EP0672967A2 - Méthode et appareil de formation d'images utilisant un élément de transfert intermédiaire - Google Patents
Méthode et appareil de formation d'images utilisant un élément de transfert intermédiaire Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0672967A2 EP0672967A2 EP95201534A EP95201534A EP0672967A2 EP 0672967 A2 EP0672967 A2 EP 0672967A2 EP 95201534 A EP95201534 A EP 95201534A EP 95201534 A EP95201534 A EP 95201534A EP 0672967 A2 EP0672967 A2 EP 0672967A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- image
- intermediate transfer
- transfer member
- liquid
- toner particles
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 15
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 53
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims abstract 3
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 54
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 31
- 238000007614 solvation Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000012453 solvate Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920003223 poly(pyromellitimide-1,4-diphenyl ether) Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011140 metalized polyester Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 description 2
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- IIZPXYDJLKNOIY-JXPKJXOSSA-N 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@H](COP([O-])(=O)OCC[N+](C)(C)C)OC(=O)CCC\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/CCCCC IIZPXYDJLKNOIY-JXPKJXOSSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920003345 Elvax® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910000990 Ni alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- QXZUUHYBWMWJHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N [Co].[Ni] Chemical compound [Co].[Ni] QXZUUHYBWMWJHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000006229 carbon black Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010073 coating (rubber) Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001962 electrophoresis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004927 fusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940067606 lecithin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000010445 lecithin Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000787 lecithin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000623 nickel–chromium alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011369 resultant mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/14—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base
- G03G15/16—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern, e.g. magnetic transfer
- G03G15/1605—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern, e.g. magnetic transfer using at least one intermediate support
- G03G15/162—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern, e.g. magnetic transfer using at least one intermediate support details of the the intermediate support, e.g. chemical composition
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/01—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for producing multicoloured copies
- G03G15/0142—Structure of complete machines
- G03G15/0147—Structure of complete machines using a single reusable electrographic recording member
- G03G15/0152—Structure of complete machines using a single reusable electrographic recording member onto which the monocolour toner images are superposed before common transfer from the recording member
- G03G15/0173—Structure of complete machines using a single reusable electrographic recording member onto which the monocolour toner images are superposed before common transfer from the recording member plural rotations of recording member to produce multicoloured copy, e.g. rotating set of developing units
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/14—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base
- G03G15/16—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern, e.g. magnetic transfer
- G03G15/1605—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern, e.g. magnetic transfer using at least one intermediate support
- G03G15/161—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern, e.g. magnetic transfer using at least one intermediate support with means for handling the intermediate support, e.g. heating, cleaning, coating with a transfer agent
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/01—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies
- G03G2215/0167—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies single electrographic recording member
- G03G2215/0174—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies single electrographic recording member plural rotations of recording member to produce multicoloured copy
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
- G03G2215/0602—Developer
- G03G2215/0626—Developer liquid type (at developing position)
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to imaging apparatus and techniques and more particularly to apparatus and techniques for transfer of images from an image-bearing surface to a substrate via an intermediate transfer medium.
- U.S. Patent 4,684,238 describes intermediate transfer apparatus in which a plurality of liquid images, which include a liquid carrier having toner particles dispersed therein, are attracted from a photoconductive member to an intermediate belt. Liquid carrier is removed from the intermediate belt by vacuum apparatus and the toner particles are compacted on the intermediate belt in image configuration. Thereafter, the toner particles are transferred from the intermediate belt to the copy sheet in image configuration by electrostatic attraction.
- U.S. Patent 4,690,539 shows a system similar to that shown in U.S. Patent 4,684,238 which is suitable for multi-color multiple-pass electrophoretic image transfer.
- U.S. Patent 4,015,027 describes an electrophotographic toner transfer and fusing method wherein a heated roller or belt is employed for pressure transfer of dry toner images from an intermediate transfer medium onto paper.
- line 29 - column 12 line 38 there appears a detailed discussion of heating of images upon transfer thereof as proposed therein and as taught in the prior art including specifically U.S. Patent 3,591,276 to Byrne.
- a belt construction characterized in that it has a very low heat capacitance and a thickness of between 15 and about 200 microns is proposed in U.S. Patent 4,015,027.
