JP2000296596A - Image recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording apparatus capable of forming a printing plate directly on the basis of image data and capable of also processing other recording material. SOLUTION: An image recording apparatus for directly applying recording to a recording material on the basis of image data to form a printing plate is equipped with a first recording material feed part 20 for feeding a thermal recording material comprising an image recording medium utilizing color forming (or erasing) reaction due to an acid catalyst, a second recording material feed part 25 for feeding a recording material, one recording part for recording a latent image on the recording materials fed from both recording material feed parts and a developing part 60 arranged on the downstream side of the recording position of the recording part to heat the thermal recording material fed from the first recording material feed part 20 to predetermined temp. to develop the same.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for recording an image on an image recording material used as a lithographic printing plate. The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for an image recording material that can be used for a plate (CTP) or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, CTP type devices (for example,
Plate-setter)
Apply a heat-sensitive resin layer on an aluminum substrate and
There is a heat-sensitive material (collectively referred to as a thermal plate) that forms an image on a resin layer by heat conversion by heating by irradiating infrared laser light. For example, product name: Brillia L
H-NI (Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.), trade name: Direct Image Thermal Printing Plate (Kodak Co., Ltd.), trade name: DiamondPlateLT-1
(Mitsubishi Chemical). By using such an image recording material, a printing plate can be directly created from image data without recording the image data on a film. In addition to the above, recording materials generally used for graphic arts include image formation using a silver salt (a method called Wet by wet processing, a dry method called dry silver), and a preform. There is a method corresponding to each method (ablation method, peeling transfer method, etc.) utilizing desorption of dye. Each of these recording materials requires a unique recording and development form,
In particular, regarding the recording mode, there are differences between the photon mode and the heat mode of the light beam, and further, the sensitivity differs greatly with respect to the wavelength and intensity of the recording light.

[0003]

Here, for example, with respect to the above-mentioned CTP type apparatus, some types of printed matter require a proofreading work before a final printing plate is prepared. A CMYK plate making film is exposed in close contact with a photosensitive film coated with each colorant, developed, peeled and transferred to a printing paper to obtain a color image, and calibration is performed. Therefore, in addition to an apparatus for directly producing a printing plate from image data, an apparatus for producing such a film for proof work is also required separately. This is an example, but when recording an image on any of the above recording materials, different devices are required for each, and if one type of recording material is used, it is necessary to increase one type of device as it is Occurs,
There is a problem that space, cost, labor and the like increase.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to directly produce a printing plate based on image data.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of processing other recording materials.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus for producing a plate by directly recording on a plate recording material based on image data. A first recording material supply unit for supplying a thermosensitive recording material composed of an image recording medium utilizing a color development (or decoloring) reaction by an acid catalyst; a second recording material supply unit for supplying the recording material; One recording unit that records a latent image on a recording material supplied from a material supply unit, and a recording unit that is disposed downstream of a recording position of the recording unit,
And a developing section for heating the heat-sensitive recording material supplied from the second recording material supply section to a predetermined temperature and developing the same. (B) In the apparatus of (a), the recording unit may be a thermal head recording unit that performs image-wise recording on each recording material. (C) In the apparatus (a), the recording unit may be a laser recording unit that performs imagewise exposure on the printing plate recording material and the thermal recording material. (D) The apparatus of (c) above may be provided with a heating unit that is a heating laser beam that scans immediately before a scanning position of the laser recording unit on the thermosensitive recording material. (E) In the above devices (a), (b) and (c),
A configuration may be adopted in which a heating unit is provided at a recording position or upstream of the recording position of the recording unit and heats the thermosensitive recording material supplied from the first recording material supply unit to a predetermined temperature. (F) In the apparatus described in (e) above, the heating unit contacts and heats only the heat-sensitive recording material, and the heating unit uses a swingable heating roller that is non-contact when the printing plate recording material is supplied. A certain configuration can be adopted. (G) In the apparatus described in (e) above, the heating section may have a flat heating surface at a recording position of the recording section or at a position upstream of the recording position opposite to the back side of the recording surface of the thermosensitive recording material. Can be. (H) In the apparatus described in (a) to (g) above, the predetermined heating temperature of the heating unit may be set according to the capability of the recording unit.

[0006] As a recording medium of an image recording material utilizing a coloring (or decoloring) reaction by an acid catalyst used in the image recording apparatus of the present invention, those defined by the following can be used. This image recording medium has an acid generator represented by the following general formula (1), which generates an acid by the action of heat or an acid, and causes an intramolecular or intermolecular reaction by the action of an acid.
A compound that changes the absorption range of 0 to 900 nm. Formula ⁽¹⁾ W 1 OP 1 (wherein, W ¹ represents a residue of an acid represented by W ¹ OH, P ¹
Represents a substituent which is released by the action of heat or an acid. Then, the acid generator represented by the general formula (1) can be a compound selected from the following general formulas (2) to (4). General formula (2)

[0007]

Embedded image

(Wherein, R ¹ represents an electron-withdrawing group having a Hammett σp value of greater than 0. R ² represents an alkyl group.)
R ³ represents a group capable of leaving by the action of heat or an acid. W ¹
Has the same meaning as in formula (1). ) General formula (3)

[0009]

Embedded image

[0010] (. Represents ^{wherein, R 4, R 5, R} 6 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group,, W ¹ is as in formula (1) defined above) the formula (4) P ² - X-LC (R ⁷ ) (R ⁸ ) -OW ¹ (wherein P ² represents a substituent capable of leaving by the action of heat or an acid. X represents O, S, NR ⁹ (R ⁹ represents a hydrogen atom or Represents a substitutable group), or CR ¹⁰ R ¹¹ (R ¹⁰ and R ¹¹ represent a hydrogen atom or a substitutable group, and may be the same or different.) L represents a linking group R ⁷ and R ⁸ represent a hydrogen atom or a substitutable group, and may be the same or different. W ¹ has the same meaning as in formula (1).

The image recording medium has a partial structure having a function of generating an acid by the action of heat or an acid,
A polymer having a partial structure that causes a change in the absorption range of 360 to 900 nm by the action of an acid may be contained. The polymer described may be a polymer represented by the following general formula (5). General formula (5)-(A) _x- (B) _y- (C) _z- (wherein A is obtained by polymerization of at least one or more vinyl monomers having a function of generating an acid by the action of heat or an acid. Represents a repeating unit obtained, B represents a repeating unit obtained by polymerizing at least one or more vinyl monomers having a partial structure that causes a change in an absorption band of 360 to 900 nm by the action of an acid, and C represents A and B Represents a repeating unit obtained by polymerization of at least one or more copolymerizable vinyl monomers, x,
y and z represent% by weight, and 1 ≦ x ≦ 99, 1
≦ y ≦ 99, 0 ≦ z ≦ 98, and x + y + z = 100. )

As described above, the recording material of the present invention has an acid generator that generates an acid by the action of heat or an acid, and an intramolecular or intermolecular reaction caused by the action of an acid to cause a 360 to 9 reaction.
This recording material uses a compound that changes the absorption range of 00 nm, does not use silver, can be handled in a bright room, and has the property that no waste material is produced. This recording material can perform image-like recording by heat distribution, and can perform image recording by heating by irradiating visible to infrared laser light. Then, as described in the prior art, CTP
Image recording material used for the like (for example, trade name: Bri
llia LH-NI (Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.), trade name: Direct Image Thermal Printing Plate (Kodak Co., Ltd.), trade name: DiamondPlat
eLT-1 (Mitsubishi Chemical Co., Ltd.) also forms an image on the resin layer by heat conversion by heating by irradiating visible to infrared laser light. Outside laser light source can be used.

In view of this, the present invention employs a configuration in which the same visible to infrared laser light is irradiated for image recording.
The first recording material supply unit includes an acid generator that generates an acid by the action of heat or an acid, and a compound that causes an intramolecular or intermolecular reaction by the action of the acid to change the absorption range of 360 to 900 nm. And the second recording material supply unit accommodates such a recording material for a thermal plate. Since thermal development is performed as needed, image recording can be performed on these two recording materials by the same apparatus. As described above, by using the image recording apparatus of the present invention, a printing plate can be directly produced based on image data, and the above-mentioned materials can be processed as other recording materials.

