JP2007286505A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problems of a conventional technique and to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing the dispersion in the density of toner after color development due to dispersion or fluctuations in the spectral sensitivity of the toner. <P>SOLUTION: Since exposure energy by a light source 53 of a color development information imparting device 28 is controlled, based on spectral sensitivity information showing the spectral sensitivity of toner stored in a development device 16, even if toner is not uniform in sensitivity due to the manufacturing conditions of the toner, the same light source is used, without changing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 and the exposure energy of this light source is controlled so that the fluctuations in the density of the toner, after color development upon irradiation with light of the same wavelength, can be suppressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that employs an electrostatic recording method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that uses toner that can develop different colors by exposing light of different wavelengths. .

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a recording apparatus that obtains a color image by an electrophotographic method, a basic three primary colors are developed according to each image information, and these toner images are sequentially superimposed to obtain a color image. A specific apparatus configuration is so-called four cycles in which a color image is obtained by developing each color toner image on a single photosensitive drum on which a latent image is formed by an image forming method and transferring them to a transfer member. A tandem machine that obtains a color image by transferring a toner image sequentially by moving a transfer member provided with a photosensitive drum and a developing device for each color image forming unit is known.

  These are at least common by having a plurality of developing devices for each color. For this reason, in normal color image formation, four developing devices in which black is added to the three primary colors are required, and in the tandem machine, four photosensitive drums are required for each of the four developing devices. An increase in the size and cost of the apparatus is inevitable, for example, a means for matching the synchronization of the forming means is required.

  On the other hand, a method of obtaining a color image with a single developing device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, in the method disclosed here, although a process for obtaining a color image with a single developing device using toner that develops different colors with different wavelengths has been proposed, there is no description of the toner coloring mechanism. It is almost unfeasible.

  As a process for obtaining a color image with a single developing device, a method that discloses a coloring mechanism of toner has also been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2). The toner used in the process disclosed herein is a mixture of a plurality of microcapsules having capsule walls whose substance permeability changes under external stimulation, and dispersed and mixed in a toner resin that becomes a gel state at room temperature. It is a particle consisting of The microcapsules in the particles contain one of two kinds of reactive substances (each color dye precursor) that are mixed with each other to cause a color development reaction, and the toner resin serving as the external phase of the microcapsules is contained in the toner resin. The other of the reactive substances (developer) is included.

  This toner uses a photoisomerized substance that increases its material permeability when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength as the capsule wall, and uses this cis-trans transition to apply light irradiation or ultrasonic waves (optical recording). Thus, the material permeability of the capsule wall is changed. Specifically, the specific color is developed by increasing the material permeability of the microcapsule wall by irradiating light of a wavelength corresponding to the color component information in the image information. ing. After transferring the optically recorded toner to a sheet, the toner transferred to the sheet is heated and fixed by a fixing device or the like, whereby the viscosity of the gel toner resin is reduced by heating. (Each color dye precursor and developer) start diffusing each other through the capsule wall. A pigment is formed by a scientific reaction between the dye precursor and the developer, and a color image is formed on the paper.

By using the toner having such a configuration, a color image can be obtained with one developing device.
JP-A 63-131364 JP 2003-330228 A

  According to the above prior art, although it is possible to obtain a color image with one developing device by irradiating light of a wavelength corresponding to the color to be developed, there are two types that are mixed with each other and cause a color development reaction. Since the color develops due to the color development reaction of this reactive substance, even if the color development reaction occurs under the same conditions due to the production conditions of the toner and changes over time, the degree of progress of this color development reaction differs, and the spectral sensitivity Occurrence of color change due to fluctuation is considered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing fluctuations in the density of toner after color development due to variations and fluctuations in the spectral sensitivity of the toner. The purpose is to provide.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 has different sensitivities to the wavelength change of the exposed light, and is exposed to light having a predetermined wavelength according to a color to be developed or a color to be non-colored. The image forming apparatus using the toner that maintains a state capable of developing a color corresponding to the wavelength of the exposed light or a state capable of non-coloring the color, and charges the image carrier to a predetermined charging potential A charging unit, a latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image according to image data on the image carrier by exposing the image carrier charged by the charging unit, and the toner is stored in advance. And developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with the toner to form a toner image on the image carrier, and a color development target based on the color component information in the image data. Compatible with color or non-colorable color A light source that emits light of a predetermined wavelength, and color information imparting means for imparting color information to the toner that constitutes the toner image by exposing the toner image with light emitted from the light source; Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the recording medium, fixing means for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium to the recording medium by one or both of heat and pressure, and transferred to the recording medium By applying heat to the toner image, each toner constituting the toner image has a color corresponding to the wavelength of the light exposed by the color information providing unit or a color other than the color corresponding to the wavelength of the light, and Color development means for developing a color corresponding to the light exposure amount and the reactivity corresponding to the wavelength of the light, and the wavelength variation of the light when the toner stored in the developing means is exposed at a predetermined reference exposure amount. Storage means for preliminarily storing spectral sensitivity information indicating the sensitivity fluctuation corresponding thereto and sensitivity fluctuation information indicating the sensitivity fluctuation corresponding to the exposure amount fluctuation when the light having the predetermined wavelength is exposed, and light having the predetermined wavelength from the light source. Based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity variation information so that the reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when exposed to light is a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength. Correction means for correcting the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 has different sensitivities to the wavelength change of the exposed light, and is exposed to light having a predetermined wavelength according to a color to be developed or a color to be non-colored. Thus, a toner that can develop a color corresponding to the wavelength of the exposed light or maintain a non-colored state is used. That is, the toner used in the image forming apparatus of the present invention is in a state capable of developing a color or a non-colorable state according to the wavelength of the exposed light, and has a sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the exposed light. Have

  The “reactivity” indicates the degree of progress of the reaction in the toner so as to make it possible to develop a color corresponding to the wavelength of the exposed light or to make it non-colorable. When this toner is a toner that maintains a colorable state corresponding to the wavelength of the exposed light, it indicates the degree of progress of the reaction for maintaining the colorable state. The higher the degree, the more the color can be developed. In addition, when this toner is a toner that maintains a non-colorable state in the color corresponding to the wavelength of the exposed light, it indicates the degree of progress of the reaction to maintain the state in which the color cannot be developed. The higher the reactivity, the more light the color can be developed.

  The image carrier charged to a predetermined charging potential by the charging unit is exposed by the latent image forming unit. By the exposure by the latent image forming unit, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the image carrier. The developing means stores the toner in advance, and supplies the stored toner to the image carrier, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with the toner. When the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier is developed with toner, a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed on the image carrier.

  The coloring information providing means includes a light source that emits light having a predetermined wavelength corresponding to the color to be colored or the color to be colored based on the color component information in the image data, and is emitted from the light source. By exposing the toner image to the toner image, coloring information is imparted to the toner constituting the toner image.

  The toner image to which the color development information is given is transferred by the transfer unit and then fixed to the recording medium by the fixing unit. The coloring means heats each toner constituting the toner image to which the coloring information is given, thereby coloring each toner constituting the toner image to which the coloring information is given. The toner constituting the toner image is developed into a color corresponding to the wavelength of the light exposed by the coloring information providing unit or a color other than the color corresponding to the wavelength of the light by being developed by the coloring unit. The color is imparted to a density corresponding to the reactivity corresponding to the wavelength of light and the exposure amount by the color information providing means.

In the toner stored in the developing means and supplied to the image carrier, the sensitivity fluctuation with respect to the wavelength change of the exposed light varies depending on the material constituting the toner. Further, the sensitivity fluctuation corresponding to the change in the exposure amount of the toner exposed to light of the same wavelength also differs depending on the material constituting the toner.
Accordingly, the storage means exposes the light stored at the developing means with spectral sensitivity information indicating the sensitivity variation corresponding to the change in the wavelength of the light when the toner stored in the developing means is exposed at a predetermined reference exposure amount, and when the light having a predetermined wavelength is exposed. Sensitivity fluctuation information indicating sensitivity fluctuation corresponding to the exposure amount change is stored in advance.

When the toner stored in the developing unit is consumed, new toner is supplied to the developing unit, or when the developing unit is detachably provided to the image forming apparatus main body, the developing unit in which the toner is stored Will be replaced. When the toner for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member is exposed to light of a predetermined wavelength with a predetermined exposure amount, if the sensitivity of the toner is constant, the density of the toner after color development is substantially constant. It becomes. However, the spectral sensitivity of the toner varies depending on the material constituting the toner for developing the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier from the developing means, the manufacturing conditions, and the like, and the spectral sensitivity of the toner varies. Due to the variation in reactivity when light of a predetermined wavelength is exposed, the density of the toner after color development varies for each toner stored in the developing means.
For this reason, the correcting unit corrects the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source of the coloring information providing unit based on the spectral sensitivity information stored in the storage unit and the sensitivity variation information. Specifically, the correcting means adjusts the reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when light of a predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source to a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength. In addition, the exposure amount of the light emitted from the light source is corrected based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity fluctuation information.
For example, as the predetermined wavelength of the light emitted from the light source, a predetermined reactivity is obtained when light of a predetermined wavelength is exposed to a toner for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier with a reference exposure amount. The wavelength of light to be obtained is determined in advance according to the sensitivity set in advance as the sensitivity of the toner to be stored in the developing means. Then, when the predetermined wavelength is set as the predetermined wavelength and the light of the predetermined wavelength is emitted from the light source, if the sensitivity of the toner actually stored in the developing unit is lower than the preset sensitivity, the reference exposure amount is exceeded. The predetermined reactivity can be obtained by exposing a large exposure amount of light. On the other hand, when the sensitivity of the toner actually stored in the developing means is higher than a preset sensitivity, the predetermined reactivity is obtained by exposing light having an exposure amount smaller than the reference exposure amount. Can do. For this reason, the correction means corrects the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity fluctuation information so as to have a predetermined reactivity corresponding to light of a predetermined wavelength. To do.

Thus, based on the spectral sensitivity information and sensitivity fluctuation information of the toner stored in the developing means, the reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when the light of the predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source is the predetermined wavelength. Since the exposure amount of the light emitted from the light source can be corrected so as to have a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light, the reactivity when light of the same wavelength is exposed is substantially the same. Thus, the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source can be corrected. For this reason, fluctuations in the density of the toner after color development can be suppressed.
Therefore, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in toner density after color development due to variations and fluctuations in the spectral sensitivity of the toner.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the light source may have a predetermined reactivity that is predetermined when the toner to be stored in the developing unit is exposed at the reference exposure amount as the light having the predetermined wavelength. The light having a predetermined wavelength is emitted so that the sensitivity corresponds to a subtraction result obtained by subtracting the sensitivity indicated by the spectral sensitivity information corresponding to the predetermined wavelength from the sensitivity of the toner. The exposure amount of light emitted from the light source can be corrected so that an exposure amount of light obtained by adding the exposure amount indicated by the variation information to the reference exposure amount is emitted.

  For this reason, the correcting means is configured so that the reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when the light of the predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source becomes a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength. Based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity fluctuation information, the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source can be corrected, and fluctuations in the density of the toner after color development due to variations and fluctuations in the spectral sensitivity of the toner can be suppressed. .

  The correction means is configured so that the reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when exposed to light of a predetermined wavelength from the light source becomes a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength. A light amount correction coefficient calculating unit that calculates a light amount correction coefficient for correcting the reference exposure amount based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity variation information, and a light amount calculated by the light amount correction coefficient calculating unit. Control means for controlling the color information providing means to expose the toner with an exposure amount corrected based on a correction coefficient.

  The light amount correction coefficient calculation means of the correction means has a reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when the light of a predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source, a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength. As described above, the light amount correction coefficient for correcting the reference exposure amount is calculated based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity variation information stored in advance in the storage unit. The control unit controls the light source of the color information providing unit so that the toner constituting the toner image is exposed with the exposure amount obtained by correcting the reference exposure amount stored in the storage unit based on the calculated light amount correction coefficient. .

  For this reason, the correcting means is configured so that the reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when the light of the predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source becomes a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength. Based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity fluctuation information, the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source can be corrected, and fluctuations in the density of the toner after color development due to variations and fluctuations in the spectral sensitivity of the toner can be suppressed. .

  The developing means can be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and the storage means can be provided integrally with the developing means.

  The developing unit is detachably provided to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the developing unit is integrally provided with a storage unit that stores the spectral sensitivity information and sensitivity variation information of the toner stored in the developing unit. Even if the toner stored in the image forming apparatus is consumed and a new developing unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, it is based on the spectral sensitivity information and sensitivity fluctuation information of the toner stored in the newly mounted developing unit. Thus, the exposure amount of the light emitted from the light source can be corrected, so that fluctuations in the density of the toner after coloring due to variations and fluctuations in the spectral sensitivity of the toner can be suppressed.

  The correction unit can correct an exposure amount of light emitted from the light source when the developing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.

  When the developing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the correcting unit corrects the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity variation information stored in the storage unit. Since the exposure amount can be corrected based on the spectral sensitivity information and sensitivity fluctuation information corresponding to the toner in the apparatus, the toner of the toner constituting the toner image when the light of the predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source with high accuracy. The reactivity can be corrected so as to be a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light having the predetermined wavelength. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in toner density after color development due to variations and fluctuations in the spectral sensitivity of the toner.

  The toner has one or a plurality of color developing portions that maintain a state capable of color development or non-color development in mutually different colors, and the light source corresponds to the color to be developed or the color to be non-colored. Light of a predetermined wavelength can be emitted for each color development portion.

  Since the light source emits light having a predetermined wavelength for each color-forming portion included in the toner, the correction unit can determine each color-forming portion by setting a predetermined wavelength for each color-forming portion as the predetermined wavelength. Each degree of reactivity can be corrected so as to be a degree of reactivity determined in advance corresponding to the light having the predetermined wavelength. Therefore, the density fluctuation of the toner after color development due to the variation or fluctuation of the spectral sensitivity of the toner can be suppressed for each color development portion.

A density detecting means for detecting the density of the toner after being colored by the coloring means;
When the latent image forming unit is formed so as to form a pattern image having a predetermined density, the correcting unit applies the spectral image to a toner image formed by developing the electrostatic latent image by the developing unit. The coloring information providing unit is controlled to expose light having a wavelength corresponding to the color component information of the pattern image with an exposure amount corrected based on the sensitivity information and the sensitivity variation information, and the coloring information providing unit generates color. The exposure amount of the light emitted from the light source can be further corrected so that the density detected by the density detection unit of the toner constituting the toner image to which the information is applied becomes the predetermined density.

  The density detection means detects the density of the toner constituting the toner image after being colored by the color development means. The correcting unit controls the latent image forming unit to form a pattern image having a predetermined density. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to a pattern image having a predetermined density is formed on the image carrier by the latent image forming means. Further, the correcting means determines in advance the reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when the light of the predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity fluctuation information. The color information providing means is controlled so that light having a wavelength corresponding to the color component information of the image data of the pattern image is exposed with the exposure amount corrected so as to have the reactivity. Based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity fluctuation information, the coloring information providing means determines in advance the reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when light of a predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength. The light having a wavelength corresponding to the color component information of the image data of the pattern image is exposed with the exposure amount corrected so as to have the reactivity. When the density of the toner constituting the toner image to which the color development information is added is detected by the density detection means, the correction means is emitted from the light source so that the detected density becomes the predetermined density of the pattern image. Further correct the light exposure.

  In this way, the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source is further corrected so that the toner density after color development when the pattern image having the target density is formed becomes the target density. It is possible to accurately suppress fluctuations in toner density after color development due to sensitivity variations and fluctuations.

  The toner is a toner whose sensitivity fluctuates in accordance with a change with time, and the storage unit includes manufacturing date / time information indicating a manufacturing date / time when the toner stored in the developing unit is manufactured, and progress from the manufacturing date / time. The temporal change information indicating the sensitivity variation corresponding to the time is further stored in advance, and the correction unit is exposed to the light having the predetermined wavelength from the light source in the toner whose sensitivity varies according to the elapsed time from the manufacturing date and time. Exposure of light emitted from the light source based on the time-dependent change information and the manufacturing date and time information so that the reactivity at the time becomes a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength. The amount can be further corrected.

  The sensitivity of the toner changes according to the elapsed time from the time of manufacture. The storage unit further stores in advance manufacturing date / time information indicating the manufacturing date / time of the toner stored in the developing unit and temporal change information indicating a sensitivity variation corresponding to the elapsed time from the manufacturing date / time. The correcting unit is configured to cause the reactivity of the toner stored in the developing unit when the light having a predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source to be a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light having the predetermined wavelength. Based on the change information and the manufacturing date information, the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source is further corrected.

  For this reason, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the density of the toner after color development due to fluctuations in spectral sensitivity due to changes with time of the toner stored in the developing means.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes a measuring unit that measures the number of times of image formation of a predetermined size in the image forming apparatus body,
The correction unit stores in advance deterioration degree information indicating the degree of deterioration of the image carrier corresponding to the number of image formations, and the degree of deterioration of the deterioration degree information corresponding to the number of image formations measured by the measurement unit. The exposure amount of light emitted from the light source can be further corrected so that the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source increases as the value increases.

  The sensitivity of the image carrier provided in the image forming apparatus main body deteriorates as the number of times of image formation of a predetermined size increases in the image forming apparatus main body. The correction unit stores in advance deterioration degree information indicating the degree of deterioration of the image carrier corresponding to the number of image formations of a predetermined size in the image forming apparatus main body, and the degree of deterioration corresponding to the number of image formations measured by the measurement unit is large. The exposure amount emitted from the light source is corrected so that the exposure amount increases.

  Therefore, by correcting the exposure amount emitted from the light source so as to compensate for the toner amount variation due to the sensitivity deterioration of the image carrier, the variation in the density of the toner after color development can be suppressed.

  The color developing unit can be provided integrally with the fixing unit. It is preferable to apply heat to the color of the toner used in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. For this reason, if the color developing unit and the fixing unit are integrally provided, the heat applied to the toner by the fixing unit can be used for the color development of the toner at the same time, energy can be used efficiently and image formation can be performed. The size of the apparatus can be reduced.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention can further include a post-fixing light irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the recording medium after fixing.

