Method of and apparatus for recording

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for recording images (e.g., characters, numerals, codes, and graphic figures) on a recording medium. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for recording which may be suitably used for such apparatus as image processors, electronic typewriters, copying machines, printers, facsimile equipment, and various types of notice board.

[0002] Thermal transfer recording has become one of the most common types of recording employed in present day information processing. In this type of recording a disposable ink film is used. This ink film is formed by applying a heat fusible ink to a substrate and the ink film is heated into the pattern of an image by a recording head and a molten ink is transferred from the ink film onto a recording sheet. Typically the construction of thermal transfer recording apparatus is compact and lightweight. This recording technique also has the advantage that it can be effected on plain paper.

[0003] The above thermal transfer recording technique however has certain drawbacks. The ink film can only be used once and therefore there is a constant need to provide replacement film and the running costs accordingly are somewhat high. Ink film disposal also is troublesome.

[0004] Alternatives to ink film thermal transfer recording have been proposed. In Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. 57-178784(A) (preamble of claim 1) there is described a heat transfer type printer in which there is employed a roller that is of sintered metal porous material that has been impregnated with heat sensitive ink. The latter ink is a type containing wax and additives with dye and paint. The roller is preheated by means of a preheater that is located at the periphery of the cylindrical drum shaped roller. During printing a recording sheet is placed over the roller surface between the roller and a thermal printing head which is brought into contact with the sheet and energised. Heat is transferred from the thermal printing head to the roller not directly but only via the recording sheet. Alternatives to this arrangement are described in United Kingdom Patent Specification No. 1,563,775. In a similar manner ink is applied to the recording sheet using a cylindrical drum shaped roller and heat is selectively applied using a thermal printing head that is located on the opposite side of the recording sheet. The roller has a solid cylindrical core which is surrounded by a concentric lining of silicon gum. Molten ink is brushed onto the surface of the roller as it is rotated towards the point of contact that is made between it and the recording sheet in the immediate vicinity of the opposed thermal printing unit head elements. In an alternative arrangement the molten ink is spread onto a continuous belt that is rotated and supported by a pair of rollers. The belt is of similar composition being made of silicon gum.

[0005] The present invention also is intended as an alternative to disposable ink film thermal transfer recording.

[0006] As in the two alternatives just discussed, the present invention provides an apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium comprising a recording member having interstices containing ink which flows to the surface of the recording member in response to heat, image forming means that is arranged to heat the surface of the recording member in a pattern when response to an image signal serves to form an ink image on the surface of the recording member and means for transferring the ink image onto the recording medium.

[0007] The present invention is characterised in that the image forming means is in direct contact with the recording member to form the ink image.

[0008] Since direct contact is made between the recording member and the image forming means, heat transfer efficiency is increased compared with the alternative prior art arrangements in which it is necessary to interpose the recording sheet between the recording member and the image forming means. Also as a result of this direct contact the image quality is improved. Advantageous features and other modifications of this recording apparatus will be discussed in detail below.

[0009] In the drawings accompanying this specification

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied;

Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is an explanatory cross-sectional view;

Fig. 6 is an explanatory top plan view of a recording head;

Fig. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the recording head;

Fig. 8 is an explanatory enlarged view illustrating pressure-contacting portions of a recording member and a pressure-contacting member;

Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a control circuit;

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a recording operation;

Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment for positioning heat generating elements at pressure contacting portions;

Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which a recording head having ink permeating holes is used;

Figs. 13, 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which the recording head is constituted by a rigid member;

Fig. 16 is a diagram of an embodiment which is arranged such that a pressure-contacting member is rotatively driven;

Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the pressure-contacting member does not rotate;

Fig. 18 is cancelled.

Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which a roll of paper is used as a recording medium;

Fig. 20 is a side elevational view of a recording apparatus provided with a dispersing means;

Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating a state in which ink in a recording member is dispersed by heat suppled by a heating roller;

Fig. 22 is cancelled;

Figs. 23 and 24 are diagrams illustrating other examples of the dispersing means;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus provided with an ink replenishing means;

Fig. 26 is a side elevational view thereof;

Fig. 27 is cancelled;

Figs. 28 and 29 are diagrams illustrating other examples of the ink-replenishing means;

Fig. 30 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment which is provided with a cooling means;

Fig. 31 is a side elevational view of a recording apparatus in which the recording member has a single-layer structure;

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus to which a still further embodiment is applied;

Fig. 33 is a side cross-sectional view thereof;

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a blade member;

Fig. 35 is cancelled;

Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a porous material constituting the recording member;

Fig. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a recording member which is employed in yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 38 is a side elevational view of a recording apparatus thereof;

Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a further embodiment;

Fig. 40 is a side elevational view thereof;

Fig. 41 is a perspective view of a further embodiment;

Fig. 42 is a side elevational view thereof;

Fig. 43 is a perspective view of a further embodiment;

Fig. 44 is a side elevational view thereof;

Figs. 45, 46, and 47 are side elevational views of recording apparatus each provided with a cleaner;

Fig. 48 is a side cross-sectional view of a further embodiment;

Fig. 49 is a perspective view of a further embodiment;

Fig. 50 is a side cross-sectional view thereof;

Fig. 51 is a side cross-sectional view of a further embodiment;

Figs. 52 and 53 are side elevational views of further embodiments;

Figs. 54, 55 and 56 to 59 and 61 are cancelled; and

Fig. 60 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment.

[0010] In order to facilitate better understanding of this invention embodiments thereof will now be described and reference will be made to the drawings. The description that follows is given by way of example only.

[0011] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, detailed description will be given of embodiments to which the present invention is applied.

[0012] An embodiment which will be described below relates to an apparatus for and a method of recording comprising: a recording member having a first porous layer impregnated with a heat fusible ink and a second porous layer disposed on the first porous layer; and a means for applying heat to the surface of the recording member in a pattern. According to this embodiment, since the arrangement is such that a recording member having a first porous layer impregnated with a heat fusible ink and a second porous layer disposed on the first porous layer as well as a means for applying heat to the surface of the recording member are provided, there is no need to employ an ink film. Hence, it is possible to eliminate such troublesome tasks as disposal of used ink films as well as the high running costs that result from the use of disposable ink films.

[0013] Referring to the accompanying drawings, detailed description will now be given of this embodiment.

[0014] Fig. l is a schematic diagram of a recording apparatus in accordance with the present invention, while Fig. 2 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus. In the drawings, a recording member l is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is arranged such that a porous membrane layer lb is laminated on the outer surface of a porous base la formed of various types of alloy fiber including stainless steel in mesh. This porous membrane layer lb is constituted by porous ethylene tetrafluoride resin (e.g., "Fluoropore" (brandname) manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.) formed with a thickness of l00 µ and an average pore diameter of l0 µ. A heat fusible ink 2 is impregnated over the entire surface of the porous base la. A recording medium 3 is formed of paper or the like, and is brought into contact with the recording member l.

[0015] A heat generating section 4 disposed upstream of the recording medium 3 is constituted by a multiplicity of heating elements 5 which are juxtaposed in an array and capable of selectively generating heat in response to image information signals from the outside. This heat generating section 4 is arranged such as to be in contact with the recording member l and to be capable of lowering the viscosity of ink inside the recording member l by heat supplied by the heating elements 5, and of allowing the ink of lowered viscosity to be permeated through the porous membrane layer lb. A platen roller 6 presses the recording medium 3 against the recording member l at a position corresponding to the recording member l.

[0016] Next, description will be made of a method of recording which is performed by employing the apparatus of this embodiment.

[0017] First, signals from a controlling section (not shown) are sent to the heat generating section 4 to cause the plurality of heating elements 5 juxtaposed in an array in this heat generating section 4 to selectively generate heat. Subsequently, by allowing the heat to be conducted to the porous membrane layer lb contacted by the heat generating section 4 and to the porous base la, the viscosity of ink 2 impregnated in this portion is made low. Meanwhile, ink 2 with its viscosity lowered permeates the porous membrane layer lb, and an ink image having a predetermined configuration corresponding to the heating portion of the heat generating section 4 is formed on this porous membrane layer lb.

[0018] The ink image formed on the porous membrane layer lb, as described above, moves as the recording member l rotates in the direction of the arrow. Subsequently, before the ink solidifies downstream, the ink image is transferred onto the recording medium 3 which is pressed by a platen roller 6 at a position where the platen roller is in contact with and opposed to the recording member l, thereby forming an image on the recording medium 3.

[0019] In the above-described embodiment, in cases where use is made of a pressurizing means, such as an external air compressor, which is capable of applying pressure on the inside of the recording member l, it is possible to facilitate the permeation through the porous membrane layer lb of the ink 2 which is located inside the recording member l and whose viscosity has been lowered by heat. In addition, the above-described porous membrane layer lb is provided with properties which allow the ink 2 to permeate only when the vicosity of the ink 2 has been lowered by heat.

[0020] Although, in the above-described embodiment, the porous membrane layer lb is constituted by an ethylene tetrafluoride resin, it is also possible to use, for instance, a porous resin of such as other fluorine-based resin or a silicon-based resin, or a porous metallic membrane.

[0021] As described, in cases where a material having small surface tension, such as ethylene tetrafluoride resin, is used as the porous membrane layer 1b, the ink on the porous membrane layer 1b can be transferred smoothly onto the recording medium 3 since the ink has good repellency.

[0022] In the above-described embodiment, although the recording member 1 is arranged such that, by using the porous base 1a in which alloy fibers are formed in mesh, the porous membrane layer 1b is laminated on the outer surface thereof. As shown in Fig.3, the recording member 1 may be arranged such that, by using a sponge base 7 made of silicone rubber impregnated with the ink 2, the porous membrane layer 1b similar to the one used in the above-described embodiment is laminated on the outer surface thereof. When using this recording member 1 , the other arrangements and the recording method are entirely the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0023] Since its inside is formed by a sponge, the recording member 1 itself has resiliency. Accordingly, since its adhesion to the recording medium 3 is improved, it is possible to effect the transfer of an ink image with a better efficiency.

[0024] To describe the ink accommodated in the recording member 1 , a heat fusible (including softening and sublimation characteristics) ink can typically be used. Furthermore, as for the ink, it is preferable to use one which is capable of maintaining a state in which the ink is always filled in the porous base, e.g., a semisolid ink or the like.

[0025] The heat fusible ink is obtained by causing a colorant to be dispersed or dissolved in a heat fusible binder, and its melting viscosity, adhesiveness, etc. are adjusted by adding elastomer or the like to the heat fusible binder.

[0026] The heat fusible binder may be composed of a single component or two or more components selected from the group consisting of various kinds of known binder such as natural and synthetic wax resins.

[0027] More specifically, the heat fusible binder constituting the ink 2 is selected from: the group consisting of natural wax such as whale wax, beeswax, lanolin, carnauba wax, candellilla wax, montan wax and ceresin wax; the group consisting of petroleum was such as paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax; the group consisting of synthetic wax such as oxidized wax, ester wax, lower molecular polyethylene, Fischertrophsch wax; the group consisting of higher fatty acid such as raulin acid, myrystic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid; the group consisting of higher alcohol such as steryl alcohol, behnil alcohol; the group consisting of esters such as fatty acid ester of cane sugar, fatty acid ester of sorbitan; the group consisting of amides such as oleyl amide and the like; the group consisting of elastomers such as polyamide resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, polyacrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, cellulose resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, petroleum resin, phenol resin, polystyrene resin, natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber; the group consisting of oily substances such as mineral oil and vegetable oil; and the group consisting of various plasticizers. The materials selected from the above noted groups are suitably combined, thereby controlling the melt temperature and melting viscosity of the heat fusible binder.

[0028] The coloring agent constituting the heat fusible ink 2 in combination with the heat fusible binder is selected from the groups consisting of dyeing materials and pigments such as carbon black which are generally used in printing or other recording methods. The dyeing materials and pigments may be used individually or in the form of a two or more component mixture. It is preferred that the content of the coloring agent is 1 to 40 percent by weight of the aforesaid ink 2.

[0029] Selection of the recording medium 3 is not confined solely to paper, but it is possible to use one which is generally used as an electronic blackboard sheet and in which a high molecular film of Teflon, polypropylene, or the like is coated or laminated on its surface. Therefore, according to this recording apparatus, recording can be effected on a blackboard and the like in an electronic blackboard.

[0030] As described above, since this embodiment is arranged such that there are provided a recording member constituted by a first porous layer impregnated with a heat fusible ink and a second porous layer disposed on this first porous layer as well as a means for applying heat on the surface of this recording member in a pattern, and since recording is carried out by using this arrangement, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus and a recording method which afford low running costs without using ink films, which constitute drawbacks of the conventional thermal transfer recording method.

[0031] Referring now to Figs. 4 to l9, other embodiments will be described.

[0032] This embodiment comprises: a rotatable recording member having a heat-transferable ink and constituted by a plurality of layers; a recording head for heating the surface of the recording member in response to image signals; and a conveying means for conveying a recording medium in such a manner that the recording medium will come into contact with the surface of the recording member heated by the recording head. According to this embodiment, by heating the surface of the rotating recording member by means of the recording head in response to image signals, an image of the ink which has melted or whose viscosity has been lowered is formed on the surface of the recording member, and the image is transfer-recorded by transferring this ink image onto the recording medium being conveyed.

[0033] In addition, according to this embodiment, the recording member is constituted by a plurality of porous layers, and the pore diameter of a porous layer forming the surface layer of the recording member is made identical to or smaller than the pore diameter of each of the porous layers constituting inner layers. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the ink is capable of smoothly permeating smoothly from the inside to the outside of the recording member.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since, at the time of heating the recording member by the recording head, pressure-contacting portions of the recording member and a pressure-contacting member, or the vicinity thereof, is heated, there are advantages in that the transfer distance becomes short, and in that it is possible to obtain a transfer recorded image having a good transfer efficiency and image quality.

[0035] Description will now be made of this embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment, while Fig. 5 is an explanatory cross-sectional view thereof.

[0037] First, an outline of the overall arrangement will be described. A recording member 1 impregnated with a heat transferable ink 2 is arranged such as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow 'a' by means of a motor 13. A pressure-contacting member 6 is provided for the recording member 1 at a pressure-contacting portion 'A' in such manner as to be capable of being brought into pressure contact with and separating away from the same.

[0038] A recording head 4 which is capable of generating heat in response to image signals is brought into contact with the surface of the recording member 1. When the surface of the rotating recording member 1 is heated by the recording head 4 , the ink 2 impregnated in the recording member 1 melts in a pattern or its viscosity is lowered, thereby allowing a recorded image to be formed on the surface of the recording member 1 .

