Toner, toner set, image forming method, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge

Abstract

Provided is a toner including a polyester, a polyurethane elastomer, a wax, and one of a white pigment and a black pigment. When formed into a solid image having a deposition thickness of 30 μm on an OHP substrate, the toner has a transmittance of less than 5% for all visible light wavelengths.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to toners, toner sets, image forming methods, image forming apparatus, and processing cartridges. Background Technology

[0002] Electrophotography forms a visible image by developing an electrostatic latent image with a developer. In this method, an electrostatic latent image is formed on an electrostatic latent image carrier (also called a "photoconductor") comprising a photoconductive material. The electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer containing a toner to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to a transfer material such as paper, which is then fixed thereon by heat and pressure to form a fixed image.

[0003] To create a panchromatic image using electrophotography, a toner set is typically used, which combines black toner with cyan, magenta, and yellow toners, which are used as three process colors (sometimes simply referred to as process colors).

[0004] In recent years, as electrophotographic color image forming equipment has become more common, the applications of its printed materials have expanded to a wide variety. In particular, in the general consumer goods sector, such as custom designs, there is a growing demand for electrophotographic printing on materials that cannot be printed (fixed) with conventional electrophotographic toners designed for paper media. Specifically, there is increasing demand for printing on fabric media such as sports uniforms, shoes, or bags, or on leather media.

[0005] As a method for printing desired images or designs, such as logos, on fabric products such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, or work clothes, wood, metal plates, etc., methods or devices for directly printing designs on printing objects using inkjet printers have been proposed (Patent Documents 1, 2).

[0006] In addition, a device for printing directly on fabrics such as clothing using a heat transfer printing machine has been proposed (Patent Document 3).

[0007] In addition, methods or apparatus have been proposed in which an image is printed on transfer paper and then the image is thermally transferred to a printing medium using an iron or the like (Patent Documents 4 and 5).

[0008] In addition, a peelable sheet with a peelable surface was proposed, a printed image formed on the peelable sheet that can be heat-transferred to a transfer medium, a pulverized toner for a heat transfer printing sheet that can be printed on a dark transfer material by printing the image on the printed image with a special white toner, and a heat transfer printing sheet (Patent Document 6).

[0009] [List of Citations]

[0010] [Patent Literature]

[0011] [Patent Document 1]

[0012] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 07-336466

[0013] [Patent Document 2]

[0014] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 08-207263

[0015] [Patent Document 3]

[0016] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-157139

[0017] [Patent Document 4]

[0018] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 05-077557

[0019] [Patent Document 5]

[0020] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 09-087980

[0021] [Patent Document 6]

[0022] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-59486 Summary of the Invention

[0023] [Technical Issues]

[0024] Direct printing methods using inkjet or thermal transfer printers, as described in Patent Documents 1-3, are considered effective for producing large quantities of identical printed materials or large printed materials. However, for producing small (e.g., clothing) printed objects in various shapes and in small quantities, the method of feeding the printed object to the printing press differs for each object, resulting in time-consuming production. Furthermore, printing on dark-colored materials requires a large amount of white ink, which significantly reduces maintainability due to white pigment settling, printhead clogging, etc. Additionally, when creating a thick white cover layer, the printing speed becomes slower compared to printing on white or light-colored materials.

[0025] The method described in Patent Document 4, which involves printing an image on transfer paper and then heat-transferring that image to a printing object, does not have the problems of the aforementioned method because it is not limited by the shape of the object being printed. However, the size of the transfer paper is standard (e.g., primarily A4 or A3), so the shape of the transfer paper needs to be prepared separately in order to transfer the image to the printing object.

[0026] Patent Document 5 describes a method for heat-transferring an image onto a printing object using two transfer sheets, and may solve the problem of Patent Document 4. However, this method is cumbersome because it requires two heat transfer processes beforehand using two transfer sheets. Furthermore, in practice, the temperature, pressing pressure, etc., during the transfer are different for each production sample, thus requiring skill.

[0027] The printing method in Patent Document 6 is believed to have solved the aforementioned problems. However, the low productivity of the white toner makes it difficult to achieve sufficient opacity for dark transfer objects (transfer media). Due to insufficient opacity from the white toner, the transfer object bleeds through the white, resulting in reduced saturation and brightness of the color image. Furthermore, when thickening the white opacity layer through repeated printing to achieve sufficient opacity, productivity decreases with each printing, and the transfer object is more likely to curl with each print. This leads to transport problems and misalignment within the equipment, making reproducible printing difficult.

[0028] Furthermore, in conventional image forming methods using transfer printing, toners have high transmittance, necessitating improved image formation accuracy and quality. Moreover, variations in image quality, depending on the toner's composition and deposition amount, make it difficult to create consistent images. In addition to requiring good fixing to transfer objects such as fabric, good washing fastness is also required when the transfer object is something like a T-shirt.

[0029] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a toner that has excellent fixing properties for the transfer object, imparts good wash fastness to the transfer object on which an image has been formed, and can perform good color image reproduction even if the transfer object has a dark color.

[0030] [Solution to the problem]

[0031] To address the aforementioned issues, a toner is provided comprising a polyester, a polyurethane elastomer, a wax, and one of a white pigment and a black pigment. When formed as a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm on an OHP substrate, the toner exhibits a transmittance of less than 5% for all visible light wavelengths.

[0032] [Beneficial effects of the invention]

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a toner is provided that has excellent fixing properties on the transfer object, imparts good wash fastness to the transfer object on which an image has been formed, and can perform good color image reproduction even if the transfer object has a dark color. Attached Figure Description

[0034] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure and its many accompanying advantages and features can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] [ Figure 1 ]

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus.

[0037] [ Figure 2 ]

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus.

[0039] [ Figure 3 ]

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus.

[0041] [ Figure 4 ]

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus.

[0043] [ Figure 5 ]

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing a processing box.

[0045] [ Figure 6 ]

[0046] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing images used for evaluation.

[0047] The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting its scope. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Furthermore, in these drawings, the same or similar reference numerals consistently denote the same or similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In describing the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, specific terminology has been used for clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology chosen so far, and it should be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have similar functions, operate in a similar manner, and achieve similar results.

[0049] Embodiments of this disclosure are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the singular forms “a / an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0050] Hereinafter, a toner, a toner assembly, an image forming method, an image forming apparatus, and a processing cartridge according to embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, but can be modified within the scope suggested by those skilled in the art, such as other embodiments, additions, modifications, and deletions. Any aspect that achieves the functions and effects of the present invention is within the scope of the present invention.

[0051] (Toners and toner kits)

[0052] The toner according to embodiments of the present invention is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and for forming a thermal transfer printing sheet. The thermal transfer printing sheet is a transfer sheet on which an image is formed using the toner and for transferring the image to a transfer object via thermal transfer. When formed as a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm on an OHP substrate, the toner has a transmittance of less than 5% for all visible light wavelengths and comprises polyester, polyurethane elastomer, wax, and white or black pigment.

[0053] The toner set according to embodiments of the present invention is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and includes a variety of toners for forming a thermal transfer printing sheet. The thermal transfer printing sheet is a transfer sheet on which an image is formed using the toners, and is used to transfer the image to a transfer object via thermal transfer. When a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm is formed on the transfer sheet, each toner included in the toner set has a transmittance of less than 5% for all visible light wavelengths, and the toner set includes at least the following toners (A), (B), and (C).

[0054] (A) A toner containing white pigment, polyester, polyurethane elastomer and wax.

[0055] (B) Tinting agents containing black pigments, polyesters, polyurethane elastomers and waxes.

[0056] (C) Contains at least one of a white pigment and a black pigment, a colorant different from the white pigment and the black pigment, a polyester, a polyurethane elastomer, and a wax.

[0057] According to embodiments of the present invention, the fixing properties of the transfer object are excellent, the wash fastness of the transfer object on which the image has been formed is good, and the reproducibility of the color image is good even if the transfer object has a dark color. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, the production cost of heat transfer printing sheets can be reduced.

[0058] The toner according to embodiments of the present invention is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and for forming a thermal transfer printing sheet, and may be referred to as a thermal transfer printing sheet toner. Additionally, the toner set according to embodiments of the present invention is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and for forming a thermal transfer printing sheet, and may be referred to as a thermal transfer printing sheet toner set.

[0059] When a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm is formed on an OHP substrate, the toner according to an embodiment of the present invention has a transmittance of less than 5%, preferably less than 1%, for all visible light wavelengths. The deposition amount can be increased to increase the thickness by repeating printing and overlaying the image. In this specification, the transmittance for all visible light wavelengths when a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm is formed on an OHP substrate may be referred to as "the aforementioned transmittance".

[0060] Transmittance in this disclosure refers to the maximum transmittance within the visible light wavelength range (i.e., 380–780 nm). Measurements were performed using a spectrophotometer with a 30 μm thick solid image formed on an OHP substrate. For example, measurements were performed using a UV / Vis / NIR spectrophotometer (UV-3600 manufactured by Shimadzu Corp.) with a film support under the following conditions.

[0061] • Wavelength range: 380 nm to 780 nm

[0062] • Scanning speed: Medium

[0063] • Sampling interval: 0.5 nm

[0064] • Slit width: 5.0 nm

[0065] Note that, in order to measure the above transmittance, the toner deposition thickness of 30 μm was confirmed by three-dimensional measurement using a confocal microscope OPTELICS H1200 (manufactured by Lasertec Corp.).

[0066] To achieve a transmittance of less than 5%, the toner needs to contain a white pigment that completely reflects or scatters visible light, or a black pigment that completely absorbs wavelengths in the visible light range. The transmittance can also be adjusted by the type and amount of white or black pigment.

[0067] The aforementioned transmittance is defined as the physical property that allows the color of the toner to be expressed without being affected by the color of the transfer object when the image to be transferred is transferred and formed on a dark transfer object, and it is a parameter used to distinguish the toner according to embodiments of the present invention from ordinary color toners. Even if the thickness of an ordinary color toner is increased, the transmittance will not become less than 5% in some wavelength ranges. By using the aforementioned toner with a transmittance of less than 5%, it is possible to form a color image that is unaffected by the transfer object.

[0068] <White pigment>

[0069] A toner according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a white pigment, a polyester, a polyurethane elastomer, and a wax. Such a toner may be referred to as toner (A). Toner (A) corresponds to the toner (A) included in the toner group according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] There are no particular limitations on the white pigments used in this disclosure, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, titanium dioxide, lead white, talc, kaolin, zinc sulfide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, zinc oxide, hollow silica, etc., can be used. Furthermore, the surface of the white pigment can be treated with silicon, zirconium oxide, aluminum, organic substances such as polyols, etc., and then used. Titanium dioxide that has been surface-treated with aluminum or organic substances such as polyols is preferred. It is presumably that surface treatment allows the release agent in the toner to be wetted by the white pigment, thereby reducing the hardness of the toner layer and obtaining a white, non-cracking cover layer.

[0071] The optimal content of white pigment in the toner varies depending on the type of pigment. However, for example, the content in the toner is preferably 20% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less. When the content of white pigment is above the aforementioned lower limit, it is possible to prevent a decrease in concealment and to prevent the design of the transferred object from showing through, thus preventing a decrease in the saturation and brightness of the image. Furthermore, when the content of white pigment is below the aforementioned upper limit, flexibility can be ensured, and even if the transferred object is flexible, cracking of the toner layer can be prevented.

[0072] <Black pigment>

[0073] A toner according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a black pigment, a polyester, a polyurethane elastomer, and a wax. Such a toner may be referred to as toner (B). Toner (B) corresponds to the toner (B) included in the toner group according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The black pigments used in this disclosure are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, preferred examples include, but are not limited to, carbon black alone, as well as mixtures of carbon black as a main component and copper phthalocyanine, etc., for adjusting hue and brightness.

[0075] The content of black pigment in the toner can be appropriately selected. However, for example, when carbon black is used, the content in the toner is preferably 6% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less.

[0076] When the content of black pigment is above the aforementioned lower limit, it can prevent a decrease in concealment and prevent the design of the transferred object from showing through. When the content of black pigment is below the aforementioned upper limit, it can prevent a decrease in the volume resistivity of the toner and stabilize its electrical properties.

[0077] <Coloring agent>

[0078] A toner according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one of a white pigment and a black pigment, a polyester, a polyurethane elastomer, and a wax, and further comprises a colorant other than the white pigment and the black pigment. Such a toner may be referred to as toner (C). Toner (C) corresponds to the toner (C) included in the toner group according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "colorant" refers to a colorant other than the white pigment and the black pigment described above. There are no particular limitations on the colorants included in the toner, and commonly used colorants can be appropriately selected and used. By including a colorant, the range of colors that can be represented is expanded.

[0079] The toner (C) contained in the toner group according to embodiments of the present invention contains at least one of a white pigment and a black pigment, a colorant other than a white pigment and a black pigment, a polyester, a polyurethane elastomer, and a wax. The toner (C) only needs to contain either a white pigment or a black pigment, and preferably contains both white and black pigments. When the toner (C) contains both white and black pigments, the range of colors that can be represented is expanded.

