JP4409629B2 - Toner fixing method and fixing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for fixing toner on a recording medium.

  Image forming apparatuses used for printers, facsimiles, copying machines, and the like record images such as characters and symbols on recording media such as paper, cloth, and OHP sheets based on image information.

  There are various types of such recording apparatuses, and electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are widely used in offices because they can record high-definition images on plain paper at high speed. In this electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a thermal fixing system in which toner on a recording medium is fixed by heating and melting and pressurizing is widely used from the viewpoint of fixing speed, fixed image quality, and the like. However, about half or more of the power consumption in such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is consumed for heating the toner. From the viewpoint of environmental problems, a low power consumption (energy saving) fixing device is desired. Yes.

  Therefore, a method has been proposed in which the toner is fixed by dissolving or swelling the toner with a fixing solution and drying it (see Patent Documents 1 to 4). This fixing method is a fixing method that is low in power consumption and excellent as an energy saving measure because it does not require a heat treatment for melting toner unlike the heat fixing method.

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, there is a problem that the organic compound in the fixing solution generates an odor (unpleasant odor or pungent odor).

  An object of the present invention is to provide a toner fixing method and a fixing device capable of fixing toner at a high speed with less generation of odor, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art.

The invention according to claim 1 is a method for fixing toner to a recording medium, comprising a step of applying a fixing liquid to the toner on the recording medium, and the fixing liquid is applied to a solvent containing water. It contains an aliphatic ester that is held in a soluble state and is soluble or swellable with respect to the resin contained in the toner, and the aliphatic ester has the general formula R ₁ COOR ₂
(In the formula, R ₁ is an alkyl group having 11 to 14 carbon atoms, and R ₂ is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.)
A compound represented by the general formula R ₃ (COOR ₄ ) ₂
(In the formula, R ₃ is an alkylene group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and R ₄ is an alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.)
And at least one of a dialkoxyalkyl aliphatic dicarboxylate.

A second aspect of the present invention is the toner fixing method according to the first aspect, wherein the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid dialkoxyalkyl is represented by the general formula R ₅ (COOR ₆ —O—R ₇ ) _2.
(In the formula, R ₅ is an alkylene group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, R ₆ is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and R ₇ has 1 to 4 carbon atoms. An alkyl group.)
It is a compound shown by these.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for fixing toner on a recording medium, comprising means for applying a fixing liquid to the toner on the recording medium, wherein the fixing liquid is contained in a solvent containing water. It contains an aliphatic ester that is held in a soluble state and is soluble or swellable with respect to the resin contained in the toner, and the aliphatic ester has the general formula R ₁ COOR ₂
(In the formula, R ₁ is an alkyl group having 11 to 14 carbon atoms, and R ₂ is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.)
A compound represented by the general formula R ₃ (COOR ₄ ) ₂
(In the formula, R ₃ is an alkylene group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and R ₄ is an alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.)
And at least one of a dialkoxyalkyl aliphatic dicarboxylate.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the toner fixing method, the toner is fixed on a recording medium using the toner fixing device according to the third aspect.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toner fixing method and a fixing device capable of fixing toner at a high speed with less generation of odor.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a part of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for applying a fixing solution of the present invention to toner. It is sectional drawing which shows embodiment of the capsule structure of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows embodiment of the capsule structure of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a toner fixing method according to the present invention, in which (a), (b), (c), and (d) are each in a state where the toner is not fixed and a capsule structure is supplied. It is a figure which shows a state in which the state, the capsule was destroyed, and the toner was fixed. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a toner fixing device of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a toner fixing device of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a toner fixing device of the present invention. FIG.

  Next, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated with drawing.

The fixing solution of the present invention is held in a solvent-soluble state, and contains an aliphatic ester containing an aliphatic ester that is soluble or swellable with respect to the resin contained in the toner. As a result, it is possible to obtain a fixing liquid that generates less odor and can fix an unfixed toner image at high speed. In the present specification and claims, the aliphatic ester is used as a softening agent that softens the toner by dissolving or swelling the resin contained in the toner, and is held in a soluble state. , Which means that the molecular cluster level of several hundred angstroms is maintained. Incidentally, aliphatic ester, from the viewpoint of safety for human bodies, it is preferable acute oral toxicity test LD ₅₀ is greater than 3 g / kg.

  The fixing solution of the present invention can fix an unfixed toner image at a high speed, but is in contact with a minute toner having a particle diameter of about 5 to 6 μm because the aliphatic ester is held in a soluble state. It is thought that it becomes easy to do.

  In the present invention, the aliphatic ester may be a gel-like liquid or a semi-solid such as wax in addition to a fluid liquid. The viscosity of the aliphatic ester is preferably 1 mPa · s or more and 100 Pa · s or less.

  In the present invention, the solvent preferably contains water. Thereby, an odor can further be reduced. Water is not a volatile organic compound (VOC) and is extremely advantageous for the office environment. However, since the solubility of an aliphatic ester in water is generally low, it is necessary to keep the aliphatic ester soluble in water. Examples of such a method include a method of adding a surfactant having an HLB value of about 5 to 16 to water, adding an aliphatic ester, and then stirring for a long time while heating. Examples of the surfactant having an HLB value of about 5 to 16 include sucrose fatty acid esters such as sucrose laurate, sucrose myristic ester, and sucrose stearate.

