removed from the non-adhesive film 11d by friction with the friction member 13 (see Figure 11(2)).

[0082] Such a non-adhesive film 11d is provided on the surface of a sheet-like substrate 1001, shown only in Figure 11, via an adhesive layer 11c, and together with the substrate 1001 and the adhesive layer 11c, constitutes a pattern sheet 1000a. The non-adhesive film 11d is made of, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin.

[0083] In particular, on the side surface of the powder holding member 11', the powder holding pattern 200 has a pattern shape corresponding to the base pattern 101 formed on the recording medium S. Here, "corresponding" means that the pattern shape and arrangement are inverted in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction x of the recording medium S supplied to the nip portion 10a, and are mirror images of the recording medium S.

[0084] Next, a method for forming the powder holding pattern 200 on the side surface of the powder holding member 11' described above will be explained.

[0085] Figure 12 shows a manufacturing apparatus 30 for a pattern sheet 1000a used in an image forming apparatus of the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the manufacturing apparatus 30 is equipped with a plurality of pairs of transport rollers 31 for transporting the first sheet member 1000. It also includes a stage 32 that supports the first sheet member 1000 transported by the transport rollers 31, and a thermal head 33 that holds the first sheet member 1000 between itself and the stage 32 and heats it freely.

[0086] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus 30 has an unwinding roller 34 for the second sheet member 2000 and a winding roller 35 for the second sheet member 2000 unwinded from the unwinding roller 34. The second sheet member 2000 between the unwinding roller 34 and the winding roller 35 is positioned on the thermal head 33 side of the first sheet member 1000, and is sandwiched between the stage 32 and the thermal head 33. The transport speed of the second sheet member 2000 by the unwinding roller 34 and the winding roller 35 is set to be approximately the same as the transport speed of the first sheet member 1000 by the transport roller 31.

[0087] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first sheet member 1000 and a second sheet member 2000 used in the manufacture of a pattern sheet (see Figure 11). As shown in this figure, the first sheet member 1000 has a configuration in which one main surface of a sheet-like base material 1001 is covered with an adhesive layer 11c. The sheet-like base material 1001 and the adhesive layer 11c constitute the pattern sheet 1000a.

[0088] The second sheet member 2000 has a structure in which a release layer 2002, a non-adhesive film 11d, and an adhesive layer 2003 are laminated in this order on one main surface of a sheet-like base material 2001. The sheet-like base material 2001 is made of, for example, PET resin. The release layer 2002 is a layer made of, for example, fluororesin. Furthermore, the non-adhesive film 11d constitutes the pattern sheet 1000a. The adhesive layer 2003 may be the same as the adhesive layer 11c on the first sheet member 1000 side.

[0089] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the manufacturing of a pattern sheet 1000a using such a first sheet member 1000 and a second sheet member 2000 will be described. First, the first sheet member 1000 and the second sheet member 2000 are set in the manufacturing apparatus 30 and sandwiched between the stage 32 and the thermal head 33 in a stacked state. At this time, the first sheet member 1000 is set between the stage 32 and the thermal head 33 so that the adhesive layer 11c faces the thermal head 33. The second sheet member 2000 is set between the stage 32 and the thermal head 33 so that the adhesive layer 2003 faces the stage 32.

[0090] In this state, the manufacturing apparatus 30 transports the first sheet member 1000 and the second sheet member 2000 in the same direction and at the same speed between the stage 32 and the thermal head 33. At the same time, the manufacturing apparatus 30 controls the heating at the thermal head 33. In the portion heated by the thermal head 33, the adhesive layer 11c of the first sheet member 1000 and the adhesive layer 2003 of the second sheet member 2000 exhibit adhesive properties and become one.

[0091] Furthermore, the first sheet member 1000 and the second sheet member 2000 are transported in different transport directions after passing between the stage 32 and the thermal head 33. As a result, in the portion where the adhesive layer 2003 of the second sheet member 2000 and the adhesive layer 11c of the first sheet member 1000 are integrated, the non-adhesive film 11d is peeled off from the release layer 2002 of the second sheet and transferred to the first sheet member 1000 side.