[0039] If a recording medium (e.g., a recording sheet, or a plastic sheet which will be described later; hereafter referred to as the "recording sheet") 3 is conveyed to the pressure-contacting portion 'A' by means of a conveying means 16 in such a manner as to be in synchronization with the formation of the aforementioned recording image, the recording image is pressed against the recording sheet 3 , and the melted ink 2 or the ink of lowered viscosity is transferred onto the recording sheet 3. Subsequently, the recording sheet 3 on which the required recording has been effected is discharged onto a discharge tray 18.

[0040] Description will now be given of the arrangement of each of the sections of the above-described recording apparatus consecutively.

[0041] First of all, the recording member 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axial width substantially identical to or longer than the width of the recording sheet 3 , and is composed of an inner layer 1a and an outer layer 1b laminated on the outer periphery of the inner layer 1a The inner layer 1a is arranged such that a member capable of being impregnated with ink 2 which will be described later, such as a porous material formed of a silicone sponge having an average pore diameter of 0.2 - 0.5 mm (No. of cells: approx. 50 - 100 pieces/25 mm), is formed into a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 20 - 100 mm. In addition, the outer layer 1b constituting a surface layer is composed of a membrane which allows the ink 2 to permeate therethrough and is formed with a thickness of about 10 - 100 µm by, for example, porous ethylene tetrafluoride resin having an average pore diameter of about 3 - 10 µm.

[0042] The aforementioned recording member 1 is arranged such that a belt 19c is trained between a pulley 19a installed on a rotary shaft 1c and a pulley 19b of the motor 13, and the recording member 1 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow 'a' by means of the drive of the motor 13.

[0043] Description will now be given of the ink 2 which is impregnated in the recording member 1 . This ink has thermal transfer characteristics allowing the ink to be transferred onto the recording sheet 3 as the ink is melted or its viscosity is lowered by heating. Typically, a heat fusible ink is used. Incidentally, the heat fusible ink may be solid, semisolid, or in other similar state insofar as a state in which the ink is impregnated in the inner layer 1a is maintained. However, in view of the thermal efficiency for melting the ink 2 , it is preferred that the ink is a semisolid ink.

[0044] The heat fusible ink 2 is arranged such that a colorant is dispersed or melted in a heat fusible binder, and its melting viscosity and adhesiveness are adjusted by adding elastomer or the like to the heat fusible binder. In addition, the heat fusible binder may be composed of a single component or two or more components selected from the group consisting of various kinds of known binder such as natural and synthetic wax resins.

[0045] Furthermore, if a heat fusible binder having supercooling characteristics and a lubricant are prepared and added to the heat fusible binder, it is possible to obtain a good recorded image even if there is some distance between a position of heating by the recording head 4 and a position of transferring ink onto the recording sheet 3 . The binder having supercooling characteristics mentioned above refers to one which is capable of retaining a melted state or a state of low viscosity for a fixed time duration even at a temperature below its original melting point or softening point at a time when the binder is once heated above the melting point (softening point) and is then cooled from a melted state or the state of low viscosity. Such a binder itself is already known.

[0046] More specifically, the heat fusible binder constituting the ink is, as described above, selected from: the group consisting of natural wax such as whale wax, beeswax, lanolin, carnauba wax, candellilla wax, montan wax and ceresin wax; the group consisting of petroleum wax such as paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax; the group consisting of synthetic wax such as oxidized wax, ester wax, lower molecular polyethylene, Fischertrophsch wax; the group consisting of higher fatty acid such as raulin acid, myrystic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid; the group consisting of higher alcohol such as steryl alcohol, behnil alcohol; the group consisting of esters such as fatty acid ester of cane sugar, fatty acid ester of sorbitan; the group consisting of amides such as oleyl amide and the like; the group consisting of elastomers such as polyamide resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, polyacrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, cellulose resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, petroleum resin, phenol resin, polystyrene resin, natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, the group consisting of oily substances such as mineral oil and vegetable oil; and the group consisting of various plasticizers. The materials selected from the above noted groups are suitably combined, thereby controlling the melt temperature and melting viscosity of the heat fusible binder.

[0047] The coloring agent constituting the heat fusible ink 2 in combination with the heat fusible binder is selected from the groups consisting of dyeing materials and pigments such as carbon black which are generally used in printing or other recording methods. The dyeing materials and pigments may be used individually or in the form of a two or more component mixture. It is preferred that the content of the coloring agent is 1 to 40 percent by weight of the aforesaid ink.

[0048] The pressure-contacting member 6 is constituted by a roller which is composed of a metal such as iron, copper, aluminum, or the like, rubber based on silicone, fluoride, urethane, or the like, a resin based on fluoride, polyacetal, polyamide, or the like having the same length as that of the recording member 1 , e.g., one in which polyvinyl chloride is coated on the surface of a urethane foam, on one which is formed of glass or the like. A shaft 6a thereof is rotatably fixed to one end 20a of an arm 20 bent in the shape of a chevron. This arm 20 is arranged such that a bent portion is rotatably journaled by a shaft 20b, and the pressure-contacting member 6 is brought into pressure contact with the surface of the recording member 1 with the linear pressure of 5 - 150 g/cm or thereabout by means of a tensile spring 21 retained at the arm 20. Accordingly, when the recording member 1 rotates in the aforementioned state of pressure contact, the pressure-contacting member 6 is driven to rotate.

[0049] Furthermore, an eccentric cam 22 abuts against the other end 20c of the arm 20. If the cam 22 is rotated, the arm 20 rotates with the shaft 20b as a center, thereby allowing the pressure-contacting member 6 to separate from the surface of the recording member 1 .

[0050] Next, description of the recording head 4 will be made. As shown in a top plan view of Fig. 6 and a cross-sectional view of Fig. 7, this recording head 4 is arranged such that a plurality of heat generating heads are juxtaposed in a row at an upper end portion of a substrate 5a having substantially the same length as the axial length of the recording member 1 . This heat generating element 5 is composed of a metallic compound such as carbon, silver, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, or the like, and is capable of generating heat when energized.

[0051] A common electrode 5c, an intermediate substrate 5d, and a signal electrode 5e are formed consecutively on the substrate 5a. The common electrode 5c is connected commonly to all the heat generating elements 5 , while each of the signal electrodes 5e is connected to each of the heat generating elements 5 . The substrates 5a and 5d are composed of an insulating material consisting of plastics or mainly consisting of plastics, e.g., polyester, polyimide, or the like. The electrodes 5c and 5e are composed of copper, or a conductive material in which copper or silver is plated with nickel.

[0052] In this arrangement, if the signal electrodes 15e are energized in response to image signals, the heat generating elements 5 selectively generate heat correspondingly.

[0053] Furthermore, the above-described recording head 4 is formed in the shape of a flexible film having a thickness of dozens of microns to several hundred microns. The recording head 4 per se is elastic and can be adhered to the surface of the recording member 1 . The heat generating elements 5 of the recording head 4 abut against the surface of the recording member 1 at the pressure-contacting position 'A' between the recording member 1 and the pressure-contacting member 6, or the vicinity thereof (upstream of the pressure-contacting portion 'A' in the rotational direction of the recording member 12).

[0054] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, a contacting portion 'B' between the heat generating elements 5 and the recording member 1 is located such as to be situated in the vicinity of the pressure-contacting portion 'A'. The positional relationship between this pressure-contacting portion 'A' and the contacting portion 'B' is such that the ink 11 which has melted or whose viscosity has been lowered at the contacting portion 'B' is capable of maintaining the above-described state until it reaches the pressure contacting portion 'A' by the rotation of the recording member 1 . In addition, the positional relationship is also such that, when the heat generating elements 5 have generated heat, the heat is transmitted to some extent to the recording sheet 3 being conveyed to the pressure-contacting portion 'A', and that good recording can be effected in terms of the fixing properties and the like. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the distance between the pressure-contacting portion 'A' and the contacting portion 'B' is set to 0.8 to 10 mm.

[0055] Next, the conveying means 16 is arranged in such a manner as to convey the recording sheet 3 to the pressure-contacting portion 'A' by means of a feed roller 16a and a pair of conveying rollers 16b, 16c which are driven by a motor (not shown). In other words, the recording sheets stacked and accommodated in a cassette 23 are withdrawn one by one by means of the feed roller 16a, and are then conveyed by means of the pair of conveying rollers 16b, 16c such as to effect a U-turn in synchronization with a recording operation. At the pressure-contacting portion 'A', the recording sheet 3 conveyed by this conveying means 16 is conveyed by the rotation of the recording member 1 .

[0056] In addition, a feed tray 24 is provided in the vicinity of an inlet of the pair of conveying rollers 16b, 16c so that the recording sheet 3 placed on the tray 24 can also be fed manually.

[0057] Sheet guides 25a, 25b for guiding the sides of the recording sheets 3 are disposed between the pair of conveying rollers 16b, 16c. Also, sheet guides 25c, 25d are provided between the pressure-contacting portion 'A' and the discharge tray 18 so as to separate the recording sheets 3 from the recording member 1 and the pressure-contacting member 6 and to guide the same to the discharge tray 18. In addition, a lower guide 25e for the recording sheet 3 is provided between the pair of conveying rollers 16b, 16c and the pressure-contacting member 6 , and the recording head 4 also serves as an upper guide.

[0058] Furthermore, a jamming (jamming of a sheet in the apparatus) detection means 26 constituted by a photo-interrupter, photo-diode, or a limit switch, etc. is provided at the lower guide 25e.

[0059] Next, description will be given of a control circuit for the above-described arrangement. As shown in a block diagram of Fig. 9, recording signals supplied from an external device 27 such as a computer, a word processor, and a reader are transmitted to a CPU 29 via an interface 28. The drive of the conveying means 16, the motor 13, and the eccentric cam 22 is controlled by signals from the CPU 29. In addition, recording signals are sent from the CPU 29 to a driver 30 for driving the recording head 4 in synchronization with the aforementioned controlling of the drive, and the drive of the heat generating elements 5 of the recording head 4 is controlled in response to the recording signals. Consequently, the heat generating elements 5 generate heat in synchronization with the conveyance of the recording sheet 3, and the arrangement is such that the heating temperature of the heat generating elements 5 is controlled by a thermistor or the like. When a jamming detection signal is sent from the jamming detection means 26 to the CPU 29, the CPU 29 stops each of the aforementioned drives, and the occurrence of jamming is displayed on a display unit 31. This display unit 31 is arranged such that, in addition to the occurrence of jamming, the presence or absence of the recording sheets 3 , the turning ON and OFF of a power source, the amount of ink in the recording member 1 , and the like can be displayed thereon by means of a detection means (not shown).

[0060] With reference to a flowchart shown in Fig. 10, description will now be made of a recording method using the recording apparatus having the above-described arrangement.

[0061] As shown in the flowchart, detection of the amount of the ink 2 in the recording member 1 , the presence or absence of the recording sheets 3 , and jamming is first carried out in step S1, so as to determine whether the apparatus is on standby for recording. If not on standby, the operation jumps to step S8, and the detection result is displayed on the display unit 31, while if on standby, the operation proceeds to step S2 to determine whether or not to start recording. Subsequently in step S2, the presence or absence of a recording start signal from a host such as an external device 27 is detected, and, if the start signal is not present, the operation returns to Step S1, while, if present, it proceeds to step S3 to commence recording.

[0062] In recording, in step S3, the feed roller 16a rotates in the direction of the arrow 'c' shown in Fig. 5 to feed out the recording sheets 3 one by one from the cassette 23. In step S4, the pair of conveying rollers 16b, 16c rotate in the direction of the arrow 'd' in synchronization with a recording operation to feed the recording sheet 3 to between the recording member 1 and the pressure-contacting portion 6 .

[0063] Next, in Step S5, the eccentric cam 22 is driven to rotate the arm 20, and brings the pressure-contacting member 6 and the heat generating elements 5 of the recording head 4 into contact with the surface of the recording member 1 . Subsequently, specified recording is carried out in step S6.

[0064] Description will be made specifically of this recording process. The recording member 1 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 'a' at a peripheral speed of about 1 - 10 cm/sec in synchronization with the conveyance of the recording sheet 3 , and a recording image signal is set to the recording head 4 in synchronization with this rotation. The heat generating elements 5 then generate heat in response to the signal, and the surface of the recording member 1 is selectively heated. This heat is transmitted from the outer layer 1b of the recording member 1 to the inner layer 1a , and the ink impregnated in the heated portion melts or its viscosity is lowered. The ink which has melted or whose viscosity has been lowered permeates the outer layer 1b . At that time, since the pores of the outer layer 1b have diameters finer than those of the inner layer 1a , the ink image 32 constituted by fine ink dots corresponding with the above-described heating is formed on the outer layer 1b Alternatively, the ink 2 solidified in the outer layer 1b melts or its viscosity is lowered, and the ink image corresponding to the heating by the recording head 4 is formed.

[0065] Furthermore, the ink image 32 moves in conjunction with the rotation of the recording member 1 , and the ink image 32 reaches the pressure-contacting portion 'A' before it solidifies or permeates the outer layer 1b again to be impregnated in the inner layer 1a . In the pressure-contacting portion 'A', the ink image 32 is pressed against the recording sheet 3 conveyed in synchronization therewith and is thereby transferred onto the recording sheet 3.

[0066] The recording sheet 3 on which the image has been recorded, as described above, is discharged onto the discharge tray 18 in conjunction with the rotation of the recording member 1 .

[0067] Continuous recording can be effected by repeating the above-described process. Incidentally, in cases where jamming occurs during the above-described recording operation, or such as when the recording sheets are absent, such state is detected in step S7, and that state is displayed on the display unit 31 in step S8. In step S9, determination is made as to whether or not all the recording is to be completed, and, when recording is to be effected further, the operation returns to step S1, while, when recording is to be completed, the operation proceeds to step S10.

[0068] When the recording operation has been completed, in step S10, the eccentric cam 22 is driven to rotate the arm 20 in the opposite direction to that described above, and separates the pressure-contacting member 6 from the surface of the recording member 1 , thereby preventing the deformation of the recording member 1 when recording is not carried out.

[0069] As described above, it is possible to transfer an ink image onto the recording sheet 3 without using an ink film. In the above-described arrangement, at the time of the transfer of the ink image, since the heat generating elements 5 are located in the vicinity of the pressure-contacting portion 'A', the heat generated by the elements 5 is also applied to the recording sheet 3 with the same pattern as that of the recording member 1 , thereby forming an image on the recording sheet 3 . Accordingly, the transfer of the ink image 31 onto the recording sheet 3 can be effected smoothly and efficiently at the pressure-contacting portion 'A'.

