JP2007316324A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus having high image density of black images and reducing running cost even when using toner capable of controlling a coloring or non-coloring state in response to coloring information with light, and to provide an image forming method. <P>SOLUTION: For instance, an image forming apparatus forms color images except for black by a first toner formation unit 10A using coloring controlling toner controlling so as to maintain the coloring or non-coloring state by imparting the coloring information due to light, and forms the black images by a second toner image formation unit 10B using black coloring toner in one photoreceptor 11 (image carrier). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method adopting an electrostatic recording method, and more specifically, an image using a color control toner capable of developing different colors by exposing light of different wavelengths. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus and an image forming method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a recording apparatus that obtains a color image by an electrophotographic method, the basic three primary colors are developed according to each image information, and these toner images are sequentially superimposed to obtain a color image. As a specific apparatus configuration, a so-called four-cycle machine that obtains a color image by repeatedly developing each color on a photosensitive drum on which a latent image is formed by an image forming method and transferring them to a transfer member, Alternatively, a tandem machine or the like that includes a photosensitive drum and a developing device for each color image forming unit and transfers a toner image successively and sequentially to obtain a color image by moving a transfer member.

  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 particle formed by dispersing and mixing a plurality of microcapsules having a capsule wall whose substance permeability changes in response to an external stimulus in a toner resin. One of the two types of reactive substances that are mixed with each other to cause a color development reaction (each color dye precursor) is contained in the microcapsule, and the other (developer) is contained in the toner resin outside the microcapsule. Is.

  This toner uses a photoisomerized substance that increases the substance permeability when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength as the capsule wall, and when applying light irradiation or ultrasonic waves using this cis-trans transition, Two kinds of reactive substances existing inside and outside the capsule react to develop color.

  However, in the case of the toner of this configuration, since the cis-trans transition is a reversible reaction, even if the transition from the trans state to the cis state occurs due to light stimulation and the developer slightly permeates the capsule wall, the printing process When it returns to the trans state, there is a problem that a sufficient color development reaction (concentration) cannot be obtained during color development by heating.

That is, due to the above problem, when this toner is used, it is difficult to obtain a stable image at low speed printing, and there is a problem that it is not possible to cope with a wide speed range from low speed to high speed. Further, even in normal printing, if the amount of cis-trans transition due to light stimulation is small, the toner will not develop color even if there is a slight reaction to return to the transformer state before heating, so that a highlight image is formed. In some cases, it is difficult to use the toner, that is, it is difficult to cope with high image quality.
Further, this proposal does not disclose a specific toner production method, and is not feasible.

JP-A 63-131364 JP 2003-330228 A

  By the way, when black is developed using the toner (color control toner) that develops different colors with the different wavelengths, it is performed by developing three primary colors (RGB or YMC).

  However, there is a problem in that the image density of a black image cannot be sufficiently obtained unless each toner exhibits sufficient colors of the three primary colors (RGB or YMC). In addition to this, since the consumption of the black image (black colored toner) by the user is high, it is expected that a large amount of color control toner is consumed in the black image, which may be disadvantageous in terms of running cost. is expected.

The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.
That is, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus in which the image density of a black image is high and the running cost is reduced even when a toner capable of controlling color development or non-color development according to color development information by light is used. An object is to provide an image forming method.

The above-mentioned subject is achieved by the following present invention.
The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes:
An image carrier;
1st toner image formation means using the color development control toner controlled to maintain the color development or the non-color development state by giving the color development information by light, wherein the image is developed by the first developer containing the color development control toner. A first toner image forming unit that forms a first toner image on the surface of the carrier; a color information providing unit that provides color information by light to the first toner image;
Second toner image forming means using black colored toner, wherein the second toner image forming means forms a second toner image on the surface of the image carrier with a second developer containing the black colored toner;
Transfer means for transferring the first toner image and the second toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to a recording medium;
Fixing means for fixing the first toner image and the second toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium by heat and / or pressure;
A coloring means for coloring the first toner image provided with the coloring information by heating;
It is characterized by having.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, an image other than black is formed with a color control toner on one image carrier by the first toner image forming unit, while a black color toner is formed by the second toner image forming unit. Since the toner is formed of (a toner containing a black colorant), the image density of the black image is high and the running cost can be reduced.

  Further, since a full-color image can be obtained with one image carrier and two developing units, the apparatus can be significantly reduced in size.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the image carrier is a photoconductor, and the first toner image forming unit includes a first charging unit that charges the surface of the photoconductor and electrostatically exposed to the surface of the photoconductor. A first exposure unit that forms a latent image; and a first developing unit that uses the electrostatic latent image as a first toner image by a first developer containing the color control toner. In this configuration, the color control toner has the same characteristics as the conventional toner except that it has a photo color development function. Therefore, by using a so-called electrophotographic method, excellent image quality, repeated stabilization, and the like are achieved. Function is demonstrated.

  In the case of this configuration, the photoconductor is configured by sequentially laminating a conductive support, a photosensitive layer, and a surface layer from the inner peripheral surface toward the outer peripheral surface side, and the conductive support is at least The first exposure unit is transparent to the light emitted from the first exposure apparatus, the surface layer is at least opaque to the light emitted from the color information providing unit, and the first exposure unit includes: The color information providing means is disposed on the front side of the photoconductor so as to be exposed from the front side of the first photoconductor. It is better.

  As described above, the outermost surface side of the photoconductor is provided with a surface layer that is impermeable to the light emitted from the color forming information providing means for providing color information, and the innermost surface side of the photoconductor is provided. A conductive support having transparency to the light emitted from the first exposure means for forming an electrostatic latent image is provided, and a photosensitive layer is provided between the surface layer and the conductive support. The exposure by the first exposure means for forming the electrostatic latent image is performed from the inner peripheral surface side of the first image carrier, and the exposure by the coloring information providing means for providing the coloring information is performed on the outer periphery of the first photoreceptor. Since it is performed from the surface side, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the photosensitive layer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the photoreceptor and to suppress deterioration of image quality.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the image carrier is a dielectric, and the first toner image forming unit includes a first charging unit that charges the surface of the dielectric, and the dielectric surface with respect to the dielectric surface. An ion writing unit that forms a latent image by applying ions having a polarity opposite to that of the charged charge; and a first developing unit that uses the electrostatic latent image as a first toner image by the developer containing the color control toner. be able to. In this configuration, the image forming process is performed well, and excellent functions such as higher image quality and repeated stabilization are more effectively exhibited. In addition, since the exposure for imparting color information to the toner image is an exposure with a large amount of light, a dielectric is applied as an image carrier for forming a latent image, so that the image carrier is not deteriorated by the exposure. Therefore, it is possible to repeatedly form an image over a long period of time.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the fixing unit can also serve as the color developing unit. As described above, it is preferable to heat the toner image for the color development of the toner. In this case, the energy applied by the fixing means at the time of fixing the normal toner is used for the color development of the toner at the same time. It can be used efficiently, and can further reduce the size of the apparatus. In addition, since there is no time restriction until color development by heating, there is an advantage that the location of the heating means can be freely selected.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention may further include a light irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the surface of the recording medium after fixing. In the color control toner after color development, the color development reaction may be further continued. On the other hand, by irradiating with light, reactive substances remaining in the coloring portion that is controlled to be incapable of coloring can be decomposed or deactivated, and variation in color balance after image formation can be more reliably performed. It is possible to suppress the background color and to remove or bleach the background color.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the color control toner is present in a state of being isolated from each other, and the first component and the second component that generate color when they react with each other, and either the first component or the second component And a photocurable composition that maintains a cured or uncured state of the photocurable composition by the provision of color development information by light, and controls the reaction for color development. Preferably it is.

  Since the color development information imparting mechanism to the color development control toner is not a reversible reaction, the color development toner can be stably colored at a low halftone density. Therefore, it is possible to form a high-quality image even in the highlight image portion. Further, since there is no time restriction until color development by heating, there is an advantage that printing up to a low speed range is possible, that is, a wide speed range can be supported.

The image forming method of the present invention comprises:
A first toner image forming step using a color control toner controlled to maintain a color development or non-color development state by applying color development information by light, wherein the image is formed by the first developer containing the color control toner; A first toner image forming step of forming a first toner image on the surface of the carrier, and a coloring information applying step of applying coloring information by light to the first toner image;
A second toner image forming step using a black colored toner, wherein the second toner image forming step forms a second toner image on the surface of the image carrier with a second developer containing the black colored toner;
A transfer step of transferring the first toner image and the second toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to a recording medium;
A fixing step of fixing the first toner image and the second toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium by heat and / or pressure;
A color development step for coloring the first toner image to which the color development information is given by heating;
It is characterized by having.

  In the image forming method of the present invention, as described in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, an image other than black is formed with a color control toner, while a black image is formed with black colored toner (a toner containing a black colorant). Therefore, the image density of the black image is high and the running cost can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when a toner capable of controlling color development or non-color development according to color development information by light is used, image formation with high black image density and reduced running cost is achieved. An apparatus and an image forming method can be provided.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is provided to the member which has the substantially same function through all the drawings, and the overlapping description may be abbreviate | omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a first toner image forming unit 10 </ b> A that includes a photoconductor 11 and forms a first toner image TA using a color control toner around the photoreceptor 11. A second toner image forming unit 10B that forms a second toner image TB with toner, and a transfer device 16 (transfer) that transfers the first toner image TA and the second toner image TB formed on the photoreceptor 11 to the surface of the recording medium S. Means) and a cleaning device 17 for removing the residual toner TC remaining on the photoconductor 11 after transfer.

  The first toner image forming unit 10A is a first charging device 12A (first charging means) that uniformly charges the photoconductor 11, and the first toner image forming unit 10A exposes the surface of the photoconductor 11 according to image information to form an electrostatic latent image. A first developing device 14A (first exposure unit) that develops the electrostatic latent image with a first exposure device 13A (first exposure unit) and a first developer containing a positively charged color development control toner to form a first toner image TA. Developing means).