  In the toner colored by the coloring means, the coloring reaction may be further continued. On the other hand, by irradiating light, it is possible to decompose or inactivate reactive substances involved in the color development reaction remaining in the color development area of the toner, and to further change the color balance after image formation. It is possible to reliably control, remove the background color, and perform bleaching.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the toner exists in a state of being separated from each other, and the first component and the second component that develop color when reacting with each other, and the first component and the second component A photocurable composition containing any of the above, and by maintaining the cured or uncured state of the photocurable composition by applying color development information by light, a colorable state or a non-colored state The toner can be maintained.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the sensitivity of the toner constituting the toner image when the light of the predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source is based on the spectral sensitivity information and sensitivity fluctuation information of the toner stored in the developing unit. Since the exposure amount of the light emitted from the light source can be corrected so as to have a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength, the reaction when the light of the same wavelength is exposed The exposure amount of the light emitted from the light source can be corrected so that the degrees are substantially the same, and the effect that the density fluctuation of the toner after coloring can be suppressed can be obtained.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has different sensitivities to the wavelength change of the exposed light, and is exposed to light having a predetermined wavelength according to the color to be developed or the color to be non-colored. A toner that maintains a state capable of developing a color corresponding to the wavelength of the exposed light or a state in which the color can be developed is used.

  In the present embodiment, exposure of light having a predetermined wavelength according to the color to be developed or the color to be developed to each toner constituting the toner image is appropriately referred to as “applying color development information”. Will be described.

  When color development information is given by this light exposure, each toner constituting the toner image maintains a colorable state according to the light of the exposed wavelength, or according to the light of the exposed wavelength. A non-colored state in which no color is developed is maintained. In addition, each toner constituting the toner image has different sensitivities to changes in the wavelength of the exposed light, depending on the sensitivity and intensity (light quantity) corresponding to the wavelength of the light that is exposed when coloring information is applied. In a state capable of color development or non-color development.

  The toner has two kinds of reactive components (referred to as a first component and a second component) that develop colors when they react with each other as a color developing material, and a color developing portion (details will be described later) containing the color developing material. And is colored by applying heat after being maintained in a colorable state or a non-colorable state by applying coloration information by light.

  In the toner used in the present invention, the first component and the second component are contained in different matrices that are difficult to diffuse into each other unless coloring information is given, that is, are separated from each other. It exists in the state.

  Specifically, the first component of the two types of reactive components is included in the first matrix, the second component is included outside the first matrix (second matrix), and the first matrix and Between the second matrix, the diffusion of substances between the two matrices is inhibited, and when external stimuli such as heat are applied, the two matrices are interspersed according to the type, intensity and combination of stimuli. It is preferable that a partition wall having a function that enables diffusion of the substance is provided.

  In order to arrange two types of reactive components in the toner using such a partition wall, it is preferable to use microcapsules. Of the two types of reactive components in the toner, the first component is used. Any one of the second component and the second component may be included in the microcapsule and the other may be included outside the microcapsule.

  When the first component is contained in the microcapsule and the second component is contained outside the microcapsule, the inside of the microcapsule corresponds to the first matrix and the outside of the microcapsule corresponds to the second matrix. To do.

  This microcapsule has a core part and an outer shell covering the core part, and inhibits diffusion of substances inside and outside the microcapsule and external stimulus as long as external stimulus such as heat is not given. In this case, there is no particular limitation as long as it has a function that enables diffusion of substances inside and outside the microcapsule according to the type, strength, and combination of the stimulus. The core part contains at least one of the reactive components.

  In addition, the microcapsule may be capable of diffusing substances inside and outside the microcapsule by applying light irradiation or a stimulus such as pressure, but the substance can be diffused inside and outside the microcapsule by heat treatment (outer shell substance). Particularly preferred are thermoresponsive microcapsules (which increase permeability).

The diffusion of substances inside and outside the microcapsule when a stimulus is applied is irreversible from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in color density during image formation or suppressing a change in color balance of an image left in a high temperature environment. It is preferable that it is a thing.
Therefore, the outer shell of the microcapsule irreversibly increases its substance permeability due to softening, decomposition, dissolution (compatibility with surrounding members), deformation, etc. by applying heat treatment, light irradiation and other stimuli. It is preferable to have the function of

  The toner used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can exhibit the above functions. For example, the toners described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 can be exemplified, but many microcapsules are present in the toner. Further, from the viewpoint of suppressing the uneven distribution of the microcapsules, it is preferable to use the following toner.

  In the present invention, as described above, as the toner that maintains the color developable state or the non-color developable state by the application of the color development information by light, it exists in a state of being separated from each other, and the first color that develops color when reacting with each other. And the photocurable composition containing any one of the first component and the second component, and the photocurable composition is cured by applying color development information by light. Alternatively, it is preferable to use a toner that maintains a non-colorable state or a non-colorable state by maintaining an uncured state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “F toner”).

First, the color development mechanism of the F toner used in the present invention will be described.
As will be described later, the toner according to the present invention is provided with color development information by light called a color development portion in a binder resin, so that a specific color can be developed or a specific color can be maintained. It has one or more continuous regions that can maintain a state where no color is developed (that is, a non-colored state).
In the case where a plurality of color developing portions are included in the toner, the plurality of color developing portions are provided in a state of being isolated from each other so that materials contained therein are not mixed.

  As described above, the toner of the present invention has one or a plurality of color-developing portions as continuous regions capable of maintaining a colorable state or a non-colorable state in different colors, As shown in FIG. 8 (A), each color developing section 60 is composed of a microcapsule 50 containing a color former and a photocurable composition 58 surrounding it. That is, in the color development portion 60, the microcapsules 50 are dispersed in the photocurable composition 58.

  As shown in FIG. 8B showing an enlarged portion of the color forming portion 60, the color forming portion 60 is at least in contact with or in contact with the microcapsule 50, the color forming agent (first component) 52, and the color forming agent 52. Thus, a developer monomer (second component) 54 having a polymerizable functional group that develops color and a photopolymerization initiator 56 are included.

  The microcapsule 50 contains at least a color former (first component) 52 inside the capsule. In the photocurable composition 58 surrounding the microcapsule 50, a developer monomer (second component) having a polymerizable functional group that develops color by being in proximity to or in contact with the color former (first component) 52. ) 54 and a photopolymerization initiator 56.

As the color former (first component) 52, a triaryl leuco compound excellent in vividness of the color hue is suitable.
An electron-accepting compound is preferable as the developer monomer 54 that develops the color former 52 such as the leuco compound (electron donating property). As the developer monomer 54, a phenol-based compound is particularly common, and can be appropriately selected from developer used for heat-sensitive and pressure-sensitive paper.
The color former 52 develops color by an acid-base reaction between the electron-donating color former 52 and the electron-accepting developer monomer 54.

As the photopolymerization initiator 56, a spectral sensitizing dye that generates a polymerizable radical that is exposed to visible light and serves as a trigger for polymerizing the developer monomer 54 is used.
For example, a reaction accelerator of the photopolymerization initiator 56 is used so that the color developing monomer 54 can cause a sufficient polymerization reaction to undergo the three primary color exposures such as R color, G color, and B color. For example, by using an ion complex composed of a spectral sensitizing dye (cation) that absorbs exposure light and a boron compound (anion), the spectral sensitizing dye is photoexcited by exposure and electron-transferred to the boron compound, thereby generating a polymerizable radical. To initiate polymerization.
By combining these materials, a color recording sensitivity of about 0.1 to 0.2 mJ / cm ² can be obtained as the photosensitive color developing portion 60.

  Depending on the presence or absence of light irradiation for providing coloring information to the coloring portion 60 having the above-described configuration, some coloring portions 60 have a polymer developer compound that has been polymerized and a developer monomer 54 that has not been polymerized. Become.

  After the coloring information is given, in the coloring portion 60 having the developer monomer 54 that has not been polymerized by a process such as heating, the developer monomer 54 migrates due to heat or the like, and the partition wall of the microcapsule 50 is empty. It passes through the holes and diffuses into the microcapsules. The developer monomer 54 and the color former 52 diffused in the microcapsule 50 are, as described above, the color former 52 is basic and the developer monomer 54 is acidic, so that the color developer 52 is acid-base. The reaction will cause color development.

  On the other hand, the developer compound that has undergone the polymerization reaction cannot diffuse through the partition walls of the microcapsule 50 due to the bulk due to the polymerization in the subsequent color development step by heating or the like, and reacts with the color former 52 in the microcapsule. It is not possible to color because it cannot. Therefore, the microcapsule 50 remains colorless. That is, the color developing portion 60 irradiated with the specific wavelength light is colored and exists.

  After color development, the entire surface is exposed again with a white light source at an appropriate stage to polymerize all remaining undeveloped color developing monomer 54 to achieve stable image fixing, and residual spectral sensitizing dye. The ground color is erased by disassembling. Note that the spectral sensitizing dye of the photopolymerization initiator 56 corresponding to the visible light region remains as a ground color until the end. Color phenomenon can be used. In other words, a polymerizable radical is generated by electron transfer from a photoexcited spectral sensitizing dye to a boron compound. This radical causes polymerization of the monomer, while reacting with the excited dye radical to cause color separation of the dye. As a result, the pigment can be decolored.

  In the F toner, the color developing portions 60 (for example, coloring in Y color, M color, and C color) that perform such different color development are used as color developing agents other than the color developing agent 52 intended by the respective developer monomers 54. And can be used as one microcapsule in a state where they do not interfere with each other (in a state where they are isolated from each other). That is, when the same toner includes a plurality of coloring portions including the color formers 52 that develop colors different from each other, the plurality of coloring portions are not mixed with materials contained therein. It is provided in an isolated state.

  In this toner, the space other than the microcapsule 50 containing the electron donating color former 52 in the color developing portion 60 is filled with the electron accepting developer monomer 54 and the photocurable composition 58. Since light is emitted to such a color developing portion 60, the light receiving efficiency of one toner particle is overwhelmingly higher than that of the toner disclosed in Patent Document 2.

  In addition, as described above, the coloring information imparting mechanism is not a reversible reaction, and as a result, there is no time restriction until color development by heating. As a result, printing up to a low speed range is possible, that is, it is compatible with a wide speed range. In addition, there is also a merit that the degree of freedom is high with respect to the arrangement place of the fixing device or the like where coloring is performed by heating.

The F toner used in the present invention will be described in more detail.
Examples of the F toner used in the present invention include the following three modes.

  The F toner includes a first component and a second component that develop color when they react with each other, a photocurable composition, and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition. A mode (first mode) in which the second component is contained in the microcapsule and contained in the photocurable composition, a first component and a second component that develop color when reacted with each other, and a photocurable composition A mode in which the first component is contained outside the microcapsule and the second component is contained in the photocurable composition (second mode), or when they react with each other An embodiment (first microcapsule including a first component and a second component that develops color, one microcapsule containing the first component, and another microcapsule containing a photocurable composition in which the second component is dispersed (first microcapsule) 3) is preferable.

  Among these three modes, the first mode is particularly preferable from the viewpoints of stability before giving color development information by light, control of color development, and the like. In the following description of the toner, the toner will be described in more detail on the premise of the toner of the first aspect. However, the configuration, material, manufacturing method, etc. of the toner of the first aspect described below are the Of course, the toner of the third aspect and the third aspect can also be used / reused.

In addition, it is particularly preferable that the F toner using a combination of the above-described thermoresponsive microcapsule and the photocurable composition is one of the following two types.
(1) Even when the photocurable composition is heat-treated in an uncured state, the material diffusion of the second component contained in the uncured photocurable composition is suppressed, and the irradiation of the color forming information imparting light When a heat treatment is performed after the photocurable composition is cured, a toner of a type that promotes material diffusion of the second component contained in the photocurable composition after curing (hereinafter referred to as a “photochromic toner”). Sometimes).
(2) When the photocurable composition is heat-treated in an uncured state (a state where the second component is not polymerized), the material diffusion of the second component contained in the uncured photocurable composition is reduced. The second component contained in the cured photo-curable composition is accelerated and heat-treated after the photo-curable composition is cured by irradiation with the color forming information-imparting light (after the second component is polymerized). A type of toner that suppresses the diffusion of substances (hereinafter, referred to as “light non-colorable toner”).

The main difference between the photochromic toner and the non-photochromic toner is in the material constituting the photocurable composition. In the photochromic toner, the photocurable toner has no photopolymerizability. ) Whereas the second component and the photopolymerizable compound are at least included, the photo-non-colorable toner has at least a second component having a photopolymerizable group in the molecule in the photocurable composition. included.
The photocurable composition used in the photochromic toner and the non-photochromic toner preferably contains a photopolymerization initiator, and various other materials are contained as necessary. May be.

  As the photopolymerizable compound and the second component used in the photochromic toner, an interaction is exerted between the photocurable composition and the second component in the photocurable composition in an uncured state. The material diffusion of the components is suppressed, and the interaction between the two is reduced in the state after curing of the photocurable composition (polymerization of the photopolymerizable compound) by irradiation with color forming information imparting light, and the photocurable composition A material that facilitates diffusion of the second component therein is used.

  Therefore, in the photochromic toner, before passing through the step of coloring the toner by heat treatment, as the coloring information is given, the photocurable composition is preliminarily irradiated with light having a wavelength for curing the photocurable composition. The material diffusion of the second component contained in the composition is easy. For this reason, when the heat treatment is performed, a reaction (coloring reaction) between the first component in the microcapsule and the second component in the photocurable composition occurs due to dissolution of the outer shell of the microcapsule or the like.

  On the contrary, as the coloring information is given, the second component is trapped by the photopolymerizable compound even if heat treatment is performed without irradiating light having a wavelength for curing the photocurable composition, and the second component in the microcapsule is The first component cannot be contacted, and the reaction between the first component and the second component (coloring reaction) does not occur.

  As described above, in the photochromic toner, the coloring information is given by combining the presence / absence of irradiation with light having a wavelength within a specific wavelength region for curing the photocurable composition and the heat treatment. Thus, since the reaction (coloring reaction) between the first component and the second component can be controlled, the color development of the toner can be controlled.

  In the non-photochromic toner, since the second component itself has photopolymerization property, the wavelength of this light is a specific wavelength that cures the photocurable composition even when irradiated with light as coloring information. If the wavelength does not fall within the region, the second component contained in the photocurable composition can be easily diffused. Therefore, when heat treatment is performed in this state, the microcapsule is dissolved by the dissolution of the outer shell of the microcapsule. A reaction (coloring reaction) between the first component in the inner layer and the second component in the photocurable composition occurs.

  Conversely, when light having a wavelength within a specific wavelength region for curing the photocurable composition before the heat treatment is irradiated, the second components contained in the photocurable composition are polymerized, The material diffusion of the second component contained in the photocurable composition becomes difficult. Therefore, the second component cannot be brought into contact with the first component in the microcapsule even when the heat treatment is performed, and the reaction (coloring reaction) between the first component and the second component does not occur.

  As described above, in the non-photochromic toner, as the coloring information, the combination of the presence / absence of irradiation with light having a wavelength within a specific wavelength region for curing the photocurable composition and the heat treatment is applied. Thus, since the reaction (coloring reaction) between the first component and the second component can be controlled, the color development of the toner can be controlled.

  Next, a preferable structure of the F toner will be described in more detail when the toner includes the photocurable composition and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition.

  In this case, the toner may have only one color developing portion including a photocurable composition and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition, but preferably has two or more.

  Here, the “coloring part” means a continuous region that can develop a specific color when an external stimulus is applied as described above.

  When the toner includes two or more coloring portions, only one type of coloring portion that can develop the same color may be included in the toner, but two or more types of coloring that can develop colors different from each other may be included. It is particularly preferable that the parts are contained in the same toner. This is because the color that can be developed by one toner particle is limited to only one type in the former case, but can be two or more in the latter case.

For example, as two or more types of color developing portions capable of developing colors different from each other, a yellow coloring portion capable of developing yellow, a magenta coloring portion capable of developing magenta, and a cyan coloring portion capable of developing cyan Combinations including these are mentioned.
In this case, for example, when only one type of coloring portion is colored by the application of an external stimulus, the toner can be colored in any one of yellow, magenta, and cyan, and any two When various types of coloring portions develop color, the colors developed by these two types of coloring portions can be combined, and various colors can be expressed with a single toner particle.

The control of the color to be developed when the toner includes two or more types of coloring portions that can develop colors different from each other is performed by controlling the types of the first component and the second component included in each type of coloring portion. In addition to making the combination different, it can be realized by making the wavelength of light used for curing the photocurable composition contained in each type of coloring portion different.
That is, in this case, since the wavelength of light necessary for curing the photocurable composition contained in the color developing portion differs depending on the type of the color developing portion, the color forming portion (in detail, the color developing portion is provided). What is necessary is just to use the multiple types of light from which a wavelength differs according to the kind of photocurable composition.

  In order to change the wavelength of light necessary for curing the photocurable composition contained in the color developing portion, a photopolymerization initiator that is sensitive to light having a different wavelength for each type of color developing portion is included in the photocurable composition. It is preferable to contain it.

  For example, when the toner contains three types of color-developing parts that can develop colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan, the photocurable composition contained in each type of color-developing part gradually reduces only the wavelength with the same amount of light. When using a material that is most cured when irradiated with light having a wavelength of 405 nm, 532 nm, or 657 nm, the wavelength of the irradiated light can be changed. Thus, the toner can be developed into a desired color. Note that the wavelength of light applied to the toner can be selected from the visible range, but may be selected from the ultraviolet range.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, three types of color developing portions that can develop different colors (Y, M, C), respectively (hereinafter referred to as Y color developing portion, M color developing portion, and C color developing portion as appropriate). Is included in one toner, for example, the Y coloring portion is sensitive to light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 530 nm, and has a maximum spectral sensitivity to a wavelength of 405 nm.