[0070] Moreover, in the above-described arrangement, since the pore diameter of the outer layer 1b is smaller than that of the inner layer 1a , the ink permeating the outer layer 1b is made into fine dots. Since the ink image is formed by the fine dots, a clear image is recorded on the recording sheet 3 .

[0071] To the contrary, since the pore diameter of the inner layer 1a is made greater than that of the outer layer 1b , it is possible to cause the inner layer 1a to be sufficiently impregnated with the ink 2 .

[Other Embodiments]

[0072] Incidentally, although, in the foregoing embodiment, the heat generating 15b are located in the vicinity of the pressure-contacting portion 'A', it is also possible to locate the heat generating elements 5 inside the pressure-contacting portion 'A', as shown in Fig. 11.

[0073] For instance, if, in the foregoing embodiment, the linear pressure between the recording member 1 and the pressure-contacting member 6 is increased to about 100 - 150 g/cm, the range of the pressure-contacting portion 'A' expands, so that the heat generating elements 5 adhere to the surface of the recording member 1 within the pressure-contacting portion 'A', as shown in Fig. 11. Even if the recording head 4 is thus located inside the pressure-contacting portion 'A', no hindrance is caused to the rotation of the recording member 1 since the recording head 4 is extremely thin.

[0074] In the aforesaid arrangement, when the heat generating elements 5 generates heat in response to a recording image signal, the heat is transmitted positively to both the recording head 1 and the recording sheet 3 . Accordingly, since an image corresponding to the image pattern is formed more clearly on the recording sheet 3 , and since the melted ink or the ink with its viscosity lowered is transferred onto the image portion immediately after permeating the outer layer 1b , the transfer characteristics improve, so that fogging or the like becomes difficult to occur, and, at the same time, the thermal efficiency also improves.

[0075] In cases where the heat generating elements 5 are located in the pressure-contacting portion 'A', the recording head 4 may be arranged as shown in Fig. 12.

[0076] In other words, the heat generating elements 5 are arranged in a row at a desired position of the substrate 5a, and the common electrode 5c and the signal electrodes 5e are connected to both ends of the heat generating elements 5 . Furthermore, ink passage holes 5f are formed in the substrate 5a and the heat generating elements 5b.

[0077] The portion of the heat generating elements 5 of the recording head 4 is arranged such as to be located in the pressure-contacting portion 'A', and if the heat generating elements 5 are caused to generate heat in response to an image signal, the ink of the recording member 1 which has melted or whose viscosity has been lowered by the heating passes through the ink passage holes 5f and is transferred on to the recording sheet 3. Thus, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the embodiment shown in Fig. 11.

[0078] Since it is unnecessary for the heat generating elements 5 of the above-described recording head 4 to be located at the side portion of the substrate 5a, there is an advantage in that the production of the recording heads 4 can be facilitated.

[0079] Although, in the foregoing embodiment, a case is shown in which the recording head 4 is made flexible and extremely thin, the recording head 4 may be arranged to be rigid.

[0080] For instance, as shown in Figs. 13, 14, and 15, an arrangement may be provided as follows: A substrate is formed by providing an insulating layer 5h obtained by baking enamel or the like onto the surface of a metallic core 5g constituted by a very low carbon steel plate, a copper plate, a stainless steel plate or the like. The heat generating elements 5b are arranged in a row on the substrate, and the common electrode 5c and the signal electrodes 5e are connected to the heat generating elements 5 .

[0081] If the arrangement is provided as described above, since the mechanical strength of the recording head 4 is large, it is possible to correct the deformation of the recording member 1 by means of the recording head 4.

[0082] In addition, although, in the first embodiment, the arrangement is made such that the pressure-contacting member 6 is driven by the rotation of the recording member 1 , the pressure-contacting member 6 may be rotatively driven separately, as shown in Fig. 16.

[0083] In Fig. 16, the roller constituting the pressure-contacting member 6 is arranged such as to be driven by a motor 33, and the recording member 1 is installed at one end of the arm 20 such as to be rotatable. In this arrangement, the recording member 1 rotates as it is driven by the rotation of the pressure-contacting member 6 . In this case, since the mechanical strength of the pressure-contacting member 6 is greater than that of the recording member 1 , the pressure-contacting member 6 is less susceptible to deformation. As a result, it is possible to stabilize the conveying speed of the recording sheet 3 in comparison with a case where the recording member 1 is rotatively driven as in the case of the first embodiment.

[0084] In Fig. 16, the tensile spring 21 is retained at the arm 20 as in the case of the first embodiment, and causes the recording member 1 to be brought into pressure contact with the pressure-contacting member 6 with a predetermined pressure. At the same time, when the eccentric cam 22 abutting against the arm 20 rotates, the arm 20 rotates with the shaft 20b as the center, thereby separating the recording member 1 from the pressure-contacting member 6 .

[0085] Furthermore, although, in the above-described embodiment, the arrangement is such that either the recording member 1 or the pressure-contacting member 6 is rotatively driven, an arrangement be also provided such that both of the recording member 1 and the pressure-contacting member 6 are rotatively driven at the same peripheral speed. In this arrangement, the conveying speed of the recording sheet 3 can be further stabilized. In particular, in cases where the recording member 1 and the presure-contacting member 6 are held in pressure contact with each other via the recording head 4 , as in the case of the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, it is necessary to rotatively drive both the recording member 1 and the pressure-contacting member 6 .

[0086] Description of other examples of the recording member 1 will now be described. Although, in the first embodiment, a sponge base made of silicone rubber is used by way of example as a member constituting the inner layer 1a, it is also possible to use a porous material formed of synthetic fiber in mesh or a porous material formed by winding cellulose in a spiral shape. In this case, it is possible to obtain a greater mechanical strength than that of the sponge illustrated in the first embodiment.

[0087] With respect to the outer layer 1b , it is also possible to use a porous resin such as a fluoride-based resin and a silicon-based resin other than those illustrated in the first embodiment, or a porous metallic membrane, a metallic mesh, various types of fibrous mesh, and the like.

[0088] Although, in the first embodiment, the pore diameter of the outer layer 1b of the recoding member 1 is made smaller than the pore diameter of the inner layer 1 a, the pore diameter of the inner layer 1 a may be made as the same as that of the outer layer 1b. In this case as well, it is also possible to cause the inner layer 1a to be impregnated sufficiently with the ink.

[0089] In addition, although, in the first embodiment, the pore diameter of the outer layer 1b of the recording member 1 is made smaller than that of the inner layer 1a , the pore diameter of the outer layer 1b may be made greater than that of the inner layer 1a .

[0090] If the arrangement is made as described above, in cases where the ink 2 impregnating the inner layer 1 a is melted or its viscosity is lowered by heating of the heat generating elements 4 , the ink 2 passes the outer layer 1b smoothly, so that a recorded image with a darker density can be transferred onto the recording sheet 3 .

[0091] Furthermore, although, in the above-described first embodiment, an example is shown in which the recording layer 1 is formed as a two-layer structure constituted by the inner layer 1a and the outer layer 1b , this recording member 1 may be arranged with a multi-layer structure of three or more layers.

[0092] When adopting the multi-layer structure of three or more layers, if the pore diameters of the porous layers from the innermost layer to the outermost layer are made consecutively smaller, the permeation of the melted ink or the ink with its viscosity lowered can be effected smoothly.

[0093] Next, other examples of the pressure-contacting member 6 will be described. Although, in the first embodiment, the pressure-contacting member 6 is constituted by a rotatable roller-shaped member, the pressure-contacting member 6 may be constituted by an unrotatable member, as shown in Fig. 17.

[0094] The pressure-contacting member shown in Fig. 17 is arranged such that a metallic member such as stainless steel or iron, or such a member as hard rubber or hard plastics is installed such as to be capable of being brought into pressure contact with the surface of the recording member 1 at a linear pressure of about 5 - 150 g/cm by means of pressing springs 34.

[0095] In the above-described arrangement, the recording sheet 3 is conveyed by cooperative action of the rotating recording member 1 and the pressure-contacting member 6 held in pressure contact therewith, and an ink image 32 is transferred onto the recording sheet 3 by a pressing force of the pressure-contacting member 6 at that time.

[0096] It should be noted that the arrangement for bringing the pressure-contacting member 6 into pressure contact with or separating the same from the surface of the recording member 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0097] With respect to the arrangement of separating the pressure-contacting member 6 and the recording member 1 from each other, although, in the first embodiment, the separation is effected by the rotation of the arm 20 through the rotation of the eccentric cam 22, as another example apart from using the eccentric cam, the separation may be effected by the use of, for instance, a solenoid or the like.

[0098] As for the recording medium used, in each of the aforesaid embodiments, an example in which cut sheets are used is shown, but the recording medium need not be restricted to cut sheets. As shown in Fig. 19, an arrangement may be provided such that the recording sheet 3 wound in the form of a roll is set inside the apparatus, and the recording sheet 3 is conveyed in correspondence with the recording operation by means of the pair of conveying rollers 16b, 16c, and is cut by an automatic cutter 35 at a point where the recording sheet 3 has been conveyed by a recording length.

[0099] Furthermore, the recording medium need not be restricted to the type of paper described with reference to the first embodiment, and any material which allows the ink 2 to be transferred may naturally be used, such as a plastic sheet for an overhead projector (OHP), or one in which a high-molecular film of such as Teflon (brandname) or polypropylene is coated or laminated on its surface and which is generally used as a sheet for an electronic blackboard.

[0100] Accordingly, it is possible to effect recording on the surface of an electronic blackboard.

[0101] As described above, since the arrangement is such that a recording member constituted by a plurality of layers impregnated with ink is rotated, and is heated by a recording head in response to image signals to effect required recording, the waste can be eliminated in comparison with a conventional method of thermal transfer recording in which ink films are used, and, at the same time, the running costs can be lowered as a result. In addition, since a semisolid ink can be used, it is possible to reduce the amount of energy used for heating by the recording head in comparison with a case where a solid ink is used.

[0102] Furthermore, if the recording member is formed by a plurality of porous layers, and the pore diameter of the surface layer is made smaller than those of the inner layers, there is an advantage in that an ink image permeating the surface layer is formed by fine ink dots, so that it is possible to obtain a transfer recorded image with good image quality. In addition, in this embodiment, in heating the recording member by the recording head, since the pressure-contacting portions of the recording member and the pressure-contacting member or the vicinity thereof are heated, the transferring distance becomes short, so that there is an advantage in that it is possible to obtain a transfer recorded image with good transfer efficiency and image quality.

[0103] Another embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 20 - 24.

[0104] This embodiment is provided with a dispersing means for dispersing in the recording member the ink contained in the recording member. According to this embodiment, since the ink contained in the recording member is dispersed uniformly by the dispersing means, stable ink images are formed on the surface of the recording member at the time when the recording member is heated by the recording head, thereby allowing high-quality images to be obtained.

[0105] First, description will be given with reference to Fig. 20. In this embodiment, a dispersing means is added to the recording apparatus shown in Fig. 15, and those members that are similar to those shown in Fig. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, a dispersing means may also be provided to the recording apparatus shown in Figs. 16, 17, and 19 in the same way as with Fig. 20.

[0106] A dispersing means 36 for the ink 2 is constituted by a heating roller 36a having the same length as the axial length of the recording member 1 , and is installed in such as to be brought into contact with the surface of the recording member 1 downstream of the rotating direction of the recording member 1 and to be rotated by the rotation of the recording member 1 .

[0107] The aforementioned heating roller 36a is constituted by a metal such as aluminum or copper, and a nichrome heater, an infrared heater, or the like is provided in the inside or outside thereof, and the surface of the recording member 1 with which it is in contact with can be heated thereby.

[0108] Incidentally, the drive of this heater is controlled by signals supplied from the aforementioned CPU 29.

[0109] In this recording apparatus, it can be estimated that if recording is continued as described above, the amount of the ink impregnated in the surface of the inner layer 1a will be reduced depending on the material of the ink, the recording speed, or the like, and the density of the image may become light should the recording be continued in that state. Therefore, before the density of the image becomes light, the heater 36b of the heating roller 36a is caused to generate heat to heat the surface of the recording member 1 . The ink 2 impregnated in the inner layer 1a is melted by this heating, and the ink 2 is caused to permeate the surface side of the inner layer in which the content of the ink has become small, as shown in Fig. 21.

[0110] Since the ink 2 melted in the inner layer 1a by means of the heating roller 36a tends to flow from a dense portion to a less dense portion, even if there is a partial variation in the ink content in the inner layer 1a due to the transfer of the ink image, the melted ink 2 uniformly permeates the surface side of the inner layer. Accordingly, the surface side of the inner layer assumes a state in which it is constantly impregnated uniformly with the ink 2 , with the result that the density of the recording images is constantly maintained at a fixed level.

[0111] It should be noted that the heating of the recording member 1 by the heating roller 36a may be effected in conjunction with the recording operation, or may be effected upon every time a fixed amount of transfer recording is completed.

[0112] Description will now be made of another example of the ink dispersing means 36.

[0113] An arrangement may be provided such that the heating roller 36a is installed such as to be capable of being brought into contact with and separate from the surface of the recording member 1 in the same way as the pressure-contacting member 6 , and the heating roller 36a is separated from the surface of the recording member when the recording member 1 is not heated by the heating roller 36a.

[0114] An alternative arrangement may be provided such that the surface of the recording member 1 is heated by a nonrotational heating member 36c, as shown in Fig. 23. In this case, the heating member 36c may either contact or not contact the recording member 1 .

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the area of the recording member to be heated can be varied by changing the area of the heating member 36c.

[0116] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 24, an arrangement may be provided such that a heating member 36d constituted by a nichrome wire heater or the like is installed inside the inner layer 1 a, and heating may be effected from the inside of the recording member 1 .

[0117] In the arrangement described above, it is possible to positively supply the ink impregnated in the inner layer 1a to the surface side.

[0118] In addition, if the heating roller 36 is made to press the recording member 1 at a predetermined pressure, the ink 2 impregnated in the inner layer 1a can be supplied to the surface side more effectively.

[0119] In addition, if an arrangement is provided such that the heating member cleans the surface of the recording member simultaneously as the recording member 1 is heated by the heating member, it is possible to effect recording with better image quality.