- the belt comprises a 50 micron layer of aluminized Kapton having a 25 micron coating of silicon rubber.
- Another embodiment employs a 12.5 micron layer of stainless steel instead of the Kapton together with a silicon rubber coating.
- a reflecting layer is incorporated in the belt to reduce heating thereof.
- U.S. Patent 4,796,048 describes a system for transferring a liquid toner image from a photoconductive member to an intermediate transfer member for subsequent transfer to a copy sheet.
- the liquid toner image is heated to remove solvent associated with the toner image.
- the toner particles are melted to thermally offset the image to the copy sheet.
- U. S. Patent 4,708,460 describes a system for transferring a liquid toner image from a photoconductive member to an intermediate transfer member for subsequent transfer to a copy sheet.
- the liquid toner image is heated by radiant heat on the intermediate transfer member to vaporize some of the liquid carrier and to partially melt the toner particles, decreasing their viscosity.
- heat substantially vaporizes the remainder of the liquid carrier from the image and fuses the image to the copy sheet.
- the present invention seeks to provide improved imaging apparatus.
- apparatus for transfer of a liquid toner image (containing carrier liquid and toner particles which solvate the carrier liquid at a solvation temperature above room temperature) from an image bearing surface to a substrate
- the apparatus comprising: an intermediate transfer member arranged in operative association with the image bearing surface, first transfer means operative for transferring the image from the image bearing surface onto the intermediate transfer member, and heating apparatus operative for heating the image on the intermediate transfer member to a temperature above the solvation temperature, below the melting point of the toner particles and below the boiling point of the carrier liquid prior to transfer of the image to the substrate so as to cause the image to adhere to the substrate.
- the apparatus also comprises second transfer means operative for transferring the heated image from the intermediate transfer member to a substrate, the second transfer means being operative for cooling the intermediate transfer member sufficiently such that the adhesion of the image thereto is less than the cohesion of the image.
- the second transfer means in conjunction with the substrate is operative to cool the image sufficiently such that the adhesion of the image to the intermediate transfer member is less than the cohesion of the image.
- the first transfer means includes, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus for transferring multiple images from the image bearing surface onto the intermediate transfer member.
- the toner particles in the liquid toner image are pigmented.
- the heating apparatus is operative to heat the image such that the image remains at a temperature above the solvation temperature until contact of the image with the substrate.
- the intermediate transfer member comprises a thin walled cylinder preferably with a thickness of less than 125 microns. In alternative preferred embodiments the wall thickness may be less than 50, less than 30 or less than 7 microns.
- the thin walled cylinder includes metallic material. In a preferred embodiment the thin walled cylinder comprises a layer of polymer material and a thin release layer.
- the intermediate transfer member includes a relatively heat conductive inner layer and a relatively heat insulative outer layer.
- the intermediate transfer member has a low effective heat capacity such that the surface temperature of the intermediate transfer member is substantially reduced during transfer of an image therefrom onto substrate.
- a method for transfer of a liquid toner image (containing carrier liquid and toner particles which solvate the carrier liquid at a solvation temperature above room temperature) from an image bearing surface to a substrate, including the steps of: transferring the image from the image bearing surface onto an intermediate transfer member, and heating the image on the intermediate transfer member to a temperature above the solvation temperature, below the melting point of the toner particles and below the boiling point of said carrier liquid prior to transfer of the image to the substrate so as to cause the image to adhere to the substrate.
- the method includes, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of cooling the intermediate transfer member sufficiently such that the adhesion of the image thereto is less than the cohesion of the image.
- the image is cooled sufficiently such that the adhesion of the image to the intermediate transfer member is less than the cohesion of the image.
- the step of transferring the image from the image bearing surface is repeated a plurality of times, each transfer corresponding to an image of a different color.
- the method preferably includes the step of transferring the heated image from the intermediate transfer member to the substrate, wherein the step of transferring the image from the intermediate transfer member onto the substrate is operative to cool the image to below the solvation temperature.
- apparatus for transfer of an image from an image bearing surface onto a substrate including an intermediate transfer member positioned in operative association with the image bearing surface, means for transferring an image from the image bearing surface onto the intermediate transfer member, and means for transferring the image from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate and being operative for heating the intermediate transfer member and the image so as to cause the image to adhere to the substrate and for cooling the intermediate transfer member sufficiently such that the adhesion of the image thereto is less than the cohesion of the image.
