JP3048102B2 - Method for regenerating developer carrier, regenerated developer carrier regenerated by the method, and developing device using the same - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing method for developing a latent image formed on a latent image carrier such as an electrophotographic photosensitive member or an electrostatic recording derivative in an electrophotographic method or the like to visualize the latent image. Method for regenerating developer carrier used in apparatus
The present invention relates to a regenerated developer carrier and a developing device using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum as a latent image carrier with a magnetic toner of a one-component developer has a frictional force between magnetic toner particles. The friction between the developing sleeve as a developer carrier and the magnetic toner particles gives the toner particles an electrostatic latent image charge on the photosensitive drum and a charge having a polarity opposite to that of the developing reference potential. The photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve are conveyed to the developing area where the photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve are opposed to each other in a very thin state, and the magnetic toner is statically charged on the surface of the photosensitive drum by the action of a magnetic field of a magnet immovably installed in the developing sleeve in the developing area. 2. Description of the Related Art There has been known an image forming apparatus that flies onto, adheres to, and develops an electrostatic latent image, and develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional developing device,
As the developer carrier (hereinafter, referred to as a sleeve) repeatedly rotates with continuous development, the charge amount (tribo) of developer particles (hereinafter, referred to as toner) coated on the sleeve increases. The so-called charge-up phenomenon, which makes it difficult to move from the passing sleeve to the latent image on the image carrier (drum), particularly easily occurs under low humidity. When such charge-up occurs, the development amount of the toner decreases, so that the line becomes thinner in a line image and the image density becomes lighter in a solid image, resulting in a low quality image.

Further, the position where a solid image having a high image density is once developed on the developing sleeve comes to the same position at the next rotation of the developing sleeve, and when the halftone image is developed there, when the solid image is developed, the solid image is placed on the halftone image. A phenomenon in which a mark appears, that is, a so-called sleeve ghost phenomenon is likely to occur. As a method for solving the above-mentioned phenomena, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-105181 discloses a method in place of a conventional metal cylindrical tube sleeve.
As described in JP-A-3-36570 and the like, there has been proposed a method of forming a resin film made of resin, conductive fine powder, solid lubricant, and the like on the surface of a metal cylindrical tube and using the resin film in a developing device. . By using this method, the toner carried on the sleeve can be provided with a sufficient tribo for development, the tribo distribution of the toner is stabilized, and charge-up and sleeve coating can be suppressed.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-6089, after forming an uneven surface by sandblasting a sleeve base, a resin layer is formed in a state following the uneven surface, and even after forming the resin layer. It has been proposed to leave the uneven surface. According to this method, for example, in a method in which the elastic blade is brought into contact with the sleeve to regulate the amount of toner coating on the sleeve, the smooth surface of the sleeve and the elastic blade prevent the amount of toner coating from becoming too small. Insufficient toner to be developed into a latent image is prevented. or,
It is expected that excessive charging of the toner is suppressed.
However, it is difficult to obtain a stable and uneven surface having a desired roughness stably by blasting. Further, when coating the resin layer, sufficient cleaning is required, and thus there is a disadvantage in manufacturing.

On the other hand, office office automation and computer personalization have been progressing, and with this, a laser beam printer (abbreviated as L) for imaging information and data on paper.
BP) demand surged. The LBP is often used as a so-called cartridge, in which the toner is not scattered due to its use environment, and a unit in which the central part of the image forming process is integrated. However, with the increase in the number of popularized LBPs, the problem of disposal of used cartridges has become apparent. Disposable disposal of these cartridges is not preferred due to global environmental problems. Therefore, it is necessary to recycle parts and materials in order to achieve both ease of use of the cartridge system and environmental protection.

In general, as a resin for forming a film on the sleeve, a resin hard at room temperature is preferably used because the film is easily worn by friction with the toner or friction with an elastic blade abutting on the sleeve. For example, a phenol resin, which is a thermosetting resin, is preferably used from the viewpoints of abrasion resistance and charge-imparting property to a toner, but has a strong adhesion strength and may not be heated unless heated in a very special organic solvent. It cannot be peeled. Further, during continuous use of the sleeve, the toner is likely to be fused or fixed. In the case of fusing triggered by the low-temperature fixing component in the toner, it is possible to remove with a solvent.However, when the magnetic substance in the toner or inorganic fine powder such as silica is fixed so as to be embedded in the sleeve, This removal is not possible. In this case, the physical properties of the sleeve naturally change. Further, although there is a difference in the amount of the resin-coated sleeve, abrasion can always occur. Therefore, in such a case, even if the sleeve is simply washed and reused, it is not preferable to maintain high image quality.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to stabilize the charge imparting property to the toner in various environments, hardly cause a charge-up phenomenon under low humidity, and obtain a sufficient line image and a dark solid image. And a method of regenerating a developer carrier excellent in these reproducibility and reproducible by the method.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a regenerated developer carrier produced and a developing device using the same. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of regenerating a developer carrier capable of eliminating a sleeve ghost and obtaining a uniform halftone image ,
An object of the present invention is to provide a regenerated developer carrier and a developing device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of regenerating a developer carrier having excellent developing characteristics such as other image characteristics and stability of image density during continuous copying of a large number of sheets .
And a developing device using the same. Another object of the present invention is to provide:
A method of regenerating a developer carrier having the above-described excellent image performance and capable of facilitating the regeneration of a developer carrier having the same performance as above without discarding the metal cylindrical tube after use of the cartridge . Played by that way
It is another object of the present invention to provide a regenerated developer carrier. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a developer carrier which is compatible with environmental protection which can be adopted in a simple cartridge system .
It is an object of the present invention to provide a recycling method, a recycled developer carrier regenerated by the method, and a developing device using the same.

