JP2004170945A - Cleaning method and image forming apparatus used in the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning method capable of easily and reliably cleaning a heat and pressure applying means in an image forming apparatus, and to provide an image forming apparatus used in the same. <P>SOLUTION: The cleaning method comprises at least a heat and pressure applying step in which a cleaning sheet is fed to an image forming apparatus and heat and pressure are applied by a heat and pressure applying means to remove contaminant sticking to the heat and pressure applying means, wherein the heat and pressure applying means is at least one of a fixing belt and a fixing roller, the cleaning sheet comprises a support and a thermoplastic resin layer comprising a thermoplastic resin on the support, and the cleaning sheet satisfies at least one of the expressions L1(cm)>L2(cm) and L1(cm)>L3(cm), where L1 is the length of the cleaning sheet in the feed direction; L2 is the peripheral length of the fixing roller; and L3 is the peripheral length of the fixing belt. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning method capable of easily and reliably cleaning dirt on a heating and pressing unit in an electrophotographic apparatus, and an image forming apparatus used therefor.

Conventionally, many proposals have been made to use a roll-type electrophotographic image-receiving sheet in an electrophotographic image forming method (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228667 describes that in a printing bookbinding method by electrophotography, in which image information is printed on a sheet and bound to a booklet, roll paper is used as a printing sheet in the printing process.
In Patent Document 2, since the roll paper tube shaft and the toner storage unit are integrated, if the roll paper as a consumable item is replaced, the toner storage unit is also replaced at the same time. An electrophotographic apparatus is described in which the burden on the user can be reduced, the maintainability can be improved, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.
Patent Document 3 describes a recording apparatus in which transfer conditions can be changed between roll paper and cut sheet paper in an electrophotographic recording apparatus using roll paper as recording paper. According to this recording apparatus, when the roll paper is fed out, the toner remaining on the apparatus is transferred to the recording paper of a predetermined length to be fed out, so that no special cleaning means is required.
Patent Document 4 discloses a photosensitive member, a sheet feeding unit for cut plate-shaped transfer paper, a sheet feeding unit for roll-shaped transfer paper, and a sheet feeding unit detection device for detecting which of the two sheet feeding units is used. In an electrophotographic transfer apparatus having a transfer means for transferring an image onto transfer paper to be printed, a transfer apparatus is described in which the operating conditions of the transfer means are switched according to the paper feed means used.

  However, in the prior art, the toner or thermoplastic resin of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a toner image-receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin is easily offset to the fixing member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, There is a problem that it is difficult to clean the thermoplastic resin when it is offset.

Patent Document 5 discloses that a roll-shaped electrophotographic image-receiving sheet is used for cleaning. In Patent Document 5, an image is formed by an electrophotographic method, and untransferred residual toner on a photoconductor is transferred using a roll sheet paper drawn out from a roll body formed by winding a long sheet. A method of performing cleaning only by performing is described.
However, Patent Document 5 cleans unfixed toner on a photoreceptor, and the problem to be solved is essentially different from cleaning of an offset fixed thermoplastic resin and toner.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-208573 JP-A-6-27812 JP-A-8-115033 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-146831 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-4014631

  This invention is made | formed in view of this present condition, and makes it a subject to solve the said various problems in the past and to achieve the following objectives. That is, according to the present invention, by using an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a toner image-receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin as a cleaning sheet, it is possible to easily and reliably clean dirt adhered to a heating and pressing unit in an electrophotographic apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning method that can perform the above and an image forming apparatus used therefor.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have made extensive studies and obtained the following knowledge.
When the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is fixed, the electrophotographic image receiving sheet takes heat away from the fixing roller, so that the fixing roller is a heating and pressing unit as compared with the length of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet in the sheet passing direction. When the peripheral length or the fixing belt peripheral length is formed long, the toner fixing property varies depending on the fixing temperature, and the influence on the image quality becomes large. This is particularly true for an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a toner image-receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin. When used, it becomes a more remarkable requirement.
In an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a toner image-receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin, the thermoplastic resin contained in the toner image-receiving layer tends to be extruded behind the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet during fixing. The contamination of the fixing roller or the fixing belt at the portion where the rear end of the image receiving sheet comes into contact becomes a problem.
Further, in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet having the toner image receiving layer containing the thermoplastic resin, the thermoplastic resin is likely to be hot offset to the fixing roller or the fixing belt (fixing member), and the thermoplastic resin is offset to the fixing member. It is not easy to clean it. Similarly, it has been found that if the toner resin is also offset to the fixing member, cleaning is not easy.
Therefore, as a result of further diligent investigations based on the above findings, the present inventors have found that when an electrophotographic image receiving sheet having a toner image receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin on a support is used as a cleaning sheet, cleaning is easy and reliable. I found out that I can do it.
In addition, when the circumferential length of the fixing roller or the circumferential length of the fixing belt is longer than the length in the sheet passing direction of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet that is normally output, cleaning is performed at a cleaning required position on at least one of the fixing roller and the fixing belt. It has been found that it is difficult to perform efficient cleaning by bringing a sheet (electrophotographic image-receiving sheet) into contact (hit).

Therefore, means for solving the above-described problems are as follows. That is,
<1> A cleaning method for an image forming apparatus including at least a heating and pressurizing step of passing a cleaning sheet through the image forming apparatus and subjecting the heating and pressurizing unit to heat and pressure treatment to remove dirt adhered to the heating and pressurizing unit. Because
The heating and pressing means is at least one of a fixing belt and a fixing roller, and the cleaning sheet has a support and a thermoplastic resin layer containing a thermoplastic resin on the support, and the cleaning sheet Satisfying at least one of the following formulas: L1 (cm)> L2 (cm) and L1 (cm)> L3 (cm).
In the above formula, L1 represents the length of the cleaning sheet in the sheet passing direction. L2 represents the circumference of the fixing roller. L3 represents the circumference of the fixing belt.
<2> The cleaning method according to <1>, wherein the cleaning sheet is the same as the electrophotographic image receiving sheet used in the image forming apparatus.
<3> The cleaning method according to any one of <1> to <2>, wherein L1 is formed 0.5 to 15 cm longer than either L2 or L3.
<4> The cleaning method according to any one of <1> to <3>, further satisfying at least one of the following formulas: L2 (cm)> L4 (cm) and L3 (cm)> L4 (cm) It is.
However, in said formula, L2 and L3 represent the same meaning as the above. L4 represents the length in the sheet passing direction of the smallest electrophotographic image receiving sheet.
<5> The craning method according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the dirt is a thermoplastic resin after fixing attached to the heating and pressing unit.
<6> The cleaning sheet is in a roll form, and the cleaning sheet in the roll form satisfies at least one of the following formulas, L1 (cm)> L2 (cm), and L1 (cm)> L3 (cm) The cleaning method according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the cleaning method is used after being cut into pieces.
<7> The cleaning sheet is any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the cleaning sheet is any one selected from L size, A6 size, A4 size, B4 size, A3 size, B5 size, postcard size, and business card size The cleaning method described.
<8> The cleaning method according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the heating and pressurizing unit is a belt-fixing smoothing processor including a fixing roller, a fixing belt, and a cooling device.
<9> The apparatus according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein a fixing temperature when fixing the toner on the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is different from a temperature at a position where the fixing of the electrophotographic apparatus is performed during cleaning. It is a cleaning method.
<10> The cleaning method according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein a conveyance speed at which the toner is fixed on the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is different from a conveyance speed at the fixing unit at the time of cleaning.
<11> The cleaning method according to any one of <1> to <10>, wherein the fixing belt includes a heat-resistant support film and a release layer formed on the support film.
<12> The cleaning method according to <11>, wherein the release layer is any one of a fluorocarbon siloxane rubber layer, a silicone rubber layer, and a fluorocarbon siloxane rubber layer provided in this order.
<13> The cleaning method according to <12>, wherein the fluorocarbon siloxane rubber in the fluorocarbon siloxane rubber layer includes at least one of a perfluoroalkyl ether group and a perfluoroalkyl group in a main chain.
<14> Heating and pressing means for fixing toner to an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a support, a toner image-receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin on the support, and dirt adhered to the heating and pressing means are removed. An image forming apparatus having at least a cleaning sheet, wherein at least one of a fixing belt and a fixing roller is used as the heating and pressing unit, and the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is used as the cleaning sheet. An image forming apparatus characterized by satisfying at least one of the following formulas: L1 (cm)> L2 (cm) and L1 (cm)> L3 (cm).
In the above formula, L1 represents the length of the cleaning sheet in the sheet passing direction. L2 represents the circumference of the fixing roller. L3 represents the circumference of the fixing belt.
<15> The image forming apparatus according to <14>, wherein L1 is formed 0.5 to 15 cm longer than at least one of L2 and L3.
<16> The image formation according to any one of <14> to <15>, further satisfying at least one of the following formulas: L2 (cm)> L4 (cm) and L3 (cm)> L4 (cm) Device.
However, in said formula, L2 and L3 represent the same meaning as the above. L4 represents the length in the sheet passing direction of the smallest electrophotographic image receiving sheet.
<17> The image forming apparatus according to any one of <14> to <16>, wherein the heating and pressurizing unit is a belt-fixing type smoothing processor having a fixing roller, a fixing belt, and a cooling device. .
<18> The image forming apparatus according to any one of <14> to <17>, wherein a cleaning sheet in a roll form is used.
<19> The sheet cutting means for cutting a roll-shaped cleaning sheet so as to satisfy at least one of the following formulas, L1 (cm)> L2 (cm), and L1 (cm)> L3 (cm) <18>.

  The cleaning method of the present invention includes a heating and pressurizing means for fixing a toner to an electrophotographic image receiving sheet having a support and a toner image receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin on the support, and the adhesion to the heating and pressurizing means. In the cleaning method using an image forming apparatus having at least a cleaning sheet for removing dirt, the heating and pressing unit is at least one of a fixing belt and a fixing roller, and the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is used as the cleaning sheet. The cleaning sheet used has the following formula, L1 (cm)> L2 (cm), and L1 (cm)> L3 (cm) (where L1 represents the length of the cleaning sheet in the sheet passing direction. L2 represents L3 represents the circumferential length of the fixing roller, L3 represents the circumferential length of the fixing belt). As a result, at least one selected from the fixing roller and the fixing belt in the electrophotographic apparatus can be easily and reliably performed.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a support, a heating and pressurizing unit that fixes toner on an electrophotographic image receiving sheet having a toner image receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin on the support, and the heating and pressurizing unit. An image forming apparatus having at least a cleaning sheet for removing attached dirt, wherein at least one of a fixing belt and a fixing roller is used as the heating and pressing unit, and the cleaning sheet is the same as the electrophotographic image receiving sheet The cleaning sheet is at least of the following formulas, L1 (cm)> L2 (cm), and L1 (cm)> L3 (cm) (L1 represents the length of the cleaning sheet in the sheet passing direction). It is characterized by satisfying either. As a result, at least one selected from the fixing roller and the fixing belt in the electrophotographic apparatus can be easily and reliably performed.

  According to the present invention, various problems in the prior art can be solved, and at least selected from a fixing roller and a fixing belt in an electrophotographic apparatus by using an electrophotographic image receiving sheet having a toner image receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin as a cleaning sheet. Either cleaning can be performed easily and reliably.

(Cleaning method and image forming apparatus)
The cleaning method of the present invention removes dirt adhering to a heating and pressing unit in an image forming apparatus for fixing toner on an electrophotographic image receiving sheet having a support and a toner image receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin on the support. It is removed by a cleaning sheet, and the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is used as it is as the cleaning sheet.
The image forming apparatus of the present invention is used in the cleaning method of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the details of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be clarified through the description of the cleaning method of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the fixing roller. The outer circumference of the circle represented by the solid line is the circumference (L2) of the fixing roller. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the fixing belt. The total length of the straight line and the circular arc represented by the solid line is the circumferential length (L3) of the fixing belt. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electrophotographic image receiving sheet and a cleaning sheet. The three output electrophotographic image-receiving sheets 51, 51 ′, 51 ″ and the cleaning sheet 54 are conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrows. At this time, the lengths in the sheet passing direction are L4, L4 ′, L4 ″, and L1, respectively.
The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (cleaning sheet) has a toner image-receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin on a support, and a peripheral length (L2) of a fixing roller as a heating and pressing unit and a peripheral length of a fixing belt. An electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a length (L1) in the paper passing direction that is longer than at least one of (L3) is used as a cleaning sheet. That is, at least one relationship selected from the following formulas, L1> L2 and L1> L3 is satisfied.
When the length (L1) of the cleaning sheet (electrophotographic image receiving sheet) in the sheet passing direction is shorter than the circumferential length (L2) of the fixing roller or the circumferential length (L3) of the fixing belt, the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is The area in contact with the fixing roller or the fixing belt is reduced, and the cleaning efficiency is lowered.
For example, the length (L1) of the cleaning sheet in the sheet passing direction is preferably longer by 0.5 to 15 cm than the circumferential length (L2) of the fixing roller or the circumferential length (L3) of the fixing belt. In particular, it is more preferably formed to be 1 to 12 cm long.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the length (L1) of the cleaning sheet in the sheet passing direction, the circumferential length (L2) of the fixing roller, the circumferential length (L3) of the fixing belt, and the smallest The length (L4) of the electrophotographic print of the size satisfies the relationship of at least one selected from the relational expressions: L1> L2 and L1> L3 all around the heating and pressurizing unit at once. It is preferable in that it can be cleaned and the cleaning property can be improved.
Further, satisfying at least one of the relational expressions: L2> L4 and L3> L4 is that the fixing temperature is uniform (fixability is fixed) in the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet, and a high-quality image is obtained. preferable.
Here, as the electrophotographic print, usually, L size (89 mm × 127 mm) print, A6 size (105 mm × 150 mm) print, A4 size (210 mm × 300 mm) print, B4 size, B5 size, postcard size, business card size The smallest size in the image forming apparatus to be cleaned is L4.

When the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is in the form of a roll and has cutting means for cutting the electrophotographic image receiving sheet into a predetermined size, the peripheral length (L2) of the fixing roller, which is a heating and pressing means, or fixing The length of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet can be adjusted according to the belt circumferential length (L3), and a cleaning sheet that can clean the entire circumference of the heating and pressurizing means at a time can be easily prepared. .
The stain is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but is preferably a thermoplastic resin after fixing attached to a heating and pressing unit.

