JP2002091142A - Developing unit, image forming method and single- component type developer for forming image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing unit, an image forming method and single- component type developer for forming an image by which the lowering of image density or fogging is not caused even before or after collectively replenishing the developer with toner, stable developing performance is always kept, uniform and high-density image quality with unchanged sharpness is obtained, shadowing or the lowering of concentration is not caused and a high-quality image is stably obtained. SOLUTION: The single-component type developer is used in the developing unit which is collectively replenished with the developer by regulating the circumferential speed of individually stirring and carrying means 119, 120 and 121 in a developing container divided into two chambers by a partition wall 115 having a slit-shaped shift aperture part and the circumferential speed of a developer carrier 116. The developer has toner particles incorporating binder resin, a colorant and a charge control agent, and is set so that its weight average particle size is 4 to 11 μm, its fluidity index is <=70, and its compression rate is 15% to 65%.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device used for image formation in the field of a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile or the like. That is, in a recording method using an electrophotographic method, an electrostatic recording method, a toner jet recording method, or the like, a developing device using a one-component developer having a toner for visualizing an electrostatic latent image, The present invention relates to an image forming method using an apparatus and a one-component developer for image forming that can be used in the image forming method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional electrophotographic method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,297,691, Japanese Patent Publication No. 42-23910.
(U.S. Pat. No. 3,666,363) and Japanese Patent Publication No. 43-24748 (U.S. Pat.
No. 1,361), various methods are described. Generally, a photoconductive substance is used to form an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor by various means, and then the latent image is formed. The image is developed using a developer (hereinafter, referred to as “toner”), and if necessary, a toner image is transferred to a transfer material such as paper.
The image is fixed by pressurization or solvent vapor to obtain a copy.

Conventionally, for example, a developing device for developing a latent image on a latent image carrier using a one-component magnetic toner includes friction between magnetic toner particles, a sleeve as a developer carrier and a magnetic toner. Due to the friction of the particles, an electrostatic image charge on the latent image carrier and a charge having a polarity opposite to the developing reference potential are applied to the magnetic toner, and the magnetic toner is applied very thinly on the developing sleeve to form the latent image carrier. And the developing sleeve are conveyed to a developing area in which the magnetic toner flies to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum as a latent image carrier by the action of a magnetic field of a magnet fixed in the developing sleeve. There is known an image forming apparatus that adheres and develops an image to develop an electrostatic latent image as a toner image.

[0004]

In recent years, a copier has been required to have a user-friendly design from the user's side. Typical examples are miniaturization of a copying apparatus, that is, space saving, and increase in the number of copies per toner supply. Regarding the miniaturization and space saving of the copying apparatus, as in the case of a toner replenishing hopper which has been often used in high-speed copying machines,
A system that replenishes a large amount of toner at once (collective replenishment) from a cartridge-type toner container to a developing device without using a member that causes an increase in the size of the machine body is effective, and is widely used in recent years. It has become.

In such a developing device, when the toner contained in the developer container is consumed by the development, the toner contained in the hopper chamber or the like is consumed from the developer supply unit to the developer carrier. A mechanism for replenishing the toner with a quantity corresponding to the supplied toner is adopted.

In the case of performing development using the above-described developing device, the original is not always constant, and since originals having various image ratios are used, for example, a solid black portion having a very high density and a wide area is used. In the case of copying an image including a toner image, a large amount of toner is consumed at a time, so that the toner supply is insufficient and an image having a uniform density may not be obtained. In addition, when copying many originals having a low density or many originals having a white background, the toner supply to the vicinity of the developer carrier tends to be excessive, so that the toner near the back side of the sleeve is aggregated / compressed. Thus, so-called toner packing occurs. When the packing state is formed, not only is it difficult to supply the toner onto the sleeve, but also the load on the toner is increased, and the toner itself is deteriorated.

Although this type of toner replenishment system has the above-mentioned space advantage, a large amount of toner is replenished at one time in the developing device. Since the number of copies per toner replenishment depends on the amount of toner to be replenished, if the space in the developer supply unit containing toner is increased, the number of copies that can be copied per toner replenishment increases, Can reduce the number of times toner is supplied.

However, in a normal case, the toner remaining in the developing unit at the time of replenishment is a toner that has been subjected to a certain amount of triboelectric charge and has a charge amount, and the amount is small.
On the other hand, the replenished toner has a lower charge amount and a larger amount than the residual toner, and thus is more susceptible to the replenished toner. As a result, problems such as a decrease in image density and fogging after toner replenishment occur.

[0010] In particular, there may be a problem of shadowing occurring at the end of a line image or a solid black latent image. This is, as shown in FIG.
Due to the generation of the curved lines of electric force E generated at the end of the electrostatic image A, a charging failure portion in the toner forms an image such as a shadow at a position away from the actual image. ,
In particular, it easily occurs in a low humidity environment.

These disadvantages, that is, a developing device for preventing packing of toner or preventing fogging due to insufficient charge of the toner and non-uniformity, etc., are described below.
Various proposals have been made so far. For example, in order to prevent aggregation of toner in a developing device, a net plate is disposed on a toner conveying path in a developing device.
No. 84 discloses this. However, in this method, a problem that the net plate itself hinders rapid toner supply is likely to occur.

On the other hand, JP-A-2-54289 discloses that
A developing device (developing device) divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a partition member, each of which has a screw-type agitating / conveying means, and has a screw pitch and a rotation speed of the developing sleeve. A developing device having a specified ratio is disclosed. However, the developing device in this publication adopts a configuration in which the rotation speed of the stirring and conveying means is higher than the rotation speed of the developing sleeve. In particular, in a system having a high process speed, the developing device in the developing device under low humidity is used. There is a high possibility that the toner packing phenomenon occurs.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-72893 discloses a developer container containing a developer, which is divided into a stirring chamber and a developing chamber by a partition member. Further, a screw-type stirring / transporting means is disposed in each of the developing chambers, and one in which the diameter and the rotation direction of the stirring / transporting means are defined has been proposed. In such a developing device, the developer is transported sufficiently by the two agitating and transporting means. Bottom), ground fog, reverse fog, etc. may occur on the image.

In an environment where tribo is not easily applied, such as in a high humidity environment, in order to obtain an agitating effect for applying tribo to the toner, a stirring and conveying means provided with fins between adjacent blade members is used. What was
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 21679 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-132727 have been proposed. By using this stirring and conveying means, the toner stirring effect can be expected to be improved, but on the other hand, the conveying speed is reduced. As a result, a toner density gradient occurs, and a difference occurs between the image density on the upstream side and the image density on the downstream side in the toner conveyance direction.

In order to increase the transfer speed while maintaining a high stirring effect, there is a method of increasing the rotational speed of the stirring and conveying means or increasing the outer diameter of the blade member. When the value of is increased, the impact force applied to the toner increases, so that the deterioration of the toner is accelerated, and it becomes difficult to obtain a stable image over a long period of time. In addition, if the outer diameter of the blade member is increased, the size of the apparatus itself is increased, which is not preferable.

Alternatively, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-10075, a means for bringing the toner stirring / supplying member, which is an internal cavity, close to the developer carrying member can be considered.
When copying many originals with low toner supply efficiency and high toner consumption, it is necessary to greatly increase the number of rotations of the supply member, which results in excessive stress on the toner, resulting in poor development performance. Is reduced.

Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-239964 proposes an image forming apparatus in which at least one of the stirring and conveying means applies stirring by a magnetic force by a magnetic generating means and charging by a frictional charging member to the toner. Have been. In this apparatus, since the aggregation and packing of the toner can be eliminated by the magnetic force applied to the agitating and conveying member, it is considered that the apparatus is excellent not only in providing the tribo to the toner but also in conveying the toner. However, this device is effective when a small amount of toner is replenished, but when used in a developing device of a type that replenishes a large amount of toner at a time, stirring by a magnetic generating means or frictional charging member It is extremely difficult to perform charging uniformly. For this reason, the stirring and conveying speed of the toner is reduced, which causes a problem that the stable supply of the toner cannot be always performed.

As described above, it is expected that the appropriateness of the transport speed, outer diameter size / shape, or configuration of the stirring / transporting means changes depending on the physical properties of the toner. For this reason, it is necessary to balance these.
Further, it is well known that toners have been reduced in particle size / particle size in order to achieve “higher quality of copied images”. If the toner particle size is reduced, it is expected that the toner transporting and packing properties in the developing device will be stricter, and it will be more difficult to keep the developing system constantly stable.

On the other hand, as a method of imparting charge to a one-component developer, an approach using a developer carrier has been also performed. Conventionally, as a developer carrier,
Metals such as aluminum, nickel, and corrosion-resistant steel (for example, stainless steel), alloys or compounds thereof, as described in JP-A-7-66433, are formed into a cylindrical shape, and the surface thereof is subjected to electrolysis, blasting, sanding, or the like. Those treated so as to have a surface roughness of generally have been widely used.

Such a developer carrying member is inexpensive and can form a high quality image relatively stably. On the other hand, however, a one-component developing device in which charging is performed by friction with the developer carrying member is performed. It is difficult to adjust the amount of charge in low-humidity environments, especially when using an agent, and various measures have been taken to solve the problem of non-uniform charging and instability of charging for a long time. It is not done at present.

In particular, in the developing step, the toner existing in the vicinity of the surface of the developer carrier in the toner layer formed on the surface of the developer carrier by the regulating member for the amount of the developer has a very high charge. However, the toner is strongly attracted to the surface of the developer carrying member due to the reflection force, so that there is no chance of friction between the toner and the developer carrying member, and the toner cannot maintain an appropriate charge amount. I will. In this case, it is difficult to faithfully develop the latent image on the latent image carrier, and as a result, only a copy image having many density unevenness and scattering of characters can be obtained.

As a method for reducing the amount of toner having too high a charge and providing a charge amount suitable for development, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-127667, carbon or graphite is contained in a binder resin. A resin film in which a conductive agent is dispersed is provided on a metal substrate as a developer carrier, thereby charging the toner. At the same time, a high-charged toner is generated and the toner is applied to the surface of the developer carrier by a mirror image. Prevents strong adhesion and prevents toner on the developer carrier
There have been proposals intended to impart a suitable charge amount to development.

Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-133,077 proposes a uniform semiconductive composite material having a volume resistivity in the range of 10 ⁵ to 10 ⁹ Ωcm and a developer carrier using the same. It is described that when copying is performed, an image with excellent image quality can be obtained.

[0024]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus which can maintain stable developing performance without reducing image density or fogging even before and after replenishing the developer. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method using a developing device and a one-component developer for image forming that is adaptable to the image forming method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus capable of stably obtaining a uniform and high-density image for a long period of time without increasing the size of the apparatus itself, and an image using the developing apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a forming method, and a one-component developer for image formation which is adaptable to the image forming method. Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus which is excellent in environmental stability and can obtain a copy image having clear image quality throughout, even in a copying machine of any process speed ranging from low speed to high speed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method used, and a one-component developer for image forming which is adaptable to the image forming method.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus capable of obtaining a high-quality image without any occurrence of shadowing or density reduction in any case, an image forming method using the developing apparatus, and an image forming method using the developing apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a one-component developer for image formation applicable to an image forming method. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a developing device capable of maintaining stable developing performance without causing deterioration of the developer in the developing device regardless of the environment in which copying is performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method using a developing device, and a one-component developer for image forming that is adaptable to the image forming method.