[0120] If a means for cooling the recording member 1 is provided downstream of the heating member 36a or the heating members 36c, 36d in the rotating direction of the recording member 1 , since the ink uniformly dispersed in the surface side of the inner layer by heating is cooled positively while it reaches the position of the recording head 4, it becomes possible to eliminate fogging and the like, thereby allowing higher image-quality recording to be effected.

[0121] Still another embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 25 to 30.

[0122] This embodiment comprises: a rotatable recording member having an ink with heat-transfer characteristics; a recording head for heating the surface of the recording head in response to image signals; a conveying means for conveying the recording medium in such a manner that the recording medium comes into contact with the surface of the recording member heated by the recording head; and an ink replenishing means for replenishing the ink to the recording member. According to this embodiment, when the amount of ink in the recording member has become small due to recording, the ink can be replenished by the ink replenishing means, so that continuous recording can be effected without replacing the recording member.

[0123] First, description will be made with reference to Figs. 25 and 26. It should be noted that this embodiment is such an ink replenishing means is added to the recording apparatus shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and those members that are similar to those shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, the ink replenishing means may also be provided to the recording apparatus shown in Figs. 16, 17, and 19 in the same way as with that shown in Figs. 25 and 26.

[0124] An ink replenishing means 40 is arranged such as to have the same length as the axial length of the recording member 1 and is integrally composed of an ink roller 40a incorporating a heating means such as a nichrome wire heater as well as an ink reservoir 40b capable of supplying the ink 2 to the surface of the roller 40a. The ink roller 40a is installed by a moving means (not shown) such as to be brought into contact with or separate from the surface of the recording member 1 , and is arranged such as to rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 26 in a state in which it is in contact with the recording member 1 . Incidentally, the drive of an abutting and separating means, the heating means, etc., of the ink replenishing means 40 are controlled by signals supplied from the CPU 29. In addition, the ink replenishing means 40 is adapted to be driven automatically by signals from the CPU 29 as an amount of recording is detected by a counter or the like and each time the recording of a predetermined number of sheets is completed. In other words, when a predetermined number of sheets has been recorded, the ink roller 40a of the ink replenishing means 40 is brought into contact with the surface of the recording member 1 , and the heating means 'H' inside the ink roller 40a is driven to heat the ink roller 40a, and, at the same time, rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 26.

[0125] The ink 2 in the ink reservoir 40b melts, and the ink 2 is coated on the surface of the ink roller 40a rotatively driven by the rotation of the recording member 1 . When the ink layer is brought into contact with the surface of the recording layer 1 in conjunction with the rotation of the ink roller 40a, the ink permeates the outer layer 1b and is impregnated in the inner layer 1a .

[0126] It should be noted that, since the heat of the ink 2 is lost and its viscosity becomes large while the ink 2 is being impregnated in the inner layer 1a , the ink 2 does not permeate the outer layer 1b to come out of it.

[0127] After thus replenishing the ink 2 in the recording member 1 , the ink roller 40a may be separated from the recording member 1 .

[0128] The replenishment of the ink 2 may be effected simultaneously with recording, or may be effected after counting the number of recorded sheets and by interrupting the recording each time a fixed amount of recording is carried out, or upon completion of a fixed amount of recording.

[0129] Next, description will be made of another example of the ink replenishing means 40.

[0130] Although the arrangement is such that the ink is supplied from the ink reservoir 40b in the form of a case to the ink roller 40a, as shown in Fig. 28, an arrangement may be provided such that by disposing the ink roller 40a and the ink roller 40c adjacent to each other in such a manner as to form a gap therebetween, an ink reservoir 40d is formed between the rollers 40a, 40c, and the rollers 40a, 40c are rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 28, so as to replenish the ink 2 from the ink reservoir 40d to the recording member 1 via the ink roller 40a.

[0131] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 29, an arrangement may be provided such that a porous layer 40f composed of polyurethane, silicone rubber or the like is formed at the tip of the ink reservoir 40e having the same length as the axial length of the recording member 1 , the porous layer 40f being adapted to be capable of being brought into contact with and separating from the surface of the recording member 1 . When replenishing the ink 2 in the above-described arrangement, if the porous layer 40f is brought into contact with the surface of the recording member 1 , and if the recording member is rotated and, at the same time, the ink 2 in the ink reservoir 40e is caused to melt by heating by the heating means 'H', the melted ink 2 which has permeated the porous layer 40f is replenished to the recording member 1.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 30, a cooling means 41 may be provided downstream of the ink replenishing means 40 in the rotational direction of the recording member 1 and upstream of a contacting portion 'B' of the recording head 4 .

[0133] The aforementioned cooling means 41 may, for example, be arranged in such a manner that a roller which is composed of aluminum, copper or the like and capable of coming into contact with the axial peripheral surface of the recording member 1 is rotatively driven by the rotation of the recording member 1 .

[0134] By providing the aforementioned cooling means 41, it becomes possible to remove heat from the recording member 1 that has been accumulated when the melted ink has been replenished by the ink replenishing means 26. Accordingly, even when recording is effected immediately after replenishing the ink, fogging or the like due to accumulated heat can be reduced, thereby allowing large-contrast, high image-quality recording to be effected.

[0135] Incidentally, the cooling means 40 need not be restricted to a roller-shaped member which comes into contact with the recording member 1 , and if it is arranged with a non-contacting type such as a cooling fan or the like, the possibility of imparting unnecessary deformation to the recording member 1 can be eliminated.

[0136] Furthermore, the rotational direction of the ink roller 40a should not be restricted to the direction shown in the embodiment, and the ink roller 40a may be adapted to rotate in the opposite direction, or may be adapted to be rotatively driven by the rotation of the recording member 1 .

[0137] Although, in the first embodiment, the ink replenishing means 40 is adapted to be driven after each fixed amount of recording, an arrangement may alternatively be provided such that, by detecting the amount of ink impregnated in the inner layer 1a by means of a concentration sensor, the ink replenishing means 40 is driven in correspondence with the detected value.

[0138] Thus, according to this embodiment, since a means for replenishing ink to the recording member is provided, it is possible to use the same recording member for extended periods of time, so that the running costs become low. At the same time, since the recording member per se impregnated with ink can be formed thinly, so that the recording member can be made compact in size. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality caused by a shortage of ink.

[0139] In addition, there is another advantage in that, if the cooling means is provided for the recording member, it becomes possible to replenish the ink even during recording.

[0140] A further embodiment will now be described. This embodiment is arranged such that, in the recording apparatus shown in Figs. 4 to 19, the pore diameter of a porous layer constituting the surface layer of the recording member is made greater than that of the porous layer constituting an inner layer which is disposed adjacent to the surface layer.

[0141] More specifically, the recording member 1 is formed in a tubular shape whose axial length is substantially identical with or longer than the width of the recording sheet 3. Further, the recording member 1 is constituted by a plurality of layers including the inner layer 1a and the outer layer 1b serving as a surface layer laminated on the outer periphery of the inner layer 1a . The inner layer 1a is arranged such that a porous member composed of a member which is capable of being impregnated with the ink 2 , e.g., a sponge made of silicone rubber of an average pore diameter of about 80 - 300 µm (the number of cells: approx. 80 - 200 pcs/25cm), is formed in a tubular shape with a diameter of about 20 - 200 mm. Meanwhile, the outer layer 1b is arranged such that a porous member which allows the ink 2 to permeate there-through and has a pore diameter greater than that of the inner layer 1a . For instance, a plurality of pores with an average pore diameter of about 100 - 500 µm are formed on such as a membrane of polyimide-based plastics formed with a thickness of about 50 - 100 µm.

[0142] Thus, according to this embodiment, since the recording member is formed by a plurality of porous layers, and the pore diameter of the surface layer is made greater than that of the inner layer, there are advantages such as that the passage of the ink through the surface layer is facilitated, that it is possible to obtain high-density recorded images at high speed with a smaller amount of energy, and that it is possible to obtain high-quality recorded images with clear contrast.

[0143] A further embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 31.

[0144] Although, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example is shown in which the recording member 1 is provided with a two-layer structure constituted by the inner layer 1a and the outer layer 1b , this recording member 1 may be formed in a multi-layer structure having three or more layers. Alternatively, the recording member 1 may be formed as a single-layer structure as shown in Fig. 31.

[0145] In Fig. 31, the recording member 1 is arranged such that a material which is capable of being impregnated with the ink 2 , e.g., a sponge base made of silicone rubber, porous ethylene tegrafluoride resin or the like, is formed in the shape of a roller having a thickness of 5 - 20 mm or thereabout, and a roller 1 is impregnated with the ink 2 .

[0146] If the recording member 1 is formed as a single-layer structure as described above, the ink which has melted or whose viscosity has been lowered by the heat generating elements 5 is transferred directly onto the recording sheet 3 , with the result that it is possible to obtain recorded images with sufficiently high density.

[0147] Furthermore, description another embodiment will be made with reference to Figs. 32 - 34.

[0148] This embodiment is further provided with an ink replenishing means for replenishing the ink having heat transfer characteristics from the inside of the recording member to the recording member.

[0149] As shown in the drawings, an ink replenishing means 36 is provided inside the recording member 1 , and the arrangement is such that the ink 2 can be replenished from the ink replenishing means 36 to the recording member 1 .

[0150] The recording member 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose axial length is substantially idential with or longer than the width of the recording sheet 3 , and the recording member 1 is constituted by a porous cylindrical base 1c formed in the mesh of a varied type of alloy such as stainless steel and having an average pore diameter of 0.1 - 3.0 mm, the inner layer 1a laminated on the outer peripheral surface of the base 1c , and the outer layer 1b laminated on the outer peripheral surface of the inner layer 1a . The inner layer 1a is arranged such that a member which allows the ink 2 to be impregnated therewith, e.g., a porous member constituted by a sponge of silicone rubber having an average pore diameter of about 0.2 - 0.5 mm (the number of cells: approx. 50 - 100 pcs/25 mm), is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of about 20 - 200 mm. Meanwhile, the outer layer 1b is constituted by a member which, when the ink 2 has melted or its viscosity has been lowered, allows the same to be permeated therethrough, e.g., a membrane which is arranged such that a porous ethelene tetrafluoride resin having an average pore diameter of about 3 - 10 µm is formed with a thickness of about 10 - 100 µm.

[0151] The belt 19c is trained between the pulley 19a installed on a rotational shaft and the pulley 19b of the motor 13, and the recording member 1 is adapted to be rotated in the direction of the arrow 'a' by the drive of the motor 13.

[0152] The ink replenishing means 36 is disposed inside the recording member 1 . The arrangement is such that the ink 2 having heat-transfer characteristics is filled inside the base, and the ink 2 filled in the inside is agitated by a blade member 36a provided in the base 1c .

[0153] As shown in Fig. 34, the aforementioned blade member 36a is constituted by a metal such as iron or aluminum, or a resin or the like such as plastics of various kind, and supporting portions 36b are formed at both ends thereof. These supporting portions 36b are supported by the rotational shaft of the recording member 1 , and the arrangement is such that, even if the recording member 1 rotates, the blade member 36a does not rotate. The supporting portions 36b are made hollow to form an ink replenishing hole 36c. The arrangement is such that, as shown by the arrow b in Figs. 32 and 34, the ink 2 having heat transfer characteristics is supplied from the outside into the base 1c via the ink replenishing hole 36c by such means as a filler or syringe, and the ink is agitated by the blade member 36a so as to be replenished inside the inner layer 1a.

[0154] Thus, since the recording member 1 can be automatically replenished with the ink 2, it becomes possible to employ the same recording member 1 for extended periods of time. Furthermore, since the ink 2 is agitated by the blade member 36 a when the ink 2 is caused to pass through the base 1c and to be replenished in the inner layer 1a , it becomes possible to effect the replenishment of ink efficiently.

[0155] Next, description of another example of the ink replenishing means 36 will be made.

[0156] Although, as just described, the arrangement is made such that the ink 2 filled in the base 1c is agitated by a blade member 36a provided in the base 1c , an arrangement may alternatively be provided such that, an internal roller member constituted by a metal such as iron or aluminum, or a resin such as plastics various kind, is rotatably provided instead of the blade member 36a, and the internal roller member is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise so as to agitate the ink 2 accommodated in the base 1a and to replenish the same from base 1c the inside of the inner layer 1a .

[0157] It should be noted that the rotational axis of this roller member is disposed such as to be offset from the rotational center of the recording member 1 , the ink 2 accommodated in the base 1c can be agitated sufficiently without necessarily rotating the roller member.

[0158] In the above-described example, at the time when the ink 2 is agitated for replenishment by the blade member 36a or the internal roller member, if a heating means such as a heater is provided inside the base 1 c, the viscosity of the ink 2 in the base 1c is lowered, so that replenishment into the inner layer 1a can be facilitated.

[0159] Although, as described, the ink replenishing means 36 is driven after each fixed amount of recording, an arrangement may alternatively be provided such that, after detecting the amount of ink impregnating the inner layer 1a by means of a density sensor or the like, the ink is replenished by the ink replenishing means 36 in correspondence with the measured value.

[0160] As described above, since the means for replenishing the ink is provided for the recording member, it is possible to use the same recording member for extended periods of time, so that the running costs become low. At the same time, since the recording member per se impregnated with the ink can be formed thinly, it is possible to make the recording member compact. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality caused by a shortage of ink or the like.

[0161] A further embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 36. Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the porous material. In this embodiment, the recording member is constituted by a single-layer porous material, and the pore diameter of the surface portion of the recording member is made smaller than that of the inner portion thereof. This embodiment may be applied to, for example, the recording apparatus shown in Figs. 4, 5, 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20. In the description given below, description will be made of a case where this embodiment is applied to the recording apparatus shown in Fig. 4 by way of example.

[0162] The recording member 1 is constituted by a single-layer porous layer formed in a tubular shape with its axial length substantially identical with or longer than the width of the recording sheet 3 . As shown by an explanatory cross-sectional view in Fig. 36, the arrangement is such that the diameters of pores 1d in the surface portion 1b thereof are smaller than the diameters of pores 1e in the inner portion.

[0163] As for the material constituting the recording member 1 , it is possible to use a porous material which is capable of being impregnated with the ink 2 , such as rubber sponge, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, or polyurethane foam ["Rubicell" (brandname) manufactured by Toyo Polymer Co., Ltd.], and this porous material is formed into a tubular shape with a diameter of about 20 - 200 mm. The inner portion of the recording member 1 constituted by this porous material is formed as the inner portion 1a such as to be provided, for instance, with an average pore diameter of about 1 - 100 µm. Meanwhile, the outer portion (the portion with a thickness of about 1 - 10 µm) is formed as the surface portion 1b such as to be provided, for instance, with an average pore diameter of about 0.1 - 10 µm.

