JP2007316622A - Intermediate transfer material, image forming method and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Intermediate transfer material, image forming method and image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP2007316622A
JP2007316622A JP2007113916A JP2007113916A JP2007316622A JP 2007316622 A JP2007316622 A JP 2007316622A JP 2007113916 A JP2007113916 A JP 2007113916A JP 2007113916 A JP2007113916 A JP 2007113916A JP 2007316622 A JP2007316622 A JP 2007316622A
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intermediate transfer
transfer member
resin
image forming
surface layer
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JP5200413B2 (en
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Masahiko Kurachi
雅彦 倉地
Fumitaka Mochizuki
文貴 望月
Naoko Uemura
直子 植村
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Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an intermediate transfer material excellent in secondary transferability and good in damage resistance of a surface layer, and an image forming method by use of the intermediate transfer material and an image forming apparatus by use of the image forming method. <P>SOLUTION: Provided is the intermediate transfer material, for use in an image forming apparatus in which a toner image carried on an electrostatic latent image carrier is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer material and secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer material onto transfer material, wherein the intermediate transfer material comprises at least a substrate layer and the surface layer, and the main component of the surface layer is cured (meth)acrylic resin or cured acrylic resin. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、中間転写体に関するものである。   The present invention relates to an intermediate transfer member.

近年、フルカラー画像の複写やプリントが可能な電子写真方式の画像形成装置が実用化されている。特にフルカラー画像の転写材への転写方式としては、中間転写体を用いた2次転写方式が、ペーパーフリー性や全面コピーが可能等の点で有利であり、多用されている。   In recent years, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses capable of copying and printing full-color images have been put into practical use. In particular, as a transfer method for transferring a full-color image to a transfer material, a secondary transfer method using an intermediate transfer member is advantageous in terms of paper-free properties and full-surface copying, and is widely used.

中間転写体2次転写方式とは、感光体等の静電潜像担持体上に順次形成されたイエロー(Y)、マゼンタ(M)、シアン(C)、ブラック(Bk)の各色画像を、中間転写体上に順次重ね合わせて転写し、転写されたフルカラーのトナー像を一括して転写材に転写する方式であり、中間転写方式とも呼ばれるものである。   The intermediate transfer body secondary transfer system is a method for sequentially printing yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk) color images sequentially formed on an electrostatic latent image carrier such as a photoreceptor. This is a system in which the images are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto an intermediate transfer member, and the transferred full-color toner images are collectively transferred to a transfer material, which is also called an intermediate transfer system.

しかしながら、従来、中間転写体に用いられていた熱可塑性樹脂、例えばポリイミド樹脂、ポリアミドイミド樹脂等は特に高温高湿環境において、十分な2次転写性が得られなかった。上記課題に対する解決策として、これまで、積層構造の中間転写体による改善が試みられ、特に表面層の低表面エネルギー化についての検討が行われてきた。しかし、2次転写率を向上させると、耐傷性が低下してしまうなど、十分な改善効果を得ることはできなかった(例えば、特許文献1〜4参照)。
特開2003−330216号公報 特開2004−21188号公報 特開2004−4504号公報 特開2005−99182号公報
However, thermoplastic resins conventionally used for intermediate transfer bodies, such as polyimide resins and polyamideimide resins, have not been able to obtain sufficient secondary transfer properties particularly in a high temperature and high humidity environment. As a solution to the above problems, improvement with an intermediate transfer member having a laminated structure has been attempted so far, and in particular, studies have been made on reducing the surface energy of the surface layer. However, when the secondary transfer rate is increased, it is not possible to obtain a sufficient improvement effect such as a decrease in scratch resistance (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).
JP 2003-330216 A JP 2004-21188 A JP 2004-4504 A JP 2005-99182 A

本発明は上記問題を解決する為になされた。即ち、本発明の目的は、2次転写性も良好で且つ表面層の耐傷性が高く、中間転写体とそれを用いた画像形成方法及び画像形成装置を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an intermediate transfer member, an image forming method and an image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer member, which have good secondary transfer property and high scratch resistance of a surface layer.

本発明者らは、十分な2次転写性を有し、かつ、耐傷性を向上させるためには、中間転写体の表面を硬くすることが有効であることを見いだした。特に2次転写性については、中間転写体の表面層を高硬度化すると、押圧に対する変形が少なくなるため、中間転写体からトナー像を2次転写体へ転写する際に、転写圧を加えても中間転写体があまり変形せず、このため、良好な2次転写性が得られるものと考えられる。種々の高硬度化を検討した結果、エポキシ樹脂、シリコーン樹脂、硬化アクリル樹脂、硬化メタアクリル樹脂など種々の表面硬度の高い樹脂の中でも、特に硬化アクリル系樹脂の2次転写性が優れていることを見出し本発明に至った。尚、硬化アクリル系樹脂とは、硬化アクリル樹脂、硬化メタアクリル樹脂の双方を意味する。   The present inventors have found that it is effective to harden the surface of the intermediate transfer member in order to have sufficient secondary transfer properties and improve scratch resistance. In particular, with regard to secondary transferability, when the surface layer of the intermediate transfer member is made harder, deformation due to pressing is reduced. Therefore, when transferring a toner image from the intermediate transfer member to the secondary transfer member, a transfer pressure is applied. However, it is considered that the intermediate transfer member is not deformed so much that good secondary transferability can be obtained. As a result of studying various hardness enhancements, the secondary transferability of the cured acrylic resin is particularly excellent among various resins having a high surface hardness such as epoxy resin, silicone resin, cured acrylic resin, and cured methacrylic resin. And found the present invention. The cured acrylic resin means both a cured acrylic resin and a cured methacrylic resin.

また表面層は、単に固くするだけでは長期にわたって使用している場合に、膜割れ、剥離等が発生するため、可とう性を有する事が好ましく、アクリル樹脂に長鎖アルキル基を有する樹脂であることが好ましいことを見出した。又、長鎖アルキル基を有する樹脂の場合、従来のトナーでのクリーニング性や転写性が十分でないために発生した、種々の問題に対しても良好な効果を示した。   In addition, the surface layer is preferably a resin having a long chain alkyl group in an acrylic resin because film cracking, peeling, etc. occur when it is used for a long time simply by hardening. It was found that this is preferable. Further, in the case of a resin having a long-chain alkyl group, a good effect was also shown for various problems that occurred due to insufficient cleaning and transferability with conventional toners.

即ち、本発明の目的は、下記構成を採ることにより達成される。   That is, the object of the present invention is achieved by adopting the following configuration.

1.
静電潜像担体に担持されたトナー像を、中間転写体に1次転写した後、該トナー像を中間転写体から転写材へ2次転写する画像形成装置における、該中間転写体が、少なくとも基材層と表面層を有しており、該表面層の主要成分が硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂であることを特徴とする中間転写体。
1.
The intermediate transfer member in an image forming apparatus that primarily transfers the toner image carried on the electrostatic latent image carrier to the intermediate transfer member, and then secondary transfer the toner image from the intermediate transfer member to the transfer material. An intermediate transfer member comprising a base layer and a surface layer, wherein the main component of the surface layer is a cured methacrylic resin or a cured acrylic resin.

2.
前記基材層が、表面層の塗布溶剤により溶解或いは膨潤する樹脂と、抵抗調整剤を含有していることを特徴とする1に記載の中間転写体。
2.
2. The intermediate transfer member according to 1, wherein the base material layer contains a resin that dissolves or swells with a coating solvent for the surface layer, and a resistance adjusting agent.

3.
前記中間転写体が、ベルト状樹脂基材上に表面層を設置した中間転写ベルトであることを特徴とする1又は2に記載の中間転写体。
3.
3. The intermediate transfer member according to 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate transfer member is an intermediate transfer belt having a surface layer provided on a belt-shaped resin substrate.

4.
前記硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂が、官能基を2個以上有するモノマーを反応して作製された樹脂であることを特徴とする1〜3のいずれか1項に記載の中間転写体。
4).
The intermediate transfer member according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the cured methacrylic resin or the cured acrylic resin is a resin produced by reacting a monomer having two or more functional groups.

5.
前記硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂が、官能基を5個以上有するモノマーを反応して形成された樹脂であることを特徴とする1〜3のいずれか1項に記載の中間転写体。
5).
4. The intermediate transfer member according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the cured methacrylic resin or the cured acrylic resin is a resin formed by reacting a monomer having 5 or more functional groups.

6.
前記表面層の硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂が、炭素数12以上のアルキル基を有することを特徴とする1〜5のいずれか1項に記載の中間転写体。
6).
The intermediate transfer member according to any one of 1 to 5, wherein the cured methacrylic resin or the cured acrylic resin of the surface layer has an alkyl group having 12 or more carbon atoms.

7.
前記表面層の硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂が、2官能オリゴマーと反応してなる樹脂を主要成分として有することを特徴とする1〜6のいずれか1項に記載の中間転写体。
7).
7. The intermediate transfer member according to any one of 1 to 6, wherein the cured methacrylic resin or cured acrylic resin of the surface layer has, as a main component, a resin obtained by reacting with a bifunctional oligomer.

8.
1〜7のいずれか1項に記載の中間転写体を用いたことを特徴とする画像形成方法。
8).
An image forming method using the intermediate transfer member according to any one of 1 to 7.

9.
8に記載の画像形成方法を用いたことを特徴とする画像形成装置。
9.
An image forming apparatus using the image forming method according to claim 8.

本発明において、表面層の主要成分とは中間転写体の基材層上に表面層塗膜を形成し、かつ、中間転写体の表面硬度を適正に保つのに主要な役割を果たしている成分という意味であり、これによりトナー像の転写性を上げることができる。従って、その機能を充分果たしていれば、成分比としては特に限定はないが、目安としては表面層を構成する全成分中の50質量%以上を占めるものである。   In the present invention, the main component of the surface layer is a component that plays a main role in forming a surface layer coating on the base material layer of the intermediate transfer member and maintaining the surface hardness of the intermediate transfer member appropriately. This means that the transferability of the toner image can be improved. Accordingly, the component ratio is not particularly limited as long as it fulfills its function, but as a guide, it accounts for 50% by mass or more of the total components constituting the surface layer.

