JP3518840B2 - Image carrier playback device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image carrier in which a liquid-absorbent swelling layer is provided on a non-liquid-absorbent substrate.
An image carrier regenerating apparatus for removing an image forming substance forming an image formed by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer or a printing machine, and reproducing the image carrier as an image formable image carrier. It is about. Further, the reproducing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus having a display apparatus such as an electronic blackboard capable of automatically erasing an image and a reproducing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, printers, copying machines, and printing machines using image forming methods such as electrophotography, thermal transfer, ink jet using hot melt ink, printing, and the like have become widespread, and a large amount of paper has been produced. It is used. However, since the paper generally used as an image carrier on which an image is formed is made of pulp obtained from wood, consuming a large amount of paper leads to deforestation and deterioration of the global environment. In recent years, it has become a social problem. Furthermore,
There is also a problem that a large amount of image carriers on which images have been formed by these image forming methods are discarded and it becomes difficult to dispose of dust.

For a transparent sheet which is an image carrier for an overhead projector (OHP), a plastic film such as a polyester film or an acetate film is usually used as a base material. The raw material of the film is synthesized from fossil materials such as petroleum,
It is manufactured from wood like paper, and it is not preferable to use a large amount of transparent sheets that are image carriers for overhead projectors (OHP) from the viewpoint of protecting petroleum resources and protecting the global environment. . Further, in the case of an OHP sheet, when it is processed by a shredder, the blade of the shredder is significantly worn, and the image carrier such as paper and the OHP sheet are mixed, so that the processed image carrier cannot be reused. The problem arises. Therefore, conventionally, OH
In many cases, the P sheet is discarded as it is, and there is a problem in maintaining confidentiality of the image information formed on the OHP sheet.

In order to deal with these problems, a method of recovering unnecessary paper or film and once disintegrating it into a pulp state or remelting it for reuse is conventionally practiced. However, this method has a drawback in that the energy efficiency for regeneration is poor, and the recycled product becomes more expensive or of poor quality than when a new raw material is used.

As a method for solving the above problems, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-300395 discloses a cleaning blade after spraying or applying a solvent for dissolving toner used in a copying machine onto a copy sheet. Discloses a method of removing toner on paper. Although many other proposals have already been made for such a method of dissolving or swelling an image-forming substance to remove the image-forming substance from the image carrier, a commonly used image-forming substance is dissolved or swelled. To do so, an organic solvent such as toluene, xylene, or tetrahydrofuran is required. It is not preferable to use these organic solvents in workplaces such as general offices that do not have a special ventilation device solvent recovery device.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-297294, an image carrier formed of a non-absorptive material such as plastic, metal, paper having poor liquid permeability, or ceramics is used. It is disclosed that the image is peeled off from the image carrier by superposing it on the image carrier while heating. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-55195 discloses an image carrier in which a surface silicone sealant is attached to a PET film and the surface is subjected to a release treatment. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-64472
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-242242 discloses a device for peeling off an image on an image carrier treated with the release agent. The methods and apparatus shown in these prior art examples are preferred in that no liquid is used to strip the image to remove the imaging material on the image carrier. However, the image carrier used in this method has a great difference in terms of glossiness, surface property, thickness, etc. from the paper generally used as the image carrier, and is uncomfortable for general use. In addition, there is a drawback that the cost becomes high because an expensive release film is laminated. Furthermore, since it has a release film on the surface,
There is also a problem in the fixing property of the image, and there is a problem that the image is dropped due to friction between clothes and fingers, and the clothes and fingers are soiled.

In order to solve the problem of fixing property and the problem of safety when the image carrier is reused, JP-A-6-22260 is used.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-311523 disclose a method of using an image carrier in which a liquid-swellable layer is provided on a substrate that does not absorb liquid. By using this image carrier, the liquid that swells the swelling layer is retained when the image forming substance forming the image is removed while maintaining the fixability of the image formed on the reproduced image carrier. By applying it to the body, the adhesive force between the image and the image carrier can be weakened and the image can be easily removed. Further, since a liquid mainly composed of water can be used as the liquid for swelling the swelling layer of the image carrier, the method using the image carrier is also excellent in safety. Further, the image carrier having a layer which swells with a liquid on a substrate which does not absorb the liquid does not easily deteriorate because the substrate does not absorb the liquid, and the image carrier can be used many times. There is also an advantage that the image-forming substance can be removed only by applying a very small amount of liquid.

[0008]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention
As a method of removing the image-forming substance that constitutes an image from the image carrier disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 604 and JP-A-7-31523, the image carrier is treated with a liquid that swells the swelling layer of the image carrier. Possible methods include immersing and rocking, applying ultrasonic waves, and rubbing with a soft member such as sponge and felt. In these methods, it is easy to remove the image-forming substance, but since the liquid in which the image carrier is immersed becomes dirty, a removing means for removing the image-forming substance from the liquid is required. Although it is possible to remove the image-forming substance from the liquid by using a filter as the removing means, the image-forming substance is removed in the liquid because the filter is clogged with a relatively small amount of the image-forming substance. It was difficult to put the device to practical use. Further, the image forming substance often contains a component such as a dye, which is soluble in a liquid, but when a colored component is dissolved in the liquid,
There is also a problem that it is difficult to clean the liquid only with a filter. Further, in the apparatus for removing the image-forming substance in the liquid, the operation for removing the image-forming substance requires a long time, and high-speed processing is difficult.

As proposed by the present applicant in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-311523, for removing an image-forming substance from an image carrier provided with a liquid-swellable layer on a substrate which does not absorb liquid. If the method of heating the image-forming substance to the softening point or higher and transferring the image-forming substance to the peeling member is adopted, it is considered that the problems in the method of removing the image-forming substance in the liquid can be solved. However, the image carrier on which an image is formed by various commercially available image forming apparatuses has a wide range of physical properties of the image forming substance constituting the image and its adhered state. With the proposed method, it was difficult to remove the image-forming substance forming the image from all of these image carriers at a high speed. Further, there is a problem that it is difficult to remove the image forming substance forming the image from the image carrier on which the image having a large solid portion is formed.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-44260, the applicant of the present invention covers the swelling layer of the image carrier by covering at least the swelling layer of the image carrier to which the liquid is applied with a seal member that does not permeate water. A reproducing method and reproducing apparatus for removing the image-forming substance from the image carrier by heating at least the swelling layer of the image carrier while maintaining the state in which the evaporation of water is not substantially generated have been proposed. In this reproducing method and device,
In order to prevent a decrease in the rigidity of the image carrier, it has been a preferable condition to apply the liquid to the image carrier below a certain amount.

The inventors of the present invention have less restrictions on the conditions for applying the liquid because the problem caused by applying the liquid is less likely to occur in the case of the image carrier in which the swelling layer is provided on the non-liquid absorbing substrate. Paying attention to the fact that the swelling layer of the image carrier is relatively thin and the amount of liquid absorbed by the swelling layer is small,
An intensive study was conducted on the removal treatment of the image forming substance. As a result, an image is formed on the image carrier having the swelling layer by various commercially available image forming apparatuses by improving the liquid application means and the like in the apparatus proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-44260. Even in such a case, it has been found that the image-forming substance constituting the image can be efficiently and surely removed from the image carrier.

The above-mentioned improvement of the apparatus is the point configured as follows. That is, the image-forming substance forming the image formed on the image carrier is removed from the image carrier having the liquid-absorbent swelling layer provided on the non-liquid-absorbent substrate, and the image carrier is imaged. In a reproducing device for an image carrier that reproduces as a formable image carrier, a liquid applying unit for applying an amount of liquid that cannot be absorbed by the swelling layer to the image forming surface of the image carrier on which the image is formed, A peeling formed by using a material which is arranged so as to be able to hold and convey the image holding body to which the liquid is applied and whose surface in contact with the image forming surface of the image holding body is capable of adhering to an image forming substance. A pair of holding members, at least one of which is a member, and a swelling layer of the image holding member held by the holding member or a liquid film on the image holding member, and an image forming substance on the image holding member. A heating member for heating the sheet, and a holding and conveying path by the holding member. At the position where at least a part of the liquid forming the liquid film reaches the interface between the image forming substance on the swelling layer and the swelling layer, The point is that a pressing member that presses the holding members to such an extent that the image forming substance adheres to each other, and a separation unit that separates the holding member composed of the peeling member from the image carrier are provided. In this reproducing apparatus, since the liquid film is formed on the image forming surface of the image carrier and the swelling layer or the liquid film of the image carrier is heated, the liquid easily reaches the interface between the swelling layer and the image forming substance. To swell the swelling layer near the interface. Due to this swelling, the adhesive force between the image holding member and the image forming substance is easily reduced, and the image forming substance forming the image is efficiently and efficiently transferred from the image holding member on which an image is formed by various commercially available image forming apparatuses. Can be reliably removed.

However, it has been found that the following problems may occur when the amount of liquid applied to the image carrier is excessive or insufficient in the reproducing device improved as described above. In the image forming substance removing process of the reproducing apparatus, since the image holding member having the liquid applied to the surface is held by the pair of holding members, the excess liquid on the image holding member is squeezed and held by the holding member. There was a risk of liquid pooling and dripping at the starting point. When such a liquid pool or dripping occurs, there is a possibility that the inside of the reproducing device is contaminated or the image carrier reproduced by the reproducing device is contaminated. For example, in the case where a plurality of image carriers are continuously reproduced, the rear image carrier passes through a position where a liquid pool occurs due to the front image carrier being held, so that the vicinity of the tip of the rear image carrier is passed. Gets unevenly wet. The wetting of the image carrier caused by the liquid pool causes the solid content in the liquid to adhere unevenly to the image carrier when the liquid on the image carrier dries.

When reproducing a transparent image carrier which normally forms an image only on one side such as an image carrier for OHP, the liquid is applied only to one side (image forming surface) of the image carrier. I'll do it. When the liquid is applied to only one surface of the image carrier as described above, in particular, the liquid adheres to the non-image forming surface of the image carrier as the image carrier passes through the place where the liquid pool occurs. It is easy to fall. When the liquid adhering to the non-image forming surface dries, the solid content in the liquid at the tip of the liquid-wetted portion agglomerates and adheres, so the transparency of the transparent image carrier is partially lost. There is a problem that it will end up. Further, in the case where the liquid applied to the image carrier contains a surfactant in order to enhance the wettability of the liquid to the image-forming substance and promote the swelling of the swelling layer, the surfactant may not be incorporated into the image carrier. If they adhere uniformly, a large amount of the surfactant remains and adheres to the image-forming substance at a portion where the adherence is reduced, resulting in poor fixing.

It is conceivable to reduce the amount of liquid applied to the image holding member in order to prevent the liquid pool and the dripping from occurring at the position where the image holding member is held by the holding member. However, in the liquid applying section, the liquid is applied almost uniformly to the entire image forming surface of the image holding member, and the amount of the liquid applied to the entire image holding member is set to such an extent that no liquid pool or dripping occurs. As a result, it was found that the amount of the liquid adhering to the tip of the image carrier was too small and the swelling layer did not swell sufficiently, and removal of the image-forming substance was likely to be difficult.

