JP3176282B2 - Electrostatic image developing toner, image forming method, developing device, and process cartridge - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electrostatic image developing toner for developing an electrostatic image, an image forming method using the toner, a developing device, and a process cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many electrophotographic methods are known. Generally, a photoconductive substance is used to form an electric latent image on a photoreceptor by various means. The latent image is developed with a toner to form a visible image, and if necessary, the toner image is transferred to a transfer material such as paper.
Alternatively, a toner image is fixed on a transfer material by pressure to obtain a copy material.

As a method of visualizing an electric latent image, a cascade developing method, a magnetic brush developing method, and a pressure developing method are known. Further, a method is also used in which a magnetic toner is used and a rotating sleeve having a magnetic pole disposed at the center is used to fly between the photosensitive member and the sleeve by an electric field.

[0004] Unlike the two-component system, the one-component developing system does not require carrier particles such as glass beads or iron powder, so that the developing device itself can be reduced in size and weight. Further, in the two-component developing method, since it is necessary to keep the toner concentration in the carrier constant, a device for detecting the toner concentration and supplying a necessary amount of toner is required. Therefore, the developing device also becomes large and heavy here. In the one-component developing system, such an apparatus is not required, so that the apparatus can be made small and light, which is preferable.

As for the printer device, LED and LBP printers have become the mainstream in the recent market, and the direction of technology is higher resolution, that is, 240 dpi or 300 dpi.
What was i was 400 dpi, 600 dpi, or 8
It has become 00 dpi. Accordingly, higher definition has been required for the developing system. Copiers are also becoming more sophisticated, and are moving toward digitalization. Since digital copiers mainly use a method of forming an electrostatic charge image with a laser, they are also moving toward higher resolution, and here, as with printers, high-resolution and high-definition development methods have been required. I have. For this reason, the particle size of toner has been reduced.
JP, JP-A-1-191156, JP-A-2-2-2
No. 14156, JP-A-2-228158,
JP-A-3-181952, JP-A-4-16204
Japanese Patent Publication No. 8 proposes a small particle size toner having a specific particle size distribution.

On the other hand, there is an increasing demand for higher quality graphic images. One aspect of the quality of graphic images is the uniformity of image density in solid images.

Regarding the uniformity of density in the solid image, in the one-component developing system, when a halftone solid image is printed, an afterimage of the image printed immediately before appears on the solid image at the cycle of the toner carrier. There is a phenomenon called “sleeve ghost”, which sometimes lowers the quality of graphic images.

[0008] The sleeve ghost means that after a solid white image is continuously formed, as shown in FIG. 9, after a striped image portion of a black character portion of a solid black image and a white background portion of a solid white image. When an image is formed such that a halftone image portion is formed, an afterimage of the white background portion appears in the halftone image portion adjacent to the white background portion of the striped image portion with a low image density. It is a phenomenon that goes wrong.

Further, when a toner fine powder layer is formed on the surface of the toner carrier, and the toner coated thereon causes poor charging, the toner is developed in the non-image area, and fog tends to occur. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-284154 discloses a negatively chargeable toner in which specific positively chargeable resin particles and specific negatively chargeable hydrophobic silica fine powder are combined with specific negatively chargeable toner particles in order to solve this sleeve ghost. A magnetic toner has been proposed. However, this negatively chargeable magnetic toner does not have a sufficiently small average particle diameter of the toner, and is not sufficient for forming a higher resolution and higher definition image.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a toner which solves the conventional problems, an image forming method using the toner, a developing device and a process cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a toner having no or little "sleeve ghost", an image forming method using the toner, a developing device, and a process cartridge.

An object of the present invention is to provide a toner capable of forming a higher resolution and higher definition image, an image forming method using the toner, a developing device, and a process cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner having high image density, low fog and excellent image characteristics, an image forming method using the toner, a developing device, and a process cartridge.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image having toner particles containing a binder resin and a colorant, wherein the toner has a weight average diameter (D ₄ ) of the toner. Assuming that X (μm) and the ratio of toner particles having a particle size of 3.17 μm or less in the number distribution of toner is Y (number%), the following conditions (1) and (2) −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −25X + 180 (1 It has a particle size distribution that satisfies 4.0 ≦ X ≦ 6.3 (2), has at least one endothermic peak in a temperature range of 110 ° C. or less in differential thermal analysis, and The present invention relates to a toner for developing an electrostatic image, wherein the toner has a porosity of 0.45 to 0.70.