[0009]

The above objects are achieved by the present invention described below. That is, formed on a metal cylinder
The resin layer capable of imparting triboelectric charging to the developer
Use the possible organic solvent dissolves the resin that is contained in the fat layer
The resin layer and remove it again on the metal cylinder from which the resin layer has been removed.
The developer carrier is regenerated by forming the resin layer.
A method for regenerating a developer carrier, wherein the resin layer is
A resin soluble on a general-purpose organic solvent provided on the metal cylinder
And solid fine particles for forming irregularities on the outer surface of the developer carrier
The first resin layer containing at least a child, and on it
Second resin capable of imparting triboelectric charging to the provided developer
And a developer carrier having a layer, in the first resin layer
Impregnating and washing the contained resin with a soluble organic solvent
The first resin layer and the second resin layer were peeled and removed
Then, on the obtained metal cylinder, a tree soluble in general-purpose organic solvent
Grease and solid fine particles to form irregularities on the outer surface of the developer carrier
Forming a first resin layer containing at least particles,
A second resin layer capable of providing a triboelectric charge to the developer thereon
Forming a resin layer on a metal cylinder
A developer carrier for regenerating a developer carrier
Regenerating method, regenerated developer carrier regenerated by the method,
And a developing device using the same .

[0010]

The present inventors have conducted intensive studies to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and as a result, formed a specific first resin layer and a specific second resin layer on a metal cylinder to form a developer carrier. By forming an image, it is possible to obtain an image with little charge-up phenomenon and sleeve ghost, and to reduce the image density when a large number of sheets are continuously copied, and to obtain a stable image even in environmental changes, especially in high humidity. The present invention has been completed by finding that is provided. Also, depending on the coating method when forming a specific first resin layer and a specific second resin layer on a metal cylinder,
The inventors of the present invention have found that since the roughness of the sleeve surface can be adjusted, the washing step accompanying the sandblasting step can be omitted, and the manufacturing cost can be easily reduced. Further, according to the developer carrying member of the present invention, the used developer carrying member can be regenerated and reused, which can contribute to effective utilization of resources and environmental protection. The present invention was completed by finding that a regenerated developer carrier of the present invention can provide an image as good as a non-recycled developer carrier.
Done .

[0011]

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments. Recycled development carrier of the present invention
(Hereinafter simply referred to as a development carrier) is a first resin containing at least a resin soluble in a general-purpose organic solvent on a metal cylinder and solid fine particles for forming irregularities on the outer surface of the developer carrier. And a second resin layer provided thereon and capable of providing a triboelectric charge to the developer.

As the metal cylindrical tube used for the developing carrier of the present invention, a stainless steel cylindrical tube, an aluminum cylindrical tube or the like is used. In the case of a cartridge, an aluminum cylindrical tube is preferably used for the purpose of reducing the weight of the cartridge itself. As a method for producing the aluminum cylindrical tube, there are a drawing method, an extrusion method, and the like. In order to further increase the dimensional accuracy of the cylindrical tube itself, cutting and polishing are performed to obtain a predetermined dimensional accuracy. Further, in order to obtain a good image, the straightness of the cylindrical tube is preferably set to 30 μm or less. As the film forming resin material used for the first resin layer and the second resin layer, generally known resins can be used. For example, styrene resin, vinyl resin, polyether sulfone resin, polycarbonate resin, polyphenylene oxide resin, polyamide resin, fluororesin, cellulose resin, thermoplastic resin such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyester resin, alkyd resin , Phenolic resin, melamine resin, polyurethane resin, urea resin,
A heat or light curable resin such as a silicon resin and a polyimide resin can be used.