  Further, as the solvent, a mixed solvent of water and a water-soluble solvent can be used. Also in this case, it is preferable to hold the aliphatic ester in a soluble state after the aliphatic ester is once taken into a hydrophilic material such as an amphiphilic organic compound, a water-soluble polymer, or silica gel. Examples of the water-soluble solvent include ethanol and isopropanol.

In the present invention, examples of the good solvent for the aliphatic ester include a hydrophobic solvent. Examples of such solvents include silicone oils, olefin solvents, paraffin solvents, fluorine solvents, and the like, and it is preferable to select from solvents having an LD ₅₀ of greater than 3 g / kg. As silicone oils, polydimethylsiloxane, methylcyclosiloxane tetramer, pentamer and the like having a viscosity of about 1 to 10 mPa · s are suitable. As paraffin type, n-decane, n-dodecane, n-undecane and the like are suitable. As the fluorinated solvent, hydrofluoroether or the like is suitable. In addition, the solvent desirably has appropriate volatility, and the boiling point is desirably 50 ° C. or higher and 150 ° C. or lower.

  The content of the aliphatic ester in the solvent is preferably about 0.5 to 50% by weight, more preferably 1 to 10% by weight. If the content of the aliphatic ester is less than 0.5% by weight, the effect of dissolving or swelling the toner becomes insufficient, and if it is more than 50% by weight, the fluidity of the toner can be lowered for a long time. Therefore, the fixing toner layer may have adhesiveness.

  In the present invention, the odor index of the aliphatic ester is preferably 10 or less. This eliminates discomfort in a normal office environment. If the aliphatic ester and the solvent have an unpleasant odor or an irritating odor, they are not suitable for use in an office environment or the like. In particular, since the aliphatic ester remains in the toner even after the toner is fixed, it is not preferable in use to have an unpleasant odor or an irritating odor. In addition, the odor index (10log (dilution rate until no odor is lost)) by the three-point comparison odor bag method, which is a sensory measurement, is used as an odor indicator as a highly accurate and practical odor measurement scale in office environments. ing.

  Further, if the solvent has an unpleasant odor or an irritating odor, an odor is generated from the apparatus during fixing. Since the solvent has a large content in the fixing solution, the odor index is preferably 7 or less, and more preferably 3 or less.

  In the present invention, the aliphatic ester preferably contains a saturated aliphatic ester. Thereby, storage stability (resistance to oxidation and hydrolysis) can be improved. Further, the safety to the human body is high, and the resin contained in the toner can be dissolved or swollen within 1 second. Furthermore, the saturated aliphatic ester has less stickiness in the toner layer after the solvent has evaporated. This is considered to be because an oil film is formed on the surface of the toner layer in which the saturated aliphatic ester is softened.

In the present invention, the saturated aliphatic ester has the general formula R ₁ COOR ₂
It is preferable that R ₁ is an alkyl group having 11 to 14 carbon atoms, and R ₂ is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Thereby, the solubility with respect to the resin contained in a toner can be improved. Further, the odor index is 10 or less, and there is no unpleasant odor or irritating odor.

  Examples of the aliphatic monocarboxylic acid ester include ethyl laurate, hexyl laurate, ethyl tridecylate, isopropyl tridecylate, ethyl myristate, isopropyl myristate, and the like. As the resin contained in the toner, polystyrene resin, styrene-acrylic copolymer resin, and polyester resin are suitable. Further, the toner may have a wax component such as polyethylene.

  In the present invention, the aliphatic ester preferably contains an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid ester. Thereby, the resin contained in the toner can be dissolved or swollen in a short time. In high-speed printing of about 60 ppm, it is desirable that the time from when the fixing solution is applied to the unfixed toner image until the toner is fixed is within 1 second, the above configuration can satisfy this. In addition, since the resin contained in the toner can be dissolved or swollen with a small amount of addition, the proportion of the softening agent in the solvent can be reduced. For example, when a water-soluble solvent is used, the toner can be fixed with a softener content of 5% by weight or less.

In the present invention, the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid ester is represented by the general formula R ₃ (COOR ₄ ) _2.
R ₃ is preferably an alkylene group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and R ₄ is preferably an alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms. Thereby, the solubility with respect to the resin contained in a toner can be improved. Further, the odor index is 10 or less, and there is no unpleasant odor or irritating odor.

  Examples of the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid ester include diethyl succinate, diethyl adipate, diisobutyl adipate, diisopropyl adipate, diisodecyl adipate, diethyl sebacate, dibutyl sebacate and the like. The resin contained in the toner is the same as described above.

  In the present invention, the aliphatic ester preferably contains a dialkoxyalkyl aliphatic dicarboxylate. Thereby, the fixing property of the toner can be improved. Since the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid dialkoxyalkyl is slightly soluble in water, when water is used as a solvent, it is easily retained in a soluble state.

In the present invention, the dialkoxyalkyl aliphatic dicarboxylate has the general formula R ₅ (COOR ₆ —O—R ₇ ) _2.
R ₅ is an alkylene group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, R ₆ is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and R ₇ is one or more carbon atoms. The alkyl group is preferably 4 or less. Thereby, the solubility with respect to the resin contained in a toner can be improved. Further, the odor index is 10 or less, and there is no unpleasant odor or irritating odor.

  Examples of the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid dialkoxyalkyl include diethoxyethyl succinate, dibutoxyethyl succinate, diethoxyethyl adipate, dibutoxyethyl adipate, diethoxyethyl sebacate and the like.