[0092] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a pattern sheet 1000a manufactured using a first sheet member 1000 and a second sheet member 2000. As shown in this figure, the pattern sheet 1000a is formed by creating a pattern on the adhesive layer 11c of the first sheet member 1000 with a non-adhesive film 11d transferred from the second sheet member 2000 by pressurization and heating with a thermal head 33. The portion of the non-adhesive film 11d exposed on the adhesive layer 11c of the first sheet member 1000 becomes an adhesive powder-holding pattern 200, thus forming a pattern sheet 1000a having the powder-holding pattern 200. The non-adhesive film 11d and adhesive layer 2003 in the portions not heated by the thermal head 33 are left on the second sheet member 2000 side.

[0093] The pattern sheet 1000a manufactured in this manner is wrapped around the side surface of the powder holding member 11' shown in Figure 10 via an elastic layer 11b and fixed in place. The pattern sheet 1000a may be fixed to the side surface of the powder holding member 11' by, for example, providing a gripping member (not shown here) on the powder holding member 11' to grip the end of the pattern sheet 1000a. Alternatively, the elastic layer 11b that serves as the base for the pattern sheet 1000a may be made of low-hardness silicone rubber, so that the pattern sheet 1000a is fixed to the side surface of the powder holding member 11' by the adhesive force of the silicone rubber. In this case, no special configuration is required to fix the pattern sheet 1000a, which is preferable.

[0094] [Transfer member 14'] Returning to Figure 10, the transfer member 14' is used to transfer the powder P held in the powder holding pattern 200 on the powder holding member 11' onto the base pattern 101 on the recording medium S. The only difference between this transfer member 14' and the transfer member 14 (see Figure 1) described in the first embodiment is that it does not have a heating mechanism 140.

[0095] [Light-irradiating members 18, 19] The light-irradiating members 18 and 19 irradiate the image pattern 100 formation surface on the recording medium S with light, curing the base pattern 101 made of photocurable resin and other image patterns 100. These light-irradiating members 18 and 19 are positioned upstream and downstream of the nip portion 10a between the powder holding member 11' and the transfer member 14 with respect to the transport direction x of the recording medium S.

[0096] The light irradiation member 18, positioned upstream of the nip portion 10a, irradiates the recording medium S with light before it is supplied to the nip portion 10a, thereby partially curing the image pattern 100 on the recording medium S. This prevents the image pattern 100, made of photocurable resin, from transferring to the powder holding member 11' side in the nip portion 10a.

[0097] Furthermore, the light irradiation member 19 positioned downstream of the nip portion 10a irradiates the recording medium S that has passed through the nip portion 10a with light, thereby curing the image pattern 100 on the recording medium S. This ensures that the powder P transferred to the base pattern 101 in the nip portion 10a is securely fixed to the base pattern 101.

[0098] <Powder application method and image formation method> Next, the image forming method of the third embodiment will be described. The image forming method of the third embodiment described here is an image forming method carried out by the image forming apparatus 3 described with reference to Figures 10 to 14, and is performed as follows.

[0099] First, the powder holding pattern 200 is placed on the elastic layer 11b on the side surface of the powder holding member 11'. Here, for example, the pattern sheet 1000a shown in Figure 14 is wrapped around the elastic layer 11b and fixed to place the powder holding pattern 200 on the elastic layer 11b. This powder holding pattern 200 corresponds to the base pattern 101 on which the powder P is attached by the image forming apparatus 3, which is part of the image pattern 100 that is pre-formed on the recording medium S. Correspondence means, as explained in the first embodiment, that the pattern shape and arrangement are inverted in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction x of the recording medium S, and are therefore mirror images.

[0100] Next, the powder holding member 11', which holds the powder holding pattern 200 on its side surface, is rotated in a predetermined direction to transport the powder holding pattern 200 to the placement area of ​​the powder supply member 12. The powder supply member 12 supplies powder P to the powder holding pattern 200 transported by the powder holding member 11'. As a result, the powder P is held in the powder holding pattern 200, and a powder pattern 100P composed of the powder P is formed (see Figure 11(1)).

[0101] Subsequently, the powder holding member 11' transports the powder holding pattern 200, which holds the powder P, to the placement area of ​​the abrasive member 13. This causes the abrasive member 13 to abrade the powder holding pattern 200, removing the upper portion of the powder P held by the powder holding pattern 200. As a result, the powder P held by the powder holding pattern 200 that constitutes the powder pattern 100P is oriented to conform to the surface of the powder holding pattern 200. Furthermore, any powder P adhering to the non-adhesive film 11d of the powder holding member 11' is removed by abrade by the abrasive member 13 (see Figure 11(2)).