[0027]

The above objects can be achieved by the present invention described below. That is, the present invention
A developing device having the following configuration (1), an image forming method having the configuration (2), and a one-component developer for image formation having the configuration (3). (1) a developer container for containing a one-component developer;
The one-component developer supplied from the developer container is supported on the surface, and the developer carrier is rotatable around an axis, and the one-component developer in the developer container is agitated while being held on the developer carrier. Developer stirring / conveying means for conveying the developer, developer amount regulating means for regulating the amount of developer on the developer carrier, and developer amount for detecting the amount of developer in the developer container Detecting means, and the developer carrier carries the electrostatic latent image on its surface, and is disposed opposite to the latent image carrier so that the axis is parallel to the latent image carrier rotatable around the axis. A developing device for developing the latent image carrier by applying a one-component developer to the latent image carrier to visualize the latent image as a developer image, wherein the developer container extends in the axial direction. A first developer accommodating chamber on the side of the developer carrying member and a developer carrying chamber are formed inside the developer container. A partition wall that bisects a second developer storage chamber on the far side of the body, and the partition wall extends in the axial direction so that the first developer storage chamber and the second developer storage chamber can communicate with each other. The developer agitating and conveying means are disposed in the first developer accommodating chamber, each having an axis parallel to the axial direction and rotatable around the axis. A first developer stirring and conveying means for stirring and conveying the component developer, and a second developer stirring and conveying means for stirring and conveying the one-component developer disposed near a partition wall in the second developer accommodating chamber, A third developer stirring / transporting means disposed in the second developer accommodating chamber at a position farther from the partition wall than the second developer stirring / transporting means and stirring and transporting the one-component developer; The body includes a developing sleeve having a resin layer in which conductive fine powder is dispersed on a conductive metal substrate. The peripheral speed a (mm / s) of the developer carrier, the peripheral speed b (mm / s) of the first developer stirring and conveying unit, and the peripheral speed of the second developer stirring and conveying unit. c (mm / s) and the peripheral speed d (mm / s) of the third developer stirring / conveying means have the following relationship: 0.007 ≦ b / a ≦ 0.08, and 0.01 ≦ d / c ≤ 0.2, and the developer container is 1.5 times the set developer amount based on the detection result that the developer amount detection means detects that the developer amount has decreased to the set developer amount. In the developing device configured so that the one-component developer can be collectively supplied into the developer container, the one-component developer contains at least a binder resin, a colorant, and a charge control agent. It has toner particles and has a weight average particle size of 4 μm to 1
1 μm, a fluidity index (G) of 70 or less, and a degree of compression (Co) of 15% to 65%.

(2) The electrostatic latent image carried by the latent image carrier is developed using a developing device to form a developer image, and the developer image is transferred to a recording material using transfer means. In the image forming method for fixing the developer image transferred onto the recording material by a fixing unit, the developing device is the developing device according to (1).

(3) The electrostatic latent image carried by the latent image carrier is developed using a developing device to form a developer image, and the developer image is transferred to a recording material using a transfer unit. An image forming method for fixing a developer image transferred onto the recording material by a fixing unit, wherein the developing device includes a developer container for containing a one-component developer, and a developer container. For carrying the supplied one-component developer on its surface and rotating the developer carrier around the axis, and stirring and transporting the one-component developer in the developer container toward the developer carrier. A developer stirring / conveying means, a developer amount regulating means for regulating the amount of developer on the developer carrier, and a developer amount detecting means for detecting the amount of developer in the developer container. The developer carrier carries an electrostatic latent image on its surface, and the latent image is rotatable about an axis. The latent image carrier is disposed so as to face the latent image carrier such that the axis is parallel to the carrier, and the latent image carrier is developed by applying a one-component developer to the latent image carrier to form the latent image as a developer image. A developer device for visualizing the developer container, wherein the developer container is formed to extend in the axial direction, and inside the developer container, a first developer accommodating chamber on the side of the developer carrier, and a second developer chamber on the far side of the developer carrier. A partition wall that divides the developer container into two, and the partition wall has a slit shape formed by extending in the axial direction so that the first developer storage chamber and the second developer storage chamber can communicate with each other. The developer stirring / conveying means having an opening, each of which has an axis parallel to the axial direction and is rotatable around the axis, is disposed in the first developer accommodating chamber, and stirs and conveys the one-component developer. A first developer stirring and conveying means to be disposed, and A second developer stirring / conveying means for stirring / conveying the component-based developer; and a second developer stirring / conveying means disposed in the second developer accommodating chamber at a position farther from the partition wall than the second developer stirring / conveying means, for stirring the one-component developer. And a third developer stirring / transporting means for transporting the developer, wherein the developer carrier has a developing sleeve having a resin layer in which conductive fine powder is dispersed on a conductive metal substrate. Peripheral speed a (m
m / s) and the peripheral speed b of the first developer stirring and conveying means.
(Mm / s), the peripheral speed c (mm / s) of the second developer stirring and conveying unit, and the peripheral speed d (mm / s) of the third developer stirring and conveying unit are as follows: 0.007 ≤ b / a ≤ 0.08 and 0.01 ≤ d / c ≤ 0.2, and the developer container is further characterized in that the developer amount detection means has decreased to a set developer amount. Based on the detection result, the one-component developer 1.5 times or more the set amount of the developer is used in an image forming method using a developing device configured to be collectively refillable in the developer container. The one-component developer for forming an image,
It has toner particles containing at least a binder resin, a colorant and a charge control agent, has a weight average particle size of 4 μm to 11 μm, has a fluidity index (G) of 70 or less, and has a compressibility ( Co) in an amount of 15% to 65%.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments. In the developing device (developing device) of the present invention, a developer container constituting the device is divided into a first developer accommodating chamber and a second developer accommodating chamber by a partition wall. The second stirring / transporting means in the second developer accommodating chamber, and the partition wall by the third stirring / transporting means located farther from the partition plate than the second stirring / transporting means and disposed in parallel with the second stirring / transporting means. Is transported while being stirred toward the first developer storage chamber via a slit-shaped transition opening provided in a part of the first developer storage chamber. The one-component developer is conveyed to the body while stirring.

Further, in the developing device of the present invention, the peripheral speed of the developer carrier is a (mm / s), and the peripheral speed of the first developer stirring and conveying means in the developer container is b (mm / mm).
/ S), the value of b / a is 0.007 to 0.08
Is satisfied. The value of b / a is 0.0
If the ratio is less than 07, the supply of the one-component developer to the developer carrying member is insufficient, and a partially white missing image is likely to be formed when many originals having a high image ratio are copied. on the other hand,
If the value of b / a exceeds 0.08, the supply of the one-component developer becomes excessive, giving excess stress to the one-component developer, or the back side of the developer carrier (inside the developer container). )
And a one-component developer forms a packing state on the back side of the developer amount regulating means (developing blade), so that it is difficult to supply the one-component developer onto the developer carrier, and the developing property is reduced. Bring.

Further, in the developing device of the present invention, when the peripheral speeds of the second and third developer stirring and conveying means in the developer container are respectively c and d (mm / s), the value of d / c is obtained. Is 0.
It is characterized by satisfying 01 to 0.2. When the value of d / c is less than 0.01, the conveying force of the one-component developer in the area near the third developer stirring and conveying means in the second developer accommodating chamber is insufficient, and the second developer accommodating chamber is moved from the second developer accommodating chamber. As in the case where the one-component developer is insufficiently transported to the first developer accommodating chamber and the value of b / a is less than 0.007, the one-component developer is supplied to the developer carrier. Is insufficient, resulting in adverse effects such as defects in the copied image. On the other hand, when the value of d / c exceeds 0.2, the peripheral speed of the third developer stirring and conveying means becomes excessive, and the third developer stirring and conveying means is located in the area near the third developer stirring and conveying means. There is a possibility that the one-component developer may be granulated (coarsened) due to the rubbing between the two and the developer container. When the coarse-grained one-component developer is conveyed to the developer carrying member, it is caught between the developer carrying member and the developer amount regulating means (developing blade), and the developer is carried on the developer carrying member. Some portions are not coated with the one-component developer. If image formation is performed in this state, an image defect is caused, which is not preferable.

Here, as the developer stirring and conveying means in the developer container, rod-shaped, ladder-shaped, crank type, screw type, fin type and the like can be used. It is preferable to use a non-magnetic material such as This is because, when the stirring and conveying means is made of a magnetic material, if a one-component magnetic developer is used as the one-component developer, the developer is attracted to the stirring and conveying means by magnetic force. This is because the transfer of the developer may be hindered.

Further, in the developing device of the present invention, in addition to the above, it is preferable that the value of c / b is 1.0 to 2.0. If the value of c / b is less than 1.0, the supply of the one-component developer from the second developer storage chamber to the first developer storage chamber is insufficient, and image defects are likely to occur partially. (Especially when many charts with a high image ratio are copied.) When the value of c / b exceeds 2.0, the amount of the one-component developer fed to the first developer storage chamber becomes too large,
It is not preferable because the one-component developer is damaged in the first developer accommodating chamber, and packing tends to occur on the back side of the developer amount regulating means (developing blade) or the like, resulting in a decrease in developability.

Next, the developer carrier constituting the developing device of the present invention will be described. The developer carrier used in the present invention is characterized in that it has a developing sleeve having a resin layer in which conductive fine powder is dispersed on a conductive metal substrate. By incorporating the developer carrier having such a configuration into the developing device having the configuration described above,
Under any environment, excellent developability can be obtained.

The conductive fine powder used at this time includes:
Examples thereof include metal powders such as aluminum, copper, nickel and silver, metal compounds such as potassium titanate and barium ferrite, and short metal fibers, carbon fibers, carbon black, and graphite such as graphite. These conductive fine powders have a volume resistance of 10 ⁻⁵ Ωcm.
It is preferable to use one having a thickness of from 10 to 10 ⁵ Ωcm. still,
The volume resistance value of the fine powder is a value measured using a volume resistance measurement device 4140BpAMATER manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Co., Ltd. after pelletization by a tablet molding machine. Here, the measurement was performed at 23 ° C./60% RH, and the applied voltage at the time of measurement was 100 V.

The resin layer has a volume resistance of 10 ² Ωc in order to impart an appropriate charge amount to the one-component developer.
m or less. If the volume resistance is higher than 10 ² Ωcm, more charge than necessary is given to the one-component developer, which causes an adverse effect such as charge-up of the one-component developer, which is not preferable.

For the above-mentioned reasons, among them, carbon black, especially conductive amorphous carbon, is particularly excellent in conductivity. Since conductivity can be obtained, it is suitably used in the present invention. The particle size of the conductive amorphous carbon used in the present invention is preferably in the range of 10 nm to 80 nm, more preferably 15 nm to 40 nm.
Range.

In order to reduce the adhesion of the one-component developer to the developer carrier used in the present invention, a solid lubricant may be mixed in the resin layer. As the solid lubricant used at this time, for example, molybdenum disulfide, boron nitride, graphite, graphite fluoride,
Silver-niobium selenide, calcium chloride-graphite, talc and the like. Of these, graphite is
It is particularly suitable for use because it has both lubricity and conductivity and reduces the amount of toner having too high a charge, thereby providing a charge amount suitable for development. The graphite used in the present invention preferably has a particle size in the range of 0.5 μm to 20 μm.

The conductive fine powder is used in an amount of 20 parts by mass to 200 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin constituting the resin layer.
It is good to add in an amount of 30 parts by mass, preferably 30 parts by mass to 150 parts by mass. If the amount is less than 20 parts by mass, the action of the added fine powder is poor, and it is difficult to optimize and uniform the charge amount of the one-component developer on the developer carrier.
If the amount exceeds 200 parts by mass, not only the dispersion of the fine powder in the binder resin tends to be uneven, but also the strength of the film itself tends to deteriorate. Further, the conductivity of the developer carrier itself becomes too high, and it is difficult to impart an appropriate charge to the one-component developer, which is not preferable. Further, for the purpose of imparting conductivity, a small amount of a charge control agent or fine silica powder used in a developer may be added to the resin layer.

Next, the developer carried on the surface of the developer carrying member having the above-described structure will be described. The developing device of the present invention has toner particles containing at least a binder resin, a colorant, and a charge control agent as a developer, has a weight average particle diameter of 4 μm to 11 μm, and has a fluidity index ( G) is 70 or less, and the one-component developer of the present invention having a degree of compression (Co) of 15% to 65% is used. Hereinafter, the one-component developer of the present invention having such a configuration will be described.

First, since the one-component developer of the present invention is suitably applied to the developing device of the present invention described above, it is a one-component developer having a weight average particle diameter of 4%.
μm to 11 μm, more preferably,
It has a weight average particle size of 4 μm to 10 μm. If the weight average particle diameter of the developer is less than 4 μm, fogging is likely to occur on a white background when an image is formed, which is not preferable. Further, although the reason will be described later, there is also a problem that the packing of the toner in the developing device (at the back of the blade or the like) is likely to occur. On the other hand, when the weight average particle size exceeds 11 μm, it is difficult to uniformly provide an appropriate charge on the developer carrying member, which is not preferable. Particularly when developing a digital latent image, it is difficult to faithfully reproduce the latent image, which is not preferable.