  In the present invention, “sensitivity” refers to a photocurable composition against a change in wavelength of the exposed light when the color development portion of the toner is exposed with a predetermined exposure amount (hereinafter referred to as a reference exposure amount). The degree of progress of the curing of the object is shown. Therefore, in the toner of the present invention, in order to obtain a predetermined reactivity, it is necessary to perform exposure with an exposure amount higher than the reference exposure amount as the sensitivity of the toner decreases, and as the sensitivity of the toner increases, It is necessary to perform exposure with an exposure amount lower than the reference exposure amount.

For example, the photocurable composition contained in the Y coloring portion is cured when irradiated with light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 530 nm, but when irradiated with light having a wavelength corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity (405 nm), It becomes the most cured state.
On the other hand, since the reactivity has a linear or non-linear sensitivity change with respect to wavelength variation or exposure amount variation, in the present invention, sensitivity variation with respect to wavelength variation is regarded as spectral sensitivity information, and sensitivity variation due to exposure amount variation is regarded as sensitivity variation information. Use.

  In the case where the toner is a photochromic type, the light of the wavelength in the toner after color development increases as the curing of the photocurable composition progresses, that is, the light having a wavelength corresponding to higher sensitivity is exposed. The density of the color corresponding to is increased. For this reason, in the case of a photochromic toner, the Y color density is the same when the Y coloring part is irradiated with 455 nm light at a predetermined exposure amount and then the toner is colored by applying heat. It becomes lower than the density when the toner is colored by applying heat after irradiating light with an exposure amount of 405 nm. This is because the sensitivity of the Y coloring portion when 405 nm light is exposed is higher than that of 455 nm light.

  Therefore, in the case where the photochromic toner is used and the toner is exposed at a constant exposure amount, the reaction amount of the color development reaction by the first component and the second component in the same color development portion is the color development amount. It becomes so large that the light of the wavelength close | similar to the wavelength corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity of the photocurable composition contained in a part is irradiated. In addition, when the wavelength of the light to irradiate is constant, the reaction amount of the color reaction increases as the exposure amount increases. Since the toner develops color by the color development reaction of the first component and the second component, it is possible to develop a darker color as the reaction amount increases.

On the other hand, when the toner is a non-photo-colorable type, as the curing of the photocurable composition proceeds, that is, as the light having a wavelength corresponding to higher sensitivity is exposed, The color density corresponding to the light of the wavelength becomes light.
For this reason, in the case of using a non-color-developing toner, when the toner is exposed with a constant exposure amount, the reaction amount of the coloring reaction by the first component and the second component in the same coloring portion is It becomes so small that the light of the wavelength close | similar to the wavelength corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity of the photocurable composition contained in this color development part is irradiated. In addition, when the wavelength of the light to irradiate is constant, the reaction amount of the color reaction decreases as the exposure amount increases. Since the toner develops color by the color development reaction of the first component and the second component, it is possible to develop a lighter color as the reaction amount is smaller.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7, the photocurable composition contained in the M coloring portion is cured when irradiated with light having a wavelength of 500 nm to 630 nm, but has a wavelength (532 nm) corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity. When light is irradiated, it is in the most cured state. Further, the photocurable composition contained in the C coloring portion is cured when irradiated with light having a wavelength of 560 nm to 730 nm, but when irradiated with light having a wavelength corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity (657 nm), It becomes the most cured state.

  As described above, in the toner used in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the photocurable composition in the color developing part contained in the toner has different sensitivity to the wavelength change of the exposed light, and the color to be developed. Alternatively, by exposing light having a predetermined wavelength according to the color to be non-colored, it is possible to maintain a colorable state or a non-colored state corresponding to the wavelength and the color of the exposed light. .

  Further, the toner maintains a state capable of color development or a non-color development state corresponding to the wavelength of the exposed light and the exposure amount according to the reactivity of the toner.

  Note that the wavelength of light irradiated to the F toner in order to give such color development information is determined according to the spectral sensitivity of the F toner (sensitivity change with respect to the change in wavelength of the exposed light). , Depending on the material design of the F toner used.

  Specifically, it is determined by the material of the photocurable composition in each color developing portion contained in the F toner, and light having a wavelength corresponding to the spectral sensitivity of the photocurable composition in the color developing portion contained in the F toner is irradiated. As a result, the photocurable composition was cured and irradiated in the color developing portion containing the photocurable composition having sensitivity according to the wavelength of the irradiated light among the plurality of color developing portions. The color corresponding to the wavelength is maintained in a colorable state, or the color corresponding to the wavelength of the exposed light is maintained in a non-colorable state.

  The toner used in the present invention may include a base material mainly composed of a binder resin similar to that used in a toner using a colorant such as a conventional pigment. In this case, it is preferable that each of the two or more coloring portions is dispersed as a particulate capsule in the base material (hereinafter, one capsule-like coloring portion may be referred to as a “photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule”). is there). Further, in the base material, a release agent and various additives may be contained in the same manner as a toner using a colorant such as a conventional pigment.

The photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule has a core portion containing a microcapsule and a photocurable composition, and an outer shell covering the core portion, and this outer shell is used in the toner production process and toner storage described later. However, the microcapsules and the photocurable composition in the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule are not particularly limited as long as they can be stably held so as not to leak out of the photosensitive / thermal capsule.
However, in the present invention, in the toner production process described later, the second component passes through the outer shell and flows out to the matrix outside the photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsule, or in the photosensitive / thermo-sensitive capsule capable of developing other colors. In order to prevent the second component from permeating through the outer shell, it is preferable to contain a water-insoluble material such as a binder resin made of a water-insoluble resin or a release material as a main component.

Next, the toner constituent materials used for the F toner and the materials and methods used for adjusting the toner constituent materials will be described in more detail below.
In this case, at least the first component, the second component, the microcapsule containing the first component, and the photocurable composition containing the second component are used as the toner, and the photocurable composition is used. It is particularly preferable that the product contains a photopolymerization initiator, and various auxiliary agents and the like may be contained. Further, the first component may exist in a solid state in the microcapsule (core portion), but may exist together with a solvent.

  In the non-photochromic toner, an electron-donating colorless dye or a diazonium salt compound is used as the first component, and an electron-accepting compound or photopolymerizable group having a photopolymerizable group as the second component. A coupler compound having In the photochromic toner, an electron-donating colorless dye is used as the first component, and an electron-accepting compound (“electron-accepting developer” or “developer” is used as the second component. And a polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond is used as the photopolymerizable compound.

  In addition to the above-listed materials, various materials similar to those constituting conventional toners using colorants; binder resins, mold release agents, internal additives, external additives, etc., as necessary It can be used as appropriate. Hereinafter, each material etc. are demonstrated in detail.

-1st component and 2nd component-
As the combination of the first component and the second component, the following combinations (a) to (tu) can be preferably mentioned (in the following examples, the former is the first component and the latter is the second component, respectively) Represents.)

(A) A combination of an electron-donating colorless dye and an electron-accepting compound.
(A) A combination of a diazonium salt compound and a coupling component (hereinafter appropriately referred to as “coupler compound”).
(C) A combination of an organic acid metal salt such as silver behenate or silver stearate and a reducing agent such as protocatechinic acid, spiroindane or hydroquinone.
(D) A combination of a long-chain fatty acid iron salt such as ferric stearate or ferric myristate and a phenol such as tannic acid, gallic acid or ammonium salicylate.
(E) Organic acid heavy metal salts such as nickel, cobalt, lead, copper, iron, mercury and silver salts such as acetic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid, and alkali metals or alkaline earth such as calcium sulfide, strontium sulfide and potassium sulfide A combination of a metal sulfide or a combination of the organic acid heavy metal salt and an organic chelating agent such as s-diphenylcarbazide or diphenylcarbazone.

(F) A combination of a heavy metal sulfate such as a sulfate such as silver, lead, mercury or sodium and a sulfur compound such as sodium tetrathionate, sodium thiosulfate or thiourea.
(G) A combination of an aliphatic ferric salt such as ferric stearate and an aromatic polyhydroxy compound such as 3,4-hydroxytetraphenylmethane.
(H) A combination of an organic acid metal salt such as silver oxalate or mercury oxalate and an organic polyhydroxy compound such as polyhydroxy alcohol, glycerin or glycol.
(G) A combination of a ferric salt of a fatty acid such as ferric pelargonate or ferric laurate and a thiocesylcarbamide or isothiocecilcarbamide derivative.
(Co) A combination of a lead salt of an organic acid such as lead caproate, lead pelargonate or lead behenate and a thiourea derivative such as ethylenethiourea or N-dodecylthiourea.

(Sa) A combination of a higher aliphatic heavy metal salt such as ferric stearate or copper stearate and zinc dialkyldithiocarbamate.
(B) Those that form an oxazine dye such as a combination of resorcin and a nitroso compound.
(Su) A combination of a formazan compound and a reducing agent and / or a metal salt.
(C) A combination of a protected dye (or leuco dye) precursor and a deprotecting agent.
(So) A combination of an oxidizing color former and an oxidizing agent.
(Ta) A combination of phthalonitriles and diiminoisoindolines. (A combination that produces phthalocyanine.)
(H) A combination of isocyanates and diiminoisoindolines (a combination that produces a colored pigment).
(Iv) A combination of a pigment precursor and an acid or a base (a combination formed by a pigment).

As the first component listed above, a substantially colorless electron-donating colorless dye or a diazonium salt compound is preferable.
As the electron-donating colorless dye, conventionally known dyes can be used, and any dye that reacts with the second component and develops color can be used. Specifically, phthalide compounds, fluoran compounds, phenothiazine compounds, indolylphthalide compounds, leucooramine compounds, rhodamine lactam compounds, triphenylmethane compounds, triazene compounds, spiropyran compounds, pyridine Examples thereof include various compounds such as phosphines, pyrazine compounds, and fluorene compounds.

  In the case of the non-photochromic toner, the second component is a substantially colorless compound having a photopolymerizable group and a site that develops color by reacting with the first component in the same molecule. If it has both functions of reacting with the first component such as an electron-accepting compound having a reactive group or a coupler compound having a photopolymerizable group and developing a color by reacting with light and curing. All can be used.

  The electron-accepting compound having a photopolymerizable group, that is, a compound having an electron-accepting group and a photopolymerizable group in the same molecule, has a photopolymerizable group and is one of the first components. Any material can be used as long as it reacts with the electron-donating colorless dye and develops color and can be cured by photopolymerization.

  Examples of the electron-accepting developer that is the second component in the case of the photochromic toner include phenol derivatives, sulfur-containing phenol derivatives, organic carboxylic acid derivatives (eg, salicylic acid, stearic acid, resorcinic acid, etc.) And metal salts thereof, sulfonic acid derivatives, urea or thiourea derivatives, acidic clay, bentonite, novolac resins, metal-treated novolac resins, metal complexes, and the like.

  Further, in the photochromic toner, a polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond is used as a photopolymerizable compound, and this is at least in a molecule such as acrylic acid and a salt thereof, an acrylic ester, and an acrylamide. It is a polymerizable compound having one ethylenically unsaturated double bond.

  Next, the photopolymerization initiator will be described. The photopolymerization initiator can generate radicals by irradiating with color forming information imparting light to cause a polymerization reaction in the photocurable composition, and can accelerate the reaction. The photocurable composition is cured by this polymerization reaction.

The photopolymerization initiator can be appropriately selected from known ones, and includes, among others, a spectral sensitizing compound having a maximum absorption wavelength at 300 to 1000 nm and a compound that interacts with the spectral sensitizing compound. It is preferable that
However, if the compound that interacts with the spectral sensitizing compound is a compound having both a dye part and a borate part having a maximum absorption wavelength at 300 to 1000 nm in the structure, the spectral sensitizing dye is used. It does not have to be.

As the compound that interacts with the spectral sensitizing compound, one or more compounds are appropriately selected from known compounds capable of initiating a photopolymerization reaction with the photopolymerizable group in the second component. Can be used.
By making this compound coexist with the above-mentioned spectral sensitizing compound, it is sensitive to the irradiation light in the spectral absorption wavelength region and can generate radicals with high efficiency. Generation of radicals can be controlled using an arbitrary light source in the outer region.

  The “compound interacting with the spectral sensitizing compound” is preferably an organic borate salt compound, a benzoin ether, an S-triazine derivative having a trihalogen-substituted methyl group, an organic peroxide or an azinium salt compound. Borate salt compounds are more preferred. By using this “compound that interacts with the spectral sensitizing compound” in combination with the spectral sensitizing compound, radicals can be generated locally and effectively in the exposed exposed portion, thereby increasing the sensitivity. Can be achieved.

In addition, the photo-curable composition further promotes the polymerization by a transfer agent such as an oxygen scavenger or a chain transfer agent of an active hydrogen donor as an auxiliary agent for the purpose of promoting the polymerization reaction. Other compounds can also be added.
Examples of the oxygen scavenger include phosphine, phosphonate, phosphite, first silver salt, and other compounds that are easily oxidized by oxygen. Specific examples include N-phenylglycine, trimethyl parbituric acid, N, N-dimethyl-2,6-diisopropylaniline, and N, N, N-2,4,6-pentamethylanilic acid. Furthermore, thiols, thioketones, trihalomethyl compounds, lophine dimer compounds, iodonium salts, sulfonium salts, azinium salts, organic peroxides, azides and the like are also useful as polymerization accelerators.

In the F toner, a first component such as an electron donating colorless dye or a diazonium salt compound is encapsulated in a microcapsule.
A conventionally known method can be used as a microencapsulation method. For example, a method using coacervation of hydrophilic wall forming materials described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,800,547 and 2,800,458, U.S. Pat. No. 3,287,154, British Patent No. 990443, Japanese Patent Publication No. 38-19574, No. 42. No. -446, No. 42-771, etc., an interfacial polymerization method described in US Pat. Nos. 3,418,250 and 3,660,304, and an isocyanate polyol wall material described in US Pat. No. 3,796,669 are used. A method using an isocyanate wall material described in US Pat. No. 3,914,511, a method using a urea-formaldehyde system, a urea formaldehyde-resorcinol-based wall forming material described in US Pat. US 402 No. 455, a method using a wall-forming material such as melamine-formaldehyde resin, hydroxybrovir cellulose, etc., Japanese Patent Publication No. 36-9168, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 51-9079, in situ method by polymerization of monomers, British Patent No. 952807, Electrolytic dispersion cooling method described in U.S. Pat. No. 965074, US Pat. No. 3,111,407, British Patent No. 930422, Spray drying method, JP-B-7-73069, JP-A-4-101858, Examples include the method described in Kaihei 9-263057.

  The microcapsule wall material that can be used is added inside and / or outside the oil droplets. Examples of the material of the microcapsule wall include polyurethane, polyurea, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine resin, polystyrene, styrene methacrylate copolymer, styrene-acrylate copolymer, and the like. Among these, polyurethane, polyurea, polyamide, polyester, and polycarbonate are preferable, and polyurethane and polyurea are more preferable. Two or more kinds of the polymer substances can be used in combination.

  The volume average particle size of the microcapsules is preferably adjusted to be in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 μm, and more preferably adjusted to be in the range of 0.3 to 1.0 μm.

The photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule may contain a binder, and this is the same for a toner having one color developing portion.
The binder is the same as the binder used for emulsifying and dispersing the photocurable composition, a water-soluble polymer used for encapsulating the first reactive substance, polystyrene, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl butyral, poly Acrylic resins such as methyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate and their copolymers, solvent-soluble polymers such as phenol resin, styrene-butadiene resin, ethyl cellulose, epoxy resin, urethane resin, or these It is also possible to use a polymer latex. Of these, gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol are preferred. Moreover, you may use the binder resin mentioned later as a binder.

  For the F toner, a binder resin used in conventional toners can be used. For example, in a toner having a structure in which photosensitive / thermal capsules are dispersed in a base material, the binder resin can be used as a main component constituting the base material and a material constituting the outer shell of the photosensitive / thermal capsule. It is not limited to this.

  The binder resin is not particularly limited, and a known crystalline or amorphous resin material can be used. In particular, a crystalline polyester resin having sharp melt properties is useful for imparting low-temperature fixability. In addition, as the amorphous polymer (amorphous resin), a known resin material such as a styrene acrylic resin or a polyester resin can be used, but an amorphous polyester resin is particularly preferable.

  In addition, the F toner may contain other components other than those listed above. Other components are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, various known additives used in conventional toners such as release agents, inorganic fine particles, organic fine particles, and charge control agents. Can be mentioned

  The first component and the second component of the F toner of the present invention may be pre-colored in a state before coloring, but it is particularly preferable that the F toner is a substantially colorless substance.

Next, a method for manufacturing F toner will be briefly described.
The F toner is preferably prepared using a known wet manufacturing method such as an aggregation coalescence method. In particular, the first and second components that develop color when they react with each other, a photocurable composition, and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition, wherein the first component is the The wet manufacturing method is suitable for producing a toner having a structure that is contained in a microcapsule and the second component is contained in the photocurable composition.
The microcapsules used for the toner having the above structure are particularly preferably thermoresponsive microcapsules, but may be microcapsules that respond to other stimuli such as light.

For the production of toner, a known wet manufacturing method can be used. Among the wet manufacturing methods, the maximum process temperature can be kept low, and the toner having various structures can be easily produced. It is particularly preferable to do this.
Compared to conventional toners mainly composed of pigments and binder resins, toners having the above structure contain more photocurable compositions containing low-molecular components as the main component. Although the strength of the particles obtained by the above method tends to be insufficient, the aggregation and coalescence method does not require a high shearing force, and it is preferable to use the aggregation and coalescence method in this respect as well.

In general, the aggregation and coalescence method includes an aggregation step in which a dispersion of various materials constituting a toner is prepared, and then aggregated particles are formed in a raw material dispersion obtained by mixing two or more types of dispersions. And a coalescing step for fusing the agglomerated particles formed on the surface of the agglomerated particles to form a coating layer between the agglomeration step and the fusing step. The adhesion process (coating layer formation process) to form is implemented.
Also in the production of the F toner, although the types and combinations of the various dispersions used as raw materials are different, the toner can be prepared by appropriately combining the adhering step in addition to the aggregation step and the fusion step.

