JP2005099127A - Cleaning device, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and toner used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning device equipped with a coating application mechanism capable of stably lowering a coefficient of friction μ of an image carrier etc., by always compensating a coating weight by a lubricant in a specified amount even in a region where input toner is present much more than in other regions, and to provide a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and toner used for the same. <P>SOLUTION: The cleaning device has the coating application mechanism 20 arranged, which has a brush roller 202 for supplying a lubricant 201 to one or more of a photoreceptor 11, an intermediate transfer belt and conveyance belt 60, the lubricant 201 and a spring 203 allowing the lubricant 201 to abut on the brush roller 202, and adjusts the amount of supply by the brush roller 202 in an axial direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning device, a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and a toner used in the image forming by an electrostatic copying process such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer.

Representative methods of color image formation include a direct transfer system in which toner images of different colors formed on a plurality of photoconductors are transferred while being directly superimposed on a recording medium, and toners of different colors formed on a plurality of photoconductors. There is an intermediate transfer method in which an image is transferred while being superimposed on an intermediate transfer member, and then transferred onto a recording medium in a lump. Since a plurality of photoconductors are arranged side by side facing a recording medium or an intermediate transfer body, this is called a tandem method, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) for each photoconductor. An electrophotographic process such as formation and development of an electrostatic latent image is executed for each color, and the image is transferred onto a running recording medium in the direct transfer method, or onto a running intermediate transfer member in the intermediate transfer method.
In the tandem color image forming apparatus using each of these methods, the direct transfer method receives an endless belt that runs while supporting a recording medium, and the intermediate transfer method receives an image from a photoreceptor. Generally, an endless belt to be carried is employed. Then, an image forming unit including four photoconductors is installed side by side on one running side of the belt.

In the above tandem color image forming apparatus, when the image on the intermediate transfer belt or the photosensitive member is transferred to the next image carrier (including the recording medium), the remaining image remains without being completely transferred. In general, a cleaning unit such as a blade or a brush is installed for cleaning. The photosensitive member, the intermediate transfer belt, and the direct transfer belt need to have an image drawn directly on the photosensitive member, the intermediate transfer belt, and the direct transfer belt, and the density of the image must be monitored with an optical sensor or the like.
As described above, the cleaning method generally involves scraping an image from an image carrier such as an intermediate transfer belt, a direct transfer belt, or a photoreceptor with a blade, a brush, etc., but these methods do not provide sufficient cleaning properties. In this case, there is a method in which a lubricant such as zinc steering acid is applied to the surface of the image carrier with a brush roller. In addition, high cleaning properties are required for the polymerized toner, and the lubricant coating method is attracting attention.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a tandem-type image forming apparatus provided with irregular particle supply means for supplying irregular particles to an intermediate transfer member and to supply a cleaning blade that contacts each photosensitive member via the intermediate transfer member. Has been. As a result, the irregularly shaped particles of the cleaning blade edge enter the irregularly shaped particles to prevent the spherical toner from passing through the cleaning blade during image formation, thereby improving the cleaning performance.

However, it is in contact with the image carrier directly or via a brush or the like. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state of the lubricant arranged in the axial direction of the photoconductor and the like. As a result, toner or the like is input to the lubricant portion, but the toner that is transferred to the cleaning device (hereinafter referred to as “input toner”) is viewed from A in FIG. There may be a deviation with respect to the axial direction of the lubricant.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a density adjustment pattern in the image forming apparatus. As an example, the density of a pattern portion directly drawn on an image carrier such as a density adjustment pattern (X in FIG. 13) used for toner density or image density adjustment is detected to adjust the toner density and the like. Therefore, the input toner amount is larger in a certain area (Y in FIG. 13) of this pattern portion than in other areas (left and right of the Y portion in FIG. 13). In addition, there is a bias in the distribution of the input toner to the lubricant due to a bias in the image output by the user. As the input toner acts as an abrasive that polishes the lubricant, the region where there is a lot of input toner scrapes much of the lubricant, and the lubricant is reduced only in that region (Y in FIG. 13). As a result, the lubricant is dented compared to other regions. End up. Only the dents do not hit the lubricant and are not applied. Therefore, the friction coefficient μ is increased only in this region. As a result, the cleaning property of this region is deteriorated, and more toner is input than in other regions, resulting in a serious cleaning failure. Even if the pattern area is formed on the image carrier, the difference in toner amount is inherited from the intermediate transfer belt to the conveyance belt.

JP 2001-166659 A

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the problem is that the amount of application by a constant amount of lubricant is always compensated even in a region where the amount of input toner is larger than that of the other, and the image is stably held. The present invention provides a cleaning device, a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and a toner used in these, which are provided with an application mechanism capable of reducing a friction coefficient μ of a body or the like.

The features of the present invention, which is a means for solving the above problems, are listed below.
The cleaning device of the present invention is a cleaning device in which a cleaning blade for cleaning one or more toners of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer member, and a conveyance belt is disposed. An application mechanism having a lubricant supply member for supplying a lubricant, a lubricant, and a lubricant pressure member for bringing the lubricant into contact with the lubricant supply member is disposed, and the application mechanism adjusts the supply amount of the lubricant in the axial direction. It is characterized by.
Alternatively, the cleaning device of the present invention is further characterized in that the coating mechanism is provided with a plurality of lubricants.
Alternatively, in the cleaning device of the present invention, the coating mechanism further includes a first lubricant that coats an area where an image can be formed in the axial direction, and a second lubricant that coats an area where a lot of toner is conveyed to the cleaning device. It is characterized by installing.
Alternatively, in the cleaning device of the present invention, the coating mechanism further applies the first lubricant applied to the region where the toner conveyed to the cleaning device is small and the second lubricant applied to the region where the toner conveyed to the cleaning device is large. It is characterized by installing a lubricant.
Alternatively, the cleaning device of the present invention is further characterized in that the application mechanism directly applies the lubricant without disposing the lubricant supply member.
Alternatively, the cleaning device of the present invention is further characterized in that the application mechanism applies the first lubricant and the second lubricant with one lubricant supply member.
Alternatively, the cleaning device of the present invention further includes a plurality of cleaning blades.
Alternatively, the cleaning device of the present invention further includes a first cleaning blade that contacts the downstream side of the coating mechanism with respect to the rotation direction of the image carrier, the intermediate transfer member, and the conveyance belt, the image carrier, and the intermediate transfer member. And a second cleaning blade that is in contact with the upstream side of the coating mechanism with respect to the rotation direction of the conveyor belt.
Alternatively, in the cleaning device of the present invention, the first cleaning blade is brought into contact with a region where an image can be formed in the axial direction, and the second cleaning blade is applied to a region where a large amount of toner is conveyed to the cleaning device. It is characterized by contacting.
Alternatively, the cleaning device of the present invention is further characterized in that the cleaning blade is disposed upstream of the coating mechanism.
Alternatively, the cleaning device of the present invention is further characterized in that the coating mechanism is separated from one or more of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer member, and a conveyor belt.

A process cartridge according to the present invention includes at least an image carrier that carries a latent image and a cleaning device that cleans toner on the image carrier, and the process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. An application mechanism having a lubricant supply member for supplying a lubricant to the carrier, a lubricant, and a lubricant pressure member for bringing the lubricant into contact with the lubricant supply member is disposed, and the application mechanism is arranged in the axial direction of the image carrier. It is characterized by adjusting the supply amount.
Alternatively, in the process cartridge according to the present invention, the cleaning device is the cleaning device according to any one of claims 2 to 11.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention forms an image bearing member that carries a latent image, a charging device that charges the image bearing member by bringing a charging member into contact with or close to the surface of the image bearing member, and a latent image on the image bearing member. A transfer electric field is generated between the latent image forming device, the developing device for developing toner by attaching the toner to the latent image on the image carrier, and the intermediate transfer member and / or the recording member that moves while contacting the image carrier. An image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer device that forms and transfers a toner image formed on an image carrier onto an intermediate transfer member and / or a recording member; and a cleaning device that cleans toner on the image carrier. The cleaning device includes a lubricant supply member that supplies a lubricant to one or more of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer member, and a conveying belt, a lubricant, and a lubricant pressurizing member that causes the lubricant to contact the lubricant supply member. And the coating mechanism is The supply amount of the lubricant is adjusted in the axial direction.
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is further characterized in that an adjustment pattern for adjusting the toner density or the image density is formed on the image carrier.
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is further characterized in that the cleaning device is the cleaning device according to any one of claims 2 to 11.
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes the process cartridge according to claim 12 or 13.
Alternatively, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the toner further has a volume average particle diameter (Dv) in the range of 3 to 8 μm, and a ratio between the volume average particle diameter (Dv) and the number average particle diameter (Dn). The degree of dispersion defined by (Dv / Dn) is in the range of 1.00 to 1.40.
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is further characterized in that the toner has an average circularity in the range of 0.93 to 1.00.
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is further characterized in that the toner has a shape factor SF-1 in the range of 100 to 180 and a shape factor SF-2 in the range of 100 to 180.
Alternatively, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the toner has a substantially spherical appearance, and the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis (r2 / r1) is in the range of 0.5 to 1.0. The ratio of the thickness to the minor axis (r3 / r2) is in the range of 0.7 to 1.0, and the relationship of major axis r1 ≧ minor axis r2 ≧ thickness r3 is satisfied.
Alternatively, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the toner further includes a toner composition containing at least a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, a polyester, a colorant, and a release agent in an aqueous medium. The crosslinking and / or extension reaction is carried out in the presence of.

