JP2021101228A - Image forming method and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming method that can prevent an increase in the number of steps and can prevent a reduction in quality of an image even if the image has decorative images (metallic images) and solid images finely entangled with each other.SOLUTION: The purpose of the present invention is achieved by an image forming method that has a step of performing processing of adjusting a softened state on part of a resin image arranged on a recording medium, and a step of attaching powder onto a softened resin image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming method and an image forming apparatus.

In recent years, the demand for spot color printing and high value-added printing has been increasing in the on-demand printing market. Among them, the demand for metallic printing and pearl printing is particularly large, and a wide variety of studies have been conducted.

As one of the methods, a method of transferring a metal foil or a resin foil by using a toner as an adhesive layer has been studied. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of forming a toner image and adhering a transfer foil only to the toner portion. This method has a problem that when the foil is transferred to only a part of the image, all the remaining foil is wasted. Further, when printing a plurality of metallic expressions such as a mirror tone and a glitter tone, it is necessary to prepare different foils for each.

On the other hand, studies have also been conducted on adding a bright pigment to the toner. For example, Patent Document 2 proposes a method of forming a metallic image only in a necessary portion by incorporating a bright pigment in the toner. However, this method does not reach the required metallic and pearly feelings.

In order to solve these problems, Patent Document 3 proposes a method of adhering a coating powder on an image made of a heat-meltable material.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 01-200985 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-157249 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-178452

However, in the image forming method disclosed in Patent Document 3, in order to form the metallic image portion and the solid image portion on the same recording medium, two or more kinds of hot meltable materials having different thermal characteristics are used. I had to do it. On the other hand, in order to use a heat-meltable material having the same or similar thermal characteristics, if the solid image portion and the decorative base portion are formed at the same time, the decorative material also adheres to the solid image portion, which is metallic. A method is known in which an image portion is printed first and then a solid image portion is output. In this method, not only the number of steps is increased, but also an image in which a metallic image and a solid image are finely intricate is difficult to align, and there is a problem that the quality is significantly deteriorated. The solid image portion is a resin image portion that is not decorated with a metallic image, a pearl image, or the like. A resin image is an image formed by a toner, ink, or the like whose main component is resin, which is formed by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

The present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, and is an image forming method capable of suppressing an increase in processes and preventing deterioration of quality even in an image in which a decorative image (metallic image) and a solid image are finely intricate. , And an image forming apparatus capable of carrying out the image forming method.

The above problem is solved by the following means.

1. 1. An image forming method comprising a step of adjusting a softened state on a part of a resin image arranged on a recording medium and a step of adhering powder on the softened resin image.

2. The image forming method according to 1 above, further comprising a step of forming a resin image on a recording medium.

3. 3. The image forming method according to 1 or 2 above, wherein the resin image is formed by an electrophotographic method.

4. The step of adhering the powder onto the softened resin image is performed by transferring the powder by bringing the oriented member of the powder into contact with the image. The image forming method according to any one.

5. The image forming method according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein a step of adjusting a softened state of a part of a resin image is performed by supplying a softening agent.

6. An image forming apparatus including a means for adjusting a softened state of a part of a resin image on a recording medium and a means for adhering powder on the softened resin image.

7. A means for adjusting the softened state of a part of the resin image on the recording medium based on the image data, and a means for adhering powder on the softened resin image formed based on the image data. The image forming apparatus according to 6 above.

8. The means for adjusting the softened state of a part of the resin image on the recording medium based on the image data is the means for softening the resin image on the recording medium and the means for further softening the resin image based on the image data. 7. The image forming apparatus according to 7 above, which includes a means for adjusting a softened state.

9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 6 to 8 above, wherein the softening means includes a softening agent supplying means.

In the present invention, a part of the resin image on the recording medium is subjected to a process of adjusting the softened state to selectively soften a part of the resin image, and the powder is selectively applied only to the softened part. By adhering, it is possible to output a decorative image (metallic image, etc.) and a solid image on the same paper surface. Further, even if a positional deviation occurs in an image in which the decorative image portion (metallic image portion or the like) and the solid image portion are finely intricate, it is possible to form an image that is inconspicuous. As a result, it is possible to carry out an image forming method capable of suppressing an increase in the number of steps and preventing deterioration of quality even in an image in which a decorative image (metallic image or the like) and a solid image are finely intricate, and the image forming method. An image forming apparatus can be provided.

FIG. 1A is a diagram schematically showing a state before rubbing of the powder supplied on the decorative base portion which is a part of the resin image formed on the recording medium S. FIG. 1B schematically shows a state after rubbing the powder on the decorative base portion in which a small amount of softening agent is supplied to the decorative base portion which is a part of the resin image formed on the recording medium S. It is a figure which shows. FIG. 1C shows a state after rubbing the powder on the decorative base portion in which a medium softener is supplied to the decorative base portion which is a part of the resin image formed on the recording medium S. It is a figure which shows typically. FIG. 1D schematically shows a state after rubbing the powder on the decorative base portion in which a large amount of softening agent is supplied to the decorative base portion which is a part of the resin image formed on the recording medium S. It is a figure which shows. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the image forming apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. As a configuration of the image forming apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, it is a figure which shows typically the configuration of the image forming apparatus which consists of the partial decoration forming part used in the thin layer formation transfer method. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the image forming apparatus which comprises the partial decoration forming part used in the pressing method as the structure of the image forming apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. As a configuration of the image forming apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, it is a figure which shows typically the configuration of the image forming apparatus which consists of the partial decoration forming part used in the image rubbing method. As a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, after the resin image is softened with a softening agent, a portion other than the decorative base portion is heated to volatilize the softening agent, thereby softening only the decorative base portion. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the image forming apparatus which consists of the partial decoration forming part softened by. As the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the image forming apparatus including the partially decorated forming portion used in the modified or modified form of the rubbing method (or pressing method) on the image is schematically shown. It is a figure. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 10A is a diagram schematically showing an image in which the metallic image portion and the solid image portion attempted in Example 1 exist on the same paper surface. FIG. 10B is a diagram schematically showing a black-painted resin image (black toner image) represented by the image data 1. FIG. 10C is a diagram schematically showing a part (decorative base portion; portion to be metallically decorated: black-painted portion) of the resin image represented by the image data 2. FIG. 10D is a diagram schematically showing a solid image portion (non-decorative base portion; black-painted portion) and a decorative base portion (white portion) of the resin image (black toner image) represented by the image data 3. Is.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Further, in the present specification, "X to Y" indicating a range includes X and Y and means "X or more and Y or less". Further, in the present specification, unless otherwise specified, operations and measurements of physical properties are performed under the conditions of room temperature (20 to 25 ° C.) / relative humidity of 40 to 50% RH.

[I] Image Forming Method The image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a step of adjusting a softened state of a part of a resin image arranged on a recording medium (in the present specification, simply " It also has a "partial softening step") and a step of adhering powder on the softened resin image (also simply referred to as "powder adhering step" in the present specification). By having such a configuration, the effects of the above-mentioned invention can be effectively exhibited. The image forming method of the present invention may further include a step of forming a resin image on a recording medium (also simply referred to as a "resin image forming step" in the present specification). Thereby, for example, by combining on-demand printing and decorative printing, a series of operations from the formation of a resin image to the formation of a decorative image can be continuously and controlled, and the decorative image unit and the solid can be performed. The above-mentioned effects of the above invention can be achieved by the image forming method and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, which are excellent in that they can prevent misalignment and form a high-quality image even in an image in which the image portion is finely intricate. It is considered that the obtained is due to the following mechanism of action. The following mechanism of action is speculative, and the present invention is not limited to the following mechanism of action.

Conventional image forming methods for adhering powder on a resin image include heating the entire surface of the resin image formed on a recording medium using a hot plate or a thermal roller, wire bar coating, and spray coating. The entire surface of the resin image formed on the recording medium using is used, and all the parts that you do not want to decorate are uniformly unless the resin image is intentionally different in softening characteristics. There was a problem that it would be decorated.

In Patent Document 3, it is necessary to make a difference in the thermal characteristics of the toner forming the solid portion and the toner forming the decorative portion so that only the decorative portion softens even when the entire surface is uniformly heated. , A toner dedicated to the decoration part was required.

In the present invention, a resin image portion (selective) that serves as a base for a decorative image portion on a recording medium so that a part of the resin image arranged on the recording medium can be processed to adjust the softened state. The part to be softened) and the resin image part to be a solid image part (a part to be left as an image without being selectively softened) are formed (in advance) at the same time. By doing so, the softened state is adjusted only in the underlying resin image portion of the decorative image portion among the formed resin images without using a dedicated toner having a large difference in thermal characteristics as in Patent Document 3. It has been found that high-quality decoration can be performed by partially softening the product by performing the treatment and adhering the decorative powder only to the softened portion.

Further, it has been found that the problem that it is necessary to prepare different foils when printing a plurality of metallic expressions such as the mirror tone and the glitter tone of Patent Document 1 can be solved by the following. That is, in the present invention, the amount of the flat powder penetrating into the decorative base portion can be changed depending on the softened state of a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image. As a result, the powder cannot penetrate into the decorative base portion having a weak degree of softening, but adheres in a state of being lined up on the surface, and a mirror-like image can be obtained. On the other hand, in the case of a decorative base portion having a strong degree of softening, the powder can penetrate into the decorative base portion, so that the adhesion angle of the powder becomes random and a glitter-like image can be obtained. Further, the metallic feeling (texture) between the mirror tone and the glitter tone can be continuously changed by adjusting the degree of softening. Of the resin images, the resin image (resin image portion) of the base of the decorative image portion is also referred to as “decorative base portion”.

Hereinafter, each step will be described.

(1) Resin image forming step In the image forming method according to the embodiment of the present invention, a step of further forming a resin image on a recording medium (resin image forming) before the partial softening step and the powder adhesion step. Step) may have. In the image forming method of the present invention, a resin image is separately prepared on a recording medium without performing a resin image forming step, and a partial softening step and a powder adhesion step are performed. May be good. This is done by an individual or a printing company preparing a resin image formed on a recording medium with an ordinary image forming apparatus, and brought in by an individual or a printing company by a decoration processing company (another printing company). A case where a resin image is formed on a recording medium and a partial softening step and a powder adhesion step are performed as decoration processing by using the image forming apparatus capable of partially decorating the present invention can be mentioned. It is not limited to. Preferably, using an image forming apparatus capable of performing a series of steps, the resin image forming step, the partial softening step, and the powder adhering step are sequentially performed. This is because the resin image of the base of the decorative portion and the resin image of the solid image portion can be formed in the same image forming apparatus, and the base of the decorative portion is partially softened thereafter. In the device, a device to prevent the misalignment of the part to be made (for example, a device to improve the accuracy of the decoration (softening) position by the advanced paper transport technology practically used in the on-demand printing machine, etc.) This is because it can be incorporated.

In the resin image forming step, a resin image is formed on a recording medium. The method of forming the resin image on the recording medium is not particularly limited. For example, a solution obtained by dissolving a resin and other components optionally contained (for example, a colorant, a mold release agent, etc.) in a suitable solvent is applied to the surface of a recording medium and dried to form the solution. Can be done. In this case, the above solution can be applied by commonly used methods such as gravure coating, roll coating, blade coating, and extrusion coating.

Further, as a method of forming a resin image on a recording medium, a resin-made image printed on a recording medium by a conventionally known method, for example, a printing method such as a dry electrophotographic method, a wet electrophotographic method, or an inkjet method. A method of forming an image can be appropriately used. The image formation by the inkjet method and the electrophotographic method can be performed by a known image forming apparatus, respectively. That is, the resin image may be an image formed on the recording medium by the above-mentioned various coating methods or known image forming methods such as an electrophotographic method and an inkjet method, but a toner image formed by an electrophotographic method. It is preferable that the toner image is formed by a dry electrophotographic method. A resin image (toner image) produced by an electrophotographic method, particularly a dry electrophotographic method, can be printed on demand, and the thickness of the resin layer constituting the resin image can be increased as compared with other printing methods. Is. For example, when flat particles are used in a powder for forming a decorative image portion (also referred to as a decorative powder), the decorative powder is in a state of being placed on a resin layer constituting a resin image (also referred to as a decorative powder). The flat particles (flat planes) are attached in a state parallel to the surface of the resin layer), or are fixed in a state where part or all of them are contained in the resin. When the resin layer is thin, when the flat particles enter the resin layer at an angle, the fixing force is weak, so that the flat particles can be attached only substantially parallel to the surface of the resin layer. Therefore, it is difficult to freely control the texture of the decorative image part from mirror-like / pearl-like / gloss-like to glitter-like / matte-like, and it is used for expressing pearl-like, mirror-like or gloss-like texture with less diffuse reflection. Are suitable. On the other hand, if the resin layer is thick, the flat particles can be fixed even in an oblique state that is not parallel to the surface of the resin layer, and as a result, an image with a lot of diffuse reflection and a high glitter feeling can be formed. Become. That is, it is preferable in that the texture of the decorative image portion can be freely controlled from mirror-like / pearl-like / gloss-like to glitter-like / matte-like.

On the other hand, even when non-flat particles are used for the decorative powder, it is preferable in that the texture of the decorative image portion can be controlled, such as changing the embedded state of the powder when the resin layer is thick. ..

From the viewpoint that the effect of the present invention can be more easily obtained, the resin image is preferably a resin image formed by an electrophotographic method, particularly a dry electrophotographic method as described above. In the electrophotographic method, toner particles are adhered to an electrostatic latent image pattern on the surface of a photoconductor to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to a recording medium such as paper and fixed to a resin on the recording medium. Form an image (toner image). Here, the toner particles forming the toner image generally include a thermoplastic resin as a binder resin. Therefore, it is considered that the effect of the present invention can be more remarkably exhibited because the resin image (toner image) formed by the electrophotographic method is easily softened (or melted) by the partial softening step.

Further, in the image forming method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the resin image may be an image before being fixed on a recording medium (unfixed image) or a fixed image (fixed image). It may be. It is said that it is easy to selectively arrange the decorative powder on the surface of the resin layer constituting the resin image, and it is easy for the selectively arranged decorative portion to form an image having sufficient glossiness (arbitrary texture). From the viewpoint, the resin layer is preferably a fixed image fixed on the recording medium. That is, it is preferable that the image forming method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fixing image forming step as a resin image forming step. The surface of the fixed image is uniform and smooth. Therefore, the embedding of the decorative powder in the selectively softened resin layer is suppressed, and a highly glossy image can be formed. Further, since the decorative powder can be selectively arranged on the surface of the softened resin layer while suppressing the burial of the decorative powder, it is not necessary to use a large amount of the decorative powder, which is economical. It is also preferable from the viewpoint.

The fixed image forming step can be performed by a known fixed image forming apparatus, particularly an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method. As an example of the fixing image forming method, a method of applying heat and pressure to the recording medium on which the toner image is transferred by a fixing means to fix the toner image on the recording medium on the recording medium can be adopted. By using the toner image formed by the method as a resin image (resin layer) and performing the image forming method according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, decoration into the resin layer selectively softened is performed. The burial of powder can be suppressed, and an image with excellent glossiness can be formed.

[recoding media]
In the image forming method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium is not particularly limited as long as a resin image can be formed and arranged on the recording medium. The recording medium is not particularly limited, and for example, plain paper from thin paper to thick paper, high-quality paper, coated printing paper such as art paper or coated paper, water-soluble paper, commercially available Japanese paper and postcard paper, etc. Papers; plastic films such as polypropylene (PP) film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film; cloth, leather, etc., but are not limited thereto. Further, the color of the recording medium is not particularly limited, and recording media of various colors can be used.

On the other hand, when partial softening by supplying a softening agent is used in the partial softening step, the recording medium preferably has resistance to the softening agent (that is, chemical resistance; specifically, solvent resistance). The term "solvent resistance" as used herein means that changes in the surface state, chemical changes, and physical changes of the recording medium are small before and after the supply of the softener.

Further, when light irradiation is used in the partial softening step, the recording medium is preferably one having resistance (that is, light resistance) to the irradiated light. The term "light resistance" means that changes in the surface state, chemical changes, and physical changes of the recording medium are small before and after irradiation with light, particularly ultraviolet light.

When the resin layer constituting the resin image is in the form of containing a thermoplastic resin or a heat-meltable resin, the recording medium is preferably heat-resistant. By using such a recording medium, the resin layer and the powder arranged on the resin layer are stably held, and the durability of the obtained decorative image and solid image is improved. In addition, "heat resistance" means that when light irradiation is used in the partial softening step, changes in the surface state of the recording medium, chemical changes, etc., with respect to the highest surface temperature of the recording medium reached when the light is irradiated. It means that all of the physical changes are small. Further, when partial heating with a thermal head is used in the partial softening step, those having resistance to heat (that is, heat resistance) are preferable. Further, when partial softening by supplying a softener is used in the partial softening step, heat resistance is not required in the partial softening step, but "heat resistance" is required when forming a resin image on a recording medium. It can be said that the recording medium is preferably one having heat resistance.

[Resin image]
In the image forming method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the resin image is formed and arranged on a recording medium. This resin image is composed of a resin layer made of toner and ink (solid content). From the viewpoint of forming the solid image and the base image of the decorative image portion, the resin layer may have a single layer structure or may be laminated with two or more layers. The combination of the recording medium and the resin image (resin layer) is not particularly limited, and any combination can be appropriately combined.

[Resin layer]
The resin layer constituting the resin image (solid image and base image of the decorative image portion) is not particularly limited as long as it contains a resin and is selectively softened by a softening method (or means) in the partial softening step. In addition to the resin, this resin layer may contain other components such as a colorant, a dispersant, a surfactant, a plasticizer, a mold release agent, and an antioxidant.