[0164] Accordingly,since the pore diameter of the surface portion 1b of the recording member 1 is smaller than that of the inner portion 1a , the ink permeating the surface portion 1b at the time of recording forms fine dots, and an ink image is formed by the fine dots. At the same time, it becomes difficult for the ink 11 impregnating the recording member 1 to be directly contacted by the recording sheet 3, so that the amount of fogging and the like becomes is reduced, thereby allowing clear images to be recorded on the recording sheet 3 .

[0165] To the contrary, since the pore diameter of the inner portion 1a of the recording member 1 is made larger than that of the surface portion 1 , it is possible to sufficiently impregnate the inner portion 1a with the ink 2 .

[0166] Furthermore, since the inner portion 1a and the surface portion 1b of the recording member 1 are arranged integrally, the mechanical strength of the recording member 1 can be increased in comparison with a case where it is constituted by different materials, so that the thickness of the surface portion 1b can be made thin. Accordingly, since the surface portion 1b can be made thin, it is possible to facilitate the passage through the surface portion 1b of the ink 2 which has melted or whose viscosity has been lowered, thereby allowing the heat transferability to be improved.

[0167] A yet another embodiment will now be described with reference to Figs. 37 and 38. Fig. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a recording member which is used in this embodiment, while Fig. 38 is a side-elevational view of the recording apparatus. It should be noted that those members that are similar to those of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0168] This embodiment is characterized in that the first porous layer impregnated with the ink is formed by a plurality of materials having different hardness.

[0169] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the unnecessary deformation of the first porous layer of the recording member caused by pressurization, and to obtain high-quality images. At the same time, it is possible to effect smooth supply of ink.

[0170] In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a recording member formed into a tubular shape, and this recording member is arranged by laminating a second porous layer 1b on the outer surface of a first porous layer 1a. Incidentally, the first porous layer 1 is constituted by a multiplicity of doughnut-shaped units (shown in Fig. 37) which are connected together. This one unit is composed of a soft sponge 52a based on ester, ether, silicone, or the like as well as a reinforcement member 52b composed of a hard plastic such as polyacetal resin, a foam including a hard sponge, a metal or the like. The soft sponge 52a is impregnated with the heat fusible ink over the entire surface thereof, and not only serves as a recording member but also serves to supply and retain the ink.

[0171] Description will now be made of operation in cases where the apparatus constructed as described above is used.

[0172] In effecting recording in according to the above-described recording method, when the heat generating section 4 presses the recording member 1, the soft sponge 52a tends to be deformed. However, the reinforcement member 52b serves as a support and prevents the first porous layer 1a from being subjected to unnecessary deformation, thereby preventing dropouts and the like in the image caused by the heat generating section 4. In addition, when a platen roller 6 presses the recording member 1 via the recording medium 3, the reinforcement member 52b serves as a support in the same way as the above-described case, and the formation of the first porous layer 1a is hence prevented, thereby prevent dropouts and the like in an image caused by the heat generating section 4.

(1) Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment, although the first porous layer 1a is provided with a doughnut-shaped unit structure, the reinforcement member may alternatively be provided with a honeycomb structure.

(2) In addition, although, in the above-described embodiment, the first porous layer 1a is provided with a doughnut-shaped unit structure, the first porous layer 1a may alternatively be arranged such that a belt-shaped material is wound around a shaft into a screw shape.

(3) Furthermore, although, in the above-described embodiment, the first porous layer 1a is provided with a doughnut-shaped unit structure, the reinforcement members may alternatively be arranged such that a multiplicity of needle- or bar-like members are erected on a shaft, and porous layers are formed among these reinforcement members.

[0173] As described above, according to this embodiment, by virtue of a simple arrangement in which a combination of a plurality of materials having different hardness is used for the first porous layer, it is possible to allow the first porous layer to be readily provided with adequate ink impregnation properties and strength. Consequently, it is possible to prevent unnecessary deformation against pressurization from the heat generating member and the platen roller, maintain linear motion, form ink images accurately on the recording member, and transfer the same onto the recording medium such as paper, thereby meking it possible to obtain high-quality images. Moreover, it is possible to preyent permanent strains occurring in the recording member when only a portion of the recording member is pressurized by the heat generating member and the platen roller during stopping. In addition, it is possible to increase the thickness of the first porous layer, so that the content of the heat fusible ink can be increased. Accordingly, it is possible to use the recording member over extended periods of time without frequently replenishing the ink. Furthermore, if the ink content is large, the supply of the ink to the pattern of the recording member can be effected favorably during recording, and the replenishment of the ink can be effected favorably for the ensuing recording. In addition, since the unit structure is adopted, the partial distribution of the ink can be eliminated, thereby allowing an uneven recording to be prevented.

[0174] A yet another embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 39 and 40.

[0175] This embodiment is characterized in that a heating means is further provided between a heat applying means for applying heat to the surface of the recording member in a pattern and a transfer means for transferring ink images onto the recording medium.

[0176] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent an ink image formed on the second porous layer from solidifying, and higher-quality images free of nonuniformity in recording can be obtained.

[0177] Fig. 39 is a schematic diagram of a recording apparatus in accordance with this embodiment, while Fig. 40 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus. Incidentally, those members that are similar to those shown in Fig. l are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0178] In the drawings, reference numeral 57 denotes a heating section and is constituted by a nichrome heater, an infrared heater, a high-frequency heater or the like. Reference numeral 58 denotes a heat-insulating member and is constituted by glass wool, asbestos, a foam, or the like. The heat-insulating member 58 is so arranged that the heat generating member 5 will not be subjected to thermal impact from the heating section 57.

[0179] Description will now be made of operation in cases where the apparatus having the above-described arrangement is used.

[0180] In effecting recording in accordance with the above-described recording method, the viscosity of the ink accommodated in the recording member l is lowered by applying heat in a pattern by means of the heat generating member 5 of the heat generating section 4, this ink is thereby caused to permeate the porous membrane layer lb, and an ink image is formed on the surface of the recording member. Moreover, in this embodiment, the heating section 57 heats the ink image while it is being transferred onto the recording medium 3, and hence maintains the ink image in the state of low viscosity. Consequently, the ink image can be transferred favorably onto the recording medium 3.

(l) Although, in the above-described embodiment, the ink image is heated to maintain the viscosity at a low level, the transfer of the ink image onto the recording medium can be effected more favorably, for example, by simultaneously heating the recording medium as well.

(2) In addition, although, in the foregoing embodiment, the heating section is provided with a U-shape so as to conform with the configuration of the recording member, the transfer of the ink image onto the recording medium can be effected more favorably if the heating section is formed, for instance, into a cylindrical roller shape or the like.

(3) Furthermore, although, in the foregoing embodiment, the ink image is heated to maintain the viscosity at a low level, if the ink image which has once solidified is caused to melt again, the heat-insulating section can be eliminated by disposing the heat generating section further upstream of the recording member.

[0181] As described above, according to this embodiment, since the heating section is provided between the heat generating section for applying heat to the recording member in a pattern and the means for transferring an ink image onto the recording medium downstream of the heat generating section, it is possible to maintain the ink image formed on the recording member in a state of low viscosity. Consequently, since the molten state can be maintained, the ink image can be transferred favorably onto the recording medium. In addition, since the impact of the atmospheric temperature upon the ink image is very small, there are virtually no difference in the image quality resulting from the difference in districts or seasons, so that stable, high-quality images can be obtained. Furthermore, if the recording medium is also heated simultaneously with the heating of the ink image formed on the recording member, the amount of water contained in the recording medium is reduced, so that it is possible to obtain stable, high-quality images with no difference in the image quality which may otherwise be caused by the humidity. Moreover, since the heat fusible ink impregnating in the first porous layer is maintained at a fixed temperature under the influence of the heating section, the permeation of the ink through the second porous membrane layer can be effected favorably during the application of heat by the heat generating member. In addition, since the state of low viscosity of the heat fusible ink can be maintained by the heating section, the transfer can be effected favorably without any need to restrict the location of the heat generating section within a certain distance from the transfer position, or to restrict the linear velocity of the recording member above a fixed velocity. In consequence, the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the apparatus increases, so that it is possible to make the apparatus compact in size.

[0182] A still further embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4l and 42.

[0183] This arrangement is further provided with a means for heating the recording member and a means for cooling the same.

[0184] In the drawings, reference numeral 67 denotes a means for heating and cooling the recording member, and is constituted by a heater 68 such as a nichrome heater, an infrared heater, or a high-frequency heater, a fan 70 for blowing the air heated by the heater 68 as hot air or for blowing unheated air as cool air, and a motor 69 for rotating the fan 70.

[0185] In addition, reference numeral 7l denotes a section for measuring the temperature of the recording member, and this temperature measuring section 7l is constituted by a temperature sensor 72 such as a thermocouple as well as a heat-insulating member 73 for preventing the temperature sensor 72 from being subjected to effect of the heating and cooling section.

[0186] In this embodiment, in a recording process, the temperature of the recording member l is low immediately after the start of recording, and it can be estimated that, depending on the ambient temperature, it may be difficult for the ink 2 impregnating in the first porous layer la to pass through the second porous layer lb. Therefore, the heater 68 in the heating and cooling section 67 is turned ON by a control signal from a controlling section (not shown), hot air is blown from the fan 70 to heat the recording member l so as the facilitate the passage of the ink 2 through the second porous layer lb. In the meantime, the temperature of the recording member l is constantly measured by the temperature sensor 72 in the temperature measuring section 7l, and heating is stopped when the temperature of the recording member l reaches a minimum temperature T₁ at which the ink 2 can still readily pass through the second porous layer lb. Subsequently, when the temperature of the recording member l becomes lower than T₁, heating is resumed, so that the temperature of the recording member l rises owing to the heat accumulated in the heat generating section 4. When the temperature of the recording member l subsequently reaches a temperature T₂ at which the state is unfavorable for recording since fogging and the like occurs, cool air is blown from the fan 70 with the heater 68 turned OFF to effect cooling, and the temperature of the recording member l is lowered to T₁. As described above, the temperature of the recording member l is maintained between T₁ and T₂, and stable, favorable recording is effected.

[0187] Incidentally, although, in the above-described embodiment, the arrangement is such that the section for heating the recording member and the section for cooling the same are combined, if they are installed independently, the efficiency is improved further since the heater will not be cooled during cooling. In addition, although, in the above-described embodiment, the arrangement is such that a heater using such as a nichrome wire and a fan are used for heating and cooling, it is also possible to effect heating and cooling efficiently by the use of a heat pipe, Peltier element, and the like. Moreover, if an arrangement is provided such that a heat-insulating member is disposed between the heating/cooling sections and the heat generating section, the thermal effect from the heating and cooling sections to the heat generating section can be reduced.

[0188] A further embodiment will now be described with reference to Figs. 43 and 44.

[0189] Fig. 43 is a schematic diagram of a recording apparatus in accordance with this embodiment, while Fig. 44 is an explanatory side elevational view of that recording apparatus.

[0190] In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a recording member, which is installed on two shafts 87a, 87b in the form of a belt. The arrangement of the recording member 1 is such that a first porous layer 1a constituted by a soft sponge or the like based on such as ester, ether, or silicone is provided on a base 1c composed of a rubber material such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, or a soft plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride or ethylene resin. Furthermore, a second porous membrane layer of a porous ethylene tetrafluoride resin or the like is laminated on the outer surface of this first porous layer 1a. The first porous layer 1a is impregnated with heat fusible ink 2 over the entire surface thereof, and not only serves as a recording member but also serves to supply and retain the ink. The base 1c is provided in such a manner that the ink 82 will not flow out from the first porous layer 1a. The shafts 87a, 87b are located inside the belt-shaped recording member 1 so as to move the recording member 1. Furthermore, at least one of the shafts 87a, 87b is pulled by springs or the like (not shown) to provide fixed tension to the recording member 1. Reference numeral 3 denotes a recording medium such as paper, which is held in contact with the recording member 1.

[0191] In addition, reference numeral 4 denotes a heat generating section disposed upstream of the recording member 3, which is arranged by juxtaposing in an array a multiplicity of heat generating elements 5 that are capable of selectively generating heat in response to image signals supplied from the outside. This heat generating section 4 is adapted to allow the ink 2 inside the recording member 1 with its viscosity lowered to permeate the porous layer 1b. Reference numeral 6 denotes a platen roller, which is held in pressure contact with the recording member 1 via the recording medium 3.

[0192] Description will now be made of operation in cases where the apparatus as constructed above is used.

[0193] If the embodiment of this invention is used, tension is applied to the first porous layer 1a by means of the shafts 87a, 87b, and its hard is thus increased. Accordingly, the first porous layer 1a is not liable to be subjected to pressurization from the outside. Even if the first porous layer 81a is pressurized from the outside, and the thickness of the first porous layer 1a becomes small as a result, the two shafts 87a, 87b apply tension to the first porous layer 1a, expanding the interval between the shafts 87a, 87b. Hence, the second porous layer 1b maintains a fixed tension, the second porous layer 1b is prevented from forming creases or the like.

[0194] Although, in the above-described embodiment, the base is provided inside the first porous layer of the belt-shaped recording member, it is possible to use the ink without replenishing it for extended periods of time if the ink is filled in the space inside the first porous layer after removing the base. In addition, although, in the above-described embodiment, the two shafts are provided inside the belt-shaped recording member, if the number of the shafts is increased to three or more, the position of the heat generating section and transfer can be set freely. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, if the tension between the two shafts in changed, the amount of the ink permeating the second porous layer is varied, so that, if an arrangement is provided such as to allow the tension to be controlled, it is possible to control the recording density. In addition, although the diameters of the two shafts shown in the drawings relating to the embodiment are different, it is also possible to use shafts of the same diameter.

[0195] By adopting the arrangement of this embodiment, the following advantages can be obtained.

(1) Tension is applied to the first porous layer by means of the shafts and its hardness increases as a result. Consequently, the first porous layer is not liable to be subjected to impact with respect to pressurization from the outside. Even if it is deformed by pressurization from the outside, since a fixed tension is applied thereto, the problem of the second porous layer forming creases or the like can be prevented, so that recording can be effected favorably.