In the structure of the present invention, among the above-mentioned resin materials for forming a film, a resin soluble in a specific general-purpose organic solvent is used for the first resin layer, and the toner is charged to the second resin layer. What is necessary is just to select resin suitable for giving property. The resin used for the second resin layer may be soluble in a similar organic solvent, but as a general configuration, the resin of the second resin layer is soluble in the solvent when mechanical strength such as abrasion is considered. it is preferred to by Uni becomes difficult curable resin. The width of the coating in the sleeve longitudinal direction of the first resin layer and the second resin layer,
It differs depending on the difference in image size and developing machine configuration. However, in consideration of the peelability at the time of film peeling, the coat width of the first resin layer is
The first resin layer is formed to be longer than the coat width of the second resin layer, and the first resin layer is formed longer at the outer side, and both end regions of the developer carrying member are formed.
In the above, the first resin layer is configured to be exposed on the surface.
Rukoto have been is preferable. As the thickness of the first resin layer,
About 0.01 to 20 μm, preferably 0.1 to 10 μm
The degree is preferred. In addition, the thickness of the second resin layer is set to 0.1.
About 1 to 50 μm, preferably about 1 to 20 μm is preferable.

The conductive powder added to the first resin layer and the second resin layer includes conductive carbon black, metal powder such as aluminum, copper, nickel and silver, antimony oxide, indium oxide and tin oxide. Conductive metal oxides, short metal fibers, carbon fibers and the like.
The amount of these additives is 0.1 to 300 with respect to the resin.
%, Preferably about 1 to 150%.

Examples of the solid lubricant added to the second resin layer include graphite, molybdenum disulfide, silicon nitride and the like. The amount of these additives is 0.1 to 400%, preferably about 1 to 200%, based on the resin.

The solid fine particles added to the first resin layer for forming irregularities on the outer surface of the sleeve have a particle diameter of 0.1.
Solid fine particles having a size of about 30 μm can be appropriately used. Specific examples of such solid fine particles include, for example, spherical resin particles such as polyethylene, phenol, polymethyl methacrylate, nylon, silicon, and polyvinylidene fluoride; and metal oxides such as silica, alumina, titanium oxide, and iron oxide. Powder, fine metal powder such as copper, zinc, and brass may be selected and used so as to match the required surface roughness.

After the formation of the first resin layer, the surface roughness of the developer carrying member is defined as Ra based on the center line average roughness Ra.
₁ is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less.
No. If the thickness is less than 0.5 μm, a suitable surface roughness cannot be obtained after the formation of the second resin layer, which is not preferable because it is too small. on the other hand,
If it exceeds 5.0 μm, the strength of the resin layer containing the concavo-convex forming substance in the resin is reduced, and the concavo-convex structure may be undesirably broken. Further, the center line average roughness Ra ₂ of the surface of the support after the formation of the second resin layer is 0.4 μm or more and 3.5 or more.
It is preferably set to be not more than μm. If the thickness is less than 0.4 μm, the coating amount of the developer on the developer carrying member becomes too small, which tends to cause a decrease in solid black density and an increase in toner charge. On the other hand, when the thickness exceeds 3.5 μm, the toner coating amount becomes too large, and the chance of contact with the developer carrier decreases, so that the charge amount decreases and the amount of reversal toner (toner charged to the opposite polarity) increases, and the reversal fog increases. It is not preferable because it easily causes a phenomenon.

As a method for forming the first resin layer and the second resin layer formed on the developer carrying member of the present invention, there is a method by coating. Examples of the coating method include a generally known dipping method and spraying method. In any method, it is possible to first adjust the thickness of the film by dispersing the resin in a solvent and adjusting the resin concentration, the viscosity of the coating solution, the coating speed, the coating temperature and humidity, and the like. is there. When the resin layer contains a solid lubricant and a conductive powder, coating may be performed after preparing and dispersing these dispersions in advance. For dispersion of these powders, a generally known dispersing apparatus, for example, a dispersing machine using beads such as a paint shaker, a sand mill, an attritor, a dyno mill, and a pearl mill is suitably used. After these coating films are coated, they are dried or cured by heating or light irradiation as needed.

Next, a preferred embodiment of a developing device using the developer carrier of the present invention formed as described above will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a developing device constructed according to the present invention. An image forming apparatus in which the effects of the present invention are exerted forms a latent image on an image carrier by an electrophotographic process or an electrostatic recording process, and transfers the latent image to a developing device having the developer carrier of the present invention. Then, the developed image can be transferred to a transfer material as required to obtain an image. Its composition is
Since it is well known to those skilled in the art, detailed description of the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus is omitted, and the developing device of the present invention will be described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 1, for example, in an electrophotographic copying machine or the like, a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member, that is, an image carrier 1 which is a photosensitive drum is formed by an electrostatic latent image formed by an electrophotographic process. Is rotated in the direction of arrow B with Of course, the photosensitive drum as the image carrier 1 is not limited to the drum shape, but may be a sheet shape or a belt shape. In any case, the developing device of the present invention is arranged to face the photosensitive drum 1 in order to visualize the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the developing device of the present invention contains a developer (in this embodiment, a one-component magnetic toner 4), and a toner on the surface of a sleeve 8 as a developer carrier. 4 is provided with a developer accommodating chamber 3 to be brought into contact therewith. Sleeve 8
The multi-pole permanent magnet 5 is fixed inside so as not to rotate, and carries the toner 4 on the surface and rotates in the direction of arrow A. On the surface of the sleeve 8, a coating layer 7 composed of the first and second resin layers described above is about 0.1 μm to 70 μm.
It is formed in the thickness of. Furthermore, the developing device of the present invention
A developer layer thickness regulating member (doctor blade) 2 is provided, and the doctor blade 2 regulates the toner layer on the surface of the sleeve 8 carried in the developer accommodating chamber 3 to a predetermined thickness. The distance between the surface of the sleeve 8 and the doctor blade 2 is arranged to be about 50 μm to 500 μm.