尚、硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂の化学構造に係わる説明については後記するが、該樹脂を用いることにより、他の樹脂と比較して、表面層を構成する様々な構成物質との相溶性に優れ、硬化膜を形成した際の内容物質の均一分散性が優れていることにより、良好な転写性と共に高い膜強度がえられると考えられる。   In addition, although the explanation regarding the chemical structure of the cured methacrylic resin or the cured acrylic resin will be described later, the use of the resin makes it compatible with various constituent materials constituting the surface layer as compared with other resins. It is considered that the excellent dispersibility of the content substance when forming a cured film is excellent, and high film strength can be obtained together with good transferability.

又、前記表面層の塗布溶媒によって、溶解或いは膨潤するとは下記の基準によった。溶解するとは、溶媒1L(リットル)に1gの樹脂を添加して撹拌し、液を200μmメッシュの濾布で濾過した液をを乾燥した時、0.01g以上存在していることをいう。膨潤するとは以下の評価方法で定める。100±50μmの肉厚で100mm×10mmの短冊状の試料片を、対象とする溶媒500mlに沈める。温度は22±1℃に保つ。この状態で1分間撹拌した後、樹脂を引き上げ、表面、裏面の溶剤をよくふき取った後、平面の台上に試料を置き、上から厚さ2mmのガラスをかぶせ、樹脂の長さ方向を測定するこのとき、溶剤に浸漬する前の長さに対し0.5%以上伸びた場合を膨潤したものと判断した。   The dissolution or swelling by the coating solvent for the surface layer was based on the following criteria. Dissolution means that 1 g of resin is added to 1 L (liter) of solvent and stirred, and when the liquid obtained by filtering the liquid with a 200 μm mesh filter cloth is dried, 0.01 g or more is present. Swelling is determined by the following evaluation method. A strip-shaped sample piece having a thickness of 100 ± 50 μm and a size of 100 mm × 10 mm is submerged in 500 ml of a target solvent. The temperature is kept at 22 ± 1 ° C. After stirring for 1 minute in this state, the resin is pulled up, the solvent on the front and back surfaces are thoroughly wiped off, a sample is placed on a flat surface, and a 2 mm thick glass is placed on the top to measure the length direction of the resin. At this time, it was determined that the swelling was 0.5% or more with respect to the length before being immersed in the solvent.

さらに積層構造の場合、基材層に使用する樹脂が複素化合物であると、表面層との相互作用が増し、相溶性を高めることができる。これは、樹脂中の炭素原子以外の原子の、非共有電子対による分子間力などが作用しているものと考えられる。   Furthermore, in the case of a laminated structure, when the resin used for the base material layer is a complex compound, the interaction with the surface layer is increased and the compatibility can be enhanced. This is considered to be due to the intermolecular force of atoms other than carbon atoms in the resin due to unshared electron pairs.

また、長期の耐久性を得るためには、中間転写体表面のみを硬くしすぎると、長期使用末期でのクラック発生やひび割れも懸念される。その点から、さらに好ましくは2官能のアクリル系モノマーや長鎖アルキル基を有するモノマーを用いたり、アクリレートオリゴマーを組み込むなど、自由体積を大きくして可撓性を持たせたりすることが好ましい。表面層の極表面付近は硬く、表面層全体ではある程度柔軟な構造の中間転写体は、耐傷性や2次転写性以外に耐久性にも優れている。   Moreover, if only the surface of the intermediate transfer member is too hard to obtain long-term durability, there is a concern that cracks and cracks may occur at the end of long-term use. From this point, it is more preferable to increase flexibility by providing a bifunctional acrylic monomer or a monomer having a long-chain alkyl group, or by incorporating an acrylate oligomer. The intermediate transfer member having a structure that is hard in the vicinity of the extreme surface of the surface layer and is somewhat flexible over the entire surface layer has excellent durability in addition to scratch resistance and secondary transfer properties.

なお、複素化合物とは炭素、水素原子以外の元素原子(窒素、酸素、硫黄など)を含む化合物を指し、具体的な化学構造としては、エステル結合、ウレタン結合、イミド結合、アミド結合、エーテル結合、スルフィド結合などを有するものである。樹脂の具体例としてはポリフェニレンスルフィド、ポリイミド、ポリアミドイミド、ポリカーボネート、ポリエチレンテレフタレート、ポリブチレンテレフタレート、ポリエステル、ポリブチレンサクシネートなどがある。   Complex compounds refer to compounds containing elemental atoms other than carbon and hydrogen atoms (nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, etc.). Specific chemical structures include ester bonds, urethane bonds, imide bonds, amide bonds, ether bonds. And having a sulfide bond or the like. Specific examples of the resin include polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polyamideimide, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester, and polybutylene succinate.

好ましくは、ポリフェニレンスルフィド、ポリイミド、ポリアミドイミド、ポリカーボネート、より好ましくはポリフェニレンスルフィドである。   Polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polyamideimide, and polycarbonate are preferable, and polyphenylene sulfide is more preferable.

本発明により、2次転写性も良好で且つ表面層の耐傷性が高く、中間転写体とそれを用いた画像形成方法及び画像形成装置を提供することができる。   According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an intermediate transfer member, an image forming method and an image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer member, which have good secondary transfer properties and high scratch resistance of the surface layer.

次に、本発明に用いられる化合物、あるいは画像形成方法・装置についてさらに説明する。   Next, the compound used in the present invention or the image forming method / apparatus will be further described.

〔中間転写体の層構成〕
本発明の中間転写体の層構成は、基材層上に表面層を有する構成が好ましく、必要に応じ基材層と表面層の間に、基材層と表面層の接着性をより良くする目的で中間層を設けても良い。図1は、中間転写体の層構成の一例を示す概念断面図である。
[Layer structure of intermediate transfer member]
The layer structure of the intermediate transfer member of the present invention is preferably a structure having a surface layer on the substrate layer, and if necessary, the adhesion between the substrate layer and the surface layer is improved between the substrate layer and the surface layer. An intermediate layer may be provided for the purpose. FIG. 1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing an example of the layer structure of the intermediate transfer member.

図1において、70は中間転写体、701は基材層、702は表面層を示す。   In FIG. 1, 70 is an intermediate transfer member, 701 is a base material layer, and 702 is a surface layer.

本発明の中間転写体の製造方法は、熱線、活性光線、電子線の少なくとも1種を照射して表面層を硬化する工程を有する方法が好ましい。   The method for producing the intermediate transfer member of the present invention is preferably a method having a step of curing the surface layer by irradiating at least one of heat rays, actinic rays and electron beams.

中間転写体の厚さは、その使用目的などに応じて適宜決定しうるが、一般には強度や柔軟性等の機械特性を満足する5〜500μmが好ましく、10〜300μmがより好ましく、20〜200μmが更に好ましい。   The thickness of the intermediate transfer member can be appropriately determined according to the purpose of use and the like, but in general, it is preferably 5 to 500 μm, more preferably 10 to 300 μm, which satisfies mechanical properties such as strength and flexibility, and 20 to 200 μm. Is more preferable.

尚、本発明において、表面とは静電潜像担持体に担持されたトナー像が転写される面のことをいう。   In the present invention, the surface means a surface onto which a toner image carried on the electrostatic latent image carrier is transferred.

次に、本発明の中間転写体の基材層、表面層の組成、中間転写体の作製方法について説明する。   Next, the base material layer and surface layer composition of the intermediate transfer member of the present invention and the method for producing the intermediate transfer member will be described.

以下、中間転写体を構成する各層について説明する。   Hereinafter, each layer constituting the intermediate transfer member will be described.

〔基材層〕
本発明に係る基材層は特に限定されず、公知の材料を用い、公知の形成方法で作製することができる。
[Base material layer]
The base material layer according to the present invention is not particularly limited and can be produced by a known forming method using a known material.

公知の材料としては、金属でも良いが、好ましくは、例えばポリカーボネート、ポリフェニレンサルファイド、ポリフッ化ビニリデン、ポリイミド、ポリアミドイミド、ポリエーテル、ポリエーテルケトン等の樹脂材料、或いはこれらの混合物あるいは共重合物が挙げられる。   The known material may be a metal, but is preferably a resin material such as polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyether, polyetherketone, or a mixture or copolymer thereof. It is done.

形成方法としては、樹脂を溶剤に溶解した塗布液を塗布して形成する方法、樹脂を直接製膜する方法が挙げられるが、樹脂を直接製膜する方法が好ましい。   Examples of the forming method include a method in which a coating solution in which a resin is dissolved in a solvent is applied and a method in which the resin is directly formed, and a method in which the resin is directly formed is preferable.

樹脂を直接製膜して基材層を形成する方法としては、押し出し成形、インフレーション成形等がある。何れの場合も樹脂材料と各種導電性物質を溶融混練して、押し出し機の場合は樹脂を押し出して冷却成形し、インフレーション法の場合は型内で溶融樹脂を筒状とし、その中にブロアーで空気を吹き込み、冷却して無端ベルト形状に成形することにより作製することができる。   Examples of a method for forming a base material layer by directly forming a resin film include extrusion molding and inflation molding. In any case, the resin material and various conductive materials are melt-kneaded, and in the case of an extruder, the resin is extruded and cooled and molded, and in the case of the inflation method, the molten resin is formed into a cylinder in a mold, and a blower It can be produced by blowing air, cooling and forming into an endless belt shape.

以下、ポリフェニレンサルファイドを主成分とする樹脂を用いる基材層を、押し出し成形法で作製する方法について具体的に説明する。   Hereinafter, a method for producing a base material layer using a resin containing polyphenylene sulfide as a main component by an extrusion molding method will be specifically described.

ポリフェニレンサルファイドを主成分とする基材層は、ポリフェニレンサルファイド、エポキシ基含有オレフィン共重合体とビニル系(共)重合体とからなるグラフト共重合体、導電性フィラー及び滑材から形成されている。   The base material layer containing polyphenylene sulfide as a main component is formed of polyphenylene sulfide, a graft copolymer composed of an epoxy group-containing olefin copolymer and a vinyl (co) polymer, a conductive filler, and a lubricant.