The toner of the present invention includes an image carrier that carries a latent image, a charging device that charges the image carrier by bringing a charging member into contact with or close to the surface of the image carrier, and a latent image that forms a latent image on the image carrier. A transfer electric field is formed between a forming device, a developing device that attaches toner to the latent image of the image carrier and develops it, and an intermediate transfer member and / or a conveyor belt that moves while contacting the image carrier. And a transfer device that transfers the toner image formed on the image carrier onto a recording member sandwiched between the intermediate transfer member and / or the conveyance belt, and the image carrier, intermediate transfer member, and conveyance belt. An application mechanism having a lubricant supply member for supplying a lubricant to one or more, a lubricant, and a lubricant pressure member for bringing the lubricant into contact with the lubricant supply member, and a cleaning blade are disposed, and the application mechanism is configured to remove the lubricant in the axial direction. An image provided with a cleaning device for adjusting the supply amount In the toner used in the forming apparatus, the toner has a volume average particle diameter (Dv) in the range of 3 to 8 μm, and a ratio (Dv / Dn) of the volume average particle diameter (Dv) to the number average particle diameter (Dn). The dispersity defined by is in the range of 1.00 to 1.40.
The toner of the present invention is further characterized in that the average circularity is in the range of 0.93 to 1.00.
The toner of the present invention is further characterized in that the shape factor SF-1 is in the range of 100 to 180 and the shape factor SF-2 is in the range of 100 to 180.
Further, the toner of the present invention has a substantially spherical appearance, and the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis (r2 / r1) is in the range of 0.5 to 1.0. The toner is characterized in that the ratio (r3 / r2) is in the range of 0.7 to 1.0 and the relationship of major axis r1 ≧ minor axis r2 ≧ thickness r3 is satisfied.
Further, the toner of the present invention further comprises a cross-linking of a toner composition containing at least a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, a polyester, a colorant, and a release agent in the presence of resin fine particles in an aqueous medium. And / or an extension reaction.

  By the means for solving the above problems, the cleaning device, the process cartridge, and the image forming apparatus of the present invention may cause the photosensitive member or the like due to a non-uniform amount of toner to be developed on the photosensitive member, the flow-sensitive transfer belt, or the conveyance belt. It is possible to reduce or eliminate the poor cleaning due to the lack or non-uniformity of the lubricant applied on the surface.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that it is easy for a person skilled in the art to make other embodiments by changing or correcting the present invention within the scope of the claims, and these changes and modifications are included in the scope of the claims. The following description is an example of the best mode of the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the claims.
One embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic direct color transfer color laser printer (hereinafter referred to as “laser printer”) as an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a laser printer according to the present embodiment. This laser printer includes four toner image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K (hereinafter referred to as “yellow” (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)). The subscripts Y, M, C, and K of the reference numerals indicate yellow, magenta, cyan, and black members, respectively, and the direction of movement of the transfer paper 100 (the belt 60 along the arrow A in the figure). In the traveling direction) from the upstream side. Each of the toner image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K includes photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K as image carriers and a developing unit. In addition, the arrangement of the toner image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is set so that the rotation axes of the photosensitive drums are parallel and arranged at a predetermined pitch in the transfer paper moving direction. .
In addition to the toner image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, the laser printer carries the optical writing unit 2, the paper feed cassettes 3 and 4, the registration roller pair 5, and the transfer paper 100, and each toner image forming unit. A transfer unit 6 as a belt driving device having a transfer conveyance belt 60 as a transfer conveyance member that conveys the sheet so as to pass through the transfer position, a belt fixing type fixing unit 7, a paper discharge tray 8, and the like. In addition, a manual feed tray MF and a toner supply container TC are provided, and a waste toner bottle, a duplex / reversing unit, a power supply unit, and the like (not shown) are also provided in a space S indicated by a two-dot chain line.
The optical writing unit 2 includes a light source, a polygon mirror, an f-θ lens, a reflection mirror, and the like, and irradiates the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K while scanning the laser beam based on the image data. To do.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a schematic configuration of the transfer unit 6. The transfer conveyance belt 60 used in the transfer unit 6 is a high-resistance endless single-layer belt having a volume resistivity of 10 ⁹ to 10 ¹¹ Ωcm, and the material thereof is PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). The transfer / conveying belt 60 is wound around support rollers 61 to 68 so as to pass through transfer positions that are in contact with and face the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K of the toner image forming units.
Among these support rollers, the entrance roller 61 on the upstream side in the transfer sheet moving direction is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer conveyance belt 60 so that the electrostatic adsorption roller 80 to which a predetermined voltage is applied from the power source 65a is opposed. Yes. The transfer paper 100 that has passed between the two rollers 61 and 65 is electrostatically attracted onto the transfer conveyance belt 60.
A roller 63 is a drive roller that frictionally drives the transfer conveyance belt 60, and is connected to a drive source (not shown) and rotates in the direction of the arrow.

As a transfer electric field forming means for forming a transfer electric field at each transfer position, transfer bias applying members 67Y, 67M, 67C, and 67K are provided at positions facing the photosensitive drum so as to be in contact with the back surface of the transfer conveyance belt 60. ing. These are bias rollers provided with a sponge or the like on the outer periphery, and a transfer bias is applied to the roller core from each transfer bias power source 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K. Due to the action of the applied transfer bias, a transfer charge is applied to the transfer conveyance belt 60, and a transfer electric field having a predetermined strength is formed between the transfer conveyance belt 60 and the surface of the photosensitive drum at each transfer position. In addition, a backup roller 68 is provided to keep the contact between the transfer paper and the photoconductor in the area where the transfer is performed, and to obtain the best transfer nip.
The transfer bias applying members 67Y, 67M, and 67C and the backup roller 68 disposed in the vicinity thereof are integrally held by the swing bracket 93 so as to be rotatable, and can be rotated around a rotation shaft 94. This rotation is clockwise when the cam 96 fixed to the cam shaft 97 is rotated in the direction of the arrow.
The entrance roller 61 and the suction roller 80 are integrally supported by the entrance roller bracket 90, and can be rotated clockwise from the state shown in FIG. A hole 95 provided in the swing bracket 93 and a pin 92 fixed to the entrance roller bracket 90 are engaged with each other, and rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the swing bracket 93. By the clockwise rotation of these brackets 90, 93, the bias applying members 67Y, 67M, 67C and the backup roller 68 disposed in the vicinity thereof are separated from the photoreceptors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and the entrance roller 61 and the suction roller 80 also moves downward. It is possible to avoid contact between the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, and 11C and the transfer conveyance belt 60 when forming a black-only image.

