JP2007316326A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method by which a burden on the apparatus is minimized and stable image formation for various kinds of images can be performed with good color reproducibility when information on color development is provided to a formed toner image to allow the toner image to develop colors, whereby full-color image formation is performed using one developing unit. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus uses a toner which is controlled so as to maintain a color developing or non-color-developing state by providing information on color development by light, and comprises an image carrier 54, a latent image forming means, a developing means, a means to provide information on color development, a transfer means, a fixing means and a color developing means, wherein incident angles α, β of exposure light by the means to provide information on color development are in a range of ±60° to a perpendicular axis to a surface of the image carrier at a reaching point of a toner image when the perpendicular axis is considered to be 0°. <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 employing an electrostatic recording method, and an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus using toner capable of developing different colors by exposing light of different wavelengths. It is about the 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. Furthermore, in order to improve black reproducibility and reduce running costs, normal color image formation requires four developing devices in which black is added to the three primary colors, and the tandem machine has four developing devices corresponding to the four developing devices. An increase in the size of the apparatus and an increase in cost are inevitable, for example, a photosensitive drum is necessary and a means for matching the synchronization of the four image forming means is necessary.

  On the other hand, a method for obtaining a color image with a single developing device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In these publications, there is no technical description about an irradiation method for irradiating the developed toner image with light for coloring the toner. That is, for example, the light for coloring the toner using a single-polygon multiple-beam optical scanning device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “ROS”) mounted on Fuji Xerox DocuPrint C1616 or DocuPrint C2424. When the toner is irradiated on the toner, a large space is required only for securing an optical path depending on the incident angle, leading to an increase in the size of the apparatus and a reduction in the size of the apparatus, which is a merit of a single developing device. There is.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, if the position of the light irradiation is shifted, the latent image (high potential portion) in the immediate vicinity of the developing toner is abruptly collapsed, and the toner is scattered due to the same polar repulsion, or the coloring information is correct. There is also a problem that sufficient color development cannot be obtained because the toner does not hit the color development target toner.
JP-A 63-131364 JP 2003-330228 A

The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.
That is, the present invention is a merit of a single developing device even when a full color image is formed with one developing device using a toner that develops color by giving coloring information to the formed toner image. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of performing stable image formation with good color reproducibility on a wide variety of images without impairing the downsizing of the apparatus.

The above-mentioned subject is achieved by the following present invention. That is, the present invention
<1> An image forming apparatus using toner that is controlled so as to maintain a colored state or a non-colored state by providing coloring information by light,
An image carrier, means for forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier, developing means for converting the latent image into a toner image with a developer containing toner, and light on the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier. Coloring information imparting means for imparting coloration information by means of, a transfer means for transferring the toner image to which the coloration information is imparted to the surface of the recording medium, and fixing the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium by heat and / or pressure Fixing means for performing color development, and color development means for coloring the toner image to which the color development information is imparted by heating,
The incident angle at the toner image arrival point of the exposure light by the coloring information providing means is ± 60 ° with respect to the vertical axis when the vertical axis with respect to the tangent to the surface of the image carrier at the toner image arrival point is 0 °. The image forming apparatus is in the range.

In the image forming apparatus, for example, a toner image is formed on the image carrier by the logical sum of image formation information of four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and then The toner image is exposed to light of a wavelength according to color information to give color development information to the toner image, and then the toner image to which color development information is given is transferred and fixed on a recording medium. At the same time, a color image of the toner is performed by heat, whereby a color image is obtained. Therefore, since a full color image can be obtained with one image carrier and one developing device, the apparatus can be greatly reduced in size.
In connection with the downsizing of the apparatus, the incident angle of exposure for providing color information can be enlarged, so that the mounting design of the color information providing means in the image forming apparatus using the toner is given a greater degree of freedom. be able to.

<2> A driving unit that drives the image carrier by a distance between a latent image forming point by a unit that forms a latent image on the surface of the image carrier and a coloring information application point to the toner image by the coloring information application unit. The image forming apparatus according to <1>, which is a natural number multiple of at least one of the periods.

  Most of the causes of the positional deviation between the latent image forming point and the coloring information providing point is the rotation unevenness of the image carrier.By doing the above, the rotation unevenness of the image carrier can be canceled, The positional deviation between the two points can be minimized. Such control is particularly effective when the exposure light for providing color information is allowed to enter from an oblique direction.

<3> The image forming apparatus according to <1>, wherein the image carrier is a photoconductor, and the means for forming the latent image is an exposure unit for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor by exposure. .

  Various methods can be used for forming a latent image on an image carrier in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. As described later, the conventional method except that the toner of the present invention has a photo-coloring function. Since the toner has the same characteristics as the toner, by using a so-called electrophotographic method, excellent functions such as high image quality and repeated stabilization are exhibited.

<4> The image forming apparatus according to <1>, wherein the image carrier is a dielectric, and the means for forming the latent image is an ion writing unit for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the dielectric.

  By using a dielectric as the image carrier, the transparent dielectric does not undergo photodegradation even when the color information-giving light is strong, so that an image forming apparatus with excellent durability can be obtained.

<5> The image forming apparatus according to <1>, further including a light irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the surface of the recording medium after fixing.

  In the toner after coloring, the coloring 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.

<6> A photocurable composition comprising the first component and the second component that are present in a state where the toners are isolated from each other and react with each other, and any one of the first component and the second component <1>, wherein the photocurable composition is maintained in a cured or uncured state by providing color development information by light, and the reaction for color development is controlled. An image forming apparatus.

As the toner in the present invention, as described above, for example, when color development information by light called a color development portion is given in a binder resin, it is possible to develop a specific color (or maintain a non-color development state). If a construction having one or more continuous regions (possible) is used, the light-receiving portion receives light, so that the light-receiving efficiency of one toner particle can be increased, and the color-forming efficiency is higher than that of other toners. It can be made high, and can sufficiently cope with the enlargement of the incident angle.
Furthermore, since the coloring information imparting mechanism is not a reversible reaction, it has the advantage that there is no time restriction until coloring by heating, so printing up to a low speed range is possible, that is, it can correspond to a wide speed range, Also, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom is high with respect to the location of the fixing device or the like where coloring is performed by heating.

<7> An image forming method using a toner controlled so as to maintain a colored state or a non-colored state by providing coloring information by light,
A step of forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier, a development step of converting the latent image into a toner image with a developer containing toner, and color development information by light to the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier. A coloring information applying step, a transfer step of transferring the toner image to which the coloring information is added to the surface of the recording medium, a fixing step of fixing the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium by heat and / or pressure, and heating A color developing step for coloring the toner image to which the color development information is given,
The exposure by the color information providing means is such that the vertical axis with respect to the tangent to the surface of the image carrier at the point where the exposure light reaches the toner image is in the range of ± 60 ° with respect to the vertical axis. The image forming method is incident on a toner image.