Here, the weight-average particle size and the particle size distribution of the one-component developer can be measured by various methods. In the present invention, the measurement was performed using a Coulter counter. As a measuring device, Coulter Counter TA-
Type II, Coulter Multisizer II or Coulter Multisizer III (both manufactured by Coulter Inc.) is used. An approximately 1% NaCl aqueous solution prepared using primary sodium chloride was used as the electrolyte solution. For example, commercially available ISOTON-II (manufactured by Coulter Inc.) can be used. As a measuring method, a surfactant, preferably an alkylbenzene sulfonate, is used as a dispersant in 100 ml to 150 ml of the electrolyte aqueous solution.
Add 1 ml to 5 ml, and add 2 mg to 2
Add 0 mg. The electrolytic solution in which the sample was suspended was subjected to a dispersion treatment for about 1 to 3 minutes using an ultrasonic disperser, and the volume and number of the one-component developer were measured using the measuring device with a 100 μm aperture as the aperture. To calculate a volume distribution and a number distribution. Then, a weight-based weight average particle diameter (D4) obtained from the volume distribution (the median value of each channel is set as a representative value for each channel) is obtained.

Further, the one-component developer of the present invention needs to have a fluidity index (G) of 70 or less, preferably 1
To 50 are preferred. If the fluidity index (G) exceeds 70, the stirring and conveying force of the one-component developer in the developer container decreases, and when many originals with a high image ratio are copied many times, white spots are partially removed. This easily occurs and the image density is reduced.

The fluidity index (G) was measured using a powder tester PT-D manufactured by Hosokawa Micron as described below. As shown in FIG. 2, a 60 mesh sieve 21 and 100 mesh are placed on a powder tester shaking table 24.
The h sieve 22 and the 200 mesh sieve 23 were set, and 5.0 g of the toner was gently placed on the 60 mesh sieve 21 and vibrated for 15 seconds with a vibration of 0.5 mm in amplitude and 50 Hz in frequency. The measurement was performed at 23 ° C./60% RH.
The one-component developer used in the measurement under the above environment and used for the measurement is one that has been sufficiently aged in this environment.

The weight of the one-component developer on each sieve was measured, and the fluidity index (G) was calculated by the following equation.

Further, the one-component developer of the present invention is characterized in that the degree of compression (Co) is 15% to 65%.
More preferably, the degree of compression (Co) is 20% to 60%. If the degree of compression of the one-component developer is less than 15%, the developer coat layer on the developer carrier (sleeve) tends to be non-uniform, and the uniformity of the image is reduced. appear. If the degree of compression exceeds 65%, the developer amount regulating means in the developer container (developing blade)
One-component developer is easily packed near the back, supply of one-component developer on the developer carrier is insufficient, partial image defects occur, and high image density cannot be maintained. Inconvenience is likely to occur. In general, the smaller the particle size of the developer, the greater the degree of compression and the more the developer is tapped. Packing of the developer easily occurs.

Here, the degree of compression of the one-component developer was measured as follows. In the state where the one-component developer on the sieve falls naturally by vibration and is filled in a cylindrical container,
Determine the loose apparent specific gravity (AD). Further, the one-component developer is dropped while tapping the cylindrical container in the same manner to increase the filling rate, and the apparent specific gravity (PD) is determined. Then, the value obtained by substituting each measured value into the following equation is
The compression degree (Co) is used.

The one-component developer of the present invention has toner particles containing at least a binder resin, a colorant, and a charge control agent. Will be described. First, the binder resin will be described. As the binder resin that can be used in the present invention, for example, a vinyl resin, a polyester resin,
Examples thereof include a polyurethane resin, an epoxy resin, and a phenol resin. Among them, it is particularly preferable to use a vinyl resin and a polyester resin.

In the present invention, as the vinyl resin used as the binder resin of the toner, those obtained from the following carboxylic acid-containing monomers are preferable. The carboxylic acid-containing monomer is particularly preferably a dicarboxylic acid half-ester monomer, for example, monomethyl maleate, monoethyl maleate, monobutyl maleate, monooctyl maleate, monoallyl maleate, monophenyl maleate, monomethyl fumarate, Half esters of α, β-unsaturated dicarboxylic acids such as monoethyl fumarate, monobutyl fumarate, monophenyl fumarate and the like;
monobutyl n-butenylsuccinate, monomethyl n-octenylsuccinate, monoethyl n-butenylmalonate, n
-Half esters of alkenyl dicarboxylic acids such as monomethyl dodecenyl glutanate and monobutyl n-butenyl adipate; aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as monomethyl phthalate, monoethyl phthalate and monobutyl phthalate Half esters; and the like.

Further, examples of the comonomers other than the above-mentioned carboxylic acid-containing monomers for obtaining a vinyl resin which can be used as a binder resin of the toner include the following. For example, styrene, o-methylstyrene, m-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, p
-Methoxystyrene, p-phenylstyrene, p-chlorostyrene, 3,4-dichlorostyrene, p-ethylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, p-n-butylstyrene, p-tert-butylstyrene, p- Styrene such as n-hexylstyrene, pn-octylstyrene, pn-nonylstyrene, pn-decylstyrene, pn-dodecylstyrene and derivatives thereof; ethylene,
Ethylene unsaturated monoolefins such as 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 and benzoate Vinyl esters such as vinyl acrylate; methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, n-octyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate Α-methylene aliphatic monocarboxylic acid esters such as phenyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate;
Methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, acrylic acid n-
Butyl, isobutyl acrylate, propyl acrylate,
Acrylic esters such as n-octyl acrylate, 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 hexyl ketone,
Vinyl ketones such as methyl isopropenyl ketone; N-
N-vinyl compounds such as vinyl pyrrole, N-vinyl carbazole, N-vinyl indole and N-vinyl pyrrolidone; vinyl naphthalenes; acrylic acid or methacrylic acid derivatives such as acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile and acrylamide; , 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 preferable. As the crosslinkable monomer, a monomer having two or more polymerizable double bonds is mainly used.

As the vinyl polymer (vinyl resin) that can be used for the binder resin, in order to achieve the intended object of the present invention, a polymer crosslinked with a crosslinking monomer as exemplified below is used. It may be united. Such compounds include aromatic divinyl compounds such as divinylbenzene, divinylnaphthalene and the like; diacrylate compounds linked by an alkyl chain such as ethylene glycol diacrylate, 1,3-butylene glycol diacrylate, 4-butanediol diacrylate, 1,5-
Pentanediol diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, and those obtained by replacing the acrylate of the above compound with methacrylate; diacrylate compounds linked by an alkyl chain containing an ether bond, for example, Diethylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol # 400 diacrylate,
Polyethylene glycol # 600 diacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate, and the above compounds obtained by replacing acrylate with methacrylate; diacrylate compounds linked by a chain containing an aromatic group and an ether bond, for example, 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 are replaced with methacrylates; and further, polyester type diacrylate compounds, for example, trade name MANDA (Nippon Kayaku). Examples of the polyfunctional crosslinking agent include pentaerythritol triacrylate, trimethylolethane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, tetramethylolmethanetetraacrylate, oligoester acrylate, and those obtained by replacing the acrylate of the above compound with methacrylate; Lucyanurate and triallyl trimellitate; and the like.

These crosslinking monomers are used in an amount of 0.01 to 5% by mass, preferably 0.03 to 3% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the other monomer components. Among these, aromatic divinyl compounds (particularly, divinylbenzene) and diacrylate compounds linked by a chain containing an aromatic group and an ether bond can be preferably used.

In the case where the developer is a negatively chargeable one-component type developer, it is a preferable embodiment to use a polyester resin as a binder resin for the toner. As such a polyester resin, it is preferable to use a polyester resin composed of a condensation polymer of a polybasic acid component and a polyhydric alcohol component. Hereinafter, a composition material for synthesizing a polyester resin that can be suitably used in the present invention will be described.

As the dihydric alcohol component, for example,
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,
A bisphenol represented by the following formula (A) and a derivative thereof; (In the formula (A), R is an ethylene or propylene group, x and y are each an integer of 0 or more, and
The average value of x + y is 0-10. ) Or (B) below
Diols represented by the formula: And other diols.

Examples of the divalent acid component include benzenedicarboxylic acids such as phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and phthalic anhydride or anhydrides thereof, and lower alkyl esters; succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, and azelaic acid. Alkenylsuccinic acid or alkylsuccinic acid such as n-dodecenylsuccinic acid and n-dodecylsuccinic acid, or anhydrides and lower alkyl esters of such acids; fumaric acid, maleic acid And dicarboxylic acids such as citraconic acid and itaconic acid, and anhydrides thereof, and dicarboxylic acids such as lower alkyl esters and derivatives thereof.

Further, when synthesizing a polyester resin, a trivalent or higher valent alcohol component and a trivalent or higher valent acid component which also serve as a crosslinking component can be used in combination. Examples of the trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol component that can be used in this case include sorbitol, 1,2,3,6-hexanetetrol, 1,4-sorbitan, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, and tripentane Erythritol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, 1,2,5-
Trivalent or higher polyvalent such as pentanetriol, glycerol, 2-methylpropanetriol, 2-methyl-1,2,4-butanetriol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene, etc. Alcohols.

The polyvalent carboxylic acid component having three or more valences that can be used in this case includes, for example, trimellitic acid, pyromellitic acid, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,5 -Benzenetricarboxylic acid, 2,
5,7-naphthalenetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,4-naphthalenetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,5-hexanetricarboxylic acid, 1,3-
Dicarboxyl-2-methyl-2-methylenecarboxypropane, tetra (methylenecarboxyl) methane,
1,2,7,8-octanetetracarboxylic acid, empol trimer acid, and anhydrides and lower alkyl esters thereof, And polycarboxylic acids such as anhydrides and lower alkyl esters thereof, and derivatives thereof.

The alcohol component in the composition used for synthesizing the polyester resin which can be used as a preferred binder resin in the present invention is 40 mol% to 60 mol%.
%, Preferably in the range of 45 mol% to 55 mol%,
The content of the acid component is preferably in the range of 60 mol% to 40 mol%, more preferably 55 mol% to 45 mol%. Further, the trivalent or higher polyvalent component in the composition is preferably in the range of 5 mol% to 60 mol% of all components.

In the present invention, a particularly preferred alcohol component when synthesizing a polyester resin for use as a binder resin for a toner is the bisphenol derivative represented by the above formula (A), and is particularly preferred as one of the acid components. Those are phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid or anhydride thereof; succinic acid, n-dodecenylsuccinic acid or anhydride thereof, fumaric acid, maleic acid, dicarboxylic acids such as maleic anhydride, trimellitic acid or anhydride thereof. And tricarboxylic acids. This is because a negatively chargeable one-component developer having a polyester resin obtained from these acids and alcohols is particularly excellent in charge characteristics.

Further, the binder resin composed of the above-mentioned components has a glass transition temperature of 45 ° C. to 75 ° C.
More preferably, it is 50 ° C. to 70 ° C., and furthermore, its number average molecular weight Mn is 1,500 to 30,000, more preferably 2,000 to 15,000, and weight average molecular weight Mw is 6,000 to 800. Those having a molecular weight of 10,000, more preferably 10,000 to 500,000 are particularly suitable for forming the toner particles constituting the one-component developer of the present invention.

The one-component developer of the present invention is preferably used by mixing (internally adding) a charge control agent to toner particles or mixing (externally adding) it with toner particles for the purpose of improving charging characteristics. . The charge control agent makes it possible to control the amount of charge optimally according to the development system. In particular, in the present invention, the balance between the particle size distribution and the charge can be further stabilized.

The positive charge control agent used in this case includes, for example, a modified product of nigrosine, a triaminotriphenylmethane dye and a fatty acid metal salt; tributylbenzylammonium-1-hydroxy-4-naphthosulfonate Quaternary ammonium salts such as tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate; diorganotin oxides such as dibutyltin oxide, dioctyltin oxide and dicyclohexyltin oxide; diorganotin borates such as dibutyltin borate, dioctyltin borate and dicyclohexyltin borate; One or a combination of two or more can be used as appropriate. Of these, charge control agents such as nigrosine compounds, triaminotriphenylmethane dyes and organic quaternary ammonium salts are particularly preferably used.