On the other hand, the transfer bias applying member 67K and the backup roller 68 adjacent to the transfer bias applying member 67K are rotatably supported by the outlet bracket 98, and are rotatable about a shaft 99 coaxial with the outlet roller 62. When attaching / detaching the transfer unit 6 to / from the main body, the transfer unit 6K is rotated clockwise by operating a handle (not shown), and the transfer bias applying member 67K and the backup roller 68 adjacent thereto are moved from the black image forming photosensitive member 11K. They are separated.
A cleaning device 85 composed of a brush roller and a cleaning blade is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer conveyance belt 60 wound around the driving roller 63. The cleaning device 85 removes foreign matters such as toner adhering to the transfer conveyance belt 60.
A roller 64 is provided downstream of the driving roller 63 in the traveling direction of the transfer conveyance belt 60 in a direction to push the outer peripheral surface of the transfer conveyance belt, and a winding angle around the drive roller 83 is ensured. A tension roller 65 that applies tension to the belt with a pressing member (spring) 69 is provided in the loop of the transfer conveyance belt 60 further downstream from the roller 64.
The one-dot chain line in FIG. 1 shown above indicates the conveyance path of the transfer paper 100. The transfer paper 100 fed from the paper feed cassettes 3 and 4 or the manual feed tray MF is transported by transport rollers while being guided by a transport guide (not shown), and is transported to a temporary stop position where the registration roller pair 5 is provided. The transfer paper 100 delivered at a predetermined timing by the registration roller pair 5 is carried on the transfer conveyance belt 60, conveyed toward the toner image forming portions 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, and passes through the transfer nips. .

The toner images developed on the toner drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K of the toner image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are superimposed on the transfer paper 100 at the transfer nips, respectively. It is transferred onto the transfer paper 100 under the action of pressure. By this superposition transfer, a full-color toner image is formed on the transfer paper 100.
The surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K after the toner image transfer are cleaned by a cleaning device, and are further discharged to prepare for the formation of the next electrostatic latent image.
On the other hand, the transfer paper 100 on which the full-color toner image is formed is fixed in the first discharge direction B or the second in accordance with the rotation posture of the switching guide G after the full-color toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 7. In the paper discharge direction C. When the paper is discharged from the first paper discharge direction B onto the paper discharge tray 8, it is stacked in a so-called face-down state with the image surface down. On the other hand, when the paper is discharged in the second paper discharge direction C, it is conveyed toward another post-processing device (such as a sorter or a binding device) (not shown), or is registered again for double-sided printing via a switchback unit. It is conveyed to the roller pair 5.

Next, the characteristic part of this embodiment is demonstrated.
As a specific example, FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a coating mechanism arranged in the transfer conveyance belt 60 cleaning device. Here, the cleaning device for the transfer conveyance belt 60 will be described, but a cleaning device for the photosensitive member may be used as a matter of course.
The image is cleaned from the transfer / conveyance belt 60 by the cleaning blade 101 with respect to the transfer residual toner on the transfer / conveyance belt 60, the running state of the intermediate transfer member, and the alignment of each color. The toner cleaned by the cleaning blade 101 falls, is transported by the toner transport screw 103 provided in the case 102 of the cleaning device 17, and is sent to the waste toner transport path in the machine. Here, the cleaning blade 101 is a tension roller that gives an appropriate tension to the intermediate transfer member through the image bearing member. The positional relationship between the cleaning blade 101 and the tension roller 15 greatly affects the cleaning performance. This is because this positional relationship affects the cleaning angle and contact pressure of the leading edge portion of the cleaning blade 101.
Further, the coating mechanism 200 is disposed in the case 102 of the cleaning device 17. The application mechanism 200 includes a lubricant 201, a lubricant supply member 202 that applies the lubricant, and a lubricant pressure member 203 that contacts the lubricant supply member 202 with a predetermined pressure.

As described above, the cleaning method generally uses a blade, a brush, or the like to scrape an image from an image carrier such as an intermediate transfer belt, a transfer conveyance belt, or a photoreceptor, but these methods do not provide sufficient cleaning properties. In this case, a lubricant 201 such as a steering acid zinc pressed by a spring 203 or the like as a lubricant pressing member is shaved with a brush roller 202 or the like as a lubricant supply member to form a powder, which is applied to the surface of the photoreceptor 11 or the transfer conveyance belt 60. To do.
However, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 13, the lubricant 201 provided one lubricant in the axial direction, but in the present invention, a plurality of lubricants are provided. 4A and 4B are a cross-sectional view and a side view, respectively, showing the configuration of the coating mechanism disposed in the cleaning device of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 4, the lubricant 201 is divided into a plurality. This separates the lubricant 201b in the area that can be sharpened and the lubricants 201a and 201c in the areas that are less likely to be shaved, and causes each area to abut against the mating member evenly. This can be adjusted with a spring 203. In the region where the input toner is large, the pressure of the spring 203b is decreased, and in the region where the input toner is small, the springs 201a and 201c are increased. As a result, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the cleaning failure due to insufficient application of the lubricant depending on the region.

FIG. 5 is a configuration of an application mechanism arranged in the cleaning device of the present invention, and shows direct application (a) a sectional view, (b) a side view from the A direction, and (c) a side view from the B direction. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing application by a brush roller in the configuration of the application mechanism arranged in the cleaning device of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing that application is performed by one brush roller in the configuration of the application mechanism arranged in the cleaning device of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the lubricant is provided at a plurality of locations, and the second lubricant 204 is limited to an area where the first length of the first lubricant 201 is usually sharpened. Insufficient coating amount of the first lubricant 201 can be compensated by the second lubricant 204. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the lubricant may be applied directly to the photosensitive member, the transfer conveyance belt 60, and the conveyance belt. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, it may apply | coat with a brush roller, and as shown in FIG. 7, you may apply | coat with one brush roller. In any case, by using a plurality of lubricants 201 and 204 to uniformize the application amount on the photosensitive member and transfer / conveying belt 6060, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the cleaning failure due to insufficient application of the lubricant.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a configuration in which a plurality of cleaning blades are provided in the cleaning device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, a normal first cleaning blade is installed downstream, and a second cleaning blade is installed upstream in a region where the amount of input toner is larger than the others. As a result, the amount of toner input to the lubricant can be set to the same level as in other areas by the cleaning blade arranged upstream of the lubricant application mechanism, or the toner can be completely prevented from being conveyed and input.
A first cleaning blade having a normal length may be provided upstream from the coating mechanism, but this is effective when there is no space in the upstream portion. By installing a blade of normal length upstream of the lubricant application mechanism, the amount of toner input to the lubricant can be input at the same level as other regions or completely eliminated. Accordingly, by installing a blade having a normal length, the amount of toner input to the lubricant can be made equal to that in other regions, or the toner to be input can be completely eliminated.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a configuration in which the coating mechanism is separated from the photoreceptor or the like in the cleaning device of the present invention. The coating mechanism is not brought into contact with the photoconductor, and the lubricant shaved on the photoconductor is sprayed with a brush roller using gravity. Without contact, it is possible to eliminate the deviation of the lubricant scraping distribution due to the distribution deviation of the toner amount on the photoreceptor, and it is possible to reduce or eliminate the cleaning failure due to insufficient application of the lubricant.
As the lubricant, metal soap such as low molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter referred to as “low molecular weight PTFE”), fatty acid metal salt or the like is used.
Low molecular weight PTFE refers to PTFE having an average molecular weight of several hundreds of thousands or less, but is manufactured by controlling the molecular weight by a polymerization method, a radiolysis method, a thermal decomposition method, etc., and the average molecular weight is kept low. Yes. By keeping the average molecular weight low, the effect of the lubricant is exhibited.

  In addition, as metal soap, zinc stearate, barium stearate, lead stearate, iron stearate, nickel stearate, cobalt stearate, copper stearate, strontium stearate, calcium stearate, cadmium stearate, magnesium stearate, Zinc oleate, manganese oleate, iron oleate, cobalt oleate, lead oleate, magnesium oleate, copper oleate, palmitic acid, cobalt zinc palmitate, copper palmitate, magnesium palmitate, aluminum palmitate, palmitate List higher fatty acids such as calcium, lead caprylate, lead caproate, zinc linolenate, cobalt linolenate, calcium linolenate, and cadmium ricolinolenate. It can be. Natural waxes such as carnauba wax can also be used.

The toner used in each of the toner image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K has a volume average particle diameter of 3.0 to 8.0 μm, and has a volume average particle diameter (Dv) and a number average particle diameter (Dn). ) (Dv / Dn) is preferably in the range of 1.00 to 1.40. By narrowing the particle size distribution of the toner, the charge amount distribution becomes uniform and a high-quality image with little background fogging can be obtained. Further, since the transfer rate can be increased, the amount of transfer residual toner in each toner image forming unit 1 can be reduced.
The volume average particle size (Dv) and the ratio (Dv / Dn) of the volume average particle size (Dv) to the number average particle size (Dn) are the Coulter Counter TA-II or Coulter Multisizer (Coulter Corporation). Can be used.