Therefore, for example, as described above, the thermosensitive recording material is disposed at the recording position of the recording section or upstream of the recording position, and is heated to a predetermined temperature before recording the image. By doing so, image recording with high sensitivity can be performed, and high image quality that can withstand calibration work can be achieved. In addition, by adjusting a predetermined temperature at which the heat-sensitive recording material is pre-heated before recording, it is possible to change the required capacity of the recording unit. By setting the predetermined heating temperature in accordance with the capability of (1), it is possible to use the same recording unit completely.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present invention, details of the above-mentioned sheet D of the image recording material will be described later, but at least one light beam such as a laser beam is used for image recording on the image recording material and the recording material for a printing plate. An image is recorded by a beam, or an image is recorded by a heat mode (heat) of a laser beam or a thermal head.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the image recording apparatus 10 includes a first recording material supply unit 20 and a second recording material supply unit 20 in the order of the conveyance path of an image recording material having the above-described image recording medium (hereinafter, referred to as a sheet D or D1). Recording material supply unit 2
5, an image recording unit 30 using a heat mode of a laser beam, a heating unit 40, an accumulation unit 50, and a heat development unit 60.
Are provided as main components.

In the first recording material supply section 20, the sheet D is pulled out from a magazine 21 stored in a roll shape, cut into a predetermined length by a cutter 23, and conveyed as a sheet D of a desired length. . On the other hand, in the second recording material supply unit 25, the sheet D1 which is a recording material for a printing plate stored in a sheet-by-sheet lamination state is fed by a delivery roller 26.
Are taken out one by one and sent out to the transport path F. Here, a first switching guide 28 is provided between each of the first recording material supply unit 20 and the second recording material supply unit 25 and the transport path F. The first switching guide 28 is swingable so as to selectively switch the connection between the first recording material supply unit 20 and the second recording material supply unit 25 with respect to the transport path F. Therefore, either the selected sheet D or sheet D1 reaches the transport roller 29. Regardless of which sheet D or sheet D1 is selected, these sheets are transferred along the transport path F to the image recording unit 3
Transported to 0.

First, when the sheet D is selected and conveyed, in the case of the present embodiment, an image recording optical system 32 for irradiating a laser beam E is arranged in the image recording section 30 and utilizes a heat mode of the laser beam. Image recording is being implemented. A heating roller 42 as a heating unit 40 is provided upstream of the laser beam irradiation position E1 on the transport path F.
Are arranged also as conveying rollers, and convey the sheet D at a constant speed together with the conveying rollers 44 arranged downstream of the laser beam irradiation position E1. The sheet D is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating roller 42 while carrying out such a constant speed conveyance. Sheet D heated to this predetermined temperature
Is transported to the laser beam irradiation position E1 of the image recording unit 30 before the temperature decreases, and is used for image recording scanning. A second switching guide 45 is disposed downstream of the transport roller 44, and the sheet D is transported along the transport path F1 by the heat developing section 6
Transported to 0.

In the heat developing section 60 of this embodiment, the sheet D is carried into the heat developing section 60 by the carry-in roller 61. Inside, upper and lower heater plates 62 and 64 are arranged so as to form a sheet conveying path therebetween. The upper and lower heater plates 62 and 64 are made of, for example, aluminum or the like, and are provided with a heating means made of a nichrome wire or the like on the side opposite to the side facing the sheet D. It is preferable that the size of the upper and lower heater plates 62 and 64 is set to be at least larger than the width of the largest sheet D to be carried in. Then, the sheet D subjected to the heat development processing between the upper and lower heater plates 62 and 64 is carried out of the heat developing unit 60 by the carry-out roller 63. Then, the sheet is sent from the image recording device 10 by the sending roller 46 and is stored in the tray 51 of the stacking unit 50.

When the sheet D1 is selected by the first switching guide 28, the heating roller 42 of the heating unit 40 is held so as to be swingable, and the recording material for the printing plate does not need to be heated before recording. Therefore, the heating roller 42 is separated from the transport path F. In this case, although not shown, another transporting roller is provided. Then, the image recording section 30 performs image recording on the sheet D1. The transport path F2 is selected downstream of the transport roller 44 by the second switching guide 45, is delivered from the image recording device 10 by the delivery roller 48, is transferred to the plate developing device 52 of the accumulation unit 50, and is subjected to development processing. The plate is stored in the storage tray 54 as a plate. Note that the image recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment
In the case of 0, volatile gas is generated from the sheet D due to the heating of the thermal developing unit 60, and therefore, an exhaust device 80 including a clean filter is provided to collect the volatile gas.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the heating section of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the heating unit 40 is constituted by a pair of heating rollers 42,
The sheet D is nipped and conveyed by the heating roller 42 (the conveying roller 44 is omitted for easy viewing).
Then, the heating roller 4 in the direction of the transport path F indicated by the arrow
The irradiation position E1 of the laser beam E is located downstream of the second position. Therefore, the sheet D heated to the predetermined temperature as described above is conveyed to the laser beam irradiation position E1 of the image recording unit 30 before the temperature decreases, and is used for image recording scanning. The heating roller 42 is unnecessary for the sheet D1, and although not shown, the sheet D
A transport roller that secures the transport of No. 1 is disposed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the image recording unit of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the image recording optical system 32 deflects the light beam E modulated according to the recorded image in the main scanning direction (the width direction of the sheet D), and enters a laser beam incident on a predetermined recording position E1. A light source 35 for emitting a laser beam E;
, A polygon mirror 36 as an optical deflector, and a falling mirror 37. In addition, in the image recording optical system 32, various members arranged in a known laser beam scanning device for shaping the laser beam E emitted from the light source are arranged as necessary.

The laser beam E emitted from the light source 35
Is deflected in the main scanning direction by the polygon mirror 36, the optical path is changed by the falling mirror 37, and is incident on the recording position E1. On the other hand, with respect to the sub-scan, in the case of the sheet D, as described above, the conveyance is performed by the heating roller 42 and the conveyance roller 44 arranged with the recording position E1 (scanning line) interposed therebetween.
The sheet D is conveyed at a recording position E1 in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. Therefore, since the laser beam D is deflected in the main scanning direction, the sheet D is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed by the laser beam, and an image is recorded. In the case of the sheet D1, a conveyance roller (not shown) arranged near the heating roller 42 ensures conveyance of the sheet D1.

Thus, in this embodiment,
The sensitivity is greatly improved by heating the recording material shown in the sheet D by the heating roller 42 before or at the time of image recording irradiation with a laser. The recording material used in the present invention has a characteristic of exhibiting almost no sensitivity up to a predetermined temperature. The heating temperature can be increased.
Then, by performing such heating, the sensitivity can be improved in the laser-irradiated portion. In addition, since heating is performed beforehand to a predetermined temperature before recording, the amount of heat is compensated by heating, and writing can be performed with a low laser power. Since the heating unit is canceled for the printing plate recording material indicated by the sheet D1, the resistance to conveyance can be reduced and unnecessary heating can be avoided.

The upper limit of the heating before or during recording (hereinafter referred to as preheating) is preferably set to a temperature lower by 5 ° C. than the temperature at which fogging occurs. The lower limit of the preheating temperature is preferably 50 ° C. or higher, more preferably 80 ° C. or higher. Laser irradiation is performed after preheating, and the time between this heating and laser irradiation is preferably 10 seconds or less, more preferably 3 seconds or less, and still more preferably 1 second or less. There is no problem even if there is. In the present embodiment, a heating unit for preheating is provided for the purpose of the above-described operation and effect, but is not an essential requirement.
If a sufficient amount of heat can be given to the recording material at the time of recording, it is possible to omit such a heating unit.

Next, the thermal development temperature for the recording material represented by the sheet D used in the present invention may be the same as or different from the preheating temperature. The heat development temperature is preferably substantially the same as the preheat temperature or lower than the preheat temperature. The lower limit of the heat development temperature is preferably 50 ° C. or higher, more preferably 80 ° C. or higher. The upper limit of the heat development temperature is preferably 150 ° C. or lower, more preferably 130 ° C. or lower.

The image recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment may include an output control unit which is an image forming control unit connected to each unit of the image recording apparatus 10, the first and second recording material supply units 20, 25, and the image recording unit 30. it can. (Not shown) This output control section optimizes the profile of each section in order to adapt to various conditions (recording material type, lot, unique parameters of each section, environmental conditions, intended image processing conditions, etc.). After setting, each unit can execute processing based on the profile.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus of the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, and the first recording material supply unit 120 and the first recording material supply unit 120 are arranged in the order of the conveyance path of the image recording material having the above-described image recording medium (hereinafter, referred to as a sheet D or D1). ,
The second recording material supply unit 125, the image recording unit 130, the heating unit 140, the heat development unit 160, and the stacking unit 50 are provided as main components. In the recording material supply unit 120, the sheet D is stored in the magazine 12 stored in a roll shape.
The sheet D is pulled out of the sheet 21, cut into a predetermined length by a cutter 123, and conveyed and supplied as a sheet D having a desired length. On the other hand, in the second recording material supply unit 125, the sheet D1, which is a printing material for a printing plate stored in a sheet-by-sheet lamination state, sucks and holds the sheet D1 by the suction cup 126 in the case of the present embodiment. The sheet D is taken out one by one by moving the suction cup 126 by a known moving means such as a link mechanism, and the conveying rollers 12 arranged on the conveying path F
9.