<8> Driving means for driving the image carrier by the distance between the latent image formation point in the step of forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier and the color development information application point to the toner image in the color development information application step <7>. The image forming method according to <7>, wherein at least one of the periods is a natural number multiple of the period.

  According to the present invention, even when a full-color image is formed with a single developing device using toner that develops color by giving color forming information to the formed toner image, the burden on the apparatus is minimized. Thus, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of performing stable image formation with good color reproducibility on a wide variety of images.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.
An image forming apparatus (image forming method) of the present invention is an image forming apparatus (image forming method) that uses toner that is controlled so as to maintain a colored state or a non-colored state by the provision of coloring information by light. An image carrier, means for forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier (latent image forming step), developing means for developing the latent image into a toner image with a developer containing toner (developing step), and the image carrier Color development information imparting means for imparting color development information by light to the toner image formed on the surface of the body (color development information provision process), and transfer means for transferring the toner image imparted with the color development information to the surface of the recording medium (transfer process) A fixing unit (fixing step) for fixing the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium by heat and / or pressure, and a coloring unit (coloring step) for coloring the toner image to which the color information is given by heating. Including, before The incident angle at the toner image arrival point of the exposure light by the coloring information providing means is ± 60 ° with respect to the vertical axis when the vertical axis with respect to the tangent to the surface of the image carrier at the toner image arrival point is 0 °. It is a range.

  The toner used in the present invention has a function of maintaining a state in which, for example, when each toner particle is exposed to light of a different wavelength, the color is developed according to the wavelength, or the color is not developed (non-colored). is doing. That is, the toner has a chromogenic substance (and a color developing portion including this) that can develop color by providing color development information by light, and the toner can develop color or non-color by the application of color development information by light. It is controlled to maintain this 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 toner is not particularly limited as long as it can exhibit the above functions, and examples thereof include toners described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 and toners preferably used in the present invention described later.

  In the image forming apparatus (image forming method) using the toner, such a toner is mounted on one developing device, and four types of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are used. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the image carrier by the logical sum of the color image formation information, and the electrostatic latent image is developed with the toner to form a toner image. Thereafter, light having a wavelength corresponding to the color information is obtained. Then, the toner image is exposed to give color development information to the toner image. Thereafter, the toner image to which the coloring information is given is transferred to a recording medium, and then fixed to the recording medium by heat and pressure. At this time, the color reaction of the toner is performed by the heat, and a color image is obtained.

  Accordingly, since a full color image can be obtained with one image carrier and one developing device, the size of the main body of the image forming apparatus is as close as possible to that of a monochrome printer, and the apparatus can be miniaturized. Become. In addition, 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 the toner can be colored with a pigment or the like. Since no agent is used, it is possible to obtain a silver salt-like image.

  However, in the case of the above-described apparatus configuration, since the coloring information is imparted to the toner image at least after the toner image is formed on the image carrier, it is necessary to provide an exposure system separately used for imparting the coloring information. As a result, there arises a problem that the advantage of miniaturization of the image forming apparatus using the toner having the new function cannot be fully utilized.

This point will be described with reference to FIG. 11 schematically showing an example in which an optical scanning device mounted on DocuPrint C1616 or DocuPrint C2424 manufactured by Fuji Xerox is applied. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a photoconductor (image carrier), 110 denotes a developing device, and 120 denotes an optical scanning device. In addition, 112 is a trimmer, 114 is a developing roll, and 116 is an auger.
In these image forming apparatuses, light beams are emitted from the polygon mirror 126 of the optical scanning device 120 up and down in the drawing, and in the case of the optical path indicated by the arrow F, the arrow G indicates the fθ lens 122 and the mirrors 102 and 101. In the case of the optical path shown, the photoconductor 100 is exposed through the fθ lens 124 and the mirrors 104 and 103 (one polygon multiple beam ROS). However, even if the size of the exposure means is reduced in size, depending on the incident angle of the irradiation (for conventional latent image formation), when the toner is irradiated with light for coloring the toner. If you are trapped in the image of the incident angle of the exposure light), a large space is required only to secure the optical path, leading to an increase in the size of the device and a reduction in the size of the device, which is a merit of a single developer. There was a problem.

  More specifically, since the latent image forming light indicated by the arrow F and the color forming information imparting light indicated by the arrow G are exposed with the developing device 110 interposed therebetween, both of the two lights are as much as possible as shown in FIG. Passing the vicinity of the housing of the developing device 110 (at a distance of about 0.5 mm at the closest point) is desirable for achieving miniaturization. At this time, the latent image forming light is incident on the photosensitive member 100 with a vertical axis l1 and an angle δ1 (3 ° to 7 °) with respect to the tangent to the surface of the photosensitive member shown in FIG. This is to prevent return light to the photo detector that monitors the laser light. On the other hand, it is desirable that the color forming information imparting light indicated by the arrow G also passes in the vicinity of the developing device and exposes the developed toner image T at the incident angle as it is. However, at this time, the light hits the toner when the vertical axis l2 with respect to the tangent to the surface of the photoconductor at the toner image arrival point is 0 ° (noticeable when the photoconductor is a belt) and the angle with respect to the vertical axis l2 In some cases, δ2 becomes large, and coloring information having a sufficient strength cannot be applied. Details of the angle of the exposure light will be described later.

  In the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, it is necessary to align the latent image formation point on the image carrier and the coloring information addition point. Even if it is done, the image information given at the time of latent image formation may be misaligned with the light irradiation due to fluctuations in the drive system of the device, and the toner image may be disturbed or sufficient color development may not be obtained. There was something to do.

That is, for example, FIG. 7 shows a state in which color development information is applied by performing reversal development by an electrophotographic process. In this case, the intensity of exposure 50 for providing color development information is large. The potential V _{H of the} unexposed portion of the image carrier on the edge side of the toner layer 52 is greatly lowered, the edge of the toner layer 52 collapses as shown by an arrow, and toner scattering (blur) occurs. May end up.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus using the toner used in the present invention, the means for providing color information to the toner image is made as compact as possible, and the positions of the latent image formation point and the color information addition point are further reduced. It is desirable to simplify the matching means as much as possible.