When the developing device constructed as described above is activated and the sleeve 8 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the developer accommodating chamber 3
Inside, the toner 4 is given a charge having a polarity opposite to that of the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 with respect to the development reference potential due to the contact friction between the toners 4 or the surface of the sleeve 8 and the toner 4.
It is applied to the surface of the sleeve 8. The toner layer applied to the surface of the sleeve is further uniformed and thinned (layer thickness is approximately equal) by a doctor blade 2 arranged opposite to one magnetic pole (N pole in the figure) of the multipolar permanent magnet 5. 30 μm to 300
μm), the photosensitive drum 1 and the sleeve 8
And is transported to the developing area formed by The thickness of the toner layer in the development area is smaller than the distance between the photosensitive drum 1 and the sleeve 8, and so-called non-contact development is performed. Further, in the developing region, an AC bias may be applied between the sleeve 8 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 so that the toner 4 on the sleeve 8 may fly in the direction of the photosensitive drum 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the developing device of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the developing device of the present invention. In the developing device shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, as a developer layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the magnetic toner 4 on the developing sleeve 8, a material having rubber elasticity such as urethane rubber and silicone rubber, or phosphor bronze and Elastic plate 20 made of a material having metal elasticity such as stainless steel
The elastic plate 20 is pressed against the developing sleeve 8 in the developing device of FIG.
Is characterized in that it is pressed against the developing sleeve 8 in a posture in the same direction as the rotation direction. In such a developing device, a thinner toner layer can be formed on the developing sleeve 8.

Other configurations of the developing device of FIGS. 2 and 3 are basically the same as those of the developing device shown in FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals in FIGS. 2 and 3 as those given in FIG. 1 are the same. Are shown. 2 and 3 for forming the toner layer 4 on the developing sleeve 8 as described above, the developing device using a one-component magnetic developer containing a magnetic toner as a main component can be used as a non-magnetic device. It is also suitable for those using a one-component non-magnetic developer whose main component is a toner. In any case, since the toner is rubbed onto the developing sleeve 8 by the elastic plate 20, the amount of triboelectric charge of the toner is increased, and the image density is improved. Therefore, it is suitable for coping with a shortage of toner charge amount in a high humidity environment.

Next, the developer carried and conveyed by the developer carrier of the present invention and used for development will be described. As the binder resin used for the toner, generally known resins can be used. Specifically, for example, styrene such as styrene, α-methylstyrene, p-chlorostyrene and the like and substituted products thereof; acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, acrylic Phenyl acid,
Monocarboxylic acid having a double bond such as methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, diethylaminoethyl acrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, acrylamide, and the like. A substituted product thereof; for example, a dicarboxylic acid having a double bond such as maleic acid, butyl maleate, methyl maleate, dimethyl maleate and the like, and a substituted product thereof;
For example, vinyl monomers such as vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, vinyl benzoate or vinyl esters, or vinyl ethers such as vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl methyl ether, vinyl isobutyl ether, etc. Alone or a copolymer using two or more types; further, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a silicone resin, a polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyamide resin, an epoxy resin, a polyvinyl butyral resin,
Rosin, modified rosin, terpene resin, phenolic resin,
Aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic petroleum resins, chlorinated paraffins, and the like; these may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Further, a pigment can be contained in the toner. For example, carbon black, nigrosine dye,
Lamp Black, Sudan Black SM, First Yellow G, Benzidine Yellow, Pigment Yellow,
India First Orange, Irgazine Red, Rose Nitroaniline Red, Toluidine Red, Carmine FB, Permanent Bordeaux FRR, Pigment Orange R, Risor Red 2D, Lake Red C, Rhodamine FB, Rhodamine B Lake, Methyl・ Bio Red B Lake, Phthalocyanine Blue, Pigment Blue, Brilliant Green B, Phthalocyanine Green, Oil Yellow GG, Pomelo First Yellow CGG, Kaya Set Y963, Kaya Set Y
G, Sumiplast Yellow GG, Pomelo First Orange RR, Oil Scarlet, Sumiplast Orange G, Orazol Brown B, Pomelo First Scarlet CG, Eizen Spiron Red BE
H, oil pink OP and the like can be preferably applied.