The present invention has been made under the above background, and its object is to provide a kind of image formed on an image carrier having a liquid-absorbent swelling layer provided on a non-liquid-absorbent substrate. Regardless, it is a reproducing device for an image carrier capable of efficiently and surely removing an image-forming substance that forms an image from the image carrier, and the liquid can be applied to the image carrier at the liquid applying section without excess or deficiency. An object of the present invention is to provide a reproducing device for an image carrier that can be used.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is an image carrier comprising a non-liquid-absorbent substrate and a liquid-absorbent swelling layer provided on the substrate. An image carrier regenerating apparatus for removing an image forming substance forming an image formed on a body and reproducing the image carrier as an image-formable image carrier, the image carrier having the image formed thereon. On the image forming surface, a liquid applying portion for applying an amount of liquid that cannot be absorbed by the swelling layer, and an image holding member to which the liquid is applied are arranged so as to be able to be nipped and conveyed. At least one of the peeling members is formed of a material whose surface in contact with the image forming surface of the body is made of a material capable of adhering to an image forming substance.
A pair of holding members, and a heating member for heating the swelling layer of the image holding member held by the holding member or the liquid film on the image holding member, and heating the image forming substance on the image holding member,
On the sandwiching and conveying path by the sandwiching member, at least a part of the liquid constituting the liquid film reaches the interface between the image forming substance on the swelling layer and the swelling layer, and the sandwiching member comprising the peeling member. A pressing member that presses the holding members to such an extent that the member and the image-forming substance on the image carrier adhere to each other;
In a reproducing device for an image carrier provided with a holding member composed of the peeling member and a separation unit for separating the image carrier, the liquid applying unit is configured to change the amount of the liquid applied to the image carrier. And the rear end of the image carrier is the liquid applying part.
The amount of the above liquid applied decreases as the position of
It is characterized in that it is configured to be small .

[0018]

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a non-liquid absorbent substrate is provided.
From an image carrier having a liquid-absorbent swelling layer
Removal of the image-forming substances that make up the image formed on the holder
Then, the image carrier is reproduced as an image carrier capable of forming an image.
An image carrier reproducing apparatus, in which the above-mentioned image is formed
The image forming surface of the image carrier cannot be completely absorbed by the swelling layer.
A liquid application part for applying a certain amount of liquid, and the liquid is applied.
The image carrier is arranged so that it can be held and conveyed.
The surface of the carrier that contacts the imaging surface may adhere to the imaging material.
At least one of the peeling members is formed by using the material
It was held by a pair of constituted holding members and the holding member described above.
Heating the swollen layer of the image carrier or the liquid film on the image carrier
Heating to heat the image-forming substance on the image carrier
Member and the liquid on the holding and conveying path by the holding member.
Image of at least a part of the liquid constituting the membrane on the swelling layer
At the position reaching the interface between the forming substance and the swelling layer, the peeling
Image formation on the holding member composed of a separating member and the image carrier
Pressurization that presses the holding members to the extent that they adhere to the substance
Member, the holding member including the peeling member, and the image holding member.
In a reproducing device for an image carrier provided with a separating part for separating the carrier, the liquid applying part causes the liquid to be carried on the surface of a liquid applying member whose surface is movable, and the surface of the image carrier The liquid is conveyed between the liquid and the surface of the liquid applying member to form a liquid pool. applying position is passed through a by is intended to impart liquid to the imaging surface, the liquid applying unit, the liquid supply amount of the liquid with respect to the image holding member by the variable to the solution reservoir Allowable amount
It is characterized by being configured to be strange .

[0020] The invention of claim 3, the reproducing apparatus of the image holding member according to claim 2, as the rear end of said image bearing member approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid deposition unit, the supply of liquid to the liquid reservoir It is characterized by being configured to reduce the amount.

[0021] The invention of claim 4 is a reproducing apparatus of the image holding member according to claim 2, characterized in that the variably constitutes the surface speed of the liquid applying member.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image reproducing device of the fourth aspect , the surface speed of the liquid applying member is increased as the rear end of the image holding member approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section. It is characterized in that it is configured so as to decrease.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the image carrier regenerating apparatus according to the second aspect , a regulating member for regulating the amount of the liquid carried on the surface of the liquid applying member is provided, and the regulating member and the liquid applying member are provided. It is characterized in that the gap with the surface of the member or the contact pressure is made variable.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image carrier reproducing apparatus according to the sixth aspect , the gap is reduced as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section, or It is characterized in that the contact pressure is increased.

The invention of claim 8 is a reproducing apparatus of the image holding member according to claim 2, provided with a absorbent member for absorbing the liquid carried on the surface in contact with the surface of the liquid applying member, the absorbent member The contact area between the liquid applying member and the liquid applying member is variable.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image carrier regenerating apparatus according to the eighth aspect , the absorbing member and the liquid applying member are provided as the rear end of the image holding member approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section. It is characterized in that it is configured to increase the contact area with.

[0027] The invention of claim 1 0, non-liquid-absorbing substrate
From an image carrier having a liquid-absorbent swelling layer formed thereon,
Removal of the image-forming substances that make up the image formed on the image carrier
Then, the image carrier is reproduced as an image carrier capable of forming an image.
An image carrier reproducing apparatus, in which the above-mentioned image is formed
The image forming surface of the image carrier cannot be completely absorbed by the swelling layer.
A liquid application part for applying a certain amount of liquid, and the liquid is applied.
The image carrier is arranged so that it can be held and conveyed.
The surface of the carrier that contacts the imaging surface may adhere to the imaging material.
At least one of the peeling members is formed by using the material
It was held by a pair of constituted holding members and the holding member described above.
Heating the swollen layer of the image carrier or the liquid film on the image carrier
Heating to heat the image-forming substance on the image carrier
Member and the liquid on the holding and conveying path by the holding member.
Image of at least a part of the liquid constituting the membrane on the swelling layer
At the position reaching the interface between the forming substance and the swelling layer, the peeling
Image formation on the holding member composed of a separating member and the image carrier
Pressurization that presses the holding members to the extent that they adhere to the substance
Member, the holding member including the peeling member, and the image holding member.
In a reproducing device for an image carrier provided with a separating part for separating the carrier, the liquid applying part causes the liquid to be carried on the surface of a liquid applying member whose surface is movable, and the surface of the image carrier The liquid is conveyed between the liquid and the surface of the liquid applying member to form a liquid pool, and the image carrier is formed by the liquid by the liquid pool so that the image forming surface of the image carrier comes into contact with the liquid pool. The liquid is applied to the image forming surface by passing through the applying position, and the surface speed of the liquid applying member until the tip of the image carrier approaches the portion closest to the liquid applying member is changed. It is characterized in that it is set to be higher than the subsequent surface speed.

[0028] The invention of claim 1 1, non-liquid-absorbing substrate
From an image carrier having a liquid-absorbent swelling layer formed thereon,
Removal of the image-forming substances that make up the image formed on the image carrier
Then, the image carrier is reproduced as an image carrier capable of forming an image.
An image carrier reproducing apparatus, in which the above-mentioned image is formed
The image forming surface of the image carrier cannot be completely absorbed by the swelling layer.
A liquid application part for applying a certain amount of liquid, and the liquid is applied.
The image carrier is arranged so that it can be held and conveyed.
The surface of the carrier that contacts the imaging surface may adhere to the imaging material.
At least one of the peeling members is formed by using the material
It was held by a pair of constituted holding members and the holding member described above.
Heating the swollen layer of the image carrier or the liquid film on the image carrier
Heating to heat the image-forming substance on the image carrier
Member and the liquid on the holding and conveying path by the holding member.
Image of at least a part of the liquid constituting the membrane on the swelling layer
At the position reaching the interface between the forming substance and the swelling layer, the peeling
Image formation on the holding member composed of a separating member and the image carrier
Pressurization that presses the holding members to the extent that they adhere to the substance
Member, the holding member including the peeling member, and the image holding member.
The reproducing apparatus of the image holding body provided with a separating portion that separates the lifting body, the liquid application unit is applied to the image holding member the liquid by discharging the liquid onto the image carrier The liquid applying unit is configured to change the discharge amount of the liquid.
To change the amount of the liquid applied to the image carrier
Then, the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section.
The discharge amount of the liquid decreases as the temperature increases .

[0029]

In the image carrier reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the swelling layer is formed on the image forming surface of the image carrier in which the liquid absorbing swelling layer is provided on the non-liquid absorbing substrate in the liquid applying section. Apply a quantity of liquid that cannot be absorbed by. The image carrier to which this liquid has been applied is held by a pair of holding members and conveyed, whereby the liquid on the image forming surface of the image carrier is leveled to form a uniform liquid film, and the liquid film is removed. The constituent liquid is allowed to uniformly permeate the swollen layer. Then, the swelling layer of the image carrier held by the holding member or the liquid film on the image carrier is heated by a heating member, so that the liquid forming the liquid film becomes an image forming substance on the swelling layer. The swelling layer of the interface swells to reduce the adhesive force of the image-forming substance. Then, the image forming substance on the image carrier is heated by a heating member to be in a softened state, and at least a part of the liquid constituting the liquid film is held on the swollen layer on the holding and conveying route by the holding member. At a position reaching the interface between the image forming substance and the swelling layer, the peeling member and the image forming substance in a softened state are obtained by pressing the holding members holding the image holding member with each other by a pressing member. Let it adhere. The image forming substance on the image holding member is removed from the surface of the image holding member by separating the peeling member to which the image forming substance is adhered from the image holding member at the separating portion.

In this reproducing apparatus, the amount of the liquid applied to the image holding member in the liquid applying unit is changed so that the liquid excessively adheres to the image holding member or, conversely, the liquid adheres to the image holding member. Don't run short.

Particularly, in the image carrier regenerating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the amount of liquid applied is reduced as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section, whereby the front end of the image holding member is reduced. It is possible to suppress an increase in the total amount of liquid applied to the image carrier when the amount of liquid applied to the portion is set to be large.

[0033] Particularly, in the reproduction apparatus of the image holding member according to claim 2, the surface of the liquid is supported within the surface of the movable liquid application member, the surface and the liquid applying member surface of the image holding member The liquid is conveyed in between to form a liquid pool, and the image carrier is passed through the liquid pool so that the image forming surface of the image carrier comes into contact with the liquid pool, and image formation is performed on the image carrier. Apply the liquid to the surface. Then, by changing the supply amount of the liquid to the liquid pool, the amount of the liquid applied to the image carrier by the liquid pool can be changed according to the liquid amount of the liquid pool.

Particularly, in the image carrier regenerating apparatus according to the third aspect , the liquid supply amount to the liquid pool is reduced as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section. It is possible to suppress an increase in the total amount of liquid applied to the image carrier when the amount of liquid applied to the tip of the image carrier is set to be large.

Particularly, in the image carrier regenerating apparatus according to the fourth aspect , the amount of the liquid supplied to the liquid reservoir can be changed by changing the surface speed of the liquid applying member.
Specifically, increasing the surface speed increases the supply amount, and conversely decreasing the surface speed decreases the supply amount.