The resin contained in the resin layer may be any resin that is softened or plasticized by selectively softening the resin layer. Examples of such a resin include a thermoplastic resin that is plasticized by heat generated by photothermal conversion due to partial heating with a thermal head or light irradiation, and a hot-meltable resin that melts. Further, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin or a heat-meltable resin that is softened by partial supply of the softening agent. As described above, the resin contained in the resin layer needs to be softened by heat generated by photothermal conversion or softening agent by partial heating with a thermal head or light irradiation, and therefore needs to contain a thermoplastic resin. On the other hand, the curable resin cannot be used alone because it cannot go back and forth between softening and curing. Further, such a resin is a thermoplastic resin or heat from the viewpoint of hot-melting the toner and fixing it on the recording medium in the dry electrophotographic method or the like when the resin image (resin layer) is formed on the recording medium. It is preferable to use a meltable resin.

Further, the resin layer constituting the resin image may be colored or colorless. It may be transparent or opaque. The colored resin layer can be colored with any colored or black color that can be produced from the three primary colors by the above-mentioned colorant. The colorless resin layer may not use the above-mentioned colorant. As the opaque resin layer, an opaque resin may be used, or a powdery resin additive (titanium oxide or the like) may be used in order to eliminate transparency and gloss. As the transparent resin layer, a transparent resin may be used, and a powdery resin additive (titanium oxide or the like) may not be used in order to eliminate the transparency and gloss.

As the thermoplastic resin, a known resin having thermoplasticity can be used, and there is no particular limitation. Further, as the heat-meltable resin, a known resin having heat-meltability can be used, and the present invention is not particularly limited.

Examples of thermoplastic resins or heat-meltable resins include vinyl resins such as (meth) acrylic resins, styrene resins, styrene-acrylic resins, olefin resins (including cyclic olefin resins); polyester resins, polycarbonate resins, polyamides. Resins, polyphenylene ether resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, halogen-containing resins (polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, fluororesins, etc.), polysulfone resins (polyethersulfone, polysulfone, etc.), cellulose derivatives (cellulose esters, cellulose carbamates, cellulose, etc.) Ethers, etc.), silicone resins (polydimethylsiloxane, polymethylphenylsiloxane, etc.), polyvinyl ester resins (polyvinyl acetate, etc.), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS resin), polyvinyl alcohol resins and derivative resins thereof. , Rubber or elastomer (diene rubber such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, acrylic rubber, urethane rubber, etc.) and the like. The above-mentioned thermoplastic resin and heat-meltable resin can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In addition, in this specification, "(meth) acrylic" means "acrylic and / or methacryl".

The thermoplastic resin and the heat-meltable resin may be copolymers. When the thermoplastic resin and the heat-meltable resin are copolymers, the form of the copolymer may be any of a block copolymer, a random copolymer, a graft copolymer, and an alternating copolymer.

Further, as the thermoplastic resin and the heat-meltable resin, a synthetic product or a commercially available product may be used. The polymerization method for synthesizing these thermoplastic resins and heat-meltable resins is not particularly limited, and known methods can be used. For example, a high-pressure radical polymerization method, a medium-low pressure polymerization method, a solution polymerization method, a slurry polymerization method, a massive polymerization method, an emulsion polymerization method, a gas phase polymerization method and the like can be mentioned. Further, the radical polymerization initiator and the catalyst used at the time of polymerization are not particularly limited, and for example, radical polymerization initiators such as azo-based or diazo-based polymerization initiators and peroxide-based polymerization initiators; peroxide catalysts and Cheegler-Natta. Polymerization catalysts such as catalysts and metallocene catalysts; etc. can be used.

From the viewpoint that the surface state (partially softened state) of the resin layer constituting the resin image in the partial softening step can be easily controlled, the thermoplastic resin and the heat-meltable resin are among the above-mentioned resins, among the above-mentioned resins, the (meth) acrylic resin. It is preferable to contain at least one selected from the group consisting of styrene resin, styrene-acrylic resin and polyester resin, and it is more preferable to contain styrene-acrylic resin.

The styrene-acrylic resin referred to in the present invention is formed by polymerizing at least a styrene monomer and a (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer. Here, the styrene monomer includes not only styrene _{represented by the structural formula of CH 2} = CH-C ₆ H ₅ but also a structure having a known side chain or functional group in the styrene structure.

The (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer has a functional group having an ester bond in the side chain. _{Specifically,} CH 2 = CHCOOR (R is an alkyl group) other acrylic acid ester monomer represented _by, methacrylic acid ester represented by _{CH 2 = C (CH 3)} COOR (R is an alkyl group) Contains vinyl ester compounds such as monomers.

Further, in the styrene-acrylic resin, in addition to the above-mentioned copolymer formed only of the styrene monomer and the (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer, general vinyl monomers (olefins, vinyl esters) , Vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones, N-vinyl compounds, etc.) are also included.

Further, the styrene-acrylic resin includes a styrene monomer, a (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer and other general vinyl monomers, a polyfunctional vinyl monomer, and an ionic dissociation in a side chain. A copolymer formed by using a vinyl monomer having a group (carboxyl group, sulfonic acid group, phosphoric acid group, etc.) is also included. Examples of such vinyl monomers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid and the like.

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin contained in the resin layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 35 to 70 ° C, more preferably in the range of 40 to 60 ° C. Within such a range, there is an advantage that the surface state (partially softened state) of the resin layer in the partial softening step can be easily controlled, and the texture of the decorative expression can be easily adjusted.

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin can be controlled by selecting the type of monomer constituting the resin, adjusting the copolymerization ratio (mass ratio) and molecular weight of the monomer, and the like. For example, taking a styrene-acrylic resin as an example, the glass transition temperature (Tg) is lowered by increasing the copolymerization ratio (mass ratio) of n-butyl acrylate having a low glass transition temperature with respect to the entire monomer. be able to. Further, the glass transition temperature (Tg) can be increased by increasing the copolymerization ratio (mass ratio) of styrene having a high glass transition temperature.

(Measuring method of resin glass transition temperature (Tg))
The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin can be measured using a Tg measuring device, for example, "Diamond DSC" (manufactured by PerkinElmer). When using the "diamond DSC", first, 3.0 mg of the measurement sample (resin) is sealed in an aluminum pan and set in the sample holder of the "diamond DSC". The reference uses an empty aluminum pan. Then, the first heating process of raising the temperature from 0 ° C. to 200 ° C. at a heating rate of 10 ° C./min, the cooling process of cooling from 200 ° C. to 0 ° C. at a cooling rate of 10 ° C./min, and the heating rate of 10 ° C./min. A DSC curve is obtained according to the measurement conditions (heating / cooling conditions) in which the temperature is raised from 0 ° C. to 200 ° C. in minutes in this order. Based on the DSC curve obtained by this measurement, the extension line of the baseline before the rise of the first endothermic peak in the second heating process and the maximum between the rising part of the first peak and the peak peak. A tangent line indicating the inclination is drawn, and the intersection is defined as the glass transition temperature (Tg). Even when another Tg measuring device is used, Tg may be obtained according to the specifications of the measuring device and the instruction manual.

The weight average molecular weight of the resin contained in the resin layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably 5,000 to 100,000, and particularly preferably 10,000 to 10,000. It is 50,000.

(Measuring method of weight average molecular weight (Mw) of resin)
The device "HLC-8320GPC" (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation), one column "TSKguardgroup" and three "TSKgelSuperHZ-M" (all manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) are used in combination. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a carrier solvent is flowed at a flow rate of 0.2 mL / min while maintaining the column temperature at 40 ° C. The measurement sample (resin) is dissolved in tetrahydrofuran so as to have a concentration of 1 mg / mL. The solution is prepared by treating at room temperature for 5 minutes using an ultrasonic disperser. Next, a sample solution is obtained by treating with a membrane filter having a pore size of 0.2 μm, and 10 μL of this sample solution is injected into the apparatus together with the above carrier solvent and detected using a refractive index detector (RI detector). The molecular weight distribution of the measurement sample is calculated based on the calibration curve prepared using monodisperse polystyrene standard particles. The calibration curve is "polystylene standard sample TSK standard" manufactured by Tosoh Corporation: "A-500", "F-1", "F-10", "F-80", "F-380", "A-2500". , "F-4", "F-40", "F-128", "F-700". The data collection interval in the sample analysis is 300 ms.

The content of the resin in the resin layer is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of partially softening the surface side of the resin layer in the partial softening step and facilitating control of the surface state (partially softened state) of the resin layer, the resin layer It is preferably 60 to 100% by mass, more preferably 75 to 95% by mass, based on the total mass.

On the other hand, when the resin layer contains other components (for example, a colorant, a mold release agent, etc.) together with the resin, the content of the other components is not particularly limited, but the surface side of the resin layer is partially softened in the partial softening step. From the viewpoint of facilitating control of the surface state (partially softened state) of the resin layer, the content is preferably 3 to 40% by mass, more preferably 5 to 25% by mass, based on the total mass of the resin layer.

The colorant as the other component is not particularly limited, and known dyes and pigments can be used. Examples of such colorants include carbon black, magnetic materials, iron / titanium composite oxide black, and the like; I. Dyes such as Solvent Yellow 19 and 44; C.I. I. Pigments such as Pigment Yellow 14 and 17; C.I. I. Dyes such as Solvent Red 1, 49; C.I. I. Pigments such as Pigment Red 5 and 122; C.I. I. Dyes such as Solvent Blue 25 and 36; C.I. I. Pigment Blue 1 and Pigment Blue 7 and other pigments can be mentioned, but are not limited thereto.

The release agent as the other component is not particularly limited, and a known release agent can be used. Examples of such a release agent include polyolefin waxes such as polyethylene wax and polypropylene wax; branched chain hydrocarbon waxes such as microcrysterin wax; long chain hydrocarbon waxes such as paraffin wax and sazole wax; and distearyl ketones. Dialkylketone waxes such as carnauba wax, montan wax, behenyl behenate, trimethylpropan tribehenate, pentaerythritol tetrabehenate, pentaerythritol diacetate dibehenate, glycerin tribehenate, 1, Ester waxes such as 18-octadecanediol distearate, tristearyl trimellitic acid, and distealyl maleate; amide waxes such as ethylenediaminebehenylamide and tristearylamide trimellitic acid are examples, but are not limited thereto.

The thickness of the resin layer is not particularly limited as long as the powder is retained. The thickness of the resin layer may be uniform or non-uniform. As a guideline for the thickness of the resin layer, it is preferable that the flat powder is thicker than the retained powder thickness, and the non-flat powder is thicker than the powder size. For example, when the resin layer is formed of toner (when the resin layer constituting the resin image is a toner image by an electrophotographic method), the amount of toner adhered to the recording medium is 0.1 g / m ^{2 to} 25. preferable to be .0g / ^{m 2,} and more preferably a ^{1.0g / m 2 ~20.0g / m 2} .

(2) Partial softening step The image forming method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a step (partial softening step) of performing a process of adjusting a softened state on a part of a resin image arranged on a recording medium. Is.

As a means for selectively (partially) softening a part of the resin image arranged on the recording medium (only the resin image part under the decorative image part) by performing a process of adjusting the softening state. Is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include those using heat, those using light, and those using a softener. Specifically, instead of the conventional full-face heating means such as a heating roller, softening means by partial heating with a thermal head, light irradiation, and partial supply of a softening agent can be mentioned. In all of on-demand printing, supply of softener by inkjet method, partial heating by thermal head, and partial melting by partial light irradiation, a plurality of softened states can be mixed on the same image by using grayscale image data.

(1) Softening by partial heating with a thermal head The thermal head is a mechanism in which minute heating elements are arranged in an aligned manner and the heating elements are selectively heated by energization corresponding to the image data. It can be softened by selectively heating the place of. In such softening by partial heating with the thermal head, a part of the resin image arranged on the recording medium is arranged by arranging the thermal head so as to touch (press contact) the surface of the resin image on the recording medium. (Only the resin image part of the base of the decorative image part) can be selectively heated (softened). The thermal head may be fixed and the recording medium may be partially heated while being conveyed, or the recording medium being conveyed may be stopped at a predetermined position and the thermal head may be partially heated (softened) while being scanned (moved). May be done. Further, the thermal head may be arranged so as to cover the entire recording medium, or may be arranged so as to cover a part of the recording medium (for example, a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium (width direction)). There are no particular restrictions, such as the fact that it may be used.

(2) Softening by partial heating using photothermal conversion by light irradiation In the light irradiation of this embodiment, the surface of a part (decorative base part) of the resin image is softened by using photothermal conversion. At this time, the orientation of the powder arranged on the surface of a part of the resin image (decorative base portion) changes depending on the state (softness) of the surface of a part of the resin image (decorative base portion). To do. Therefore, the orientation of the powder can be controlled by controlling the state of the surface of a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image depending on the amount of light irradiation (integrated light amount). The reflection characteristics can be changed in various ways. Therefore, by controlling the irradiation amount and irradiation range of light, it is possible to form images having different textures and glossiness with the same powder.

Further, since the texture and the decoration range of the decoration can be controlled by light irradiation, it is not necessary to change the decoration material or the toner in order to give the glossiness of a different texture, and the glossiness of a different texture is obtained. The image can be formed by a simple method, and the configuration and control of the image forming apparatus become simple.

Further, in the image forming method according to one embodiment of the present invention, in order to control the state of the surface of a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image by light irradiation, the decorative image (the portion where the powder is arranged) and the solid Even an image in which the image (non-decorative image; the part where the powder is not arranged) is finely intricate can be drawn and decorated on the same paper surface without deteriorating the quality. In addition, it is possible to change the state of the surface of a part of the resin image (decorative base part) finely and continuously on the same paper surface, so that it is possible to form an image with more expressive power. It also has the advantage of becoming.

In the softening by partial heating using the photothermal conversion by light irradiation, the light irradiation device is placed above (non-contact) the surface of the resin image on the recording medium, so that the resin image placed on the recording medium is placed. A part of them (only the resin image part under the decorative image part) is selectively irradiated with light, and the irradiated light energy is heat-converted so that only the light-irradiated part can be partially heated. The light irradiation device may be fixed and softened by partial heating by light irradiation while transporting the recording medium, or the recording medium being transported may be stopped at a predetermined position and the light irradiation device may be scanned (moved). Partial heating by light irradiation may be performed while allowing the light irradiation. Further, the light irradiation device may be arranged so as to cover the entire recording medium, or may be arranged so as to cover a part of the recording medium (for example, a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium (width direction)). There are no particular restrictions, such as the possibility.

(3) Softening by partial supply of softener In softening by partial supply of softener, an inkjet head is placed above (non-contact) the surface of a resin image on a recording medium by a softener supply means, for example, an ink jet method. , The softener is supplied by selectively injecting (supplying) the softener (ink) onto a part of the resin images arranged on the recording medium (only the resin image portion under the decorative image portion). Only the part can be partially softened. The inkjet head may be fixed and partially softened by supplying a softening agent while transporting the recording medium, or the recording medium being transported may be stopped at a predetermined position and softened while scanning (moving) the inkjet head. Partial softening may be performed by supplying an agent. Further, the inkjet head may be arranged so as to cover the entire recording medium, or may be arranged so as to cover a part of the recording medium (for example, a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium). There are no particular restrictions, such as good.

(4) After softening the resin image with a softening agent, softening the decorative base portion by partial heating to a portion other than the decorative base portion Further, in the present embodiment, a part of the resin image arranged on the recording medium. A part of the resin image on the recording medium (decorative base portion) is included as a means for adjusting the softened state in (the resin image portion of the base of the decorative image portion; also referred to as the decorative base portion). A resin image based on a means for softening a partial area or the entire surface, and further image data (data on which a powder processing position is selected), for example, page image data consisting of a plurality of pixels corresponding to the powder processing position. It may have a means for adjusting the softened state. As a means for softening a part or the entire surface of the resin image on the recording medium including a part (decorative base part), for example, a softening agent is used as a partial area including a part of the resin image (decorative base part) or. Examples thereof include means of supplying the entire surface to the entire surface to soften the surface. Further, as a means for adjusting the softened state of the resin image based on the image data, a portion of the portion or the entire surface softened by the softening means other than the underlying resin image portion of the decorative image portion (non-added). A means for partially heating the decorative base portion) by a thermal head or light irradiation (means for adjusting the softened state) based on the image data can be mentioned. A part of the resin image (decorative base part) is selected by heating the softening agent of the non-decorative part by the means of partially heating the part (means for adjusting the softening state) and partially drying (curing) the softening agent. It can be adjusted so that it is in a softened state. The above-mentioned inkjet method or the technique used for applying a solution can be applied to the means for supplying the softening agent to a partial area or the entire surface including a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image. Specifically, it can be performed by an inkjet method, a commonly used gravure coating, a roll coating, a blade coating, an extrusion coating, a dip coating, a spin coating, or the like. It is preferable to use an inkjet method that can supply the softener uniformly and can supply the softener in a non-contact state with the resin image. As the thermal head and the partial heating means by light irradiation, the above-mentioned thermal head and the partial softening means by light irradiation can be applied.

Among the means for adjusting the softening state of a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image arranged on the recording medium described above, the softening agent is used from the viewpoint of easy adjustment of the softening time. It is preferable to use a softening means by partial supply.

Hereinafter, the softening means by partial supply of the softening agent, which is a suitable softening means, will be described in detail.