  For example, in the case of a toner having a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion structure in a resin, first, (a1) a microcapsule dispersion in which microcapsules containing a first component are dispersed, and photocuring containing a second component A first aggregating step of forming first agglomerated particles in a raw material dispersion containing a photocurable composition dispersion in which a curable composition is dispersed; and (b1) the first agglomerated particles are formed. Adding a first resin particle dispersion in which resin particles are dispersed to the raw material dispersion, and attaching the resin particles to the surface of the aggregated particles; (c1) attaching the resin particles to the surface One or more types capable of developing colors different from each other by heating and fusing the raw material dispersion containing the agglomerated particles to obtain a first fused particle (photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule). A photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsule dispersion To.

Subsequently, (d1) second aggregated particles are formed in a mixed solution obtained by mixing the one or more types of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion and the second resin particle dispersion in which the resin particles are dispersed. By passing through a second aggregating step and (e1) a second fusing step of heating the mixed solution containing the second agglomerated particles to obtain second fused particles, a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion structure is obtained. A toner having the same can be obtained.
In addition, the kind of photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsule dispersion used in the second aggregation step is preferably two or more. Alternatively, the photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsules obtained through the steps (a1) to (c1) may be used as they are as toner (that is, toner including only one color developing portion).

  In the case of producing a toner including only one color developing portion, a release agent dispersion liquid in which a release agent is dispersed in the raw material dispersion liquid in which the first aggregated particles are formed instead of the above-described adhesion step. And adding a first resin particle dispersion liquid in which resin particles are dispersed in a raw material dispersion liquid after passing through the first adhesion process. A second adhesion step of adding resin particles to the surface of the aggregated particles to which the release agent has been added may be carried out.

The volume average particle size of the F toner that can be used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately adjusted according to the structure of the toner and the type and number of color developing portions contained in the toner.
However, there are about 2 to 4 types of coloring portions that can be developed in different colors contained in the toner (for example, the toner includes three types of coloring portions that can develop colors in yellow, cyan, and magenta) ), The volume average particle diameter corresponding to each toner structure is preferably within the following range.

  For example, when the toner structure is a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule (coloring portion) dispersion structure in the resin, the volume average particle diameter of the toner is preferably in the range of 5 to 40 μm, and more preferably in the range of 10 to 20 μm. The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule contained in the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersed structure toner having such a particle size is preferably in the range of 1 to 5 μm, preferably in the range of 1 to 3 μm. It is preferable that

  When the volume average particle diameter of the toner is less than 5 μm, the amount of color developing components contained in the toner decreases, so that color reproducibility may deteriorate and image density may decrease. On the other hand, if the volume average particle diameter exceeds 40 μm, the unevenness of the image surface becomes large, gloss unevenness on the image surface may occur, and the image quality may deteriorate.

  In addition, the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion type toner in which a plurality of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules are dispersed therein has a particle diameter as compared with a small-diameter toner (volume average particle diameter of about 5 to 10 μm) using a conventional colorant. However, since the resolution of the image is determined not by the particle size of the toner but by the particle size of the photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsule, a higher-definition image can be obtained. In addition, since the powder fluidity is also excellent, sufficient fluidity can be ensured even if the amount of the external additive is small, and the developability and cleaning properties can be improved.

  On the other hand, in the case of a toner having only one color developing portion, it is easier to reduce the diameter as compared with the case described above, and the volume average particle diameter is preferably in the range of 3 to 8 μm, and in the range of 4 to 7 μm. Is preferred. When the volume average particle size is less than 3 μm, the particle size is too small, so that sufficient powder fluidity may not be obtained or sufficient durability may not be obtained. If the volume average particle size exceeds 8 μm, a high-definition image may not be obtained.

  In the present invention, in addition to the F toner described above, any toner can be used as long as it is controlled so as to maintain a colored or non-colored state by light irradiation (or by no light irradiation). It can be used regardless of the structure, coloring mechanism, etc.

The toner that can be used in the present invention has a volume average particle size distribution index GSDv of 1.30 or less and a ratio (GSDv / GSDp) of the volume average particle size distribution index GSDv to the number average particle size distribution index GSDp is 0. .95 or more is preferable.
More preferably, the volume average particle size distribution index GSDv is 1.25 or less, and the ratio (GSDv / GSDp) of the volume average particle size distribution index GSDv and the number average particle size distribution index GSDp is 0.97 or more. Is more preferable.

  When the volume distribution index GSDv exceeds 1.30, the resolution of the image may decrease, and the ratio of the volume average particle size distribution index GSDv to the number average particle size distribution index GSDp (GSDv / GSDp) is If it is less than 0.95, the toner chargeability may be reduced, the toner may be scattered, fogging, etc. may occur, leading to image defects.

In the present invention, the volume average particle diameter of the toner and the values of the volume average particle size distribution index GSDv and the number average particle size distribution index GSDp are measured and calculated as follows.
First, with respect to the divided particle size range (channel) of the toner particle size distribution measured using a measuring device such as Coulter Counter Multisizer II (manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.), the volume and number of individual toner particles are small. A cumulative distribution is drawn from the side, and the particle size that is 16% cumulative is defined as the volume average particle size D16v and the number average particle size D16p, and the particle size that is 50% cumulative is the volume average particle size D50v, and It is defined as the number average particle diameter D50p. Similarly, particle diameters that are 84% cumulative are defined as volume average particle diameter D84v and number average particle diameter D84p. At this time, the volume average particle size distribution index (GSDv) is defined as (D84v / D16v) 1/2, and the number average particle size index (GSDp) is defined as (D84p / D16p) 1/2. Can be used to calculate the volume average particle size distribution index (GSDv) and the number average particle size index (GSDp).

  The volume average particle size of the microcapsules or the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules can be measured using, for example, a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring device (LA-700, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.).

The toner of the present invention preferably has a shape factor SF1 represented by the following formula (1) in the range of 110 to 130.
SF1 = (ML ² / A) × (π / 4) × 100 (1)
[In the above formula (1), ML represents the maximum toner length (μm), and A represents the projected area (μm ² ) of the toner. ]

When the shape factor SF1 is less than 110, the toner tends to remain on the image carrier in the transfer process during image formation. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the residual toner. The cleaning property at the time of cleaning tends to be impaired, and as a result, an image defect may occur.
On the other hand, when the shape factor SF1 exceeds 130, when the toner is used as a developer, the toner may be destroyed due to collision with a carrier in the developing device. At this time, as a result, the amount of fine powder increases, and the image carrier may be contaminated by the release agent component exposed on the toner surface thereby impairing the charging characteristics, as well as generation of fog caused by the fine powder, etc. May cause problems.

  The shape factor SF1 was measured as follows using a Luzex image analyzer (manufactured by Nireco Corporation, FT). First, an optical microscope image of the toner dispersed on the slide glass is taken into a Luzex image analyzer through a video camera, and the maximum length (ML) and projected area (A) of 50 or more toners are measured. The square of the maximum length and the projected area were calculated, and the shape factor SF1 was obtained from the above equation (1).

The toner used in the present invention may be used as it is as a one-component developer, but in the present invention, it is preferably used as a toner in a two-component developer comprising a carrier and a toner.
Here, from the viewpoint that a color image can be formed with one type of developer, the developer is (1) a color development including the photocurable composition and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition. One type of toner having two or more types of parts, and two or more types of color developing parts contained in the toner can develop colors different from each other, or (2) the photo-curing property Two or more types of toner having one color development portion including a composition and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition are mixed, and the color development portions of the two or more types of toner are mutually connected. It is preferable that the developer is of a type that can develop different colors.

  For example, in the former type of developer, the toner includes three types of color developing portions, and the three types of color developing portions include a yellow color developing portion capable of developing a yellow color and a magenta color forming portion capable of developing a magenta color. In the latter type of developer, a yellow color developing toner that can develop a yellow color, and a magenta color that can develop a magenta color. The toner is preferably contained in the developer in a state where the color developing portion and the cyan color developing toner capable of developing a cyan color are mixed.

The carrier that can be used for the two-component developer is preferably formed by coating the surface of the core material with a resin. The core material of the carrier is not particularly defined as long as the above conditions are satisfied, for example, magnetic metals such as iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, alloys of these with manganese, chromium, rare earth, ferrite, magnetite, etc. From the viewpoint of the surface property of the core material and the resistance of the core material, ferrite, particularly an alloy with manganese, lithium, strontium, magnesium or the like is preferable.
Further, the resin for covering the surface of the core material is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a matrix resin, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

  The mixing ratio (mass ratio) of the toner of the present invention and the carrier in the two-component developer is preferably in the range of toner: carrier = 1: 100 to 30: 100, and about 3: 100 to 20: 100. The range of is more preferable.

  Next, the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention uses the F toner and applies an electrophotographic method to obtain a color image.
The image forming process in the image forming apparatus of the present invention is a so-called electrophotographic process, a process of forming an electrostatic latent image with ions or the like on a dielectric (ionography), or a uniformly charged dielectric with a thermal head. A process for forming an electrostatic latent image according to image information by heat, and a process for forming a toner image by forming a magnetic latent image without using an electrostatic latent image, for example, a sticky ink droplet Is not particularly limited, such as a process for forming a toner image on an image carrier according to image information.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a photoconductor (image carrier) 11 used in a normal electrophotographic process. The photoconductor 11 is provided to be rotatable in a predetermined direction (the arrow A direction in FIG. 1). In the vicinity of the photoconductor 11, along the rotation direction of the photoconductor 11, a charging device (charging means) 12, an exposure device (exposure means) 14, a developing device (developing means) 16, a color information providing device 28, and a transfer An apparatus (transfer means) 18 is provided. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a density detection device 31.

  The developing device 16 is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 10.

  As the photoreceptor 11, any known one can be used. For example, an inorganic photosensitive layer such as Se or a-Si, or a single or multilayer organic photosensitive layer is formed on a conductive substrate. In the case of a belt-shaped photoreceptor, a transparent resin such as PET or PC can be used as the substrate, and the thickness is determined by design matters such as the diameter and tension of the roll on which the belt-shaped photoreceptor is stretched, and is approximately 10 to 500 μm. Range. Other layer configurations are the same as in the drum.

  In addition, when exposure by the color information providing device 28 described later is performed from the back surface of the photoconductor 11 (inside the photoconductor), a transparent photoconductor having the base as a transparent resin or the like can be used. In the case of a transparent photoconductor, a material transparent to exposure light is used as the photoconductor substrate.

  Here, “transparent” indicates that the incident light energy has a transmittance that allows sufficient energy to pass through the base material and act on the photosensitive layer or toner, For example, when an output of 0.1 mW is required to the photosensitive layer, if the light incident on the substrate is 0.3 mW, even if the transmittance is 33%, it is considered “transparent” in this image forming apparatus. .

  When the photoconductor 11 is transparent, a material transparent to exposure light is used as the photoconductor 11 substrate. For example, a glass or plastic material is used as a base material, and a conductive layer is formed on the outer surface for electrode formation. However, the base material itself is subjected to a conductive treatment. In addition, when not using a transparent photoconductor, base materials, such as metal cylindrical bodies, such as aluminum normally used, and a nickel seamless belt other than the above-mentioned transparent base | substrate can also be used.

  Here, “transparent” indicates that the incident light energy has a transmittance that allows sufficient energy to pass through the base material and act on the photosensitive layer or toner, for example, When an output of 0.1 mW is required to the photosensitive layer, even if the transmittance is 33% if the light incident on the substrate is 0.3 mW, it is considered “transparent” in the image forming apparatus.

  The transparent photoreceptor 11 has a transparent material such as glass or plastic as a base and a photosensitive layer or the like provided on the surface thereof. The thickness of the substrate is determined from the required mechanical strength, and is preferably in the range of about 0.1 to 5 mm. A transparent electrode is preferably provided on a transparent substrate. As the transparent electrode, a metal oxide such as ITO or SnO2 is atomized and mixed with a binder resin, or a conductive polymer such as polypyrrole is applied. Things can be used. The thickness of the transparent electrode is determined from required conductivity and permeability, and is preferably in the range of about 0.01 to 10 μm.

Examples of the photosensitive layer include inorganic photosensitive layers such as Se and a-Si, and single-layered or multilayered organic photosensitive layers (such as a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer). In order to further scatter the incident light, it is preferable to disperse organic particles such as metal oxide and fluororesin particles having a particle size of several tens of nanometers to several microns in the photosensitive layer.
However, as described above, since light passes through the photosensitive layer and it is necessary to expose even the toner, a material having good light transmittance is preferable. As a measure of transparency, the transmittance of the photosensitive layer itself is preferably 50% or more, and more preferably 70% or more.

In addition, the exposure for imparting color development information is performed with a considerably stronger intensity than the exposure for normal latent image formation. Specifically, the amount of energy of light used for providing color information needs to be about 1000 times the exposure amount ( ² mJ / m ² ) of a photoreceptor used in a normal electrophotographic process. For this reason, there is a concern about the damage to the photoconductor 11 due to the application of the color development information. However, for example, if the photosensitivity of the charge generation layer of the photoconductor 11 is 1/1000, the balance can be achieved and this is not a problem. .

  In addition, the thickness of the photosensitive layer is determined from an insulating property that can withstand a charged potential in consideration of the transparency and the film loss with time, and is preferably in a range of approximately 5 to 50 μm.

  In the case of a belt-shaped photoreceptor, a transparent resin such as PET or PC can be used as a transparent substrate, and the thickness is determined by design matters such as the diameter and tension of a roll on which the belt-shaped photoreceptor is stretched, and is approximately 10 It is the range of about -500 micrometers. Other layer configurations are the same as in the drum.

On the other hand, when a toner image is formed by ionography, a dielectric is used instead of the photoreceptor 11. As the dielectric, it is preferable to use a transparent dielectric for the same reason.
As the transparent dielectric, a transparent dielectric layer, for example, a transparent plastic such as PET or PC can be used instead of the photosensitive layer in the transparent photoreceptor.

  The charging device 12 charges the surface of the photoconductor 11 so as to have a predetermined potential.

  A known charging device can be used as the charging device 12 that charges the photoreceptor 11. In the case of the contact method, a roll, a brush, a magnetic brush, a blade, or the like can be used. In the case of non-contact, a corotron, a scorotron, or the like can be used. The charging device 12 is not limited to these.

  Among these, a contact charger is preferably used from the balance between the charge compensation capability and the amount of ozone generated. In the contact charging method, the surface of the photoconductor 11 is charged by applying a voltage to a conductive member brought into contact with the surface of the photoconductor 11. That is, in this case, although not shown, the charging device 12 may be configured to include a conductive member and a voltage applying unit for applying a voltage to the conductive member.

  The shape of the conductive member may be any of a brush shape, a blade shape, a pin electrode shape, a roll shape, and the like, but a roll-like member is particularly preferable. Usually, a roll-shaped member is comprised from the resistance layer, the elastic layer which supports them, and a core material from the outside. Furthermore, a protective layer can be provided outside the resistance layer as necessary.

As a method of charging the photosensitive member 11 using these conductive members, a voltage is applied to the conductive member by a voltage application unit. The applied voltage is preferably a DC voltage or a DC voltage superimposed with an AC voltage. . As a voltage range, in the case of charging only with direct current, an absolute value of positive or negative of a desired surface potential of about + 500V is preferable, and the value is in a range of 700 to 1500V. When the AC voltage is superimposed, the DC value is approximately the desired surface potential ± 50 V, the AC peak-to-peak voltage (Vpp) is 400 to 1800 V, preferably 800 to 1600 V, and the frequency of the AC voltage is 50 to 20000 Hz. The frequency is preferably 100 to 5000 Hz, and any of sine wave, square wave, and triangular wave can be used.
The charging potential is preferably set in the range of 150 to 700 V in absolute value of the potential.

  The exposure device 14 exposes the photoconductor 11 charged by the charging device 12 to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the photoconductor 11.

  A known exposure device can be used as the exposure device 14 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11. As the exposure device 14, for example, a laser scanning system, an LED image bar system, an analog exposure means, an ion flow control head, or the like can be used, and the surface of the photoconductor 11 can be exposed. In addition to this, new exposure means developed in the future can be used as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved.

  The wavelength of the light source 15 for exposing the surface of the photoconductor 11 from the exposure device 14 is within the spectral sensitivity region of the photoconductor 11. Up to now, the near-infrared having an oscillation wavelength near 780 nm as the wavelength of the semiconductor laser has been mainstream, but an oscillation wavelength laser in the 600 nm range and a laser having an oscillation wavelength near 400 to 450 nm can be used as a blue laser. . For color image formation, a surface-emitting laser light source capable of multi-beam output is also effective.

For exposure to the photoconductor 11, for example, as a logical sum of image formation information of three colors (YMC) at a position for developing toner, which will be described later in the case of reversal development, and at a position other than developing toner in the case of regular development. Done.
The exposure spot diameter is preferably in the range of 40 to 80 μm so that the resolution is in the range of 600 to 1200 dpi. The exposure amount is preferably such that the potential of the exposed region on the photoreceptor 11 (hereinafter referred to as post-exposure potential as appropriate) is in the range of about 5 to 30% of the charged potential. In this embodiment, in order to change the toner development amount according to the image density, the exposure amount is changed according to the density (gradation value) for each exposure position.

On the other hand, in the case of the ionography, a latent image is formed on the image carrier by an ion writing head. As an ion writing head, for example, an ion flow On / Off control using an image signal (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-122654), or an ion flow itself is controlled On / Off (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-99610). Publication) can be used.
In this method, not only a dielectric but also a photosensitive member can be used as the image carrier.

The developing device 16 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 11 with toner, thereby forming a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11.
The developing device 16 stores the F toner. The developing device 16 includes a developing roll 16A for carrying the toner stored in the developing device 16 and supplying the toner to the surface of the photoconductor 11, and a storage unit 20.

  The storage unit 20 includes spectral sensitivity information indicating the spectral sensitivity of the toner stored in the developing device 16, reference exposure amount information as a reference exposure amount, sensitivity variation information, and a manufacturing date and time indicating the manufacturing date and time of the toner. Information and temporal change information are stored in advance.