[0080] The colorant preferably has low absorption at wavelengths above 800 nm. Examples of such colorants include, but are not limited to, Naphthol Yellow S, Hansa Yellow (10G, 5G, G), Cadmium Yellow, Iron Oxide Yellow, Loess, Chrome Yellow, Titanium Yellow, Polyazo Yellow, Oil Yellow, Hansa Yellow (GR, A, RN, R), Pigment Yellow L, Benzidine Yellow (G, GR), Permanent Yellow (NCG), Balkan Fast Yellow (5G, R), Tartrate Yellow, Quinoline Yellow, Anthracin Yellow BGL, Isoindolinone Yellow, Iron Oxide Red, Red Lead, Orange Lead, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Mercury Red, Antimony Orange, Permanent Red 4R, Para Red, Fire Red, p-chloro-o-nitroaniline Red, Lithol Fast Scarlet G, Brilliant Fast Scarlet, Brilliant Magenta BS, Permanent Red (F2R, F4R, FRL, FRLL, F4RH), Fast Scarlet VD, Fulcan Fast Ruby B, Brilliant Scarlet G, Lithol Ruby GX, Permanent Red F5R, Brilliant Magenta 6B, Pigment Scarlet 3B, Burgundy 5B, Toluidine Brown, Permanent Burgundy F2K, Elio Burgundy BL, Burgundy 10B, Light Bon Brown, Medium Bon Brown, Aurora Lake, Rhodamine Lake B, Rhodamine Lake Y, Alizarin Lake, Indigo B, Indigo Brown, Oil Red, Quinacridone Red, Pyrazolone Red, Polyazo Red, Chrome Crimson, Benzidine Orange, Perylene Orange, Oil Orange, Cobalt Blue, Sky Blue Basic blue lake, peacock blue lake, Victoria blue lake, metal-free phthalocyanine blue, phthalocyanine blue, strong sky blue, indigo blue (RS, BC), indigo, dioxane violet, anthraquinone violet, chrome green, zinc green, emerald green, jade green, pigment green B, naphthol green B, green gold, acidic green lake, malachite green lake, phthalocyanine green, anthraquinone green, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zinc barium white, perylene black, perylene ketone black, and mixtures thereof. These pigments can be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0081] The content of colorant in the toner is preferably, for example, 1% by mass or more and 12% by mass or less. In this case, color can be expressed by utilizing the absorption wavelength specific to the colorant.

[0082] When the toner according to embodiments of the present invention comprises white pigment and colorant, it has low transparency (transmittance less than 5%), making it difficult to achieve full-color representation using subtractive color mixing as in the case of conventional electrophotographic color toners. Therefore, it is preferable to represent a specific color by pre-mixing the colorant and including it in the toner, depending on the purpose, design, etc. Although the toner according to embodiments of the present invention does not exclude the method of representing color by overlapping toner layers, it is preferable to pre-mix the colorant and include it in the toner to form each toner layer as a single layer. That is, it is preferable that the toner image on the heat transfer printing sheet is a single-layer toner image that does not overlap with any other toner image. By forming the toner layers as single layers, it is expected to simplify the process and reduce costs.

[0083] Polyester

[0084] The polyester (also referred to as polyester resin) used in the toner is preferably obtained by polycondensation of alcohol and carboxylic acid. There are no particular limitations on the alcohol used, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, examples of alcohols include, but are not limited to, glycols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, or propylene glycol; etherified bisphenols such as 1,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexane or bisphenol A; diol monomers; and polyol monomers with three or more nucleotides.

[0085] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on carboxylic acids, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, examples of carboxylic acids include divalent organic acid monomers such as maleic acid, fumaric acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, succinic acid, or malonic acid, as well as polyvalent carboxylic acid monomers with trivalent or higher valence such as 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,4-cyclohexanetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,4-naphthalenetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,5-hexanetricarboxylic acid, 1,3-dicarboxy-2-methylenecarboxypropane, or 1,2,7,8-octanetetracarboxylic acid.

[0086] The polyester content in the toner is preferably 20% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less. When the content is 20% by mass or more, it can prevent a decrease in pulverability, a decrease in charge-carrying properties, and improve the stability of the toner. When the content is 60% by mass or less, it can ensure flexibility on the transfer object and prevent cracking in the toner layer formed on the flexible transfer object.

[0087] The softening temperature and glass transition temperature of the polyester are preferably both above 55°C. When they are above 55°C, the heat resistance of the toner image can be ensured.

[0088] <Polyurethane Elastomers>

[0089] The polyurethane elastomers used in toners typically possess excellent tensile strength, abrasion resistance, elasticity, and oil resistance, making them suitable adhesive resins for the purposes of this disclosure.

[0090] Regarding the composition of the polyurethane, it is preferable to use a polyurethane elastomer containing 1,4-butanediol (1,6-hexanediol), adipic acid, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, etc.

[0091] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the specific product name of the polyurethane elastomer to be used, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, examples include, but are not limited to, hot melt powders ECOFREEN POWDER (manufactured by Ecofreen Co., Ltd.), T8175N, T5102S (manufactured by DIC Covestro Polymer Ltd.), E780M128, P22MBRNAT, E360MSXW (manufactured by Nippon Miractran Co, Ltd.), and 571F (manufactured by BASF).

[0092] The softening temperature and glass transition temperature of the polyurethane elastomer are preferably below 45°C, and more preferably below 20°C.

[0093] The glass transition temperature of the polyurethane elastomer is more preferably -60°C or higher and 0°C or lower, and even more preferably -50°C or higher and -10°C or lower.

[0094] When the softening temperature and glass transition temperature of the polyurethane elastomer are within these ranges, the flexibility of the toner layer after fixing can be ensured.

[0095] The softening point of the polyurethane elastomer is preferably 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower, more preferably 100°C or higher and 120°C or lower. When the softening point of the polyurethane elastomer is within this range, offset during fixing and heat transfer can be prevented, and durability can be maintained. The softening temperature is different from the softening point, and its measurement method is described below.

[0096] When polyester and polyurethane elastomers are used in combination, a sea-island structure can be formed in an incompatible manner. The polyurethane elastomer is used in combination with the polyester. The toner according to embodiments of the invention comprises a polyurethane elastomer and a polyester. Preferably, in the sea-island structure in the cross-section of the toner, the domain comprises a polyurethane elastomer, the matrix comprises a polyester resin, and the domain and matrix in the cross-section of the toner are incompatible.

[0097] The weight-average molecular weight of the polyurethane elastomer is preferably 20,000 to 100,000, more preferably 20,000 to 80,000, and even more preferably 20,000 to 60,000. When the weight-average molecular weight is 20,000 or higher, there is no risk of the image melting during ironing, and when the weight-average molecular weight is 100,000 or lower, it is easy to melt and knead the binder and other toner components during the manufacture of the toner.

[0098] The content of polyurethane elastomer is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The content in the toner is preferably 40% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less. When the content is 40% by mass or more, the toner can be sufficiently fixed to a flexible medium, such as fabric, and the toner layer can be flexible after fixing. When the content is 70% by mass or less, the heat resistance of the toner does not deteriorate, and there is no risk of toner particle aggregation. Furthermore, if the toner in the heat transfer printing sheet does not include polyurethane elastomer, cracking occurs, and the image cannot be retained.

[0099] In addition, the polyurethane elastomer may be wholly or partially replaced by any of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isophthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene isophthalate, and styrene-butadiene rubber, which have the same properties as the polyurethane elastomer.

[0100] <Wax (Removing Agent)>

[0101] There are no particular restrictions on the type of wax (stripping agent) and it can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. One type can be used alone, or a combination of two or more types can be used.

[0102] There are no particular limitations on the stripping agents that can be used in this disclosure, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, examples include, but are not limited to: aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as liquid paraffin, microcrystalline wax, natural paraffin, synthetic paraffin, polyolefin wax, or their partial oxides, fluorides, or chlorides; animal oils, such as tallow or fish oil; vegetable oils, such as coconut oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, rice bran wax, or carnauba wax; higher fatty alcohols or higher fatty acids, such as lignite wax; fatty acid amides; fatty acid diamides; and metal soaps, such as zinc stearate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, aluminum stearate, zinc oleate, zinc palmitate, magnesium palmitate, zinc myristate, zinc laurate, or thiocyanate. Zinc oxide; fatty acid esters; and polyvinylidene fluoride. Preferably, it includes at least ester waxes, such as fatty acid esters.

[0103] The colorant according to embodiments of the present invention preferably comprises a wax dispersant. The dispersant is preferably a copolymer composition comprising at least styrene, butyl acrylate, and acrylonitrile as monomers, and a polyethylene adduct of the copolymer composition. The content of the wax dispersant is preferably 7 parts by weight or less relative to 100 parts by weight of the colorant.

[0104] There are no particular restrictions on the wax content in the toner, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, the content is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 8.0% by mass or less, more preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 6.0% by mass or less. When the content is 0.1% by mass or more, the toner and the fixing roller (or fixing belt) separate during fixing, thereby preventing waste paper blockage. Furthermore, when the content is 8.0% by mass or less, the toner can be sufficiently fixed to the plastic film.

[0105] <charge control agent>

[0106] Toners may include charge control agents.

[0107] Charge control agents can be appropriately selected according to their purpose, provided they are white or colorless. Examples of charge control agents include: onium salts such as phosphonium salts and their lake pigments; triphenylmethane dyes and their lake pigments; metal salts of higher fatty acids; organotin oxides such as dibutyltin oxide, dioctyltin oxide, or dicyclohexyltin oxide; organotin borates such as dibutyltin borate, dioctyltin borate, or dicyclohexyltin borate; organometallic complexes; chelating compounds; monoazo metal complexes; acetylacetone metal complexes; aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids; metal complexes of aromatic dicarboxylic acids; and quaternary ammonium salts. Other examples include: aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids; aromatic monocarboxylic and polycarboxylic acids and their metal salts; acid anhydrides; esters; and phenolic derivatives such as bisphenol. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0108] When the charge control agent is added to the toner, there is no particular limitation on the content, and it can be appropriately set according to the purpose. However, the charge control agent is preferably added in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by mass relative to the total amount of binder resin.

[0109] <External Additives>

[0110] The colorant according to embodiments of the present invention can use inorganic fine particles or the like as external additives.

[0111] The use of externally added inorganic fine particles in this disclosure is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, examples include, but are not limited to, silica, alumina, titanium oxide, barium titanate, magnesium titanate, calcium titanate, strontium titanate, zinc oxide, silica sand, clay, mica, wollastonite, diatomaceous earth, chromium oxide, cerium oxide, iron oxide red, antimony trioxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, barium sulfate, barium carbonate, calcium carbonate, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride. Among these, silica, alumina, and titanium oxide are preferred.

[0112] In addition, inorganic fine particles that have already been surface-treated with a hydrophobic treatment agent can be used. There are no particular limitations on the hydrophobic treatment agent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, examples of preferred surface treatment agents include, but are not limited to, silane coupling agents, silylating agents, silane coupling agents with fluorinated alkyl groups, organotitanate coupling agents, and aluminum coupling agents. Furthermore, sufficient effects can be obtained by using silicone oil as a hydrophobic treatment agent.

[0113] Furthermore, the average diameter of the primary inorganic fine particles is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, the average diameter is preferably 5 to 500 nm, more preferably 5 to 200 nm. When the average diameter is 5 nm or more, the aggregation of inorganic fine particles can be prevented, and the inorganic fine particles can be uniformly dispersed in the toner. When the average diameter is less than 500 nm, heat resistance can be improved due to the filler effect. The average particle size described herein is a value obtained by directly measuring the particle size from photographs obtained by transmission electron microscopy, and it is preferred to observe at least 100 or more particles and use the average value of the long axis.

[0114] <Liquidity Improver>

[0115] The colorant may include a flow improver as an additive. There are no particular limitations on the flow improver, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as it can increase hydrophobicity through surface treatment and prevent deterioration of flow and charge properties in high humidity environments. Examples of flow improvers include, but are not limited to, silane coupling agents, silylating agents, silane coupling agents with fluorinated alkyl groups, organotitanate coupling agents, aluminum coupling agents, silicone oils, and modified silicone oils. Preferably, silica and titanium dioxide, as external additives, are surface-treated with such a flow improver, and are used as hydrophobic silica and hydrophobic titanium dioxide, respectively.

[0116] Cleaning Improver

[0117] The toner may include a cleaning improver as an additive. There are no particular limitations on the cleaning improver, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as it can be added to the toner according to one embodiment of the invention for removing developer residues remaining on the photoreceptor and primary transfer medium after transfer. Examples of cleaning improvers include, but are not limited to, fatty acid metal salts such as stearic acid, such as zinc stearate or calcium stearate, and polymer fine particles produced by soap-free emulsion polymerization, such as polymethyl methacrylate fine particles or polystyrene fine particles. The polymer fine particles preferably have a relatively narrow particle size distribution, and preferably have a volume average particle size of 0.01 μm or more and 1 μm or less.

[0118] <Measurement>

[0119] <<Measurement Methods for Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution of Toners Based on Volume %>>

[0120] The volume-percentage particle size distribution and particle size measurement method for toners can be performed, for example, using a particle size measuring device ("MULTISIZER 3" manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.) with a pore size of 100 μm, and analysis can be performed using analysis software (Beckman Coulter Multisizer 3 Version 3.51). An example of the measurement is given below.

[0121] 0.5 ml of 10% by mass surfactant (alkylbenzene sulfonate, NEOGENSC-A manufactured by DKS Co. Ltd.) was added to a 100 ml glass beaker, followed by 0.5 g of each toner. The mixture was stirred with a micro spatula, and then 80 ml of deionized water was added to obtain a dispersion. The resulting dispersion was dispersed for 10 minutes using an ultrasonic disperser (W-113MK-II manufactured by Honda Electronics Co., Ltd.) to obtain a sample dispersion of the toner. The toner sample dispersion was measured using MULTISIZER 3 and ISOTON III (manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.) as the measurement solution. From the viewpoint of measurement reproducibility and avoiding particle size errors, the toner sample dispersion was added dropwise until the concentration indicated by the device was 8 ± 2%, thereby measuring the volume average particle size of the toner.