When the softening agent is partially supplied to the surface of a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image, the resin constituting the resin layer of the decorative base portion is partially melted or the resin is swollen to be added. The surface side of the resin layer of the decorative base is softened. Since the softened resin layer (softened resin portion) has an adhesive force (adhesive force) generated by softening, the powder supplied to the softened resin portion is adhered. As described above, the image forming method of the present embodiment utilizes the adhesive force generated in the softened resin layer by partially supplying the softening agent to a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image (decorative base portion). The powder is adhered to the softened resin part). Therefore, it is possible to selectively decorate a part of an image without heating to a temperature at which the recording medium is deformed or the powder (decorative body) is unexpectedly deteriorated, discolored or deformed. Therefore, it is possible to form a decorative image using a recording medium or powder having low heat resistance.

[Softener]
The softening agent used in the partial softening step of the image forming method according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can soften the resin image (resin layer). Examples of the softening agent include alcohols having 4 or more carbon atoms, ketones, esters, ethers, or solutions containing them, and specifically, isobutyl adipate, ethyl acetate, acetone, tetrahydrofuran ( THF), or solutions containing them, etc. are included. Each may be used alone or in combination. It can also be mixed with a substance that does not have a softening effect. Although it depends on the type of resin constituting the resin image, when the resin image is a toner image, water; lower alcohols having 3 or less carbon atoms such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol can be mentioned as substances having no softening effect. .. By mixing with a substance having no softening effect, effects such as adjusting the softening state, adjusting the softening time, and increasing the bulk of the softening agent can be obtained.

[Means for partially supplying the softener]
The partial supply of the softening agent is not particularly limited as long as the softening agent can be partially supplied to the surface of a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image. As the means for partially supplying the softener, as described above, partial supply (coating) by an inkjet method or the like can be used. If the powder adhesion step is performed before the partial softening step, in the place where the surface of the decorative base and the powder are in close contact with each other, even if the softener is supplied later, it is only supplied to the powder surface and adheres. Since the decorative base portion of the portion cannot be softened and the powder of the adhered portion cannot be adhered, and the powder of the adhered portion may peel off after the recording medium is output, uneven decoration may occur. It is preferable to perform this before the step of supplying powder to the surface of a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image (powder adhesion step). Even in the case of partial heating by the thermal head or softening by light irradiation, if the powder adhesion step is performed before the partial softening step, the thermal head comes into contact with the powder to which it is not adhered, so that the powder is dragged by the thermal head. (Powder streaks are formed), powder is heated and deteriorated, problems such as insufficient heat transfer to the decorative base part under the powder are likely to occur, and even in the case of light irradiation. If the powder adhesion step is performed before the partial softening step, the powder is irradiated with light by light irradiation, and problems such as insufficient heat transfer to the decorative base part under the powder are likely to occur. The partial softening step is preferably performed before the step of supplying the decorative powder to the surface of a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image (powder adhesion step).

The amount of the softening agent may be adjusted for each partial region set in the decorative base portion of the resin image so that a plurality of softened states exist in the decorative base portion of the resin image. Since the adhered state of the supplied powder is different between the regions having different softening states and the resulting decorative effect (particularly the texture) is different, a plurality of decorative effects (different) are contained in the decorative base portion of the resin image. You will be able to create (texture).

Further, the supply amount of the softening agent is not particularly limited as long as it is arbitrarily adjusted according to the resin layer (type of resin), powder, desired decoration effect, etc. of the decoration base portion. For example, the softening agent may be partially supplied after being adjusted to have a predetermined film thickness (thickness of the liquid film or droplets of the softening agent formed on the surface of the decorative base portion). The film thickness of the supplied softener is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 μm to 10 μm, more preferably 0.5 μm to 5 μm, and even more preferably 1 μm to 3 μm. Further, for example, from the viewpoint of obtaining a mirror-like or pearl-like decoration effect, the film thickness of the softener is preferably 0.7 μm to 1.3 μm, and from the viewpoint of obtaining a glitter-like decoration effect, the softener is used. The film thickness is preferably 2 μm to 4 μm, and the film thickness of the softener is more than 1.3 μm and 2 μm from the viewpoint of obtaining a decoration effect between the mirror or pearl-like decoration effect and the glitter-like decoration effect. Less is preferred. The film thickness of the supplied softener can be measured in the film thickness measurement mode of the Keyence laser microscope VK-250, preferably immediately after the supply (within 10 seconds from the supply) before the softener volatilizes. ..

Further, as for the supply amount of the softener, in the partial supply by the inkjet method, the supply amount per dot may be adjusted instead of the above-mentioned film thickness adjustment of the softener. In this case, the supply amount of the softener is, for example, preferably 1 to 20 pl, more preferably 1 to 10 pl, and even more preferably 1 to 5 pl per dot. Further, for example, from the viewpoint of obtaining a mirror-like or pearl-like decoration effect, the supply amount of the softener is preferably 1 to 2 pl per dot, and from the viewpoint of obtaining a glitter-like decoration effect, the softener is used. The supply amount is preferably 4 to 6 pl per dot, and the supply amount of the softener is 1 from the viewpoint of obtaining a decoration effect between a mirror or pearl-like decoration effect and a glitter-like decoration effect. 2-4 pl per dot is preferable. Here, in the present specification, the size of one dot is 12 μm. By adjusting the supply amount of the softener, the depth of penetration of the softener from the resin image surface (proportional to the supply amount) can be adjusted, and different textures can be expressed as described above. Further, the softening time can be adjusted by adjusting the supply amount of the softening agent. Thereby, by adjusting the time during which the resin image has adhesiveness by supplying the softening agent, the adhesiveness of the resin image can be maintained until the powder is adhered. Further, by drying (curing) the resin image softened by the time the subsequent recording medium is output, decorative printing can be continuously performed.

(Auxiliary heating of resin images)
In the partial softening step of the image forming method according to one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the partial supply of the softening agent, recording is performed in order to adjust the softening state of a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image (resin layer). The resin image on the medium may be indirectly and auxiliaryly heated from the recording medium (lower surface on which the resin image is not formed). Indirect and auxiliary heating of the resin image is such that the temperature of the recording medium is lower than the temperature at which the recording medium is deformed, or the temperature of the powder is the temperature at which the powder is deteriorated, discolored or deformed. The temperature should be lower than that. Indirect and auxiliary heating of the resin image may be performed after the emollient is partially supplied, before the emollient is partially supplied, or with the partial supply of the emollient. It may be at the same time. It can be used to adjust the softening time, such as promoting the softening of a part of the resin image (decorative base part) by indirect and auxiliary heating of the resin image, or promoting the drying after softening. .. In order to indirectly and supplementarily heat from the recording medium (lower surface on which the resin image is not formed), an appropriate heating means, for example, a heater (see the heating unit (heater 75) in FIG. 8) or the like is used. Can be done.

(3) Powder Adhesion Step The image forming method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a step (powder adhering step) of adhering powder on a softened resin image (decorative base portion). is there. The powder adhering step in this embodiment is not particularly limited, and is, for example, (1) the method described in JP2013-178452 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-178452) or (2) on a smooth transfer member. A method such as transferring the oriented material onto a resin image can be used.

As a method of adhering the decorative powder on the decorative base portion which is a softened resin image, specifically, as the method (1) above, the decorative powder is supplied to the entire surface of the resin image. , A method of adhering (adhering) the decorative powder to the softened decorative base portion can be mentioned. In this method, it is preferable to use in combination with a method of collecting (removing) the unadhesive powder on the unsoftened resin image (non-decorative base portion). Alternatively, as the method (2) above, there is a method of transferring the powder only to the softened decorative base portion by bringing the alignment member in which the powder is oriented in advance into contact with the resin image. In this case, since the powder is not transferred to the non-softened resin image (non-decorative base portion), the non-adhesive on the non-softened resin image (non-decorative base portion) as in (1) above. It is not necessary to use the method of collecting (removing) the powder together. However, this embodiment is not limited to the above means.

[powder]
The powder used in the powder adhesion step can be appropriately selected according to the desired final image. For example, metallic luster powder for metallic images such as gold and silver, glass flakes and glass beads for changing the texture of images, phosphorescent pigments for phosphorescent images, and thermal expansion for embossed images. Various powders such as heat-responsive materials such as microcapsules can be used. These powders are not particularly limited as long as they adhere to the surface of the decorative base portion of the resin image partially softened by the partial softening step. The decorative powder is an aggregate of particles, which is substantially insoluble in the softener and does not have the ability to fix itself on the recording medium. The powder is supplied to a partially softened resin image (decorative base portion) and adhered to the resin to give a special appearance according to the color of the powder and the decorative base portion of the resin image. Give to the image. When the color of the decorative base part of the resin image is black (black) and the decorative powder is a powder with metallic luster (gold powder or silver powder), the decorative part is visible to the human eye. It appears as an image of gold or silver with metallic luster. In addition, when the color of the decorative base portion of the resin image is magenta and the decorative powder is a powder having a metallic luster (silver powder), the decorative portion is a magenta pearl-like image to the human eye. It is reflected as. In addition, when the color of the decorative base portion of the resin image is clear (colorless and transparent) and the decorative powder is a powder having a metallic luster (silver powder), the decorative portion is metallic to the human eye. It appears as a glossy silver image. Furthermore, when the color of the decorative base portion of the resin image is black (black) and the decorative powder is silver (silver-coated glass powder), the decorative portion has a metallic luster texture to the human eye. It appears as a silver image. These utilize human visual effects, and depending on the relationship between the decorative powder and the color of the decorative base of the resin image, depending on the required final image such as metallic-like image or pearl-like image. It can be given as appropriate.

The powder particles may be magnetic particles or non-magnetic particles. The shape of the particles may be spherical particles or non-spherical particles. Further, the powder may be a synthetic product or a commercially available product. Further, the powder may be a mixture of particles of two or more different materials. The powder is not toner.

Further, the powder may be coated with particles. For example, the particles are metal particles, and may be metal particles whose surface is coated with a metal, metal oxide, or resin different from the metal. Further, the particles are metal oxide particles, and may be metal, metal oxide particles whose surface is coated with a metal oxide or a resin different from the metal oxide. Further, the particles are resin particles, and may be resin particles whose surface is coated with a metal, a metal oxide, or a resin different from the resin. In addition, the powder is obtained by spreading metal into a plate shape and crushing it (non-spherical particles), coating it with various materials, and depositing metal on resin film (pieces) or glass (flakes or beads). It may be wet-coated (non-spherical particles) or the like. From the viewpoint that the texture can be freely adjusted, non-spherical particles, particularly flat particle shapes, are preferable to spherical particles. In order to obtain a metallic image, the metal particles preferably contain a metal, but the metal content is preferably 0.2% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less.

Non-spherical particles are particles other than spherical particles. Spherical particles are particles having an average circularity of 0.970 or more in their cross-sectional shape or projected shape. The average circularity can be obtained by a known method, or may be a catalog value.

The non-spherical particles preferably have a flat particle shape from the viewpoint of aligning and adhering the powder along the surface of the resin image (resin layer). The "flat particle shape" of a non-spherical particle means that the maximum length of a non-spherical particle is the major axis, and the maximum length in the direction orthogonal to the major axis is the minimum length in the direction orthogonal to both the minor axis, major axis and minor axis. When the dimension is defined as the thickness, it means that the shape has a minor diameter ratio (minor diameter / thickness) of 5 or more to the thickness.

The thickness of the non-spherical particles is preferably 0.2 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.2 to 3.0 μm, from the viewpoint of sufficiently exhibiting the appearance effect due to the oriented adhesion of the non-spherical particles. If the thickness is too small, the plane direction of the non-spherical particles including the major axis direction and the minor axis direction of the non-spherical particles adhering to the surface of the resin image (resin layer) is substantially in the surface direction of the resin image (resin layer). A good orientation state along the line may not be sufficiently formed. If the thickness of the non-spherical particles is too large, the powder may come off when the image is rubbed.

The material of the non-spherical particles is not limited. The non-spherical particles are preferably metal particles or preferably metal oxide particles from the viewpoint of producing a pearl-like or mirror-like to glitter-like appearance as a desired appearance of the final image.

Examples of non-spherical powders include sunshine baby chrome powder, aurora powder, pearl powder (all manufactured by GG Corporation), ICEGEL mirror metal powder (manufactured by TAT Co., Ltd.), Pika Ace MC Shine Dust, and Effect C (manufactured by TAT Co., Ltd.). Kurachi, "Pika Ace" is a registered trademark of the company), PREGEL Magic Powder, Mirror Series (manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd., "PROGEL" is a registered trademark of the company), Bonnail Shine Powder (K's Planning Co., Ltd., "BON NAIL" Is a registered trademark of the company), Metashine (manufactured by Nippon Plate Glass Co., Ltd., a registered trademark of the company), LG neo (manufactured by Oike Kogyo Co., Ltd., a registered trademark of the company), Astroflake (manufactured by Nippon Moisture Proof Industry Co., Ltd., Ichi Okazaki) Included), aluminum pigments (manufactured by Toyo Aluminum Co., Ltd.), and Powder (manufactured by SCHLENK).

The powder may contain particles made of a heat responsive material. A heat-responsive material is a material that changes its shape such as expansion, contraction, and deformation, and changes its color such as color development, decolorization, and discoloration triggered by heat stimulation. Examples of heat-responsive materials include heat-expandable microcapsules, temperature-sensitive capsules, and the like. Examples of heat-expandable microcapsules include Matsumoto Microspheres (manufactured by Matsumoto Yushi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and Kureha Microspheres (manufactured by Kureha Corporation). Examples of temperature-sensitive capsules include temperature-sensitive dye capsules (stocks). (Made by Nippon Capsule Products) is included.

The heat responsive material may be fed to the surface of the resin image and then heated, for example, after the alignment step described below. When the heat-responsive material is heated, it causes a heat response such as expansion as described above. As a result, for example, an embossed decoration effect can be obtained.

The powder may contain particles made of phosphorescent pigment. Luminescence refers to the properties of a substance that stores light (electromagnetic waves) (eg, visible light, UV light, etc.) and emits light even when light irradiation is stopped. The light when a substance with phosphorescence emits light in a dark place is called "phosphorescence". Phosphorescent pigments are known as pigments that continuously emit light stored in bright conditions for a certain period of time in the dark. Examples of phosphorescent pigments include high-intensity phosphorescent pigment α-Vega (manufactured by LTI Co., Ltd.), inorganic phosphorescent pigment LCG1S (manufactured by Shinroihi Co., Ltd.), and the like.

The powder can be supplied by using a known device according to the properties of the powder, and for example, it can be performed by using the powder supply means described in Patent Document 2. The powder may be supplied after the partial softening step as described above. This is because if it is performed before the partial softening step, the above-mentioned problems are likely to occur.

In the present embodiment, the texture of the decorative portion can be arbitrarily adjusted by changing the orientation of the powder in the powder adhesion step. In order to orient the powder, a treatment of rubbing the powder (simply referred to as "rubbing treatment" or "orientation treatment") may be performed, and when the powder is not oriented, as described above. The powder may be attached to a part of the resin image without performing the orientation treatment.

(Pressing method; method that does not orient the powder)
When the powder is not oriented, the powder may be attached to a part of the resin image without performing the orientation treatment. Specifically, in the partial softening step, a part of the resin layer (decorative base portion) constituting the resin image is brought into a state of having an adhesive force (adhesive force) capable of adhering powder. Next, as shown in FIG. 1A, in the powder adhesion step, powder P composed of flat particles is supplied to a part or the entire surface of the resin layer. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1A, the powder P is randomly supplied onto the resin layer 100 constituting the resin image. By pressing in this state, as shown in FIG. 1D, a part of the powder P enters only the partially softened decorative base portion 100a in the resin layer 100 and adheres in a disordered state. Therefore, the formed decorative portion is in a disordered state in which the powder P is not oriented. As a result, glitter-like expression becomes possible (see Example 13). When the powder P composed of flat particles is supplied to the entire surface of the resin layer, the excess powder supplied to other than the decorative base portion and not adhered (adhered) is applied by an appropriate method after pressing. For example, it may be removed or collected with an adhesive roller. In the above pressing method, it is preferable to supply the powder only to a part of the resin layer (decorative base portion) having adhesiveness by softening. This is because it is not necessary to recover excess powder. From the viewpoint of reuse, cost reduction, environmental protection, etc., it is preferable to collect and reuse excess powder. The powder adhering to the recovery roller may be reused by spraying water or a solvent to weaken the adhesiveness and then scraping it off with a blade or the like, but the method is not limited to these methods. ..

(Sliding method on the image; method of aligning the powder on the image)
Next, the image forming method according to the embodiment of the present invention has an adhesive force (adhesive force) capable of adhering powder to a part of the resin layer (decorative base portion) constituting the resin image in the partial softening step. ). Next, in the powder adhesion step, a powder composed of flat particles is supplied to a part or the entire surface of the resin layer (see FIG. 1A). In the image rubbing method, the powder in contact with a part or the entire surface of the resin layer is rubbed here. As shown in FIG. 1B, when the powder P on a part or the entire surface of the resin image (resin layer) 100 is rubbed, the powder P supplied on the surface of the resin layer 100 is rubbed and the resin layer 100 is rubbed. It is oriented flat and adheres to the surface of the plastic. Therefore, the decorative portion formed is in a state in which the powder P is oriented. As a result, it is possible to express a mirror tone or a pearl tone having a metallic luster (see Example 2). Even in the above-mentioned rubbing method on the image, it is preferable to supply the powder only to a part of the resin layer (decorative base portion) having adhesiveness due to softening. This is because it is not necessary to recover excess powder.

On the other hand, if the resin layer 100 is further softened (for example, the supply amount of the softening agent is increased so that the softening agent infiltrates into the inside (deep part) of the resin layer), even if the rubbing treatment is performed in the same manner, As shown in FIG. 1D, a part of the powder P is in a state of entering the inside of the resin layer 100. As a result, glitter-like expression becomes possible (see Example 3).