Particularly, in the image carrier regenerating apparatus according to the fifth aspect , the surface speed of the liquid applying member decreases as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section. As the rear end of the holder approaches the liquid applying position, the amount of liquid supplied to the liquid pool decreases. This increases the total amount of liquid applied to the image carrier when the amount of liquid applied to the front end of the image carrier is set to a large amount irrespective of the surface condition and humidity of the image carrier. Can be suppressed.

Particularly, in the image carrier regenerating apparatus of the sixth aspect , the gap or contact pressure between the regulating member for regulating the amount of the liquid carried on the surface of the liquid applying member and the surface of the liquid applying member is set. By changing the amount, it is possible to change the supply amount of the liquid to the liquid pool. Specifically, if the gap is increased or the contact pressure is reduced, the supply amount increases, and conversely, if the gap is reduced or the contact pressure is increased, the supply amount decreases.

In particular, in the image carrier reproducing apparatus of the seventh aspect , the gap is gradually reduced or the contact pressure is increased as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section. Therefore, as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position, the amount of liquid supplied to the liquid pool decreases. This increases the total amount of liquid applied to the image carrier when the amount of liquid applied to the front end of the image carrier is set to a large amount irrespective of the surface condition and humidity of the image carrier. Can be suppressed.

Particularly, in the image carrier regenerating apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the contact area between the absorbing member which comes into contact with the surface of the liquid applying member to absorb the liquid on the surface and the liquid applying member is changed. The amount of liquid supplied to the liquid reservoir can be changed. Specifically, if the contact area is reduced, the supply amount increases, and conversely, if the contact area is increased, the supply amount decreases.

Particularly, in the reproducing device for the image carrier according to the ninth aspect , the contact area between the absorbing member and the liquid applying member increases as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section. Therefore, as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position, the amount of liquid supplied to the liquid pool decreases. This increases the total amount of liquid applied to the image carrier when the amount of liquid applied to the front end of the image carrier is set to a large amount irrespective of the surface condition and humidity of the image carrier. Can be suppressed.

[0041] Particularly, in the reproduction apparatus of the image holding member according to claim 1 0, the surface is supported liquid to the surface of the movable liquid application member, the surface of the surface and the liquid providing member relative to the image holding body The liquid is conveyed between the two to form a liquid pool, and the image carrier is passed through the liquid pool so that the image forming surface of the image carrier comes into contact with the liquid pool. A liquid is applied to the forming surface. Here, when the liquid is applied to the front end of the image carrier, the liquid pool is not sufficiently developed,
The liquid is applied by direct application from the liquid applying member.
Then, in this image carrier regenerating apparatus, the surface velocity of the liquid applying member is set to be higher than the surface velocity after that until entering the portion closest to the liquid applying member, so that the liquid reservoir is used. It is possible to apply a sufficient amount of the image removal accelerating liquid to the front end portion of the image carrier to which the liquid is applied by the direct application from the liquid applying member, and to shorten the liquid pool. Can be formed in time.

[0042] Particularly, in the reproduction apparatus of the image holding member according to claim 1 1, by changing the discharge amount of the liquid to the image carrier, it is possible to change the application amount of the liquid to the image carrier. Further, the rear end of the image carrier is the liquid of the liquid applying section.
The discharge amount of the above liquid decreases as it approaches the application position.
By doing so, the amount of liquid applied to the tip of the image carrier is increased.
If the total is given to the image carrier when set to
It is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of liquid.

[0043]

[0044]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the image carrier reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the image forming surface of the image carrier on which the image having the liquid-absorbent swelling layer formed on the non-liquid-absorbent substrate is formed. An amount of liquid that cannot be absorbed by the swelling layer is applied.
Then, the liquid on the image forming surface is smoothed to form a liquid film, and the swelling layer or the liquid film is heated, and at least a part of the liquid constituting the liquid film is an image forming substance on the swelling layer. After reaching the interface between the image forming substance and the swelling layer, the image forming substance and the peeling member are adhered by heating and pressurizing, and the peeling member to which the image forming substance is adhered and the image holding member are separated. ..

The liquid applied to the image carrier by the reproducing apparatus is
In order to remove the image-forming substance on the image carrier efficiently and surely, the removal of the image-forming substance is promoted by swelling the swelling layer (hereinafter, this liquid is referred to as "image removal-promoting liquid"). ")). This image removal promoting liquid will be exemplified later.

As a method of forming an image on an image carrier which is a processing object of the present reproducing apparatus, many methods have been proposed in the past. For example, an electrophotographic method using a dry toner or a wet toner, a thermal transfer method using a heat-meltable ink sheet, a thermal diffusion transfer method using a heat diffusible dye, an ink jet method, and a heat sensitive method using a material that develops heat. Recording method,
Examples thereof include a silver salt photography method, an offset plate, an intaglio plate, a relief plate, and a printing method using a stencil.

Further, the present reproducing apparatus is made of the thermoplastic material such as the usual electrophotographic method, thermal transfer method, ink jet method using hot melt ink or printing method among the above-mentioned conventional image forming methods. Alternatively, a heat-melting image forming substance is used, and the image forming substance is formed in a film shape in the vicinity of the surface of the image holding member. The image forming substance is removed from the image holding member on which an image is formed by an image forming method. It is about the method. Here, the above-mentioned film form does not necessarily mean that the entire image forms one film, and that the image forming substance does not penetrate deeply into the inside of the image carrier, or the aqueous ink containing a dye. This means that the image-forming substance is not adsorbed to the image carrier at almost the molecular level as in the case of printing with. Therefore, for example, in the case where the image is formed by an electrophotographic method using a dry toner and the image is interrupted in one character image, or when one toner particle exists independently, When the toner particles do not penetrate deep inside the image carrier, it can be regarded as a film-like image from the principle of removal, and is included in the category of images that can be removed by the reproducing method of the present embodiment.

The image carrier to be reproduced by this reproducing apparatus is disclosed in JP-A-6-222604 and JP-A-7-31.
An image carrier disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 1523, in which a liquid-absorbent swelling layer that absorbs liquid and swells is provided on a non-liquid-absorbent substrate that does not absorb liquid.

Examples of the material for the non-liquid-absorbent substrate are polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthylate, plastics made from cellulose such as cellulose triacetate, cellulose diacetate and nitrocellulose, bisphenol A and bisphenol. Examples of such films include polycarbonate, polyimide, polyamides such as 6,6-nylon, 6-nylon, and aramid, etc., which are raw materials such as, and plastics such as polyether sulfone, polyether ether ketone, polyphenylene sulfite, and polypropylene. .. In the case of an image carrier that requires transparency, such as an OHP sheet, these materials can be relatively pure, but they need to be opaque as an image carrier to replace paper. In the case of being added, white pigments such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, clay, calcium carbonate and barium sulfate are added to the above materials,
A foamed product can also be used. Further, paper obtained by impregnating a paper with a resin such as an emulsion of an acrylic polymer and drying the paper can also be used.

As the liquid-absorbent swelling layer, a polymer crosslinked so as not to be dissolved by the image removal accelerating liquid applied to the image carrier can be used. In particular, since it is preferable to use a liquid mainly containing water as the above-mentioned image removal promoting liquid, it is preferable to use a hydrophilic polymer in the swelling layer. Specific examples thereof include a polymer having a carboxylic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, a sulfonic acid group, a hydroxyl group, an amide group, an amino group, and a polymer having a polyethylene glycol chain. More specifically, acrylic acid and salts thereof, methacrylic acid and salts thereof, vinyl alcohol, hydroxymethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, acrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, N, N-dimethyl. Examples thereof include polymers or copolymers of aminoethyl methacrylate, N, N-dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide, vinylpyrrolidone, and polyethylene glycol.

As the cross-linking agent, a cross-linking agent having a plurality of unsaturated bonds such as N, N-methylbisacrylamide, an isocyanate cross-linking agent, an epoxy cross-linking agent, and formalin are used. As a method for crosslinking, in addition to using a crosslinking agent, electron beam irradiation, irradiation of electromagnetic waves such as ultraviolet rays and X-rays, and heating can be mentioned.

In the case of an image carrier such as an OHP sheet which requires transparency in the swelling layer, it is preferable that the swelling layer is substantially uniform, but it is opaque as an image carrier replacing paper. If required, particles of the above-mentioned polymer or starch may be dispersed in a binder to form a layer.

The swelling layer may be provided on only one side of the above-mentioned substrate, but if it is provided on both sides, curling can be prevented, it can be used without discrimination between the front and back sides during image formation, and the number of times it can be used repeatedly increases. Is preferred.

The swelling layer is preferably provided so that the thickness of one surface thereof is 5 μm or less. If it exceeds 5 μm, the amount of the image removal accelerating liquid used increases, and a drying means for drying the image holding member by evaporating the liquid after removing the image forming substance becomes large. In addition, cracking is likely to occur in the swelling layer, which is a serious problem particularly when transparency is required as in the OHP sheet.

The swelling ratio of the swelling layer is 1.5 to 20.
It is preferable to select the degree of cross-linking and the type of the image removal accelerating liquid to be applied to the image carrier so that the number is doubled. When the swelling ratio exceeds 20 times, as in the case where the swelling layer is too thick,
There arises a problem that the amount of the image removal promoting liquid applied to the image carrier is increased. Further, when the swelling ratio is high, the strength of the swelling layer is lowered, and the number of usable repetitions is lowered.

Further, as described above, after the image forming material is removed from the image carrier, it is necessary to dry the image carrier so that the image carrier can be reused. When the amount of the image removal accelerating liquid applied to the image carrier is large, the amount of energy required for drying is large.
It is preferably 2 ml or less per A4 size. Therefore, it is particularly preferable to set the thickness and the swelling rate of the swelling layer so that the saturated absorption amount calculated from the product of the thickness of the swelling layer and the swelling rate does not exceed 2 ml per A4 size.

The amount of the image removal accelerating liquid applied in this reproducing apparatus is set to an amount that cannot be absorbed by the swelling layer of the image carrier. This "amount not absorbed by the swelling layer" means that the swelling layer of the image carrier cannot be completely absorbed within the time of the step of applying the image removal accelerating liquid to the image carrier, and the liquid on the surface of the image carrier is not absorbed. Is present in the swelling layer, when the swelling layer cannot absorb the image removal accelerating liquid in excess of the saturated absorption amount of the swelling layer, or when the image is fixed on the surface of the image carrier. It also includes the case where the swelling layer cannot be completely absorbed due to the influence of the oil film formed on.

The image removal accelerating liquid used in the present reproducing apparatus is preferably water or a liquid containing water as a main component from the viewpoint of safety. As the image removal promoting liquid, a liquid containing a surfactant and a water-soluble organic compound in addition to water can be used. By using the surfactant, it becomes possible to uniformly wet the image carrier, the image on the image carrier, and members such as rollers for supplying the image removal promoting liquid with the image removal promoting liquid. The water-soluble organic compound acts as a wetting agent and / or a dissolving agent for the surfactant.