  On the other hand, the second toner image forming unit 10B forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing the surface of the photoconductor 11 according to image information and a second charging device 12B (second charging means) that uniformly charges the photoconductor 11. A second exposure device 13B (second exposure means) that develops the electrostatic latent image with a second developer containing a black toner that is positively charged to form a second toner image TB (second development device 14B). Second developing means).

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment further includes a fixing device 18 that fixes the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium S by heat and / or pressure, and a first toner image on the downstream side of the fixing device 18. A light irradiating device 19 (light irradiating means) for irradiating the recording medium S with light for fixing the color development of TA. The fixing device 18 also serves as a color developing device (coloring means) for coloring the first toner image TA.

  The black color toner is a toner containing a conventional black colorant (for example, carbon black, copper oxide, manganese dioxide, aniline black, activated carbon, nonmagnetic ferrite, magnetite, etc.).

  On the other hand, the color control toner has a function of maintaining a state in which, for example, when each particle of the color control toner is exposed to light of a different wavelength, it develops a color corresponding to the wavelength or does not develop color (non-color development). Have. That is, the color development control toner has a color developing substance (and a color development part including the color development substance) that can develop color by providing color development information by light inside. It is controlled so as to maintain a colored or non-colored state.

  Here, the “applying color development information by light” refers to a desired region of a toner image in order to control the color development / non-color development state and the color tone upon color development in units of individual toner particles constituting the toner image. On the other hand, it means that one or more kinds of light having a specific wavelength are selectively given, or no light is given.

  Such a color control toner is not particularly limited as long as it can exhibit the above functions, and includes, for example, the toner described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 and the toner preferably used in the present embodiment described later. Can do.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, first, in the first toner image forming unit 10A, the color developing control toner is used to uniformly positively charge the photoconductor 11 and then to the positively charged photoconductor 11. For example, after performing exposure with a logical sum of image formation information of three colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11, a color control toner The latent image is developed with a first developer containing a first toner image TA (first toner image forming step). Next, the first toner image TA is exposed with light having a wavelength corresponding to the color information to give color development information to the first toner image TA (color development information provision step).

  Subsequently, in the second toner image forming unit 10B, the above-described black colored toner is used to uniformly and positively charge the photoconductor 11, and then the positively charged photoconductor 11 has, for example, black (K) color. After exposure is performed with image formation information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11, the latent image is developed with a second developer containing black colored toner to form a second toner image TB (second toner). Image forming step).

  Then, the first toner image TA and the second toner image TB formed on the photoconductor 11 are transferred to the recording medium S. (Transfer process). Thereafter, the residual toner TC remaining on the photoconductor 11 after the transfer is removed (cleaning step).

  Then, each toner image transferred to the recording medium S is transferred and fixed to the recording medium S (transfer process, fixing process), and the color control reaction of the color control toner is performed by heat before, after or simultaneously (coloring process). Further, the surface of the recording medium S after fixing is irradiated with light to remove and bleach the background color (light irradiation step). In this way, a color image is obtained.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the first toner image forming unit 10A forms an image other than black with the color control toner, while the second toner image forming unit 10B converts the black image to black colored toner (black colored toner). Therefore, the image density of the black image is high and the running cost can be reduced.

  Further, since a full-color image can be obtained with one photoconductor 11 (image carrier) and two developing devices, the apparatus can be greatly reduced in size. In addition to this, since it is not necessary to layer toner for each color when forming a toner image, unevenness of the image surface can be suppressed, the gloss of the image surface can be made uniform, and a silver salt-like image can be obtained. Is also possible.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described along each step in the image forming process.

<First toner image forming step>
In the first toner image forming step, first, the entire surface of the photoreceptor 11 is charged by the first charging device 12A. Next, the surface of the photoreceptor 11 is exposed by the first exposure device 13A according to the image information. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed with the first developer containing the color control toner to form the first toner image TA.

  Here, 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 drum-shaped conductive substrate (for example, a metal cylinder such as aluminum). In the case of a belt-shaped photoconductor, a substrate such as a resin substrate such as PET or PC or a nickel seamless belt 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 photoconductor is stretched. In the range of about 10 to 500 μm. Other layer configurations are the same as in the drum.

Further, since the exposure for providing color information, which will be described later, is performed with a considerably stronger intensity than the exposure for forming a normal latent image (the amount of light energy used for providing color information is used in a normal electrophotographic process) The exposure amount of the photoconductor (about 1000 times the ² mJ / m ² ) is necessary, and the photoconductor 11 may be damaged. For example, the photosensitivity of the charge generation layer of the photoconductor 11 is 1/1000 of the conventional one. If so, it will not be a problem because it is balanced.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the surface of the photoconductor 11 has a function of preventing the photoconductor 11 from being deteriorated by exposure for giving color information. Specifically, a surface layer that transmits only the exposure light for forming a latent image and reflects the exposure light for providing color information (but transmits the exposure light for forming a latent image) on the surface of the photosensitive layer. It is effective to provide Examples of the surface layer include a dichroic coat (reflection) and a sharp cut filter (absorption) in which a light absorbing material is dispersed.

  On the other hand, the first charging device 12A can use a known charging means for charging. 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 means 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 photosensitive member is charged by applying a voltage to a conductive member brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive 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. 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.

  As the first exposure device 13A, 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 is exposed as indicated by an arrow. It is possible. 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 is in the spectral sensitivity region of the photoconductor 11. Until 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. . A surface-emitting laser light source capable of multi-beam output is also effective for color image formation.

  The exposure of the photoconductor 11 by the first exposure device 13A is performed at a position where toner described later is developed in the case of reversal development, and at positions other than where the toner is developed in the case of regular development. This is done as a logical sum. 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. As the exposure amount, it is preferable that the post-exposure potential is in the range of about 5 to 30% of the charging potential. However, when changing the toner development amount according to the gradation of the image, the exposure position The exposure amount may be changed according to the development amount every time.

  A known developing device can be used as the first developing device 14A. As a development method, a two-component development method consisting of fine particles and toner for carrying a toner called a carrier, or a one-component development method consisting only of a toner, and further improving the 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 those in which development is performed in contact 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.

  Examples of the color development control toner contained in the developer include a color development portion capable of color development in Y color (Y color development portion), a color development portion capable of color development in M color (M color development portion), and a color development capable of color development in C color. Part (C coloring part) may be included in one toner particle, or the Y coloring part, M coloring part, and C coloring part may be included separately for each toner.

The toner development amount (the amount of toner attached to the photoreceptor) varies depending on the image to be formed, but it is preferably in the range of 3.5 to 8.0 g / m ² in a solid image, and is preferably 4.0 to 6 More preferably, it is in the range of 0.0 g / m ² .

  In addition, in the formed first toner image TA, light for 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 actually formed on the surface of the photoconductor 10 and dividing this by the number average particle diameter of the toner.

<Coloring information application process>
In the coloring information providing step, coloring information by light such as an arrow is given to the first toner image TA by the coloring information giving device 15. Here, “applying color development information by light” refers to the first toner image in order to control the color development / non-color development state and the color tone of the individual toner particles constituting the first toner image TA. It means that one or more kinds of light having a specific wavelength are selectively given to a desired region of TA, or no light is given. As will be described later, the color information providing step may be performed after the transfer step.

  The coloring information providing device 15 may be anything as long as the coloring control toner particles to be colored at that time can irradiate light of a wavelength for developing a specific color with a predetermined resolution and intensity. For example, an LED image bar, a laser ROS, or the like can be used. In addition, it is preferable that the irradiation spot diameter of the light irradiated to the toner image T is adjusted so that it may become the range of 10-300 micrometers so that the resolution of the image formed may be the range of 100-2400 dpi. More preferably, it is in the range of 200 μm.

The wavelength of light used to maintain the colored or non-colored state is determined by the material design of the toner used. For example, when using a toner that develops color when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength (photochromic toner), yellow 405 nm light (referred to as λ _A light) for color development (Y color), 535 nm light (referred to as λ _B light) for cyan (C color) color development for magenta (M color) When irradiating, light of 657 nm (referred to as λ _C light) is irradiated to each desired position for color development.

When the secondary color is developed, the light is combined. When the red (R color) is developed, λ _A light and λ _B light are used. When the green (G color) is developed, λ _A light and When the λ _C light is colored blue (B color), the λ _B light and the λ _C light are respectively applied to the desired positions for color development. Further, when the black color (K color), which is the tertiary color, is developed, the λ _A light, λ _B light, and λ _C light are applied to the desired positions for color development.

On the other hand, in the case of a toner that maintains a non-colored state by irradiation with light of a specific wavelength (light non-colorable type toner), for example, to prevent yellow (Y color) from being colored, 405 nm light (λ _A light) , 535 nm light (λ _B light) to prevent magenta (M color) color development, and 657 nm light (λ _C light) color development to prevent cyan (C color) color development. Irradiate each desired position. Accordingly, λ _B light and λ _C light are generated when Y color is generated, λ _A light and λ _C light are generated when M color is generated, and λ _A light and λ _B light are generated when C color is generated. Each of the desired positions for color development is irradiated.

When the secondary color is developed, the light is combined. When the red (R color) is developed, λ _C light is emitted. When the green (G color) is developed, λ _B light is transformed into blue (B When a color is developed, λ _A light is irradiated to each desired position for the 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 15, 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. The exposure amount of light is preferably in the range of 0.05~0.8mJ / cm ^2, and more preferably in the range of 0.1~0.6mJ / cm ^2. 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.

  When the exposure light at this time is a laser beam, the laser beam is incident on the photosensitive member, usually tilted several degrees (4 to 13 degrees) in order to prevent return light to the monitor (Photo Detector) in the laser. Although it is necessary, in the color information imparting exposure according to the present invention, since the return light is absorbed by the toner, the return light is extremely reduced and can be incident at an arbitrary angle including 0 degrees.