  It is preferable that the fixing temperature when fixing the toner on the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is different from the temperature of the fixing unit during cleaning. For example, it is preferable that the temperature of the fixing unit at the time of cleaning is slightly lower than the fixing temperature in terms of improving the cleaning performance. The fixing temperature is preferably higher by 1 ° C. or more than the temperature of the fixing portion during cleaning.

  It is preferable that the conveyance speed at which the toner is fixed on the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is different from the conveyance speed at the fixing portion at the time of cleaning. For example, it is preferable in terms of improving the cleaning performance that the conveyance speed at the fixing unit at the time of cleaning is slightly lower than the conveyance speed at the time of fixing. It is preferable that the conveyance speed at the time of fixing is 1 mm / sec or more faster than the conveyance speed at the fixing unit at the time of cleaning.

  The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet is not particularly limited as long as it has a support and a toner image-receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin on the support, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The detailed description of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet will be described later.

<Image forming apparatus>
The image forming apparatus of the present invention is used in the cleaning method of the present invention and has at least a heating and pressurizing unit and a cleaning sheet, and includes a sheet storage unit, a sheet feeding unit, a sheet cutting unit, and others as necessary. It has the means.

-Sheet storage means-
The sheet storage means is not particularly limited as long as it can load an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a toner image-receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin on a support, and is appropriately selected from known sheet storage means. Can be used.
Examples of the storage means include a sheet tray and a magazine rack.

-Sheet feeding means-
The sheet feeding means is not particularly limited as long as it can send out an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet, and can be appropriately selected from known sheet feeding means.
Examples of the paper feeding means include a method using a pickup roller.

-Sheet cutting means-
The sheet cutting means is not particularly limited as long as the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet can be cut into a predetermined size, and can be appropriately selected from known sheet cutting means.
Examples of the sheet cutting means include a circular cutter, a guillotine cutter, a rotary cutter, and an XY direction cutter.

-Heating and pressing means-
The heating and pressing unit is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include those used as fixing devices in known electrophotographic apparatuses. Examples thereof include a heating roller, a combination of a heating roller and a pressure roller, a combination of a pair of heating rollers and a belt, and a cooling and peeling type belt fixing type smoothing processor described later.

  The pair of heating rollers is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the pair of heating rollers can be appropriately selected from a pair of heating rollers used in a known electrophotographic apparatus. It is preferable to adjust the nip pressure, the heating temperature, and the like.

  It is preferable that the heating and pressing unit heat and press at a temperature equal to or higher than a softening point of the thermoplastic resin in the toner image receiving layer. Specifically, although it can select suitably according to the kind of said thermoplastic resin, 50-120 degreeC is preferable normally, for example. When the toner image-receiving layer in the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet contains a thermoplastic resin, the temperature is preferably 80 to 110 ° C, and when the thermoplastic resin is polyethylene, the temperature is more preferably 95 to 105 ° C.

<Belt fixing type smoothing machine>
The belt-fixing type smoothing processor includes a fixing roller, a fixing belt, and a cooling device, and includes a cooling / separating unit and, if necessary, other members.
Examples of the fixing roller include a pair of heating rollers as described above, a combination of a heating roller and a pressure roller, and the like.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said cooling device, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, the cooling device, heat sink, etc. which can blow cold air and can adjust cooling temperature etc. are used.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said cooling peeling part, According to the objective, it can select suitably, The tension roll vicinity position which peels from a belt with the rigidity (strength of waist) of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet itself is meant.

  The fixing belt includes a heat resistant support film and a release layer formed on the support film.

  The support film is not particularly limited as long as it has heat resistance. For example, polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether sal Hong (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyparabanic acid (PPA), and the like can be mentioned.

  The release layer is preferably at least one selected from silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, fluorocarbon siloxane rubber, silicone resin and fluorine resin. Among these, a mode in which a fluorocarbonsiloxane rubber layer is provided on the surface of the fixing belt, a silicone rubber layer is provided on the surface of the fixing belt, and a fluorocarbonsiloxane rubber layer is provided on the surface of the silicone rubber layer. Embodiments are preferred.

The fluorocarbon siloxane rubber preferably has at least one of a perfluoroalkyl ether group and a perfluoroalkyl group in the main chain.
As said fluorocarbon siloxane rubber, the hardened | cured material of the fluorocarbon siloxane rubber composition containing the following (A)-(D) component is suitable.
(A) a fluorocarbon polymer having a fluorocarbon siloxane represented by the following general formula (1) as a main component and having an aliphatic unsaturated group; (B) containing two or more ≡SiH groups in one molecule; Organopolysiloxane and / or fluorocarbon siloxane having an ≡SiH group content of 1 to 4 times the molar amount of the aliphatic unsaturated group in the product, (C) a filler, and (D) an effective amount of catalyst.

  The (A) component fluorocarbon polymer is mainly composed of a fluorocarbon siloxane having a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (1) and has an aliphatic unsaturated group.

In the general formula (1), R ¹⁰ is an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or alkenyl having 2 to 3 carbon atoms. And a methyl group is particularly preferable.
a and e each represents an integer of 0 or 1; b and d each represent an integer of 1 to 4. c represents an integer of 0 to 8. Further, x is preferably 1 or more, and more preferably 10-30.

  As said (A) component, what is shown by following General formula (2) can be mentioned.

  In the component (B), examples of the organopolysiloxane having an ≡SiH group include organohydrogenpolysiloxanes having at least two hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon atoms in the molecule.

  In the fluorocarbon siloxane rubber composition, when the fluorocarbon polymer of the component (A) has an aliphatic unsaturated group, the above-described organohydrogenpolysiloxane is preferably used as the curing agent. . That is, a cured product is formed by an addition reaction that occurs between an aliphatic unsaturated group in the fluorocarbon siloxane and a hydrogen atom bonded to a silicon atom in the organohydrogenpolysiloxane.

  As the organohydrogenpolysiloxane, various organohydrogenpolysiloxanes used in addition-curable silicone rubber compositions can be used.

  In general, the number of ≡SiH groups in the organohydrogenpolysiloxane is preferably at least one with respect to one aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbon group in the fluorocarbon siloxane as the component (A). It is preferable to mix | blend in the ratio which becomes an individual.

In addition, the fluorocarbon having a ≡SiH group includes the unit of the above general formula (1) or the above general formula (1), wherein R ¹⁰ is a dialkylhydrogensiloxy group and the terminal is a dialkylhydrogensiloxy group or a silyl group. What is SiH groups, such as group, is preferable, and what is shown by following General formula (3) can be mentioned.

  As the filler of the component (C), various fillers used in general silicone rubber compositions can be used. Examples of the filler include fumed silica, precipitated silica, carbon powder, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, quartz powder, reinforcing filler such as talc, sericite, bentonite, asbestos, glass fiber, organic fiber, and the like. Examples thereof include fibrous fillers.

  Examples of the catalyst for the component (D) include chloroplatinic acid, alcohol-modified chloroplatinic acid, complexes of chloroplatinic acid and olefin, platinum black or palladium, which are known as addition reaction catalysts, and carriers such as alumina, silica, and carbon. And a compound of group VIII of the periodic table such as a complex of rhodium and olefin, chlorotris (triphenylphosphine) rhodium (Wilkinson catalyst), rhodium (III) acetylacetonate or the like. These complexes are preferably used by dissolving in a solvent such as an alcohol compound, an ether compound, or a hydrocarbon compound.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the said fluorocarbon siloxane rubber composition, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, Various compounding agents can be added. For example, diphenylsilane diol, low-polymerization degree molecular chain terminal hydroxyl-blocked dimethylpolysiloxane, dispersant such as hexamethyldisilazane, heat resistance improver such as ferrous oxide, ferric oxide, cerium oxide, iron octylate Further, colorants such as pigments can be blended as necessary.

  The fixing belt can be obtained by coating the surface of the heat-resistant support film with the fluorocarbon siloxane rubber composition and curing by heating. If necessary, m-xylene hexafluoride, benzotrifluoride, etc. It can be applied by a general coating method such as spray coating, dip coating and knife coating. Moreover, the temperature and time of heat-curing can be selected suitably, and are selected according to the kind of support film, a manufacturing method, etc. in the range of normal temperature 100-500 degreeC and 5 second-5 hours.

  The thickness of the release layer formed on the surface of the fixing belt is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 200 μm in order to obtain good image fixability by preventing toner releasability or toner component offset, 5-150 micrometers is more preferable.

  Examples of the belt fixing method include an oilless type belt fixing method described in JP-A-11-352819, and secondary transfer and fixing described in JP-A-11-231671 and JP-A-5-341666. A method for simultaneously achieving the above is known. The electrophotographic apparatus having a fixing belt according to the present invention can convey, for example, at least a heating and pressurizing unit capable of melting and pressurizing a toner and an image receiving material to which the toner is adhered in a state of being in contact with the toner image receiving layer. An electrophotographic apparatus having a belt-type toner fixing unit having a fixing belt and, optionally, a cooling unit that can cool a heated image receiving material while attached to the fixing belt. By using an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a toner image-receiving layer in an electrophotographic apparatus having such a fixing belt, the toner adhering to the toner image-receiving layer is finely fixed without spreading on the image-receiving material. Since the molten toner is cooled and solidified in close contact with the belt, the toner is received in the toner image receiving layer in a state where the toner is completely embedded in the toner image receiving layer. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a glossy and smooth toner image with no image level difference.

  Fixing is an important process that affects the gloss and smoothness of the final image. As the fixing method, fixing by a heat and pressure roller, belt fixing using a belt, and the like are known, but the belt fixing method is preferable from the viewpoint of the image quality such as gloss and smoothness. With respect to the belt fixing method, for example, an oilless type belt fixing method described in JP-A-11-352819, secondary transfer and fixing described in JP-A-11-231671 and JP-A-5-341666 are performed. Methods to achieve at the same time are known. Further, primary pressing with a heat roller may be performed before pressing and heating with the fixing belt and the fixing roller.

  Here, FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the color copying machine (image forming apparatus) 100 of the present invention. The color copying machine 100 includes an apparatus main body 104 and an image reading apparatus (original reading means) 102. The apparatus main body 104 includes an image output unit (image forming unit) and a belt fixing device 101.

  The image forming unit includes an endless intermediate transfer belt 9 that is stretched and rotated by a plurality of stretching rollers, and yellow, magenta, and cyan that are arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 9. The electrophotographic image forming units 1Y to 1K for forming black toner images, the belt cleaning device 14 facing the intermediate transfer belt 9, the secondary transfer roller 12 facing the intermediate transfer belt 9, and plain paper (electrophotographic) Image receiving sheet) 18 (S) and dedicated glossy paper (electrophotographic image receiving sheet) 18 (P), respectively, a paper tray 17, a pickup roller 17a, a pair of conveying rollers 19, 24, a pair of registration rollers 20, and a discharge tray 26. Etc. Furthermore, it has the roll paper unit 30 which accommodates the sheet | seat of a roll body. The roll paper unit 30 includes a sheet storage unit, a sheet feeding unit, and a sheet cutting unit.

  The electrophotographic image forming units 1Y to 1K include photosensitive drums 2Y to 2K, charging rollers 3Y to 3K, developing devices 5Y to 5K, primary transfer rollers 6Y to 6K, drum cleaning devices 7Y to 7K, and discharging rollers 8Y to 8K. 8K, etc.

  FIG. 5 illustrates the configuration of the belt fixing device 101. This fixing device 101 is wound around a heat fixing roller (heating roller) 40 having a heat source, a peeling roller (stretching roller) 44, a steering roller (stretching roller) 45, a heating fixing roller 40, a peeling roller 44 and the steering roller 45. A fixing belt (endless belt) 47 that is rotated, a pressure roller 42 that presses against the heat fixing roller 40 via the fixing belt 47 to form a nip, and the fixing belt 47 on the downstream side of the nip in the rotation direction of the fixing belt 47. The electrophotographic image receiving sheet 18 having a cooler (cooling unit) 46 for cooling and carrying the toner is conveyed to the nip portion so that the toner image is in contact with the fixing belt 47 and is heated and pressed and fixed. After the fixing belt 47 and the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 18 are cooled, the belt that peels the fixing belt 47 from the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 18. It is wearing device.

  In the heat fixing roller 40, a release layer 40b made of a fluororesin layer such as a PFA tube is formed on the surface of a metal core 40a having high thermal conductivity, and a heat source 41 such as a halogen lamp is formed in the core 40a. Is provided so that the surface temperature of the heat-fixing roller 40 becomes a predetermined temperature, and the image-receiving sheet 18 on which the fixing belt 47 and the toner image are formed is heated. The pressure roller 42 covers an elastic body layer 42b made of silicone rubber or the like having a rubber hardness (JIS-A) of about 40 ° around a metal core 42a having high thermal conductivity, and further on the surface thereof. A release layer 42c made of a fluororesin layer such as a PFA tube is formed, and a heating source 43 such as a halogen lamp is provided in the core 42a, and heated so that the surface temperature of the pressure roller 42 becomes a predetermined temperature. At the same time as applying pressure to the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 18 at the time of fixing, the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 18 is heated from the back surface. The configuration of the heat fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 42 is not limited to the above-described configuration. The toner image formed on the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 18 is transferred to the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 18 via the fixing belt 47. Any configuration that can be fixed on the top is acceptable.

  The peeling roller 44 peels the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 18 from the fixing belt 47 by the rigidity of the image receiving sheet 18 itself, and the outer diameter shape (size) thereof is the adhesion between the fixing belt 47 and the image receiving sheet 18, and It is determined by the winding angle of the fixing belt 47 around the peeling roller 44. The steering roller 45 is for preventing the belt end from being damaged due to a deviation generated by rotating the fixing belt 47. One shaft is fixed, and the other shaft is heated and fixed by a driving device (not shown). By tilting with respect to the roller 40, when the fixing belt 47 is offset, it plays the role of changing the traveling direction of the belt in the opposite direction.

  The cooler 46 is for cooling the fixing belt 47 and the image receiving sheet 18 that is in close contact with the fixing belt 47, and is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 47, on the downstream side of the heat fixing roller 40, and on the upstream side of the peeling roller 44. It is arranged on the side. The cooler 46 cools the transparent resin layer 18 a and the toner image on the surface of the image receiving sheet 18 melted by the heat fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 42, and the entire image surface is in a smooth state following the surface of the fixing belt 47. It has the function of solidifying with.