[0122] <<Particle size distribution and volume average particle size of toners>>

[0123] The volume-percentage particle size distribution of the toner is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The volume-average particle size of the toner is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, the volume-average particle size is preferably 10 to 25 μm, more preferably 12 to 20 μm.

[0124] When using the above-mentioned toner, increasing the toner particle size can improve developing ability, increase the amount of toner developed in a single development cycle, and increase the stacking height of the toner layer, thereby making it easier to fill the unevenness of the surface of a flexible medium such as a fabric. Furthermore, considering the trade-off with transferability, it is more preferable that the toner has a particle size distribution with peaks in the range of 10 to 25 μm in a particle size distribution based on volume%. For the same reason, it is more preferable that the toner has a volume average particle size of 12 to 20 μm. Furthermore, it is preferred that toner particles with a particle size of 5 μm or less account for 10% or less by quantity.

[0125] <<Confirmation and Quantification of the Presence of Resins in Toners>>

[0126] The presence of the resin contained in the colorant according to embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately confirmed and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). Specifically, this can be achieved through the following procedures, apparatus, and conditions.

[0127] <<Component Analysis by GC-MS>>

[0128] -Sample Preparation-

[0129] The toner was dispersed in chloroform and stirred overnight to obtain a dispersion. The dispersion was then centrifuged to collect only the supernatant. The collected supernatant was evaporated and dried, and its composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). An example of GC-MS measurement conditions is shown below. Note that the sample was prepared as a mixture in which approximately 1 μL of the methylating agent (tetramethylammonium hydroxide: 20% methanol solution of TMAH) was added dropwise to approximately 1 mg of the sample.

[0130] -Measurement Conditions-

[0131] • Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GCMS) Analyzer: QP2010 (Manufactured by Shimadzu Corp.)

[0132] • Heating furnace: Py2020D (manufactured by Frontier Laboratories Ltd.)

[0133] Heating temperature: 320℃

[0134] • Column: Ultra ALLOY-5 (L=30 m, ID=0.25 mm, membrane=0.25 μm, manufactured by GL Sciences Inc.)

[0135] • Column temperature: 50℃ (holding time: 1 min) - heating (10℃ / min) - 340℃ (holding time: 7 min)

[0136] • Flow split ratio: 1:100

[0137] • Column flow rate: 1.0 mL / min

[0138] • Ionization method: EI method (70 eV)

[0139] • Measurement mode: Scanning mode

[0140] • Data retrieved: NIST 20 MASS SPECTRAL LIB.

[0141] <Component Analysis by NMR>>

[0142] -Sample Preparation-

[0143] The toner was dispersed in chloroform and stirred overnight to obtain a dispersion. The dispersion was then centrifuged to collect only the supernatant. The collected supernatant was evaporated and dried, and used as a preservative. 1 H-NMR and 13 The sample was subjected to C-NMR for compositional analysis. The following is shown for... 1 Methods for preparing H-NMR samples, used for 13 An example of C-NMR sample preparation methods and measurement conditions.

[0144] (1) Used for 1 Sample preparation methods for H-NMR

[0145] 1 mL of d8-toluene (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corp.) was added to 100 mg of the sample, and the sample was heated and dissolved using a blower to prepare a solution for use in [the following process]. 1 Samples measured by H-NMR.

[0146] (2) Used for 13 Sample preparation methods for C-NMR

[0147] 1 mL of deuterated 1,2-dichlorotoluene (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corp.) was added to 100 mg of the sample, and the sample was heated and dissolved using a blower to prepare the solution for use in [the following process]. 13 C-NMR sample.

[0148] -Measurement Conditions-

[0149] • NMR device: ECX-500 (manufactured by JEOL Ltd.)

[0150] • Measurement core: 1 H (500 MHz), measurement pulse file: single pulse dec.jxp ( 1 H), 45℃ pulse, cumulative 20,000 times, relaxation delay: 4 seconds, data points: 32K, offset: 100 ppm, observation width: 250 ppm, measurement temperature: 70℃

[0151] • Measurement kernel = 13 C (125MHz), measurement pulse: single pulse dec. jxp ( 13C), 45℃ pulse, 64 cumulative pulses, relaxation delay: 5 seconds, data points: 32K, observation width: 15 ppm, measurement temperature: 65℃

[0152] <<Measurement of weight-average molecular weight>>

[0153] The weight-average molecular weight of the resin used in the toner can be obtained by measuring the molecular weight distribution of the soluble fraction of tetrahydrofuran (THF) using a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) apparatus. There are no particular limitations on the GPC apparatus, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, an apparatus with the product name GPC-150C (manufactured by Waters Corp.) can be used.

[0154] There are no particular limitations on the columns used for measuring weight-average molecular weight, and appropriate selection can be made depending on the purpose. Examples of columns include, but are not limited to, by product name, KF801 (organic solvent SEC (GPC) column), KF802 (organic solvent SEC (GPC) column), KF803 (organic solvent SEC (GPC) column), KF804 (organic solvent SEC (GPC) column), KF805 (organic solvent SEC (GPC) column), KF806 (organic solvent SEC (GPC) column), and KF807 (organic solvent SEC (GPC) column) (all manufactured by Showa Denko KK).

[0155] There are no particular limitations on the methods used to measure the weight-average molecular weight of resins used in toners, and the appropriate method can be selected depending on the purpose. For example, the following methods can be used for measurement.

[0156] The column was stabilized in a heating chamber at 40°C, and the solvent THF was passed through the column at a flow rate of 1 mL / min. Next, 0.05 g of sample was thoroughly dissolved in 5 g of THF and then filtered through a pretreatment filter (e.g., CHROMATODISC, 0.45 μm pore size, manufactured by Kurabo Industries Ltd.). The final sample concentration was adjusted to 0.05%–0.6% by mass. Then, 50 μL to 200 μL of this THF sample solution with the adjusted sample concentration was injected into the column to separate the THF soluble fraction contained in the THF sample solution. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the THF soluble fraction contained in the THF sample solution was then measured by conversion to molecular weight using a detector (e.g., a refractive index (RI) detector (device name: GPC-150C manufactured by Waters Corp.)).

[0157] In the measurement of the weight-average molecular weight Mw and number-average molecular weight Mn of the THF soluble fraction contained in the sample, the molecular weight distribution of the sample was calculated by the relationship between the logarithm and count of a calibration curve prepared using several monodisperse polystyrene standard samples.

[0158] As a standard polystyrene sample used to create the calibration curve, for example, a polystyrene sample with a molecular weight of 6 × 10⁻⁶ was manufactured by Pressure Chemical Co. or Tosoh Corp. 2 2.1 × 10 2 4 × 10 2 1.75 × 10 4 5.1 ×10 4 1.1 × 10 5 3.9 × 10 5 8.6 × 10 5 2 × 10 6 and 4.48 × 10 6 Those. Preferably, at least 10 standard polystyrene samples are used. In addition, a refractive index (RI) detector is preferably used as the detector.

[0159] <<Methods for measuring softening temperature>>

[0160] The softening temperature can be measured using a flow meter (CFT-500D manufactured by Shimadzu Corp.). Specifically, while heating 1.0 g of sample through the flow meter at a heating rate of 6 °C / min, the sample is extruded from a nozzle with a diameter of 1.0 mm and a length of 1.0 mm by applying a load of 1.96 MPa via the plunger. The plunger descent of the flow meter is plotted against temperature to obtain an S-shaped curve indicating temperature (°C) / stroke (mm). The softening temperature can be determined as the temperature at which the deformation of the sample first occurs (the temperature at which the deformation of the sample first occurs as the sample changes from a solid to a rubbery state).

[0161] <<Methods for Measuring Softening Point>>

[0162] The softening point can be measured using a flow meter (CFT-500D manufactured by Shimadzu Corp.). Specifically, while heating 1.0 g of sample through the flow meter at a heating rate of 6 °C / min, the sample is extruded from a nozzle with a diameter of 1.0 mm and a length of 1.0 mm by applying a load of 1.96 MPa via the plunger. The plunger descent of the flow meter is plotted against temperature to obtain an S-curve indicating temperature ( °C) / stroke ( mm). Tm is read from the obtained S-curve. Specifically, the maximum stroke value in the S-curve is defined as S1, and the stroke value at the baseline on the low-temperature side is defined as S2. The temperature at which the stroke value in the S-curve is (S1+S2) / 2 is defined as the softening point Tm of the measured sample.

[0163] <<Methods for Measuring Glass Transition Temperature>>

[0164] The glass transition temperature (Tg) can be measured, for example, using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC210 manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc.). Specifically, 0.01 to 0.02 g of sample is weighed into an aluminum pan at room temperature and cooled to -20 °C using a differential scanning calorimeter at a cooling rate of 10 °C / min. The sample is then heated to 200 °C at a heating rate of 10 °C / min, and the temperature at the intersection of the extension of the baseline and the tangent representing the maximum slope from the rising portion of the peak to the apex can be determined as Tg.

[0165] <Methods for manufacturing toners>

[0166] The method for manufacturing the toner according to embodiments of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples of methods for manufacturing the toner according to embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0167] As a method for manufacturing a toner according to an embodiment of the present invention, the melt-kneading and pulverizing method is preferred. This is because white pigment has a higher specific gravity than other toner constituent materials, making it difficult to granulate using chemical methods such as dissolution-suspension methods, and because the melt-kneading product of the toner components requires steps of cooling and rolling to form domains. In contrast, chemical methods such as dissolution-suspension methods can be used in this disclosure, provided that the method allows for internal dispersion of the white pigment and employs a toner material composition and process that can form domains.

[0168] The shape and size of the domain are determined by the compatibility of the domain material and the matrix material (which is determined by the molecular weight and composition of each material) and the tensile force applied during the cooling and rolling of the molten kneaded product.

[0169] Therefore, in the simplest method of controlling the diameter and shape of the domain, it is preferable to use incompatible materials and reduce the thickness of the melt-kneaded product of the toner material to an appropriate thickness by pre-determining the relationship between the domain size and shape and the roll forming thickness. The thickness is preferably adjusted to less than 1 mm. By reducing the thickness in this way, domains with suitable dimensions can be obtained.

[0170] The method for manufacturing a colorant according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a mixing step, a melting and kneading step, a solidification step, a fine grinding step, and a classification step. The mixing step is a step of obtaining a mixture of binder resins. The melting and kneading step is a step of obtaining a kneaded product of the mixture. The solidification step is a step of obtaining a solid product of the kneaded product. The fine grinding step is a step of obtaining a pulverized product of the solid product. The classification step is a step of classifying and recycling the pulverized product.

[0171] -Steps for obtaining a mixture of adhesive resins (mixing steps)-

[0172] First, the adhesive resin, colorant and release agent, optional charge control agent, etc. are mixed in a mixer to obtain a mixture (mixing step).

[0173] There are no particular limitations on the mixer and it can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. Examples of mixers include, but are not limited to, the Henschel mixer (product name: FM20B, manufactured by Nippon Coke & Engineering. Co., Ltd.) and the SUPERMIXER (SMV-20Ba, manufactured by Kawata Mfg. Co., Ltd.).

[0174] -Steps to obtain the kneaded product of the mixture (melting and kneading steps)-

[0175] Next, the mixture is melted and kneaded using a hot melt kneader to obtain the kneaded product (melting and kneading step).

[0176] There are no particular limitations on hot melt kneaders, and they can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. Examples of hot melt kneaders, by product name, include, but are not limited to, the PCM series twin-screw extruders (manufactured by IKEGAI Co., Ltd.), the TEM type extruders (manufactured by Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd.), the PCM twin-screw extruder co-kneader (manufactured by Buss AG), and the KNEADEX open-roll continuous kneader (manufactured by Nippon Coke & Engineering. Co., Ltd.).

[0177] -The step to obtain the solid product from the kneaded mixture (the solidification step)-

[0178] Next, the kneaded product is cooled and solidified to obtain a solid (solidification step). There are no particular limitations on the cooling and solidification methods, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, any suitable method can be used.

[0179] However, in order to carry out effective fine grinding in the subsequent fine grinding step, it is preferable to reduce the solid product to a certain coarse particle size in the solidification step.

[0180] Examples of preferred methods include granulating the kneaded product in a solidification step following the kneading step.

[0181] Examples of granulation steps include, but are not limited to, wire cutting, water-cooled hot cutting, and underwater cutting. For example, in wire cutting, the kneaded melt product immediately following the kneading step is extruded through a die with a diameter of about 3 mm to form wire. The resulting wire is cooled in a cooling device such as a water bath, and after cooling, the wire is cut and processed into granules using a granulator.

[0182] The thickness and cutting width of the wire can be adjusted by regulating the feed rates of the melting and kneading processes and the feed rate of the granulator, thereby processing the wire into granules of appropriate particle size.

[0183] The particle size is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less in diameter, more preferably 1 mm or more and 2 mm or less. By coarsening the particles before the fine grinding step, smaller particles improve the efficiency of fine grinding. However, the smaller the wire diameter, the more likely the wire is to break during the step, making it difficult to maintain step stability. Therefore, processing with a diameter of 1 mm or more is preferred.

[0184] -Steps for obtaining pulverized solid products (fine pulverization steps)-

[0185] Next, the obtained solid product is finely pulverized to obtain the pulverized product (fine pulverization step).