- apparatus for transfer of multiple images from an image bearing surface onto a substrate including an intermediate transfer member positioned in operative association with the image bearing surface, means for transferring multiple images from the image bearing surface onto the intermediate transfer member, and means for transferring the multiple images from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate and being operative for heating the intermediate transfer member and the image so as to cause the image to adhere to the substrate and for cooling the intermediate transfer member sufficiently such that the adhesion of the image thereto is less than the cohesion of the image.
- apparatus for transfer of an image from an image bearing surface onto a substrate including an intermediate transfer member positioned in operative association with the image bearing surface, means for transferring an image from the image bearing surface onto the intermediate transfer member, and means for transferring the image from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate and wherein the intermediate transfer member includes a thin walled cylinder of thickness less than 125 microns.
- apparatus for transfer of multiple images from an image bearing surface onto a substrate including an intermediate transfer member positioned in operative association with the image bearing surface, means for transferring multiple images from the image bearing surface onto the intermediate transfer member, and means for transferring the multiple images from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate and wherein the intermediate transfer member includes a thin walled cylinder of thickness less than 125 microns.
- apparatus for transfer of an image from an image bearing surface onto a substrate including an intermediate transfer member positioned in operative association with the image bearing surface; means for transferring an image from the image bearing surface onto the intermediate transfer member, and means for transferring the image from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate and wherein the intermediate transfer member includes a relatively heat conductive inner layer and a relatively heat insulative outer layer.
- apparatus for transfer of multiple images from an image bearing surface onto a substrate including an intermediate transfer member positioned in operative association with the image bearing surface, means for transferring multiple images from the image bearing surface onto the intermediate transfer member, and means for transferring the multiple images from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate and wherein the intermediate transfer member includes a relatively heat conductive inner layer and a relatively heat insulative outer layer.
- an intermediate transfer member for transfer of an image from an image bearing surface onto a substrate and including a thin walled cylinder having a thickness less than 125 microns.
- an intermediate transfer member for transfer of an image from an image bearing surface onto a substrate and including a relatively heat conductive inner layer and a relatively heat insulative outer layer.
- a method for transfer of an image from an image bearing surface onto a substrate including the steps of positioning an intermediate transfer member in operative association with the image bearing surface, transferring an image from the image bearing surface onto the intermediate transfer member, and transferring the image from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate and including the steps of heating the intermediate transfer member and the image so as to cause the image to adhere to the substrate and cooling the intermediate transfer member sufficiently such that the adhesion of the image thereto is less than the cohesion of the image.
- a method for transfer of multiple images from an image bearing surface onto a substrate including the steps of positioning an intermediate transfer member in operative association with the image bearing surface, transferring multiple images from the image bearing surface onto the intermediate transfer member, and transferring the multiple images from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate including the steps of heating the intermediate transfer member and the image so as to cause the image to adhere to the substrate and cooling the intermediate transfer member sufficiently such that the adhesion of the image thereto is less than the cohesion of the image.
- Fig. 1 there is shown electrostatographic imaging apparatus in which the present invention may be employed and employing a liquid image forming composition.
- the imaging apparatus may comprise an electrostatographic printing machine or alternatively any other suitable type of imaging apparatus.
- systems in which the present invention may be employed include electrophotography, electrography, ionography, xero-printing, gravure-like printing and electrostatic printing.
- Drum 10 is driven in the direction of arrow 16 such that the photoconductive surface 12 moves past a corona discharge device 18 adapted to charge the photoconductive surface 12.
- An image to be reproduced is focused by a lens 20 upon the photoconductive surface 12.
- the areas of the photoconductive surface 12 struck by light conduct the charge, or a portion thereof, to ground, thus forming an electrostatic latent image.
- Developer liquid containing pigmented particles is circulated from any suitable source into a gap 22 defined between a development electrode 24 and the photoconductive surface 12.
- the development electrode 24 may be appropriately biased as known to the art, to assist in toning the electrostatic latent image as it passes into contact with the developer liquid.
- the transfer assembly 50 comprises an intermediate transfer element 52, typically in the form of a cylindrical roller.