The fixing belt 47 is formed by applying DY39-115 (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd.), a primer for silicone rubber, on an endless film made of thermosetting polyimide, followed by air-drying for 30 minutes, and then silicone rubber. A coating film was formed by dip coating with 100 parts by mass of DY35-796AB (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd.) and 30 parts by mass of n-hexane, and the precursor was formed at 120 ° C. for 10 minutes. Primary vulcanization was performed to obtain silicone rubber 40 μm.
On this silicone rubber layer, 100 parts by mass of SIFEL 610 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) which is a fluorocarbon siloxane rubber precursor and fluorine-based solvent (m-xylene hexafluoride, perfluoroalkane, perfluoro (2-butyltetrahydrofuran)) Mixed solvent)
After forming a coating film by dip coating the coating solution prepared by 20 parts by mass, primary vulcanization at 120 ° C. for 10 minutes and secondary vulcanization at 180 ° C. for 4 hours are performed, and the fluorocarbon siloxane rubber is 20 μm. A belt having a film thickness was used.

  Here, the fixing device 101 exists below the image reading device 102 and exists above the image forming unit (for example, a transfer position). Further, the fixing device 101 exists in the region directly above the image forming unit (for example, the intermediate transfer belt 9) and exists in the region directly below the image reading device 102. Further, the entire conveyance path of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 18 from the secondary transfer position to the fixing device 101 exists in the region directly above the image forming unit (for example, the intermediate transfer belt 9). Further, the vertical component of the primary fixing straight line connecting the secondary transfer position and the primary transfer position is substantially in the vertical direction. Further, the vertical component of the fixing straight line connecting the secondary transfer position and the fixing position is smaller than the horizontal component of the fixing straight line. Further, the image receiving sheet 18 discharged from the fixing device 101 is discharged to a region directly above the image forming unit (for example, the intermediate transfer belt 9).

<Electrophotographic image-receiving sheet>
The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention has a support and a toner image-receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin provided on at least one surface of the support, and other layers appropriately selected as necessary, for example, , Protective layer, intermediate layer, undercoat layer, cushion layer, charge control (prevention) layer, reflection layer, tint preparation layer, storage stability improvement layer, adhesion prevention layer, anti-curl layer, smoothing layer, etc. . Each of these layers may have a single layer structure or a laminated structure.

[Support]
Examples of the support include paper, synthetic paper, synthetic resin sheets, coated paper obtained by coating a resin on these sheets, and laminated paper obtained by laminating a resin on the sheet. These supports may have a single layer structure or a laminated structure of two or more layers.

-Base paper-
The base paper is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Specifically, it is a high-quality paper, for example, “Photographic Engineering Basics—Silver Salt Photography” edited by the Japan Photography Society, Ltd. The paper etc. of a corona company publication (Showa 54) (223)-(240) page are mentioned as a suitable thing.

  The material of the base paper is not particularly limited as long as it is a known material used for an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet, and can be appropriately selected from various materials according to the purpose. For example, softwood, hardwood, etc. Examples include natural pulp, synthetic pulp made of synthetic resin such as polyethylene and polypropylene, or a mixture of natural pulp and synthetic pulp.

The pulp that can be used as the raw material of the base paper is hardwood bleached kraft pulp (LBKP) from the viewpoint of improving the surface smoothness, rigidity and dimensional stability (curling property) of the base paper to a balanced and sufficient level at the same time. Although desirable, softwood bleached kraft pulp (NBKP), hardwood sulfite pulp (LBSP) and the like can also be used.
A beater, refiner, or the like can be used to beat the pulp.
The Canadian standard freeness of the pulp can control the shrinkage of the paper in the paper making process, so 200-440 ml C.I. S. F. Is more preferred, 250-380 ml C.I. S. F. Is more preferable.
In the pulp slurry obtained after beating the pulp (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “pulp stock”), various additives such as a filler, a dry paper strength enhancer, a sizing agent, A wet paper strength enhancer, a fixing agent, a pH adjuster, and other chemicals are added.

Examples of the filler include calcium carbonate, clay, kaolin, white clay, talc, titanium oxide, diatomaceous earth, barium sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide.
Examples of the dry paper strength enhancer include cationized starch, cationized polyacrylamide, anionized polyacrylamide, amphoteric polyacrylamide, and carboxy-modified polyvinyl alcohol.
Examples of the sizing agent include fatty acid salts, rosin derivatives such as rosin and maleated rosin, paraffin wax, alkyl ketene dimer, alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and epoxidized fatty acid amide.
Examples of the wet paper strength enhancer include polyamine polyamide epichlorohydrin, melamine resin, urea resin, and epoxidized polyamide resin.
Examples of the fixing agent include polyvalent metal salts such as aluminum sulfate and aluminum chloride; and cationic polymers such as cationized starch.
Examples of the pH adjuster include caustic soda and sodium carbonate.
As said other chemical | medical agent, an antifoamer, dye, a slime control agent, a fluorescent whitening agent, etc. are mentioned, for example.
Furthermore, a softening agent etc. can also be added as needed. As the softening agent, for example, those described in New Handbook for Paper Processing (Edited by Paper Medicine Time), pages 554 to 555 (issued in 1980) can be used.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the process liquid used for the said surface size process, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a water-soluble polymer compound, a water-resistant substance, a pigment, dye, fluorescent whitening agent, etc. May be included.
Examples of the water-soluble polymer compound include cationized starch, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxy-modified polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, cellulose sulfate, gelatin, casein, sodium polyacrylate, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer sodium. Examples thereof include salts and sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

Examples of the water-resistant substance include latex / emulsions such as styrene-butadiene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene, vinylidene chloride copolymer; polyamide polyamine epichlorohydrin, and the like.
Examples of the pigment include calcium carbonate, clay, kaolin, talc, barium sulfate, and titanium oxide.

  The base paper has a longitudinal Young's modulus (Ea) and a transverse Young's modulus (Eb) ratio (Ea / Eb) of 1.5 to 2.0 in terms of improving rigidity and dimensional stability (curling property). It is preferable that it exists in the range. When the Ea / Eb value is less than 1.5 or more than 2.0, the rigidity and curl property are liable to deteriorate, and the running property at the time of transportation is hindered.

In general, it is known that the “strain” of paper differs based on the difference in the mode of beating, and after the beating, the elasticity (rate) of the paper made by papermaking represents the degree of “strain” of the paper. Can be used as an additional factor. In particular, the elastic modulus of paper is measured by measuring the speed of sound propagating through the paper, using the relationship between the dynamic elastic modulus and density, which indicates the physical properties of the viscoelastic material of the paper, and using an ultrasonic vibration element. Can be obtained from the following equation.
E = ρc ² (1-n ² )
[However, in the above formula, E means a dynamic elastic modulus. ρ means density. c means the speed of sound in the paper. n means Poisson's ratio.

In the case of normal paper, since n = about 0.2, even if it is calculated by the following formula, it can be calculated without much difference.
E = ρc ²
That is, if the density and sound speed of paper can be measured, the elastic modulus can be easily obtained. In the above equation, when measuring the speed of sound, various known devices such as Sonic Tester SST-110 (manufactured by Nomura Corporation) can be used.

  In order to impart a desired centerline average roughness to the surface of the base paper, for example, as described in JP-A-58-68037, a fiber length distribution (for example, a 24 mesh screen residue and , 42 mesh screen residue is, for example, preferably 20 to 45 mass% and 24 mesh screen residue is 5 mass% or less). Further, the center line average roughness can be adjusted by applying heat and pressure to the surface with a machine calendar, a super calendar, or the like.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the thickness of the said base paper, According to the objective, it can select suitably, Usually, 50-300 micrometers is more preferable, and 100-250 micrometers is still more preferable. The basis weight of the raw paper is not particularly limited and may be suitably selected according to the purpose, for example, preferably ^{50~250g / m 2, 100~200g / m} 2 is more preferable.

-Synthetic paper-
The synthetic paper is paper mainly composed of polymer fibers other than cellulose, and examples of the polymer fibers include polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

-Synthetic resin sheet (film)-
Examples of the synthetic resin sheet (film) include those obtained by forming a synthetic resin into a sheet shape. For example, a polypropylene film, a stretched polyethylene film, a stretched polypropylene, a polyester film, a stretched polyester film, a nylon film, and whitened by stretching. And a white film containing a white pigment.

-Coated paper-
The coated paper is a paper obtained by coating various sheets of resin, rubber latex, or polymer material on one side or both sides of a sheet such as a base paper, and the coating amount varies depending on the application. Examples of such coated paper include art paper, cast coated paper, Yankee paper, and the like.

  As the resin applied to the surface of the base paper or the like, it is appropriate to use a thermoplastic resin. As such a thermoplastic resin, the thermoplastic resin in any one of the following (1)-(8) can be illustrated, for example.

(1) Polyolefin resins such as polyethylene resins and polypropylene resins, copolymer resins of olefins such as ethylene and propylene and other vinyl monomers, acrylic resins, and the like.
(2) A thermoplastic resin having an ester bond. For example, a dicarboxylic acid component (these dicarboxylic acid components may be substituted with a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group, etc.) and an alcohol component (these alcohol components may be substituted with a hydroxyl group, etc.) Polyester resin, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, polymethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate and other polyacrylic acid ester resins or polymethacrylic acid ester resins, polycarbonate resins, polyvinyl acetate resins, styrene acrylate resins, styrene -Methacrylic acid ester copolymer resin, vinyl toluene acrylate resin, etc. are mentioned.
Specific examples include those described in JP-A Nos. 59-101395, 63-7971, 63-7972, 63-7973, and 60-294862. it can.
Commercially available products include Byron 290, Byron 200, Byron 280, Byron 300, Byron 103, Byron GK-140, Byron GK-130 manufactured by Toyobo; Kao-made Tufton NE-382, Tufton U-5, ATR- 2009, ATR-2010; Unitika's Elitel UE3500, UE3210, XA-8153, KZA-7049, KZA-1449; Nippon Synthetic Chemical Polyester TP-220, R-188; And various thermoplastic resins.

(3) Examples include polyurethane resins.
(4) Polyamide resin, urea resin, etc. are mentioned.
(5) Polysulfone resin and the like can be mentioned.
(6) Polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl propionate copolymer resin, and the like.
(7) Cellulose resins such as polyol resins, ethyl cellulose resins, and cellulose acetate resins, such as polyvinyl butyral.
(8) Polycaprolactone resin, styrene-maleic anhydride resin, polyacrylonitrile resin, polyether resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin and the like.
In addition, the said thermoplastic resin may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together.

  The thermoplastic resin resin may contain a fluorescent whitening agent, a conductive agent, a filler, a pigment or a dye such as titanium oxide, ultramarine blue, or carbon black as required.

-Laminated paper-
The laminated paper is a paper obtained by laminating various resins, rubber, a polymer sheet, or a film on a base paper. Examples of the laminate material include polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polymethacrylate, polycarbonate, polyimide, triacetyl cellulose, and the like. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  In general, the polyolefin is often formed using low density polyethylene, but in order to improve the heat resistance of the support, polypropylene, a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene, high density polyethylene, high density polyethylene and low density polyethylene, It is preferable to use a blend of In particular, it is most preferable to use a blend of high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene from the viewpoint of cost, suitability for lamination, and the like.

The blend of the high density polyethylene and the low density polyethylene is used, for example, in a blend ratio (mass ratio) of 1/9 to 9/1. The blend ratio is preferably 2/8 to 8/2, and more preferably 3/7 to 7/3. When forming a thermoplastic resin layer on both surfaces of the support, the back surface of the support is preferably formed using, for example, high-density polyethylene or a blend of high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene. The molecular weight of polyethylene is not particularly limited, but the melt index is 1.0 to 40 g / 10 min for both high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene and has extrudability. preferable.
In addition, you may perform the process which gives white reflectivity to these sheets or films. Examples of such a treatment method include a method of blending a pigment such as titanium oxide in these sheets or films.

  The thickness of the support is preferably 25 μm to 300 μm, more preferably 50 μm to 260 μm, and still more preferably 75 μm to 220 μm. Various stiffnesses of the support can be used according to the purpose.

[Toner image receiving layer]
The toner image receiving layer is an image receiving layer for receiving color or black toner and forming an image. The toner image receiving layer has a function of receiving toner for forming an image from a developing drum or an intermediate transfer body by (static) electricity, pressure, etc. in a transfer process, and fixing it by heat, pressure, etc. in a fixing process. Have The toner image-receiving layer contains a thermoplastic resin as a main component, and contains a release agent and other components.

  In this case, it is preferable to have a toner image receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin on at least one surface of the support, and the thickness of the toner image receiving layer is preferably 3 μm or more, more preferably 4 μm or more. As a result, a glossy photographic image quality free from curling and cracking with respect to environmental changes can be obtained.

-Thermoplastic resin-
The thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited as long as it can be deformed under temperature conditions such as fixing and can accept the toner, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. And the same type of resins are preferred. Since most of the toner uses a copolymer resin such as polyester resin, styrene, styrene-butyl acrylate, in this case, the thermoplastic resin used for the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet is also polyester resin, styrene, styrene. It is preferable to use a copolymer resin such as butyl acrylate, more preferably 20% by mass or more of a copolymer resin such as polyester resin, styrene, or styrene-butyl acrylate. Polymers, styrene-acrylic acid ester copolymers, styrene-methacrylic acid ester copolymers and the like are also preferable.

  Examples of the thermoplastic resin include (i) a resin having an ester bond, (ii) a polyurethane resin, (iii) a polyamide resin, (iv) a polysulfone resin, (v) a polyvinyl chloride resin, and the like (vi) ) Polyvinyl butyral, (vii) polycaprolactone resin, (viii) polyolefin resin, and the like.

Examples of the resin having an ester bond (i) include terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, phthalic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid, abietic acid, succinic acid, trimellitic acid, and pyromellitic acid. Dicarboxylic acid components such as acids (these dicarboxylic acid components may be substituted with sulfonic acid groups, carboxyl groups, etc.) and diether derivatives of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, bisphenol A, bisphenol A (for example, Bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 adduct, bisphenol A propylene oxide 2 adduct, etc.), bisphenol S, 2-ethylcyclohexyldimethanol, neopentylglycol, cyclohexyldimethanol, glycerin, etc. Polyester resins obtained by condensation with components (these alcohol components may be substituted with hydroxyl groups, etc.), polyacrylic ester resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, polymethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, etc. Examples thereof include polymethacrylic ester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, styrene acrylate resin, styrene-methacrylic ester copolymer resin, and vinyl toluene acrylate resin.
Specific examples include those described in JP-A Nos. 59-101395, 63-7971, 63-7972, 63-7773, and 60-294862.