  Next, an embodiment when the fixing solution of the present invention is actually used will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and shows a color electrophotographic tandem type image forming apparatus used as a copying machine or a printer. FIG. 2 shows a part of the image forming apparatus of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit is provided with an intermediate transfer belt 11 as a toner image carrier. The intermediate transfer belt 11 is stretched around three support rollers 12, 13, and 14, and is configured to rotate clockwise. In the conveying direction of the intermediate transfer belt 11, black, yellow, magenta, and cyan image forming units 15BK, 15Y, 15M, and 15Y are arranged. An exposure device (not shown) is disposed above these image forming units. For example, in the case of a copying machine, image information of a document is read by a scanner, and light L for writing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 16 is irradiated by an exposure device in accordance with the image information (see FIG. 2). ).

  A secondary transfer device 17 is provided at a position facing the support roller 14 of the intermediate transfer belt 11. The secondary transfer device 17 is composed of a secondary transfer belt 20 stretched between two support rollers 18 and 19. The secondary transfer device 17 may have a configuration using a transfer roller in addition to the transfer belt. A belt cleaning device 21 is disposed at a position facing the support roller 12 of the intermediate transfer belt 11. The belt cleaning device 21 is arranged to remove the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 11.

  The recording medium (recording paper) 22 is guided to the secondary transfer portion by a pair of paper feed rollers 23, and the secondary transfer belt 20 is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 11 when the toner image is transferred to the recording substrate 22. Transfer.

  Next, the image forming unit will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, in the image forming unit, a charging device 24, a developing device 25, a cleaning device 26, and a charge removal device 27 are disposed around the photosensitive drum 16. Further, a primary transfer device 28 is provided at a position facing the photoconductor 16 through the intermediate transfer belt 11.

  The charging device 24 is a contact charging system that employs a charging roller, and uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 16 by applying a voltage by contacting the photosensitive drum 16. As the charging device 24, a non-contact charging type charging device employing non-contact scorotron charging or the like may be employed.

  The developing device 25 causes the toner in the developer to adhere to the latent image on the photosensitive drum 16 to make it visible. Here, the toner corresponding to each color is made of a resin material colored in each color, and is formed so as to be dissolved or swelled by a fixing solution described later. The developing device 25 includes a stirring unit and a developing unit (not shown), and the developer that has not been used for development is returned to the stirring unit and reused. The toner concentration in the stirring unit is detected by a toner concentration sensor, and is controlled so that the concentration becomes constant.

  The primary transfer device 28 transfers the toner visualized on the photosensitive drum 16 to the intermediate transfer belt 11. Here, as the primary transfer device 28, a transfer roller method is adopted, and the primary transfer device 28 is disposed so as to be pressed against the photosensitive drum 16 with the intermediate transfer belt 11 interposed therebetween. As the primary transfer device 28, a conductive brush shape, a non-contact corona charger, or the like can also be employed.

  The cleaning device 26 removes unnecessary toner on the photosensitive drum 16. As the cleaning device 26, it is possible to use a blade configured such that its tip is pressed against the photosensitive drum 16. Here, the collected toner can be collected in the developing device 25 by a collection screw (not shown) or a toner recycling device, and can be reused.

  The neutralization device 27 is constituted by a lamp, and initializes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 16 by irradiating light.

  Next, a method for applying the fixing liquid to the toner will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the fixer 36 is stored in a fixer reservoir 37, and the fixer 36 is pumped up by the application roller 34 and the wire bar roller 35, which are fixer applying means, and the concave and convex recesses on the roller. The fixing liquid 36 enters almost instantaneously and diffuses to create a thinned state, and the pressing pressure roller 33 pressurizes and supplies the toner 31 on the recording medium 22. Here, the recording medium 22 such as paper has the toner 31 attached thereto in the above-described image forming process. The application roller 34 is preferably a member having excellent solvent resistance such as urethane rubber, fluorine rubber, or silicone rubber. In addition to the application roller, the fixing liquid may be applied to the toner by droplet flying means such as air spray or an inkjet nozzle.

  In addition, by providing a pair of pressure rollers (hard rollers) 32 after the coating process, it is possible to improve the fixability by imparting gloss by smoothing the surface of the toner 31 or pushing the recording medium 22 into the fibers. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the capsule structure of the present invention has a core 41 made of the fixing solution of the present invention and an outer shell 42 made of a material insoluble in the core 41. As a result, a capsule structure with less odor and capable of fixing toner at high speed can be obtained.

  The outer shell 42 is preferably not broken within the means for supplying the capsule structure, but can be easily broken after contact with the toner. The outer diameter of the capsule structure is preferably 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less, more preferably 10 μm or more and 20 μm or less. The thickness of the outer shell 42 is preferably 5% to 30% of the outer diameter of the capsule structure, and more preferably 10% to 20%.

  As a material of the outer shell 42, a resin, a metal oxide or the like is desirable. The resin needs to be insoluble in the core agent 41. As the resin insoluble in the core agent 41, a crosslinked resin is also suitable. Specific examples include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurea resin, polyurethane resin, polyacrylonitrile, cross-linked polymethyl methacrylate, and cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol. Examples of the metal oxide include titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, and silicon oxide. As the form of the outer shell 42, besides the film form, a form in which fine particles are fixed to such an extent that the core agent 41 does not bleed out is also suitable.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the capsule structure of the present invention has a core 51 made of the fixing solution of the present invention, an inner shell 52 made of a material insoluble in the core 51, and is soluble or soluble in the core 51. It has an outer shell 53 made of a material exhibiting swellability. As a result, a capsule structure with less odor and capable of fixing toner at high speed can be obtained.