Examples of the surfactant that can be used in the image removal promoting liquid include nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants.

Examples of the nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl amines, and glycerin. Fatty acid esters, decaglycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block Polymers, perfluoroalkylphosphoric acid steers, polyoxyethylene-modified polydimethylsiloxanes, etc. Kill.

As the anionic surfactant, higher fatty acid salt, N-acyl amino acid salt, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether carboxylate, acylated peptide, alkyl sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonate, alkylnaphthalene. Sulfonates, mono- or dialkyl sulfosuccinates, α-olefin sulfonates, N-acyl sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether sulfates, alkyl amide sulfates Salt, monoalkyl phosphate, dialkyl phosphate, trialkyl phosphate, monopolyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, bis polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, tris polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, polyoxy Tylene alkylaryl ether phosphate, perfluoroalkyl carboxylate, perfluoroalkyl sulfonate, perfluoroalkenyl aryl sulfonate, N-perfluorooctanesulfonyl glutamate, perfluoroalkyl-N-ethylsulfonylglycine salt, 3 Examples thereof include-(ω-fluoroalkanoyl-N-ethylamino) -1-propanesulfonic acid salt, perfluoroalkylethyl phosphoric acid ester salt, carboxylic acid-modified polydimethylsiloxane, and sulfonic acid-modified polydimethylsiloxane.

Examples of the above cationic surfactants include higher alkyl amine salts, higher alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, alkylbenzene amine salts, alkylbenzene quaternary ammonium salts, alkyl heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salts, and the like. Examples of the amphoteric surfactant include betaine, aminocarboxylic acid, and the like.

Further, in order to improve the wettability of the image removal accelerating liquid to the image carrier and the image forming substance, it is not always necessary to use a surfactant, and for example, alcohols such as methanol and ethanol and Similar effects can be obtained by adding a water-soluble organic compound such as acetone, carbitol, or sorbitol. However, in order to add only these organic compounds to water to improve the wettability, it is necessary to add at least 5% by weight or more of the whole liquid. By using a surfactant,
Since the wettability can be improved with a small amount of use, even if excess liquid adheres, the traces of liquid adherence are less likely to remain, and the image forming substance from the image carrier requiring transparency such as an OHP sheet is required. Upon removal, it becomes easy to maintain the transparency of the image carrier after reproduction. When a solvent having a relatively low boiling point such as methanol or ethanol is used, there is no problem of the above liquid trace generation, but it is not so preferable in that the solvent vapor is generated.

Therefore, it is preferable to add a surfactant to the image removal accelerating liquid in the present embodiment.
For use in recycling HP sheets, it is preferred to minimize the addition of surfactants. The amount of the surfactant added is preferably 0.05 to 2.0% by weight of the entire image removal accelerating liquid. Since the wettability cannot be obtained, it becomes difficult to remove the image. On the other hand, if it exceeds 2.0% by weight, liquid traces are likely to occur on the image carrier after reproduction.

Preferred examples of the water-soluble organic compound added to the image removal promoting liquid are ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, 1,5- Pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol and the like can be mentioned. It is preferable to use the amount of these water-soluble organic compounds added to the image removal accelerating liquid in a range not exceeding 2.0% by weight for the same reason as for the surfactant.

In the present reproducing apparatus, the liquid film formed by heating the liquid film formed on the swelling layer of the image carrier or the image forming surface of the image carrier to which the image removal promoting liquid is applied is removed. The constituting image removal accelerating liquid reaches the interface portion with the image forming substance on the swelling layer, and the swelling of the swelling layer at the interface portion reduces the adhesive force of the image forming substance. Then, after at least a part of the liquid forming the liquid film reaches the interface between the image forming substance on the swelling layer and the swelling layer, the image forming substance in a softened state and the peeling member are heated and pressed to separate the peeling member. The image forming substance on the image holding member is removed from the surface of the image holding member by adhering and separating the peeling member to which the image forming substance is adhered from the image holding member.

The peeling member is a member for transferring and peeling the image-forming substance from the image carrier, and a member having a high adhesiveness with the image-forming substance is selected. In order to prevent evaporation of the components of the removal promoting liquid,
It is preferable to have the property of not allowing the vapor of the component of the image removal promoting liquid to pass through.

Specific examples of materials for the peeling member include:
Isoprene rubber, neoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber,
Synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber, butadiene rubber, and fluororubber, natural rubber, epoxy resin such as bisphenol / ehichlohydrin condensate, alkyd resin, urea formaldehyde resin, butyl urea formaldehyde resin,
Butylated melamine formaldehyde resin, benzoguanamine formaldehyde resin and other amino resins, terpene phenol resin, phenol ether resin, phenol resin and other phenolic thermosetting resins, polyvinyl chloride,
Polyvinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride, vinyl copolymer polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl Vinyl polymers such as formal, polypropylene and polyethylene, acrylic resins such as polybutyl acrylate, polymethacrylic acid and polymethylmethacrylate, polyimide, 6,6
-Polyamide such as nylon, 6-nylon, etc., polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyether ether ketone, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyester such as aromatic polyester, polyphenylene sulfide, polyparavalanic acid,
Examples thereof include thermoplastic or thermosetting synthetic resins such as polyether nitrile and aramid, metals such as nickel, stainless steel and aluminum, and oxides thereof, and ceramic materials .

These materials can be used alone, but can also be used in combination by laminating, alloying, adding other additives such as glass fiber, whiskers, carbon, silica, titanium oxide and the like. The optimum material for the peeling member should be selected according to the type of the image-forming substance to be peeled and the image-forming substance removing process, but repeated use of the peeling member is advantageous in various points such as a reduction in reproduction cost. In that case, relatively high heat resistance and surface stability are required. Examples of preferable material of the peeling member 28 from the viewpoint of removal property and durability of the image forming substance include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyether ether ketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyparavalanic acid, polyether nitrile, aramid, polyimide, polyether imide, Examples include stainless steel, nickel, and alumite.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration example of the reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, an image carrier 1 on which an image is formed by an electrophotographic image forming apparatus or the like and which is no longer needed is manually transferred to a paper feed roller 3 along a guide plate 2 as a manual-feeding mounting member. be introduced.
The sheet feeding roller 3 is driven and rotated by a driving device (not shown) when an image holding member sensor (not shown) detects that the image holding member has been introduced into the apparatus, and by the friction with the guide plate 2, an image is formed. It operates so as to convey the holder to the liquid applying section.

The above-mentioned liquid applying section is internally provided with the image removal accelerating liquid 1
1, a liquid container 13 for holding 1, a liquid application roller 12 as a roller-shaped liquid application member, a squeeze roller 15, a pressing roller 14 as a roller-shaped pressing member, and the like. The liquid applying roller 12 can be configured by, for example, a so-called gravure roller having a large number of holes on its surface. When the gravure roller is used, the amount of liquid retained on the surface can be changed by changing the size or depth of the hole. A part of the liquid applying roller 12 is arranged so as to be immersed in the image removal promoting liquid 11 as shown in FIG. 1, and is fed by a drive system (not shown).
Is rotated in the same direction as the conveyance of the image carrier 1. Excessive image removal promoting liquid 11 adhering to the liquid application roller 12 is removed from the liquid application roller 12 by the squeeze roller 15 that rotates along with the liquid application roller 12. By contacting the image holding member 1, the liquid applying roller 12 applies the image removal accelerating liquid 11 to the image holding member 1 and forms a uniform liquid film on the image forming surface of the image holding member 1. Further, the pressing roller 14 is configured to press only the end portion of the image holding member toward the liquid applying roller 12 with a disk having a protrusion on its outer peripheral portion like a spur, for example. When a roller having a smooth surface is used, the image removal accelerating liquid 11 tends to adhere to the back surface (the surface on which no image is formed) of the image carrier, which is not preferable.

The housing 6 vertically below the container 13
A liquid absorption pad 51 containing a gelling agent is attached to the bottom of the apparatus body surrounded by 1 and 62. The liquid absorption pad 51 receives the image removal accelerating liquid 11 spilled from the container 13 when the reproducing apparatus is inclined and conveyed.
This is to prevent the inside of the device from becoming dirty.

The image carrier 1 to which the image removal accelerating liquid 11 has been applied is conveyed from the image forming surface to a peeling section for transferring / peeling the image forming substance. The peeling section includes a metal heating drum 21 having a heater 22 such as a halogen lamp as a heating member, a pressure roller 27 as a pressure member, an inlet roller 23, a separation roller 24 constituting a separation section, and a tension. The roller 25, a backup roller 26 for cleaning, an endless belt-shaped peeling member 28 provided so as to inscribe the rollers 23, 24, 25, and 26, and the like. The heating drum 21 and the peeling member 28
The image carrier 1 to which the image removal promoting liquid 11 is applied by
A pair of holding members configured to hold and convey the sheet is configured.
The pressure roller 27 is a metal roller having a surface coated with an elastic member such as silicone rubber, and is sandwiched between the separation start position where the inlet roller 23 is arranged and the separation roller 24 arranged. The peeling member 28 is provided on the heating drum 21 so as to press the peeling member 28 on the holding and conveying path to the end position. Although the endless belt side is the peeling member in the present reproducing apparatus, the heating drum may be the peeling member. Further, both the endless belt and the heating drum may be used as peeling members in order to transfer and peel the image forming substance from both sides of the image carrier at the same time.

The heater 22 as a heating member built in the heating drum 21 heats the swelling layer of the image carrier 1 or the liquid film on the image carrier 1 held between the heater 22 and the peeling member 28. , Used to heat the image-forming substance on the image carrier 1. From the viewpoint of satisfactorily heating the swelling layer of the image carrier 1, it is preferable to incorporate a heating member in the heating drum that contacts the image carrier as in the present reproducing apparatus. In addition to the heating member built in the heating drum, as a heating member for heating the image forming substance on the image carrier, a heater or the like may be built in the pressure roller, or a heating lamp for heating the peeling member may be provided. May be.

The heating drum 21 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow by a driving means (not shown). A pressure is applied between the pressure roller 27 and the heating drum 21 by a biasing means such as a spring or hydraulic pressure (not shown), and a nip is formed between the roller and the drum. Further, the tension roller 25 is configured so that a predetermined tension is applied to the peeling member 28 by an unillustrated biasing means such as a spring or hydraulic pressure.

The image holding member 1 having the liquid film formed by applying the image removal promoting liquid 11 on the image forming surface at the liquid applying portion is provided between the heating drum 21 and the peeling member 28 in the vicinity of the inlet roller 23. After being inserted, the image holding surface of the image holding member 1 and the peeling member 28 are overlapped and held. Image carrier 1 having on its surface a liquid film made up of excess image removal accelerating liquid 11
Is heated by the heating drum 21 in a path (holding and conveying path) from the inlet roller 23 to the separation roller 24. By this heating, the image-forming substance formed into a film on the image carrier 1 is heated until it becomes a softened state, and the swelling layer or the liquid film of the image carrier 1 is heated.
The image removal promoting liquid 11 forming the liquid film quickly penetrates into the interface between the swelling layer and the image forming substance. The swelling layer at the interface swells due to the image removal accelerating liquid 11 that has permeated the interface, and the adhesive force between the image forming substance and the swelling layer of the image carrier 1 decreases.