本発明で使用されるポリフェニレンサルファイド(PPS)は、フェニレン単位と硫黄原子が交互に並んでなる構造を有する熱可塑性のプラスチックである。   The polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) used in the present invention is a thermoplastic plastic having a structure in which phenylene units and sulfur atoms are alternately arranged.

フェニレン単位は置換基を有していても良いo−フェニレン単位、m−フェニレン単位又はp−フェニレン単位であり、それらが混合されていても良い。好ましいフェニレン単位は少なくともp−フェニレン単位を含み、その含有量は全フェニレン単位に対して50%以上である。フェニレン単位は特に無置換p−フェニレン単位のみからなっていることが好ましい。   The phenylene unit is an o-phenylene unit, m-phenylene unit or p-phenylene unit which may have a substituent, and these may be mixed. Preferred phenylene units include at least p-phenylene units, and the content thereof is 50% or more based on the total phenylene units. The phenylene unit is particularly preferably composed of only an unsubstituted p-phenylene unit.

本発明に使用される導電性フィラーとしては、カーボンブラックを使用することができる。カーボンブラックとしては、中性カーボンブラックを使用することができる。導電性フィラーの使用量は、使用する導電性フィラーの種類によっても異なるが中間転写体の体積抵抗値及び表面抵抗値が所定の範囲になるように添加すれば良く、通常、ポリフェニレンサルファイド100質量部に対して10〜20質量部、好ましくは10〜16質量部である。   Carbon black can be used as the conductive filler used in the present invention. As the carbon black, neutral carbon black can be used. The amount of the conductive filler used varies depending on the type of the conductive filler to be used, but it may be added so that the volume resistance value and the surface resistance value of the intermediate transfer member are within a predetermined range. Usually, 100 parts by mass of polyphenylene sulfide is used. It is 10-20 mass parts with respect to this, Preferably it is 10-16 mass parts.

本発明に使用される滑材は、中間転写体への成形加工性を改良させるものであり、例えば、パラフィンワックス、ポリオレフィンワックス等の脂肪族炭化水素系、ラウリン酸、ミリスチン酸、パルミチン酸、ステアリン酸、ベヘニン酸等の高級脂肪酸、該高級脂肪酸のナトリウム塩、リチウム塩、カルシウム塩等の高級脂肪酸金属塩等である。これらの滑材は単独で用いても良く、また二種以上のものを併用しても良い。滑材の使用量はポリフェニレンサルファイド100質量部に対して0.1〜0.5質量部、好ましくは0.1〜0.3質量部が好適である。   The lubricant used in the present invention improves molding processability to an intermediate transfer member, and includes, for example, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as paraffin wax and polyolefin wax, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearin Higher fatty acids such as acids and behenic acid, higher fatty acid metal salts such as sodium salts, lithium salts and calcium salts of the higher fatty acids. These lubricants may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The amount of the lubricant used is 0.1 to 0.5 parts by mass, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of polyphenylene sulfide.

本発明に係る基材層は、単軸押し出し機に環状ダイスを取り付け、該押出機に上記した材料からなる混合物を投入し、環状ダイス先端のシームレスベルト形状の樹脂吐出口より溶融樹脂組成物を押し出し、その後冷却機構を有する冷却筒に外挿することにより樹脂を固化させて、シームレス円筒形状に容易に成形することができる。   The base material layer according to the present invention has an annular die attached to a single screw extruder, a mixture made of the above-mentioned materials is charged into the extruder, and a molten resin composition is fed from a seamless belt-shaped resin discharge port at the tip of the annular die. The resin can be solidified by extrusion and then extrapolated into a cooling cylinder having a cooling mechanism, and can be easily formed into a seamless cylindrical shape.

このとき、結晶化を起させない工夫として、金型からベルトが吐出された直後に水、エアー、冷却された金属ブロック等で冷却を行うことが好ましい。具体的には金型に断熱材を挟んで付設された冷却筒を用い、これによりベルトの熱を急速に奪う。冷却筒の内側には常に30℃以下に温度調整された水を循環させている。また、金型から吐出されたベルトを高速で引き取ることにより、薄膜化して冷却速度を高めても良い。この場合、引き取り速度は1m/分以上、特に2〜7m/分が好ましい。   At this time, as a device not causing crystallization, it is preferable to perform cooling with water, air, a cooled metal block or the like immediately after the belt is discharged from the mold. Specifically, a cooling cylinder provided with a heat insulating material sandwiched between molds is used, thereby rapidly depriving the belt of heat. Water whose temperature is adjusted to 30 ° C. or lower is circulated constantly inside the cooling cylinder. Further, the belt discharged from the mold may be taken up at high speed to reduce the film thickness and increase the cooling rate. In this case, the take-up speed is preferably 1 m / min or more, particularly preferably 2 to 7 m / min.

環状ダイスの径Dと冷却筒の径dの比、D/dが0.9〜1.1である場合に環状ダイスから冷却筒へ押し出された樹脂を外挿入しながら引き取り装置により引き取る。その際、D/dが0.9〜0.98の場合は冷却筒に樹脂を沿わすために環状ダイスから冷却筒の間に真空引きすることが必要となる。しかし、D/dが0.99〜1.02の場合は環状ダイスから冷却筒の間での真空引きをすることなく冷却筒に樹脂を沿わすことができ、また真空引きでの脈動が起こらず、引き取り方向での膜厚変動が起こり難いという利点がある。   When the ratio D / d between the diameter D of the annular die and the diameter d of the cooling cylinder is 0.9 to 1.1, the resin extruded from the annular die to the cooling cylinder is taken out by the take-out device while being externally inserted. At that time, when D / d is 0.9 to 0.98, it is necessary to evacuate between the annular die and the cooling cylinder in order to run the resin along the cooling cylinder. However, when D / d is 0.99 to 1.02, the resin can run along the cooling cylinder without evacuating the annular cylinder from the cooling cylinder, and pulsation due to evacuation occurs. In addition, there is an advantage that film thickness fluctuation in the take-off direction hardly occurs.

尚、基材層用樹脂としては、この他に例えばポリイミド樹脂を用いても無論同様に作製することが出来る。ポリイミド樹脂による基材形成方法としては、例えば、特開2004−123774号公報、特開2005−14440号公報に記載されている方法等が用いられる。   In addition, as a resin for base material layers, for example, a polyimide resin can be used in the same manner as described above. As a base material formation method using a polyimide resin, for example, methods described in JP-A Nos. 2004-123774 and 2005-14440 are used.

〔表面層〕
本発明に係る表面層に樹脂としては、その主要成分として硬化アクリル樹脂、硬化メタアクリル樹脂を用いる。
[Surface layer]
As the resin for the surface layer according to the present invention, a cured acrylic resin or a cured methacrylic resin is used as the main component.

硬化アクリル系樹脂の表面層は、例えば硬化メタアクリルモノマーまたは硬化アクリルモノマー、あるいはこれらのオリゴマーと重合開始剤を含有する塗膜層を形成後、例えば、紫外線を照射して得ることができる。   The surface layer of the cured acrylic resin can be obtained, for example, by irradiating with ultraviolet rays after forming a coating layer containing a cured methacrylic monomer or a cured acrylic monomer, or an oligomer thereof and a polymerization initiator.

硬化メタアクリルモノマーまたは硬化アクリルモノマー、あるいはこれらのオリゴマーとしては、アクリロイルオキシ基(CH2=CHCOO−)、あるいはメタクリロイルオキシ基(CH2=C(CH3)COO−)を複数有する化合物である。 The cured methacrylic monomer or the cured acrylic monomer, or an oligomer thereof is a compound having a plurality of acryloyloxy groups (CH 2 ═CHCOO—) or methacryloyloxy groups (CH 2 ═C (CH 3 ) COO—).

これらの化合物には硬度と可とう性を両立するため、分子内にアルキル鎖、シリコーン鎖、ウレタン鎖等の滑り成分を組み込むことが好ましい、さらに離型性やクリーニング性を付与するために、長鎖のアルキル鎖を有することが好ましく、より好ましくは炭素数12以上のアルキル鎖を有することが好ましい。この部位が離型部位、滑り性付与部位として長期の実写使用時の画像安定性に寄与する。   In order to achieve both hardness and flexibility in these compounds, it is preferable to incorporate a slip component such as an alkyl chain, a silicone chain, or a urethane chain in the molecule. Further, in order to impart release properties and cleaning properties, It preferably has an alkyl chain, more preferably an alkyl chain having 12 or more carbon atoms. This part contributes to the image stability at the time of long-term use as a mold release part and a slipperiness imparting part.

アルキル基の炭素数とは、非炭素で囲まれた結合の炭素数を意味する。「化7、8」には各モノマーのアルキル基の炭素の最大値を示す。   The carbon number of the alkyl group means the carbon number of the bond surrounded by non-carbon. “Chemical 7, 8” indicates the maximum carbon of the alkyl group of each monomer.

前記表面層の硬化を光によって行う場合は、照射光を吸収しない調整剤を用いることが出来る。調整剤としては、シリコーンオイル、分散助剤、酸化防止剤等がある。   When the surface layer is cured by light, a regulator that does not absorb irradiation light can be used. Examples of the adjusting agent include silicone oil, a dispersion aid, and an antioxidant.

代表的なモノマーを挙げれば、下記構造のものを挙げることが出来る。   If a typical monomer is mentioned, the thing of the following structure can be mentioned.

Figure 2007316622
Figure 2007316622

Figure 2007316622
Figure 2007316622

Figure 2007316622
Figure 2007316622

Figure 2007316622
Figure 2007316622

Figure 2007316622
Figure 2007316622

Figure 2007316622
Figure 2007316622

但し、R及びR′は、下記で示される。   However, R and R 'are shown below.

Figure 2007316622
Figure 2007316622

紫外線硬化樹脂の重合開始剤としては、ベンゾフェノン、ミヒラーケトン、1−ヒドロキシシクロヘキシル−フェニルケトン、チオキサントン、ベンゾブチルエーテル、アシロキシムエステル、ジベンゾスロベン、ビスアシルフォスフィンオキサイド等を挙げることができる。   Examples of the polymerization initiator for the ultraviolet curable resin include benzophenone, Michler ketone, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl-phenyl ketone, thioxanthone, benzobutyl ether, acyloxime ester, dibenzothroben, bisacylphosphine oxide and the like.