  When the capsule structure shown in FIG. 4 is used, after the toner is softened, the outer shell 42 remains in the toner layer without being dissolved, but this residue deteriorates the image quality such as an increase in graininess in the image quality. May cause. However, reducing the thickness of the outer shell 42 to reduce residue may reduce the strength of the capsule. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the core 51 is covered with a material insoluble in the core 51 to form the inner shell 52, and the inner shell 52 is covered with a material that is soluble or swellable with respect to the core 51. The outer shell 53 is preferable. Thus, by providing the inner shell 52 and the outer shell 53, the material of the inner shell 52 remains undissolved after the capsule structure is broken, but the material of the outer shell 53 is the core 51. Dissolved or swelled by the toner, and taken into the toner layer. Since the strength of the capsule structure can be maintained by the outer shell 53, the inner shell 52 can be thinned to reduce the residue that does not dissolve.

  According to the toner fixing method of the present invention, the capsule structure of the present invention is supplied to a recording medium having toner, and the capsule structure is broken so that the fixing liquid is brought into contact with the toner to fix the toner to the recording medium. .

  As shown in FIG. 6, the step of supplying the capsule structure 63 to the toner 62 on the recording medium 61, the step of breaking the capsule structure 63 and bringing the fixing liquid 64 into contact with the toner 62, and the fixing agent 64 are the toner. The resin constituting the toner 62 is softened and the toner 62 is fixed to the recording medium 61 through the process of fixing the toner 62. At this time, the outer shell 65 of the broken capsule structure 63 remains in the fixed toner 62 without being dissolved.

  Examples of the method for destroying the capsule structure 63 include destruction by pressure, destruction by heat, destruction by ultrasonic vibration, and the like.

  The toner fixing device of the present invention has means for supplying the capsule structure of the present invention to a recording medium containing toner and means for breaking the capsule structure.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a toner fixing device. A recording medium 72 having toner 71 is conveyed by a conveying belt 73 from the right direction in the drawing. A supply unit 75 that supplies the capsule structure 74 is provided at a position in the middle of the conveyance belt 73, and a plurality of capsule structures 74 are supplied from the supply unit 75 onto the recording medium 72. A pressure roller 76 is provided at the left end in the figure to break the capsule structure 74 and bring the fixer into contact with the toner 71.

  Examples of a method for supplying the capsule structure 74 from the supply unit 75 to the recording medium 72 include a natural drop by vibration, a pressurized jet by compressed air, and a method of electrostatically sucking.

  FIG. 8 shows another example of a toner fixing device. In this configuration, the capsule structure 74 is attached on the pressure roller 76 from the supply unit 75, and the capsule structure 74 is brought into contact with the recording medium 72 and is simultaneously destroyed. By adopting such a configuration, the apparatus can be simplified. In order to attach the capsule structure 74 onto the pressure roller 76, the surface of the pressure roller 76 may have adhesiveness.

  The toner fixing device of the present invention has means for selectively supplying the capsule structure to the toner of the recording medium having toner and means for breaking the capsule structure.

  If the capsule structure 74 is supplied to the entire recording medium 72, the consumption of the capsule structure 74 increases, and the running cost may increase. Therefore, according to the image signal or by providing an optical detection means for the image portion, the capsule structure 74 is selectively poured onto a line with the toner 71 in accordance with the detection signal. For example, when the image is a horizontally written character image, when the character line approaches the supply unit 75, the supply unit 75 is vibrated to selectively supply the capsule structure 74 to the vicinity of the character image portion.

  The toner fixing device of the present invention preferably further includes means for charging the capsule structure and applying an electric field between the supplying means and the recording medium.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of such a toner fixing device. The configurations of the conveyance belt 73 and the pressure roller 76 are the same as those in FIG. A line-shaped electrode is provided on the back surface of the conveyor belt 73, and an electric field is applied between the tip of the supply unit 75 and the electrode on the back surface of the conveyor belt 73. When approaching a line with toner 71 according to the image signal, an electric field is applied to selectively supply capsule structure 74 near toner 71. That is, by applying an electric field, the capsule structure 74 is charged to the same charge as the supply unit 75, and the charged capsule structure 74 is applied to the electrode on the back surface of the transport belt 73 having the opposite charge to the supply unit 75. Guiding towards.

  With the above configuration, the problem of odor and harmfulness can be solved, and a fixing device and a fixing method having excellent fixing properties can be provided without using heat.

  The present examples are merely illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by these examples.

<Example 1>
A transparent fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 5% by weight of hexyl laurate (softener; LD ₅₀ = 8 g / kg) and 95% by weight of dimethylsiloxane (solvent; 1 mPa · s, LD ₅₀ = 15 g / kg). . Without heating the fixing part of the printer Ipsio CX6100 (manufactured by Ricoh), the fixing solution was sprayed onto the PPC paper on which the unfixed toner image was formed, and after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds, the surface of the image was applied. The degree of fixing was determined by rubbing with a waste and the presence or absence of toner adhering to the waste.

  As a result, after 5 seconds, no toner adhered to the waste and the toner was fixed on the paper. Further, the odor index of the softener was 1, the odor index of the solvent was 0, and the odor index as the fixing solution was 0. An unpleasant odor did not occur in the office when the toner image was fixed.