[0186] Solid products can be pulverized using known pulverization methods. Examples of known pulverization methods that can be used include, but are not limited to, jet milling methods in which toner is contained in a high-speed airflow and the solid product is pulverized using the energy generated when the toner collides with a collision plate, interparticle collision methods in which toner particles collide with each other in an airflow, and mechanical pulverization methods in which toner is supplied into a narrow gap with a high-speed rotating rotor to pulverize the toner.

[0187] The toner according to the embodiments of the present invention is preferably pulverized using a low-temperature pulverization method.

[0188] Some materials exhibit the property of suddenly becoming brittle at a certain temperature or lower; this is known as "low-temperature brittleness." This property can be utilized to pulverize materials such as rubber and plastics that are difficult to pulverize at room temperature. Cryogenic pulverization using extremely low temperatures, such as -196°C liquid nitrogen, is also called cryogenic pulverization.

[0189] By using cryogenic pulverization, pulverization is significantly improved, and the shape of the pulverized particles is stabilized, resulting in finely pulverized materials more suitable for toners. In this cryogenic pulverization, the aforementioned mechanical pulverization method is preferred, wherein the toner is supplied to a narrow gap with a high-speed rotating rotor and pulverized. Specifically, the coarsely pulverized kneaded product is fed into a cooler, processed in a pulverizer while being cooled with liquid nitrogen, and sieved to obtain particles smaller than the desired particle size. The coarse particles remaining on the sieve are returned to the cooler and pulverized again.

[0190] As a cooling tool, a refrigeration unit or other cooling machine can be used. The product temperature of the coarse particles to be finely pulverized is the glass transition point Tg-5℃ of the coarse particles, or lower, more preferably the glass transition point Tg-20℃ of the coarse particles, or lower.

[0191] - Steps for classifying and recovering pulverized products (classification step) -

[0192] Next, the pulverized product is classified to recover pulverized products with a predetermined volume average particle size. This can provide a colorant (classification step). There are no particular limitations on the classification method, and airflow type, rotary rotor type, etc., can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0193] Examples of airflow classifiers include, but are not limited to, the Elbow-Jet AirClassifier (manufactured by Matsubo Corp.), and examples of rotary rotor classifiers include, but are not limited to, the TSP separator and the TTSP separator (manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Group).

[0194] Furthermore, the toner according to one embodiment of the invention can be manufactured using a dissolution-suspension method. When manufacturing the toner using the dissolution-suspension method, toner materials such as binder resins, colorants, release agents, and, if desired, charge control agents are dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent to prepare an oil phase, which is then dispersed in an aqueous medium (aqueous phase) to induce a reaction in the binder resin. This produces a dispersion comprising a prepolymer in which the toner materials are emulsified or dispersed. Subsequently, the organic solvent is removed from the dispersion, and the mixture is filtered, washed, and dried, and further fractionated as needed, to produce toner base particles. The base particles thus obtained using the dissolution-suspension method are granulated to provide a toner according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0195] There are no particular restrictions on organic solvents, and they can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. However, organic solvents with boiling points below 150°C are preferred because they are easily removed.

[0196] Organic solvents with boiling points below 150°C are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include, but are not limited to, toluene, xylene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, chloroform, monochlorobenzene, vinylidene chloride, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more types. Among them, ethyl acetate, toluene, xylene, benzene, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride are preferred, with ethyl acetate being more preferred.

[0197] There are no particular limitations on aqueous media, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include, but are not limited to, water, water-miscible solvents, and mixtures thereof. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more types. Water is preferred.

[0198] There are no particular restrictions on water-miscible solvents, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include, but are not limited to, alcohols, lower ketones, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, and cellosolves.

[0199] There are no particular restrictions on alcohols, and they can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. Examples include, but are not limited to, methanol, isopropanol, and ethylene glycol.

[0200] There are no particular restrictions on lower ketones, and they can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. Examples include, but are not limited to, acetone and methyl ethyl ketone.

[0201] There are no particular limitations on the methods for removing organic solvents from a dispersion, and appropriate methods can be selected depending on the purpose. Examples include, but are not limited to, methods in which the temperature of the entire reaction system is gradually increased to evaporate the organic solvent in the oil droplets, and methods in which the dispersion is sprayed into a dry atmosphere to remove the organic solvent from the oil droplets.

[0202] Fractionation in the dissolution-suspension process can be achieved by removing fine particles from the liquid using cyclone separators, decanters, centrifugation, etc. Alternatively, fractionation can be performed after drying.

[0203] The toner base (parent material) of the toner according to an embodiment of the present invention is manufactured in this manner.

[0204] -The step of mixing external additives and sieving aggregates (mixing / sieving step)-

[0205] In order to adjust the powder properties and charged properties required for the toner, the toner base obtained therefrom is mixed with fine particles (external additives) such as silica or titanium dioxide, and aggregates generated during mixing are removed by sieving.

[0206] As an external additive mixer, a stirring mixer is preferred. Examples of stirring mixers include, but are not limited to, Henschel mixers (manufactured by Mitsui Mining Co., Ltd.), SUPERMIXER mixers (manufactured by Kawata Mfg. Co., Ltd.), and TSK mixers (manufactured by Tsukishima Kikai Co., Ltd.).

[0207] (Developer)

[0208] The toner according to embodiments of the present invention can be used as a developer by mixing with a carrier or the like. In other words, the developer includes the toner according to embodiments of the present invention and may include other components, such as a carrier, selected as appropriate as needed. When the developer is used, an underlayer with excellent fixing properties can be formed on the fabric surface.

[0209] The developer can be a single-component developer or a two-component developer. However, when using developers in high-speed printing presses and other applications where information processing speeds have increased in recent years, two-component developers are preferred from the viewpoint of extending the lifespan of the machine.

[0210] When the toner according to embodiments of the present invention is used as a single-component developer, even when the toner is supplied and consumed, the particle size of the toner changes very little, the toner forms very little film on the developing roller, and the toner adheres very little to components that thin the toner layer, such as a doctor blade. Furthermore, even when the toner is stirred for a long time in the developing apparatus, good and stable developability and images can be obtained.

[0211] The toner according to an embodiment of the present invention is mixed with a carrier to provide a two-component developer, which can be used in an electrophotographic image forming method using a two-component development method. When the toner according to an embodiment of the present invention is used as a two-component developer, the particle size change of the toner is minimal even when the toner is supplied and consumed for a long time, and good and stable developability and image can be obtained even when the toner is stirred in the developing apparatus for a long time.

[0212] As a developing method, a premixed developing method can be employed. This method supplements a premixed developer in which toner and carrier are premixed. In the premixed developing method, the increased amount of carrier in the developing apparatus is discharged as excess developer. This gradually refreshes the developer within the developing apparatus. This allows, for example, to extend the replacement cycle due to developer deterioration and eliminates the need for developer replacement.

[0213] <Magnetic Materials>

[0214] When using a two-component development method, there are no particular limitations on the magnetic fine particles used as the magnetic carrier, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include, but are not limited to, spinel ferrites such as iron powder, magnetite, or γ-iron oxide; spinel ferrites containing one or more metals other than iron (Mn, Ni, Zn, Mg, Cu, etc.); magnetoplumble-type ferrites such as barium ferrite; and iron or alloy particles with an oxide layer on their surface. White magnetic fine particles are preferred in terms of hue. The shape of the magnetic fine particles can be granular, spherical, or needle-like. In particular, when it is desired to strongly magnetize the magnetic carrier, ferromagnetic fine particles, such as iron fine particles, are preferred.

[0215] Furthermore, considering chemical stability, magnetite, spinel ferrite including γ-iron oxide, or magnetoplumble-type ferrite such as barium ferrite are preferred. Specifically, MFL-35S, MFL-35HS (manufactured by Powdertech), DFC-400M, DFC-410M, and SM-350NV (manufactured by Dowa Iron Powder Industries Co., Ltd.) are preferred.

[0216] By selecting the type and content of the ferromagnetic fine particles (carrier), a resin carrier with the desired magnetization can be used. For example, the magnetic property of the resin carrier, the magnetization at 1000 Oersted is preferably 30 to 150 emu / g.

[0217] Such a resin carrier can be manufactured by spraying a molten kneaded product of magnetic fine particles and insulating binder resin using a spray dryer, or by reacting and curing monomers or prepolymers in an aqueous medium in the presence of magnetic fine particles, thereby dispersing the magnetic fine particles (carrier) in a condensation-type binder.

[0218] The charge on a magnetic carrier can be controlled by attaching positively or negatively charged particles or conductive particles to the surface of the magnetic carrier, or by coating the surface of the magnetic carrier with resin.

[0219] As a surface coating material (resin), silicone resins, acrylic resins, epoxy resins, fluorinated resins, etc., can be used. Furthermore, coating can be performed using particles that are positively or negatively charged, or conductive particles. Among these, silicone resins and acrylic resins are preferred.

[0220] In this disclosure, the mass ratio of the carrier in the developer stored in the developing apparatus is preferably 85% by mass or more and less than 98% by mass. When the mass ratio of the carrier in the developer is 85% by mass or more, it is less likely that the toner will scatter from the developing apparatus, and the occurrence of defective images can be reduced. When the mass ratio of the carrier in the developer is less than 98% by mass, it is possible to prevent excessive increase in the charge of the toner used for electrophotographic development, and it is possible to prevent insufficient supply of toner used for electrophotographic development, thereby reducing the occurrence of defective images due to reduced image density.

[0221] The volume average particle size of the magnetic carrier is preferably 50 μm or more and 80 μm or less. In the image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to use a toner with a larger particle size for development in a single pass. When the volume average particle size of the magnetic carrier is 50 μm or more, it can prevent the carrier from adhering to the toner during development. When the volume average particle size is 80 μm or less, it prevents the surface area of ​​the magnetic carrier from becoming too small, maintains a sufficient amount of toner on the surface of the magnetic carrier, and prevents a decrease in development volume, toner scattering, and background contamination.

[0222] (Transfer film)

[0223] The toner and toner set according to embodiments of the present invention are toners and toner sets used to form heat transfer printing sheets. A heat transfer printing sheet is a transfer sheet on which an image is formed using the aforementioned toner or toner set, and is used to transfer the image to a transfer object via heat transfer.

[0224] A transfer sheet can be referred to as a transfer substrate or a substrate used for transfer. Heat transfer can be referred to as heat transfer printing. A heat transfer printing sheet can be referred to as a color image medium, and a color image medium is a transfer sheet on which a color image is printed. The image formed on the transfer sheet can be called a transfer image. The transfer image can be referred to as a color toner layer or a toner layer attached to the transfer material.

[0225] The transfer sheet can be appropriately selected, as long as it can be used as a heat transfer printing sheet to transfer the image when performing heat transfer on the object. Preferably, the transfer sheet has good peelability of the transferred image.

[0226] Examples of preferred transfer sheets include those on a substrate such as paper or a heat-resistant plastic film on which a transfer layer comprising at least a thermoplastic elastomer and a higher fatty acid is formed. When a release layer of thermoplastic elastomer is formed on top of the image, the durability of the image on the transfer object is improved. Furthermore, when higher fatty acids are included, they melt and diffuse during heat transfer into the simultaneously formed color toner layer and the transfer material adhesion toner layer, thereby further improving the flexibility of the layers.

[0227] The color image formed on the transfer sheet (transfer substrate) is a mirror image of the original image, which has been flipped horizontally. After being heat-transferred and printed onto the transfer object, the image is flipped horizontally again to complete the desired image. Similarly, when an additional image is superimposed on the heat transfer printing sheet, a mirror image that has been flipped horizontally from the original image is superimposed.

[0228] To create a horizontally reversed mirror image, the information of the horizontally reversed mirror image is printed on a PC or similar device beforehand. In the case of an image forming device with a scanner function, the original image can be scanned, and the reversed image can be output, or a horizontally reversed mirror image can be scanned.

[0229] (Transfer object)

[0230] The image forming method according to embodiments of the present invention is an image forming method capable of printing on transfer objects of a wider variety of materials and shapes compared to transfer objects formed by direct printing. The image forming method according to embodiments of the present invention may be referred to as a thermal transfer printing sheet image forming method. The transfer object may be referred to as a transfer material, transfer substrate, or recording medium.

[0231] The transfer material can be appropriately selected, and preferably is a thermoplastic material that will not deform excessively by heat and pressure transfer. Examples of transfer materials include a variety of materials such as paper, plastics, fabrics, leather, ceramics, glass, metals, and coated surfaces (e.g., paint surfaces).

[0232] In particular, the heat transfer printing sheet obtained according to embodiments of the present invention is suitable for the field of garment printing.

[0233] The garment is made of, for example, cotton, polyester, polyurethane, nylon, rayon, silk, wool, or mixtures of these fibers. Embodiments of the invention enable the formation of high-quality, highly saturated images on flexible and stretchable transfer objects while maintaining crack resistance and washability.

[0234] In addition, since the image can follow the deformation of highly flexible transfer objects such as leather, a highly durable image can be obtained.

[0235] For the reasons stated above, the transfer object is preferably fabric. For example, embodiments of the invention are preferably used on fabrics such as T-shirts, and images with good wash fastness and good image quality can be formed on the fabric. The fabric is preferably made of cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, or silk fibers, or mixtures of these fibers. In this case, the aforementioned effects can be obtained.