In the present invention, first, from the viewpoint of making the color information providing means compact, the exposure angle at the time of providing color information was examined.
Usually, for example, in the formation of a latent image in an electrophotographic system, the incident angle of the exposure light for forming the latent image on the image carrier is set so as to prevent the exposure light from being reflected back to the exposure means. When the vertical axis with respect to the tangent to the surface of the carrier is 0 °, the range is about 3 to 7 ° (angle δ1 in FIG. 12). On the other hand, when exposing a toner image to provide color development information, unlike image on image (an example can be seen in XEROX iGEN3), which similarly exposes and forms a latent image from above the toner image, There is no need to expose the area other than where the toner has been developed (in other words, there is no need to form a latent image on the image carrier), and the surface of the image carrier becomes uneven due to the presence of the toner. Even if the angle is approximately 0 °, almost no back reflection to the exposure means occurs.

  For this reason, the present inventors have examined the extent to which the incident angle δ2 of the exposure for providing color information can be expanded, and set the vertical axis with respect to the tangent of the surface of the image carrier at the toner image arrival point of the exposure light to 0. It was found that an effective color density can be obtained even when δ2 is expanded to a range of ± 60 °, where δ2 is set. This allows exposure light to pass through the vicinity of the above-described developing device. In other words, it gives a great degree of freedom to the mounting design of the coloring information providing means in the image forming apparatus using the toner. . The range of ± 60 ° includes not only the case where the image carrier is incident from the front side but also the case where the image carrier is incident from the back side. The process of finding the above conditions will be described later.

  Further, regarding the simplification of the positioning means between the latent image forming point and the coloring information application point, the distance between the latent image forming point and the coloring exposure point is set within the cycle of the driving means for driving the image carrier. It was solved by designing it to be a natural number multiple of at least one period. In particular, such a design is effective because the incident angle of the exposure light in the color information providing means is large and the exposure intensity margin for the desired color density is narrow under conditions where the color density tends to decrease. Become.

The image forming process to which the present invention is applied is not particularly limited, such as a so-called electrophotographic process or a process (ionography) for forming an electrostatic latent image with ions or the like on a dielectric. First, an image forming apparatus (image forming method) for forming a color image by an electrophotographic process using a toner that can control color development or non-color development according to color development information by light, to which the present invention is applied. A brief explanation.
Note that the image forming apparatus using the ionography will be described together as appropriate since only the latent image forming process described later is different and the other processes are the same.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. An image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a photoconductor (image carrier) 10 used in a normal electrophotographic process, a charging device (charging means) 12, an exposure device (exposure means) 14, a developing device (developing means) 16, a transfer device. An apparatus (transfer means) 18 and a fixing device (fixing means) 22 are provided. Further, in the present apparatus, a color information providing device 28 for providing color information to the developed toner image is provided, and the fixing device 22 also serves as a color device (coloring means) for coloring the toner image. Further, on the downstream side of the fixing device 22, a light irradiation device 24 (light irradiation means) for irradiating the recording medium 26 with light for fixing the color development of the toner is provided. Reference numeral 20 denotes a cleaner. Note that the exposure device 14 and the coloring information providing device 28 are configured in common as the optical scanning device 30 as described above. Further, the developing device 16 is shown in a simplified manner.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described along each step in image formation.

<Latent image forming process>
When the image carrier as shown in FIG. 1 is the photoreceptor 10, the latent image forming means includes a charging device 12 for charging the surface of the photoreceptor and an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor by exposure. And an exposure device 14 to be formed.

First, the entire surface of the photoreceptor 10 is charged by the charging device 12.
As the photoreceptor 10, any known one can be used. For example, an inorganic photosensitive layer such as Se or a-Si, or a single or multilayer organic photosensitive layer is formed on a conductive substrate. In the case of a belt-shaped photoconductor, a metal belt such as nickel or SUS, or a resin such as PET, PC, or polyimide subjected to conductive treatment can be used as a base, and the thickness is the diameter of the roll on which the photoconductor is stretched, the tension, etc. The range of about 10 to 500 μm. Other layer configurations are the same as in the drum.

  In the coloring information providing step described later, when exposure is performed from the back surface of the photoconductor 10 (inside the photoconductor), a transparent photoconductor having the base as a transparent resin or the like can be used. In the case of a transparent photoconductor, a material transparent to exposure light is used as the photoconductor substrate. For example, glass or plastic material is used as the base material, and a conductive layer is formed on the outer surface for electrode formation. However, the base material itself may be subjected to a conductive treatment.

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 to the photoconductor (approximately 1000 times the ² mJ / m ² ) is necessary), and the photoconductor 10 may be damaged. For example, the photosensitivity of the charge generation layer of the photoconductor 10 is 1/1000 of the conventional one. If so, there is no problem because it is balanced.

  Further, it is preferable that the surface of the photoconductor 10 has a function of preventing deterioration of the photoconductor 10 due to exposure for providing color information. Specifically, it is effective to provide a surface layer on the surface of the photosensitive layer that transmits only the exposure light for forming the latent image and reflects the exposure light for providing color information. Examples of the surface layer include a dichroic mirror coat (reflection) and a sharp cut filter (absorption) in which a light absorbing material is dispersed.

  On the other hand, when a toner image is formed by ionography, a dielectric is used instead of the photoreceptor 10. The dielectric is formed by providing a dielectric layer on a conductive substrate. Examples of the dielectric include organic materials such as PET, PC, and Teflon (registered trademark), and aluminum oxide that has been sealed. Inorganic materials can be used. When a dielectric is used, the dielectric does not deteriorate even with strong light for providing color information described above, and the durability is excellent.

  A known charging means can be used for charging the photoreceptor 10. 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 roll shape, and the like, but a roll-shaped 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 for charging the photosensitive member 10 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 the voltage range, the DC voltage is preferably positive or negative 50 to 2000 V, more preferably 100 to 1500 V, and even more preferably 100 to 400 V, depending on the required photosensitive member charging potential. When the AC voltage is superimposed, the peak-to-peak voltage (Vpp) is 400 to 1800 V, preferably 800 to 1600 V, the frequency of the AC voltage is 50 to 20000 Hz, preferably 100 to 5000 Hz, and sine waves, square waves, and triangular waves are generated. Either can be used.
The charging potential is preferably set in the range of 150 to 700 V in absolute value of the potential.

  A known exposure device 14 can be used for forming the electrostatic latent image. As the exposure device 14, for example, a laser scanning system, an LED image bar system, analog exposure means, an ion flow control head, or the like can be used, and the surface of the photoconductor 10 is exposed as indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 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 10. Until now, the near-infrared having an oscillation wavelength near 780 nm as the wavelength of the semiconductor laser has been the 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.