Further, the present invention provides a step of applying a voltage to the latent image holding member to charge the latent image holding member, a step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged latent image holding member, and a method of forming a toner image. An image forming method comprising a step of developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a holding member with a toner carried on a toner carrying member, wherein the toner has a toner having a weight average diameter (D ₄ ) of X (μm ), And a particle size of 3.1 in the toner number distribution.
Assuming that the ratio of toner particles of 7 μm or less is Y (number%), the following conditions (1) and (2) −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −25X + 180 (1) 4.0 ≦ X ≦ 6.3 (2) It has a particle size distribution, has at least one endothermic peak in differential thermal analysis in a region at a temperature of 110 ° C. or lower, and has a porosity of 0.45 to 0.70 of the toner obtained from the tap density. And an image forming method.

Further, the present invention provides a toner containing toner particles containing a binder resin and a colorant, a toner container containing the toner, and a toner for carrying and transporting the toner contained in the toner container. A developing device having a carrier, wherein the toner has a weight average diameter (D ₄ ) of the toner.
Is X (μm), and the particle size in the number distribution of the toner is 3.
Assuming that the ratio of toner particles of 17 μm or less is Y (number%), the following conditions (1) and (2) −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −25X + 180 (1) 4.0 ≦ X ≦ 6.3 (2) It has a particle size distribution, has at least one endothermic peak in differential thermal analysis in a region at a temperature of 110 ° C. or lower, and has a porosity of 0.45 to 0.70 of the toner obtained from the tap density. And a developing device.

Further, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus having a latent image holding member for holding an electrostatic latent image and a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image held on the latent image holding member. A process cartridge detachable from a main body, wherein the developing means carries a toner containing toner particles containing a binder resin and a colorant, a toner container containing the toner, and a toner contained in the toner container. The toner has a toner carrier for conveyance. The toner has a weight average diameter (D ₄ ) of X (μm), and a ratio of toner particles having a particle size of 3.17 μm or less in a toner number distribution. Is Y
(%), It has a particle size distribution satisfying the following conditions (1) and (2) −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −25X + 180 (1) 4.0 ≦ X ≦ 6.3 (2) A process having at least one endothermic peak in a thermal analysis at a temperature of 110 ° C. or lower, and having a porosity of 0.45 to 0.70 of the toner determined from the tap density. Regarding the cartridge.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In view of various experimental results, the present inventors consider that the mechanism by which this sleeve ghost phenomenon occurs is as follows.

In the case where solid white images are continuously formed, the amount of triboelectricity of the toner on the toner carrier (developing sleeve) increases, and in particular, fine powder having a high triboelectricity, for example, having a small particle size. Since the toner selectively adheres to the outermost surface of the developing sleeve, the toner in the toner layer formed on the surface of the toner layer having a high triboelectric charge amount adhered on the developing sleeve has a triboelectric charge amount. Will be lower.

Therefore, when the toner having the proper triboelectric charge amount is developed under the developing conditions that can be optimally developed, there are many toners having a small triboelectric charge amount, Since the ratio is small, the development efficiency is reduced, and the image density is reduced. In particular, in the case of a halftone image in which the effect of the reduction in the development efficiency is conspicuous, the reduction in the image density is remarkable. Will happen.

Accordingly, an image in which a halftone image portion is formed after a black character portion of a solid black image and a striped image portion of a white background portion of a solid white image as shown in FIG. If the image is formed after the continuous formation, the afterimage of the white background portion appears in the halftone image portion adjacent to the white background portion of the striped image portion with a low image density.

It is considered that the main cause of the sleeve ghost is the variation in triboelectric charge of each toner particle in the toner layer formed on the developing sleeve.

The problem of the sleeve ghost is particularly remarkable in the case of a one-component developing system using a magnetic toner.

That is, in the case of the one-component developing system having a magnetic toner, the magnetic toner particles are formed in the developing device while the spikes of the magnetic toner particles are formed by the magnetic restraining force on the surface of the developing sleeve containing the magnet therein. When the toner is conveyed and a toner layer is formed and the electrostatic latent image is developed in the developing area, the magnetic toner behaves like a spike of the magnetic toner particles. If the amount is too small, the magnetic toner particles having an appropriate triboelectric charge are taken into the ears of the magnetic toner particles that do not have an appropriate triboelectric charge and are hardly developed, and the proper triboelectric charge In some cases, the developability of the toner particles having the toner particles is also alienated, so that the sleeve ghost is more likely to occur.