[0236] The toner according to embodiments of the present invention contains a polyurethane elastomer, thus enabling the formation of high-intensity images that possess sufficient image durability even when formed on coated surfaces such as metal, ceramic, glass, or paint surfaces. Furthermore, when the toner according to embodiments of the present invention contains a sufficient proportion of polyurethane elastomer, the aforementioned strength and image durability effects are improved. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can facilitate the customized design and marking of tableware (such as mugs, cups, or plates), accessories, various tools, automotive parts, machine tool parts, furniture, signs, etc.

[0237] (Image forming method, image forming apparatus and processing box)

[0238] Next, an image forming method, an image forming apparatus, and a processing box according to embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0239] The image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention uses a toner according to an embodiment of the present invention or a toner group according to an embodiment of the present invention, characterized in that it includes: an electrostatic latent image forming step of forming an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier of an image forming apparatus; a developing step of developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image; a transfer step of transferring the toner image to a transfer sheet; and a fixing step of fixing the toner image to the transfer sheet to produce a thermal transfer printing sheet by the fixing step.

[0240] The image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a toner according to an embodiment of the present invention or a toner group according to an embodiment of the present invention, characterized in that it includes an electrostatic latent image carrier, an electrostatic latent image forming tool (means) for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier, a developing tool for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, a transfer tool for transferring the toner image to a transfer sheet, and a fixing tool for fixing the toner image to the transfer sheet, so as to produce a thermal transfer printing sheet by fixing via the fixing tool.

[0241] The processing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is a processing cartridge containing toner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is detachable from an image forming apparatus including a fixing tool. It is characterized by comprising an electrostatic latent image carrier, an electrostatic latent image forming tool for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier, a developing tool for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, and a transfer tool for transferring the toner image to a transfer sheet. When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the fixing tool fixes the toner image to the transfer sheet to produce a thermal transfer print.

[0242] The image forming method according to embodiments of the present invention may be referred to as a printing method, a printing process, an image output method, or an electrophotographic output method. The image forming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention may be referred to as a printing apparatus, a printing press, an image output apparatus, or an electrophotographic output apparatus. The image forming method can be performed appropriately by the image forming apparatus, the electrostatic latent image forming step can be appropriately performed by an electrostatic latent image forming tool, the developing step can be appropriately performed by a developing tool, and other steps can be appropriately performed by other tools.

[0243] Furthermore, the image forming method according to embodiments of the present invention may include a heat transfer step of heat-transferring an image on the heat transfer printing sheet to the transfer object. In this heat transfer step, it is preferable that the heat transfer printing sheet is brought into contact with the transfer object while heat and pressure are applied. Applying heat and pressure can improve the fixing properties of the transfer object and the image durability.

[0244] The image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably forms a single-layer toner image on the thermal transfer printing sheet, wherein the toner image does not overlap with any other toner image. By forming the toner layer as a single layer, it is expected to simplify the process and reduce costs. As described above, when the toner according to an embodiment of the present invention is the toner (C) containing white pigment and colorant, the toner according to an embodiment of the present invention has low transparency (the transmittance is less than 5%), making it difficult to achieve full color representation using subtractive color mixing as in the case of using conventional electrophotographic color toners. Therefore, it is preferable to premix the colorant and include it in the toner to form each toner layer as a single layer. In this case, overlapping toner layers is not required, and the above-mentioned effects can be obtained.

[0245] Image forming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention is, for example, an apparatus comprising multiple developing stations and equipped with a toner or toner set according to embodiments of the present invention. At each developing station, it is preferable to form a toner layer with a thickness of 15 μm or more in a single pass. However, if sufficient deposition cannot be obtained, the same toner can be used at multiple developing stations, or the number of printing passes can be increased to form an image.

[0246] The required amount of toner deposition varies depending on the material, brightness, etc., of the transfer object (which may also be called the transfer substrate or transfer material). In the case of a smooth transfer object, even when forming an image on a dark (low-brightness) transfer object, a toner layer thickness of 15 μm or more can prevent a decrease in color image saturation and obtain a clear image. Furthermore, a toner layer thickness of 30 μm or more can obtain even clearer color images. When the toner layer thickness is 100 μm or less, it prevents difficulties in setting fixing conditions to prevent thermal and cold offsets, thereby making it easier to obtain stable quality. In image formation according to embodiments of the present invention, it is not necessary to overlap different toners. Therefore, it is possible to print the desired design without overlapping the toners to the point of excessive deposition.

[0247] All of the multiple developing stations can use different color toners, or they can use the same color toner. The color combination is selected according to the purpose. For multicolor printing, using different color toners at each station reduces the frequency of color changes and improves efficiency. For printing using two or fewer colors, a single-color toner can be used in multiple developing stations. For example, the first color toner can be used in the first and second developing stations, and the second color toner can be used in the third and fourth developing stations. In this way, the toner deposition amount for each color can be printed with fewer print runs. Furthermore, a single-color toner can be used in all developing stations, and by doing so, a sufficient deposition amount for each color can be printed in a single print run. In addition, toner color changes are unnecessary in this case, further improving efficiency. However, since this leads to increased equipment costs and installation space, it is preferable to select the color combination according to the purpose and intended use.

[0248] <Examples of Image Forming Devices and Methods>

[0249] Examples of an image forming apparatus and an image forming method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0250] <Electrostatic latent image carrier>

[0251] There are no particular limitations on the structure, size, etc., of the electrostatic latent image carrier, and the electrostatic latent image carrier may be suitably selected from known electrostatic latent image carriers. There are no particular limitations on the shape of the electrostatic latent image carrier, and it may be suitably selected depending on the intended use. Examples of shapes include, but are not limited to, drum-shaped and strip-shaped. There are no particular limitations on the material of the electrostatic latent image carrier, and it may be suitably selected depending on the intended use. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, inorganic photoreceptors such as amorphous silicon and selenium, and organic photoreceptors (OPC) such as polysilane and phthalocyanine polyacetylene.

[0252] Examples of organic photoreceptors include stacked photoreceptors having the following stacked structures: wherein a layer (charge-generating layer) in which a charge-generating material (e.g., metal-free phthalocyanine or titanium phthalocyanine) is dispersed in an adhesive resin and a layer (charge-transfer layer) in which a charge-transfer material is dispersed in an adhesive resin are stacked on a support such as an aluminum drum; and a monolayer photoreceptor having a single-layer structure photoreceptor layer in which both the charge-generating material and the charge-transfer material are dispersed in an adhesive resin on a support.

[0253] In a single-layer photoreceptor, hole transporters and electron transporters can be added to the photoreceptor layer as charge transport materials.

[0254] In addition, an undercoat layer can be provided between the support and the stacked charge-generating layer or the single-layer photosensitive layer.

[0255] The shape of the electrostatic latent image carrier is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the intention. However, a cylindrical shape is preferred. The outer diameter of the cylindrical electrostatic latent image carrier is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the intention. However, the outer diameter is preferably from 3 mm to 100 mm, and particularly preferably from 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0256] <Electrostatic Latent Image Formation Tools and Procedures>

[0257] The electrostatic latent image forming tool is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to intent, as long as it is a tool for forming the electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier. Examples include, but are not limited to, tools that include at least a charging member for charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier and an exposure member for exposing the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier according to the image pattern.

[0258] The electrostatic latent image formation step is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to intent, as long as it is a step for forming an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier. For example, this step can be performed by charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier and then exposing the surface according to the image pattern. This step can be performed using an electrostatic latent image formation tool.

[0259] -Electrified components and live-

[0260] The charged tool includes, for example, a charged component that charges the electrostatic latent image carrier.

[0261] There are no particular restrictions on the live components, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include, but are not limited to, known contact live electrical appliances (chargers) equipped with conductive or semi-conductive rollers, brushes, films, rubber scrapers, etc., and non-contact live electrical appliances that utilize corona discharge, such as corona tubes or grid-controlled corona tubes.

[0262] Charging (charging step) can be performed, for example, by applying a voltage to the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier using a charged component.

[0263] The shape of the charged component can be any form, such as a roller, magnetic brush, or bristle brush, and can be selected according to the specifications and form of the image forming equipment.

[0264] The charged components are not limited to contact charged components. However, contact charged components are preferred because this results in a reduction in the amount of ozone generated by the charged components in the image forming apparatus.

[0265] -Exposure components and exposure-

[0266] The exposure tool includes, for example, an exposure component for exposing an electrostatic latent image carrier.

[0267] There are no particular limitations on the exposure element, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the intent, as long as it can expose the surface of an electrostatic latent image carrier charged by a charged element according to the image pattern to be formed. Examples of exposure elements include, but are not limited to, various exposure elements for, for example, replication optical systems, rod lens array systems, laser optical systems, and liquid crystal shutter optical systems.

[0268] There are no particular restrictions on the light source used in the exposure components, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include, but are not limited to, common light-emitting materials such as fluorescent lamps, tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, mercury lamps, sodium lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), semiconductor lasers (LDs), and electroluminescent (EL) lamps.

[0269] In addition, various filters can be used, such as sharp cutoff filters, bandpass filters, near-infrared cutoff filters, dichroic filters, interference filters, and color temperature conversion filters, to apply light only within the desired wavelength range.

[0270] The exposure (exposure step) can be performed, for example, by exposing the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier to an image pattern using the exposure member.

[0271] Note that in this disclosure, a backlighting system in which the image pattern is exposed from the back of the electrostatic latent image carrier may be used.

[0272] <Developing tools and developing steps>

[0273] The developing tool is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to intent, as long as it is a developing tool equipped with the toner for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier to form a toner image. The toner image is an image transferred to a transfer object, and therefore can be referred to as a transfer material adhesion image. Furthermore, from the perspective of its use in forming a transfer material adhesion image, the toner can be called a transfer material adhesion toner. The toner image can be referred to as a transfer material adhesion image.

[0274] The developing step is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the intention, as long as it is a step in which the toner is used to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier to form a visible image. For example, it can be performed using the developing tool described above.

[0275] As a developing tool, a developing apparatus comprising: a stirrer that electrifies the toner by friction stirring, a magnetic field generating tool fixed inside, and a rotatable developer carrier bearing the developer including the toner on its surface.

[0276] In a developing apparatus, for example, toner and carrier are mixed and stirred, and the toner becomes charged through friction during this process and remains upright on the surface of a rotating magnetic roller, thereby forming a magnetic brush. The magnetic roller is positioned near the electrostatic latent image carrier. Therefore, a portion of the toner constituting the magnetic brush formed on the surface of the magnetic roller moves to the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by electrostatic attraction. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the toner, and a visual image (toner image) made of the toner is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier.

[0277] <Transfer tools and transfer steps>

[0278] There are no particular limitations on the transfer tool, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as it is a tool capable of performing transfer. The transfer tool can be a primary transfer method in which a toner image is transferred to a transfer object, or a secondary transfer method in which a toner image is transferred to an intermediate transfer object and then to the transfer object. For example, transfer tools having a primary transfer tool for transferring a toner image to an intermediate transfer object to form a composite transfer image and a secondary transfer tool for transferring the composite transfer image to the transfer object are preferred.

[0279] There are no particular restrictions on the transfer steps, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as they are steps that enable transfer. The transfer steps can be either a one-step transfer method in which the toner image is transferred to the transfer object, or a two-step transfer method in which the toner image is transferred to an intermediate transfer object and then to the transfer object. For example, a preferred transfer step is one in which an intermediate transfer object is used, and the toner image is transferred once to the intermediate transfer object, and then transferred a second time to the transfer object.

[0280] In the transfer step, the toner image can be transferred, for example, by charging the electrostatic latent image carrier using a transfer belt charger, and the transfer step can be performed using the transfer tool.

[0281] When the image to be transferred to the transfer object is composed of two types of toner (transparent toner and white toner), the transfer can be performed as follows. That is, the toner images can be stacked sequentially on the intermediate transfer object to form the image to be transferred, and the image on the intermediate transfer object can be transferred to the transfer object as a whole.

[0282] Note that there are no particular restrictions on the intermediate transfer object, and it can be appropriately selected from known transfer objects depending on the purpose. For example, transfer belts, etc., can be preferred.

[0283] The transfer tool (primary transfer tool and secondary transfer tool) preferably includes at least a transfer unit that strips the visible image (toner image) formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier to the transfer sheet side by charging it.

[0284] Examples of transfer units include, but are not limited to, corona transferors using corona discharge, transfer belts, transfer rollers, pressure transfer rollers, and adhesive transferors.

[0285] There are no particular restrictions on transfer sheets, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as they can transfer the image of the developed toner and transfer the image on the transfer sheet to the transfer object. Examples of transfer sheets that can be used include, but are not limited to, transfer paper with a transfer layer and release paper or release film with a release layer.

[0286] <Fixing Tools and Fixing Steps>

[0287] After the toner image is transferred to the transfer film, a fixing step is performed to create a heat transfer print. The fixing step can be performed using a fixing tool.

[0288] There are no particular limitations on the fixing tool, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as it is a tool used to fix the toner image transferred to the transfer sheet. However, known heating and pressurizing components are preferred. Examples of heating and pressurizing components include, but are not limited to, combinations of heating rollers and pressure rollers, and combinations of heating rollers, pressure rollers, and annular belts.

[0289] The fixing step is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as it is a step used to fix the toner image transferred to the transfer sheet. The fixing step is characterized in that the toner image stacked by each color developing tool is fixed simultaneously in one go.

[0290] The preferred heating temperature for the heating and pressurizing components is 80℃~200℃.

[0291] Note that in this disclosure, depending on the purpose, for example, known optical fixing devices may be used with or in place of the fixing tool. The surface pressure during the fixing step is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, it is preferably 10 N / cm. 2 ~80 N / cm 2 .