[0102] Furthermore, the powder holding member 11' transports the powder holding pattern 200, which supports the powder P in an oriented state, to the nip portion 10a with the transfer member 14'.

[0103] Meanwhile, the transport control unit 17a of the transport path 17 transports the recording medium S on which the image pattern 100 is formed to the nip section 10a at a predetermined timing that coincides with the transport of the powder holding pattern 200 by the powder holding member 11'. Here, the predetermined timing is the timing at which each base pattern 101 formed on the recording medium S and each powder holding pattern 200 and powder pattern 100P formed on the powder holding member 11' corresponding to the base pattern 101 are stacked in the nip section 10a. The transport control unit 17a of the transport path 17 controls the timing of the transport of the recording medium S as described above, for example, based on a signal from a sensor provided on the powder holding member 11'.

[0104] In the transport direction of the recording medium S, the light irradiation member 18, positioned upstream of the nip portion 10a, partially cures the base pattern 101, which is made of a photocurable resin. The base pattern 101, which has become tacky due to partial curing, is then transported to the nip portion 10a.

[0105] The nip section 10a applies pressure to the recording medium S transported by the transport path 17 and the powder holding pattern 200, which supports the powder P on the outer surface of the powder holding member 11 in an oriented state. This presses the powder P, which is held in an oriented state on the powder holding pattern 200, onto the base pattern 101 made of semi-cured photocurable resin and transfers it.

[0106] Subsequently, in the transport direction of the recording medium S, the base pattern 101 on which the powder P has been transferred at the nip portion 10a is hardened by light irradiation from the light irradiation member 19, which is located downstream of the nip portion 10a. This fixes the state in which the powder P is held to the base pattern 101.

[0107] As described above, a decorative pattern 101d is formed by attaching powder P to the base pattern 101 of the image pattern 100 formed on the recording medium S, thereby obtaining a decorative image having the decorative pattern 101d.

[0108] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> Even in this third embodiment, a powder pattern 100P made of powder P is formed in a shape corresponding to the background pattern 101 of the image pattern 100, and this powder pattern 100P is bonded to the background pattern 101. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent powder P from adhering to the background of the decorative pattern 101d to which the powder P is attached, and it becomes possible to form a decorative image having the decorative pattern 101d in detail. Note that this third embodiment may be combined with the second embodiment, in which case a friction member may be added to the powder supply member 12.

[0109] ≪Fourth Embodiment≫ Figure 15 is a configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment. The difference between the image forming apparatus 4 of the fourth embodiment shown in this figure and the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 is that a powder removal pattern forming apparatus 20' is provided instead of a powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20. The other configurations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0110] <Powder removal pattern forming apparatus 20'> The powder removal pattern forming apparatus 20' is an apparatus for forming a powder removal pattern 300 for removing powder by adhesion from the side surface of the powder holding member 11, and is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming a toner pattern as the powder removal pattern 300, for example.

[0111] Such a powder removal pattern forming apparatus 20' comprises a photoreceptor drum 21, a reset unit 22, a charging unit 23, an exposure unit 24, a developing unit 25, a cleaning unit 26, a transfer belt 27, and a control unit 28 acting as a computer. It forms a powder removal pattern 300 consisting of aggregates of toner particles T on the outer surface of the transfer belt 27. Furthermore, the transfer belt 27 is a retractable belt rather than an endless belt, and the direction of movement of the transfer belt 27 is opposite to the rotation direction of the powder holding member 11.

[0112] In this powder removal pattern forming apparatus 20', the transfer belt 27 is positioned downstream of the friction member 13 in the rotational direction of the powder holding member 11 in the powder application apparatus 10, and upstream of the nip portion 10a, so as to bring it into contact with the side surface of the powder holding member 11. The side surface of the powder holding member 11 has a release layer 11a on top of the elastic layer 11b, and the forming surface side of the powder removal pattern 300 on the transfer belt 27 is brought into contact with this release layer 11a.

[0113] Furthermore, the powder removal pattern forming apparatus 20' is equipped with a fixing member 29 located downstream of the photoreceptor drum 21 with respect to the direction of movement of the transfer belt 27, and upstream of the powder holding member 11. The fixing member 29 heats and pressurizes the powder removal pattern 300, which is composed of toner particles, in contact with the transfer belt 27. This softens the toner particles constituting the powder removal pattern 300, causing them to become a sticky, film-like material.