The process in which the adhesive force between the image forming material and the image carrier 1 is lowered will be further described with reference to FIG. Figure 2
In (a), the image carrier 1 has swelling layers 102 and 103 provided on both surfaces of a substrate 101, and holds a film-shaped image 104 on one surface thereof. The image carrier 1 to which the image removal promoting liquid 11 has been applied by the liquid applying section is in a state as shown in FIG. 2B. In FIG. 2B, the image-forming substance-free portion 102a of the swelling layer 102 on the image forming surface of the image carrier 1 absorbs the image removal accelerating liquid 11 and swells. The swelling layer 102b located below the forming substance hardly absorbs the image removing accelerating liquid 11, or the amount of the image removing accelerating liquid 11 is such that the adhesive force between the image forming substance and the image carrier 1 is sufficiently reduced. Does not absorb. This is because an image forming substance formed of a hydrophobic resin or wax, such as an electrophotographic toner or a thermal transfer ink, does not easily pass through the water-soluble image removal accelerating liquid 11. Blocked by the forming substances,
This is because it is difficult to reach the lower swelling layer 102a.

When the substrate 101 of the image carrier 1 is made of a material that absorbs or permeates the image removal accelerating liquid 11 as in the case of paper, the image removal accelerating liquid 11 is an image forming substance through the substrate 101. Go around to the lower layer to some extent. However, when the thickness of the swelling layer 102a is thin, especially 5 μm or less, the phenomenon that the image removal promoting liquid 11 does not permeate the image forming substance and wraps around the lower layer portion of the image forming substance through the swelling layer 102a is unlikely to occur. . The image holding body 1 to which the image removal promoting liquid 11 has been applied on the image forming surface by the liquid applying section is sandwiched between the heating drum 21 and the peeling member 28 and heated, whereby the image removing promoting liquid 11 Water is swollen layer 102
a or the image-forming substance is very easily transmitted. It is presumed that this is because the water adhering to the surface of the image carrier 1 becomes vapor and becomes a form close to the molecular state. Here, since the surface of the image carrier 1 is covered with the peeling member 28 that does not easily transmit water vapor, water is absorbed by the swelling layer 102 a of the image carrier 1. Although the swelling layer 102a in which water is absorbed is also heated, the substrate 101 of the image carrier 1 is also made of a material that does not easily transmit water vapor, so that evaporation of water from the swelling layer 102a is suppressed. As described above, the image carrier 1 having the liquid film formed by applying the excessive image removal accelerating liquid 11 on the surface thereof
As shown in FIG.
As in (c), the image removal promoting liquid 11 is also absorbed by the swelling layer 102a below the image-forming substance forming the image, and the swelling layer 102a swells.

Due to the swelling action of the swelling layer 102a on the lower side of the image 104, the image forming substance of the image 104 and the image carrier 1 are formed.
The adhesive force between the image-forming material and the image-forming material is significantly reduced, and the image-forming substance can be easily removed from the image carrier 1. Further, by applying the predetermined amount of the image removal accelerating liquid 11 and heating the swelling layer or the liquid film of the image carrier, the image removal accelerating liquid is formed on the swelling layer 102a located below the image forming substance forming the image 104. Since 11 can be efficiently permeated and the swelling layer 102a can be swollen, the image forming substance can be removed at high speed. Further, a part of the image removal accelerating liquid 11 applied to the image carrier 1 is absorbed by the swelling layer below the image forming substance through the image forming substance of the image, so that there is a black solid image having a large area. Even in this case, the image forming substance can be easily removed. In particular, it is possible to remove the image-forming substance even when the solid image has a nearly perfect film without holes. In this way, images recorded by various commercially available image forming apparatuses and images recorded with various patterns can also be removed.

The peeling member 28 and the image carrier 1 pressed by the pressure roller 27 are separated by the separation section in which the separation roller 24 is arranged. The separation of the image carrier 1 at this separation part means that the peeling member 28 is conveyed along the separation roller 24, while the image carrier 1 tends to move linearly due to its rigidity. Because there is. Image carrier 1
If the adhesion between the and the imaging substance is not sufficiently reduced,
Although it becomes difficult to separate the peeling member 28 and the image carrier 1, in the present reproducing apparatus, an excessive image removal accelerating liquid 11 that cannot be absorbed by the swelling layer of the image carrier is applied and the liquid 11 is smoothed. By heating the image carrier 1 with the liquid film formed by
As described above, since the adhesive force between the image carrier 1 and the peeling member 28 is sufficiently reduced, the separation becomes extremely easy, and the possibility that the image carrier 1 is poorly conveyed (jam) is extremely reduced.

In the peeling section of the present reproducing apparatus, the image forming substance on the peeling member 28 peeled and transferred from the image carrier 1 is cooled by the cooling fan 34 and then removed by the cleaning member 31. By removing the image-forming substance on the peeling member 28 in this manner, the peeling member 28 can be repeatedly used. The cooling fan 34 cools the image forming substance that is heated by the heating drum 21 and has a reduced viscosity on the peeling member 28 to increase the fluidity, and the cohesive force of the image forming substance separates from the image forming substance. The temperature of the image forming substance is lowered to such an extent that it becomes stronger than the adhesive force with the member 28 so that it can be easily removed by the cleaning member 31. The distance from the separation position of the image carrier 1 to the cleaning position of the cleaning member 31 is determined by the cohesive force of the image forming substance and the peeling member 2.
It may be set such that the image forming substance is naturally cooled to such an extent that the image forming substance becomes stronger than the adhesive force to the image forming substance. However,
Compared with the configuration of performing the natural cooling, when the cooling fan 34 is provided to forcibly cool the image as in the reproducing apparatus of FIG. 1, cleaning is performed by the cleaning member 31 from the separation position of the image carrier 1. Even if the distance to reach the position is relatively short, there is an advantage that the image forming substance on the peeling member 28 can be lowered to a desired temperature.

As the cleaning member 31, a roller having blades in a spiral shape, a roller having a brush-shaped surface wound with a wire of metal or organic polymer in a loop, or a roller having a wire of metal or organic polymer implanted therein However, it is not always necessary to use a rotatable roller, and the peeling member 28 can be cleaned with a blade of metal, ceramics, or organic polymer. The image forming substance 33 removed from the peeling member 28 by cleaning the peeling member 28 is accumulated in the container 32 and appropriately disposed.

The image carrier 1 heated and pressed in the peeling section is heated by the separating claws 45a and 45b.
After being surely separated from the surface of the peeling member 28 and the surface of the peeling member 28, they are conveyed by the discharge rollers 42 and 43 on the guide plate 44 as a residual substance removing means, discharged to the tray 46, and stocked. At least the surface portion of the guide plate 44 has a liquid absorbing property, and is made of a soft material that does not damage the surface of the image carrier 1. As the material of the surface portion, felt, cloth, sponge, or the like can be used. The excess image removal promoting liquid on the image carrier 1 is absorbed by the guide plate 44. When the excessive image removal accelerating liquid is remarkably large, the guide plate 44 may be provided with a heater to dry the surface portion of the guide plate 44. When the image carrier 1 passes over the guide plate 44, the image carrier 1 slides on the guide plate 44.
Guide plate 44 so as to remove the dirt remaining on the surface of
The pressure contact force between the discharge rollers 42 and 43 and the discharge rollers 42 and 43 is adjusted by a pressing means (not shown). Specific examples of the stain remaining on the image carrier 1 include an image recorded by a writing instrument such as a felt-tip pen, a pencil, and a ballpoint pen, a fingerprint, and the like. When the dirt on the back surface of the image holding member 1 opposite to the image forming surface is also removed, the surface portions of the discharge rollers 42 and 43 have the same liquid absorbing property as the surface portion of the guide plate 44 and the image holding property. Body 1
Of the rollers 42, 43 so that the peripheral speed of the rollers is different between the rollers 42 and 43. It is preferable to rub the back side of the image carrier 1 on the front side. Members such as felt, cloth, and sponge on the surface of the guide plate 44 are preferably configured to be easily attached and detached so that they can be easily replaced when they become dirty.

By the way, when the image removal promoting liquid 11 is applied to the image carrier 1 by using the liquid applying roller 12 as in the present embodiment, the liquid is directly applied from the surface of the liquid applying roller 12 to the image carrier 1. However, it is difficult to apply a sufficient amount of liquid. Therefore, a sufficient amount of liquid is applied as follows.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view for explaining the liquid application by the liquid application roller 12. Liquid applying roller 12
As a result, the image removal promoting liquid 11 is conveyed to the facing portion between the image holding member 1 and the liquid applying roller 12 sandwiched between the liquid applying roller 12 and the pressing roller 14, and the wedge-shaped region of the inlet portion of the facing portion. A liquid pool 11a is formed in the. Then, as the image carrier 1 passes through the liquid pool 11a, liquid is applied from the liquid pool 11a to the image carrier 1. The larger the liquid pool 11a, the larger the amount of liquid applied to the image carrier.

The amount of liquid adhering to the image carrier 1 from the liquid reservoir 11a of the liquid applying part varies to some extent depending on the amount of the image forming substance adhering to the surface of the image carrier 1 and humidity. In order to satisfactorily remove the image-forming substance, it is necessary to secure the liquid amount in the liquid reservoir 11a so that a sufficient amount of liquid can be supplied to the image carrier 1 regardless of this variation. is there. For this purpose, a detecting means is provided which can detect the surface condition of the image carrier, and while detecting the surface condition of the image carrier 1 one by one, the amount of liquid supplied to the liquid pool 11a based on the detection result. Although it is conceivable to control the device, the device configuration becomes complicated and the cost increases. Therefore, it is desirable that the amount of liquid supplied from the liquid applying roller 12 to the liquid reservoir 11a is set to be larger than the amount of liquid that adheres to the image carrier 1. However, when such a setting is adopted, the liquid applying roller 12
The amount of liquid supplied from the liquid reservoir 11a to the image reservoir 1 is constant.
Since the amount of liquid that adheres to the liquid is always larger, the amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir 11a gradually increases. The increase in the amount of the liquid causes a large amount of the liquid to be consumed, resulting in an increase in cost, and a large amount of energy is required for drying the image holding body 1 to which a large amount of the image removal promoting liquid 11 is attached. The cost is increased, the liquid adheres to the transport section in the reproducing device and causes stains, the transport quality is deteriorated, and the liquid wraps around around the back surface of the image carrier 1 to stain and dry. There is a risk that unevenness may occur.

Further, as in the present reproducing apparatus, after the image removing accelerating liquid 11 is applied to the surface of the image carrier 1 in the liquid applying section in an amount that cannot be absorbed by the swelling layer of the image carrier, the heating drum 21 is used. When sandwiched between the peeling member 28 and the peeling member 28, the excess image removal accelerating liquid 11 flows out from the nipping and conveying unit formed by the heating drum 21 and the peeling member 28 by the squeeze effect, and the liquid is collected near the inlet of the nipping and conveying unit. Or dripping may occur.