Note that FIG. 1C shows a case where the softened state of the resin layer 100 is between the case of FIG. 1B and the case of FIG. 1D, and can be adjusted by the supply amount of the softening agent. As a result, it is possible to express between a mirror tone or a pearl tone and a glitter tone.

(Thin layer formation transfer method; a method in which the oriented member of the powder is brought into contact with the resin image after partial softening to transfer the powder)
Next, the image forming method according to the embodiment of the present invention has an adhesive force (adhesive force) capable of adhering powder to a part of the resin layer (decorative base portion) constituting the resin image in the partial softening step. ). In the powder adhesion step, the thin layer formation transfer method is characterized in that the powder is transferred by bringing the oriented member in which the powder is oriented into contact with an image. Specifically, an oriented member in which the powder is oriented is prepared in advance. For example, using a powder holding member having a powder holding surface for holding powder by adhesion, a powder composed of flat particles is supplied onto the powder holding surface, and the powder is rubbed. To prepare an oriented member in which the powder is oriented. Next, the oriented member of the powder is brought into contact with the resin image after partial softening to transfer the powder to a decorative base portion having a stronger adhesive force. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1B, the powder P is adhered to the surface of a part (decorative base portion) of the resin layer 100 in a flatly oriented state to form the decorative image 101. Therefore, the formed decorative portion (also referred to as a decorative image or a decorative image portion) is in a state in which the powder P is oriented. As a result, it is possible to express a mirror tone or a pearl tone having a metallic luster (see Example 1). In the thin layer formation transfer method, since the powder is transferred (adhered) only to the decorative base portion having adhesive strength due to softening, no excess powder is generated, so that the recovery process is not necessary.

The powder holding member is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the powder. The shape of the powder holding member includes, but is not limited to, a sheet, a roller, a belt, and the like. The material used for the powder holding member is preferably a material having deformation followability, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, silicone rubber, fluororubber, urethane rubber, and acrylic rubber. When partial softening is performed by a softening agent, it is preferable to use a material which does not dissolve or swell due to the softening agent, and when partial softening is performed by heating, it is preferable to use a heat-resistant material. The surface is preferably smooth, but can be appropriately changed in consideration of powder retention, releasability, powder orientation, and the like. Further, surface treatment, coating and the like can be performed for various purposes.

(Processing to orient the powder)
The process of orienting the powder is a process of aligning the directions of the powders in contact with the resin layer constituting the resin image and the powder holding surface of the powder holding member, and aligning the directions of the powders. If possible, the orientation treatment is not particularly limited. The orientation can be performed by, for example, rubbing or using wind pressure, and if the powder contains magnetic particles, it can also be performed by using magnetic force. Hereinafter, a treatment by “rubbing” will be described as an example of the orientation treatment.

[Rubbing]
Rubbing means that a rubbing member in contact with the surface of a resin image (resin layer) on a recording medium or the powder holding surface of a powder holding member is applied to the resin image or powder holding member along the surface. Means to move relatively. It is preferable that the rubbing is accompanied by pressing from the viewpoint of orienting the powder on the surface of the resin image or the powder holding member and from the viewpoint of strengthening the adhesion of the powder to the resin image or the powder holding member. “Pressing” means pressing the surface of the resin image or powder holding member in a direction intersecting (for example, in the vertical direction) with respect to the surface of the resin image or powder holding member.

In rubbing, if the relative speed of the rubbing member with respect to the resin image or the powder holding member is too slow, the orientation of the powder along the surface of the resin image or the powder holding member becomes insufficient, and the final image It is difficult to express the appearance of the decorative part such as mirror-like or pearl-like, but it is not particularly limited because the appearance of the decorative part close to glitter-like can be expressed. If it is too fast, the adhesion of powder may be insufficient, the orientation of the powder along the surface of the resin image or powder holding member will be insufficient, and the decorative part such as mirror tone or pearl tone in the final image will be insufficient. However, the appearance of the decorative part can be expressed so that the background image (magenta, etc.) contributes to the color tone of the entire decorative part, such as magenta pearl tone. There are no particular restrictions. From the viewpoint of expressing the appearance of the decorative part such as mirror-like or pearl-like by sufficiently adhering and orienting the powder on the surface of the resin image or the powder holding member, the relative speed difference is It is preferably 5 mm / sec to 500 mm / sec, and more preferably 70 mm / sec to 130 mm / sec.

Further, in rubbing, if the contact width of the rubbing member on the surface of the resin image or the powder holding member is too narrow, powder is generated when the rubbing member moves along the surface of the resin image or the powder holding member. The orientation of the body tends to vary, the orientation of the powder adhering to the resin image or the powder holding member may be insufficient, and if the contact width is too wide, it becomes difficult to convey the recording medium. From the viewpoint of sufficiently realizing the desired (desired) orientation of the powder adhering to the surface of the resin image or the powder holding member and the transportability of the recording medium, the contact width is set to the resin image or the powder holding member. It is the length in the moving direction of the rubbing member with respect to the relative, and may be a length that covers the entire width of the recording medium, but is preferably 1 mm to 1000 mm, and more preferably 1 mm to 200 mm.

Further, if the pressing force is too low, the adhesion strength of the powder may be weakened, and if it is too high, the resin image or the powder holding member itself may be disturbed, and the resin image or the powder holding member itself may be disturbed. The torque when transporting or rotating the plastic may increase. From the viewpoint of smooth transfer and rotation of the resin image and powder holding member and labor saving, the image formed on the resin image and the holding of the powder oriented on the powder holding surface of the powder holding member From the viewpoint and from the viewpoint of increasing the adhesion strength of the powder, the pressing force is preferably 1 to 30 kPa, more preferably 7 to 13 kPa with respect to the surface of the resin image or the powder holding member.

The rubbing member may be a rotating member, or may be a non-rotating member such as a reciprocating member or a fixed member. The rubbing member moves in the horizontal direction relative to the surface of the resin image having a substantially horizontal surface or the surface of the powder holding member having a drum-shaped rotating surface (powder holding surface). It may be a possible member, or it may be in contact with the surface of a resin image having a substantially horizontal surface or a powder holding member having a drum-shaped rotating surface (powder holding surface), and is perpendicular to the surface. It may be a member that rotates relatively with respect to the direction as a rotation axis, or may be a rotatable roller that is in contact with the surface of the resin image or the powder holding member.

The surface of the rubbing member is configured to be relatively movable with respect to the surface of the resin image (resin layer) or the powder holding member while pressing the resin image or the powder holding member. The rubbing by the rubbing member is performed by, for example, rubbing the conveyed resin image or the rotating powder holding member with the fixed rubbing member, or the transport speed or powder of the resin image. By rubbing with a roller that rotates at a speed slower than the rotation speed of the body holding member, or by rubbing with a roller that rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of transport of the resin image and the direction of rotation of the powder holding member. By rubbing with a rotatable roller arranged in a direction in which the rotation axis is oblique to the transport direction of the resin image or the rotation direction of the powder holding member, or by rubbing the resin image. Or by rubbing with a member that reciprocates on the surface of the powder holding member, or by rubbing with a member that rotates with a direction perpendicular to the surface of the resin image or powder holding member as the rotation axis. It is possible.

Therefore, if the rubbing member is configured to be movable in a direction relatively different from the resin image or the powder holding member while pressing the surface of the resin image (resin layer) or the powder holding member. Good.

Further, the rubbing member preferably has flexibility. The flexibility of the rubbing member is, for example, soft enough to deform the surface of the rubbing member to the extent that it can follow the shape of the surface of the resin image or the powder holding member when pressed (deformation followability). .. Examples of such flexible rubbing members include sponges and brushes.

[II] Image forming apparatus The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes means for performing a process of adjusting a softened state of a part of a resin image on a recording medium, and powder on the softened resin image. Includes means for attaching the body. Preferably, a means for adjusting the softened state is applied to a part of the resin image on the recording medium based on the image data, and powder is adhered on the softened resin image formed based on the image data. Including means to cause. Further, the above-mentioned "means for adjusting the softened state of a part of the resin image on the recording medium based on the image data" is a means for softening the resin image on the recording medium and further the image data. It may include means for adjusting the softened state of the resin image based on the above. Examples of the above-mentioned "image data" include page image data composed of a plurality of pixels corresponding to positions for powder processing. That is, the above-mentioned "based on image data" portion means that the portion to be softened and the data of the degree of softening are input to the inkjet head, the thermal head, and the light irradiation device as image data. When a softening agent is used, the softening time and softening state can be adjusted by adjusting the injection amount of the softening agent, the type of the softening agent, the mixing ratio of the softening agent, the mixing ratio of the softening agent and the substance having no softening effect, and the like. It is possible. In the case of a thermal head, it can be adjusted by adjusting the temperature of the resin image layer according to the heating time, heating temperature, etc., and in the case of light irradiation, the irradiation time, irradiation intensity, etc. Among them, the ones that can be input as image data and the output can be changed are the injection amount of the softener, the heating temperature of the thermal head, the irradiation intensity of light, and the like. Further, the above-mentioned "means for adjusting the softening state of a part of the resin image (also referred to as partial softening means)" is, as described in the above-mentioned image forming method, partial heating such as a thermal head or light irradiation. Means, softening agent supplying means and the like can be mentioned, but it is preferable to have a softening agent supplying means from the viewpoint of easy adjustment of the softening time. Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus using a softening agent supplying means, which is a suitable partial softening means, will be described in detail.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 50, a resin image forming unit 60, a partial decoration forming unit 70, and a data receiving unit 80. The control unit 50 executes various processes. The resin image forming unit 60 is a portion for forming a resin image (resin layer) on a recording medium. The partial decoration forming portion 70 is a portion for processing and decorating the surface of the resin image formed by the resin image forming portion 60. The data receiving unit 80 receives various data and input data such as a resin image and image data describing the position of the decorative image.

The resin image forming unit 60 has the same configuration as a known color printer. The resin image forming unit 60 includes an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a paper conveying unit, a paper feeding unit, and a fixing unit 27.

The image reading unit includes a light source 11, an optical system 12, an image sensor 13, and an image processing unit 14.

The image forming section includes an image forming section that forms an image made of yellow (Y) toner, an image forming section that forms an image made of magenta (M) toner, and an image forming section that forms an image made of cyan (C) toner. It has an image forming portion for forming an image made of black (K) toner, and an intermediate transfer belt 26. Note that Y, M, C and K represent the color of the toner.

The image forming unit includes a photoconductor drum 21 as a rotating body, a charging unit 22, an optical writing unit 23, a developing device 24, and a drum cleaner 25 arranged around the photoconductor drum 21. The intermediate transfer belt 26 is wound by a plurality of rollers and is supported so as to be able to travel.

The paper transport section includes a feed roller 31, a handling roller 32, a transport roller 33, a loop roller 34, a resist roller 35, a paper ejection roller 36, and a paper reversing section 37. The paper feed unit has a plurality of paper feed trays 41, 42, 43 accommodating the recording medium S.

The control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The CPU controls components such as an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a paper conveying unit, a paper feeding unit, and the partial decoration forming unit 70 of the resin image forming unit 60 according to a program stored in the ROM. Then, the calculation result and the like are stored in the RAM. Further, the control unit 50 analyzes the print data received from the outside, generates image data in a bitmap format, and displays an image (decorative base portion and solid image portion) based on the image data on the recording medium S. Control the formation. The above program includes a program for adjusting the supply position of the softening agent (decorative base portion) and the amount of the softening agent supplied (texture and softening time of the decorative image) in the partial decoration forming portion 70, and rubbing conditions. A program for setting (texture of decorative image) is included.

Further, the control unit 50 is an external device (for example, a personal computer) connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) via a data reception unit 80 that also functions as a communication unit. Sends and receives various data to and from. The control unit 50 receives, for example, image data transmitted from an external device or input data regarding a decorative image to be formed received by the data reception unit 80 via a touch panel or the like, and this image. An image is formed on the recording medium S based on the data (input image data). The function of the communication unit is composed of a communication control card such as a LAN card.

The resin image formed by the resin image forming unit 60 is conveyed to the partial decoration forming unit 70 and decorated.

(1) Form of a partially decorated forming portion used in a thin layer forming transfer method (a method in which an oriented member in which the powder is oriented is brought into contact with a resin image after partial softening to transfer the powder). As shown, as the partial decoration forming portion 70a used in the thin layer forming transfer method, for example, a part (decoration base portion) of the resin image 100 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S is decorated. For forming a decorative image (for example, a mirror-like or pearl-like image, also referred to as a decorative portion) 101 by orienting and pasting the glossy powder P. It is on the downstream side of the resin image forming unit 60 with respect to the transport direction x of the recording medium S, and is arranged in the subsequent stage. As an example, such a partial decoration forming portion 70a is a softening agent as a softening agent supplying means, which is one of means (partially softening means) for adjusting a softening state of a part of a resin image on a recording medium. The supply unit 91, the powder holding unit 93 made of a cylindrical powder holding member or the like, and the powder holding as means for adhering the powder on the softened resin image (also simply referred to as “powder adhering means”). A powder supply portion 94 composed of a powder supply member or the like arranged around the portion 93, a rubbing portion 95 composed of a rubbing member such as a rubbing roller, and an opposing portion 96 composed of an opposing member such as an opposing roller are provided. Further, it is provided with a powder recovery unit 97 and, if necessary, a heating unit (not shown) such as a heater. Hereinafter, the configuration of each of these members will be described. The composition of the powder for forming a decorative image (decorative powder) used here is as described in the image forming method.

(Softener supply unit 91)
The softening agent supply unit 91 applies the softening agent 90 only to a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the surface of the resin image 100 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S by the resin image forming unit 60. Selectively supply. The softener supply unit 91 is not particularly limited as long as it can supply the softener. As an example of the softener supply unit 91, an inkjet device provided with an inkjet head or the like can be used.

The powder supply unit 94 supplies the powder P to a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100. As the powder supply means, known means can be used, and for example, the powder supply means described in Patent Document 3 can be used. The configuration is preferably described below.

(Powder holding unit 93)
The powder holding portion 93 has a cylindrical shape and is rotated around a cylindrical shaft by a drive motor, and the cylindrical side peripheral surface is a powder holding surface 93a. The powder holding surface 93a of the powder holding portion 93 has adhesiveness, and holds the powder P described below by adhesiveness.

Such a powder holding surface 93a preferably has an adhesive force (also referred to as adhesive force) of 28 kPa or more, which enables good holding of the powder P as shown in the following examples. is there. The upper limit of the adhesive force of the powder holding surface 93a is the powder when a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 exhibits the adhesive force due to the partial supply of the softening agent by the softening agent supply unit 91. The powder is selectively transferred from the holding surface 93a to a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100. Therefore, the upper limit of the adhesive force of the powder holding surface 93a is 470 kPa or less, preferably 350 kPa or less, whereby the powder is powdered from the powder holding surface 93a to a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100. It is possible to selectively transfer the body. Examples of the material constituting such a powder holding surface 93a include fluororubber, silicone rubber, and urethane rubber, but the material is not limited to these rubber materials and holds powder. Other resin materials or metal materials may be used as long as they have an adhesive force capable of capable.

Further, such a powder holding unit 93 is arranged on the downstream side of the softener supply unit 91 on the transport path of the recording medium S, and on the main surface side where the resin image 100 is formed in the recording medium S. .. The powder holding unit 93 is configured to rotate in a direction along the transport direction x of the recording medium S on the side facing the recording medium S. In addition, when the softening agent 90 is selectively supplied to only a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the surface of the resin image 100 by the softening agent supply unit 91 to soften it to develop adhesiveness, or the heating unit (heating unit). In the case of a configuration including a heater) (not shown), heat is also transferred to the powder holding portion 93, so that the material constituting the powder holding portion 93, particularly the material forming the powder holding surface 93a, has heat resistance. It is preferable to have. As such a material, silicone rubber is preferably used among the above-mentioned rubber materials.

(Powder supply unit 94)
The powder supply unit 94 is for supplying the powder P to the powder holding surface 93a of the powder holding unit 93, and is provided along the axial direction of the cylindrical powder holding unit 93. .. Such a powder supply unit 94 has a storage unit 94a composed of a storage container or the like for storing the powder P, and a transport unit 94b composed of a transport member or the like housed in the storage unit 94a.

Of these, the storage portion 94a has an opening arranged along the axial direction of the powder holding surface 93a of the cylindrical powder holding portion 93.

Further, the transport unit 94b is made of a member having a shape suitable for transporting (supplying) the powder P to the powder holding surface 93a, such as a rotating cylindrical brush or sponge, or a screw-shaped one. Is. The transport unit 94b transports the powder P stored in the storage unit 94a to the opening of the storage unit 94a by rotating in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the cylindrical powder holding unit 93, and the powder The powder P is supplied to the powder holding surface 93a of the body holding portion 93.

The powder supply unit 94 is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the powder holding surface 93a of the powder holding unit 93 is directly contacted with the powder P stored in the storage 94a. It may be configured to be used.

(Rubbing part 95)
The rubbing portion 95 rubs the supply portion of the powder P from the powder supply portion 94 against the powder holding surface 93a of the cylindrical powder holding portion 93, whereby the powder of the powder holding portion 93 is rubbed. This is for orienting the powder P on the holding surface 93a, and is arranged on the downstream side of the powder supply unit 94 with respect to the rotation direction of the powder holding unit 93. Further, the rubbing portion 95 preferably includes a powder recovery portion 95a.

The rubbing portion 95 has a cylindrical shape and is arranged in a state of being in contact with the powder holding surface 93a, so that the rubbing portion 95 is configured to rub the powder holding surface 93a of the rotating powder holding portion 93. There is. Further, it is preferable that the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95 and the surface rubbing the powder holding surface 93a is made of a material having voids for accommodating the powder P. As such a material, a porous material such as a brush, a sponge or a non-woven fabric is used.