Examples of commercially available polyester resins include Toyobo's Byron 290, Byron 200, Byron 280, Byron 300, Byron 103, Byron GK-140, Byron GK-130; Kao's Tufton NE-382, Tufton U- 5, ATR-2009, ATR-2010; Elitel UE3500, UE3210, XA-8153 manufactured by Unitika; Polyester TP-220, R-188 manufactured by Nippon Synthetic Chemical Co., Ltd.
Commercially available products of the acrylic resin include Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. Dianal SE-5437, SE-5102, SE-5377, SE-5649, SE-5466, SE-5482, HR-169, 124, HR-1127. , HR-116, HR-113, HR-148, HR-131, HR-470, HR-634, HR-606, HR-607, LR-1065, 574, 143, 396, 637, 162, 469, 216 , BR-50, BR-52, BR-60, BR-64, BR-73, BR-75, BR-77, BR-79, BR-80, BR-83, BR-85, BR-87, BR -88, BR-90, BR-93, BR-95, BR-100, BR-101, BR-102, BR-105, BR-106, BR-107, BR- 08, BR-112, BR-113, BR-115, BR-116, BR-117; Sreck P SE-0020, SE-0040, SE-0070, SE-0100, SE-1010, SE- manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. 1035; Sanyo Chemical Industries Himer ST95, ST120; FM601 manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals.

Examples of the (v) polyvinyl chloride resin include polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl propionate copolymer resin, and the like.
Examples of (vi) polyvinyl butyral include cellulose resins such as polyvinyl butyral, polyol resin, ethyl cellulose resin, and cellulose acetate resin. Examples of commercially available products include those manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. and Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. The polyvinyl butyral has a polyvinyl butyral content of 70% by mass or more, an average polymerization degree of 500 or more is preferable, an average polymerization degree of 1000 or more is more preferable, and a commercial product is Denka Butyral manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. 3000-1, 4000-2, 5000A, 6000C; manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. S-REC BL-1, BL-2, BL-3, BL-S, BX-L, BM-1, BM-2, BM-5 , BM-S, BH-3, BX-1, BX-7, and the like.
Examples of the (vii) polycaprolactone resin include polycaprolactone resin, styrene-maleic anhydride resin, polyacrylonitrile resin, polyether resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, and the like.
Examples of the (viii) polyolefin resin include polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, copolymer resins of olefins such as ethylene and propylene and other vinyl monomers, acrylic resins, and the like.

  The said thermoplastic resin may be used individually by 1 type, may be 2 or more types, In addition to these, these mixtures, these copolymers, etc. can also be used.

  The thermoplastic resin is preferably one that can satisfy the following properties of the toner image-receiving layer in the state in which the toner image-receiving layer is formed, more preferably one that can satisfy the above-mentioned properties of the toner image-receiving layer even with the thermoplastic resin alone. It is also preferable to use two or more resins having different physical properties of the toner image-receiving layer.

As the thermoplastic resin, those having a larger molecular weight than the thermoplastic resin used in the toner are preferable. However, the molecular weight described above is not necessarily preferable depending on the relationship between the thermodynamic properties of the thermoplastic resin used in the toner and the resin used in the toner image-receiving layer. For example, when the softening temperature of the resin used in the toner image receiving layer is higher than that of the thermoplastic resin used in the toner, the molecular weight is the same or the resin used in the toner image receiving layer is the same. Smallness may be preferred.
It is also preferable to use a mixture of resins having the same composition and different average molecular weights as the thermoplastic resin. Further, as the relationship with the molecular weight of the thermoplastic resin used in the toner, the relationship disclosed in JP-A-8-334915 is preferable.
The molecular weight distribution of the thermoplastic resin is preferably wider than the molecular weight distribution of the thermoplastic resin used in the toner.
Examples of the thermoplastic resin include JP-A-5-127413, JP-A-8-194394, JP-A-8-334915, JP-A-8-334916, JP-A-9-171265, and JP-A-10. Those satisfying the physical properties disclosed in the publication No. 221877 / etc. Are preferred.

The thermoplastic resin used in the toner image-receiving layer is particularly preferably an aqueous resin such as a water-soluble resin or a water-dispersible resin for the following reasons (1) to (2).
(1) No organic solvent is discharged in the coating and drying process, and it is excellent in environmental suitability and work suitability. (2) Many release agents such as wax are difficult to dissolve in a solvent at room temperature, and are often dispersed in a solvent (water, organic solvent) in advance. Further, the water dispersion form is more stable and more suitable for the production process. Furthermore, the water-based coating is more likely to cause the wax to bleed onto the surface during the coating and drying process, and the effects of the release agent (offset resistance, adhesion resistance, etc.) can be easily obtained.

As the water-based resin, the composition, the bond structure, the molecular structure, the molecular weight, the molecular weight distribution, and the form are not specified as long as they are water-soluble resins and water-dispersible resins. Examples of the water-based group of the polymer include a sulfonic acid group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxylic acid group, an amino group, an amide group, or an ether group.
Examples of the water-soluble resin include Research Disclosure No. 17,643, page 26, No. 18,716, page 651, No. 307,105, pages 873-874, and JP-A No. 64-13546. 71) to those described on pages (75) to (75).
Specifically, vinyl pyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene-vinyl pyrrolidone copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, water-soluble polyester, water-soluble acrylic, water-soluble polyurethane, water-soluble nylon, water-soluble epoxy Resin can be used. Further, the gelatin may be selected from so-called demineralized gelatin in which the content of lime-processed gelatin, acid-processed gelatin, calcium, or the like is reduced in accordance with various purposes, and is preferably used in combination. Commercially available products include various types of plus coats manufactured by Teraoh Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. as water-soluble polyesters, Finetex ES series manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Jurimer AT series manufactured by Nippon Pure Chemical Co., Ltd. Tex 6161, K-96, HOSHIRO NL-1189, BH-997L, etc. manufactured by Seiko Chemical Industry.

Examples of the water-dispersible resin include water-dispersed resins such as water-dispersed acrylic resins, water-dispersed polyester resins, water-dispersed polystyrene resins, and water-dispersed urethane resins; acrylic resin emulsions, polyvinyl acetate emulsions, and SBR (styrene. (Butadiene / rubber) Emulsion such as emulsion, resin or emulsion in which the thermoplastic resins (i) to (viii) are dispersed in water, or a copolymer, a mixture thereof, or a cation-modified one. And two or more can be combined.
Commercially available products of the water-dispersible resin include, for example, Toyobo's Bironal series, Takamatsu Yushi pesresin A series, Kao Tufton UE series, Nippon Synthetic Polyester WR series, Unitika Eliere series, and acrylic series. Then, high loss XE, KE, PE series manufactured by Seiko Chemical Industry, Jurimer ET series manufactured by Nippon Pure Chemical Co., Ltd. and the like can be mentioned.
The film formation temperature (MFT) of the polymer used is preferably room temperature or higher for storage before printing, and preferably 100 ° C. or lower for fixing of toner particles.

In the present invention, it is preferable to use a self-dispersing water-dispersible polyester resin emulsion that satisfies the following characteristics (1) to (4) as the thermoplastic resin. Since this is a self-dispersion type that does not use a surfactant, it has low hygroscopicity even in a high humidity atmosphere, and there is little decrease in the softening point due to moisture, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of offset during fixing and the failure of adhesion between sheets during storage. In addition, it is environmentally friendly and workable because it is water-based. In addition, since a polyester resin with a high cohesive energy and a molecular structure is used, it has a sufficient hardness in the storage environment, but it becomes a low elasticity (low viscosity) molten state in the electrophotographic fixing process, and the toner receives an image. Sufficient image quality can be achieved by embedding in the layer.
(1) The number average molecular weight (Mn) is preferably 5,000 to 10,000, and more preferably 5,000 to 7,000.
(2) The molecular weight distribution (weight average molecular weight / number average molecular weight) is preferably ≦ 4, and more preferably Mw / Mn ≦ 3.
(3) The glass transition temperature (Tg) is preferably 40 to 100 ° C, more preferably 50 to 80 ° C.
(4) The volume average particle diameter is preferably 20 to 200 nm, more preferably 40 to 150 nm.

  The content of the thermoplastic resin in the toner image-receiving layer is preferably 10 to 90% by mass, more preferably 10 to 70% by mass, and still more preferably 20 to 60% by mass.

-Release agent-
Examples of the release agent include at least one selected from a silicone compound, a fluorine compound, a wax, and a matting agent. Among these, at least one selected from silicone oil, polyethylene wax, carnauba wax, silicone particles, and polyethylene wax particles is particularly preferable.

  As the mold release agent, for example, compounds described in “Summary of properties and applications of revised wax” by Kosho Shobo and the Silicone Handbook published by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Inc. can be used. JP-B-59-38581, JP-B-4-32380, Patent Nos. 2838498, 2949558, JP-A-50-117433, 52-52640, 57-148755, 61-62056. 61-62057, 61-118760, JP-A-2-42451, 3-41465, 4-212175, 4-214570, 4-263267, 5-34966, 5-119514, 6-59502, 6-161150, 6-175396, 6-219040, 6-230600, 6-295093, 7-36210, 7 -43940, 7-56387, 7-56390, 7-64335, 7-199682, 7-223362 7-287413, 8-184992, 8-227180, 8-248671, 8-248799, 8-248801, 8-278663, 9-152939, 9 -160278, 9-185181, 9-319139, 9-319143, 10-20549, 10-48889, 10-198069, 10-207116, 11-2917 No. 11-44969, No. 11-65156, No. 11-73049, No. 11-194542, and the silicone compounds, fluorine compounds, and waxes used in the toners are also preferably used. . A plurality of these compounds can be used in combination.

  Examples of the silicone compounds include non-modified silicone oils as silicone oils (specifically, dimethylsiloxane oil, methyl hydrogen silicone oil, phenylmethyl silicone oil, commercially available products KF-96 and KF-96L manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.). KF-96H, KF-99, KF-50, KF-54, KF-56, KF-965, KF-968, KF-994, KF-995, HIVAC F-4, F-5; Toray Dow Corning SH200, SH203, SH490, SH510, SH550, SH710, SH704, SH705, SH7028A, SH7036, SM7060, SM7001, SM7706, SH7036, SH8710, SH1107, SH8627; Toshiba TSF 00, TSF401, TSF404, TSF405, TSF431, TSF433, TSF434, TSF437, TSF450 series, TSF451 series, TSF456, TSF458 series, TSF483, TSF484, TSF4045, TSF4300, TSF4600, YF33 series, YF-3057, YF-3800 3802, YF-3804, YF-3807, YF-3897, XF-3905, XS69-A1753, TEX100, TEX101, TEX102, TEX103, TEX104, TSW831, etc., amino-modified silicone oil (KF manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. as a commercial product) -857, KF-858, KF-859, KF-861, KF-864, KF-880, Toray Dow Corning Ricone SF8417, SM8709, Toshiba Silicone TSF4700, TSF4701, TSF4702, TSF4703, TSF4704, TSF4705, TSF4706, TEX150, TEX151, TEX154, etc., carboxy-modified silicone oil (Toray Dow Corning Silicone BY16-880, commercially available products) Toshiba silicone TSF4770, XF42-A9248, etc.), carbinol modified silicone oil (commercially available Toshiba Silicone XF42-B0970 etc.), vinyl modified silicone oil (commercially available Toshiba Silicone XF40-A1987 etc.), epoxy modified silicone oil (As commercial products, Toray Dow Corning Silicone SF8411, SF8413; Toshiba Silicone T F3965, TSF4730, TSF4732, XF42-A4439, XF42-A4438, XF42-A5041, XC96-A4462, XC96-A4463, XC96-A4464, TEX170, etc., polyether-modified silicone oil (KF-351 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. as a commercial product) (A), KF-352 (A), KF-353 (A), KF-354 (A), KF-355 (A), KF-615 (A), KF-618, KF-945 (A); Toray Dow Corning Silicone SH3746, SH3771, SF8421, SF8419, SH8419, SH8410; Toshiba Silicone TSF4440, TSF4441, TSF4445, TSF4446, TSF4450, TSF4452, TSF4453, TSF4 60), silanol-modified silicone oil, methacryl-modified silicone oil, mercapto-modified silicone oil, alcohol-modified silicone oil (commercially available products include Toray Dow Corning Silicone SF8427, SF8428, Toshiba Silicone TSF4750, TSF4751 and XF42-B0970) , Alkyl-modified silicone oil (SF8416 made by Toray Dow Corning Silicone, TSF410, TSF411, TSF4420, TSF4421, TSF4422, TSF4450, XF42-334, XF42-A3160, XF42-A3161, etc. made by Toshiba Silicone) Oil (commercially available Toray Dow Corning Silicone FS1265, Toshiba Silicone FQF 501), silicone rubber and silicone fine particles (Toray Dow Corning Silicone SH851U, SH745U, SH55UA, SE4705U, SH502UA & B, SRX539U, SE6770U-P, DY38-038, DY38-047, Trefill F-201, F -202, F-250, R-900, R-902A, E-500, E-600, E-601, E-506, BY29-119; Toshiba Silicone Tospearl 105, 120, 130, 145, 240, 3120 Etc.), silicone-modified resins (specifically, olefin resins, polyester resins, vinyl resins, polyamide resins, cellulose resins, phenoxy resins, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate resins, urethane resins, acrylic resins, styrene-acrylic resins) Or these copolymer resins include compounds obtained by silicone-modified. Dairoma Seika's Diaroma SP203V, SP712, SP2105, SP3023; Nippon Oil & Fats Modiper FS700, FS710, FS720, FS730, FS770; Toa Gosei Chemical's Cymac US-270, US-350, US-352, US-380 , US-413, US-450, Reseda GP-705, GS-30, GF-150, GF-300; SH997, SR2114, SH2104, SR2115, SR2202, made by Toray Dow Corning Silicone, DCI-2577, SR2317, SE4001U , SRX625B, SRX643, SRX439U, SRX488U, SH804, SH840, SR2107, SR2115; Toshiba Silicone YR3370, TSR1122, TSR102, TSR 08, TSR116, TSR117, TSR125A, TSR127B, TSR144, TSR180, TSR187, YR47, YR3187, YR3224, YR3232, YR3270, YR3286, YR3340, YR3365, TEX152, TEX153, TEX171, TEX171, Reactive Examples include addition reaction type, peroxide curing type, ultraviolet curing type, etc. TSR1500, TSR1510, TSR1511, TSR1515, TSR1520, YR3286, YR3340, PSA6574, TPR6500, TPR6501, TPR6600, TPR6702 made by Toshiba Silicone are commercially available products. , TPR6604, TPR6700, TPR6701, TPR6705, TPR67 7, TPR6708, TPR6710, TPR6712, TPR6721, TPR6722, UV9300, UV9315, UV9425, UV9430, XS56-A2775, XS56-A2982, XS56-A3075, XS56-A3969, XS56-A5730, XS56-A8012, 94S56-B SM3000, SM3030, SM3200, YSR3022, etc.).