- the intermediate transfer element 52 is preferably an intermediate transfer element of the type illustrated in any of Figs. 4A - 7B.
- Transfer of the image from the photoconductive surface 12 to the intermediate transfer element 52 may take place in accordance with any suitable technique known in the prior art. Examples of suitable techniques are electrostatic transfer, heat transfer, pressure transfer, electrophoretic transfer and combinations thereof. A preferred transfer method is electrophoretic transfer.
- the liquid toner image is heated on the intermediate transfer member 52. Heating of the image enhances its cohesiveness and renders it tacky, so as to enhance its adhesion to the substrate 40.
- toner which is prepared in the following manner: 1000g. Elvax II 5550 resin (DuPont) and 500g. Isopar L were mixed in a Ross double planetary mixer for one hour at 90 degrees C, then for a further hour after addition of 250g. Mogul L carbon black (Cabot) which had been wetted by 500g. Isopar L, and finally for another hour after addition of 2000g. Isopar L preheated to 110 degrees C. Stirring was continued in the absence of heating until the temperature reached 40 degrees C.
- the image 60 located on the intermediate transfer element 52 is heated, by means which will be described hereinbelow, to a temperature which produces desired tackiness of the image. Then the heated image establishes contact with the substrate 40 as shown in Fig. 2A.
- a toner of the type described in detail on the preceding page wherein a toner of the type described in detail on the preceding page, a toner of the type described in U.S. Patent 4,794,651, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, or any other liquid toner which solvates at a temperature below its melting point is used
- the image 60 is heated to a temperature below the melting point of the dry resin but above the temperature at which the resin swells or begins to solvate with the carrier liquid and becomes tacky, and below the boiling point of the carrier liquid.
- a liquid toner which does not solvate at a temperature below the melting point of the pigmented solid particles therein may be employed. In such a case, heating of the image to a temperature as high as the melting point of the pigmented solid particles therein is required.
- the heat transfer to the image from the element 52 and from the image to the substrate 40 is preferably such that the image is cooled, so as to increase its viscosity, while at least maintaining and preferably increasing its cohesiveness. In this way, complete or nearly complete transfer of the image from the intermediate transfer element 52 to the substrate is realized.
- Fig. 2C illustrates the complete or nearly complete transfer of the image to the substrate 40.
- the image 60 and member 52 are initially heated to a temperature T 1 of 105 degrees C, which is below the melting point of the resin but above the solvation temperature. During the "transfer duration" the temperature of the image/paper interface is reduced to a temperature T 2 of 85 degrees C, at which the viscosity is increased over that at the higher temperature.
- Fig. 3 is an illustration, not necessarily to scale, of the dependence of viscosity of an image on temperature. It is seen that the reduction of temperature from T 1 to T 2 provides a corresponding significant rise in viscosity.
- the image is initially heated to a temperature at which it solvates, so that it will adhere well to the substrate.
- the image is then cooled, increasing its viscosity and thus increasing its cohesiveness.
- the adhesion of the image to the substrate is greater than its adhesion to the release coated intermediate transfer member, and the increased cohesion of the image preserves the integrity of the transferred image, providing substantially complete transfer of the image to the substrate.
- FIG. 4A - 7B illustrate four alternative embodiments of intermediate transfer elements constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- the intermediate transfer element comprises a thin-walled roller 70.
- Roller 70 preferably is formed of two rigid end portions 72 and 74 and a thin cylindrical layer 76 typically coated with a release layer 78.
- Typical materials and thicknesses are as follows: Layer 76: metalized polyester Thickness: 25 microns
- Release layer 78 Teflon (DuPont) Thickness: 5 microns
- the layer 76 may be a 5 micron thick film of nickel alloy, such as a nickel cobalt or nickel chromium alloy and the release layer may be a 2 micron thick layer of Teflon.
- Kapton polyimide film may be employed instead of polyester.
- the release layer may be a thin layer of silicone rubber.
- the thin cylindrical layer 76 is axially tensioned, as by a spring arrangement 80, sufficient to eliminate most surface irregularities.
- a suitable tension is 10 Kg.
- enhanced rigidity and surface uniformity of the thin-walled cylinder 70 is provided by pneumatically pressurizing the interior of the cylinder, by any suitable pressurized gas.