The state when the above-mentioned liquid pool or dripping occurs will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The image carrier 1 to which the amount of the image removal accelerating liquid 11 which is not absorbed by the swelling layer is applied in the liquid applying portion is sandwiched between the end belt-shaped peeling member 28 and the heating drum 21 in the vicinity of the inlet roller 23. start. The peeling member 28 removes the image in order to efficiently transfer the heat of the heating drum 21 to the image carrier 1 and the peeling member 28 and to suppress the evaporation of the volatile components of the image removal promoting liquid 11 in the heating process. Since the accelerating liquid 11 and its vapor are formed of a material that does not pass through, the image removal accelerating liquid 11 applied to the image carrier 1 is squeezed. The image removal promoting liquid 11 squeezed by this squeeze effect forms a liquid pool 11b as shown in FIG.

When the liquid pool 11b is left as it is, the liquid pool 11b becomes a liquid drop and falls into the inside of the apparatus or is evaporated by the heat of the heating drum 21 and disappears. However, when the image carrier is continuously processed, the subsequent image carrier passes through the liquid pool 11b before the liquid pool 11b near the inlet roller 23 disappears. Figure 1
0 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the inlet roller 23 in FIG. 9 and shows a state in which the front end of the image carrier 1 passes through the liquid pool 11b. When the image carrier 1 passes through the liquid pool 11b, the image removal promoting liquid 11 adheres not only to the image forming surface of the image carrier 1 to which the image forming substance adheres but also to the back surface thereof.

In the apparatus example shown in FIG. 9, the image removing accelerating liquid 11 is applied only to the image forming surface of the image holding member 1 by the liquid applying unit, but the image holding member 1 passes through the place where the liquid pool 11b is formed. By doing so, the image removal promoting liquid 11 in the liquid pool 11b is attached to the non-image surface of the image carrier. Then, when the volatile component in the liquid 11 attached to the non-image surface of the image carrier 1 is evaporated by drying the image carrier 1, the solid content in the liquid 11 stains the image carrier 1. It will adhere unevenly. Since the solid content in the image removal promoting liquid 11 is locally solidified and solidified, the transparency of the transparent image carrier is partially lost. Further, when a liquid containing a surfactant is used as the image removal accelerating liquid 11, a large amount of the surfactant locally adheres to the image carrier, so that fixing failure occurs in a part of the image carrier. In some cases.

In order to prevent the liquid pool and the liquid dripping from occurring in the vicinity of the inlet roller 23, the amount of the image removal accelerating liquid 11 applied to the image holding member is controlled so that the nip conveying section can move the image holding member 1 of the image holding member 1. It is conceivable to apply an amount corresponding to the amount of the liquid film formed on the surface by the liquid applying section. However, in this case, the amount of liquid applied at the front end of the image carrier tends to be insufficient, and when an image is formed on the front end of the image carrier, removal of the image-forming substance forming the image is removed. Will be difficult. The tension generated in the end belt-shaped peeling member 28 affects the squeeze effect of the image removal promoting liquid 11. The tension of the peeling member 28 is
It constantly fluctuates due to the meandering of the peeling member 28, the adhesion between the image forming substance on the image carrier 1 and the peeling member 28, etc., and it is difficult to keep it constant. Even if the tension of the peeling member 28 fluctuates, the above-mentioned liquid pool and liquid dripping do not occur.
The image removing accelerating liquid 1 is almost evenly distributed over the entire image carrier in the liquid applying section.
It is conceivable that 1 is applied and the amount of liquid applied to the entire image carrier is set to such an extent that the above-mentioned liquid pool or liquid dripping does not occur. However, in this case, the amount of the image removal accelerating liquid 11 applied in the vicinity of the tip of the image carrier is too small and the swelling layer of the image carrier does not swell sufficiently. Removal of the constituent image-forming substances becomes difficult.

Therefore, in the reproducing apparatus of FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment, the supply amount of the image removal promoting liquid 11 to the liquid reservoir 11a in the liquid applying section is variable. Specifically, the rotation speed of the liquid applying roller 12 is variable. Then, as the rear end of the image carrier 1 approaches the liquid pool 11a, the rotation speed of the liquid applying roller 12 is reduced to suppress the increase in the amount of liquid in the liquid pool 11a .

When the front end of the image carrier 1 enters the entrance of the nipping portion between the liquid applying roller 12 and the pressing roller 14, the liquid pool 11a is not yet fully developed, so the liquid applying roller is not yet fully developed. The liquid is applied by direct coating from 12. However, if the liquid is directly applied from the surface of the liquid applying roller 12 to the image carrier 1 as described above, it is difficult to apply a sufficient amount of the liquid. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the rotation speed of the liquid applying roller 12 is set higher than the normal speed until the tip of the image holding body 1 enters the sandwiching portion between the liquid applying roller 12 and the pressing roller 14. ing. As a result, the liquid cannot be applied through the liquid reservoir 11a, and a sufficient amount of the image removal accelerating liquid 11 is applied to the front end portion of the image carrier 1 to which the liquid is directly applied by the liquid applying roller 12. As well as
The liquid pool 11a can be formed in a short time.

Such control of the rotation speed of the liquid applying roller 12 is performed by, for example, an image (not shown) provided on, for example, a sheet feeding unit or a conveyance path of the image carrier as a detection unit for detecting the position of the image carrier 1. This can be performed by providing a holder sensor and a control unit that changes the rotation speed of the liquid applying roller 12 based on the detection result of the sensor.
For example, the main control unit that controls the operation of the entire apparatus may be provided with the function as the control unit.

In the reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, when the image carrier 1 is manually introduced into the paper feed roller 3 along the guide plate 2, the image carrier 1 kicks a filler or the like of an image carrier sensor (not shown). As a result, it is detected that the image carrier 1 is introduced into the apparatus, and the sheet feeding roller 3 is driven and rotated by a driving device (not shown). Then, due to the friction with the guide plate 2, the image holding member 1 operates so as to be conveyed to the liquid applying unit. The liquid applying roller 12 initially rotates at a linear velocity v2 higher than the transport velocity v1 of the image carrier 1. Then, when the front end of the image carrier 1 enters the nipping portion (liquid applying position) between the liquid applying roller 12 and the pressing roller 14, the liquid applying roller 12
Is equal to the transport speed v1 of the image carrier 1. At this time, the liquid applying roller 12 also functions as a conveying member of the image carrier 1. After that, from a predetermined timing, for example, a timing when the front end of the image holding body 1 enters the nip conveying section between the heating drum 21 and the inlet roller 23 that functions as a nip member of the peeling section in the next stage, the line of the liquid applying roller 12 is started. Gradually reduce speed. At this time, the leading end of the image carrier 1 is already gripped by the next holding unit, so that the transport speed of the image carrier 1 does not change. When the image carriers are continuously reproduced, the liquid applying roller 12 may be rotated at the linear velocity v2 between the image carriers 1 and 1, that is, between sheets.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, as the rear end of the image holding member 1 approaches the liquid pool 11a of the liquid applying portion, the rotation speed of the liquid applying roller 12 is decreased, and the image on the image holding member 1 is reduced. The applied amount of the removal promoting liquid 11 can be reduced. By controlling the application amount of the image removal accelerating liquid 11 to an appropriate amount, the image removal accelerating liquid 11 is sufficiently applied to the front end portion of the image carrier 1 and the image forming substance can be removed well at the front end portion. It can be carried out. In addition, since it is possible to prevent the accumulation of liquid and the dripping of liquid in the vicinity of the inlet of the sandwiching and conveying unit of the peeling unit, it is possible to prevent contamination and deterioration of the conveying quality due to the adhesion of the liquid to the conveying unit in the reproducing apparatus. Further, it is possible to prevent stains and uneven drying due to the liquid flowing around to the back surface of the image carrier 1.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the image removal accelerating liquid 11 by preventing the generation of the liquid pool and the dripping, and to dry the image carrier 1. The energy required to reduce costs can be realized and the cost can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, by varying the rotation speed of the liquid applying roller 12, the amount of the image removal accelerating liquid 11 applied to the image carrier 1 without any mechanical addition. Since it can be changed, the configuration is simple.

In the above embodiment, in order to make the supply amount of the image removal promoting liquid 11 to the liquid reservoir 11a of the liquid applying section variable, the rotational speed of the liquid applying roller 12 is made variable. Instead, a regulation member that regulates the liquid amount of the image removal promoting liquid 11 carried on the surface of the liquid application roller 12 is provided, and the gap between the regulation member and the surface of the liquid application roller 12 or the contact pressure is made variable. You may. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the liquid application unit thus configured. In the configuration of this liquid application unit, the regulation roller 111 as the above-mentioned regulation member is provided at the tip of the arm 112 that can swing around the central shaft 112a. Then, the solenoid 112 swings the arm 112, so that the regulation roller 111 can be brought into contact with and separated from the liquid application roller 12 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The gap between the surface of the regulation roller 111 and the surface of the liquid application roller 12 can be arbitrarily set by controlling the solenoid 113 by a main control unit (not shown) serving as control means. Then, the image removal accelerating liquid 11 having a liquid amount corresponding to the gap is supplied to the liquid reservoir 11a.

In the configuration example of the liquid applying section in FIG. 4, the gap between the liquid applying roller 12 and the regulating roller 111 becomes smaller as the rear end of the image carrier 1 approaches the liquid pool 11a of the liquid applying section. To do. As a result, the amount of liquid supplied from the liquid applying roller 12 to the liquid pool 11a can be reduced and an increase in the amount of liquid in the liquid pool 11a can be suppressed. The amount of liquid supplied from the liquid applying roller 12 to the liquid reservoir 11a is reduced by increasing the contact pressure between the liquid applying roller 12 and the regulating roller 111 as the rear end of the image carrier 1 approaches the liquid reservoir 11a. You may allow it.

Further, in the configuration example of the liquid applying section of FIG. 4, the regulating roller 111 is provided so as to cover the liquid surface of the image removal promoting liquid 11 in the liquid container 13, and the water content of the liquid 11 is prevented. It also serves to prevent evaporation. Further, when the liquid amount on the surface of the liquid applying roller 12 is regulated by the regulating roller 111, impurities such as dust and dust in the image removal promoting liquid 11 and toner such as toner as the image forming substance are regulated by the liquid imparting roller 12. Pumping up can also be suppressed.

Further, an absorbing member which comes into contact with the surface of the liquid applying roller 12 and absorbs the image removal promoting liquid 11 on the surface is provided, and the contact area between the absorbing member and the liquid applying roller 12 is made variable. As a result, the liquid pool 11
The amount of liquid supplied to a may be variable. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a liquid application unit having such a configuration. In the configuration example of the liquid applying section, the absorbing member 114 is provided by the solenoid 115 so as to be movable in the arrow direction. Then, the absorbing member 114 is moved by the solenoid 115.
Is pressed against the liquid applying roller 12 to change the contact width W between the absorbing member 114 and the liquid applying roller 12,
The contact area between the liquid applying roller 12 and the liquid applying roller 12 is changed. As the absorbing member 114, for example, a nonwoven fabric such as felt can be used. For example, when such a cloth is used, moisture is absorbed between the cloths by a capillary phenomenon. The larger the contact area, the larger the amount of water absorbed. By changing the contact area of the absorbing member 114 in this manner, the absorption amount of the image removal promoting liquid 11 is changed, and the liquid applying roller 12 is changed.
Thus, the amount of liquid supplied to the liquid pool 11a can be changed.