  In relation to the above, the coloring information providing device 15 may be disposed in the same housing as the first exposure device 13A 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.

Hereinafter, it will be briefly described at what timing and by what position control the exposure for providing the color information is performed.
FIG. 2 is a specific circuit block diagram of the print control unit. In the figure, the printer controller 36 includes an OR circuit 40, an oscillation circuit 42, a magenta color control circuit 44M, a cyan color control circuit 44C, a yellow color control circuit 44Y, and a black color control circuit 44K. On the other hand, the exposure unit 38 is composed of an optical writing head 32 and a coloring information applying exposure head 34.

  Image data obtained by converting input RGB signals into CMYK values by an interface (I / F) (not shown) is further transmitted from the interface (I / F) to magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black. The pixel data (K) is output to the OR circuit 40. Here, the logical sum circuit 40 calculates the logical sum of CMYK and outputs it to the optical writing head 32.

  That is, logical sum data including all CMYK pixel data is output to the optical writing head 32, and optical writing is performed on the photosensitive member 11 as described above. Accordingly, an electrostatic latent image based on logical sum data including all CMYK pixel data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor 11.

  The CMYK pixel data is also supplied to the corresponding magenta color control circuit 44M to black color control circuit 44K, and the color information providing exposure head is synchronized with the oscillation signals fm, fc, fy, and fk output from the oscillation circuit 42. 34. That is, color data corresponding to each of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) is supplied to the color information providing exposure head 34, and the first toner developed on the photoreceptor 11 is developed. Light having a specific wavelength for maintaining a colored or non-colored state corresponding to the image TA is irradiated. Therefore, a photocuring reaction, which will be described later, occurs in the toner that has received the irradiated light, and color development information is given.

For example, color signal fm outputted from the magenta coloring control circuit 44M irradiates the lambda _B light in the color of the toner to the toner in a state capable of color development of magenta (M) color. In addition, the color development signal fc output from the cyan color development control circuit 44C irradiates the color development portion in the toner with the λ _C light, and makes the toner capable of developing cyan (C) color. Further, the same applies to yellow (Y) and black (K), and the color signals fy and fk output from the yellow color control circuit 44Y and the black color control circuit 44K are transmitted to the color development portion in the toner by the λ _A light or Irradiation with λ _A light, λ _B light, and λ _C light is performed so that yellow (Y) or black (K) can be developed.

  The mechanism for forming a full-color image has been described with respect to the color information providing step (means). However, the color information providing step is for forming a monocolor image that develops one of yellow, magenta, and cyan. It may be a coloring information providing step. 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 imparting exposure head 34. Other preferable conditions and the like are the same as those at the time of full-color image formation.

  Further, although the color information providing step is performed after development and before transfer, the color information providing step may be at least before the fixing step. For example, the color information providing step may be after the transfer step described later. However, when the exposure for providing color information is after transfer, it is necessary to improve the image quality because the smoothness of the surface of the recording medium S and the accuracy of the color development position of the desired image are performed after the development process and before the transfer process. desirable.

  However, at this stage, the first toner image TA of the color control toner remains in its original color tone that has not been developed, and the first toner image TA has the color tone of the dye, for example, if dye sensitized. Not too much.

  In addition, when light non-color-forming toner is used, color forming information providing means is not required when forming only a black and white image. Therefore, a recording apparatus that forms only a black and white image at first is used, and demand for color has increased. For example, it is possible to add a coloring information adding means later and expand it to a color image forming and recording apparatus.

<Second toner image forming step>
In the second toner image forming step, a second toner image TB made of black colored toner is formed in substantially the same manner as the first toner image forming step.

<Transfer process>
In the transfer process, the transfer device 16 transfers the first toner image TA by the color control toner to which the color development information is given and the second toner image TB by the black color toner to the recording medium S at a time.

  Here, as the transfer device 16, 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).

<Cleaning process>
In the cleaning process, the residual toner TC remaining on the photoreceptor 11 after the transfer by the transfer device 16 is removed by the cleaning device 17. As this cleaning device 17, a known device used in an electrophotographic process performed using a conventional colorant such as a pigment can be used, and a blade, a brush, or the like can be used. A so-called cleanerless process in which the cleaning device 17 is removed is also applicable.

<Fixing process and coloring process>
In the fixing step and the coloring step, the first toner image TA in a state where the second toner image TB and the coloring (or non-coloring state can be maintained) can be fixed by heating the recording medium S by the fixing device 18. At the same time, the coloring control toner is colored. A known fixing means can be used as the fixing device 18. 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 above-described embodiment, the fixing device 18 serves as both a coloring process and a fixing process. However, the coloring process may be provided separately from the fixing process. The position where the color forming device for performing the color forming step is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the color developing device 20 and the light irradiation device 19 may be provided on the upstream side of the fixing device 18. By doing so, the heating temperature for color development and the heating temperature for toner fixing to the recording medium S can be controlled separately, so that the degree of freedom in design of the coloring material, toner binder material, etc. can be increased. 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 20 (color development means) may use, for example, light having a different wavelength to add a color development-related substance in the toner. In the method of developing or limiting the color by a method such as curing or photolysis, the method of causing or limiting the color by a method of destroying the light-emitting device of specific light, encapsulated color particles by pressurization, etc. A pressurizing device or the like can be used.

  However, these chemical reactions that cause color development generally have a slow reaction rate due to migration and diffusion, so it is necessary to give sufficient diffusion energy to any of the above methods. It can be said that the method of promoting the reaction is the best. For this reason, it is preferable to use a fixing device 18 that serves as both the color developing step and the fixing step, including space saving.

<Light irradiation process>
In the light irradiation process, by the light irradiation device 19. The image obtained through the fixing and coloring process is irradiated with light. As a result, it is possible to decompose or deactivate the reactive substance remaining in the color development portion of the color control toner that has been controlled so as not to allow color development, thereby more reliably suppressing color balance fluctuations after image formation. The background color can be removed and bleached.

  In the above-described embodiment, the light irradiation step is provided after the fixing step. However, in the case of a fixing method that does not heat and melt, for example, pressure fixing in which fixing is performed using pressure, the fixing step is performed after the light irradiation step. Can also be done.

Here, the light irradiation device 19 is not particularly limited as long as the color development of the toner can be prevented from proceeding further, and a known lamp such as a fluorescent lamp, LED, EL, or the like can be used. The wavelength includes three wavelengths in the light for developing the toner, and the illuminance is in the range of 2000 to 200000 lux.
In addition to these steps, a known step used in an electrophotographic process performed using a colorant such as a conventional pigment may be included. For example, the first charging device 12A and the second charging device 12B ( For example, the surface charge of the photoconductor 11 may be removed before the image forming process of the next cycle by using a static eliminator on the upstream side of the AC corona discharger or the like so that the potential becomes substantially zero.

  As described above, a color image using the coloring control toner and the black coloring toner can be obtained.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment performs first exposure for forming an electrostatic latent image from the back surface (inside) of the photoreceptor 11 in the first toner image forming unit 10A. The first exposure device 13A is disposed inside the photoconductor 11, and the second toner image forming unit 10B performs exposure for forming an electrostatic latent image from the back surface (inside) of the photoconductor 11 in order to perform exposure for the second exposure device. 13B is also arranged inside the photoconductor 11, and is the same as the first embodiment except that the photoconductor 11 having the following configuration is used.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the photoconductor 11 includes a conductive support 111 </ b> A, a photoconductive layer 111, and a photoconductor 11 in order from the inner peripheral surface side to the outer peripheral surface side. A surface layer 111D is laminated.

  The conductive support 111A is transmissive to light emitted from the first exposure apparatus 13A and incident on the conductive support 111A. The “transmittance” indicates the transmittance of the emitted light (emitted light / incident light) with respect to the incident light.

  The transmittance of the conductive support 111A is such that the light emitted from the first exposure device 13A is incident from the inner peripheral surface side (that is, the conductive support 111A side) of the photoconductor 11 toward the outer peripheral surface side. Accordingly, the transmittance is sufficient so long as an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 11, the charging potential of the photoconductor 11 by the first charging device 12A, and the exposure of the photoconductor 11 of the first exposure device 13A. It is determined by the amount.

  For example, under the condition that the light exposure amount by the first exposure device 13A is a predetermined exposure amount and the transmittance of the conductive support 111A with respect to the light is 90%, the electrostatic latent image is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 11. If it is possible to form an image, the transmittance of the conductive support 111A with respect to the light may be 30% if the predetermined exposure amount is tripled, for example.

  As described above, the conductive support 111 </ b> A only needs to be transparent to the light emitted from the first exposure device 13 </ b> A, and the transmittance can form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 11. Any transmittance may be used.

  However, the transmittance of the conductive support 111A with respect to the light emitted from the first exposure apparatus 13A and incident on the conductive support 111A is based on the light scattering inside the conductive support and the boundary of the photoconductive support. From the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in contrast of the electrostatic latent image due to diffuse reflection at the portion, it is preferably at least 70% or more, and more preferably 80% or more.

  As a material constituting the conductive support 111A having transparency to the incident light from the first exposure apparatus 13A, a plastic material such as glass, polycarbonate, or polyethylene terephthalate is used. Therefore, a conductive layer is formed on the outer surface. Note that the conductive support 111 </ b> A itself may be subjected to a conductive treatment.

When the conductive layer is provided on the conductive support 111A, the conductive layer is preferably provided with a transparent electrode. As the transparent electrode, a metal oxide such as ITO or SnO ₂ is atomized to form a binder resin. And those coated with a conductive polymer such as polypyrrole 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.
The thickness of the conductive support 111A is determined from the required mechanical strength, and is preferably in the range of about 0.1 to 5 mm.

  In the case where the photoconductor 11 is in a belt shape, a transparent resin such as PET or PC that exhibits the above-described transparency can be used as the conductive support 111A, and the thickness of the photoconductor 11 is the tension of the belt-like photoconductor. It is determined from design matters such as the diameter and tension of the roll to be mounted, and is approximately in the range of about 10 to 500 μm. Other layer configurations are the same as in the drum.