Here, the first recording material supply section 120 and the second recording material
A first switching guide 128 is provided between each of the recording material supply units 125 and the transport path F. The first switching guide 128 is swingable so as to selectively switch the connection between the first recording material supply unit 120 and the second recording material supply unit 125 with respect to the transport path F.
Therefore, either the selected sheet D or sheet D1 reaches the transport roller 129. Sheet D or Sheet D
Regardless of which one is selected, these sheets are conveyed to the image recording unit 130 along the conveyance path F.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing an image recording section according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the relative sizes and distances of the respective elements have been changed for easy understanding. First, when the sheet D is selected, in the case of the present embodiment, the image recording unit 130 performs image recording using the heat mode of the laser beam with the rotation direction of the holding drum 131 holding the sheet D as the main scanning direction. are doing. In the image recording unit 130, a method called an outer drum is used, and the sheet D conveyed along the conveyance path is moved to the sheet holding position 13 of the holding drum 131.
At 5 (see FIG. 4), it is held on the holding drum 131 and rotates together with the holding drum 131. When the laser beam is rotated to the position of the laser beam emitting unit 132, imagewise exposure is started. The main scanning direction is the rotation direction of the holding drum 131, and the sub-scanning direction is the laser beam emitting unit 132 on a slide shaft 133 parallel to the axial direction of the holding drum 131.
Is made by moving.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a laser beam emitting section 132 provided with laser preheating. For imagewise exposure, the recording laser light source 13
From 4, the recording laser E is applied to the sheet D on the holding drum 131 via the lens 137. On the other hand, preheat laser E _P is irradiated on the sheet D on the holding drum 131 from the pre-heat the laser light source 133 through the lens 137. This preheat laser E _P is a recording laser E
Is irradiated immediately before the scanning position, and the sheet D is heated in advance to a temperature just before fogging occurs. Good sensitivity can be obtained by preheating with the laser in this way. The lens 137 is used for the recording laser light source 134 and the preheat laser light source 133, but it is also possible to use different lenses.

FIG. 7 shows a preheat laser E on a sheet.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between _P and a recording laser E. As seen in this figure, preheat laser E _P along the scanning direction G is adapted to be irradiated prior to recording laser E. Here, by the relation of (preheat laser E effective径径D _P of _P)> (the effective diameter D _E of the recording laser E), thereby preventing the occurrence of preheating leakage (effective diameter and may, e ^-2 Ya FWHM spread of beam spot defined by full width at half maximum). Further, although the recording laser E is this preheating laser E _P figure keeping some distance, it can be irradiated so as to overlap a portion of each beam spot.

Referring back to FIG. 4, after the recording by the image recording section 130 is completed, the sheet D is nipped by the conveying roller 144, and a second switching guide 145 is disposed downstream of the sheet D. The sheet D is connected to the transport path F <b> 1 by the second switching guide 145, and is transported to the thermal developing unit 160.

In the heat developing section 160 of this embodiment, the sheet D is carried into the heat developing section 160 by the carry-in roller 161. Inside, upper and lower heater plates 162, 164
Are arranged so as to form a sheet conveying path therebetween. The upper and lower heater plates 162 and 164 are formed of, for example, aluminum or the like, and are provided with heat generating means made of a nichrome wire or the like on the side opposite to the side facing the sheet D. It is preferable that the size of the upper and lower heater plates 162 and 164 is set to be at least larger than the width of the largest sheet D to be carried in. And
The sheet D which has been subjected to the heat development between the upper and lower heater plates 162 and 164 is transported by the carry-out roller 163 to the heat developing section 16.
It is carried out from 0. A third switching guide 47 is disposed downstream of the carry-out roller 163, and a path to the delivery roller 46 is selected, sent out from the image recording apparatus 10, and stored in the tray 51 of the stacking unit 50.

[0035] When the sheet D1 in the first switching guide 28 is selected, the image recording in the image recording unit 130, except that it does not irradiated preheat laser E _P is carried out analogously to the seat D. Then, on the downstream side of the transport roller 144, the transport path F2 is controlled by the second switching guide 145.
Is selected, and the image recording device 11 is
0, is transferred to the plate developing unit 52 of the stacking unit 50, and is subjected to development processing.
4 Note that the image recording device 11 of the present embodiment
0, an output control unit similar to the output control unit included in the image recording apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing another configuration of preheating by a laser. The configuration shown in FIG. 6 is a configuration corresponding to the image recording mode of the outer drum system. However, the configuration shown in FIG. This is applicable to the image recording apparatus of the first embodiment. As a path of the exposure of the recording laser beam E, the recording laser beam E emitted from the light source 335 is connected to the beam splitter 33.
3. Deflected in the main scanning direction by the polygon mirror 336 via the cylindrical lens 332. The deflected laser beam E is further scanned and irradiated on the sheet D via the scanning lens system 337.

On the other hand, as a path of the preheat laser E _P , the preheat laser E
_P enters the optical axis of the recording laser beam E by the beam splitter 333. Then, similarly to the recording laser beam E, the sheet D is scanned and irradiated onto the sheet D via the cylindrical lens 332, the polygon mirror 336, and the scanning lens system 337. At this time, as in FIG.
Preheat laser E _P along is adapted to be irradiated prior to recording laser E. Note that the polygon mirror 336 is used as a means for deflecting the laser, but it is applicable as long as it can be used as a deflector, such as a galvano scanner or a resonant scanner. Also,
Relationship (effective diameter D _P of the preheat laser E _P)> (the effective diameter D _E of the recording laser E) is effective.

Next, another embodiment of the heating unit, the image recording unit, and the heat development unit will be described below. FIG. 9 (a)
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a heating roller and an image recording unit. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the heating roller of FIG. 9A. The heating unit for preheating is a single heating roller 342 having a heating element 343 inside. The sheet D is stretched by the heating roller 342 to have a predetermined angle, heated, and conveyed while maintaining this form. As described above, the positions of the preheating and the image recording unit are concentrated on one heating roller, which can contribute to downsizing of the entire apparatus. At this time, the position where the recording laser beam E is irradiated may be any position as long as the temperature of the sheet D rises to some extent. It is most preferable because recording can be performed at the time of receiving the largest amount of heat and sensitivity can be increased.

FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the image recording section and the heating section. The arrangement of the conveying rollers of the image recording unit is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG. 3, and the sheet D is conveyed while being stretched between two pairs of conveying rollers 352, 354.
The recording laser beam E is irradiated during the interval 54, and the conveying direction of the sheet D is set as the sub-scanning direction. As the preheating means, the heating plate 350 includes the transport rollers 352,
The sheet D is disposed between the irradiation positions 354 and the irradiation position of the recording laser beam E or upstream thereof, and heats the sheet D before the irradiation of the laser beam. In this case, it is necessary to cover the area where the heating plate 350 is disposed with a cover (not shown) through which the recording laser beam E can pass, and to perform uniform heating near the area where the sheet D is conveyed. Sheet D is heated plate 35
The sheet D may be heated by contacting the sheet D with the heater D. The sheet D may be heated by pressing the sheet D against the heating plate 350 by providing a pressing means.

FIG. 10B is a schematic sectional view perpendicular to the heating roller of the heating unit in which the heating unit of FIG. 10A is another embodiment. The conveying system is the same as that of FIG.
A heating box 355 having a lamp heater 357 (or a rod-shaped ceramic heater or the like) as a heating element inside.
Is provided. Then, the transport rollers 352, 354
Covers 358 and 359 are provided to cover the entire area, and heat retention is enhanced. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the irradiation position of the recording laser beam E at the most downstream side of the plane 356 because recording is performed at the time when the largest amount of heat is received and sensitivity is increased.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the heat developing section. The heat developing section 360 has a configuration that can be replaced with the heat developing section 60 of the image recording apparatus 10 and the heat developing section 160 of the image recording apparatus 110 described above. This heat developing section 360
Is a heating drum 3 having a lamp heater 362 (a rod-shaped ceramic heater or the like) as a heating element at the center of the shaft.
64, and a plurality of holding rollers 368 that are in contact with the heating drum 364. The recorded sheet D is nipped and conveyed between the heating drum 364 and the holding roller 368. Then, after coming into contact with the heating drum 364 for a predetermined heating time, the sheet D is separated from the heating drum 36 by the peeling claw 369.
4 and the heat development is completed.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic views showing still another embodiment of the heat developing section. The thermal developing section 370 shown in FIG. 12A and the thermal developing section 38 shown in FIG.
0 is the same as the heat developing unit 360 shown in FIG.
This is a configuration that can be replaced with the heat developing section 160 of FIG. Thermal development section 3
70 is a staggered transport roller 37 in a box structure.
4 are provided to form a conveyance path for the sheet D. These transport rollers 374 are heated by the heating plate 372 from the back side of the transport path of the sheet D, and
The entire inside of the box structure No. 0 is maintained at a predetermined temperature, and the sheet D is thermally developed.