<Example 2>
A transparent fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 10% by weight of isopropyl myristate (softener; LD ₅₀ = 8 g / kg) and 90% by weight of dimethylsiloxane. The fixing solution of the printer Ipsio CX6100 is applied to the PPC paper on which an unfixed toner image is formed without heating with the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 3, and after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds, the surface of the image is applied. The degree of fixing was determined by rubbing with a waste and the presence or absence of toner adhering to the waste.

  As a result, after 5 seconds, no toner adhered to the waste and the toner was fixed on the paper. Further, the odor index of the softener was 0, the odor index of the solvent was 0, and the odor index as the fixing solution was 0. An unpleasant odor did not occur in the office when the toner image was fixed.

<Example 3>
7% by weight of ethyl laurate (softening agent; LD ₅₀ = 3 g / kg) and 93% by weight of n-hexane (solvent; LD ₅₀ = 28.7 g / kg) were mixed and stirred to prepare a transparent fixing solution. Without heating the fixing part of the printer Ipsio CX6600 (manufactured by Ricoh), the fixing solution was sprayed onto PPC paper on which an unfixed toner image was formed, and after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds, The degree of fixing was judged by rubbing with a waste and the presence or absence of toner adhering to the waste.

  As a result, after 5 seconds, no toner adhered to the waste and the toner was fixed on the paper. Further, the odor index of the softener was 13, the odor index of the solvent was 0, and the odor index as a fixing solution was 10. An unpleasant odor did not occur in the office when the toner image was fixed.

<Example 4>
Dibutyl sebacate (softener; LD ₅₀ = 14.9 g / kg) 5% by weight and hydrofluoroether (solvent; LD ₅₀ > 5 g / kg) 95% by weight were mixed and stirred to prepare a transparent fixing solution. Without heating the fixing part of the printer Ipsio CX6600, the fixing solution is spray-coated on PPC paper on which an unfixed toner image is formed, and the surface of the image is rubbed with a waste cloth after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. The degree of fixing was determined by the presence or absence of toner on the surface.

  As a result, after 5 seconds, no toner adhered to the waste and the toner was fixed on the paper. Further, the odor index of the softener was 3, the odor index of the solvent was 2, and the odor index as the fixing solution was 2. An unpleasant odor did not occur in the office when the toner image was fixed.

<Example 5>
A transparent fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 4% by weight of diisobutyl adipate (softening agent; LD ₅₀ = 12.3 g / kg) and 96% by weight of dimethylsiloxane. The fixing solution of the printer Ipsio CX6600 is applied to the PPC paper on which an unfixed toner image is formed without heating with the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 3, and the surface of the image is applied after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. The degree of fixing was judged by rubbing with a waste and the presence or absence of toner adhering to the waste.

  As a result, after 5 seconds, no toner adhered to the waste and the toner was fixed on the paper. Further, the odor index of the softener was 3, the odor index of the solvent was 0, and the odor index as the fixing solution was 0. An unpleasant odor did not occur in the office when the toner image was fixed.

<Example 6>
10% by weight of diethoxyethyl succinate (softener; LD ₅₀ = 5 g / kg) and 90% by weight of hydrofluoroether were mixed and stirred to prepare a transparent fixing solution. Without fixing the fixing part of the printer Ipsio CX6600, the fixing material is spray-coated on the PPC paper on which the unfixed toner image is formed, and the surface of the image is rubbed with a waste cloth after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. The degree of fixing was determined by the presence or absence of toner on the surface.

  As a result, after 5 seconds, no toner adhered to the waste and the toner was fixed on the paper. Further, the odor index of the softener was 1, the odor index of the solvent was 0, and the odor index as the fixing solution was 0. An unpleasant odor did not occur in the office when the toner image was fixed.

<Example 7>
2 wt% of ethyl laurate, 97 wt% of water (solvent) and 1 wt% of sucrose laurate (surfactant; HLB value = 16) were mixed and stirred to prepare a transparent fixing solution. Without fixing the fixing part of the printer LaserJet 3500 (manufactured by HP), the fixing material is spray-coated on the PPC paper on which the unfixed toner image is formed, and after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds, the surface of the image is applied. The degree of fixing was judged by rubbing with a waste and the presence or absence of toner adhering to the waste.

  As a result, after 5 seconds, no toner adhered to the waste and the toner was fixed on the paper. Further, the odor index of the softener was 3, the odor index of the solvent was 0, and the odor index as the fixing solution was 0. An unpleasant odor did not occur in the office when the toner image was fixed.

<Example 8>
A transparent fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 4% by weight of diisobutyl adipate, 20% by weight of ethanol (solvent; LD ₅₀ = 20 g / kg), 76% by weight of water and 1% by weight of sucrose laurate. The fixing solution of the printer Ipsio CX6600 is applied to the PPC paper on which an unfixed toner image is formed without heating with the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 3, and the surface of the image is applied after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. The degree of fixing was determined by rubbing with a waste and the presence or absence of toner adhering to the waste.

  As a result, after 5 seconds, no toner adhered to the waste and the toner was fixed on the paper. Further, the odor index of the softener was 1, the odor index of the solvent was 0, and the odor index as the fixing solution was 0. An unpleasant odor did not occur in the office when the toner image was fixed. Further, the fixer was put in a sealed container and stored at 50 ° C. for 1 month, but no decomposition or separation of diisobutyl adipate was observed and the performance of the fixer was good.