  Examples of the fluorine compound include fluorine oil (Daikin Industries # 1, # 3, # 10, # 20, # 50, # 100, Unidyne TG-440, TG-452, TG-490, TG as commercially available products). -560, TG-561, TG-590, TG-652, TG-670U, TG-991, TG-999, TG-3010, TG-3020, TG-3510; TF-100, MF-110 manufactured by Tochem Products , MF-120, MF-130, MF-160, MF-160E; Asahi Glass Surflon S-111, S-112, S-113, S-121, S-131, S-132, S-141, S- 145; Mitsui Fluorochemicals FC-430, FC-431, etc.), fluoro rubber (Toray Dow Corning Silicone L as a commercial product) 63U, etc.), fluorine-modified resin (Nippon Yushi Modiper F200, F220, F600, F2020, F3035; Dainichi Seika's Dialomers FF203, FF204; Asahi Glass Surflon S-381, S-383, S-393, SC -101, SC-105, KH-40, SA-100; manufactured by Tochem Products EF-351, EF-352, EF-801, EF-802, EF-601, TFE, TFEA, TFEMA, PDFOH; manufactured by Sumitomo 3M THV-200P, etc.), fluorine sulfonic acid compounds (commercially available products from Tochem Products such as EF-101, EF-102, EF-103, EF-104, EF-105, EF-112, EF-121, EF-122A, EF-122B, EF-122C, EF-123A, EF-12 B, EF-125M, EF-132, EF-135M, EF-305, FBSA, KFBS, LFBS, etc.), fluorosulfonic acid, fluoric acid compound or a salt thereof (specifically, hydrofluoric acid, dilute hydrofluoric acid, borofluoride) Acid, zinc borofluoride, nickel borofluoride, tin borofluoride, lead borofluoride, copper borofluoride, silicofluoric acid, potassium fluorotitanate, perfluorocaprylic acid, ammonium perfluorooctanoate), inorganic fluoride (specific Include aluminum fluoride, potassium silicofluoride, potassium fluoride zirconate, zinc fluoride tetrahydrate, calcium fluoride, lithium fluoride, barium fluoride, tin fluoride, potassium fluoride, acidic potassium fluoride, fluoride Magnesium fluoride, fluorinated titanic acid, zirconic fluoride, ammonium hexafluorophosphate, hexafluoride And potassium phosphate).

  Examples of the wax include synthetic hydrocarbons, modified waxes, hydrogenated waxes, natural waxes, and the like.

  Examples of the synthetic hydrocarbon include polyethylene wax (as commercial products, Polylon A, 393, H-481, manufactured by Chukyo Yushi Co., Ltd., Sanyo Kasei Sun Wax E-310, E-330, E-250P, LEL-250, LEL- 800, LEL-400P, etc.), polypropylene wax (commercially available products are Sanyo Chemical Co., Ltd. Biscol 330-P, 550-P, 660-P), Fischer-Tropsch wax (commercially available products are FT100, FT-0070, etc. manufactured by Nippon Seiki), Acid amide compounds or acid imide compounds (specifically, stearic acid amide, phthalic anhydride imide and the like are listed, and commercially available products such as Chukyo Oil & Fats Cellosol 920, B-495, High Micron G-270, G-110, Hydrin. D-757 etc.).

  Examples of the modified wax include amine-modified polypropylene (QN-7700 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Co., Ltd. as a commercial product), acrylic acid-modified, fluorine-modified, olefin-modified wax, and urethane type wax (NPS-6010 manufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. as a commercial product). -5090), alcohol type wax (NPS-9210, NPS-9215, OX-1949, XO-020T, etc., manufactured by Nippon Seiki) and the like.

  Examples of the hydrogenated wax include hydrogenated castor oil (as a commercially available castor wax manufactured by Ito Oil Co., Ltd.), castor oil derivatives (dehydrated castor oil DCO, DCO Z-1, DCO Z-3 manufactured by Ito Oil as commercial products, Castor oil fatty acid CO-FA, ricinoleic acid, dehydrated castor oil fatty acid DCO-FA, dehydrated castor oil fatty acid epoxy ester D-4 ester, castor oil-based urethane acrylate CA-10, CA-20, CA-30, castor oil derivative MINERASOL S-74, S-80, S-203, S-42X, S-321, Special castor oil-based condensed fatty acid MINERASOL RC-2, RC-17, RC-55, RC-335, Special castor oil-based condensed fatty acid ester MINERASOL LB-601, LB-603, LB-604, LB-702, L B-703, # 11, L-164, etc.), stearic acid (12-hydroxystearic acid made by Ito Oil as a commercial product), lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, behenic acid, sebacic acid (as commercial products) Sebacic acid from Ito Oil), undecylenic acid (such as undecylenic acid from Ito Oil as a commercial product), heptylic acid (such as heptyl acid from Ito Oil as a commercial product), maleic acid, highly maleated oil (as a commercial product) HIMALIN DC-15, LN-10, 00-15, DF-20, SF-20, etc., manufactured by Ito Oil Co., Ltd., blown oil (commercially available, Celbonol # 10, # 30, # 60, R-40 manufactured by Ito Oil Co., Ltd.) , S-7, etc.), cyclopentadiene oil (CP oil, CP oil-S, etc. made by Ito Oil Co., Ltd. as commercial products) and the like.

  The natural wax is preferably at least one selected from plant waxes, animal waxes, mineral waxes and petroleum waxes, particularly preferably plant waxes. As the natural wax, a water-dispersed wax is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of compatibility when a water-based thermoplastic resin is used as the thermoplastic resin of the toner image-receiving layer.

Examples of the plant wax include carnauba wax (Nippon Seiki EMUSTAR-0413, Chukyo Yushi Cellosol 524, etc. as commercial products), castor oil (commercially available Ito Oil refined castor oil, etc.), rapeseed oil, large Examples include bean oil, wax, cotton wax, rice wax, sugarcane wax, candelilla wax, Japan wax, jojoba oil, and the like. Among these, in particular, it has an excellent offset resistance, adhesion resistance, paper permeability, glossiness, is resistant to cracking, and can provide an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet capable of forming a high-quality image. Is particularly preferably a carnauba wax having a temperature of 70 to 95 ° C.
Examples of the animal wax include beeswax, lanolin, spermaceti, stew wax (whale oil), and wool wax.

  Examples of the mineral wax include, for example, montan wax, montan ester wax, ozokerite, ceresin, fatty acid ester (commercially available products are Sansizer DOA, AN-800, DINA, DIDA, DOZ, DOS, TOTM, TITM manufactured by Shin Nippon Rika). , E-PS, nE-PS, E-PO, E-4030, E-6000, E-2000H, E-9000H, TCP, C-1100, etc.). Among these, in particular, it has an excellent offset resistance, adhesion resistance, paper permeability, glossiness, is resistant to cracking, and can provide an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet capable of forming a high-quality image. Is particularly preferably a montan wax having a temperature of 70 to 95 ° C.

  Examples of the petroleum wax include paraffin wax (paraffin wax 155, 150, 140, 135, 130, 125, 120, 115, HNP-3, HNP-5, HNP-9, HNP- 10, HNP-11, HNP-12, HNP-14G, SP-0160, SP-0145, SP-1040, SP-1035, SP-3040, SP-3035, NPS-8070, NPS-L-70, OX- 2151, OX-2251, EMUSTAR-0384, EMUSTAR-0136, Chukyo Oil & Fats Cellosol 686, 428, 651-A, A, H-803, B-460, E-172, 866, K-133, Hydrin D-337 E-139, 125 ° paraffin, 125 ° FD, 130 ° Fins, 135 ° paraffin, 135 ° H, 140 ° paraffin, 140 ° N, 145 ° paraffin, paraffin wax M, etc., microcrystalline wax (commercially available from Nihon Seiki Hi-Mic-2095, Hi-Mic-3090) , Hi-Mic-1080, Hi-Mic-1070, Hi-Mic-2065, Hi-Mic-1045, Hi-Mic-2045, EMUSTAR-0001, EMUSTAR-042X, Chukyo Oil & Fats Cellosol 967, M, Nisseki Mitsubishi Petroleum (manufactured by Nippon Seiki OX-1749, OX-0450, OX-0650B, OX-0153, OX-261BN, OX-0551, OX-0550, OX) -0750B, JP- 500, JP-056R, such as JP-011P) and the like.

The content in the toner image-receiving layer (surface) of the natural wax is preferably ^{0.1~4g / m 2, 0.2~2g / m} 2 is more preferable.
When the content is less than 0.1 g / m ² , offset resistance and adhesion resistance may be particularly insufficient. When the content exceeds 4 g / m ² , the amount of wax is excessive and formed. The image quality may be inferior.

  The melting point of the natural wax is particularly preferably from 70 to 95 ° C., more preferably from 75 to 90 ° C. in terms of offset resistance and paper passage.

  Examples of the matting agent include various known ones. Solid particles used as a matting agent can be classified into inorganic particles (inorganic matting agent) and organic particles (organic matting agent).

Specific examples of the material for the inorganic matting agent include oxides (eg, silicon dioxide, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide), alkaline earth metal salts (eg, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate), Examples thereof include silver halide (for example, silver chloride, silver bromide), glass, and the like.
Examples of the inorganic matting agent include West German Patent 2529321, British Patent 760775, 1260772, U.S. Patent 1201905, 2192241, 3030562, 3030649, 3257206, 3322555, and 3353958. No. 3,370,951, No. 3,411,907, No. 3,437,484, No. 3523022, No. 3,615,554, No. 3,635,714, No. 3769020, No. 40212245, and No. 4029504.

  The material of the organic matting agent includes starch, cellulose ester (for example, cellulose acetate propionate), cellulose ether (for example, ethyl cellulose) and synthetic resin. The synthetic resin is preferably water-insoluble or hardly water-soluble. Examples of water-insoluble or poorly water-soluble synthetic resins include poly (meth) acrylic acid esters (for example, polyalkyl (meth) acrylate, polyalkoxyalkyl (meth) acrylate, polyglycidyl (meth) acrylate), poly (meth) Includes acrylamide, polyvinyl ester (eg, polyvinyl acetate), polyacrylonitrile, polyolefin (eg, polyethylene), polystyrene, benzoguanamine resin, formaldehyde condensation polymer, epoxy resin, polyamide, polycarbonate, phenol resin, polyvinyl carbazole and polyvinylidene chloride . You may use the copolymer which combined the monomer used for these polymers.

In the case of the copolymer, a small amount of hydrophilic repeating units may be contained. Monomers that form hydrophilic repeating units include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, α, β-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, hydroxyalkyl (meth) acrylate, sulfoalkyl (meth) acrylate, and styrene sulfonic acid.
Examples of the organic matting agent include British Patent No. 1055713, U.S. Patent No. 1,939,213, No. 2221873, No. 2,268,662, No. 2322037, No. Nos. 3,262,782, 3,443,946, 3,516,832, 3,539,344, 3,591,379, 3,754,924, 3,767,448, JP-A-49-106821, JP-A-57-14835 What has been described.

As the matting agent, two or more kinds of solid particles may be used in combination. The average particle size of the solid particles as the matting agent is preferably, for example, 1 to 100 μm, and more preferably 4 to 30 μm. The amount of the matting agent is preferably ^{0.01~0.5g / m 2, 0.02~0.3g / m} 2 is more preferable.

  As the release agent added to the toner image-receiving layer, derivatives, oxides, purified products, and mixtures thereof can also be used. Moreover, these may have a reactive substituent.

The melting point of the release agent is preferably from 70 to 95 ° C, more preferably from 75 to 90 ° C, from the viewpoint of offset resistance and paper passing properties.
The release agent is particularly preferably a water-dispersed release agent from the viewpoint of compatibility when an aqueous thermoplastic resin is used as the thermoplastic resin of the toner image receiving layer.

  The content of the release agent in the toner image-receiving layer is preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.3 to 8.0% by mass, and still more preferably 0.5 to 5.0% by mass.

-Other ingredients-
Examples of the other components include various additives that are added for the purpose of improving the thermodynamic properties of the toner image-receiving layer, such as colorants, plasticizers, fillers, cross-linking agents, charge control agents, emulsions, and dispersions. Is mentioned. The other components contained in these toner image-receiving layers are preferably in the form of hollow particles from the viewpoint of excellent thermal conductivity (low thermal conductivity) of the toner image-receiving layer at the time of image fixing. A hollow particle shape is preferred.

Examples of the colorant include fluorescent brighteners, white pigments, colored pigments, dyes, and the like.
The fluorescent whitening agent is a compound that absorbs in the near ultraviolet region and emits fluorescence at 400 to 500 nm, and various known fluorescent whitening agents can be used without particular limitation. Examples of the optical brightener include K.I. Preferable examples include the compounds described in “The Chemistry of Synthetic Dies” edited by Veen Rataraman, Vol. Specific examples include stilbene compounds, coumarin compounds, biphenyl compounds, benzoxazoline compounds, naphthalimide compounds, pyrazoline compounds, carbostyril compounds, and the like. As a commercial item of the said fluorescent whitening agent, Sumitomo Chemical white fur fur PSN, PHR, HCS, PCS, B; UVITEX-OB made from Ciba-Geigy etc. are mentioned, for example.