As negative charge control agents that can be used in the present invention, for example, organometallic compounds and chelate compounds are effective. Examples include aluminum acetylacetonate, iron (II) acetylacetonate, 3,5
-Ditertiary-butylsalicylic acid chromium and the like, in particular, acetylacetone metal complex, monoazo metal complex, naphthoic acid or salicylic acid-based metal complex or salt is preferable, and particularly, salicylic acid-based metal complex, monoazo metal complex or salicylic acid-based metal salt is preferable. .

The charge control agents as exemplified above are preferably used in the form of fine particles. In this case, the number average particle diameter of the charge control agent is preferably 4 μm or less, more preferably 3 μm or less. or,
When internally added to the toner particles, such a charge control agent is used in an amount of 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, preferably 0.2 to 10 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the binder resin. It is preferable to use within the range.

The one-component developer of the present invention may contain a magnetic material to form a one-component magnetic developer.
Examples of magnetic materials that can be used in this case include iron oxides such as magnetite, maghemite, and ferrite, and iron oxides containing other metal oxides, Fe, Co, and N.
i, or these metals, and Al, C
u, Pb, Mg, Sn, Zn, Sb, Be, Bi, C
Alloys with metals such as d, Ca, Mn, Se, Ti, W and V, and mixtures thereof, and the like.

As a specific magnetic material, conventionally,
Iron trioxide (Fe_ThreeO_Four), Iron sesquioxide (γ-Fe_TwoO_Three),
Zinc iron oxide (ZnFe_TwoO_Four), Yttrium iron oxide (Y
_ThreeFe_FiveO₁₂), Cadmium iron oxide (CdFe_TwoO_Four),acid
Gadolinium iron (Gd_ThreeFe_Five-O₁₂), Iron oxide copper (C
uFe_TwoO_Four), Lead iron oxide (PbFe₁₂-O₁₉),iron oxide
Nickel (NiFe_TwoO_Four), Neodymium iron oxide (NdF
e_TwoO_Three), Barium iron oxide (BaFe)₁₂O₁₉),iron oxide
Magnesium (MgFe_TwoO_Four), Iron manganese oxide (Mn)
Fe_TwoO_Four), Iron oxide lanthanum (LaFeO)_Three), Iron powder
(Fe), cobalt powder (Co) and nickel powder (Ni)
It is known that these magnetic properties are also used in the present invention.
Material alone or two of these magnetic materials
The above may be selected and used in combination. Of the present invention
As a magnetic material particularly suitable for achieving the intended purpose
Is a fine powder of iron tetroxide or γ-iron sesquioxide.
You. These ferromagnetic materials have an average particle size of 0.1 μm.
m to about 2 μm, and 795.8 kA / m (10
The magnetic properties at the time of application of k Oersteds are _c)
1.6 kA / m to 16 kA / m, saturation magnetization (σ_s) 5
0 Am^Two/ Kg to 200 Am^Two/ Kg and remanent magnetization
(Σ_r) 2 Am^Two/ Kg to 20 Am^Two/ Kg
Is preferred.

Further, the magnetic material as mentioned above is used in an amount of 10 to 2 parts by mass of the magnetic material to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin.
The amount is preferably in the range of 00 parts by mass, preferably in the range of 20 parts by mass to 150 parts by mass. In addition, in the magnetic material mentioned above,
It may be used as a colorant constituting the toner particles.

The following pigments or dyes can be used as the colorant for preparing the toner particles constituting the one-component developer of the present invention. Examples of the pigment include carbon black, aniline black, acetylene black, naphthol yellow, hansa yellow, rhodamine lake, alizarin lake, bengara, phthalocyanine blue, and indanthrene blue. These pigments are based on 100 parts by mass of the binder resin.
It is preferably used in the range of 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, preferably 1 to 10 parts by mass. As the dye, for example, an azo dye, an anthraquinone dye,
Xanthene dyes and methine dyes can be used, and these dyes are used with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin.
It is preferably used in the range of 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, preferably 0.3 to 10 parts by mass.

The toner particles constituting the one-component developer of the present invention may contain one or more release agents as necessary. The following are examples of the release agent used at that time. For example, aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes such as low molecular weight polyethylene, low molecular weight polypropylene, microcrystalline wax, and paraffin wax, and oxides of aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes such as oxidized polyethylene wax, or block copolymers thereof A wax mainly containing a fatty acid ester such as carnauba wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, Sasol wax, montanic acid ester wax, and a partially or totally deoxidized fatty acid ester such as deoxidized carnauba wax. No.

Further, for example, saturated linear fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, montanic acid, etc .;
Unsaturated fatty acids such as eleostearic acid and barinaric acid, and saturated alcohols such as stearyl alcohol, aralkyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, carnaubyl alcohol, ceryl alcohol, and melisyl alcohol;
Polyhydric alcohols such as sorbitol, linoleic acid amides, oleic acid amides, fatty acid amides such as lauric acid amide, methylenebisstearic acid amide, ethylenebiscapric acid amide, ethylenebislauric acid amide,
Saturated fatty acid bisamides such as hexamethylene bisstearic acid amide, ethylene bisoleic acid amide, hexamethylene bisoleic acid amide, N, N'-dioleyl adipamide, N, N'-dioleyl sebacic acid amide, etc. Aromatic bisamides such as unsaturated fatty acid amides, m-xylene bisstearic acid amide, N, N'-distearylisophthalic acid amide, and fatty acid metal salts such as calcium stearate, calcium laurate, zinc stearate and magnesium stearate (Commonly called metallic soap), waxes obtained by grafting an aliphatic hydrocarbon wax with a vinyl monomer such as styrene or acrylic acid, or fatty acids such as behenic acid monoglyceride. Partial esterified products of polyhydric alcohol Methyl ester compounds and the like having a hydroxyl group obtained by hydrogenation such as sex oil.

The amount of the above-mentioned release agent to be contained in the toner is 0.1 to 0.1 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the binder resin.
The range is from mass part to 20 mass parts, preferably from 0.5 mass part to 15 mass parts. These release agents can be usually contained in the binder resin by dissolving the resin in a solvent, increasing the temperature of the resin solution and adding and mixing while stirring, or by mixing at the time of kneading.

Further, the one-component developer used in the developing device of the present invention has a fluidity index of the value specified in the present invention described above (the fluidity index (G) is 70 or less). Further, it is preferable that a fluidizing agent is added near the surface of the toner particles constituting the one-component developer. As the fluidizing agent used at that time, for example, it is preferable to appropriately use a material selected from the group consisting of silica fine powder, titanium oxide fine powder, and alumina fine powder.

The one-component developer used in the developing device of the present invention may be used for improving the environmental stability, charging stability, developing property, storage property and cleaning property.
It is preferable to use an inorganic fine powder such as titanium oxide or alumina externally added to the surface of the toner particles, that is, a structure in which the inorganic fine powder is present near the developer surface. In the present invention, among the inorganic fine powders listed above, in particular,
It is preferable to use silica fine powder.

As such silica fine powder, for example, a so-called dry method produced by vapor phase oxidation of a silicon halide, or a so-called dry method called fumed silica, or a so-called dry method produced from water glass, etc. And wet silica, both of which can be used. However, there are few silanol groups on the surface and inside the silica fine powder.
It is more preferable to use dry silica such as ₂ O, SO ₃ ^2-, etc., which has little production residue. In the case of fumed silica, for example, in the manufacturing process, aluminum chloride, titanium chloride, etc.,
By using another metal halide compound together with a silicon halide compound, it is possible to obtain a composite fine powder of silica and another metal oxide, and the silica fine powder that can be used in the present invention also includes them.

Further, as the fluidizing agent of the developer used in the present invention, organically treated inorganic fine powder can also be used. As such an organic treatment method, there is a method of treating with an organic metal compound such as a silane coupling agent or a titanium coupling agent which reacts or physically adsorbs with the inorganic fine powder. By performing such a treatment, the hydrophobicity of the inorganic fine powder can be promoted. If such an inorganic fine powder is used, a developer excellent in environmental stability particularly under high humidity can be obtained. Therefore, it is preferable.

Examples of the silane coupling agent used for the organic treatment include hexamethyldisilazane, trimethylsilane, trimethylchlorosilane, trimethylethoxysilane, dimethyldichlorosilane, methyltrichlorosilane, allyldimethylchlorosilane, and allylphenyl. Dichlorosilane, benzyldimethylchlorosilane, bromomethyldimethylchlorosilane, α-chloroethyltrichlorosilane, β-chloroethyltrichlorosilane,
Chloromethyldimethylchlorosilane, triorganosilylmercaptan, trimethylsilylmercaptan, triorganosilyl acrylate, vinyldimethylacetoxysilane, dimethyldiethoxysilane, dimethyldimethoxysilane, diphenyldiethoxysilane, hexamethyldisiloxane, 1,3-divinyltetramethyl Disiloxane, 1,3-diphenyltetramethyldisiloxane, and 2 to 12 siloxane units per molecule, each of the terminal units containing one hydroxyl group bonded to one silicon atom And dimethylpolysiloxane.

Further, a compound having a nitrogen atom, for example, aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, dimethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, diethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, dipropylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, dibutylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane Silane, monobutylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, dioctylaminopropyldimethoxysilane, dibutylaminopropyldimethoxysilane, dibutylaminopropylmonomethoxysilane,
Silane coupling agents such as dimethylaminophenyltriethoxysilane, trimethoxysilyl-γ-propylphenylamine, and trimethoxysilyl-γ-propylbenzylamine can also be used alone or in combination with the above. Particularly preferred silane coupling agents used in the present invention include, for example, hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Examples of the method of treating the inorganic fine powder with the above-mentioned silane coupling agent include a spray method, an organic solvent method, and an aqueous solution method, but are not particularly limited.

As another organic treatment, an inorganic fine powder treated with silicone oil can be used. The preferred silicone oil used at this time is 25%
The viscosity at 0 ° C. is 0.5 mm ² / s to 10,000
mm ² / s, preferably 1 mm ² / s to 1,000 m
m ² / s. As such, for example, methyl hydrogen silicone oil,
Examples include dimethyl silicone oil, phenylmethyl silicone oil, chloromethyl silicone oil, alkyl-modified silicone oil, fatty acid-modified silicone oil, polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone oil, and fluorine-modified silicone oil. It is more preferable to use a silicone oil having a nitrogen atom in a side chain such as an amino-modified silicone oil.

In the present invention, the fine silica powder, fine titanium oxide powder and fine alumina powder which can be used as an external additive of a developer as a fluidizing agent include those having a specific surface area of 30 m ² measured by nitrogen adsorption as measured by the BET method. / G or more, especially
Those in the range of 50 m ² / g to 400 m ² / g give good results. The fine silica powder, fine titanium oxide powder and fine alumina powder are used in an amount of preferably from 0.01 to 8 parts by mass, more preferably from 0.1 to 8 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the toner particles. It is preferable to use 1 to 5 parts by mass, particularly preferably 0.2 to 3 parts by mass. In other words, when the amount is less than 0.01 part by mass, the effect of improving the aggregation of the developer is poor, and as a result, the fluidity index tends to be low. Those that are present in a free state without adhering to the particle surface are liable to occur, and it is difficult to maintain a uniform and appropriate charge amount of the one-component developer, thereby deteriorating development characteristics. In some cases.

An external additive other than the above-mentioned fluidizing agent may be further added to the one-component developer usable in the present invention. Examples of the external additive include lubricants such as Teflon (registered trademark), zinc stearate, and polyvinylidene fluoride, and among these, polyvinylidene fluoride is preferable. Further, for example, abrasives such as cerium oxide, strontium titanate and strontium silicate are exemplified, and among them, strontium titanate is preferable. Other external additives include anti-caking agents, or, for example, carbon black, zinc oxide, antimony oxide,
A small amount of a conductivity-imparting agent such as tin oxide, or white and black fine particles of opposite polarity can also be used as a developability improver. The external additives as listed above are the toner particles 1
It is preferable to use 0.01 to 10 parts by mass (preferably 0.1 to 7 parts by mass) with respect to 00 parts by mass.