<Example 9>
A transparent fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 9% by weight of diethoxyethyl succinate, 90% by weight of water and 1% by weight of sucrose laurate. Without fixing the fixing part of the printer Ipsio CX6600, the fixing material is spray-coated on the PPC paper on which the unfixed toner image is formed, and the surface of the image is rubbed with a waste cloth after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. The degree of fixing was determined by the presence or absence of toner on the surface.

  As a result, after 5 seconds, no toner adhered to the waste and the toner was fixed on the paper. Further, the odor index of the softener was 1, the odor index of the solvent was 0, and the odor index as the fixing solution was 0. An unpleasant odor did not occur in the office when the toner image was fixed. Further, the fixer was put in a sealed container and stored at 50 ° C. for 1 month, but the decomposition and separation of diethoxyethyl succinate was not observed and the performance of the fixer was good.

<Example 10>
A transparent fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 10% by weight of diethoxyethyl succinate, 10% by weight of ethanol, 79% by weight of water and 1% by weight of a nonionic surfactant. Without heating the fixing part of the printer Ipsio CX6600, the fixing solution is spray-coated on PPC paper on which an unfixed toner image is formed, and the surface of the image is rubbed with a waste cloth after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. The degree of fixing was determined by the presence or absence of toner on the surface.

  As a result, after 5 seconds, no toner adhered to the waste and the toner was fixed on the paper. Further, the odor index of the softener was 1, the odor index of the solvent was 0, and the odor index as the fixing solution was 0. An unpleasant odor did not occur in the office when the toner image was fixed. Further, the fixer was put in a sealed container and stored at 50 ° C. for 1 month, but the decomposition and separation of diethoxyethyl succinate was not observed and the performance of the fixer was good.

<Comparative Example 1>
An emulsified fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 2% by weight of butyl palmitate (softening agent; LD ₅₀ = 8 g / kg), 97% by weight of water and 1% by weight of sucrose laurate. Without heating the fixing part of the printer Ipsio CX6600, the fixing solution is spray-coated on PPC paper on which an unfixed toner image is formed, and the surface of the image is rubbed with a waste cloth after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. The degree of fixing was determined by the presence or absence of toner on the surface.

  As a result, after 20 seconds, the toner hardly fixed on the paper, and the toner stuck to the waste.

<Comparative example 2>
An emulsified fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 2% by weight of isopropyl palmitate (softener; LD ₅₀ = 8 g / kg), 97% by weight of water, and 1% by weight of sucrose laurate. Without heating the fixing part of the printer LaserJet 3500, the fixing solution is spray-coated on the PPC paper on which the unfixed toner image is formed, and after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds, the image surface is rubbed with a waste cloth. The degree of fixing was determined by the presence or absence of toner adhesion.

  As a result, after 20 seconds, the toner hardly fixed on the paper, and the toner stuck to the waste.

<Comparative Example 3>
An emulsified fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 2% by weight of methyl caprylate (softener; LD ₅₀ = 3 g / kg), 97% by weight of water and 1% by weight of sucrose laurate. Without heating the fixing part of the printer Ipsio CX6600, the fixing solution is spray-coated on PPC paper on which an unfixed toner image is formed, and the surface of the image is rubbed with a waste cloth after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. The degree of fixing was determined by the presence or absence of toner on the surface.

  As a result, the toner did not adhere to the waste after 20 seconds, and the toner was firmly fixed on the paper. However, the odor index of the softener was 13, the odor index of the solvent was 0, and the odor index as a fixing solution was 11. For this reason, a rotten acid odor drifted in the office when the toner image was fixed.

<Comparative example 4>
An emulsified fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 5% by weight of isobutyl adipate, 94% by weight of water and 1% by weight of a nonionic surfactant. Without heating the fixing part of the printer Ipsio CX6600, the fixing solution is spray-coated on PPC paper on which an unfixed toner image is formed, and the surface of the image is rubbed with a waste cloth after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. The degree of fixing was determined by the presence or absence of toner on the surface.

  As a result, after 20 seconds, the toner was fixed to the paper to some extent, but the toner adhered to the waste. Further, the fixing solution was put in a sealed container and stored at 50 ° C. for one month. However, isobutyl adipate and water were phase-separated and the performance of the fixing solution was deteriorated.

<Comparative Example 5>
An emulsified fixing solution was prepared by mixing and stirring 10% by weight of diethoxyethyl succinate, 79% by weight of water and 1% by weight of a nonionic surfactant. Without heating the fixing part of the printer Ipsio CX6600, the fixing solution is spray-coated on the PPC paper on which the unfixed toner image is formed, and the image surface is rubbed with a waste cloth after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. The degree of fixing was determined by the presence or absence of toner adhesion.

  As a result, after 20 seconds, the toner was fixed to the paper to some extent, but the toner adhered to the waste. In addition, the fixer was put in a sealed container and stored at 50 ° C. for 1 month, but diethoxyethyl succinate and water were phase-separated and the performance of the fixer deteriorated.

<Example 11>
10% by weight of diisobutyl adipate, 51% by weight of dimethylsiloxane, 27% by weight of ethyl acetate and 12% by weight of diisocyanate compound Sumijoule L (manufactured by Sumitomo Bayer Urethane Co., Ltd.) were stirred for 30 minutes with a stirrer to obtain dispersion A1.

  5% by weight of hydroxypropylcellulose was added to 95% by weight of water at 70 ° C., stirred for 10 minutes, and then cooled to 10 ° C. with stirring for 30 minutes to obtain dispersion B.