[0292] <Other tools and steps>

[0293] Examples of other tools include, but are not limited to, cleaning tools, discharge tools, recycling tools, and control tools.

[0294] Examples of other steps include, but are not limited to, cleaning steps, discharge steps, recirculation steps, and control steps.

[0295] -Cleaning tools and cleaning steps-

[0296] There are no particular restrictions on cleaning tools, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, as long as they are tools capable of removing toner residues from the photoreceptor. Examples include, but are not limited to, magnetic brush cleaners, electrostatic brush cleaners, magnetic roller cleaners, scraper cleaners, brush cleaners, and mesh cleaners.

[0297] There are no particular restrictions on the cleaning steps, and they can be selected appropriately according to the purpose, as long as they are steps that can remove the toner residue on the photoreceptor, and can be done, for example, by cleaning tools.

[0298] -Discharge tools and discharge procedures-

[0299] There are no particular restrictions on the discharge tool, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as it is a tool that discharges the photoreceptor by applying a discharge bias voltage. For example, discharge lamps can be mentioned.

[0300] There are no particular restrictions on the discharge steps, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as they involve discharging the photoreceptor by applying a discharge bias voltage. For example, the discharge steps can be performed using a discharge tool.

[0301] -Recycle tools and recycling steps-

[0302] There are no particular limitations on the recycling tool, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, as long as it is a tool for recycling toner removed in the cleaning step back into the developing apparatus. For example, known transport tools can be mentioned.

[0303] There are no particular limitations on the recycling step, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as it is a step used to recycle the toner removed in the cleaning step back into the developing apparatus. For example, the recycling step can be performed using a recycling tool.

[0304] -Control tools and control procedures-

[0305] There are no particular restrictions on the control tools, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, as long as they are tools capable of controlling the actions of each tool. For example, devices such as sequencers or computers can be mentioned.

[0306] There are no particular restrictions on control steps, and they can be selected appropriately according to the purpose, as long as they are steps that can control the actions of each step. For example, control steps can be implemented through control tools.

[0307] <Detailed Examples of Image Forming Devices and Methods>

[0308] Next, refer to Figure 1 Examples of image forming devices and image forming methods are described.

[0309] Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 100A shown includes a photosensitive drum 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "photosensitive 10") as an electrostatic latent image carrier, a charged roller 20 as a charging tool, an exposure device 30 as an exposure tool, a developing device 40 as a developing tool, an intermediate transfer object 50, a cleaning device 60 with a cleaning blade as a cleaning tool, and a discharge lamp 70 as a discharge tool.

[0310] The intermediate transfer object 50 is an annular belt and is designed to move in the direction of the arrow via three rollers 51 arranged inside the loop of the belt and tensioning the belt. Some of the three rollers 51 also serve as transfer bias rollers capable of applying a predetermined transfer bias (primary transfer bias) to the intermediate transfer object 50. A cleaning device 90 with a cleaning blade is provided near the intermediate transfer object 50. In addition, a transfer roller 80 serving as a transfer tool is provided near the intermediate transfer object 50, opposite to the intermediate transfer object 50, and this transfer roller 80 is capable of applying a transfer bias for transferring the toner image (secondary transfer) to the transfer sheet 95, which serves as a recording medium. Around the intermediate transfer object 50, in the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer object 50, between the contact portion between the photoreceptor 10 and the intermediate transfer object 50 and the contact portion between the intermediate transfer object 50 and the transfer sheet 95, a corona discharge device 58 for applying charge to the toner image on the intermediate transfer object 50 is provided.

[0311] Note that in this embodiment, the elastic intermediate transfer tape can also be used as the intermediate transfer object 50. For example, an elastic intermediate transfer tape in which a flexible elastic layer is stacked on a rigid base layer that provides a certain degree of flexibility can be used.

[0312] Additionally, a guide member to prevent skewing can be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer object 50 to prevent the intermediate transfer object 50 from serpentinizing.

[0313] The following describes an example where black (K) is used as the first color, yellow (Y) as the second color, magenta (M) as the third color, and cyan (C) as the fourth color. The colors are not limited to these.

[0314] The developing apparatus 40 consists of a developing belt 41 that serves as a developer carrier and developing units 45K, 45Y, 45M and 45C arranged around the developing belt 41.

[0315] For example, developing unit 45K includes a developer container 42K, a developer supply roller 43K, and a developing roller 44K. The same applies to developing units 45Y, 45M, and 45C.

[0316] Furthermore, the developing belt 41 is an annular belt that is rotatably tensioned around a plurality of belt rollers, and a portion of the belt is in contact with the photoreceptor 10.

[0317] exist Figure 1In the image forming apparatus 100A shown, for example, the charged roller 20 uniformly charges the photoreceptor drum 10. The exposure unit 30 exposes the photoreceptor drum 10 according to the image pattern, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 10 is developed by supplying toner from the developing unit 40 to form a toner image. The toner image is transferred (first transfer) to the intermediate transfer object 50 by the voltage applied from the roller 51, and further transferred (second transfer) to the transfer sheet 95. As a result, a transfer image is formed on the transfer sheet 95. Note that residual toner on the photoreceptor 10 is removed by the cleaning unit 60, and the charge on the photoreceptor 10 is temporarily removed by the discharge lamp 70.

[0318] Figure 2 Another example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The image forming apparatus 100B has a... Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 100A shown has the same structure, except that it does not include the developing belt 41, and the developing units 45K, 45Y, 45M and 45C are directly disposed around the photoreceptor drum 10 to face the photoreceptor drum 10.

[0319] Figure 3 Another example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 The image forming apparatus shown includes a copying device body 150, a paper feeder 200, a scanner 300, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 400.

[0320] The main body 150 of the copying device has a ring-shaped intermediate transfer object 50 in the center.

[0321] The intermediate transfer objects 50 are stretched taut on support rollers 14, 15, and 16, and... Figure 3 The intermediate transfer object 50 can rotate clockwise. An intermediate transfer object cleaning device 17 for removing residual toner from the intermediate transfer object 50 is provided near the support roller 15. The tandem developing unit 120 is arranged along the transport direction of the intermediate transfer object 50 tensioned on the support rollers 14 and 15, so as to face four image forming tools 18 arranged side-by-side, namely the first, second, third, and fourth image forming tools. An exposure device 21, serving as an exposure component, is provided near the tandem developing unit 120.

[0322] The secondary transfer unit 22 is positioned opposite the intermediate transfer object 50 to the side where the tandem developing unit 120 is located. In the secondary transfer unit 22, an annular secondary transfer belt 24 is tensioned on a pair of rollers 23, and the transfer sheet conveyed on the secondary transfer belt 24 can come into contact with the intermediate transfer object 50. A fixing unit 25, serving as a fixing tool, is located near the secondary transfer unit 22. The fixing unit 25 includes an annular fixing belt 26 and a pressure roller 27 configured to be pressed by the fixing belt 26.

[0323] Note that in this tandem image forming apparatus, the film flipping device 28 is located near the secondary transfer device 22 and the fixing device 25 to flip the transfer film to form an image on both sides of the transfer film.

[0324] Next, the formation of a transfer material adhesion image using the tandem developing apparatus 120 is described. Specifically, first, the original document is placed on the table 130 of the automatic document feeder (ADF) 400, or the automatic document feeder 400 is turned on, the original document is placed on the contact glass 32 of the scanner 300, and then the automatic document feeder 400 is turned off.

[0325] When the start switch is pressed, the scanner 300 is activated after the original document is fed onto the automatic document feeder 400, and after the original document is transported and moved onto the contact glass 32. Conversely, the scanner 300 is activated immediately when the original document is placed on the contact glass 32. Then, the first traveling body 33 and the second traveling body 34 begin to travel. At this time, light is applied from the light source through the first traveling body 33, and reflected light from the surface of the original document is reflected by a mirror on the second traveling body 34. The reflected light is received by the readout sensor 36 through the imaging lens 35, causing the original color document (color image) to be read and converted into image information of the first, second, third, and fourth colors, thereby forming a solid image in which all colors are deposited in equal amounts.

[0326] Then, the solid image information is transmitted to each image forming tool 18 in the tandem developing apparatus 120. Then, in each image forming tool, a uniform image is formed across all image forming tools. In this example, image forming tools 18 are configured corresponding to each of K, Y, M, and C.

[0327] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating each image forming tool 18 in the tandem developing apparatus 120.

[0328] like Figure 4As shown, the image forming tool 18 includes an electrostatic latent image carrier 10 for each of K, Y, M, and C, a charging device 160, a developing device 61, a transfer belt charger 62, a cleaning device 63, and a discharging device 64.

[0329] The charging device 160 is a charging tool used to uniformly charge the photoreceptor 10. For example, the exposure device exposes the photoreceptor 10 to light (L) in an image form corresponding to the solid image based on solid image information, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to said image on an electrostatic latent image carrier. The developing device 61 is a developing tool used to develop the electrostatic latent image using each toner to form a toner image. The transfer belt capacitor 62 transfers the toner image onto the intermediate transfer object 50. The cleaning device 63 cleans the photoreceptor 10. The discharging device 64 removes the charge from the photoreceptor 10.

[0330] Note that each image forming tool 18 can be referred to as the first to fourth image forming tools corresponding to K, Y, M, and C. Similarly, each photoreceptor 10 can be referred to as the first to fourth photoreceptor 10 corresponding to K, Y, M, and C.

[0331] Then, each image forming tool 18 forms a monochrome image (first to fourth color images) based on the image information of each color. The first to fourth color images thus formed are sequentially transferred (one-time transfer) onto an intermediate transfer object 50, which is rotated and moved by support rollers 14, 15, and 16. In this way, a color image is synthesized on the intermediate transfer object 50.

[0332] On the other hand, in the paper feed table 200, one of the paper feed rollers 142 is selectively rotated to supply transfer sheets from one of the multi-stage paper feed cassettes 144 in the paper magazine 143. The transfer sheets are separated one by one by the separating roller 145, fed to the paper feed path 146, conveyed by the transfer roller 147, and guided to the paper feed path 148 within the copying apparatus body 150, where the transfer sheets stop upon contacting the registration roller 49. Alternatively, the paper feed roller 142 is rotated to supply transfer sheets to the manual paper feed tray 54. The transfer sheets are separated one by one by the separating roller 52 and sent to the manual feed path 53, where they also stop upon contacting the registration roller 49.

[0333] Note that the registration roller 49 is typically grounded during use. However, the registration roller 49 can also be used when a bias voltage is applied to remove paper dust from the transfer sheet.

[0334] Then, the registration roller 49 is rotated synchronously with the color image synthesized on the intermediate transfer object 50 to feed the transfer sheet between the intermediate transfer object 50 and the secondary transfer device 22, thereby transferring the color image (secondary transfer) onto the transfer sheet via the secondary transfer device 22. In this way, the color image is transferred and formed on the transfer sheet. Note that the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer object 50 after image transfer is cleaned by the intermediate transfer object cleaning device 17. Furthermore, a collection tool can be provided for receiving the toner, etc., removed by the intermediate transfer object cleaning device 17. A disc tray or the like can be used as the collection tool.

[0335] The transfer sheet, on which a color image has already been transferred, is conveyed by the secondary transfer unit 22 and sent to the fixing unit 25. In the fixing unit 25, the color image (the transfer material adheres to the transferred image) is fixed onto the transfer sheet by heat and pressure. Then, the transfer sheet is switched by the switching claw 55, discharged by the discharge roller 56, and stacked on the output tray 57. Alternatively, the sheet is switched by the switching claw 55, flipped by the sheet flipping device 28, and guided back to the transfer position. After the image is recorded on the back side, the sheet is discharged by the discharge roller 56 and stacked on the output tray 57.

[0336] <Example of a processing box>

[0337] The processing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is molded to be detachable from various image forming apparatuses, and includes at least an electrostatic latent image carrier carrying an electrostatic latent image, and a developing tool for developing the electrostatic latent image carried on the electrostatic latent image carrier with a developing agent to form a toner image. Note that the processing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include other tools as needed.

[0338] The developing tool includes, for example, a developer container that holds developer, and a developer carrier that carries and delivers the developer contained in the developer container. The developing tool may also include adjusting members for adjusting the thickness of the developer it carries.

[0339] Figure 5 An example of a processing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The processing cartridge 110 includes a photosensitive drum 10, a corona discharge device 58, a developing device 40, a transfer roller 80, and a cleaning device 90.

[0340] The photosensitive drum 10 is an example of an electrostatic latent image carrier. The corona discharge charger 58 is an example of a charging tool and charges the photosensitive drum 10. Exposure light L is applied to the photosensitive drum 10 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10. The developing apparatus 40 is an example of a developing tool and performs development. The transfer roller 80 is an example of a transfer unit and transfers the toner image to a transfer sheet. The cleaning apparatus 90 is an example of a cleaning tool and cleans the photosensitive drum 10.

[0341] (Heat transfer device)

[0342] The transfer process, which involves transferring an image formed on a heat transfer printing plate to a transfer object, can be performed, for example, by a heat transfer device.

[0343] A heat transfer device is a device that transfers heat from a heat transfer printing sheet onto a transfer object such as fabric or leather, and it applies heat to the pressing surface with uniform pressure for a certain period of time. Heat transfer devices are also known as ironing presses or hot presses.