Further, the toner used in each of the toner image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K preferably has a shape factor SF-1 in the range of 100 to 180 and a shape factor SF-2 in the range of 100 to 180.
FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the shape of the toner for explaining the shape factor SF-1 and the shape factor SF-2. The shape factor SF-1 indicates the ratio of the roundness of the toner shape and is represented by the following formula (1). This is a value obtained by dividing the square of the maximum length MXLNG of the shape formed by projecting the toner on a two-dimensional plane by the figure area AREA and multiplying by 100π / 4.
SF-1 = {(MXLNG) ² / AREA} × (100π / 4) (1)
When the value of SF-1 is 100, the shape of the toner becomes a true sphere, and becomes larger as the value of SF-1 increases.
The shape factor SF-2 indicates the ratio of the unevenness of the toner shape, and is represented by the following formula (2). A value obtained by dividing the square of the perimeter PERI of the figure formed by projecting the toner on the two-dimensional plane by the figure area AREA and multiplying by 100π / 4.
SF-2 = {(PERI) ² / AREA} × (100π / 4) Expression (2)
When the value of SF-2 is 100, there is no unevenness on the toner surface, and as the value of SF-2 increases, the unevenness of the toner surface becomes more prominent.
Specifically, the shape factor is measured by taking a photograph of the toner with a scanning electron microscope (S-800: manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.), introducing it into an image analyzer (LUSEX 3: manufactured by Nireco) and analyzing it. Calculated.
When the shape of the toner is close to a spherical shape, the contact between the toner and the toner or the toner and the photosensitive drum 40 is close to a point contact, so that the adsorbing force between the toners is weakened and the fluidity is increased. The attracting force with the photosensitive drum 40 is also weakened, and the transfer rate is increased. On the other hand, since spherical toner tends to enter the gap between the cleaning blades 75 and 101 and the photosensitive drum 40, the toner shape factor SF-1 or SF-2 is preferably large to some extent. Further, when SF-1 and SF-2 are increased, toner is scattered on the image and the image quality is lowered. For this reason, it is preferable that SF-1 and SF-2 do not exceed 180.

  The toner used in each toner image forming unit 1 includes, for example, a toner material liquid in which at least a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, polyester, a colorant, and a release agent are dispersed in an organic solvent. A toner obtained by crosslinking and / or elongation reaction in an aqueous solvent. Hereinafter, examples of the constituent material and the manufacturing method of the toner will be described.

(Modified polyester)
The toner according to the present invention contains a modified polyester (i) as a binder resin. The modified polyester (i) refers to a state in which a bonding group other than an ester bond is present in the polyester resin, or resin components having different configurations are bonded to the polyester resin by a covalent bond, an ionic bond, or the like. Specifically, the polyester terminal is modified by introducing a functional group such as a carboxylic acid group or an isocyanate group that reacts with a hydroxyl group into the polyester terminal and further reacting with an active hydrogen-containing compound.

  Examples of the modified polyester (i) include urea-modified polyester obtained by a reaction between a polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group and amines (B). As the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group, a polyester having a polycondensate of a polyhydric alcohol (PO) and a polyvalent carboxylic acid (PC) and having an active hydrogen group is further added to a polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC). And those reacted with. Examples of the active hydrogen group possessed by the polyester include a hydroxyl group (alcoholic hydroxyl group and phenolic hydroxyl group), an amino group, a carboxyl group, a mercapto group, and the like. Among these, an alcoholic hydroxyl group is preferable.

The urea-modified polyester is produced as follows.
Examples of the polyhydric alcohol compound (PO) include dihydric alcohol (DIO) and trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol (TO). (DIO) alone or a mixture of (DIO) and a small amount of (TO) preferable. Examples of the dihydric alcohol (DIO) include alkylene glycol (ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, etc.); alkylene ether glycol (diethylene glycol) , Triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene ether glycol, etc.); alicyclic diols (1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, hydrogenated bisphenol A, etc.); bisphenols (bisphenol A, bisphenol) F, bisphenol S, etc.); alkylene oxide (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, etc.) adduct of the above alicyclic diol; Alkylene oxide bisphenol (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, etc.), etc. adducts. Among them, preferred are alkylene glycols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols, and particularly preferred are alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols and alkylene glycols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. It is a combined use. The trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol (TO) includes 3 to 8 or higher polyhydric aliphatic alcohols (glycerin, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, etc.); trihydric or higher phenols (Trisphenol PA, phenol novolak, cresol novolak, etc.); and alkylene oxide adducts of the above trivalent or higher polyphenols.

  Examples of the polyvalent carboxylic acid (PC) include divalent carboxylic acid (DIC) and trivalent or higher polyvalent carboxylic acid (TC). (DIC) alone and (DIC) with a small amount of (TC) Mixtures are preferred. Divalent carboxylic acids (DIC) include alkylene dicarboxylic acids (succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, etc.); alkenylene dicarboxylic acids (maleic acid, fumaric acid, etc.); aromatic dicarboxylic acids (phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid) And naphthalenedicarboxylic acid). Of these, preferred are alkenylene dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 20 carbon atoms and aromatic dicarboxylic acids having 8 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of the trivalent or higher polyvalent carboxylic acid (TC) include aromatic polycarboxylic acids having 9 to 20 carbon atoms (such as trimellitic acid and pyromellitic acid). In addition, as polyhydric carboxylic acid (PC), you may make it react with polyhydric alcohol (PO) using the above-mentioned acid anhydride or lower alkyl ester (Methyl ester, ethyl ester, isopropyl ester, etc.).

The ratio of the polyhydric alcohol (PO) to the polycarboxylic acid (PC) is usually 2/1 to 1/1, preferably as the equivalent ratio [OH] / [COOH] of the hydroxyl group [OH] and the carboxyl group [COOH]. Is 1.5 / 1 to 1/1, more preferably 1.3 / 1 to 1.02 / 1.
Examples of the polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC) include aliphatic polyisocyanates (tetramethylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,6-diisocyanatomethylcaproate, etc.); alicyclic polyisocyanates (isophorone diisocyanate, cyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, etc.) Aromatic diisocyanates (tolylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, etc.); araliphatic diisocyanates (α, α, α ′, α′-tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate, etc.); isocyanates; Those blocked with caprolactam or the like; and combinations of two or more of these.

  The ratio of the polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC) is usually 5/1 to 1/1, preferably as an equivalent ratio [NCO] / [OH] of the isocyanate group [NCO] and the hydroxyl group [OH] of the polyester having a hydroxyl group. 4/1 to 1.2 / 1, more preferably 2.5 / 1 to 1.5 / 1. When [NCO] / [OH] exceeds 5, low-temperature fixability deteriorates. When the molar ratio of [NCO] is less than 1, when a urea-modified polyester is used, the urea content in the ester is lowered and hot offset resistance is deteriorated.

The content of the polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC) component in the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group is usually 0.5 to 40 wt%, preferably 1 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 20 wt%. . If it is less than 0.5 wt%, the hot offset resistance deteriorates, and it is disadvantageous in terms of both heat-resistant storage stability and low-temperature fixability. On the other hand, if it exceeds 40 wt%, the low-temperature fixability deteriorates.
The number of isocyanate groups contained per molecule in the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group is usually 1 or more, preferably 1.5 to 3 on average, more preferably 1.8 to 2 on average. Five. If it is less than 1 per molecule, the molecular weight of the urea-modified polyester will be low, and the hot offset resistance will deteriorate.

Next, as amines (B) to be reacted with the polyester prepolymer (A), a divalent amine compound (B1), a trivalent or higher polyvalent amine compound (B2), an amino alcohol (B3), an amino mercaptan (B4) ), Amino acid (B5), and amino acid block of B1 to B5 (B6).
Examples of the divalent amine compound (B1) include aromatic diamines (phenylenediamine, diethyltoluenediamine, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, etc.); alicyclic diamines (4,4′-diamino-3,3′-dimethyldicyclohexyl). Methane, diamine cyclohexane, isophorone diamine, etc.); and aliphatic diamines (ethylene diamine, tetramethylene diamine, hexamethylene diamine, etc.) and the like. Examples of the trivalent or higher polyvalent amine compound (B2) include diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetramine. Examples of amino alcohol (B3) include ethanolamine and hydroxyethylaniline. Examples of amino mercaptan (B4) include aminoethyl mercaptan and aminopropyl mercaptan. Examples of the amino acid (B5) include aminopropionic acid and aminocaproic acid. Examples of the compound (B6) obtained by blocking the amino group of B1 to B5 include ketimine compounds and oxazolidine compounds obtained from the amines of B1 to B5 and ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, etc.). Among these amines (B), preferred are B1 and a mixture of B1 and a small amount of B2.