尚、表面層は、必要に応じ導電性物質、無機フィラーなどの抵抗調整剤等の添加剤を添加して形成することができる。   The surface layer can be formed by adding an additive such as a conductive material, a resistance adjusting agent such as an inorganic filler, if necessary.

表面層の特性は、紫外線硬化アクリルモノマー又はオリゴマーの種類、とその組成比、紫外線硬化条件等により影響される。   The characteristics of the surface layer are affected by the type of ultraviolet curable acrylic monomer or oligomer, its composition ratio, ultraviolet curing conditions, and the like.

即ち、中間転写体表面層は、形成する硬化(メタ)アクリル樹脂が、2官能以上の官能基を有するモノマーを反応して作製された樹脂であるのが好ましく、5官能以上の官能基を有するモノマーを反応して形成された樹脂、及び、炭素数12以上のアルキル基を有する硬化(メタ)アクリル酸によって造られていること、或いは、2官能オリゴマーと反応してなる樹脂を主要成分として含有することで特によい特性を発揮する。   That is, the surface layer of the intermediate transfer member is preferably a resin prepared by reacting a monomer having a bifunctional or higher functional group with a cured (meth) acrylic resin to be formed. Resin formed by reacting monomers, and made of cured (meth) acrylic acid having an alkyl group with 12 or more carbon atoms, or contains resin that reacts with bifunctional oligomer as main components To exhibit particularly good characteristics.

この理由は、転写性の向上には表面硬度アップが好ましく、表面の硬度を上げるためには、官能基の数が多い事が好ましいためである。2官能以上であれば、架橋膜になり、表面硬度が高くなり好ましく、高転写生を実現するより好ましい態様は、5官能以上の高架橋密度タイプの原料を使うことである。ただし、硬度を上げることにより、膜がもろく割れやすくなる可能性も増すため、分子中に分子鎖の長い構造を有していることが好ましい。炭化水素の場合は、炭素数が12個以上のアルキル鎖を有する化合物を硬化することにより、転写性の向上できる微小領域の硬度と、割れに強いマクロ的な可とう性を有する表面層が得られる。   This is because an increase in surface hardness is preferable for improving transferability, and a large number of functional groups is preferable for increasing the surface hardness. If it is bifunctional or higher, it becomes a cross-linked film, and the surface hardness is preferably increased. A more preferable mode for realizing a high transfer quality is to use a high cross-linking density type raw material having 5 or more functional groups. However, since increasing the hardness also increases the possibility that the film becomes brittle and easily breaks, it is preferable that the molecule has a structure with a long molecular chain. In the case of hydrocarbons, by curing a compound having an alkyl chain with 12 or more carbon atoms, it is possible to obtain a surface layer having microscopic hardness that can improve transferability and macro-flexibility that is resistant to cracking. It is done.

さらにトナーの離型性、クリーニング性、転写性の観点からも炭素数が2個以上のアルキル鎖を有する化合物を硬化することが好ましい。   Furthermore, it is preferable to cure a compound having an alkyl chain having 2 or more carbon atoms from the viewpoint of toner releasability, cleaning properties, and transferability.

硬化するモノマー或いはオリゴマー成分は前記特性を実現するためには、複数種混合した液を硬化し塗膜を形成することが好ましく、例えば、硬度を引き出す官能基を2個以上有する成分と、それ以外の成分の混合、より好ましくは3個以上の成分と、それ以外の成分の混合が好ましい。好ましい混合比としては、官能基を2個以上有する成分が40%以上90%以下、より好ましくは50%以上80%以下の組成の場合が好ましい。本範囲の場合は、硬度と可とう性が両立し、高い2次転写性と耐ひび割れ性が非常に長期間にわたって両立できる効果がある。   In order to realize the above properties, the monomer or oligomer component to be cured preferably cures a mixture of a plurality of types to form a coating film, for example, a component having two or more functional groups that draw out hardness, and other components. Mixing of the above components, more preferably mixing of 3 or more components with other components is preferred. As a preferable mixing ratio, a composition having a component having two or more functional groups of 40% to 90%, more preferably 50% to 80% is preferable. In the case of this range, there is an effect that both hardness and flexibility are compatible, and that high secondary transferability and crack resistance are compatible over a very long period of time.

基材層の上に表面層を設ける方法としては、表面層用塗布液を基材層上にスプレー塗布して塗膜を形成し、塗膜の流動性が無くなる程度まで1次乾燥した後、紫外線を照射して紫外線硬化樹脂を硬化し、更に塗膜中の揮発性物質の量を規定量にするため2次乾燥を行って作製する方法が好ましい。   As a method of providing the surface layer on the base material layer, the surface layer coating solution is spray-coated on the base material layer to form a coating film, and after the primary drying until the fluidity of the coating film is lost, A method is preferred in which the ultraviolet curable resin is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays, and further, secondary drying is performed to make the amount of volatile substances in the coating film a specified amount.

スプレー塗布液は、紫外線硬化アクリルモノマー又はオリゴマーと重合開始剤、希釈溶剤、必要に応じ導電性物質、無機フィラー、抵抗調整剤等を混合後、サンドミルや撹拌装置を用いて分散して作製することができる。   Spray coating solution should be prepared by mixing UV curable acrylic monomer or oligomer with polymerization initiator, diluting solvent, conductive material, inorganic filler, resistance adjusting agent, etc., if necessary, and then using a sand mill or stirring device. Can do.

希釈溶剤としては、紫外線硬化アクリルモノマー又はオリゴマーと重合開始剤を溶解するものであれば特に限定されず、具体的にはn−ブチルアルコール、イソプロピルアルコール、エチルアルコール、メチルアルコール、メチルイソブチルケトン、メチルエチルケトン等を挙げることができる。これらの溶剤の中、基材層が溶解、あるいは膨潤する溶剤を使用した場合は、塗膜形成後の表面層と基材層の接着性が向上して好ましい。   The dilution solvent is not particularly limited as long as it dissolves the ultraviolet curable acrylic monomer or oligomer and the polymerization initiator, and specifically n-butyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone. Etc. Among these solvents, when a solvent that dissolves or swells the base material layer is used, the adhesion between the surface layer and the base material layer after the formation of the coating film is preferably improved.

紫外線を照射する装置としては、紫外線硬化樹脂を硬化させるのに用いられている公知の装置を用いることができる。   As a device for irradiating ultraviolet rays, a known device used for curing an ultraviolet curable resin can be used.

樹脂を紫外線硬化させる紫外線の量(mJ/cm2)は、紫外線照射強度と照射時間で制御することが好ましい。 The amount of ultraviolet rays (mJ / cm 2 ) for curing the resin with ultraviolet rays is preferably controlled by the ultraviolet irradiation intensity and the irradiation time.

〔抵抗調整剤〕
前記した如く、必要により基材層や表面層に抵抗調整剤が添加されるのが好ましい。抵抗調整剤としては、導電性物質の粒子、各種フィラーなどがある。表面抵抗値が109〜1011Ω・cm2がよく、あまり低すぎるとトナー散りが、また高過ぎると転写ムラが発生する傾向がある。
[Resistance adjuster]
As described above, it is preferable to add a resistance adjusting agent to the base material layer and the surface layer as necessary. Examples of the resistance adjusting agent include conductive substance particles and various fillers. The surface resistance is preferably 10 9 to 10 11 Ω · cm 2 , and if it is too low, toner scattering tends to occur, and if it is too high, transfer unevenness tends to occur.

導電性粒子としては、金属、金属酸化物、導電性ポリマー及びカーボンブラック等が挙げられる。金属としては、アルミニウム、亜鉛、銅、クロム、ニッケル、ステンレス及び銀等があり、これら金属をプラスチックの粒子の表面に蒸着したもの等が挙げられる。金属酸化物としては、酸化亜鉛、酸化チタン、酸化スズ、酸化アンチモン、酸化インジウム、酸化ビスマス、アンチモンをドープした酸化スズ或いは酸化ジルコニウム等が挙げられる。又、導電性ポリマーとしては、ポリアセチレン、ポリチオフェン或いはポリピロール等が挙げられる。   Examples of the conductive particles include metals, metal oxides, conductive polymers, and carbon black. Examples of the metal include aluminum, zinc, copper, chromium, nickel, stainless steel, silver, and the like, and those obtained by depositing these metals on the surface of plastic particles. Examples of the metal oxide include zinc oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, antimony oxide, indium oxide, bismuth oxide, tin oxide doped with antimony, and zirconium oxide. In addition, examples of the conductive polymer include polyacetylene, polythiophene, and polypyrrole.

前記表面層の硬化を光によって行う場合には、照射光の吸収が少ない調整剤が好ましく、UV硬化の場合は、酸化スズ、酸化アンチモン等が好ましい。   When the surface layer is cured by light, a regulator that absorbs less irradiation light is preferable. In the case of UV curing, tin oxide, antimony oxide, and the like are preferable.

〔画像形成方法、画像形成装置〕
次に、本発明に係る画像形成方法、画像形成装置について説明する。
[Image Forming Method, Image Forming Apparatus]
Next, an image forming method and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

画像形成装置は、静電潜像担持体(代表的には電子写真感光体であり、以下、単に感光体いうことがある)上に、帯電手段、露光手段、小径トナーを含む現像剤による現像手段、現像手段により形成したトナー像を中間転写体を介して転写材に転写する転写手段とを有するものである。   The image forming apparatus has an electrostatic latent image bearing member (typically an electrophotographic photosensitive member, hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a photosensitive member), and developing with a developer including a charging unit, an exposing unit, and a small-diameter toner. And a transfer means for transferring the toner image formed by the developing means to a transfer material via an intermediate transfer member.