  Exposure to the photoconductor 10 is performed as a logical sum of the image formation information of the four colors at a position where toner described later is developed in the case of reversal development, and at a position other than where toner is developed in the case of regular development. 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.

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

<Development process>
A known developing device (developing means) 16 can be used for developing the electrostatic latent image. As a development method, a two-component development method composed of fine magnetic particles and toner for carrying a toner called a carrier, or a one-component development method composed of only a toner, and further improvement of other characteristics in these development methods Any developing method may be used in which additional components may be added.

  Further, depending on the developing method, any one of the developer that develops in contact or non-contact with the photoreceptor 10 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.

The toner contained in the developer includes, for example, a color developing portion that can develop a color of Y (Y color developing portion), a color developing portion that can develop a color of M (M color developing portion), and a color developing portion that can develop a color of C color ( (C coloring portion) may be included in one toner particle, or the Y coloring portion, M coloring portion, and C coloring portion may be included separately for each toner.
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 toner image T, the light for providing coloring information to be described later must spread over the entire irradiated portion, and therefore it is preferable to keep the toner layer thickness below a certain level. Specifically, for example, in a solid image, the toner layer is preferably 3 layers or less, more preferably 2 layers or less. The toner layer thickness is a value obtained by measuring the thickness of the toner layer 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>
Next, as shown in FIG. 1, color information by light as indicated by an arrow B is applied to the toner image T thus obtained by a color information applying device 28 as shown in FIG.

  The coloring information providing device 28 may be anything as long as the toner particles to be colored at that time can emit light having 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.

As described above, in the present invention, the exposure light for providing color information has a vertical axis of 0 ° with respect to the tangent to the surface of the image carrier at the arrival point (color information provision point) where the exposure light reaches the toner image. Then, the light is incident so as to be within a range of ± 60 ° with respect to the vertical axis.
This will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier is exposed to provide color information from the surface side of the image carrier.
In FIG. 2, a toner image 56 is formed on the surface of the image carrier 54, and exposure light is applied to the toner image 56 from the direction indicated by the arrow. The exposure light indicated by the arrow C is exposure from the vertical axis of the exposure light arrival point P in the image carrier 54, and has the highest irradiation intensity. In the present invention, the incident angle at this time is set to 0 °.

  On the other hand, exposure light indicated by arrows C ′ and C ″ is incident on the arrival point P at angles α and β in both directions with respect to the vertical axis when the vertical axis is 0 °. The irradiation intensity is lower than the exposure light from the direction of arrow C. The incident angles at this time are α (°) and β (°), respectively.

As described above, it is preferable to perform exposure from the vertical axis (incident angle 0 °) in consideration of the color development efficiency by exposure, but the arrangement of exposure means for providing color development information (particularly the back surface of the image carrier) Considering the arrangement in the case of exposure from the side) and the like, it is clearly advantageous from the viewpoint of freedom in mounting design that exposure can be performed with a constant incident angle.
Therefore, it is necessary to determine the incident angle of the exposure light from the balance between the color development efficiency by exposure and the mounting design.

  In the present invention, the incident angle α and β are within 60 °, that is, when the vertical axis at the arrival point P is set to 0 °, based on the results of verification of the incident angle and the coloring efficiency as described later. It has been found that practically sufficient color development can be obtained when is within the range of ± 60 ° with respect to the vertical axis. That is, as the color development efficiency, when the color density by exposure from the vertical axis is 100%, the allowable range is up to a density ratio of 75%, but when the incident angle exceeds ± 60 °, the density ratio is 75%. Found that can not be achieved.

  The incident angle is preferably in the range of ± 45 °, more preferably in the range of ± 30 °, and further preferably in the range of ± 15 °. By performing exposure at these incident angles, the density ratio can be about 85%, about 90%, and about 97%, respectively.

The exposure light incident angle condition defined in the present invention can be confirmed by a test under the following conditions, for example.
First, using a photochromic toner as described later, a 100% solid unfixed toner image is formed on Fuji Xerox P paper by a normal electrophotographic process, and this is moved at a speed of 15 mm / sec. Laser light of 1 mm and irradiation energy of 0.2 mJ / cm ² was irradiated at a constant incident angle. Thereafter, the same fixing device as that used in the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint C1616 printer was used, and the color was developed simultaneously with fixing at a linear speed of 15 mm / sec and a set temperature of 180 ° C. -Image density was measured with Rite 938.

  FIG. 3 shows the results when the above measurement was performed by changing the incident angle of the laser beam from −90 ° to 90 ° at intervals of 10 ° with respect to the vertical axis. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the incident angle (°) and the vertical axis represents the density ratio (%) with respect to the image density (100%) when the incident angle is 0 °. As shown in FIG. 3, the concentration ratio gradually decreases as the absolute value of the incident angle increases, and reaches about 75% at ± 60 °. And if it exceeds +/- 60 degrees, it turns out that a density | concentration ratio falls rapidly.

The results shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples, but it has been found that substantially the same results can be obtained when the test is performed while changing process conditions, exposure conditions, and the like. However, the density ratio for each incident angle varies depending on the type of toner, and the density ratio at the same incident angle increases as the toner having higher color development efficiency for the same amount of light.
For example, the density ratio when the incident angle is 60 ° is not lower than 75% when the toner disclosed in Patent Document 2 is used, but if a toner having a higher coloring efficiency than this toner is used. The concentration ratio is higher than 75%.

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 28, a known image modulation method such as pulse width modulation, intensity modulation, or a combination of the two described above can be used as necessary. 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.

Hereinafter, it will be briefly described at what timing and by what position control the exposure for providing the color information is performed.
FIG. 4 is a specific circuit block diagram of the print control unit in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. 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 10 as described above. Therefore, an electrostatic latent image based on logical sum data including all CMYK pixel data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 10.

  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 toner image T developed on the photoreceptor 10 is developed. Corresponding to the above, light of a specific wavelength for maintaining a colored or non-colored state 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 enables a yellow (Y) or black (K) color.

  In the present invention, for example, the exposure position for forming a latent image (latent image formation point) and the exposure position for providing color information (color information provision point) are aligned as described above. Even if such theoretical control is performed, the actual machine does not always follow the control and often causes a slight positional shift. In particular, as in the present invention, when the exposure light for providing color information is allowed to be incident from an oblique direction, a stricter positional accuracy is required for the above-described positional deviation. Most of the causes of the positional deviation are caused by uneven rotation of the image carrier.