To prepare a one-component developer, a binder resin, a pigment or dye as a colorant, a magnetic substance, a release agent, a charge control agent, if necessary, and other additives are added to a Henschel mixer, a ball, and the like. Mix thoroughly using a mixer such as a mixer, and then melt using a hot kneader such as a heating roll, kneader, or extruder to make the resins compatible with each other, and release agents, pigments, dyes, and magnetic materials. Is dispersed or dissolved, and after cooling and solidifying, pulverization and classification are performed to obtain toner particles. Further, if necessary, a desired additive (such as a fluidizing agent) is sufficiently mixed by a mixer such as a Henschel mixer to obtain a one-component developer.

Next, a preferred embodiment of the developing device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 3 shows a preferred specific example of the developing device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 111. The developing device 111 has a first developer accommodating chamber (developing chamber) 112 and a second developer accommodating chamber (developer replenishing chamber; The developing chamber 112 and the replenishing chamber 113 are partitioned by a partition wall 115 having a slit-shaped transition opening 114 that can communicate with each other. The developing chamber 11
The two-component supply chamber 113 contains a one-component magnetic developer 122. In a developing chamber 112 of the developing device 111, a developer carrier (development sleeve) 116 that carries the one-component magnetic developer 122 and conveys it toward the latent image carrier (photosensitive drum) 110 is accommodated. Here, the latent image carrier (photosensitive drum) 110 has a diameter of 20 mm to 90 mm.
mm, and the developer carrying member (developing sleeve) 116 preferably has a diameter of about 10 mm to 40 mm.

The developing sleeve 116 is arranged in the developing chamber 112 so that a part of the outer peripheral surface thereof projects outside, and is supported by the developing sleeve 116 between the developing sleeve 116 and the photosensitive drum 110. A development area for supplying the one-component magnetic developer to the photosensitive drum 110 is formed. In the developing sleeve 116, a magnet 117 as a magnetic field generating means is fixed. The magnet 117 has a developing pole S1, a transport pole S2 for transporting toner, a cut pole N1, and a take-in pole N2.

A developer amount regulating means (doctor blade) 118 for regulating the layer thickness of the toner carried on the developing sleeve 116 is disposed above the developing sleeve 116. Here, the doctor blade 118 that can be used in the present invention may be a metal blade or a magnetic blade disposed at a predetermined gap from the developing sleeve 116, or an elastic blade that is brought into contact with the surface of the developing sleeve 116 by an elastic force. Any of the blades can be used. here,
When a metal blade or a magnetic blade is used, good results are obtained when the gap with the developing sleeve 116 is 50 μm to 500 μm, preferably 100 μm to 400 μm.

As the elastic blade, silicone rubber,
Rubber elastic materials such as urethane rubber and NBR; synthetic resin elastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate; metal elastic materials such as stainless steel and steel can be used. Further, a composite thereof may be used. Preferably, a rubber elastic body is used. The material of the elastic blade is the developing sleeve 1.
16 greatly contributes to the charging of the toner. Therefore, an organic compound or an inorganic compound may be added to the elastic body.
As a method of addition, these may be melt-mixed or dispersed. Examples of the compound to be added include metal oxides, metal powders, ceramics, carbon allotropes, whiskers, inorganic fibers, dyes, pigments, and surfactants. In addition, a rubber, synthetic resin, or metal elastic body is used by applying a substance such as resin, rubber, metal oxide, or metal to the sleeve contact portion in order to control charging of the developer (toner). Is also good.

When durability is required for the elastic body and the developing sleeve, it is preferable that a resin, rubber, or the like is bonded to the metal elastic body so as to contact the sleeve contact portion. As the rubber material, it is preferable to use, for example, urethane rubber, urethane resin, silicone rubber, silicone resin, polyester resin, fluororesin (for example, Teflon resin), polyimide resin, or a material which is easily charged to a negative polarity. Among them, silicone rubber can be particularly preferably used. When the developing sleeve contact portion is a molded body of resin, rubber, or the like, in order to adjust the chargeability of the toner, silica, alumina, titania, tin oxide,
It is also preferable to contain a metal oxide such as zirconia and zinc oxide, carbon black, or a charge control agent generally used for a developer (toner).

The base on the upper side of the elastic blade is fixed / held on the developing device side, and the lower side is bent in the forward or reverse direction of the developing sleeve 116 against the elasticity of the blade. Then, the inner surface of the blade (the outer surface in the case of the opposite direction) is brought into contact with the sleeve surface with an appropriate elastic pressure. It is preferable that the layer thickness of the developer layer on the developing sleeve 116 is smaller than the gap α between the developer layer and the latent image carrier. The thickness of the developer layer may be regulated to such an extent that the layer contacts the latent image carrier.

On the other hand, in the developing chamber 112 of the developing device 111, a first developer stirring and conveying means 119 is provided.
The supply chamber 113 has a second developer stirring / conveying means 120 and a second upstream side with respect to the second developer stirring / conveying means 120 and having an axis parallel to the second developer stirring / conveying means 120. The three developer stirring / transporting means 121 is installed so as to face the first developer stirring / transporting means 119 and have an axis parallel to the axial direction. The developing sleeve 1
16, the first developer stirring / transporting means 119, the second developer stirring / transporting means 120, and the third developer stirring / transporting means 121 rotate in the same direction, and all the rotations are synchronized.

When the developing device 111 is used, in the replenishing chamber 113, the replenished one-component developer and the one-component developer remaining in the developing device are mixed by the second developer stirring and conveying means 120 and the third developer. While being agitated by the agitating / conveying means 121, the developer is conveyed little by little to the developing chamber 112 through a slit-shaped transition opening 114 provided in a part of the partition wall 115. In the developing chamber 112, the transported one-component developer 1
22 is sent in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 116 by the first developer stirring and conveying means 119, and the one-component developer 122 is carried by the S2 pole of the developing sleeve 116 during the conveyance. The one-component developer 122 carried on the developing sleeve 116 is regulated to a predetermined layer thickness by the doctor blade 118 and then sent to the developing area. In the developing area, the one-component developer transfers to a portion of the photosensitive drum 110 where a latent image is formed.

Incidentally, as the transition opening 114, for example,
As shown in FIG. 4A, it is preferable to form a slit extending in the horizontal direction because excessive toner conveyance can be restricted. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the transfer opening 114 is provided with a transfer regulating member 114A so as to be openable and closable.
The function of restricting excessive toner conveyance may be enhanced.
The transfer regulating member 114A shown in FIG. 4B is made of a rigid body such as a metal plate whose upper end is supported by the partition wall 115 by the rotating shaft 114B. This transport regulating member 1
14A is opened and closed by the pressing force of the toner in the developing chamber 112. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, a transfer regulating member 114A made of an elastic body whose upper end is fixed to the partition wall 115 may be used. Further, FIG.
As shown in (d), the transfer regulating member 1 made of a rigid member
A gap 114C may be provided between 14A and the partition wall 115 side.

The toner that has passed through the developing area falls from the developing sleeve 116 to the developing chamber 112 near the point where the magnetic force between the N2 and S2 poles of the developing sleeve 116 becomes zero.
The one-component developer dropped from the developing sleeve 116 is taken into the first developer stirring and conveying unit 119. The one-component developer is returned to the replenishing chamber 113 again by the first developer stirring and conveying means 119. Then, the first developer stirring and conveying means 1
19, the one-component developer remaining in the developing device is agitated and mixed, and the one-component developer having a sufficient tribo at the magnetic pole S2 is supplied to the developing sleeve 116, so that the one-component developer is supplied between the magnetic poles N2 and S2. Since the one-component developer is removed from the developing sleeve 116 near the point where the magnetic force becomes zero, the one-component developer in the developing chamber 112 can be reliably collected from the developing sleeve 116.

In the developing chamber 112, the toner is stirred and conveyed by the rotation of the first developer stirring and conveying means 119.
The one-component developer can be transported smoothly and uniformly in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve. Therefore, when continuously forming an image in which the consumption of the one-component developer is large (an image having a high printing ratio), the image density on the upstream side is
There is no difference from the image density on the downstream side. Further, in order to increase the transport speed while maintaining high stirring efficiency, it is not necessary to increase the outer diameter of the first developer stirring transport unit 119 or to increase the rotation speed, thereby preventing an increase in the size of the apparatus. It becomes possible. In the present invention, in order to detect the remaining amount of the one-component developer 122 contained in the developing device 111, the developer amount detecting means 12 is used.
3 are provided. As the developer amount detecting means 123,
A piezoelectric sensor, a piezo element, or the like, or an antenna residual test can be used.

When the one-component developer 122 in the developing device 111 has been consumed in the developing step, it is necessary to replenish it. The developer 122 is supplied to the developing device 1
5 and 6 from a supply port 124 opening at the top of
The replenishment is performed using the toner cartridge 125 containing the one-component developer as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device before replenishing the one-component developer 122, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device immediately after replenishing the one-component developer. After replenishment of the one-component developer, the developer cartridge 125 is removed from the developing device 111, and the developing device 11
1 may be attached to a predetermined position of the main body again.

According to the developing device of the present invention, based on the detection result that the developer amount detecting means 123 in the developing device 111 has detected that the developer amount has decreased to the set developer amount, 1.5% of the set developer amount is detected. One or more times, preferably 2.0 times or more of a one-component developer is collectively supplied into the developing device 111. In this manner, by supplying a larger amount of developer than the amount remaining in the developing device 111, there are advantages such as a reduction in the number of times of developer supply and an elimination of a hopper for holding the supplied developer. Can be Here, if the amount of developer to be replenished is less than 1.5 times the set amount of developer, there is no effect on development, but the number of times of replenishment of developer increases, which is not preferable for the user.

Thus, in the developing device of the present invention, the replenished one-component developer 122 and the partition wall 11
5 and the one-component developer 122 returned to the supply chamber 113 through the transfer opening 114,
Since the 0 and third developer stirring / conveying means 121 are sufficiently stirred, a sufficient charge (tribo) can be given to the newly replenished one-component developer, and the ground caused by the shortage of tribo is obtained. Fog, reversal fog and a decrease in image density can be prevented beforehand.

Further, the developer is again sent to the developing chamber 112 through the transfer opening 114 provided in the partition wall 115 by the second developer stirring / transporting means 120, and from the supply chamber 113 to the developing chamber 112. After that, the developer is circulated to the supply chamber 113. In the above embodiment, the description has been given of the magnetic one-component development using a one-component magnetic developer, but the present invention is also applicable to a non-magnetic one-component development using a one-component non-magnetic developer.

Next, a preferred specific example of an image forming method using the developing device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As for the developer, a case will be described in which a one-component negatively chargeable magnetic developer having the above-described configuration is used. Using the primary charger 131, the latent image carrier 1
The surface of the OPC photosensitive drum 10 is negatively charged, and the exposure system 132 performs image exposure on the photosensitive drum 110 to form a latent image. The developing sleeve 116 containing the magnet 117 and the developing sleeve 116
Reversal development is performed by a one-component negatively chargeable magnetic developer 122 in a developing device 111 having a doctor blade 118 for regulating the layer thickness of the toner. Alternatively, an amorphous silicon drum is used as the latent image carrier 110, the surface of the photosensitive drum is charged to a positive polarity to form a latent image, and regular development is performed by the one-component negatively chargeable magnetic developer 122.

Here, an AC bias, a pulse bias, and / or a DC bias are applied to the developing sleeve 116 by the bias applying means 133. The AC bias at this time has a frequency of 200 Hz to 4,000 H.
It is preferable that z and V _pp be 500 V to 3,000 V. At the time of transfer of the developer at the development site, the developer is transferred to the electrostatic image side due to the electrostatic force of the surface of the photosensitive drum 110 holding the electrostatic image and the action of a bias or a pulse bias.

When the transfer material P is conveyed to the transfer section, the transfer charger 134 causes the back surface of the transfer material P (photosensitive drum 11
(From the side opposite to 0), the developer image on the photosensitive drum surface is electrostatically transferred onto the transfer material. The transfer material separated from the photosensitive drum 110 is transported by the transport belt 135, and the developer image on the transfer material is fixed by the heating and pressing fixing device 136.

The developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 110 after the transfer step is removed by a cleaner 138 having a cleaning blade 137. After the cleaning, the photosensitive drum 110 is neutralized by the erase exposure 139, and again
The process starting from the charging process by the primary charger 131 is repeated.

[0102]

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Unless otherwise specified, parts or percentages are
Shows parts by mass or mass%. First, one-component developers used in Examples, Comparative Examples and Reference Examples were prepared. (Developer:
1) to (developer: 5) satisfy the constitutional requirements of the one-component developer of the present invention, and (developer: 1 ′) to (developer: 4 ′) are comparative developing agents. Agent. In Table 1,
The configuration is shown together. <Production of (Developer: 1)> 70 parts of styrene 20 parts of butyl acrylate 10 parts of monobutyl maleate 1 part of divinylbenzene 1 part of benzoyl peroxide 1 part of di-t-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate 0.5 parts

To the above mixture was added 180 parts of water in which 0.8 part of a partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol was dissolved, and the mixture was vigorously stirred to obtain a suspension dispersion. Further, add 40 parts of water,
The suspension dispersion was added to a reactor purged with nitrogen, and a suspension polymerization reaction was performed at a reaction temperature of 85 ° C. for 10 hours. After the completion of the reaction, the resultant was washed with water, dehydrated, and dried to obtain a vinyl resin (1). The vinyl resin (1) has a number average molecular weight Mn of 6,800 and a weight average molecular weight Mw of 220,00.
0 and the glass transition point Tg were 57.5 ° C.

100 parts of the above vinyl resin (1) 90 parts of iron sesquioxide 2 parts of azo iron complex compound (negatively chargeable charge controlling agent) 4 parts of low molecular weight ethylene-propylene copolymer 4 parts of the above mixture The mixture was kneaded with a biaxial kneading extruder heated to 130 ° C. After cooling the obtained kneaded material, it is coarsely pulverized by a hammer mill, and the coarsely pulverized material is finely pulverized by a fine pulverizer using a jet stream, and the obtained finely pulverized powder is subjected to coanda effect. Ultrafine powder and coarse powder were classified and removed at the same time by a split classifier to obtain toner particles having a weight average particle size (D4) of 7.8 μm.

To 100 parts of the toner particles, 1.2 parts of negatively charged hydrophobic silica fine powder (BET 300 m ² / g) treated with hexamethyldisilazane and 2.5 parts of strontium titanate were added. These were mixed with a mixer and externally added to obtain a one-component negatively chargeable magnetic developer (developer: 1). The obtained one-component negatively chargeable magnetic developer (developer: 1) has a weight average particle diameter (D4) of 7.8 μm, a fluidity index (G) of 27 and a compressibility (C).
o) was 32%.

[0106]

The above raw materials were placed in a 5-liter four-necked flask.
, Reflux condenser, water separator, N _TwoGas inlet pipe, temperature
Equipped with a stirrer and a stirrer._TwoIntroduce gas
While performing a condensation polymerization reaction at 200 ° C.
After washing, dehydration and drying steps, polyester resin (1)
I got Number average molecular weight Mn of the obtained polyester resin
Is 5,000, the weight average molecular weight Mw is 38,000,
And the glass transition point Tg was 58.1 ° C.

100 parts of the above polyester resin (1) 90 parts of iron tetroxide 2 parts of azo iron complex compound (negatively chargeable charge controlling agent) 5 parts of Fischer-Tropsch wax 1) In the same manner as in the production of 1), toner particles having a weight average particle size (D4) of 6.7 μm were obtained. Further, 1.5 parts of negatively charged hydrophobic silica fine powder (BET 300 m ² / g) treated with hexamethyldisilazane and 3.0 parts of strontium titanate were added to 100 parts of the toner particles. The mixture was externally added by mixing with a Henschel mixer to obtain a one-component negatively-chargeable magnetic developer (developer: 2). The obtained one-component negatively chargeable magnetic developer (developer: 2) has a weight average particle diameter (D4) of 6.7 μm, a fluidity index (G) of 20, and a degree of compression (Co) of 40. %Met.

<Production of (Developer: 3)> 75 parts of styrene 25 parts of butyl acrylate 0.5 part of divinylbenzene 1 part of benzoyl peroxide 1 part of di-t-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate 0 .5 parts The above mixture was added with a partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol solution.
180 parts of water in which 8 parts were dissolved was added and stirred vigorously to obtain a suspension dispersion. Further, 40 parts of water was added, and the above suspension dispersion was added to a reactor purged with nitrogen, and a suspension polymerization reaction was performed at a reaction temperature of 85 ° C. for 10 hours. After completion of the reaction, the resultant was washed with water, dehydrated, and dried to obtain a vinyl resin (2). The number average molecular weight Mn of this vinyl resin (2) is 5,000,
The weight average molecular weight Mw was 170,000, and the glass transition point Tg was 56.3 ° C.

100 parts of the vinyl resin (2) 90 parts of iron tetroxide 2 parts of triaminotriphenylmethane dye 5 parts of low molecular weight ethylene-propylene copolymer In the same manner as in the production of 1), toner particles having a weight average particle diameter (D4) of 8.1 μm were obtained.

An amino-modified silicone oil (having a viscosity of 10 at 250 ° C.) was added to 100 parts of the obtained toner particles.
1.0 part of positively charged hydrophobic silica fine powder (BET ²⁰⁰ m ² / g) treated with 0 mm ² / s) and 2.0 parts of strontium titanate were added, mixed with a Henschel mixer, and externally added. A one-component positively chargeable magnetic developer (developer: 3) was obtained. The obtained one-component type positively chargeable magnetic developer (developer: 3) has a weight average particle size (D4) of 8.1 μm.
m, the fluidity index (G) was 45, and the degree of compression (Co) was 25%.

<Production of (Developer: 4)> In the production of (Developer: 3), the amount of the external additive added was changed to 0.6 parts of the positively charged hydrophobic silica fine powder, and strontium titanate. (Developer:
The weight average particle size (D4) is 8.
1 μm, a fluidity index (G) of 58, and a degree of compression (C
o) was obtained, a 22% monocomponent positively chargeable magnetic developer (developer: 4).

<Production of (Developer: 5)> In the production of (Developer: 1), except that 5 parts of carbon black was added instead of ferric oxide, (Developer: 1)
In the same manner as in the case of the production of, one-component negatively chargeable non-magnetic toner particles were obtained. Then, 100 parts of the obtained negatively-chargeable non-magnetic toner particles are subjected to the same external addition treatment as in the case of the production of (Developer: 1) to obtain a weight average particle diameter (D4).
Was obtained as a one-component negatively chargeable non-magnetic developer of 7.2 μm (developer: 5). The obtained one-component negatively chargeable nonmagnetic developer (developer: 5) had a fluidity index (G) of 30 and a degree of compression (Co) of 29%.

<For comparison (developer: 1 'to 4')
In the production of (Developer: 1), the conditions for pulverization and classification are as follows:
By changing the values, the weight average particle diameter, the fluidity index (G) and the degree of compression (Co) shown in Table 1 were compared (developer:
1 ′ to 3 ′) were obtained. In the production of (Developer: 3), an amino-modified silicone oil (viscosity at 250 ° C. of 100 mm ² /
s) Treated positively charged hydrophobic silica fine powder (BET
(200 m ² / g), 0.05 part of strontium titanate and 3.0 parts of external addition were added and mixed and processed (developer:
4 ′) was obtained. Table 1 shows the weight average particle diameter, the fluidity index (G), and the degree of compression (Co) of the obtained (developer: 4 ′).

[0115]

[Table 1]

Next, the developer carrying members (1) to (4) used in Examples, Comparative Examples and Reference Examples were produced as follows. <Production of developer carrier (1) and developer carrier (2)>-25 parts of phenolic resin-1 part of conductive carbon black (average particle size: 30 nm)-7 parts of graphite (average particle size: 10 m)-isopropyl alcohol 80 copies

The above-mentioned material was dispersed in a sand mill using zirconia particles of φ2 mm for 3 hours. Thereafter, the zirconia particles were separated using a sieve, and the solid content was adjusted to 30% with isopropyl alcohol to obtain a coating liquid. Was. Next, a resin layer having conductive fine particles was formed on the surface of the metal cylindrical tube using this coating liquid. At this time, a metal cylindrical tube (sleeve)
As an example, an aluminum cylindrical tube having an outer diameter of 20 mm and a wall thickness of 0.8 mm is used, and the surface thereof is polished (blasted) so that the deflection of the cylindrical tube is 10 μm or less, and the surface roughness is
It was used so as to be 4 μm or less in Rz notation. The sleeve was set upright, rotated at a constant speed, and masked at the upper and lower ends. Then, the coating liquid was applied while the spray gun was lowered at a constant speed. The masking width at both ends of the sleeve was set to 3 mm. This was dried and cured at 160 ° C. for 20 minutes in a drying furnace to obtain a sleeve having a conductive resin layer (surface layer) having a uniform thickness.
The film thickness of the resin layer of the obtained sleeve was 12 μm, and the surface roughness Ra was 0.8 μm on average. A magnet was inserted into this sleeve, and flanges were attached to both ends to form a developer carrier (1).

Further, using an aluminum cylindrical tube having an outer diameter of 32 mm and a wall thickness of 0.8 mm, the surface thereof was polished (blasted) to obtain the same developer preform (1) as in the case of producing the developer carrier (1). A developer carrying member having a conductive resin layer (surface layer) obtained by applying the same coating solution, inserting a magnet, and attaching flanges to both ends is referred to as a developer carrying member (2). did.

<Production of Developer Carrier (3)> • 25 parts of phenolic resin • 1 part of conductive carbon black (average particle diameter 30 nm) • 7 parts of graphite (average particle diameter of 10 μm) • 6 parts of quaternary ammonium salt compound -80 parts of isopropyl alcohol A coating solution is prepared using the above-mentioned materials, and the developer carrier (3) is prepared using the coating solution in the same manner as in the case of manufacturing the developer carrier (1). Manufactured.

<Production of Developer Carrier (4)> In the production process of the developer carrier (1) in Production Example 1 of the developer carrier, only the blast treatment was performed without coating the resin layer. A magnet was inserted into the sleeve thus formed, and flanges were attached to both ends to obtain a developer carrier (4) having no conductive resin layer (surface layer).

Example 1 Image evaluation was performed using the developing device shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the developer carrier (1) is used as the developer carrier, and the peripheral speed is set to 252 mm / s.
(Process speed was 140 mm / s). first,
The second and third developer stirring and conveying means used had diameters of 12 mm, 62 mm and 35 mm, respectively. As the first stirring and conveying means, a crank-shaped non-magnetic stainless steel means was used. As the second and third developer stirring and conveying means, a resin ladder-type stirring rod having a rubber sheet attached to the tip of a stirring blade was used. The peripheral speeds of the first, second and third developer stirring and conveying means are 8.0 mm / s, 12.0 mm / s and 0.66 mm, respectively.
/ S (b / a = 0.032, d / c = 0.05
5). The developer carrier and the first, second and third developer stirring and conveying means were all rotated in the same direction (the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3).

The partition wall that separates the first developer storage chamber (development chamber) and the second developer storage chamber (supply chamber)
At a position 25 mm from the bottom of the developer container, a slit-shaped transition opening having a width of 4 mm is provided, and as shown in FIG. A member was used. Here, a Mylar sheet having a thickness of 50 μm and a degree of freedom of 29 mm was used as the transfer regulating member. A magnetic blade was used as a developer amount regulating means for regulating the layer thickness of the developer on the developer carrier, and a gap with the developer carrier was set to 200 μm.

At the start, the developer is placed in the developer container 8 times.
When the developer remaining amount detecting unit 123 detects that the amount of the developer in the developer container has decreased to the set amount of developer, the developer amount is set to 280 g. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a method of collectively supplying 800 g of the developer was employed. Table 2 shows a summary of the developing device of this embodiment.

Using the developing device as described above, the one-component negatively-charged magnetic developer (developer: 1) and the developer carrier (1) obtained above, an image as shown in FIG. Using the forming apparatus, a copy test of 100,000 sheets was continuously performed under normal temperature and normal humidity (23 ° C./60% RH) environment and normal temperature and low humidity (23 ° C./5% RH) environment. However, an OPC drum (minus latent image) provided with an organic photosensitive layer on a base, which is an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of 30 mm, is used for the latent image carrier 110, and the gap with the developer carrier 116 is 200 μm.
m. The development was performed by reversal development.