As the white pigment, an inorganic pigment (for example, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, etc.) can be used.
Examples of the colored pigment include various pigments and azo pigments described in JP-A-63-44653 (for example, azo lake; carmine 6B, red 2B, insoluble azo; monoazo yellow, disazo yellow, pyrazolo orange, vulcan) Orange, condensed azo type; chromophthal yellow, chromophthal red); polycyclic pigment (for example, phthalocyanine type; copper phthalocyanine blue, copper phthalocyanine green, oxazine type; dioxazine violet, isoindolinone type; isoindolinone yellow, Perylene, perinone, flavantron, thioindigo, lake pigment (eg, malachite green, rhodamine B, rhodamine G, Victoria blue B), inorganic pigment (eg, oxide, titanium dioxide, bengara, sulfate; sedimentation) Barium acid, carbonate; precipitated calcium carbonate, succinate; hydrous succinate, anhydrous succinate, metal powder; aluminum powder, bronze powder, zinc powder, carbon black, yellow lead, bitumen, etc.) It is done.
These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, titanium oxide is particularly preferable as the pigment.

  Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular as a shape of the said pigment, It is preferable that it is a hollow particle shape at the point which is excellent in the heat conductivity at the time of image fixing (low heat conductivity).

As the dye, various dyes such as oil-soluble dyes and water-insoluble dyes can be used.
Examples of the oil-soluble dye include anthraquinone compounds and azo compounds.
Examples of the water-insoluble dye include C.I. I. Vat violet 1, C.I. I. Vat violet 2, C.I. I. Vat violet 9, C.I. I. Vat violet 13, C.I. I. Vat violet 21, C.I. I. Vat Blue 1, C.I. I. Vat Blue 3, C.I. I. Vat Blue 4, C.I. I. Vat Blue 6, C.I. I. Vat Blue 14, C.I. I. Vat Blue 20, C.I. I. Vat dyes such as Vat Blue 35; I. Dispers Violet 1, C.I. I. Disperse Violet 4, C.I. I. Disperse Violet 10, C.I. I. Disperse Blue 3, C.I. I. Disperse Blue 7, C.I. I. Disperse dyes such as Disperse Blue 58; I. Solvent Violet 13, C.I. I. Solvent Violet 14, C.I. I. Solvent Violet 21, C.I. I. Solvent Violet 27, C.I. I. Solvent Blue 11, C.I. I. Solvent Blue 12, C.I. I. Solvent Blue 25, C.I. I. Solvent Blue 55, and the like.
A colored coupler used in silver salt photography can also be preferably used.

Of the colorant, the content in the toner image-receiving layer (surface) is preferably ^{0.1~8g / m 2, 0.5~5g / m} 2 is more preferable.
When the content of the colorant is less than 0.1 g / m ² , the light transmittance in the toner image-receiving layer may be increased. When the content exceeds 8 g / m ² , handling properties such as cracking and anti-adhesion are provided. May decrease.
Further, among the colorants, as described above, the amount of pigment added is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and more preferably 20% by mass based on the mass of the thermoplastic resin constituting the toner image-receiving layer. % Or less is more preferable.

As the plasticizer, known plasticizers for resins can be used without particular limitation. The plasticizer has a function of adjusting the flow or softening of the toner image-receiving layer by heat and / or pressure when fixing the toner.
The plasticizers include “Chemical Handbook” (edited by the Chemical Society of Japan, Maruzen), “Plasticizers—Theory and Applications” (Kouichi Murai, edited by Koshobo), “Research on plasticizers”, “Research on plasticizers” "Lower" (edited by Polymer Chemistry Association), "Handbook Rubber and Plastic Compounded Chemicals" (edited by Rubber Digest Co., Ltd.), etc.

  Examples of the plasticizer include phthalic acid esters, phosphoric acid esters, fatty acid esters, abietic acid esters, adipic acid esters, sebacic acid esters, azelaic acid esters, benzoic acid esters, butyric acid esters. Epoxidized fatty acid esters, glycolic acid esters, propionic acid esters, trimellitic acid esters, citric acid esters, sulfonic acid esters, carboxylic acid esters, succinic acid esters, maleic acid esters, fumaric acid Esters, phthalic acid esters, stearic acid esters, etc .; amides (for example, fatty acid amides, sulfoamides, etc.), ethers, alcohols, lactones, polyethyleneoxys, etc. -83154, 59-178451 59-178453, 59-178454, 59-178455, 59-178457, 62-174754, 62-245253, 61-209444, 61-200538, 62 No.-8145, No. 62-9348, No. 62-30247, No. 62-136646, No. 62-174754, No. 62-245253, No. 61-209444, No. 61-200538, No. 62-8145 Nos. 62-9348, 62-30247, 62-136646, JP-A-2-235694, etc.). In addition, the said plasticizer can be mixed and used for resin.

  A relatively low molecular weight polymer can be used as the plasticizer. In this case, the molecular weight of the plasticizer is preferably lower than the molecular weight of the binder resin to be plasticized, the molecular weight is preferably 15000 or less, and more preferably 5000 or less. In the case of a polymer plasticizer, a polymer of the same type as the binder resin to be plasticized is preferable. For example, a low molecular weight polyester is preferable for plasticizing a polyester resin. Furthermore, oligomers can also be used as plasticizers. In addition to the compounds listed above, commercially available products include, for example, Adeka Sizer PN-170, PN-1430 manufactured by Asahi Denka Kogyo; P. HALL products PARAPLEX-G-25, G-30, G-40; Rika Hercules products Ester gum 8L-JA, Ester R-95, Pentaline 4851, FK115, 4820, 830, Louisol 28-JA, Picolastic A75, Pico Examples include Tex LC and Crystallex 3085.

The plasticizer relieves stress and strain (physical strain such as elastic force and viscosity, strain due to mass balance of molecules, binder main chain, pendant, etc.) generated when toner particles are embedded in the toner image receiving layer. Can be used arbitrarily to
The plasticizer may be in a micro-dispersed state in the toner image-receiving layer, may be in a phase-separated microscopically in a sea-island shape, or may be in a sufficiently mixed and dissolved state with other components such as a binder.
The content of the plasticizer in the toner image-receiving layer is preferably 0.001 to 90% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 60% by mass, and still more preferably 1 to 40% by mass.
The plasticizer adjusts smoothness (improves transportability due to reduced frictional force), improves fixing unit offset (detachment of toner and layers from the fixing unit), adjusts curl balance, and adjusts charging (toner electrostatic image It may be used for the purpose of forming).

As said filler, an organic filler or an inorganic filler is mentioned, A well-known thing can be used as a reinforcing agent for binder resin, a filler, and a reinforcing material.
Examples of the filler are described in “Handbook Rubber / Plastic Compounding Chemicals” (edited by Rubber Digest Co., Ltd.), “New Edition Plastic Compounding Agent Basics and Applications” (Taisei Co., Ltd.), “Filler Handbook” (Taisei Co., Ltd.), etc. Is mentioned.
Moreover, various inorganic fillers (or pigments) can be used as the filler. Examples of the inorganic pigment include silica, alumina, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, mica-like iron oxide, white lead, lead oxide, cobalt oxide, strontium chromate, molybdenum pigment, smectite, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, Examples include calcium carbonate and mullite. Among these, silica and alumina are particularly preferable. These fillers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Moreover, as said filler, a thing with a small particle size is preferable. If the particle size is large, the surface of the toner image-receiving layer may be easily roughened.

The silica includes spherical silica and amorphous silica. The silica can be synthesized by a dry method, a wet method, or an airgel method. The surface of the hydrophobic silica particles may be surface-treated with a trimethylsilyl group or silicone. As silica, colloidal silica is preferable. As an average particle diameter of a silica, 4-120 nm is preferable and 4-90 nm is more preferable.
The silica is preferably porous. The average pore diameter of the porous silica is preferably 50 to 500 nm. Moreover, the average pore volume per mass of the porous silica is preferably, for example, 0.5 to 3 ml / g.

  The alumina includes anhydrous alumina and alumina hydrate. As the crystal form of anhydrous alumina, α, β, γ, δ, ζ, η, θ, κ, ρ, or χ can be used. Alumina hydrate is preferred over anhydrous alumina. As the alumina hydrate, a monohydrate or a trihydrate can be used. Monohydrates include pseudoboehmite, boehmite and diaspore. Trihydrates include dibsite and bayerite. As an average particle diameter of an alumina, 4-300 nm is preferable and 4-200 nm is more preferable. Alumina is preferably porous. The average pore diameter of the porous alumina is preferably 50 to 500 nm. The average pore volume per mass of the porous alumina is preferably about 0.3 to 3 ml / g.

The alumina hydrate can be synthesized by a sol-gel method in which ammonia is added to an aluminum salt solution for precipitation or a method in which an alkali aluminate is hydrolyzed. Anhydrous alumina can be obtained by dehydrating alumina hydrate by heating.
The amount of the filler added is preferably 5 to 2000 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the dry mass of the binder of the toner image-receiving layer.

  The cross-linking agent can be blended in order to adjust the storage stability, thermoplasticity, etc. of the toner image-receiving layer. As such a crosslinking agent, an epoxy group as a reactive group, an isocyanate group, an aldehyde group, an active halogen group, an active methylene group, an acetylene group, or a compound having two or more known reactive groups in the molecule is used.

As the crosslinking agent, a compound having two or more groups capable of forming a bond by a hydrogen bond, an ionic bond, a coordinate bond, or the like can be used.
As the crosslinking agent, known compounds can be used as coupling agents for resins, curing agents, polymerization agents, polymerization accelerators, coagulants, film-forming agents, film-forming aids, and the like. Examples of coupling agents include, for example, chlorosilanes, vinyl silanes, epoxy silanes, aminosilanes, alkoxyaluminum chelates, titanate coupling agents, etc., and "Handbook Rubber / Plastic Compounding Chemicals" (Rubber Digest) The publicly known thing mentioned by the company edition) etc. can be used.

The charge control agent preferably adjusts toner transfer, toner adhesion, and the like, and prevents charge adhesion of the toner image receiving layer.
As the charge control agent, conventionally known various charge control agents can be used. For example, a surfactant such as a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, or a nonionic surfactant. In addition to the above, a polymer electrolyte, a conductive metal oxide, and the like can be given.
Examples of the surfactant include cationic antistatic agents such as quaternary ammonium salts, polyamine derivatives, cation-modified polymethyl methacrylate, and cation-modified polystyrene; anionic antistatic agents such as alkyl phosphates and anionic polymers; fatty acids And nonionic antistatic agents such as esters and polyethylene oxides. When the toner has a negative charge, for example, a cationic charge control agent or a nonionic charge control agent is preferable.
Examples of the conductive metal oxide include ZnO, TiO ₂ , SnO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , In ₂ O ₃ , SiO ₂ , MgO, BaO, and MoO ₃ , and these can be used alone. You may use, and it can also use 2 or more types together.
Note that the conductive metal oxide may further contain a different element, e.g., Al relative to ZnO, an In like, Sb respect TiO ₂ Nb, Ta, etc., with respect to SnO _2, Nb It is preferable to contain (dope) a halogen element or the like.

  The material that can be used for the toner image-receiving layer may contain various additives for improving the stability of the output image and for improving the stability of the toner image-receiving layer itself. Examples of the additive include antioxidants, anti-aging agents, deterioration inhibitors, ozone deterioration inhibitors, ultraviolet absorbers, metal complexes, light stabilizers, preservatives, and fungicides.

  Examples of the antioxidant include a chroman compound, a coumaran compound, a phenol compound (eg, hindered phenol), a hydroquinone derivative, a hindered amine derivative, and a spiroindane compound. The antioxidant is described in JP-A No. 61-159644.

  Examples of the antiaging agent include those described in “Handbook Rubber / Plastic Compounding Chemicals Revised 2nd Edition” (1993, Rubber Digest Co.) p76-121.

  Examples of the ultraviolet absorber include benzotriazole compounds (described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,533,794), 4-thiazolidone compounds (described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,352,681), benzophenone compounds (described in JP-A-46-2784), and Examples thereof include ultraviolet absorbing polymers (described in JP-A-62-260152).

  Examples of the metal complex include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,241,155, 4,425,018 and 4,254,195, JP-A-61-88256, JP-A-62-174741, JP-A-63-199248, JP-A-1-75568. Nos. 1 and 74272 are appropriate.

  As described above, known photographic additives can be added to the material that can be used for the toner image-receiving layer. As photographic additives, for example, Research Disclosure Magazine (hereinafter abbreviated as RD) No. 17643 (December 1978), No. 1 18716 (November 1979) and 307105 (November 1989), and the corresponding parts are summarized below.

Type of additive RD17643 RD18716 RD307105
1. Brightener 24 pages 648 right column 868 pages 2. Stabilizer Pages 24-25 Page 649 Right column 868-870 Light Absorber Page 25-26 Page 649 Right Column 873 (Ultraviolet Absorber)
4). Dye image stabilizer page 25 page 650 right column page 872 5. Hardener 26 pages 651 left column 874-875 6. Binder page 26 page 651 left column pages 873-874 Plasticizer, lubricant page 27 page 650 right column page 876 8. Coating aid 26-27 pages 650, right column 875-876 (surfactant)
9. Antistatic agent page 27 page 650 right column pages 876-877
Ten. Matting agent 878-879 pages

The toner image-receiving layer of the present invention is provided by applying a coating solution containing a polymer used for the toner image-receiving layer on the support with a wire coater or the like and drying. The coating liquid is prepared, for example, by dissolving additives such as a thermoplastic polymer and a plasticizer in an organic solvent such as alcohol and ketone, or by uniformly dispersing them. Examples of the organic solvent used here include methanol, isopropyl alcohol, and methyl ethyl ketone. If the polymer used for the toner image-receiving layer is water-soluble, the toner image-receiving layer can be prepared by coating an aqueous polymer solution on the support. Moreover, about the polymer which is not water-soluble, it is also possible to apply | coat on a support body with an aqueous dispersion.
The film forming temperature of the polymer used in the present invention is preferably room temperature or higher for storage before printing, and preferably 100 ° C. or lower for fixing toner particles.