The thermal developing section 380 shown in FIG. 12B has a box structure in which conveying rollers 384 arranged in opposition form a conveying path for the sheet D. These transport rollers 384 are heated by the heating plate 382 from the back side of the transport path of the sheet D, maintain the entire inside of the box structure of the thermal developing unit 380 at a predetermined temperature, and thermally develop the sheet D.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment in which a heating section, an image recording section, and a heat development section are arranged closer to each other. 14A is a sectional view in the transport direction of the apparatus in FIG. 13, and FIG. 14B is a sectional view in the transport direction showing a modified example of the apparatus in FIG. This image recording device 4
Reference numeral 10 is interchangeable with a configuration from the image recording unit 30 to the heat development unit 60 of the image recording device 10 and a configuration from the image recording unit 130 to the heat development unit 160 of the image recording device 110 described above. Since the sheet always passes through the heating section, only the sheet D, which is the above recording material, can be used, and the sheet D1 which does not require heating cannot be used. That is, the sheet D cut to a predetermined length and conveyed is a pair of conveying rollers 452.
And carried out by the pair of carry-out rollers 454 at the most downstream position. A sheet D is provided downstream of the transport roller 452.
A lower heating case 465 is arranged below the transfer path F of
An upper pre-heating case 440 is disposed at an upstream position of the lower heating case 465 with the conveyance path F of the sheet D interposed therebetween, and the upper pre-heating case 440 is opposed to the lower heating case 465 with the conveyance path F of the sheet D downstream. A heat development case 460 is provided. The carry-out roller 454 is located at the most downstream.

In the lower heating case 465, a lower heater 442 for preheating is disposed in the most upstream position and opposed to the upper preheating case 440 in the vicinity of the transport path F. Further, in the lower heating case 465, a lower heater 462 facing the upper heat developing case 460 is provided on the downstream side.
Are arranged close to the transport path F. On the other hand, the upper heater 441 is also provided in the upper pre-heat case 440 in the transport path F.
The upper heater 461 is also disposed in the upper heat developing case 460 in the vicinity of the transport path F. The irradiation position E1 of the recording laser beam E is located between the upper preheating case 440 and the upper heat developing case 460.

The sheet D conveyed by the conveying roller 452 is supplied to the upper heater 44 in the upper preheat case 440.
1 and the lower heater 442 for preheating in the lower heating case 465, the temperature is raised to a predetermined temperature. Then, the recording laser beam E is irradiated.
By arranging the rear end portion of the lower heater 442 so as to extend to the irradiation position E1, image recording can be performed while maintaining a heated state, and high-sensitivity image recording is achieved. Thereafter, the toner image is thermally developed by the lower heater 462 in the lower heating case 465 and the upper heater 461 in the upper heat developing case 460, and is nipped and carried out by the carry-out roller 454. Irradiation position E1
In order to enhance the flatness in the above, a pressing roller may be disposed at a position before and after the irradiation position E1 in the transport direction.

FIG. 14B is a modification of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 13, in which the lower heating case 465 is divided into a lower preheat case 444 and a lower heat development case 466, and another example is shown. The configuration is the same as that of the image recording apparatus 410. With such a configuration in which the preheating and the heat development are separated, the temperature of the preheating and the temperature of the heat development can be freely set.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing output control when the image recording apparatus of the present invention and another image forming apparatus are used as a processor. In this embodiment of the output control, the image recording apparatus 110 and the output control unit 170 of the second embodiment are used as an example, and a plate setter 500 is used as a general processing machine. The RIP processing unit 1701 provided in the output control unit 170 performs RIP processing on the input image data, and based on the data, the post-RIP processing unit 1703 converts a desired profile corresponding to each processing machine from the profile database 1705 based on the data. It is extracted and output to each processor as a selected output profile 1710.

In each of the above embodiments, when forming an image by the laser heat mode method, in order to convert laser light into heat energy, it is necessary to use a dye that absorbs light of the wavelength of the laser light. There is. Examples of the laser light source include an excimer laser, an argon laser, a helium neon laser, a semiconductor laser, a glass (YAG) laser, a carbon dioxide laser, and a dye laser, and a helium neon laser, a semiconductor laser, and a glass laser are useful in the present invention. It is a laser light source. Among them, a semiconductor laser is particularly useful because the device is small and inexpensive. The oscillation wavelength of the semiconductor laser is usually 670 to 830 nm, and a dye having absorption in the near infrared is used. As the near-infrared absorbing dye, a cyanine dye, a squarylium dye, a merocyanine dye, an oxonol dye, a phthalocyanine dye, and the like are used.
Specific examples thereof include, for example, U.S. Pat.
No. 72, No. 4,948,777, No. 4,950,
Nos. 640, 4,950,639 and 4,94
8,776, 4948,778, 4,942,1
No. 41, No. 4,952,552, No. 5,036
040 and 4,912,083.

When an image is formed by a laser photon mode method, a laser is selected as a means for forming a latent image in accordance with the absorption characteristics of the photoacid generator. At this time, various dyes may be added for the purpose of spectral sensitization, but in that case, it is necessary to select a laser according to the absorption wavelength of the dye.

Next, the image recording medium of the present invention and its recording method will be described. The present invention relates to a recording medium for forming an image, containing an acid generator that generates an acid by the action of heat or an acid, and a compound that changes the absorption range of 360 to 900 nm by an intramolecular or intermolecular reaction by the action of the acid. And an image recording method using the same.
The compound represented by the general formula (1) has a function of generating an acid by the action of heat or an acid. In the acid generator represented by the general formula (1), W ¹ represents a residue of an acid (sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, phosphoric acid, phenol, etc.) represented by W ¹ OH. W ¹ OH is preferably an acid having a pKa smaller than 3, and preferred examples thereof include arylsulfonic acid, alkylsulfonic acid, carboxylic acid having an electron-withdrawing group, arylphosphonic acid, and alkylphosphonic acid. P ¹ represents a substituent capable of leaving by the action of heat or an acid, and the acid represented by W ¹ OH is generated from the acid generator represented by W ¹ OP ¹ with the release of P ¹ . Examples of such a substituent include an alkyl group having a hydrogen atom at the β-position (eg, a tetrahydropyranyl group, a tetrahydrofuranyl group, a t-butyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a 4,5-dihydro-2-methylfuran-5-yl group) , 2-cyclohexenyl group, etc.), an alkoxycarbonyl group having a hydrogen atom at the β-position (for example, t-butoxycarbonyl group, cyclohexyloxycarbonyl group, 2- (2-methyl) butoxycarbonyl group, 2- (2-phenyl) propyloxy Carbonyl group, 2-chloroethoxycarbonyl group, etc.), silyl group (for example, trimethylsilyl group, triethylsilyl group, t-butyldimethylsilyl group, phenyldimethylsilyl group, etc.), or these groups, or acetal, ketal, thioketal, pinacol , Decompose the epoxy ring Substituents which are released to gold (for example, a group substituted by W ¹ OH in the description of general formulas (2) to (4) described later) are exemplified. Examples of the acid generator represented by the general formula (1) include, for example, trifluoroacetic acid (α-phenylisopropyl) ester, trifluoroacetic acid t-
Butyl ester, cyclohexyl toluenesulfonate, triethylsilyl p-nitrobenzoate, tetrahydropyranyl p-nitrobenzoate, poly (4-vinyl-1-t-butoxycarbonyloxy-2-nitrobenzene), poly (cyclohexyl 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate) Ester) and the like, but in the present invention, compounds represented by the general formulas (2) to (4) are preferable from the viewpoint of acid generating ability and storage stability.

In the general formula (2), R ¹ represents an electron-withdrawing group having a Hammett σp value of greater than 0, and R ¹ is preferably an acyl group (eg, acetyl, propanoyl, 2-methylpropanoyl, pivaloyl, benzoyl) , Naphthoyl), cyano group, alkylsulfonyl group (methanesulfonyl, ethanesulfonyl, benzylsulfonyl, t-butylsulfonyl, etc.) or arylsulfonyl group (benzenesulfonyl, etc.). R
¹ is more preferably an acyl group. R ² represents an alkyl group (methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, octyl, dodecyl, etc.). R ² is preferably a group having 6 or less carbon atoms. R ³ represents a group capable of leaving by heat or an acid,
Preferred groups are secondary or tertiary alkyl groups having a hydrogen atom at the β-position (t-butyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, cyclohexyl, 2-cyclohexenyl, etc.). , Silyl group (trimethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, etc.) or alkoxymethyl group (methoxymethyl, octyloxymethyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, 4,5-dihydro-2-methylfuran-5-yl, etc.) Is mentioned. R ³ is preferably a secondary or tertiary alkyl group having a hydrogen atom at the β-position. These groups represented by R ^{1 to} R ³ may further have a substituent. W ¹ has the same meaning as in formula (1). Next, the compound represented by formula (3) will be described. In the general formula (3), R ⁴ , R ⁵ and R ⁶ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group (methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t
-Butyl, octyl, dodecyl, etc.) or an aryl group (phenyl, naphthyl, etc.). R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶
May further have a substituent. R ⁴ and R ⁵ , R ⁴ and R
⁶ or R ⁵ and R ⁶ may be bonded to each other to form a ring. W ¹ has the same meaning as in formula (1). General formula (2)
The compounds represented by (3) and (3) can be synthesized according to the method described in JP-A-8-248561.