Regarding the developing bias, a rectangular wave bias is used for the AC voltage component, the frequency is 1.8 kHz, and the absolute value of the bias voltage (peak to peak) is 80.
0 V, and a DC component of -560 V was applied.
The difference between the dark portion potential and the bright portion potential on the latent image carrier is 550.
V. The results of the image evaluation are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 (under normal temperature and normal humidity (23 ° C./60% RH) environment) and Table 5-
1 and 5-2 (under normal temperature and low humidity (23 ° C./5% RH) environment). As a result, in any environment,
A stable and good image could be obtained from time to time without a decrease in developability (density reduction, deterioration of fog, etc.) due to the replenishment of the developer. The circulation of the developer in the developing device was satisfactory without any problem. Table 3 shows the image forming conditions.

<Example 2> In Example 1, (Developer: 2) was used instead of (Developer: 1), and the peripheral speeds of the first, second, and third developer stirring / transporting means were as shown in Table 2. The image evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the image evaluation was changed as shown in FIG. The results are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Table 5-1.
5-2. As a result, as in the case of the first embodiment,
Good results could be obtained. Table 3 shows the image forming conditions.

Example 3 Image evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the peripheral speed of the developer stirring and conveying means in the developing device was changed as shown in Table 2. did. The results are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and 5-
As shown in FIG. 2, it was good without much difference from the case of Example 1. Table 3 shows the image forming conditions.

<Example 4> In Example 1, the peripheral speed of the developer carrying member was set to 180 mm / s (the process speed was set to 1
05 mm / s). Regarding the peripheral speed of the developer stirring and conveying means, the ratio b / a and d / c were not changed from those in the first embodiment because the gear ratio for controlling the stirring speed was not changed. Under the above conditions, image evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Table 5.
As shown in -1, 5-2, no problem was observed under any environment. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Embodiment 5> In Embodiment 1, the transfer of the developer is performed at the transfer opening of the partition wall that separates the first developer accommodating chamber (developing chamber) and the second developer accommodating chamber (supply chamber). As shown in FIG. 4- (b), a transfer restricting member for restricting the SUS plate (thickness: 10)
Image evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the thickness was changed to 0 μm).
Good results were obtained as described in 1, 5-2.
Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Embodiment 6> In Embodiment 1, the transition opening of the partition wall that separates the first developer accommodating chamber (developing chamber) and the second developer accommodating chamber (supply chamber) is shown in FIG. As shown in d), a structure was provided between the transfer regulating member made of a SUS plate and the partition wall. Here the transition opening is
The height from the developing container was 5 mm, the width was 4 mm, and the gap at the transition opening was 1.5 mm. When the image was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, good results were obtained. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and 5-2. Table 2 shows an overview of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3
The image forming conditions are shown in FIG.

<Embodiment 7> In the first embodiment, at the start, 900 g of the developer is put into the developer container, the set amount of the developer is set to 150 g, and the developer amount detecting means 123 performs the developing up to the set amount of the developer. When it is detected that the amount of the developer in the developer container has decreased, the developer is supplied through the supply port 124 of the developing device as shown in FIG. 5 (before the developer replenishment) and FIG. 6 (after the developer replenishment). Was evaluated in exactly the same manner as in Example 1 except that a method of replenishing 900 g at a time was used.
The evaluation results are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and 5-2. As described above, no serious problem was found in normal use. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

Example 8 In Example 1, the developer carrier (1) was changed to the developer carrier (2), and the peripheral speed a was 480 mm / s (the process speed was 267 mm / s).
Changed to Since the gear controlling the rotation speed (peripheral speed) of the stirring and conveying means in the developing device was not changed, the ratio of the peripheral speed of each stirring and conveying means was the same as that in the first embodiment. Under these conditions, image evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, good results were obtained, comparable to those of Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Table 5-
1, 5-2. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Embodiment 9> In the developing apparatus used in Embodiment 1, the shape of the developer first stirring and conveying means was changed from a crank type to a fin type, and the shape of the developer third stirring and conveying means was changed from a ladder type to a screw type. Changed to The rotation diameter and the peripheral speed were based on Example 1. The evaluation was performed in exactly the same manner as in Example 1 except for the above,
As shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and 5-2, satisfactory results were obtained. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Embodiment 10> In the developing device, the diameter of the developer stirring and conveying means is set to 20 in the first, second, and third order, respectively.
mm, 55 mm, and 40 mm were used. With respect to the shape of the developer stirring and conveying device, the same device as in Example 1 was used. Then, the peripheral speeds of the developer carrier and the first, second and third developer stirring / conveying means are set to 252 mm / s and 4.4, respectively.
mm / s, 7.1 mm / s, 0.50 mm / s (b / a
= 0.017, d / c = 0.07). When the image evaluation was performed under the same conditions as in Example 1 except for the above, as shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and 5-2, there was not much difference from the result of Example 1. Good results could be obtained. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Embodiment 11> A one-component positively chargeable magnetic developer (developer:
3) was charged and image evaluation was performed. Further, the developer carrier (1) was changed to a developer carrier (3). The peripheral speed a was the same as in Example 1, but the peripheral speed of the developer stirring and conveying means was b = 15.9 mm / s and c = 24.0 mm /
s, d = 3.96 mm / s (b / a = 0.063, d /
c = 0.165). However, the shape and diameter of the developer stirring and conveying means, the partition walls, and the like were the same as those in Example 1. The gap between the developer amount regulating means and the developer carrier was set to 250 μm. Image evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. However, the development was performed by regular development, and the distance between the developer carrier and the latent image carrier was set to 300 μm. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-
2 and Tables 5-1 and 5-2.
Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Example 12> Example 1 was repeated except that developer 4 was used instead of developer 3.
Image evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 4-
As described in Nos. 1, 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and 5-2, no serious problem occurred in practical use. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Embodiment 13> In the developing device used in Embodiment 1, the developer amount regulating means 117 is changed from a magnetic blade to an elastic blade made of silicone rubber so that it can be pressed against the developer carrier 115. did. The developing conditions at this time are as follows. The thickness of the developer layer on the developer carrier 115: 30 μm The gap between the developer carrier 115 and the latent image carrier 110: 2
50 μm Contact pressure (linear pressure) between the developer carrier 115 and the elastic blade 117: 18 g / cm Other conditions were the same as in Example 1. Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Table 5-
1, 5-2. As the image evaluation result, good results could be obtained without any adverse effects such as a decrease in developability associated with the batch supply of the developer. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Example 14> The developing device used in Example 13 was modified so as to be compatible with a non-magnetic one-component developing system, and a one-component negatively chargeable non-magnetic developer (developer: 5) was used. I put it in. Image evaluation was performed under the same conditions as in Example 13 except for the above, and a result having no problem with the developability was obtained. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this embodiment, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Comparative Examples 1 to 3> Image evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that comparative developers (developers 1 ′ to 3 ′) were used instead of developer 1, respectively. Was performed. Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and 5 show the results.
-2. In any case, although no major problem occurred in a normal humidity environment, the result was that the developability under low humidity was poor. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this comparative example, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Comparative Example 4> An image was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 11, except that the comparative developer (developer: 4 ') was used instead of the developer: 3. The results are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and 5-2. However, compared to Example 3, satisfactory developability under low humidity could not be obtained. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this comparative example, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Comparative Examples 5 to 8> In the developing apparatus used in Example 1, the peripheral speed of the developer stirring and conveying means was changed as shown in Table 2, and the image was formed in the same manner as in Example 1. An evaluation was performed. The peripheral speed ratios set here are all outside the range specified in the present invention. Therefore, the evaluation results are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and 5-2.
As described above, in any case, it was confirmed that the developing property or the circulation of the developer in the developing device was defective. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this comparative example, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

<Comparative Example 9> The same method as in Example 1 was adopted, except that the partition wall for separating the first developer accommodating chamber and the second developer accommodating chamber in the developing device was removed. Image evaluation. In this case, as shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and 5-2, the transport of the developer (toner) from the second developer storage chamber to the first developer storage chamber is excessive. As the evaluation progressed, packing of the toner behind the doctor blade of the developing device was promoted, and a decrease in developability was observed. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of this comparative example, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

Reference Example 1 An image was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 1 except that the developer carrier (4) was used instead of the developer carrier (1). . Regarding the evaluation results, as shown in Tables 4 and 5, there was no particular problem in a normal temperature and normal humidity environment, but in a normal temperature and low humidity environment, as the evaluation progressed, the development was slightly more than that in Example 1. Although the sex was reduced, it was not at a level that would cause problems in practical use. Table 2 shows an outline of the developing device of the present reference example, and Table 3 shows image forming conditions.

Tables 4-1 and 4-2 and Tables 5-1 and
The evaluation method and evaluation criteria described in 5-2 will be described. (1) Image Density At ten points in the solid black image, the reflection density was measured by a reflection densitometer RD918 (manufactured by Macbeth), and the average of the ten points was taken as the image density.

(2) Fog The reflectivity of a solid white image in a proper image was measured, and the reflectivity of an unused transfer paper was measured. The worst value of the reflectivity of a solid white image−the reflection of an unused transfer paper (Average of the rates) was defined as the fog density, and the evaluation results were shown by the following indices. (However, the reflectance was measured at 10 points at random.) The reflectance was measured by TC-6DS (manufactured by Tokyo Denshoku). （(Excellent): less than 1.0% (no fog is visually observed) ○ (good): 1.0% to 2.0% (no fog is observed unless gazing) △ (acceptable): 2 0.0% to 4.0% (fog is present but there is no practical problem) x (impossible): exceeds 4.0% (fog is conspicuous)

(3) Image quality ◎ (excellent): clear image without scattering even when viewed with a loupe ○ (good): clear image as seen visually △ (acceptable): although slight scattering is observed No problem in practical use x (impossible): Scattered characters are noticeable in addition to splattering

(4) Shadowing Images of 12 × 8 black circles with a diameter of 5 mm arranged at intervals of 2 cm were copied, and the number of black circles with a diameter of 5 mm where shadowing occurred was determined. （(Excellent): 0 to 5 (extremely good) ○ (good): 6 to 10 (good) Δ (acceptable): 11 to 20 (no problem in practical use) × (impossible): 21 Above (unusable level)

(5) Circulation of Developer in Developing Apparatus The lid of the developing container was opened, and the observation / evaluation was performed visually. （(Excellent): there is no developer packing on the back side of the developer amount regulating means (doctor blade), and the coatability of the developer on the developer carrier is good. Although there is packing or a decrease in the amount of developer in the first developer accommodating chamber, there is no problem in use. Δ (OK): Packing of the developer behind the doctor blade is clearly visible. Further, although there is a decrease in the amount of developer in the first developer storage chamber, there is no practical problem. × (impossible): Packing of the developer on the back of the doctor blade is remarkably generated, or the developer carrying ability is significantly reduced, so that the coating of the developer on the developer carrier is uneven. It has become.

[0149]

[Table 2]

[0150]

[Table 3]

[0151]

[Table 4]

[0152]

[Table 5]

[0153]

[Table 6]

[0154]

[Table 7]

[0155]

As described above, according to the present invention, the peripheral speed of the developer stirring and conveying means in each of the developing containers divided into two chambers by the partition wall having the slit-shaped transition opening, A developing device that regulates the peripheral speed of the developer carrier and supplies the developer to the developing device at a time when the developer is supplied, an image forming method using the developing device, and an image that can be used in the image forming method. The present invention relates to a one-component developer for forming, and exhibits the following excellent effects. (1) Even in a system for collectively replenishing the developer, there is no decrease in image density and no fogging before and after replenishment, and stable developing performance can be maintained at all times. (2) A uniform and high-density image can be stably obtained over a long period of time without increasing the size of the apparatus itself. (3) A copy image having a clear image quality can be obtained all the time in a copying machine of any process speed from low speed to high speed. (4) In any case, a high-quality image can be obtained without occurrence of shadowing or reduction in density. (5) Regardless of the environment in which copying is performed, there is no deterioration of the developer in the developing device, and stable developing performance can be maintained at all times.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an enlarged view showing lines of electric force at an end of an electrostatic image on a latent image carrier.