[0114] A detailed explanation of the configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is omitted here. However, the control unit 28 controls each part of the powder removal pattern forming apparatus 20' so that a powder removal pattern 300 with a shape corresponding to the base pattern 101 formed on the recording medium S is formed in accordance with the timing of the transport of the recording medium S by the transport path 17 of the powder application apparatus 10. The control of the formation of the powder removal pattern 300 by the control unit 28 is carried out in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0115] <Powder application method and image formation method> Next, the image forming method of the fourth embodiment will be described. The image forming method described here is performed by the image forming apparatus 4 described with reference to Figure 15, and is carried out as follows. First, the control unit 28 of the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20 acquires data relating to the image pattern formed on the recording medium S. Then, the control unit 28 of the powder removal pattern forming apparatus 20' forms a powder removal pattern 300 with a shape corresponding to the base pattern 101 on the outer surface of the transfer belt 27 based on the data relating to the base pattern 101 of the image pattern 100.

[0116] Here, the powder removal pattern 300, which has a shape corresponding to the base pattern 101, is defined as an inverted pattern of the base pattern 101, and is a pattern in which the base pattern has been removed. Otherwise, the powder removal pattern 300 is formed on the outer surface of the transfer belt 27 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0117] As described above, the powder removal pattern 300, which consists of a toner pattern formed on the outer surface of the transfer belt 27, becomes tacky as it passes through the fixing member 29 and is further supplied to the side surface of the powder holding member 11 as the transfer belt 27 moves. The powder P held on the side surface of the powder holding member 11, which rotates in the opposite direction to the transfer belt 27, is then transferred to the powder removal pattern 300 formed on the transfer belt 27 and removed from the side surface of the powder holding member 11. As a result, a powder pattern 100P composed of powder is formed on the side surface of the powder holding member 11.

[0118] Here, the powder P supplied from the powder supply member 12 is held on the side surface of the powder holding member 11 in an oriented state due to friction with the friction member 13. As a result, the powder P remaining on the powder holding member 11 forms a powder pattern 100P in an oriented state along the side surface of the powder holding member 11. In this case, the powder pattern 100P formed by the powder P remaining on the side surface of the powder holding member 11 is a mirror image pattern of the recording medium S in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction x of the recording medium S, with the pattern shape and arrangement being inverted.

[0119] Subsequently, the powder holding member 11 transports the powder pattern 100P remaining on its side surface to the nip portion 10a with the transfer member 14.

[0120] Meanwhile, the transport control unit 17a of the transport path 17 transports the recording medium S on which the image pattern 100 is formed to the nip section 10a at a predetermined timing that coincides with the transport of the powder pattern 100P by the powder holding member 11. Here, the predetermined timing is the timing at which each base pattern 101 formed on the recording medium S and each powder pattern 100P formed on the powder holding member 11 corresponding to the base pattern 101 are stacked in the nip section 10a. The transport control unit 17a of the transport path 17 controls the timing of the transport of the recording medium S as described above, for example, based on a signal from the control unit 28 of the powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20.

[0121] The nip section 10a pressurizes the recording medium S transported by the transport path 17 and the powder pattern 100P, which is composed of powder P oriented on the outer surface of the powder holding member 11, while it is heated. As a result, the image pattern 100, including the background pattern 101 composed of toner, also becomes tacky, and the powder P constituting the powder pattern 100P on the powder holding member 11 side is transferred to the tacky background pattern 101 side.

[0122] As described above, a decorative pattern 101d is formed by attaching powder P to the base pattern 101 of the image pattern 100 formed on the recording medium S, and a decorative image having the decorative pattern 101d is obtained. In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the image pattern 100 including the base pattern 101 on the recording medium S hardens as its temperature decreases after passing through the nip portion 10a, and adhesive properties are developed through hardening, so the powder P is adhered and held to the base pattern 101.

[0123] <Effects of the 4th Embodiment> Even in this fourth embodiment, a powder pattern 100P made of powder P is formed in a shape corresponding to the background pattern 101 of the image pattern 100, and this powder pattern 100P is bonded to the background pattern 101. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent powder P from adhering to the background of the decorative pattern 101d to which the powder P is attached, and it becomes possible to form a decorative image having the decorative pattern 101d in detail. Note that this fourth embodiment may be combined with the second embodiment, in which case a friction member may be added to the powder supply member 12. [Examples]

[0124] Next, examples and comparative examples to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configurations of the examples and comparative examples are shown in Table 1 below.