The compound which releases an acid by a completely different mechanism has at least one substituent which is removed by the action of heat or an acid, and the nucleophilic substitution reaction in the molecule following the removal of the substituent. And a compound which generates an acid. A preferred form is a compound represented by the general formula (4). General formula (4) P ² -X-LC (R ⁷ ) (R ⁸ ) -OW ^{1 In the} formula, P ² represents a substituent removed by the action of heat or an acid. X is O, S, NR ⁹ (R ⁹ represents a hydrogen atom or a substitutable group), or CR ¹⁰ R ¹¹ (R ¹⁰ and R ¹¹ represent a hydrogen atom or a substitutable group, and May be different). L represents a linking group. R ⁷ and R ⁸ represent a hydrogen atom or a substitutable group, and may be the same or different. W ¹ has the same meaning as in formula (2). Substituent P removed by the action of heat or acid
² is introduced into a nucleophilic group such as a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, an amino group, or a carbon atom to prevent an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction during storage or in a non-image area. Is decomposed and eliminated, so that an acid can be generated by an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction. Useful substituents represented by P ² include, when introduced into an oxygen atom, an alkoxycarbonyl group (for example, t-butoxycarbonyl group, isopropyloxycarbonyl group, 1-phenylethoxycarbonyl group, 1,1-diphenylethoxy group). Carbonyl group, 2-cyclohexeneoxycarbonyl group, etc.), alkoxymethyl group (for example, methoxymethyl group,
Ethoxymethyl group, n-octyloxymethyl group, tetrahydropyranyl group, tetrahydrofuranyl group, 4,5
-Dihydro-2-methylfuran-5-yl group, etc.), silyl group (for example, trimethylsilyl group, triethylsilyl group, t-butyldimethylsilyl group, t-butyldiphenylsilyl group, phenyldimethylsilyl group, etc.), and β
Secondary or tertiary alkyl group having a hydrogen atom at position (for example, t-butyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl,
Preferred examples include 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, cyclohexyl, 2-cyclohexenyl, and the like. Among those introduced into a sulfur atom, an alkoxymethyl group (eg, isobutoxymethyl group, tetrahydropyranyl group, etc.), an alkoxycarbonyl group (eg, benzyloxycarbonyl group, p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl group, etc.), an acyl group (eg, acetyl Groups, a benzoyl group, etc.), and a benzyl group (eg, a p-methoxybenzyl group, a bis (4-methoxyphenyl) methyl group, a triphenylmethyl group, etc.) are preferred examples. Among those introduced into a nitrogen atom, alkoxycarbonyl groups (for example, t-butoxycarbonyl group, cyclohexyloxycarbonyl group, 2- (2-methyl) butoxycarbonyl group, 2- (2-phenyl) propyloxycarbonyl group, 2-chloroethoxycarbonyl Groups), an acyl group (eg, an acetyl group, a benzoyl group, a 2-nitrobenzoyl group, a 4-chlorobenzoyl group, a naphthoyl group, etc.) or a formyl group. A tertiary alkoxycarbonyl group (such as a t-butoxycarbonyl group) is preferably introduced as a carbon atom.

In the intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction following the removal of these substituents, a form in which a 5- to 10-membered ring is formed is preferable, and a 5- or 6-membered ring is particularly preferable. The linking group L is preferably selected so as to form a ring of these sizes.

The acid generator of the present invention may form a polymer by linking a plurality of polymerizable groups introduced at substitutable positions. When applied to an image recording medium utilizing the fact that the hue changes due to the action of an acid described below, the coatability is imparted without using a separate binder by forming a polymer, so that the image recording layer can be used. This is advantageous for thinning. The molecular weight of the polymer is preferably in the range of 1,000 to 1,000,000, particularly preferably 2,000 to 3
This is the case when it is in the range of 10,000. In this case, it may be a homopolymer or a copolymer with another monomer. When the compound of the present invention is used as a polymer, the number of carbon atoms may exceed the definition of carbon number described in the above description. Hereinafter, specific examples of the compounds represented by formulas (1) to (4) of the present invention are shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0056]

Embedded image

[0057]

Embedded image

[0058]

Embedded image

[0059]

Embedded image

[0060]

Embedded image

[0061]

Embedded image

[0062]

Embedded image

The amount of the acid generator to be added varies depending on the type of the compound having a change in absorption, but is generally preferably in the range of 0.001 to 20 equivalents, particularly preferably, the compound having a change in absorption. Is the case of 0.01 to 5 equivalents.

In the present invention, a compound which changes the absorption band at 360 to 900 nm by an intramolecular or intermolecular reaction by the action of an acid is stable as long as it is stored under neutral to basic conditions. When an acid acts, the activation energy of intra- or intermolecular reaction decreases,
It is a compound that easily undergoes a reaction by heating to cause a change in absorption in the above range. At this time, the heating temperature for forming an image is preferably from 60 to 200 ° C, particularly preferably from 80 to 140 ° C.
The compound having such an absorption change may be a single compound or may be composed of two or more components. For example, a compound (for example, 9,10-distyrylanthracene and maleic anhydride, tetraphenylcyclopentadiene and an acrylate ester) that forms a decolorized image in the region by a Diels-Alder reaction, A compound that forms a color image (e.g., an adduct of 9,10-distyrylanthracene and maleic anhydride, an adduct of diphenylisobenzofuran and acrylamide, etc.), a conjugated system is extended by β-hydrogen elimination, and a color image is formed in the region. Compounds to be formed (for example, 1-acetoxy-1,2-diarylethane,
1-sulfoxy-1,2-diarylethane, etc.), a combination of an aldehyde and an active methylene compound which forms a color image in the area by dehydration condensation (for example, a photographic 4 equivalent magenta coupler and p-methoxycinnamaldehyde) or an acid. Compounds having an amino group or a hydroxyl group substituted by a substituent whose decomposition or elimination is promoted by the action in a molecule, and the absorption in the above absorption range is changed by the removal of the substituent. A basic leuco dye or the like which develops color instantly upon contact with an acid can also be used in the image forming medium. However, such a compound acts as a base and uses microcapsules to inhibit the acid growth process. It is necessary to keep it separate from the acid generator and the acid multiplying agent by coating or applying it to another layer.

In the present invention, a compound whose absorption is changed by the decomposition or elimination of a substituent of an amino group or a hydroxyl group by the action of an acid is particularly useful. Examples of such a substituent of the amino group include an alkoxycarbonyl group (for example, t-butoxycarbonyl group, cyclohexyloxycarbonyl group, 2- (2-methyl) butoxycarbonyl group, 2- (2-phenyl) propyloxycarbonyl group, 2-chloro Preferred examples include an ethoxycarbonyl group), an acyl group (eg, an acetyl group, a benzoyl group, a 2-nitrobenzoyl group, a 4-chlorobenzoyl group, and a naphthoyl group), and a formyl group. From the viewpoint of heat sensitivity, an alkoxycarbonyl group having a hydrogen atom at the β-position is particularly useful. Such compounds include, for example, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 602,263, 4,826,976, etc., which provide a heat-sensitive recording material having higher sensitivity and excellent storage stability when combined with the thermal acid generator and the acid multiplying agent of the present invention. be able to. Examples of the substituent of the hydroxyl group which is decomposed or eliminated by the action of an acid include a secondary or tertiary alkoxycarbonyl group having a hydrogen atom at the β-position (for example, t-butoxycarbonyl group, isopropyloxycarbonyl group, 1-phenylethoxycarbonyl group) ,
1,1 diphenylethoxycarbonyl group, 2-cyclohexeneoxycarbonyl group, etc.), silyl group (for example, trimethylsilyl group, triethylsilyl group, t-butyldimethylsilyl group, t-butyldiphenylsilyl group, phenyldimethylsilyl group, etc.), Alkoxymethyl group (for example, methoxymethyl group, ethoxymethyl group, 1-methoxyethyl group, 1-phenoxyethyl group, 2- (2-methoxypropyl) group, etc.) and secondary or tertiary alkyl group having a hydrogen atom at the β-position (For example, tetrahydropyranyl group, tetrahydrofuranyl group, 4,5-dihydro-2
-Methylfuran-5-yl group, t-butyl group, 2-cyclohexenyl group and the like) are preferred examples,
In the present invention, a secondary or tertiary compound having a hydrogen atom at the β position is particularly preferred.
Grade alkoxycarbonyl groups are preferred. No. 5,243,052 or JP-A-9-2536 discloses compounds whose absorption is changed by decomposition of a hydroxyl group substituent.
There is a description example in No. 0 and the like. Below 360-action by the action of acid
Specific examples of the compound that causes a change in the absorption region at 900 nm are shown, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0066]