In the case of the configuration example of the liquid applying section of FIG. 5, as the rear end of the image carrier 1 approaches the liquid pool 11a,
The contact area between the liquid applying roller 12 and the absorbing member 114 is increased. As a result, the amount of liquid supplied from the liquid applying roller 12 to the liquid pool 11a is reduced, and the liquid pool 11 is reduced.
It is possible to suppress an increase in the liquid amount of a.

Further, in the configuration example of the liquid applying section of FIG. 5, the solenoid is operated at a predetermined timing, for example, at the timing when the rear end of the image carrier 1 passes through the nipping portion between the liquid applying roller 12 and the pressing roller 14. Absorbing member 11 by 115
4 is separated from the liquid applying roller 12 and the absorbing member 114
Is pressed against the inner wall surface of the liquid container 13 to squeeze out the image removal promoting liquid 11 absorbed by the absorbing member 114. The squeezed image removal promoting liquid 11 flows down along the inner wall surface, and is stored in the liquid container 13 again. In this way, by collecting the image removal promoting liquid 11 pumped up by the liquid applying roller 12, the image removal promoting liquid 11 is in a circulating state in the liquid container, and the components in the liquid are evenly stirred. As a result, the uneven coating on the image carrier 1 can be prevented.

Even when the configuration of FIG. 4 or 5 is adopted,
The control of the supply amount of the liquid 11 to the liquid reservoir 11a is performed by, for example, a sheet feeding unit as a detection unit that detects the position of the image carrier 1, or an image (not shown) provided on the transport path of the image carrier 1. Control means for changing the gap or contact pressure between the regulating roller 111 and the surface of the liquid applying roller 12 or the contact area between the absorbing member 114 and the liquid applying roller 12 based on the holding body sensor and the detection result by the sensor. Can be provided.

Instead of the control using the detecting means for detecting the position of the image carrier 1, an automatic paper feeding / feeding device is attached and the liquid pool 11 is automatically fed at a predetermined timing.
If the control means is configured to control the supply amount of the liquid 11 to a, it is possible to similarly control the supply amount of the liquid 11. For example, the control program may be stored in software stored in the storage means. However, when the control using the detection means for detecting the position of the image carrier 1 is used, the above control can be surely performed and the operability is good.

Further, in the above embodiment, instead of the structure using the liquid applying roller 12, the liquid 11 is applied to the image holding member 1 by ejecting the image removal promoting liquid 11 onto the image holding member 1. Such a configuration may be adopted. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the liquid application unit thus configured. The liquid applying unit includes a liquid discharge head 71, a liquid container 72,
It is composed of a liquid supply pipe 74 and the like. The image removal promoting liquid 11 in the liquid container 72 is supplied to the liquid ejection head 71 by the liquid supply pipe 74. The liquid ejecting head 71 has a nozzle (not shown) on the side facing the image carrier 1, and an electrostrictive element (not shown) provided in the head 71 is driven to remove an image in the liquid chamber of the head 71. Pressure is periodically applied to the accelerating liquid 11 so that the liquid droplets 73 are ejected toward the image carrier.

In the structure of the liquid applying section of FIG. 6, in order to make the applied amount of the image removal promoting liquid 11 variable in the transport direction of the image carrier 1, the voltage applied to the electrostrictive element can be changed. To do so. Then, for example, when the image carrier 1 passes the liquid application position by the liquid ejection head 71 for a certain length from the tip, the voltage applied to the electrostrictive element is set to zero, and the liquid ejection is completely stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the liquid pool and the liquid drop at the portion where the peeling member 28 of the peeling portion and the heating drum 21 start to be sandwiched. In addition, since it is easier to seal the liquid container as compared with the liquid applying unit including the liquid applying roller, the image removal promoting liquid 11 spills or the liquid surface tilts even when the reproducing device is tilted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid application from becoming uneven. In addition, even if the temperature inside the regenerator rises or the regenerator is left unused for a long time, the evaporation amount of volatile components in the liquid is small,
The playback device can be operated stably. Furthermore, unlike the case where the image carrier is immersed in the liquid, the contact time between the image carrier and the image removal promoting liquid 11 does not become long, and liquid other than the liquid that adheres to the image carrier does not Since it does not come into contact with the holding body, the image removal promoting liquid 11 itself is less likely to be stained.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, instead of the structure using the liquid applying roller 12, the image holding member 1 is brought into contact with the liquid applying head having the liquid ejecting portion, and the image removal promoting liquid 11
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the image is provided to the image carrier 1. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the liquid applying head of the liquid applying unit configured as described above. The liquid applying head is composed of a liquid jetting portion 81 having a liquid jetting outlet, and a liquid collecting portion including an upstream side wall 84 and a downstream side wall 83. In the liquid ejecting section 81, the image removal promoting liquid pumped up from a liquid container (not shown) by a pump (not shown) is ejected from the liquid ejection port 82. As a result of the ejection of the image removal promoting liquid, the image carrier and the liquid ejection portion 81 as shown in FIG. 7B.
A liquid pool 86 is formed between and. The excess image removal promoting liquid 11 adhering to the image carrier 1 conveyed in the direction of arrow A in the figure is squeezed by the liquid 11 coming into contact with the upper portion of the downstream side wall 83, but the image is also squeezed after squeezing. On the surface of the swelling layer of the holding body 1, an amount of the image removal promoting liquid 11 that cannot be absorbed by the swelling layer remains. It is also possible to form an unevenness such as a groove on the upper portion of the downstream side wall 83 so as to control the residual amount after being squeezed.

The image removal accelerating liquid 11 ejected from the liquid ejection port 82 and flowing down and the surplus image removal accelerating liquid 11 squeezed on the upper part of the downstream side wall 83 are shown in FIG.
The liquid recovery port 85 passes through the path indicated by the white arrow B in (b).
From the liquid container (not shown).

In order to make the amount of liquid applied to the image carrier 1 variable in the liquid applying section having the structure shown in FIG. 7, for example, the number of rotations of the pump motor is changed, or between the liquid ejecting section 81 and a pump not shown. A fluid resistance is provided in and the magnitude of the resistance is changed. Then, for example, when a certain length from the front end of the image carrier 1 in the transport direction has passed the liquid application position, the operation of the pump motor is stopped, and the image removal accelerating liquid 11 in the liquid ejection unit 81 is stopped.
By completely stopping the ejection of the liquid, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the liquid pool and the liquid dripping at the portion where the peeling member 28 of the peeling portion and the heating drum 21 start to be sandwiched.

In the peeling section of the above embodiment, one pair of holding members for holding the image carrier 1 is composed of the endless belt-like peeling member 28 and the heating drum 21, as shown in FIG. In addition, both holding members may be configured by endless belt-shaped members. In the reproducing apparatus of FIG. 8, the backup of the image carrier 1 in the peeling section is performed by the endless belt-shaped backup belt 127 instead of the heating drum 21. This backup belt 127
The endless belt-shaped peeling member 28 constitutes the pair of holding members. Backup belt 1 above
Numeral 27 internally contacts the heating rollers 125 and 126 having the heaters 125a and 126a as heating members incorporated therein,
The surface is wound around the heating / pressurizing roller 122 and the pressing / separating roller 123 having the heater 122a as a heating member built therein so that the surface is wound. Further, the endless belt-shaped peeling member 28 includes
Inscribe the pressure roller 122 and the pressure / separation roller 123,
The heating rollers 125 and 126 are stretched around so that their surfaces are wound. In the case of the reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 8, the image carrier 1 having the liquid film formed by applying the excessive image removal accelerating liquid 11 is located between the backup belt 127 and the peeling member 28 near the inlet roller 121. It is nipped and conveyed, and conveyed to the vicinity of the pressure / separation roller 123. During this conveyance, the heating roller 12 is sandwiched between the pair of endless belts (the backup belt 127 and the peeling member 28) and the evaporation of the vapor of the image removal promoting liquid 11 is suppressed.
5, heated by the heating / pressurizing roller 122 and the heating roller 126. Further, the heating / pressurizing roller 122 as a pressing member is provided between the heating rollers 125 and 126 and both belts 2
8, 127 are pressed together, and the pressure / separation roller 123 presses both belts 28, 127 together with the heating roller.

One of the advantages of sandwiching the image carrier 1 between the endless belts and heating / pressurizing it as in the reproducing apparatus of FIG. 8 is that the length curvature of the heating path can be selected relatively arbitrarily. Is. When a material having a relatively low heat-resistant temperature such as polypropylene is used as the substrate of the image carrier 1, if the material is bent in only one direction and heating is continued, thermal deformation depending on the curvature may occur. In order to prevent this thermal deformation, it is preferable that the path along which the image carrier 1 is heated and conveyed is zigzag, as in the reproducing apparatus of FIG.

In the reproducing apparatus of FIG. 8, the heated and pressurized image carrier 1 is separated from the peeling member 28 and the backup belt 127 by the separating claws 141 and 142, and then used as a guide plate 143 and a residue removing means. The sheet is conveyed on the guide plate 44 and is discharged to the tray 46 by the discharge roller 43.

[0115]

According to the invention of claims 1 to 1 1, according to the present invention, even when the liquid is unlikely to permeate the swelling layer on the type of image formed on the image carrier, the swelling layer and the image forming substance Since the liquid rapidly permeates into the interface with and the swelling layer swells and the adhesive force of the image-forming substance decreases, the image-forming substance forming the image can be efficiently and surely removed from the image carrier. .
Moreover, it is possible to prevent the liquid from excessively adhering to the image holding body or, conversely, the liquid adhering to the image holding body from running out by changing the amount of the liquid applied to the image holding body. There is an effect.

In particular, claims 1, 3, 5 , 7, 9 and 11
According to the invention, since the liquid application amount is reduced as the rear end of the image holding member approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying portion, the liquid applying amount to the front end portion of the image holding member is set to be large. In this case, it is possible to prevent the total amount of liquid applied to the image carrier from increasing. Therefore, a sufficient amount of liquid can be applied to the leading end of the image carrier in the transport direction, and the occurrence of liquid pool or liquid dripping at the position where the image carrier is started to be held by one set of holding members is suppressed, and the inside of the apparatus is contaminated. In addition, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the conveyance quality due to the adhesion of the liquid to the conveyance path, and the contamination and drying unevenness of the image holder due to the wraparound on the back surface of the image holder. In addition, it is possible to reduce the amount of liquid consumption, reduce the energy required for drying the image carrier, and achieve cost reduction.