The ratio of amines (B) is equivalent to the equivalent ratio [NCO] / [NHx] of isocyanate groups [NCO] in the polyester prepolymer (A) having isocyanate groups and amino groups [NHx] in amines (B). Is usually 1/2 to 2/1, preferably 1.5 / 1 to 1 / 1.5, more preferably 1.2 / 1 to 1 / 1.2. When [NCO] / [NHx] is more than 2 or less than 1/2, the molecular weight of the urea-modified polyester is lowered, and the hot offset resistance is deteriorated.
The urea-modified polyester may contain a urethane bond together with a urea bond. The molar ratio of the urea bond content to the urethane bond content is usually 100/0 to 10/90, preferably 80/20 to 20/80, and more preferably 60/40 to 30/70. When the molar ratio of the urea bond is less than 10%, the hot offset resistance is deteriorated.

The modified polyester (i) used in the present invention is produced by a one-shot method or a prepolymer method. The weight average molecular weight of the modified polyester (i) is usually 10,000 or more, preferably 20,000 to 10,000,000, more preferably 30,000 to 1,000,000. The peak molecular weight at this time is preferably 1000 to 10000. When the molecular weight is less than 1000, the elongation reaction hardly occurs, the elasticity of the toner is small, and as a result, the resistance to hot offset deteriorates. On the other hand, when it exceeds 10,000, the problem in production becomes high in the deterioration of fixability, particle formation and pulverization. The number average molecular weight of the modified polyester (i) is not particularly limited when the unmodified polyester (ii) described later is used, and may be a number average molecular weight that can be easily obtained to obtain the weight average molecular weight. (I) When used alone, the number average molecular weight is usually 20000 or less, preferably 1000 to 10000, and more preferably 2000 to 8000. When it exceeds 20000, the low-temperature fixability and the glossiness when used in a full-color device are deteriorated.
In the crosslinking and / or extension reaction between the polyester prepolymer (A) and the amines (B) to obtain the modified polyester (i), a reaction terminator is used as necessary to adjust the molecular weight of the resulting urea-modified polyester. be able to. Examples of the reaction terminator include monoamines (diethylamine, dibutylamine, butylamine, laurylamine, etc.), and those obtained by blocking them (ketimine compounds).
The molecular weight of the polymer produced can be measured using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with THF as a solvent.

(Unmodified polyester)
In the present invention, not only the modified polyester (i) is used alone, but also the unmodified polyester (ii) can be contained as a binder resin component together with the (i). By using (ii) in combination, the low-temperature fixability and the gloss when used in a full-color device are improved, which is preferable to single use. Examples of (ii) include polycondensates of polyhydric alcohol (PO) and polyvalent carboxylic acid (PC) similar to the polyester component of (i), and preferred ones are also the same as (i). . (Ii) is not limited to unmodified polyester, but may be modified with a chemical bond other than a urea bond, and may be modified with a urethane bond, for example. It is preferable that (i) and (ii) are at least partially compatible in terms of low-temperature fixability and hot offset resistance. Accordingly, the polyester component (i) and (ii) preferably have similar compositions. When (ii) is contained, the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) is usually 5/95 to 80/20, preferably 5/95 to 30/70, more preferably 5/95 to 25/75, Particularly preferred is 7/93 to 20/80. When the weight ratio of (i) is less than 5%, the hot offset resistance is deteriorated, and it is disadvantageous in terms of both heat-resistant storage stability and low-temperature fixability.

  The peak molecular weight of (ii) is usually 1000 to 10,000, preferably 2000 to 8000, and more preferably 2000 to 5000. If it is less than 1000, heat-resistant storage stability will deteriorate, and if it exceeds 10,000, low-temperature fixability will deteriorate. The hydroxyl value of (ii) is preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 to 120, and particularly preferably 20 to 80. If it is less than 5, it is disadvantageous in terms of both heat-resistant storage stability and low-temperature fixability. The acid value of (ii) is preferably 1 to 5, more preferably 2 to 4. Since a high acid value wax is used as the wax, the low acid value binder leads to electrification and high volume resistance, so that it is easy to match the toner used for the two-component developer.

The glass transition point (Tg) of the binder resin is usually 35 to 70 ° C, preferably 55 to 65 ° C. If it is less than 35 ° C., the heat resistant storage stability of the toner is deteriorated, and if it exceeds 70 ° C., the low-temperature fixability is insufficient. Since the urea-modified polyester is likely to be present on the surface of the obtained toner base particles, the toner of the present invention tends to have good heat storage stability even when the glass transition point is low, as compared with known polyester-based toners. Show.
The glass transition point (Tg) can be measured with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).

(Coloring agent)
As the colorant, all known dyes and pigments can be used. For example, carbon black, nigrosine dye, iron black, naphthol yellow S, Hansa yellow (10G, 5G, G), cadmium yellow, yellow iron oxide, ocher , Yellow lead, titanium yellow, polyazo yellow, oil yellow, Hansa yellow (GR, A, RN, R), pigment yellow L, benzidine yellow (G, GR), permanent yellow (NCG), Vulcan fast yellow (5G, R), Tartrazine Lake, Quinoline Yellow Lake, Anthrazan Yellow BGL, Isoindolinone Yellow, Bengala, Red Dan, Lead Zhu, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Mercury Red, Antimon Zhu, Permanent Red 4R, Para Red, Phi Sayred, Parachlor Ortonito Aniline Red, Resol Fast Scarlet G, Brilliant Fast Scarlet, Brilliant Carmin Min BS, Permanent Red (F2R, F4R, FRL, FRLL, F4RH), Fast Scarlet VD, Belkan Fast Rubin B, Brilliant Scarlet G, Resol Rubin GX, Permanent Red F5R , Brilliant Carmine 6B, Pigment Scarlet 3B, Bordeaux 5B, Toluidine Maroon, Permanent Bordeaux F2K, Helio Bordeaux BL, Bordeaux 10B, Bon Maroon Light, Bon Maroon Medium, Eosin Lake, Rhodamine Lake B, Rhodamine Lake Y, Alizarin Lake, Thio Indigo Red B, Thioindigo Maroon, Oil Red, Quinacridone Red, Pyrazolone Red Polyazo Red, Chrome Vermillion, Benzidine Orange, Perinone Orange, Oil Orange, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Alkaline Blue Lake, Peacock Blue Lake, Victoria Blue Lake, Metal Free Phthalocyanine Blue, Phthalocyanine Blue, Fast Sky Blue, Indanthrene Blue (RS, BC), indigo, ultramarine blue, bitumen, anthraquinone blue, fast violet B, methyl violet lake, cobalt purple, manganese purple, dioxane violet, anthraquinone violet, chrome green, zinc green, chromium oxide, pyridian, emerald green, pigment Green B, Naphthol Green B, Green Gold, Acid Green Lake, Malachite Green Lake, Lid Russian nin green, anthraquinone green, titanium oxide, zinc white, litbon and mixtures thereof can be used. The content of the colorant is usually 1 to 15% by weight, preferably 3 to 10% by weight, based on the toner.

  The colorant can also be used as a master batch combined with a resin. As a binder resin to be kneaded with the production of the master batch or the master batch, a polymer of styrene such as polystyrene, poly-p-chlorostyrene, polyvinyl toluene or the like, or a copolymer of these and a vinyl compound, Polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, epoxy resin, epoxy polyol resin, polyurethane, polyamide, polyvinyl butyral, polyacrylic acid resin, rosin, modified rosin, terpene resin, fat Aromatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic petroleum resins, chlorinated paraffins, paraffin waxes and the like can be mentioned, and these can be used alone or in combination.