  From the above viewpoint, in the present invention, the distance between the latent image formation point in the step of forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier and the color development information application point to the toner image in the color development information application step It is preferable that a natural number multiple of at least one of the cycles of the driving means for driving the carrier. By doing so, the rotation unevenness of the image carrier can be canceled, and the positional deviation between the two points can be minimized.

This will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a drive unit of the image carrier in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. In the figure, a configuration is shown in which a motor gear 64 of a motor (driving means) 66 is engaged with a photoconductor gear 62 that drives a photoconductor (image carrier) 60.
For example, in FIG. 1, the latent image forming point (point where arrow A in FIG. 1 hits the photoconductor 10) and the coloring information application point (point where arrow B in FIG. 1 hits the photoconductor 10) are 90 at the central angle of the photoconductor 10. In the case where the motor gear 64 and the photoconductor gear 62 in FIG. 5 are arranged at a distance corresponding to °, the reduction ratio of the motor gear 64 and the photoconductor gear 62 is 1: 4 (the motor gear 64 rotates four times and the photoconductor gear rotates once). In this way, the photoconductor 60 rotates 90 ° while the motor gear 64 rotates once, that is, rotates by an amount corresponding to the distance between the latent image forming point and the coloring information applying point.

The effect of the preferable configuration in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 shows the rotational accuracy of the photosensitive drum and motor. The horizontal axis represents the photosensitive drum and motor rotation time t (seconds), and the vertical axis represents the corresponding photosensitive drum and motor from the ideal position. This represents a distance error Δs (mm). In the figure, a thick solid line (a) indicates the rotation accuracy of the photosensitive drum unit, and a thin solid line (b) indicates the rotation accuracy of the motor unit. However, the actual rotation of the photosensitive drum when the two gears are engaged with each other. The accuracy is shown as a dotted line (c) in which the two solid lines are combined.

  As described above, when the latent image forming point and the coloring information providing point are separated by a distance corresponding to 90 ° as the rotation angle of the photosensitive drum, this distance is equivalent to one rotation of the motor shaft (one cycle of the driving means). In FIG. 6, the time for the distance movement is represented by, for example, straight lines m1 and m2, which are one cycle of the rotation accuracy of the motor alone. The actual distance error of the photosensitive drum at this time is represented by intersections S1 and S2 between the straight lines m1 and m2 and the dotted line (c). If the difference in distance error between the two points is large, the exposure position shifts, but it can be seen that there is almost no distance error component in this state.

On the other hand, the dotted line m2 ′ in FIG. 6 shows a state in which the two points are deviated from a natural number multiple of the rotation period of the motor, but in this case, it is understood that a positional deviation indicated by an arrow has occurred. .
From the above, if the distance between the latent image forming point and the coloring information providing point is controlled to be a natural number multiple of the period of the driving means of the image carrier, this can be achieved even when the driving means or the like has uneven rotation. Considering this, highly accurate alignment can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, an example of one-stage deceleration is shown, but it is obvious that the above-described control can be similarly applied to multi-stage deceleration. When performing the above setting, it is preferable to match the period of the driving means with as low rotational accuracy as possible. Further, if all gear ratios when using a plurality of gears are all natural numbers, the above settings can be made easily. However, when the ratio is not a natural number, it can be adjusted to the cycle of the driving means with poor rotational accuracy. preferable.

  In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, the color information providing exposure may be performed from the back surface of the photoreceptor 10. In this way, since the exposure means 28 for providing color information can be installed inside the image carrier, the entire apparatus can be made more compact. When the exposure means 28 is installed inside the image carrier, the incident angle of exposure to the toner image becomes large due to the low degree of freedom of the installation position. Therefore, the incident angle is defined in the present invention. It is preferable to set the range.

  In the case where the coloring information is applied only from one side (back side) of the photoconductor 10, light for coloring does not reach the lower layer portion of the toner developed in multiple layers, and sufficient coloring is obtained. As a result, the color tone in the image may be different from the desired one. Therefore, in the present invention, exposure light that gives color development information to the toner image T that has passed through the photoconductor 10 is again applied to the toner image T on the front surface side of the photoconductor 10 corresponding to the position exposed from the back side of the photoconductor 10. It is preferable to provide a reflecting means that reflects the light.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the photoconductor 10 carrying the toner image at the time of exposure for giving color information. The toner image (toner layer) T formed on the photoconductor 10 is exposed to exposure light for giving color information (FIG. 9). When the exposure is performed with the arrow L in the middle, about 10 to 50% of light exits through the toner itself and the gap between the toner layers. Therefore, as shown by l _{1 to} l ₃ in the figure, when the light emitted to the outside is reflected by the reflecting means 4 on the surface side of the photoreceptor 10 and the toner is exposed again, a toner image T developed in multiple layers is displayed. It is possible to perform exposure from the upper layer side of the toner, and sufficient color forming information imparting exposure is performed on the toner. As a result, sufficient color development is obtained, and the color tone in the image can be made desirable.

The reflecting means 4 that reflects the exposure light is not limited as long as it can reflect the light that has passed through the toner layer, and a mirror or the like can be used. The distance between the surface of the photoreceptor 10 and the reflecting means 4 is preferably in the range of 0.05 to 5 mm. Alternatively, the surface of the reflecting means 4 may be coated with a transparent conductor to generate an electric field that does not disturb the toner image T.
The reflectance of exposure light when the reflection means 4 is provided is preferably 70% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.

As described above, the mechanism for forming a full color image has been described with respect to the coloring information providing step (means) in the present invention. However, the coloring information providing step in the present invention is a monochromatic color generating material for any one of yellow, magenta and cyan. It may be a color information providing step for forming a color image. 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 54. Other preferable conditions and the like are the same as those at the time of full-color image formation.
In the case of an ionography process, the latent image exposure means is changed to an ion head. Therefore, the arrow A shown in FIG. 1 becomes an ion flow, and the points from the point where the latent image is formed with ions to the coloring information provision point may be the same as those in the electrophotographic process described above.

<Transfer process>
The toner to which the color development information is given is then transferred to the recording medium 26 at a time. A known transfer device 18 can be used for transfer. For example, rolls, brushes, blades, and the like can be used for the contact method, and corotron, scorotron, pin corotron, and the like can be used for the non-contact method. Also, transfer by pressure or pressure and heat is possible.