[0125] ≪Comparative Example (See Figure 1)≫ <Procedure for creating decorative images> An undecorative pattern 102 composed of dye ink was formed on the recording medium S using an inkjet device. Next, a background pattern 101 composed of black toner was formed on the recording medium S using an electrophotographic printing device. The background pattern 101 and undecorative pattern 102 formed here are as shown in Figure 3: a background pattern 101 consisting of star marks (101s) and thin lines (100sl), and an undecorative pattern 102 consisting of text.

[0126] Subsequently, a decorative pattern 101d was formed by applying powder P to the base pattern 101 using the conventional powder application apparatus described below. At this time, the powder P, which was held in an oriented state across the entire side surface of the powder holding member 11, was applied onto the base pattern 101. The detailed configuration will be described below.

[0127] <Configuration of recording medium S> ·Recording medium S: Marshmallow CoC paper made by Heiwa Shigyo Co., Ltd. 209g / m 2

[0128] <Formation of non-decorative pattern 102> • Inkjet printer (Epson EP-881AW): Dye-based ink

[0129] <Formation of base pattern 101> • Electrophotographic printer (Konica Minolta AccurioPress C6020): Monochrome mode (using black toner)

[0130] <Configuration of the powder application device> The apparatus described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-095209 uses a powder application device (see Figure 1) that holds powder in an oriented state across the entire side surface of the powder holding member 11.

[0131] [Powder holding member 11] • 100mm diameter roller (manufactured by Nissei Electric Co., Ltd.): Speed ​​100mm / sec • Side surface of powder holding member 11: Silicone rubber layer with a thickness of 2 mm and a rubber hardness of 30° (Asker A) (manufactured by Showa Electric Wire Co., Ltd.)

[0132] [Powder supply member 12] • Conveying member 12b: 20mm diameter roller (manufactured by Nissei Electric Co., Ltd.): Speed ​​30mm / sec (same direction as powder holding member 11 (width)): Pressing amount against powder holding member 11 0.5mm • Side surface of conveying member 12b: Silicone rubber layer with a thickness of 3 mm and a rubber hardness of 45° (Asker C) (manufactured by Showa Electric Wire Co., Ltd.) • Conveyor component 12b: Regulating blade: Thickness 0.1 mm: Stainless steel • Friction member 13: 20mm diameter roller (manufactured by Nissei Electric Co., Ltd.): Speed ​​200mm / sec (opposite direction to powder holding member 11 (counter)): Pressing amount against powder holding member 11 0.2mm

[0133] [Abrasion member 13] • Side surface: 3mm thick, 40° hardness (Asker C) silicone foam layer (AquaCel)

[0134] [Transfer member 14] • 80mm diameter roller (manufactured by Showa Electric Wire Co., Ltd.): Speed ​​100mm / sec (same direction as powder holding member 11 (width)): Pressure between the roller and powder holding member 11 120kPa • Side surface: 2mm thick, 19° rubber hardness (Asker C) silicone rubber layer (manufactured by Showa Electric Wire Co., Ltd.), with a 30μm thick conductive PFA coating layer on the surface.

[0135] [Heating mechanism 110,140] • Halogen lamp (manufactured by Ushio Inc.): Surface temperature of powder holding member 11: 130°C; Surface temperature of transfer member 14: 140°C

[0136] [Powder P] • LGneo #325 (Silver: Manufactured by Oike Imaging Co., Ltd.)

[0137] <Formation of decorative pattern 101d> Using the above configuration, the powder P, which was held in an oriented state across the entire side surface of the powder holding member 11, was applied onto the base pattern 101 to form a decorative pattern 101d.

[0138] ≪Example 1 (See Figure 1)≫ <Procedure for creating decorative images> An undecorative pattern 102 composed of toner was formed on the recording medium S using the color mode of the electrophotographic printing device. Next, a background pattern 101 composed of black toner was formed on the recording medium S using the monochrome mode of the electrophotographic printing device. The background pattern 101 and undecorative pattern 102 formed here were the same as in the comparative example, and consisted of a background pattern 101 of star marks (101s) and thin lines (100sl), and an undecorative pattern 102 composed of text, as shown in Figure 3.