(Charge control agent)
Known charge control agents can be used, such as nigrosine dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, chromium-containing metal complex dyes, molybdate chelate pigments, rhodamine dyes, alkoxy amines, quaternary ammonium salts (fluorine-modified 4 Secondary ammonium salts or compounds, tungsten simple substances or compounds, fluorine activators, salicylic acid metal salts, and metal salts of salicylic acid derivatives. Specifically, Bontron 03 of a nigrosine dye, Bontron P-51 of a quaternary ammonium salt, Bontron S-34 of a metal-containing azo dye, E-82 of an oxynaphthoic acid metal complex, E-84 of a salicylic acid metal complex , Phenolic condensate E-89 (above, Orient Chemical Industries, Ltd.), quaternary ammonium salt molybdenum complex TP-302, TP-415 (above, Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.), quaternary ammonium salt copy Charge PSY VP2038, copy blue PR of triphenylmethane derivative, copy charge of quaternary ammonium salt NEG VP2036, copy charge NX VP434 (manufactured by Hoechst), LRA-901, LR-147 which is a boron complex (Nippon Carlit) Manufactured), copper phthalocyanine, perylene, quinacridone, azo series Fee, a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group, and polymer compounds having a functional group such as quaternary ammonium salts. Of these, substances that control the negative polarity of the toner are particularly preferably used.
The amount of the charge control agent used is determined by the type of binder resin, the presence or absence of additives used as necessary, and the toner production method including the dispersion method, and is not uniquely limited. Preferably, it is used in the range of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the binder resin. The range of 0.2 to 5 parts by weight is preferable. When the amount exceeds 10 parts by weight, the chargeability of the toner is too high, the effect of the charge control agent is reduced, the electrostatic attraction with the developing roller is increased, the flowability of the developer is lowered, and the image density is lowered. Invite.

(Release agent)
As a release agent, a low melting point wax having a melting point of 50 to 120 ° C. works more effectively as a release agent in the dispersion with the binder resin between the fixing roller and the toner interface. The effect on high temperature offset is exhibited without applying a release agent such as oil. Examples of such a wax component include the following. Examples of waxes and waxes include plant waxes such as carnauba wax, cotton wax, wood wax, rice wax, animal waxes such as beeswax and lanolin, mineral waxes such as ozokerite and cercin, and paraffin, microcrystalline, And petroleum waxes such as petrolatum. In addition to these natural waxes, synthetic hydrocarbon waxes such as Fischer-Tropsch wax and polyethylene wax, and synthetic waxes such as esters, ketones, and ethers can be used. Furthermore, fatty acid amides such as 12-hydroxystearic acid amide, stearic acid amide, phthalic anhydride imide, chlorinated hydrocarbon, and low molecular weight crystalline polymer resin, poly-n-stearyl methacrylate, poly-n- A crystalline polymer having a long alkyl group in the side chain such as a homopolymer or copolymer of polyacrylate such as lauryl methacrylate (for example, a copolymer of n-stearyl acrylate-ethyl methacrylate, etc.) can also be used. .
The charge control agent and the release agent can be melt-kneaded together with the master batch and the binder resin, and of course, they may be added when dissolved and dispersed in the organic solvent.

(External additive)
Inorganic fine particles are preferably used as an external additive for assisting the fluidity, developability and chargeability of the toner particles. The primary particle diameter of the inorganic fine particles is preferably 5 × ¹⁰ -3 ~2μm, it is particularly preferably 5 × ¹⁰ -3 ~0.5μm. Moreover, it is preferable that the specific surface area by BET method is 20-500 m < ² > / g. The use ratio of the inorganic fine particles is preferably 0.01 to 5 wt% of the toner, and particularly preferably 0.01 to 2.0 wt%.
Specific examples of the inorganic fine particles include, for example, silica, alumina, titanium oxide, barium titanate, magnesium titanate, calcium titanate, strontium titanate, zinc oxide, tin oxide, quartz sand, clay, mica, wollastonite, diatomaceous earth. Examples include soil, chromium oxide, cerium oxide, bengara, antimony trioxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, barium sulfate, barium carbonate, calcium carbonate, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride. Among these, as the fluidity imparting agent, it is preferable to use hydrophobic silica fine particles and hydrophobic titanium oxide fine particles in combination. In particular, when stirring and mixing are performed using particles having an average particle diameter of 5 × 10 ⁻² μm or less, the electrostatic force and van der Waals force with the toner are remarkably improved. Even when stirring and mixing inside the developing device is performed to obtain a good image quality that does not cause the release of the fluidity imparting agent from the toner and does not generate firefly, etc., and further reduces the residual toner. It is done.
Titanium oxide fine particles are excellent in environmental stability and image density stability, but have a tendency to deteriorate the charge rise characteristics. Therefore, if the amount of titanium oxide fine particles added is larger than the amount of silica fine particles added, this side effect is affected. It can be considered large. However, when the added amount of the hydrophobic silica fine particles and the hydrophobic titanium oxide fine particles is in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 wt%, the charge rising characteristics are not greatly impaired, and the desired charge rising characteristics can be obtained, that is, repeated copying. Stable image quality can be obtained even if

Next, a toner manufacturing method will be described. Here, although a preferable manufacturing method is shown, it is not limited to this.
(Toner production method)
1) A toner material solution is prepared by dispersing a colorant, unmodified polyester, a polyester prepolymer having an isocyanate group, and a release agent in an organic solvent.
The organic solvent is preferably volatile with a boiling point of less than 100 ° C. from the viewpoint of easy removal after toner base particle formation. Specifically, toluene, xylene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, chloroform, monochlorobenzene, dichloroethylidene, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl isobutyl ketone and the like can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In particular, aromatic solvents such as toluene and xylene and halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride are preferable. The usage-amount of an organic solvent is 1-300 weight part normally with respect to 100 weight part of polyester prepolymers, Preferably it is 1-100 weight part, More preferably, it is 25-70 weight part.

2) The toner material liquid is emulsified in an aqueous medium in the presence of a surfactant and resin fine particles.
The aqueous medium may be water alone or an organic solvent such as alcohol (methanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, etc.), dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, cellosolves (methyl cellosolve, etc.), lower ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.). It may be included.
The amount of the aqueous medium used relative to 100 parts by weight of the toner material liquid is usually 50 to 2000 parts by weight, preferably 100 to 1000 parts by weight. If the amount is less than 50 parts by weight, the dispersion state of the toner material liquid is poor, and toner particles having a predetermined particle diameter cannot be obtained. If it exceeds 20000 parts by weight, it is not economical.

Further, in order to improve the dispersion in the aqueous medium, a dispersant such as a surfactant and resin fine particles is appropriately added.
As surfactants, anionic surfactants such as alkylbenzene sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, phosphate esters, alkylamine salts, amino alcohol fatty acid derivatives, polyamine fatty acid derivatives, amine salt types such as imidazoline, Quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactants such as alkyltrimethylammonium salt, dialkyldimethylammonium salt, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt, pyridinium salt, alkylisoquinolinium salt, benzethonium chloride, fatty acid amide derivative, polyhydric alcohol Nonionic surfactants such as derivatives, for example, amphoteric surfactants such as alanine, dodecyldi (aminoethyl) glycine, di (octylaminoethyl) glycine and N-alkyl-N, N-dimethylammonium betaine And the like.

Further, by using a surfactant having a fluoroalkyl group, the effect can be obtained in a very small amount. Preferred anionic surfactants having a fluoroalkyl group include fluoroalkyl carboxylic acids having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and metal salts thereof, disodium perfluorooctanesulfonyl glutamate, 3- [ω-fluoroalkyl (C6-C11 ) Oxy] -1-alkyl (C3-C4) sodium sulfonate, 3- [ω-fluoroalkanoyl (C6-C8) -N-ethylamino] -1-propanesulfonic acid sodium, fluoroalkyl (C11-C20) carvone Acids and metal salts, perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids (C7 to C13) and metal salts thereof, perfluoroalkyl (C4 to C12) sulfonic acids and metal salts thereof, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid diethanolamide, N-propyl-N- ( 2-Hydroxyethyl) Perful Olooctanesulfonamide, perfluoroalkyl (C6-C10) sulfonamidopropyltrimethylammonium salt, perfluoroalkyl (C6-C10) -N-ethylsulfonylglycine salt, monoperfluoroalkyl (C6-C16) ethyl phosphate, etc. Can be mentioned.
Product names include Surflon S-111, S-112, S-113 (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.), Florard FC-93, FC-95, FC-98, FC-129 (Sumitomo 3M Co., Ltd.), Unidyne DS-101. DS-102 (manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.), Megafac F-110, F-120, F-113, F-191, F-812, F-833 (manufactured by Dainippon Ink, Inc.), Xtop EF-102, 103, 104, 105, 112, 123A, 123B, 306A, 501, 201, 204 (manufactured by Tochem Products), and Fgentent F-100, F150 (manufactured by Neos).

