JP2002091057A - Developer, method for forming image and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new method for forming images having a detecting means for the residual amount of a developer, which can detect the amount of the developer (toner amount) remaining in a developing or process cartridge with good accuracy and can inform the user successively about the residual amount of the developer or the number of printable sheets and which is extremely useful for the user, and to provide a developer and a process cartridge used for the method. SOLUTION: In the method for forming images by using a detecting means for the amount of a developer, which detects the residual amount of the developer in a developer housing part by the electrostatic capacitance, the developer used contains toner particles containing at least a binder resin, coloring agent and release agent. In the particles having >=3 μm particle size, the developer contains particles having >=0.900 circularity by >=90% cumulative proportion by number and satisfies the condition expressed by Y>=exp5.51×X-0.645, wherein Y is the cumulative value of particles having >=0.950 circularity based on number and X (μm) is the weight average particle size (D4) and in the range of 4.5<X<=15.0 (μm).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming method such as electrophotography, electrostatic recording and electrostatic printing, and a developer, an image forming method and a process cartridge used in a toner jet method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many electrophotographic methods have been known as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,297,691, Japanese Patent Publication No. 42-23910, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 43-24748. ing. Such an electrophotographic image forming method generally uses a photoconductive substance to form an electric latent image on a photoreceptor, and then develops the latent image with a developer to form a recording medium. The toner image is transferred to a recording medium, and the toner image is fixed on a recording medium by heating, pressurizing, heating and pressurizing, or solvent vapor to obtain a copy. The developer remaining on the photoreceptor without being transferred is cleaned by various methods, and the above process is repeated. Conventionally, this type of image forming apparatus includes, for example, a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine.

In these electrophotographic image forming apparatuses,
A process cartridge system is adopted in which the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the process means acting on the photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachably mountable to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. According to this process cartridge system, maintenance of the apparatus, such as replenishment of the developer, can be performed by the user himself without relying on a service person, so that the convenience can be remarkably improved. Because of these advantages, the process cartridge method
It is widely used in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses.

In such a cartridge type electrophotographic image forming apparatus, as described above, the user can replace the cartridge by himself / herself. Therefore, the remaining amount of the developer in the developing device is detected, and the amount of the developer is reduced. There is provided a means for displaying the warning when the number becomes low and warning the user, and prompts the user to replace the cartridge before the image density is lowered.

Various methods have been proposed for detecting the life of such a cartridge, and a method has been proposed in which the amount of use of a cartridge is integrated and stored using a non-volatile storage means such as an EEPROM. I have. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-185761, when a photosensitive drum in a process cartridge is exposed by a laser beam or a light emitting diode, information on an exposure time is added and stored, so that information corresponding to a developer remaining amount is stored. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with means for adding and storing is described.

In such cartridges, since there are many occasions in which the cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, storage means is built in the cartridge itself, and a plurality of cartridges are used for one apparatus main body. Proposals have also been made to increase the detection accuracy in such cases. For example, JP-A-63-
In Japanese Patent No. 212956, a memory is provided in a cartridge, and a device for reading and writing the memory is provided in the main body of the apparatus, and information related to the life of the cartridge is stored based on the content read from the memory and the electrophotographic operation. 2. Description of the Related Art An electrophotographic image forming apparatus that performs an operation and writes the information in a memory has been proposed.

As another method of detecting the consumption of the developer, a method of directly detecting the remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge has been proposed. For example, JP-A-62-62
In JP-A-352-352, a detection antenna is arranged near a developing sleeve which is a developer carrier, and when an AC voltage is applied to the developing sleeve, a current induced in the antenna is measured. A method of detecting the remaining amount of the developer by utilizing the change in the amount of the developer is described.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H5-100571 discloses a developing method in which two parallel electrodes arranged in parallel on a same surface at a predetermined interval instead of two electrode rods are combined in an uneven shape. Disclosed is a developer detection device that includes a developer detection electrode member, and the developer detection member is provided on a lower surface of a developer container. This device detects a change in capacitance between parallel electrodes installed in a planar state and detects the remaining amount of developer.

However, any of the above-described developer detection devices only detects the presence or absence of the developer in the developer container, that is, can detect that the amount of the developer is small immediately before the developer in the developer container is used up. Thus, it was not possible to detect how much developer remained in the developer container.

On the other hand, if the amount of the developer in the developer container can be sequentially detected, the user can know the use condition of the developer in the developer container, and a new process can be performed according to the replacement time. A cartridge can be prepared, which is extremely convenient for the user.

As such a sequential remaining amount detection system, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-120238,
0-133543 and JP-A-10-13354
As described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4 (1993) -174, etc., errors may still occur in these systems, and at present, there is room for study on highly accurate remaining amount detection.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to accurately detect the amount of developer (toner amount) remaining in a developing device or a process cartridge and to sequentially determine the remaining amount of developer and the remaining printable number. Can notify the user,
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel image forming method having a developer remaining amount detecting means that is extremely useful for a user, a developer used in the image forming method, and a process cartridge.

[0013]

Heretofore, the sequential remaining amount detecting means has been improved only from the developing device, but the remaining amount of the developer sometimes varies. As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have found that by selecting a combination of a specific developer characteristic and a specific remaining amount detecting means, the accuracy of sequential detection of the remaining amount of the developer is improved more than ever. This has led to the present invention.

That is, the present invention relates to a developer used in an image forming method for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein the image forming method comprises: (a) a developer accommodating section for accommodating a developer; (C) developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image to be formed using the developer stored in the developer storage section; and (c) contacting the developer in the developer storage section; A first capacitance generation unit that is arranged at a position where the contact area varies with an increase or decrease in the amount of the developer, and generates a capacitance according to the contact area by applying a voltage; A second capacitance generating unit that is arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the developer and generates a reference capacitance by applying a voltage; and (e) a capacitance generated by the first capacitance generating unit. Based on the capacitance and the reference capacitance generated by the second capacitance generating unit. An image forming method using a developer amount detecting unit for detecting an amount of a developer stored in a developer storage unit, wherein the developer contains at least a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent. Having toner particles,
The developer has a weight average particle size of more than 4.5 μm and 15
The particles having a circularity of at least 90% in terms of the number of particles having a circularity of 0.900 or more determined by the following formula 1 in the particles having a circularity of 0.3 μm or less and 3 μm or more of the developer.
When the number-based cumulative value of particles having a particle size of 950 or more is represented by Y and the weight average particle diameter (D4) of the developer is represented by X (μm), the following formula (2) is satisfied.

## EQU9 ## Circularity a = L ₀ / L (1) [where L ₀ represents the circumference of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image, and L represents the circumference of the particle image. ]

[Expression 10] Y ≧ exp5.51 × X ^−0.645 (2) [However, 4.5 <X ≦ 15.0 (μm)]

Further, the present invention relates to an image forming method for forming an image on a recording medium, the image forming method comprising: (a)
A developer accommodating section for accommodating a developer, (b) a developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image to be formed using the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating section, and (c) A first electrostatic element that is in contact with the developer in the developer accommodating portion and that is arranged at a position where the contact area varies with an increase or decrease in the amount of the developer, and that generates a capacitance corresponding to the contact area by applying a voltage; (E) a second capacitance generator, which is arranged at a position where the developer does not come into contact with the developer in the developer accommodating section and generates a reference capacitance by applying a voltage; Based on the capacitance generated by the first capacitance generation unit and the reference capacitance generated by the second capacitance generation unit, the amount of developer stored in the developer storage unit And a developer amount detecting means for detecting, wherein the developer contains at least a binder resin and a colorant. And toner particles containing a release agent, wherein the weight average particle diameter of the developer is greater than 4.5 μm and less than or equal to 15 μm, and the developer particles having a size of 3 μm or more have a circular shape determined by the following formula 1. Degree is 0.90
When the number-based cumulative value of particles having 0 or more particles is 90% or more and the circularity is 0.950 or more, the number-based cumulative value of the particles is Y, and the weight average particle diameter (D4) of the developer is X (μm). And an image forming method using a developer satisfying the following formula (2).

[Equation 11] Circularity a = L ₀ / L (1) [where L ₀ indicates the circumference of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image, and L indicates the circumference of the particle image. ]

[Expression 12] Y ≧ exp5.51 × X ^−0.645 (2) [However, 4.5 <X ≦ 15.0 (μm)]

Further, the image forming method of the present invention comprises: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member, (b) a charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and (c) an electrostatic latent image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. (D) a developer accommodating section for accommodating a developer, and (e) forming the electrostatic latent image using the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating section. Developing means for developing;
(F) being arranged at a position where it comes into contact with the developer in the developer accommodating portion and where the contact area varies with an increase or decrease in the amount of the developer;
(G) a first capacitance generating unit that generates a capacitance corresponding to the contact area by applying a voltage, and (g) a first capacitance generating unit that is arranged at a position that does not come into contact with the developer in the developer accommodating unit, and And (h) the capacitance generated by the first capacitance generator and the reference capacitance generated by the second capacitance generator. Preferably, the electrophotographic image forming method uses a developer amount detecting unit for detecting the amount of the developer stored in the developer storage unit.

Further, the present invention is a process cartridge detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the process cartridge comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member;
Charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member; (c) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer; and (d) developing the electrostatic latent image using the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion. (E) contacting the developer in the developer accommodating portion with the developing means,
And a first capacitance generating unit that is arranged at a position where the contact area fluctuates as the developer amount increases and decreases, and generates a capacitance according to the contact area by applying a voltage; and (f) the developer accommodating unit. Placed in a position that does not come into contact with the developer in the
(G) a second capacitance generating unit that generates a reference capacitance by applying a voltage; and (g) a first electric signal corresponding to the capacitance generated by the first capacitance generating unit by applying a voltage. An electrical contact for transmitting a second electrical signal corresponding to a reference capacitance generated in the second capacitance generating unit by application of a voltage to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and The developer has toner particles containing at least a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent, and the weight average particle diameter of the developer is larger than 4.5 μm and 15 μm or less, and 3 μm of the developer is used. In the above particles, the number-based cumulative value of particles having a circularity of 0.900 or more determined by the following equation 1 is 90% or more, and the number-based cumulative value of the particles having a circularity of 0.950 or more is Y. Weight average particle diameter (D4) of X
(M), a process cartridge satisfying the following expression (2).

## EQU13 ## Circularity a = L ₀ / L (1) [where L ₀ represents the circumference of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image, and L represents the circumference of the particle image. ]

[Expression 14] Y ≧ exp5.51 × X ^−0.645 (2) [However, 4.5 <X ≦ 15.0 (μm)]

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The inventors of the present invention select a combination of physical properties of a developer (toner) and a remaining amount detecting means with respect to variation of the remaining amount of a developer in detecting the remaining amount of the developer (toner remaining amount). As a result, the present inventors have discovered that the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount of the developer is improved more than before, and have reached the invention. That is, the developer of the present invention has toner particles containing at least a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent, and the weight average particle size of the developer is larger than 4.5 μm and 15 μm or less, and Among particles of the developer having a particle size of 3 μm or more, a particle having a circularity of 0.900 or more determined by the following equation 1 is 9 in terms of the number.
Y is the number-based cumulative value of particles having a circularity of 0.950 or more, and the weight average particle diameter (D4) of the developer is X (μ).
m), the following expression 2 is satisfied.

## EQU15 ## Circularity a = L ₀ / L (1) [where L ₀ represents the circumference of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image, and L represents the circumference of the particle image. ]

Y ≧ exp5.51 × X− ^0.645 (2) [However, 4.5 <X ≦ 15.0 (μm)]

The conditions of the developer of the present invention are more preferably

Y ≧ exp5.51 × X ^−0.645 (3) [However, 4.5 <X ≦ 10.0 (μm)] More preferably,

Y ≧ exp5.42 × X ^−0.583 [however, 4.5 <X ≦ 10.0 (μm), more preferably 6.0 <X ≦ 10.0 (μm)]

[Expression 19] Y ≧ exp 5.37 × X ^−0.545 [however, 4.5 <X ≦ 10.0 (μm), more preferably 6.0 <X ≦ 10.0 (μm)] It has been found that when the above condition is satisfied, the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount of the developer increases more than before.

The relationship between the shape of the developer and the particle size of the developer is an index capable of controlling the porosity of the developer (toner), and indicates the state of tapping of the developer in the developing device. When the developer particle size is coarse and the developer shape is irregular, the measurement variation of the tap density increases. It has been clarified that this has an adverse effect on the developer remaining amount detection and deteriorates the remaining amount detection accuracy.

That is, particles having a developer particle size (X) of more than 15 μm, or particles having a circularity of 0.900 or more in the developer are less than 90% by number, or particles having a circularity of 0.950 or more. If the number-based cumulative value (Y) is not sufficient to satisfy the above condition, the remaining amount detection accuracy may deteriorate for the above-described reason. On the other hand, when the particle size of the developer is 4.5 μm or less, the fluidity may be deteriorated and the remaining amount detection system may be deteriorated. Note that the number-based cumulative value is represented by the cumulative number% of the developer at a circularity greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

Further, as the particle size distribution range as more preferable condition of the developer, it is preferable that the following formula is satisfied. That is, the particle size distribution of the developer of the present invention is such that the weight average particle diameter (D4) is X (μm), and the number% of the number-based developer particles of 4.00 μm or less obtained from the number distribution is Z (number%). ), The condition represented by the following formula,

Exp 7.0 × X ^−2.5 ≦ Z ≦ exp 9.1 × X ^−2.9 [however, 6.0 <X ≦ 15.0 (μm)] More preferably,

Exp 7.0 × X ^−2.5 ≦ Z ≦ exp 9.1 × X ^−2.9 [however, 6.0 <X ≦ 10.0 (μm)] More preferably,

It is preferable that exp 7.0 × X ^−2.5 ≦ Z ≦ exp 8.5 × X ^−2.8 [where 6.0 <X ≦ 10.0 (μm)] is satisfied.

The developer particle size distribution is an index capable of controlling the porosity of the developer, and indicates the state of tapping of the developer in the developing device. When the developer particle size is coarse or the particle size distribution is broad, measurement variation of the tap density tends to increase. It has been clarified that this has an adverse effect on the developer remaining amount detection and deteriorates the remaining amount detection accuracy. Further, it has been clarified that the accuracy of the sequential residual detection system of the present invention is further improved by having a specific particle size distribution.

That is, when exp 7.0 × X ^−2.5 > Z is satisfied or when the particle size distribution is sharp, the stability of the charge amount can be obtained, but the measurement variation of the tap density increases, and the remaining amount increases. The detection accuracy may be deteriorated.
When the weight average particle diameter of the developer particles exceeds 15 μm, the measurement variation of the tap density of the developer increases, and the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount may be deteriorated. On the other hand, Z> e
When xp9.1 × X ^−2.9 is satisfied, or when the weight average particle diameter of the developer particles is less than 4.5 μm, the fluidity may be deteriorated and the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount may be deteriorated.

In the present invention, a large-capacity toner container (developer accommodating portion), that is, a capacity of 1500 cc or more (more preferably 2000 cc or more, more preferably 2300 cc or more) and a toner filling amount of 800 g or more (more preferably 10 cc or more)
(00 g or more), the effect is further enhanced. As the toner container has a larger capacity and a larger toner filling amount, an error in the remaining amount detection accuracy is more likely to occur. However, according to the configuration of the present invention, the accuracy is remarkably improved.

The particle size distribution can be measured by various conventionally known methods. In the present invention, the particle size distribution was measured using a Coulter counter multisizer.

As a measuring device, a Coulter counter Multisizer II or IIE (manufactured by Coulter) is used, and an interface (manufactured by Nikkaki) for outputting the number distribution and volume distribution and a general personal computer are connected. As the electrolyte, a 1% NaCl aqueous solution is prepared using a special grade or primary grade sodium chloride.

The measuring method is as follows:
In 50 ml, 0.1 to 5 ml of a surfactant (preferably an alkylbenzene sulfonate) is added as a dispersant, and 2 to 20 mg of a measurement sample is further added. The electrolytic solution in which the sample was suspended was subjected to a dispersion treatment with an ultrasonic disperser for about 1 to 3 minutes, and by the Coulter Counter Multisizer II,
The volume and the number of the toner particles of 2.00 μm or more are measured using a 100 μm aperture, the volume distribution and the number distribution are calculated, and the weight-based weight average particle diameter obtained from the volume distribution is determined. As a measurement channel of the Coulter counter, 2.00 to less than 2.52 μm;
3.17 μm or less; 3.17 to less than 4.00 μm;
0.00 to less than 5.04 μm; 5.04 to less than 6.35 μm; 6.35 to less than 8.00 μm; 8.00 to 10.0
11.8 μm or less; 10.08 to less than 12.70 μm;
70 to less than 16.00 μm; 16.0 to 20.20 μ
less than m; 20.20 to 25.40 μm; 25.40
未 満 <32.00 μm; 13 channels of 32.00−40.30 μm are used. From the number distribution, the number-based cumulative value of the particles having a particle diameter of 4.00 μm or less is determined from the number of the developers corresponding to the target particle diameter.

The average circularity in the present invention is used as a simple method for quantitatively expressing the shape of particles. In the present invention, the average circularity is measured using a flow particle image analyzer FPIA-1000 manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics. And the measured circularity of the particles is

Equation 23] circularity a = L ₀ / L [wherein, L ₀ represents the circumferential length of a circle having the same projected area as a particle image, L is indicative of the ambient length of the particle image. ], And the value obtained by dividing the total circularity of all particles measured by the following equation by the total number of particles is defined as the average circularity.

(Equation 24) [Where b: average circularity, _ai : circularity, m: number of particles to be measured. ]

The degree of circularity used in the present invention is an index of the degree of unevenness of the developer particles. The degree of circularity is 1.000 when the developer is perfectly spherical. Become. The average circularity of the developer of the present invention is 0.9.
It is more preferable to be 58 or more, since the accuracy of the sequential residual detection is further improved.

The measuring device "FPIA-1000" used in the present invention calculates the circularity of each particle,
In the calculation of the average circularity and the circularity standard deviation, the circularity obtained is calculated as follows:
A calculation method is used in which particles are divided into the divided classes, and the average circularity and the circularity standard deviation are calculated using the center value and frequency of the division points. However, the error between each value of the average circularity and the standard deviation of the circularity calculated by this calculation method and the average circularity and the standard deviation of the circularity calculated by the above-described calculation formula directly using the circularity of each particle is extremely large. In the present invention, the circularity of each particle described above is directly used for data handling reasons such as shortening of calculation time and simplification of calculation formula. Such a calculation method partially modified using the concept of the calculation formula may be used.

As a specific method of measuring the circularity, a surfactant, preferably an alkylbenzene sulfonate, in a container of 100 to 150 ml of water from which impurities have been removed in advance is added in an amount of 0.1 to 0.5 ml. In addition, about 0.1 to 0.5 g of a measurement sample is further added. The suspension in which the sample is dispersed is subjected to a dispersion treatment for about 1 to 3 minutes by an ultrasonic disperser (50 kHz, 120 W), and the concentration of the dispersion is set to 12000 to 1500
Using the above-mentioned flow type particle image measuring apparatus, the circularity distribution of particles having an equivalent circle diameter of 0.60 μm or more and less than 159.21 μm is measured using 0 / μl.