Further, the rubbing portion 95 is a powder holding surface of the powder P supplied to the adhesive powder holding surface 93a by rubbing the powder holding surface 93a of the rotating powder holding portion 93. Remove the excess powder P that is not adhered to 93a. At this time, excess powder P is captured in the voids on the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95.

As a result, one layer of powder P is left in a directly adhered state on the adhesive powder holding surface 93a. At this time, if the powder P has a non-spherical shape, the powder P is rubbed by the rubbing portion 95 on the powder holding surface 93a, so that the directions of the powder P with respect to the powder holding surface 93a are aligned. be able to. As described above, the above-mentioned "powder oriented alignment member" in the partial decoration forming portion 70a used in the thin layer forming transfer method is the powder holding portion in which the powder P is oriented on the powder holding surface 93a. 93 is applicable.

Further, the rubbing portion 95 is preferably configured to rotate about a cylindrical shaft. As a result, the powder P captured and contained in the voids can be continuously transported in the rotational direction, so that the powder P does not accumulate on the nip portion between the powder holding surface 93a and the rubbing portion 95. , The effect of removing excess powder P from the powder holding surface 93a is enhanced. Further, this makes it possible to stabilize the rubbing property of the powder holding surface 93a by the rubbing portion 95.

Further, if the rotation direction of the rubbing portion 95 is the same as the rotation direction of the powder holding portion 93, the relative speed of the rubbing portion 95 with respect to the powder holding portion 93 is further increased, and the rubbing portion 95 increases the relative speed of the powder. The powder holding surface 93a of the holding portion 93 can be rubbed at a higher speed, and a higher rubbing effect can be obtained.

Further, the pressing force [N] of the rubbing portion 95 against the powder holding surface 93a of the powder holding portion 93 is preferably 1 to 10 kPa, more preferably 1 to 5 kPa. When the pressing pressure [N] is 1 kPa or more, the pressing of the powder holding portion 93 in the axial direction becomes stable. On the other hand, when the pressing pressure [N] is 10 kPa or less, the torque for rotating the rubbing portion 95 does not become too large, the occurrence of drive unevenness of the rubbing portion 95 is prevented, and the rubbing portion 95 and Material deterioration of the powder holding portion 93 can be suppressed.

Further, the powder collecting portion 95a provided in the rubbing portion 95 is arranged so as to face the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95, and the powder P contained in the gap of the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95 is placed. to recover. Such a powder recovery unit 95a may be of an air suction type, or a member in the form of a roller or a blade is brought into contact with the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95 to form the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95. The powder P may be ejected from the voids by the restoring force of the material.

By providing such a powder recovery portion 95a on the rubbing portion 95, the effect of removing the powder P by the rubbing portion 95 can be maintained, and the powder holding surface 93a by the rubbing portion 95 can be maintained. It is possible to maintain the rubbing property of the powder for a long period of time. The rubbing portion 95 as described above may have a structure that also serves as a transport portion 94b in the powder supply portion 94.

(Opposite part 96)
The facing portion 96 is a part (decorative base portion) of the resin image 100 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S with the powder P adhesively held on the powder holding surface 93a of the powder holding portion 93. It is for transferring to 100a. The facing portion 96 has a roller shape and constitutes a nip portion for sandwiching the recording medium S with the powder holding portion 93. As a result, the powder of the powder holding portion 93 is compared with the decorative base portion 100a which is softened by partially supplying only the decorative base portion 100a by injecting the softening agent from the softening agent supply unit 91 to develop strong adhesiveness. The powder P adherently held in a state of being oriented to the holding surface 93a is abutted and pressed, and the powder P in a state of being oriented from the powder holding surface 93a to a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100. Is transcribed. That is, since the adhesive strength of the surface of the decorative base portion softened by the softening agent is much stronger than the adhesiveness of the powder holding surface 93a, the adhesive is held on the powder holding surface 93a. The powder P is abutted against and pressed against the surface of the softened decorative base portion, so that all of the powder P is transferred to the surface of the decorative base portion. Here, the adhesive strength of the surface of the softened decorative base portion 100a may be adjusted so as to exceed the adhesive strength of the powder holding surface 93a. Adhesive strength can be measured according to JIS Z 0237: 2009. Further, a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 passes through the softening agent supply unit 91 (the softening agent is supplied during this period), and after the powder is transferred, the supplied softening is performed. The agent will volatilize over time and harden. By such curing, a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 exhibits adhesiveness (adhesive solidification phenomenon), and the powder P transferred to the decorative base portion 100a is adhered and held. As a result, the powder P having a decorating function is formed on the surface of a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 composed of a resin layer (for example, toner or the like) composed of a resin or the like as an adhesive material. It is possible to obtain a decorative image (for example, a metallic image having a gloss such as a mirror tone or a pearl tone, a pearl image, etc.) 101 pasted in an oriented state. As a result, the decorative image 101 and the grid image 102 can be output (printed out) on the same recording medium (paper surface).

(Powder recovery unit 97)
The powder recovery unit 97 is for recovering excess powder P on the recording medium S that has passed through the nip portion between the powder holding unit 93 and the facing portion 96. The powder recovery unit 97 is arranged on the downstream side of the nip portion between the powder holding portion 93 and the facing portion 96 on the transport path of the recording medium S, and on the side where the resin image 100 is formed on the recording medium S. Will be done. Here, the extra powder P on the recording medium S is the powder P that is not adhered and held on a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100.

Examples of such a powder recovery unit 97 have a configuration in which powder P is sucked by air suction, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(2) Form of Partial Decoration Forming Part Used in Pressing Method (Powder Orientation Method) The partial decoration forming part 70b used in the pressing method shown in FIG. 5 is the thin layer forming transfer method shown in FIG. Of the partially decorated forming portions 70a used, the configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 4 except that the rubbing portion 95 and the powder collecting portion 95a are not used. Therefore, in FIG. 5, unless otherwise specified, the same components as those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.

Specifically, the partial decoration forming portion 70b used in the pressing method shown in FIG. 5 includes, for example, a decoration on a part (decoration base portion) of the resin image 100 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S. This is a powder for forming a decorative image (for example, a glitter-like image) 101 by pasting the glossy powder P without orientation, and is for forming a decorative image (for example, a glitter-like image) 101 in the transport direction of the recording medium S. It is on the downstream side of the resin image forming portion 60 with respect to x, and is arranged in the subsequent stage. As an example, such a partial decoration forming portion 70b is a softening agent as a softening agent supplying means which is one of means (partially softening means) for performing a process of adjusting a softening state on a part of a resin image on a recording medium. Cylindrical powder without providing a rubbing portion 95 and a powder collecting portion 95a as a means for adhering powder on a softened resin image (also simply referred to as "powder adhering means"). A powder holding portion 93 made of a body holding member or the like, a powder supplying portion 94 made of a powder supplying member or the like arranged around the powder holding portion 93, and an opposing portion 96 made of an opposing member such as an opposing roller are provided. Further, it is provided with a powder recovery unit 97 and, if necessary, a heating unit (not shown) such as a heater. Hereinafter, the configuration of each of these members will be described. The composition of the decorative powder used here is as described in the image forming method.

In the partial decoration forming unit 70b shown in FIG. 5, the softening agent supply unit 91, the powder supply unit 94, the powder holding unit 93, the powder holding surface 93a, the powder supply unit 94, the storage unit 94a, and the transport unit 94b The facing portion 96 and the powder recovery portion 97 are the same as those described in the partial decoration forming portion 70a used in the thin layer forming transfer method shown in FIG. Further, the rubbing portion 95 and the powder collecting portion 95a are not provided.

Therefore, the transport section 94b of the powder supply section 94 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the cylindrical powder holding section 93, so that the powder P stored in the storage section 94a is opened in the storage section 94a. The powder P is supplied to the powder holding surface 93a of the powder holding part 93, so that the powder P is adhesively held.

Next, in the facing portion 96, the powder P adhesively held on the powder holding surface 93a of the powder holding portion 93 is a part (decoration) of the resin image 100 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S. Substrate) Transfer to 100a. As a result, the powder holding portion 93 holds the powder with respect to the decorative base portion 100a that has been softened by partially supplying only the decorative base portion 100a by injecting the softening agent from the softening agent supply unit 91 to develop adhesiveness. A state in which the powder P adhesively held in a non-oriented state abuts on the surface 93a and is pressed, and the powder P is not oriented from the powder holding surface 93a to a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100. Powder P is transferred. Further, a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 passed through the softening agent supply unit 91 (the softening agent was supplied during this period), and then the powder P in an unoriented state was transferred. After that, the supplied softener will volatilize over time and harden. By such curing, a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 exhibits adhesiveness, and the powder P in an unoriented state transferred to the decorative base portion 100a is adhered and held. As a result, the powder P having a decoration function is oriented on the surface of a part (decoration base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 composed of a resin layer (for example, toner or the like) composed of a resin or the like as an adhesive material. It is possible to obtain a decorative image (for example, an image having a gloss such as glitter) 101 pasted in a state where the image is not applied. As a result, the decorative image 101 and the grid image 102 can be output (printed out) on the same recording medium (paper surface).

(3) Form of Partial Decoration Forming Part Used in Image Top Sliding Method (Method of Aligning Powder on Image) In the partial decoration forming part 70c used in the image top rubbing method shown in FIG. Of the partial decoration forming portions 70a used in the thin layer forming transfer method shown in FIG. 4, the rubbing portion 95 and the powder collecting portion 95a are opposed to the powder holding portion 93 on the transport path of the recording medium S. The rubbing portion 95'and the powder collecting portion 95a'are arranged on the downstream side of the nip portion and the upstream side of the powder collecting portion 97, and further on the side where the resin image 100 is formed on the recording medium S. The configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 4, except that the rubbing portion 95'is provided with the facing portion 96'. Therefore, in FIG. 6, unless otherwise specified, the same components as those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.

Specifically, the partial decoration forming portion 70c used in the image rubbing method shown in FIG. 6 includes a part (decoration base portion) of the resin image 100 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S. For example, it is a powder for decoration, and is for forming a decorative image (for example, a mirror-like or pearl-like image) 101 by orienting and pasting the glossy powder P, and recording the image. It is located on the downstream side of the resin image forming unit 60 with respect to the transport direction x of the medium S, and is arranged in the subsequent stage. As an example, such a partial decoration forming portion 70 is a softening agent as a softening agent supplying means which is one of means (partially softening means) for adjusting a softening state of a part of a resin image on a recording medium. Supply unit 91, powder holding unit 93 made of cylindrical powder holding member or the like, powder holding as means for adhering powder on a softened resin image (also simply referred to as "powder adhering means") A powder supply unit 94 composed of a powder supply member or the like arranged around the unit 93, an opposing portion 96 composed of an opposing member such as an opposing roller, a rubbing portion 95', a powder collecting unit 97, and a powder collecting unit 97. A heating unit (not shown) such as a heater is provided as needed. Hereinafter, the configuration of each of these members will be described. The composition of the decorative powder used here is as described in the image forming method.

In the partial decoration forming unit 70c shown in FIG. 6, the softening agent supply unit 91, the powder supply unit 94, the powder holding unit 93, the powder holding surface 93a, the powder supply unit 94, the storage unit 94a, and the transport unit 94b The facing portion 96 and the powder recovery portion 97 are the same as those described in the partial decoration forming portion 70a used in the thin layer forming transfer method shown in FIG.

Therefore, the transport section 94b of the powder supply section 94 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the cylindrical powder holding section 93, so that the powder P stored in the storage section 94a is opened in the storage section 94a. By transporting the powder to the portion and supplying the powder P to the powder holding surface 93a of the powder holding portion 93, the powder P is adhesively held.

Next, in the facing portion 96, the powder P adhesively held on the powder holding surface 93a of the powder holding portion 93 is a part (decoration) of the resin image 100 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S. Substrate) Transfer to 100a. As a result, the powder holding portion 93 has a powder holding portion 93 with respect to the decorative base portion 100a which has been softened by partially supplying the softening agent only to the decorative base portion 100a by injecting the softening agent from the softening agent supply portion 91 to develop adhesiveness. The powder P, which is adhesively held in a non-oriented state, abuts and is pressed against the powder holding surface 93a, and is oriented from the powder holding surface 93a to a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100. The powder P in the unfinished state is transferred.

(Rubbing part 95')
The rubbing portion 95'is rubbed on the non-oriented powder P transferred to a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 on the recording medium S on the decorative base portion 100a. This is for orienting the powder P, and the resin image 100 is further formed on the recording medium S on the downstream side of the nip portion between the powder holding portion 93 and the facing portion 96 and on the upstream side of the powder recovery portion 97. It is located on the formed side. Further, the rubbing portion 95'preferably includes a powder recovery portion 95a'.

The rubbing portion 95'has a cylindrical shape and is arranged on the recording medium S in a state of being in contact with the surface of the decorative base portion 100a of the resin image 100 on the recording medium S. The surface of the decorative base portion 100a of the resin image 100 is rubbed. Further, it is preferable that the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95'and the surface rubbing the surface of the decorative base portion 100a is made of a material having voids for accommodating the powder P. As such a material, a porous material such as a brush, a sponge or a non-woven fabric is used.

Further, the rubbing portion 95'is softened by rubbing the surface of the decorative base portion 100a of the resin image 100 on the recorded recording medium S to be conveyed, and the surface of the decorative base portion 100a is softened to exhibit adhesiveness. Of the powder P transferred to the above, excess powder P that does not adhere to the surface of the decorative base portion 100a, which has adhesiveness due to softening, is removed. At this time, excess powder P is captured in the voids on the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95'.

One layer of powder P is directly adhered and left in an oriented state on the surface of the decorative base portion 100a rubbed by the rubbing portion 95'. At this time, if the powder P has a non-spherical shape, the powder P is rubbed by the rubbing portion 95'on the surface of the decorative base portion 100a, so that the powder P is rubbed against the surface of the decorative base portion 100a. The direction of can be aligned.

Further, it is preferable that the rubbing portion 95'has a structure that rotates about a cylindrical shaft. As a result, the powder P captured and contained in the voids can be continuously transported in the rotational direction, so that the powder P is deposited on the nip portion between the surface of the decorative base portion 100a and the rubbing portion 95'. The effect of removing excess powder P from the surface of the decorative base portion 100a is enhanced. Further, this makes it possible to stabilize the rubbing property of the surface of the decorative base portion 100a by the rubbing portion 95'.

Further, if the rotation direction of the rubbing portion 95'is the same as the transport direction of the surface of the decorative base portion 100a, the relative speed of the rubbing portion 95'with respect to the surface of the decorative base portion 100a is further increased, and the rubbing portion 95'is rubbed. The rubbing portion 95'can rub the surface of the decorative base portion 100a at a higher speed, and a higher rubbing effect can be obtained.

Further, the pressing force [N] of the rubbing portion 95'on the surface of the decorative base portion 100a is preferably 1 to 10 kPa, more preferably 1 to 5 kPa. When the pressing pressure [N] is 1 kPa or more, the pressing on the surface of the decorative base portion 100a becomes stable. On the other hand, when the pressing force [N] is 10 kPa or less, the torque for rotating the rubbing portion 95'does not become too large, and the occurrence of drive unevenness of the rubbing portion 95' is prevented, and the rubbing portion 95'is prevented from occurring. Material deterioration of 95'can be suppressed.

Further, the powder collecting portion 95a'provided on the rubbing portion 95'is arranged so as to face the side peripheral surface of the cylindrical rubbing portion 95', and is provided in a gap on the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95'. The contained powder P is collected. Such a powder recovery unit 95a'may be of an air suction type, or a member in the form of a roller or a blade is brought into contact with the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95', and the side peripheral surface of the rubbing portion 95' The powder P may be ejected from the voids by the restoring force of the material constituting the above.

By providing such a powder recovery portion 95a'on the cylindrical rubbing portion 95', the effect of removing the powder P by the rubbing portion 95'can be maintained, and the rubbing portion 95' It is possible to maintain the rubbing property of the surface of the decorative base portion 100a according to'for a long period of time.

(Opposite part 96')
The facing portion 96'of the rubbing portion 95'is provided so that an appropriate rubbing force is applied to a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 on the recording medium S when rubbing. Has been done. As the configuration of the facing portion 96', the same configuration as the facing portion 96 of the powder holding portion 93 described above can be appropriately used. The facing portion 96'is a roller-shaped one, and constitutes a nip portion for sandwiching the recording medium S with the cylindrical rubbing portion 95. As a result, the powder P adhesively held on the surface of the decorative base portion 100a in a non-oriented state is abutted (sandwiched) and pressed, and the powder P on the surface of the decorative base portion 100a is in an oriented state. ..

Further, the decorative base portion 100a of the resin image 100 passes through the softening agent supply unit 91 (the softening agent is supplied during this period), and then the powder is transferred and rubbed (orientated) and then supplied. The softening agent volatilizes over time and hardens. By such curing, a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 exhibits adhesiveness, and the powder P transferred and rubbed (oriented) to the decorative base portion 100a is adhered and held. As a result, the powder P having a decorating function is formed on the surface of a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 composed of a resin layer (for example, toner or the like) composed of a resin or the like as an adhesive material. It is possible to obtain a decorative image (for example, a metallic image having a gloss such as a mirror tone or a pearl tone, a pearl image, etc.) 101 pasted in an oriented state. As a result, the decorative image 101 and the grid image 102 can be output (printed out) on the same recording medium (paper surface).

(Powder recovery unit 97)
The powder recovery unit 97 passes the excess powder P on the recording medium S that has passed through the nip portion between the powder holding portion 93 and the facing portion 96 and further passed through the nip portion between the rubbing portion 95'and the facing portion 96'. It is for recovery. The powder recovery unit 97 records on the transport path of the recording medium S on the downstream side of the nip portion between the powder holding portion 93 and the facing portion 96 and the nip portion between the rubbing portion 95'and the facing portion 96'. It is arranged on the side where the resin image 100 is formed in the medium S. Here, it is assumed that the extra powder P on the recording medium S is the powder P that is not adhered and held on the resin image 100.