- a valve 82 may be provided for this purpose.
- the thin-walled cylinder 70 is heated by the passage of electrical current along layer 76 via conductors 84 and 86, which establish an electrical circuit via end portions 72 and 74.
- layer 76 must either be or include a layer which is an electrical conductor of suitable characteristics.
- the electrical power required to provide desired heating of the intermediate transfer element 70 is relatively low.
- a heating lamp 90 is disposed interior of a radiation transmissive tube 92, such as a quartz tube. Disposed in generally coaxial surrounding relationship with quartz tube 92 and supported on annular end supports 94 is an intermediate transfer layer 96 having formed thereon a release layer 98.
- layers 96 and 98 may be identical to layers 76 and 78 in the embodiment of Figs. 4A and 4B.
- tensioning apparatus of the type illustrated in Fig. 4A may be employed.
- layers 96 and 98 which are more massive and thus more rigid than layers 76 and 78 may be employed.
- the release layer 98 is provided with sufficient thermal insulation capacity to limit the amount of thermal conduction therethrough so that during transfer of the image to the substrate 40, the image may be cooled as described above in connection with the thin-walled intermediate transfer element.
- Suitable materials and thicknesses for the non-thin-walled intermediate transfer element are as follows: Layer 96: Aluminum Thickness: 5 mm
- Layer 98 Silicone rubber Thickness: 2 mm
- the roller 100 may be either of the thin-walled type or of the non-thin-walled type described above. Heating of the roller 100 is provided externally of the roller by a heating station 102.
- the heating station 102 employs radiant heaters, which heat the roller by radiation. Alternatively the heating station 102 may heat the roller 100 by conduction through direct contact with the roller.
- a roller 110 may be either thin- walled or non-thin-walled. Heating of the roller 110 is provided by an internal radiant heater assembly 112 which is mounted internally of roller 110. Radiant heater 112 comprises an elongate radiative heat source 114 which is associated with a reflector 116, which prevents direct radiation from source 114 from reaching the area at which the image is transferred from the roller 110 to substrate 40 (Fig. 1), thus providing differential heating of roller 110 and permitting cooling of the image during transfer as described hereinabove.
- a suitable weight 118 may be mounted onto the reflector 116 so that when the reflector 116 and weight 118 are pivotably mounted with respect to the roller, they will retain the orientation illustrated, notwithstanding rotation of the roller 110.
- an intermediate transfer member including a thin surface which supports the image during transfer, the thin surface having an effective heat capacity per unit area which is less than that of the substrate.
- the thin surface may be a cylindrical surface or alternatively an endless belt or any other configuration. Normally, due to its thinness, the thermal conductivity along the surface is sufficiently small such that the thermal mass of the supports, such as end rollers for a cylindrical surface like that shown in the drawings, may be disregarded.
- the effective thermal mass of the intermediate transfer element is relatively small. This may be achieved either by the use of a thin-walled roller as described hereinabove, whose inherent thermal mass is limited, or alternatively by the use of a roller, other than a thin-walled roller, but having an outer layer which is a sufficiently good thermal insulator such that the heat transfer characteristics thereof are as required. Such a structure has been described above.
- Fig. 8 illustrates a variation of the apparatus of Figs. 7A and 7B, using identical reference numerals where appropriate, wherein a reflector is oriented so as to prevent direct radiation heating of the roller from the transfer stage through the photoconductor contact stage.
- the approximate roller temperature at various locations therealong is as shown in Fig. 9.
- the intermediate transfer member gives up a measured quantity of heat to the substrate during image transfer thereto (between locations B and C) and remains at a relatively low temperature, i.e. below about 85 degrees centigrade, until it contacts the photoconductive surface 12, at which point it gives up further heat very quickly to the photoconductive surface 12 (between locations D and E).
- the photoconductive surface does not heat up appreciably in view of its relatively large thermal mass.
- the intermediate transfer member remains at generally the same temperature until it is exposed to radiation heating (at location 0) and is heated gradually until it reaches a steady state temperature (at location A) just before transfer contact with the substrate (at location B).
- This development takes place at a first temperature T1; transfer of the image to the intermediate transfer member takes place at an image temperature T2, higher than T1 and final transfer from the intermediate transfer member to the substrate takes place at a temperature T3 higher than temperature T2.