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

<Fixing process and coloring process>
The toner image in a state where it can be colored (or maintained in a non-colored state) is colored as described above when the recording medium 26 is heated by the fixing device 22. A known fixing means can be used as the fixing device 22. For example, a roll or a belt can be selected as the heating member and the pressure member, and a halogen lamp, IH, or the like can be used as the heat source. The arrangement can also correspond to various paper paths, for example, a straight path, a rear C path, a front C path, an S path, a side C path, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the fixing device 22 serves as both a coloring process and a fixing process, but the coloring process may be provided separately from the fixing process. There is no particular limitation on the position where the color developing device for performing the color developing step is arranged.

  As the color development method, various methods can be considered according to the color development mechanism of the toner particles. Therefore, as the color development device (color development means), for example, the color development-related substance is cured in the toner using light of a different wavelength. Alternatively, a light emitting device that emits specific light by a method such as photolysis or a method that restricts the color, or a pressure device that causes a color to be developed or restricted by a method such as destroying colored particles encapsulated by pressurization. , Etc. 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 22 that serves as both the color developing step and the fixing step.

<Other processes>
In this invention, it is preferable to include the light irradiation process which irradiates light to the image obtained through the fixing and coloring process. This makes it possible to decompose or deactivate the reactive substances remaining in the color-development part that has been controlled to be incapable of color development. Can be removed and bleached.
In this 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.

  The light irradiation device 24 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. Further, the wavelength includes three wavelengths in the light for coloring the toner, the illuminance is preferably in the range of 2000 to 200000 lux, and the exposure time is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 60 sec.

  In addition to these, the above-described image forming method may include a known process used in an electrophotographic process performed using a colorant such as a conventional pigment, for example, after transferring a toner image. A cleaning step for cleaning the surface of the image carrier may be included. As the cleaner 20, a known one can be used, and a blade, a brush, or the like can be used. A so-called cleaner-less process in which the cleaner 20 is removed is also applicable.

In addition, the transfer process includes a first transfer process in which a toner image is transferred from an image carrier to an intermediate transfer body such as an intermediate transfer belt, and the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer body is used as a recording medium. An intermediate transfer method including a second transfer step for transferring may be used.
The above steps are the same in the ionographic process.

<Toner to be used>
Next, the toner used in the present invention will be described.
As described above, the toner used in the present invention 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 colored or 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, it is necessary to irradiate the microcapsule itself with color forming information imparting light. For example, when a large amount of the microcapsule is present in the toner, the microcapsule sufficiently receives light particularly when the incident angle is large. In some cases, the coloring efficiency may be lowered.

For this reason, in the present invention, a photocurable composition comprising a first component and a second component that exist in a state of being separated from each other and that develop color when reacted with each other, and any one of the first component and the second component And the photocurable composition is maintained in a cured or uncured state by the application of color development information by light, and the reaction for color development is controlled (hereinafter referred to as “F toner”). In some cases).
The color development mechanism and simple configuration of the toner will be described below.

As will be described later, the F toner can be colored in one specific color (or can maintain a non-colored state) when color development information by light called a color development portion is imparted to the binder resin. ) It has one or more continuous areas.
10A and 10B are schematic views showing an example of the color developing portion in the F toner. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of one color developing portion, and FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of the color developing portion.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (A), the color developing portion 80 is composed of color-forming microcapsules 70 containing color formers of the respective colors and a composition 78 surrounding the color-forming microcapsules 70. As shown in FIG. The product 78 includes a developer monomer (second component) 74 and a photopolymerization initiator having a polymerizable functional group that causes color development by approaching or contacting the color former (first component) 72 contained in the microcapsule 70. 76.

  As the color former 72 encapsulated in the color developable microcapsules 70 in the color developing portion 80 constituting the toner particles, a triaryl leuco compound having excellent color hue is suitable. As the developer monomer 74 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 72 and the electron-accepting developer monomer 74.

As the photopolymerization initiator 76, 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 74 is used. For example, a reaction accelerator of the photopolymerization initiator 76 is used so that the color developing monomer 74 can cause a sufficient polymerization reaction for 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 80.

  Depending on the presence or absence of light irradiation for color forming information on the color forming portion 80 having the above-described configuration, some of the color forming portion 80 has a polymer developer compound that is polymerized and a developer monomer 74 that is not polymerized. . In the color development unit 80 having the developer monomer 74 that has not been polymerized by a subsequent color development device such as heating, the color developer monomer 74 migrates due to heat or the like, and migrates through the pores of the partition walls of the color developer microcapsules 70. Passes through and diffuses into the color former microcapsules. The developer monomer 74 and the color former 72 diffused in the microcapsule 70 are, as described above, the color former 72 is basic and the color developer 72 is acid-base as the developer monomer 74 is acidic. The reaction will cause color development.

  On the other hand, the developer compound that has undergone the polymerization reaction cannot diffusely pass through the pores of the partition walls of the microcapsule 70 due to the bulk due to the polymerization in the subsequent color development step by heating or the like, and the color developer 72 in the color development microcapsule. Color cannot be developed because it cannot react. Therefore, the chromogenic microcapsule 70 remains colorless. That is, the color developing portion 80 irradiated with the specific wavelength light is colored and exists.

  After color development, the entire surface is exposed again with a white light source at an appropriate stage to polymerize all remaining undeveloped color developing monomer 74 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 76 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 80 (for example, 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 72 intended by each developer monomer 74. 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, it is possible to obtain stable color development efficiency for exposure with a wide incident angle range 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 or applying 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 a 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 detail basically on the assumption of the toner of the first aspect. However, the configuration, material, manufacturing method, and the like of the toner of the first aspect described below will be Of course, the toners of the third and third aspects 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 various other materials are contained 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 toner can be colored in any one of yellow, magenta, and cyan, and any two When various types of coloring portions develop color, the colors developed by these two types of coloring portions can be combined, and various colors can be expressed with a single toner particle.

The control of the color to be developed when the toner includes two or more types of coloring portions that can develop colors different from each other depends on the types and combinations of the first component and the second component included in each type of coloring portion. In addition to making the wavelength different, it can be realized by making the wavelength of light used for curing the photocurable composition contained in each type of color developing portion different.
That is, in this case, since the wavelength of light necessary for curing the photocurable composition contained in the color developing portion differs 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 the toner includes three types of color-developing parts capable of coloring yellow, magenta, and cyan, the photocurable composition contained in each type of color-forming part has a light wavelength of 405 nm, 532 nm, and If a material that cures in response to any of 657 nm is used, the toner can be colored to a desired color by properly using these three color-developing information-giving lights (lights having specific wavelengths).
The wavelength of the coloring information imparting light can be selected from the visible wavelength, but may be selected from the ultraviolet wavelength.