In the present invention, the reason for discussing only the circularity of particles having a circle equivalent diameter of 3 μm or more is as follows.
Since the particle group having a circle equivalent diameter of less than μm includes a large number of particles of the external additive which are present independently of the developer particles, the circularity of the developer particle group cannot be accurately estimated due to the influence thereof. It is.

The outline of the measurement of the circularity is described in a catalog of FPIA-1000 issued by Toa Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. (1995).
June edition), operation manual of measuring device and
As described in JP-A-136439, it is as follows.

The sample dispersion liquid is passed through a flow path (spread along the flow direction) of a flat and flat flow cell (about 200 μm thick). The strobe and the CC are connected so as to form an optical path that intersects with the thickness of the flow cell.
The D cameras are mounted so as to be located on opposite sides of the flow cell. While the sample dispersion is flowing,
Strobe light is applied at 1/30 second intervals to obtain an image of the particles flowing through the flow cell, so that each particle is captured as a two-dimensional image having a range parallel to the flow cell. From the area of the two-dimensional image of each particle, the diameter of a circle having the same area is calculated as the equivalent circle diameter. The circularity of each particle is calculated from the projected area of the two-dimensional image of each particle and the perimeter of the projected image using the above-described circularity calculation formula.

The developer of the present invention satisfies at least the above-mentioned particle size distribution conditions determined from the weight average particle diameter and the number%, and contains toner particles containing at least a binder resin, a colorant and a release agent. Having. The developer of the present invention generally further contains an external additive such as an inorganic fine powder for the purpose of improving the fluidity of the developer.
Hereinafter, the toner particles used in the developer of the present invention will be described.

First, the release agent used in the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the release agent")
(Also referred to as “wax”). In the developer of the present invention, it is preferable that at least one melting point of the release agent contained in the developer is 60 to 120 ° C. By containing this low melting point release agent, the low-temperature fixing performance of the developer is improved. However, it is generally known that when a release agent having a low melting point is contained in the developer, the fluidity of the developer is reduced, which may have an adverse effect on the detection of the remaining amount of the developer. It has been clarified that satisfying the developer particle size distribution results in developer fluidity suitable for the sequential remaining amount detecting means used in the present invention.

Further, the developer of the present invention contains a releasing agent having a low melting point, whereby the pulverizability is further improved, and the above-mentioned particle size (and shape) can be more efficiently achieved. When the melting point of the release agent is less than 60 ° C., the cohesiveness of the developer deteriorates,
The accuracy of detecting the remaining amount may be significantly reduced. On the other hand, when the melting point of the release agent is 120 ° C. or more, the effect of improving the pulverizability may decrease.

The content of the release agent (wax component) in the developer is preferably 0.2 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably 2 to 20 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the binder resin component. To 10 parts by mass. If it is less than 0.2 parts by mass,
The release effect containing the wax is hardly exhibited, the offset resistance at high temperatures is hardly obtained, and the fixability may be reduced. If the amount exceeds 20 parts by mass, it becomes difficult to uniformly disperse the wax component in the developer, which affects the chargeability, and also increases the cohesiveness of the developer, deteriorating the developability, Further, fog due to poor charging may increase. Further, the remaining amount detection accuracy, which is the object of the present invention, may be reduced.

As the wax used in the present invention, various wax components conventionally known as a release agent can be used. For example, examples of the hydrocarbon wax include low-molecular-weight polyethylene, low-molecular-weight polypropylene, polyolefin copolymer, polyolefin wax, microcrystalline wax, paraffin wax, and aliphatic hydrocarbon-based wax such as Fischer-Tropsch wax.

Examples of the wax having a functional group include oxides of aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes such as oxidized polyethylene wax; or block copolymers thereof; and plants such as candelilla wax, carnauba wax, wood wax, and jojoba wax. Animal waxes such as beeswax, lanolin, and whale wax; mineral waxes such as ozokerite, ceresin, and petrolactam; waxes mainly containing aliphatic esters such as montanic acid ester wax and caster wax: deoxidized carnauba Examples thereof include those obtained by partially or entirely deoxidizing an aliphatic ester such as a wax.

Further, unsaturated straight-chain fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, montanic acid, or long-chain alkyl carboxylic acids having a longer-chain alkyl group; unsaturated fatty acids such as brassic acid, eleostearic acid, and barinaric acid ; Stearyl alcohol, eicosyl alcohol,
Saturated alcohols such as behenyl alcohol, kaunavir alcohol, seryl alcohol, melisyl alcohol, or alkyl alcohols having a longer chain alkyl group; polyhydric alcohols such as sorbitol; fats such as linoleic acid amide, oleic acid amide, lauric acid amide Aliphatic amides such as methylenebisstearic acid amide, ethylenebiscapric acid amide, ethylenebislauric acid amide, hexamethylenebisstearic acid amide; ethylenebisoleic acid amide, hexamethylenebisoleic acid amide, N, N Unsaturated fatty acid amides such as' -dioleyl adipamide, N, N'-dioleyl sebacamide; aromatic compounds such as m-xylene bisstearic acid amide and N, N'-distearyl isophthalic acid amide Bisamides; aliphatic metal salts such as calcium stearate, calcium laurate, zinc stearate and magnesium stearate (commonly referred to as metal soaps); partial esterified products of fatty acids such as behenic acid monoglyceride and polyhydric alcohols; Examples include a methyl ester compound having a hydroxyl group obtained by hydrogenating an oil or fat.

Examples of the wax grafted with a vinyl monomer include waxes obtained by grafting an aliphatic hydrocarbon wax with a vinyl monomer such as styrene or acrylic acid.

The wax preferably used is a polyolefin obtained by radical polymerization of an olefin under high pressure;
Polyolefin obtained by purifying low-molecular-weight by-product obtained during polymerization of high-molecular-weight polyolefin; polyolefin polymerized under low pressure using a catalyst such as Ziegler catalyst or metallocene catalyst; polyolefin polymerized by using radiation, electromagnetic wave or light; paraffin wax , Microcrystalline wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax; synthetic hydrocarbon wax synthesized by the Zintall method, hydrocoll method, Aage method, etc .; synthetic wax using a compound having one carbon atom as a monomer; hydroxyl group, carboxyl group or ester group; A hydrocarbon wax having a functional group; a mixture of a hydrocarbon wax and a hydrocarbon wax having a functional group;
Maleate, acrylate, methacrylate,
A wax graft-modified with a vinyl monomer such as maleic anhydride may be used.

Further, these waxes may be obtained by sharpening the molecular weight distribution using a press sweating method, a solvent method, a recrystallization method, a vacuum distillation method, a supercritical gas extraction method or a liquid crystal deposition method, or a low molecular weight solid fatty acid. Also, those from which low-molecular-weight solid alcohols, low-molecular-weight solid compounds, and other impurities have been removed are preferably used.

In the present invention, more preferably, the developer has at least two kinds of release agents, one of which has a melting point of 60.
° C to 110 ° C, and the other has a melting point of 110 ° C to 15 ° C.
0 ° C. to contain a release agent. The offset resistance is further improved by containing a high melting point release agent.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable to use two or more kinds of waxes having different composition components. In the present invention, "different in composition" means that the constituent elements of wax and their mixing ratio or molecular structure are different. As a combination of two or more kinds of waxes having different compositions, for example, those having a linear structure and those having a branched structure; those having a polarity and those having no polarity; Examples include those modified with components and those not modified.

These waxes having a branched structure, those having a polar group such as a functional group, and those modified with a component different from the main component relatively exert a plasticizing action.
It contributes to the fixability of the developer and to the uniform dispersion of other components such as wax. On the other hand, those having a more linear structure, non-polar ones having no functional group, and unmodified straight ones exhibit a releasing effect and contribute to the offset resistance and blocking resistance of the developer. By combining these, it is possible to achieve a good balance between the fixing property, the offset resistance, and the blocking resistance.

In the present invention, the melting point of the low melting point wax is more preferably 70 to 100 ° C., even more preferably 75 to 95 ° C., and the melting point of the high melting point wax is more preferably 120 to 150 ° C. It is preferable to use two or more kinds of waxes having different melting points. In the case of a wax having a similar structure, a wax having a relatively low melting point exerts a plasticizing action, and tends to contribute to the fixability of the developer. In addition, a wax having a relatively high melting point exerts an effect on a releasing action, and tends to contribute to offset resistance and blocking resistance of a developer.

At this time, when the difference between the melting points of the waxes is 15 ° C. or more, more preferably 35 ° C. or more, the above-described function separation is effectively exhibited. If the difference in the melting points is less than 15 ° C., the effect of separating the functions is difficult to appear. When the melting point of the low-melting wax is lower than 60 ° C., the offset resistance and the blocking resistance may decrease. On the other hand, when the melting point of the low-melting wax exceeds 110 ° C., the difference in melting point from the high-melting wax is reduced, so that the effect of separating functions is less likely to be exhibited, and the fixability tends to be reduced. On the other hand, the melting point of the high melting point wax is 1
When the temperature is lower than 10 ° C., the function separation effect is similarly hard to appear, and the offset resistance may decrease. Also,
When the melting point of the high melting point wax exceeds 150 ° C., the fixability tends to decrease.

The melting point of the wax (release agent) is DS
Using a C-7 (manufactured by PerkinElmer), the heating rate was 10
It is measured according to the temperature measurement pattern of ASTM D3418 at a rate of ° C./min, and is defined as the peak top value of the highest melting temperature.

The presence of two or more types of wax in the developer makes it possible to moderately adjust the effect of plasticizing the developer and the effect of imparting a releasing effect, thereby improving the fixing property. , Offset resistance and blocking resistance can be balanced. Further, since the separating property of the wax that exerts the releasing effect is enhanced and the releasing effect is exhibited in a wide temperature range, as a further effect, the fixing member is not stained with the developer, and the image stain accompanying the stain is also prevented. Also does not occur. Further, the presence of two or more kinds of waxes in the developer as described above makes it possible to achieve both the fluidity and the pulverizability of the developer, and to easily achieve the above-described relationship between the shape and the particle size of the developer. It is difficult to reduce the accuracy of the remaining amount detection sequentially since the performance can be secured.

Preferred combinations of such waxes include, for example, polyethylene, ethylene and C3
A combination of a copolymer of the above olefins or a homopolymer of an olefin having 3 or more carbon atoms; a combination of a polyolefin and a graft-modified polyolefin; a combination of an alcohol wax, a fatty acid wax or an ester wax and a hydrocarbon wax; a Fischer-Tropsch wax or a polyolefin wax A combination of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax; a combination of Fischer-Tropsch wax and polyolefin wax; a combination of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax; a combination of carnauba wax, candelilla wax, rice wax or montan wax and hydrocarbon wax. Can be

Particularly preferred combinations of waxes include, for example, a combination of Fischer-Tropsch wax and polyolefin wax, a combination of paraffin wax and polyolefin wax, a combination of polyolefin wax and graft-modified polyolefin wax, a combination of Fischer-Tropsch wax and paraffin wax, or Examples include a combination of a hydrocarbon wax and a hydrocarbon wax having a functional group.

Further, the penetration of the wax at 25 ° C. is preferably less than 10 mm. Particularly preferably, it is 8 mm or less. When the penetration is 10 mm or more, the anti-offset performance at high temperatures is deteriorated, and further, the powder fluidity and the cohesion of the developer are adversely affected, and the fading phenomenon, fogging, and the like are likely to be deteriorated. Further, the accuracy of remaining amount detection, which is the object of the present invention, may be significantly reduced.

The method for measuring the penetration of the wax is not particularly limited. In the present invention, the penetration can be measured, for example, using a penetration meter at 25 ° C., 100 g, and 5 seconds.

The wax has a number average molecular weight (Mn) measured by GPC of 100 in terms of polyethylene.
Preferably it is ~ 3000. If Mn is less than 100, it may be difficult to obtain a sufficient releasing effect, and it may also be difficult to disperse in a developer. Also,
If Mn exceeds 3,000, the fixability may be adversely affected, which is not preferable.

The molecular weight of the wax used in the present invention can be measured by the following method. <GPC measurement conditions of wax> ○ Apparatus: GPC-150C (manufactured by Waters) ○ Column: GMH-HT (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) ○ Temperature: 135 ° C. ○ Solvent: o-dichlorobenzene (0.1% ionol added) ○ Flow rate: 1.0 ml / min ○ Sample: Inject 0.4 ml of a sample with a concentration of 0.15 parts by mass. Measure under the above conditions, and use the molecular weight calibration curve prepared with a monodisperse polystyrene standard sample to convert the molecular weight of the sample. . Furthermore, the molecular weight of the wax is
It is calculated by conversion with a conversion formula derived from the Houwink viscosity formula.

As described above, the effect of one of the waxes on the fixing property of the developer and the effect of improving the fixing property of the developer synergistically by the fact that the developer has a specific circularity are described above. Since the other wax contributes to the offset resistance and blocking resistance of the developer, the opposite performance of fixing and offset resistance is combined with the wax component as a release agent in the toner particles. By doing
It is even more balanced.

Further, the toner particles contained in the developer of the present invention have a molecular weight distribution of 3,000 to 50,000, preferably 3,000 to 30, in the molecular weight distribution of the THF-soluble component measured by GPC. At least one peak in the region of 10,000, and a molecular weight of 100,000.
-10,000,000, preferably with a molecular weight of 100,0
00 to 5,000,000, more preferably 100,0
It is preferable to have at least one peak or shoulder in the range of 00 to 1,000,000. When the toner particles have such a peak in the molecular weight distribution, the fixing property, the anti-offset property, and the storability can be maintained in a well-balanced state, and the developer can be given durability and uniform chargeability.

When the peak molecular weight of the high molecular weight component of the toner particles is less than 100,000, not only the high temperature offset resistance of the developer becomes unsatisfactory, but also the dispersibility and retention of the wax component according to the present invention. Becomes insufficient,
Image defects such as a decrease in image density are likely to occur. On the other hand, when the peak molecular weight of the toner particles exceeds 10,000,000, although the high-temperature offset resistance becomes good,
In some cases, the fixability decreases, and the pulverizability during production decreases, leading to a decrease in productivity.

When the peak molecular weight of the low molecular weight component of the toner particles is less than 3,000, the plasticization by the wax component becomes abrupt, which causes a serious problem in the hot offset resistance and the storage stability. It will be easier. Further, since phase separation easily occurs locally, the triboelectric charging of the developer becomes non-uniform, and the developing characteristics may deteriorate. On the other hand, when the peak molecular weight of the low molecular weight component of the toner particles exceeds 50,000, the dispersion state of the wax component is improved to some extent and the developing characteristics are improved, but the fixability is not sufficient. The pulverizability at the time of production is reduced, which may cause a decrease in productivity.

As described above, by giving at least one peak to each of the two molecular weight regions of the toner particles,
It is possible to achieve a good balance between the fixing property and the anti-offset property. Further, as described above, two or more kinds of waxes (release agents) having different composition components or melting points are contained, and a developer having a specific circularity is obtained. By doing so, the effect of plasticizing the developer and the effect of imparting the releasing action can be appropriately adjusted, and a good balance between the fixing property, the offset resistance, and the blocking resistance can be achieved synergistically. become.

Next, the binder resin used in the developer of the present invention will be described. In order to give the above-mentioned molecular weight distribution to the developer of the present invention, the binder resin component used in the present invention has a molecular weight of 3,000 to 50,000 in a molecular weight distribution measured by GPC of a THF-soluble component. And a high molecular weight polymer having at least one peak or shoulder in a region having a molecular weight of 100,000 to 10,000,000.

These binder resin components can be mixed and dispersed in advance with a wax component when producing a developer. In particular, a method in which the wax component and the high molecular weight polymer are preliminarily dissolved in a solvent during the production of the binder, and then mixed with the low molecular weight polymer solution is preferable. By mixing the wax component and the high molecular weight component in advance, the phase separation in the micro region is reduced, the high molecular weight component is not re-aggregated, and a good dispersion state with the low molecular weight component can be obtained.

In the present invention, the developer or the binder resin
The molecular weight distribution by GPC using THF (tetrahydrofuran) as a solvent is measured under the following conditions. The column was stabilized in a heat chamber at 40 ° C., and the column at this temperature was loaded with tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a solvent.
At a flow rate of 1 ml / min.
Measure by injecting 0 μl. In measuring the molecular weight of a sample, the molecular weight distribution of the sample is calculated from the relationship between the logarithmic value of a calibration curve prepared from several types of monodisperse polystyrene standard samples and the count number. As a standard polystyrene sample for preparing a calibration curve, for example, one having a molecular weight of about 102 to 107 manufactured by Tosoh Corporation or Showa Denko KK, and at least about 10 standard polystyrene samples are suitably used. An RI (refractive index) detector is used as the detector. As the column, it is preferable to combine a plurality of commercially available polystyrene gel columns. For example, Shodex GPC KF-801, 802, 80 manufactured by Showa Denko KK
3,804,805,806,807,800P or TSKgelG1000H (H
XL), G2000H (H XL), G3000H
(HXL), G4000H (HXL), G5000H
(H XL), G6000H (H XL), G7000
H (H XL) and TSKguardcolumn can be mentioned.

A sample is prepared as follows. After placing the sample in THF and leaving it to stand for several hours,
Mix well (until the sample is no longer united), and add another 12
Leave for at least an hour. At this time, the time of leaving the sample in THF is set to 24 hours or more. Thereafter, a sample processing filter (pore size: 0.45 to 0.5 μm, for example, Meishori Disc H-25-5 (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation);
After passing through an Exikuro Disk 25CR (available from Germanic Science Japan) or the like,
Use as a PC measurement sample. The sample concentration was 0.5% for the resin component.
Adjust to ~ 5 mg / ml.

The binder resin contained in the developer of the present invention preferably has an acid value of 1 to 50 mgKOH / g.
More preferably, it is 1 to 30 mgKOH / g. The resin acid value is involved in the developer charging characteristics and affects the environmental stability of the developer charging properties. When the acid value is less than 1 mgKOH / g, the charge rise tends to be poor, and
If it is H / g or more, environmental characteristics (particularly, chargeability under high temperature and high humidity) may deteriorate. When the developer of the present invention has an environment dependence of chargeability, the fluidity of the developer, electrostatic adhesion,
The developer surface resistance (the effect of the adsorbed water) fluctuates, and the detection accuracy tends to vary in the remaining amount sequential detection. The measurement of the acid value in the present invention is performed, for example, according to JIS K-007.
0, or can be measured according to this method.

The acid value of the resin in the toner used in the present invention
The measurement of the hydroxyl value will be described more specifically.

<Measurement of Acid Value> The basic operation is JIS K-0.
070. 1) The sample is used before removing additives other than the binder resin (polymer component), or the content of components other than the binder resin of the sample is determined in advance. 0.5 to 2.0 g of a pulverized toner or binder resin is precisely weighed. The binder resin component at this time is defined as Wg. 2) The sample is placed in a 300 (ml) beaker, and 150 (ml) of a mixed solution of toluene / ethanol (4/1) is added and dissolved. 3) Measurement is performed using a 0.1 mol / l KOH ethanol solution using a potentiometric titrator. (For example, the potentiometric constant measuring device AT-40 of Kyoto Electronics Co., Ltd.
0 (win workstation) and ABP-41
Automatic titration using an electric burette is available. 4) The amount of the KOH solution used at this time is defined as S (ml).
At the same time, a blank is measured, and the amount of KOH used at this time is defined as B (ml). 5) Calculate the acid value by the following equation. f is a factor of KOH.