  Next, 100 g of the dispersion A1 was dropped while stirring 200 g of the dispersion B with a homogenizer (manufactured by Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.) to prepare an O / W type emulsion. At this time, the volume average particle diameter of the emulsion was about 30 μm. Next, 100 g of a 5 wt% aqueous ethylenetriamine solution was dropped while stirring the emulsion with a propeller type stirrer. The emulsion was stirred at 70 ° C. for 3 hours to produce a capsule having a core containing diisobutyl adipate and dimethylsiloxane and an outer shell containing a urea resin while evaporating excess ethyl acetate. After removing hydroxypropylcellulose and unreacted ethylenetriamine as a dispersant with a large amount of water, the capsules were obtained by drying. Furthermore, hydrophobic silica fine particles were adhered to the capsule surface. The average outer diameter of the capsule was about 20 μm.

  Without heating the fixing unit of the color multifunction device Ipsio Color C240 (manufactured by Ricoh), the capsule is supplied to the entire surface of the paper with a brush on PPC paper on which a 2 cm square black solid image is formed as an unfixed toner image. The pressure roller using a metal roller was passed at a load of 50 kg at both ends and a linear speed of 20 mm / second, and the surface of the image was rubbed with a waste after 5 seconds. As a result, the image was not disturbed, the toner did not adhere to the waste, and the toner image was fixed on the paper.

<Example 12>
Sumijoule L of 10% by weight of diethoxyethyl succinate, 51% by weight of n-dodecane (solvent; LD ₅₀ = 20 g / kg), 27% by weight of ethyl acetate and 12% by weight was stirred with a stirrer for 30 minutes, and dispersion A2 Got.

  Next, 100 g of the dispersion A2 was dropped while stirring 200 g of the above dispersion B with a homogenizer (manufactured by Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.) to prepare an O / W type emulsion. At this time, the volume average particle diameter of the emulsion was about 30 μm. Next, 100 g of a 5 wt% aqueous ethylenetriamine solution was dropped while stirring the emulsion with a propeller type stirrer. The emulsion was stirred at 70 ° C. for 3 hours to form a capsule having a core containing diethoxyethyl succinate and n-dodecane and an outer shell containing urea resin while evaporating excess ethyl acetate. did. After removing hydroxypropylcellulose and unreacted ethylenetriamine as a dispersant with a large amount of water, the capsules were obtained by drying. Furthermore, hydrophobic silica fine particles were adhered to the capsule surface. The average outer diameter of the capsule was about 20 μm.

  Without heating the fixing part of the color multifunction peripheral Ipsio Color C240, the capsule is supplied to the entire surface of the paper with a brush on PPC paper on which a 2 cm square black solid image is formed as an unfixed toner image, and two metal rollers are attached. The pressure roller used was passed at a load of 50 kg at both ends and a linear speed of 20 mm / second, and the surface of the image was rubbed with a waste after 5 seconds. As a result, the image was not disturbed, the toner did not adhere to the waste, and the toner image was fixed on the paper.

<Example 13>
Capsules were produced in the same manner as in Example 11.

  The configuration of the fixing device is shown below. In FIG. 7, the endless belt made of PET film was used as the conveying belt 73, and the distance between the driving rollers was set to 500 mm. The supply unit 75 has a configuration in which two stainless steel plates with a thickness of 0.5 mm have an angle of 30 degrees, and the side surfaces are closed with a PET film. The openings of the two plates were adjusted to a width of 50 μm. In order to supply the capsule, a mechanical vibration mechanism was provided on one plate (not shown in FIG. 7). When appropriate, the capsule was supplied to the toner surface by vibrating one plate. The pressure roller 76 was an iron roller whose surface was chrome plated, and was adjusted so that the load at both ends was 50 kg. The conveyor belt 73 was set to a linear speed of 20 mm / second.

  Without heating the fixing unit of the printer Ipsio CX6600, PPC paper on which a 2 cm square black solid image was formed as an unfixed toner image was passed through the fixing device, and after 5 seconds, the surface of the image was rubbed with a waste cloth. As a result, the image was not disturbed, the toner did not adhere to the waste, and the toner image was fixed on the paper.

<Example 14>
Capsules were produced in the same manner as in Example 11.

  The configuration of the fixing device is shown below. In FIG. 8, the endless belt of PET film is a conveying belt 73, and the distance between driving rollers is 300 mm. The supply unit 75 has a configuration in which two stainless steel plates with a thickness of 0.5 mm have an angle of 30 degrees, and the side surfaces are closed with a PET film. The openings of the two plates were adjusted to a width of 50 μm. In order to supply the capsule, a mechanical vibration mechanism was provided on one plate (not shown in FIG. 8). The capsule was supplied to the pressure roller 76 by vibrating one plate at the appropriate time. The pressure roller 76 was an iron roller coated with silicone rubber on the surface, and the load at both ends was adjusted to 30 kg. The conveyor belt 73 was set to a linear speed of 20 mm / second.

  Without heating the fixing unit of the printer Ipsio CX6600, PPC paper on which a 2 cm square black solid image was formed as an unfixed toner image was passed through the fixing device, and after 5 seconds, the surface of the image was rubbed with a waste cloth. As a result, the image was not disturbed, the toner did not adhere to the waste, and the toner image was fixed on the paper.

<Example 15>
Capsules were produced in the same manner as in Example 11.

