JP2004287253A - Electrophotographic image reception sheet, paper feed tray, image forming apparatus, and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrophotographic image reception sheet which has the surface and the backside easily discriminated and is prevented from being erroneously loaded to a paper feed tray of a device and prevents the occurrence of trouble of the device. <P>SOLUTION: At least one of a cut part 33 and a discrimination display for discriminating the surface and the backside of an electrophotographic image reception sheet 31 is provided in a peripheral edge blank part of the electrophotographic image reception sheet 31 which has a toner image reception layer on at least one side of a support. It is preferable that the cut part is provided in at least one corner or one side of the peripheral edge blank part 35. The electrophotographic image reception sheet 31 is loaded to the paper feed tray, and an image forming apparatus is provided with a paper feed tray. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０１０５】
本発明のトナー受像層は、前記支持体上に、トナー受像層に用いられるポリマーを含有する塗工液をワイヤーコーター等で塗布し、乾燥することによって設けられる。塗工液は、例えば、熱可塑性樹脂、離型剤、可塑剤等の添加剤を、アルコール及びケトン等の有機溶剤に溶解し、或いは均一に分散して調製される。前記有機溶剤としては、例えば、メタノール、イソプロピルアルコール及びメチルエチルケトン等が挙げられる。トナー受像層に用いるポリマーが水溶性であれば、上記支持体上にポリマー水溶液を塗布することによってトナー受像層を調製できる。また、水溶性でないポリマーについては、水分散液で支持体上に塗布することも可能である。
本発明で使用される前記ポリマーの成膜温度は、プリント前の保存に対しては、室温以上が好ましく、トナー粒子の定着に対しては１００℃以下が好ましい。
【０１０６】
本発明のトナー受像層は、乾燥後の塗布質量は、例えば、１〜２０ｇ／ｍ^２が好ましく、４〜１５ｇ／ｍ^２がより好ましい。
前記トナー受像層の厚みとしては、特に制限はないが、１〜３０μｍが好ましく、２〜２０μｍがより好ましい。
【０１０７】
−トナー受像層の諸物性−
前記トナー受像層は、白色度が高いことが好ましい。該白色度としては、ＪＩＳ Ｐ ８１２３に規定される方法で測定して、８５％以上が好ましい。また、４４０ｎｍ〜６４０ｎｍの波長域で、分光反射率が８５％以上、かつ同波長域の最大分光反射率と最低分光反射率の差が５％以内であることが好ましい。更には、４００ｎｍ〜７００ｎｍの波長域で分光反射率が８５％以上、かつ同波長域の最大分光反射率と最低分光反射率の差が５％以内であることがより好ましい。
また、前記白色度としては、具体的には、ＣＩＥ １９７６（Ｌ^＊ａ^＊ｂ^＊）色空間において、Ｌ^＊値は８０以上が好ましく、８５以上がより好ましく、９０以上が更に好ましい。また、白色の色味はできるだけニュートラルであるのが好ましい。前記白色色味としては、Ｌ^＊ａ^＊ｂ^＊空間において、（ａ^＊）^２＋（ｂ^＊）^２の値は５０以下が好ましく、１８以下がより好ましく、５以下が更に好ましい。
【０１０８】
前記トナー受像層としては、光沢性が高いのが好ましい。光沢度としては、トナーが無い白色から最大濃度の黒色までの全領域において、４５度光沢度は６０以上が好ましく、７５以上がより好ましく、９０以上が更に好ましい。
但し、光沢度は１１０以下が好ましい。１１０を超えると金属光沢のようになり画質として好ましくない。
尚、前記光沢度は、ＪＩＳ Ｚ ８７４１に基づいて測定することができる。
【０１０９】
前記トナー受像層は、平滑性が高いのが好ましい。該平滑度としては、トナーが無い白色から最大濃度の黒色までの全領域において、算術平均粗さ（Ｒａ）は３μｍ以下が好ましく、１μｍ以下がより好ましく、０．５μｍ以下が更に好ましい。
尚、前記算術平均粗さは、ＪＩＳ Ｂ ０６０１、Ｂ ０６５１、Ｂ ０６５２に基づいて測定することができる。
【０１１０】
前記トナー受像層は、以下の項目の内の１項目の物性を有することが好ましく、更に好ましくは、複数の項目、最も好ましくは、全ての項目の物性を有することが適当である。
（１）トナー受像層のＴｇ（ガラス転移温度）が３０℃以上、トナーのＴｇ＋２０℃以下である。
（２）トナー受像層のＴ１／２（１／２法軟化点）が、６０〜２００℃、好ましくは、８０〜１７０℃。ここで、１／２法軟化点は、特定の装置を使用し、特定の条件の下で、所定の押出加重を加えながら、初期設定温度（例えば、５０℃）で余熱時間、例えば、３００秒後に、所定の等速昇温速度で昇温した時の各温度における流出開始時と終了時のピストンストロークの差の２分の１となる温度で評価される。
（３）トナー受像層のＴｆｂ（流出開始温度）が、４０〜２００℃、好ましくは、トナー受像層のＴｆｂが、トナーのＴｆｂ＋５０℃以下である。
（４）トナー受像層の粘度が１×１０^５ＣＰになる温度が、４０℃以上、トナーのそれより低い。
（５）トナー受像層の定着温度における貯蔵弾性率（Ｇ’）が、１×１０^２〜１×１０^５Ｐａ、損失弾性率（Ｇ”）が、１×１０^２〜１×１０^５Ｐａである。
（６）トナー受像層の定着温度における損失弾性率（Ｇ”）と、貯蔵弾性率（Ｇ’）との比である損失正接（Ｇ”／Ｇ’）が、０．０１〜１０である。
（７）トナー受像層の定着温度における貯蔵弾性率（Ｇ’）が、トナーの定着温度における貯蔵弾性率（Ｇ”）に対して、−５０〜＋２５００である。
（８）溶融トナーのトナー受像層上の傾斜角が、５０度以下、特に４０度以下である。
また、トナー受像層としては、特許第２７８８３５８号明細書、特開平７−２４８６３７号、同８−３０５０６７号、同１０−２３９８８９号公報等に開示されている物性等を満足するものが好ましい。
【０１１１】
前記（１）の物性は、示差走査熱量測定装置（ＤＳＣ）により測定することができる。前記（２）〜（３）の物性は、例えば、島津製作所製フローテスターＣＦＴ−５００又は５００Ｄを用いて測定することができる。前記（５）〜（７）の物性は、回転型レオメーター（例えば、レオメトリック社製ダイナミックアナライザーＲＡＤＩＩ）を用いて測定することができる。前記（８）の物性は、協和界面科学（株）製の接触角測定装置を用い、特開平８−３３４９１６号公報に開示した方法で測定することができる。
【０１１２】
前記トナー受像層としては、１×１０^６〜１×１０^１５Ω／ｃｍ^２の範囲（２５℃、６５％ＲＨの条件にて）の表面電気抵抗を有するのが好ましい。
前記表面抵抗が１×１０^６Ω／ｃｍ^２未満であると、トナー受像層にトナーが転写される際のトナー量が充分でなく、得られるトナー画像の濃度が低くなり易いことがある一方、表面電気抵抗が、１×１０^１５Ω／ｃｍ^２を超えると、転写時に必要以上の電荷が発生し、トナーが充分に転写されず、画像の濃度が低く、電子写真用受像シートの取り扱い中に静電気を帯びて塵埃が付着し易く、また複写時にミスフィード、重送、放電マーク、トナー転写ヌケ等が発生することがある。
【０１１３】
尚、前記支持体に対し、トナー受像層と反対側の面の表面電気抵抗としては、５×１０^８〜３．２×１０^１０Ω／ｃｍ^２が好ましく、１×１０^９〜１×１０^１０Ω／ｃｍ^２がより好ましい。
本発明において、前記表面電気抵抗の測定は、ＪＩＳ Ｋ ６９１１に準拠し、サンプルを温度２０℃、湿度６５％の環境下に８時間以上調湿し、同じ環境下で、アドバンテスト（株）製Ｒ８３４０を使用し、印加電圧１００Ｖの条件で、通電して１分間経過した後に測定することで得られる。
【０１１４】
〔その他の層〕
前記その他の層としては、例えば、表面保護層、バック層、密着改良層、中間層、下塗り層、クッション層、帯電調節（防止）層、反射層、色味調製層、保存性改良層、接着防止層、アンチカール層、及び、平滑化層等が挙げられる。これらの層は、単層構成であってもよく、２以上の層より構成されていてもよい。
【０１１５】
−表面保護層−
前記表面保護層は、本発明の電子写真用受像シートにおける表面の保護、保存性の改良、取り扱い性の改良、筆記性の付与、機器通過性の改良、アンチオフセット性の付与等の目的で、前記トナー受像層の表面に設けることができる。該表面保護層は、１層であってもよいし、２層以上の層からなっていてもよい。表面保護層には、バインダーとして各種の熱可塑性樹脂、熱硬化性樹脂等を用いることができ、前記トナー受像層と同種の樹脂を用いるのが好ましい。但し、熱力学的特性や、静電特性等は、トナー受像層と同じである必要はなく、各々最適化することができる。
【０１１６】
前記表面保護層には、トナー受像層に使用可能な、前述の各種の添加剤を配合することができる。特に、前記表面保護層には、本発明で使用する離型剤と共に、他の添加剤、例えば、マット剤等を配合することができる。なお、前記マット剤としては、種々の公知のものが挙げられる。
本発明の電子写真用受像シートにおける最表面層（例えば、表面保護層が形成されている場合には、表面保護層等）としては、定着性の点で、トナーとの相溶性が良いのが好ましい。具体的には、溶融したトナーとの接触角が、例えば、０〜４０度であることが好ましい。
【０１１７】
−バック層−
前記バック層は、本発明の電子写真用受像シートにおいて、裏面出力適性付与、裏面出力画質改良、カールバランス改良、機器通過性改良等の目的で、支持体に対して、トナー受像層の反対側に設けられるのが好ましい。
前記バック層の色としては、特に制限はないが、本発明の電子写真用受像シートが、裏面にも画像を形成する両面出力型受像シートの場合、バック層も白色であることが好ましい。白色度及び分光反射率は、表面と同様に８５％以上が好ましい。
また、両面出力適性改良のため、バック層の構成がトナー受像層側と同様であってもよい。バック層には、上記で説明した各種の添加剤を用いることができる。このような添加剤として、特にマット剤や、帯電調整剤等を配合することが適当である。バック層は、単層構成であってもよく、２層以上の積層構成であってもよい。
また、定着時のオフセット防止のため、定着ローラ等に離型性オイルを用いている場合、バック層は、オイル吸収性としてもよい。
【０１１８】
−密着改良層等−
前記密着改良層は、本発明の電子写真用受像シートにおいて、支持体及びトナー受像層の密着性を改良する目的で、形成するのが好ましい。密着改良層には、前述の各種の添加剤を配合することができ、特に架橋剤を配合するのが好ましい。また、本発明の電子写真用受像シートには、トナーの受容性を改良するため、該密着改良層及びトナー受像層の間に、更にクッション層等を設けるのが好ましい。
【０１１９】
−中間層−
前記中間層は、例えば、支持体及び密着改良層の間、密着改良層及びクッション層の間、クッション層及びトナー受像層の間、トナー受像層及び保存性改良層との間等に形成することができる。前記支持体、トナー受像層、及び、中間層からなる電子写真用受像シートの場合には、前記中間層は、例えば、支持体及びトナー受像層の間に存在させることができる。
【０１２０】
なお、本発明の前記電子写真用受像シートの厚みとしては、特に制限はなく、目的に応じて適宜選定することができるが、例えば、５０〜３５０μｍが好ましく、１００〜２８０μｍがより好ましい。
【０１２１】
（トナー）
本発明の電子写真用受像シートは、印刷又は複写の際に、トナー受像層にトナーを受容させて使用される。
前記トナーは、結着樹脂と着色剤とを少なくとも含有し、必要に応じて離型剤、その他の成分を含有する。
【０１２２】
−トナー 結着樹脂−
前記結着樹脂としては、スチレン、パラクロルスチレンなどのスチレン類；ビニルナフタレン、塩化ビニル、臭化ビニル、弗化ビニル、酢酸ビニル、プロピオン酸ビニル、ベンゾエ酸ビニル、酪酸ビニルなどのビニルエステル類；アクリル酸メチル、アクリル酸エチル、アクリル酸ｎ−ブチル、アクリル酸イソブチル、アクリル酸ドデシル、アクリル酸ｎ−オクチル、アクリル酸２−クロルエチル、アクリル酸フェニル、α−クロルアクリル酸メチル、メタクリル酸メチル、メタクリル酸エチル、メタクリル酸ブチルなどのメチレン脂肪族カルボン酸エステル類；アクリロニトリル、メタクリルロニトリル、アクリルアミドなどのビニルニトリル類；ビニルメチルエーテル、ビニルエチルエーテル、ビニルイソブチルエーテルなどのビニルエーテル類；Ｎ−ビニルピロール、Ｎ−ビニルカルバゾール、Ｎ−ビニルインドール、Ｎ−ビニルピロリドンなどのＮ−ビニル化合物類；メタクリル酸、アクリル酸、桂皮酸などのビニルカルボン酸類などビニル系モノマーの単独重合体やその共重合体、更には各種ポリエステル類を使用することができ、各種ワックス類を併用することも可能である。
これらの樹脂の中で、特に本発明のトナー受像層に用いたものと同一系統の樹脂を用いるのが好ましい。
【０１２３】
−トナー 着色剤−
前記着色剤としては、通常トナーに用いられているものを制限なく使用することができ、例えば、カーボンブラック、クロムイエロー、ハンザイエロー、ベンジジンイエロー、スレンイエロー、キノリンイエロー、パーメネントオレンジＧＴＲ、ピラゾロンオレンジ、バルカンオレンジ、ウオッチヤングレッド、パーマネントレッド、ブリリアンカーミン３Ｂ、ブリリアンカーミン６Ｂ、デイポンオイルレッド、ピラゾロンレッド、リソールレッド、ローダミンＢレーキ、レーキレッドＣ、ローズベンガル、アニリンブルー、ウルトラマリンブルー、カルコオイルブルー、メチレンブルークロライド、フタロシアニンブルー、フタロシアニングリーン、マラカイトグリーンオクサレレートなどの種々の顔料が挙げられる。また、アクリジン系、キサンテン系、アゾ系、ベンゾキノン系、アジン系、アントラキノン系、チオインジコ系、ジオキサジン系、チアジン系、アゾメチン系、インジコ系、チオインジコ系、フタロシアニン系、アニリンブラック系、ポリメチン系、トリフェニルメタン系、ジフェニルメタン系、チアジン系、チアゾール系、キサンテン系などの各種染料などが挙げられる。これら着色剤は１種単独で使用してもよいし、複数種類を併せて使用してもよい。
着色剤の含有量は、２〜８質量％の範囲が好ましい。着色剤の含有量が２質量％以上であれば着色力が弱くなることもなく、一方、８質量％以下であれば、透明性が損なわれることもないので好ましい。
【０１２４】
−トナー 離型剤−
前記離型剤としては、原理的には、公知のワックス全てが使用可能であるが、比較的低分子量の高結晶性ポリエチレンワックス、フィッシャートロプシュワックス、アミドワックス、ウレタン化合物など窒素を含有する極性ワックスなどが特に有効である。ポリエチレンワックスの分子量は１０００以下が好ましく、３００〜１０００がより好ましい。
【０１２５】
前記ウレタン結合を有する化合物は、低分子量であっても極性基による凝集力の強さにより、固体状態を保ち、融点も分子量のわりには高く設定できるので好適である。分子量の好ましい範囲は３００〜１０００である。原料は、ジイソシアン酸化合物類とモノアルコール類との組み合わせ、モノイソシアン酸とモノアルコールとの組み合わせ、ジアルコール類とモノイソシアン酸との組み合わせ、トリアルコール類とモノイソシアン酸との組み合わせ、トリイソシアン酸化合物類とモノアルコール類との組み合わせなど、種々の組み合わせを選択することができが、高分子量化させないために、多官能基と単官能基の化合物を組み合わせることが好ましく、また等価の官能基量となるようにすることが重要である。
【０１２６】
具体的な、原料化合物のうちモノイソシアン酸化合物としては、例えば、イソシアン酸ドデシル、イソシアン酸フェニル及びその誘導体、イソシアン酸ナフチル、イソシアン酸ヘキシル、イソシアン酸ベンジル、イソシアン酸ブチル、イソシアン酸アリルなどが挙げられる。