[0139] Subsequently, a decorative pattern 101d was formed by applying powder P to the base pattern 101 using the powder application apparatus described below. The detailed configuration is described below.

[0140] <Configuration of recording medium S> ·Recording medium S: Marshmallow CoC paper made by Heiwa Shigyo Co., Ltd. 209g / m2

[0141] <Formation of non-decorative pattern 102> • Electrophotographic printer (Konica Minolta AccurioPress C6020): Color mode

[0142] <Formation of base pattern 101> • Electrophotographic printer (Konica Minolta AccurioPress C6020): Monochrome mode (using black toner)

[0143] <Configuration of the powder application device 10> A powder application device 10 configured as shown below was used.

[0144] [Powder holding member 11] A powder holding pattern 200 was formed on an OHP film for LBP printers (3M CG3500) using an electrophotographic printing device. • Electrophotographic printer (Konica Minolta AccurioPress C6020): Monochrome mode (using black toner) The powder retention pattern 200, as shown in Figure 5, consists of star marks and thin lines corresponding to the base pattern 101.

[0145] Next, a 2mm thick, 50° (JISA) silicone rubber sheet (manufactured by Misumi Corporation) was bonded to the toner image (powder-holding pattern 200) side of the OHP film, and then pressurized (120kPa) on a hot plate heated to 180°C. This transferred the toner image (powder-holding pattern 200) from the OHP film to the silicone rubber surface.

[0146] A silicone rubber sheet (rubber hardness 50°) with the above powder holding pattern 200 formed on it was wrapped around a core metal with a diameter of 96 mm to form a powder holding member 11 with a diameter of 100 mm.

[0147] Without inputting a recording medium S, the image forming apparatus 1 was operated for one rotation of the powder holding member 11, which has a diameter of 100 mm. This supplied powder P from the powder supply member 12 to the side surface of the powder holding member 11. Of the powder P supplied from the powder supply member 12 to the side surface of the powder holding member 11, the powder P that came into contact with the powder holding pattern 200, which is made of toner, was held in the powder holding pattern 200. The remaining powder P that came into contact with the silicone rubber sheet (rubber hardness 50°) was held in place by the transport member 12b, which is made of a silicone rubber layer with stronger adhesive properties (rubber hardness 30°, Asker A), and was not transferred to the powder holding member 11.

[0148] [Alternative means for the abrasive member 13] The silicone rubber sheet holding powder P in the powder holding pattern 200 described above was removed from the core metal and bonded to another silicone rubber sheet with a thickness of 2 mm and a rubber hardness of 50° (JISA), and then separated. This removed the small amount of excess powder adhering to the silicone rubber sheet removed from the core metal, forming a powder pattern free of excess powder P adhering to the background area away from the powder holding pattern 200.

[0149] [Powder holding member 11] The silicone rubber sheet holding powder P in the powder holding pattern 200 described above was wrapped around a core metal with a diameter of 96 mm to form a powder holding member 11 with a diameter of 100 mm. In addition, the friction member 13 and powder supply member 12 shown in Figure 1 were removed from around the powder holding member 11. This reproduced the portion of the powder holding member 11 from past the friction member 13 to the transfer member 14 in the rotational direction of the powder holding member 11.

[0150] <Formation of decorative pattern 101d> As described above, the recording medium S was transported on the transport path 17 of the image forming apparatus 1 while the movement from the friction member 13 to the transfer member 14 in the rotational direction of the powder holding member 11 was reproduced, and the powder holding member 11 was operated in accordance with the timing of the transport. This timing is when the base pattern 101 formed on the recording medium S and the powder holding pattern 200 are nipped at the nip portion 10a while facing each other. As a result, the powder P held by the powder holding pattern 200 was attached onto the base pattern 101, forming the decorative pattern 101d.

[0151] ≪Example 2 (See Figure 1)≫ Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that the base pattern 101 and the undecorative pattern 102 on the recording medium S are created in the same process. The base pattern 101 and the undecorative pattern 102 were formed using an electrophotographic printing apparatus: Konica Minolta AccurioPress C6020 (color mode).