In order to use the toner as a magnetic toner,
The toner may contain magnetic powder. As such a magnetic powder, a substance which is magnetized in a magnetic field is used, and there are ferromagnetic metal powders such as iron, cobalt and nickel, or alloys and compounds such as magnetite, hematite and ferrite. . The content of the magnetic powder is preferably from 15 to 70% by weight based on the weight of the toner. In addition, various release agents may be used in the toner, and examples of such release agents include polyfluorinated ethylene, fluororesin, fluorocarbon oil, silicone oil, low molecular weight polyethylene, and low molecular weight polypropylene. Furthermore, if necessary, a charge control agent may be added in order to facilitate positive or negative charging. These materials are mixed and kneaded by various methods, and are further made into fine particles so as to have a desired particle size. In addition, colloidal silica or the like is externally added to these toners as needed, and used as a developer.

[0028]

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples.

Example 1 In this example, a one-component magnetic toner comprising the following components was used.・ Styrene-butyl acrylate-maleic acid-n-butyl half ester copolymer 100 parts by weight ・ Magnetite 100 parts by weight ・ Negative charge control agent 3 parts by weight ・ Low molecular weight polypropylene 3 parts by weight After mixing, the mixture was kneaded using a twin-screw extruder, and then cooled and coarsely pulverized with a hammer mill. next,
Finely pulverize with a jet mill, then classify with an elbow jet classifier, and obtain a volume average particle size of 6.7 μm, 4 μm
m was 23.5%, and 10.8 μm or more was 3.7% by weight. The particle size distribution is measured using a Coulter Counter TA-II (manufactured by Coulter Corporation).
A 100 μm aperture was attached to the sample for measurement.
To this, colloidal silica was externally added by 1.0% to the toner using a Henschel mixer to obtain a developer (toner).

In order to evaluate the image, a commercially available laser beam printer, LaserJet III Si (manufactured by HP) was used after being modified so that it could be examined. To this, an output device capable of obtaining a plurality of types of image patterns was connected and used. Similarly, a cartridge for LaserJet III Si (manufactured by HP) was used as a cartridge with its developing device modified so that the sleeve of this embodiment could be used. The test by image formation was performed in a low humidity low temperature environment of 15 ° C./10% RH, a normal humidity normal temperature environment of 23 ° C./60% RH,
The test was performed at three environmental levels of a high-humidity and high-temperature environment of ℃ / 85% RH. 5 mm square solid black density (hereinafter, referred to as
5% density), the solid black density on the entire surface, the amount of toner charge on the sleeve, and the level of the sleeve ghost on the image were evaluated while performing a durable image.

The image density was measured using a Macbeth reflection densitometer, and the average value of 10 points in one image was obtained. The toner charge was determined by sucking the toner through a filter and measuring the amount of charge stored at that time and the weight of the toner (mC / kg). As for the sleeve ghost, a plurality of 5 ■ solid images are put in the first half of the image with a length corresponding to one circumference of the sleeve, and the last half is set to 1
A halftone image of one dot space was taken out, and the degree of the trace of 5 ° on the halftone image was visually judged.

Next, a developing sleeve was prepared. First, 10 parts of styrene resin is dissolved in 100 parts of toluene, and further,
5 parts of phenolic spherical resin fine particles having a particle size of 5 μm were added thereto and dispersed by a sand mill to prepare a resin liquid A. Separately, 40 parts of graphite and 5 parts of conductive carbon black were added to 60 parts of a phenol resin dissolved in 300 parts of a methanol / isopropyl alcohol mixed solution, and dispersed by a sand mill to prepare a resin liquid B.
An aluminum cylindrical tube is set up on a turntable that is rotatable by a motor, and the turntable is turned while applying a masking jig to both ends to determine a coating position, and a resin solution A is applied to the turntable using a spray gun. An aluminum cylindrical tube was coated. At this time, the thickness of the first resin layer was about 7 μm.
At this time, Ra ₁ was 2.6 μm. Next, after drying, it was mounted on a turntable again, and the resin B was applied in the same manner. Then, it was heat-cured to complete the formation of the second resin layer. The thickness of the second resin layer was 6 μm. At this time, Ra ₂ of the sleeve was 2.0 μm.

A flange was attached to the end of the sleeve formed as described above, and the sleeve was mounted on an EP-N cartridge. Here, the blade for regulating the toner layer was an elastic blade having a free end opposite to the rotation direction of the sleeve as shown in FIG. 350 g of the toner described above was put in a container of a developing machine, and image output was performed at 3,000 sheets at the above three environmental levels, and a tribo measurement was performed to evaluate an image. The results are shown in FIG.

Example 2 The sleeve for which the evaluation test was completed in Example 1 was removed from the developing device, the toner was first removed by air, and then the sleeve was immersed in heated xylene to wipe off the resin layer. Further, such a wiping operation was repeated three times to completely peel off the resin layer on the aluminum cylindrical tube. Next, on the aluminum cylindrical tube where this resin layer was completely peeled off,
First and second resin layers were formed in exactly the same manner as in Example 1. At this time, Ra ₁ after coating the first resin layer is 2.5 μm.
m, Ra ₂ after coating of the second resin layer was 1.9 μm. Further, the sleeve thus formed was mounted on a cartridge and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in FIG.