- the temperature of the intermediate transfer member when it is in propinquity to the photoconductive surface 12 is sufficiently low as to preclude damage to the photoconductive surface 12, even during prolonged contact or propinquity, as when neither of the surfaces is rotating. Accordingly prior art mechanisms for separating the intermediate transfer member from the photoconductive surface 12 when the apparatus is not in operation are not required.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electrostatic Charge, Transfer And Separation In Electrography (AREA)
- Color Electrophotography (AREA)
- Wet Developing In Electrophotography (AREA)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8823256 | 1988-10-04 | ||
| GB8823256A GB8823256D0 (en) | 1988-10-04 | 1988-10-04 | Imaging apparatus |
| EP90900375A EP0437546B1 (fr) | 1988-10-04 | 1989-10-03 | Procede et appareil d'imagerie au moyen d'un element de transfert intermediaire |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP90900375.8 Division | 1989-10-03 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0672967A2 true EP0672967A2 (fr) | 1995-09-20 |
| EP0672967A3 EP0672967A3 (fr) | 1995-11-22 |
Family
ID=10644680
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP95201534A Withdrawn EP0672967A3 (fr) | 1988-10-04 | 1989-10-03 | Méthode et appareil de formation d'images utilisant un élément de transfert intermédiaire. |
| EP90900375A Expired - Lifetime EP0437546B1 (fr) | 1988-10-04 | 1989-10-03 | Procede et appareil d'imagerie au moyen d'un element de transfert intermediaire |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP90900375A Expired - Lifetime EP0437546B1 (fr) | 1988-10-04 | 1989-10-03 | Procede et appareil d'imagerie au moyen d'un element de transfert intermediaire |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (2) | EP0672967A3 (fr) |
| JP (1) | JP2883733B2 (fr) |
| DE (1) | DE68926572T2 (fr) |
| GB (1) | GB8823256D0 (fr) |
| WO (1) | WO1990004216A1 (fr) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2001002910A1 (fr) * | 1999-07-05 | 2001-01-11 | Indigo N.V. | Imprimantes et copieurs effectuant le prechauffage du substrat avant le transfert |
| EP1079281A3 (fr) * | 1999-08-23 | 2001-09-19 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Méthode et appareil de formation d'images |
| US6861193B1 (en) | 2000-05-17 | 2005-03-01 | Hewlett-Packard Indigo B.V. | Fluorescent liquid toner and method of printing using same |
Families Citing this family (32)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5636349A (en) * | 1988-09-08 | 1997-06-03 | Indigo N.V. | Method and apparatus for imaging using an intermediate transfer member |
| CA2075948C (fr) * | 1989-01-04 | 2001-07-03 | Ishaiau Lior | Systeme d'imagerie a element de transfert intermediaire |
| WO1992010793A1 (fr) * | 1989-01-04 | 1992-06-25 | Spectrum Sciences B.V. | Systeme d'imagerie a element intermediaire de transfert |
| WO1992017825A1 (fr) * | 1989-01-04 | 1992-10-15 | Spectrum Sciences B.V. | Systeme d'imagerie muni d'elements de transfert intermediaires |
| US5592269A (en) * | 1993-03-26 | 1997-01-07 | Indigo N.V. | Imaging system having an intermediate transfer member |
| US5815783A (en) * | 1989-12-06 | 1998-09-29 | Indigo N.V. | Method and apparatus for printing on both sides of a substrate |
| EP0753797B1 (fr) * | 1990-12-13 | 2001-02-28 | Indigo N.V. | Methode de formation d'images à élément de transfert intermédiaire |
| EP0577597B1 (fr) * | 1991-03-26 | 1996-05-15 | Indigo N.V. | Systeme d'imagerie muni d'elements de transfert intermediaires |
| US6623902B1 (en) | 1991-03-28 | 2003-09-23 | Hewlett-Packard Indigo B.V. | Liquid toner and method of printing using same |
| US6146803A (en) * | 1991-03-28 | 2000-11-14 | Indigo N.V. | Polymer blend liquid toner compositions |