Embedded image

[0067]

Embedded image

[0068]

Embedded image

[0069]

Embedded image

[0070]

Embedded image

[0071]

Embedded image

The image recording medium of the present invention is generally 360 to 900 by the action of the above-mentioned acid generator, acid multiplying agent and acid.
It is prepared by applying a composition that changes the absorption range in nm on a support. At this time, a binder is usually coexisted, unless one of these is a polymer or an amorphous having good coatability. When the binder does not need to be used, there is an advantage that the film thickness can be easily reduced and a sharp image can be obtained. When a binder is used, gelatin, casein, starches, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, a water-soluble binder such as ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymer, and polyvinyl butyral, triacetyl cellulose, polystyrene, acrylic Any water-insoluble binder such as a methyl acid-butadiene copolymer and an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer can be used. Further, in the present invention, a compound in which color is changed or decolored by the action of an acid to change the hue and an acid generator are made into a copolymer, so that an acid is generated in the immediate vicinity of the compound in which the hue changes. High sensitivity can be expected. In addition, by controlling the diffusion of molecules by polymerization, there is a possibility that the cut-off and preservation of images can be improved. These characteristics are particularly preferable for applications requiring high image quality, such as graphic arts films. A preferred form of such a compound is represented by the general formula (5). The general formula (5) will be described. In the general formula (5), A represents a repeating unit obtained by polymerization of at least one kind of vinyl monomer having a function of generating an acid by the action of heat or an acid. As the compound having such a function, the compounds represented by the aforementioned general formulas (1) to (1)
It can be obtained by introducing a polymerizable group into any part of the compound represented by (4). When the polymer having a thermal acid generating function of the present invention is applied to a laser heat mode type image recording medium, it is useful without adding an acid generator separately. Specific examples of the vinyl monomer forming A in the general formula (5) are shown below, but the invention is not limited thereto. These compounds can be synthesized in the same manner as in the method described in JP-A-8-248561.

[0073]

Embedded image

[0074]

Embedded image

[0075]

Embedded image

[0076]

Embedded image

[0077]

Embedded image

[0078]

Embedded image

[0079]

Embedded image

[0080]

Embedded image

[0081]

Embedded image

[0082]

Embedded image

In the general formula (5), B represents a repeating unit obtained by polymerization of at least one kind of vinyl monomer having a partial structure in which the absorption range from 360 to 900 nm is changed by the action of an acid. Compounds that cause an absorption change by the action of an acid are as described above,
In the above structure, a polymerizable group is introduced at a substitutable position. Specific examples are shown below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0084]

Embedded image

[0085]

Embedded image

[0086]

Embedded image

[0087]

Embedded image

[0088]

Embedded image

[0089]

Embedded image

[0090]

Embedded image

C in the general formula (5) represents a repeating unit obtained by polymerization of at least one kind of vinyl monomer capable of forming a copolymer with A and B, and represents a polarity, a glass transition temperature and the like. The storage stability, the color-forming activity and the like can be controlled by adjusting. Such vinyl monomers may be used in combination of two or more. Preferred examples include acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, styrene, vinyl ether and the like. Specific examples of the monomer forming C are shown below, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0092]

Embedded image

[0093]

Embedded image

[0094]

Embedded image

[0095]

Embedded image

[0096]

Embedded image

[0097]

Embedded image

[0098]

Embedded image

In the general formula (5), x, y, and z represent weight% of each composition. x, y and z are respectively 1 ≦ x ≦ 99,
1 ≦ y ≦ 99, 0 ≦ z ≦ 99, and x + y + z = 100
It is. It is preferable that the relation of 0.01y <x ≦ 10y be satisfied, and particularly preferable that the relation of 0.1y ≦ x ≦ 5y be satisfied. z is preferably 0 ≦ z ≦ 50.

The molecular weight of the polymer represented by the general formula (5) is preferably in the range of 1,000 to 1,000,000, particularly preferably in the range of 2,000 to 100,000. The polymer may be in any form such as a random copolymer, an alternating copolymer and a block copolymer, but a random copolymer which is easily synthesized is generally used.

The monomers forming A, B, C in the polymer represented by the general formula (5) and x, y, z
Are shown, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0102]

[Table 1]

The polymer of the present invention can be synthesized by various polymerization methods such as solution polymerization, precipitation polymerization, suspension polymerization, bulk polymerization,
It can be carried out by emulsion polymerization. The method of initiating polymerization includes a method using a radical initiator, a method of irradiating light or radiation, and the like. These polymerization methods and the method of initiating the polymerization are described in, for example, T. Tsuruta, “Polymer Synthesis Method” Revised Edition (Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, 1971), Takatsu Otsu, Masayoshi Kinoshita, “Experimental Method of Polymer Synthesis” Published in 1972,
It is described on pages 124-154.

Of the above polymerization methods, a solution polymerization method using a radical initiator is particularly preferred. Solvents used in the solution polymerization method include, for example, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, acetone, dioxane, N, N-dimethylformamide, N, N-dimethylacetamide, benzene, toluene, acetonitrile, Various organic solvents such as methylene chloride, chloroform and dichloroethane may be used alone or as a mixture of two or more thereof, or may be used as a mixed solvent with water.

The polymerization temperature must be set in relation to the molecular weight of the polymer to be produced, the type of initiator, and the like.
Polymerization is carried out in the range of 0 ° C. In the present invention, it is preferable to carry out the polymerization at a temperature in the range of 30 to 90 ° C. because the monomer forming the site A in the general formula (5) may decompose at a high temperature.

Examples of the radical initiator used in the polymerization include 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile,
Such as 2,2'-azobis (2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile), 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride, and 4,4'-azobis (4-cyanopentanoic acid) Preferred are azo-based initiators and peroxide-based initiators such as benzoyl peroxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, and potassium persulfate (for example, redox initiators may be used in combination with sodium bisulfite). In the present invention, the initiator (for example, 2,2'-azobis (2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile)) or 2,2'-azobis (4-methoxy-2,
4-dimethylvaleronitrile), dimethyl 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionate), 2,2'-azobis [2- (3,4,5,6-tetrahydropropane)
Dihydrochloride] and the like are particularly preferred.

The amount of the polymerization initiator used can be adjusted according to the polymerizability of the monomer and the required molecular weight of the polymer. Is preferred. In the synthesis of the polymer of the present invention, the monomers forming A, B and C are mixed and first put into a reaction vessel, and then an initiator may be charged, or a process of dropping these monomers into a polymerization solvent. The polymerization may be carried out via

The polymer represented by the general formula (5) of the present invention has a partial structure having a function of generating an acid by the action of heat or an acid, and a partial structure having a change in the absorption band of 360 to 900 nm by the action of an acid. It is a polymer having both. Such a polymer may be a polymer of a single monomer having both functions, but the structure represented by the general formula (5) is generally used from a synthetic viewpoint. The image recording medium of the present invention is generally produced by coating a polymer represented by the general formula (5) on a support. When the polymer of the present invention also has a function of generating an acid by heat, the absorption region changes only by the action of heat alone, so that when used as a heat-sensitive recording material, the sensitivity and the sharpness of the image are excellent. ing. Further, since the image recording medium of the present invention does not require the use of a so-called binder, the thickness can be reduced, a sharp image can be obtained, and abrasion does not easily occur. However, when using the polymer represented by the general formula (5), if necessary, a binder may be used in combination, and specific examples thereof include those described above.

In the present invention, a small amount of a base may be added for the purpose of enhancing the storage stability of the image recording medium, or a compound capable of generating an acid by the action of light or heat may be added for the purpose of enhancing the sensitivity. Various additives such as a pigment, an antioxidant and an anti-sticking agent can be added according to the requirements. Further, an overcoat layer may be provided to protect the image recording layer, or a backcoat layer may be provided on the back surface of the support. Various known techniques for heat-sensitive recording materials can be used, such as providing a single layer or a plurality of undercoat layers made of pigment or resin between the image recording layer and the support.