Example 3 Resin liquid A used in Example 1 to form the first resin layer
In place of 5 parts of phenolic spherical resin fine particles,
A resin solution was prepared using nylon spherical resin fine particles having a particle size of 4 μm, and was used as a resin solution C for forming a first resin layer. In the same manner as in Example 1, a sleeve was formed by using the resin liquid C to form a first resin layer of 5 μm, and using the resin liquid B so that the second resin layer became 6 μm.
At this time, Ra ₁ of the first resin layer was 2.0 μm, and Ra ₂ of the second resin layer was 1.8 μm. This sleeve was mounted on the same developing machine as in Example 1, and the same evaluation as in Example 1 was performed. The results are shown in FIG.

Example 4 The sleeve which had been subjected to the evaluation test in Example 3 was removed from the developing device, the toner was first removed by air, and then the sleeve was immersed in heated xylene to wipe off the resin layer.
Further, such a wiping operation was repeated three times to completely peel off the resin layer on the aluminum cylindrical tube. Next, a resin layer was formed on the aluminum cylindrical tube from which the resin layer was completely peeled off, in exactly the same manner as in Example 3, and the same evaluation was performed. Ra ₂ after coating was 1.9 μm.
The results are shown in FIG.

Example 5 As a toner used in this example, a one-component magnetic toner having the following composition was used. -100 parts by weight of polyester resin-85 parts by weight of magnetite-4 parts by weight of negative charge control agent-4 parts by weight of low molecular weight polypropylene A toner was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 using the above raw materials. The toner formed at this time has a volume average particle size of 8.5 μm, and the number% of particles having a size of 4 μm or less is 1%.
The percentage by weight of 3.1% and 12.7 μm or more was 1.7%.

In the EP-N cartridge, a magnetic blade as shown in FIG. 1 was used. At this time, the distance between the sleeve surface and the magnetic blade is 200
It was fixed to μm. A 20% methanol solution of a nylon resin was prepared, and 5 parts of phenol spherical resin fine particles having a particle size of 5 μm were further added thereto to prepare a resin liquid D. Next, 40 parts of graphite and 30 parts of conductive tin oxide fine powder were added to 100 parts of a 25% n-hexane solution of a silicon resin and dispersed by a sand mill to prepare a resin dispersion E.

An aluminum cylindrical tube is set up on a turntable in the same manner as in Example 1, and the turntable is turned while applying a masking jig to both ends to determine a coating position, and a resin solution D is applied thereto using a spray gun. To coat the aluminum cylindrical tube. At this time, the thickness of the first resin layer was about 7 μm.
Ra ₁ at this time was 2.4 μm. After heating and drying, this was again mounted on a turntable, and the resin liquid E was applied in the same manner. Then, it was heat-cured to complete the formation of the second resin layer. The thickness of the second resin layer is 7 μm
And Ra ₂ of the sleeve at this time was 1.9 μm. Next, the same contents as in Example 1 were evaluated using the toner and the developing device described above. The result is shown in FIG.
And Table 1.

Example 6 The sleeve for which the evaluation test was completed in Example 5 was removed from the developing device. First, the toner was removed with air, and then the sleeve was immersed in methanol to wipe off the resin layer. Furthermore,
Such a wiping operation was repeated three times to completely remove the resin layer on the aluminum cylindrical tube. Next, a resin layer was formed in exactly the same manner as in Example 5 on the aluminum cylindrical tube from which the resin layer had been completely removed, and the same evaluation was performed. Ra ₂ after coating was 2.0 μm. The results are shown in FIG.

Example 7 Ten parts of a nylon resin was dissolved in 100 parts of methanol, and 5 parts of silicon spherical resin fine particles having a particle size of 4 μm were added thereto, followed by dispersion with a sand mill to prepare a resin liquid.
This was designated as resin liquid F. A resin solution was prepared by dispersing 100 parts of phenol resin, 50 parts of graphite and 5 parts of carbon black in the same manner. This was designated as a resin liquid G. A resin liquid F was used in place of the resin liquid D, and a resin liquid G was used instead of the resin liquid E in the same manner as in Example 5.
A sleeve was formed. At this time, the thickness of the first resin layer is 6 μm.
m, and the thickness of the second resin layer was also 6 μm. At this time, Ra ₁ after the first resin layer was applied was 2.7 μm, and Ra ₂ after the second resin layer was applied was 2.2 μm. next,
The same evaluation test as in Example 5 was performed. This result is shown in FIG.
0 and Table 1.

Example 8 The sleeve that had undergone the evaluation test in Example 5 was removed from the developing device, the toner was first removed with air, and then the sleeve was immersed in methanol to wipe off the resin layer. Further, such a wiping operation was repeated three times to completely peel off the resin layer on the aluminum cylindrical tube. Next, a resin layer was formed on the aluminum cylindrical tube from which the resin layer had been completely peeled off in exactly the same manner as in Example 7, and the same evaluation was performed. Ra after coating was 2.0 μm. The results are shown in FIG.