[0152] ≪Example 3 (See Figure 1)≫ Example 3 differs from Example 1 in that, in the same procedure, the base pattern 101 and the undecorated pattern 102 on the recording medium S are created in the same process, and a toner pattern that is slightly larger than the base pattern 101 is formed as the powder holding pattern 200, as shown in Figure 7.

[0153] Examples 4-6 In each of Examples 4 to 6, the toners shown in Table 1 below were used as the base pattern 101, the undecorated pattern 102, and the powder-holding pattern 200 in the procedure of Example 3. However, in forming the powder-holding pattern 200 in Example 4, a clear toner was created using a formulation in which the coloring pigment was removed from the toner. In addition, the image stabilization function of the electrophotographic printing device (Konica Minolta AccurioPress C6020) was turned OFF, and the image formation conditions were manually adjusted. This prevented false detection when the sensor for colored toner detected the clear toner, while forming the powder-holding pattern 200 using the clear toner under optimal conditions with the least background coverage and the highest adhesion amount.

[0154] [Table 1]

[0155] ≪Evaluation of Examples and Comparative Examples≫ The following evaluations were performed on the comparative examples and Examples 1 to 6, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 1 above. The number of image data in Table 1 is the number of image data created to print a decorative image having decorative pattern 101d and non-decorative pattern 102.

[0156] [Evaluation of powder adhesion in the background] The adhesion of powder P to the background area of ​​the recording medium S, where neither the decorative pattern 101d nor the non-decorative pattern 102 exists, was evaluated.

[0157] A digital microscope VHX-6000 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the evaluation device, and the background was observed using a mode that automatically acquires and combines images from multiple screens. Images were saved with a field of view of 5 mm x 5 mm, and after binarization using the image processing software included with the device, the number of powder particles contained within the field of view was automatically counted. From the acquired number and the field of view area, the number of powder particles attached to the background (unit: particles / mm²) was calculated. 2 ) was calculated.

[0158] Based on the above, the average value of the results at three locations for each evaluation sample was calculated. The calculated average value is the target of 0.1 pieces / mm 2 If the amount was small, it was evaluated as "No powder adhesion in the background," and if the amount was large, it was evaluated as "Powder adhesion in the background - Present."

[0159] [Evaluation of thin line misalignment] The distance [d] between the thin line (100sl) of the decorative pattern 101d shown in Figure 6 and the non-decorative pattern 102 was measured using a metal ruler. It was determined whether the deviation from the normal distance planned in the image data was ±0.5 mm or more, or ±0.5 mm or less.

[0160] [Evaluation method for fine-line image formation]: The adhesion of powder P to the fine lines (101sl) in the decorative pattern 101d shown in Figure 6 was visually evaluated. If the decorative pattern 101d of fine lines (101sl) with a metallic sheen was formed, it was considered "good." If the toner color of the base pattern 101 was exposed for all or part of the fine lines (101sl), it was considered "base exposed."

[0161] [Evaluation Results] As shown in Table 1, in the comparative example, transfer of powder P to a part of the background was observed. Furthermore, because the base pattern 101 and the non-decorative pattern 102 were formed using different devices, positional misalignment occurred, which is thought to be due to variations in the feeding of the recording medium S in each device, resulting in a misalignment of 0.5 mm or more in the position of the fine lines (101sl) in the base pattern 101. However, because the powder P is held across the entire side surface of the powder holding member 11, the powder P can be applied without misalignment even to the fine lines (101sl) that have a positional misalignment of 0.5 mm or more, and the formation of the image of the fine lines (101sl) was good.

[0162] In Example 1, a powder holding pattern 200 for holding powder P was formed on the side surface of the powder holding member 11, and since powder P was not present in the area corresponding to the background, the goal of background powder adhesion was achieved. Compared to the comparative example, additional image data for the powder holding pattern 200 was required, resulting in a total of 3 image data points. Also, for the same reason as in the comparative example, a displacement of 0.5 mm or more occurred in the position of the fine lines (101sl) in the base pattern 101. Due to this displacement, and the displacement between the base pattern 101 and the powder holding pattern 200 that held the powder P, it was not possible to transfer powder P to the fine lines (101sl) in the base pattern 101, resulting in the base being exposed for fine line image formation.