  Moreover, as the cationic surfactant, aliphatic quaternary ammonium such as aliphatic primary, secondary or secondary amic acid, perfluoroalkyl (C6-C10) sulfonamidopropyltrimethylammonium salt which has a right fluoroalkyl group is used. Salt, benzalkonium salt, benzethonium chloride, pyridinium salt, imidazolinium salt, trade names include Surflon S-121 (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.), Florard FC-135 (Sumitomo 3M Co., Ltd.), Unidyne DS-202 (Daikin Industries) Smoke), Megafac F-150, F-824 (Dainippon Ink Co., Ltd.), Xtop EF-132 (Tochem Products), Footage F-300 (Neos), and the like.

The resin fine particles are added to stabilize the toner base particles formed in the aqueous medium. For this reason, it is preferable to add so that the coverage existing on the surface of the toner base particles is in the range of 10 to 90%. For example, polymethyl methacrylate fine particles 1 μm and 3 μm, polystyrene fine particles 0.5 μm and 2 μm, poly (styrene-acrylonitrile) fine particles 1 μm, trade names are PB-200H (manufactured by Kao), SGP (manufactured by Soken), Techno Examples include polymer SB (manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.), SGP-3G (manufactured by Sokensha), and micropearl (manufactured by Sekisui Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.).
In addition, inorganic compound dispersants such as tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, colloidal silica, and hydroxyapatite can also be used.

  As a dispersant that can be used in combination with the above resin fine particles and inorganic compound dispersant, the dispersed droplets may be stabilized by a polymer protective colloid. For example, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, α-cyanoacrylic acid, α-cyanomethacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid or maleic anhydride and other (meth) acrylic monomers containing hydroxyl groups Bodies such as acrylic acid-β-hydroxyethyl, methacrylic acid-β-hydroxyethyl, acrylic acid-β-hydroxypropyl, methacrylic acid-β-hydroxypropyl, acrylic acid-γ-hydroxypropyl, methacrylic acid-γ-hydroxy Propyl, acrylic acid-3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl, methacrylic acid-3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl, diethylene glycol monoacrylate, diethylene glycol monomethacrylate, glycerol monoacrylate, glycerol monomethacrylate Luric acid esters, N-methylol acrylamide, N-methylol methacrylamide, etc., vinyl alcohol or ethers with vinyl alcohol, such as vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl propyl ether, or compounds containing vinyl alcohol and a carboxyl group Esters such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, acrylamide, methacrylamide, diacetone acrylamide or their methylol compounds, acid chlorides such as acrylic acid chloride, methacrylic acid chloride, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl Nitrogen compounds such as imidazole and ethyleneimine, or homopolymers or copolymers such as those having a heterocyclic ring thereof, polyoxyethylene, poly Xoxypropylene, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxypropylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene alkylamide, polyoxypropylene alkylamide, polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene lauryl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl phenyl ester, polyoxy Polyoxyethylenes such as ethylene nonylphenyl ester, celluloses such as methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used.

  The dispersion method is not particularly limited, and known equipment such as a low-speed shear method, a high-speed shear method, a friction method, a high-pressure jet method, and an ultrasonic wave can be applied. Among these, the high-speed shearing method is preferable in order to make the particle size of the dispersion 2 to 20 μm. When a high-speed shearing disperser is used, the rotational speed is not particularly limited, but is usually 1000 to 30000 rpm, preferably 5000 to 20000 rpm. The dispersion time is not particularly limited, but in the case of a batch method, it is usually 0.1 to 5 minutes. The temperature during dispersion is usually 0 to 150 ° C. (under pressure), preferably 40 to 98 ° C.

3) At the same time as the preparation of the emulsion, the amines (B) are added to cause a reaction with the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group.
This reaction involves molecular chain crosslinking and / or elongation. The reaction time is selected depending on the reactivity between the isocyanate group structure of the polyester prepolymer (A) and the amines (B), but is usually 10 minutes to 40 hours, preferably 2 to 24 hours. The reaction temperature is generally 0 to 150 ° C, preferably 40 to 98 ° C. Moreover, a well-known catalyst can be used as needed. Specific examples include dibutyltin laurate and dioctyltin laurate.

4) After completion of the reaction, the organic solvent is removed from the emulsified dispersion (reactant), washed and dried to obtain toner base particles.
In order to remove the organic solvent, the temperature of the entire system is gradually raised in a laminar stirring state, and after giving strong stirring in a certain temperature range, the solvent base is removed to produce spindle-shaped toner base particles. . Further, when an acid such as calcium phosphate salt or an alkali-soluble material is used as the dispersion stabilizer, the calcium phosphate salt is dissolved from the toner base particles by a method such as dissolving the calcium phosphate salt with an acid such as hydrochloric acid and washing with water. Remove. It can also be removed by operations such as enzymatic degradation.

5) A charge control agent is injected into the toner base particles obtained above, and then inorganic fine particles such as silica fine particles and titanium oxide fine particles are externally added to obtain a toner.
The injection of the charge control agent and the external addition of the inorganic fine particles are performed by a known method using a mixer or the like.
Thereby, a toner having a small particle size and a sharp particle size distribution can be easily obtained. Furthermore, by giving strong agitation in the process of removing the organic solvent, the shape between the true sphere and the spindle shape can be controlled, and the surface morphology is also controlled between the smooth one and the umeboshi shape. Can do.

The shape of the toner is preferably a substantially spherical shape, and can be expressed by the following shape rule.
FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the shape of the toner according to the present invention. In FIG. 11, when a substantially spherical toner is defined by a major axis r1, a minor axis r2, and a thickness r3 (where r1 ≧ r2 ≧ r3), the toner according to the present invention has a major axis and a minor axis. (R2 / r1) (see (b)) is 0.5 to 1.0, and the ratio of thickness to short axis (r3 / r2) (see (c)) is 0.7 to 1.0. It is preferable that it exists in the range. When the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis (r2 / r1) is less than 0.5, the dot reproducibility and transfer efficiency are inferior because of being away from the true spherical shape, and high-quality image quality cannot be obtained. On the other hand, if the ratio of thickness to minor axis (r3 / r2) is less than 0.7, the shape is close to a flat shape, and a high transfer rate like a spherical toner cannot be obtained. In particular, when the ratio of the thickness to the minor axis (r3 / r2) is 1.0, the rotating body has a major axis as a rotation axis, and the fluidity of the toner can be improved.
Note that r1, r2, and r3 were measured with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) while changing the angle of field of view and taking pictures.

The toner produced as described above can be used as a one-component magnetic toner that does not use a magnetic carrier or as a non-magnetic toner.
In addition, when used in a two-component developer, it may be used by mixing with a magnetic carrier, and the magnetic carrier is a ferrite containing a divalent metal such as iron, magnetite, Mn, Zn, Cu, A volume average particle size of 20 to 100 μm is preferred. If the average particle size is less than 20 μm, carrier adhesion is likely to occur on the photoreceptor 1 during development, and if it exceeds 100 μm, the miscibility with the toner is low and the charge amount of the toner is insufficient, resulting in poor charging during continuous use. Cheap. In addition, Cu ferrite containing Zn is preferable because of its high saturation magnetization, but can be appropriately selected according to the process of the image forming apparatus 100. The resin for coating the magnetic carrier is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include silicone resin, styrene-acrylic resin, fluorine-containing resin, and olefin resin. In the manufacturing method, the coating resin may be dissolved in a solvent, sprayed into a fluidized bed and coated on the core, or the resin particles are electrostatically attached to the core particles and then thermally melted for coating. It may be a thing. The resin to be coated has a thickness of 0.05 to 10 μm, preferably 0.3 to 4 μm.