The photosensitive layer 111 is laminated on the conductive support 111A.
Examples of the photosensitive layer 111 include inorganic photosensitive layers such as Se and a-Si, and organic photosensitive layers of a single layer or multiple layers (such as a charge generation layer 111B and a charge transport layer 111C).

  Further, in order to further scatter light incident from the first exposure device 13A, a photosensitive layer having a particle size of several tens of nanometers to several microns such as organic particles such as metal oxides and fluororesin particles is used as the photosensitive layer. It is preferable to disperse.

  However, the light irradiated from the first exposure apparatus 13A only needs to be able to pass through the transparent conductive support 111A and reach the charge generation layer 111B.

  Note that the thickness of the photosensitive layer 111 is determined from an insulating property that can withstand the charging potential in consideration of the transparency and the film thickness reduction with time, and is preferably in a range of approximately 5 to 50 μm.

  The surface layer 111D is emitted from at least the light source of the coloring information applying device 15 and is impermeable to the light incident on the surface layer 111D. The surface layer 111D is emitted from the first exposure device 13A and incident on the surface layer 111D. It is preferable to show impermeability with respect to light.

  Here, “impermeable” means that the transmittance of light emitted to the light incident on the surface layer 111D (emitted light / incident light) is at least 20% or less.

  With respect to the transmittance of the surface layer 111D, light exceeding the exposure energy (hereinafter referred to as deteriorated exposure energy) at which light is exposed from the outer peripheral surface side of the photoreceptor 11 and the photosensitive layer 111 is deteriorated is transmitted through the surface layer 111D. Any transmittance can be used as long as it can be prevented from reaching the photosensitive layer 111 via the surface.

  For this reason, the transmittance of the surface layer 111D depends on the value of the deterioration exposure energy resulting from the material design of the photosensitive layer 111, the exposure amount of the photoconductor 11 by the light emitted from the color information providing device 15, and the toner for the light. It is determined by the light absorption efficiency.

  For example, the exposure amount of the photoconductor 11 by the first exposure device 13A: the exposure amount of the photoconductor 11 by the coloring information applying device 15 = 1: 1000, and the deterioration exposure energy is about 10 times the exposure amount of the first exposure device 13A. And the absorption efficiency of the toner with respect to the exposure light from the coloring information applying device 15 is 90%, the transmittance with respect to the incident light from the first exposure device 13A is about 10% (the opacity is about 90%). It may be.

  As described above, the transmittance of the surface layer 111D may be any transmittance that can prevent light having a deterioration exposure energy or more from reaching the photosensitive layer 111 via the surface layer 111D. For light having a wavelength at which 111 has sensitivity, it is preferably less than 1% (the opacity is 99% or more) for the following reason.

  As described above, the transmittance of the surface layer 111D of the photoconductor 11 is determined by determining the transmittance capable of preventing the light having a deterioration exposure energy or more from reaching the photosensitive layer 111 through the surface layer 111D. It is possible to suppress deterioration of the photosensitive layer 111 of the photoconductor 11 due to light emitted from the light source of the information providing device 15.

The surface layer 111D is applied to the light incident on the surface layer 111D by being irradiated by the first exposure device 13A in order to suppress the irradiation by the first exposure device 13A formed outside. However, it is preferable to show impermeability.
The light transmittance of the first exposure device 13A with respect to the incident light is at least less than 10% (the opacity is 90% or more), and the energy given to the toner is 0.01% or less of the exposure by the color information providing means. It is preferable to do.

  Thus, as the transmittance of the surface layer 111D of the first photoconductor 11A, the transmittance with respect to the light emitted from the exposure light source of the first exposure apparatus 13A and made incident is less than 10%. Since the light irradiated from the one exposure device 13A does not reach the surface of the image carrier, an effect that color mixing can be avoided is obtained.

  As a material for the surface layer 111D having the above-described transparency, the photoconductor 11 has a surface resistance value that can carry an electrostatic latent image and a toner image on the surface layer 111D, and has the above-described transparency. Any material may be selected from organic materials, inorganic materials, metals, and the like.

A preferable surface resistance value is preferably 10 ⁶ Ω to ^{10 10} Ω.

  The surface resistance value is, for example, a circular electrode (HR probe of Hiresta IP manufactured by Mitsubishi Yuka Co., Ltd .: outer diameter φ16 mm of cylindrical electrode portion C, inner diameter φ30 mm of ring electrode portion D, outer diameter φ40 mm). It can be calculated by applying a voltage of 100 V under a 22 ° C./55% RH environment and obtaining a current value after 10 seconds.

  In order to have the above-described transparency, the light emitted from the light source of the coloring information providing device 15 reaches the photoconductor 11 and the light emitted from the exposure light source of the first exposure device 13A and enters the surface layer 111D of the photoconductor 11. What is necessary is just to comprise with the material which can absorb or scatter light.

Specifically, as the material of the surface layer 111D, a polyurethane resin, an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, a fluorine resin, or the like to which conductive powder (for example, SnO ₂ / SbO ₃ ) is added to adjust the surface resistance value is used. be able to.

  Alternatively, a black layer whose transmittance is adjusted by adding carbon black or the like to the material constituting the surface layer 111D may be used.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 6A, the exposure light source of the first exposure apparatus 13A is exposed in the direction from the inner peripheral surface side to the outer peripheral surface side of the photoconductor 11. 13A-1 is emitted. The exposure light 13A-1 emitted from the first exposure device 13A reaches the photosensitive layer 111 via the conductive support 111A of the photosensitive member 11, so that it is on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 11 (that is, on the surface layer 111D). ), An electrostatic latent image is formed in an area corresponding to the exposure position.

  When the formation area of the electrostatic latent image reaches the area facing the first developing device 14A by the rotation of the photoreceptor 11 having the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface, as shown in FIG. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the first developing device 14A, and a first toner image TA corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor 11 (specifically, on the surface layer 111D of the photoreceptor 11). .

  Next, when the area where the first toner image TA is formed on the photoconductor 11 reaches the area where the color information can be applied by the color information applying device 15 due to the rotation of the photoconductor 11, as shown in FIG. As described above, the coloring information applying device 15 exposes the first toner image TA with the exposure light 15-1 having a wavelength corresponding to the color component information of the image data from the outer peripheral surface side of the photoconductor 11, that is, the surface layer 111D side.

  Since other than these are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted. The second exposure device 13B in the second toner image forming unit 10B can also perform exposure to form a latent image in the same manner as the first exposure device 13A.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment described above, the photoreceptor 11 is configured by laminating the conductive support 111A, the photosensitive layer 111, and the surface layer 111D in order from the inner peripheral surface side to the outer peripheral surface side. The conductive support 111A is made of a material that is transmissive to the light emitted from the first exposure apparatus 13A and incident on the conductive support 111A, and at least the surface layer 111D is formed as a color information providing apparatus. 15 is made of a material that is opaque to the light that enters the surface layer 111D, and the exposure light source of the first exposure device 13A is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the photoconductor 11, so that the color information The light source of the applying device 15 is provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the photoconductor 11.

  For this reason, the exposure for imparting color information is performed with a considerably stronger intensity than the exposure for forming a normal latent image. Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus, the photoreceptor 11 is damaged by the color information. Although worried, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the outermost surface layer of the photoconductor 11 is configured by the light-impermeable surface layer 111D and does not contribute to deterioration of the photoconductive layer 111 of the photoconductor 11. The exposure by the first exposure device 13A that exposes the photoconductor 11 with the exposure amount is performed from the inner peripheral surface side of the photoconductor 11, and the color development that requires an exposure amount that can cause deterioration of the photosensitive layer 111 of the photoconductor 11 is required. Exposure by the coloring information applying device 15 for providing information can be performed from the outer peripheral surface side of the photoconductor 11.

  Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the photosensitive layer 111 of the photoconductor 11 due to the exposure for giving the color development information to the first toner image TA by the color control toner carried on the photoconductor 11, thereby forming an image. Image quality degradation in the apparatus can be suppressed. Thus, an image can be repeatedly formed over a long period of time.

  As described above, the exposure for imparting color development information needs to be performed with a considerably stronger intensity than the exposure for normal latent image formation. Since it is possible to perform the exposure with weaker intensity than the above, an LED can be used as the exposure light source of the first exposure apparatus 13A (second exposure apparatus 13B).

  As described above, when the LED is used as the exposure light source of the first exposure apparatus 13A, the first exposure apparatus 13A can be reduced in size, and the first exposure apparatus 13A can be reduced in size on the inner peripheral surface side. Can also be achieved. Therefore, if an LED is used as the exposure light source of the first exposure apparatus 13A, the image forming apparatus can be downsized.

  Note that both the exposure light source of the first exposure apparatus 13A (second exposure apparatus 13A) and the light source of the color information providing apparatus 15 may be configured by a semiconductor laser.

  As described above, when both the exposure light source of the first exposure device 13A and the light source of the color information providing device 15 are configured by the semiconductor laser, the first exposure device 13A forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11. In addition, the shape of the spot light reaching the photoconductor 11 and the shape of the spot light reaching the photoconductor 11 when the color information is applied to the first toner image TA on the photoconductor 11 by the color development information applying device 15 are approximately shown. Can be the same. For this reason, it is possible to form a higher quality image.

  It should be noted that light for providing color development information is difficult to reach the lower layer portion of the toner developed in multiple layers on the surface layer 111D of the photoreceptor 11, and sufficient color development cannot be obtained. The color in the image may be different from the desired one.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the surface layer 111D of the photoreceptor 11 is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light source of the coloring information applying device 15 again toward the toner image.