(25) Acid value (mgKOH / g) = ｇ (S−B) × f
× 5.61｝ / W

As the binder resin used in the present invention, various resin compounds conventionally known as binder resins can be used. For example, vinyl resins, phenol resins, phenol resins modified with natural resins, Natural resin modified maleic acid resin, acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyvinyl acetate, silicone resin, polyester resin, polyurethane, polyamide resin, furan resin, epoxy resin, xylene resin, polyvinyl butyral, terpene resin, coumaroindene resin, petroleum resin, etc. Is mentioned.
Among them, vinyl resins and polyester resins are preferred in terms of chargeability and fixability.

Examples of the vinyl resin include styrene;
o-methylstyrene, m-methylstyrene, p-methylenestyrene, p-methoxystyrene, p-phenylstyrene, p-chlorostyrene, 3,4-dichlorostyrene, p-ethylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene,
such as pn-butylstyrene, p-tert-butylstyrene, pn-hexylstyrene, pn-octylstyrene, pn-nonylstyrene, pn-decylstyrene and pn-dodecylstyrene Styrene derivatives;
Ethylenically unsaturated monoolefins such as ethylene, propylene, butylene, and isobutylene; unsaturated polyenes such as butadiene; vinyl halides such as vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl bromide, and vinyl fluoride; vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate , Vinyl esters such as vinyl benzoate; methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate;
Isobutyl methacrylate, n-octyl methacrylate,
Dodecyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, phenyl methacrylate,
Α-methylene aliphatic monocarboxylic esters such as dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and diethylaminoethyl methacrylate; methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate Acrylates such as dodecyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, 2-chloroethyl acrylate and phenyl acrylate; vinyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether and vinyl isobutyl ether; vinyl methyl ketone ,
Vinyl ketones such as vinylhexyl ketone and methyl isopropenyl ketone; N-vinyl compounds such as N-vinylpyrrole, N-vinylcarbazole, N-vinylindole and N-vinylpyrrolidone; vinylnaphthalenes:
Acrylic acid or methacrylic acid derivatives such as acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, acrylamide; α, β
Esters of unsaturated acids, diesters of dibasic acids; acrylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, α-ethylacrylic acid, crotonic acid, cinnamic acid, vinyl acetic acid, isocrotonic acid, angelic acid and α- or β thereof Alkyl derivatives; vinyl monomers such as unsaturated dicarboxylic acids such as fumaric acid, maleic acid, citraconic acid, alkenyl succinic acid, itaconic acid, mesaconic acid, dimethyl maleic acid and dimethyl fumaric acid, and monoester derivatives or anhydrides thereof. The used polymer is mentioned. In the vinyl resin, the above-mentioned vinyl monomers are used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, a combination of monomers that results in a styrene copolymer or a styrene-acrylic copolymer is preferred.

Further, the binder resin used in the present invention may be a polymer or a copolymer cross-linked with a cross-linkable monomer as exemplified below, if necessary. As the crosslinkable monomer, a monomer having two or more crosslinkable unsaturated bonds can be used. As such a crosslinkable monomer, various monomers as shown below have been conventionally known, and can be suitably used in the developer of the present invention.

Examples of the crosslinking monomer include aromatic divinyl compounds such as divinyl benzene and divinyl naphthalene; and diacrylate compounds linked by an alkyl chain such as ethylene glycol diacrylate and 1,3-butylene glycol. Diacrylate,
1,4-butanediol diacrylate, 1,5-pentanediol diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, and those obtained by replacing the acrylate of the above compounds with methacrylate; ether bond Examples of the diacrylate compounds linked by an alkyl chain containing: diethylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol # 400 diacrylate, polyethylene glycol # 600 diacrylate, dipropylene glycol Diacrylates and acrylates of the above compounds in place of methacrylates; diacrylates linked by chains containing aromatic groups and ether linkages Examples of the compounds include polyoxyethylene (2) -2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane diacrylate, polyoxyethylene (4) -2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane diacrylate and The acrylates of the above compounds may be used in place of methacrylates; examples of polyester type diacrylates include the trade name MANDA
(Nippon Kayaku) and the like.

Examples of the polyfunctional crosslinking agent include pentaerythritol triacrylate, trimethylolethane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, tetramethylolmethanetetraacrylate, oligoester acrylate, and acrylates of the above compounds instead of methacrylates; Triallyl cyanurate, triallyl trimellitate and the like.

It is preferable to adjust the amount of these crosslinking agents to be used depending on the type of the monomer to be crosslinked and the desired physical properties of the binder resin. In general, 100 parts by weight of other monomer components constituting the binder resin are used. To 0.01 parts
10 parts by mass (more preferably 0.03 to 5 parts by mass) can be used.

Among these crosslinkable monomers, aromatic divinyl compounds (particularly divinylbenzene) and aromatic divinyl compounds which are preferably used from the viewpoint of fixing property and offset resistance to a resin for a developer (binder resin) are described. Examples include diacrylate compounds linked by a chain containing a group and an ether bond.

In the present invention, a homopolymer or copolymer of a vinyl monomer, polyester, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyvinyl butyral, rosin, modified rosin, terpene resin, phenol resin, aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon resin, An aromatic petroleum resin or the like can be used by mixing it with the binder resin described above, if necessary. When two or more resins are mixed and used as a binder resin, as a more preferred form, those having different molecular weights are preferably mixed at an appropriate ratio.

The glass transition temperature of the binder resin used in the present invention is preferably 45 to 80 ° C., more preferably 55 to 70 ° C., and the number average molecular weight (Mn) is 2,50.
0-50,000, weight average molecular weight (Mw) is 10,000
It is preferably from 00 to 1,000,000.

The glass transition temperature of the binder resin is generally determined by the published Polymer Handbook, 2nd edition, III-p139.
192 (manufactured by John Wiley & Sons) so that the theoretical glass transition temperature is 45 to 80 ° C,
It can be adjusted by selecting a constituent material (polymerizable monomer) of the binder resin. Further, the glass transition point temperature of the binder resin can be measured according to ASTM D3418-82 using a high-precision internal heating type input compensation type differential scanning calorimeter, for example, DSC-7 manufactured by Perkin Elmer. it can. If the glass transition temperature of the binder resin is lower than the above range, the storage stability of the developer may be insufficient, and if the glass transition temperature of the binder resin is higher than the above range, the fixability of the developer may be poor. May be sufficient.

The method for synthesizing the binder resin composed of a vinyl polymer or a copolymer is not particularly limited, and various conventionally known production methods can be used, for example, a bulk polymerization method and a solution polymerization method. Polymerization methods such as a synthesis method, a suspension polymerization method, and an emulsion polymerization method can be used. When a carboxylic acid monomer or an acid anhydride monomer is used, it is preferable to use a bulk polymerization method or a solution polymerization method due to the nature of the monomer.

As the binder resin used in the present invention, the following polyester resins are also preferable. It is preferable that 45 to 55 mol% of the polyester resin is an alcohol component and 55 to 45 mol% is an acid component.

Examples of the alcohol component include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,
1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, hydrogenated bisphenol A, the following (B)
A bisphenol derivative represented by the formula:

Embedded image (Wherein, R represents an ethylene or propylene group, x and y are each an integer of 1 or more, and the average value of x + y is 2 to 10.) (C) Diols represented by the formula;

Embedded image Or polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, sorbit, and sorbitan.

Preferred examples of the acid component include carboxylic acids. Examples of the divalent carboxylic acid include benzenedicarboxylic acids such as phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and phthalic anhydride or anhydrides thereof; Alkyl dicarboxylic acids such as succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, and azelaic acid or anhydrides thereof; unsaturated dicarboxylic acids such as fumaric acid, maleic acid, citraconic acid, and itaconic acid or anhydrides thereof; Examples of the carboxylic acid having a valency or higher include trimellitic acid, pyromellitic acid, benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid and anhydrides thereof.

The alcohol component of the polyester resin is particularly preferably a bisphenol derivative represented by the formula (B), and the acid component is phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid or its anhydride, succinic acid, n-dodecenylsuccinic acid. And dicarboxylic acids such as anhydrides, fumaric acid, maleic acid and maleic anhydride; and trimellitic acids or tricarboxylic acids of anhydrides thereof.
This is because the heat roller fixing developer using a polyester resin obtained from these acid component and alcohol component as a binder resin has good fixability and excellent offset resistance.

The acid value of the polyester resin is preferably 50
mgKOH / g or less, and the OH value (hydroxyl value) is preferably 50 mgKOH / g or less, more preferably 3OmKOH / g or less.
It is preferably not more than gKOH / g. The reason for this is that as the number of terminal groups of the molecular chain increases, the environment dependence of the charging characteristics of the developer increases.

The glass transition temperature of the polyester resin is preferably 50 to 75 ° C., more preferably 55 to 65 ° C., and the number average molecular weight (Mn) is preferably 1,500.
~ 50,000, more preferably 2,000 ~ 20,000.
And the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is preferably 6,
000 to 100,000, more preferably 10,000
It is better to be ~ 90,000.

In the developer of the present invention, in order to achieve a good balance between the fixing property, the anti-offset property and the anti-blocking property, the molecular weight distribution of the THF-soluble component of the developer in the molecular weight distribution measured by GPC is 3,000. ~ 5
It is a more preferred embodiment to have at least one peak in the region of 000 and at least one peak or shoulder in the region of molecular weight of 100,000 to 10,000,000.

Next, the coloring agent used in the present invention will be described. The type of the developer of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be a magnetic developer or a non-magnetic developer. It is preferably a developer, and it is preferable to use a magnetic substance as a coloring agent.

When a magnetic material is used as a coloring agent, the following advantages can be obtained. That is, when measuring the electrostatic capacity according to the remaining amount of the developer by the remaining amount detecting means, the developer volume resistance value is larger in the magnetic developer particles than in the non-magnetic developer particles containing no magnetic material. Therefore, the difference between the capacitance corresponding to the remaining amount of the developer and the reference capacitance is more likely to occur. Also, regarding the chargeability, by containing a magnetic material as a coloring agent, charge-up of the developer is suppressed, and it is unlikely to adversely affect the accuracy of the sequential remaining amount detection.

When a magnetic material is used as the colorant, the developer of the present invention preferably contains the magnetic material in an amount of 60 to 150 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the binder resin. When the content of the magnetic material is smaller than the above range, the obtained image may be insufficiently colored, or the transportability of the developer during the image forming process may be insufficient, resulting in image defects. On the other hand, when the content of the magnetic material is larger than the above range, the fluidity of the developer in the image forming process becomes insufficient, and an image defect may occur.

Further, the magnetic material preferably contains a silicon atom. When the magnetic material contains a silicon element, the fluidity and charge stability of the developer are improved, and the accuracy of the sequential residual detection, which is the object of the present invention, is further improved. Silicon element is
It may be contained in any form in the magnetic body, for example, in the form of silicon oxide, which is present near the surface of the magnetic body.

The content of the silicon element is 0.1 to 4.0% by mass (more preferably 0.3 to 4.0% by mass) based on the iron element of the magnetic substance.
2.5% by mass). If the content of the silicon element is smaller than the above range, the effect of incorporating the silicon element into the magnetic material may be insufficient. On the other hand, when the content of the silicon element is larger than the above range, the water absorption may increase, and the charge amount may decrease particularly under high humidity.

The content of the silicon element in the magnetic material is as follows:
For example, using a fluorescent X-ray diffractometer SYSTEM3080 (manufactured by Rigaku Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.), JIS K0119 “Fluorescent X
It can be determined according to X-ray intensity of silicon.

The average particle size of the magnetic material may be in the range usually used, but may be 0.1 μm to 0.4 μm.
When the particle size is μm, the dispersibility in the toner particles is good, and the accuracy of the sequential detection of the developer is further improved. Further, the shape of the magnetic material is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the shape is closer to a sphere.
It is excellent in charging stability, and the accuracy of sequential detection of the developer is further improved.

The average particle size of the magnetic material can be measured using a transmission electron microscope. Specifically, a powder sample of the toner particles to be measured is observed with a transmission electron microscope,
The average particle diameter can be determined by measuring the particle diameter of 100 magnetic substances in the visual field. The shape of the magnetic material can also be observed with a transmission electron microscope.

When the developer of the present invention is used as a magnetic developer, the magnetic material contained in the magnetic developer is not particularly limited as long as it is a commonly used magnetic material, and examples thereof include magnetite, maghemite, and ferrite. Iron oxide, including iron oxides and other metal oxides; Fe, Co, N
i, or these metals and Al, Co,
Cu, Pb, Mg, Ni, Sn, Zn, Sb, Be, B
Examples thereof include alloys with metals such as i, Cd, Ca, Mn, Se, Ti, W, and V, and mixtures thereof.

[0098] Specifically, the magnetic materials include iron trioxide (Fe ₃ O ₄ ), iron sesquioxide (γ-Fe ₂ O ₃ ), yttrium iron oxide (Y ₃ Fe ₅ O ₁₂ ), iron oxide Cadmium (C
dFe ₂ O ₄ ), iron gadolinium oxide (Gd ₃ Fe)
₅ O ₁₂ ), iron oxide copper (CuFe ₂ O ₄ ), iron oxide lead (Pb
Fe ₁₂ O ₁₉ ), nickel iron oxide (NiFe ₂ O ₄ ), iron oxide niodymium (NdFe ₂ O ₃ ), barium oxide (BaF)
e ₁₂ O ₁₉ ), magnesium iron oxide (MgFe ₂ O ₄ ), lanthanum iron oxide (LaFeO ₃ ), iron powder (Fe), cobalt powder (Co), nickel powder (Ni) and the like. The above-mentioned magnetic materials are used alone or in combination of two or more. Particularly preferred magnetic materials are fine powders of triiron tetroxide or gamma-iron sesquioxide.

These ferromagnetic materials have an average particle size of 0.05 to
At 2 μm, the magnetic properties at 795.8 kA / m applied are coercive force of 1.6 to 12.0 kA / m and saturation magnetization of 50 to 200 A
Those having m ² / kg (preferably 50 to 100 Am ² / kg) and residual magnetization of ^{2 to 20} Am ² / kg are preferable for use in the image forming method of the present invention, particularly, the electrophotographic image forming method.

As described above, in the developer of the present invention, a magnetic material may be used as a coloring agent, but a non-magnetic coloring agent or the like may be used as another coloring agent. Such non-magnetic colorants include any suitable pigments or dyes. For example, pigments include carbon black, aniline black, acetylene black, naphthol yellow, hansa yellow, rhodamine lake, bengara,
Examples include phthalocyanine blue and indanthrene blue. These are 0.1 to 20 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin.
The addition amount of parts by mass, preferably 1 to 10 parts by mass is good. Similarly, dyes are used, for example, anthraquinone dyes, xanthene dyes, methine dyes, and the like, and 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, preferably 0.3 to 10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin. Parts are good.

In the developer of the present invention, a charge control agent can be used if necessary in order to further stabilize the chargeability. The charge control agent is used in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, preferably 1 to 5 parts by mass, per 190 parts by mass of the binder resin in order to control the chargeability of the developer. As the charge control agent, various charge control agents conventionally known can be used, and examples thereof include the following.

As the negative charge controlling agent for making the developer negatively chargeable, for example, an organometallic complex or a chelate compound is effective. Examples thereof include a monoazo metal complex, a metal complex of an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, and a metal complex of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid. Other examples include aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids, aromatic mono- and polycarboxylic acids and metal salts thereof, anhydrides or esters thereof, and phenol derivatives of bisphenol.

Examples of the positive charge controlling agent for making the developer positively charged include nigrosine, nigrosine derivatives, triphenylmethane compounds, organic quaternary ammonium salts and the like. The toner particles used in the present invention may use other materials in addition to the above-mentioned materials.

As described above, the developer of the present invention generally contains, in addition to the toner particles, an external additive for adjusting the fluidity and chargeability of the developer. As such an external additive, a fluidity improver may be added to the developer of the present invention. The fluidity improver can be added to the toner particles to increase the fluidity before and after the addition. For example, fluororesin powder such as vinylidene fluoride fine powder; fine silica powder such as wet-process silica and dry-process silica, fine-powder titanium oxide, fine-powder alumina, and a silane compound, a titanium coupling agent, and a silicone oil. There are treated silica and the like.

Preferred fluidity improvers are fine powders produced by the vapor phase oxidation of silicon halides, so-called dry silica or fumed silica. For example, it utilizes the thermal decomposition oxidation reaction of silicon tetrachloride gas in an oxyhydrogen flame, and the basic reaction formula is as follows. SiCl ₂ + 2H ₂ + O ₂ → SiO ₂ + 4HCl In this production process, a composite fine powder of silica and another metal oxide can be obtained by using another metal halide such as aluminum chloride or titanium chloride together with a silicon halide. It is possible, and the silica includes them. The particle size is preferably in the range of 0.001 to 2 μm as an average primary particle size, and particularly preferably, fine silica powder in the range of 0.002 to 0.2 μm is used. .

The average primary particle size of the fluidity improver is, for example, a value obtained by enlarging a photograph of the developer by a scanning electron microscope and further examining an inorganic fine powder by an elemental analysis means such as XMA attached to the scanning electron microscope. Measure the number of primary particles of the fluidity improver that adheres to or separate from the toner particle surface by comparing 100 or more particles of the developer mapped with the element contained in the toner, and obtain the number average diameter. Can be measured.

As commercially available fine silica powder produced by vapor phase oxidation of a silicon halide, there is, for example, one commercially available under the following trade names. AEROSIL (Aerosil Japan) 130 200 300 380 TT600 MOX170 MOX80 COK84 Ca-O-SiL (CABOT Co.) M-5 MS-7 MS-75 HS-5 EH-5 Wacker HDK N20 (WACKER-CHEMIE) ) V15 N20E T30 T40 DC Fine Silica (Dow Corning Co.) Fransol (Fransil)

Further, a treated silica fine powder obtained by subjecting a silica fine powder produced by the gas phase oxidation of the silicon halide compound to a hydrophobic treatment is more preferable. Preferably, the treated silica fine powder is obtained by treating the silica fine powder such that the degree of hydrophobicity measured by a methanol titration test specified in the following measurement method is in the range of 30 to 80. If the degree of hydrophobicity is smaller than the above range, the toner charging characteristics under high temperature and high humidity may be deteriorated. If the degree of hydrophobicity is larger than the above range, the toner may be charged up under extremely low humidity. There is.

<Method for Measuring Hydrophobicity by Methanol Titration Test Used in the Present Invention> Powder Wettability Tester WET-1
The methanol drop transmittance curve is measured using 00P (manufactured by Resca Corporation). The methanol content% by mass at which the transmittance decreases, that is, at which wetting to methanol occurs, was defined as the degree of hydrophobicity.

The method for imparting hydrophobicity is provided by chemically treating with an organosilicon compound or the like which reacts or physically adsorbs with silica fine powder. The preferred method is
The silica fine powder produced by the vapor phase oxidation of a silicon halide is treated with an organosilicon compound.