Comparative Example 1 The surface of the aluminum cylindrical tube used in Example 1 was roughened by sand mill blasting using Alundum # 100 abrasive grains. At this time, Ra was 2.6 μm. To this, the resin liquid B used in Example 1 was applied in the same manner using the apparatus used in Example 1. The thickness of the resin layer was 6 μm. At this time, Ra was 2.1 μm. This was mounted on the developing machine of Example 1 and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in FIG. As shown in the results, the image performance was almost the same as in Example 1. After cleaning this sleeve, Ra was measured.
It was shaved to 1.5 μm. However, the film did not peel off even with solvent washing. Further, when an image was formed using this sleeve, a white streak in which the circumferential position on the surface layer coincided with the image position was generated.

Comparative Example 2 Resin liquid B used in Example 1 was directly applied on an aluminum cylindrical tube in the same manner by the apparatus used in Example 1. The thickness of the resin layer was 6 μm. Ra at this time is
It was 0.6 μm. This was mounted on the developing machine used in Example 1 and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in FIG. As the image performance obtained as a result, in a low-temperature and low-humidity environment, the image density decreased as durability increased.

Comparative Example 3 The surface of the aluminum cylindrical tube used in Example 7 was roughened by sand mill blasting using Alundum # 100 abrasive grains. At this time, Ra was 2.4 μm. To this, the resin liquid G used in Example 7 was similarly applied using the apparatus used in Example 7. The thickness of the resin layer is
The thickness was 6 μm. At this time, Ra was 2.2 μm. This was mounted on the developing machine used in Example 7 and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 7. The results are shown in FIG. The image performance obtained as a result was almost the same as that of Example 7. However, as in Comparative Example 1, there was a flaw on the sleeve surface, and reuse was virtually impossible. When the resin liquid G was applied again to the used sleeve, Ra = 0.9
It was a very small value of μm.

Comparative Example 4 The resin liquid G used in Example 7 was directly applied to an aluminum cylindrical tube in the same manner as in the apparatus used in Example 1. The thickness of the resin layer was 4 μm. Ra at this time is 0.76 μ
m. This was mounted on the developing machine of Example 7, and an evaluation test was performed in the same manner as in Example 7. FIG. 15 and Table 2 show the results.
Shown in Regarding image performance, especially in a low-temperature and low-humidity environment, the density decreased as durability increased.

[0046]

[Table 1]

[0047]

[Table 2]

Tables 1 and 2 show the evaluation results of the ghost. The evaluation was made based on the following criteria. In addition, the 5 black solid image density in FIGS.
The values are obtained by measuring a square black solid black image pattern with a Macbeth reflection densitometer. When the image density of the solid black pattern on the entire surface was measured in the same manner, it showed a value substantially equal to 5 black solid densities, and the tendency of the density transition was similar (not shown).

[0049]

As described above, as described above, the developer carrying member of the present invention is provided.
If an image is formed by a regenerated developer carrier regenerated by the regenerating method of the carrier and a developing device using the same, as shown in the embodiment, there is almost no charge-up phenomenon or sleeve ghost, and a large number of sheets are formed. It is possible to obtain an image with little image density reduction or the like during continuous copying. Further, by forming an image using a regenerated developer carrier and a developing device using the regenerated developer carrier regenerated by the method of regenerating a developer carrier of the present invention, the developer is stabilized against environmental changes. Images can be provided. Further, the developer carrier of the present invention
According to the regenerated developer carrier regenerated by the regenerating method, the roughness of the sleeve surface can be adjusted depending on the coating method, so that the washing step accompanying the sandblasting step can be omitted, and the production cost can be reduced. Can be reduced. Further, the developer carrier of the present invention is re-used.
According to the recycled developer carrier regenerated by the raw method ,
Contents can be utilized to play once the developer carrying member used
Because it is easy, it can contribute to effective use of resources and environmental protection. Incidentally , the method for regenerating the developer carrying member of the present invention
By using the regenerated developer carrier reproduced by the above method, it is possible to provide a good image equivalent to a non-reproduced product.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of a developing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the developing device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing another example of the developing device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing evaluation results of Example 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing evaluation results of Example 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing evaluation results of Example 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing evaluation results of Example 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing evaluation results of Example 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing evaluation results of Example 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing evaluation results of Example 7 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing evaluation results of Example 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing evaluation results of Comparative Example 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing evaluation results of Comparative Example 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing evaluation results of Comparative Example 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing evaluation results of Comparative Example 4 of the present invention.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Mayoko Maruyama 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-5-6089 (JP, A) JP-A Heisei JP-A-2-37379 (JP, A) JP-A-64-52180 (JP, A) JP-A-4-284476 (JP, A) JP-A-1-142562 (JP, A) JP-A-1-142563 (JP, A) A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/08 501 G03G 15/09-15/09 101