  With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, the first toner image TA carried on the surface layer 111D of the photoconductor 11 is exposed with the exposure light 15-1 for providing coloring information, and the first toner is obtained. The first toner image TA can be exposed again by reflecting the exposure light 15-1 reaching the surface layer 111D via the image TA, so that exposure for providing sufficient color information is applied to the first toner image TA. In addition, the energy efficiency can be improved, and sufficient color development of the toner can be obtained, so that a desired color tone can be obtained in the image.

  The method of constructing the surface layer 111D for reflecting the exposure light incident from the coloring information providing device 15 is not particularly limited as long as the light can be reflected. For example, aluminum, silver, or the like is formed. In addition, there are a method in which a resistance value adjusting layer is formed, a layer in which a dielectric is deposited, or the like is used as the surface layer 111D, a method in which the surface roughness is reduced and a glossy surface is obtained.

  In addition, it is preferable that the reflection of light by the surface layer 111D is irregularly reflected because the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Note that the reflectance of the light incident from the coloring information providing device 15A of the surface layer 111D is preferably 10% or more, and more preferably 50% or more because the reflected light to the toner is reused. It is particularly preferably 90% or more from the viewpoint that light is not transmitted to the photosensitive layer. If the reflectance is 10% or more, the effect of improving the energy efficiency can be obtained. In particular, if the surface layer 111D has a reflectance of 90% or more by coating with a metal film, the energy efficiency is further improved and the photosensitive layer is formed. Transmission of light can be further suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment uses a dielectric drum 21 as an image carrier, and the charged charge of the dielectric drum 21 is charged with respect to the charged dielectric drum 21 in the first toner image forming unit 10A. The first ion writing device 22A for applying a reverse polarity ion to form a latent image is applied to the charged dielectric drum 21 in the second toner image forming unit 10B. In this embodiment, the second ion writing device 22B is used to form a latent image by applying ions having a polarity opposite to that of the charged charge.

  The dielectric drum 21 is a drum in which a dielectric layer is formed on the surface of a metal drum such as aluminum. The dielectric drum 21 is not limited to the dielectric drum 21 and may be a dielectric belt having a dielectric as a base material or having a dielectric layer formed on the surface of the base material.

  Examples of the material constituting the dielectric include polyimide, fluororesin, polyethylene, polypropylene, ionomer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, poly-4-methylpentene-1, and polymethyl methacrylate. , Polycarbonate polystyrene, acrylonitrile methyl acrylate copolymer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane elastomer, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose nitrate, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, ethyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 11, Nylon 12, Polysulfone, Polyethersulfone, Polyvinyl chloride, Vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer, Poly salt , Vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride copolymers, vinyl nitrile rubber alloy, polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, and the like.

  On the other hand, the ion writing devices 22A and 22B (ion writing means), for example, four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K) are applied to the negatively charged dielectric drum 21. An electrostatic latent image is formed by directly applying a positive charge by the logical sum of the image formation information. At this time, of the negatively charged region, the charge of the region directly applied with the positive charge is removed to form a latent image.

  As the ion writing devices 22A and 22B, a so-called ion flow type ion flow control head including an ion generation source (for example, a corona charger) and a pair of control electrodes (control slits) provided with slits is applied. Can do. This ion flow control head allows ions (negative ions in this embodiment) generated by corona discharge of an ion generation source (for example, a corona charger) to flow of ions to the slit depending on the direction of the electric field between the pair of control electrodes. By controlling the passage / non-passage, ions are imparted to the selectively formed uniform toner to give an electric charge.

  The ion writing devices 22A and 22B are not limited to the above, and a microstructure electrode head provided with a pair of indirect electrodes, a control electrode for extracting charges (electrons and ions) generated by discharge between the indirect electrodes, and the like is applied. May be. This microstructure electrode head is selected by, for example, generating electric charges (electrons and ions) by discharging between a pair of indirect electrodes by ON / OFF control in units of one dot by an image signal, and extracting the electric charges by the control electrodes. In particular, the toner is charged on the surface of the image carrier. Since this microstructure electrode head can generate a large amount of charges (electrons and ions) by discharging between the indirect electrodes, the ion flow density is greatly improved, which is advantageous for speeding up the image forming process.

  Since other than these are the same as in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment described above, the first toner image by the color development control toner and the second toner image by the black coloring toner are formed by so-called ionography. Even in such an image forming process, the first toner image TA and the second toner image TB are formed well, and more excellent functions such as higher image quality and repeated stabilization are exhibited. In addition, the exposure that imparts color development information to the first toner image TA by the color development control toner is performed by applying the dielectric drum 21 as an image carrier for forming a latent image for exposure with a large amount of light. Deterioration of the image carrier due to the exposure is prevented, and image formation can be repeatedly performed over a long period of time.

  The color control toner used in the image forming apparatus according to the above embodiment will be described below.

  As described above, the coloring control toner is a toner that is controlled so as to be able to maintain a colored state or a non-colored state by applying coloring information by light. “Maintaining a non-colored state” is also as described above.

  There are various types of toner having the above functions. For example, the toner disclosed in Patent Document 2 is a plurality of microcapsules having a capsule wall whose substance permeability is changed by an external stimulus. Are dispersed and mixed in a toner resin, and one of two kinds of reactive substances (color dye precursors) mixed with each other to cause a color reaction is contained in the microcapsule and the other. (Developer) is contained in the toner resin outside the microcapsule.

This toner uses a photoisomerized substance that increases the substance permeability when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength as the capsule wall, and when applying light irradiation or ultrasonic waves using this cis-trans transition, Two kinds of reactive substances existing inside and outside the capsule react to develop color.
Therefore, in such a toner, a large amount of the microcapsules cannot be present in the toner, and these may be unevenly distributed, so that the microcapsules may not be able to receive light sufficiently.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, the photocurable composition containing the 1st component and 2nd component which exist in the state isolate | separated from each other, and color-develop when it mutually reacts, and either of this 1st component and 2nd component A color control toner (hereinafter referred to as “F”), which maintains the cured or uncured state of the photocurable composition by the provision of color development information by light, and controls the reaction for color development. It is preferable to use a toner.

  Next, the coloring mechanism and simple configuration of the F toner will be described below.

As will be described later, the F toner can develop a specific color (or maintain a non-colored state) when color development information by a light called a color development portion is given to the binder resin. ) It has one or more continuous areas.
9A and 9B are schematic views for explaining the toner coloring mechanism. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of one coloring portion, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the coloring portion.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (A), the color developing portion 60 is composed of color-forming microcapsules 50 containing color formers of the respective colors and a composition 58 surrounding the color-forming microcapsules 50, as shown in FIG. 14 (B). The composition 58 is photopolymerized with a developer monomer (second component) 54 having a polymerizable functional group that develops color by approaching or contacting the color former (first component) 52 contained in the microcapsule 50. And an initiator 56.

  As the color former 52 encapsulated in the color developable microcapsules 50 in the color development portion 60 constituting the toner particles, a triaryl leuco compound having excellent color development hue is suitable. As the developer monomer 54 for coloring the leuco compound (electron donating property), an electron accepting compound is preferable. In particular, phenolic compounds are common, and can be appropriately selected from color developers used for heat-sensitive and pressure-sensitive paper. The color former 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 developer 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 / absence of light irradiation for color forming information on the color forming part 60 having the above-described configuration, some of the color forming part 60 has a polymer developer compound that has been polymerized and a developer monomer 54 that has not been polymerized. . In the color development unit 60 having the developer monomer 54 that has not been polymerized by a subsequent color development device such as heating, the color developer monomer 54 migrates due to heat or the like, and migrates through the pores of the partition walls of the color developable microcapsules 50. Passes through and diffuses into the chromogenic 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 pass through the pores of 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 the color former 52 in the color development microcapsule. Color cannot be developed because it cannot react. Therefore, the chromogenic 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 developer 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). In this F toner, the space other than the microcapsules containing the electron-donating color former is filled with the electron-accepting developer and the photocurable composition, and the color-developing portion constituted thereby receives the light. The light receiving efficiency of the toner particles is overwhelmingly higher than that of the toner disclosed in Patent Document 2. Therefore, the effect of the back exposure can be fully utilized as compared with other toners.

  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 configuration of the F toner will be further described in detail.
The F toner includes a first component and a second component that exist in a state of being separated from each other as colorable substances (coloring substances) and that develop colors when they react with each other. As described above, color development is facilitated by color development utilizing the reaction of two types of reactive components. The first component and the second component may be pre-colored in a state before color development, but are particularly preferably substantially colorless substances.

In order to facilitate the color development control, two types of reactive components that develop color when reacting with each other are used as the color developing materials. However, these reactive components do not diffuse the substance even when the color development information by light is not given. If they exist in the same easy matrix, spontaneous color development may progress during storage or manufacture of the toner.
For this reason, it is necessary that the reactive component be contained in different matrices (separated from each other) that are difficult to diffuse into each other region unless coloring information is given. is there.

  Thus, in order to inhibit the material diffusion in the state where the color development information by light is not given and prevent spontaneous color development at the time of storage or production of the toner, the first component of the two types of reactive components is Contained in the first matrix, the second component is contained outside the first matrix (second matrix), and between the first matrix and the second matrix, there is diffusion of the substance between the two matrices. When an external stimulus such as heat is applied, a partition wall having a function that enables diffusion of substances between both matrices according to the kind, strength, and combination of the stimulus is provided. Is preferred.

In order to place two types of reactive components in the toner using such a partition wall, it is preferable to use microcapsules.
In this case, the F toner preferably includes, for example, the first component of the two types of reactive components inside the microcapsule and the second component outside the microcapsule. In this case, the inside of the microcapsule corresponds to the first matrix, and the outside of the microcapsule corresponds to the second matrix.

  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).

  In addition, the substance diffusion inside and outside the microcapsule when a stimulus is applied, 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 preferably irreversible. 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

Next, a preferable configuration when the F toner includes microcapsules will be described.
Such toner preferably includes a first component and a second component that develop color when they react with each other, a microcapsule, and a photocurable composition in which the second component is dispersed. Examples of the toner include the following three modes.