[Physical properties of toner image-receiving layer]
The toner image-receiving layer has a 180 degree peel strength at a fixing temperature with a fixing member of 0.1 N / 25 mm or less, more preferably 0.041 N / 25 mm or less. The 180 degree peel strength can be measured in accordance with the method described in JIS K6887 using the surface material of the fixing member.
The toner image receiving layer preferably has high whiteness. The whiteness is preferably 85% or more as measured by the method defined in JIS P 8123. Further, in the wavelength range of 440 nm to 640 nm, the spectral reflectance is preferably 85% or more, and the difference between the maximum spectral reflectance and the minimum spectral reflectance in the same wavelength region is preferably within 5%. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the spectral reflectance is 85% or more in the wavelength region of 400 nm to 700 nm, and the difference between the maximum spectral reflectance and the minimum spectral reflectance in the same wavelength region is within 5%.
As the whiteness, specifically, in the CIE 1976 (L ^* a ^* b ^* ) color space, the L ^* value is preferably 80 or more, more preferably 85 or more, and 90 or more. More preferably. The white color is preferably as neutral as possible. As the white color, in the L ^* a ^* b ^* space, the value of (a ^* ) ² + (b ^* ) ² is preferably 50 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and 5 or less. Is more preferable.

The toner image receiving layer preferably has high gloss. The glossiness is preferably 60 or more, more preferably 75 or more, and even more preferably 90 or more in the entire region from white without toner to black having the maximum density. .
However, the glossiness is preferably 110 or less. If it exceeds 110, it becomes like metallic luster, which is not preferable as image quality.
The glossiness can be measured based on JIS Z8741.

The toner image receiving layer preferably has high smoothness. As the smoothness, the arithmetic average roughness (Ra) is preferably 3 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or less, and more preferably 0.5 μm or less in the entire region from white without toner to black having the maximum density. More preferably.
The arithmetic average roughness can be measured based on JIS B0601, JIS B0651, and JIS B0652.

The toner image-receiving layer preferably has physical properties of one of the following items, more preferably a plurality of items, and most preferably all physical properties.
(1) Tm (melting temperature) of the toner image-receiving layer is preferably 30 ° C. or higher, and preferably Tm + 20 ° C. or lower of the toner.
(2) The temperature at which the viscosity of the toner image-receiving layer becomes 1 × 10 ⁵ cp is preferably 40 ° C. or higher and lower than that of the toner.
(3) The storage elastic modulus (G ′) at the fixing temperature of the toner image receiving layer is preferably 1 × 10 ² to 1 × 10 ⁵ Pa, and the loss elastic modulus (G ″) is 1 × 10 ² to 1 × 10 ^5. Pa is preferred.
(4) The loss tangent (G ″ / G ′), which is the ratio of the loss elastic modulus (G ″) at the fixing temperature of the toner image receiving layer and the storage elastic modulus (G ′), is preferably from 0.01 to 10.
(5) The storage elastic modulus (G ′) at the fixing temperature of the toner image-receiving layer is preferably −50 to +2500 with respect to the loss elastic modulus (G ″) at the fixing temperature of the toner.
(6) The inclination angle of the molten toner on the toner image-receiving layer is preferably 50 degrees or less, more preferably 40 degrees or less.
The toner image-receiving layer satisfies the physical properties disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2788358, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 7-248637, 8-305067, and 10-239889. preferable.

  In the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet, as other layers than the toner image-receiving layer, for example, a surface protective layer, an intermediate layer, a back layer, an adhesion improving layer, an undercoat layer, a cushion layer, a charge control (prevention) layer, a reflection layer Examples thereof include a layer, a color preparation layer, a storage stability improving layer, an adhesion preventing layer, an anti-curl layer, and a smoothing layer. These layers may be composed of a single layer or may be composed of two or more layers.

  The surface protective layer is for the purpose of protecting the surface of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention, improving storage stability, improving handleability, imparting writability, improving instrument passability, imparting anti-offset properties, etc. It can be provided on the surface of the toner image-receiving layer. The surface protective layer may be a single layer or may be composed of two or more layers. In the surface protective layer, various thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, and the like can be used as a binder, and it is preferable to use the same type of resin as the toner image receiving layer. However, thermodynamic characteristics, electrostatic characteristics, and the like do not need to be the same as those of the toner image-receiving layer, and can be optimized.

The surface protective layer may contain the various additives described above that can be used for the toner image-receiving layer. In particular, the surface protective layer may be blended with other additives such as a matting agent in addition to the release agent used in the present invention. In addition, as said mat agent, various well-known things are mentioned.
The outermost surface layer in the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention (for example, the surface protective layer when a surface protective layer is formed) has good compatibility with the toner in terms of fixing properties. preferable. Specifically, the contact angle with the melted toner is preferably, for example, 0 to 40 degrees.

In the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention, the back layer is on the opposite side of the toner image-receiving layer from the support for the purpose of imparting backside output suitability, improving backside output image quality, improving curl balance, improving device passability, etc. Is preferably provided.
The color of the back layer is not particularly limited, but when the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention is a double-sided output type image-receiving paper that forms an image on the back surface, the back layer is preferably also white. The whiteness and the spectral reflectance are preferably 85% or more like the surface.
Further, the back layer may have the same structure as that of the toner image receiving layer for improving the duplex output suitability. Various additives described above can be used for the back layer. As such an additive, it is particularly suitable to blend a matting agent, a charge adjusting agent and the like. The back layer may have a single layer configuration or a stacked configuration of two or more layers.
Further, in order to prevent offset at the time of fixing, when a releasable oil is used for the fixing roller or the like, the back layer may be oil absorbing.

  The adhesion improving layer is preferably formed for the purpose of improving the adhesion between the support and the toner image receiving layer in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet of the present invention. The above-mentioned various additives can be blended in the adhesion improving layer, and it is particularly preferable to blend a crosslinking agent. The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention preferably further comprises a cushion layer or the like between the adhesion improving layer and the toner image-receiving layer in order to improve toner acceptability.

  The intermediate layer is formed, for example, between the support and the adhesion improving layer, between the adhesion improving layer and the cushion layer, between the cushion layer and the toner image receiving layer, and between the toner image receiving layer and the storage stability improving layer. Can do. Of course, in the case of an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet comprising a support, a toner image-receiving layer, and an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer can be present, for example, between the support and the toner image-receiving layer.

  In the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet, as other layers than the toner image-receiving layer, for example, a surface protective layer, an intermediate layer, a back layer, an adhesion improving layer, an undercoat layer, a cushion layer, a charge control (prevention) layer, a reflection layer Examples thereof include a layer, a color preparation layer, a storage stability improving layer, an adhesion preventing layer, an anti-curl layer, and a smoothing layer. These layers may be composed of a single layer or may be composed of two or more layers.

  The surface protective layer is for the purpose of protecting the surface of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention, improving storage stability, improving handleability, imparting writability, improving instrument passability, imparting anti-offset properties, etc. It can be provided on the surface of the toner image-receiving layer. The surface protective layer may be a single layer or may be composed of two or more layers. In the surface protective layer, various thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, and the like can be used as a binder, and it is preferable to use the same type of resin as the toner image receiving layer. However, thermodynamic characteristics, electrostatic characteristics, and the like do not need to be the same as those of the toner image-receiving layer, and can be optimized.

The surface protective layer may contain the various additives described above that can be used for the toner image-receiving layer. In particular, the surface protective layer may be blended with other additives such as a matting agent in addition to the release agent used in the present invention. In addition, as said mat agent, various well-known things are mentioned.
The outermost surface layer in the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention (for example, the surface protective layer when a surface protective layer is formed) has good compatibility with the toner in terms of fixing properties. preferable. Specifically, the contact angle with the melted toner is preferably, for example, 0 to 40 degrees.

In the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention, the back layer is on the opposite side of the toner image-receiving layer from the support for the purpose of imparting backside output suitability, improving backside output image quality, improving curl balance, improving device passability, etc. Is preferably provided.
The color of the back layer is not particularly limited, but when the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention is a double-sided output type image-receiving paper that forms an image on the back surface, the back layer is preferably also white. The whiteness and the spectral reflectance are preferably 85% or more like the surface.
Further, the back layer may have the same structure as that of the toner image receiving layer for improving the duplex output suitability. Various additives described above can be used for the back layer. As such an additive, it is particularly suitable to blend a matting agent, a charge adjusting agent and the like. The back layer may have a single layer configuration or a stacked configuration of two or more layers.
Further, in order to prevent offset at the time of fixing, when a releasable oil is used for the fixing roller or the like, the back layer may be oil absorbing.

  The adhesion improving layer is preferably formed for the purpose of improving the adhesion between the support and the toner image receiving layer in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet of the present invention. The above-mentioned various additives can be blended in the adhesion improving layer, and it is particularly preferable to blend a crosslinking agent. The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention preferably further comprises a cushion layer or the like between the adhesion improving layer and the toner image-receiving layer in order to improve toner acceptability.

  The intermediate layer is formed, for example, between the support and the adhesion improving layer, between the adhesion improving layer and the cushion layer, between the cushion layer and the toner image receiving layer, and between the toner image receiving layer and the storage stability improving layer. Can do. Of course, in the case of an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet comprising a support, a toner image-receiving layer, and an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer can be present, for example, between the support and the toner image-receiving layer.

  The thickness of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, 50 to 350 μm is preferable, and 100 to 280 μm is more preferable.

<Toner>
The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention is used by allowing a toner image-receiving layer to receive toner during printing or copying.
The toner contains at least a binder resin and a colorant, and if necessary, a release agent and other components.

-Toner binder resin-
Examples of the binder resin include styrenes such as styrene and parachlorostyrene; vinyl esters such as vinyl naphthalene, vinyl chloride, vinyl bromide, vinyl fluoride, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl benzoate, and vinyl butyrate; Methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, 2-chloroethyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, methyl α-chloroacrylate, methyl methacrylate, methacryl Methylene aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as ethyl acetate and butyl methacrylate; Vinyl nitriles such as acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, and acrylamide; Vinyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, and vinyl isobutyl ether Tells; N-vinyl compounds such as N-vinyl pyrrole, N-vinyl carbazole, N-vinyl indole, N-vinyl pyrrolidone; single weight of vinyl monomers such as vinyl carboxylic acids such as methacrylic acid, acrylic acid and cinnamic acid Copolymers, copolymers thereof, and various polyesters can be used, and various waxes can be used in combination.
Among these resins, it is preferable to use resins of the same system as those used for the toner image receiving layer of the present invention.

-Toner Colorant-
As the colorant, those usually used in toners can be used without limitation. For example, carbon black, chrome yellow, hansa yellow, benzidine yellow, sren yellow, quinoline yellow, permanent orange GTR, pyrazolone. Orange, Vulcan Orange, Watch Young Red, Permanent Red, Brilliantamine 3B, Brilliantamine 6B, Daypon Oil Red, Pyrazolone Red, Risor Red, Rhodamine B Lake, Lake Red C, Rose Bengal, Aniline Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Calco Examples include various pigments such as oil blue, methylene blue chloride, phthalocyanine blue, phthalocyanine green, and malachite green oxalelate. Acridine, xanthene, azo, benzoquinone, azine, anthraquinone, thioindico, dioxazine, thiazine, azomethine, indico, thioindico, phthalocyanine, aniline black, polymethine, triphenyl Examples include various dyes such as methane, diphenylmethane, thiazine, thiazole, and xanthene. These colorants may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The content of the colorant is preferably in the range of 2 to 8% by mass. If the content of the colorant is 2% by mass or more, the coloring power is not weakened. On the other hand, if it is 8% by mass or less, the transparency is not impaired, which is preferable.

-Toner release agent-
As the toner release agent, all known waxes can be used in principle, but they contain nitrogen such as a relatively low molecular weight highly crystalline polyethylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, amide wax, urethane compound. Polar waxes are particularly effective. The molecular weight of the polyethylene wax is preferably 1000 or less, and more preferably 300 to 1000.

  The compound having a urethane bond is suitable because even if it has a low molecular weight, the solid state can be maintained and the melting point can be set high for the molecular weight due to the strength of cohesive force due to the polar group. The preferred range of molecular weight is 300-1000. The raw materials are a combination of diisocyanate compounds and monoalcohols, a combination of monoisocyanic acid and monoalcohol, a combination of dialcohols and monoisocyanic acid, a combination of trialcohols and monoisocyanic acid, triisocyanic acid Various combinations such as combinations of compounds and monoalcohols can be selected, but in order not to increase the molecular weight, it is preferable to combine a compound of a polyfunctional group and a monofunctional group, and an equivalent functional group amount. It is important to ensure that

Specific examples of the raw material compound include monoisocyanate compounds such as dodecyl isocyanate, phenyl isocyanate and derivatives thereof, naphthyl isocyanate, hexyl isocyanate, benzyl isocyanate, butyl isocyanate, and allyl isocyanate. It is done.
Examples of the diisocyanate compound include tolylene diisocyanate, 4,4′diphenylmethane diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, 4-methyl-m-phenylene diisocyanate, and isophorone diisocyanate. Can be mentioned.
As the monoalcohol, it is possible to use very common alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol and the like.
Among the raw material compounds, as the dialcohols, a number of glycols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, trimethylene glycol; as the trialcohols, trimethylolpropane, triethylolpropane, trimethanolethane, etc. can be used. However, it is not necessarily limited to this range.

  These urethane compounds can be mixed with a resin and a colorant at the time of kneading and used as a kneaded and pulverized toner as in a normal release agent. Also, when used in the emulsion polymerization aggregation melting toner described above, it is dispersed in water together with a polymer electrolyte such as an ionic surfactant, a polymer acid or a polymer base, and heated to a melting point or higher to produce a homogenizer or pressure discharge. A fine dispersion is obtained by applying strong shearing with a mold disperser to prepare a release agent particle dispersion of 1 μm or less, which can be used together with a resin particle dispersion, a colorant dispersion and the like.

-Toner and other components-
Other components such as an internal additive, a charge control agent, and inorganic fine particles can be blended in the toner. As the internal additive, a magnetic material such as a metal such as ferrite, magnetite, reduced iron, cobalt, nickel, manganese, an alloy, or a compound containing these metals can be used.

  As the charge control agent, various commonly used charge control agents such as quaternary ammonium salt compounds, nigrosine compounds, dyes composed of complexes of aluminum, iron, chromium, and triphenylmethane pigments can be used. . A material that is difficult to dissolve in water is preferable from the viewpoint of controlling the ionic strength that affects the stability during aggregation and melting and reducing wastewater contamination.

  Examples of the inorganic fine particles include silica, alumina, titania, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, and the like. Usually, all external additives on the toner surface are used. It is preferable to use by dispersing with a molecular base.