Examples of the organosilicon compound include hexamethyldisilazane, trimethylsilane, trimethylchlorosilane, trimethylethoxysilane, dimethyldichlorosilane, methyltrichlorosilane, allyldimethylchlorosilane, allylphenyldichlorosilane, benzyldimethylchlorosilane, and bromomethyltridimethylsilane. Chlorosilane,
α-chloroethyltrichlorosilane, p-chloroethyltrichlorosilane, chloromethyldimethylchlorosilane, triorganosilylmercaptan, trimethylsilylmercaptan, triorganosilyl acrylate, vinyldimethylacetoxysilane, dimethylethoxysilane, dimethyldimethoxysilane, diphenyldiethoxysilane, Hexamethyldisiloxane, 1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane, 1,3-diphenyltetramethyldisiloxane and Si having 2 to 12 siloxane units per molecule and one for each terminal unit. And a dimethylpolysiloxane having a hydroxyl group bonded thereto. Further, a silicone oil such as dimethyl silicone oil may be used. These are used in one kind or in a mixture of two or more kinds.

The fluidity improver has a specific surface area by nitrogen adsorption measured by the BET method of 30 m ² / g or more, preferably 5 m ² / g or more.
Those with 0 m ² / g or more give good results. Developer 1
0.01 to 8 parts by mass of the fluidity improver with respect to 00 parts by mass,
Preferably, 0.1 to 4 parts by mass is used in order to maintain the chargeability and fluidity of the developer at an appropriate level.

It is particularly preferable that the developer (toner) of the present invention contains silica, and the silica is treated with 0.5 to 20 parts by mass of silicone oil based on 100 parts by mass of silica. By treating the above-mentioned silica with the silicone oil in the above-described range, the above-mentioned degree of hydrophobicity can be achieved, and by containing the silica, the fluidity of the developer can be maintained and the accuracy of sequential residual detection can be improved. .

The developer of the present invention contains silica.
Preferably, the silica is treated with 0.5 to 20 parts by mass of hexamethyldisilazane based on 100 parts by mass of the silica. By performing the above-described processing, the above-described degree of hydrophobicity is achieved, the fluctuation in the environmental charging property and the fluidity of the developer is reduced, and the accuracy of sequential residual detection can be improved.

More preferably, the developer (toner) of the present invention preferably contains silica treated with silicone oil after hexamethyldisilazane. By performing such a disilazane treatment and a silicone oil treatment, fluctuations in the environmental charging property and fluidity are further reduced, and the accuracy of sequential residual detection can be further improved. As described above, the developer of the present invention has improved environmental stability (developer fluidity, chargeability) by adopting a structure containing hydrophobized silica as a fluidity improver (external additive), and sequentially The variation in the remaining amount detection is improved.

The developer (toner) of the present invention has an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 5.0 μm as the external additive in addition to the fluidity improver.
It is preferable that the particles of m are contained in an amount of 0.05 to 5 parts by mass based on at least 100 parts by mass of the toner particles. It is known that an external additive having this particle size acts as a spacer particle with respect to the developer, and has an effect of not deteriorating the cohesiveness between the developers. Therefore, by externally adding such particles to toner particles, the object of the present invention can be achieved more efficiently. If the particle size of this size, improve the developer cohesion without affecting the developer density in the developer container,
Variation in the sequential detection of residual detection can be reduced.

When the particle diameter and the content of the particles are smaller than the above ranges, the effect as spacer particles may be insufficient, and when the particle size and the content are larger than the above ranges, the developer tap density in the developer container may be reduced. May have adverse effects. The average particle diameter of the particles can be measured by the same method as the method for measuring the average primary particle diameter of the magnetic substance or the fluidity improver described above.

The average particle size used in the present invention is 0.1 to 5.
As the 0 μm particles, inorganic fine particles, organic fine particles, and mixtures and composites thereof can be used. Specific examples include metal oxides such as strontium titanate, cerium oxide, aluminum oxide, and magnesium oxide; fluororesin powder; and resin fine particles. Particularly, strontium titanate and cerium oxide are preferable in terms of charging characteristics.

The developer of the present invention is produced by kneading a mixture containing at least a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent, pulverizing the kneaded product, and classifying the pulverized product. Can be. Various devices used in a manufacturing method called a so-called pulverization method can be used as the manufacturing device. Examples of such devices include the following devices. For example, as a mixer, Henschel mixer (manufactured by Mitsui Mining); super mixer (manufactured by Kawata); ribocorn (manufactured by Okawara Seisakusho); Nauta mixer, turbulizer, cyclomix (manufactured by Hosokawa Micron); spiral pin mixer (Kaikai Kiko Co., Ltd.); Reedige mixer (Matsubo Co., Ltd.); KCR kneader (Kurimoto Iron Works Co., Ltd.); Bus Co Kneader (Buss Co., Ltd.); TEM extruder TEX twin-screw kneader (manufactured by Nippon Steel Works); PCM kneader (manufactured by Ikegai Iron Works); three-roll mill, mixing roll mill, kneader (manufactured by Inoue Seisakusho); MS type pressure kneader, Nider ruder (Moriyama Seisakusho); Banbury mixer (Kobe Steel) Examples of the pulverizer include a counter jet mill, a micron jet, an innomizer (manufactured by Hosokawa Micron); an IDS type mill, a PJM jet pulverizer (manufactured by Nippon Pneumatic), a cross jet mill (manufactured by Kurimoto Iron Works); Ulmax (Nisso Engineering); SK Jet
O-Mill (manufactured by Seishin Enterprise); Kryptron (manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries); Turbo Mill (manufactured by Turbo Kogyo). Turbo Classifier (manufactured by Nissin Engineering); Micron separator, Turboplex (ATP), TSP separator (manufactured by Hosokawa Micron); Elbow jet (manufactured by Nippon Steel Mining), dispersion separator (manufactured by Nippon Pneumatic) Made);
YM Microcut (manufactured by Yasukawa Shoji Co., Ltd.) is mentioned. As a sieving device used for sifting coarse particles, Ultrasonic (manufactured by Koei Sangyo Co., Ltd.); Resona sieve, gyro shifter (Tokuju Kosakusho); Sonic System (made by Dalton); Sonic Clean (made by Shinto Kogyo); Turbo Screener (made by Turbo Kogyo); Micro Shifter (made by Makino Sangyo);

The following steps are preferred as production steps for optimal production for obtaining the relationship between circularity and particle size of the developer (toner) of the present invention. The pulverizing / classifying system melts and kneads a mixture containing at least a binder resin, a colorant and a wax (release agent), cools the obtained kneaded material, and coarsely pulverizes the cooled material with a pulverizing means to obtain a mixture. The powdered raw material composed of the coarsely pulverized product is introduced into the first metering machine. And at least a rotor composed of a rotor attached to the center rotation shaft, and a stator that is disposed around the rotor while maintaining a constant distance from the rotor surface,
A predetermined amount of the powdery raw material is supplied from the first metering device into a mechanical pulverizer configured so that an annular space formed by maintaining the interval is airtight. Introduced through a powder inlet, the powder material is pulverized by rotating the rotor of the mechanical pulverizer at high speed, and the pulverized material is discharged from the powder outlet of the mechanical pulverizer. To the second metering machine. Then, a predetermined amount of the finely pulverized material from the second metering device is introduced into a multi-divided air flow type classifier that classifies the powder using the crossed air flow and the Coanda effect, and is finely divided in the multi-divided air flow type classifier. The pulverized material is classified into at least a fine powder, a medium powder, and a coarse powder, and the classified coarse powder is mixed with the powder raw material, introduced into the mechanical pulverizer, and pulverized, and the classified medium powder is classified. This is a system for producing a developer from (toner particles).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the preferred production method for the developer of the present invention will be specifically described. In the production of the developer of the present invention, a mixture containing at least a binder resin, a colorant and a wax (release agent) is melt-kneaded,
After cooling the obtained kneaded product, the cooled product is pulverized by a pulverizing means, and the coarsely pulverized product is used as a powder raw material. Then, first, a predetermined amount of the pulverized raw material, at least a rotor consisting of a rotating body attached to the central rotating shaft, and a stator disposed around the rotor while maintaining a fixed distance from the rotor surface And introducing the annular space formed by maintaining the interval into a mechanical crusher configured to be in an airtight state, and rotating the rotor of the mechanical crusher at a high speed. The material to be crushed is finely pulverized.

Next, the pulverized raw material is introduced into a classification step and classified to obtain a classified product (toner particle) which is a developer raw material composed of a group of particles having a preferable particle size. At this time, in the classification step, a multi-split airflow classifier having at least a coarse powder region, a medium powder region, and a fine powder region is preferably used. For example, when a three-division airflow classifier is used, the powder raw material is classified into at least three types of fine powder, medium powder and coarse powder. In the classification process using such a classifier, a coarse powder composed of a group of particles having a particle size larger than a preferred particle size and a fine powder composed of a group of particles having a particle size smaller than the preferred particle size are removed, and the intermediate powder (toner particles) is removed. It is used as a developer product as it is or after being mixed with an external additive such as hydrophobic colloidal silica, it is used as a developer.

The fine powder composed of particles having a particle size smaller than the preferred particle size classified in the above-mentioned classification step is generally melt-kneaded to produce a powder raw material composed of the developer material introduced into the pulverization step. Provided to the process and reused or discarded. Further, the ultrafine powder having a smaller particle diameter than the fine powder, slightly generated in the pulverizing step and the classifying step is also supplied to the melt-kneading step and reused,
Or be discarded.

Further, in this apparatus system, in order to obtain a developer having a sharp particle size distribution with a weight average particle diameter of 15 μm or less (more preferably 10 μm or less), a finely pulverized material pulverized by a mechanical pulverizer is used. Has a weight average particle diameter of 6 to 15 μm (preferably 6 to 10 μm) and 4.0 μm.
It is preferred that m is 70% by number or less, more preferably 65% by number or less, and 10.1 μm or more is 25% by volume or less, further preferably 20% by volume or less. The particle size of the classified medium powder (toner particles) is such that the weight average particle size is 6 to 15.
μm (preferably 6 to 10 μm), 4.0 μm or less is 40% by number or less, 35% by number or less, and 1% or less.
It is preferably 25% by volume or less, more preferably 0.1% or more, and more preferably 20% by volume or less.

In the above-mentioned apparatus system to which the above-mentioned manufacturing method is applied, the first classification step before the pulverizing treatment is not required,
The pulverizing step and the classifying step can be performed in one pass. A mechanical pulverizer preferably used as a pulverizing means used for producing the developer of the present invention will be described. As a mechanical pulverizer, for example, a pulverizer KT manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
M, Kryptron, Turbo Mill Co., Ltd. and the like can be used, and these devices can be used as they are or after being appropriately improved.

Since the pulverization method used in the present invention does not require the first classification step before the pulverization step, the developer is finely divided, so that the electrostatic aggregation between particles is increased. The developer sent to the first classifier is circulated again to the first classifying step, so that excessively pulverized fine powder and ultrafine powder are not generated. Furthermore, in addition to the simple configuration, a large amount of air is not required to pulverize the raw material, so that power consumption is low and energy cost can be reduced.

Further, in the production system capable of producing the developer of the present invention, by controlling the conditions of pulverization and classification, a sharp particle having a weight average particle diameter of 15 μm or less (particularly 10 μm or less) is obtained. A developer having a particle size distribution can be efficiently generated.

The developer of the present invention may be pulverized by an air-flow type pulverizer such as a jet mill, or pulverized and classified by a surface reforming device such as the mechanical pulverizer and the hybridizer. Adjustments may be made.

The developer of the present invention may be one in which the toner particles are directly produced by an aqueous suspension polymerization method. The polymerized toner particles used in the present invention are obtained by the following method.

That is, additives such as a release agent, a colorant, and a charge control agent are added to a polymerizable monomer formed by polymerization of a binder resin, and the mixture is heated until the release agent is dissolved or melted. A monomer system is obtained by uniformly dissolving or dispersing with a homogenizer, an ultrasonic disperser or the like. This monomer system is dispersed in an aqueous phase at about the same temperature as the monomer system containing the dispersion stabilizer using a conventional stirrer or homomixer / homogenizer. Preferably, the stirring speed and time are adjusted so that the monomer droplets have a predetermined toner particle size, generally a particle size of 30 μm or less. After that, by the action of dispersion stabilizer,
The stirring may be performed to such an extent that the state of the particles is maintained and the sedimentation of the particles is prevented. The polymerization temperature is set at a temperature equal to or lower than the precipitation temperature of the release agent, and a polymerization initiator is added to carry out the polymerization. After completion of the reaction, the generated toner particles are collected by washing and filtration, and dried. In the suspension polymerization method, the monomer system 1 is usually used.
It is preferable to use 300 to 3000 parts by mass of water as a dispersion medium with respect to 00 parts by mass.

As the polymerizable monomer that can be used in the production of the above-mentioned polymerized toner, suitable monomers include polymerizable α, β-unsaturated ethylene monomers. As the polymerizable α, β-unsaturated ethylenic monomer, styrene,
styrene-based monomers such as o-methylstyrene, m-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, p-methoxystyrene, p-ethylstyrene; methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate; Acrylates such as n-propyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, 2-chloroethyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate; methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate; N-Propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, n-octyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid Phenyl, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate Main evening acrylic acid esters such as diethylaminoethyl methacrylate; and other acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, and the like monomers acrylamide.

These monomers can be used alone or as a mixture. Among the above-mentioned monomers, it is preferable to use styrene or a styrene derivative alone or as a mixture with another monomer, from the viewpoint of the developing characteristics and durability of the toner.

The dispersion stabilizer used in the present invention includes:
One or more kinds of conventionally known various dispersion stabilizers can be used in combination. Examples of such dispersion stabilizers include polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, methyl cellulose, methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, sodium salts of carboxymethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid and salts thereof, starch, tricalcium phosphate, aluminum hydroxide, and hydroxide. Examples thereof include magnesium, calcium metasilicate, barium sulfate, bentonite and the like, and such a dispersion stabilizer can be used by dispersing it in an aqueous phase.

The amount of the dispersion stabilizer varies depending on the kind of the dispersion stabilizer to be used and the like.
It is preferable to use 0.2 to 20 parts by mass in total with respect to parts.

For fine dispersion of these dispersion stabilizers, 0.001 to 0.1 parts by mass of a surfactant may be used together. This is to promote the intended action of the dispersion stabilizer. Specific examples thereof include sodium dodecylbenzene sulfate, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, sodium pentadecyl sulfate, sodium octyl sulfate, sodium oleate, and sodium laurate. ,
Potassium stearate, calcium oleate and the like can be mentioned.

It is more preferable to add a polymer / copolymer having a polar group as an additive to the monomer system for polymerization. Further, in the present invention, a monomer system to which a polymer / copolymer having a polar group or a cyclized rubber is added is suspended in an aqueous phase in which the polar polymer and an inversely charged dispersion stabilizer are dispersed. It is preferable to conduct the polymerization by turbidity. That is, the cationic, or anionic polymer / copolymer contained in the monomer system, or the cyclized rubber is an anionic or cationic dispersant having a reverse charge dispersed in the aqueous phase, The particles that become electrostatically attracted to the surface of the particles that become the toner particles undergoing polymerization, and the dispersant covers the surface of the particles to prevent coalescence of the particles and stabilize the particles, and that the polar polymer added during polymerization becomes the toner particles. Since it gathers on the surface layer, it forms a kind of shell, and the obtained particles take a capsule structure.

When such a capsule structure is formed, a relatively high molecular weight polar polymer / copolymer or cyclized rubber is used to impart excellent blocking properties and development abrasion resistance to toner particles. , By conducting polymerization so that it has a relatively low molecular weight inside and contributes to the improvement of fixing properties,
It is possible to obtain a developer that satisfies conflicting requirements of the fixing property and the blocking property. The polar polymer / copolymer and the reverse charge dispersant which can be used in the present invention are exemplified below.

(1) Examples of the cationic polymer include polymers of nitrogen-containing monomers such as dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and copolymers of styrene and unsaturated carboxylic acid esters. No. (2) Examples of the anionic polymer include nitrile monomers such as acrylonitrile, halogen-containing monomers such as vinyl chloride, unsaturated carboxylic acids such as acrylic acid and methacrylic acid,
Other examples include unsaturated dibasic acids, unsaturated dibasic acid anhydrides, polymers such as nitro monomers, copolymers with styrene monomers, and polyester resins. Further, a cyclized rubber may be used instead of these polar polymers. (3) As the anionic dispersant, silica fine powder is preferably used, and particularly, the BET specific surface area is 200 m ² / g.
The above colloidal silica is suitable. (4) As the cationic dispersant, aminoalkyl-modified colloidal silica (preferably having a BET specific surface area of 20
(0 m ² / g or more), such as fine powder of hydrophilic positively chargeable silica, aluminum hydroxide, and calcium phosphate.

The amount of such a dispersant varies depending on the kind and combination of the dispersant to be used, but it is generally 0.2 to 20 in total with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable monomer.
It is preferred to use parts by weight. More preferably,
0.3 to 15 parts by mass.

The developer of the present invention can be prepared by adjusting the stirring speed and the stirring time in the aqueous phase in the above-mentioned suspension polymerization method so that the weight-average particle diameter defined by the present invention and the number-% Although it is possible to directly produce toner particles satisfying the conditions, the production is not limited to the suspension polymerization method, and the produced toner particles are classified as described in the pulverization method. By selecting toner particles having a suitable particle size, it is possible to obtain toner particles satisfying the conditions specified in the present invention and the conditions preferably specified in the present invention. Also, by mixing some of the toner particles classified into each particle size, toner particles satisfying the above conditions can be obtained.

Next, an image forming method and a process cartridge (hereinafter, also referred to as “image forming method”) of the present invention will be described. The image forming method of the present invention is an image forming method for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer; and (b) a developing device accommodating the developer accommodating portion. A developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image to be formed by using a developer; and (c) a contact area with the developer in the developer accommodating section, and a contact area fluctuates as the amount of the developer increases or decreases. And a first capacitance generating unit that generates a capacitance according to the contact area by applying a voltage,
(D) a second capacitance generating unit that is arranged at a position in the developer accommodating portion that does not come into contact with the developer and generates a reference capacitance by applying a voltage; Development for detecting the amount of developer stored in the developer storage unit based on the capacitance generated by the capacitance generation unit and the reference capacitance generated by the second capacitance generation unit; An image forming method using an agent amount detecting means, wherein the developer described above is used as a developer.

Further, the process cartridge of the present invention comprises:
A process cartridge detachable from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; (b) charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and (c) a developer containing a developer. An accommodating portion, (d) developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image using the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion, and (e) developing and contacting the developer in the developer accommodating portion. A first capacitance generation unit that is arranged at a position where the contact area varies with an increase or decrease in the amount of the developer, and generates a capacitance according to the contact area by applying a voltage; and (f) a first capacitance generation unit in the developer storage unit. A second capacitance generating unit which is arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the developer and generates a reference capacitance by applying a voltage, and (g) generated by the first capacitance generating unit by applying a voltage The first electric signal corresponding to the capacitance to be applied and the voltage An electrical contact for transmitting a second electrical signal corresponding to a reference capacitance generated by a capacitance generating unit to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and using the developer described above. It is characterized by.