  That is, 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, and the first component is 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 included outside the microcapsule and the second component is included in the photocurable composition (second mode), or the first component that develops color when reacted with each other And a second component, one microcapsule containing the first component, and another microcapsule containing a photocurable composition in which the second component is dispersed (third embodiment). It 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 if 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 light is emitted by irradiation with the color forming information providing light. When the heat treatment is performed after the curable composition is cured, a toner of a type that promotes material diffusion of the second component contained in the cured photocurable composition (hereinafter, referred to as “photochromic toner”). is there).
(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 promoted. When the photocurable composition is cured by irradiation with the color forming information imparting light (after the second component is polymerized), the material diffusion of the second component contained in the cured photocurable composition is caused. The type of toner to be suppressed (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “light non-color developing 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 includes at least the second component having a photopolymerizable group in the molecule in the photocurable composition. .
The photocurable composition used in the photochromic toner and the non-photochromic toner preferably contains a photopolymerization initiator, and contains various other materials as necessary. May be.

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

Therefore, in the photochromic toner, before the heat treatment (coloring step), the coloration information imparting light having a wavelength for curing the photocurable composition is irradiated in advance, so that the first color contained in the photocurable composition. The two-component material diffusion becomes easy. Therefore, 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, the second component is trapped in the photopolymerizable compound even if it is heat-treated without irradiating the color-forming information imparting light having a wavelength for curing the photocurable composition, and comes into contact with the first component in the microcapsule. The reaction between the first component and the second component (coloring reaction) does not occur.

  As described above, in the photochromic toner, the first component and the second component are applied by combining the presence / absence of irradiation with color forming information providing light having a wavelength for curing the photocurable composition and the heat treatment. Can control the color development of the toner.

Further, in the non-photochromic toner, since the second component itself has photopolymerization property, even when irradiated with the color forming information imparting light, the wavelength of this light is not the wavelength that cures the photocurable composition, Since the second component contained in the photocurable composition can be easily diffused, if the heat treatment is performed in this state, the first component in the microcapsule and the photocurable composition are dissolved by dissolution of the outer shell of the microcapsule. Reaction (coloring reaction) with the second component in the composition occurs.
On the contrary, when the coloring information imparting light having a wavelength for curing the photocurable composition is irradiated before the heat treatment, the second components contained in the photocurable composition are polymerized with each other. The material diffusion of the second component contained in the 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, the first component and the second component can be applied by combining the heat treatment with the presence / absence of irradiation with color forming information providing light having a wavelength for curing the photocurable composition. Since the reaction (coloring reaction) with the components 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 portion” 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 part is contained in the toner. The reason is that 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 F toner can be colored in any one of yellow, magenta, and cyan. When two types of coloring portions develop color, it is possible to develop a color that is a combination of the colors developed by these two types of coloring portions, and it is possible to express various colors with one toner particle. .

The control of the color to be developed when the F 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 color developing part different.
That is, in this case, since the wavelength of light necessary for curing the photocurable composition contained in the color developing portion differs for each type of color developing portion, a plurality of types having different wavelengths according to the type of color developing portion are used as control stimuli. Coloring information imparting light may be used. In order to make the wavelength of light necessary for curing the photocurable composition contained in the color developing part different, a photopolymerization initiator sensitive to light of a different wavelength is used for each type of color developing part. It is suitable for inclusion in the product.

For example, when three types of color-developing portions capable of coloring yellow, magenta, and cyan are included in the F toner, the light wavelength is 405 nm, 532 nm as the photocurable composition included in each type of color-developing portion. If a material that cures in response to any one of 657 nm and 657 nm is used, the F toner can be colored in a desired color by properly using these three different colors of coloring information-giving light (light having a specific wavelength). .
The wavelength of the coloring information imparting light can be selected from the visible wavelength, but may be selected from the ultraviolet wavelength.

  The F toner 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 / thermosensitive capsule, or in the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule capable of developing other colors. In order to prevent the second component from flowing through the outer shell, it is preferable that the second component contains 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 a first component, a second component, a microcapsule containing the first component, and a photocurable composition containing the second component are used for the toner, and a photopolymerization initiator is contained in the photocurable composition. Is particularly preferable, and various auxiliary agents and the like may be included. Further, the first component may be present in a solid state in the microcapsule (core portion), but may be present together with a solvent.

In the light non-color-forming toner, an electron-donating colorless dye or a diazonium salt compound is used as the first component, and an electron-accepting compound having a photopolymerizable group or a photopolymerizable group is used as the second component. A coupler compound or the like is used. 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 represents the first component and the latter represents the second component, respectively). .

(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 that forms a pigment).

The first component listed above is preferably a substantially colorless electron-donating colorless dye or a diazonium salt compound.
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. Any compound that has both functions of reacting with the first component such as an electron-accepting compound having a photopolymer or a coupler compound having a photopolymerizable group to develop a color and reacting with light to be cured and cured. be able to.

  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 colorant can be used as long as it reacts with an electron-donating colorless dye and develops color and can be cured by photopolymerization.

  The electron-accepting developer as the second component in the case of the photochromic toner includes phenol derivatives, sulfur-containing phenol derivatives, organic carboxylic acid derivatives (for example, salicylic acid, stearic acid, resorcinic acid, etc.), and Examples thereof include 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

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 a microcapsule dispersed in the photocurable composition, wherein the first component is contained in the microcapsule. The wet manufacturing method is suitable for producing a toner having a structure in which 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 a photocurable composition containing a second component A first aggregating step for forming first agglomerated particles in a raw material dispersion containing a photocurable composition dispersion in which a product is dispersed; and (b1) a raw material on which the first agglomerated particles are formed. An adhesion step of adding a first resin particle dispersion in which resin particles are dispersed to the dispersion and attaching the resin particles to the surface of the aggregated particles; and (c1) attaching the resin particles to the surface. One or more types of photosensitive materials that can develop colors different from each other through a first fusion step in which a raw material dispersion containing aggregated particles is heated and fused to obtain first fused particles (photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsules).・ Prepare heat-sensitive capsule dispersion .

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.

  That is, for example, when the toner structure is a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule (color developing part) dispersion structure, the volume average particle size 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 particle size range (channel) obtained by dividing the toner particle size distribution measured using a measuring device such as Coulter Multisizer II (manufactured by Beckman-Coulter), the smaller diameter side with respect to the volume and number of individual toner particles The particle size at which accumulation is 16% is defined as volume average particle size D16v and number average particle size D16p, and the particle size at accumulation 50% is defined as volume average particle size D50v and number. The average particle size is defined as D50p. Similarly, particle diameters that are 84% cumulative are defined as volume average particle diameter D84v and number average particle diameter D84p. In this case, 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 length (μm) of toner, and A represents the projected area (μm ² ) of toner. ]

When the shape factor SF1 is less than 110, the toner tends to remain on the surface of 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 or the image carrier surface and the like are contaminated by the release agent component exposed on the toner surface, thereby impairing the charging characteristics. 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).

<Developer>
The F toner 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. A developer of a type that has one type of F toner having two or more parts, and two or more types of color developing parts contained in the F toner can develop colors different from each other, or (2) the light Two or more types of toner having one color forming portion including a curable composition and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition are mixed, and the color developing portion of the two or more types of toner Is preferably a developer that can develop colors different from each other.

  For example, in the former type of developer, three types of color developing portions are included in the F toner, and the three types of color developing portions are yellow color developing portions capable of developing yellow, magenta color forming capable of developing magenta color. In the latter type of developer, a yellow color developing toner capable of developing a yellow color, and a magenta capable of developing a magenta color in the color developing portion. It is preferable that the color developing toner and the cyan color developing toner in which the color developing portion can develop a cyan color are mixed and contained in the developer.

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 F toner and the carrier in the two-component developer is preferably in the range of toner: carrier = 1: 100 to 30: 100, and in the range of 3: 100 to 20: 100. Is more preferable.

<Test 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.

  First, a developer containing toner (toner particles) was obtained as follows. In the following toner preparation, the preparation of the photocurable composition dispersion and the series of toner preparations using this were all carried out in the dark.

(Toner 1: Preparation of non-color developing toner)
-Preparation of microcapsule dispersion-Microcapsule dispersion (1)-
In 16.9 parts of ethyl acetate, 8.9 parts of an electron-donating colorless dye (1) capable of developing a yellow color is dissolved, and capsule wall material (trade name: Takenate D-110N, manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) ) 20 parts and 2 parts 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 of 8% phthalated gelatin, 14 parts of water and 1.4 parts of a 10% sodium dodecylbenzene sodium sulfonate solution, and then emulsified and dispersed at a temperature of 20 ° C. An emulsion was obtained. Next, 72 parts of a 2.9% 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. A microcapsule dispersion (1) having an average particle size of 0.5 μm was obtained.
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 described 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 (3) 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 (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 (mixing ratio 50:50) of a mixture of electron-accepting compounds (1) and (2) having a polymerizable group and 0.1 part of a thermal polymerization inhibitor (ALI) were dissolved in isopropyl acetate (water solubility). About 4.3%) It was dissolved at 42 ° C. in 125.0 parts 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, 0.5 part of a nonionic organic dye, and 6.0 part 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 of an 8% aqueous gelatin solution and 17.4 parts of a 10% surfactant (1) aqueous solution, and a homogenizer (manufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.) was used. The mixture was emulsified for 5 minutes at a rotational speed of 10,000 and then subjected to a solvent removal treatment at 40 ° C. for 3 hours to obtain a photocurable composition dispersion (1) having a solid content of 30%.
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 organic boron compound are shown below.

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

In a mixed solution of 13 parts of a 13% aqueous gelatin solution, 0.8 part of the following 2% surfactant (2) aqueous solution, and 0.8 part of the following 2% 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) which has a polymeric group used for preparation of a photocurable composition dispersion liquid (2), adjuvant (1), surfactant (2), and surfactant (3) The structural formula of is shown below.