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view of an apparatus for measuring a fluidity index (G) of a developer.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing a specific example of the developing device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a modified example of a transfer opening of a partition wall of the developing device of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view showing a specific example of a transfer regulating member that can be attached to the transfer opening.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing a state of the developing device before a developer (toner) is supplied.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state of the developing device after a developer (toner) is supplied.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific example of an image forming method that can use the developing device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A: Electrostatic image E: Line of electric force 21: 60-mesh sieve 22: 100-mesh sieve 23: 200-mesh sieve 24: Powder tester vibrating table 110: Latent image carrier (photosensitive drum) 111: Developing device 112: First development Agent storage chamber (development chamber) 113: Second developer storage chamber (supply chamber) 114: Transition opening 114A: Transport regulating member 114B: Rotating shaft 114C: Gap 115: Partition wall 116: Developer carrier (development sleeve) 117: magnet 118: developer amount regulating means (doctor blade) 119: first developer stirring and conveying means 120: second developer stirring and conveying means 121: third developer stirring and conveying means 122: developer (toner) 123: Developer amount detecting means 124: Developer supply port 125: Toner cartridge 131: Primary charger 132: Exposure system 133: By Scan application means 134: a transfer charger 135: conveyor belt 136: heat-pressure fixing device 137: cleaning blade 138: cleaner 139: erase exposure P: transfer material (transfer paper)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 9/083 G03G 15/08 507E

Claims (37)

[Claims] 1. A developer container for accommodating a one-component developer, a developer carrier that supports the one-component developer supplied from the developer container on its surface and is rotatable around an axis. A developer stirring / conveying unit for stirring and transporting the one-component developer in the developer container toward the developer carrier, and a developer amount for regulating the developer amount on the developer carrier. Regulating means; and a developer amount detecting means for detecting the amount of developer in the developer container, wherein the developer carrying member carries an electrostatic latent image on its surface and is a latent image rotatable about an axis. The latent image carrier is disposed opposite the image carrier so that the axis is parallel to the latent image carrier. The latent image carrier is developed by applying a one-component developer to the latent image carrier to develop the latent image into a developer image. Wherein the developer container is formed so as to extend in the axial direction. A partition wall that divides the inside of the image agent container into a first developer storage chamber on the side of the developer carrier and a second developer storage chamber on the far side of the developer carrier; A slit-shaped opening formed so as to extend in the axial direction so that the developer storage chamber and the second developer storage chamber can communicate with each other,
The developer stirring / conveying means has an axis parallel to the axial direction and is rotatable around the axis. The first developer stirring / conveying means is disposed in the first developer accommodating chamber and stirs and conveys a one-component developer. Conveying means, second developer stirring and conveying means arranged near the partition wall in the second developer accommodating chamber for stirring and conveying the one-component developer, and the second developer in the second developer accommodating chamber A third developer stirring / transporting unit is provided at a position farther from the partition wall than the stirring / transporting unit, and stirs and transports the one-component type developer.The developer carrier includes a resin layer in which conductive fine powder is dispersed. A developing sleeve provided on the conductive metal substrate, a peripheral speed a (mm / s) of the developer carrier, and a peripheral speed b (mm / s) of the first developer stirring and conveying means; Peripheral speed c (mm / s) of the second developer stirring and conveying means,
Peripheral speed d (mm / s) of the third developer stirring and conveying means
Satisfies the following relationship: 0.007 ≦ b / a ≦ 0.08, and 0.01 ≦ d / c ≦ 0.2. In the developing device configured to be capable of collectively replenishing a one-component developer 1.5 times or more the set developer amount based on a detection result of detecting that the developer amount has been reduced to the developer container. The one-component developer has toner particles containing at least a binder resin, a colorant and a charge control agent, and has a weight average particle diameter of 4 μm to 1 μm.
1 μm, a fluidity index (G) of 70 or less, and a degree of compression (Co) of 15% to 65%. 2. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the developer amount detecting unit detects a decrease in the developer amount to a set developer amount, and detects a one-component developer that is 2.0 times or more the installed developer amount. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer is supplied collectively into the developer container. 3. A peripheral speed b of the first developer stirring and conveying means.
(Mm / s) and the peripheral speed c of the second developer stirring and conveying means.
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein (mm / s) further satisfies the following relationship: 1.0 ≦ c / b ≦ 2.0. 4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the first developer stirring and conveying unit, the second developer stirring and conveying unit, and the third developer stirring and conveying unit have the same rotation direction. apparatus. 5. The developer container is provided with a developer carrier and communicates with a first developer storage chamber as a development chamber for storing a one-component developer by an opening in a partition wall. And a second developer accommodating chamber as a replenishing chamber capable of replenishing the one-component developer.
Item 6. The developing device according to item 1. 6. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein said developer amount detecting means detects a developer amount in a second developer storage chamber. 7. The partition wall includes a transport regulating member for regulating a transport amount of the one-component developer between the first developer storage chamber and the second developer storage chamber by the opening to a predetermined amount. Item 7. The developing device according to any one of Items 1 to 6. 8. The transport regulating member has one end fixed,
The developing device according to claim 7, wherein the other end is an elastic member forming a free end. 9. The transport restricting member is a rigid member having one end rotatably supported and the other end forming a free end.
3. The developing device according to claim 1. 10. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein the transport regulating member is a rigid member having one end fixed and the other end disposed with a predetermined gap from an opening of the partition wall. 11. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the one-component developer has magnetic toner particles containing a magnetic material as a colorant. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developer amount regulating means is a magnetic blade for regulating a layer thickness of the one-component developer on the developer carrier to a predetermined thickness. The developing device as described in the above. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developer amount regulating unit is an elastic blade for regulating a layer thickness of the one-component developer on the developer carrier to a predetermined thickness. The developing device as described in the above. 14. The developer carrier according to claim 1, wherein the developer carrier is a cylindrical developing sleeve having a diameter of 10 mm to 40 mm.
4. The developing device according to any one of items 3. 15. The developer carrier having a peripheral speed of 160
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device has a speed of mm / s to 800 mm / s. 16. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the one-component developer has a weight average particle diameter of 4 μm to 10 μm. 17. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the one-component developer has a fluidity index (G) of 1 to 50. 18. The method according to claim 18, wherein the one-component developer has a compression degree (C
The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein o) is 20% to 60%. 19. An electrostatic latent image carried by the latent image carrier is developed using a developing device to form a developer image, and the developer image is transferred to a recording material using a transfer unit. 19. An image forming method in which a developer image transferred onto a recording material is fixed by a fixing unit, wherein the developing device is the developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18. Image forming method. 20. An electrostatic latent image carried by the latent image carrier is developed using a developing device to form a developer image, and the developer image is transferred to a recording material using a transfer unit. An image forming method in which a developer image transferred onto the recording material is fixed by a fixing unit, wherein the developing device includes a developer container for containing a one-component type developer and a developer container supplied from the developer container. A developer carrier that supports the one-component developer on the surface thereof and is rotatable around an axis, and agitates and transports the one-component developer in the developer container toward the developer carrier. A developer stirring / conveying unit, a developer amount regulating unit for regulating the amount of the developer on the developer carrier, and a developer amount detecting unit for detecting the amount of the developer in the developer container; The above-mentioned developer carrier carries an electrostatic latent image on its surface, and carries a latent image rotatable around an axis. The latent image carrier is disposed opposite to the latent image carrier so that the body and the axis are parallel to each other, and the latent image carrier is developed by applying a one-component developer to visualize the latent image as a developer image. A developer container, wherein the developer container is formed to extend in the axial direction and a first developer storage chamber on the developer carrier side in the developer container, and a second developer on the developer carrier remote side. A partition wall that is divided into a storage chamber and a slit-shaped opening formed to extend in the axial direction so that the first developer storage chamber and the second developer storage chamber can communicate with each other; The developer stirring and conveying means has an axis parallel to the axial direction and is rotatable around the axis, and is arranged in the first developer accommodating chamber and stirs and conveys the one-component developer. A first developer stirring / conveying means; A second developer stirring / conveying means for stirring / conveying the system developer; and a second developer stirring / conveying means disposed in the second developer accommodating chamber, further away from the partition wall than the second developer stirring / conveying means, for stirring / conveying the one-component developer. And a third developer stirring and conveying means, wherein the developer carrier has a developing sleeve having a resin layer in which conductive fine powder is dispersed on a conductive metal substrate. Peripheral speed a (m
m / s) and the peripheral speed b of the first developer stirring and conveying means.
(Mm / s), the peripheral speed c (mm / s) of the second developer stirring and conveying unit, and the peripheral speed d (mm / s) of the third developer stirring and conveying unit are as follows: 0.007 ≤ b / a ≤ 0.08 and 0.01 ≤ d / c ≤ 0.2, and the developer container is further characterized in that the developer amount detection means has decreased to a set developer amount. Based on the detection result, the one-component developer 1.5 times or more the set amount of the developer is used in an image forming method using a developing device configured to be collectively refillable in the developer container. The one-component developer for forming an image,
It has toner particles containing at least a binder resin, a colorant and a charge control agent, has a weight average particle size of 4 μm to 11 μm, has a fluidity index (G) of 70 or less, and has a compressibility ( Co) in an amount of 15% to 65%. 21. The one-component developer according to claim 20, wherein the one-component developer has a weight average particle diameter of 4 μm to 10 μm. 22. The one-component developer for forming an image according to claim 20, wherein the one-component developer has a fluidity index (G) of 1 to 50. 23. The one-component developer has a degree of compression (C
23. The one-component developer for image formation according to claim 20, wherein o) is from 20% to 60%. 24. The one-component developer according to claim 16, wherein the developer amount detecting unit detects that the developer amount has decreased to the set developer amount, and the developer amount is 2.0 times or more the installed developer amount. 24. The one-component developer for image formation according to claim 20, wherein the one-component developer is supplied collectively into the developer container. 25. A peripheral speed b (mm / s) of the first developer stirring and conveying unit and a peripheral speed c of the second developer stirring and conveying unit.
25. The one-component image forming developer according to claim 20, wherein (mm / s) further satisfies the following relationship: 1.0 ≦ c / b ≦ 2.0. 26. The image according to claim 20, wherein the first developer stirring and conveying unit, the second developer stirring and conveying unit, and the third developer stirring and conveying unit have the same rotation direction. One-component developer for forming. 27. The developer container communicates with a first developer accommodating chamber as a developing chamber for accommodating a one-component developer, in which a developer carrier is provided, by an opening in a partition wall. 27. The one-component developer for image formation according to claim 20, further comprising a second developer storage chamber as a replenishing chamber capable of replenishing the one-component developer. 28. The one-component developer for image formation according to claim 20, wherein said developer amount detecting means detects a developer amount in a second developer accommodating chamber. 29. The partition wall includes a transport regulating member for regulating the transport amount of the one-component developer between the first developer storage chamber and the second developer storage chamber by the opening to a predetermined amount. Item 29. The one-component developer for image formation according to any one of Items 20 to 28. 30. The one-component developer for image formation according to claim 29, wherein the transport regulating member is an elastic member having one end fixed and the other end free. 31. The one-component developer for image formation according to claim 29, wherein the transport regulating member is a rigid member having one end rotatably supported and the other end forming a free end. 32. The one-component system for image formation according to claim 29, wherein the transport regulating member is a rigid member having one end fixed and the other end disposed with a predetermined gap from an opening of the partition wall. Developer. 33. The one-component developer for image formation according to claim 20, wherein the one-component developer has magnetic toner particles containing a magnetic material as a colorant. 34. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the developer amount regulating unit is a magnetic blade for regulating a layer thickness of the one-component developer on the developer carrier to a predetermined thickness. The one-component developer for forming an image according to the above. 35. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the developer amount regulating means is an elastic blade for regulating a layer thickness of the one-component developer on the developer carrier to a predetermined thickness. The one-component developer for forming an image according to the above. 36. The one-component image forming developer according to claim 20, wherein the developer carrier is a cylindrical developing sleeve having a diameter of 10 mm to 40 mm. 37. The developer carrier has a peripheral speed of 160.
36. The pressure in the range of mm / s to 800 mm / s.
The one-component developer for image formation according to any one of the above.