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

The photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule has a core portion containing a microcapsule and a photocurable composition, and an outer shell covering the core portion, and this outer shell is used in the toner production process and toner storage described later. However, the microcapsules and the photocurable composition in the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule are not particularly limited as long as they can be stably held so as not to leak out of the photosensitive / thermal capsule.
However, in the present invention, in the toner production process described later, the second component passes through the outer shell and flows out to the matrix outside the photosensitive / 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 formed by 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, a first component and a second component 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 in the resin, the volume average particle diameter of the toner is preferably in the range of 5 to 40 μm, 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 size exceeds 40 μm, unevenness on the image surface becomes large, and gloss unevenness on the image surface may occur.

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

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

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

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

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

In the present invention, the volume average particle diameter of the toner and the values of the volume average particle size distribution index GSDv and the number average particle size distribution index GSDp are measured and calculated as follows.
First, with respect to the divided particle size range (channel) of the toner particle size distribution measured using a measuring device such as Coulter Multisizer II (manufactured by Beckman-Coulter), the smaller diameter side with respect to the volume and number of individual toner particles A cumulative distribution is drawn from the particle size, and the particle size that is 16% cumulative is defined as the volume average particle size D16v and the number average particle size D16p, and the particle size that is 50% cumulative is the volume average particle size D50v and the 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 toner used in the present invention may be used as it is as a one-component developer, but in the present invention, it is preferably used as a toner in a two-component developer comprising a carrier and a toner.
Here, from the viewpoint that a color image can be formed with one type of developer, the developer is (1) a color development including the photocurable composition and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition. One type of toner having two or more types of parts, and two or more types of color developing parts contained in the toner can develop colors different from each other, or (2) the photo-curing property Two or more types of toner having one color development portion including a composition and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition are mixed, and the color development portions of the two or more types of toner are mutually connected. It is preferable that the developer is of a type that can develop different colors.

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

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

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

<Test example>
In order to confirm the operation of the above embodiment, the following test was performed.
(toner)
In the following manner, the light non-color-forming F toner in which the light emitting portion (photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsule) was dispersed in the binder resin was obtained.

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

-Preparation of 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.

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

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

The obtained solution was mixed with 13 parts by weight of a 13% by weight aqueous gelatin solution, 0.8 part by weight of the following 2% by weight surfactant (2) aqueous solution, and 0.8 part by weight of the following 2% by weight surfactant (3) aqueous solution. And emulsified with a homogenizer (manufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.) for 5 minutes at a rotational speed of 10,000 rotations to obtain a photocurable composition dispersion (2).
In addition, the electron-accepting compound (3) 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)-
In place of the spectral sensitizing dye-based borate compound (I), the photocurable composition dispersion liquid (2) was used except that 0.1 part by mass of the spectral sensitizing dye-based borate compound (II) shown above was used. A photocurable composition dispersion (3) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation.

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

Next, a solution obtained by dissolving 9 parts of ammonium persulfate in 43 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added dropwise to the polymerization flask through a metering pump over 20 minutes, and then the monomer emulsion A was also added to 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% by mass was obtained.

-Preparation of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1)-
-Microcapsule dispersion (1): 150 parts by mass-Photocurable composition dispersion (1): 300 parts by mass-Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts by mass-Ion exchange water: 300 parts by mass The above ingredients are mixed. Nitric acid is added to the prepared raw material solution to adjust the pH to 3.5, and after thoroughly mixing and dispersing with a homogenizer (IQA, Ultra Tarrax T50), it is transferred to a flask and stirred with a three-one motor in a heating oil bath. While heating to 40 ° C. and holding at 40 ° C. for 60 minutes, 300 parts by mass of the resin particle dispersion was further added and gently stirred at 60 ° C. for 2 hours. Thus, a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1) was obtained.
The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules dispersed in this dispersion was 3.53 μm. 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 by mass-Photocurable composition dispersion (2): 300 parts by mass-Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts by mass-Ion exchange water: 300 parts by mass A photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (2) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1) except that the components were used.
The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules dispersed in this dispersion was 3.52 μm. 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 by mass-Photocurable composition dispersion (3): 300 parts by mass-Polyaluminum chloride: 0.20 parts by mass-Ion exchange water: 300 parts by mass A photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (3) was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1) except that the components were used.
The volume average particle size of the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsules dispersed in this dispersion was 3.47 μm. Further, spontaneous color development of the dispersion was not confirmed during the preparation of this dispersion.

Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (1): 750 parts by mass Sensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (2): 750 parts by mass Photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion (3): 750 parts by mass The flask was transferred to a flask, heated to 42 ° C. while heating in the flask, and maintained at 42 ° C. for 60 minutes, and then 100 parts by mass 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 by mass of hydrophobic silica (manufactured by Cabot, TS720) was added to 50 parts by mass of the toner particles, and mixed with a sample mill to obtain an externally added toner.

(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 kneaded, pulverized and classified to a volume average particle size of 100 μm, weighed the toner and the toner concentration to 5% by mass, mixed with a ball mill for 5 minutes, and developed. 1 was obtained.

(Image formation)
An image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 was prepared, and the developing agent 16 was loaded with the developer.
As the photoreceptor 10, a charge generation layer is gallium chloride phthalocyanine and a charge transport layer is N, N′-diphenyl-N, N′-bis (3-methylphenyl)-[1,1 on an aluminum drum having a diameter of 56 mm. A film formed by coating a multilayer organic photosensitive layer having a film thickness of 25 μm containing '] biphenyl-4,4'-diamine was used. Further, a scorotron was used as the charging device 12.

  As the exposure device / coloring information imparting device (optical scanning device) 30, a single polygon multiple beam ROS mounted on DocuPrint C2424 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. was used. The wavelength for forming a latent image at a resolution of 600 dpi is 780 nm. The developing device 16 includes a metal sleeve for developing a two-component magnetic brush and can perform reversal development. The toner charge amount when the developer 1 was loaded in the developing unit was about −5 to −30 μC / g.

Applying color forming information, 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⁾ of the light can be irradiated The laser ROS has a resolution of 600 dpi, the coloration information application point is 15 mm away from the development point on the photoreceptor surface, and the toner image on the photoreceptor surface is about 45 ° with respect to the vertical axis (0 °). It arrange | positioned so that it might expose with the incident angle of.

  Regarding the position of the color information providing point, since one cycle of rotation unevenness of the motor driving the photoconductor 10 is a quarter of the rotation angle of the photoconductor, the exposure device / color information providing device 30 is used. The distance between the latent image formation point and the coloring information addition point is set to be 90 degrees at the photoreceptor center angle.