具体的には、複写機やレーザプリンタ等が挙げられるが、特に、5000枚以上の連続プリントが可能な画像形成装置が好ましい。この様な装置では、短時間に大量のプリント作成を行ため転写に係わる故障が出やすく、安定した2次転写が得られる本発明の中間転写体を用いると特に好ましい結果が得られる。   Specific examples include a copying machine and a laser printer. In particular, an image forming apparatus capable of continuous printing of 5000 sheets or more is preferable. In such an apparatus, since a large amount of prints can be produced in a short time, a trouble related to the transfer is likely to occur, and particularly preferable results can be obtained by using the intermediate transfer member of the present invention which can obtain a stable secondary transfer.

本発明の中間転写体の使用が可能な画像形成装置は、画像情報に応じた静電潜像を形成する感光体、感光体上に形成された静電潜像を現像する現像装置、感光体上のトナー像を中間転写体上に転写する1次転写手段、中間転写体上のトナー像を紙やOHPシートなどの転写材上に転写する2次転写手段等を有する。そして、中間転写体として本発明の中間転写体を有することにより、2次転写時に転写不良を発生させずに安定したトナー画像形成を行える。   An image forming apparatus capable of using the intermediate transfer member of the present invention includes a photosensitive member that forms an electrostatic latent image according to image information, a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member, and a photosensitive member. A primary transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer member; a secondary transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer member onto a transfer material such as paper or an OHP sheet; In addition, by having the intermediate transfer member of the present invention as an intermediate transfer member, stable toner image formation can be performed without causing transfer failure during secondary transfer.

本発明の中間転写体が使用可能な画像形成装置としては、単色のトナーで画像形成を行うモノクロ画像形成装置にも用いることが出来る。しかし、感光体上のトナー像を中間転写体に順次転写するカラー画像形成装置、各色毎の複数の感光体を中間転写体上に直列配置させたタンデム型カラー画像形成装置等に用いるのがより好ましい。   As an image forming apparatus that can use the intermediate transfer member of the present invention, it can also be used in a monochrome image forming apparatus that forms an image with a single color toner. However, it is more suitable for use in color image forming apparatuses that sequentially transfer toner images on a photoreceptor to an intermediate transfer body, tandem color image forming apparatuses in which a plurality of photosensitive bodies for each color are arranged in series on an intermediate transfer body, and the like. preferable.

本発明の中間転写体は、特にタンデム型のカラー画像形成に用いると有効であり、図2は、本発明の中間転写体が使用可能な画像形成装置の一例を示す断面構成図である。   The intermediate transfer member of the present invention is particularly effective when used for tandem color image formation, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus in which the intermediate transfer member of the present invention can be used.

図2において、1Y、1M、1C、1Kは感光体、4Y、4M、4C、4Kは現像手段、5Y、5M、5C、5Kは1次転写手段としての1次転写ローラ、5Aは2次転写手段としての2次転写ローラ、6Y、6M、6C、6Kはクリーニング手段、7は中間転写体ユニット、24は熱ロール式定着装置、70は中間転写体を示す。   In FIG. 2, 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K are photosensitive members, 4Y, 4M, 4C and 4K are developing means, 5Y, 5M, 5C and 5K are primary transfer rollers as primary transfer means, and 5A is a secondary transfer roller. Secondary transfer rollers as means, 6Y, 6M, 6C and 6K are cleaning means, 7 is an intermediate transfer member unit, 24 is a heat roll type fixing device, and 70 is an intermediate transfer member.

この画像形成装置は、タンデム型カラー画像形成装置と称せられるもので、主な構成は、複数組の画像形成部10Y、10M、10C、10Kと、転写部として無端ベルト状中間転写ベルトを初めとする中間転写体ユニット7と、記録部材Pを搬送する給紙搬送手段22A〜22D及び定着手段としての熱ロール式定着装置24とを有する。画像形成装置の本体Aの上部には、原稿画像読み取り装置SCが配置されている。   This image forming apparatus is called a tandem type color image forming apparatus. The main structure of the image forming apparatus is a plurality of image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, and an endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer belt as a transfer unit. Intermediate transfer body unit 7, sheet feeding and conveying means 22 </ b> A to 22 </ b> D for conveying recording member P, and heat roll type fixing device 24 as a fixing means. A document image reading device SC is disposed on the upper part of the main body A of the image forming apparatus.

各感光体に形成される異なる色のトナー像の1つとして、イエロー色の画像を形成する画像形成部10Yは、第1の感光体としてのドラム状の感光体1Y、該感光体1Yの周囲に配置された帯電手段2Y、露光手段3Y、現像手段4Y、1次転写手段としての1次転写ローラ5Y、クリーニング手段6Yを有する。また、別の異なる色のトナー像の1つとして、マゼンタ色の画像を形成する画像形成部10Mは、第1の感光体としてのドラム状の感光体1M、該感光体1Mの周囲に配置された帯電手段2M、露光手段3M、現像手段4M、1次転写手段としての1次転写ローラ5M、クリーニング手段6Mを有する。また、更に別の異なる色のトナー像の1つとして、シアン色の画像を形成する画像形成部10Cは、第1の感光体としてのドラム状の感光体1C、該感光体1Cの周囲に配置された帯電手段2C、露光手段3C、現像手段4C、1次転写手段としての1次転写ローラ5C、クリーニング手段6Cを有する。また、更に他の異なる色のトナー像の1つとして、黒色画像を形成する画像形成部10Kは、第1の感光体としてのドラム状の感光体1K、該感光体1Kの周囲に配置された帯電手段2K、露光手段3K、現像手段4K、1次転写手段としての1次転写ローラ5K、クリーニング手段6Kを有する。   As one of the different color toner images formed on each photoconductor, an image forming unit 10Y that forms a yellow image includes a drum-shaped photoconductor 1Y as a first photoconductor, and a periphery of the photoconductor 1Y. A charging unit 2Y, an exposure unit 3Y, a developing unit 4Y, a primary transfer roller 5Y as a primary transfer unit, and a cleaning unit 6Y. An image forming unit 10M that forms a magenta image as another different color toner image is disposed around a drum-shaped photoconductor 1M as a first photoconductor, and the photoconductor 1M. A charging unit 2M, an exposure unit 3M, a developing unit 4M, a primary transfer roller 5M as a primary transfer unit, and a cleaning unit 6M. In addition, an image forming unit 10C that forms a cyan image as one of other different color toner images is disposed around the photoconductor 1C as a drum-type photoconductor 1C as a first photoconductor. The charging unit 2C, the exposure unit 3C, the developing unit 4C, a primary transfer roller 5C as a primary transfer unit, and a cleaning unit 6C are provided. Further, an image forming unit 10K that forms a black image as one of other different color toner images is disposed around a drum-shaped photosensitive member 1K as a first photosensitive member, and the photosensitive member 1K. It has a charging unit 2K, an exposure unit 3K, a developing unit 4K, a primary transfer roller 5K as a primary transfer unit, and a cleaning unit 6K.

無端ベルト状中間転写体ユニット7は、複数のローラにより巻回され、回動可能に支持された中間転写エンドレスベルト状の第2の像担持体としての中間転写体70を有する。   The endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer body unit 7 includes an intermediate transfer body 70 as a second image carrier having an intermediate transfer endless belt shape that is wound around a plurality of rollers and is rotatably supported.

画像形成部10Y、10M、10C、10Kより形成された各色の画像は、1次転写ローラ5Y、5M、5C、5Kにより、回動する無端ベルト状中間転写体70上に逐次転写されて、合成されたカラー画像が形成される。給紙カセット20内に収容された転写材として用紙等の記録部材Pは、給紙搬送手段21により給紙され、複数の中間ローラ22A、22B、22C、22D、レジストローラ23を経て、2次転写手段としての2次転写ローラ5Aに搬送され、記録部材P上にカラー画像が一括転写される。カラー画像が転写された記録部材Pは、熱ロール式定着装置24により定着処理され、排紙ローラ25に挟持されて機外の排紙トレイ26上に載置される。   Each color image formed by the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is sequentially transferred onto the rotating endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, and is combined. A colored image is formed. A recording member P such as a sheet as a transfer material accommodated in the sheet feeding cassette 20 is fed by the sheet feeding / conveying means 21, passes through a plurality of intermediate rollers 22 A, 22 B, 22 C, 22 D, and a registration roller 23, and is secondary A color image is transferred onto the recording member P at a time by being conveyed to a secondary transfer roller 5A as a transfer means. The recording member P to which the color image has been transferred is fixed by a heat roll type fixing device 24, is sandwiched between paper discharge rollers 25, and is placed on a paper discharge tray 26 outside the apparatus.

一方、2次転写ローラ5Aにより記録部材Pにカラー画像を転写した後、記録部材Pを曲率分離した中間転写体70は、クリーニング手段6Aにより残留トナーが除去される。   On the other hand, after the color image is transferred to the recording member P by the secondary transfer roller 5A, the residual toner is removed by the cleaning unit 6A from the intermediate transfer body 70 from which the recording member P is separated by curvature.

2次転写ローラ5Aは、ここを記録部材Pが通過して2次転写が行われる時にのみ、中間転写体70に圧接する。   The secondary transfer roller 5A comes into pressure contact with the intermediate transfer member 70 only when the recording member P passes through the secondary transfer roller 5A and secondary transfer is performed.

また、装置本体Aから筐体8を支持レール82L、82Rを介して引き出し可能にしてあり、筐体8は、画像形成部10Y、10M、10C、10Kと、無端ベルト状中間転写体ユニット7とを有する。   The housing 8 can be pulled out from the apparatus main body A through the support rails 82L and 82R. The housing 8 includes the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, the endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer body unit 7, and the like. Have

画像形成部10Y、10M、10C、10Kは、垂直方向に縦列配置されている。感光体1Y、1M、1C、1Kの図示左側方には無端ベルト状中間転写体ユニット7が配置されている。中間転写体ユニット7は、ローラ71、72、73、74、76を巻回して回動可能な無端ベルト状中間転写体70、1次転写ローラ5Y、5M、5C、5K及びクリーニング手段6Aとからなる。   The image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged in tandem in the vertical direction. An endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer body unit 7 is disposed on the left side of the photoreceptors 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K in the figure. The intermediate transfer member unit 7 includes an endless belt-like intermediate transfer member 70 that can be rotated by winding rollers 71, 72, 73, 74, and 76, a primary transfer roller 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, and a cleaning unit 6A. Become.