In the above, as the best mode for carrying out the present invention, the transfer of the toner image formed by each toner image forming unit 1 is directly transferred to the recording medium conveyed by the transfer conveying belt 3. Although the image forming apparatus is shown, the image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer body such as a transfer conveyance belt 60, and the toner image formed by each toner image forming unit 1 is transferred to the intermediate transfer body once and then indirectly transferred to the recording medium. The present invention can also be applied to the transfer type image forming apparatus 100, and the same effects can be obtained.
Furthermore, at least a process cartridge that transports the cleaning device 63 that is transported into the cleaning device 63 in which the photosensitive drum 40 that forms a latent image, the cleaning blade 75, and the lubricant 201 is disposed, and is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is detachable. It is. As a result, the life of the photosensitive drum 40 accommodated in the process cartridge can be extended, and when the maintenance becomes necessary, the process cartridge can be replaced, and the convenience is improved.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a laser printer according to an embodiment. 3 is an enlarged view showing a schematic configuration of the transfer unit 6. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a coating mechanism arranged in a transfer / conveying belt 60 cleaning device. It is (a) sectional drawing and (b) side view which show the structure of the application | coating mechanism arrange | positioned in the cleaning apparatus of this invention. It is the structure of the application | coating mechanism arrange | positioned in the cleaning apparatus of this invention, (a) Sectional drawing which shows applying directly, (b) Side view from A direction, (c) Side view from B direction. It is sectional drawing which shows applying with a brush roller by the structure of the application | coating mechanism arrange | positioned in the cleaning apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows apply | coating with one brush roller by the structure of the application | coating mechanism arrange | positioned in the cleaning apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure which provides a some cleaning blade in the cleaning apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure which spaced apart the application | coating mechanism from the photoreceptor etc. with the cleaning apparatus of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the shape of a toner in order to explain the shape factor SF-1 and the shape factor SF-2. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the shape of a toner according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the state of the lubricant arrange | positioned with respect to axial directions, such as a photoconductor. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a density adjustment pattern in the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K Toner image forming unit 2 Optical writing unit 3, 4 Paper feed cassette 5 Registration roller pair 6 Transfer unit 60 Transfer conveyance belt 61-68 Support roller 67Y, 67M, 67C, 67K Transfer bias roller 7 Fixing unit 8 Paper discharge tray 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K Transfer bias power supply 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K Photosensitive drum 80 Electrostatic adsorption roller 80a Power supply 85 Cleaning device 100 Transfer paper 101, 103 Cleaning blade 102 Case 201, 204 Lubricant 202 Brush Roller 203 Spring 205 Base MF Manual feed tray TC Toner supply container

Claims (27)

In a cleaning device in which a cleaning blade for cleaning one or more toners of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer member, and a conveyor belt is disposed,
The cleaning device includes a lubricant supply member that supplies a lubricant to one or more of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer member, and a conveying belt, a lubricant, and a lubricant pressurizing member that causes the lubricant to contact the lubricant supply member. And place
The cleaning device, wherein the coating mechanism adjusts the supply amount of the lubricant in the axial direction. The cleaning device according to claim 1,
The application mechanism is provided with a plurality of lubricants. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2,
The cleaning device is characterized in that the coating mechanism includes: a first lubricant that coats an area in which an image can be formed in an axial direction; and a second lubricant that coats an area where a lot of toner is conveyed to the cleaning device. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2,
The coating mechanism includes: a first lubricant that is applied to a region with a small amount of toner conveyed to the cleaning device; and a second lubricant that is applied to a region with a large amount of toner conveyed to the cleaning device. apparatus. The cleaning device according to claim 3 or 4,
The cleaning mechanism is characterized in that the application mechanism directly applies the lubricant without arranging the lubricant supply member. The cleaning device according to claim 3 or 4,
The said application | coating mechanism apply | coats a 1st lubricant and a 2nd lubricant with one lubricant supply member. The cleaning apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The cleaning device according to claim 1,
In the cleaning device, a plurality of cleaning blades are arranged. The cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein
The first cleaning blade and the image bearing member, the intermediate transfer member, and the conveying belt are applied in the rotational direction with respect to the rotation direction of the image carrier, the intermediate transfer member, and the conveying belt. And a second cleaning blade that is in contact with the upstream of the mechanism. The cleaning device according to claim 7 or 8,
The first cleaning blade is in contact with a region where an image can be formed in the axial direction,
The second cleaning blade is brought into contact with a region where a large amount of toner is conveyed to the cleaning device. The cleaning device according to claim 1,
The cleaning device is characterized in that the cleaning blade is disposed upstream of the coating mechanism. The cleaning device according to claim 1,
The cleaning device, wherein the coating mechanism is separated from at least one of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer member, and a conveyance belt. At least a process cartridge that includes an image carrier that carries a latent image and a cleaning device that cleans toner on the image carrier, and is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.
The cleaning device includes an application mechanism that includes a lubricant supply member that supplies a lubricant to the image carrier, a lubricant, and a lubricant pressure member that abuts the lubricant against the lubricant supply member, and the application mechanism includes the image carrier. A process cartridge that adjusts the amount of lubricant supplied in the axial direction of the body. The process cartridge according to claim 12,
The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning device is a cleaning device according to claim 2. An image carrier that carries a latent image, a charging device that charges the image carrier by bringing a charging member into contact with or close to the surface of the image carrier, a latent image forming device that forms a latent image on the image carrier, and an image carrier A transfer electric field is formed between the developing device for developing the toner by attaching the toner to the latent image on the body, and the intermediate transfer member and / or the recording member that moves while contacting the image carrier to form an image carrier. In an image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer device that transfers a formed toner image onto an intermediate transfer member and / or a recording member; and a cleaning device that cleans toner on the image carrier.
The cleaning device includes a lubricant supply member that supplies a lubricant to one or more of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer member, and a conveying belt, a lubricant, and a lubricant pressurizing member that causes the lubricant to contact the lubricant supply member. And the coating mechanism adjusts the supply amount of the lubricant in the axial direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.
The image forming apparatus forms an adjustment pattern for adjusting toner density or image density on an image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14 or 15,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning device is a cleaning device according to claim 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16.
The image forming apparatus comprises the process cartridge according to claim 12 or 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17,
The toner has a volume average particle diameter (Dv) in the range of 3 to 8 μm, and has a dispersity defined by a ratio (Dv / Dn) of the volume average particle diameter (Dv) to the number average particle diameter (Dn). An image forming apparatus having a range of 1.00 to 1.40. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the toner has an average circularity in a range of 0.93 to 1.00. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19 or 20,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the toner has a shape factor SF-1 in a range of 100 to 180 and a shape factor SF-2 in a range of 100 to 180. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein:
The toner has a substantially spherical appearance,
The ratio of the major axis to the minor axis (r2 / r1) is in the range of 0.5 to 1.0, and the ratio of the thickness to the minor axis (r3 / r2) is in the range of 0.7 to 1.0. An image forming apparatus characterized by satisfying a relationship of major axis r1 ≧ minor axis r2 ≧ thickness r3. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 21,
In the toner, a toner composition containing at least a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, a polyester, a colorant, and a release agent is crosslinked and / or extended in an aqueous medium in the presence of resin fine particles. An image forming apparatus. An image carrier that carries a latent image, a charging device that charges the image carrier by bringing a charging member into contact with or close to the surface of the image carrier, a latent image forming device that forms a latent image on the image carrier, and an image carrier An image carrier is formed by forming a transfer electric field between a developing device that attaches toner to the latent image of the body and develops, and the image carrier and the intermediate transfer body and / or the conveyance belt that moves while contacting the image carrier. A transfer device that transfers the toner image formed on the recording member sandwiched between the intermediate transfer member and / or the conveyance belt, and a lubricant to one or more of the image carrier, the intermediate transfer member, and the conveyance belt. An application mechanism having a lubricant supply member to be supplied, a lubricant, and a lubricant pressure member for bringing the lubricant into contact with the lubricant supply member, and a cleaning blade are disposed, and the application mechanism adjusts the supply amount of the lubricant in the axial direction. A toner used in an image forming apparatus comprising In
The toner has a volume average particle diameter (Dv) in the range of 3 to 8 μm, and has a dispersity defined by a ratio (Dv / Dn) of the volume average particle diameter (Dv) to the number average particle diameter (Dn). A toner having a range of 1.00 to 1.40. The toner according to claim 23.
The toner has an average circularity in a range of 0.93 to 1.00. The toner according to claim 23 or 24, wherein:
The toner is characterized in that it has a shape factor SF-1 in the range of 100 to 180 and a shape factor SF-2 in the range of 100 to 180. The toner according to any one of claims 23 to 25,
The toner has a substantially spherical appearance,
The ratio of the major axis to the minor axis (r2 / r1) is in the range of 0.5 to 1.0, and the ratio of the thickness to the minor axis (r3 / r2) is in the range of 0.7 to 1.0. And a toner satisfying the relationship of major axis r1 ≧ minor axis r2 ≧ thickness r3. In the toner according to any one of claims 23 to 26,
In the toner, a toner composition containing at least a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, a polyester, a colorant, and a release agent is crosslinked and / or extended in an aqueous medium in the presence of resin fine particles. Toner.

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