Examples of such a powder recovery unit 97 have a configuration in which powder P is sucked by air suction, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(4) After softening the resin image with a softening agent, the portion other than the decorative base portion is partially heated to soften only the decorative base portion with the softening agent. As described above, as the partial decoration forming portion 70d, a part (decoration base portion) of the resin image 100 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S, for example, is a decorative powder and has a gloss. It is for forming a decorative image (for example, a mirror-like image, a pearl-like image, a glitter-like image, etc.) 101 by pasting the powder P having the powder P in a non-oriented or oriented manner, and the transport direction x of the recording medium S. On the other hand, it is located on the downstream side of the resin image forming portion 60 and is arranged in the subsequent stage. As an example, such a partial decoration forming portion 70d is a means for softening a resin image on a recording medium as a means for performing a process of adjusting a softened state on a part of the resin image on the recording medium, and further. The present invention includes means for adjusting the softened state of the resin image based on the image data, for example, the page image data composed of a plurality of pixels corresponding to the positions to be powdered. Among these, a softening agent supply unit 91 is provided as a means for softening the resin image on the recording medium. Further, as a means for adjusting the softened state of the resin image based on the image data, for example, the page image data composed of a plurality of pixels corresponding to the positions to be powdered, the resin image (formation region) is based on the data. It is equipped with a thermal head that partially heats the part other than the decorative base part. By adjusting the softened state of the resin image in this way, only a part of the resin image (decorative base portion) can be softened with the softening agent. Next, as the means for adhering the powder on the softened resin image (powder adhering means), the methods (1) to (3) above can be used. In FIG. 7, the powder holding portion 93 made of the cylindrical powder holding member or the like described in the above (1) and the powder feeding unit made of the powder feeding member or the like arranged around the powder holding portion 93 are shown. 94, a rubbing portion 95 composed of a rubbing member such as a rubbing roller, an opposing portion 96 composed of an opposing member such as an opposing roller, a powder collecting portion 97, and a heating portion such as a heater (if necessary). (Not shown). However, this embodiment is not limited to the method (1) above, and the methods (2) and (3) above may be applied. Hereinafter, the configuration of each of these members will be described. The composition of the decorative powder used here is as described in the image forming method. Further, also in FIG. 7, unless otherwise specified, the same components as those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.

(Softener supply unit 91)
The softener supply unit 91 of the present embodiment supplies the softener 90 to the entire surface of the resin image 100 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S by the resin image forming unit 60. The softener supply unit 91 is not particularly limited as long as it can supply the softener. An inkjet device or the like can be used as an example of the softener supply unit 91. In addition to this, a general coating device, for example, a gravure coating device, a roll coating device, a blade coating device, or the like may be used.

(Thermal head 92)
Based on the image data, the thermal head 92 of the present embodiment partially heats the softeners other than a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 among the softeners supplied to the entire surface of the resin image 100. It is provided to volatilize and return to the state before softening (hardening). The thermal head 92 is arranged on the downstream side of the softener supply unit 91 and on the upstream side of the powder supply unit 94 so as to be in pressure contact with the surface of the resin image 100 on the recording medium S. There is.

Further, the thermal head 92 is arranged in a strip shape in the width direction of the recording medium S. As a result, it is not necessary to scan in the width direction of the recording medium S, and even if the thermal head 92 is fixed, the recording medium S passes through the thermal head 92 and automatically covers the entire surface of the resin image 100. It can be the target range (for partial heating). For example, partial heating can be performed by pressing the heat generating element array attached to the thermal head to the surface of the resin image 100 and heating each heat generating element corresponding to the dot size according to the image data. However, the present invention is not limited to the heat generating element array. Further, the thermal head may be provided with a conventionally used configuration, for example, a heat sink for heat dissipation, a cooling fan for blowing air to the heat sink, or the like as a cooling means for suppressing an increase in the temperature of the heat generating element. Further, a heating heater or the like may be provided as a heating means for preheating while the thermal head is on standby.

In order to partially heat the softener other than the decorative base portion 100a, it is necessary to heat each heat generating element of the thermal head 92 to a temperature corresponding to the image data. Since the temperature must be equal to or higher than the temperature at which the softener can volatilize and below the temperature at which the resin image does not melt due to heating, the volatilization temperature of the softener to be used and the softening temperature of the resin in the resin image. It may be appropriately set according to the above, and is preferably in the range of 40 to 100 ° C, more preferably in the range of 40 to 80 ° C. The size of the heating elements (heating range) may be the same as the dot size at the time of softening agent supplying (roughly equivalent to 113Myuemu ^2), or a range of 25～31400Myuemu ^2, preferably may be a range of 50 to 250 [mu] m ² ..

Further, it is preferable that the thermal head 92 is provided with a mechanism that can be controlled in the vertical direction according to a combination of recording media S having different thicknesses and a resin image 100. For example, the mechanism includes a laser or a sensor capable of measuring the distance or position to the surface of the resin image 100, which is an object, and output data (thermal head 92 in the vertical direction) based on the distance or position information. A mechanism for moving the thermal head 92 in the vertical direction depending on the driving amount of the moving motor, etc.) can be mentioned, but the mechanism is not limited thereto. As a result, with respect to the resin image 100 formed on the main surface of the recording medium S to be conveyed, the position where the thermal head 92 is heated every time according to the transfer speed is automatically controlled based on the image data. By doing so, it is possible to partially heat the portion other than the decorative base portion 100a of the resin image 100. As a result, the softeners other than the decorative base portion 100a can be volatilized to return to the state before softening (curing), and the softening agent remains only in the decorative base portion 100a of the resin image 100, so that the softening state is obtained. The softener supply unit 91 of the above (1) to (3) (including the following (3a) and (2a); the same applies hereinafter) is used to partially (decorate) the resin image 100. It can be in the same state as when the softening agent is supplied only to the base portion) 100a to soften it. Therefore, the configuration provided on the downstream side of the thermal head 92 may be appropriately combined with any configuration (method) on the downstream side of the softener supply unit 91 described in (1) to (3) above. Instead of the partial heating by the thermal head of (4) above, a heating means non-contact with the softener may be used. As the heating means that does not contact the softening agent, a means for partially heating by photothermal conversion by light irradiation (for example, laser irradiation), or a thermal head from the back surface (the surface on which the resin image is not formed) side of the recording medium S. It is also possible to apply a means for partially heating by irradiating (irradiating) light (laser light or the like).

As described above, the embodiments shown in (1) to (4) above are merely for explaining the embodiments of the present invention, and simple modifications and modifications of these embodiments are common in the art. It can be easily implemented by a knowledgeable person, and any such modifications or modifications are within the scope of the present invention. As an example, the other forms (3a) and (2a) obtained by simply modifying or modifying the methods (3) and (2) above will be described below, but such simple modifications and modifications are described below. , Both are included in the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, in FIG. 8, unless otherwise specified, the same components as those in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals.

(3a) A modified or modified form of the rubbing method (3) on the image The partial decoration forming unit 70e shown in FIG. 8 has a softening agent supply unit 91 as a softening agent supply means and a powder supply unit 94 as a powder supply means. , A rubbing portion 95 ”composed of a rubbing roller, a heater 75, and a powder collecting portion 97.

The softener supply unit 91 is the same as that described in the method (3) above. The method (4) different from the method (3) may be applied. That is, as described above, the softening agent supply unit 91 and the thermal head 92 may be combined to soften a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 with the softening agent.

The powder supply unit 94 supplies powder to the entire surface of the resin image 100. As the powder supply means, a known means can be used, and for example, the powder supply means described in Patent Document 3 can be used.

The powder supply unit 94 contains a container (storage unit) 94a for accommodating the powder P, a transfer screw (conveyor unit) 94b for transporting the powder P to the opening of the container 94a, and the powder P. It has a brush roller (removal portion) 94c for taking out from the container 94a, and a flicker (plucking portion) 94d for repelling the powder P held by the brush roller 94c. The powder P is, for example, a non-spherical powder having the above-mentioned flat particle shape.

The opening of the container 94a is formed in a size that contacts the tip of the brush of the brush roller 94c in order to regulate the amount of powder P held by the brush roller 94c. The flicker 94d is a plate-shaped member, and is arranged at a position where it comes into contact with the brush roller 94c. The amount of flicker 94d biting into the brush roller 94c can be determined in consideration of, for example, the amount of powder P supplied and the uneven wear of the brush, and the brush bristles length and brush density of the brush roller 94c are, for example, powder. It can be determined in consideration of the supply amount of P and its dropout.

The flicker 94d may be fixed at a position where it comes into contact with the brush roller 94c, but the flicker 94d may be configured to be movable so that the flicker 94d is separated from the brush roller 94c when the brush roller 94c is stopped. ..

The rubbing portion 95 "consisting of a rubbing roller has a rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium S and in a direction perpendicular to the surface (paper surface) of the recording medium S, and is shown in the drawing. It is configured to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow and is configured to be urged by an urging member (not shown). The rubbing portion 95 "consisting of a rubbing roller is, for example, a cylindrical core metal. And an elastic layer such as a resin sponge arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The axial length of the rubbing portion 95 "consisting of the rubbing roller is longer than the width of the recording medium S.

Although the rubbing portion 95 "is shown as a rubbing roller in FIG. 8, the rubbing portion 95" is not particularly limited as long as it can be rubbed, and may be a member that reciprocates or is made of resin. It may be a member that rotates about a direction perpendicular to the surface of the image 100 as a rotation axis, or it may be a member that is fixed. The powder recovery unit 95a used in the method (1) or the like may be combined with the rubbing unit 95 ”.

The heater 75 is, for example, a position in front of the softener supply unit 91, a position facing the softening agent supply unit 91, a position facing the powder supply unit 94, and a position facing the rubbing unit 95 "composed of a rubbing roller. The heater 75 is provided, for example, at a position after the rubbing portion 95 ”composed of a rubbing roller. The heater 75 is, for example, a hot plate. The heater 75 preheats and keeps the resin layer constituting the resin image 100 to a temperature that does not soften by heating, adjusts the volatilization rate (softening time) of the softener, increases the process speed, and flat plate. The recording medium and the powder are deteriorated or deteriorated for various purposes such as stably holding the recording medium S on which the resin image 100 is formed on the heater 75 and preventing the recording medium from bending. It may be used in a range that takes into consideration the temperature at which the resin image does not soften and the temperature at which the resin image does not soften.

The powder recovery unit 97 is, for example, a powder collector for sucking excess powder P from the powder P supplied from the powder supply unit 94. The dust collector is arranged so that the suction port opens at an appropriate height from the transport path of the recording medium S. For example, at an appropriate output that sucks the powder P but does not suck the recording medium S. It is configured to drive.

(2a) Form in which the pressing method (2) is deformed or modified In this embodiment, in the form (3a) in which the rubbing method (3) is modified or modified on the image, among the partial decoration forming portions 70e shown in FIG. Instead of the rubbing portion 95 "consisting of a rubbing roller, a normal pressing (pressure welding) roller 98 is provided. As a result, the non-oriented powder P is made of resin without being rubbed or oriented. It can be attached (adhered) only to a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the image 100.

Next, an embodiment of how the resin image is formed and how the formed resin image is decorated will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 8 and 9. In the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG. 2, the control unit 50 controls the operations of the resin image forming unit 60 and the partial decoration forming unit 70.

In the image reading unit, the light emitted from the light source 11 is applied to the document placed on the reading surface, and the reflected light is moved to the reading position via the lens and the reflecting mirror of the optical system 12. Image is formed on. The image sensor 13 generates an electric signal according to the intensity of the reflected light from the document. The generated electrical signal is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the image processing unit 14, then subjected to correction processing, filtering processing, image compression processing, etc., and stored in the memory of the image processing unit 14 as image data. To. In this way, the image reading unit reads the image of the original and stores the image data.

In the image forming section, the photoconductor drum 21 is rotated at a predetermined speed by the drum motor. The charging unit 22 charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 to a desired potential, and the optical writing unit 23 writes an image information signal to the photoconductor drum 21 based on the image data, and the image information on the photoconductor drum 21. Form a latent image based on the signal. Then, the latent image is developed by the developing device 24, and a toner image which is a visible image is formed on the photoconductor drum 21. In this way, unfixed toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are formed on the photoconductor drum 21 of each image forming portion of YMCK. In this way, the image forming unit forms a toner image using an electrophotographic image forming process.

The toner images of each color formed by each image forming unit of YMCK are sequentially transferred by the primary transfer unit on the traveling intermediate transfer belt 26. In this way, a color toner image in which toner layers of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 26.

In the paper transport section, the recording medium S is fed from the paper feed trays 41, 42, and 43 of the paper feed section one by one to the transport path by the feed roller 31 and the handling roller 32. The recording medium S sent out to the transfer path is conveyed to the secondary transfer roller by the transfer roller 33 via the loop roller 34 and the resist roller 35 along the transfer path. Then, the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred onto the recording medium S.

By applying heat and pressure to the recording medium S on which the color toner image is transferred by the fixing unit 27, the color toner image on the recording medium S is fixed to the recording medium S as a color toner layer. In this way, a resin image (resin layer) 100 is produced on the recording medium S. The recording medium S having the resin image (resin layer) 100 is sent to the partial decoration forming portion 70e via the paper ejection roller 36.

The fixed recording medium S can be guided to the paper reversing section 37, and the front and back sides of the recording medium S can be reversed and ejected. As a result, images can be formed on both sides of the recording medium S.

An example of control by the partial decoration forming unit 70e by the control unit 50 will be described. In this example, the softening agent supply amount is selected in three steps, but it may be stepless (a form in which an arbitrary value between the lowest value and the highest value of the set value is selected).

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 50 controls, for example, a desired expression (for example, the texture of the decorative image portion; mirror tone, glitter tone, etc.) for the decorative image portion of the final image. Whether or not the input expression (texture of the decorative image portion) is a glossy mirror tone or a pearl tone when selected by the operator using a touch panel or the like input to the unit 50 (step 101). Is determined (step 102). When the input expression is mirror-like or pearl-like, the control unit 50 selects a small amount of the softener supply amount (step 103), and controls the supply amount of the softener from the softener supply unit 91 to a small amount. (Step 104). As a result, the inside (deep part) of the resin image (resin layer) 100 is not softened, so that the powder P does not enter the inside (deep part) of the resin image 100. The powder P can be oriented almost completely. The decorative base portion 100a of the resin image 100 does not have to have a single texture, and the same as above is applied to each of the decorative base portions 100a in various places. Multiple textures (from mirror-like / pearl-like / gloss-like to glitter-like / matte-like) may be expressed by performing an operation. Furthermore, gold, silver, pearl, fluorescence, etc. are used for each decorative base portion 100a in each place. The type of the powder P may be appropriately selected and supplied. In this case, a separate partial decoration forming portion 70 may be provided for each powder, or one partial decoration forming portion may be provided. A plurality of sets from the softener supply unit to the powder recovery unit may be arranged inside the 70, and the texture of the decorative image portion may be changed in the above.

(Softener supply unit 91)
An example was shown in which the amount of softener supplied was changed to change the texture of the decorative image portion, but the film thickness of the resin image portion was increased so that the rubbing conditions at the rubbing portion and the facing portion were met. By adjusting the holding force, etc., it is possible to express from a completely oriented state to a non-oriented state (from mirror tone, pearl tone, gloss tone to glitter tone, matte tone), etc. The texture of the decorative image portion may be changed by adjusting the operation and usage conditions of various device units.

When the input expression (texture of the decorative image portion) is not a glossy mirror tone or pearl tone without diffuse reflection, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the expression is a matte glitter tone. (Step 105). When the input expression is glitter-like, the control unit 50 selects a large amount of the softener supply amount (step 106), and controls a large amount of the softener supply amount from the softener supply unit 91 (step). 104). As a result, the inside (deep part) of the resin image (resin layer) 100 is softened, and the powder P penetrates into the inside (deep part) of the resin image 100. Therefore, the rubbing portion 95 ”also shows in FIG. 1D. As described above, the powder P can be substantially non-oriented. When the input expression is glitter-like, the control unit 50 performs the above steps 106 and 104 and rubs the rubbing unit 95 ”. It is also possible to select to perform only pressing (pressure contact) without rubbing the roller, and to operate the rubbing roller as a pressing roller.

The control unit 50 softens a moderate amount when the input expression (texture of the decorative image portion) is between a glossy mirror tone / pearl tone with little diffuse reflection and a glossy glitter tone with a lot of diffuse reflection. The agent supply amount is selected (step 107), and the softener supply amount from the softener supply unit 91 is controlled to a medium amount (step 104). As a result, the powder P is softened to the inside (slightly deep) of the resin image (resin layer) 100, and the powder P penetrates into the inside (slightly deep) of the resin image 100. As shown, the powder P can be oriented to some extent.

The control unit 50 may control the presence / absence and degree of heating by the heater 75 without controlling the supply amount of the softener according to the input expression (texture of the decorative image portion), or may soften the heat. Both the supply amount of the agent and the presence or absence and degree of heating by the heater 75 may be controlled.

By supplying the softening agent by the softening agent supply unit 91, a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image (resin layer) 100 is adjusted to a desired softened state, and the adhesive force is applied to the surface of the decorative base portion 100a. Occurs.

In the powder supply unit 94, the powder P contained in the container 94a is conveyed to the brush roller 94c by the transfer screw 94b. The brush roller 94c rotates, for example, counterclockwise and captures the powder P. The powder P captured by the brush roller 94c is repelled by the flicker 94d and sprayed on the recording medium S and the resin image (resin layer) 100.