実際の画像形成に当たっては、感光体1Y、1M、1C、1K上に帯電、露光、現像によりトナー像を形成し、無端ベルト状中間転写体70上で各色のトナー像を重ね合わせ、一括して記録部材Pに転写し、熱ロール式定着装置24で加圧及び加熱により定着する。トナー像を記録部材Pに転移させた後の中間転写体70は、クリーニング装置6Aで転写時に中間転写体に残されたトナーを清掃した後、上記の帯電、露光、現像のサイクルに入り、次の像形成が行われる。   In actual image formation, toner images are formed on the photoreceptors 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K by charging, exposure, and development, and the toner images of the respective colors are superimposed on the endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 70, and collectively. The image is transferred to the recording member P, and is fixed by pressing and heating with a heat roll type fixing device 24. After the toner image is transferred to the recording member P, the intermediate transfer member 70 cleans the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member at the time of transfer with the cleaning device 6A, and then enters the above-described charging, exposure, and development cycle. Image formation is performed.

〔記録部材〕
本発明に用いられる記録部材としては、トナー画像を保持する支持体で、通常画像支持体、転写材或いは転写紙といわれるものである。具体的には薄紙から厚紙までの普通紙、アート紙やコート紙等の塗工された印刷用紙、市販されている和紙やはがき用紙、OHP用のプラスチックフィルム、布等の各種転写材を挙げることができるが、これらに限定されるものではない。
[Recording member]
The recording member used in the present invention is a support for holding a toner image, and is usually called an image support, a transfer material or a transfer paper. Specific examples include various types of transfer materials such as plain paper from thin paper to thick paper, coated printing paper such as art paper and coated paper, commercially available Japanese paper and postcard paper, plastic films for OHP, and cloth. However, it is not limited to these.

〔本発明にて使用される現像剤〕
トナー像形成のための現像剤については、乾式現像に用いるものであれば特に限定はない。現像方式も特に限定はないので、キャリアとトナーより構成される2成分現像剤でも、トナーだけで構成される1成分現像剤でもよい。但し、1成分現像剤による場合は、ブラックトナー(Bkトナー)以外は、磁性体を含まない非磁性トナーを用いる非磁性1成分現像トナーが好ましいことはいうまでもない。
[Developer used in the present invention]
The developer for forming a toner image is not particularly limited as long as it is used for dry development. Since the developing method is not particularly limited, either a two-component developer composed of a carrier and a toner or a one-component developer composed of only a toner may be used. However, in the case of using a one-component developer, it is needless to say that a non-magnetic one-component developing toner using a non-magnetic toner that does not contain a magnetic material other than black toner (Bk toner) is preferable.

トナーを構成する結着樹脂もスチレン−アクリル系樹脂、ポリエステル系樹脂を始めとする公知のものを用いることができる。トナーの製造方法についても粉砕法・重合法いずれでもよい。   As the binder resin constituting the toner, known resins such as styrene-acrylic resin and polyester resin can be used. The toner production method may be either a pulverization method or a polymerization method.

又、トナーの粒径は体積メディアン径(D50)で、2.5〜7.0μm程度のものが好ましい。   The toner preferably has a volume median diameter (D50) of about 2.5 to 7.0 μm.

次に、本発明の望ましい実施態様とその性能を示し、更に本発明の説明を行う。しかし、無論、本発明の態様はこれらに限定されるものではない。尚、文中「部」とは「質量部」を表す。   Next, preferred embodiments and performances of the present invention will be shown, and the present invention will be further described. However, of course, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these. In the text, “part” means “part by mass”.

1.中間転写体の作製
中間転写体1の作製
(1)基材層の作製
基材層1の作製
3,3’,4,4’−ビフェニルテトラカルボン酸二無水物(BPDA)とp−フェニレンジアミン(PDA)とからなるポリアミド酸のN−メチル−2−ピロリドン(NMP)溶液(宇部興産製ユーワニスS(固形分18質量%))に、導電剤をポリイミド系樹脂固形分100質量部に対して、23質量部になるよう添加して、衝突型分散機(シーナス製GeanusPY)を用い、圧力200MPaで、最小面積が1.4mm2で2分割後衝突させ、再度2分割する経路を5回通過させて混合し、基材層用の導電剤入りポリアミド酸溶液を得た。
1. Preparation of intermediate transfer member Preparation of intermediate transfer member 1 (1) Preparation of substrate layer Preparation of substrate layer 1 3,3 ′, 4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and p-phenylenediamine Polyamide acid N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution consisting of (PDA) (Ube Industries' Euvanis S (solid content: 18% by mass)) and a conductive agent with respect to 100 parts by mass of polyimide resin solid content. , Added to 23 parts by mass, using a collision type disperser (GeanusPY made by Seanas), with a pressure of 200 MPa, a minimum area of 1.4 mm 2 , collided after two divisions, and again passed through a path that divides into two parts five times And mixed to obtain a polyamic acid solution containing a conductive agent for the base material layer.

基材層用の導電剤入りのポリアミド酸溶液を円筒状金型内面に、ディスペンサーを介して0.5mmに塗布し、1500rpmで15分間回転させて均一な厚みを有する展開層とした後、250rpmで回転させながら、金型の外側より60℃の熱風を30分間あてた後、150℃で60分間加熱した。その後、360℃まで2℃/分の昇温速度で昇温し、さらに360℃で30分加熱して溶媒の除去、閉環脱水除去、及びイミド転化反応の完結を行った。その後室温に戻し、金型から剥離し、目的とする無端ベルト状の基材層を得た。この基材層1の総厚は100μmであった。   After applying the polyamic acid solution containing the conductive agent for the base material layer to the inner surface of the cylindrical mold to 0.5 mm via a dispenser and rotating it at 1500 rpm for 15 minutes to obtain a spread layer having a uniform thickness, 250 rpm While rotating at 60 ° C., hot air at 60 ° C. was applied for 30 minutes from the outside of the mold, and then heated at 150 ° C. for 60 minutes. Thereafter, the temperature was raised to 360 ° C. at a rate of 2 ° C./min, and further heated at 360 ° C. for 30 minutes to remove the solvent, remove ring closure dehydration, and complete the imide conversion reaction. Thereafter, the temperature was returned to room temperature, and it was peeled off from the mold to obtain a target endless belt-like base material layer. The total thickness of the base material layer 1 was 100 μm.

基材層2の作製
ポリフェニレンサルファイド樹脂「E2180」(東レ社製) 100部
導電フィラー「ファーネス#3030B」(三菱化学社製) 16部
グラフト共重合体「モディパーA4400」(日本油脂社製) 1部
滑材(モンタン酸カルシウム) 0.2部
上記材料を単軸押し出し機に投入し、溶融混練させて樹脂混合物とした。単軸押し出し機の先端にはスリット状でシームレスベルト形状の吐出口を有する環状ダイスが取り付けてあり、混練された上記樹脂混合物を、シームレスベルト形状に押し出した。押し出されたシームレスベルト形状の樹脂混合物を、吐出先に設けた円筒状の冷却筒に外挿させて冷却し、固化することによりシームレス円筒状の厚さ150μmの「基材層2」を作製した。尚、環状ダイスの径Dと冷却筒の径dの比D/dは1.00とした。
Preparation of base material layer 2 Polyphenylene sulfide resin “E2180” (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) 100 parts Conductive filler “Furness # 3030B” (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) 16 parts Graft copolymer “Modiper A4400” (manufactured by NOF Corporation) 1 part Lubricant (calcium montanate) 0.2 part The above material was put into a single screw extruder and melt kneaded to obtain a resin mixture. An annular die having a slit-like discharge port having a seamless belt shape was attached to the tip of the single-screw extruder, and the kneaded resin mixture was extruded into a seamless belt shape. The extruded seamless belt-shaped resin mixture was extrapolated to a cylindrical cooling cylinder provided at the discharge destination, cooled, and solidified to produce a “base material layer 2” having a seamless cylindrical thickness of 150 μm. . The ratio D / d between the diameter D of the annular die and the diameter d of the cooling cylinder was 1.00.

基材3の作製
基材層の作製にポリウレタンを用いた。
Production of Base Material 3 Polyurethane was used for production of the base material layer.

ポリオール100部を80℃に加温し、導電性カーボン(ケッチェンブラック600JD)10部を添加して撹拌機で1時間分散し、これに80℃に加温されたイソシアネート60部を加えて3分間撹拌機で分散させた。この分散液を遠心成形機に投入し、2000rpm、120℃にて、3時間加熱硬化させた。   100 parts of polyol is heated to 80 ° C., 10 parts of conductive carbon (Ketjen Black 600JD) is added and dispersed for 1 hour with a stirrer, and then 60 parts of isocyanate heated to 80 ° C. is added to add 3 parts. Disperse with a stirrer for minutes. This dispersion was put into a centrifugal molding machine and cured by heating at 2000 rpm and 120 ° C. for 3 hours.

その後、80℃、15時間の条件でエージングを行ってから常温まで自然冷却を行い、成形機より成形品を取り出して端部切除を行い、基材層3を作製した。   Thereafter, aging was performed at 80 ° C. for 15 hours, and then natural cooling to room temperature was performed. The molded product was taken out from the molding machine, and the end portion was cut off to produce the base material layer 3.

[溶解性・膨潤性テスト]
基材層1、2及び3の溶媒による膨潤度を、前記した測定方法で測定した結果を下記に示す。
[Solubility / swellability test]
The result of having measured the swelling degree by the solvent of the base material layers 1, 2, and 3 with the above-mentioned measuring method is shown below.

溶媒はMIBK/MEK=8/2(質量比)を用いた。   The solvent used was MIBK / MEK = 8/2 (mass ratio).