According to one embodiment of the image forming method and the like, the first capacitance generating section has a first conductive section and a second conductive section; The part has a third conductive part and a fourth conductive part, the first conductive part and the second conductive part are provided side by side, and the third conductive part and the fourth conductive part are provided side by side.

According to another embodiment such as the above-described image forming method, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have portions arranged at regular intervals, and the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion Has portions arranged at regular intervals, the portions arranged at regular intervals of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are parallel to each other,
Also, the portions of the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion arranged at a predetermined interval may be parallel to each other.

According to another embodiment such as the above-described image forming method, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have alternately arranged portions, and the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion are alternately arranged. The first conductive portion has one base and a plurality of branch portions branched from the base, and the second conductive portion has one base and the base. And a plurality of branch portions branched from the first conductive portion, and the branch portions of the first conductive portion and the branch portions of the second conductive portion may be alternately arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval.

According to another embodiment such as the above-described image forming method, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have portions provided to face each other, and the branch portion of the first conductive portion is provided. Is branched in a direction toward the second conductive portion, and the branch portion of the second conductive portion is branched in a direction toward the first conductive portion.

According to another embodiment such as the above image forming method, the third conductive portion has one base and a plurality of branch portions branched from the base, and the fourth conductive portion has One base portion and a plurality of branch portions branched from the base portion, and the branch portion of the third conductive portion and the branch portion of the fourth conductive portion are alternately arranged in parallel at a constant interval. Configuration.

According to another embodiment such as the above-described image forming method, the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion have portions provided to face each other, and the branch portion of the third conductive portion has Is branched in a direction toward the fourth conductive portion, and the branch portion of the fourth conductive portion is branched in a direction toward the third conductive portion.

According to another embodiment such as the above-described image forming method, the first capacitance generating section and the second capacitance generating section have the same shape. In a state where both the second capacitance generating unit is not in contact with the developer, the value of the capacitance generated when a voltage is applied to the first capacitance generating unit and the second capacitance generating unit is The same.

According to another embodiment such as the above-described image forming method, both the first capacitance generating section and the second capacitance generating section are arranged inside the developer accommodating section, or The first capacitance generating section is arranged inside the developer accommodating section, and the second capacitance generating section is arranged outside the developer accommodating section.

According to another embodiment such as the above-described image forming method, the above-described image forming method is based on the capacitance generated when a voltage is applied to the first capacitance generating section and the second capacitance generating section. The amount of the developer stored in the developer storage section can be sequentially detected, and the detection result can be displayed continuously or stepwise.

Hereinafter, the image forming method and the process cartridge according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus equipped with a process cartridge is used. However, the image forming method of the present invention employs an image forming method using a mechanism for sequentially detecting the amount of developer in a developer accommodating section by electrostatic capacity. The present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is applicable to other image forming methods such as an electrostatic recording method and a toner jet method.

<Process Cartridge Form 1> First, an embodiment of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge constructed according to the present invention can be mounted will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic laser beam printer A, which forms an image on a recording medium, for example, a recording paper, an OHP sheet, a cloth, or the like by an electrophotographic image forming process. is there.

The laser beam printer A has a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member, that is, a photosensitive drum 7. The photosensitive drum 7 is charged by a charging roller 8 serving as a charging unit, and then irradiates a laser beam corresponding to image information from the optical unit 1 having a laser diode 1a, a polygon mirror 1b, a lens 1c, and a reflection mirror 1d. As a result, a latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 7. This latent image is developed by the developing means 9 to become a visible image, that is, a toner image.

That is, the developing means 9 has a developing chamber 9A provided with a developing roller 9a as a developer carrier.
The developer in a developer container 11A as a developer accommodating portion formed adjacent to the developing chamber 9A is sent to the developing roller 9a of the developing chamber 9A by the rotation of the developer feeding member 9b. The developing chamber 9A is provided with a developer stirring member 9e near the developing roller 9a to circulate the developer in the developing chamber. The developing roller 9a has a fixed magnet 9c built therein, and the developer is conveyed by rotating the developing roller 9a. Then, it is supplied to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 7. The developer supplied to the developing area is transferred to a latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 to form a toner image. The developing roller 9a is connected to a developing bias circuit, and is usually applied with a developing bias voltage in which a DC voltage is superimposed on an AC voltage.

On the other hand, the recording medium 2 set in the paper feed cassette 3a is synchronized with the formation of the toner image by the pickup roller 3b, the conveying roller pairs 3c and 3d, and the registration roller pair 3
The sheet is conveyed to the transfer position by e. A transfer roller 4 as a transfer unit is disposed at the transfer position, and transfers a toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage.

The recording medium 2 having received the transfer of the toner image is conveyed to the fixing means 5 by the conveyance guide 3f. Fixing means 5
Includes a driving roller 5c and a fixing roller 5b including a heater 5a, and applies heat and pressure to the recording medium 2 passing therethrough to fix the transferred toner image onto the recording medium 2.

The recording medium is composed of a discharge roller pair 3g, 3h, 3
i, and is discharged to the discharge tray 6 via the reversing path 3j. The discharge tray 6 is provided on the upper surface of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 14 of the laser beam printer A. By operating the swingable flapper 3K,
The recording medium 2 can be discharged by the discharge roller pair 3m without passing through the reversing path 3j. In the present embodiment, the pickup roller 3b, the transport roller pair 3c,
3d, a pair of registration rollers 3e, a pair of conveyance guides 3f, a pair of discharge rollers 3g, 3h, 3i, and a pair of discharge rollers 3m constitute a conveyance unit 3.

After the transfer of the toner image onto the recording medium 2 by the transfer roller 4, the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 is removed by the cleaning means 10, and the photosensitive drum 7 is subjected to the next image forming process. Is done. The cleaning unit 10 includes an elastic cleaning blade 10 a provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 7.
The remaining residual developer is scraped off and collected in a waste developer reservoir 10b.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the process cartridge B includes a developer container (developer storage section) 11A for storing the developer and a developer feeding member 9b.
And a developing frame 12 holding the developing means 9 such as a developing roller 9a and a developing blade 9d are welded together to form a developing unit, and the developing unit is further provided with a photosensitive drum. 7. Cleaning means 10 such as cleaning blade 10a and charging roller 8
The cartridge is formed by integrally connecting the cleaning frame 13 to which is attached.

The process cartridge B is removably mounted by a user on cartridge mounting means provided on the main body 14 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. According to the present embodiment, the cartridge mounting means includes guide means 13R (13L) formed on both outer surfaces of the process cartridge B shown in FIG.
3L) is formed in the apparatus main body 14 so as to be insertable.
6R (16L) (FIG. 5).

According to the present invention, the process cartridge B
Is provided with a developer amount detecting device capable of sequentially detecting the remaining amount according to consumption of the developer in the developer container 11A.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the developer amount detecting device includes a measuring electrode member 20A as a first capacitance generating unit for detecting the developer amount, and an environment, that is,
A reference electrode member 20B as a second capacitance generating unit, which is a comparison member that detects the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere and outputs a reference signal.

As shown in FIG. 6, the measuring electrode member 20A is connected to the inner side surface of the developer container 11A of the developing means 9 or
As shown in FIG. 7, it is located at a position, such as the inner bottom surface of the developer container 11A, that comes into contact with the developer, and in a direction in which the contact area with the developer fluctuates as the developer decreases. Is done. The reference electrode member 20B is the same as that shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus body 1 which does not come into contact with the developer
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a partition wall 21 may be provided inside the developer container 11A at a position opposite to the measurement electrode member 20A, as shown in FIG. It can also be provided at a place where it does not come into contact with the developer. Further, as shown in FIG.
In the case where A and the reference electrode member 20B are integrally formed in a symmetrical arrangement, the reference electrode member 20B is bent outward to be in the developer container on the same side where the measurement electrode member 20A is disposed. Thus, it can be provided at a location which is not partitioned from the developer and is partitioned by the partition wall 21.

As shown in FIG. 10, the measuring electrode member 20A has a pair of conductive portions, ie, electrodes 23 and 24, formed in parallel on the substrate 22 at a predetermined interval. Each of the electrodes 23 and 24 may have one base and a plurality of branch portions branched from the base.
Can be formed alternately in parallel at regular intervals. In the present embodiment, the electrodes 23 and 24 have at least a pair of electrode portions 23a to 23f and 24a to 24f arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval G, and the respective electrode portions 23a to 23f and 24a to 24f are connected. Electrode part 23
g, 24g, and two electrodes 23
And 24 have a large number of concavo-convex shapes whose branches are combined with each other. Of course, the electrode pattern of the measurement electrode member 20 is not limited to this, and a pair of electrodes 23 and 24 may be formed in a spiral shape arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval from each other as shown in FIG. Can also.

The measurement electrode member 20A is a pair of parallel electrodes 2
By measuring the capacitance between 3 and 24, the remaining amount of the developer in the developer container 11A can be sequentially detected. That is, since the developer has a larger dielectric constant than air, the developer contacts the surface of the measurement electrode member 20A, so that the capacitance between the pair of electrodes 23 and 24 increases.

Therefore, according to the present invention, by using the measuring electrode member 20A having the above-described structure, the measuring electrode member 20A can be used.
By applying a predetermined calibration curve from the area of the developer in contact with the surface of A, the amount of the developer in the developer container 11A can be measured regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the developer container 11A or the shape of the measurement electrode member 20A. it can.

The electrode patterns 23 and 24 of the measuring electrode member 20A are, for example, 0.4 to 1.6 mm thick, for example, a hard printed board 22 made of paper phenol, glass epoxy or the like, or about 0.1 mm thick. It can be obtained by forming conductive metal patterns 23 and 24 such as copper on a flexible printed circuit board 22 such as polyester or polyimide by etching or printing, and is the same as a normal wiring pattern forming method for printed circuit boards. It can be manufactured by a method. Therefore, even a complicated electrode pattern shape as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 can be easily manufactured, and the manufacturing cost is almost the same as that of a simple pattern.

Also, by using a complicated pattern shape as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the facing length between the electrodes 23 and 24 can be lengthened, and further by using a pattern forming method such as etching. It is also possible to narrow the predetermined interval G between the 24 to about several tens of μm, and it is possible to obtain a large capacitance. Further, the amount of change in the capacitance can be increased, and the detection accuracy can be increased. Specifically, the electrodes 23 and 24 have a width of 0.1 to
The thickness is set to 0.5 mm, the thickness is set to 17.5 to 70 μm, and the interval G is set to 0.1 to 0.5 mm. Further, the metal pattern formation surface can be laminated with a thin resin film of, for example, about 12.5 to 125 μm.

As described above, according to the developer amount detecting device of the present invention, the measuring electrode member 20A provided in the direction in which the developer on the side or bottom inside the developer container 11A is reduced.
, That is, the change in the capacitance of the measurement electrode member 20A, and the amount of developer in the entire developer container is sequentially detected based on the measured value.

That is, since the dielectric constant of the developer is higher than air, the portion where the developer is in contact with the measuring electrode member 20A (the portion with the developer) is the portion where the developer is not in contact (the portion without the developer). The output capacitance is large as compared with. Therefore, if the change in the capacitance is measured, the developer container 11
The developer amount in A can be estimated.

As shown in FIG. 6, by disposing the measurement electrode member 20A on one inner side of the developer container 11A, the longitudinal side of the developer container occupies the cross-sectional area of the YZ plane shown in FIG. The proportion of the developer can be estimated from the value of the capacitance.

Further, as shown in FIG.
By disposing 0A at two locations on both sides inside the developer container, as shown in FIG. 14, when the process cartridge B is attached / detached due to jam processing or the like, or when the process cartridge B is tilted or the printing pattern is biased. For example, even when the developer is extremely biased in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to estimate the bias of the developer by comparing the outputs of the two electrode members 20A and 20A. It is possible to accurately estimate the remaining amount of the developer with respect to the deviation of the developer in the longitudinal direction. However, when the developer of the present invention is used and a stirring mechanism is provided in the developer container, it is not always necessary to dispose them at two places.

As shown in FIG. 7, the measuring electrode 20A
Is disposed on the bottom surface inside the developer container 11A, since the ratio of the developer to the bottom area can be estimated,
The influence of the bias of the developer in the longitudinal direction can be reduced. Furthermore,
Since the area of the bottom surface of the developer container 11A is larger than the area of the side surface, the installation area of the developer amount detecting member 20A can be increased as compared with the case where the developer container 11A is arranged on the above-described side surface. Since the amount can be increased and the output can be increased, the measurement error can be reduced.

When the electrode members are arranged on the bottom surface and the side surface inside the developer container 11A, the amount of the developer in the developer container 11A can be estimated three-dimensionally. The amount of the developer inside can be detected.

According to the present invention, the apparatus for detecting the remaining amount of the developer includes:
As shown in FIG. 6, further, a reference electrode member 20B as a second capacitance generating unit is provided.

The reference electrode member 20B has the same configuration as the measurement electrode member 20A, and as shown in FIG. 10, a pair of conductive portions formed in parallel on the substrate 22 with a predetermined gap G, that is, Electrodes 23 (23a to 23f), 24
(24a to 24f), the branch portions of the two electrodes 23 and 24 may be formed into a large number of uneven shapes combined with each other, or may be formed in a spiral shape as shown in FIG. . The reference electrode member 20B can also be manufactured by the same method as the usual method for forming a wiring pattern on a printed circuit board.

According to the present invention, the reference electrode member 20B
As described above, the capacitance varies depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, and functions as a reference comparison member for the measurement electrode member 20A.

That is, according to the developer amount detecting device of the present invention, the output of the measurement electrode member 20A is compared with the output of the reference electrode member 20B which fluctuates due to a change in environment. For example, the predetermined capacitance of the reference electrode member 20B is set to the same value as the measurement electrode member 20A when there is no developer, and the difference between the output of the reference electrode member 20B and the output of the measurement electrode member 20A is calculated. Since it is possible to obtain an output corresponding to only the change in the capacitance, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount of the developer.

The principle of detecting the amount of developer according to the present invention will be further described. The measuring electrode member 20A estimates the amount of developer in the developer container 11A by measuring the capacitance of the contact portion of the pattern surface. Therefore, its value depends on the environment (humidity,
(Such as temperature).

For example, when the humidity increases, the amount of water vapor in the air increases, so that the dielectric constant of the atmosphere touching the detection member 20A also increases. Therefore, even when the amount of the developer is the same, if the environment changes, the output from the measurement electrode member 20A also changes. Further, if the material of the substrate 22 on which the pattern is formed also absorbs moisture, the dielectric constant changes due to the moisture absorption, so that the environment changes.

For this reason, the reference electrode member 20B as a comparison member which has the same environmental change as the measurement electrode member 20A, that is,
For example, a reference electrode member 20B having the same configuration as the measurement electrode member 20A and having a configuration not in contact with the developer is placed under the same environment as the measurement electrode member 20A, and both outputs are compared to obtain a difference. By canceling the fluctuation, the remaining amount of the developer can be measured without being affected by the environmental fluctuation.

As shown in the leftmost bar graph in FIG. 15, the capacitance measured from the measuring electrode member 20A, which is a detecting member for detecting the amount of developer, depends on the developer in contact with the surface of the detecting member. The environmental fluctuation is added to the fluctuation and output. Then, when it is moved to a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, the variation due to the developer does not change as shown in the leftmost bar graph of FIG. Despite this, the capacitance increases.

Therefore, a reference electrode member (comparison member) 20B having the same environmental fluctuation as the measurement electrode member (detection member) 20A is arranged as shown in the central bar graphs of FIGS. 15 and 16, and the difference (right bar graph) is shown. Thus, only the capacitance due to the developer can be measured.

A developer amount detecting device embodying the principle of the present invention will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG.
4 shows an example of a developer amount detection circuit (developer amount detection means) which also shows a connection mode of the measurement electrode member 20A and the reference electrode member 20B in the image forming apparatus.

A measuring electrode member 20A as a detecting member having a capacitance Ca that varies according to the amount of developer, and a reference electrode member 20B as a comparing member having a capacitance Cb varying according to environmental conditions include: Each of the electrodes 23 as an impedance element is connected to a developing bias circuit 101 as a developing bias applying unit, and the other electrode 23 is connected to a control circuit 102 of the developer amount detecting circuit 100.
Connected to. Reference electrode member 20B uses an AC (alternating) current I ₁ is applied through the developing bias circuit 101 sets the reference voltage V1 in detecting the developer remaining amount.

As shown in FIG. 17, the control circuit 102
An AC current I ₁ ^′ , which is a value obtained by shunting the AC current I ₁ applied to the reference electrode member 20B, that is, the impedance element by the volume VR1, and a voltage drop V2 generated by the resistor R2.
Is added to V3 set by the resistors R3 and R4 to determine the reference voltage V1.

Accordingly, the AC (alternating current) I ₂ applied to the measuring electrode member 20A is input to the amplifier circuit 103,
It is outputted as the detected value of the developer remaining amount _{V4 (V1-I 2 × R5} ). Then, the output value is used as a detected value of the remaining amount of the developer.

As described above, according to the developer amount detecting device of the present invention, the reference electrode member 20B whose capacity varies depending on the environment is installed as the comparison member, similarly to the measurement electrode member 20A. The fluctuation due to the environment of 20A can be canceled, and the remaining amount of the developer can be detected with high accuracy.

According to the present invention, the reference electrode member 20B as a comparison member can be installed at an arbitrary position in an arbitrary configuration.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 18, the measuring electrode member 20A is provided in the image forming apparatus main body for comparison.
The reference electrode member 20B having the same configuration as that described above can be arranged. According to this configuration, the reference electrode member 20B
As in the case of the measurement electrode member 20A, the capacitance varies depending on the environment, so that the fluctuation due to the environment can be canceled.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 19,
The measuring electrode member 20A is provided in the developer container 11A of the developing means 9.
And a reference electrode member 20B having the same configuration as the measurement electrode member for comparison. In this configuration, since the developer container includes the measurement electrode member 20A and the reference electrode member 20B for comparison, the fluctuation due to the environment can be canceled, and the measurement electrode member (detection member) 20A and the reference electrode member ( Comparative member) 20B
Can be placed in substantially the same environment, so that the detection accuracy can be increased.

In the description of the above embodiment, the measurement electrode member 2
0A and both electrode patterns 23, 2 of the reference electrode member 20B.
No. 4 has been described as having a pattern shape in which the capacitance is substantially equal and the pattern width, length, interval, and facing area are substantially equal. In this case, since a pattern having the same shape is formed, the design of the pattern is easy, and variations such as individual differences in capacitance and environmental differences can be suppressed.

The area of the electrode patterns 23, 24 of the reference electrode member 20B for comparison can be different from the area of the electrode patterns 23, 24 of the measurement electrode member 20A. In this case, the output of the reference electrode member 20B is converted to an output multiplied by a predetermined coefficient, and the converted output is compared with the output of the measurement electrode member 20A. With such a configuration, the reference electrode member 20B can be reduced in size, so that a space for disposing the detection member can be reduced.
Alternatively, both members 20A and 20B may be provided on the same wall surface on the same side of the developer container 11A, and the reference electrode member 20B may be partitioned so as not to come into contact with the developer. It is possible to increase the ratio of the pattern on the side of the detection member 20A within the set area, and it is possible to increase the change length and the accuracy of the capacitance.