When a base is added, an organic base is preferred. For example, a guanidine derivative (eg, 1,3-diphenylguanidine, 1,3-dimethylguanidine, 1,3-
Dibutylguanidine, 1-benzylguanidine, 1,
1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine, etc.), aniline derivatives (eg, aniline, pt-butylaniline, N,
N′-dimethylaniline, N, N′-dibutylaniline, triphenylamine, etc.), alkylamine derivatives (eg, tributylamine, octylamine, laurylamine, benzylamine, dibenzylamine, etc.), and heterocyclic compounds (eg, N , N'-Dimethylaminopyridine, 1,8-diazabicyclo [5.4.0] -7-
Undecene, triphenylimidazole, lutidine, 2
-Picoline) is a preferred example. These bases are 1 to 10 with respect to the composition represented by A in the general formula (1).
It is preferable to add 50 mol%, particularly preferably 5 to 20 mol%.

When the image recording medium of the present invention is used as a photon mode type image recording medium, it is necessary to add a compound which generates an acid by the action of light. On the other hand, when used as a heat mode image recording medium,
If the acid generator represented by A in the general formulas (1) to (4) or (5) has a function of generating an acid by the action of heat, a thermal acid generator is separately added. Although it is not necessary, a thermal acid generator may be added separately for the purpose of increasing the sensitivity. When the acid generator represented by A in the general formulas (1) to (4) or (5) does not have a function of generating an acid by the action of heat, a thermal acid generator is separately added. It is necessary to do. When a plurality of acid generators are used in combination as described above, the general formulas (1) to (4) of the present invention are used.
A plurality of acid generators contained in (4) may be used in combination. The compounds represented by the general formulas (1) to (4) of the present invention may be used in combination with a known acid generator. Examples of the known acid generator include compounds described in “Organic Materials for Imaging”, edited by Organic Electronics Materials Research Society, published by Bunshin Publishing Company (1997), pp. 37-91, and references cited therein. And the like. Also,
Many of the photoacid generators described herein also function as thermal acid generators.

When a pigment is added, examples include diatomaceous earth, talc, kaolin, calcined kaolin, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, and urea-formalin resin.

Other additives include ultraviolet absorbers such as benzophenone type and benzotriazole type, head wear and sticking preventives comprising higher fatty acid metal salts such as zinc stearate and calcium stearate, paraffin, paraffin oxide, polyethylene, Waxes such as polyethylene oxide and caster wax can be mentioned, and they can be added as needed.

Examples of the support used in the image recording medium of the present invention include papers such as high quality paper, baryta paper, coated paper, cast coated paper, synthetic paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene-2,
6-naphthylenedicarboxylate, polyarylene,
Examples thereof include polymer films such as polyimide, polycarbonate, and triacetyl cellulose, glass, metal foil, and nonwoven fabric. In the case where the image recording medium of the present invention is used for a transmission type image such as an OHP film or a plate making film, a transparent support is used. For a plate making film, a support having a small coefficient of thermal expansion and good dimensional stability and having no absorption in the photosensitive region of the PS plate is selected. Representative synthetic examples of the compounds of the present invention are illustrated below. (Synthesis Example 1) Synthesis of S- (20)

[0115]

Embedded image

5 g of 1,4-butanediol (1-1) was dissolved in THF (50 ml), and potassium-t-butoxide (6.23 g) was added. Further, di-t-butyl dicarbonate (1-2) 12.1 was added to this solution at room temperature.
g was added and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours. The obtained solution is added to water 100
The organic layer was extracted by adding 200 ml of ethyl acetate. Further, the organic layer was washed twice with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated. Purification was performed by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 3 g of (1-3) as an oily compound. ¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ (ppm); 1.49 (s, 9H), 1.70 (m,
4H), 1.96 (br, 1H), 3.66 (t, 2
H), 4.10 (t, 2H) Next, 2 g of (1-3) was dissolved in 10 ml of methylene chloride,
Triethylamine (1.57 ml), 0.28 g of 4-dimethylaminopyridine, and 2.16 g of toluenesulfonyl chloride were added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction solution was poured into 10 ml of water, and the organic layer was extracted. Further, the organic layer is washed twice with water, dried over magnesium sulfate,
Concentrated. Purification was performed by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 1.5 g of Exemplified Compound S- (20) as a colorless and transparent oily compound. ¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ ): δ (ppm); 1.48
(S, 9H), 1.71 (m, 4H), 2.48 (s,
3H), 4.00 (t, 2H), 4.05 (t, 2
H), 7.34 (d, 2H), 7.80 (d, 2H)

(Synthesis Example 2) Synthesis of A- (28)

[0118]

Embedded image

(2-1) 9.01 g was placed in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml), and an oil dispersion of sodium hydride (4 g, content 60%) was added thereto. After stirring for 1 hour, 15.66 g of (2-2) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 3 hours. Then, ethyl acetate (70 ml) and water (50 ml)
Was added and the aqueous layer was separated. Further, the reaction solution was washed with water, and the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The obtained oil was purified by silica gel column chromatography (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane = 1/4 (volume ratio)) to obtain 9.5 g of (2-3). Next, (2-3) 6.
3 g was dissolved in methylene chloride (50 ml), and (2-4)
5.17 g and 6.08 g of (2-5) were added and stirred for 5 hours. Hexane was added thereto, and the mixture was purified by silica gel column chromatography (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane = 1/5 (volume ratio)) to give Exemplified Compound A- (2
8) was obtained (6.2 g, yield 55%). ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ): δ (ppm); 1.65 (4
H), 3.55 (2H), 4.1 (2H), 4.6 (2
H), 4.75 (2H), 5.5 (1H), 5.9 (1
H), 6.8 (1H), 7.35 (5H), 7.6 (2
H), 7.9 (2H). (Synthesis Example 3) Synthesis of S- (22)

[0120]

Embedded image

(3-1) 15.07 g was placed in tetrahydrofuran (70 ml), and an oil dispersion of sodium hydride (4 g, content 60%) was added thereto. After stirring for 1 hour, 15.66 g of (3-2) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 3 hours. Then, ethyl acetate (70 ml) and water (50 m
1) was added and the aqueous layer was separated. Further, the reaction solution was washed with water, and the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The obtained oil was purified by silica gel column chromatography (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane = 1/5 (volume ratio)) to obtain 8.4 g of (3-3). Then (3
-3) 2.04 g was dissolved in methylene chloride, and (3-4)
2.6 g and 1.91 g of (3-5) were added, and the mixture was stirred for 5 hours. Hexane was added thereto, and the mixture was directly subjected to silica gel column chromatography (eluent: ethyl acetate / hexane =
1/10 (volume ratio)) to give Exemplified Compound S- (2
2) was obtained (2.3 g, 63% yield). ¹ H NMR (CDCl 3): δ (ppm); -0.1
(6H), 0.95 (9H), 1.6 (4H), 2.5
(3H), 3.6 (2H), 4.1 (2H), 7.4
(2H), 7.8 (2H).

(Synthesis Example 4) Synthesis of LD- (16) To 4.5 g of quinoline-N-oxide monohydrate was added 4.16 g of acetic anhydride, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, whereby the system became homogeneous. To this solution was added 5 g of 3-phenylisoxazolone suspended in 10 ml of chloroform, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction solution was washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated. The obtained oil was purified by silica gel column chromatography (developing solvent; n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 1/1), and then methanol was added to obtain 1.75 g of a lemon yellow dye (melting point: 223 to 224). ° C, λmax = 423 nm (ε
= 16200) (in ethyl acetate). ). Next, 1 g of the obtained dye was dissolved in 10 ml of THF, and 139 mg of an oil dispersion of sodium hydride (content 60%) was added. Further, 6.2 g of di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate was added, and the mixture was heated under reflux for 30 minutes. Ethyl acetate was added to the reaction solution, and the mixture was washed with water and the organic layer was extracted. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The obtained oil was subjected to silica gel column chromatography (developing solvent; n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 1 /
Purification in 1) gave 450 mg of LD- (16) as colorless crystals (mp 137-138 ° C, λma).
x = 335 nm (ε = 14800) (in ethyl acetate)). The structure was identified by NMR and mass spectrometry.

(Synthesis Example 5) Synthesis of LD- (20) 0.3 g of the dye obtained as a synthesis intermediate of Synthesis Example 4 was
It was dissolved in 3 ml of HF, and 41.6 mg of an oil dispersion of sodium hydride (60% content) was added. Further, 0.2 ml of chloromethyloctyl ether was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. . Ethyl acetate was added to the reaction solution, and the mixture was washed with water and the organic layer was extracted. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The resulting oil was purified by silica gel column chromatography (developing solvent; n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 3/1) to find that LD- (20) was 25 as a colorless oil.
0 mg was obtained (λmax = 340 nm (ε = 1280
0) (in ethyl acetate)). The structure was identified by ¹ H NMR and mass spectroscopy.