Further, in particular, according to the invention of claim 4 , since the amount of the liquid supplied to the liquid reservoir of the liquid applying portion is changed by changing the surface speed of the liquid applying member, any mechanical addition is required. Instead, the amount of liquid supplied to the liquid reservoir of the liquid applying unit can be made variable, which has the effect of simplifying the configuration.

[0118] Particularly, according to the invention of claim 1 0, the image carrier tip liquid is applied by direct application from a liquid applying member can not liquid applied through the liquid reservoir of the liquid applying unit In addition, since it is possible to apply a sufficient amount of liquid and to form a liquid pool in a short time, it is possible to satisfactorily remove the image-forming substance from the tip of the image carrier. There is.

[0119] Particularly, according to the invention of claim 1 1, the liquid container in comparison with the constructed liquid application unit using a liquid application member carrying the liquid to the surface of such liquid applying roller, for containing a liquid Since it is easy to seal the liquid, it is possible to prevent spillage of the liquid or uneven liquid application due to the liquid surface tilting even when the reproducing device is tilted.
Further, even when the temperature inside the regenerator rises or the regenerator is left unused for a long time, the amount of volatile components in the liquid evaporated is small, so that the regenerator can be operated stably. Furthermore, the contact time between the image carrier and the liquid does not become long as in the case where the image carrier is immersed in the liquid, and the liquid other than the liquid adhering to the image carrier contacts the image carrier. Therefore, there is an effect that the liquid itself is less likely to be contaminated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image carrier reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2A to 2C are explanatory views showing an absorption process of an image removal promoting liquid in the reproducing apparatus. FIG. 6D is an explanatory diagram showing an absorption process of the image removal promoting liquid in the reproducing apparatus according to the conventional example.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining liquid application by a liquid application roller.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid applying unit according to a modification.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid applying unit according to another modification.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid applying unit according to still another modification.

FIG. 7A is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid applying head of a liquid applying unit according to still another modification. (B) is an explanatory view for explaining a state during a liquid applying operation of the same liquid applying head.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image carrier reproducing apparatus according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image carrier reproducing apparatus according to a comparative example.

10 is an enlarged view of the peeling portion of FIG. 9 near an inlet roller.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image carrier (OHP sheet) 11 Image removal promoting liquid 11a Liquid pool in liquid applying section 11b Liquid pool in peeling section 12 Liquid application roller 13 liquid container 14 Pressing roller 15 Squeeze Roller 22 heater 21 heating drum 23 Inlet roller 24 Separation roller 25 tension roller 26 Backup roller 27 Pressure roller 28 Peeling member 31 Cleaning member 32 containers 33 Image-forming substances 34 Cooling fan 42,43 Discharge roller 44 Guide plate 71 Liquid ejection head 72-liquid container 73 droplets 74 Liquid Supply Officer 81 Liquid ejection part 82 Liquid spout 83 Downstream wall 84 Upstream side wall 85 Liquid recovery port 86 liquid pool 101 base 102,103 swelling layer 104 images 111 regulation roller 112 arms 112a central axis 113 solenoid 114 Absorbing member 115 solenoid

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Masaaki Yamada 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Yasushi Nakazato 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo (56) References JP-A-8-44260 (JP, A) JP-A-7-311523 (JP, A) JP-A-7-36337 (JP, A) (58) Research field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 G03G 21/00 550-578 G03G 21/10-21/12

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image carrier comprising a non-liquid-absorbent substrate provided with a liquid-absorbent swelling layer on which an image-forming substance constituting an image formed on the image carrier is removed to remove the image-bearing material. An image carrier reproducing device for reproducing a body as an image carrier capable of forming an image, wherein an amount of liquid not absorbed by the swelling layer is applied to the image forming surface of the image carrier on which the image is formed. And a liquid applying section
A peeling member which is arranged so as to be able to hold and convey the image carrier to which the liquid is applied, and which is made of a material whose surface in contact with the image forming surface of the image carrier is capable of adhering to an image forming substance. At least one of the holding members, and the swelling layer of the image carrier held by the holding member or the liquid film on the image carrier is heated, and at the same time the image forming substance on the image carrier is removed. At a position where at least a part of the liquid forming the liquid film reaches the interface between the image forming substance on the swelling layer and the swelling layer, on the heating and heating member for heating and the holding and conveying path by the holding member, A pressing member that presses the holding members to each other to such an extent that the holding member made of a peeling member and the image-forming substance on the image holding body adhere to each other, the holding member made of the peeling member, and the image holding body. Reproduction of an image carrier provided with a separating unit for separating In location, the liquid application unit, the applied amount of the liquid to the image carrier and the variable liquid rear end of the image carrier is the liquid deposition unit
The amount of the liquid applied decreases as it approaches the application position.
An apparatus for reproducing an image carrier, which is configured as described above . 2. A liquid-absorbent swell on a non-liquid-absorbent substrate.
Formed on the image carrier from an image carrier provided with a layer
The image forming material forming the image is removed, and the image carrier is imaged.
Image carrier reproducing apparatus for reproducing as a formable image carrier
A is, the image forming surface of the image carrier by the image is formed, the Rise
A liquid application part for applying an amount of liquid that cannot be absorbed by the moisture layer,
It is possible to hold and convey the image carrier to which the above liquid is applied.
And the surface in contact with the image forming surface of the image carrier is
Peeling portion formed using a material capable of adhering to an image forming substance
A pair of holding members, at least one of which is made of a material,
A swelling layer of an image carrier held by a holding member or the image carrier
While heating the liquid film on the holder, the image shape on the image carrier
Holding by the heating member that heats the substance and the above-mentioned holding member
At least one of the liquids forming the liquid film on the transport path
Part reaches the interface between the image-forming substance on the swelling layer and the swelling layer.
At the reaching position, the holding member made of the peeling member and the upper
The holding portion is such that the image forming substance on the image holding body is adhered to the holding portion.
A pressing member that presses the materials together, and the peeling member above
Providing a holding member and a separating portion for separating the image holding member
In the reproducing device for the image carrier, the liquid applying section causes the liquid to be carried on the surface of a liquid applying member whose surface is movable, and the liquid applying part is provided between the surface of the image holding member and the surface of the liquid applying member. The liquid is conveyed to form a liquid pool, and the image carrier is passed through a liquid applying position by the liquid pool so that the image forming surface of the image carrier contacts the liquid pool, The liquid is applied, and the liquid applying unit is configured to change the supply amount of the liquid to the liquid reservoir.
To change the amount of the liquid applied to the image carrier
An apparatus for reproducing an image carrier, which is configured to 3. An image carrier reproducing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the amount of liquid supplied to the liquid pool is reduced as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section. An image carrier reproducing apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration. 4. A reproducing apparatus for an image carrier according to claim 2 , wherein the surface speed of the liquid applying member is variable. 5. A reproducing apparatus for an image carrier according to claim 4 , wherein the surface speed of the liquid applying member is reduced as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section. An image carrier reproducing apparatus characterized by the above. 6. The image carrier reproducing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein a regulating member for regulating the amount of liquid carried on the surface of the liquid applying member is provided, and the regulating member and the surface of the liquid applying member are provided. An image carrier reproducing apparatus having a variable gap or contact pressure. 7. The reproducing apparatus for an image carrier according to claim 6 , wherein the gap is reduced or the contact pressure is increased as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section. An image carrier reproducing apparatus having the above structure. 8. The image carrier regenerating apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising an absorbing member that comes into contact with the surface of the liquid applying member to absorb the liquid carried on the surface, the absorbing member and the liquid applying member. An apparatus for reproducing an image carrier, wherein a contact area with the image carrier is variable. 9. The reproducing apparatus for an image carrier according to claim 8 , wherein the contact area between the absorbing member and the liquid applying member is increased as the rear end of the image carrier approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section. An image carrier reproducing device characterized by being configured to increase the number. 10. A liquid-absorbent swell on a non-liquid-absorbent substrate.
Formed on the image bearing member from the image bearing member provided with the moisture layer.
The image-forming substance that constitutes the
Image carrier reproducing device for reproducing as an image-formable image carrier
A location, in the image forming surface of the image carrier by the image is formed, the Rise
A liquid application part for applying an amount of liquid that cannot be absorbed by the moisture layer,
It is possible to hold and convey the image carrier to which the above liquid is applied.
And the surface in contact with the image forming surface of the image carrier is
Peeling portion formed using a material capable of adhering to an image forming substance
A pair of holding members, at least one of which is made of a material,
A swelling layer of an image carrier held by a holding member or the image carrier
While heating the liquid film on the holder, the image shape on the image carrier
Holding by the heating member that heats the substance and the above-mentioned holding member
At least one of the liquids forming the liquid film on the transport path
Part reaches the interface between the image-forming substance on the swelling layer and the swelling layer.
At the reaching position, the holding member made of the peeling member and the upper
The holding portion is such that the image forming substance on the image holding body is adhered to the holding portion.
A pressing member that presses the materials together, and the peeling member above
Providing a holding member and a separating portion for separating the image holding member
In the reproducing device of the image carrier, the liquid applying section causes the liquid to be carried on the surface of a liquid applying member whose surface is movable, and the liquid is applied between the surface of the image carrier and the surface of the liquid applying member. The liquid is conveyed to form a liquid pool, and the image carrier is passed through a liquid applying position by the liquid pool so that the image forming surface of the image carrier contacts the liquid pool, The liquid is applied, and the surface speed of the liquid applying member until the tip of the image carrier enters the closest position to the liquid applying member is set to be larger than the surface speed thereafter. Characteristic image carrier reproducing device. 11. A liquid-absorbent swell on a non-liquid-absorbent substrate.
Formed on the image bearing member from the image bearing member provided with the moisture layer.
The image-forming substance that constitutes the
Image carrier reproducing device for reproducing as an image-formable image carrier
A location, in the image forming surface of the image carrier by the image is formed, the Rise
A liquid application part for applying an amount of liquid that cannot be absorbed by the moisture layer,
It is possible to hold and convey the image carrier to which the above liquid is applied.
And the surface in contact with the image forming surface of the image carrier is
Peeling portion formed using a material capable of adhering to an image forming substance
A pair of holding members, at least one of which is made of a material,
A swelling layer of an image carrier held by a holding member or the image carrier
While heating the liquid film on the holder, the image shape on the image carrier
Holding by the heating member that heats the substance and the above-mentioned holding member
At least one of the liquids forming the liquid film on the transport path
Part reaches the interface between the image-forming substance on the swelling layer and the swelling layer.
At the reaching position, the holding member made of the peeling member and the upper
該挾lifting portion of extent of bonding the image forming substance on the serial image holding body
A pressing member that presses the materials together, and the peeling member above
Providing a holding member and a separating portion for separating the image holding member
The reproducing apparatus of the image holding member has, the liquid application unit imparts the liquid to the image holding body by ejecting the liquid to the image carrier Monodea
The liquid application unit by changing the discharge amount of the liquid
By changing the amount of the liquid applied to the holding member,
As the rear end approaches the liquid applying position of the liquid applying section,
An image carrier reproducing apparatus, characterized in that the liquid discharge amount is reduced .