| EP0513820A3 (en) * | 1991-05-17 | 1993-05-19 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Conditioning roller and method of operation for use with a photoconductive drum in an electrophotographic color printer |
| IL107217A (en) * | 1993-10-08 | 2004-05-12 | Hewlett Packard Indigo Bv | Development control system |
| DE69125853T2 (de) * | 1991-07-09 | 1997-11-27 | Indigo N.V., Maastricht | Entwicklungsgeraet fuer latente bilder |
| USRE37859E1 (en) | 1991-07-09 | 2002-09-24 | Indigo N.V. | Development control system |
| US5289238A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 1994-02-22 | Spectrum Sciences B.V. | Liquid toner developing apparatus having metal blade with insulating coating in contact with developing roller |
| CA2119452C (fr) * | 1991-09-20 | 2002-08-13 | Benzion Landa | Methode et appareil d'impression directe d'images |
| DE69317908T2 (de) * | 1993-01-11 | 1998-11-05 | Indigo N.V., Maastricht | Entwicklungsapparat für ein latentes bild |
| WO1995022086A1 (fr) * | 1994-02-08 | 1995-08-17 | Nippon Steel Corporation | Appareil de formation d'image polychrome a developpeur liquide |
| IL112731A0 (en) * | 1995-02-21 | 1995-05-26 | Indigo Nv | Imaging apparatus with temperature control |
| WO1996029633A1 (fr) * | 1995-03-23 | 1996-09-26 | Indigo N.V. | Dispositif de production d'images |
| US6108513A (en) * | 1995-04-03 | 2000-08-22 | Indigo N.V. | Double sided imaging |
| IL113552A (en) * | 1995-04-30 | 2005-09-25 | Hewlett Packard Indigo Bv | Apparatus and method for centerless printing of images particularly on cylindrical objects |
| IL114992A0 (en) | 1995-08-17 | 1995-12-08 | Indigo Nv | Intermediate transfer blanket and method of producing the same |
| CA2231197A1 (fr) * | 1995-09-08 | 1997-03-13 | Indigo N.V. | Appareil d'imagerie et dispositif de sortie perfectionne associe |
| AU2975397A (en) | 1997-06-03 | 1998-12-21 | Indigo N.V. | Intermediate transfer blanket and method of producing the same |
| US6173147B1 (en) | 1997-08-27 | 2001-01-09 | Pfu Limited | Wet type electrophotography apparatus to heat toner on intermediate transfer medium |
| EP1098230B1 (fr) | 1998-05-24 | 2006-12-13 | Hewlett-Packard Indigo B.V. | Dispositif d'impression |
| US6912952B1 (en) | 1998-05-24 | 2005-07-05 | Hewlett-Packard Indigo B.V. | Duplex printing system |
| US6823786B1 (en) | 1999-11-07 | 2004-11-30 | Hewlett-Packard Indigo B.V. | Tandem printing system with fine paper-position correction |
| JP2003534215A (ja) | 2000-04-18 | 2003-11-18 | ヒューレット−パッカード・インデイゴ・ビー・ブイ | シートの搬送における位置及び詰まりのモニター |
| US6363234B2 (en) | 2000-11-21 | 2002-03-26 | Indigo N.V. | Printing system |
| US9535359B2 (en) | 2007-04-30 | 2017-01-03 | Hewlett-Packard Indigo B.V. | Method and system for active decrease of ghost appearance |
Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3318212A (en) | 1965-09-20 | 1967-05-09 | Xerox Corp | Duplex xerographic reproduction |
| US3591276A (en) | 1967-11-30 | 1971-07-06 | Xerox Corp | Method and apparatus for offset xerographic reproduction |
| US3893761A (en) | 1972-11-02 | 1975-07-08 | Itek Corp | Electrophotographic toner transfer and fusing apparatus |
| US4015027A (en) | 1973-10-04 | 1977-03-29 | Itek Corporation | Electrophotographic toner transfer and fusing method |
| US4684238A (en) | 1986-06-09 | 1987-08-04 | Xerox Corporation | Intermediate transfer apparatus |
| US4690539A (en) | 1986-05-27 | 1987-09-01 | Xerox Corporation | Transfer apparatus |
| US4708460A (en) | 1986-07-25 | 1987-11-24 | Xerox Corporation | Simultaneous transfer and fusing in electrophotography |
| US4794651A (en) | 1984-12-10 | 1988-12-27 | Savin Corporation | Toner for use in compositions for developing latent electrostatic images, method of making the same, and liquid composition using the improved toner |