(Synthesis Example 6) Synthesis of P- (2) 1) Synthesis of A- (1) 2 synthesized according to the method described in JP-A-8-248561.
-Methyl-2- (2-hydroxymethyl) acetoacetic acid t
-Butyl ester 18 g, triethylamine 19.8
g and 2 g of 4-dimethylaminopyridine were dissolved in 90 ml of methylene chloride. Further, 18 g of paravinylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (synthesized by allowing thionyl chloride to act on sodium paravinylbenzenesulfonate) was added to the solution, followed by stirring at room temperature for 4 hours.
100 ml of water was added to the reaction solution to extract an organic layer, which was further washed twice with 100 ml of water. After drying the organic layer over magnesium sulfate, hydroquinone monomethyl ether 2m
g was added and the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained oil was subjected to silica gel column chromatography (eluent: n-hexane /
The residue was purified by ethyl acetate (3/1) to obtain 17.7 g of a colorless and transparent oil (yield: 54.1%). The obtained structure was identified by mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and ¹ HNMR. Mass spectrometry: M ⁺ = 367 Elemental analysis: calc. C: 58.68% H: 6.57% S:
8.70% found C: 58.69% H: 6.59% S:
8.71% ¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ ): δ (ppm): 1.40 (s, 3H), 1.42 (s,
9H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 4.30 (ABq, 2
H), 5.50 (d, 1H), 5.93 (d, 1H),
6.78 (dd, 1H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 7.
85 (d, 2H) 2) Synthesis of B- (22) 4- (2-methacryloyloxyethyl) -2- (2H
-Benzotriazol-2-yl) phenol (manufactured by Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 5 ml of nitrobenzene in THF
The resultant was dissolved in 300 ml, and 7.4 g of an oil dispersion of sodium hydride (content 60%) was added under cooling with water. Further, 104 g of chloromethyloctyl ether was added to this solution, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. Thereafter, 500 ml of ethyl acetate was added to the reaction solution, and the organic layer was washed with water and dried over magnesium sulfate. After the organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure, silica gel column chromatography (eluent: hexane /
The residue was purified with ethyl acetate = 9/1) and crystallized from hexane to give B- (22) as white crystals.
8 g (yield 53%) was obtained. The structure was identified by mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and ¹ H-NMR. 3) Synthesis of P- (2) 16.6 g of A- (1) and 20.9 of B- (22)
5 g was dissolved in 40 ml of toluene, a solution of 225 mg of 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile in toluene (6 ml) was added thereto, and the mixture was heated and stirred at 75 ° C. for 3 hours.
A solution of 225 mg of 2'-azobisisobutyronitrile in toluene (6 ml) was added, and the mixture was heated and stirred at 75 ° C for 3 hours. The reaction solution was cooled to room temperature, added to 500 ml of MeOH, and the precipitated white polymer was isolated to obtain 34.8 g of a polymer (P- (1)) having a molecular weight of 75,000.
(93% yield) was obtained. ¹ HNMR confirmed that the copolymer was a copolymer of A- (1) and B- (1). Further, it was confirmed by elemental analysis that x: y = 50: 50.

(Synthesis Example 7) Synthesis of P- (16) 2 g of A- (1) and 1.52 g of B- (14) were dissolved in 5 ml of benzene, and 2,2′-azobis (2,4-
(Dimethylvaleronitrile) (20.2 mg) was added and the mixture was stirred at 60 ° C for 10 hours. When the reaction solution was added to 30 ml of methanol, a white amorphous was obtained. After removing the supernatant by decantation, the polymer was dissolved in a small amount of methylene chloride, added to methanol, and reprecipitated.
The supernatant was removed and dried. A polymer having a molecular weight of 3800 and a molecular weight distribution of Mw / Mn = 3.2 (P- (14))
Was obtained (yield 6.25%). ¹ H NMR
It was confirmed that the copolymer was a copolymer of A- (1) and B- (14). Further, elemental analysis confirmed that x: y was 67:33. The melting point was 120 to 123 ° C, and the thermal decomposition temperature was 145 to 148 ° C. (Synthesis Example 8) Synthesis of P- (11)

[0126]

Embedded image

The compound was synthesized in the same manner as in Synthesis Example 4 (8-
After hydrolyzing 1) under ice-cooling, a leuco dye monomer (8-2) was obtained by condensing with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate using 2-chloro-1-methylpyridinium iodide as a condensing agent. P- (11) was obtained by copolymerizing the acid generator monomers (A-1) and (8-2) with AIBN as an initiator (molecular weight 53,000, thermal decomposition onset temperature 140.7 ° C.).

[0128]

As described above, the present invention is an image recording apparatus which can directly produce a printing plate based on image data and can process other recording materials, and uses the same laser light source for image recording. Irradiation is adopted. With such a configuration, a printing plate can be directly created based on image data, and the above-mentioned materials can be processed as other recording materials. Therefore, for example, as described above, by heating the thermosensitive recording material to a predetermined temperature before the image recording by disposing the thermosensitive recording material at the recording position of the recording unit or at the upstream of the recording position with respect to the thermosensitive recording material serving as the film for proofreading work. In addition, high-sensitivity image recording can be performed, and high image quality that can withstand calibration work can be achieved. In addition, by adjusting a predetermined temperature at which the heat-sensitive recording material is pre-heated before recording, it is possible to change the required capacity of the recording unit. By setting the predetermined heating temperature in accordance with the capability of (1), it is possible to use the same recording unit completely.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating a configuration of a heating unit of the image recording apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording unit of the image recording apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating an image recording unit according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a laser beam emitting unit provided with laser preheating.

7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the preheat laser E _P on the sheet and the recording laser E.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing another configuration of preheating by a laser.

FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a heating roller and an image recording unit. (B) is a sectional view perpendicular to the heating roller of (a).

FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a recording unit and a heating unit. (B) is a schematic sectional view perpendicular to a heating roller of a heating unit in which the heating unit of (a) is another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the heat developing unit.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams showing still another embodiment of the heat development unit.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment in which a heating unit, an image recording unit, and a heat development unit are arranged closer to each other.

14A is a sectional view in the transport direction of the apparatus of FIG. 13, and FIG. 14B is a sectional view in the transport direction showing a modification of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating output control when the image recording apparatus of the present invention and another image forming apparatus are used as a processor.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 110 Image recording device 20, 120 Recording material supply unit 21, 121 Magazine 23, 123 Cutter 30, 130 Recording unit 32, 132 Image recording optical system 40 Heating unit 42, 142 Heating roller 50 Stacking unit 60, 160 Thermal developing unit D sheet (recording material of the calibration film) D1 sheet (recording material for plate) E recording laser beam E _P preheating laser beam

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03F 7/26 521 B41J 3/20 109A 109J (72) Inventor Atsuhiro Okawa 210 Nakanuma, Minamiashigara, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Photo Inside Film Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tatsuhiko Obayashi 210 Nakanakanuma, Minamiashigara-shi, Kanagawa Fuji Photo F-film Co., Ltd. 2H084 AA14 AA38 AA40 BB02 BB13 CC20 2H095 AB15 AB30 AC01 2H096 AA06 AA23 BA20 EA04 EA23 GA52 GA60

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image recording apparatus for producing a plate by directly recording on a recording material for a plate based on image data, comprising a heat-sensitive image recording medium comprising a color developing (or decoloring) reaction using an acid catalyst. A first recording material supply unit that supplies a recording material, a second recording material supply unit that supplies the recording material, and one recording unit that records a latent image on the recording material supplied from each of the recording material supply units. An image recording apparatus, comprising: a developing unit that is disposed downstream of a recording position of the recording unit and heats and develops a thermosensitive recording material supplied from the first recording material supply unit to a predetermined temperature. 2. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording section is a thermal head recording means for performing imagewise recording on each of said recording materials. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording section is a laser recording unit that performs imagewise exposure on the printing plate recording material and the thermal recording material. 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a heating unit that is a heating laser beam that scans immediately before a scanning position of the laser recording unit on the thermosensitive recording material. . 5. A heating unit which is arranged at a recording position or upstream of the recording position of the recording unit and heats a thermosensitive recording material supplied from the first recording material supply unit to a predetermined temperature. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1. 6. The heating unit is a swingable heating roller that heats only in contact with the heat-sensitive recording material and is non-contact when the printing plate recording material is supplied. The image recording device according to claim 5. 7. The heating unit according to claim 5, wherein the heating unit includes a flat heating surface at a recording position of the recording unit or at a position upstream of the recording position, the position facing the back side of the recording surface of the thermosensitive recording material. Image recording device. 8. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined heating temperature of the heating unit is set according to a capability of the recording unit.