ジイソシアン酸化合物としては、ジイソシアン酸トリレン、ジイソシアン酸４、４’ジフェニルメタン、ジイソシアン酸トルエン、ジイソシアン酸１、３−フェニレン、ジイソシアン酸ヘキサメチレン、ジイソシアン酸４−メチル−ｍ−フェニレン、ジイソシアン酸イソホロンなどが挙げられる。
モノアルコールとしては、メタノール、エタノール、プロパノール、ブタノール、ペンタノール、ヘキサノール、ヘプタノールなど極く一般的なアルコール類を使用することが可能である。
原料化合物のうちジアルコール類としては、エチレングリコール、ジエチレングリコール、トリエチレングリコール、トリメチレングリコールなど多数のグリコール類；トリアルコール類としては、トリメチロールプロパン、トリエチロールプロパン、トリメタノールエタンなどが使用可能であるが、必ずしもこの範囲に限定されない。
【０１２７】
これらのウレタン化合物類は、通常の離型剤のように、混練時に樹脂や着色剤とともに混合して、混練粉砕型トナーとしても使用できる。また、前記の乳化重合凝集溶融法トナーに用いる場合には、水中にイオン性界面活性剤や高分子酸や高分子塩基などの高分子電解質とともに分散し、融点以上に加熱してホモジナイザーや圧力吐出型分散機で強い剪断をかけて微粒子化し、１μｍ以下の離型剤粒子分散液を調製し、樹脂粒子分散液、着色剤分散液などとともに用いることができる。
【０１２８】
−トナー その他の成分−
また、本発明のトナーには、内添剤、帯電制御剤、無機微粒子等のその他の成分を配合することができる。内添剤としては、フェライト、マグネタイト、還元鉄、コバルト、ニッケル、マンガン等の金属、合金、又はこれら金属を含む化合物などの磁性体を使用することができる。
【０１２９】
前記帯電制御剤としては、４級アンモニウム塩化合物、ニグロシン系化合物、アルミや、鉄、クロムなどの錯体からなる染料、トリフェニルメタン系顔料など通常使用される種々の帯電制御剤を使用することができる。なお、凝集、溶融時の安定性に影響するイオン強度の制御や、廃水汚染を減少する観点から水に溶解しにくい材料が好ましい。
【０１３０】
前記無機微粒子としては、シリカ、アルミナ、チタニア、炭酸カルシウム、炭酸マグネシウム、リン酸三カルシウムなど、通常、トナー表面の外添剤を全て使用で、それらをイオン性界面活性剤や高分子酸、高分子塩基で分散して使用することが好ましい。
【０１３１】
更に、乳化重合、シード重合、顔料分散、樹脂粒子分散、離型剤分散、凝集、更には、それらの安定化などに界面活性剤を用いることができる。例えば、硫酸エステル塩系、スルホン酸塩系、リン酸エステル系、せっけん系等のアニオン界面活性剤、アミン塩型、４級アンモニウム塩型等のカチオン系界面活性剤、また、ポリエチレングリコール系、アルキルフェノールエチレンオキサイド付加物系、多価アルコール系等の非イオン性界面活性剤を併用することも効果的である。その際の分散手段としては、回転せん断型ホモジナイザーやメデイアを有するボールミル、サンドミル、ダイノミルなどの一般的なものが使用可能である。
【０１３２】
なお、前記トナーには、必要に応じて更に外添剤を添加してもよい。前記外添剤としては、無機粉末及び有機粒子等が挙げられる。前記無機粒子としては、ＳｉＯ_２、ＴｉＯ_２、Ａｌ_２Ｏ_３、ＣｕＯ、ＺｎＯ、ＳｎＯ_２、Ｆｅ_２Ｏ_３、ＭｇＯ、ＢａＯ、ＣａＯ、Ｋ_２Ｏ、Ｎａ_２Ｏ、ＺｒＯ_２、ＣａＯ・ＳｉＯ_２、Ｋ_２Ｏ・（ＴｉＯ_２）_ｎ、Ａｌ_２Ｏ_３・２ＳｉＯ_２、ＣａＣＯ_３、ＭｇＣＯ_３、ＢａＳＯ_４、ＭｇＳＯ_４等を例示することができる。また、前記有機粒子としては、脂肪酸又はその誘導体や、これ等の金属塩等の粉末、フッ素系樹脂、ポリエチレン樹脂、アクリル樹脂等の樹脂粉末を用いることができる。これらの粉末の平均粒径は、例えば、０．０１〜５μｍが好ましく、０．１〜２μｍがより好ましい。
【０１３３】
前記トナーの製造方法は、特に制限されないが、（ｉ）樹脂粒子を分散させてなる分散液中で凝集粒子を形成し凝集粒子分散液を調製する工程、（ｉｉ）前記凝集粒子分散液中に、微粒子を分散させてなる微粒子分散液を添加混合して前記凝集粒子に前記微粒子を付着させて付着粒子を形成する工程、及び（ｉｉｉ）前記付着粒子を加熱し融合してトナー粒子を形成する工程、とを含むトナーの製造方法により製造することが好ましい。
【０１３４】
−トナー物性等−
本発明のトナーの体積平均粒子径は０．５μｍ以上１０μｍ以下が好ましい。
前記トナーの体積平均粒子径が小さすぎると、トナーのハンドリング（補給性、クリーニング性、流動性等）に悪影響が生じる場合があり、また、粒子生産性が低下する場合がある。一方、トナーの体積平均粒子径が大きすぎると、粒状性、転写性に起因する画質、解像度に悪影響を与える場合がある。
また、本発明のトナーは、前記トナーの体積平均粒子径範囲を満たし、かつ体積平均粒度分布指数（ＧＳＤｖ）は１．３以下が好ましい。
前記体積平均粒度分布指数（ＧＳＤｖ）と数平均粒度分布指数（ＧＳＤｎ）との比（ＧＳＤｖ／ＧＳＤｎ）は０．９５以上が好ましい。
また、本発明のトナーは、前記トナーの体積平均粒子径範囲を満たし、かつ下記式で表される形状係数の平均値は１．００〜１．５０が好ましい。
形状係数＝（π×Ｌ^２）／（４×Ｓ）
（但し、Ｌはトナー粒子の最大長、Ｓはトナー粒子の投影面積を示す。）
トナーが上記条件を満たす場合には、画質、特に、粒状性、解像度に効果があり、また、転写に伴う抜けやブラーが生じにくく、平均粒径が小さくなくてもハンドリング性に悪影響が出にくくなる。
【０１３５】
なお、トナー自体の１５０℃における貯蔵弾性率Ｇ’（角周波数１０ｒａｄ／ｓｅｃで測定）は、１０〜２００Ｐａであることが、定着工程での画質向上とオフセット性の防止の面から適当である。
【０１３６】
（給紙トレイ）
本発明の給紙トレイは、前記本発明の電子写真用受像シートにおけるカット部を含む形状に合わせた形状の収納部、及び前記本発明の電子写真用受像シートにおける識別表示と同一乃至は類似の識別表示を対応する位置に設けた周辺枠部から選択される少なくともいずれかを有し、その他については特に制限はなく、公知の給紙トレイと同様に構成することができる。本発明の給紙トレイは、前記本発明の電子写真用受像シートと組み合わせることにより、表面と裏面との判別がより確実におこなうことができるものである。
【０１３７】
前記給紙トレイとしては、例えば、図９及び１０に示したように、前記本発明の電子写真用受像シートにおけるカット部３３を含む形状に合わせた形状の収納部３９を有する。
前記図９に記載の給紙トレイ３０は、前記図３に示すような一隅に非線対称形状のカット部３３を有する電子写真用受像シート３１におけるカット部を含む形状の収容部を有しているので、電子写真用受像シートの表面を上にして確実に装填することができる。
前記図１０に記載の給紙トレイ３０は、前記図５に示すような一辺にカット部３３を有する電子写真用受像シート３１におけるカット部を含む形状の収容部を有しているので、電子写真用受像シートの表面を上にして確実に装填することができる。
【０１３８】
また、本発明の給紙トレイは、図１１に示すように、前記本発明の電子写真用受像シートにおける識別表示３４と同一乃至は類似の識別表示３４’を対応する位置に設けた周辺枠部３７を有する。
前記図１１に記載の給紙トレイ３０は、前記図７に示すような表面に識別表示３４を有する電子写真用受像シート３１と同一乃至は類似の識別表示３４’を対応する位置に設けているので、電子写真用受像シートの表面を上にして確実に装填することができる。
【０１３９】
（画像形成装置）
本発明の画像形成装置は、前記本発明の給紙トレイを備え、その他の構成については特に制限はなく、公知の画像形成装置と同様の構成とすることができる。
【０１４０】
例えば、図１２は、本発明のカラー複写機（画像形成装置）１００の一例を示す概略構成図である。このカラー複写機１００は、装置本体１０４と、画像読取装置（原稿読取手段）１０２とから構成されている。また、装置本体１０４内には、画像出力部（画像形成部）と定着装置１０１とが内蔵されている。なお、図１２中３１は、給紙トレイであり、用紙サイズの異なる２種類の給紙トレイが設けられており、この例では、図９に示したような、本発明の電子写真用受像シートにおけるカット部を含む形状に合わせた形状の収納部を有する給紙トレイが用いられている。
【０１４１】
前記画像形成部は、複数の張架ローラに張架され回転される無端状の中間転写ベルト９と、該中間転写ベルト９の回転方向の上流側から下流側にかけて並んでいるイエロー、マゼンタ、シアン、ブラックの各色トナー画像を形成する電子写真画像形成ユニット１Ｙ〜Ｋと、中間転写ベルト９に対峙するベルトクリーニング装置１４、同じく中間転写ベルト９に対峙する二次転写ローラ１２、搬送ローラ対１９、２４、レジストローラ対２０、排出トレイ２６などを備えている。
【０１４２】
また、各電子写真画像形成ユニット１Ｙ〜Ｋは、感光体ドラム２、帯電ローラ３、現像装置５、一次転写ローラ６、ドラムクリーニング装置７、除電ローラ８などを備えている。
【０１４３】
図１３は、定着装置１０１の構成を説明するものである。この定着装置１０１は、熱源を有する加熱定着ローラ（加熱ローラ）４０、剥離ローラ（張架ローラ）４４、ステアリングローラ（張架ローラ）４５、加熱定着ローラ４０及び剥離ローラ４４とステアリングローラ４５に巻き回された定着ベルト（無端ベルト）４７、定着ベルト４７を介して加熱定着ローラ４０に押圧してニップを形成する加圧ローラ４２、定着ベルト４７の回転方向のニップ下流側にて定着ベルト４７を冷却する冷却器（冷却部）４６を有し、トナーを担持した受像シート３１は、トナー画像が定着ベルト４７と接するようにニップ部に搬送されて加熱加圧定着され、冷却器４６で定着ベルト４７及び受像シート３１が冷却された後に、定着ベルト４７と受像シート３１を剥離するベルト定着器である。
【０１４４】
前記加熱定着ローラ４０は、熱伝導性の高い金属製のコア４０ａの表面に、ＰＦＡチューブ等のフッ素樹脂層からなる離型層４０ｂを形成し、コア４０ａ中に、ハロゲンランプなどの加熱源４１が備えられ、加熱定着ローラ４０の表面温度が所定の温度になるように加熱し、定着ベルト４７とトナー像が形成された電子写真用受像シート３１を加熱する。加圧ローラ４２は、熱伝導性の高い金属製のコア４２ａの周囲に、ゴム硬度（ＪＩＳ−Ａ）が４０°程度のシリコーンゴム等からなる弾性体層４２ｂを被覆し、更に、その表面にＰＦＡチューブ等のフッ素樹脂層からなる離型層４２ｃを形成し、コア４２ａ中に、ハロゲンランプなどの加熱源４３が備えられ、加圧ローラ４２の表面温度が所定の温度になるように加熱し、定着時の受像シート１８に圧力を印加させると同時に、電子写真用受像シート３１を裏面から加熱させる。加熱定着ローラ４０と加圧ローラ４２の構成は上述した構成に限定されるものではなく、受像シート３１上に形成されたトナー画像を、定着ベルト４７を介して受像シート３１上に定着できる構成であればよい。
【０１４５】
前記剥離ローラ４４は、定着ベルト４７から電子写真用受像シート３１を受像シート３１自身の剛性により剥離させるものであり、その外径形状（寸法）は定着ベルト４７と電子写真用受像シート３１の付着力、及び定着ベルト４７の剥離ローラ４４への巻き付け角度によって決定される。ステアリングローラ４５は、定着ベルト４７を回転させることにより発生する片寄りによるベルト端部の破損を防止するためのものであり、一方の軸が固定され、他方の軸を図示しない駆動装置により加熱定着ローラ４０に対して傾かせることで、定着ベルト４７が片寄った場合、逆方向にベルトの進行方向を変える役割を果たす。
【０１４６】
前記冷却器４６は、定着ベルト４７と、密着している電子写真用受像シート３１を冷却するためのものであり、定着ベルト４７の内周面で、且つ加熱定着ローラ４０の下流側、剥離ローラ４４の上流側に配設されている。冷却器４６は、加熱定着ローラ４０と加圧ローラ４２により溶融させられた電子写真用受像シート３１の表面の透明樹脂層１８ａとトナー像を冷却させ、画像表面全体を定着ベルト４７表面にならった平滑な状態で固化させる機能を有する。
【０１４７】
前記定着ベルト４７は、熱硬化型ポリイミド製の無端状フィルム上に、東レ・ダウコーニング・シリコーン社製 シリコーンゴム用プライマーであるＤＹ３９−１１５を塗布後、風乾３０分の後、シリコーンゴム前駆体であるＤＹ３５−７９６ＡＢ １００質量部とｎ−ヘキサン ３０質量部により調整した塗布液を浸漬塗布により塗膜を形成し、１２０℃で１０分の一次加硫を行い、シリコーンゴム４０μｍを得た。
このシリコーンゴム層上に、信越化学工業社製 フルオロカーボンシロキサンゴム前駆体であるＳＩＦＥＬ６１０ １００質量部とフッ素系溶媒（ｍ−キシレンヘキサフロライド、パーフロロアルカン、パーフロロ（２−ブチルテトラヒドロフラン）の混合溶剤） ２０質量部により調整した塗布液を浸漬塗布により塗膜を形成した後、１２０℃で１０分の一次加硫、１８０℃で４時間の二次加硫を行い、フルオロカーボンシロキサンゴムが２０μｍの膜厚を有するベルトを用いた。
【０１４８】
ここで、定着装置１０１は、画像読取装置１０２の下側に存在し、画像形成部（例えば、転写位置）の上側に存在する。また、定着装置１０１は、画像形成部（例えば、中間転写ベルト９）の真上領域に存在し、かつ画像読取装置１０２の真下領域に存在する。また、二次転写位置から定着装置１０１に至る受像シート３１の搬送経路の全部は、画像形成部（例えば、中間転写ベルト９）の真上領域に存在している。更に、二次転写位置と一次転写位置とを結ぶ一次定着直線の鉛直成分は、実質的に鉛直方向となっている。また、二次転写位置と定着位置とを結ぶ定着直線の鉛直成分は、該定着直線の水平成分よりも小さいものである。また、定着装置１０１から排出される電子写真用受像シート３１は、画像形成部（例えば、中間転写ベルト９）の真上領域に排出される。
【０１４９】
（画像形成方法）
本発明の画像形成方法は、前記本発明の電子写真用受像シートを前記本発明の画像形成装置を用いて画像形成した後、得られた電子写真プリントにおけるカット部又は識別表示を含む周縁余白部を除去する。これにより、周縁余白部のない高品質の電子写真プリントが得られる。
【０１５０】
前記電子写真用受像シートに対して、画像を形成する方法は、特に制限されるものではない。各種の電子写真法に適用することができる。
例えば、前記電子写真用受像シートには、カラー画像を好ましく形成することができる。カラー画像の形成は、フルカラー画像を形成し得る電子写真装置を用いて行うことができる。通常の電子写真装置は、受像紙搬送部と、潜像形成部と、潜像形成部に近接して配設されている現像部とがあり、機種によっては、装置本体の中央に潜像形成部と受像紙搬送部に近接してトナー像中間転写部を有している。
【０１５１】
更に、画質の向上を図るための方法として、静電転写或いはバイアスローラ転写に代わって、或いは併用して、粘着転写又は熱支援型の転写方式が知られている。例えば、特開昭６３−１１３５７６号公報、特開平５−３４１６６６号公報にはその具体的な構造が記載されている。特に熱支援型転写方式の中間転写ベルトを用いた方法は、小粒径のトナーを使用する場合には好ましい。該中間ベルトとしては、例えば、電鋳ニッケルで形成された無端状ベルトで、表面にはシリコーン又はフッ素系の薄膜を有し、剥離特性を付与したものが用いられる。また、電子写真用受像シートへのトナー転写後或いは転写後半の中間ベルトには冷却装置を設けることが好ましい。該冷却装置により、トナーはそれに使用されるバインダーの軟化温度或いはガラス転移温度以下に冷却され、効率よく電子写真用受像シートに転写し、中間ベルトからの剥離が可能となる。
【０１５２】
定着は、最終画像の光沢や平滑性を左右する重要な工程である。定着方式は、加熱加圧ローラによる定着、ベルトを用いたベルト定着などが知られているが、上記光沢、平滑性等の画像品質の点からはベルト定着方式の方が好ましい。ベルト定着方式については、例えば、特開平１１−３５２８１９号公報に記載のオイルレスタイプのベルト定着方法、特開平１１−２３１６７１号公報及び特開平５−３４１６６６号公報に記載の二次転写と定着を同時に達成する方法等が知られている。
【０１５３】
本発明の電子写真用受像シートに画像を形成する方法は、定着ベルトを使用した電子写真方法であれば、上記した画像形成方法に制限されるものではない。通常の電子写真法であれば、いずれも適用することができる。
【０１５４】
【実施例】
以下、実施例により本発明を詳細に説明するが、本発明は、下記実施例に何ら限定されるものではない。
尚、以下の実施例において、「％」及び「部」は、質量基準である。
【０１５５】
（実施例及び比較例）
−支持体の調製−
広葉樹晒クラフトパルプ（ＬＢＫＰ）をディスクリファイナーで３００ｍｌ（カナダ標準ろ水度、Ｃ．Ｆ．Ｓ．）まで叩解し、繊維長０．５８ｍｍに調整した。このパルプ紙料に対して、パルプの質量に基づいて、以下の割合で添加剤を添加した。