[0344] The heat transfer apparatus used in this disclosure can be any commercially available apparatus. When transferring to an object such as a T-shirt, it is preferable that the area of ​​the pressing surface is larger than the area of ​​the object to be transferred. By uniformly applying heat and pressure to the front side of the object to be transferred, a transferred image can be obtained without leaving indentations on the object. Specific examples of heat transfer apparatus include, but are not limited to, GFH-380, GHP-300 (both from SystemGraphi Co., Ltd.), HPT234PS1, HSP-5400, HP-4536A-12, HP-54A, HP-84A, HSP-1513PV-AT, HSP-1010 (both from HASHIMA), TS-ONE (Siser Srl), and TP630M, TP700A (Horizon International Inc.).

[0345] The temperature used for heat transfer can be appropriately selected based on the material and thickness of the object to be transferred. This temperature is higher than the softening point Ts of the toner, and is preferably the heat resistance temperature Th-20℃ of the object to be transferred.

[0346] The pressure used for heat transfer is preferably low, as long as it is sufficient for transfer. For example, a pressure of 1000 g / cm is preferred. 2 The following is more preferably 600 g / cm³ 2 Below, or even more preferably 300 g / cm 2 the following.

[0347] Alternatively, a commercially available iron can be used. However, from the viewpoint of applying heat evenly with uniform pressure, the aforementioned heat transfer apparatus is preferred. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide an image forming system comprising the aforementioned image forming apparatus and heat transfer apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0348] [Example]

[0349] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0350] (Preparation of toners for heat transfer printing films)

[0351] The following is a description of the preparation of a toner (for heat transfer printing films). The formulation is presented in Table 1.

[0352] <Example of manufacturing toner 1>

[0353] -Ingredients for Toner 1-

[0354] • Polyurethane elastomer ECOFREEN POWDER (manufactured by Ecofreen Co., Ltd., softening point 120℃, glass transition temperature -29℃) 50% by mass

[0355] • Polyester resin RN-306SF (manufactured by Kao Corp., softening point 100°C, glass transition temperature 60°C) 20% by mass

[0356] • Wax dispersant (EXD-001, manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0357] • Ester wax (LW-13, manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0358] • Titanium oxide white pigment (PF-739, manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.) 25% by mass

[0359] The raw materials for toner 1 were premixed using a Henschel mixer (FM20B, manufactured by Nippon Coke & Engineering. Co., Ltd.), and then melted and kneaded at a set temperature of 90°C using a batch kneader (WONDER KNEADER “WD S7-30”, manufactured by Moriyama Company Ltd.). The resulting kneaded product was extruded from a 3 mm diameter die using a feed extruder to form filaments, which were then cooled in a water bath at a temperature below 15°C. The solidified filaments were cut using a granulator. This yielded toner granules 1 with a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 2 mm. These granules are a coarsely ground product of the melt-kneaded toner components.

[0360] Next, the granules are placed in a cooler and cooled with liquid nitrogen, then pulverized using a mechanical pulverizer (LINREX MILL LX manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Group). The pulverized product discharged from the pulverizer is sieved through a 25 μm screen, and the unpassed portion is reintroduced into the pulverizer to obtain fine particles that pass through a 25 mesh. The 25-mesh fine particles are returned to room temperature and then classified into fine particles using an air jet classifier (EJ-LABO, manufactured by Matsubo Corp.), while appropriately adjusting the louver opening so that particles smaller than 5 μm account for less than 10% of the total particles, thus obtaining the toner base particles.

[0361] Next, 100 parts by weight of the obtained toner base particles, 1.0 part by weight of additive 1 (HDK-2000 manufactured by Clariant, substance name: silicon dioxide) and 1.0 part by weight of additive 2 (H05TD manufactured by Clariant, substance name: silicon dioxide) are stirred and mixed in a Henschel mixer to produce toner 1 (toner 1 for heat transfer printing film).

[0362] <Example of manufacturing toner 2>

[0363] -Ingredients for Toner 2-

[0364] • Polyurethane elastomer (E780M128 manufactured by Nippon Miractran Co, Ltd., softening point 118℃, glass transition temperature -24℃) 60% by mass

[0365] • Polyester resin RN-306SF (manufactured by Kao Corp., softening point 100°C, glass transition temperature 60°C) 25% by mass

[0366] • Wax dispersant (EXD-001 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0367] • Ester wax (LW-13 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0368] • Carbon black (#44, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.) 10% by mass

[0369] The raw materials of toner 2 are processed in the same way as toner 1 to manufacture toner 2.

[0370] <Example of manufacturing toner 3>

[0371] -Ingredients for Toner 3-

[0372] • Polyurethane elastomer (57F manufactured by BASF, softening point 116°C, glass transition temperature -26.5°C) 45% by mass

[0373] • Polyester resin RN-306SF (manufactured by Kao Corp., softening point 100°C, glass transition temperature 60°C) 20% by mass

[0374] • Wax dispersant (EXD-001 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0375] • Ester wax (LW-13, manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0376] • Titanium oxide white pigment (PF-739 manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.) 20% by mass

[0377] Pigment Blue 15:3 (7919 manufactured by Toyochem Co., Ltd.) 9.5% by mass

[0378] • Carbon black (#44, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.) 0.5% by mass

[0379] The raw materials of toner 3 are processed in the same way as toner 1 to manufacture toner 3.

[0380] <Example of manufacturing toner 4>

[0381] -Ingredients for Toner 4-

[0382] • Polyurethane elastomer (E780M128 manufactured by Nippon Miractran Co, Ltd., softening point 118℃, glass transition temperature -24℃) 45% by mass

[0383] • Polyester resin RN-306SF (manufactured by Kao Corp., softening point 100°C, glass transition temperature 60°C) 20.72% by mass

[0384] • Wax dispersant (EXD-001 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0385] • Ester wax (LW-13 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0386] • Titanium oxide white pigment (PF-739 manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.) 20% by mass

[0387] Pigment Red 254 (Irgazin Red D 3656 HD manufactured by DIC Corp.) 9.1% by weight

[0388] • Carbon black (#44, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.) 0.18% by mass

[0389] The raw materials of toner 4 are processed in the same way as toner 1 to manufacture toner 4.

[0390] <Example of manufacturing toner 5>

[0391] -Ingredients for Toner 5-

[0392] • Polyurethane elastomer (BASF 57F, softening point 116°C, glass transition temperature -26.5°C) 49% by mass

[0393] • Polyester resin RN-306SF (manufactured by Kao Corp., softening point 100°C, glass transition temperature 60°C) 20% by mass

[0394] • Wax dispersant (EXD-001 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0395] • Ester wax (LW-13 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0396] • Titanium oxide white pigment (PF-739 manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.) 25% by mass

[0397] • Carbon black (#44 manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.) 1.0% by mass

[0398] The raw materials of toner 5 are processed in the same manner as toner 1 to prepare toner 5.

[0399] <Example of manufacturing toner 6>

[0400] -Ingredients for Toner 6-

[0401] • Polyurethane elastomer (57F manufactured by BASF, softening point 116°C, glass transition temperature -26.5°C) 55% by mass

[0402] • Polyester resin RN-306SF (manufactured by Kao Corp., softening point 100°C, glass transition temperature 60°C) 30% by mass

[0403] • Wax dispersant (EXD-001 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0404] • Ester wax (LW-13 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0405] Pigment Blue 15:3 (7919 manufactured by Toyochem Co., Ltd.) 9.5% by mass

[0406] • Carbon black (#44, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.) 0.5% by mass

[0407] The raw materials of toner 6 are processed in the same manner as toner 1 to prepare toner 6.

[0408] <Example of manufacturing toner 7>

[0409] -Ingredients for Toner 7-

[0410] • Polyurethane elastomer (E780M128 manufactured by Nippon Miractran Co, Ltd., softening point 118℃, glass transition temperature -24℃) 55% by mass

[0411] • Polyester resin RN-306SF (manufactured by Kao Corp., softening point 100°C, glass transition temperature 60°C) 30.72% by mass

[0412] • Wax dispersant (EXD-001 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0413] • Ester wax (LW-13 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0414] Pigment Red 254 (Irgazin Red D 3656 HD manufactured by DIC Corp.) 9.1% by weight

[0415] • Carbon black (#44, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.) 0.18% by mass

[0416] The raw materials of toner 7 are processed in the same way as toner 1 to manufacture toner 7.

[0417] <Example of manufacturing toner 8>

[0418] -Ingredients for Toner 8-

[0419] • Polyurethane elastomer (BASF 57F, softening point 116°C, glass transition temperature -26.5°C) 69% by mass

[0420] • Wax dispersant (EXD-001 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0421] • Ester wax (LW-13 manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 2.5% by mass

[0422] • Titanium oxide white pigment (PF-739 manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.) 25% by mass

[0423] • Carbon black (#44 manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.) 1.0% by mass

[0424] The raw materials of toner 8 are processed in the same way as toner 1 to manufacture toner 8.

[0425] (Carrier manufacturing)

[0426] -Carrier raw materials-

[0427] 710 parts by weight of IP solvent

[0428] • ECF-800 (manufactured by Titan Kogyo, Ltd., a fine mixture of alumina, tin oxide, and phosphorus pentoxide) 220 parts by weight

[0429] • R5T (manufactured by Dow Toray Co., Ltd., silicone / acrylic resin / toluene solution) 40 parts by weight

[0430] • RCF-2130 (manufactured by Dow Toray Co., Ltd., polyolefin siloxane / toluene solution) 400 parts by weight

[0431] • CTC-754 (manufactured by Matsumoto Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., isopropoxybis(ethyl acetate)titanium) 45 parts by weight

[0432] • RSH-602 (manufactured by Dow Toray Co., Ltd., r-(2-aminoethyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane) 5 parts by weight

[0433] The above raw materials were dispersed in a homogenizer (HOMOMIXER) for 20 minutes to prepare a resin coating solution. Using a fluidized bed coating apparatus, the resin coating solution was applied to the surface of 7200 parts by weight of spherical manganese magnesium ferrite with an average particle size of 70 μm to manufacture a carrier.

[0434] (Developer manufacturing)

[0435] Using a ball mill, 7 parts by weight of each of toners 1 to 8 and 93 parts by weight of carrier are mixed to produce a developer. An image is formed on a transfer film using each developer thus prepared, as shown below.

[0436] (Example 1)

[0437] The following outputs a color image. The color image is output using a Ricoh ProC7200S production printing press manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd. This equipment includes a fifth station for placing special color toners and a station for process colors.

[0438] Toner 1 and its developer are installed in the fifth station, which is used to hold special color toners.

[0439] Install toner 2 and its developer in the black station.

[0440] Install toner 3 and its developer in the cyan station.

[0441] Install toner 4 and its developer in the magenta station.

[0442] Install toner 5 and its developer in the yellow station.

[0443] Figure 6 The output is a color image featuring the Ricoh logo and the New Zealand flag. The flag was chosen because it was considered suitable for color evaluation.

[0444] Using the above-mentioned equipment, [the following will be] Figure 6The design presented is displayed as a mirror image, rotated horizontally, and output onto a transfer sheet (FORCE-IN PAPER A3 sheet manufactured by QuickArt Online Shop). When outputting the image, the respective representations are printed on the transfer sheet. Figure 6 Each color of the image is represented by a single layer of toner. The white portion of the flag is represented using white toner. In this way, heat transfer printing sheet 1 is created.

[0445] The standard deposition amount of each toner on the transfer film was set to 26 mg / cm². 2 Furthermore, the toner layer thickness was set to 15 μm. This standard deposition rate and toner layer thickness can be achieved due to the large toner particle size.

[0446] Table 1 presents the transmittance for all visible wavelengths when a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm is formed on a transfer film using toner 1. In Table 1, the term "<1" indicates a transmittance of less than 1%. The transmittance in this disclosure refers to the maximum transmittance within the visible wavelength range (380–780 nm).

[0447] The transmittance of a 30 μm thick solid image generated on an OHP substrate was measured using a UV / Vis / NIR spectrophotometer (UV-3600 manufactured by Shimadzu Corp.) with a membrane support under the following conditions.

[0448] • Wavelength range: 380 nm to 780 nm

[0449] • Scanning speed: Medium

[0450] • Sampling interval: 0.5 nm

[0451] • Slit width: 5.0 nm

[0452] (Example 2)

[0453] Image formation was performed under the same conditions as the heat transfer printing sheet of Example 1 to produce a standard deposition amount of 52 mg / cm³ for each toner. 2 Furthermore, the toner layer thickness is 30 μm for the heat transfer printing sheet 2.

[0454] (Example 3)

[0455] In the manufacture of the heat transfer printing sheet in Example 1, the output heat transfer printing sheet is returned to the paper reservoir to reprint the same design. This operation is repeated four times for image formation to produce a standard deposition amount of 104 mg / cm³ for each toner. 2 Furthermore, the toner layer thickness is 60 μm for the heat transfer printing sheet 3.

[0456] (Comparative Example 1)

[0457] Using the same equipment and the same transfer sheet as in Example 1, the same evaluation image as in Example 1 was output. Figure 6 ).

[0458] In Comparative Example 1, RICOH Pro Toner White C7100 (pure white toner) was installed in the fifth station for placing special colors, and RICOH Pro Toner C7200 series (pure color toner) was installed in each process color station. The white portion of the national flag was represented using the pure white toner.

[0459] The standard deposition rate for each colorant was set at 0.45 mg / cm³. 2 Furthermore, the standard deposition amount of the white toner was set at 1.70 mg / cm³. 2 In this way, a heat transfer printing sheet 4 with an image having a toner layer thickness of 10 μm was manufactured.