MIBK:メチルイソブチルケトン、MEK:メチルエチルケトン
基材層1 膨潤度(%)0.1>
基材層2 膨潤度(%)1.1
基材層3 膨潤度(%)0.3
(2)表面層の形成
表面層用塗膜組成物
樹脂原料「KAYARAD PET30」(日本化薬) 100部
重合開始剤「Irgacure184」(チバスペシャリティケミカルズ)1.0部
導電性物質「T−1」(酸化アンチモンドープ酸化スズ 固形分濃度20%:三菱マテリアル) 50部
無機フィラー「MEK Siゾル」(固形分濃度50%:日産化学) 20部
潤滑剤「PTFE分散液 NS−10S」(喜多村化学) 30部
レベリング剤「ポリジメチルシロキサン」 1.0部
溶剤「MIBK/MEK(8/2)」 1500部
上記、表面層用塗膜組成物を、混合、撹拌して表面層用塗布液を作製した。前記基材層の円筒ベルトを2軸の回転装置に張架し、回転しながら、表面層用塗布液をにスプレー塗布し、その後30℃のオーブン中で30分1次乾燥を行った後、紫外線強度1kW/cm2の水銀灯でベルト面の平均照射量で、2000mJ/cm2の積算光量を照射し硬化を行い、中間転写体1を作製した。
MIBK: Methyl isobutyl ketone, MEK: Methyl ethyl ketone Base material layer 1 Swelling degree (%) 0.1>
Base material layer 2 Swelling degree (%) 1.1
Base material layer 3 Swelling degree (%) 0.3
(2) Formation of surface layer Coating composition for surface layer Resin raw material “KAYARAD PET30” (Nippon Kayaku) 100 parts Polymerization initiator “Irgacure 184” (Ciba Specialty Chemicals) 1.0 part Conductive substance “T-1” (Antimony oxide doped tin oxide 20% solid content: Mitsubishi Materials) 50 parts inorganic filler “MEK Si sol” (solid content 50%: Nissan Chemical) 20 parts Lubricant “PTFE dispersion NS-10S” (Kitamura Chemical) 30 parts Leveling agent “polydimethylsiloxane” 1.0 part Solvent “MIBK / MEK (8/2)” 1500 parts The above coating composition for surface layer was mixed and stirred to prepare a coating solution for surface layer. . The cylindrical belt of the base material layer is stretched around a biaxial rotating device, and while being rotated, the surface layer coating solution is spray-coated on it, followed by primary drying in an oven at 30 ° C. for 30 minutes, An intermediate transfer body 1 was prepared by irradiating with a mercury lamp having an ultraviolet intensity of 1 kW / cm 2 with an average irradiation amount of 2000 mJ / cm 2 on the belt surface and curing.

Figure 2007316622
Figure 2007316622

Figure 2007316622
Figure 2007316622

中間転写体2の作製
中間転写体1の作製において、樹脂原料をKAYARAD DPHA(6官能アクリルモノマー:日本化薬)70部とKAYARAD PEG400DA(2官能 アクリルモノマー:日本化薬)30部の混合物に変えた以外は同様にして「中間転写体2」を作製した。
Preparation of intermediate transfer body 2 In preparation of intermediate transfer body 1, the resin raw material was changed to a mixture of 70 parts KAYARAD DPHA (hexafunctional acrylic monomer: Nippon Kayaku) and 30 parts KAYARAD PEG400DA (bifunctional acrylic monomer: Nippon Kayaku). An “intermediate transfer member 2” was prepared in the same manner except for the above.

中間転写体3の作製
中間転写体1の作製において、樹脂原料をKAYARAD DPHA(日本化薬)70部とブレンマーLA(1官能アクリルモノマー ラウリルアクリレート:日本油脂)30部の混合物に変えた以外は同様にして「中間転写体3」を作製した。
Preparation of intermediate transfer body 3 In preparation of intermediate transfer body 1, the resin raw material was changed to a mixture of 70 parts of KAYARAD DPHA (Nippon Kayaku) and 30 parts of Blemmer LA (monofunctional acrylic monomer lauryl acrylate: Nippon Yushi). Thus, “intermediate transfer member 3” was produced.

中間転写体4の作製
中間転写体1の作製において、樹脂原料をKAYARAD DPHA(日本化薬)70部とKAYARAD MANDA(2官能アクリルモノマー:日本化薬)30部の混合物に変えた以外は同様にして「中間転写体4」を作製した。
Preparation of intermediate transfer body 4 In preparation of the intermediate transfer body 1, the resin raw material was changed to a mixture of 70 parts KAYARAD DPHA (Nippon Kayaku) and 30 parts KAYARAD MANDA (bifunctional acrylic monomer: Nippon Kayaku). Thus, “intermediate transfer member 4” was produced.

中間転写体5の作製
中間転写体1の作製において、樹脂原料をKAYARAD D310(5官能アクリルモノマー:日本化薬)に変えた以外は同様にして「中間転写体5」を作製した。
Preparation of intermediate transfer member 5 "Intermediate transfer member 5" was prepared in the same manner as in the preparation of the intermediate transfer member 1, except that the resin raw material was changed to KAYARAD D310 (pentafunctional acrylic monomer: Nippon Kayaku).

中間転写体6の作製
中間転写体1の作製において、樹脂原料をKAYARAD DPHA(日本化薬)70部とUX8101(2官能ウレタンアクリレートオリゴマー:日本化薬)30部の混合物に変えた以外は同様にして「中間転写体6」を作製した。
Preparation of intermediate transfer body 6 In preparation of the intermediate transfer body 1, the resin raw material was changed to a mixture of 70 parts KAYARAD DPHA (Nippon Kayaku) and 30 parts UX8101 (bifunctional urethane acrylate oligomer: Nippon Kayaku). Thus, “intermediate transfer member 6” was produced.

中間転写体7作製
中間転写体1の作製において、基材層にニッケル製のシームレスフィルムを用いた以外は同様にして「中間転写体7」を作製した。
Preparation of intermediate transfer member 7 An intermediate transfer member 7 was prepared in the same manner as in the preparation of the intermediate transfer member 1, except that a nickel seamless film was used for the base material layer.

中間転写体8の作製
中間転写体1の作製において、表面層を設置しないこと以外は同様にして「中間転写体8」を作製した。
Preparation of intermediate transfer member 8 An intermediate transfer member 8 was prepared in the same manner as in the preparation of the intermediate transfer member 1, except that no surface layer was provided.

中間転写体9の作製
中間転写体1の作製において、樹脂原料としてシリコーン系のKP854(信越化学工業)100部を用い、90℃120分のオーブン中で硬化した以外は同様にして「中間転写体9」を作製した。
Preparation of intermediate transfer member 9 In the preparation of the intermediate transfer member 1, "intermediate transfer member" was prepared in the same manner except that 100 parts of a silicone-based KP854 (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) was used and cured in an oven at 90 ° C for 120 minutes. 9 "was produced.

中間転写体10の作製
中間転写体1の作製において、樹脂原料をポリメタアクリル酸メチル(PMMA 粘度平均分子量3万)60部を用い、70分のオーブン中で60分間乾燥した以外は同様にして「中間転写体10」を作製した。
Preparation of intermediate transfer member 10 In the preparation of the intermediate transfer member 1, the resin raw material was 60 parts in polymethacrylate (PMMA viscosity average molecular weight 30,000) and dried in an oven for 70 minutes. An “intermediate transfer member 10” was produced.

中間転写体11〜14(PPS基材層)
前記基材層2上に中間転写体1〜4の表面層と同じ条件で設置して、中間転写体11〜14を作製した。
Intermediate transfer bodies 11 to 14 (PPS base material layer)
The intermediate transfer members 11 to 14 were prepared by setting the base layer 2 on the same conditions as the surface layers of the intermediate transfer members 1 to 4.

中間転写体15
前記基材層2上に、中間転写体5のD−310の代わりにPEG400DAを用いた以外は、中間転写体5と同様にして中間転写体15を作製した。
Intermediate transfer member 15
An intermediate transfer member 15 was prepared on the base material layer 2 in the same manner as the intermediate transfer member 5 except that PEG400DA was used instead of D-310 of the intermediate transfer member 5.

中間転写体16、17(中間転写ローラー)
得られた基材3の弾性層上に中間転写体1、2の表面層と同じ条件で設置し、中間転写体16〜17を作製した。
Intermediate transfer member 16, 17 (intermediate transfer roller)
On the elastic layer of the obtained base material 3, it installed on the same conditions as the surface layer of the intermediate transfer bodies 1 and 2, and produced the intermediate transfer bodies 16-17.

中間転写体18
中間転写体13と同様にして作製したが、ブレンマーLAをブレンマーSAに変更して、中間転写体18を作製した。
Intermediate transfer member 18
The intermediate transfer member 13 was prepared in the same manner as the intermediate transfer member 13, but the intermediate transfer member 18 was prepared by changing the blemmer LA to the blemmer SA.

画像評価
上記で作製した「中間転写体1〜18」をコニカミノルタビジネステクノロジーズ社製「C250」を改良して搭載し評価を行った。
Image Evaluation The “intermediate transfer members 1 to 18” produced above were evaluated by mounting “C250” manufactured by Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.

尚、画像形成には体積メジアン径(D50)が4.5μmのトナーと60μmのコートキャリアよりなる2成分現像剤を使用した。プリント環境は高温高湿(33℃、80%RH)と低温低湿(10℃、20%RH)で行った。出力媒体はA4版上質紙を用いた。 For image formation, a two-component developer composed of a toner having a volume median diameter (D 50 ) of 4.5 μm and a coat carrier of 60 μm was used. The printing environment was high temperature and high humidity (33 ° C., 80% RH) and low temperature and low humidity (10 ° C., 20% RH). The output medium was A4 quality fine paper.

プリント原稿はイエロー、マゼンタ、シアン、ブラック各色の印字率がそれぞれ5%の文字画像、カラーハーフトーン画像、べた白画像、べた画像がそれぞれ1/4等分にある画像を用いた。   The printed document used was a character image, a color halftone image, a solid white image, and an image in which the solid image is divided into ¼ equal parts, respectively, for each of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

画像評価は、下記の項目について行った。尚、評価基準は、◎、○は実用上問題はなく、△は実用可能であり何とか合格であるが、×は実用上問題があり、不合格である。   Image evaluation was performed on the following items. The evaluation criteria are ◎ and ○ are practically no problem, Δ is practical and acceptable, but × is practically problematic and unacceptable.