【０１５６】
得られたパルプ紙料を、長網抄紙機により坪量１５０ｇ／ｍ^２の原紙を作製した。なお、長網抄紙機の乾燥ゾーンの中間でサイズプレス装置により、ＰＶＡ １．０ｇ／ｍ^２、ＣａＣｌ_２ ０．８ｇ／ｍ^２を付着した。
抄紙工程の最後で、ソフトカレンダーを用いて、密度を１．０１ｇ／ｃｍ^３に調整した。得られた原紙において、トナー受像層が設けられる側において、金属ロールが接するように通紙した。金属ロールの表面温度は１４０℃であった。得られた原紙の白色度は９１％、王研式平滑度は２６５秒、ステキヒト・サイズ度は１２７秒であった。
【０１５７】
得られた原紙を、出力１７ｋＷのコロナ放電によって処理した後、裏面に表面マット粗さ１０μｍのクーリングロールを用い、下記表１に示した組成のポリエチレン樹脂を溶融吐出膜温度３２０℃、ラインスピード２５０ｍ／分で単層押出ラミネートし、厚さ２２μｍのポリエチレン樹脂層を設けた。
【０１５８】
【表１】

【０１５９】
次に、トナー受像層を塗設する側である原紙の表面に表面マット粗さ０．７μｍのクーリングロールを用い、表１と同じＬＤＰＥと、ＴｉＯ_２を表２に示したようにマスターバッチ化したペレット及び群青を５％含むマスターバッチ化したペレットを最終組成が表３に示したように混合したものを、ラインスピード２５０ｍ／分で単層押出ラミネートして厚さ２９μｍのトナー受像層を設けた。その後、表面に１８ｋＷ、裏面に１２ｋＷのコロナ放電処理を施した後、表面にはゼラチン下塗り層を設け、支持体を作製した。
【０１６０】
【表２】

【０１６１】
【表３】

【０１６２】
得られた支持体の表面上に、自己分散型ポリエステル樹脂水分散物、カルナバワックス水分散物、二酸化チタンのＰＶＡ分散物、及び分子量約１０万のポリエチレンオキサイドを、最終的に表４の塗設量組成になるようにして、トナー受像層をバーコーターで設け、電子写真用受像シートを作製した。なお、塗布液の粘度は７０ｍＰａ・ｓ、表面張力３０ｍＮ／ｍ、ｐＨ７．８であった。
【０１６３】
【表４】