(2) When the shafts apply a fixed tension to the recording member, they act such as to extrude the ink impregnating in the first porous layer to the outside of the first porous layer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the density from becoming lighter owing to shortage of the ink in the vicinity of the heat generating section, with the result that recording can be effected favorably.

(3) Since the volume of the first porous layer can be made larger, the amount of the ink that can be impregnated also increases. Hence, extended period of use is made possible without replacing the ink.

(4) Since the position of the heat generating section and transfer can be set freely to some extent, the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the apparatus can be enhanced.

[0196] As described above, this embodiment provides a recording apparatus which is capable of effecting a favorable recording of images.

[0197] Still another embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 45 to 47.

[0198] This embodiment is further provided with a cleaner.

[0199] In the recording apparatus shown in Fig. 45, if the ink image on the recording member l fails to be transferred fully onto the recording medium 3, it can be anticipated that the ink image will remain on the recording member l. That residual ink image is removed by a cleaner 97 which is in contact with the recording member l downstream of the position of transfer. Incidentally, the cleaner 97 is capable of simultaneously removing deposits on the recording member l.

[0200] Incidentally, although, in this embodiment, the cleaner, in terms of its configuration, has a roll shape, it is also possible to arrange the cleaner as a blade type as shown in Fig. 46 and a belt type as shown in Fig. 47. When this cleaner is used, the other arrangements and the recording method are the same as those of the embodiments described above.

[0201] In Fig. 46, reference numeral 98 denotes a blade-type cleaner composed of a various kind of plastics, rubber, metal, or the like. Since the edge portion of the cleaner 98 works at an acute angle, the residual ink and other deposits on the surface of the recording member l can be removed efficiently. Furthermore, in Fig. 47, reference numeral 99 denotes a cleaner of a belt type which is composed of a urethane foam, fillings, a various kind of fiber, or the like and is so arranged as to be suspended on shafts l00a, l00b. In this case, since the area of contact between the recording member l and the cleaner 99 becomes large, the residual ink and other deposits on the surface of the recording member l can be removed efficiently.

[0202] Incidentally, although, in the embodiment described above, the arrangement is such that the cleaner is disposed downstream of the position of transfer, if it is disposed upstream of the heat generating section, cleaning is effected immediately before aplying heat, so that it is possible to reduce the distance at which stains, etc. are adhered to the recording member. In addition, if the cleaner is so arranged as to be brought into contact with the recording member by means of pressurization, cleaning can be effected more effectively.

[0203] By using the arrangement of this embodiment, the following advantages are obtained.

(l) The ensuing recording can be effected favorably since the residual ink which remains on the recording member without the ink image formed on the surface of the recording member being fully transferred onto the recording medium as well as other deposits on the surface of the recording member.

(2) If paper or the like is used as the recording medium, there are cases where paper dust or the like becomes adhered to the recording member, but since they can be removed by using the cleaner, it is possible to effect recording favorably even if nappy paper or the like is used.

(3) Since the cleaner is in contact with the recording member, the cleaner not only effects cleaning but also serves as a heat sink, so that heat accumulation in the recording member can be prevented.

[0204] As described above, this embodiment provides a recording apparatus which is capable of effecting recording of images favorably.

[0205] Another embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 48.

[0206] This embodiment concerns a method of and an apparatus for recording characterized in that the arrangement is made by a recording member having a first porous layer impregnated with ink and a second porous layer constituted by a porous membrane wound around the first porous layer in multiple layers and forming ink layers between the respective layers of the porous membrane; and a means for applying heat to the surface of this recording member in a pattern.

[0207] According to this embodiment, since the second porous layer is arranged in multiple layers, it excels in terms of strength, so that this second porous layer can be arranged by a thin membrane. Consequently, the heat conductance can be improved, and the ink permeability and the filtering effect can be enhanced remarkably, thereby preventing the phenomenon of the fogging of the ink and allowing clearer printing to be effected. At the same time, since ink layers are interposed between the layers of the second porous layer, the reaction of the lowering of the ink viscosity can be accelerated, with the result favorable recording can be effected.

[0208] Fig. 48 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment. In the drawing, reference numeral 1 is a recording member formed into a tubular shape, which is arranged such that a porous membrane layer 1b is laminated on the outer surface of a porous base 1a formed of a various kind of alloy fiber such as stainless steel in mesh. This porous membrane layer 1b is arranged in such a manner that a porous membrane 110c of a porous ethylene tetrafluoride resin [e.g., "GORE-TEX" (brandname) manufactured by JAPAN GORE-TEX INC.] formed into a thickness of 20 microns and a maximum pore diameter of 3 microns is wound around the outer surface of the porous base 1a , as described above, in two layers. In winding the porous membrane it is wound along the rotational direction, and its outer end portion is adhered by making use of the adhesiveness of ink 2 , as shown in the drawing.

[0209] The ink 2 is a heat fusible ink impregnating the porous base 1a over the entire surface thereof, while reference numeral 1d denotes an ink layer interposed between the laminations 1d of the porous membrane layer 1b Numeral 4 denotes a heat generating section, which has heat generating elements 5 at the tip portion thereof. These heat generating elements 5 are arranged to be capable of abutting against the porous membrane layer 1b of the recording member 1 .

[0210] Next, description will be made of a method of recording using the apparatus of this embodiment.

[0211] First, signals from the outside are sent to the heat generating section, and the heat generating elements 5 arrayed in the heat generating section are selectively caused to generate heat. As the heat is transmitted to the porous membrane layer 1b and the porous base 1a on the recording member 1 against which the heat generating section 4 abuts, the viscosity of the ink impregnating in this portion is lowered. The ink in the ink layer 1d between the porous membranes of the porous membrane layer 1b passes through the outer membrane of the porous membrane and an ink image having a given configuration corresponding to the heat generating portion of the heat generating section 4 is fomed on the porous membrane layer 1b In the portion where the ink of the ink layer 1d has passed, the ink 2 impregnating in the porous base 1a passes the inner membrane of the porous membranes thereby replenishing the ink.

[0212] In addition, the porous membrane arranged to have properties that allow the ink 2 to permeate only when the viscosity of the ink 2 has been lowered by heat.

[0213] Subsequently, the ink image thus formed on the porous membrane layer is transferred onto a recording medium 3 which is pressed by the platen roller 6 at a position contacting and opposed to the recording member 1 , thereby forming an image on the recording medium 3.

[0214] Here, description will be made of the ink 2 accommodated in the recording member 1 Typically, a heat fusible ink may be used. Furthermore, the ink is preferably such as to be capable of maintaining a state in which it is constantly filled in the porous base, i.e., a semisolid ink or the like is preferable.

[0215] The heat fusible ink is arranged such that a colorant is dispersed or melted in a heat fusible binder, and the melt viscosity, adhesiveness, etc., are adjusted by adding elastomer or the like to the heat fusible binder. Although, in the above-described embodiment, the porous membrane layer 1b is formed of an ethylene tetrafluoride resin, a porous resin of such as other fluoride-based resin, silicon-based resin or a porous metallic membrane layer may also be used insofar as they meet the above-described conditions.

[0216] If a pressurizing means such as an external air compressor which is capable of applying pressure to the inside of the recording member 1 is provided in the foregoing embodiment, it is possible to facilitate the passage through the porous membrane layer 1b of the ink 2 which is accommodated in the recording member 1 and whose viscosity has been lowered by heat.

[0217] Furthermore, as for the recording medium, in addition to paper, it is possible to use one in which a high molecular film of Teflon, polypropylene, or the like is coated or laminated on its surface, such a sheet being generally used as a blackboard sheet.

[0218] In the foregoing embodiment, the arrangement is such that the porous membrane constituting the porous membrane layer 1b is wound around the surface of the porous base 1a in two layers. However, if it is wound in a greater number of layers, the filtering effect of the porous membrane increases, and fogging or the like can be reduced. Furthermore, since the thickness of the porous membrane can be made thin in terms of the strength, the heat from the heating section can be transmitted to the ink layer 1d efficiently.

[0219] As described above,
   Since the arrangement is made by combining a recording member, in which a second porous layer is provided on the outer side of a first porous layer impregnated with ink by winding in multiple layers a porous membrane with an ink layer interposed between the membranes therearound, and a means for applying heat to the surface of this recording member in a pattern, the strength of the second porous layer is increased. Consequently, this porous membrane can be made even thinner, the heat conductance to the ink layer formed between the membranes and the first porous layer can be improved, so that the passage of the ink through the porous membrane can be effected favorably. In addition, the filtering effect can be enhanced with respect to the tendency of the ink to be lowered by heat accumulation. As a result, the phenomenon of fogging and the like can be reduced, and very clear recording can be effected positively. Furthermore, since the end portion of the porous membrane of the second porous layer can be secured by means of the adhesiveness of the ink when it is wound around the recording member, so that fixing with an adhesive is not required. Hence, there is an additional advantage in that an area in which printing is impossible owing to the adhesion of the adhesive can be eliminated.

[0220] Referring now to Figs. 49 to 5l, another embodiment will be described.

[0221] Since this embodiment is provided with a means for replenishing the ink, it is possible to replenish the ink to the first porous layer. As a result, the thickness of the first porous layer can be made small, and, at the same time, it is possible to effect recording continuously for extended periods of time by using the same recording member. In addition, the deterioration of the image quality resulting from a shortage of ink can be prevented, so that stable, high-quality images can be obtained.

[0222] Fig. 49 is a schematic diagram of a recording apparatus in accordance with this embodiment, while Fig. 50 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus.

[0223] In the drawings, reference numeral 1 is a recording member formed into a tubular shape, and is arranged such that a porous membrane layer 1b is laminated on the outer surface of a porous base 1a formed of a various type of alloy fiber of such as stainless steel in mesh. The porous base 1a is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole, and is so arranged as to allow the ink to be reserved in its inside. This porous membrane layer 1b is arranged by forming a porous ethylene tetrafluoride (e.g., "Fluoropore" (brandname) manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.) with a thickness of 100 µ and an average pore diameter of 10 µ. Reference numeral 2 denotes a heat fusible ink, and is impregnated in the porous base 1a over the entire surface thereof. Reference numeral 3 denotes a recording medium such as paper, which is in contact with the recording member 1.

[0224] In addition, the arrangement is such that a rotational shaft 121c of the recording member 1 is formed into a hollow shape, and the ink 2 is poured into the end portion thereof in the direction of 'c' shown in Fig. 49, thereby allowing the ink 2 to be filled into the hollow portion of the porous base 1a.

[0225] The ink 2 filled in the inside of the recording member 1 via the rotational shaft 1c in the direction of the arrow 'c' shown in Fig. 49 flows in conjunction with the rotation of the recording member 1 in the direction of the arrow 'a', and is brought into contact with or adhere to the inner wall of the first porous layer 1a. At that juncture, the ink 2 enters the space between fibers in the direction of the arrow 'e' by virtue of the capillarity of fibers of the first porous layer 1a and impregnates the entire surface of the first porous layer 1a.

[0226] In the above-described embodiment, in the arrangement of the recording member 1 - the porous base 1a formed of alloy fibers in mesh is used and the porous membrane layer 1b is laminated on the outer surface thereof. However, as shown in Fig. 51, in arranging the recording member 1, an arrangement may also be provide such that, by using a pipe-shaped core material 1c formed in alloy mesh which allows the ink 2 to pass through the peripheral wall surface thereof, a sponge base 1a of silicone rubber impregnated with the ink 2 in the outer surface thereof is provided, and the porous membrane layer 1b similar to the one used in the above-described embodiment is laminated on the outer surface thereof. When using this recording member 1 the other arrangements and the recording method are entirely the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0227] Since the inside of this recording member 1 is constituted by the sponge base 1a , the recording member 1 per se is elastic, so that, since adhesion thereof to the recording member 3 is improved, it is possible to effect the transfer of ink images efficiently.

[0228] Furthermore, since the ink 2 is reserved in the pipe-shaped core member 1c in the core portion of the sponge base 1a , the ink 2 can be replenished gradually to the sponge base 1a
   Incidentally, if a pressurizing means such as a compressor is provided in replenishing the ink in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to facilitate the impregnation the first porous layer with the ink.

[0229] In addition, if a heating means such as a heater is provided in replenishing the ink in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to facilitate the lowering the viscosity of the ink and the impregnation of the first porous layer with the ink.

[0230] According to this embodiment, since a means for replenishing the ink to the recording member is provided, it is possible to replenish the ink to the recording member. Consequently, it is possible to employ the same recording member over extended periods of time, so that the running costs can be reduced. At the same time, since the replenishment of the ink becomes possible, the first porous layer or the sponge base can be made thin, with the result that the recording member can be compact and light in weight. Furthermore, since the ink replenishment can be readily effected, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of ink images resulting from an ink shortage or the like. Thus, stable, high-quality images can be obtained advantageously.

[0231] Furthermore, another embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 52 and 53.

[0232] This embodiment is provided with a means for pressing and cooling the surface of the recording member. According to this embodiment, since the arrangement is such that a pressing and cooling means is provided on the surface of the recording member consisting of a first porous layer impregnated with ink and a second porous membrane layer disposed of said layer, even if the amount of ink impregnating the first porous layer is reduced, the ink accommodated in the first porous layer is extruded to the surface side of the recording member. At the same time, the ink extruded to the surface side of the recording member is immediately cooled to increase the ink viscosity, thereby preventing the ink from returning to the inner side of the first porous layer. Since the ink can thus be reserved sufficiently on the surface side of the first porous layer, it is possible to prevent the reduction in the density of recorded images.

[0233] In the drawings, reference numeral 138 denotes a pressing and cooling roller, and, as shown in Fig. 52, the pressing and cooling roller is brought into pressure contact with a recording member 1 and is disposed upstream of the contacting position of a heat generating member 5 and downstream of the position of pressure contact with a recording medium 3. The pressing and cooling roller 138 rotates in the direction of the arrow illustrated in the drawings in conjunction with the rotation of the recording member 1
   Incidentally, this pressing and cooling roller 138 is composed of a highly heat-conductive material such as pipe-type metal. Its longitudinal length is the same as that of the recording member 1 In addition, reference numeral 132 denotes a core metal.

[0234] Description will then be made of a mechanism and the like in cases where recording is effected by using the apparatus of this embodiment.

[0235] First, external signals are sent to the heat generating section 4, and the heat generating elements 5 juxtaposed in array in this heat generating section 4 are thereby caused to generate heat. By transmitting the heat to the porous membrane layer 1b and the sponge base 1a of the recording member 1 with which the heat generating section 4 is in contact, the viscosity of the ink impregnating that portion is lowered. Meanwhile, the ink whose viscosity has been lowered permeates the porous membrane layer 1b, with the result that an ink image having a predetermined configuration corresponding to the heat-generated portion of the heat generating section 4 is formed on this porous membrane layer 1b .