| US4796048A (en) | 1987-11-23 | 1989-01-03 | Xerox Corporation | Resilient intermediate transfer member and apparatus for liquid ink development |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1929671B2 (de) * | 1968-06-12 | 1976-09-09 | Canon KJC., Tokio | Elektrofotografisches verfahren zur herstellung einer mehrfarbigen kopie von einer mehrfarbigen vorlage auf einem nicht masshaltigen bildempfangsmaterial |
| US4430412A (en) * | 1981-11-13 | 1984-02-07 | Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for transferring and fixing toner image using controlled heat |
| US4531825A (en) * | 1981-11-25 | 1985-07-30 | Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. | Electrostatic reproducing apparatus having an intermediate toner image transfer member |
| DE3211905C2 (de) * | 1982-03-31 | 1985-05-09 | Canon K.K., Tokio/Tokyo | Verfahren zur Erzeugung von Farbkopien sowie Gerät zur Durchführung des Verfahrens |
| US4645327A (en) * | 1983-02-23 | 1987-02-24 | Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. | Recording apparatus having water vapor removing or preventing means |
-
1988
- 1988-10-04 GB GB8823256A patent/GB8823256D0/en active Pending
-
1989
- 1989-10-03 EP EP95201534A patent/EP0672967A3/fr not_active Withdrawn
- 1989-10-03 JP JP2501148A patent/JP2883733B2/ja not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1989-10-03 DE DE68926572T patent/DE68926572T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1989-10-03 EP EP90900375A patent/EP0437546B1/fr not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1989-10-03 WO PCT/NL1989/000073 patent/WO1990004216A1/fr not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3318212A (en) | 1965-09-20 | 1967-05-09 | Xerox Corp | Duplex xerographic reproduction |
| US3591276A (en) | 1967-11-30 | 1971-07-06 | Xerox Corp | Method and apparatus for offset xerographic reproduction |
| US3893761A (en) | 1972-11-02 | 1975-07-08 | Itek Corp | Electrophotographic toner transfer and fusing apparatus |
| US4015027A (en) | 1973-10-04 | 1977-03-29 | Itek Corporation | Electrophotographic toner transfer and fusing method |
| US4794651A (en) | 1984-12-10 | 1988-12-27 | Savin Corporation | Toner for use in compositions for developing latent electrostatic images, method of making the same, and liquid composition using the improved toner |
| US4690539A (en) | 1986-05-27 | 1987-09-01 | Xerox Corporation | Transfer apparatus |
| US4684238A (en) | 1986-06-09 | 1987-08-04 | Xerox Corporation | Intermediate transfer apparatus |
| US4708460A (en) | 1986-07-25 | 1987-11-24 | Xerox Corporation | Simultaneous transfer and fusing in electrophotography |
| US4796048A (en) | 1987-11-23 | 1989-01-03 | Xerox Corporation | Resilient intermediate transfer member and apparatus for liquid ink development |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2001002910A1 (fr) * | 1999-07-05 | 2001-01-11 | Indigo N.V. | Imprimantes et copieurs effectuant le prechauffage du substrat avant le transfert |
| US6562539B1 (en) | 1999-07-05 | 2003-05-13 | Indigo N.V. | Printers and copiers with pre-transfer substrate heating |
| EP1079281A3 (fr) * | 1999-08-23 | 2001-09-19 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Méthode et appareil de formation d'images |
| US6861193B1 (en) | 2000-05-17 | 2005-03-01 | Hewlett-Packard Indigo B.V. | Fluorescent liquid toner and method of printing using same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0437546B1 (fr) | 1996-05-29 |
| GB8823256D0 (en) | 1988-11-09 |
| WO1990004216A1 (fr) | 1990-04-19 |
| EP0437546A1 (fr) | 1991-07-24 |
| EP0672967A3 (fr) | 1995-11-22 |
| DE68926572T2 (de) | 1996-12-19 |
| JP2883733B2 (ja) | 1999-04-19 |
| DE68926572D1 (de) | 1996-07-04 |
| JPH04502218A (ja) | 1992-04-16 |
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