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

(Preparation of resin particle dispersion)
-Styrene: 460 parts-n-butyl acrylate: 140 parts-Acrylic acid: 12 parts-Dodecanethiol: 9 parts The above components were mixed and dissolved to prepare a solution. Subsequently, an emulsion (monomer emulsion) obtained by adding 12 parts of an anionic surfactant (Rohdia, Dowfax) dissolved in 250 parts of ion-exchanged water and dispersing and emulsifying the solution in a flask. A) was prepared.
Further, 1 part of an anionic surfactant (Dowfax, Rhodia Co., Ltd.) was dissolved in 555 parts of ion exchange 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 of ammonium persulfate in 43 parts 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 passed through 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 Dispersion Structure Type)-Preparation of Photosensitive / Thermosensitive Capsule Dispersion (1)-
-Microcapsule dispersion (1): 150 parts-Photocurable composition dispersion (1): 300 parts-Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts-Ion-exchanged water: 300 parts Add nitric acid to adjust the pH to 3.5, thoroughly mix and disperse with a homogenizer (IKA, Ultra Tarrax T50), transfer to a flask, and stir with a three-one motor in a heating oil bath to 40 ° C After heating and holding at 40 ° C. for 60 minutes, 300 parts 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. Further, spontaneous color development of the dispersion was not confirmed during the preparation of this dispersion.

-Preparation of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (2)-
Microcapsule dispersion (2): 150 parts Photocurable composition dispersion (2): 300 parts Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts Ion exchange water: 300 parts The above ingredients were used as a raw material solution. Except for the above, a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion liquid (2) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion liquid (1).
The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules dispersed in this dispersion was 3.52 μm. Further, spontaneous color development of the dispersion was not confirmed during the preparation of this dispersion.

-Preparation of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (3)-
-Microcapsule dispersion (3): 150 parts-Photocurable composition dispersion (3): 300 parts-Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts-Ion exchange water: 300 parts The above ingredients were used as a raw material solution. Except for the above, a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion liquid (3) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion liquid (1).
The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules dispersed in this dispersion was 3.47 μm. Further, spontaneous color development of the dispersion was not confirmed during the preparation of this dispersion.

-Preparation of toner-
Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1): 750 parts Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (2): 750 parts Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (3): A solution in which 750 parts or more of the components are mixed is transferred to a flask. The flask was heated to a heating oil bath at 42 ° C. while stirring, and maintained at 42 ° C. for 60 minutes, and then 100 parts of the resin particle dispersion was further added and gently stirred.
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.

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 of hydrophobic silica (manufactured by Cabot, TS720) was added to 50 parts of the toner particles, and mixed with a sample mill to obtain externally added toner 1.

(Toner 2: Preparation of photochromic toner)
-Preparation of microcapsule dispersion-Microcapsule dispersion (1)-
12.1 parts of the electron donating colorless dye (1) are dissolved in 10.2 parts of ethyl acetate, 12.1 parts of dicyclohexyl phthalate, 26 parts of Takenate D-110N (manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), and Millionate MR200 (Japan) A solution to which 2.9 parts of Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd.) was added was prepared.
Subsequently, this solution was added to a mixed solution of 5.5 parts of polyvinyl alcohol and 73 parts of water, and emulsified and dispersed at 20 ° C. to obtain an emulsion having an average particle diameter of 0.5 μm. 80 parts of water was added to the obtained emulsified liquid, heated to 60 ° C. with stirring, and after 2 hours, a microcapsule dispersion (1) in which microcapsules having an electron-donating colorless dye (1) as a core material were dispersed. )
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 about 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 the photopolymerization initiator (1-a) and 0.54 parts of (1-b) in 4 parts of ethyl acetate, 9 parts of the 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 gradually 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.

-Production of toner 2 (colored portion dispersed structure type) -Production 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, 0.3 part of hydrophobic titania having an average particle diameter of 15 nm and surface treated with n-decyltrimethoxysilane, and hydrophobic silica having an average particle diameter of 30 nm (NY50, manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) 0 4 parts were blended for 10 minutes at a peripheral speed of 32 m / s using a Henschel mixer, and then coarse particles were removed using a sieve having an opening of 45 μm to obtain an external additive toner 2 to which an external additive was added. .

(Toner 3: Preparation of black colored toner)
-Resin fine particle dispersion-
370 parts of styrene, 30 parts of n-butyl acrylate, 8 parts of acrylic acid, 12 parts of dodecanethiol and 2 parts of divinyl adipate were mixed and dissolved in a nonionic surfactant (Nonipol 400, Sanyo Chemical Co., Ltd.) 6 parts) and 10 parts of an anionic surfactant (Neogen SC, manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.) dissolved in 583 parts of ion-exchanged water are emulsified and dispersed in the flask while slowly mixing for 10 minutes. Then, 50 parts of ion-exchanged water in which 4 parts of ammonium persulfate was dissolved was added. After carrying out nitrogen substitution, the inside of the flask was stirred and heated in an oil bath until the content reached 70 ° C., and emulsion polymerization was carried out for 5 hours.

  As a result, a resin fine particle dispersion in which resin particles having a volume average particle diameter of 150 nm, Tg of 56 ° C., and weight average molecular weight Mw of 3000 was obtained. The solid content concentration of this dispersion was 40%.

-Colorant dispersion-
・ Carbon black (Mogal L, manufactured by Cabot) 60 parts ・ Nonionic surfactant (Nonipol 400, manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Co., Ltd.) 6 parts ・ Ion-exchanged water 240 parts

  The above components are mixed and dissolved, stirred for 10 minutes using a homogenizer (Ultra Turrax T50, manufactured by IKA), and then dispersed with an optimizer to give a colorant having a volume average particle diameter of 250 nm ( A colorant dispersant (1) having carbon black particles dispersed therein was prepared.

-Release agent dispersion-
・ 100 parts of paraffin wax (HNP0190, manufactured by Nippon Seiwa Co., Ltd., melting point: 85 ° C.) 5 parts of cationic surfactant (Sanisol B50, manufactured by Kao Corporation) 240 parts of ion-exchanged water

  The above components were dispersed in a round stainless steel flask using a homogenizer (Ultra Turrax T50, manufactured by IKA) for 10 minutes, and then dispersed with a pressure discharge type homogenizer, and the average particle size was 550 nm. A release agent dispersion liquid in which the mold agent particles were dispersed was prepared.

-Preparation of black colored toner particles-
・ Resin fine particle dispersion 234 parts ・ Colorant dispersion 30 parts ・ Releasing agent dispersion 40 parts ・ Polyaluminum hydroxide (Pho2S manufactured by Asada Chemical Co., Ltd.) 0.5 part ・ Ion exchange water 600 parts

  The above components were mixed and dispersed in a round stainless steel flask using a homogenizer (Ultra Turrax T50, manufactured by IKA), and then heated to 40 ° C. while stirring the flask in a heating oil bath. . When kept at 40 ° C. for 30 minutes, it was confirmed that aggregated particles having a volume average particle diameter of 4.5 μm were formed. Further, when the temperature of the heating oil bath was raised and held at 56 ° C. for 1 hour, the volume average particle size was 5.3 μm. Thereafter, 26 parts of the resin fine particle dispersion was added to the dispersion containing the aggregated particles, and then the temperature of the heating oil bath was raised to 50 ° C. and held for 30 minutes.

  After adding 1N sodium hydroxide to the dispersion containing the aggregated particles and adjusting the pH of the system to 7.0, the stainless steel flask is sealed, and heated to 80 ° C. while stirring with a magnetic seal. And held for 4 hours. After cooling, the reaction product was filtered off, washed four times with ion exchange water, and then freeze-dried to obtain black colored toner particles. The black colored toner particles had a Tg of 54 ° C., a volume average particle size of 5.9 μm, and a shape factor SF1 of 132.

  Next, 100 parts of this black colored toner, 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, manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) ) After blending 0.4 part with a Henschel mixer at a peripheral speed of 32 m / s for 10 minutes, coarse particles are removed using a sieve having a mesh opening of 45 μm, and external toner 3 to which an external additive is added is added. Obtained.

(Development of developer)
As a carrier, 30% by mass of styrene / acrylic copolymer (number average molecular weight: 23000, weight average molecular weight: 98000, Tg: 78 ° C.) and granular magnetite (maximum magnetization: 80 emu / g, average particle size: 0.5 μm) 70% by mass was kneaded, pulverized, and classified to a volume average particle size of 100 μm, and weighed each of the toner particles 1 to 3 and the toner concentration to 5% by mass, and a ball mill for 5 minutes. By mixing, developers 1 to 3 were obtained.

(Test Example 1)
An image forming apparatus having the same configuration as that in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) is prepared, and developer 1 (light non-color-developing toner-containing developer) is added to the first developing device 14A in the first toner image forming unit 10A. The developer 3 (developer containing black colored toner) was loaded into the second developing device 14B in the second toner image forming unit 10B.
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, around an aluminum drum having a diameter of 30 mm. 1 ′] biphenyl-4,4′-diamine-containing multilayer organic photosensitive layer having a film thickness of 25 μm was used.
Scorotron was used as the first charging device 12A and the second charging device 12B.

As the first exposure apparatus 13A and the second exposure apparatus 13B, LED image bars having a wavelength of 780 nm capable of forming a latent image with a resolution of 600 dpi were used.
The first developing device 14A and the second developing device 14B include a metal sleeve for two-component magnetic brush development and can perform reverse development. The toner charge amount when a developer was loaded in the developing unit was about −5 to −30 μC / g.
The color-generation information providing device 15, the peak wavelength of 405 nm (exposure ^{amount: 0.2mJ / cm 2), 532nm} ( exposure ^{amount: 0.2mJ / cm 2), 657nm} ( exposure amount: 0.4mJ / cm ²⁾ light An LED image bar with a resolution of 600 dpi capable of irradiating the light was used.
As the transfer device 16, a semiconductive roll formed by coating a conductive elastic body on the outer periphery of a conductive core material was used 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 18 used was a fixing device used for DPC1616 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., and was arranged at a position 30 cm from the point of coloring information application.
As the light irradiation device 19, a high-intensity shakasten including the three wavelengths of the color information providing device 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.
-First toner image forming unit condition-
-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.
-Exposure: The exposure was performed with black image information, and the potential after the exposure was about -50V.
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 .