[0236] Next, as shown in Fig. 52, the ink image thus formed on the porous membrane layer 1b moves in conjunction with the rotation of the recording member 1 in the direction of the arrow, and is then transferred onto the recording medium 3 which is pressed by the platen roller 6 downstream at a position of abutting and opposed to the recording member 1 , thereby forming an image on the recording medium 3.

[0237] Description will be made of the operation and effect of the pressing and cooling roller 138. The surface of the recording member 1 is pressure-contacted by the roller 138, and, at this time, the sponge base 1a impregnated with the ink is pressed and the heat at the surface releases heat to the side of the roller 138. Consequently, the following phenomenon takes place in the portion of the sponge base 1a thus pressed.

[0238] In other words, the ink in the lower layer of the sponge base 1a is extruded to the surface side and is cooled, so that the viscosity of the ink is increased. At the time when the sponge base 1a after passing along the roller 138 is restored to its original state, it becomes difficult for the ink whose viscosity has been lowered and which is placed in the vicinity of the surface to return to the lower layer of the sponge base 1a since its viscosity has been increased, so that most of it is reserved there.

[0239] Consequently, as the recording member passes along this roller 138, the ink accommodated in the sponge base 1a moves to the surface side.

[0240] As described earlier, in this embodiment, since the ink accommodated in the sponge base 1a is forced to move to the surface side of the sponge base 1a , even if the amount of the ink contained in the sponge base 1a is reduced to some extent, the adverse effect on the recording characteristics and the density of recorded images can be alleviated remarkably.

[0241] In addition, the porous membrane layer 1b is arranged to have properties which allow the ink to permeate therethrough only when the viscosity of the ink is lowered by heat.

[0242] Furthermore, although, in the above-described embodiment, the porous membrane layer 1b is composed of an ethylene tetrafluoride resin, it is also possible to use a porous resin such as other fluoride-based resin or silicon-based resin, a porous metallic membrane or the like.

[0243] As described above, if the porous membrane layer 1b used has small surface tension such as the ethylene tetrafluoride, since it excels in ink releasibility, the ink on the porous membrane layer 1b can be transferred smoothly onto the recording medium 3.

[0244] In addition, with respect to the pressing and cooling roller 138 in the above-described embodiment shown in Fig. 52, an arrangement in which a heat medium such as freon gas circulates in the hollow portion thereof, i.e., a heat pipe, may be adopted. If this arrangement is adopted, the cooling performance can be further enhanced, and the hindrance to the mechanism due to heat accumulation can be prevented.

[0245] Fig. 53 shows an embodiment which is different from the above-described one, and is arranged such that, in place of the roller 138 of the above-described embodiment, a radiating plate 139 with fins is fixed such as to press the recording member 1. In this embodiment as well, since the same mechanism as that of the above-described embodiment can be produced, there is an effect that the ink accommodated in the sponge base 1a can be moved to the surface side. In this embodiment, since a drive portion is not provided, there is an advantage in that the arrangement of a holding member, etc. for the radiating plate 139 can be made simpler than in the case of the above-described embodiment.

[0246] Another embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 60.

[0247] This embodiment has a conveying means for conveying the recording medium after heating so that it is in planar contact with the surface of a recording member, to effect transfer recording.

[0248] If heat corresponding to image signals is applied to the recording member, the ink in the porous layer is melted or its viscosity is lowered, whereby the ink is transferred onto the recording medium. Furthermore, by conveying the recording medium as it is held in planar contact with the surface of the recording member after the recording member has been heated, the ink which has been melted or whose viscosity has been lowered is transferred onto the recording medium and is then cooled. Accordingly, clear images are transferred onto the recording medium.

[0249] The arrangement of this conveying means is as follows. As shown in Fig. 60, a pair of feed rollers 155a and a pair of discharge rollers 155b provided in the vicinity of an inlet port 154a and a discharge port both disposed at an outer casing of the apparatus for insertion and discharge of the recording medium are respectively rotated in the direction of the arrows by means of a driving means (not shown). In addition, a guide plate 155c is provided along the peripheral surface of the recording member 1 . Also, guide plates are provided between the pairs of rollers 155a, 155b, respectively. Accordingly, the recording medium 3 being conveyed by the pair of feed rollers 155a and the pair of discharge rollers 155b is conveyed along the peripheral surface of the recording member 1 while being guided by the guide plates 155c, 155d.

[0250] The recording head 4 has a length substantially identical with that of the recording member 1 , and a multiplicity of arrays of heat generating elements which generate heat in response to image signals are disposed in the longitudinal direction thereof. The recording head 4 is arranged as a so-called line-type recording head.

[0251] Furthermore, a metallic heat sink roller 157 having good heat conductivity is brought into pressure contact with the surface of the recording member 1 via the recording medium 3 downstream of the recording head 4 in the advancing direction of the recording medium 3. This heat sink roller 157 has the functions of absorbing the heat of the surface of the recording member heated by the recording head 4 and of preventing the deformation of the recording member 1 , thereby smoothing the surface thereof.

[0252] Incidentally, reference numeral 158 denotes a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium, and this sensor is constituted by a photo-coupler or the like disposed in the vicinity of the inlet port 154a for insertion of the recording medium 3. Meanwhile, numeral 159 denotes a control section for controlling the drive of the apparatus.

[0253] Description will now be made of a method of recording using the recording apparatus as constructed above.

[0254] First, if the recording medium 153 is inserted into the inlet port 154a, the detection sensor 158 detects the same, and upon receipt of the detection signal the pair of feed rollers 155a and the pair of discharge rollers 155b are driven. Consequently, the recording medium 153 is conveyed towards the recording member 1 and rotated in the direction of the arrow 'a'. At the same time, the heat generating elements 5 of the recording head 4 generate heat in response to image signals. The heat generated by the heat generating elements 5 is applied directly to the surface of the recording member 1 by bringing the recording head 4 into direct contact with the recording member 1. This heat is transmitted to the membrane layer 1b and the base layer 1a of the recording member 1 and melts the ink 2 impregnating the base layer 1a or lowers its viscosity. Subsequently, the ink 2 which has melted or whose viscosity has been lowered permeates the fine pores of the membrane 1b so as to be transferred onto the recording medium 3 with which it comes into contact as it is rotat away from the recording member 4.

[0255] Furthermore, the recording medium 3 which has passed the position of the recording head 4 is conveyed in a state in which it is in surface contact with the peripheral surface of the recording member 1 while being guided by the guide plate 155c. Accordingly, the recording medium 3 on which the ink remains adhered by heating by the recording head 4 is conveyed for a fixed duration of time as it is adhered on the surface of the recording member 1 . Consequently, the ink which has melted or whose viscosity has been lowered is positively transferred onto the recording medium 3, and is, at the same time, cooled to become solidified or undergoes an increase in viscosity. For this reason, ink in the pattern of the image is positively transferred onto the recording medium 3, and a clear image is obtained.

[0256] Furthermore, when the surface of the recording member 1 heated by the recording head 4 rotates and is brought into contact with the heat sink roller 157 via the recording medium 3, the heat is absorbed by the roller 157. Consequently, the heat accumulation on the surface of the recording member 1 ceases, so that the occurrence of fogging or ghost in the non-image portion resulting from heat accumulation can be prevented. In addition, since this heat sink roller 157 rotates in pressure contact with the recording member 1, even if unnecessary deformation occurs in the base layer 1a of the recording member 1, the heat sink roller 157 rotates while correcting the same.

[0257] By effecting recording as described above, it is possible to effect transfer recording of images clearly onto the recording medium 3 without using any ink film.

[0258] In an alternative arrangement a plurality of pressure rollers can be disposed along the peripheral surface of the recording member 1b, and guide plates can be provided between the adjacent pressure rollers , in such a manner that the recording medium 3 being conveyed by the rollers is pressed against the surface of the recording member 1. This arrangement makes it possible to apply contacting pressure to the recording medium 3 being conveyed in contact with the surface of the recording member 1, and the ink heat-transferred by the recording head 4 can be positively transferred onto the recording medium 153.

[0259] Incidentally, in the above-described alternative arrangement, if the pressure rollers are composed of a material having good radiating properties, such as a metal, the surface of the recording member 1 is free of heat accumulation without need for providing the heat sink roller 157 shown in Fig. 60, and the occurrence of fogging and ghost can be prevented.

[0260] A pressing belt can be brought into contact with the surface of the recording member 1 and around the pressure rollers. If these members are made to rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the recording member 1 , the recording medium 3 which has been heated by the recording head 4 and onto which the ink has been transferred can be adhered to the surface of the recording member 1 with uniform contacting pressure and can be conveyed in that state. Therefore, it again becomes possible to positively transfer the ink 2 onto the recording member 3.

[0261] In this case if the pressing belt is composed of a material having good heat conductivity, such as stainless, since this belt is in contact with the recording member 141 over a wide area, heat radiation from the recording member 141 is increased. As a result, even if the recording speed is increased, fogging and ghost can still be prevented effectively.

[0262] The guide plate 15c, the pressure rollers and the pressing belt 161 can each be made movable so as to allow a change in the area of contact between these members and the recording member 1.

[0263] If a means for applying pressure to the inside of the recording member 141, such as an air compressor, is provided , it becomes possible to facilitate passage through the porous layer of the ink 2 which is accommodated in the recording member 1 and whose viscosity has been lowered by heat.

[0264] Although the recording member 1 is arranged such that the membrane layer 1b is laminated on the base layer 1a composed of a sponge of silicone rubber, an arrangement may be provided such that the recording member 1 is constituted by a single layer using, for instance, a porous ethylene fluoride resin formed into a roll shape without providing the membrane layer 1b. Conversely, the recording member 1 may be provided with a multi-layer structure having three or more layers.

[0265] In addition, although, as above-described the base layer 1a of the recording member 1 is composed of a sponge of silicone rubber, the base layer 1a may be composed of metallic mesh, porous rubber, or the like insofar as it is capable of being impregnated with the ink 2.

[0266] Similarly, although, as above described the membrane layer 1b of the recording member 1 is composed of an ethylene tetrafluoride resin, the membrane layer 1b may be composed of a porous resin such as other fluoride-based resin, or silicon-based resin, a fabric such as aramid fiber or fluoride fiber, or a porous metallic membrane, or other similar material.

Claims

1. Apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium (3), comprising a recording member (1) having interstices containing ink which flows to the surface of the recording member in response to heat, image forming means (5) that is arranged to heat the surface of the recording member (1) in a pattern or in response to an image signal so as to form an ink image on the surface of the recording member (1) and means (6) for transferring the ink image onto the recording medium (3), characterised in that the image forming means (5) is in direct contact with the recording member (1) to form the ink image.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming means (5) is spaced apart from the image transfer means (6).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein further heating means (57, Fig.40) is disposed between the image forming means (1) and the transfer means (6) for maintaining the ink image in a flowable state until it is transferred to the recording medium (3).

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming means (14, Fig.8) and the image transfer means (6) substantially coincide.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming means is formed with ink passages (5f, Fig. 12) through which the image passes from the recording member (1) to the recording medium (3).

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the image forming means is in the form of a thin plate (4) that fits between the recording member (1) and the image transfer means (6).

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the recording member (1) is deformable and is deformed by the image forming means (4) to allow the image forming means (4) to fit between the recording member (1) and the image transfer means (6).

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said image transfer means includes a platen roller (6, Fig. 1) or plate (6, Fig. 17).

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said image transfer means includes an independently driven platen roller (6, 33, Fig. 16) of higher mechanical strength than the recording member (1).

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recording member (1) and the platen roller (6) are driven at the same peripheral speed.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the recording member (1) has an inner layer (1a) impregnated with the ink (2) and having interstices in which the ink (2) is retained and a porous surface layer (1b) through which ink flows from the inner layer (1a) in response to heat from the image forming means (5).

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the inner layer (1a) is of a mesh or sponge.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the inner layer (1a) is of alloy, stainless steel or plastics mesh or a silicone rubber sponge.

14. Apparatus according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the surface layer (1b) is of porous fluorocarbon resin.

15. Apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the pore size of the surface layer (1b) is the same as or less than the size of the pores or interstices in the inner layer (1a).

16. Apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the pore size of the surface layer (1b) is greater than the size of the pores or interstices in the inner layer (1a).

17. Apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the size of the pores or interstices of the inner layer (1a) decreases progressively towards the surface layer (1b).

18. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the inner layer (1a) comprises a plurality of layers (fig.36) whose pore size decreases towards the surface layer (1b).

19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the recording member (1) comprises a plurality of layers (1a, 1b) of different hardness.

20. Apparatus (fig.48) according to any of claims 11 to 19, wherein the recording member (1) has a first porous layer (1a) and a second porous layer (1b) wound a plurality of times around the first porous layer (1a).

21. Apparatus (fig.36) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the recording member (1) has a single layer (1a to 1e) of porous material and the size of the pores at its surface (1b) is the same as or less than the size of the pores in its interior (1a).

22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the recording member (1) has the shape of a drum (fig 1.)

23. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 21, wherein the recording member (1) has the shape of a belt (fig. 44).

24. Apparatus (fig.42) according to any preceding claim, further comprising means (68) for heating the recording member (1) and means (70) for cooling it.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising means (71) for measuring the temperature of the recording member (1) and control means responsive to the state of the temperature measuring means (71) for controlling the heating and cooling means (67, 68, 70) for the recording member (1).

26. Apparatus (figs. 20-24) as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising dispersing means (36) for dispersing within the recording member (1) ink (2) present in the recording member (1).

27. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the dispersing means (36) is means for applying heat to the surface of the recording member (1).

28. Apparatus (figs. 25-30) according to any of claims 1 to 25, further comprising ink replenishing means (40) for replenishing the ink (2) in the recording member (1).

29. Apparatus (fig. 30) according to claim 28, further comprising cooling means (41) for cooling the recording member (1) downstream of the ink replenishing means (40) in a rotational direction of the recording member (1).

30. Apparatus (figs. 45-47)) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cleaner (97; 98; 99) for removing residual ink (2) or deposits adhered to the surface (1b) of the recording member (1) .

31. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the recording member (1) contains a semi-solid ink (2).