【０１６４】
得られた電子写真用受像シートをＡ４サイズにカットし、下記（Ｉ）〜（Ｖ）の電子写真用受像シートを調製した。
＜電子写真用受像シート（Ｉ）＞
図１に示したように、電子写真用受像シートの余白部一隅に線対称形状のカット部を設けた。なお、図１中の点線は画像形成後に縁なしプリントを作製するための４辺のカット位置を示す。
＜電子写真用受像シート（ＩＩ）＞
図３に示したように、電子写真用受像シートの余白部一隅に非線対称形状のカット部を設けた。なお、図３中の点線は画像形成後に縁なしプリントを作製するための４辺のカット位置を示す。
＜電子写真用受像シート（ＩＩＩ）＞
図８に示したように、電子写真用受像シートの余白部一隅に画像部にまでかかるように非線対称形状のカット部を設けた。なお、図８中の点線は画像形成後に縁なしプリントを作製するための４辺のカット位置を示す。
＜電子写真用受像シート（ＩＶ）＞
図７に示したように、電子写真用受像シートにおける表面の余白部の一辺に識別表示を設けた。なお、図７中の点線は画像形成後に縁なしプリントを作製するための４辺のカット位置を示す。
＜電子写真用受像シート（Ｖ）＞
電子写真用受像シートにおける裏面の余白部の一辺に識別表示を設けた。
【０１６５】
次に、前記電子写真用受像シート（Ｉ）〜（ＩＩＩ）については、それぞれのシートが表面を上向きにして装填可能な収納部を有する給紙トレイを用意した。前記電子写真用受像シート（ＩＶ）〜（Ｖ）については、それぞれのシートの識別表示と同じ識別表示を周辺枠部に設けた収納部を有する給紙トレイを用意した。
被験者２０名に対し、各電子写真用受像シートの表面が上になるように給紙トレイに装填してもらったところ、電子写真用受像シート（Ｖ）では６名が裏を表に装填してしまったのに対して、電子写真用受像シート（Ｉ）〜（ＩＶ）では誤装填した者はいなかった。但し、電子写真用受像シート（Ｉ）を装填する場合、装填にとまどう被験者がいた（２名／１０名）。
なお、前記電子写真用受像シート（Ｖ）について、表面を上に向けて装填してもらったところ、誤装填した者はいなかった。
【０１６６】
更に、電子写真用受像シート（ＩＩ）及び（ＩＩＩ）について、電子写真装置として、図１２に示した富士ゼロックス製フルカラーレーザープリンター（ＤＣＣ−４００）の定着部を、図１３に示したベルト定着機でベルト状定着部に改造した装置を用い、一般的なポートレートを印画し、下記条件で定着処理を行った。

【０１６７】
得られたプリントの周縁余白部を除去し、電子写真プリントを作製したところ、電子写真用受像シート（ＩＩ）は好ましい写真画像が得られた。一方、電子写真用受像シート（ＩＩＩ）は一隅にカットがあり、電子写真プリントとしての許容度が低いものであった。
【０１６８】
次に、電子写真用受像シートを正常な向き（表面）に装填した場合と、逆向き（裏面）に装填した場合のそれぞれで、プリンターの定着部での通紙不良の発生率を評価した。結果を表５に示す。
【０１６９】
【表５】