  The spectral sensitivity information is stored for each color developing portion of the toner stored in the developing device 16, and the wavelength change of the light when a predetermined reference exposure amount of light is exposed to each color developing portion. It is the information which shows the sensitivity change with respect to.

Here, as described above, the spectral sensitivity of the toner is determined by the material design of the F toner to be used. However, the spectral sensitivity varies depending on the manufacturing conditions and manufacturing method of the toner.
Therefore, the storage unit 20 stores in advance sensitivity variation information indicating sensitivity variation corresponding to a change in exposure amount when light having a predetermined wavelength is exposed. For this reason, if the exposure amount when exposing light of the same wavelength is changed based on the sensitivity variation information, the exposure is performed regardless of variations in the sensitivity of the toner when the light of the same wavelength is exposed. In addition, the exposure amount can be adjusted so that the density of the toner after coloring is substantially the same (details will be described later).

In addition, the toner used in the present invention develops color by the color development reaction between the first component and the second component, but the spectral sensitivity immediately after the production of the toner and the elapse of a predetermined time due to the change with time of the material constituting the F toner. The spectral sensitivity of the same toner after this may be different.
Therefore, the storage unit 20 further stores manufacturing date / time information indicating the manufacturing date / time of the toner and time-dependent change information.

  The time-dependent change information is information indicating a sensitivity variation corresponding to the elapsed time from the toner production date. For this reason, if this time-dependent change information and the sensitivity variation information are used, even if the sensitivity corresponding to the time elapsed from the toner manufacturing date and time is different from the sensitivity at the manufacturing date and time, the sensitivity changes with time. It is possible to adjust by adjusting the exposure amount of the light of the wavelength so that the density after the color development of the toner exposed to the light of the same wavelength is substantially the same before and after the change of the sensitivity with time. (Details will be described later).

The spectral sensitivity information, the reference exposure amount information as the reference exposure amount, the sensitivity variation information, the production date / time information, and the temporal change information are determined for each toner stored in the developing device 16 and are included in the toner. The information is stored in advance in the storage unit 20 in correspondence with the information indicating the type of the color developing unit.
The information indicating the type of the color developing portion is information that can identify the color of the color developing portion included in the toner stored in the developing device 16, and includes, for example, yellow, magenta, and cyan in the toner. In the case where three types of color forming portions capable of color development are included, information indicating yellow, information indicating magenta, and information indicating cyan may be information indicating the type of color developing portion.

  In the present embodiment, the toner stored in the developing device 16 includes three types of color developing portions capable of coloring yellow, magenta, and cyan, and the photocurable composition included in each type of color developing portion. Shows the most cured state, that is, the maximum spectral sensitivity when the wavelength of light is exposed to light having wavelengths of 405 nm, 532 nm, and 657 nm when only the wavelength is gradually changed at the reference exposure amount. It demonstrates as what contains the material to show.

  For example, as the spectral sensitivity information corresponding to each of the three types of coloring portions contained in the toner, as shown in FIG. 7, the wavelength within the range in which the photocurable composition contained in the coloring portions of each color can be cured (Y coloring) Part is 400 nm to 530 nm, C color developing part is 560 nm to 730 nm), and information indicating the sensitivity corresponding to each wavelength for each information indicating the color developing part of each color (FIG. 7, diagram 80Y, diagram 80M, diagram 80C) Is stored in advance in the storage unit 20 as spectral sensitivity information.

Further, for example, when the spectral sensitivity of the toner shows a spectral sensitivity different from that at the time of manufacture due to variations in the manufacturing conditions of the toner, changes with time, etc., the spectral sensitivity of the Y color developing portion is shown in a diagram 80Y as shown in FIG. The spectral sensitivity of the M color developing portion is indicated by a line diagram 80M, and the spectral sensitivity wave diagram 80C of the C color developing portion is shown by a diagram 82Y, a diagram 82M, It changes as shown in diagram 82C.
As described above, when the spectral sensitivity changes, the sensitivity when the light having the same wavelength is irradiated is changed before and after the change with time, or whenever the developing device 16 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 is replaced. The toners that have been exposed to light of the same wavelength with the same exposure amount have different densities after coloring. Therefore, the sensitivity fluctuation information, the production date / time information indicating the toner production date / time, and the temporal change information are stored in advance as information for suppressing such density fluctuation.

  Thus, the storage unit 20 is provided in the developing device 16 that stores toner to be supplied to the photoconductor 11 and supplies the toner to the photoconductor 11, and the storage unit 20 stores the toner in the developing device 16. Spectral sensitivity information, reference exposure amount information, sensitivity fluctuation information, production date information, and time-change information are stored in advance, so that the spectral sensitivity information, sensitivity fluctuation information, and production date information are stored. Since the change information with time varies depending on the material configuration and manufacturing conditions of the color developing portion of the toner stored in the developing device 16, the developing device 16 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a manufacturing date indicating accurate spectral sensitivity information of toner stored in the developing device 16, reference exposure amount information as a reference exposure amount, sensitivity variation information, and toner manufacturing date and time. Information, and the time change information, it is possible to obtain capable constituting.

  As the developing device 16, a known developing device 16 can be used. As a development method, a two-component development method composed of fine particles and toner for carrying a toner called a carrier, or a one-component development method composed of only a toner, and further improvement of other characteristics in these development methods Any developing method in which other constituents may be added can be used.

  Further, depending on the development method, any one of the developer that develops in contact with or non-contact with the photoreceptor 11 or a combination thereof can be used. Furthermore, a hybrid development method combining the one-component development method and the two-component development method can also be used. In addition to this, a new developing means developed in the future can be used as long as the effect of the present invention is achieved.

  As the toner contained in the developer, for example, a color developing portion (Y color forming portion) capable of developing color to Y color, a color developing portion capable of developing color to M color (M color forming portion), and a color developing portion capable of developing color to C color ( (C coloring portion) may be included in one toner particle, or the Y coloring portion, M coloring portion, and C coloring portion may be included separately for each toner.

  In addition, in the formed toner image, light for providing coloring information to be described later must spread over the entire irradiated portion, and therefore it is preferable to keep the toner layer thickness below a certain level. Specifically, for example, in a solid image, the toner layer is preferably 3 layers or less, more preferably 2 layers or less. The toner layer thickness is a value obtained by measuring the thickness of the toner layer formed on the actual surface of the photoconductor 11 and dividing this by the number average particle diameter of the toner.

  Based on the color component information in the image data, the coloring information providing device 28 emits light of a wavelength that is predetermined for the color to be colored or the color to be colored (see FIG. 2, details). By exposing the light emitted from the light source 53 to each toner constituting the toner image formed on the photoconductor 11, color information is given to each toner constituting the toner image. .

  In FIG. 1, a case where the color information providing device 28 is provided between the developing device 16 and the transfer device 18 provided downstream from the developing device 16 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 11 will be described. However, it may be provided downstream of the transfer device 18 in the conveyance direction of the recording medium 26.

As shown in FIG. 2, the coloring information applying device 28 scans and exposes light in a direction along the rotation axis direction of the photoconductor 11.
The coloring information providing device 28 includes a light irradiation unit 51 configured to include a light source 53 that emits light of a specific wavelength, a reflection mirror 59 for reflecting light emitted from the light source 53, and reflection by the reflection mirror 59. The rotating polygon mirror 62 that reflects the reflected light and exposes the light on the photosensitive member 11 and the fθ lens 68 are included.

  The light irradiation unit 51 is configured to include a number of light irradiation units corresponding to the types of color forming units included in the toner stored in the developing device 16. In the present embodiment, since a case where three types of color forming sections corresponding to each of YMC are included will be described, the light irradiation section 51 includes a Y light irradiation section 51Y corresponding to the Y color development section, and an M light corresponding to the M color development section. Although the description will be made assuming that the irradiation unit 51M and the C light irradiation unit 51C corresponding to the C coloring unit are included, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

  The Y light irradiation unit 51Y includes a light source 53Y. The light source 53Y emits light having a predetermined wavelength corresponding to the Y color as the color to be developed or the Y color as the color to be developed based on the color component information indicating the Y color in the image data. To do. As a wavelength of light emitted from the light source 53Y, it is assumed that light having a wavelength corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity of the Y color coloring portion is determined in advance. The Y light irradiation unit 51Y is further provided with a collimator lens 54Y and a cylinder lens 56Y in that order in the traveling direction of the light emitted from the light source 53Y. The light source 53Y is ON / OFF controlled based on color component information indicating Y color in the image data under the control of the system control unit 32, and light modulated based on the image data is emitted. The light emitted from the light source 53Y is substantially collimated by the collimator lens 54Y and converged by the cylinder lens 56Y, and then enters the rotary polygon mirror 62 via the reflection mirror 59.

  Similarly, the M light irradiation unit 51M includes a light source 53M. The M color light source emits light having a predetermined wavelength corresponding to the M color as the color to be developed or the M color as the color to be developed based on the color component information indicating the M color in the image data. Eject. As the wavelength of light emitted from the light source 53M, it is assumed that light having a wavelength corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity of the M color developing portion is determined in advance. The wavelength corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity is stored in advance in the storage unit 48 (reference spectral sensitivity information as spectral sensitivity serving as a reference of toner to be stored in the developing device 16 as toner used in the image forming apparatus 10. 3, which will be described later in detail) and predetermined based on the reference spectral sensitivity information. Note that the reference spectral sensitivity information is information indicating sensitivity fluctuations serving as a reference for toner to be stored in the developing device 16 corresponding to wavelength fluctuations when the toner is exposed with the reference exposure amount.

Further, in the M light irradiation unit 51M, a collimator lens 54M and a cylinder lens 56M are sequentially arranged in the traveling direction of the light emitted from the light source 53M. The light source 53M is ON / OFF controlled based on color component information indicating M color included in the image data under the control of the system control unit 32, and a light beam modulated based on the image data is emitted. As a wavelength of light emitted from the light source 53M, it is assumed that light having a wavelength corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity of the M color developing unit is determined in advance based on the reference spectral sensitivity information.
The light emitted from the light source 53M is substantially collimated by the collimator lens 54M and converged by the cylinder lens 56M, and then enters the rotary polygon mirror 62 via the reflection mirror 59.

Similarly, the C light irradiation unit 51C includes a light source 53C. The C color light source emits light having a predetermined wavelength corresponding to the C color as the color to be developed or the C color as the color to be developed based on the color component information indicating the C color in the image data. Eject. As a wavelength of light emitted from the light source 53C, it is assumed that light having a wavelength corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity of the C color developing unit is determined in advance based on the reference spectral sensitivity information.
Further, in the C light irradiation unit 51C, a collimator lens 54C and a cylinder lens 56C are sequentially arranged in the traveling direction of the light emitted from the light source 53C. The light source 53C is ON / OFF controlled based on image data under the control of the system control unit 32, and a light beam modulated based on color component information indicating the C color included in the image data is emitted. The light emitted from the light source 53C is substantially collimated by the collimator lens 54C and focused by the cylinder lens 56C, and then enters the rotary polygonal mirror 62 via the reflection mirror 59.

  In the following description, the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C are collectively referred to as the light source 53.

  The rotary polygon mirror 62 is formed in a regular polygonal shape (regular hexagon in the present embodiment) having a plurality of reflecting surfaces 62A provided on the side surface. The rotary polygon mirror 62 is rotated at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow C about the rotation axis O by the drive of a motor (not shown).

  The light incident on the rotating polygonal mirror 62 is focused on the reflecting surface 62A of the rotating polygonal mirror 62, and the incident angle of the light on each reflecting surface 62A by the rotation of the rotating polygonal mirror 62. Changes continuously. As a result, the light beam is scanned in the axial direction of the photosensitive member 11 to be exposed to the photosensitive member 11 by scanning.

  In the traveling direction of the light reflected by the rotary polygon mirror 62, an fθ lens 68 including a first lens 68A and a second lens 68B is provided as a scanning lens system. The light beam reflected by the rotary polygonal mirror 68 is transmitted through the fθ lens 68, and is converged in the main scanning direction of the photoconductor 11, and is converged in the sub-scanning direction by a cylinder lens (not shown). An imaging point is formed on the body 11.

  The light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C can irradiate light of a wavelength for causing the toner particles located in the color development region on the toner image to develop a specific color with a predetermined resolution and intensity. Anything is fine. As the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C, for example, an LED image bar, a laser ROS, or the like can be used. Note that the irradiation spot diameter of the light applied to the toner image on the photoconductor 11 is preferably adjusted so as to be in the range of 10 to 300 μm so that the resolution of the formed image is in the range of 100 to 2400 dpi. More preferably, the range is 20 to 200 μm.

  As described above, the wavelength of light that can give color development information to the F toner is determined by the material design of the toner to be used. For example, when the F toner is a photocolorable toner, for example, FIG. As shown in the drawing, when yellow (Y color) is developed, the Y light irradiation unit 51Y is turned on to emit 405 nm light (hereinafter referred to as λA light) and magenta (M color) is developed with M light irradiation. When the unit 51M is turned on to emit 535 nm light (hereinafter referred to as λB light) to cyan (C color), the C light irradiation unit 51C is turned on and 657 nm light (hereinafter referred to as λC light) is emitted. Then, the toner image on the photoconductor 11 is exposed to positions where the colors of YMC are developed corresponding to the image data.

  Further, when the secondary color is developed, the light is combined and the red (R) is adjusted by adjusting the lighting and non-lighting of each of the Y light irradiation unit 51Y, the M light irradiation unit 51M, and the C light irradiation unit 51C. Color), λA light and λB light are colored, green (G color) is colored λA light and λC light, and blue (B color) is colored, λB light and λC light are colored. Each is exposed to a desired position. Further, when the black color (K color), which is the tertiary color, is developed, the λA light, the λB light, and the λC light are overlaid at the desired positions for color development.

  On the other hand, in the case of a non-photo-colorable toner, for example, 405 nm light (λA light) is prevented from developing yellow (Y color) and 535 nm is prevented from developing magenta (M color). When the light (λB light) is not developed into cyan (C color), 657 nm light (λC light) is applied to the desired positions for color development. Therefore, λB light and λC light are generated when Y color is generated, λA light and λC light are generated when M color is generated, and λA light and λB light are generated when C color is generated. Each will be irradiated.

  When the secondary color is developed, the light is combined. When the red (R color) is developed, λC light is used. When the green (G color) is developed, λB light is used, and blue (B color). When the color is developed, λA light is irradiated to each desired position for color development. Further, when black (K color) which is a tertiary color is developed, exposure is not performed at a desired position where the color is developed.

For the light from the coloring information applying device 28, a known image modulation method such as pulse width modulation, intensity modulation, or a combination of the two described above can be used as necessary. Further, the light exposure required to impart color information in the toner is preferably in the range of 0.05~0.8mJ / cm ^2, the range of 0.1~0.6mJ / cm ² It is more preferable. Particularly with respect to the exposure amount, exposure required amount is correlated with the amount of toner developed, for example, 0.2～0.4MJ the toner developing amount (solid) of about 5.5g / ^{m 2} / ^{m 2} It is preferable to perform exposure within the above range.

  In relation to the above, the coloring information providing device 28 may be disposed in the same housing as the exposure device 14 for forming the latent image. Thereby, it is possible to partially share and simplify the exposure means including the optical system, and to further reduce the size of the entire apparatus.

  As described above, the mechanism in the case of performing full color image formation has been described for the color information providing device 28 in the present invention. However, the step of providing color information by the color information providing device 28 in the present invention is one of yellow, magenta, and cyan. It may be a process for forming a monocolor image in which any one color is developed. In this case, only the light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the desired color development among the yellow, magenta, and cyan is emitted from the color development information providing device 28. Other preferable conditions are the same as the conditions at the time of full-color image formation.

In the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, the coloring information is given after the developing device 16 develops the electrostatic latent image and before the toner image is transferred to the recording medium 26. At least the toner image transferred onto the recording medium 26 may be performed before being fixed. For example, the coloring information may be applied to the toner image transferred onto the recording medium 26.
However, when the coloring information is applied to the toner image transferred to the recording medium 26, the smoothness of the surface of the recording medium 26, the accuracy of the coloring position accuracy of the desired image, and the like become problems. Is preferably performed after the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 16 and before the toner image is transferred to the recording medium 26.

  It should be noted that the toner image immediately after the coloring information is given is in an undeveloped state with an original color tone that has not been developed. For example, if a sensitizing dye is included, the toner image has the color tone of the dye. There are only.

The transfer device 18 transfers the toner image on the photoconductor 11 to the recording medium 26.
As the transfer device 18, a known transfer device can be used. For example, rolls, brushes, blades, and the like can be used for the contact method, and corotron, scorotron, pin corotron, and the like can be used for the non-contact method. Also, transfer by pressure or pressure and heat is possible.

  The transfer bias is preferably in the range of 300 to 1000 V (absolute value), and alternating current (Vpp: 400 V to 4 kV, 400 to 3 kHz) may be superimposed.

  The recording medium 26 stored in a recording medium supply unit (not shown) reaches a position where it is sandwiched between the photoconductor 11 and the transfer device 18 and is nipped and conveyed by the photoconductor 11 and the transfer device 18, thereby The toner image on the body 11 is transferred to the recording medium 26.

The fixing device 22 fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium 26 on the recording medium 26.
The fixing device 22 also serves as a color developing device (coloring means) for coloring the toner image, and the light irradiation device 24 described later may function together as a color developing device.

A toner image composed of toner that is in a state where coloring (or non-coloring state can be maintained) by providing coloring information is colored when heat is applied by the fixing device 22.
A known fixing means can be used as the fixing device 22. For example, a roll or a belt can be selected as the heating member and the pressure member, and a halogen lamp, IH, or the like can be used as the heat source. The arrangement can also correspond to various paper paths, for example, a straight path, a rear C path, a front C path, an S path, a side C path, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the fixing device 22 performs both coloring of the toner image transferred onto the recording medium 26 and fixing to the recording medium 26. However, the coloring and fixing may be performed separately.
In this case, a color developing device for coloring each toner constituting the toner image transferred to the recording medium 26 may be provided separately.
The position at which the color developing device is disposed is not particularly limited. For example, the toner image can be provided at a position where the toner image can be colored before the toner image is fixed on the recording medium 26 by the fixing device 22.