  The configuration of the fixing device is shown below. In FIG. 9, the endless belt of PET film was used as the conveyor belt 73, and the distance between the drive rollers was 500 mm. The supply unit 75 was configured such that two brass plates with a thickness of 0.5 mm had an angle of 30 degrees, and the side surfaces were closed with a PET film. The openings of the two plates were adjusted to a width of 50 μm. In order to supply the capsule, a brass counter electrode having a thickness of 3 mm was provided on the endless belt side, and the supply unit 75 and the counter electrode were connected to a power pack so that a voltage of 1.5 kV could be applied. The distance between the conveyance belt 73 and the tip of the supply unit 75 was 10 mm. With this configuration, according to the image information, the non-image portion supplies the capsule to the toner surface without applying a voltage. The pressure roller 76 was an iron roller whose surface was chrome plated, and was adjusted so that the load at both ends was 50 kg. The conveyor belt 73 was set to a linear speed of 20 mm / second.

  Without heating the fixing unit of the printer Ipsio CX6600, PPC paper on which a 2 cm square black solid image was formed as an unfixed toner image was passed through the fixing device, and after 1 minute, the surface of the image was rubbed with a waste cloth. As a result, the image was not disturbed, the toner did not adhere to the waste, and the toner image was fixed on the paper.

<Example 16>
19% by weight of the capsule obtained in Example 11, 18% by weight of polystyrene Piccolastic D125 (manufactured by Rika Hercules) and 73% by weight of toluene were stirred with a stirrer for 30 minutes to obtain a dispersion C1.

  A dispersion D was obtained by stirring 98% by weight of water and 2% by weight of a nonionic surfactant with a stirrer for 10 minutes.

  While stirring 200 g of dispersion D with a homogenizer, 50 g of dispersion C1 was added dropwise to prepare an O / W type emulsion. Thereafter, while stirring with a stirrer, toluene is evaporated at 60 ° C. to form a capsule having a core containing diisobutyl adipate and dimethylsiloxane, an inner shell containing urea resin, and an outer shell containing polystyrene. did. When the cross section of the capsule was observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), it was a capsule having an outer diameter of 30 μm, an outer shell thickness of 4 μm, and an inner shell thickness of 0.5 μm.

  Without heating the fixing part of the color multifunction peripheral Ipsio Color C240, the capsule is supplied to the entire surface of the paper with a brush on PPC paper on which a 2 cm square black solid image is formed as an unfixed toner image, and two metal rollers are attached. The pressure roller used was passed at a load of 50 kg at both ends and a linear speed of 20 mm / second, and the surface of the image was rubbed with a waste after 5 seconds. As a result, the image was not disturbed, the toner did not adhere to the waste, and the toner image was fixed on the paper. Further, from observation under a microscope, no resin residue was observed on the surface of the fixing toner, and a good image without graininess was obtained.

11 Intermediate transfer belt 12, 13, 14, 18, 19 Support roller 15BK, 15Y, 15M, 15Y Image forming unit 16 Photosensitive drum 17 Secondary transfer device 20 Secondary transfer belt 21 Belt cleaning device 22, 61, 72 Recording medium (Recording paper)
23 Feeding roller 24 Charging device 25 Developing device 26 Cleaning device 27 Neutralizing device 28 Primary transfer device 31, 62, 71 Toner 32 Pressure roller 33 Pressing pressure roller 34 Coating roller 35 Wire bar roller 36 Fixing solution 37 Fixing solution reservoir 41, 51, 64 Core agent 42, 53, 65 Outer shell 52 Inner shell 63, 74 Capsule structure 73 Conveying belt 75 Supply unit 76 Pressure roller

JP 59-119364 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-45830 Japanese Patent No. 3290513 JP 2000-122391 A

Claims (4)

A method of fixing toner on a recording medium,
A step of applying a fixer to the toner on the recording medium,
The fixing solution is held in a soluble state in a solvent containing water, and contains an aliphatic ester that is soluble or swellable with respect to the resin contained in the toner.
The aliphatic ester has the general formula R ₁ COOR ₂
(In the formula, R ₁ is an alkyl group having 11 to 14 carbon atoms, and R ₂ is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.)
A compound represented by the general formula R ₃ (COOR ₄ ) ₂
(In the formula, R ₃ is an alkylene group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and R ₄ is an alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.)
A toner fixing method comprising at least one of a compound represented by formula (II) and a dialkoxyalkyl aliphatic dicarboxylate. The dialkoxyalkyl aliphatic dicarboxylate has the general formula R ₅ (COOR ₆ —O—R ₇ ) ₂
(In the formula, R ₅ is an alkylene group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, R ₆ is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and R ₇ has 1 to 4 carbon atoms. An alkyl group.)
The toner fixing method according to claim 1, wherein the toner is a compound represented by the formula: An apparatus for fixing toner on a recording medium,
Means for applying a fixer to the toner on the recording medium;
The fixing solution is held in a soluble state in a solvent containing water, and contains an aliphatic ester that is soluble or swellable with respect to the resin contained in the toner.
The aliphatic ester has the general formula R ₁ COOR ₂
(In the formula, R ₁ is an alkyl group having 11 to 14 carbon atoms, and R ₂ is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.)
A compound represented by the general formula R ₃ (COOR ₄ ) ₂
(In the formula, R ₃ is an alkylene group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and R ₄ is an alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.)
And a toner fixing device comprising at least one of a dialkoxyalkyl aliphatic dicarboxylate.   A toner fixing method, wherein the toner is fixed to a recording medium using the toner fixing device according to claim 3.

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