【０１７０】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によると、電子写真用受像シートの表面と裏面との判別が容易に行えるので、該電子写真用受像シートを機器の給紙トレイに誤装填することが防止でき、機器での通紙不良やオフセット、粉塵等の機器トラブルが発生したり、他のプリントに悪影響を引き起こすことを未然に回避できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】図１は、本発明の周縁余白部にカット部を有する電子写真用受像シートの一例を示す平面図である。
【図２】図２は、図１のような線対称のカット部を設けた場合、用紙の形状によっては表裏の判別ができない可能性があることを示す説明図である。
【図３】図３は、本発明の周縁余白部にカット部を有する電子写真用受像シートの一例を示す平面図である。
【図４】図４は、図３のような非線対称のカット部を設けた場合には、用紙の形状にかかわらず表裏の判別が可能であることを示す説明図である。
【図５】図５は、本発明の周縁余白部の非対称な位置にカット部を有する電子写真用受像シートの一例を示す平面図である。
【図６】図６は、図５のような周縁余白部の非対称な位置にカット部を設けた場合、用紙の形状にかかわらず、表裏の判別が可能であることを示す説明図である。
【図７】図７は、本発明の周縁余白部の非対称な位置に識別表示を有する電子写真用受像シートの一例を示す平面図である。
【図８】図８は、周縁余白部からはみ出してカット部を設けた電子写真用受像シートの一例を示す平面図である。
【図９】図９は、例えば図３に示すような非線対称のカット部を設けた電子写真用受像シートを収納する給紙トレイであって、該電子写真用受像シートのカット部に対応する形状の収納部を有する給紙トレイの一例を示す平面図である。
【図１０】図１０は、例えば図６に示すような周縁余白部の非対称な位置にカット部を設けた電子写真用受像シートを収納する給紙トレイであって、該電子写真用受像シートのカット部に対応する形状の収納部を有する給紙トレイの一例を示す平面図である。
【図１１】図１１は、例えば図７に示すような周縁余白部の非対称な位置に識別表示を有する電子写真用受像シートを収納する給紙トレイであって、該電子写真用受像シートの識別表示に対応する識別表示を周辺枠部に設けた給紙トレイの一例を示す平面図である。
【図１２】図１２は、本発明の電子写真装置の一例を示す概略図である。
【図１３】図１３は、本発明の冷却剥離式ベルト定着型平滑化処理機の一例を示す概略図である。
【符号の説明】
１Ｙ〜Ｋ 電子写真画像形成ユニット
２ 感光体ドラム
３ 帯電ローラ
４ 露光器
５ 現像装置
６ 一次転写ローラ
７ ドラムクリーニング装置
８ 除電ローラ
９ 中間転写ベルト
１０ 制御部
１２ 二次転写ローラ
１３ バックアップローラ
１４ ベルトクリーニング装置
１６ 搬送方向切替ゲート
２１ 第一記録媒体排出口
２２ 排出ローラ
２４ 搬送ローラ
２５ 用紙トレイ
２６ 排出トレイ
３０ 給紙トレイ
３１ 電子写真用受像シート
３３ カット部
３４ 識別表示
３５ 周縁余白部
３７ 周辺枠部
３９ 収納部
４０ 加熱定着ローラ
４１ 加熱源
４２ 加圧ローラ
４４ 張架ローラ
４５ ステアリングローラ
４６ 冷却器
４７ 定着ベルト
４８ 排出ローラ
４９ トナー
１００ カラー複写機
１０１ 定着装置
１０２ 画像読取装置
１０４ 装置本体[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention makes it easy to distinguish between the front and back surfaces of an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet, and prevents the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet from being erroneously loaded into the paper feed tray of the device, thereby causing troubles in the device. The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet and a paper feed tray, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there are silver salt photographic prints, pictro prints, thermal color prints, sublimation heat transfer, and the like in which a binding hole or the like is provided at the peripheral edge (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Only an image can be formed.
[0003]
On the other hand, unlike other printing systems, double-sided printing and double-sided printing are widely used in electrophotography. For high-quality electrophotographic image-receiving sheets rich in photographic sense, for example, photographic quality such as glossing. Improvements to achieve this have been attempted. However, the electrophotographic print with gloss on both sides has a problem that the blocking between the image sides is extremely deteriorated, and it is difficult to achieve high photographic quality on both sides. As described above, the conventional electrophotographic image-receiving paper is capable of high-quality prints rich in photographic feeling on one side, and the back side usually has different performance.
[0004]
Therefore, photo-quality electrophotographic image-receiving paper must be handled with the front side and the back side distinguished. For example, when feeding to the paper feed tray of the apparatus, the front side and the back side need to be distinguished and loaded. There is.
If, on the contrary, the electrophotographic image receiving paper is mistakenly loaded in the paper feed tray of the equipment, not only high-quality prints with the intended photographic feeling will not be obtained, but also paper passing defects, offsets and dust in the equipment will not be obtained. There is a problem that equipment troubles such as the above occur or that other prints have a great adverse effect.
[0005]
In electrophotography, borderless printing is technically difficult and printing margins exist. Therefore, in order to obtain a photographic print, the margin is cut to realize a borderless print. Thus, in electrophotography, there are portions on the surface that are not finally used for printing, but the present situation is that no effective use is considered.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-50056
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
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, the front and back surfaces of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet can be easily discriminated, and the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet can be reliably prevented from being erroneously loaded into the paper feed tray of the device. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet capable of preventing in advance equipment troubles such as paper defects, offset, and dust, and other prints from being adversely affected.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Means for solving the problems are as follows. That is,
<1> In an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a toner image-receiving layer on at least one surface of a support, a cut portion for discriminating a front surface and a back surface of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet at a marginal margin of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet; An electrophotographic image-receiving sheet provided with at least one of identification displays.
<2> The electrophotographic image receiving sheet according to <1>, wherein at least one cut portion is provided in at least one corner of the marginal margin in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet.
<3> The electrophotographic image receiving sheet according to any one of <1> to <2>, wherein at least one cut portion is provided on at least one side of a marginal margin in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet.
<4> The at least two cut portions are at least one side of the marginal margin in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet, and are provided at positions that are non-axisymmetric with respect to the central symmetry line of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. <1> to <3> The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of <3>.
<5> The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the cut portion has a non-axisymmetric shape.
<6> The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein at least one identification display is provided in a marginal margin on the surface of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet.
<7> The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the identification display is printed or printed in advance on the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet in the production process.
<8> The identification display is logo mark, price, performance, tagline, company name, product name, trademark, figure, picture, pattern, image information (Exif information), image copyright, shooting model, photographer information, and The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of <1> to <7>, which is at least one selected from image processing information.
<9> The electrophotographic image receiving sheet according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein at least one of the cut portion and the identification display is a size that does not protrude from a marginal margin in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. It is.
<10> The storage unit having a shape matching the shape including the cut portion in the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of <1> to <9>, and any one of <1> to <9> The sheet feeding tray has at least one selected from the peripheral frame portion provided with the same or similar identification display as the identification display on the electrophotographic image receiving sheet.
<11> An image forming apparatus comprising the paper feed tray according to <10>.
<12> After forming an image on the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of <1> to <9> using the image forming apparatus according to claim 11, a cut portion in the obtained electrophotographic print; An image forming method comprising removing a marginal margin including any one of identification indications.
[0009]
The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention is discriminated between the front and back sides, that is, the front and back sides are distinguished and printed or printed on the back side by mistake, or printed or printed on the front side and then mistakenly further on the back side. In order to prevent printing or printing, at least one of a cut portion and an identification display for discriminating the front and back surfaces of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is provided in the marginal margin of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. As a result, the front and back surfaces of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet can be easily and reliably discriminated, and erroneous loading of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet into the paper feed tray of the apparatus can be prevented. Along with this, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of device troubles such as poor paper passing in the device, offset and dust, and adverse effects on other prints.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(Electrophotographic image-receiving sheet)
The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet has at least a toner image-receiving layer on at least one surface of a support, and other layers appropriately selected as necessary, such as a protective layer (back layer), an intermediate layer, an undercoat layer, and a cushion layer. , A charge control (prevention) layer, a reflection layer, a tint preparation layer, a storage stability improving layer, an adhesion prevention layer, an anti-curl layer, a smoothing layer and the like. Each of these layers may have a single layer structure or a laminated structure.
[0011]
The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet is provided with at least one cut portion for discriminating the front surface and the back surface of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet in the marginal margin portion.
The cut portion 33 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cut portion 33 is provided at least in one corner of the marginal margin portion 35 in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31. It is preferred that
[0012]
The shape of the cut portion 33 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, a non-axisymmetric shape is preferable, for example, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, and a substantially inverted triangular shape. Non-axisymmetric shapes such as shapes and substantially parallelogram shapes are preferred. As shown in FIG. 1, when the cut portion 33 has a line-symmetric shape (cut by 45 degrees), as shown in FIG. 2, when the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is square, There is a risk that it will not be possible to distinguish the back side. On the other hand, when the non-axisymmetric cut portion 33 shown in FIG. 3 is used, even if the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is square as shown in FIG. It is possible to reliably prevent erroneous loading by the user.
[0013]
The cut portion 33 is preferably provided on at least one side of the peripheral margin portion 35 in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 as shown in FIG. In this case, the cut portion 35 may have a line-symmetric shape or a non-line-symmetric shape. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, even if the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is square, it is possible to discriminate between the front surface and the back surface.
In addition, the said cut part can also be provided in both the one side and one corner of the peripheral margin part in an electrophotographic image receiving sheet.
[0014]
In the present invention, at least two cut portions are provided at a position which is at least one side of the marginal margin portion of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet and is non-axisymmetric with respect to the central symmetry line of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. It is preferable to enhance the discrimination between the front surface and the back surface of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet.
In addition, the size of the cut portion is a size that does not protrude from the peripheral margin portion in the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet, in that the cut portion does not remain when the peripheral margin portion is removed to form an electrophotographic print. preferable.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 7, the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet is provided with at least one identification display 34 in the margin of the surface thereof. In the present invention, the surface of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet means a surface on the side where the toner image-receiving layer is provided when the toner image-receiving layer is provided only on one surface of the support. Further, when the toner image-receiving layer is provided on both sides of the support, it may be on either side. However, the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet has a surface for eliminating blocking and realizing high photographic quality. The back side is distinguished from the back side in terms of performance. In this case, an identification display is provided in the margin of the distinguished surface at the time of manufacture regardless of the presence or absence of the toner image receiving layer.
[0016]
The identification display is provided for the purpose of discriminating between the front and back surfaces of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet, and is printed or printed on the back side by mistake, or after printing or printing on the front side, it is also mistakenly printed on the back side. It means a display for preventing printing or printing.
[0017]
It is preferable that the identification display of the marginal margin on the surface of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is previously printed or printed on the electrophotographic image receiving sheet in the manufacturing process.
[0018]
The identification display is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, information on a logo mark, price, performance, tagline, company name, product name, trademark, figure, picture, pattern, image (Exif information), image copyright, photographing model, photographer information, image processing information, and the like. Among these, it is preferable to use a logo mark, a company name, or a product name as an identification display because an advertisement effect and design can be imparted to the electrophotographic image receiving sheet, and the product value is improved.
The Exif information means a file format for digital still cameras (developed by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., which has become JEIDA standard). Those using JPEG compression are used in digital cameras of various companies, and are expanded to record information on shooting and images, including thumbnails, and thumbnail images.
[0019]
The method for providing the identification display in the margin on the surface of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method for printing and printing using a normal printing apparatus.
[0020]
[Support]
Examples of the support include base paper, synthetic paper, synthetic resin sheet, coated paper, and laminated paper. These supports may have a single layer structure or a laminated structure of two or more layers. Among these, laminated paper in which one or both sides are coated with a polyolefin resin layer is preferable in terms of smooth glossiness and stretchability.
[0021]
-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.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
The base paper is not particularly limited as long as it is a known material used for the support for image recording materials, and can be appropriately selected from various materials according to the purpose. For example, natural paper such as conifers and hardwoods can be selected. Examples thereof include synthetic pulp made of synthetic resin such as pulp, polyethylene, and polypropylene, or a mixture of natural pulp and synthetic pulp.
[0024]
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 (curlability) of the base paper at the same time in a well-balanced and sufficient level. 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 for beating 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 paper material”), 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 agents are added.
[0025]
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 and the like, and further higher fatty acids such as alkyl ketene dimer, alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and epoxidized fatty acid amide. And the like.
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.
[0026]
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.
[0027]
Examples of the water-resistant substance include latex / emulsions such as styrene-butadiene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene, vinylidene chloride copolymer, and polyamide polyamine epichlorohydrin.
Examples of the pigment include calcium carbonate, clay, kaolin, talc, barium sulfate, and titanium oxide.
[0028]
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 recording material is liable to deteriorate in rigidity and curl property, which is not preferable.
[0029]
In general, it is known that the “strain” of paper differs based on the difference in the mode of beating. After beating, the elastic force (rate) of the paper made after paper beating is an important indicator of 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 = ρc²(1-n²)
[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.
[0030]
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 = ρc²
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.
[0031]
There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the thickness of the said base paper, According to the objective, it can select suitably, Usually, 30-500 micrometers is preferable, 50-300 micrometers is more preferable, 100-250 micrometers is still more preferable. There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the basic weight of the said base paper, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, 50-250 g / m²Is preferable, 100-200 g / m²Is more preferable.
[0032]
-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.
[0033]
-Synthetic resin sheet (film)-
Examples of the synthetic resin sheet (film) include those obtained by molding a synthetic resin into a sheet shape, such as polypropylene, stretched polyethylene, stretched polypropylene, polyester film, stretched polyester, nylon film, stretched white film, Examples thereof include a white film containing a white pigment.
[0034]
-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.
[0035]
As the resin applied to the surface of the base paper or the like, it is appropriate to use a thermoplastic resin. Examples of such a thermoplastic resin include the following thermoplastic resins (a) to (h).
[0036]
(A) 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.
(B) 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 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.
[0037]
(C) Polyurethane resin etc. are mentioned.
(D) Polyamide resin, urea resin, etc. are mentioned.
(E) Polysulfone resin and the like.
(F) Polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl propionate copolymer resin, and the like.
(G) Cellulose resins such as polyol resins, ethyl cellulose resins, and cellulose acetate resins, such as polyvinyl butyral.
(H) 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.
[0038]
Further, the resin may contain a brightening agent, a conductive agent, a filler, a pigment such as titanium oxide, ultramarine blue, carbon black, or a dye, if necessary.
[0039]
-Laminated paper-
The laminated paper is a paper obtained by laminating various resins, rubber or polymer sheets or films on a sheet such as 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.
[0040]
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.
[0041]
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.
[0042]
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 types of stiffness can be used according to the purpose of the support, and the support for a photographic image receiving sheet for electrophotography is close to a support for color silver salt photography. Those are preferred.
[0043]
[Toner image receiving layer]
The toner image receiving layer is a toner image receiving layer for receiving color or black toner and forming an image. The toner image receiving layer receives a toner for forming an image from a developing drum or an intermediate transfer body by (static) electricity, pressure, etc. in a transfer process, and fixes it by heat, pressure, etc. in a fixing process. Have
[0044]
The toner image-receiving layer is preferably a low-transparency toner image-receiving layer having a light transmittance of 78% or less from the viewpoint of making the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention feel close to a photograph. Is more preferably 73% or less, still more preferably 72% or less.
The light transmittance can be measured by separately forming a coating film having the same thickness on a polyethylene terephthalate film (100 μm) and using the direct reading haze meter (Suga Test Instruments HGM-2DP). .
[0045]
The toner image-receiving layer contains at least a thermoplastic resin, and various additives appropriately selected as necessary, such as a release agent, a colorant, a plasticizer, a filler, a crosslinking agent, a charge control agent, and other components. Etc. can be contained.
[0046]
-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 the toner uses a copolymer resin such as polyester resin, styrene or styrene-butyl acrylate, the thermoplastic resin used in the toner image-receiving layer may be a copolymer such as polyester resin, styrene or styrene-butyl acrylate. It is preferable to use a resin. The polyester resin, styrene, styrene-butyl acrylate and other copolymer resins are more preferably contained in an amount of 20% by mass or more. Styrene, styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-acrylic acid ester copolymer, styrene-methacrylic acid ester copolymer and the like are also preferable.