  In this way, the coloring of the toner image transferred to the recording medium 26 and the fixing to the recording medium 26 are performed by different devices, so that the heating temperature for the coloring and the toner fixing to the recording medium 26 are performed. Since the heating temperature can be controlled separately, the degree of freedom in design of the coloring material, the toner binder material, and the like can be improved.

  In this case, since various methods can be considered for the color development method depending on the color development mechanism of the toner particles, the color development device may be, for example, a substance that contributes to color development in the toner using light having a wavelength outside the specific wavelength region. In order to develop color by methods such as curing or photolysis, the F toner is colored by a light emitting device that emits light of a specific wavelength or a pressure device that destroys colored particles encapsulated by pressurization. Just do it. The color may be developed by such a method.

  However, the chemical reaction that occurs in the F toner for coloring the F toner to which color development information has been imparted generally has a slow reaction rate due to migration and diffusion, so that any of the above methods is sufficient. Therefore, it can be said that the method of accelerating the color development reaction by heating is the most excellent for the color development of the F toner. Therefore, it is preferable that both the color development of the toner image transferred onto the recording medium 26 and the fixing to the recording medium 26 are performed by the fixing device 22 including space saving.

The light irradiation device 24 fixes the color of the toner fixed on the recording medium 26.
Since the light irradiation device 24 can decompose or deactivate the reactive substance remaining in the coloring portion that is controlled to be in a state where coloring is impossible, the variation in color balance after image formation can be more reliably suppressed. The background color can be removed and bleached.
In this embodiment, the light irradiation is performed after the toner image is fixed on the recording medium 26. However, as a fixing method, a fixing method that does not heat and melt, for example, pressure fixing that uses pressure to fix the toner image is used. In other words, light irradiation may be performed by the light irradiation device 24 before the toner image is fixed on the recording medium 26.

The light irradiating device 24 may have any configuration capable of irradiating light capable of suppressing the color development of the toner, and a known lamp such as a fluorescent lamp, LED, EL, or the like can be used. .
The wavelength of the light irradiation device 24 includes three wavelengths in the light for coloring the F toner, the illuminance is preferably in the range of 2000 to 200000 lux, and the exposure time is in the range of 0.5 to 60 sec. It is preferable.

The density detector 31 detects the density of the toner after color development.
As a specific configuration of the density detection device 31, it is only necessary to detect the toner density after color development on the recording medium by a combination of a light source and a detection element. Fluorescent lamps, LEDs, EL, etc. can be used. Further, a photodiode, a phototransistor, or the like can be used as the detection element. In addition, by using an image sensor using a CCD, C-MOS, or the like as a detection element, not only the density but also image information can be obtained, so that sharpness can be detected, which is more useful.
Further, the density detection device 31 does not have to be inside the image forming apparatus 10, and the toner density on the recording medium can be detected by a known scanner and the density information can be recorded in the control unit 46.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 10 transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor 11 to the recording medium 26 has been described. However, the toner image formed on the photoconductor 11 is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt or the like. After the transfer to the intermediate transfer member, the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer member may be transferred to the recording medium 26.

In the image forming apparatus 10 of the present invention, as described above, the color development information is applied to each toner constituting the toner image by the color development information imparting device 28 until the toner is colored by the fixing device 22. Since the color development information given in step 1 is stably held, it is not necessary to consider the time from the color development information provision until color development, and it is possible to cope with a wide speed range design.
Specifically, the linear velocity is preferably in the range of 10 to 500 mm / second, and more preferably in the range of 50 to 300 mm / second. However, even when image formation is performed at the linear velocity as described above, the exposure time for providing the color information may be set to a value determined from the linear velocity and the resolution.

  In addition, the stable retention of color information by such toner has an excellent effect on tone stability and highlight image reproducibility in images, so full-color images that can faithfully reproduce input image information with high image quality. Significantly contributes to formation.

  The image forming apparatus 10 further includes a system control unit 32 for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. The system control unit 32 is provided in the exposure device 14 and the exposure device 14, a light source (not shown) for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11, a memory 20, a color information providing device 28, and a position detection unit 66. The sensor 21 and the light source 53 are connected so as to be able to exchange data and signals, and are connected to various devices provided in the image forming apparatus 10 so as to be able to exchange signals. The sensor 21 detects whether or not the developing device 16 is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the system control unit 32 includes a conversion circuit 40, a logical sum circuit 42, a coloring control circuit 44, a storage unit 48, a control unit 46, a timer 66, and a counter 68.
The conversion circuit 40, the coloring control circuit 44, the storage unit 48, the timer 66, and the counter 68 are connected to the control unit 46 so as to be able to exchange data and signals. Further, the exposure device 14, a light source 15 (see FIG. 1) for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 provided in the exposure device 14, a storage unit 20, a coloring information applying device 28, a position detection unit 66, Various devices provided in the light source 53, the sensor 21, the density detection device 31, and the image forming apparatus 10 are also connected to the control unit 46 so as to be able to exchange signals.

The storage unit 48 stores a processing routine described later in advance, and also indicates a reference exposure amount that indicates a reference exposure amount as a reference exposure amount of light exposed from each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C included in the light source 53. Information is stored in advance.
The storage unit 48 also includes spectral sensitivity information (corresponding to wavelength variation) indicating the spectral sensitivity of each of the one or more color developing units included in the toner to be stored in the developing device 16 (toner to be used in the image forming apparatus 10). (Information indicating sensitivity fluctuations) to be stored in advance as reference spectral sensitivity information. Each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C can emit light having a wavelength corresponding to the spectral sensitivity of each of the one or a plurality of color developing units based on the reference spectral sensitivity information stored in the storage unit 48. The light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C adjusted in advance are provided in the image forming apparatus 10.

  Further, as described above, the wavelength of the light emitted from each of the light sources 53Y, 53M, and 53C is determined based on the reference spectral sensitivity information, and the wavelengths corresponding to the spectral sensitivities of the color forming units are determined. 53 is configured such that light of various wavelengths can be emitted toward the toner image formed on the photoconductor 11 by a combination of wavelengths of light emitted from the respective color light sources 53.

  In addition, the storage unit 48 stores light amount correction coefficient information indicating a light amount correction coefficient for correcting the exposure amount of light emitted from each of the light sources 53Y, 53M, and 53C included in the light source 53. The light amount correction coefficient information is obtained for each color light source (for each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C) by executing a processing routine described later, and is stored in the storage unit 48.

  The sensitivity of the photoconductor 11 deteriorates as the amount of image forming processing performed in the image forming apparatus 10 increases. Therefore, the counter 68 measures how many times an image of a predetermined size has been formed in the image forming apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, as the predetermined size, the number of cycles (number of times of image formation) is counted, in which the processing executed in the image forming apparatus 10 to form an image for one A4 size is one cycle.

  The timer 66 functions as a built-in clock provided in the image forming apparatus 10 and outputs information indicating the current date and time to the control unit 46.

  The control unit 46 controls each unit included in the image forming apparatus 10.

  When the image data of the image formed by the image forming apparatus 10 input from an external device such as a personal computer (not shown) via an input / output unit (not shown) is RGB data, the conversion circuit 40 is YMC. In addition to data conversion, the color-converted image data is output to the OR circuit 42 as pixel data (Y pixel data, M pixel data, and C pixel data) of each pixel of the image when recorded on the recording medium 26. .

  When the pixel data is input to the conversion circuit 40, the logical sum circuit 42 calculates the logical sum of CMY for each color pixel and outputs it to the exposure device 14. That is, OR data including all CMY pixel data is output to the exposure device 14.

  The exposure device 14 exposes the surface of the photoconductor 11 based on the input logical sum data.

The YMC pixel data output from the conversion circuit 40 to the logical sum circuit 42 is also output to the coloring control circuit 44. Therefore, color component information indicating the color components included in the image data is input to the color development control circuit 44.
The coloring control circuit 44 includes a magenta coloring control circuit 44M for controlling the coloring of magenta, a cyan coloring control circuit 44C for controlling the coloring of cyan, and a yellow coloring control circuit for controlling the coloring of yellow. 44Y is comprised.

  The M pixel data, the C pixel data, and the Y pixel data input to the magenta color control circuit 44M, the cyan color control circuit 44C, and the yellow color control circuit 44Y, respectively, are controlled by the control unit 46. Is output.

  The light source 53 of the coloring information providing device 28 is controlled by the control unit 46 to input pixel data of each color and information indicating the exposure amounts of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C input from the control unit 46. The light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C are controlled so as to emit light having a wavelength corresponding to the input exposure amount and the color information color of each pixel.

Next, processing executed by the control unit 46 of the system control unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.
In the control unit 46, the processing routine shown in FIG. 4 is executed every predetermined time, and the process proceeds to Step 100.

  In step 100, whether or not image data of an image to be formed in the image forming apparatus 10 is acquired in the image forming apparatus 10 by an operation instruction from a user of an operation unit (not shown) or an input from an external apparatus. If the determination is negative, the routine ends. If the determination is positive, the routine proceeds to step 102.

  In step 102, it is determined whether or not it is the first image formation after replacement of the developing device 16. If the result is negative, the process proceeds to step 122. If the result is positive, the process proceeds to step 104. The determination in step 102 indicates that, for example, after the signal indicating that the developing device 16 has been removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 is input from the sensor 21, the developing device 16 is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. This can be determined by determining whether or not a signal has been input.

  If the result is affirmative in step 102, the process proceeds to step 104, the light amount correction coefficient information used for the previous exposure amount correction stored in the storage unit 48, the spectral sensitivity information stored in the storage unit 48 in the previous process, Sensitivity variation information, information indicating the reference exposure amount, and the storage unit 48 are cleared.

  In the next step 106, the spectral sensitivity information, sensitivity variation information, and information indicating the reference exposure amount stored in the memory 20 are read from the memory 20 provided in the developing device 16, and the next step In 108, the data is stored in the storage unit 48.

  In the next step 112, the reference spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount are read from the storage unit 48. In the next step 114, the spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount stored in the storage unit 48 in the step 108, and the step 112. It is determined whether or not the read reference spectral sensitivity information and reference exposure amount are the same.

  When the determination in step 114 is negative and the reference spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount read from the storage unit 48 in step 112 are not the same as the spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount stored in the storage unit 48 in step 108 above. To step 118.

  In step 118, the sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the light emitted from each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C is determined based on the spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount stored in the storage unit 48 in step 108. Based on the reference spectral sensitivity information read from the storage unit 48 in 112, the light source 53Y and the light source have the same sensitivity as the sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the light emitted from each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C. After calculating the light amount correction coefficient for correcting the reference exposure amount as the reference exposure amount of light emitted from 53M and the light source 53C, the process proceeds to step 120.

  The light quantity correction coefficient is obtained based on sensitivity fluctuation information read from the memory 20 of the developing device 16 in step 106 (information indicating sensitivity fluctuation corresponding to exposure fluctuation when light of a predetermined wavelength is exposed). What should I do?

  Specifically, it corresponds to the wavelength of light emitted from each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C based on the spectral sensitivity information and sensitivity variation information stored in the storage unit 48 in step 108 and the reference exposure amount. The sensitivity to be the same as the sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the light emitted from each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C based on the reference spectral sensitivity information read from the storage unit 48 in step 112. Furthermore, the difference in sensitivity at the same wavelength between the spectral sensitivity information stored in the memory 20 of the developing device 16 and the reference spectral sensitivity information (particularly, the difference in sensitivity at the wavelength corresponding to the maximum spectral sensitivity of the reference spectral sensitivity information). ), The exposure amount of light emitted from the light source 53 so that the sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the spectral sensitivity information becomes the sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the reference spectral sensitivity information. It may be calculated based on the sensitivity variation information light quantity correction coefficient for adjusting.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 114 is affirmative, the spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount stored in the memory 20 of the developing device 16 are the same as the reference spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount stored in the storage unit 48. Therefore, since it is not necessary to perform exposure amount correction, the process proceeds to step 120 after setting “1” as the light amount correction coefficient.

  In step 120, the light amount correction coefficient set in step 118 or step 116 is stored in the storage unit 48.

  In step 122, the multiplication result obtained by multiplying the reference exposure amount stored in the storage unit 48 by the light amount correction coefficient for each light source 53Y, light source 53M, and light source 53M stored in the storage unit 48 in step 120, After executing the image data forming process by turning on the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C based on the color component information included in the image data acquired in step 100 as the exposure amount, this routine is executed. finish.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 10 of the present invention, the developing device 16 is detachably provided to the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 and is stored in the storage unit 20 provided in the developing device 16. Based on the spectral sensitivity information indicating the spectral sensitivity of the toner stored in the developing device 16, the exposure amount by the light source 53 of the coloring information providing device 28 can be adjusted. Even when there is a variation, the same light source is used without changing the device configuration of the image forming apparatus 10, and the light amount of the same wavelength is irradiated by adjusting the exposure amount of the light source. The variation in the toner density after the color development can be suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the exposure amount of light exposed from the light source 53 to the toner image is corrected based on the spectral sensitivity information stored in the storage unit 20 provided in the developing device 16. Further, it is determined whether or not the density of the toner image formed by the coloring information providing device 28 with the corrected exposure amount is the target toner image density, and the exposure amount by the light source 53 is further determined based on the determination result. You may make it adjust.

  In such a case, the control unit 46 may execute the processing routine shown in FIG. 5 instead of the processing in step 122 shown in FIG.

In this case, when the processing from step 100 to step 120 is executed (see FIG. 4), and the light amount correction coefficient is calculated for each of the light sources 53Y, 53M, and 53C and stored in the storage unit 48, FIG. In step 200 of No. 5, a density detection pattern image forming process is executed. The density detection pattern image is an image having a predetermined density that is determined in advance.
As an exposure amount for forming an image having the predetermined density, a result obtained by multiplying the light amount correction coefficient stored in the storage unit 48 by the processing in step 120 by the reference exposure amount is used as a new exposure amount. The image is formed.

  In the next step 202, negative determination is repeated until the density of the density detection pattern image formed in step 200 is detected from the density detection device 31. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 204.

  In step 204, it is determined whether or not the density detected in step 202 is the same as the predetermined density of the pattern image formed in step 200. If affirmative, the process proceeds to step 210 and stored in the storage unit 48. Based on the light amount correction coefficient that has been set, the light amount for each of the light sources 53Y, 53M, and 53M stored in the storage unit 48 with the reference exposure amount stored in the storage unit 48 as in step 122 above. An image data forming process is performed by turning on the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C based on the color component information included in the image data acquired in step 100, using the multiplication result obtained by multiplying the correction coefficient as the exposure amount. After executing this routine, this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 204 is negative and the density detected by the density detector 31 is different from the target density, the density of the toner after color development is set to the target density (the predetermined density). The light quantity correction coefficient is corrected. The correction result is stored in the storage unit 48 as a light amount correction coefficient in the next step 208, and then the process proceeds to step 210.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 10 of the present invention, the developing device 16 is detachably provided to the main body of the image forming apparatus 10, and the spectrum stored in the storage unit 20 provided in the developing device 16. Based on the sensitivity information, the exposure amount by the light source 53 of the color information providing device 28 can be adjusted. Therefore, even if the toner sensitivity varies depending on the toner manufacturing conditions, the image forming apparatus 10 By adjusting the exposure amount of this light source using the same light source without changing the apparatus configuration, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the density of the toner after coloring when irradiated with light of the same wavelength. .
Further, the density of the toner after color development when the toner is exposed with the exposure amount of light corrected based on the spectral sensitivity information stored in the developing device 16 storage unit 20 is determined in advance corresponding to the wavelength of the light. The exposure amount of the light source 53 of the coloring information providing device 28 can be further corrected based on the detection result of the toner density after color development so as to be the same as the toner density after color development depending on the degree of reactivity. The amount of light can be well corrected, and the toner density after color development when irradiated with light of the same wavelength due to a change in the toner with time and variations in spectral sensitivity can be adjusted.

In the above processing routine, a light amount correction coefficient for correcting the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source 53 is calculated, and the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source 53 is corrected based on the calculated light amount correction coefficient. However, the present invention is not limited to such a method.
For example, the sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of light emitted from each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C based on the spectral sensitivity information stored in the storage unit 20 of the developing device 16 is based on the reference unit K performance sensitivity information. Further, from the sensitivity indicated in the reference spectral sensitivity information corresponding to each wavelength, it corresponds to each wavelength so that the sensitivity corresponds to the wavelength of the light emitted from each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C. It is emitted from each light source 53 so that the exposure amount corresponding to the subtraction result obtained by subtracting the sensitivity indicated by the spectral sensitivity information is emitted by adding the exposure amount indicated by the sensitivity fluctuation information to the reference exposure amount. You may make it adjust the exposure amount according to the wavelength of light.

  Here, as described above, the sensitivity of the toner fluctuates with time, and the sensitivity of the photoreceptor 11 itself deteriorates as the number of cycles increases. In this case, the control unit 46 may execute the processing routine shown in FIG.

  In this case, the control unit 46 executes the processing routine shown in FIG. 6 every predetermined time, and proceeds to step 100.

  In step 100, whether or not image data of an image to be formed in the image forming apparatus 10 is acquired in the image forming apparatus 10 by an operation instruction from a user of an operation unit (not shown) or an input from an external apparatus. If the determination is negative, the routine ends. If the determination is positive, the routine proceeds to step 102.

  In step 102, it is determined whether or not it is the first image formation after replacement of the developing device 16. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 318. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104. The determination in step 102 indicates that, for example, after the signal indicating that the developing device 16 has been removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 is input from the sensor 21, the developing device 16 is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. This can be determined by determining whether or not a signal has been input.