[0460] RICOH Pro Toner C7200 series (Pure Color Toners) are toners that include polyester, thermoplastic elastomers (polyurethane elastomers), and waxes.

[0461] In addition, RICOH Pro Toner White C7100 (pure white toner) does not include thermoplastic elastomers (polyurethane elastomers).

[0462] Measurements were taken using a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm for all visible wavelengths. The pure color toners had the following transmittance: 20% for cyan toners, 70% for magenta toners, and 80% for yellow toners.

[0463] Using a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm, the pure white toner exhibits a transmittance of less than 1% for all visible light wavelengths.

[0464] (Comparative Example 2)

[0465] In Comparative Example 1, a transfer film was formed on the transfer sheet. Figure 6 After the image is printed, a masking image is printed by applying the pure white toner over the image to create a heat transfer printing sheet 5 with an image having a white toner layer thickness of 20 μm.

[0466] (Comparative Example 3)

[0467] In Comparative Example 2, after masking the image with the pure white toner, the printing was repeated to form a layer of the pure white toner with a toner layer thickness of 35 μm, thereby producing a heat transfer printing sheet 6.

[0468] (Comparative Example 4)

[0469] In Comparative Example 4, the toner was installed as follows.

[0470] Toner 1 and its developer are installed in the fifth station, which is used to hold special color toners.

[0471] Install toner 2 and its developer in the black station.

[0472] Install toner 6 and its developer in the cyan station.

[0473] Install toner 7 and its developer in the magenta station.

[0474] Install toner 8 and its developer in the yellow station.

[0475] Apart from the changes described above, the heat transfer printing sheet 7 is manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0476] (Comparative Example 5)

[0477] Except that the toner is applied in the same manner as in Comparative Example 4, the heat transfer printing sheet 8 is manufactured in the same manner as in Example 2.

[0478] (Comparative Example 6)

[0479] Except that the toner is applied in the same manner as in Comparative Example 4, the heat transfer printing sheet 9 is manufactured in the same manner as in Example 3.

[0480] (evaluate)

[0481] An image was formed on the transfer object as described below for evaluation. The results are presented in Table 2.

[0482] Image formation on the transfer object (white T-shirt)

[0483] Using the heat transfer printing sheet manufactured above, an image is formed on a white T-shirt (manufactured by United Athle, 5.6 oz, high-quality T-shirt, low bleed) as the transfer object, as shown below.

[0484] The heat transfer printing sheet is placed on the T-shirt and placed in a heat press (model HT P234PS1, manufactured by Piotec Co., Ltd.) to be heated at a temperature of 130°C and 300 g / cm³. 2The heat is applied and pressurized for 20 seconds. Then the transfer sheet is peeled off, thus transferring the image from the heat transfer sheet onto the T-shirt.

[0485] Next, release paper is placed over the image transferred onto the T-shirt, and the T-shirt is then heated to 130°C and 300 g / cm³. 2 Under pressure, reheat and pressurize for 20 seconds. After that, peel off the release paper to complete the printing on the T-shirt.

[0486] Image formation on the transfer object (black T-shirt)

[0487] Except for using a black T-shirt (made by United Athle, 4.7 oz, dry silky-touch T-shirt, low bleed) instead of a white T-shirt as the transfer object, the printed T-shirt is made in the same way as the image formed on the white T-shirt described above.

[0488] <Evaluation of Fixative Performance>

[0489] The fixing properties of the two types of printed T-shirts obtained in the Examples and Comparative Examples were evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. Fixing properties were evaluated by visually inspecting the printed T-shirts for color loss, peeling, and image cracking.

[0490] [Evaluation Criteria]

[0491] Good: No color loss, peeling, or cracking on the printed T-shirt.

[0492] Poor: There is some color loss, peeling, or cracking on the printed T-shirts.

[0493] In Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the fixing properties of both types of printed T-shirts were satisfactory. However, in Comparative Example 3, peeling or cracking occurred in the white areas. In Comparative Examples 4 to 6, some areas of the gray lettering showed color loss.

[0494] <Evaluation of Wash Fastness>

[0495] The following is an evaluation of wash fastness (also known as wash and dry durability).

[0496] The two types of printed T-shirts obtained in each of the Examples and Comparative Examples were washed and dehydrated using a vertical fully automatic washing machine (AW-425M manufactured by Toshiba Corp.) and a neutral detergent (SUPER NANOX manufactured by LionCorp.). The printed T-shirts were then placed in a dryer (NH-D402P manufactured by Panasonic Corp.) for automatic drying. This cycle was repeated 5 times.

[0497] The following evaluation criteria will be used. “Excellent” and “Good” are acceptable, while “Poor” is unacceptable.

[0498] [Evaluation Criteria]

[0499] Excellent: No image degradation even after 5 wash and dry cycles.

[0500] Good: After 5 wash and dry cycles, some images cracked and peeled but no peeling occurred.

[0501] Poor: Additionally, there was some peeling after 5 wash and dry cycles.

[0502] Example 1 showed some cracking but no peeling. Examples 2 and 3, as well as Comparative Examples 5 and 6, showed no deterioration and were excellent. Comparative Examples 1 and 4 showed some cracking but no peeling. Comparative Examples 2 and 3 showed peeling or cracking in the white areas.

[0503] Note that in garment printing where images are formed using heat transfer sheets according to embodiments of the present invention, no fading occurs, and all degradation is caused by image damage such as cracking or peeling.

[0504] <Evaluation of Color Image Reproducibility>

[0505] The reproducibility of the color image caused by the brightness difference of the transfer object is evaluated by comparing the white T-shirt image obtained above with the black T-shirt image.

[0506] The evaluation will be conducted as follows.

[0507] The saturation of the red portion of the white T-shirt image is defined as "a", and the saturation of the blue portion is defined as "b". The saturation of the red portion of the black T-shirt image is defined as "c", and the saturation of the blue portion is defined as "d". The differences in saturation (ac) for the red portion and (bd) for the blue portion are evaluated respectively. The evaluation criteria are as follows, where "excellent" and "good" are acceptable. Under the conditions of "excellent" and "good", it can be concluded that the image on the white T-shirt can be reproduced on the black T-shirt.

[0508] [Evaluation Criteria]

[0509] Excellent: The difference in saturation between the red and blue parts is less than 3.

[0510] Good: The difference in saturation between the red and blue parts is less than 5, and at least one of the differences in saturation between the red and blue parts is greater than 3 and less than 5.

[0511] Poor: The difference in saturation between the red and blue parts is greater than 5.

[0512] In Example 1, the difference in saturation of the red portion was 3 or more and less than 5. In Examples 2 and 3, the differences in saturation of both the red and blue portions were less than 3. In Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 4-6, the differences in saturation of both the red and blue portions were 5 or more. In Comparative Example 3, the differences in saturation of both the red and blue portions were 3 or more and less than 5.

[0513] <Overall Evaluation>

[0514] In the above evaluation, products without any "poor" ratings were considered acceptable. Examples 1 to 3 were acceptable, while Comparative Examples 1 to 6 resulted in "poor" ratings in some evaluations and were therefore unacceptable.

[0515] [Table 1]

[0516]

[0517] [Table 2]

[0518]

[0519] Examples of the present invention are as follows.

[0520] <Aspect 1>

[0521] Toners, including:

[0522] Polyester;

[0523] Polyurethane elastomers;

[0524] Wax; and

[0525] One of the two pigments: white pigment and black pigment.

[0526] When a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm is formed on an OHP substrate, the toner has a transmittance of less than 5% for all visible light wavelengths.

[0527] <Aspect 2>

[0528] The colorant according to aspect 1 further includes a colorant different from one of the white pigment and the black pigment.

[0529] <Aspect 3>

[0530] Toner set, including:

[0531] Toner (A), which comprises white pigment, polyester, polyurethane elastomer and wax;

[0532] Toner (B), comprising black pigment, polyester, polyurethane elastomer and wax; and

[0533] The colorant (C) comprises at least one of a white pigment and a black pigment, a colorant different from the at least one of the white pigment and the black pigment, a polyester, a polyurethane elastomer, and a wax.

[0534] When a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm is formed on an OHP substrate, each toner has a transmittance of less than 5% for all visible wavelengths.

[0535] <Aspect 4>

[0536] According to aspect 3, the toner group includes the white pigment and the black pigment.

[0537] <Aspect 5>

[0538] Image formation methods include:

[0539] An electrostatic latent image is formed on an electrostatic latent image carrier;

[0540] The electrostatic latent image is developed using the toner according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, or the toner group according to aspect 3 or aspect 4, to form a toner image;

[0541] Transfer the toner image to a transfer sheet; and

[0542] The toner image is fixed onto the transfer film to create a heat transfer print.

[0543] <Aspect 6>

[0544] According to the image forming method of aspect 5, the toner image on the heat transfer printing sheet is a single-layer toner image that does not overlap with any other toner image.

[0545] <Aspect 7>

[0546] The image forming method according to aspect 5 or aspect 6 further includes:

[0547] The heat transfer printing sheet is brought into contact with the transfer object, and heat and pressure are applied to it to heat transfer the toner image on the heat transfer printing sheet to the transfer object.

[0548] <Aspect 8>

[0549] According to the image forming method described in aspect 7, the transfer object is a fabric.

[0550] <Aspect 9>

[0551] According to the image forming method described in aspect 8, the fabric includes cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, or silk fibers, or mixtures of these fibers.

[0552] <Aspect 10>

[0553] Image forming apparatus, including:

[0554] The toner according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, or the toner group according to aspect 3 or aspect 4:

[0555] Electrostatic latent image carrier;

[0556] An electrostatic latent image forming tool for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier;

[0557] A developing tool for developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner or the toner group to form a toner image.

[0558] A transfer tool for transferring the toner image onto the transfer sheet; and

[0559] A fixing tool for fixing the toner image onto the transfer sheet to create a heat transfer print.

[0560] <Aspect 11>

[0561] A processing cartridge, detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus including a fixing tool, the processing cartridge comprising:

[0562] The toner as described in <Aspect 1> or <Aspect 2>;

[0563] Electrostatic latent image carrier;

[0564] An electrostatic latent image forming tool for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier;

[0565] A developing tool for developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner to form a toner image; and

[0566] A transfer tool for transferring the toner image to a transfer sheet.

[0567] When the processing box is installed on the image forming device, the fixing tool fixes the toner image onto the transfer film to create a heat transfer printing film.

[0568] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention. Therefore, many additional modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings. For example, within the scope of the invention, elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with and / or substituted for each other. Any of the above operations may be performed in various other ways, for example, in an order different from that described above.

[0569] This patent application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-043724, filed on March 19, 2024, with the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0570] [List of reference numerals]

[0571] 10 photosensitive drums

[0572] 18 Image forming devices

[0573] 20 electrified rollers

[0574] 30 Exposure Device

[0575] 40 developing unit

[0576] 41 developing tape

[0577] 45 developing units

[0578] 50 intermediate transfer objects

[0579] 60 cleaning devices

[0580] 70 discharge lamp

Claims

1. Toners, including: Polyester; Polyurethane elastomers; wax; and One of the two pigments: white pigment and black pigment. When a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm is formed on an OHP substrate, the toner has a transmittance of less than 5% for all visible light wavelengths.

2. The colorant according to claim 1, further comprising a colorant different from one of the white pigment and the black pigment.

3. Toner set, including: Toner (A), which comprises white pigment, polyester, polyurethane elastomer and wax; Toner (B), comprising black pigment, polyester, polyurethane elastomer and wax; and The colorant (C) comprises at least one of a white pigment and a black pigment, a colorant different from the at least one of the white pigment and the black pigment, a polyester, a polyurethane elastomer, and a wax. When a solid image with a deposition thickness of 30 μm is formed on an OHP substrate, each toner has a transmittance of less than 5% for all visible wavelengths.

4. The toner group according to claim 3, wherein the toner (C) comprises both the white pigment and the black pigment.

5. Image forming methods, including: An electrostatic latent image is formed on an electrostatic latent image carrier; The electrostatic latent image is developed using the toner according to claim 1 or 2 or the toner group according to claim 3 or 4 to form a toner image; Transfer the toner image to a transfer sheet; and The toner image is fixed onto the transfer film to create a heat transfer print.

6. The image forming method according to claim 5, wherein the toner image on the heat transfer printing sheet is a single-layer toner image that does not overlap with any other toner image.

7. The image forming method according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: The heat transfer printing sheet is brought into contact with the transfer object, and heat and pressure are applied to it to heat transfer the toner image on the heat transfer printing sheet to the transfer object.

8. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein the transfer object is a fabric.

9. The image forming method of claim 8, wherein the fabric comprises cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, or silk fiber, or a mixture of these fibers.

10. An image forming apparatus, comprising: The toner according to claim 1 or 2, or the toner group according to claim 3 or 4; Electrostatic latent image carrier; An electrostatic latent image forming tool for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier; A developing tool for developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner or the toner group to form a toner image. A transfer tool for transferring the toner image onto a transfer sheet; and A fixing tool for fixing the toner image onto the transfer sheet to create a heat transfer print.

11. A processing cartridge, the processing cartridge being detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus including a fixing tool, the processing cartridge comprising: The toner according to claim 1 or 2; Electrostatic latent image carrier; An electrostatic latent image forming tool for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier; A developing tool for developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner to form a toner image; and A transfer tool for transferring the toner image to a transfer sheet. When the processing box is installed on the image forming device, the fixing tool fixes the toner image onto the transfer film to create a heat transfer printing film.

Images