[0047]
Specific examples of the thermoplastic resin include, for example, (a) a resin having an ester bond, (b) a polyurethane resin, (c) a polyamide resin, (d) a polysulfone resin, (e) a polyvinyl chloride resin, and the like. (F) Polyvinyl butyral, (g) Polycaprolactone resin, (h) Polyolefin resin, and the like.
[0048]
Examples of the resin having an ester bond (b) 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.
[0049]
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.
[0050]
Examples of the (e) polyvinyl chloride resin include polyvinylidene chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl propionate copolymer resin, and the like.
Examples of (f) polyvinyl butyral include cellulose resins such as 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 commercially available product is Denka Butyral manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co. 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 (g) polycaprolactone resin include styrene-maleic anhydride resin, polyacrylonitrile resin, polyether resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, and the like.
Examples of the (h) 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.
[0051]
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.
[0052]
The thermoplastic resin is preferably one that can satisfy the following properties of the toner image-receiving layer in the state where 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 resin alone. It is also preferable to use two or more resins having different layer properties.
[0053]
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-B-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.
[0054]
As the thermoplastic resin used in the toner image-receiving layer, an aqueous resin such as a water-soluble resin or a water-dispersible resin is particularly preferable for the following reasons (i) to (ii).
(I) The organic solvent is not discharged in the coating and drying process, and is excellent in environmental suitability and work suitability.
(Ii) 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.
[0055]
As the water-based resin, if it is a water-soluble resin or a water-decomposable resin, its composition, bond structure, molecular structure, molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and form are not specified. 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, for example, vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene-vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, water-soluble polyester, water-soluble acrylic, water-soluble polyurethane, water-soluble nylon, water-soluble An 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 water-soluble polyester plus coats manufactured by Teraoh Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Finetex ES series, water-soluble acrylics Jurimer AT series made by Dainippon Ink and Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Fine Tex 6161, K-96, HOSHIRO NL-1189, BH-997L, etc. manufactured by Seiko Chemical Industry.
[0056]
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, SBR (styrene · (Butadiene / rubber) Emulsions such as emulsions, resins and emulsions in which the thermoplastic resins (a) to (h) above are dispersed in water, or copolymers, mixtures, and cationically modified ones as appropriate. 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.
[0057]
In the present invention, it is preferable to use a self-dispersing water-based polyester resin emulsion satisfying 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 occurrence of offset at the time of fixing and adhesion failure between sheets at the time of storage. Moreover, since it is water-based, it is excellent in environmental performance and workability. Furthermore, since a polyester resin having a high cohesive energy and a molecular structure is used, it has a sufficient hardness in the storage environment, but becomes a low elastic (low viscosity) molten state in the fixing process of electrophotography, and the toner becomes toner A sufficient image quality can be achieved by being embedded in the image receiving 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 nmφ, more preferably 40 to 150 mmφ.
[0058]
The content of the thermoplastic resin in the toner image-receiving layer is preferably 10% by mass or more, and more preferably 30% by mass or more.
[0059]
-Release agent-
The release agent is blended in the toner image receiving layer in order to prevent the toner image receiving layer from being offset. The release agent used in the present invention is heated and melted at the fixing temperature, deposited on the surface of the toner image-receiving layer, unevenly distributed on the surface of the toner image-receiving layer, and further cooled and solidified to be released onto the surface of the toner image-receiving layer. The type is not limited as long as it forms a layer of the mold material.
Examples of the release agent exhibiting such effects include at least one release agent selected from the group consisting of silicone compounds, fluorine compounds, waxes, and matting agents. Preferably, at least one release agent selected from the group consisting of silicone oil, polyethylene wax, carnauba wax, and silicone particles and polyethylene wax particles is used.
[0060]
Specifically, as the mold release agent used in the present invention, for example, compounds described in “Summary and Application of Revision Wax” by Kosho Shobo and 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.
[0061]
Specifically, as the silicone compound, unmodified silicone oil as silicone oil (specifically, dimethylsiloxane oil, methyl hydrogen silicone oil, phenylmethyl silicone oil, commercially available KF-96 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) KF-96L, 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 Silicone SH200, SH203, SH490, SH510, SH550, SH710, SH704, SH705, SH7028A, SH7036, SM7060, SM7001, SM7706, SH7036, SH8710, SH1107, SH8627; Toshiba Silicone TSF400, TSF401, TSF404, TSF405, TSF431, TSF433, TSF434, TSF437, TSF450 series, TSF451 series, TSF456, TSF458 series, TSF483, TSF484, TSF4045, TSF4300, TSF4600, YF33 series, YF-3057, YF-3057 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 Dowconi SF8417, SM8709 made by Ning Silicone, TSF4700, TSF4701, TSF4702, TSF4703, TSF4704, TSF4705, TSF4706, TEX150, TEX151, TEX154, etc. made by Toshiba Silicone, carboxy-modified silicone oil (Toray Dow Corning Silicone BY16- as a commercial product) 880, Toshiba Silicone TSF4770, XF42-A9248, etc.), carbinol modified silicone oil (Toshiba Silicone XF42-B0970 etc. as a commercial product), vinyl modified silicone oil (Toshiba Silicone XF40-A1987 etc. as a commercial product), epoxy modified Silicone oil (Toray Dow Corning Silicone SF8411, SF8413 as a commercial product; Toshiba Silico TSF3965, TSF4730, TSF4732, XF42-A4439, XF42-A4438, XF42-A5041, XC96-A4462, XC96-A4463, XC96-A4464, TEX170, etc., polyether-modified silicone oil (KF made by Shin-Etsu Chemical) -351 (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, SH8400, SF8410; Toshiba Silicone TSF4440, TSF4441, TSF4445, TSF4446, TSF4450, TSF4452, TSF4453, SF4460), silanol-modified silicone oil, methacryl-modified silicone oil, mercapto-modified silicone oil, alcohol-modified silicone oil (Toray Dow Corning Silicone SF8427, SF8428, Toshiba Silicone TSF4750, TSF4751, XF42-B0970, etc.) , Alkyl-modified silicone oils (Toray Dow Corning Silicone SF8416, Toshiba Silicone TSF410, TSF411, TSF4420, TSF4421, TSF4422, TSF4450, XF42-334, XF42-A3160, XF42-A3161, etc.), fluorine-modified silicone Oil (commercially available FS1265 made by Toray Dow Corning Silicone, Toshiba Silicone FQF501, etc.), 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), 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 resins) Dairy Seika's Dialomer SP203V, SP712, SP2105, SP3023; Nippon Oil & Fats Modiper FS700, FS710, FS720, FS730, FS770; Toa Gosei Chemical Co., Ltd. Symac US-270, US-350, US-352, US-380, US-413, US-450, Reseda GP-705, GS-30, GF-150, GF-300; SH997 manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone SR2114, SH2104, SR2115, SR2202, DCI-2577, SR2317, SE4001U, SRX625B, SRX643, SRX439U, SRX488U, SH804, SH840, SR2107, SR2115; YR3370, TSR1122, TSR102, TSR108, TSR116, TSR117, TSR125A, TSR127B, TSR144, TSR180, TSR187, YR47, YR3187, YR3224, YR3232, YR3270, YR3340, TE2173, TE2 , Reactive silicone compounds (specifically, there are addition reaction type, peroxide curable type, ultraviolet curable type, and TSR1500, TSR1510, TSR1511, TSR1515, TSR1520, YR3286, YR3340, PSA6574, manufactured by Toshiba Silicones as commercially available products. TPR6500, TPR6501, TPR6600, TPR6702, TPR6604, TP R6700, TPR6701, TPR6705, TPR6707, TPR6708, TPR6710, TPR6712, TPR6721, TPR6722, UV9300, UV9315, UV9425, UV9430, XS56-A2775, XS56-A2982, XS56-A3075, XS56-A3957, XS56S30X80 XS56-B1794, SL6100, SM3000, SM3030, SM3200, YSR3022, and the like.
[0062]
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 compounds and salts (specifically, anhydrous hydrofluoric acid, dilute hydrofluoric acid, borohydrofluoric acid) , Zinc borofluoride, nickel borofluoride, tin borofluoride, lead borofluoride, copper borofluoride, silicofluoric acid, potassium fluorotitanate, perfluorocaprylic acid, ammonium perfluorooctanoate), inorganic fluoride (specifically Is 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, fluorinated titanic acid, fluorinated zirconic acid, ammonium hexafluorophosphate, hexafluorophosphoric acid Potassium etc.).
[0063]
Examples of the wax include synthetic hydrocarbons, modified waxes, hydrogenated waxes, natural waxes, and the like.
[0064]
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 Sanyo Chemical Co., Ltd. Biscol 330-P, 550-P, 660-P), Fischer-Tropsch wax (commercially available products such as Nippon Seiki FT100, FT-0070, etc.) , Acid amide compounds or acid imide compounds (specifically, stearamide, phthalimide anhydride, etc., commercially available products such as Chukyo Oil & Fats Cellosol 920, B-495, High Micron G-270, G-110, Hydrin D- 757) and the like.
[0065]
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.
[0066]
Examples of the hydrogenated wax include hardened castor oil (as a commercially available product, castor wax from Ito Oil Co., Ltd.), castor oil derivatives (dehydrated castor oil DCO, DCO Z-1, DCO Z-3, castor from Ito Oil as commercial products). 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.
[0067]
The natural wax is preferably at least one selected from plant waxes, animal waxes, mineral waxes and petroleum waxes, particularly preferably plant waxes. The natural wax is particularly preferably a water-dispersed wax from the viewpoint of compatibility when a water-based thermoplastic resin is used as the thermoplastic resin of the toner image-receiving layer.
[0068]
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.
[0069]
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 anti-offset property, anti-adhesion property, paper passing property, 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 of carnauba wax having a temperature of 70 to 95 ° C.
[0070]
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.
[0071]
Content (g / m) of the natural wax in the toner image-receiving layer (surface)²) As 0.1 to 4 g / m²Is preferably 0.2 to 2 g / m²Is more preferable. The content is 0.1 g / m²If it is less than 4 g / m, the offset resistance and adhesion resistance may be particularly insufficient.²If it exceeds 1, the amount of wax is too large, and the image quality of the formed image may be inferior.
[0072]
The melting point (° C.) of the natural wax is preferably 70 to 95 ° C., more preferably 75 to 90 ° C., particularly in terms of offset resistance and paper passing properties.
[0073]
Examples of the matting agent include various known ones. Solid particles used as a matting agent can be classified into inorganic particles and organic particles. Specific examples of the material for the inorganic matting agent include oxides (for example, silicon dioxide, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide), alkaline earth metal salts (for example, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate), halogens Examples include silver halide (eg, silver chloride, silver bromide) and glass.
[0074]
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.
[0075]
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 poorly 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 the above polymer.
[0076]
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.
Two or more kinds of solid particles may be used in combination. The average particle size of the solid particles is, for example, preferably 1 to 100 μm, and more preferably 4 to 30 μm. The amount of solid particles used is 0.01 to 0.5 g / m.²Is preferred, 0.02-0.3 g / m²Is more preferable.
[0077]
As the release agent added to the toner image-receiving layer of the present invention, these derivatives, oxides, purified products, and mixtures can also be used. Moreover, these may have a reactive substituent.
[0078]
The melting point (° C.) of the release agent is preferably 70 to 95 ° C., and more preferably 75 to 90 ° C., particularly in terms 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.
[0079]
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 further preferably 0.5 to 5.0% by mass. preferable.
[0080]
-Colorant-
Examples of the colorant include fluorescent whitening agents, white pigments, colored pigments, and dyes.
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, carbostyryl compounds, and the like. Examples thereof include white fur fur PSN, PHR, HCS, PCS, B manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical; UVITEX-OB manufactured by Ciba-Geigy.
[0081]
As the white pigment, an inorganic pigment (for example, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, etc.) in the filler section described later can be used. Examples of colored pigments 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, condensation) Azo series; chromophthal yellow, chromophthal red), polycyclic pigments (for example, phthalocyanine series; copper phthalocyanine blue, copper phthalocyanine green, dioxazine series; dioxazine violet, isoindolinone series; isoindolinone yellow, slen series; Perylene, perinone, flavantron, thioindigo, lake pigment (eg, malachite green, rhodamine B, rhodamine G, Victoria blue B) or inorganic pigment (eg, oxide, titanium dioxide, bengara, sulfate; precipitated barium sulfate) Calcium precipitated carbonates, silicates; carbonates hydrous silicates, anhydrous silicates, metal powders; aluminum powder, bronze powder, zinc powder, carbon black, chrome yellow, Prussian blue and the like.
These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, titanium oxide is particularly preferable as the pigment.
[0082]
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).
[0083]
Various known dyes can be used as the dye.
Examples of oil-soluble dyes include anthraquinone compounds and azo compounds.
Specific examples of water-insoluble dyes 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, C.I. 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, C.I. 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. Examples thereof include oil-soluble dyes such as Solvent Blue 55.
[0084]
Further, a colored coupler used in silver salt photography can also be preferably used.
[0085]
Content of the colorant in the toner image receiving layer (surface) (g / m²) As 0.1 to 8 g / m²Is preferably 0.5 to 5 g / m²Is more preferable.
The content of the colorant is 0.1 g / m²If it is less than 1, the light transmittance in the toner image-receiving layer is increased, while the colorant content is 8 g / m.²Exceeding may cause poor handling such as cracking and adhesion resistance.
[0086]
Content of the colorant and the natural wax in the toner image receiving layer (g / m²) The ratio (colorant / natural wax) is preferably from 0.1 / 2 to 8 / 0.1, more preferably from 0.5 / 1.5 to 5 / 0.2.
When the content ratio is less than the numerical range, the opacity of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet may be insufficient. On the other hand, when the content ratio exceeds the numerical range, offset resistance may be particularly inferior.
[0087]
-Plasticizer-
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.
Examples of the plasticizer include "Chemical Handbook" (edited by the Chemical Society of Japan, Maruzen), "Plasticizer-Theory and Application-" (edited by Koichi Murai, Koshobo), "Research on plasticizer" "Study under" (edited by Polymer Chemistry Association) and "Handbook Rubber and Plastic Compounded Chemicals" (edited by Rubber Digest Co., Ltd.).
[0088]
Some of the plasticizers are described as high-boiling organic solvents and thermal solvents. For example, JP-A-59-83154, 59-178451, 59-178453, and 59-178454. 59-178455, 59-178457, 62-174754, 62-245253, 61-209444, 61-200538, 62-8145, 62-9348, 62-30247, 62-136646, 62-174754, 62-245253, 61-209444, 61-200538, 62-8145, 62-9348, 62- No. 30247, 62-136646, JP-A-2-235694, and the like (for example, Tarates, phosphates, 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, glycols 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), amides (for example, fatty acid amides, sulfoamides, etc.), ethers, alcohols, lactones, polyethyleneoxy compounds, and the like.
The plasticizer can be used by mixing with a resin.
[0089]
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, the polymer is preferably the same type as the binder resin to be plasticized. 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.
[0090]
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).
[0091]
-Filler-
As said filler, an organic or inorganic filler is mentioned, A well-known thing can be used as a reinforcing agent for binder resin, a filler, and a reinforcing material. The filler should be selected with reference to "Handbook Rubber / Plastic Compounding Chemicals" (edited by Rubber Digest Co., Ltd.), "New Edition Plastic Compounding Agent Fundamentals and Applications" (Taiseisha), "Filler Handbook" (Taiseisha), etc. Can do.
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, carbonic acid Examples include calcium and mullite. As the filler, silica and alumina are particularly preferable. These fillers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The filler preferably has a small particle size. If the particle size is large, the surface of the toner image-receiving layer tends to be roughened.
[0092]
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. The average particle diameter of silica is preferably 200 to 5000 nm.
The silica is preferably porous. The average pore diameter of the porous silica is preferably 4 to 120 nm, and more preferably 4 to 90 nm. Moreover, the average pore volume per mass of the porous silica is preferably, for example, 0.5 to 3 ml / g.
[0093]
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.
[0094]
The alumina hydrate can be synthesized by a sol-gel method in which ammonia is added to an aluminum salt solution to precipitate or a method in which an alkali aluminate is hydrolyzed. Anhydrous alumina can be obtained by dehydrating alumina hydrate by heating.
The filler is preferably 5 to 2000% by mass based on the dry mass of the binder in the layer to be added.
[0095]
-Crosslinking agent-
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.
[0096]
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.
[0097]
-Charge control agent-
The toner image-receiving layer of the present invention preferably contains a charge adjusting agent in order to adjust toner transfer, adhesion, etc., and to prevent charge adhesion of the toner image-receiving layer. Conventionally known various charge control agents can be used as the charge control agent. Examples of such a charge control agent include cationic surfactants, surfactants such as anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants, as well as polymer electrolytes and conductive metal oxides. Things can be used. For example, quaternary ammonium salts, polyamine derivatives, cation-modified polymethyl methacrylate, cationic antistatic agents such as cation-modified polystyrene, anionic antistatic agents such as alkyl phosphates and anionic polymers, fatty acid esters, polyethylene oxide, etc. Nonionic antistatic agents may be mentioned, but are not limited thereto.
[0098]
When the toner has a negative charge, for example, a cation or nonion is preferable as the charge adjusting agent to be blended in the toner image receiving layer.
Examples of the conductive metal oxide include ZnO and TiO.₂, SnO₂, Al₂O₃, In₂O₃, SiO₂, MgO, BaO, MoO₃Etc. These conductive metal oxides may be used alone or in combination with these composite oxides. In addition, the metal oxide may further contain a different element, for example, Al, In, etc. with respect to ZnO, such as TiO.₂Nb, Ta, etc., SnO₂Can contain (doping) Sb, Nb, a halogen element, or the like.
[0099]
-Other ingredients-
The material that can be used in the toner image-receiving layer of the present invention can contain various additives for improving the stability of the output image and improving the stability of the toner image-receiving layer itself. Additives for this purpose include various known antioxidants, anti-aging agents, degradation inhibitors, ozone degradation inhibitors, ultraviolet absorbers, metal complexes, light stabilizers, antiseptics, fungicides, etc. Can be mentioned.
[0100]
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.
[0101]
Examples of the antiaging agent include those described in “Handbook Rubber / Plastic Compounding Chemicals Revised 2nd Edition” (1993, Rubber Digest Co.) p76-121.
[0102]
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).
[0103]
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.
Further, ultraviolet absorbers and light stabilizers described in "Handbook Rubber / Plastic Compounding Chemicals Revised 2nd Edition" (1993, Rubber Digest Co., Ltd.) p122 to 137 are also preferably used.
[0104]
As described above, known photographic additives can be added to the material that can be used in the toner image-receiving layer of the present invention. Examples of the photographic additive include Research Disclosure Magazine (hereinafter abbreviated as RD) No. 17643 (December 1978), No. 18716 (November 1979) and 307105 (November 1989), and the corresponding parts are summarized below.