The transfer device 18 includes a semiconductive roll formed by coating a conductive elastic body on the outer periphery of a conductive core material as a transfer roll. The conductive elastic body is made by dispersing two types of carbon black consisting of ketjen black and thermal black in an incompatible blend formed by mixing NBR and EPDM, and has a roll resistance of 10 ^8.5 Ωcm, The Asker C hardness is 35 degrees.

  The fixing device 22 was a fixing device used in DocuPrint C1616 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., and was arranged at a position 30 cm from the point of coloring information application. Moreover, as the light irradiation means 24, the high-intensity shakasten containing the three wavelengths of the said coloring information provision apparatus was used, and the irradiation width was 5 mm.

The printing conditions were set as follows by the image forming apparatus having the above configuration.
Photoconductor linear velocity: 50 mm / sec.
-Charging conditions: -400V applied to scorotron screen and -6kV DC applied to wire. At this time, the surface potential of the photosensitive member was −400V.
-Exposure: The exposure was performed with a logical sum of image information for four colors of Y, M, C, and black, 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 .
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 100% solid image of 2 cm × 2 cm square was printed for each color of Y, M, and C. In addition, in order to control the color density by the light emission intensity or the light emission time, time width modulation in which one dot time was divided into eight was adopted.

The above image formation is in the electrophotographic process, but the following points were changed in the ionography process.
First, a dielectric was used in place of the photoreceptor 10. The dielectric is formed by applying the same conductive substrate as that of the photoreceptor 10 and applying PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as a dielectric layer to a thickness of 25 μm. The latent image forming unit 14 was not used as the color information providing unit, and an ion head described in JP-A-4-122654 was used. The formed latent image potential is the same as when the photoconductor is used. As the coloring information adding means, a single polygon multiple beam ROS mounted on DocuPrint C2424 similar to the electrophotographic process was used. In other processes, image formation was performed in the same manner as the electrophotographic process.

(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 portion for each of the colors Y, M, and C was examined with a density measuring device X-Rite 938 (manufactured by X-Rite), color development with a sufficient image density was confirmed in any color. This image density was as high as 1.6, 1.4, and 1.3, respectively, as density ratios with respect to images that were separately prepared with an incident angle of color information addition exposure of 0 °.

-Image alignment accuracy-
For the obtained image, a ladder pattern with a pitch of 6 mm for each color is arranged in the A4 paper feed direction, and further, the amount of color misregistration between each color when printed at three places on the right, middle, and left is a scale of 10 times. I checked with a magnifying glass. As a result, it was found that the color misregistration amount was 100 μm or less at the maximum, and there was almost no misregistration.

  As described above, even when exposure for providing color information is performed at a constant incident angle, an image with sufficient color development can be obtained. In particular, when F toner is used, the same applies. It can be seen that an image with a high density ratio can be obtained when color information-giving exposure is performed under incident conditions.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is typical sectional drawing which shows an example of the state which is performing coloring information provision exposure. It is a figure which shows the relationship between an incident angle and density | concentration ratio. It is a circuit block diagram of a printing control unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image carrier driving unit in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the rotational accuracy of a photoconductor drum and a motor. It is a figure which shows the state which is providing color development information after reversal development like an electric potential model. It is a schematic block diagram which shows another example of the image forming apparatus of this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when color information is exposed on a toner image. 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. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state of exposure using the conventional optical scanning device. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example of the state of exposure using the conventional optical scanning device.

Explanation of symbols

4 Reflecting means 10, 60, 100 Photoconductor 12 Charging device 14 Exposure device 16, 110 Development device 18 Transfer device 20 Cleaner 22 Fixing device 24 Light irradiation device 26 Recording medium 28 Color development information provision device 34 Color development information provision exposure head 36 Printer controller 38 Exposure unit 40 OR circuit 42 Oscillation circuit 44 Color development control circuit 50 Color development information imparting exposure 52 Toner layer 54 Image carrier 56 Toner image 62 Photoconductor gear 64 Motor gear 66 Motor (drive means)
70 Microcapsule 72 Color developing agent 74 Developer monomer 76 Photopolymerization initiator 80 Color developing portion 101, 102, 103, 104 Mirror 114 Developing roll 120 Optical scanning device 122, 124 fθ lens 126 Polygon mirror

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus using toner that is controlled to maintain a colored state or a non-colored state by providing coloring information by light,
An image carrier, means for forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier, developing means for converting the latent image into a toner image with a developer containing toner, and light on the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier. Coloring information imparting means for imparting coloration information by means of, a transfer means for transferring the toner image to which the coloration information is imparted to the surface of the recording medium, and fixing the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium by heat and / or pressure Fixing means for performing color development, and color development means for coloring the toner image to which the color development information is imparted by heating,
The incident angle at the toner image arrival point of the exposure light by the coloring information providing means is ± 60 ° with respect to the vertical axis when the vertical axis with respect to the tangent to the surface of the image carrier at the toner image arrival point is 0 °. An image forming apparatus characterized by being in the range.   The distance between the latent image formation point by the means for forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier and the color development information application point to the toner image by the color development information application means is the period of the drive unit that drives the image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a natural number multiple of at least one period.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image carrier is a photoconductor, and the means for forming the latent image is an exposure unit for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor by exposure. .   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image carrier is a dielectric, and the means for forming the latent image is ion writing means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the dielectric.   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 that are present in a state where the toners are isolated from each other and react with each other; and a photocurable composition containing any one of the first component and the second component. 2. The toner according to claim 1, wherein the photocurable composition maintains a cured or uncured state by the application of color development information by light, and the reaction for color development is controlled. The image forming apparatus described. An image forming method using a toner controlled to maintain a colored state or a non-colored state by providing coloring information by light,
A step of forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier, a development step of converting the latent image into a toner image with a developer containing toner, and color development information by light to the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier. A coloring information applying step, a transfer step of transferring the toner image to which the coloring information is added to the surface of the recording medium, a fixing step of fixing the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium by heat and / or pressure, and heating A color developing step for coloring the toner image to which the color development information is given,
The exposure by the color information providing means is such that the vertical axis with respect to the tangent to the surface of the image carrier at the point where the exposure light reaches the toner image is in the range of ± 60 ° with respect to the vertical axis. An image forming method characterized by being incident on a toner image.   The distance between the latent image formation point in the step of forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier and the color development information application point to the toner image in the color development information application step is the period of the driving means for driving the image carrier. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein a natural number multiple of at least one period is used.

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