〈転写性〉
転写性は、感光体上に形成されたトナー画像が中間転写体を介して出力媒体上に定着されたときのべた画像の濃度で評価した。具体的には、高温高湿環境(33℃、80%RH)で10000枚のプリントを行い、10000枚目のプリント画像のべた画像部濃度を濃度計で測定し転写性の評価を行った。
<Transferability>
The transferability was evaluated by the density of a solid image when the toner image formed on the photoconductor was fixed on the output medium via the intermediate transfer body. Specifically, 10,000 sheets were printed in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment (33 ° C., 80% RH), and the density of the solid image area of the 10,000th printed image was measured with a densitometer to evaluate transferability.

◎:べた画像濃度が1.40以上で転写性は良好であり、問題なし
○:べた画像濃度が1.25以上1.40未満で、上記よりは転写率がやや低下するが 、実用上問題ないレベル
△:べた画像濃度が1.20以上1.25未満で、転写性が低下するが一応実用可能な レベル
×:べた画像濃度が1.2未満で転写率は悪く、実用上問題となるレベル
〈中抜け性〉
文字を拡大観察し、中抜けの発生の有無を目視にて観察した。
A: Solid image density is 1.40 or more, transferability is good, no problem. ○: Solid image density is 1.25 or more and less than 1.40, transfer rate is slightly lower than the above, but there is a problem in practical use. No level Δ: Solid image density is 1.20 or more and less than 1.25, transferability is reduced, but practically usable level ×: Solid image density is less than 1.2, transfer rate is poor, causing a problem in practical use Level
The characters were magnified and visually observed for the presence or absence of voids.

評価基準は、下記によった。   The evaluation criteria were as follows.

◎:10万枚のプリント終了まで、顕著な中抜けの発生なし
○:5万枚のプリント終了まで、顕著な中抜けの発生なし
△:5枚未満で軽微な中抜け発生あり
×:5万枚未満のプリントで、顕著な中抜け発生あり
〈ハーフトーンムラによる傷の有無〉
高温高湿環境(33℃、80%RH)で10000枚のプリントを行い、10000枚目のプリント画像のハーフトーン部濃度を目視で観察し、傷の有無の評価を行った。
A: No noticeable void occurred until the end of printing 100,000 sheets. ○: No significant void occurred until the end of printing 50,000 sheets. Significant voids occur when printing less than 5 sheets <Scratch due to halftone unevenness>
10,000 sheets were printed in a high temperature and high humidity environment (33 ° C., 80% RH), and the halftone density of the 10,000th printed image was visually observed to evaluate the presence or absence of scratches.

◎:ハーフトーンムラなし、問題なし
○:ハーフトーンムラ1箇所、実用上問題ないレベル
△:ハーフトーンムラ2箇所で、実用可能なレベル
×:ハーフトーンムラ3箇所以上、実用上問題となるレベル
〈中間転写体の耐久性〉
中間転写体の耐久性評価は、低温低湿環境(10℃、20%RH)で3万枚のプリントを行い、1万回転毎に中間転写体表面を目視観察し、ひび割れの発生状態を目視で観察することにより行った。
◎: No half-tone unevenness, no problem ○: One half-tone unevenness, a level that is practically acceptable △: A level that is practical in two half-tone unevenness ×: Three or more half-tone unevenness, a level that causes practical problems <Durability of intermediate transfer member>
The durability of the intermediate transfer member is evaluated by printing 30,000 sheets in a low-temperature and low-humidity environment (10 ° C., 20% RH), visually observing the surface of the intermediate transfer member every 10,000 rotations, and visually checking the occurrence of cracks. This was done by observing.

〈中間転写体表面層の接着性〉
中間転写体の接着性は碁盤目試験にて評価した。1mm角の碁盤目が10×10になるように表面層のみカッターナイフで切り込みをいれ、切り込み部にニチバン社製セロハンテープを丸みのある棒などでこすってテープに十分貼り付ける。テープの一端を45°程度の角度で強く引き剥がす。引き剥がしたテープに付着した碁盤目の数により接着性を評価する。
<Adhesiveness of intermediate transfer member surface layer>
The adhesion of the intermediate transfer member was evaluated by a cross cut test. Only the surface layer is cut with a cutter knife so that the 1 mm square grid is 10 × 10, and the cellophane tape made by Nichiban Co., Ltd. is rubbed with a round stick or the like into the cut portion, and the tape is sufficiently pasted. Pull off one end of the tape strongly at an angle of about 45 °. Adhesiveness is evaluated by the number of grids attached to the peeled tape.

◎:碁盤目剥離数0〜2個以下で接着性問題なし
○:碁盤目剥離数3〜5個以下で実用上問題ないレベル
△:碁盤目剥離数6〜10個以下で実用可能なレベル
×:碁盤目剥離数11個上で実用上問題となるレベル
◎: There are no adhesion problems when the number of cross-cut peels is 0 to 2 or less ○: Level that is practically usable when the number of cross-cut peel is 3 to 5 or less Δ: Level that is practical when the number of cross-cut peel is 6 to 10 or less : Level of practical problem with 11 grids peeled off

Figure 2007316622
Figure 2007316622

表1に示したように、硬化アクリル系樹脂の表面層を設置した中間層は転写性が良好で、かつ耐久性が良好なのに対し、表面層がない中間転写体の転写性は悪く、中抜け故障や耐久性においても悪い。又、シリコーン樹脂の表面層を設置した中間転写体では、接着性、耐傷性が硬化アクリル系樹脂に比べて低く、耐久性が不十分であった。   As shown in Table 1, the intermediate layer provided with the surface layer of the cured acrylic resin has good transferability and good durability, whereas the transfer property of the intermediate transfer member without the surface layer is poor, and the middle layer It is bad in failure and durability. In addition, the intermediate transfer member provided with the silicone resin surface layer has lower adhesion and scratch resistance than the cured acrylic resin, and has insufficient durability.

中間転写体の層構成の一例を示す概念断面図。FIG. 3 is a conceptual cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a layer configuration of an intermediate transfer member. 本発明の中間転写体が使用された画像形成装置の一例を示す断面構成図。1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer member of the present invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1Y、1M、1C、1K 感光体(静電潜像担持体)
5Y、5M、5C、5K 1次転写ローラ
6A クリーニング手段
7 中間転写体ユニット
8 筐体
10Y、10M、10C、10K 画像形成部
70 中間転写体
701 基材層
702 表面層
A 装置本体
P 記録部材
1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K photoconductor (electrostatic latent image carrier)
5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K Primary transfer roller 6A Cleaning means 7 Intermediate transfer body unit 8 Housing 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K Image forming section 70 Intermediate transfer body 701 Base material layer 702 Surface layer A Apparatus body P Recording member

Claims (9)

静電潜像担体に担持されたトナー像を、中間転写体に1次転写した後、該トナー像を中間転写体から転写材へ2次転写する画像形成装置における、該中間転写体が、少なくとも基材層と表面層を有しており、該表面層の主要成分が硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂であることを特徴とする中間転写体。 The intermediate transfer member in an image forming apparatus that primarily transfers the toner image carried on the electrostatic latent image carrier to the intermediate transfer member, and then secondary transfer the toner image from the intermediate transfer member to the transfer material. An intermediate transfer member comprising a base layer and a surface layer, wherein the main component of the surface layer is a cured methacrylic resin or a cured acrylic resin. 前記基材層が、表面層の塗布溶剤により溶解或いは膨潤する樹脂と、抵抗調整剤を含有していることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の中間転写体。 The intermediate transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the base material layer contains a resin that dissolves or swells with a coating solvent for the surface layer, and a resistance adjusting agent. 前記中間転写体が、ベルト状樹脂基材上に表面層を設置した中間転写ベルトであることを特徴とする請求項1又は2に記載の中間転写体。 The intermediate transfer member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate transfer member is an intermediate transfer belt in which a surface layer is provided on a belt-shaped resin base material. 前記硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂が、官能基を2個以上有するモノマーを反応して作製された樹脂であることを特徴とする請求項1〜3のいずれか1項に記載の中間転写体。 The intermediate transfer member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cured methacrylic resin or the cured acrylic resin is a resin prepared by reacting a monomer having two or more functional groups. . 前記硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂が、官能基を5個以上有するモノマーを反応して形成された樹脂であることを特徴とする請求項1〜3のいずれか1項に記載の中間転写体。 The intermediate transfer member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cured methacrylic resin or the cured acrylic resin is a resin formed by reacting a monomer having five or more functional groups. . 前記表面層の硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂が、炭素数12以上のアルキル基を有することを特徴とする請求項1〜5のいずれか1項に記載の中間転写体。 The intermediate transfer body according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cured methacrylic resin or the cured acrylic resin of the surface layer has an alkyl group having 12 or more carbon atoms. 前記表面層の硬化メタアクリル樹脂または硬化アクリル樹脂が、2官能オリゴマーと反応してなる樹脂を主要成分として有することを特徴とする請求項1〜6のいずれか1項に記載の中間転写体。 The intermediate transfer member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cured methacrylic resin or the cured acrylic resin of the surface layer has, as a main component, a resin obtained by reacting with a bifunctional oligomer. 請求項1〜7のいずれか1項に記載の中間転写体を用いたことを特徴とする画像形成方法。 An image forming method using the intermediate transfer member according to claim 1. 請求項8に記載の画像形成方法を用いたことを特徴とする画像形成装置。 An image forming apparatus using the image forming method according to claim 8.
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US9400457B1 (en) 2015-01-16 2016-07-26 Konica Minolta, Inc. Intermediate transfer element and image formation apparatus including the same
JP2016148768A (en) * 2015-02-12 2016-08-18 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Intermediate transfer body and image forming apparatus having the same
JP2016194666A (en) * 2015-04-02 2016-11-17 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Intermediate transfer body and image forming apparatus including the same
EP3136181A1 (en) 2015-08-31 2017-03-01 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus
US10353323B2 (en) 2016-04-22 2019-07-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus
JP2019056776A (en) * 2017-09-21 2019-04-11 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Intermediate transfer body, method for manufacturing intermediate transfer body, and image forming apparatus
JP2019056775A (en) * 2017-09-21 2019-04-11 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Intermediate transfer body, method for manufacturing intermediate transfer body, and image forming apparatus

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