  If the determination in step 102 is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 104 where the light amount correction coefficient information used for the previous light amount correction stored in the storage unit 48, the spectral sensitivity information stored in the storage unit 48 in the previous process, and the sensitivity. The change information, the information indicating the reference exposure amount, the production date / time information, and the temporal change information are cleared from the storage unit 48.

  In the next step 300, from the memory 20 provided in the developing device 16, the spectral sensitivity information, sensitivity fluctuation information, information indicating the reference exposure amount, manufacturing date information, The change information is read and stored in the storage unit 48 in the next step 302.

In the next step 304, the spectral sensitivity information stored in the storage unit 48 is corrected so as to have a spectral sensitivity corresponding to the temporal change of the toner in the developing device 16.
In the process of step 304, the current date and time is read from the timer 66, the time from the manufacture date and time of the manufacture date and time information stored in the storage unit 48 by the process of step 302 is calculated, and based on the temporal change information. The sensitivity change corresponding to the calculated elapsed time is calculated for each wavelength in the wavelength region, and the sensitivity change calculated for each wavelength is stored in the storage unit 48 in correspondence with the spectral sensitivity information, thereby correcting the spectral sensitivity information. Is done.

  The spectral sensitivity information corrected by the process of step 304 is stored in the storage unit 48. For this reason, the storage unit 48 can accurately obtain the spectral sensitivity of the toner immediately before image formation, which fluctuates in accordance with the change with time of the toner stored in the developing device 16.

  In the next step 308, the reference spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount are read from the storage unit 48, and in the next step 310, the corrected spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount stored in the storage unit 48 in the step 306, and the above-described step. It is determined whether or not the reference spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount read in step 308 are the same.

  If the determination in step 310 is negative and the spectral sensitivity information corrected in accordance with the change with time of the toner is not the same as the reference spectral sensitivity information stored in the storage unit 48 in advance, the process proceeds to step 314.

  In step 314, the sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength of the light emitted from each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C is based on the corrected spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount stored in the storage unit 48 in step 306. The sensitivity corresponding to the wavelength (the wavelength of light emitted from each of the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C) corresponding to the spectral sensitivity of each color developing unit of the reference spectral sensitivity information read from the storage unit 48 in step 308 above. After calculating a light amount correction coefficient for correcting a reference exposure amount as a reference exposure amount of light emitted from the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C so as to have the same sensitivity, the process proceeds to step 316. .

  This light amount correction coefficient is obtained based on the corrected spectral sensitivity information stored in the storage unit 48, the reference spectral sensitivity information, and the sensitivity fluctuation information read from the memory 20 of the developing device 16 in step 306. That's fine.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 310 is affirmative, since the corrected spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount are the same as the reference spectral sensitivity information and the reference exposure amount, it is not necessary to perform exposure amount correction. After setting “1” as the correction coefficient, the process proceeds to step 316.

  In step 316, the light amount correction coefficient set in step 314 or step 312 is stored in the storage unit 48.

  In the next step 318, the cycle number is read from the counter 68, and in the next step 310, a correction coefficient for correcting the exposure amount of the light source 53 corresponding to the read cycle number is read from the storage unit 48.

Note that the deterioration of the photoconductor 11 progresses as the number of cycles of the photoconductor 11 increases. When the photoconductor 11 is deteriorated, if the exposure is performed with the same exposure amount as before the photoconductor 11 is deteriorated, the toner amount is reduced in accordance with the deterioration of the photoconductor 11, so that the toner density after color development is reduced. Change.
Accordingly, deterioration level information indicating the deterioration of the photoconductor 11 is stored in the storage unit 48 in advance corresponding to the number of cycles of the photoconductor 11 (corresponding to the number of image formations). In addition, a correction coefficient for correcting the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source 53 is stored in advance corresponding to the number of cycles so that the exposure amount increases as the degree of deterioration increases.

  In the next step 322, the correction coefficient stored in the storage unit 48 in the step 316 is further corrected based on the correction coefficient calculated in the step 320. In the next step 324, the corrected light quantity correction coefficient is stored in the storage unit. 48.

  In the next step 326, the counter 68 is reset by setting the count number of the counter 68 to “0”.

  In step 328, the multiplication result obtained by multiplying the reference exposure amount stored in the storage unit 48 by the light amount correction coefficient for each of the light sources 53Y, 53M, and 53M stored in the storage unit 48 in step 324 is obtained as follows: After executing the image data forming process by turning on the light source 53Y, the light source 53M, and the light source 53C based on the color component information included in the image data acquired in step 100 as the exposure amount, this routine is executed. finish.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 10 of the present invention, the developing device 16 is detachably provided to the main body of the image forming apparatus 10, and the spectrum stored in the storage unit 20 provided in the developing device 16. Based on the sensitivity information, the exposure amount by the light source 53 of the color information providing device 28 can be adjusted. Therefore, even if the toner sensitivity varies depending on the toner manufacturing conditions, the image forming apparatus 10 By adjusting the exposure amount of this light source using the same light source without changing the apparatus configuration, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the density of the toner after coloring when irradiated with light of the same wavelength. .

  Further, the spectral sensitivity information can be corrected based on the change with time of the toner in the developing device 16 and the color development information can be given with the exposure amount based on the correction result, so that the density fluctuation due to the change with time of the toner is suppressed. be able to.

  Furthermore, since the exposure amount of the light to be exposed to the toner can be further adjusted according to the sensitivity deterioration due to the use of the photoconductor 11, the density fluctuation due to the sensitivity deterioration of the photoconductor 11 can be suppressed. can do.

<Reference example>
In order to confirm the operation of the above embodiment, the following test was performed.

  In the following examples, “part” and “%” represent “part by mass” and “% by mass”, respectively.

(Production of toner)
First, the toner used in the following examples will be described. In the following toner preparation, the preparation of the photocurable composition dispersion and the series of toner preparations using the same were all performed in a dark place.

A. Light non-colorable toner (preparation of microcapsule dispersion)
-Microcapsule dispersion (1)-
In 16.9 parts by mass of ethyl acetate, 8.9 parts by mass of an electron-donating colorless dye (1) capable of developing yellow color is dissolved. Further, a capsule wall material (trade name: Takenate D-110N, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) 20 parts by mass) and 2 parts by mass of capsule wall material (trade name: Millionate MR200, manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd.) were added.
The resulting solution was added to a mixed solution of 42 parts by mass of 8% by mass phthalated gelatin, 14 parts by mass of water, and 1.4 parts by mass of a 10% by mass sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate solution. Emulsified and dispersed at 0 ° C. to obtain an emulsion. Next, 72 parts by mass of a 2.9% by mass tetraethylenepentamine aqueous solution was added to the obtained emulsion and heated to 60 ° C. with stirring. After 2 hours, the electron-donating colorless dye (1) was added to the core. To obtain a microcapsule dispersion (1) having an average particle size of 0.5 μm.
The glass transition temperature of the material constituting the outer shell of the microcapsule contained in this microcapsule dispersion (1) (the material obtained by reacting Takenate D-110N and Millionate MR200 under the same conditions as above). Was 100 ° C.

-Microcapsule dispersion (2)-
A microcapsule dispersion (2) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the microcapsule dispersion (1) except that the electron-donating colorless dye (1) was changed to the electron-donating colorless dye (2). The average particle size of the microcapsules in this dispersion was 0.5 μm.

-Microcapsule dispersion (3)-
A microcapsule dispersion liquid (3) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the microcapsule dispersion liquid (1) except that the electron-donating colorless dye (1) was changed to the electron-donating colorless dye (3). The average particle size of the microcapsules in this dispersion was 0.5 μm.
The chemical structural formulas of the electron donating colorless dyes (1) to (3) used for the preparation of the microcapsule dispersion are shown below.

(Preparation of photocurable composition dispersion)
-Photocurable composition dispersion (1)-
100.0 parts by mass (mixing ratio 50:50) of a mixture of electron-accepting compounds (1) and (2) having a polymerizable group and 0.1 part by mass of a thermal polymerization inhibitor (ALI) were added to isopropyl acetate (to water). Was dissolved at 42 ° C. in 125.0 parts by mass to obtain a mixed solution I.
In this mixed solution I, hexaarylbiimidazole (1) [2,2′-bis (2-chlorophenyl) -4,4 ′, 5,5′tetraphenyl-1,2′-biimidazole] 18.0 Part by mass, 0.5 part by mass of a nonionic organic dye, and 6.0 parts by mass of an organic boron compound were added and dissolved at 42 ° C. to obtain a mixed solution II.
The above mixed solution II was added to a mixed solution of 300.1 parts by mass of an 8% by mass gelatin aqueous solution and 17.4 parts by mass of a 10% by mass surfactant (1) aqueous solution, and a homogenizer (manufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.). ) For 5 minutes at a rotational speed of 10,000, followed by desolvation treatment at 40 ° C. for 3 hours to obtain a photocurable composition dispersion (1) having a solid content of 30% by mass.
In addition, the electron-accepting compound (1) which has a polymeric group used for preparation of a photocurable composition dispersion liquid (1), the electron-accepting compound (2) which has a polymeric group, and thermal polymerization inhibitor (ALI) Structural formulas of hexaarylbiimidazole (1), surfactant (1), nonionic organic dye, and organoboron compound are shown below.

-Photocurable composition dispersion (2)-
0.6 part by mass of the following organic borate compound (I), 0.1 part by mass of the spectral sensitizing dye-based borate compound (I) shown above, and the following auxiliary agent (1) for the purpose of increasing the sensitivity: 5 parts by mass of the following electron-accepting compound (3) having a polymerizable group was added to a mixed solution of 1 part by mass and 3 parts by mass of isopropyl acetate (solubility of about 4.3% in water).

The obtained solution was mixed with 13 parts by weight of a 13% by weight aqueous gelatin solution, 0.8 part by weight of the following 2% by weight surfactant (2) aqueous solution, and 0.8 part by weight of the following 2% by weight surfactant (3) aqueous solution. And emulsified with a homogenizer (manufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.) for 5 minutes at a rotational speed of 10,000 rotations to obtain a photocurable composition dispersion (2).
In addition, the electron-accepting compound (3) having a polymerizable group used for the preparation of the photocurable composition dispersion (2), the auxiliary agent (1), the surfactant (2), and the surfactant (3) The structural formula of is shown below.

-Photocurable composition dispersion (3)-
In place of the spectral sensitizing dye-based borate compound (I), the photocurable composition dispersion liquid (2) was used except that 0.1 part by mass of the spectral sensitizing dye-based borate compound (II) shown above was used. A photocurable composition dispersion (3) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation.

(Preparation of resin particle dispersion)
Styrene: 460 parts by mass nbutyl acrylate: 140 parts by mass Acrylic acid: 12 parts by mass Dodecanethiol: 9 parts by mass The above components were mixed and dissolved to prepare a solution. Subsequently, an emulsion (monomer) in which 12 parts by weight of an anionic surfactant (manufactured by Rhodia, Dowfax) was dissolved in 250 parts by weight of ion-exchanged water, and the above solution was added and dispersed and emulsified in a flask. Emulsion A) was prepared.
Further, 1 part by mass of an anionic surfactant (manufactured by Rhodia, Dowfax) was dissolved in 555 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water and charged into a polymerization flask. The polymerization flask was sealed, a reflux tube was installed, and the polymerization flask was heated to 75 ° C. with a water bath while being slowly stirred while injecting nitrogen.

Next, a solution obtained by dissolving 9 parts by mass of ammonium persulfate in 43 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was dropped into the polymerization flask through a metering pump over 20 minutes, and then the monomer emulsion A was also metered into the metering pump. Over 200 minutes.
Thereafter, the polymerization flask was kept at 75 ° C. for 3 hours while stirring slowly, to complete the polymerization.
As a result, a resin particle dispersion having a median particle diameter of 210 nm, a glass transition point of 51.5 ° C., a weight average molecular weight of 31,000, and a solid content of 42% was obtained.

(Preparation of Toner 1 (colored part dispersed structure type))
-Preparation of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1)-
-Microcapsule dispersion (1): 150 parts by mass-Photocurable composition dispersion (1): 300 parts by mass-Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts by mass-Ion exchange water: 300 parts by mass The above ingredients are mixed. Adjust the pH to 3.5 by adding nitric acid to the raw material solution, thoroughly mix and disperse with a homogenizer (IKA, Ultra Turrax T50), transfer to a flask, and stir with a three-one motor in a heating oil bath. While heating to 40 ° C. and holding at 40 ° C. for 60 minutes, 300 parts by mass of the resin particle dispersion was further added and gently stirred at 60 ° C. for 2 hours. Thus, a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1) was obtained.
The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules dispersed in this dispersion was 3.53 μm. In addition, spontaneous color development of the dispersion was not confirmed during the preparation of the dispersion.

-Preparation of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (2)-
-Microcapsule dispersion (2): 150 parts by mass-Photocurable composition dispersion (2): 300 parts by mass-Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts by mass-Ion exchange water: 300 parts by mass A photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (2) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1) except that the components were used.
The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules dispersed in this dispersion was 3.52 μm. In addition, spontaneous color development of the dispersion was not confirmed during the preparation of the dispersion.

-Preparation of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (3)-
-Microcapsule dispersion (3): 150 parts by mass-Photocurable composition dispersion (3): 300 parts by mass-Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts by mass-Ion exchange water: 300 parts by mass A photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (3) was obtained in the same manner as the preparation of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1) except that the components were used.
The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules dispersed in this dispersion was 3.47 μm. In addition, spontaneous color development of the dispersion was not confirmed during the preparation of the dispersion.

-Preparation of toner-
Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1): 750 parts by mass Sensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (2): 750 parts by mass Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (3): 750 parts by mass The flask was transferred to a flask, heated to 42 ° C. in an oil bath for heating while stirring the flask, and held at 42 ° C. for 60 minutes, and then 100 parts by mass of the resin particle dispersion was further added and stirred gently.
Thereafter, the pH in the flask was adjusted to 5.0 with a 0.5 mol / liter sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, and then heated to 55 ° C. while stirring was continued. During the temperature rise to 55 ° C, the pH in the flask usually drops to 5.0 or lower, but here, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is added dropwise to keep the pH from dropping to 4.5 or lower. did. In this state, it was kept at 55 ° C. for 3 hours.

After completion of the reaction, the mixture was cooled, filtered, sufficiently washed with ion exchange water, and then solid-liquid separated by Nutsche suction filtration. Then, it was redispersed in 3 liters of ion exchange water at 40 ° C. in a 5 liter beaker, and stirred and washed at 300 rpm for 15 minutes. This washing operation was repeated 5 times, followed by solid-liquid separation by Nutsche suction filtration, followed by freeze-drying for 12 hours to obtain toner particles in which photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules were dispersed in a styrene resin. When the particle diameter of the toner particles was measured with a Coulter counter, the volume average particle diameter D50v was 15.2 μm.
Subsequently, 1.0 part by mass of hydrophobic silica (manufactured by Cabot, TS720) was added to 50 parts by mass of the toner particles, and mixed with a sample mill to obtain externally added toner 1.

(Production of Toner 2 (Concentric structure type))
-Preparation of toner-
-Microcapsule dispersion (1): 150 parts by mass-Photocurable composition dispersion (1): 300 parts by mass-Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts by mass-Ion exchange water: 300 parts by mass The above ingredients are mixed. The pH of the solution was adjusted to 3.5 with nitric acid, thoroughly mixed and dispersed with a homogenizer (manufactured by IKA, Ultra Tarrax T50), then transferred to a flask and stirred with a three-one motor in a heating oil bath. After heating to 40 ° C. and holding at 40 ° C. for 60 minutes, 300 parts by mass of the resin particle dispersion was further added and gently stirred.
Thereafter, the pH in the flask was adjusted to 7.5 with a 0.5 mol / liter sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, then heated to 60 ° C. while stirring was continued, and gently stirred at 60 ° C. for 2 hours. Was once taken out from the flask and allowed to cool to obtain a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion.
The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules dispersed in this dispersion was 4.50 μm. In addition, spontaneous color development of the dispersion was not confirmed during the preparation of the dispersion.

Subsequently, a mixed solution of the following components was added to the photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsule dispersion, adjusted to pH = 3.5 with nitric acid, and sufficiently mixed and dispersed with a homogenizer (Ultra Tlux T50, manufactured by IKA). .
-Microcapsule dispersion (2): 150 parts by mass-Photocurable composition dispersion (2): 300 parts by mass-Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts by mass-Ion exchange water: 300 parts by mass

Next, the above mixed and dispersed solution is transferred again to the flask, heated to 40 ° C. while stirring with a three-one motor in a heating oil bath, held at 40 ° C. for 60 minutes, and then the resin particle dispersion is further added. 200 parts by mass was added and gently stirred.
Thereafter, the pH in the flask was adjusted to 7.5 with a 0.5 mol / liter sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, then heated to 60 ° C. while stirring was continued, and gently stirred at 60 ° C. for 2 hours. Was once taken out from the flask and allowed to cool to obtain a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion.
The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules dispersed in this dispersion was 6.0 μm. In addition, spontaneous color development of the dispersion was not confirmed during the preparation of the dispersion.

Subsequently, a mixed solution of the following components was added to the photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsule dispersion, the pH was adjusted to 3.5 with nitric acid, and the mixture was sufficiently mixed and dispersed with a homogenizer (Ultra Tlux T50, manufactured by IKA). .
-Microcapsule dispersion (3) 150 parts by mass-Photocurable composition dispersion (3) 300 parts by mass-Polyaluminum chloride 0.20 parts by mass-Ion-exchanged water 300 parts by mass The latter solution was transferred again to the flask, heated to 40 ° C. while stirring with a three-one motor in a heating oil bath, and held at 40 ° C. for 60 minutes, and then 100 parts by mass of the resin particle dispersion was further added to 60 ° C. For 2 hours.
Thereafter, the pH in the flask was adjusted to 5.0 with a 0.5 mol / liter sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, and then heated to 55 ° C. while stirring was continued. During the temperature rise to 55 ° C, the pH in the flask usually drops to 5.0 or lower, but here, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is added dropwise to keep the pH from dropping to 4.5 or lower. did. This state was maintained at 55 ° C. for 3 hours. In addition, spontaneous color development of the dispersion was not confirmed during the preparation of this dispersion.