[0105]
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 resin, a release agent, and a plasticizer in an organic solvent such as alcohol and ketone, or by uniformly dispersing them. Examples of the organic solvent 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.
[0106]
The toner image-receiving layer of the present invention has a coating weight after drying of, for example, 1 to 20 g / m.²Is preferably 4 to 15 g / m.²Is more preferable.
The thickness of the toner image receiving layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 30 μm, and more preferably 2 to 20 μm.
[0107]
-Various properties of toner image-receiving layer-
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, it is preferable that the spectral reflectance is 85% or more in the wavelength region of 440 nm to 640 nm, and the difference between the maximum spectral reflectance and the minimum spectral reflectance in the same wavelength region is 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%.
Further, as the whiteness, specifically, CIE 1976 (L^*a^*b^*) In color space, L^*The value is preferably 80 or more, more preferably 85 or more, and still more preferably 90 or more. The white color is preferably as neutral as possible. As the white color, L^*a^*b^*In space, (a^*)²+ (B^*)²The value of is preferably 50 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and still more preferably 5 or less.
[0108]
The toner image receiving layer preferably has high gloss. As the glossiness, the 45 ° glossiness is preferably 60 or more, more preferably 75 or more, and still 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.
In addition, the said glossiness can be measured based on JISZ8741.
[0109]
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 even more preferably 0.5 μm or less in the entire region from white without toner to black having the maximum density.
The arithmetic average roughness can be measured based on JIS B 0601, B 0651, and B 0652.
[0110]
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) The toner image-receiving layer has a Tg (glass transition temperature) of 30 ° C. or higher and a toner Tg + 20 ° C. or lower.
(2) T1 / 2 (1/2 method softening point) of the toner image-receiving layer is 60 to 200 ° C., preferably 80 to 170 ° C. Here, the 1/2 method softening point is a preheating time at an initial set temperature (for example, 50 ° C.), for example, 300 seconds, using a specific apparatus and applying a predetermined extrusion load under a specific condition. Later, evaluation is made at a temperature that is one-half of the difference between the piston stroke at the start and end of outflow at each temperature when the temperature is increased at a predetermined constant temperature increase rate.
(3) Tfb (outflow start temperature) of the toner image-receiving layer is 40 to 200 ° C., preferably, Tfb of the toner image-receiving layer is Tfb + 50 ° C. or less of the toner.
(4) The viscosity of the toner image-receiving layer is 1 × 10⁵The temperature at which CP becomes 40 ° C. or higher is lower than that of toner.
(5) The storage elastic modulus (G ′) at the fixing temperature of the toner image receiving layer is 1 × 10.²~ 1x10⁵Pa, loss elastic modulus (G ″) is 1 × 10²~ 1x10⁵Pa.
(6) 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 0.01 to 10.
(7) The storage elastic modulus (G ′) at the fixing temperature of the toner image-receiving layer is −50 to +2500 with respect to the storage elastic modulus (G ″) at the fixing temperature of the toner.
(8) The inclination angle of the molten toner on the toner image-receiving layer is 50 degrees or less, particularly 40 degrees or less.
The toner image-receiving layer preferably satisfies the physical properties disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2788358, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 7-248637, 8-305067, and 10-239889.
[0111]
The physical property (1) can be measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The physical properties (2) to (3) can be measured using, for example, a flow tester CFT-500 or 500D manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. The physical properties (5) to (7) can be measured using a rotational rheometer (for example, a dynamic analyzer RADII manufactured by Rheometric). The physical property (8) can be measured by a method disclosed in JP-A-8-334916 using a contact angle measuring device manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.
[0112]
As the toner image-receiving layer, 1 × 10⁶~ 1x10¹⁵Ω / cm²It is preferable to have a surface electrical resistance in the range of (under conditions of 25 ° C. and 65% RH).
The surface resistance is 1 × 10⁶Ω / cm²If the ratio is less than 1, the amount of toner when the toner is transferred to the toner image-receiving layer is not sufficient, and the density of the obtained toner image tends to be low, while the surface electrical resistance is 1 × 10.¹⁵Ω / cm²Exceeding the amount of charge will generate more charge than necessary during transfer, the toner will not be transferred sufficiently, the image density will be low, and electrostatic charge will easily adhere to the electrophotographic image receiving sheet, and during copying, Misfeed, double feed, discharge mark, toner transfer missing, etc. may occur.
[0113]
The surface electrical resistance of the surface opposite to the toner image-receiving layer with respect to the support is 5 × 10.⁸~ 3.2 × 10¹⁰Ω / cm²1 × 10 is preferred⁹~ 1x10¹⁰Ω / cm²Is more preferable.
In the present invention, the surface electrical resistance is measured in accordance with JIS K 6911, the sample is conditioned for 8 hours or more in an environment of a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 65%, and under the same environment, R8340 manufactured by Advantest Corporation. Is used, and measurement is performed after 1 minute has passed after energization under the condition of an applied voltage of 100V.
[0114]
[Other layers]
Examples of the other layers include a surface protective layer, a back layer, an adhesion improving layer, an intermediate layer, an undercoat layer, a cushion layer, a charge control (preventing) layer, a reflective layer, a color adjusting layer, a storage stability improving layer, and an adhesive. Examples include a prevention 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.
[0115]
-Surface protective layer-
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.
[0116]
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.
[0117]
-Back layer-
In the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention, the back layer is provided on the opposite side of the toner image-receiving layer with respect to the support for the purpose of imparting backside output suitability, improving backside output image quality, improving curl balance, and improving device passability. Is preferably provided.
Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular as a color of the said back layer, When the image receiving sheet for electrophotography of this invention is a double-sided output type image receiving sheet which forms an image also in a back surface, it is preferable that a back layer is 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.
[0118]
-Adhesion improvement layer, etc.-
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.
[0119]
-Intermediate layer-
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. In the case of an electrophotographic image receiving sheet comprising the support, a toner image receiving layer, and an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer can be present between the support and the toner image receiving layer, for example.
[0120]
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.
[0121]
(toner)
The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention is used with a toner image-receiving layer receiving 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.
[0122]
-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.
[0123]
-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.
[0124]
-Toner release agent-
As the mold release agent, all known waxes can be used in principle, but polar waxes containing nitrogen such as relatively low molecular weight high crystalline polyethylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, amide wax, urethane compound, etc. Etc. are particularly effective. The molecular weight of the polyethylene wax is preferably 1000 or less, and more preferably 300 to 1000.
[0125]
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
[0126]
Specific examples of the monoisocyanate compound among the raw material compounds include 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, and heptanol.
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.
[0127]
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.
[0128]
-Toner and other components-
Further, the toner of the present invention may contain other components such as an internal additive, a charge control agent, and inorganic fine particles. 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.
[0129]
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 may be used. it can. 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.
[0130]
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.
[0131]
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.
[0132]
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.₂TiO₂, Al₂O₃, CuO, ZnO, SnO₂, Fe₂O₃, MgO, BaO, CaO, K₂O, Na₂O, ZrO₂, CaO / SiO₂, K₂O. (TiO₂)_n, Al₂O₃・ 2SiO₂, CaCO₃, MgCO₃, BaSO₄, MgSO₄Etc. can be illustrated. Moreover, as said organic particle, resin powder, such as fatty acid or its derivative (s), powders, such as these metal salts, 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.
[0133]
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.
[0134]
-Toner physical properties-
The volume average particle diameter of the toner of the present invention is preferably from 0.5 μm to 10 μm.
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.
Further, the toner of the present invention preferably satisfies the volume average particle size 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.
In addition, the toner of the present invention 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 × L²) / (4 × S)
(However, L represents the maximum length of toner particles, and S represents the projected area of toner particles.)
When the toner satisfies the above conditions, it is effective for image quality, particularly graininess, and resolution, and it is difficult for transfer and omission to occur, and handling properties are not adversely affected even if the average particle size is not small. Become.
[0135]
The storage elastic modulus G ′ (measured at an angular frequency of 10 rad / sec) at 150 ° C. of the toner itself is suitably 10 to 200 Pa from the viewpoint of improving the image quality and preventing the offset property in the fixing process.
[0136]
(Paper tray)
The sheet feeding tray of the present invention is the same as or similar to the storage portion having a shape matching the shape including the cut portion in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet of the present invention, and the identification display in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet of the present invention. It has at least one selected from the peripheral frame portions provided at the corresponding positions for the identification display, and there is no particular limitation on the others, and it can be configured in the same manner as a known paper feed tray. The paper feed tray of the present invention can be more reliably distinguished from the front surface and the back surface by combining with the electrophotographic image receiving sheet of the present invention.
[0137]
As the sheet feeding tray, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a storage unit 39 having a shape matching the shape including the cut portion 33 in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet of the present invention is provided.
The sheet feeding tray 30 shown in FIG. 9 has an accommodating portion having a shape including the cut portion in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 having a non-axisymmetric cut portion 33 at one corner as shown in FIG. Therefore, the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet can be reliably loaded with the surface facing up.
The sheet feeding tray 30 shown in FIG. 10 has an accommodating portion having a shape including the cut portion in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 having the cut portion 33 on one side as shown in FIG. The image receiving sheet can be reliably loaded with the surface facing up.
[0138]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the paper feed tray of the present invention has a peripheral frame portion provided with an identification display 34 'that is the same as or similar to the identification display 34 in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet of the present invention. 37.
The sheet feeding tray 30 shown in FIG. 11 is provided with an identification display 34 'that is the same as or similar to the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 having the identification display 34 on the surface as shown in FIG. Therefore, the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet can be reliably loaded with the surface facing up.
[0139]
(Image forming device)
The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the paper feed tray of the present invention, and there are no particular restrictions on other configurations, and the configuration can be the same as that of a known image forming apparatus.
[0140]
For example, FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a 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 fixing device 101. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 31 denotes a paper feed tray, which is provided with two types of paper feed trays having different paper sizes. In this example, the electrophotographic image receiving sheet of the present invention as shown in FIG. In this case, a paper feed tray having a storage portion shaped to match the shape including the cut portion is used.
[0141]
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. , Electrophotographic image forming units 1Y to 1K for forming black toner images, a belt cleaning device 14 facing the intermediate transfer belt 9, a secondary transfer roller 12 facing the intermediate transfer belt 9, a conveying roller pair 19, 24, a registration roller pair 20, a discharge tray 26, and the like.
[0142]
Each of the electrophotographic image forming units 1Y to 1K includes a photosensitive drum 2, a charging roller 3, a developing device 5, a primary transfer roller 6, a drum cleaning device 7, a charge eliminating roller 8, and the like.
[0143]
FIG. 13 illustrates the configuration of the 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 image receiving sheet 31 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 pressure-fixed. This is a belt fixing device that peels the fixing belt 47 and the image receiving sheet 31 after the image receiving sheet 47 and the image receiving sheet 31 are cooled.
[0144]
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 fixing belt 47 and the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 on which the toner image is formed are 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 image receiving sheet 18 at the time of fixing, the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 is heated from the back side. The configuration of the heat fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 42 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the toner image formed on the image receiving sheet 31 can be fixed on the image receiving sheet 31 via the fixing belt 47. I just need it.
[0145]
The peeling roller 44 peels the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 from the fixing belt 47 by the rigidity of the image receiving sheet 31 itself, and the outer diameter shape (dimension) of the fixing roller 47 and the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 is attached. It is determined by the adhesion force and 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.
[0146]
The cooler 46 is for cooling the fixing belt 47 and the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 that is in close contact with the fixing belt 47, and is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 47 and on the downstream side of the heat fixing roller 40. 44 on the upstream side. The cooler 46 cools the transparent resin layer 18 a and the toner image on the surface of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 melted by the heat fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 42, and the entire image surface becomes the surface of the fixing belt 47. Has the function of solidifying in a smooth state.
[0147]
The fixing belt 47 is coated with DY39-115, a primer for silicone rubber made by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., on an endless film made of thermosetting polyimide, then air-dried for 30 minutes, and then a silicone rubber precursor. A coating film was formed by dip coating a coating solution prepared with 100 parts by mass of DY35-796AB and 30 parts by mass of n-hexane, and primary vulcanization was performed at 120 ° C. for 10 minutes to obtain 40 μm of silicone rubber.
On this silicone rubber layer, 100 parts by mass of SIFEL610, a fluorocarbon siloxane rubber precursor manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., and a fluorine-based solvent (a mixed solvent of m-xylene hexafluoride, perfluoroalkane, and perfluoro (2-butyltetrahydrofuran)) After forming a coating film by dip coating the coating solution adjusted 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 has a film thickness of 20 μm. A belt having
[0148]
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 image receiving sheet 31 from the secondary transfer position to the fixing device 101 exists in a 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 electrophotographic image receiving sheet 31 discharged from the fixing device 101 is discharged to a region directly above the image forming unit (for example, the intermediate transfer belt 9).
[0149]
(Image forming method)
The image forming method of the present invention comprises a marginal portion including a cut portion or an identification display in an electrophotographic print obtained after forming an image of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention using the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Remove. As a result, a high-quality electrophotographic print having no marginal margin can be obtained.
[0150]
The method for forming an image on the electrophotographic image receiving sheet is not particularly limited. It can be applied to various electrophotographic methods.
For example, a color image can be preferably formed on the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet. The color image can be formed using an electrophotographic apparatus capable of forming a full color image. A typical electrophotographic apparatus has an image receiving paper transport section, a latent image forming section, and a developing section disposed in the vicinity of the latent image forming section. Depending on the model, a latent image is formed at the center of the apparatus main body. A toner image intermediate transfer portion adjacent to the image receiving portion and the image receiving paper transport portion.
[0151]
Furthermore, as a method for improving the image quality, an adhesive transfer or heat-assisted transfer system is known instead of or in combination with electrostatic transfer or bias roller transfer. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 63-113576 and 5-341666 describe specific structures thereof. In particular, a method using a heat-assisted transfer type intermediate transfer belt is preferable when a toner having a small particle diameter is used. As the intermediate belt, for example, an endless belt made of electroformed nickel, having a silicone or fluorine-based thin film on the surface and imparting a peeling property is used. Further, it is preferable to provide a cooling device for the intermediate belt after toner transfer to the electrophotographic image receiving sheet or in the latter half of the transfer. The cooling device cools the toner below the softening temperature or glass transition temperature of the binder used therein, and efficiently transfers the toner to the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet so that the toner can be peeled off from the intermediate belt.
[0152]
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.
[0153]
The method for forming an image on the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet of the present invention is not limited to the above-described image forming method as long as it is an electrophotographic method using a fixing belt. Any ordinary electrophotographic method can be applied.
[0154]
【Example】
EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention in detail, this invention is not limited to the following Example at all.
In the following examples, “%” and “part” are based on mass.
[0155]
(Examples and Comparative Examples)
-Preparation of support-
Hardwood bleached kraft pulp (LBKP) was beaten with a disc refiner to 300 ml (Canadian standard freeness, CFS) 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.