[0163] In Example 2, the base pattern 101 and the non-decorative pattern 102 were formed using the same electrophotographic printing apparatus and in the same process, which reduced the number of image data to 2, and the positional misalignment of the fine lines (101sl) was within the target range. On the other hand, the image formation of the fine lines (101sl) resulted in the base pattern being exposed. This is thought to be because the powder P could not be transferred to the fine lines (101sl) due to a positional misalignment between the base pattern 101 and the powder-holding pattern 200 that held the powder P.

[0164] In Example 3, the base pattern 101 and the non-decorative pattern 102 were formed using the same electrophotographic printing apparatus and in the same process, thereby reducing the number of image data to two, and the positional misalignment of the fine lines (101sl) was within the target range. Furthermore, by making the shape of the powder holding pattern 200 slightly larger than that of the base pattern 101, the powder P could be attached to the fine lines (101sl) in the base pattern 101, resulting in good fine line image formation.

[0165] In Example 4, in addition to the same evaluation as in Example 3, the powder holding pattern 200 was formed with clear toner, so that the powder P attached to the base pattern 101 was not obscured by the pigment, and a highly glossy decorative pattern 101d was obtained.

[0166] In Example 5, in addition to the same evaluation as in Example 3, a magenta metallic decorative pattern 101d was obtained by forming the powder holding pattern 200 with magenta toner.

[0167] In Example 6, in addition to the same evaluation as in Example 3, a more vivid magenta metallic decorative pattern 101d was obtained by forming the powder-holding pattern 200 with magenta toner of the same color as the base pattern 101. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1, 2, 3, 4… Image forming apparatus 10a...Nip section 11,11'...Powder holding member 11a...Release layer 12... Powder supply component 13…Abrasion member 14,14'...Transfer material 20... Powder holding pattern forming apparatus 20'... Powder removal pattern forming apparatus 100...Image patterns 100P... Powder pattern 101...Base pattern 102…Non-decorative pattern 200,200'... Powder retention pattern 300... Powder removal pattern P…powder S... Recording media

Claims

1. A powder holding member that holds a powder pattern composed of powders on its surface, The recording medium on which an image pattern is formed is configured to have a nip portion that nips it between itself and the powder holding member, and the nip portion has a transfer member that applies the powder constituting the powder pattern to the image pattern. The powder pattern held on the surface of the powder holding member has a shape corresponding to the image pattern. Image forming apparatus.

2. The powder pattern has a shape that is positioned slightly larger than the image pattern in the nip portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The recording medium has an image pattern formed on it, which includes a base pattern on which the powder is applied and a non-decorative pattern on which the powder is not applied. The powder holding member holds the powder in a pattern shape corresponding to the background pattern among the image patterns. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The base pattern and the non-decorative pattern are formed in the same process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The surface of the powder holding member has a powder supply member for supplying powder. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The powder holding member has a sliding member that rubs against the surface of the powder holding member which is covered with powder supplied from the powder supply member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The powder supply member transfers the powder held on one main surface to the surface of the powder holding member. Furthermore, it has a sliding member that rubs against one main surface of the powder supply member covered with the powder. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The powder supply member transfers the powder held on one main surface to the surface of the powder holding member. The adhesion force of the powder to one main surface of the powder supply member is less than the adhesion force of the powder to the portion of the powder holding member's surface where the powder pattern is formed, and greater than the adhesion force of the powder to the portion of the powder holding member's surface where the powder pattern is not formed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The portion of the surface of the powder-holding member where the powder pattern is not formed is composed of a release layer. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The surface of the powder-holding member has an adhesive powder-holding pattern, and the powder is held by adhering the powder to the powder-holding pattern. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The surface of the powder-holding member has a powder-holding pattern made of a colored material which is either colorless, transparent, white, or colored, and the powder is held by adhering the powder to the powder-holding pattern, and the powder-holding pattern together with the powder is transferred to the image pattern at the nip portion. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The powder holding pattern is the same color as the image pattern on the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The device includes a powder holding pattern forming apparatus for forming the powder holding pattern on the surface of the powder holding member. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The device includes a powder removal pattern forming apparatus for forming a powder pattern on the surface of the powder holding member by removing a portion of the powder held on the surface of the powder holding member. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

15. An image forming method comprising: nipping a recording medium on which an image pattern is formed in a nip portion composed of a powder holding member and a transfer member; and attaching the powder constituting the powder pattern held on the surface of the powder holding member to the image pattern, The powder holding member holds the powder pattern having a shape corresponding to the image pattern. Image forming method.

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