After completion of the reaction, the mixture was cooled, filtered, sufficiently washed with ion exchange water, and then solid-liquid separated by Nutsche suction filtration. Then, it was redispersed in 3 liters of ion exchange water at 40 ° C. in a 5 liter beaker, and stirred and washed at 300 rpm for 15 minutes. This washing operation was repeated 5 times, and solid-liquid separation was performed by Nutsche suction filtration, followed by freeze-drying for 12 hours to obtain toner particles.
When the particle diameter of the toner particles was measured with a Coulter counter, the volume average particle diameter D50v was 7.5 μm. To 50 parts by mass of the toner particles, 1.0 part by mass of hydrophobic silica (manufactured by Cabot, TS720) was added and mixed by a sample mill to obtain externally added toner 2.

B. Photochromic toner (preparation of microcapsule dispersion)
-Microcapsule dispersion (1)-
12.1 parts by mass of the electron donating colorless dye (1) is dissolved in 10.2 parts by mass of ethyl acetate, 12.1 parts by mass of dicyclohexyl phthalate and 26 parts by mass of Takenate D-110N (manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) A solution to which 2.9 parts by mass of Millionate MR200 (manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd.) was added was prepared.
Subsequently, this solution was added to a mixed solution of 5.5 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol and 73 parts by mass of water, and emulsified and dispersed at 20 ° C. to obtain an emulsion having an average particle diameter of 0.5 μm. 80 parts by mass of water was added to the obtained emulsion, heated to 60 ° C. with stirring, and after 2 hours, a microcapsule dispersion in which microcapsules having an electron-donating colorless dye (1) as a core material were dispersed ( 1) was obtained.
The material constituting the outer shell of the microcapsule contained in this microcapsule dispersion (1) (the material obtained by reacting dicyclohexylphthalate, Takenate D-110N and Millionate MR200 under the same conditions as described above) The glass transition temperature was 130 ° C.

-Microcapsule dispersion (2)-
A microcapsule dispersion (2) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the microcapsule dispersion (1) except that the electron-donating colorless dye (1) was changed to the electron-donating colorless dye (2).

-Microcapsule dispersion (3)-
A microcapsule dispersion liquid (3) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the microcapsule dispersion liquid (1) except that the electron-donating colorless dye (1) was changed to the electron-donating colorless dye (3).

(Preparation of photocurable composition dispersion)
-Photocurable composition dispersion (1)-
In a solution prepared by dissolving 1.62 parts of photopolymerization initiator (1-a) and 0.54 parts of (1-b) in 4 parts of ethyl acetate, 9 parts of electron-accepting compound (1) and trimethylol were added. 7.5 parts of propane triacrylate monomer (trifunctional acrylate, molecular weight of about 300) was added.
The solution thus obtained was mixed with 19 parts of 15% PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) aqueous solution, 5 parts of water, 0.8 part of 2% surfactant (1) aqueous solution and 2% surfactant (2) aqueous solution. 8 parts was added to the mixed solution and emulsified with a homogenizer (manufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.) at 8000 rpm for 7 minutes to obtain a photocurable composition dispersion (1) as an emulsion.

-Photocurable composition dispersion (2)-
Photopolymerization initiators (1-a) and (1-b) are combined with 0.08 parts of photopolymerization initiator (2-a), 0.18 parts of (2-b), and 0.18 parts of (2-c). A photocurable composition dispersion (2) was obtained in the same manner as in the case of preparing the photocurable composition dispersion (1) except that the composition was changed to.

-Photocurable composition dispersion (3)-
The photocurable composition dispersion (1) except that the photopolymerization initiator (2-b) used in the photocurable composition dispersion (2) was changed to the photopolymerization initiator (3-b). A photocurable composition dispersion liquid (3) was obtained in the same manner as in preparing the above.
In addition, the photoinitiator (1-a), (1-b), (2-a), (2-b), (2-c), (3) used for preparation of a photocurable composition dispersion liquid Chemical structural formulas of -b), electron-accepting compound (1), and surfactants (1) to (2) are shown below.

-Preparation of resin particle dispersion (1)-
-Styrene: 360 parts-n-butyl acrylate: 40 parts-Acrylic acid: 4 parts-Dodecanethiol: 24 parts-Carbon tetrabromide: 4 parts The above solution is mixed and dissolved in a nonionic surfactant (Sanyo) Disperse and emulsify in a flask in a solution obtained by dissolving 6 parts of Kasei Co., Ltd .: Nonipol 400) and 10 parts of an anionic surfactant (Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd .: Neogen SC) in 560 parts of ion-exchanged water. Then, while slowly mixing for 10 minutes, 50 parts of ion-exchanged water having 4 parts of ammonium persulfate dissolved therein was added thereto.
Subsequently, after the flask was purged with nitrogen, the contents were heated in an oil bath while stirring the flask until the content reached 70 ° C., and emulsion polymerization was continued for 5 hours. Thus, a resin particle dispersion (1) (resin particle concentration) in which resin particles having a volume average particle diameter of 200 nm, a glass transition temperature of 50 ° C., a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 16,200, and a specific gravity of 1.2 are dispersed. : 30%).

-Preparation of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1)-
-Microcapsule dispersion (1) 24 parts-Photocurable composition dispersion (1) 232 parts The above was sufficiently mixed and dispersed in a round stainless steel flask with IKA Ultra Turrax T50.
Then, the pH was adjusted to 3 with nitric acid, then 0.20 part of polyaluminum chloride was added thereto, and the dispersion operation was continued for 10 minutes at 6000 rpm with an ultra turrax. The flask was heated to 40 ° C. with gentle stirring in an oil bath for heating.
Here, 60 parts of the resin particle dispersion (1) was gently added.
Thereby, a photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsule dispersion liquid (1) was obtained. The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersed in the dispersion was about 2 μm. Moreover, spontaneous color development of the obtained dispersion was not confirmed.

-Preparation of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (2)-
Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion, except that the microcapsule dispersion (1) is changed to the microcapsule dispersion (2) and the photocurable composition dispersion (1) is changed to the photocurable composition dispersion (2). Prepared in the same manner as (1) to obtain a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (2). The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersed in the dispersion was about 2 μm. Moreover, spontaneous color development of the obtained dispersion was not confirmed.

-Preparation of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (3)-
Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion, except that the microcapsule dispersion (1) is changed to the microcapsule dispersion (3) and the photocurable composition dispersion (1) is changed to the photocurable composition dispersion (3). Prepared in the same manner as (1) to obtain a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (3). The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersed in the dispersion was about 2 μm. Moreover, spontaneous color development of the obtained dispersion was not confirmed.

(Preparation of toner 3 (colored portion dispersion structure type))
-Preparation of toner-
-Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1): 80 parts-Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (2): 80 parts-Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (3): 80 parts-Resin particle dispersion (1): 80 parts The above was sufficiently mixed and dispersed in a round stainless steel flask using IKA Ultra Turrax T50.

Next, 0.1 part of polyaluminum chloride was added thereto, and the dispersion operation was continued for 10 minutes at 6000 rpm with an ultra turrax. The flask was heated to 48 ° C. with stirring in an oil bath for heating. After maintaining at 48 ° C. for 60 minutes, 20 parts of the resin particle dispersion (1) was gradually added thereto.
Thereafter, the pH of the system was adjusted to 8.5 with a 0.5 mol / l sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, and then the stainless steel flask was sealed, and heated to 55 ° C. while continuing to stir using a magnetic seal, for 10 hours. Retained.

After completion of the reaction, the mixture was cooled, filtered, sufficiently washed with ion exchange water, and then subjected to solid-liquid separation by Nutsche suction filtration. This was further redispersed in 1 L of ion exchange water at 40 ° C., and stirred and washed at 300 rpm for 15 minutes.
This was repeated five more times, and when the pH of the filtrate became 7.5 and the electric conductivity was 7.0 μS / cmt, solid-liquid separation was performed using No5A filter paper by Nutsche suction filtration. Next, vacuum drying was performed for 12 hours to obtain toner particles having a structure in which three types of photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsules were dispersed in the base material.
When the particle diameter at this time was measured with a Coulter counter, the volume average particle diameter D50v was about 15 μm. Further, spontaneous color development of the obtained toner was not confirmed.

  Next, 100 parts of this toner (1), 0.3 part of hydrophobic titania having an average particle diameter of 15 nm and surface treated with n-decyltrimethoxysilane, and hydrophobic silica having a mean particle diameter of 30 nm (NY50, Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) (Product made) After blending 0.4 part with a Henschel mixer at a peripheral speed of 32 m / s for 10 minutes, coarse particles were removed using a sieve having a mesh opening of 45 μm, and external toner 3 added with an external additive Got.

<Production of developer>
Next, a ferrite carrier having an average particle size of 50 μm (the amount of polymethyl methacrylate used relative to the total mass of the carrier: 1% by mass) coated with polymethyl methacrylate (manufactured by Soken Chemical Co., Ltd.) on the surface of the carrier core material, The externally added toners 1 to 3 were weighed so that the toner concentration was 5% by mass, and both were stirred and mixed for 5 minutes with a ball mill to prepare developers (1) to (3). The developer (1) and the developer (2) are developers using a light non-color developing toner as described above, and the developer (3) is a photo coloring toner as described above. This is the developer used.

(Image formation)
An image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 was prepared, and the developer (1) was used as the developer.
As the photoreceptor 11, a charge generation layer is gallium chloride phthalocyanine and a charge transport layer is N, N′-diphenyl-N, N′-bis (3-methylphenyl)-[1,1 ′] around an aluminum drum. A film formed by coating a multilayer organic photosensitive layer having a film thickness of 25 μm containing biphenyl-4,4′-diamine was used. Further, a scorotron was used as the charging device 12.

  As the exposure device 14, an LED image bar having a wavelength of 780 nm capable of forming a latent image with a resolution of 600 dpi was used. The developing device 16 includes a metal sleeve for developing a two-component magnetic brush and can perform reversal development.

The coloring information providing device 28 has a peak wavelength of 405 nm (reference exposure amount: 0.2 mJ / cm ² ), 532 nm (reference exposure amount: 0.2 mJ / cm ² ), 657 nm (reference exposure amount: 0.4 mJ / cm ² ). This is an LED image bar with a resolution of 600 dpi capable of irradiating light. The transfer device 18 includes a semiconductive roll formed by coating a conductive elastic body on the outer periphery of a conductive core material as a transfer roll. The conductive elastic body is made by dispersing two types of carbon black consisting of ketjen black and thermal black in an incompatible blend formed by mixing NBR and EPDM, and has a roll resistance of 10 ^8.5 Ωcm, The Asker C hardness is 35 degrees.

  The fixing device 22 used was a fixing device used in DPC1616 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., and was arranged at a position 30 cm from the point of coloring information application. Moreover, as the light irradiation apparatus 24, the high-intensity shakasten containing the three wavelengths of the said coloring information provision apparatus was used, and the irradiation width was 5 mm.

The printing conditions were set as follows by the image forming apparatus having the above configuration.
Photoconductor linear velocity: 10 mm / sec.
-Charging conditions: -400V applied to scorotron screen and -6kV DC applied to wire. At this time, the surface potential of the photosensitive member was −400V.
Development bias: A rectangular wave of alternating current Vpp 1.2 kV (3 kHz) is superimposed on direct current −330V.
Developer contact conditions: peripheral speed ratio (development roll / photoreceptor) 2.0, development gap 0.5 mm, developer weight on the development roll 400 g / m ² , toner development amount on the photoreceptor was solid The image was 5 g / m ² .
Transfer bias: DC + 800V applied.
Fixing temperature: The fixing roll surface temperature is set to 180 ° C.
-Light irradiation apparatus light source: Y light irradiation part 51Y: 405 nm light is exposed. M light irradiation unit 51M: 535 nm light is exposed. C light irradiation part 51C: 657 nm light is exposed.

Under the above conditions, the developer (1), the developer (2), and the developer (3) are loaded in the developing unit, and the processing routine shown in each of FIGS. , And a process of forming each of a Y color image, an M color image, and a C color image having a density of 50% on 100000 A4 size recording media was performed. As a result, no change in density was observed in each of the Y color image, the M color image, and the C color image, regardless of which developer was used.
For this reason, it can be said that fluctuations in toner density after color development can be suppressed.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a color information providing device of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by a control part. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by a control part. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by a control part. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of spectral sensitivity of a color developing portion included in toner. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams for explaining a toner color development mechanism, in which FIG. 1A shows a color development portion and FIG. 2B shows an enlarged state thereof.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Photoconductor 12 Charging apparatus 14 Exposure apparatus 16 Development apparatus 18 Transfer apparatus 20 Memory | storage part 22 Fixing apparatus 24 Light irradiation apparatus 28 Coloring information provision apparatus 46 Control part 48 Memory | storage part 53 Light source 31 Density detection apparatus

Claims (12)

It has different sensitivities to changes in the wavelength of the exposed light, and is exposed to light of a predetermined wavelength according to the color to be developed or the color to be non-developed, thereby changing the wavelength of the exposed light. An image forming apparatus using a toner that maintains a state where a corresponding color can be developed or a state where the color can be developed.
Charging means for charging the image carrier to a predetermined charging potential;
A latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image according to image data on the image carrier by exposing the image carrier charged by the charging unit;
Developing means for storing the toner in advance and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with the toner to form a toner image on the image carrier;
A light source that emits light of a predetermined wavelength corresponding to a color to be developed or a color that is not to be developed based on color component information in the image data, and the light emitted from the light source is the toner A coloring information providing means for providing coloring information to the toner constituting the toner image by exposing the image;
Transfer means for transferring the toner image to a recording medium;
Fixing means for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium to the recording medium by one or both of heat and pressure;
By applying heat to the toner image transferred to the recording medium, each toner constituting the toner image has a color corresponding to the wavelength of light exposed by the color information providing unit or a color corresponding to the wavelength of the light. A coloring means for developing a color with a color other than the above and a density corresponding to the reactivity corresponding to the wavelength and exposure amount of the light;
Spectral sensitivity information indicating sensitivity variation corresponding to the wavelength variation of light when the toner stored in the developing unit is exposed with a predetermined reference exposure amount, and variation in exposure amount when light of a predetermined wavelength is exposed. Storage means for storing in advance sensitivity fluctuation information indicating the corresponding sensitivity fluctuation;
The spectral sensitivity information and the spectral sensitivity information so that the reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when exposed to light of a predetermined wavelength from the light source becomes a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength. Correction means for correcting an exposure amount of light emitted from the light source based on the sensitivity variation information;
An image forming apparatus. The light source is determined in advance such that when the toner to be stored in the developing unit is exposed at the reference exposure amount as the light having the predetermined wavelength, the reactivity of the toner becomes a predetermined reactivity. Emit light of wavelength,
The correction unit adds the exposure amount indicated by the sensitivity variation information corresponding to a subtraction result obtained by subtracting the sensitivity indicated by the spectral sensitivity information corresponding to the predetermined wavelength from the sensitivity of the toner to the reference exposure amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an exposure amount of light emitted from the light source is corrected so that an exposure amount of light is emitted.   The correction means is configured so that the reactivity of the toner constituting the toner image when exposed to light of a predetermined wavelength from the light source becomes a predetermined reactivity corresponding to the light of the predetermined wavelength. A light amount correction coefficient calculating unit that calculates a light amount correction coefficient for correcting the reference exposure amount based on the spectral sensitivity information and the sensitivity variation information, and a light amount calculated by the light amount correction coefficient calculating unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that controls the color information providing unit to expose the toner with an exposure amount corrected based on a correction coefficient.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing unit is detachably provided to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the storage unit is provided integrally with the developing unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the correction unit corrects an exposure amount of light emitted from the light source when the developing device is attached to a main body of the image forming apparatus.   The toner has one or a plurality of color developing portions that maintain a state in which colors can be developed in different colors or a state in which non-color development is possible, and the light source corresponds to the color to be developed or the color to be developed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein light having a predetermined wavelength is emitted for each color developing portion. A density detecting means for detecting the density of the toner after being colored by the coloring means;
When the latent image forming unit is formed so as to form a pattern image having a predetermined density, the correcting unit applies the spectral image to a toner image formed by developing the electrostatic latent image by the developing unit. The coloring information providing unit is controlled to expose light having a wavelength corresponding to the color component information of the pattern image with an exposure amount corrected based on the sensitivity information and the sensitivity variation information, and the coloring information providing unit generates color. The exposure amount of the light emitted from the light source is further corrected so that the density detected by the density detection unit of the toner image colored by the color development unit is provided with information and becomes the predetermined density. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. The toner is a toner whose sensitivity varies with time,
The storage means further stores in advance manufacturing date / time information indicating the manufacturing date / time when the toner stored in the developing means was manufactured and temporal change information indicating sensitivity fluctuations corresponding to the elapsed time from the manufacturing date / time. ,
The correction means determines in advance the degree of reactivity when the light having the predetermined wavelength is exposed from the light source in the toner whose sensitivity has changed according to the elapsed time from the manufacturing date and time, corresponding to the light having the predetermined wavelength. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure amount of light emitted from the light source is further corrected based on the temporal change information and the manufacturing date / time information so as to achieve a high degree of reactivity. A measuring unit for measuring the number of times of image formation of a predetermined size in the image forming apparatus main body;
The correction unit stores in advance deterioration degree information indicating the degree of deterioration of the image carrier corresponding to the number of image formations, and the degree of deterioration of the deterioration degree information corresponding to the number of image formations measured by the measurement unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure amount of the light emitted from the light source is further corrected so that the exposure amount of the light emitted from the light source increases as the value increases.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color developing unit is provided integrally with the fixing unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a post-fixing light irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the recording medium after fixing.   A photocurable composition comprising a first component and a second component that are present in a state where the toners are separated from each other and react with each other, and any one of the first component and the second component A toner that maintains a colorable state or a non-colored state by maintaining the cured or uncured state of the photocurable composition by applying color development information by light. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

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