In this specification, it is described that the value of the capacitance generated when a voltage is applied to the electrode member is the same, but not only when the value is exactly the same, but also when the value is the same. Those manufactured with the intention of being included are included. Therefore, for example, an error due to manufacturing variations of the electrode members is included in the fact that the values are the same.

Similarly, the distance between the electrode members is constant, the facing length of the electrodes is the same, the spacing between the facing portions is the same, and the shapes of the measuring electrode member and the reference electrode member are the same. The description that the numerical value and the shape are the same, such as the same, includes those manufactured with the intention of having the same value or the same shape. Therefore, for example, errors in numerical values due to manufacturing variations, and differences in shape,
It is included that the value is the same or the shape is the same.

As described above, according to the present invention, the developer container 11A is provided with the measurement electrode member 20A and the reference electrode member 20B for sequentially detecting the remaining amount of the developer. In the developing chamber 9A of the developing means 9, an antenna rod, that is, an electrode rod 9h (FIG. 3) is provided extending a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9a at a predetermined interval from the developing roller 9a. With this configuration, the end of the developer can be detected by detecting a change in the capacitance between the developing roller 9a and the electrode rod 9h.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, as described above, the amount of the developer in the developer container 11A is sequentially detected, and the consumption of the developer is displayed based on the information. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user to prepare the developer replenishment cartridge, and further to prompt the user to replenish the developer based on the developer end detection information.

The developer amount display method will be described. For example, information detected by the above-described developer amount detection device is displayed on a terminal screen of a user's personal computer or the like in FIGS.
Is displayed as shown. 20 and 21, the user is notified of the amount of the developer based on which part of the gauge 42 the needle 41 that moves according to the amount of the developer is pointing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22, a display unit such as an LED may be provided directly on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and the LED 43 may be turned on and off in accordance with the amount of the developer. Further, the number of used recording media may be displayed together with the amount of the developer.

In addition to notifying the developer amount,
The remaining amount of the developer may be displayed as the number of images that can be formed on the recording medium, so that the developer may be provided with information on the remaining amount of the developer. Such a configuration includes, for example, a unit that detects the number of recording media on which images are formed, a unit that detects the amount of developer used during this time, and a predetermined amount based on the number of recording media and the amount of developer used. A configuration that further includes a unit that calculates the amount of developer used per sheet and a unit that calculates the number of recording media on which an image can be formed with the remaining amount of the developer from the calculation result can be exemplified. The configuration can be further provided in the developer amount detection circuit 100.

[0202] Further, in the above configuration, means for detecting the image density (image area ratio) in the used recording medium is further provided, so that the calculation accuracy of the recording medium on which an image can be formed from the remaining amount of the developer is further improved. It is good.

<Process Cartridge Mode 2> FIG.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. First, the overall configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described. In the present embodiment, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a drum-shaped photoconductor as an electrophotographic photoconductor, that is, a photoconductor drum 51 rotating in an arrow direction. Have. The photosensitive drum 51 is uniformly charged by the charging device 52, and then the optical image of the document O is exposed by the projection optical system 53, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 51.

[0204] The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 51 is developed by the developing device 50 to be a visible image (toner image). The developing device 50 includes a developing sleeve 55 as a developer carrier.
And a developer accommodating section 57 serving as a developer accommodating container for accommodating the developer. Developer container 5
The developer in 7 is supplied to a developing unit 56, and is conveyed to a developing area facing the photosensitive drum 51 by a developing sleeve 55 to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 51. The developing sleeve 55 is connected to a developing bias circuit,
Usually, a developing bias voltage in which a DC voltage is superimposed on an AC voltage is applied.

The visible image on the photosensitive drum 51, that is, the toner image is then transferred by the transfer means 63 to the transfer paper storage section 6.
The sheet is transferred by a transfer charging device 60 to a transfer sheet P as a recording material sent from the transfer sheet 4. The toner image transferred to the transfer paper P is fixed on the transfer paper P by the fixing device 61,
The paper is ejected outside the machine. On the other hand, the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 51 is removed by the cleaning device 62, and the photosensitive drum 51 is used for the next image formation.

According to the present invention, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus can successively detect the remaining amount according to the consumption of the developer in the developer container, which is the developer container 57 of the developing device 50. A developer amount detecting device is provided.

Also in this embodiment, a developer amount detecting device having the same structure and operation as described in the process cartridge mode 1 is used. That is, as shown in FIG. 24, a comparison is made between the measurement electrode member 20A serving as the first capacitance generation unit for detecting the amount of the developer and the temperature, humidity of the environment, that is, the atmosphere, and outputting the reference signal. And a reference electrode member 20 </ b> B as a second capacitance generating unit.

The measuring electrode member 20A is provided on the inner side of the developer accommodating portion 57 of the developing device 50 as shown in FIG. 24, or on the inner bottom surface of the developer accommodating portion 57 as shown in FIG. It is arranged at a position where it comes into contact with the developer, and in such a direction that the contact area with the developer varies as the developer decreases. The reference electrode member 20B is
As shown in FIG. 24, it can be installed at any place of the apparatus main body which does not come into contact with the developer.
As shown in FIG. 6, outside the developer accommodating portion, that is, on the outer wall surface of the developing device, or inside the developer accommodating portion 57 as shown in FIG. Section, and may be provided at a location that does not come into contact with the developer.

The measurement electrode member 20A has the same structure as that described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 in the process cartridge form 1. That is, as shown in FIG.
It has a pair of electrodes 23 and 24 formed in parallel on a substrate 22 at a predetermined interval. In the present embodiment, the electrode 2
3 and 24 have at least a pair of electrode portions 23a to 23f and 24a to 24f arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval G, and each of the electrode portions 23a to 23f and 24a to 24f is connected to the connection electrode portions 23g and 24g. Are connected to each other,
The two electrodes 23 and 24 have a large number of uneven shapes combined with each other. Of course, the electrode pattern of the measurement electrode member 20 is not limited to this, and FIG.
As shown in (2), the pair of electrodes 23 and 24 can be formed in a spiral shape arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval from each other.

In the present embodiment, too, the measuring electrode member 20
A can sequentially detect the remaining amount of the developer in the developer accommodating portion 57 by measuring the capacitance between the pair of parallel electrodes 23 and 24. That is, since the developer has a higher dielectric constant than air, the electrostatic contact between the pair of electrodes 23 and 24 increases when the developer contacts the surface of the measurement electrode member 20A.

Therefore, according to the present invention, by using the measuring electrode member 20A having the above structure, the measuring electrode member 20A can be used.
By applying a predetermined calibration curve from the area of the developer in contact with the surface of A, the amount of the developer in the developer storage 57 is measured regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the developer storage 57 and the shape of the measurement electrode member 20A. be able to.

The measuring electrode member 20A can be manufactured in the same manner as described in the first embodiment of the process cartridge. Detailed description here is omitted.

As described above, according to the developer amount detecting device of the present invention, the measuring electrode member 20A installed in the direction in which the amount of the developer on the side surface or the bottom surface inside the developer accommodating portion 57 decreases.
Is measured, that is, the change in the capacitance of the measurement electrode member 20A, and the amount of the developer in the entire developer container is sequentially detected based on the measured value.

That is, since the dielectric constant of the developer is higher than air, the portion where the developer is in contact with the measuring electrode member 20A (the portion with the developer) is the portion where the developer is not in contact (the portion without the developer). The output capacitance is large as compared with. Therefore, if the change in the capacitance is measured, the developer container 5
7 can be estimated.

As shown in FIG. 24, the measuring electrode member 20A
Is disposed on one inner side surface of the developer accommodating portion 57, so that the ratio of the developer to the cross-sectional area of the YZ plane shown in FIG. It is possible to

Further, as shown in FIG.
By disposing 0A at two places on both sides inside the developer accommodating portion, as shown in FIG. 30, when the developing device 50 is attached / detached by jam processing or the like, the developing device 50 is tilted, Even when the developer is extremely biased in the longitudinal direction due to bias or the like, both electrode members 20A, 20A
By comparing the output of A, it is possible to estimate the bias of the developer, and it is possible to more accurately estimate the remaining amount of the developer with respect to the bias of the developer in the longitudinal direction than when the developer is arranged on one side. Will be possible.

Further, as shown in FIG.
When 0A is arranged on the bottom surface inside the developer accommodating section 57,
Since the ratio of the developer to the bottom area can be estimated, the influence of the bias of the developer in the longitudinal direction can be reduced. Furthermore, since the area of the bottom surface of the developer accommodating portion 57 is larger than the area of the side surface, the set area of the developer amount detecting member 20A can be increased as compared with the case where the developer accommodating portion 57 is arranged on the side surface. Since the amount of change in the capacitance can be increased and the output can be increased, the measurement error can be reduced.

In the case where the electrode members are arranged on the bottom and side surfaces inside the developer accommodating section 57, the amount of the developer in the developer accommodating section 57 can be estimated three-dimensionally, so that more accurate development can be achieved. The amount of the developer in the developer container can be detected.

According to the present invention, the developer remaining amount detecting device is
As shown in FIG. 24, there is further provided a reference electrode member 20B having the same configuration as the measurement electrode member 20A.

The reference electrode member 20B has the same structure as that of the measurement electrode member 20A, as described in the process cartridge mode 1. As shown in FIG. And a pair of electrodes 23 (23a to 23f) and 24 (24a to 24) formed in parallel with each other.
f), the two electrodes 23 and 24 may have a number of uneven shapes combined with each other, or FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, it may be formed in a spiral shape. The reference electrode member 20B can also be manufactured by the same method as the usual method for forming a wiring pattern on a printed circuit board.

According to the present invention, the reference electrode member 20B is
As described above, the capacitance varies depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, and functions as a reference comparison member for the measurement electrode member 20A.

That is, according to the developer amount detecting device of the present invention, the output of the measurement electrode member 20A is compared with the output of the reference electrode member 20B which fluctuates due to a change in environment. For example, the predetermined capacitance of the reference electrode member 20B is set to the same value as the measurement electrode member 20A when there is no developer, and the difference between the output of the reference electrode member 20B and the output of the measurement electrode member 20A is calculated. Since it is possible to obtain an output corresponding to only the change in the capacitance, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount of the developer.

The principle of detecting the amount of developer according to the present invention and the device for detecting the amount of developer which embodies the principle of detection are the same as those described for the process cartridge type 1 with reference to FIG. Omitted.

As described above, according to the developer amount detecting device of the present invention, the reference electrode member 20B whose capacity varies depending on the environment is installed as the comparison member, similarly to the measurement electrode member 20A. The fluctuation due to the environment of 20A can be canceled, and the remaining amount of the developer can be detected with high accuracy.

According to the present invention, the reference electrode member 20B as the comparison member can be installed at an arbitrary position in an arbitrary configuration.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 31,
The measurement electrode member 20 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body for comparison.
A reference electrode member 20B having the same configuration as A can be arranged. According to this configuration, the reference electrode member 20B
As in the case of the measurement electrode member 20A, the capacitance varies depending on the environment, so that the fluctuation due to the environment can be canceled.

As shown in FIGS. 26, 27 and 32, the measuring electrode member 2 is provided in the developer accommodating portion 57 of the developing device 50.
0A and a reference electrode member 20B having the same configuration as the measurement electrode member for comparison can be arranged. In this configuration, since the developer accommodating portion 57 has the measurement electrode member 20A and the reference electrode member 20B for comparison, the fluctuation due to the environment can be canceled, and the measurement electrode member (detection member) 20A and the reference electrode member (Comparative member) 20B can be placed in substantially the same environment, so that the detection accuracy can be increased.

In the above embodiment, the measurement electrode member 2
0A and both electrode patterns 23, 2 of the reference electrode member 20B.
No. 4 has been described as having a pattern shape in which the capacitance is substantially equal and the pattern width, length, interval, and facing area are substantially equal. In this case, since a pattern having the same shape is formed, the design of the pattern is easy, and variations such as individual differences in capacitance and environmental differences can be suppressed.

The area of the electrode patterns 23 and 24 of the reference electrode member 20B for comparison can be different from the area of the electrode patterns 23 and 24 of the measurement electrode member 20A. In this case, the output of the reference electrode member 20B is converted to an output multiplied by a predetermined coefficient, and the converted output is compared with the output of the measurement electrode member 20A. With such a configuration, the reference electrode member 20B can be reduced in size, so that a space for disposing the detection member can be reduced.
Further, both members 20A and 20B may be provided on the same side of the developer accommodating portion. In this case, however, it is necessary to increase the ratio of the pattern on the detection member 20A side within a limited area. And the amount of change in capacitance and the accuracy can be increased.

In this embodiment, the value of the capacitance generated when a voltage is applied to the electrode member is described as being the same, but not only when the value is exactly the same, but also when the value is the same. Includes those manufactured with the intention of becoming
Therefore, for example, an error due to manufacturing variations of the electrode members is included in the fact that the values are the same.

Similarly, the distance between the electrode members is constant, the electrodes have the same opposing length, the distance between the opposing portions is the same, and the shapes of the measuring electrode member and the reference electrode member are the same. The description that the numerical value and the shape are the same, such as the same, includes those manufactured with the intention of having the same value or the same shape. Therefore, for example, errors in numerical values due to manufacturing variations, and differences in shape,
It is included that the value is the same or the shape is the same.

As described above, according to the present invention, the developer accommodating portion 57 is provided with the measurement electrode member 20A and the reference electrode member 20B for sequentially detecting the remaining amount of the developer, but more preferably. In the developing section 56 of the developing device, an antenna rod, that is, an electrode rod 54 (FIG. 23) is provided to extend a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 55 at a predetermined interval from the developing sleeve 55. With this configuration, the end of the developer can be detected by detecting a change in the capacitance between the developing sleeve 55 and the electrode bar 25.

Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
By sequentially detecting the amount of the developer inside the developer accommodating section 57 and displaying the consumption amount of the developer based on the information, the user is prompted to prepare the developer supply cartridge,
Further, the developer replenishment can be prompted by the developer end detection information.

In the present embodiment, as described in the process cartridge mode 1, the detection information obtained by the above-described developer amount detection device is, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. A display unit such as an LED or the like may be provided directly on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 22 or may be displayed by blinking the LED according to the amount of the developer.

<Process Cartridge Mode 3> FIG.
FIG. 1 shows an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present embodiment also has the same overall configuration as the image forming apparatus described in Process Cartridge Mode 2, except for the configuration of the developing device 50. Therefore, members having the same configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

In the present embodiment, the developing device 50 includes a developing section 56 having a developing sleeve 55 as a developer carrier.
And a developer hopper 58 for storing the developer and supplying the developer to the developing unit 56 and a developer supply container 59 for supplying the developer to the developer hopper 58.

In the developing device 50 having such a configuration, the developer hopper 58 and the developer replenishing container 59 also constitute a developer supply container, as in the case of the developer accommodating portion 57 of the process cartridge 2. The developer amount detecting device constructed according to the present invention can also be installed in the developer hopper 58 and the developer supply container 59.

That is, when the developer amount detecting member 20A is provided inside the developer hopper 58, the remaining amount of the developer in the developer hopper 58 is detected, and the developer image is stored in the developer supply container 59. When the amount detection member 20A is provided, the remaining amount of the developer in the developer supply container 59 can be detected.

In this embodiment, when the developer amount detecting member 20A is installed in the developer hopper 58 and the developer supply container 59 in order to detect the remaining amount of the developer in the developer hopper 58 and the developer supply container 59. , The reference electrode member 20B
Can be installed in the developer hopper 58 or the developer supply container 59 or the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and can also be used.

[0240]

Examples of the present invention will be described below. In the examples, "parts" is parts by mass.

Example 1 Styrene-n-butyl acrylate-monobutyl maleate copolymer (acid value: 5.2 mg KOH / g, Tg: 60 ° C.) 100 parts Magnetic iron oxide (shape: almost spherical, silicon element) 100 parts ・ Fischer-Tropsch wax (Mn: 500, melting point: 80 ° C.) 3 parts ・ Polypropylene wax (Mn: 3000, melting point: 142 ° C.) 2 parts ・ Iron azo compound 2 parts After mixing, melt kneading was performed by a twin-screw kneading extruder set at 130 ° C. After cooling the kneaded material, it is roughly pulverized, finely pulverized by a mechanical pulverizer, Turbomill T-250, manufactured by Turbo Kogyo Co., Ltd., and further classified using an air classifier to obtain black fine powder (magnetic toner particles). 1 was obtained.

On the other hand, dimethyl silicone oil (25
Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) after 10 parts of a viscosity of 100 mm ² / S at 100 ° C. were synthesized by a dry method.
Silica hydrophobized with 10 parts (specific surface area 200 m ²
/ G) Sprayed with stirring to 100 parts, and after the spraying was completed, the temperature was raised to 250 ° C. under a nitrogen gas atmosphere, and the mixture was held with stirring for 50 minutes to obtain silica treated with dimethyl silicone oil.

To 100 parts of the above black fine powder, 1.2 parts of the above-mentioned dry silica treated with dimethyl silicone oil and 0.6 part of strontium titanate having a particle diameter of 1.2 μm were added to the black fine powder 1 and mixed with a Henschel mixer. To obtain toner 1.

The particle size distribution of Toner 1 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Inc.). As a result, the weight average particle diameter was 6.75 μm, and the number distribution of 4.00 μm or less was 18.2%, which satisfied the more preferable particle size distribution condition of the present invention (see FIG. 37). Also,
The circularity was measured using FPIA-1000 (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics). As a result, the average circularity was 0.962, the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.900 or more was 96.4%, and the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.950 or more was 78.7%. The condition defined by the present invention was satisfied in terms of the degree (see FIG. 36).

The developing device having the stirring mechanism shown in FIG. 34 was mounted on the process cartridge having the developer remaining amount detecting means shown in FIG. 24, and this process cartridge was mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Then, the process cartridge was filled with the toner 1.

The developing device will be described with reference to FIG. 34 showing the features of the developing device used in this embodiment. This developing device includes a toner container (developer container) 104, a developing sleeve (developer carrier) 105, a toner stirring member 106, and a developer regulating member 107.

The developing sleeve 105 is a non-magnetic aluminum sleeve having a diameter of 16 mm, and its surface is coated with a resin layer 105b containing conductive particles. A four-pole magnet roll 105a is arranged in the developing sleeve. The developer regulating member 107 has a JIS hardness of 40 °
About 0.3 to 0.4 N (1 cm in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve)
Contact force).

The toner stirring member 10 is placed in the toner container 104.
6, which rotates at a rate of once every 5 seconds to feed the toner 108 to the developing area while loosening the toner in the toner container. As shown in FIG. 35, the toner stirring member 106 has a shaft rod and an elastic sheet, and an elastic sheet member (thickness: 50 to 350 μm) is bonded to a rigid square rod (cross section: 8 mm square). Things. In this embodiment, PPS (polyphenyl sulfide) is used as the elastic sheet material. Urethane, PET, PI
Are used.