The rubbing portion 95 "consisting of the rubbing roller is urged toward the recording medium S and is rotating in the direction of the arrow in the drawing. The rubbing portion 95" composed of the rubbing roller is the recording medium. It rotates in the direction opposite to the transport direction of S. The rubbing portion 95 "consisting of the rubbing roller rotates while pressing the powder P on the resin image 100 with an appropriate pressing pressure (for example, about 10 kPa), and thus the rubbing portion 95" made of the rubbing roller. The surface of the resin image 100 to which the powder P is supplied is rubbed against the surface of the resin image 100. The surface of a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 has adhesiveness due to the selective supply of the softening agent, the powder P is supplied, and the rubbing portion 95 composed of a rubbing roller. Because it is rubbed with "", the powder P is arranged and adheres to the surface of the decorative base portion 100a in the direction along the surface.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, the powder P is not oriented when it is supplied to the surface of the resin image 100. However, the powder P has a flat particle shape. Therefore, it is easy to arrange along a plane including a major axis and a minor axis (a plane orthogonal to the thickness direction). In addition, among the resin images 100, the powder P on the decorative base portion 100a to which the softening agent is selectively supplied is rubbed while being appropriately pressed by the rubbing portion 95 ”composed of the rubbing roller. The non-adhesive portion (the portion to which the powder P does not adhere) such as the portion other than the decorative base portion 100a to which the softening agent is not selectively supplied in the resin image 100 is the rubbing portion 95 ”. Since it does not adhere to the surface of the resin image 100 due to rubbing, it is collected by the powder collecting unit 97 on the downstream side. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1B, the powder P is arranged and adhered on the surface of the decorative base portion 100a along the surface. As a result, it is possible to output (print out) a decorative image (glossy mirror-like / pearl-like metallic image, etc.) and a solid image on the same paper surface.

When a medium amount of the softening agent supply amount is selected in step 105 of FIG. 9, the decorative base portion 100a at the time of supplying the softening agent is further softened. Therefore, a part of the powder P is pushed into the decorative base portion 100a at the time of rubbing. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1C, a part of the powder P is arranged along the surface of the decorative base portion 100a, and the rest is pushed into the decorative base portion 100a in a random direction. ..

When a large amount of softener supply is selected in step 105 of FIG. 9, a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100 is further softened by the large amount of softener supply. Therefore, the powder P supplied onto the softened decorative base portion 100a is more likely to be pushed into the interior of the decorative base portion 100a during rubbing. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1D, the powder P is pushed into the decorative base portion 100a in a random direction, for example. As a result, a decorative image (glitter-like metallic image, etc.) and a solid image can be output (printed out) on the same paper surface.

In the recording medium S having the resin image 100 to which the powder P is supplied, for example, in the subsequent step, the softening agent supplied on the decorative base portion 100a is volatilized, and the decorative base portion 100a is solidified (cured). ), The powder P is fixed on a part (decorative base portion) 100a of the resin image 100, and as a result, the recording medium S, the resin image 100 (including the decorative base portion 100a) and An image having a decorative image layer of powder P on the decorative base portion in this order is finally formed. However, the decorative image layer formed by the powder P on the decorative base portion is pressed during rubbing or the like so that the solid image portion and the decorative image layer in the resin image 100 are almost flush with each other. In addition to the visual effect, if you prefer a smooth, flat texture like a bill, due to the effect of the touch, which is one of the five senses, or a Christmas card, etc. When the decorative image layer is raised like the decoration card of the above and the texture that emphasizes the decorative image layer is preferred, the pressing force is adjusted according to the user's request, and the texture and vision are adjusted. You can also adjust the effect and so on.

Of the powder P sprayed on the recording medium S, the excess powder P existing in the resin image 100 other than the decorative base portion 100a and the portion where the recording medium S around the resin image 100 is exposed is included. It is sucked into the powder recovery unit 97 by the flow of air by the powder collection unit 97, and is removed and recovered from the recording medium S, the resin image 100, and the transport path.

In the decorative image formed on a part of the final image (on the decorative base portion 100a), the existence state of the powder P shown in FIGS. 1B to 1D described above is preserved according to the rubbing condition. Therefore, for example, in a decorative image that occupies a part of the final image formed by supplying a small amount of the softening agent, the powder P falls to the surface on the decorative base portion 100a having adhesiveness due to the rubbing, and the powder Only the powder P on the decorative base portion 100a, in which the plane direction of the body P and the surface thereof are substantially parallel to each other and the adhesive force due to the adhesiveness of the decorative base portion 100a is exhibited, becomes the decorative base portion 100a. It adheres and remains on the surface.

In this way, the powder P adheres to the surface of the decorative base portion 100a in substantially one layer by rubbing. The surface of the decorative base portion 100a is not completely covered by P. For example, the concealment rate of the non-spherical powder P on the surface is about 60%. Therefore, for example, when the decorative base portion is a magenta image and silver powder is adhered to the magenta image, a magenta pearl-like decorative image can be obtained (see Example 8). The fact that a magenta pearl-like decorative image can be obtained indicates that the concealment rate of the non-spherical powder P is about 60%. On the other hand, when the decorative base portion is a black image and silver or gold powder is adhered to the black image, a silver or gold glossy decorative image can be obtained. All of these utilize visual effects of color (for example, lightness contrast, color relative ratio, saturation contrast, complementary color contrast, edge contrast, assimilation effect, hue phenomenon, area effect, etc.).

Therefore, in the final image, the color visual effect of the solid image and the decorative image, that is, the decoration composed of the powder P and the decorative base portion (base image) not concealed by the powder P. The appearance of the visual effect of the image combined with the visual effect of the resin image other than the recording medium S and the decorative image portion is composed of a mirror-like or pearl-like decorative image and a solid image on the same paper surface. , An appearance with extremely graceful color tones (metallic feeling, glossy feeling from mirror to glitter tones, fluorescent feeling, etc.) and three-dimensional feeling that cannot be expressed even with a full-color printer can be obtained.

Further, when powder P is used in producing a final image composed of a decorative image formed by rubbing with a large amount of softener supply and a solid image, a part or all of the powder P is a decorative base portion. It is fixed in a state where it enters the inside of 100a. Therefore, the decorative image that occupies a part of the final image has a glitter-like appearance (metallic luster with a lot of diffuse reflection).

The desired appearance from mirror tone / pearl tone to glitter tone can be determined by a usual method. For example, the sensory test results compared with the reference image by a plurality of skilled workers are displayed as the average value of the scores. It can be determined by the method used, or the measurement of glossiness, specifically, the half-value width of the main peak in the reflected light measuring device. The smaller the half-value width is, the more mirror-like and pearl-like appearance is exhibited, and the larger the half-value width is, the more glitter-like appearance is exhibited.

Although the image forming apparatus is combined with the electrophotographic color printer in the illustrated embodiment, the image forming apparatus may be configured separately. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus may be incorporated in the color printer and integrally configured with the color printer.

Hereinafter, specific examples of this embodiment will be described together with comparative examples. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

<Preparation of black toner and black developer>
(1) Preparation of Black Colorant Fine Particle Dispersion Solution 11.5 parts by mass of n-dodecyl sulfate sodium was added to 160 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water, and the mixture was dissolved and stirred to prepare an aqueous surfactant solution. 15 parts by mass of a colorant (carbon black: Mogal L) is gradually added to this aqueous surfactant solution, and dispersion treatment is performed using "Clearmix W Motion CLM-0.8" (manufactured by M-Technique Co., Ltd.). To prepare a black colorant fine particle dispersion.

The volume-based median diameter of the black colorant fine particles in the black colorant fine particle dispersion was 220 nm. The volume-based median diameter was measured using "MICROTRAC UPA-150" (manufactured by HONEYWELL) under the following measurement conditions.

Sample refractive index: 1.59
Sample specific density: 1.05 (spherical particle conversion)
Solvent refractive index: 1.33
Solvent viscosity: 0.797 (30 ° C), 1.002 (20 ° C)
0-point adjustment: Ion-exchanged water was added to the measurement cell for adjustment.

(2) Preparation of Core Part Resin Particles Core part resin particles having a multilayer structure were prepared through the first-stage polymerization, the second-stage polymerization, and the third-stage polymerization shown below.

(A) First-stage polymerization An interface in which 4 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene-2-dodecyl ether sodium sulfate is dissolved in 3040 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water in a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, a temperature sensor, a cooling tube, and a nitrogen introduction device. The activator solution was charged, and the internal temperature was raised to 80 ° C. while stirring at a stirring speed of 230 rpm under a nitrogen stream.

A polymerization initiator solution in which 10 parts by mass of potassium persulfate is dissolved in 400 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water is added to the above aqueous surfactant solution, the temperature is raised to 75 ° C., and then a single amount composed of the following compound. The body mixture was added dropwise to the reaction vessel over 1 hour.

532 parts by mass of styrene n-butyl acrylate 200 parts by mass of methacrylic acid 68 parts by mass of n-octyl mercaptan 16.4 parts by mass.

After the above monomer mixture was added dropwise, this system was heated and stirred at 75 ° C. for 2 hours to carry out polymerization (first stage polymerization) to prepare resin particles [A1].

(B) Second-stage polymerization A monomer mixture composed of the following compounds was put into a flask equipped with a stirrer, and paraffin wax "HNP-57" (manufactured by Nippon Seiwa Co., Ltd.) 93.8 was used as a release agent. Parts by weight were added and heated to 90 ° C. to dissolve.

Styrene 101.1 parts by mass n-Butyl acrylate 62.2 parts by mass Methacrylic acid 12.3 parts by mass n-octyl mercaptan 1.75 parts by mass.

On the other hand, an aqueous surfactant solution prepared by dissolving 3 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene-2-dodecyl ether sodium sulfate in 1560 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was prepared and heated to 98 ° C. A mechanical type having a circulation path after adding 32.8 parts by mass (in terms of solid content) of resin particles [A1] to the aqueous surfactant solution and further adding the monomer mixed solution containing the paraffin wax. The mixture was mixed and dispersed for 8 hours with a disperser "Clearmix" (manufactured by M-Technique Co., Ltd.). An emulsified particle dispersion liquid containing emulsified particles having a dispersed particle diameter of 340 nm was prepared by mixing and dispersing.

Next, a polymerization initiator solution prepared by dissolving 6 parts by mass of potassium persulfate in 200 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added to the emulsion particle dispersion, and this system was heated and stirred at 98 ° C. for 12 hours for polymerization. (Second stage polymerization) was carried out to prepare resin particles [A2].

(C) Third Stage Polymerization To the resin particles [A2], a polymerization initiator solution prepared by dissolving 5.45 parts by mass of potassium persulfate in 220 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added, and under a temperature condition of 80 ° C., the following A monomer mixed solution composed of the compound was added dropwise over 1 hour.

Styrene 293.8 parts by mass n-Butyl acrylate 154.1 parts by mass n-octyl mercaptan 7.08 parts by mass.

After the completion of the dropping, the mixture was heated and stirred for 2 hours to carry out polymerization (third-stage polymerization), and after the completion of the polymerization, it was cooled to 28 ° C. to prepare resin particles for the core portion.

(3) Preparation of Resin Particles for Shell The polymerization reaction and post-reaction treatment are carried out in the same manner except that the monomer mixed solution used in the first stage polymerization in the preparation of the resin particles for the core portion is changed to the following. Was carried out to prepare resin particles for the shell.

624 parts by mass of styrene 2-ethylhexyl acrylate 120 parts by mass of methacrylic acid 56 parts by mass of n-octyl mercaptan 16.4 parts by mass.

(4) Preparation of black toner and black developer (a) Formation of core part In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, temperature sensor, cooling tube, and nitrogen introduction device,
420.7 parts by mass of resin particles for the core (in terms of solid content)
900 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water 300 parts by mass of black colorant fine particle dispersion was added and stirred. After adjusting the temperature in the reaction vessel to 30 ° C., a 5 mol / liter aqueous sodium hydroxide solution was added to adjust the pH to 8 to 11.

Then, an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving 2 parts by mass of magnesium chloride hexahydrate in 1000 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added under stirring at 30 ° C. over 10 minutes. After leaving for 3 minutes, the temperature rise was started, the temperature of this system was raised to 65 ° C. over 60 minutes, and the particles were associated. In this state, the particle size of the associated particles is measured using the precision particle size distribution measuring device "Multisizer 3" (manufactured by Beckman Coulter), and when the volume-based median diameter of the associated particles reaches 5.8 μm, sodium chloride is sodium chloride. An aqueous solution prepared by dissolving 40.2 parts by mass in 1000 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added to stop the association.

After the association was stopped, the core portion was prepared by continuing the fusion by further heating and stirring at a liquid temperature of 70 ° C. for 1 hour as an aging treatment.

The average circularity of the core portion was 0.912 when measured with a flow-type particle image analyzer "FPIA2100" (manufactured by Sysmex Corporation).

(B) Formation of shell Next, the above solution was heated to 65 ° C., 50 parts by mass of shell resin particles (in terms of solid content) was added, and 2 parts by mass of magnesium chloride hexahydrate was added to 1000 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water. After adding the aqueous solution dissolved in the part over 10 minutes, the temperature was raised to 70 ° C. and stirring was performed for 1 hour. In this way, the resin particles for the shell were fused to the surface of the core portion, and then aged at 75 ° C. for 20 minutes to form a shell.

Then, an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving 40.2 parts by mass of sodium chloride in 1000 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added to stop shell formation. Further, the particles generated by cooling to 30 ° C. at a rate of 8 ° C./min are filtered, repeatedly washed with ion-exchanged water at 45 ° C., and then dried with warm air at 40 ° C. to form a shell on the core surface. Black toner particles having the above were prepared.

(C) Preparation of Black Toner The following external additives were added to the black toner particles and subjected to external addition treatment with a "Henschel Mixer" (manufactured by Nippon Coke Industries, Ltd.) to prepare black toner.

Hexamethylsilazane-treated silica fine particles 0.6 parts by mass n-octylsilane-treated titanium dioxide fine particles 0.8 parts by mass.

The external addition treatment with the Henschel mixer was performed under the conditions of a peripheral speed of the stirring blade of 35 m / sec, a treatment temperature of 35 ° C., and a treatment time of 15 minutes.

(D) Preparation of Black Developer A ferrite carrier having a volume average particle diameter of 40 μm coated with methyl methacrylate and a cyclohexyl methacrylate resin was mixed with this black toner to prepare a black developer having a toner concentration of 6%.

<Making magenta toner and magenta developer>
(1) Preparation of Magenta Colorant Fine Particle Dispersion Solution In the above "(1) Preparation of black colorant fine particle dispersion liquid", instead of black colorant (carbon black: Mogal L), magenta colorant (CI pigment) A magenta colorant fine particle dispersion was prepared in the same manner except that Red 122) was used.

The magenta colorant fine particles in the magenta colorant fine particle dispersion had a volume-based median diameter of 130 nm.

(2) Preparation of resin particles for core part, (3) Preparation of resin particles for shell and (4) Preparation of magenta toner and magenta developer The above "(2) Preparation of resin particles for core part, (3) For shell In "Preparation of Resin Particles and (4) Preparation of Black Toner and Black Developer", magenta toner particles and magenta toner are obtained in the same manner except that the magenta colorant fine particle dispersion is used instead of the black colorant fine particle dispersion. And a magenta developer was prepared.

<Preparation of clear toner and clear developer>
(1) Preparation of resin particles for core part, (2) Preparation of resin particles for shell and (3) Preparation of clear toner and clear developer The above "(2) Preparation of resin particles for core part, (3) For shell In "Preparation of resin particles and (4) Preparation of black toner and black developer", clear toner particles, clear toner and clear developer were produced in the same manner except that the black colorant fine particle dispersion was not used.

<Example 1>
An attempt was made to form an image in which the metallic image portion and the solid image portion exist on the same paper surface as shown in FIG. 10A. The overall size was 2 cm × 4 cm, and the stripe portion on the left side was formed so that the widths of the metallic image portion and the solid image portion were 0.2 cm each. The square on the right side is formed so that the metallic image portion is 1 cm × 1 cm.

(Background image formation process)
"OK Top Coat + 157gsm" manufactured by Oji Paper Co., Ltd. was used as a recording medium, and a full-color digital printing system AccurioPress (registered trademark) C3080 (manufactured by Konica Minolta Co., Ltd.) was used as an output device. The black developer was stored in this output machine, a recording medium was set, and the data of the image data 1 shown in FIG. 10B was input. Based on the image data 1, a resin image (black toner image) in which the whole (2 cm × 4 cm) was black-painted was formed (printed) on the recording medium and output (printed out). As a result, the recording medium on which the image of data 1 was printed was taken out.

(Partial softening process of the image)
As the softener supply device, an inkjet printer in which an inkjet head KM1024SHB manufactured by Konica Minolta Co., Ltd. was connected to the inkjet control system IJCS-1 was used. Isobutyl adipate was used as the softener. This softening agent was filled in an ink cartridge of an inkjet printer, a recording medium on which the image of data 1 was printed was set, and the data of image data 2 shown in FIG. 10C was input to the inkjet control system. Based on image data 2, a softener is injected and supplied to the surface of a part of the resin image (black toner image) (decorative base part; part to be decorated metallic: black part in FIG. C) at 6 pl per dot. While drawing, the decorative base was softened.