  Furthermore, a surfactant can be used for emulsion polymerization, seed polymerization, pigment dispersion, resin particle dispersion, release agent dispersion, aggregation, and stabilization thereof. For example, anionic surfactants such as sulfate ester, sulfonate, phosphate, and soap, cationic surfactants such as amine salt type and quaternary ammonium salt type, polyethylene glycol type, alkylphenol It is also effective to use a nonionic surfactant such as an ethylene oxide adduct system or a polyhydric alcohol system in combination. As a dispersing means at that time, a general means such as a rotary shear type homogenizer, a ball mill having a media, a sand mill, a dyno mill or the like can be used.

An external additive may be further added to the toner as necessary. Examples of the external additive include inorganic powder and organic particles. Examples of the inorganic particles include SiO ₂ , TiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , CuO, ZnO, SnO ₂ , Fe ₂ O ₃ , MgO, BaO, CaO, K ₂ O, Na ₂ O, ZrO ₂ , CaO · SiO _2. , K ₂ O. (TiO ₂ ) _n , Al ₂ O ₃ .2SiO ₂ , CaCO ₃ , MgCO ₃ , BaSO ₄ , MgSO _{4 and the} like. Moreover, as said organic particle, fatty acid or its derivative (s), powders, such as these metal salts, resin powders, such as a fluorine resin, a polyethylene resin, an acrylic resin, can be used. For example, the average particle size of these powders is preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, and more preferably 0.1 to 2 μm.

  The method for producing the toner is not particularly limited, and (i) a step of forming aggregated particles in a dispersion obtained by dispersing resin particles to prepare an aggregated particle dispersion, (ii) in the aggregated particle dispersion. A step of adding and mixing a fine particle dispersion in which fine particles are dispersed to adhere the fine particles to the aggregated particles to form adhered particles; and (iii) heating and fusing the adhered particles to form toner particles. It is preferable that the toner is manufactured by a toner manufacturing method including the steps.

-Toner physical properties-
The volume average particle diameter of the toner is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less.
If the volume average particle size of the toner is too small, there may be an adverse effect on toner handling (replenishability, cleaning properties, fluidity, etc.), and particle productivity may be reduced. On the other hand, if the volume average particle diameter of the toner is too large, the image quality and resolution due to graininess and transferability may be adversely affected.
The toner preferably satisfies the volume average particle diameter range of the toner and has a volume average particle size distribution index (GSDv) of 1.3 or less.
The ratio (GSDv / GSDn) of the volume average particle size distribution index (GSDv) to the number average particle size distribution index (GSDn) is preferably 0.95 or more.
Further, the toner preferably satisfies the volume average particle diameter range of the toner, and the average value of the shape factor represented by the following formula is preferably 1.00 to 1.50.
Shape factor = (π × L ² ) / (4 × S)
(However, L represents the maximum length of toner particles. S represents the projected area of toner particles.)
When the toner satisfies the above conditions, it has an effect on image quality, particularly graininess and resolution, and it is difficult to cause omission and blur due to transfer, and handling properties are adversely affected even if the average particle size is not small. It becomes difficult.

  The storage elastic modulus G ′ (measured at an angular frequency of 10 rad / sec) at 150 ° C. of the toner itself is 10 to 200 Pa from the viewpoint of improving the image quality and preventing the offset property in the fixing process. .

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention in detail, this invention is not limited to the following Example at all.

-Preparation of support-
Hardwood bleached kraft pulp (LBKP) was beaten with a disc refiner to 300 ml (Canadian standard freeness, CSF) and adjusted to a fiber length of 0.58 mm. Additives were added to the pulp stock at the following ratio based on the mass of the pulp.
Type of additive Amount (%)
Cationic starch 1.2
Alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) 0.5
Anionic polyacrylamide 0.3
Epoxidized fatty acid amide (EFA) 0.2
Polyamide polyamine epichlorohydrin 0.3
Note) AKD means alkyl ketene dimer (the alkyl part is derived from a fatty acid mainly composed of behenic acid). EFA means epoxidized fatty acid amide (the fatty acid part is derived from a fatty acid mainly composed of behenic acid).

From the obtained pulp paper stock, a base paper having a basis weight of 150 g / m ² was prepared by a long net paper machine. Incidentally, the intermediate in size press apparatus of the drying zone Fourdrinier, adhering the _{^{PVA 1.0g / m 2, CaCl 2}} 0.8g / m 2.
At the end of the paper making process, the density was adjusted to 1.01 g / cm ³ using a soft calender. Thereafter, the resulting base paper was passed through such that the metal roll was in contact with the side on which the toner image-receiving layer was provided. The surface temperature of the metal roll was 140 ° C.
The whiteness of the obtained base paper was 91%, the Oken type smoothness was 265 seconds, and the Steecht sizing degree was 127 seconds.

  After processing the obtained strip-shaped base paper by corona discharge with an output of 17 kW, a cooling roll having a surface mat roughness of 10 μm is used on the back surface, and a polyethylene resin having a composition shown in Table 1 below is melt discharged at a film temperature of 320 ° C. Single layer extrusion lamination was performed at a speed of 250 m / min to provide a backside polyethylene resin layer having a thickness of 22 μm.

Next, using a cooling roll having a surface mat roughness of 0.7 μm on the surface of the base paper on which the toner image receiving layer is to be coated, the same LDPE and TiO ₂ as shown in Table 1 were made into a master batch as shown in Table 2. A surface polyethylene resin layer having a thickness of 29 μm was obtained by mixing a pellet obtained by mixing the pellets and the master batch containing 5% by mass of ultramarine as shown in Table 3 with a single layer extrusion lamination at a line speed of 250 m / min. Was provided. Thereafter, a corona discharge treatment of 18 kW on the front surface and 12 kW on the back surface was performed, and then a gelatin undercoat layer was provided on the front surface to produce a belt-like support.

On the surface of the obtained band-shaped support, a self-dispersing polyester resin aqueous dispersion, carnauba wax aqueous dispersion, titanium dioxide PVA dispersion, polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of about 100,000, and an anionic surfactant are finally added. Specifically, the toner image-receiving layer was provided with a bar coater so as to have the coating amount composition shown in Table 4, and an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet continuous in a belt shape was produced. The coating solution had a viscosity of 70 mPa · s, a surface tension of 30 mN / m, and a pH of 7.8.
The resulting electrophotographic image-receiving sheet has a surface whiteness of 87, opacity of 93, and glossiness of 45 (20 degrees), while the back surface has a whiteness of 74 and a glossiness of 3 (20 degrees). there were.

  The obtained electrophotographic image-receiving sheet continuous in a strip shape was cut into a width of 127 mm and a length of 10 m, and the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet was wound around a 2-inch diameter core to obtain a roll.

  Next, using the obtained electrophotographic image-receiving sheet, a fixing unit of a full color laser printer (DCC-400) manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. shown in FIG. 4 is used as an electrophotographic apparatus, and a belt fixing machine shown in FIG. Using the apparatus modified for the belt-like fixing unit, fixing processing was performed as follows.

−Belt−
Belt support: polyimide (PI) film, width = 32 cm
Thickness = 80μm
Belt release layer material: SIFEL (fluorocarbon siloxane rubber precursor
Fluorocarbon obtained by curing and curing certain SIFEL610
Siloxane rubber, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Film thickness = 12μm
-Cooling process-
Cooler: Heat sink length = 120mm
Conveyance speed: 53mm / sec
-Fixing process-
Fixing temperature: 140 ° C

  Next, using the belt fixing processor shown in FIG. 5, the fixing process was performed in the same manner as described above, and the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet was stopped in a state where it was present in the fixing unit, thereby causing stains on the fixing belt. . The circumference of the fixing belt was 58 cm.

(Example 1)
In Example 1, an electrophotographic image receiving sheet (cleaning sheet) was prepared by cutting the strip-shaped electrophotographic image receiving sheet into a sheet having a length of about 70 cm in the sheet passing direction, and the electrophotography in which the stain was generated The cleaning sheet was passed through the apparatus for cleaning.
As a result, the number of sheets required for cleaning until no abnormality was found on the belt was three.
The temperature of the fixing unit at the time of cleaning was 135 ° C.
The conveyance speed at the fixing unit during cleaning was 30 mm / sec.

(Example 2)
In Example 2, the produced roll was loaded into an electrophotographic apparatus, passed through, and cut into a length (about 70 cm) that was about 1.2 times the belt length by a cutting means, and the stain was generated. The electrophotographic apparatus was cleaned.
As a result, there was almost no problem with one sheet, and no abnormality was visible on the belt with two sheets.
The temperature of the fixing unit at the time of cleaning was 135 ° C.
The conveyance speed at the fixing unit during cleaning was 30 mm / sec.

(Comparative Example 1)
In Comparative Example 1, an electrophotographic image receiving sheet (cleaning sheet) was prepared by cutting the belt-shaped electrophotographic image receiving sheet into a sheet having a length of 29.7 cm in the sheet passing direction, and passing the cleaning sheet through the sheet. Then, cleaning was performed on the electrophotographic apparatus in which the dirt was generated.
As a result, the number of sheets required for cleaning until no abnormality was found on the belt was nine.
The temperature of the fixing unit at the time of cleaning was 135 ° C.
The conveyance speed at the fixing unit during cleaning was 70 mm / sec.

  According to the cleaning method of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus, in particular, a belt fixing type smoothing processing machine including a fixing roller, a fixing belt, and a cooling device, the fixing roller and the dirt attached to the fixing belt can be easily cleaned. It can be done reliably.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the circumference of the fixing roller. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the circumference of the fixing belt. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the types of lengths in the sheet passing direction of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an example of the cooling and peeling type belt fixing type smoothing machine of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1Y to K Image forming unit 2 Photosensitive drum 3 Charging roller 4 Exposure unit 5 Developing device 6 Primary transfer roller 7 Drum cleaning device 8 Static elimination roller 9 Intermediate transfer belt 10 Control unit 12 Secondary transfer roller 13 Backup roller 14 Belt cleaning device 16 Conveyance direction switching gate 17 Paper tray 18 Image receiving sheet 21 First recording medium discharge port 22 Discharge roller 24 Conveyance roller 26 Discharge tray 40 Heating and fixing roller 41 Heating source 42 Pressure roller 44 Stretching roller 45 Steering roller 46 Cooler 47 Fixing belt 48 Ejection roller 49 Toner 100 Color copier 101 Fixing device 102 Image reading device 104 Device body

Claims (19)

A cleaning method for an image forming apparatus comprising at least a heating and pressing step of passing a cleaning sheet through the image forming apparatus and subjecting the heating and pressing means to heat and pressure treatment to remove dirt adhered to the heating and pressing means. ,
The heating and pressing means is at least one of a fixing belt and a fixing roller, and the cleaning sheet has a support and a thermoplastic resin layer containing a thermoplastic resin on the support, and the cleaning sheet Satisfying at least one of the following formulas: L1 (cm)> L2 (cm) and L1 (cm)> L3 (cm).
In the above formula, L1 represents the length of the cleaning sheet in the sheet passing direction. L2 represents the circumference of the fixing roller. L3 represents the circumference of the fixing belt.   The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning sheet is the same as an electrophotographic image receiving sheet used in the image forming apparatus.   The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein L1 is formed 0.5 to 15 cm longer than either L2 or L3. The cleaning method according to claim 1, further satisfying at least one of the following formulas: L2 (cm)> L4 (cm) and L3 (cm)> L4 (cm).
However, in said formula, L2 and L3 represent the same meaning as the above. L4 represents the length in the sheet passing direction of the smallest electrophotographic image receiving sheet.   5. The craning method according to claim 1, wherein the dirt is a thermoplastic resin after fixing adhered to the heating and pressurizing means.   The cleaning sheet is in roll form, and the cleaning sheet in roll form is cut so as to satisfy at least one of the following formulas, L1 (cm)> L2 (cm), and L1 (cm)> L3 (cm). The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning method is used.   The cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cleaning sheet is any one selected from L size, A6 size, A4 size, B4 size, A3 size, B5 size, postcard size and business card size.   The cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heating and pressing means is a belt fixing type smoothing processing machine including a fixing roller, a fixing belt, and a cooling device.   9. The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein a fixing temperature when fixing toner on the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is different from a temperature at a position where fixing of the electrophotographic apparatus is performed during cleaning.   The cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a conveyance speed when fixing toner on an electrophotographic image receiving sheet is different from a conveyance speed in a fixing unit during cleaning.   The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the fixing belt has a heat-resistant support film and a release layer formed on the support film.   The cleaning method according to claim 11, wherein the release layer is any one of a layer in which a fluorocarbon siloxane rubber layer, a silicone rubber layer, and a fluorocarbon siloxane rubber layer are provided in this order.   The cleaning method according to claim 12, wherein the fluorocarbon siloxane rubber in the fluorocarbon siloxane rubber layer contains at least one of a perfluoroalkyl ether group and a perfluoroalkyl group in the main chain. Heating and pressing means for fixing toner to an electrophotographic image receiving sheet having a support, a toner image receiving layer containing a thermoplastic resin on the support, and a cleaning sheet for removing dirt adhering to the heating and pressing means At least one of a fixing belt and a fixing roller as the heating and pressing unit, and using the electrophotographic image receiving sheet as the cleaning sheet, the cleaning sheet having the following formula: An image forming apparatus characterized by satisfying at least one of L1 (cm)> L2 (cm) and L1 (cm)> L3 (cm).
In the above formula, L1 represents the length of the cleaning sheet in the sheet passing direction. L2 represents the circumference of the fixing roller. L3 represents the circumference of the fixing belt.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein L1 is formed to be 0.5 to 15 cm longer than at least one of L2 and L3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, further satisfying at least one of the following formulas: L2 (cm)> L4 (cm) and L3 (cm)> L4 (cm).
However, in said formula, L2 and L3 represent the same meaning as the above. L4 represents the length in the sheet passing direction of the smallest electrophotographic image receiving sheet.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the heating and pressing means is a belt fixing type smoothing processing machine having a fixing roller, a fixing belt, and a cooling device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a cleaning sheet in a roll form is used. 19. The sheet cutting unit according to claim 18, further comprising a sheet cutting unit configured to cut the roll-shaped cleaning sheet so as to satisfy at least one of the following formulas: L1 (cm)> L2 (cm) and L1 (cm)> L3 (cm) Image forming apparatus.

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