In this process cartridge, a cartridge filled with 180 g of the toner 1 and a cartridge filled with 580 g of the toner 1 are prepared. The capacity of the toner container is 2500 cc.
When 180 g of the toner is filled, the filling ratio is 7.2%, and when 580 g of the toner is filled, the filling ratio is 23.2%. Then, this process cartridge is vibrated for 5 cycles in a 150 mm width at each of right and left and up and down in an environment of a temperature of 30 ° C. and a humidity of 80%.
The capacitance with the amount of toner charged was measured. This was repeated five times, and the capacitance was measured. The fluctuation width of the maximum value with respect to the minimum value of the capacitance was sequentially determined as the accuracy of the remaining amount detection variation. As a result, in the present embodiment, the sequential remaining amount variation accuracy is 4.7% for 180 g filling and 1.9% for 580 g filling.
Met.

Example 2 ・ Styrene-n-butyl acrylate-monobutyl maleate copolymer (acid value: 20.2 mg KOH / g, Tg: 60 ° C.) 100 parts ・ Magnetic iron oxide (shape: almost spherical, silicon) 130 parts ・ Polyethylene wax (Mn: 850, melting point: 105 ° C.) 4 parts ・ Iron azo compound 2 parts After premixing the above materials, by a twin-screw extruder set at 130 ° C. Melt kneading was performed. After cooling the kneaded material, it is roughly pulverized, finely pulverized by a mechanical pulverizer, Turbomill T-250, manufactured by Turbo Kogyo Co., Ltd., and further classified using an air classifier to obtain black fine powder (magnetic toner particles). 2 was obtained.

To 100 parts of the above black fine powder, 1.0 part of dry silica treated with dimethyl silicone oil and 1.8 parts of strontium titanate having a particle diameter of 0.8 μm as in Example 1 were added to black fine powder 2. The resulting mixture was stirred and mixed with a Henschel mixer to obtain Toner 2.

The particle size distribution of Toner 2 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Inc.). As a result, the weight average particle diameter was 7.52 μm, and the number distribution of 4.00 μm or less was 15.2%, which satisfied the more preferable particle size distribution condition of the present invention (see FIG. 37). Also,
The circularity was measured using FPIA-1000 (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics). As a result, the average circularity was 0.958, the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.900 or more was 95.4%, and the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.950 or more was 73.5%. The condition defined by the present invention was satisfied in terms of the degree (see FIG. 36).

Using this toner 2, in the same manner as in Example 1, the accuracy of the sequential detection of the remaining amount was measured. as a result,
In the present example, it was 5.2% when filled with 180 g and 2.2% when filled with 580 g.

Example 3 100 parts of a polyester resin (acid value: 30.8 mg KOH / g, Tg: 58 ° C.) 100 parts of magnetic iron oxide (shape: octahedral, not containing silicon element) 100 parts of polypropylene wax (Mn : 3000, melting point: 142 ° C) 4 parts-Iron azo compound 2 parts After the above materials were preliminarily mixed, melt kneading was performed by a twin screw extruder set at 130 ° C. After cooling the kneaded material, it is coarsely pulverized, pulverized by a pulverizer using a jet stream (jet mill), and shaped by a mechanical pulverizer Turbo Mill T-250 manufactured by Turbo Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Classification was further performed using an air classifier to obtain fine black powder (magnetic toner particles) 3. However, compared to Example 1, the grinding efficiency was reduced by about 20% at the same grinding pressure.

To 100 parts of the above black fine powder, 0.8 parts of dry silica treated only with hexamethyldisilazane under the same conditions as in Example 1 was added to the black fine powder 3, and the mixture was stirred and mixed with a Henschel mixer. Toner 3 was obtained.

The particle size distribution of Toner 3 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Inc.). As a result, the weight average particle diameter was 9.5 μm, and 4.00 μm or less in the number distribution was 10.2%, which satisfied the more preferable particle size distribution condition of the present invention (see FIG. 37). Also,
The circularity was measured using FPIA-1000 (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics). As a result, the average circularity was 0.946, the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.900 or more was 92.2%, and the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.950 or more was 59.5%. The specified conditions were satisfied (see FIG. 36).

Using this toner 3, in the same manner as in Example 1, the accuracy of the sequential detection of the remaining amount was measured. as a result,
In the present example, it was 6.3% at 180 g filling, and 3.6% at 580 g filling.

Example 4 Styrene-n-butyl acrylate-monobutyl maleate copolymer (acid value: 20.2 mg KOH / g, Tg: 60 ° C.) 100 parts Magnetic iron oxide (shape: almost spherical, silicon) 140 parts ・ Higher fatty acid alcohol (Mn: 700, melting point: 106 ° C.) 5 parts ・ Polypropylene wax (Mn: 3000, melting point: 142 ° C.) 2 parts ・ Iron azo compound 2 parts After pre-mixing, melt kneading was performed by a twin-screw kneading extruder set at 130 ° C. After cooling the kneaded material, the mixture is coarsely pulverized, finely pulverized by a pulverizer using a jet stream (jet mill), and further subjected to a shape treatment by a mechanical pulverizer Turbo Mill T-250 manufactured by Turbo Kogyo Co., Ltd. Classification was performed using an air classifier to obtain black fine powder (magnetic toner particles) 4.

To 100 parts of the above black fine powder, 1.8 parts of dry silica treated with dimethyl silicone oil and 0.8 part of strontium titanate having a particle size of 0.5 μm as in Example 1 were added to black fine powder 4. The resulting mixture was stirred and mixed with a Henschel mixer to obtain toner 4.

The particle size distribution of Toner 4 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Inc.). As a result, the weight average particle diameter was 5.1 μm, and that of 4.00 μm or less in the number distribution was 45.2% (see FIG. 37). The circularity was measured using FPIA-1000 (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics). As a result, the average circularity was 0.965, the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.900 or more was 98.2%, and the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.950 or more was 86.6%. The condition defined by the present invention was satisfied in terms of the degree (see FIG. 36).

Using the toner 4, in the same manner as in Example 1, the accuracy of the detection of the remaining amount was measured. As a result, in this example, it was 6.1% at 180 g filling, and 3.2% at 580 g filling.

Example 5 Styrene-n-butyl acrylate-monobutyl maleate copolymer (acid value: 20.2 mg KOH / g, Tg: 60 ° C.) 100 parts Magnetic iron oxide (shape: almost spherical, silicon) 140 parts ・ Polypropylene wax (Mn: 3000, melting point: 142 ° C.) 4 parts ・ Iron azo compound 2 parts After premixing the above materials, by a twin-screw extruder set at 130 ° C. Melt kneading was performed. After cooling the kneaded material, the mixture is coarsely pulverized, finely pulverized by a pulverizer using a jet stream (jet mill), and further subjected to a shape treatment by a mechanical pulverizer Turbo Mill T-250 manufactured by Turbo Kogyo Co., Ltd. Classification was performed using an air classifier to obtain fine black powder (magnetic toner particles) 5.

To 100 parts of the above black fine powder, 0.6 parts of the same dimethyl silicone oil-treated dry silica as in Example 1 was added to the black fine powder 4 and mixed by stirring with a Henschel mixer to obtain toner 5. Was.

The particle size distribution of Toner 5 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Inc.). As a result, the weight average particle diameter was 11.8 μm, and 4.0% or less in the number distribution was 6.0%, which satisfied the preferable conditions of the present invention (see FIG. 37). In addition, the circularity
It measured using A-1000 (made by Toa Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.).
As a result, the average circularity was 0.935, and the circularity was 0.900.
The above number-based cumulative value is 90.1% and the circularity is 0.950.
The above number-based cumulative value was 51.5%, which satisfied the condition specified by the present invention in the relationship between the particle size and the circularity (see FIG. 36).

Using the toner 5, in the same manner as in Example 1, the accuracy of the detection of the remaining amount was measured. As a result, in this example, it was 6.5% at 180 g filling, and 4.5% at 580 g filling.

Comparative Example 1 Styrene-n-butyl acrylate copolymer (acid value: 0 mg KOH / g, Tg: 58 ° C.) 100 parts Magnetic iron oxide (shape: octahedral, not containing silicon element) 70 parts 4 parts of polypropylene wax (Mn: 3000; melting point: 142 ° C.) 4 parts ・ Chromium azo compound 2 parts After the above materials were preliminarily mixed, melt kneading was performed by a biaxial kneading extruder set at 130 ° C. After cooling the kneaded material, the mixture is roughly pulverized, and finely pulverized (pulverizing pressure: 637 kPa) by a pulverizer (jet mill) using a jet stream.
Classification was further performed using an air classifier to obtain fine black powder (magnetic toner particles) 6.

On the other hand, dimethyl silicone oil (25
The viscosity of 100mm ² / S) 10 parts of at ° C., silica synthesized by the dry method (specific surface area of 200m ² / g) 10
Spray while stirring to 0 parts, after the spraying is completed, the temperature is raised to 250 ° C. under a nitrogen gas atmosphere, and the temperature is maintained while stirring for 50 minutes.
A dimethyl silicone oil treated silica was obtained.

To 100 parts of the above black fine powder, 1.2 parts of the above-mentioned dry silica treated with dimethyl silicone oil was added to the black fine powder 6 and stirred and mixed with a Henschel mixer to obtain a toner 6.

The particle size distribution of Toner 6 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Inc.). As a result, the weight average particle diameter was 7.5 μm, and that of 4.00 μm or less in the number distribution was 20.5%. The circularity was measured using FPIA-1000 (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics). As a result, the average circularity was 0.953, the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.900 or more was 93.5%, and the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.950 or more was 64.5%.
The relationship between the particle size and the circularity did not satisfy the condition specified in the present invention (see FIG. 36).

Using this toner 6, in the same manner as in Example 1, the accuracy of the sequential detection of the remaining amount was measured. as a result,
In this comparative example, it was 7.2% when filled with 180 g, and 4.9% when filled with 580 g.

Comparative Example 2 100 parts of styrene-n-butyl acrylate copolymer (acid value: 0 mg KOH / g, Tg: 62 ° C.) 160 parts of magnetic iron oxide (shape: octahedral, not containing silicon element) 160 parts Paraffin wax (Mn: 350, melting point: 58 ° C.) 4 parts ・ Chromium azo compound 2 parts After the above materials were preliminarily mixed, melt kneading was performed by a biaxial kneading extruder set at 130 ° C. After cooling the kneaded material, the mixture is roughly pulverized, and finely pulverized (pulverizing pressure: 637 kPa) by a pulverizer (jet mill) using a jet stream.
Classification was further performed using an air classifier to obtain fine black powder (magnetic toner particles) 7.

On the other hand, dimethyl silicone oil (25
12 parts of a silica (having a specific surface area of 200 m ² / g) having a viscosity of 50 mm ² / S at 50 ° C.
After the spraying was completed, the temperature was raised to 250 ° C. in a nitrogen gas atmosphere, and the mixture was held with stirring for 50 minutes to obtain dimethyl silicone oil-treated silica.

To 100 parts of the black fine powder, 0.9 parts of the hydrophobic silica treated with the dimethyl silicone oil was added to the black fine powder 7, and the mixture was stirred and mixed with a Henschel mixer to obtain a toner 7.

The particle size distribution of Toner 7 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Inc.). As a result, the weight average particle diameter was 9.4 μm, and that of 4.00 μm or less in the number distribution was 18.0%. The circularity was measured using FPIA-1000 (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics). As a result, the average circularity was 0.956, the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.900 or more was 94.2%, and the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.950 or more was 54.5%.
The relationship defined between the particle size and the circularity did not satisfy the conditions specified in the present invention. (See FIG. 36).

Using this toner 7, the accuracy of the sequential detection of the remaining amount was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. as a result,
In this comparative example, it was 8.5% when filled with 180 g and 6.5% when filled with 580 g.

Comparative Example 3 100 parts of polyester resin (acid value: 52 mg KOH / g, Tg: 56 ° C.) 100 parts of magnetic iron oxide (shape: octahedral, not containing silicon element) 100 parts of polyethylene wax (Mn: 2000) , Melting point: 125 ° C) 4 parts ・ Chromium azo compound 2 parts After the above materials were preliminarily mixed, they were melt-kneaded by a twin-screw kneading extruder set at 130 ° C. After cooling the kneaded material, it is roughly pulverized, finely pulverized by a pulverizer using a jet stream (pulverization pressure: 588 kPa), and further classified using an air classifier to obtain fine black powder (magnetic toner particles) 8. Was.

On the other hand, dimethyl silicone oil (25
1 part of a silica (having a viscosity of 50 mm ² / S at 50 ° C.) is sprayed onto 100 parts of silica (specific surface area: 200 m ² / g) synthesized by a dry method with stirring, and after the spraying is completed, the temperature is raised to 250 ° C. in a nitrogen gas atmosphere. The mixture was heated and kept under stirring for 50 minutes to obtain silica treated with dimethyl silicone oil.

To 100 parts of the black fine powder, 0.8 parts of hydrophobic silica treated with the dimethyl silicone oil was used.
Was added to the black fine powder 8 and stirred and mixed with a Henschel mixer to obtain a toner 8.

The particle size distribution of Toner 8 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Inc.). As a result, the weight average particle diameter was 9.4 μm, and that of 4.00 μm or less in the number distribution was 9.5%. The circularity was measured using FPIA-1000 (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics). As a result, the average circularity was 0.957, and the circularity was 0.9.
The number-based cumulative value of 900 or more is 91.2% and the circularity is 0.9.
The number-based cumulative value of 950 or more was 55.1%, which did not satisfy the conditions defined in the present invention in relation to the particle size and circularity. (See FIG. 36).

Using this toner 8, the accuracy of the sequential detection of the remaining amount was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. as a result,
In this comparative example, it was 9.1% when filled with 180 g, and 6.5% when filled with 580 g.

Comparative Example 4 100 parts of polyester resin (acid value: 35 mg KOH / g, Tg: 56 ° C.) 100 parts of magnetic iron oxide (shape: octahedral, not containing silicon element) 100 parts of polyethylene wax (Mn: 2000) , Melting point: 125 ° C) 4 parts ・ Chromium azo compound 2 parts After the above materials were preliminarily mixed, melt kneading was performed by a twin screw kneading extruder set at 130 ° C. After cooling the kneaded material, the mixture is coarsely pulverized, finely pulverized by a pulverizer using a jet stream (pulverization pressure: 588 kPa), and further classified using an air classifier to obtain black fine powder (magnetic toner particles) 9
I got

On the other hand, dimethyl silicone oil (25
5 parts of a silica (having a viscosity of 50 mm ² / S at 50 ° C.) is sprayed onto 100 parts of silica (specific surface area: 200 m ² / g) synthesized by a dry method with stirring. The mixture was heated and kept under stirring for 50 minutes to obtain silica treated with dimethyl silicone oil.

With respect to 100 parts of the black fine powder, 1.4 parts of the hydrophobic silica treated with the dimethyl silicone oil was used.
Was added to the black fine powder 9 and stirred and mixed with a Henschel mixer to obtain a toner 9.

The particle size distribution of Toner 9 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Inc.). As a result, the weight average particle diameter was 3.65 μm, and 4.00 μm or less in the number distribution was 71.0%. The circularity was measured using FPIA-1000 (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics). As a result, the average circularity was 0.971, the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.900 or more was 97.2%, and the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.950 or more was 51.7%.
The relationship defined between the particle size and the circularity did not satisfy the conditions specified in the present invention. (See FIG. 36).

Using this toner 9, the accuracy of the sequential detection of the remaining amount was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. as a result,
In this comparative example, it was 7.3% when filled with 180 g, and 6.4% when filled with 580 g.

<Example 6> [0286] 0.1% water was added to 709 g of ion-exchanged water.
After introducing 451 g of a 1 kmol / m ³ -Na ₃ PO ₄ aqueous solution and heating to 60 ° C., 1.0 kmol / m ³ -CaCl ₂
67.7 g of the aqueous solution was gradually added to obtain an aqueous medium containing Ca ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ .

Styrene 164 parts n-butyl acrylate 36 parts Styrene-methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate (85: 5: 10) copolymer (Mw = 70,000) 8 parts Negative charge control agent (dialkylsalicylic acid) 2 parts-Carbon black 7 parts The above formulation was uniformly dispersed and mixed using an attractor (Mitsui Miike Kakoki Co., Ltd.). This monomer composition was heated to 60 ° C., and 40 parts of paraffin wax (Mn: 380, melting point: 70 ° C.) was mixed and dissolved therein, and 2,2′-azobis (2 , 4-dimethylvaleronitrile) [t1 / 2 = 140 minutes (60 ° C)] 8 g and dimethyl-2,2'-azobisisobutyrate [t1 / 2 = 27
0 minutes (60 ° C., t 1/2 = 80 minutes (80 ° C.)].

[0288] The aqueous medium a polymerizable monomer system was put into, stirred 60 ° C., N ₂ TK homomixer in an atmosphere (Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.) at at 150s ^-1 12 minutes, Granulated. Then, while stirring with the paddle stirring blade, 6
The reaction was performed at 0 ° C. for 1 hour. Thereafter, the liquid temperature was set to 80 ° C., and stirring was continued for another 10 hours. After the reaction is completed, the suspension is cooled,
Hydrochloric acid is added to dissolve Ca ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ , filtered, washed with water,
After drying, polymerized toner particles were obtained.

100 parts of the upper polymerized toner particles and 1.2 parts of hydrophobic silica treated with the same hexamethyldisilazane and then treated with silicone oil as in Example 1 were mixed in a Henschel mixer (Mitsui Miike Kakoki Co., Ltd.). The toner 10 was obtained by stirring and mixing.

The particle size distribution of Toner 10 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Inc.). As a result, the weight average particle diameter was 7.2 μm, and the number distribution of 4.00 μm or less was 26.2%, which satisfied the more preferable particle size distribution conditions of the present invention (see FIG. 37). Also,
The circularity was measured using FPIA-1000 (manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics). As a result, the average circularity was 0.977, the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.900 or more was 97.2%, and the number-based cumulative value with a circularity of 0.950 or more was 91.3%. The condition defined by the present invention was satisfied in terms of the degree (see FIG. 36).

Using this toner 10, the accuracy of the sequential detection of the remaining amount was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, in the present example, 4.9%, 580 g
The filling was 3.5%.

[0292]

According to the present invention, there is provided a developer used in an image forming method for forming an image on a recording medium, the method comprising: Using a developer amount detection mechanism that detects the amount of developer by measuring the capacitance, the developer is at least a binder resin,
The toner has a toner particle containing a colorant and a release agent, and the developer has a weight average particle diameter of more than 4.5 μm and 15 μm.
Or less, and particles having a circularity of 0.900 or more determined by the following formula 1 are 90% or more in terms of the number of particles, and the circularity of the developer is 3 μm or more.
When the number-based cumulative value of 50 or more particles is Y and the weight-average particle diameter (D4) of the developer is X (μm), the configuration satisfies the following expression 2, so that a developing device or a process cartridge is required. The remaining amount of developer (toner amount) can be accurately detected, and the remaining amount of developer and the remaining number of printable sheets can be sequentially reported to the user. An applicable developer can be provided.