[0156]
The obtained pulp paper stock was basis weight 150 g / m by a long net paper machine.²A base paper was prepared. In addition, PVA 1.0 g / m by a size press machine in the middle of the drying zone of the long paper machine.², CaCl₂  0.8g / m²Attached.
At the end of the papermaking process, using a soft calendar, the density is 1.01 g / cm³Adjusted. The obtained base paper was passed through so that the metal roll was in contact with the side where 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.
[0157]
After processing the obtained base paper by corona discharge with an output of 17 kW, using a cooling roll with a surface mat roughness of 10 μm on the back surface, a polyethylene resin having the composition shown in Table 1 below was melt-discharged at a film temperature of 320 ° C. and a line speed of 250 m. A single layer extrusion lamination was performed at a rate of / min, and a polyethylene resin layer having a thickness of 22 μm was provided.
[0158]
[Table 1]

[0159]
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 as in Table 1 were used.₂As shown in Table 2, the masterbatch pellets and the masterbatch pellets containing 5% ultramarine were mixed as shown in Table 3 to produce a single layer extrusion laminate at a line speed of 250 m / min. Thus, a toner image-receiving layer having a thickness of 29 μm 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 subbing layer was provided on the surface to prepare a support.
[0160]
[Table 2]

[0161]
[Table 3]

[0162]
On the surface of the obtained support, a self-dispersing polyester resin aqueous dispersion, carnauba wax aqueous dispersion, titanium dioxide PVA dispersion, and polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of about 100,000 were finally applied as shown in Table 4. An electrophotographic image-receiving sheet was prepared by providing a toner image-receiving layer with a bar coater so as to obtain a quantitative composition. The coating solution had a viscosity of 70 mPa · s, a surface tension of 30 mN / m, and a pH of 7.8.
[0163]
[Table 4]

[0164]
The obtained electrophotographic image-receiving sheet was cut into A4 size to prepare the following electrophotographic image-receiving sheets (I) to (V).
<Electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (I)>
As shown in FIG. 1, a line-symmetric cut portion was provided at one corner of the blank portion of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. Note that the dotted lines in FIG. 1 indicate the cutting positions on the four sides for producing a borderless print after image formation.
<Electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (II)>
As shown in FIG. 3, a non-axisymmetric cut portion was provided at one corner of the blank portion of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. The dotted lines in FIG. 3 indicate the cutting positions on the four sides for producing a borderless print after image formation.
<Electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (III)>
As shown in FIG. 8, a non-axisymmetric cut portion was provided at one corner of the blank portion of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet so as to reach the image portion. In addition, the dotted line in FIG. 8 shows the cutting position of 4 sides for producing a borderless print after image formation.
<Electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (IV)>
As shown in FIG. 7, an identification display was provided on one side of the blank portion on the surface of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. Note that dotted lines in FIG. 7 indicate cut positions on four sides for producing a borderless print after image formation.
<Electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (V)>
An identification display was provided on one side of the blank portion on the back surface of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet.
[0165]
Next, for the electrophotographic image-receiving sheets (I) to (III), a paper feed tray having a storage unit in which each sheet can be loaded with the surface facing upward was prepared. For the electrophotographic image-receiving sheets (IV) to (V), a paper feed tray having a storage portion provided with the same identification display as the identification display of each sheet in the peripheral frame portion was prepared.
When 20 test subjects were loaded in the paper feed tray so that the surface of each electrophotographic image-receiving sheet faced up, 6 people loaded the back side up in the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (V). On the other hand, in the electrophotographic image-receiving sheets (I) to (IV), no one was misloaded. However, when the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (I) was loaded, there were some subjects who were confused (2/10 people).
The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (V) was loaded with the front side facing up, and no one was loaded incorrectly.
[0166]
Further, for the electrophotographic image-receiving sheets (II) and (III), the fixing unit of the Fuji Xerox full-color laser printer (DCC-400) shown in FIG. 12 is used as the electrophotographic apparatus, and the belt fixing machine shown in FIG. A general portrait was printed using an apparatus modified for the belt-like fixing unit, and fixing processing was performed under the following conditions.

[0167]
When the marginal margin of the obtained print was removed to produce an electrophotographic print, a preferable photographic image was obtained from the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (II). On the other hand, the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet (III) has a cut at one corner, and has low tolerance as an electrophotographic print.
[0168]
Next, the occurrence rate of sheet passing failure at the fixing portion of the printer was evaluated in each of the case where the electrophotographic image receiving sheet was loaded in the normal direction (front side) and the reverse direction (back side). The results are shown in Table 5.
[0169]
[Table 5]

[0170]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the front and back surfaces of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet can be easily discriminated, so that the electrophotographic image receiving sheet can be prevented from being erroneously loaded into the paper feed tray of the apparatus, It is possible to avoid the occurrence of device troubles such as poor paper passing in the device, offset and dust, and adverse effects on other prints.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a cut portion at a peripheral margin portion according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing that there is a possibility that front and back cannot be discriminated depending on the shape of the paper when a line-symmetric cut portion as shown in FIG. 1 is provided.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a cut portion at a peripheral margin portion according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing that when a non-axisymmetric cut portion as shown in FIG. 3 is provided, front / back discrimination is possible regardless of the shape of the paper.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a cut portion at an asymmetric position of a peripheral margin portion according to the present invention.
6 is an explanatory diagram showing that front and back can be distinguished regardless of the shape of the paper when a cut portion is provided at an asymmetrical position of the peripheral margin as shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having an identification display at an asymmetrical position of a marginal margin of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating an example of an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet provided with a cut portion that protrudes from a marginal margin portion.
FIG. 9 is a paper feed tray for storing an electrophotographic image receiving sheet provided with a non-axisymmetric cut portion as shown in FIG. 3, for example, and corresponds to the cut portion of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet It is a top view which shows an example of the paper feed tray which has a storage part of the shape to do.
10 is a sheet feeding tray for storing an electrophotographic image receiving sheet provided with a cut portion at an asymmetrical position of a marginal margin as shown in FIG. 6, for example. FIG. It is a top view which shows an example of the paper feed tray which has the storage part of the shape corresponding to a cut part.
FIG. 11 is a sheet feeding tray for storing an electrophotographic image receiving sheet having an identification display at an asymmetrical position of a marginal margin as shown in FIG. 7, for example, and identifying the electrophotographic image receiving sheet It is a top view which shows an example of the paper feed tray which provided the identification display corresponding to a display in the peripheral frame part.
FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an example of the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an example of a cooling / peeling belt fixing type smoothing processing machine according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1Y-K electrophotographic image forming unit
2 Photosensitive drum
3 Charging roller
4 Exposure unit
5 Development 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 Transport direction switching gate
21 First recording medium outlet
22 Discharge roller
24 Transport roller
25 Paper tray
26 Discharge tray
30 Paper tray
31 Electrophotographic image-receiving sheet
33 Cut part
34 Identification display
35 Edge margin
37 Peripheral frame
39 Storage
40 Heat-fixing roller
41 Heating source
42 Pressure roller
44 Tension roller
45 Steering roller
46 Cooler
47 Fusing belt
48 discharge roller
49 Toner
100 color copier
101 Fixing device
102 Image reading apparatus
104 Device body

Claims (12)

In an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having a toner image-receiving layer on at least one surface of a support, a cut portion for discriminating a front surface and a back surface of the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet and a discriminating display area An electrophotographic image receiving sheet, comprising at least one of them. The electrophotographic image receiving sheet according to claim 1, wherein at least one cut portion is provided in at least one corner of the peripheral margin in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. The electrophotographic image receiving sheet according to claim 1, wherein at least one cut portion is provided on at least one side of the marginal margin in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. The at least two cut portions are provided at a position that is at least one side of the marginal margin portion of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet and is axisymmetric with respect to the central symmetry line of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of 3 above. The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cut portion has a non-axisymmetric shape. The electrophotographic image receiving sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one identification display is provided in a marginal margin on the surface of the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the identification display is previously printed or printed on the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet in the production process. Identification display is logo mark, price, performance, tagline, company name, product name, trademark, figure, picture, pattern, image information (Exif information), image copyright, shooting model, photographer information and image processing information The electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to claim 1, which is at least one selected from the group consisting of: 9. The electrophotographic image receiving sheet according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the cut portion and the identification display has a size that does not protrude from a peripheral margin in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet. The storage part of the shape matched with the shape including the cut part in the electrophotographic image receiving sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the identification display on the electrophotographic image receiving sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A sheet feeding tray having at least one selected from a peripheral frame portion provided with a same or similar identification display at a corresponding position. An image forming apparatus comprising the paper feed tray according to claim 10. After image-forming the electrophotographic image-receiving sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 9 using the image forming apparatus according to claim 11, any one of a cut portion and an identification display in the obtained electrophotographic print is displayed. An image forming method comprising removing a marginal margin portion including the image.

Images