32. A method of recording an image on a recording medium, comprising the steps of:

providing a recording member (1) having interstices containing ink (2) which flows to the surface (1b) of the recording member (1) in response to heat, heating the surface (1b) of the recording member (1) in a pattern so as to form an ink image on the surface of the recording member (1); and

transferring the ink image from the surface (1b) of the recording member (1) onto the recording medium (3); characterised in that heat is applied directly to the recording member (1) to form the ink image to be applied to the recording medium (3).

Revendications

1. Appareil pour enregistrer une image sur un support d'enregistrement (3), comportant un élément d'enregistrement (1) ayant des interstices contenant de l'encre qui coule vers la surface du support d'enregistrement en réponse à de la chaleur, des moyens (5) de formation d'image qui sont agencés de façon à chauffer la surface de l'élément d'enregistrement (1) suivant une configuration ou en réponse à un signal d'image afin de former une image à l'encre sur la surface de l'élément d'enregistrement (1), et des moyens (6) destinés à reporter l'image à l'encre sur le support d'enregistrement (3), caractérisé en ce que les moyens (5) de formation d'image sont en contact direct avec l'élément d'enregistrement (1) pour former l'image à l'encre.

2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les moyens (5) de formation d'image sont espacés des moyens (6) de report d'image.

3. Appareil selon la revendication 2, dans lequel d'autres moyens chauffants (57, figure 40) sont disposés entre les moyens (1) de formation d'image et les moyens (6) de report pour maintenir l'image à l'encre dans un état pouvant couler jusqu'à ce qu'elle soit reportée sur le support (3) d'enregistrement.

4. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les moyens de formation d'image (14, figure 8) et les moyens (6) de report d'image coïncident sensiblement.

5. Appareil selon la revendication 4, dans lequel les moyens de formation d'image sont réalisés de façon à présenter des passages (5f, figure 12) d'encre par lesquels l'image passe de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement sur le support (3) d'enregistrement.

6. Appareil selon la revendication 4 ou 5, dans lequel les moyens de formation d'image se présentent sous la forme d'une mince plaque (4) qui s'ajuste entre l'élément (1) d'enregistrement et les moyens (6) de report d'image.

7. Appareil selon la revendication 6, dans lequel l'élément (1) d'enregistrement est déformable et est déformé par les moyens (4) de formation d'image pour permettre aux moyens (4) de formation d'image de s'ajuster entre l'élément (1) d'enregistrement et les moyens (6) de report d'image.

8. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits moyens de report d'image comprennent un cylindre (6, figure 1) ou une plaque (6, figure 17).

9. Appareil selon la revendication 8, dans lequel lesdits moyens de report d'image comprennent un cylindre (6, 33, figure 16) commandé de façon indépendante, de résistance mécanique supérieure à celle de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement.

10. Appareil selon la revendication 9, dans lequel l'élément d'enregistrement (1) et le cylindre (6) sont commandés à la même vitesse périphérique.

11. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément d'enregistrement (1) comporte une couche intérieure (1a) imprégnée de l'encre (2) et ayant des interstices dans lesquels l'encre (2) est retenue, et une couche de surface poreuse (1b) à travers laquelle l'encre coule à partir de la couche intérieure (1a) en réponse à de la chaleur provenant des moyens (5) de formation d'image.

12. Appareil selon la revendication 11, dans lequel la couche intérieure (1a) est constituée d'une toile ou d'une éponge.

13. Appareil selon la revendication 12, dans lequel la couche intérieure (1a) est une toile d'alliage, d'acier inoxydable ou de matière plastique ou une éponge de caoutchouc siliconé.

14. Appareil selon la revendication 11, 12 ou 13, dans lequel la couche de surface (1b) est en résine fluorocarbonée poreuse.

15. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 14, dans lequel la dimension des pores de la couche de surface (1b) est égale ou inférieure à la dimension des pores ou des interstices de la couche intérieure (1a).

16. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 14, dans lequel la dimension des pores de la couche de surface (1b) est supérieure à la dimension des pores ou des interstices de la couche intérieure (1a).

17. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 16, dans lequel la dimension des pores ou des interstices de la couche intérieure (1a) diminue progressivement vers la couche de surface (1b).

18. Appareil selon la revendication 16, dans lequel la couche intérieure (1a) comporte plusieurs couches (figure 36) dont la dimension des pores décroît vers la couche de surface (1b).

19. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément d'enregistrement (1) comporte plusieurs couches (1a, 1b) de différentes duretés.

20. Appareil (figure 48) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 19, dans lequel l'élément d'enregistrement (1) comporte une première couche poreuse (1a) et une seconde couche poreuse (1b) enroulée plusieurs fois autour de la première couche poreuse (1a).

21. Appareil (figure 36) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, dans lequel l'élément d'enregistrement (1) comporte une seule couche (1a à 1e) de matière poreuse et la dimension des pores à sa surface (1b) est égale ou inférieure à la dimension des pores à l'intérieur (1a) de cette couche.

22. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément d'enregistrement (1) présente la forme d'un tambour (figure 1).

23. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 21, dans lequel l'élément d'enregistrement (1) présente la forme d'une bande (figure 44).

24. Appareil (figure 42) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant en outre des moyens (68) destinés à chauffer l'élément (1) d'enregistrement et des moyens (70) destinés à le refroidir.

25. Appareil selon la revendication 24, comportant en outre des moyens (71) destinés à mesurer la température de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement et des moyens de commande qui, en réponse à l'état des moyens (71) de mesure de température, sont destinés à commander les moyens (67, 68, 70) de chauffage et de refroidissement de l'élément d'enregistrement (1).

26. Appareil (figures 20-24) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant en outre des moyens de dispersion (36) destinés à disperser à l'intérieur de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement l'encre (2) présente dans l'élément (1) d'enregistrement.

27. Appareil selon la revendication 26, dans lequel les moyens (36) de dispersion sont des moyens destinés à appliquer de la chaleur à la surface de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement.

28. Appareil (figures 25-30) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 25, comportant en outre des moyens (40) de réapprovisionnement en encre destinés à réapprovisionner en encre (2) l'élément (1) d'enregistrement.

29. Appareil (figure 30) selon la revendication 28, comportant en outre des moyens (41) de refroidissement destinés à refroidir l'élément (1) d'enregistrement en aval des moyens (40) de réapprovisionnement en encre dans le sens de rotation de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement.

30. Appareil (figures 45-47) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant en outre un dispositif nettoyeur (97 ; 98 ; 99) destiné à enlever de l'encre résiduelle (2) ou des dépôts collés à la surface (1b) de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement.

31. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément (1) d'enregistrement contient une encre semi-solide (2).

32. Procédé d'enregistrement d'une image sur un support d'enregistrement, comprenant les étapes qui consistent :
   à utiliser un élément (1) d'enregistrement ayant des interstices contenant de l'encre (2) qui coule vers la surface (1b) de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement en réponse à la chaleur, à chauffer la surface (1b) de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement en une configuration telle qu'une image à l'encre soit formée sur la surface de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement ; et
   à reporter l'image à l'encre de la surface (1b) de l'élément (1) d'enregistrement sur le support (3) d'enregistrement ;
   caractérisé en ce que la chaleur est appliquée directement à l'élément (1) d'enregistrement pour former l'image à l'encre devant être appliquée au support (3) d'enregistrement.

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung zur Aufzeichnung eines Bildes auf ein Aufzeichnungsmedium (3), die folgendes umfaßt:

   ein Aufzeichnungselement (1) mit Hohlräumen, die Tinte enthalten, die unter Einfluß von Hitze zur Oberfläche des Aufzeichnungselementes fließt, Hilfsmittel zur Bildbildung (5), das angeordnet ist, um die Oberfläche des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) in einem Muster oder unter Einfluß eines Bildsignals zu erhitzen, um ein Tintenbild auf der Oberfläche des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) zu bilden und Hilfsmittel (6) zur Übertragung des Tintenbildes auf das Aufzeichnungsmedium (3), dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Hilfsmittel zur Bildbildung (5) in direktem Kontakt mit dem Aufzeichnungselement (1) zur Bildung des Tintenbildes steht.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Hilfsmittel zur Bildbildung (5) von dem Hilfsmittel zur Bildübertragung (6) räumlich getrennt ist.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein weiteres Aufheizungsmittel (57, Fig. 40) zwischen dem Hilfsmittel zur Bildbildung (1) und dem Übertragungsmittel (6) angeordnet ist, um das Tintenbild in einem fließfähigen Zustand zu halten, bis es auf das Aufzeichnungsmedium (3) übertragen wird.

4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Hilfsmittel zur Bildbildung (14, Fig. 8) und das Bildübertragungsmittel (6) im wesentlichen zusammentreffen.

5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Hilfsmittel zur Bildbildung mit Tintendurchlässen (5f, Fig. 12) ausgestattet ist, durch die das Bild vom Aufzeichnungselement (1) auf das Aufzeichnungsmedium (3) übertritt.

6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Hilfsmittel zur Bildbildung in der Form einer dünnen Platte (4), die zwischen das Aufzeichnungselement (1) und das Bildübertragungsmittel (6) paßt, vorliegt.

7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Aufzeichnungselement (1) verformbar ist und durch das Hilfsmittel zur Bildbildung (4) verformt wird, um das Hilfsmittel zur Bildbildung (4) zwischen das Aufzeichnungselement (1) und das Bildübertragungsmittel (6) einpassen zu lassen.

8. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Bildübertragungsmittel eine Andruckwalze (6, Fig. 1) oder Platte (6, Fig. 17) umfaßt.

9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Bildübertragungsmittel eine unabhängig angetriebene Andruckwalze (6, 33, Fig. 16) mit höherer mechanischer Festigkeit als das Aufzeichnungselement (1) beinhaltet.

10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Aufzeichnungselement (1) und die Andruckwalze (6) mit der gleichen Abrollgeschwindigkeit angetrieben sind.

11. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Aufzeichnungselement (1) folgendes besitzt: eine innere Schicht (1a), die mit der Tinte (2) getränkt ist, und Hohlräume besitzt, in denen die Tinte (2) zurückgehalten wird und eine poröse Oberflächenschicht (1b), durch die die Tinte von der inneren Schicht (1a) unter Einfluß von Hitze aus dem Hilfsmittel zur Bildbildung (5) fließt.

12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die innere Schicht (1a) aus einem Sieb oder Schwamm besteht.

13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die innere Schicht (1a) aus einem Sieb aus einer Legierung, rostfreiem Stahl oder Kunststoff oder einem Silikongummischwamm ist.

14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 11, 12 oder 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Oberflächenschicht (1b) aus einem porösen Fluorkohlenstoffharz ist.

15. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Porengröße der Oberflächenschicht (1b) gleich oder kleiner der Größe der Poren oder Hohlräume in der inneren Schicht (1a) ist.

16. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Porengröße der Oberflächenschicht (1b) größer als die Größe der Poren oder Hohlräume in der inneren Schicht (1a) ist.

17. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Größe der Poren oder Hohlräume der inneren Schicht (1a) sich fortschreitend in Richtung der Oberflächenschicht (1b) verringert.

18. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die innere Schicht (1a) eine Vielzahl von Schichten (Fig. 36) umfaßt, deren Porengröße in Richtung auf die Oberflächenschicht (1b) abnimmt.

19. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Aufzeichnungselement (1) eine Vielzahl von Schichten (1a, 1b) von unterschiedlicher Härte umfaßt.

20. Vorrichtung (Fig. 48) nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Aufzeichnungselement (1) eine erste poröse Schicht (1a) und eine zweite poröse Schicht (1b), die mehrmals um die erste poröse Schicht (1a) herumgewickelt ist, hat.

21. Vorrichtung (Fig. 36) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Aufzeichnungselement (1) eine einzelne Schicht (1a bis 1e) aus porösem Material hat und wobei die Porengröße auf ihrer Oberfläche (1b) gleich oder kleiner der Porengröße in ihrem Innerem (1a) ist.

22. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Aufzeichnungselement (1) die Form einer Trommel (Fig. 1) hat.

23. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 21, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Aufzeichnungselement (1) die Form eines Bandes (Fig. 44) hat.

24. Vorrichtung (Fig. 42) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie ferner ein Mittel (68) zum Aufheizen des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) und ein Mittel (70) zu dessen Kühlung umfaßt.

25. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 24, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie ferner ein Mittel (71) zum Messen der Temperatur des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) und ein Regelungshilfsmittel umfaßt, das auf den Zustand des Temperaturmeßmittels (71) anspricht, um die Hilfsmittel (67, 68, 70) zum Aufheizen und Kühlen des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) zu regeln.

26. Vorrichtung (Fig. 20 bis 24) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie ferner ein Dispersionsmittel (36) zum Dispergieren von in dem Aufzeichnungselement (1) vorhandener Tinte (2) innerhalb des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) besitzt.

27. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 26, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Dispersionsmittel (36) ein Hilfsmittel zum Einwirken von Hitze auf die Oberfläche des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) ist.

28. Vorrichtung (Fig. 25 bis 30) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 25, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie ferner ein Tintenauffüllmittel (40) zum Auffüllen der Tinte (2) in dem Aufzeichnungselement (1) umfaßt.

29. Vorrichtung (Fig. 30) nach Anspruch 28, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie ferner ein Kühlmittel (41) zum Kühlen des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) stromabwärts des Tintenauffüllmittels (40) in Richtung des Umlaufs des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) umfaßt.

30. Vorrichtung (Fig. 45 bis 47) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie ferner einen Reiniger (97, 98, 99) zum Entfernen von verbliebener Tinte (2) oder an der Oberfläche (1b) des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) anhaftenden Ablagerungen umfaßt.

31. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Aufzeichnungselement (1) Tinte (2) in halbfestem Zustand enthält.

32. Verfahren zur Bildaufnahme auf einem Aufzeichnungsmedium, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es folgende Schritte umfaßt:

   Bereitstellung eines Aufzeichnungselementes (1) mit Hohlräumen, die Tinte (2) enthalten, die zur Oberfläche (1b) des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) unter Einfluß von Hitze fließt, Aufheizen der Oberfläche (1b) des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) in einem Muster zur Bildung eines Tintenbildes auf der Oberfläche des Aufzeichnungselementes (1), und

   Übertragung des Tintenbildes von der Oberfläche (1b) des Aufzeichnungselementes (1) auf das Aufzeichnungsmedium (3), dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Hitze direkt auf das Aufzeichnungselement (1) zur Bildung des auf dem Aufzeichnungsmedium (3) aufzutragenden Tintenbildung ausgeübt wird.

Drawing