-Second toner image forming unit condition-
-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.
Exposure: Exposure was performed with a logical sum of image information for three colors Y, M, and C, and the potential after exposure was about -50V.
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 .

-Other conditions-
Photoconductor linear velocity: 10 mm / sec.
Transfer bias: DC + 800V applied.
Fixing temperature: The fixing roll surface temperature is set to 180 ° C.
-Light irradiation device illuminance: 130000 lux.

  Under the above conditions, a chart having a gradation image portion was printed for each color of Y, M, C, R, G, B, and K. It should be noted that the coloring information was added to the F toner in the combinations shown in Table 1 below (showing that when the LED marked with a circle emits light, the toner is colored to a desired color. In order to control the color density, time width modulation in which the time of one dot was divided into eight was adopted, but black was not performed in this test example, and a black image portion was formed with black colored toner.

(Image evaluation)
The following evaluation was performed about the print sample obtained on the said conditions.
-Color density-
When the image density of the solid image part for each of the colors Y, M, and C was examined with a density measuring device X-Rite 938 (manufactured by X-Rite), the image density was 1.5 or more and sufficient color development was obtained for any color. confirmed. Further, when the K (black) color was examined in the same manner, a sufficient color development was confirmed with an image density of 1.7 or more.

-Color reproducibility-
The color reproducibility of each color of R, G, B, and K was examined by using a gradation chart in 5% increments from 5% to 100%, and the color balance was good and the color reproducibility was excellent in any color.

-Highlight image area reproducibility-
The reproducibility of the highlight image portion was examined using a 15% halftone image of the entire print surface, and it was confirmed that the print was a good print with no highlight portion skipping.

(Comparative Example 1)
Test example 1 except that a chart having a gradation image portion for each color of Y, M, C, R, G, B, and K was printed only in the first toner image forming unit 10A using F toner in Test Example 1. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in 1. The coloring information was given to the F toner in the combinations shown in Table 1 below.

  As a result, it was found that K (black) image density, color reproducibility, and highlight image portion reproducibility were inferior to those of Test Example 1. Further, when the consumption amount of the toner was examined after the predetermined image was formed, it was found that the consumption was about 3 times as compared with Test Example 1.

(Test Example 2)
In the image formation of Test Example 1, image formation was performed in the same manner except that the linear velocity of the photosensitive member 11 and the photosensitive member 11 was set to 300 mm / second, and the same image evaluation was performed. Under these conditions, the fixing device and the light irradiating device were removed and an unfixed image was output. The unfixed image was left as it was in a dark place for 10 minutes, and then fixed and light irradiated at the same speed and temperature to form an image.
As a result, prints that are comparable to the print in Test Example 1 were obtained in terms of color density, color reproducibility, and highlight image area reproducibility, regardless of whether or not they were left unattended.

(Test Example 3)
The same image formation is performed except that the developer 2 is used in place of the developer 1 of the first toner image forming unit 10A, and the coloring information imparting to the F toner is changed to the combination shown in Table 2 below. Image evaluation was performed. However, black was not performed in this test example, and a black image portion was formed with black colored toner.
As a result, the color density is 1.5 or higher, the color density of the black image portion is 1.7 or higher, and the color reproducibility and highlight reproducibility are the same results as in Example 1 on the visual level. Even when the color developing toner was used, as in the case of the light non-color developing toner of Test Example 1, excellent characteristics in color density, color reproducibility, and highlight portion reproducibility were obtained.

(Test Example 4)
The test was performed except that the photoconductor 11 was replaced with the following, and the first exposure device 13A of the first toner image forming unit 10A was arranged inside the photoconductor 11 so as to be exposed from the back side of the photoconductor 11. When evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, similar results were obtained. Further, in this test example, the photoreceptor was less deteriorated than test example 1, and there was no image deterioration even when printing for 20 k or more.

  Photoconductor 11: A conductive layer is formed by sputtering ITO on the surface of a transparent substrate made of cylindrical glass having a diameter of 30 mm as a conductive support, and a charge is generated as a photosensitive layer on the conductive layer. A layer having a film thickness of 25 μm containing gallium chloride phthalocyanine and a charge transport layer containing N, N′-diphenyl-N, N′-bis (3-methylphenyl)-[1,1 ′] biphenyl-4,4′-diamine A photoreceptor in which a multilayer organic photosensitive layer is applied and formed, and then an acrylic modified polyurethane is applied and formed as a surface layer 111D with a thickness of 2 μm by a dipping method.

(Test Example 5)
The photoconductor 11 is replaced with the following dielectric drum, the first exposure device 13A of the first toner image forming unit 10A is replaced with the first ion writing device 22A, and the first exposure device 13B of the second toner image forming unit 10B is replaced with the following. When the evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1 except that the second ion writing device 22B was used, the same result was obtained. Further, in this test example, compared to Test Example 1, there was no deterioration of the dielectric as the image carrier, and there was no image deterioration even when printing for 100 k or more.

Dielectric drum 21: A dielectric drum in which a transparent dielectric layer (acrylic resin layer) having a thickness of 20 μm is formed around an aluminum tube drum having a diameter of 30 mm (reflectance 95%).
Ion writing devices 22A and 22B: ion flow control heads having control slits (control electrodes with slits) configured at a resolution of 600 dpi on the entire surface of the corona charger (reduction of ion generation). The control slit is controlled according to the image of the logical sum of image information for three colors Y, M, and C, a voltage of 8 kV is applied to the ion generation source (corona charger), plus ions are applied, Forms an electrostatic latent image.

  As described above, it can be seen that in an image forming apparatus (image forming method) using F toner and black colored toner, the image density of the black image is high, the consumption amount of F toner is small, and the running cost can be reduced.

  It can also be seen that even when the linear velocity of the photoconductor 11 is greatly changed, the image remains stable without change, and a high-quality image can be obtained with good reproducibility in the highlight image portion.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a circuit block diagram of a printing control unit. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a photoreceptor. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which exposure for forming an electrostatic latent image is performed on the photoconductor, (B) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a toner image is formed on the photoconductor, (C) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which exposure for providing color information is performed on the photoconductor. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where exposure for providing color information is performed on a photoreceptor. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 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

10A First toner image forming unit 10B Second toner image forming unit 11 Photoconductor 12A First charging device 12B Second charging device 13A First exposure device 13B Second exposure device 14A First development device 14B Second development device 15 Color development information Transfer device 17 Transfer device 17 Cleaning device 18 Fixing device 19 Light irradiation device 20 Coloring device 21 Dielectric drum 22A First ion writing device 22B Second ion writing device 32 Optical writing head 34 Coloring information application exposure head 36 Printer controller 38 Exposure Unit 40 OR circuit 42 oscillation circuit 44Y yellow color control circuit 44C cyan color control circuit 44K black color control circuit 44M magenta color control circuit S recording medium TA first toner image TB second toner image TC residual toner

Claims (8)

An image carrier;
1st toner image formation means using the color development control toner controlled to maintain the color development or the non-color development state by giving the color development information by light, wherein the image is developed by the first developer containing the color development control toner. A first toner image forming unit that forms a first toner image on the surface of the carrier; a color information providing unit that provides color information by light to the first toner image;
Second toner image forming means using black colored toner, wherein the second toner image forming means forms a second toner image on the surface of the image carrier with a second developer containing the black colored toner;
Transfer means for transferring the first toner image and the second toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to a recording medium;
Fixing means for fixing the first toner image and the second toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium by heat and / or pressure;
A coloring means for coloring the first toner image provided with the coloring information by heating;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image carrier is a photoconductor,
The first toner image forming unit includes a first charging unit that charges the surface of the photoconductor, a first exposure unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor by exposure, and a first color control toner. First developing means using the electrostatic latent image as a first toner image by a developer;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The photoconductor is configured by sequentially laminating a conductive support, a photosensitive layer, and a surface layer from the inner peripheral surface toward the outer peripheral surface, and the conductive support is emitted from at least the first exposure apparatus. The surface layer is at least impermeable to the light emitted from the coloring information providing means,
The first exposure means is disposed on the back side of the photoconductor so as to be exposed from the back side of the photoconductor,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the coloring information providing unit is arranged on the surface side of the photoconductor so as to be exposed from the surface side of the photoconductor. The image carrier is a dielectric,
The first toner image forming unit forms a latent image by applying a first charging unit that charges the surface of the dielectric, and ions having a polarity opposite to the charge of the dielectric on the dielectric surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an ion writing unit; and a first developing unit that uses the electrostatic latent image as a first toner image by a developer including the color control toner.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit also serves as the coloring unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a light irradiation unit configured to irradiate the recording medium surface after fixing with light.   A first component and a second component which are present in a state where the color control toners are separated from each other and react with each other; and a photocurable composition containing any one of the first component and the second component; And the photocurable composition maintains a cured or uncured state by the application of color development information by light, and the reaction for the color development is controlled. The image forming apparatus according to 1. A first toner image forming step using a color control toner controlled to maintain a color development or non-color development state by applying color development information by light, wherein the image is formed by the first developer containing the color control toner; A first toner image forming step of forming a first toner image on the surface of the carrier, and a coloring information applying step of applying coloring information by light to the first toner image;
A second toner image forming step using a black colored toner, wherein the second toner image forming step forms a second toner image on the surface of the image carrier with a second developer containing the black colored toner;
A transfer step of transferring the first toner image and the second toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to a recording medium;
A fixing step of fixing the first toner image and the second toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium by heat and / or pressure;
A color development step for coloring the first toner image to which the color development information is given by heating;
An image forming method comprising:

Images