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] (1) a developer formed on a metal cylinder;
A resin layer capable of imparting triboelectric charging to the resin layer.
Peeled off using a soluble organic solvent
Thereafter, the resin layer is again placed on the metal cylinder from which the resin layer has been removed.
A developer carrier that regenerates a developer carrier by forming
A method for regenerating a body , wherein the resin layer is a general-purpose resin provided on the metal cylinder.
Form irregularities on the outer surface of resin and developer carrier that are soluble in organic solvent
First containing at least solid fine particles for
Triboelectric charging of resin layer and developer provided on it
Using a developer carrier having a second resin layer that can be applied,
A resin capable of dissolving the resin contained in the first resin layer
Impregnated with a solvent and washed to remove the first resin layer and the second resin layer.
After peeling off the grease layer, a resin and a resin soluble in general-purpose organic solvents are placed on the obtained metal cylinder.
Fine particles for forming irregularities on the outer surface of the developer and developer carrier
Forming a first resin layer containing at least,
Form a second resin layer on top that can apply triboelectric charge to the developer
Forming a resin layer on a metal cylinder and developing
The developer carrier, wherein the developer carrier is regenerated.
Raw method. 2. A second resin layer before regenerating and a second resin layer after regenerating.
In any of the second resin layers, conductive fine powder and / or solid
2. The developer carrier according to claim 1, further comprising a lubricant.
How to regenerate the body. 3. The first resin layer before being regenerated and the resin layer after being regenerated.
Each of the first resin layers further contains a conductive fine powder.
The method for regenerating a developer carrier according to claim 1. 4. A developer carrier before regenerating and after regenerating.
Any of the developer carriers of
Center line average roughness Ra ₁ of the surface of the agent carrier and the second resin layer
The center line average roughness Ra ₂ of the surface of the formed developer carrier is
The following formula 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a resin layer represented by the following formula:
2. The method for regenerating a developer carrier according to claim 1. 5. A resin layer before regeneration and a resin after regeneration
Each of the layers is the first layer in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier.
The coat width of one resin layer is larger than the coat width of the second resin layer
In addition, the first resin layer is displayed on both end regions of the developer carrier.
The surface according to claim 1, wherein the surface is exposed.
The method of regenerating the developer carrying member. 6. A developer formed on a metal cylinder.
A resin layer capable of imparting triboelectric charging to the resin layer.
Peeled off using a soluble organic solvent
Thereafter, the resin layer is again placed on the metal cylinder from which the resin layer has been removed.
A regenerated developer carrier that has been regenerated by forming
Ri, as the resin layer, a first resin layer solid particles for forming irregularities on the soluble resin and the developer carrying an outer surface in a general-purpose organic solvents provided on the metal cylinder is contained at least , using a developer carrying member for chromatic and triboelectric charging can be the second resin layer to the developer provided thereon,
A resin capable of dissolving the resin contained in the first resin layer
Impregnated with a solvent and washed to clean the first resin layer and the second resin
After peeling off the grease layer, a resin and a resin soluble in general-purpose organic solvents are placed on the obtained metal cylinder.
Fine particles for forming irregularities on the outer surface of the developer and developer carrier
Forming a first resin layer containing at least,
Form a second resin layer on top that can apply triboelectric charge to the developer
A resin layer is formed on a metal cylinder by forming
Play developer carrying member, which is a by developer carrying member. 7. A developer carrier before regenerating and a regenerative developer
7. The regenerated developer carrier according to claim 6 , wherein each of the image material carriers further includes a conductive fine powder and / or a solid lubricant in the second resin layer. 8. A developer carrier before regenerating and a regenerative developer
7. The regenerated developer carrier according to claim 6 , wherein each of the image material carriers further includes a conductive fine powder in the first resin layer. (09) A developer carrier before regenerating and regenerating
Any of the subsequent developer carriers will be the current state after the formation of the first resin layer.
Center line average roughness Ra ₁ of the surface of the imaging agent carrier and the second resin
The center line average roughness Ra ₂ of the surface of the developer carrier after the layer is formed
Is the following formula 9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising a resin layer represented by the following formula:
Item 2. The recycled developer carrier according to Item 1. 10. A developer carrier before regenerating and regenerating.
All of the developer carriers are in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier .
And the coat width of the first resin layer is equal to the coat width of the second resin layer .
Ri large, at both ends regions of the developer carrying member, the first resin
Claim having a resin layer which layer is exposed on the surface 6-9
The regenerated developer carrier according to any one of the above. 11. A one-component developer accommodated in a developing container is carried on a developer carrying member, and a thin layer of developer on the developer carrying member carried by a developer layer thickness regulating member is controlled. A thin layer is formed, the developer is transported by the developer carrier on which the thin layer is formed to a developing section facing the latent image holding member, and the latent image formed on the latent image holding member is transferred. In a developing device for developing, a developer carrier is provided according to any one of claims 6 to 10.
A developing device comprising the reclaimed developer carrier described in any one of the preceding claims.