(Powder adhesion process)
As a powder, metallic powder "ELG neo # 325SILVER" manufactured by Oike Kogyo Co., Ltd. is used as a rubbing member, and a make puff (Ramige make-up sponge square type manufactured by Grace Co., Ltd.) is used to rub and align it on a silicone rubber sheet. It was prepared and superposed on the image to which the softening agent was partially supplied so that the surface in which the powder was oriented and the surface of the toner image were aligned with each other. The silicone rubber sheet was peeled off by pressing from the top of the rubber sheet at 200 kPa for 10 seconds. In Table 1, this operation (step) is described as thin layer formation transfer.

As shown in the image data 2 in which the softener is injected and supplied, the powder adheres to the surface of the decorative base portion (the portion to be metallically decorated: the black-painted portion in FIG. 10C), and the black toner image portion in which the softener is not injected and supplied. No powder adhered to the (solid image part) and the blank part (recording medium) without the black toner image. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10A, a metallic image portion (silver; hatched portion in FIG. 10A) to which powder is attached and a solid image portion (black: black-painted portion in FIG. 10A) to which no powder is attached. ) Coexist. The metallic image part was mirror-like due to the rubbing orientation.

Further, in the entire image formed based on the image data 1 and 2 (within a frame of 2 cm × 4 cm), there is no blank sheet portion between the metallic image portion and the solid image portion, and the quality is not deteriorated. It was.

In this embodiment, the recording medium on which the image of data 1 was printed was taken out by the output device, and the softener was separately supplied by the inkjet printing system (the method of taking out the paper once and decorating it). However, as an in-line option, a pattern in which the inkjet printing system is directly connected to the output device (a method of continuously decorating the recording medium on which the image of data 1 is printed without taking it out) may be used. In the latter case as well, the same effect as in this embodiment (the former) can be obtained. The latter is more advantageous in preventing deterioration of quality. On the other hand, the former method (this embodiment) is suitable when the manufacturer of the output device and the softener supply device are different and the inkjet print system of the softener supply device cannot be directly connected to the output device as an in-line option. There is.

<Example 2>
An image in which the metallic image portion and the solid image portion exist on the same paper surface was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the powder adhesion step of Example 1 was changed as follows.

(Powder adhesion process)
Image of partial supply of softener using a make-up puff (Lamyge make-up sponge square type made by Grace Co., Ltd.) of a rubbing member to which metallic powder "ELG neo # 325SILVER" manufactured by Oike Kogyo Co., Ltd. is attached as powder. The surface was rubbed. In the table, this process is described as rubbing on the image.

Then, when the excess powder was collected with an adhesive roller, the same image as in Example 1 was obtained.

<Example 3>
An image in which the metallic image portion and the solid image portion exist on the same paper surface was formed in the same manner as in Example 2 except that the softener and the supply amount thereof were changed as shown in Table 1.

In Table 1, "double the injection amount" means that the softener was injected and supplied at 6 pl per dot, and then injected and supplied at 12 pl, which is twice as much.

<Examples 4 to 7>
An image in which the metallic image portion and the solid image portion exist on the same paper surface was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the softener and the supply amount thereof were changed as shown in Table 1. In the softeners of Examples 4 to 7, a slight odor derived from the softener was confirmed.

In Example 6, as a softening agent, isobutyl adipate and ethanol, which is a substance having no softening effect, were mixed at a ratio of 1: 1 (volume ratio). THF is an abbreviation for tetrahydrofuran.

<Example 8>
The metallic image part and the solid image part were formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the toner used for forming the resin image was changed as described in Table 1 by using a magenta developer instead of the black developer. Images existing on the same paper surface were formed. A magenta image was obtained for the solid image part, and a magenta pearl-like image was obtained for the metallic image part.

<Example 9>
The metallic image part and the solid image part were formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the toner used for forming the resin image was changed as described in Table 1 by using a clear developer instead of the black developer. Images existing on the same paper surface were formed. A watermark image with clear toner was obtained for the solid image part, and a silver image was obtained for the metallic image part.

<Example 10>
An image in which the metallic image portion and the solid image portion exist on the same paper surface was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the powder used was changed as described in Table 1. A black image was obtained for the solid image part, and a gold image was obtained for the metallic image part.

<Example 11>
An image in which the metallic image portion and the solid image portion exist on the same paper surface was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the powder used was changed as described in Table 1. An image similar to that was obtained.

<Example 12>
In the same manner as in Example 2 except that the powder used is changed as described in Table 1, the image portion in which the decorative portion (image portion to be decorated) and the solid image portion are present on the same paper surface is formed. As a result, it was confirmed that the heat-expandable microcapsules (unexpanded) of the powder were attached only to the softener supply part (the image part to be decorated).

<Example 13>
An image in which the metallic image portion and the solid image portion exist on the same paper surface was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the powder adhesion step of Example 1 was changed as follows.

(Powder adhesion process)
Metallic powder "ELG neo # 325SILVER" manufactured by Oike Kogyo Co., Ltd. was supplied as powder on a silicone rubber sheet, and a vibrating massager was used to uniformly stretch and adhere the powder so that it would not be oriented. Then, on the image to which the softening agent was partially supplied, the surface to which the powder adhered and the toner image surface were overlapped. The silicone rubber sheet was peeled off by pressing from the top of the rubber sheet at 200 kPa for 10 seconds. In Table 1, this operation (process) is described as pressing.

<Example 14>
An image in which the metallic image portion and the solid image portion exist on the same paper surface was formed in the same manner as in Example 13 except that the supply amount of the softener was changed as shown in Table 1.

<Example 15>
The image was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the partial softening step of the image was changed as follows.

(Image softening process)
Bar coater No. manufactured by Daiichi Rikagaku Co., Ltd. Using No. 2, the softening agent isobutyl adipate was applied and supplied over the entire surface of the resin image (black toner image) to soften it. The film thickness of the softening agent applied on the resin image (black toner image) (thickness of the liquid film or droplets of the softening agent formed on the surface of the decorative base portion) was 4.3 μm. Before the applied softener volatilized, the film thickness of the softener was actually measured within 30 seconds from the supply in the film thickness measurement mode of the Keyence laser microscope VK-250.

Next, as a partial heating device, a device in which a thermal head KBT-303-24BBD4-STA manufactured by Kyocera Corporation was connected to a self-made control system was used, and a softening agent was applied to the entire surface of the resin image (black toner image). The recording medium coated with the above was set, and the data of the image data 3 shown in FIG. 10D was input to the control system. The softening agent in the solid image portion (non-decorative base portion; black-painted portion in FIG. 10D) of the resin image (black toner image) is partially heated by a thermal head based on the image data 3 and instantly volatilized. , It was dried to lose the adhesiveness, and only the decorative base portion (white portion in FIG. 10D) was left in a softened state (maintaining the adhesiveness).

By the above operation, similarly to Example 1, a state in which the softener was supplied only to the decorative base portion of the resin image was obtained. Therefore, by transferring the powder to form a thin layer on the image in which the softener is supplied only to the decorative base portion, the metallic image portion and the solid image portion are on the same paper surface as in Example 1. I was able to form an image that exists in.

<Comparative example 1>
The image was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the partial softening step of the image was changed as follows.

(Image softening process)
Bar coater No. manufactured by Daiichi Rikagaku Co., Ltd. Using No. 2, the softening agent isobutyl adipate was applied and supplied over the entire surface of the resin image (black toner image) to soften it.

Since it was applied and supplied to the entire surface of the resin image, the powder was thinly layered and transferred onto the image to which the softener was supplied, so that the parts other than the part to be decorated were also decorated, and the entire surface of the resin image was decorated. , Could not coexist with the solid image part.

<Comparative example 2>
(Background image formation process)
The same as in Comparative Example 1 except that the decorative base portion (the portion to be metallically decorated: the black-painted portion in FIG. 10C), which is the background image, was formed according to the image data 2 shown in FIG. 10C and output. Therefore, only the toner image portion was formed.

(Image softening process)
Bar coater No. manufactured by Daiichi Rikagaku Co., Ltd. Using 2, the softening agent isobutyl adipate was applied and supplied to the entire surface (2 cm × 4 cm) including the toner image portion and the blank image portion where the solid image portion is to be formed by additional printing to soften the toner image portion. ..

(Powder adhesion process)
Using the metallic powder "ELG neo # 325SILVER" manufactured by Oike Kogyo Co., Ltd. as a rubbing member, a make puff (Grace Co., Ltd. Ramige Makeup Sponge Square type) was used to prepare a silicone rubber sheet that was rubbed and oriented. The powder-oriented surface and the toner image surface were overlapped on the entire surface (2 cm × 4 cm) including the toner image portion and the blank paper portion to which the softener was supplied. The silicone rubber sheet was peeled off by pressing from the top of the rubber sheet at 200 kPa for 10 seconds.

In the area coated on the entire surface with the bar coater, the softener is applied and supplied to the blank paper part other than the toner image part, but since the resin component was not present in the blank paper part before the powder was transferred, the powder was applied to the blank paper part. Was not transcribed. Therefore, as shown in image data 2, only the metallic image portion with powder adhered to the surface of the decorative base portion (the portion to be decorated metallic: the black-painted portion in FIG. C) is formed, and the blank paper portion to which the softener is injected and supplied is formed. No powder adhered.

Again, the recording medium in which only the metallic image portion was formed was set in the output device, and the data of the image data 3 was input. Based on the data of the image data 3 shown in FIG. 10D on the recording medium formed only by the metallic image portion, a solid image portion using black toner on a blank paper portion (black-painted portion in FIG. 10D) to which no powder is attached. (Black) was formed and output. A silver image was obtained for the metallic image part, and a black image was obtained for the solid image part. It was difficult to align the image, and a blank sheet (recording medium) could be seen between the metallic image part and the solid image part of the stripe part on the left side of the image.

(Evaluation method)
(1) It was visually confirmed whether the metallic image portion (in Example 12, the decorative portion (the image portion to be decorated) and the solid portion coexist. When the metallic image portion and the solid image portion coexist, the metallic image portion and the solid image portion coexist. Good (“◯” in Table 1) and defective (“x” in Table 1) if they did not coexist. The results are shown in the “Coexistence of metallic and solid parts” column in Table 1.

(2) With respect to the appearance (texture) of the metallic image portion (excluding Example 12), it was visually confirmed whether it had a metallic luster mirror tone in which light was reflected or a glitter tone in which light was diffusely reflected. The results are shown in the "Metallic part appearance" column of Table 1.

(3) Regarding the striped portion on the left side of the image, it was confirmed whether or not there was an exposed portion of blank paper (recording medium). When the blank paper (recording medium) was not exposed, it was considered good (“◯” in Table 1), and when the blank paper (recording medium) was exposed, it was considered poor (“x” in Table 1). The results are shown in the column of "fine decoration part" in Table 1.

(4) During the experiment, it was confirmed whether the odor derived from the softener was felt. If no odor is felt, it is good (“○” in Table 1), and if a slight odor is felt (not unpleasant), it is slightly good (“△” in Table 1), and odor is felt (unpleasant). If it feels like), it is considered defective (“x” in Table 1). The results are shown in the "Odor" column of Table 1.

(5) "Short" for those in which the powder does not adhere within 5 seconds after applying the softener, and in the case where the powder does not adhere within 10 seconds, until the powder does not adhere. Those that took 20 seconds or more were designated as "long". The results are shown in the "Softening time" column of Table 1.

Table 1 below shows the powder, toner, softening method, softening agent, powder adhering method, and evaluation results of the above (1) to (5) used for image formation in Examples 1 to 15 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Shown.

In the "powder" column of Table 1, "LG neo # 325SILVER" of Examples 1 to 9, 13 to 15, Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and "LG neo # 325S-GOLD" of Example 10 are all included. "Made by Oike Kogyo Co., Ltd." Further, "Metashine (registered trademark) ME2025PS" of Example 11 is "Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd., a brilliant inorganic pigment based on flake-shaped glass; silver-coated glass powder". The "Matsumoto Microspheres (registered trademark) F-35D" of Example 12 is a "heat-expandable microcapsule manufactured by Matsumoto Yushi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd."

As is clear from Table 1, in Examples 1 to 15, a part of the resin image is selectively softened by selectively softening the resin image on the recording medium, and only the softened portion is powdered. It was confirmed that the decorative image (metallic image, etc.) and the solid image can be output on the same paper surface by selectively adhering the body. In addition, it was confirmed that even if a positional shift occurs in an image in which the decorative image portion (metallic image portion or the like) and the solid image portion are finely intricate, an image that is inconspicuous can be formed. As a result, it was confirmed that the increase in the number of processes can be suppressed, and the deterioration of the quality can be prevented even in an image in which the decorative image (metallic image, etc.) and the solid image are finely intricate.

On the other hand, in the full softening method of Comparative Example 1, a decorative image (metallic image or the like) and a solid image could not be output on the same paper surface. Further, in the follow-up printing method of Comparative Example 2, it was confirmed that the position shift occurs in the image in which the decorative image portion (metallic image portion) and the solid image portion are finely intricate, and the quality is significantly deteriorated.

Further, in the comparison between Example 1 and Example 3, the degree of softening of the resin image can be changed by changing the supply amount of the softening agent, and a decorative image having various expressions from a mirror tone to a glitter tone can be obtained. It was confirmed that it could be formed.

Further, in the comparison between Example 1 and Example 2, it was confirmed that although the method of orienting the powder was different, it was possible to form a mirror-like decorative image in each case. On the other hand, in the method in which the powders in Examples 13 and 14 are not oriented in contrast to the powder orientation methods in Examples 1 and 2, glitter-like addition is applied regardless of the difference in the supply amount of the softener (difference in the degree of softening). It was confirmed that a decorative image could be formed.

Further, in the comparison between Example 1 and Example 15, it was confirmed that although the partial softening method was different, a mirror-like decorative image could be formed in each case.

Further, in the comparison between Examples 1 and 4 to 7, it can be confirmed that even if the type of the softener is changed, there is no effect on the texture of the decorative image, and a mirror-like decorative image can be formed in each case. It was. Further, it was confirmed that the softeners of Examples 4 to 5 and 7 can be adjusted so that the softening time is shorter than that of the softener of Example 1. Further, it was confirmed that even when the softening agent of Example 6 is mixed with a substance having no softening effect, the softening time can be adjusted by changing the mixing ratio (the softening time can be extended as compared with Example 5). From this, it was found that the fine decoration part can be reproduced in high definition in a shorter time from partial softening to powder adhesion, so that the image device can be miniaturized and the number of decoration processes per unit time can be increased. It was. On the other hand, in the softeners of Examples 4 to 7, a slight odor derived from the softener was confirmed. Since a slight odor can be sufficiently eliminated by preparing an environment equipped with a ventilation or an exhaust device, it is useful to change the type of the softening agent as a method for freely adjusting the softening time.

In addition, from Examples 1 and 8 to 12, various decorative images (silver and gold metallic images and magenta pearl-like images) can be obtained on the same paper surface by changing the toner (developer) or powder. It was confirmed that a combination of an image (image, embossed image, etc.) and a solid image (full-color image) can be expressed. Here, in the magenta pearl-like image of Example 8, since the concealment rate by the metallic powder (silver) is about 60%, the underlying image can be seen. In the case of chromatic colors such as magenta, there is absorption at a specific wavelength, and colored reflected light is visible. Since the combination of the colored reflected light and the white reflected light (reflectance of almost the same wavelength at all wavelengths) coming from the metallic powder is visually recognized, it is presumed that the reflected light looks like a magenta pearl. On the other hand, when the background image is black and the powder used is silver as in Example 1, light other than surface reflection is absorbed, and only white light coming from the metallic powder is visible, so silver. Will look like. In the case of white (including the case of clear toner on white paper) as in Example 9, it looks like silver because it sees a mixture of white light from the white part and white light from the metallic powder. Become.

1 Image forming device,
11 light source,
12 Optical system,
13 Image sensor,
14 Image processing unit,
21 Photoreceptor drum,
22 Charging parts arranged around the photoconductor drum,
23 Optical writing unit,
24 developing equipment,
25 drum cleaner,
26 Intermediate transfer belt,
27 Fixing part,
31 Sending roller,
32 Judgment Roller,
33 Transport roller,
34 loop roller,
35 resist roller,
36 Paper ejection roller,
37 Paper reversing part,
41, 42, 43 Multiple paper feed trays accommodating the recording medium S,
50 Control unit 60 Resin image forming unit,
70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e Partial decoration forming part,
75 heater,
80 Data reception department 90 Softener,
91 Softener supply unit,
92 thermal head,
93 Powder holder,
93a powder holding surface,
94 Powder supply unit,
94a Storage (container),
94b Conveyor (convey screw),
94c brush roller (extraction part),
94d flicker
95, 95', 95 "rubbing part,
95a powder recovery unit,
96, 96'opposite part,
97 Powder recovery unit,
98 Pressing roller,
100 resin image,
100a Part of the resin image (decorative base),
101 Decorative image,
102 grid image,
P powder,
S Recording medium.

Claims (9)

An image forming method comprising a step of adjusting a softened state on a part of a resin image arranged on a recording medium and a step of adhering powder on the softened resin image. The image forming method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of forming a resin image on a recording medium. The image forming method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the resin image is formed by an electrophotographic method. Claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the step of adhering the powder onto the softened resin image is performed by transferring the powder by bringing the oriented member of the powder into contact with the image. The image forming method according to any one of the above items. The image forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a step of performing a process of adjusting a softened state on a part of a resin image is performed by supplying a softening agent. An image forming apparatus including a means for adjusting a softened state of a part of a resin image on a recording medium and a means for adhering powder on the softened resin image. A means for adjusting the softened state of a part of the resin image on the recording medium based on the image data, and a means for adhering powder on the softened resin image formed based on the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, which comprises. The means for adjusting the softened state of a part of the resin image on the recording medium based on the image data is the means for softening the resin image on the recording medium and the means for further softening the resin image based on the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a means for adjusting a softened state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the softening means includes a softening agent supplying means.

Images