[Equation 26] Circularity a = L ₀ / L (1) [where, L ₀ denotes the circumference of a circle having the same projection area as the particle image, and L denotes the circumference of the particle image. ]

[Expression 27] Y ≧ exp5.51 × X ^−0.645 (2) [However, 6.0 <X ≦ 15.0 (μm)]

According to the present invention, an image forming method for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein the image forming method uses the developer and the developer amount detecting mechanism is provided. An amount of developer remaining in the cartridge that can be accurately detected, and the remaining amount of the developer and the remaining number of printable sheets can be sequentially reported to the user. And a new image forming method having the following.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
(A) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; (b) a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member; (c) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer; and (d) an accommodating member. Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image using a developer; and (e) a developing means for contacting the developer in the developer accommodating portion, and a contact area fluctuating with an increase or decrease in the amount of the developer; (F) a first capacitance generating unit that generates a capacitance corresponding to the contact area by applying a voltage; (G) a first electric signal corresponding to the capacitance generated in the first capacitance generating unit by applying a voltage, A second electric signal corresponding to the reference capacitance generated in the second capacitance generating section by the application Since it has an electrical contact for transmitting to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and uses the developer, the developer amount (toner amount) remaining in the developing device and the process cartridge can be accurately determined. Detect
It is possible to sequentially inform the user of the remaining amount of the developer and the remaining number of printable sheets to the user, and it is possible to provide a process cartridge having a developer remaining amount detecting unit that is extremely useful for the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an external appearance of an embodiment of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a longitudinal section in an embodiment of the process cartridge according to the present invention.

4 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from below.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing a mounting portion of an apparatus main body for mounting a process cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a developer container for explaining an example of a developer amount detecting device used in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a developer container for explaining another example of the developer amount detecting device used in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a developer container for explaining another example of the developer amount detecting device used in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a developer container for explaining another example of the developer amount detecting device used in the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a measurement electrode member and a reference electrode member.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing another example of the measurement electrode member and the reference electrode member.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a developer accommodating state in a developer container.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a developer container for explaining another example of the developer amount detecting device used in the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of a developer accommodating state in a developer container.

FIG. 15 is a graph for explaining a principle of detecting a developer amount used in the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a graph for explaining a principle of detecting a developer amount used in the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a developer amount detection circuit for a developer amount detection device used in the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of an arrangement configuration of a measurement electrode member and a reference electrode member.

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining another example of the arrangement configuration of the measurement electrode member and the reference electrode member.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a developer amount display.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating another example of a developer amount display.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another example of the developer amount display.

FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an example of a developing device having a developer amount detecting device used in the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing another example of a developing device having a developer amount detecting device used in the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing another example of a developing device having a developer amount detecting device used in the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing another example of a developing device having a developer amount detecting device used in the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a developer storage mode in a developer storage unit.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing another example of a developing device having a developer amount detecting device used in the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating another example of a developer accommodating mode in the developer accommodating section.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement configuration of a measurement electrode member and a reference electrode member.

FIG. 32 is a view for explaining another example of the arrangement configuration of the measurement electrode member and the reference electrode member.

FIG. 33 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a schematic configuration diagram showing features of a developing device used in the example.

35 is a diagram illustrating a toner stirring member provided in the developing device illustrated in FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a graph showing the weight-average particle diameter and the ratio of the number-based cumulative value of the circularity of 0.95 or more in the developers used in Examples and Comparative Examples.

FIG. 37 is a graph showing a weight average particle diameter and a ratio of a cumulative number of 4.00 μm or more in the developer used in Examples and Comparative Examples.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical means 1a Laser diode 1b Polygon mirror 1c Lens 1d Reflecting mirror 2 Recording medium 3,63 Transport means 3a Paper feed cassette 3b Pickup roller 3c, 3d Transport roller pair 3e Registration roller pair 3f Transport guide 3g, 3h, 3i, 3m Discharge Roller pair 3j Inversion path 4 Transfer roller 5 Fixing means 5a Heater 5b Fixing roller 5c Driving roller 6 Discharge tray 7, 51 Photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive member) 8 Charging roller (charging means) 9 Developing means 9A Developing chamber 9A Developing roller 9b Developer feeding member 9c Fixed magnet 9d Developing blade 9e Developer stirring member 9h Electrode rod 10 Cleaning means 10a Cleaning blade 10b Waste developer storage 11 Developer frame 11A Developer container (developer storage section) 12 Developing frame 13 Cleanin Frame body 13R, 13L Guide means (mounting means) 14 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 16R, 16L Guide part (mounting means) 20A Measurement electrode member (first capacitance generating part) 20B Reference electrode member (second electrostatic member) Capacitance generation part) 21 Partition wall 22 Substrate 23, 24 Electrodes 23a to 23f, 24a to 24f Electrode part 23g, 24g Connection electrode part 41 Needle 42 Gauge 43 LED 50 Developing device 55 Developing sleeve (developer carrier) 56 Developing unit 57 Developer storage unit (developer storage unit) 60 Transfer charging device 61 Fixing device 62 Cleaning device 64 Transfer paper storage unit 100 Developer amount detection circuit 101 Development bias circuit 102 Control circuit 103 Amplification circuit A Laser beam printer B Process cartridge G Interval O Manuscript P Transfer material

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 9/087 G03G 15/08 114 15/08 112 9/08 301 114 321 507 15/08 507L (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Ogawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Yusa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Karaki Yuki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) in Canon Inc. 2F014 AA04 AA05 AB02 AC07 EA10 2H005 AA01 AA02 AA06 AA08 CA04 CA08 CA12 CA14 CA26 CB13 DA05 EA05 EA07 EA10 2H077 AA12 AD06 AD06 BA09 DA16 DA18 DA35 DA58 DB10 EA13 EA14 FA13 FA22

Claims (50)

[Claims] 1. A developer used in an image forming method for forming an image on a recording medium, the image forming method comprising: (a) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer; Developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image to be formed by using a developer stored in a developer storage unit; and (c) a developer amount in contact with the developer in the developer storage unit. It is located at the position where the contact area fluctuates with the increase and decrease of
(D) a first capacitance generating unit that generates a capacitance according to the contact area by applying a voltage, and (d) a first capacitance generating unit that is arranged at a position that does not come into contact with the developer in the developer accommodating unit, and And (e) a capacitance generated by the first capacitance generation unit and a reference capacitance generated by the second capacitance generation unit. And a developer amount detecting means for detecting an amount of the developer stored in the developer storage portion based on the image forming method, wherein the developer includes at least a binder resin and a colorant. And a toner particle containing a release agent, wherein the weight average particle diameter of the developer is larger than 4.5 μm and 15 μm or less, and the particle of the developer 3 μm or more is determined by the following formula 1. Particles with a circularity of 0.900 or more are accumulated based on the number. When the number-based cumulative value of particles having a circularity of 0.950 or more is 0% or more and the weight-average particle diameter (D4) of the developer is X (μm), the following formula 2 is satisfied. Developer. [Equation 1] Circularity a = L ₀ / L (1) [where L ₀ represents the circumference of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image, and L represents the circumference of the particle image. Y ≧ exp 5.51 × X ^−0.645 (2) [However, 4.5 <X ≦ 15.0] 2. The developer according to claim 1, wherein the developer satisfies the following expression (3). Y ≧ exp5.51 × X− ^0.645 (3) [However, 4.5 <X ≦ 10.0 (μm)] 3. The binder resin according to claim 1, wherein the toner particles form a magnetic material.
3. The developer according to claim 1, wherein the developer is contained in an amount of 60 to 150 parts by mass with respect to 00 parts by mass. 4. The developer according to claim 3, wherein the magnetic material contains a silicon atom. 5. The developer according to claim 1, wherein the binder resin contained in the toner particles has an acid value of 1 to 50 mgKOH / g. 6. The developer according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the release agents contained in the toner particles has a melting point of 60 to 120 ° C. 7. The toner particles contain at least two types of release agents, and one of the release agents has a melting point of 60 to 110 ° C.
The developer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the other mold release agent has a melting point of 110 to 150 ° C. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the developer has an average particle size of 0.1 to 5.0.
The developer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the developer contains at least 0.05 to 5 parts by mass of particles having a particle diameter of 100 µm by mass. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the developer contains silica, and the silica is treated with 0.5 to 20 parts by mass of silicone oil based on 100 parts by mass of silica. The developer according to any one of the above. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the developer contains silica, and the silica is treated with 0.5 to 20 parts by mass of hexamethyldisilazane based on 100 parts by mass of the silica. 9. The developer according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein 11. The first capacitance generating section has a first conductive section and a second conductive section, and the second capacitance generating section has a third conductive section and a fourth conductive section. The first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are provided side by side, and the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion are provided side by side. The developer according to Item. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have portions arranged at regular intervals, and the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion have portions arranged at regular intervals. The developer according to claim 11, characterized in that: 13. A portion of the first conductive portion and the portion of the second conductive portion arranged at a fixed interval are parallel to each other, and a portion of the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion arranged at a constant interval are mutually parallel. 13. The developer according to claim 12, wherein the developer is parallel. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have alternately arranged portions, and the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion have alternately arranged portions. Claim 1
2. The developer according to 2. 15. The first conductive portion has one base and a plurality of branch portions branched from the base, and the second conductive portion has one base and a plurality of branch portions branched from the base. The developer according to claim 12, wherein a branch portion of the first conductive portion and a branch portion of the second conductive portion are alternately arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval. 16. The first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have portions provided to face each other, and a branch portion of the first conductive portion branches in a direction toward the second conductive portion. 13. The developer according to claim 12, wherein a branch portion of the second conductive portion branches in a direction toward the first conductive portion. 17. The third conductive part has one base and a plurality of branch parts branched from the base, and the fourth conductive part has one base and a plurality of branch parts branched from the base. 13. The developer according to claim 12, wherein a branch portion of the third conductive portion and a branch portion of the fourth conductive portion are alternately arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval. 18. The third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion have portions provided to face each other, and a branch portion of the third conductive portion branches in a direction toward the fourth conductive portion. 13. The developer according to claim 12, wherein a branch portion of the fourth conductive portion is branched in a direction toward the third conductive portion. 19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first capacitance generating section and the second capacitance generating section have the same shape.
19. The developer according to any one of items 18 to 18. 20. A state in which both the first capacitance generator and the second capacitance generator are not in contact with the developer.
20. The method according to claim 1, wherein a value of capacitance generated when a voltage is applied to the first capacitance generation unit and the second capacitance generation unit is the same. The developer according to claim 1. 21. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first capacitance generating section and the second capacitance generating section are both arranged inside the developer accommodating section. The developer according to item 1. 22. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the first capacitance generating section is arranged inside the developer accommodating section, and the second capacitance generating section is arranged outside the developer accommodating section. The developer according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein: 23. An amount of developer stored in the developer storage unit based on a capacitance generated when a voltage is applied to the first capacitance generation unit and the second capacitance generation unit. 23. The developer according to claim 1, wherein the developer is sequentially detected, and the detection result is continuously displayed on a display unit. 24. An amount of developer stored in the developer storage unit based on a capacitance generated when a voltage is applied to the first capacitance generation unit and the second capacitance generation unit. The developer according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the developer is sequentially detected, and the detection result is displayed in a stepwise manner on a display unit. 25. An image forming method for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) a developer accommodating section for accommodating a developer; and (b) accommodating the developer accommodating section. Developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image to be formed by using the developed developer; and (c) contacting with the developer in the developer accommodating section, and contacting with increasing or decreasing the amount of the developer. It is placed at a position where the area fluctuates,
(D) a first capacitance generating unit that generates a capacitance according to the contact area by applying a voltage, and (d) a first capacitance generating unit that is arranged at a position that does not come into contact with the developer in the developer accommodating unit, and And (e) a capacitance generated by the first capacitance generation unit and a reference capacitance generated by the second capacitance generation unit. And a developer amount detecting means for detecting an amount of the developer stored in the developer storage section, based on the developer, the developer includes at least a binder resin, a colorant, And toner particles containing a release agent, wherein the weight average particle diameter of the developer is greater than 4.5 μm and less than or equal to 15 μm, and the developer particles having a size of 3 μm or more have a circular shape determined by the following formula 1. 90% of particles with a degree of 0.900 or more in terms of number A top, Y the number reference accumulated value of circularity of 0.950 or more particles, weight average particle diameter of the developer (D4)
Wherein X represents a value of X (μm), and a developer satisfying the following expression 2 is used. [Equation 4] Circularity a = L ₀ / L (1) [where L ₀ represents the circumference of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image, and L represents the circumference of the particle image. Y ≧ exp 5.51 × X ^−0.645 (2) [However, 4.5 <X ≦ 15.0 (μm)] 26. An image forming method comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; (b) charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and (c) forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. (D) a developer accommodating section for accommodating a developer, and (e) developing the electrostatic latent image using the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating section. Developing means; (f)
A first electrostatic element that is in contact with the developer in the developer accommodating portion and that is arranged at a position where the contact area varies with an increase or decrease in the amount of the developer, and that generates a capacitance corresponding to the contact area by applying a voltage; A capacity generating unit, and (g) a second electrostatic capacity generating unit that is arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the developer in the developer accommodating unit and generates a reference electrostatic capacity by applying a voltage
(H) a developer stored in the developer storage unit based on the capacitance generated by the first capacitance generation unit and the reference capacitance generated by the second capacitance generation unit 26. The image forming method according to claim 25, wherein the image forming method is an electrophotographic image forming method using a developer amount detecting unit for detecting the amount of toner. 27. A process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member;
(B) charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
(C) a developer accommodating section for accommodating a developer, (d) a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image using the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating section, and (e) a developer accommodating section. A first capacitance generating unit that is in contact with the developer in the unit, and is arranged at a position where the contact area fluctuates with an increase or decrease in the amount of the developer, and generates a capacitance according to the contact area by applying a voltage; (F) a second capacitance generating unit which is disposed at a position where the developer does not come into contact with the developer in the developer accommodating unit and generates a reference capacitance by applying a voltage; A first electric signal corresponding to a capacitance generated by the first capacitance generating unit, and a second electric signal corresponding to a reference capacitance generated by the second capacitance generating unit by applying a voltage. And an electric contact for transmitting a signal to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Having toner particles containing at least a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent, wherein the weight average particle size of the developer is greater than 4.5 μm and 15 μm or less, and the developer particles of 3 μm or more. In the formula, the number-based cumulative value of particles having a circularity of 0.900 or more obtained by the following formula 1 is 90% or more, and the number-based cumulative value of the particles having a circularity of 0.950 or more is Y, the weight average of the developer. A process cartridge characterized by satisfying the following expression (2) when the particle diameter (D4) is X (μm). ## EQU6 ## Circularity a = L ₀ / L (1) [where L ₀ represents the perimeter of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image, and L represents the perimeter of the particle image. [Expression 7] Y ≧ exp5.51 × X ^−0.645 (2) [However, 4.5 <X ≦ 15.0 (μm)] 28. The process cartridge according to claim 27, wherein the developer satisfies the following expression (3). Y ≧ exp5.51 × X− ^0.645 (3) [However, 4.5 <X ≦ 10.0 (μm)] 29. The process cartridge according to claim 27, wherein the toner particles contain a magnetic material in an amount of 60 to 150 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin. 30. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein said magnetic material contains a silicon atom. 31. The process cartridge according to claim 27, wherein the binder resin contained in the toner particles has an acid value of 1 to 50 mgKOH / g. 32. The process cartridge according to claim 27, wherein at least one of the release agents contained in the toner particles has a melting point of 60 to 120 ° C. 33. The toner particles contain at least two types of release agents, and one of the release agents has a melting point of 60 to 110.
33 ° C., and the melting point of the other release agent is 110 ° C. to 150 ° C. 33.
The process cartridge according to the item. 34. The developer has an average particle size of 0.1 to 5.
The process cartridge according to any one of claims 27 to 33, further comprising 0.05 to 5 parts by mass of 0 µm particles with respect to 100 parts by mass of the toner particles. 35. The developer according to claim 27, wherein the developer contains silica, and the silica is treated with 0.5 to 20 parts by mass of silicone oil based on 100 parts by mass of silica. The process cartridge according to any one of the above items. 36. The method according to claim 27, wherein the developer contains silica, and the silica is treated with 0.5 to 20 parts by mass of hexamethyldisilazane per 100 parts by mass of silica. 34. The process cartridge according to any one of items 33 to 33. 37. The first capacitance generator has a first conductive part and a second conductive part, and the second capacitance generator has a third conductive part and a fourth conductive part. 37. The method according to claim 27, wherein the first conductive part and the second conductive part are provided side by side, and the third conductive part and the fourth conductive part are provided side by side. The process cartridge according to the item. 38. The method according to claim 38, wherein the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have portions arranged at regular intervals, and the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion have portions arranged at regular intervals. The process cartridge according to claim 37, wherein: 39. A part of the first conductive part and the part of the second conductive part arranged at a fixed interval are parallel to each other, and a part of the third conductive part and the fourth conductive part arranged at a constant distance are mutually parallel. The process cartridge according to claim 38, wherein the process cartridges are parallel. 40. The first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have alternately arranged portions, and the third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion have alternately arranged portions. Claim 3
8. The process cartridge according to 8. 41. The first conductive part has one base and a plurality of branch parts branched from the base, and the second conductive part has one base and a plurality of branch parts branched from the base. 39. The process cartridge according to claim 38, wherein the branch portions of the first conductive portion and the branch portions of the second conductive portion are alternately arranged in parallel at regular intervals. 42. The first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have portions provided to face each other, and a branch portion of the first conductive portion branches in a direction toward the second conductive portion. The process cartridge according to claim 38, wherein a branch portion of the second conductive portion branches in a direction toward the first conductive portion. 43. The third conductive portion has one base and a plurality of branch portions branched from the base, and the fourth conductive portion has one base and a plurality of branch portions branched from the base. 39. The process cartridge according to claim 38, wherein branch portions of the third conductive portion and branch portions of the fourth conductive portion are alternately arranged in parallel at regular intervals. 44. The third conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion have portions provided to face each other, and a branch portion of the third conductive portion branches in a direction toward the fourth conductive portion. The process cartridge according to claim 38, wherein a branch portion of the fourth conductive portion branches in a direction toward the third conductive portion. 45. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first capacitance generating section and the second capacitance generating section have the same shape.
45. The process cartridge according to any one of 7 to 44. 46. A state in which both the first capacitance generator and the second capacitance generator are not in contact with the developer.
The capacitance value generated when a voltage is applied to the first capacitance generation unit and the second capacitance generation unit is the same, wherein the capacitance value is the same. The process cartridge as described. 47. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the first capacitance generating section and the second capacitance generating section are both arranged inside the developer accommodating section.
The process cartridge according to the item. 48. The method according to claim 48, wherein the first capacitance generating section is arranged inside the developer accommodating section, and the second capacitance generating section is arranged outside the developer accommodating section. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 27 to 46, characterized in that: 49. An amount of developer stored in the developer storage unit based on a capacitance generated when a voltage is applied to the first capacitance generation unit and the second capacitance generation unit. 49. The process cartridge according to claim 27, wherein the process cartridge is sequentially detected, and the detection result is continuously displayed on a display unit. 50. An amount of developer stored in the developer storage unit based on a capacitance generated when a voltage is applied to the first capacitance generation unit and the second capacitance generation unit. 49. The process cartridge according to claim 27, wherein the process cartridge is sequentially detected, and the detection result is displayed in a stepwise manner on a display unit.