The inventors of the present invention conducted a mirror study in order to solve the above-mentioned sleeve ghost. As a result, the amount of the fine particles of the toner has a particle size distribution satisfying a specific relationship with the weight average particle size of the toner, and The endothermic peak in differential thermal fragmentation is at temperature 11
The toner having at least one or more in a region of 0 ° C. or less and having a porosity at the time of tapping a specific toner is unlikely to cause formation of a toner layer having a high triboelectric charge amount on the surface of the toner carrier, thereby causing sleeve ghost We found that it could be suppressed.

That is, when the weight average diameter (D ₄ ) of the toner of the present invention is X (μm) and the proportion of toner particles having a particle size of 3.17 μm or less in the number distribution of the toner is Y (number%), It has the particle size distribution shown in FIG. 1 that satisfies the following conditions (A) and (B): −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −25X + 180 (A) 3.5 ≦ X ≦ 6.5 (B), and has a particle size of 3.17 μm The following toner particle ratio (Y) preferably satisfies the following condition (C): −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −12.5X + 98.75 (C) In the present invention, the following condition (D) is satisfied instead of the above condition (B). 4.0 ≦ X ≦ 6.3 (D)

FIG. 1 showing the range of equations (A) and (B)
Is an area where the weight average particle diameter is considerably smaller and the amount of the fine powder toner is considerably larger than the particle size distribution of the toner generally used at present. In the present invention, instead of suppressing the amount of the fine powder toner which causes the "sleeve ghost", rather, by making the particle size distribution of the whole toner closer to the region of the fine powder toner, the chargeability and the mirroring of the whole toner are improved. Force close to the charging and mirroring power of the fine powder toner, make the charging of the toner particles as a whole on the toner carrier a special state unlike before, and selectively attach the fine toner on the toner carrier , And the formation of a fine powder layer associated therewith.

That is, in the present invention, since the toner has a specific particle size distribution that satisfies the above-mentioned conditions (A) and (B), it is particularly preferable that the toner has a particle size that tends to increase the triboelectric charge. The particle size distribution of the entire toner is brought close to that of the fine toner particles having a particle size of 3.17 μm or less.
m, the difference in triboelectric charge based on the particle size difference between the fine powder toner having a particle size of m or less and the entire toner becomes small, so that toner particles having a particle size of more than 3.17 μm are also appropriately attached to the surface of the developing sleeve, and the fine powder toner is selectively used. It is considered that the formation of a fine powder toner layer on the outermost surface of the developing sleeve is less likely to occur, and the amount of triboelectricity of the toner layer formed on the surface side of the developing sleeve is made uniform, thereby suppressing sleeve ghosting. Can be

However, the achievement of the above particle size distribution is not enough to suppress the formation of the fine powder toner layer on the toner carrier. In addition to satisfying the above particle size distribution, the toner has a differential thermal analysis. Endothermic peak at 11
By having at least one or less at 0 ° C. or lower and having a porosity at the time of tapping a specific toner, the effect of suppressing the formation of the toner fine powder layer on the toner carrier is sufficiently obtained, and the “sleeve ghost” is satisfied. You will be able to do it

In addition to satisfying the particle size distribution described above, the toner has at least one endothermic peak in the differential thermal analysis at a temperature of 110 ° C. or less, preferably at a temperature of 60 ° C. to 110 ° C. The reason why the effect of suppressing the formation of the toner fine powder layer on the body is obtained is not clear, but is considered as follows.

In the toner of the present invention, the dispersibility of a composition such as a colorant and a magnetic material in the binder resin component in the melt mixing step in the toner production step is determined by measuring the endothermic peak in the differential thermal analysis at a temperature of 110 ° C. Because it is different from the toner not having the following regions, the colorant in the pulverized toner, the manner of exposing the toner surface of the composition such as a magnetic material,
Unless the endothermic peak in the differential thermal analysis is in the region of 110 ° C. or lower, it is considered that the toner is in a certain special state unlike the toner.

That is, a substance such as a resin or wax having one or more endothermic peaks in the region of 110 ° C. or less in the differential thermal analysis of the surface of a colorant such as a magnetic substance or a pigment exposed from the surface of the toner particles after pulverization is obtained. By appropriately covering, the dispersion of the triboelectricity at each part of the surface of the toner particles is suppressed, so that the dispersion of the triboelectric amount of each toner particle in the toner layer formed on the developing sleeve is suppressed. Therefore, it is considered that the development efficiency is improved and the sleeve ghost is suppressed.

The toner (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention has a porosity at the time of tapping of the toner defined by the following formula of 0.45 to 0.70, preferably 0.50 to 0.70, more preferably 0.50 to
When it is in the range of 0.60, it is particularly better than “sleeve ghost”.

Porosity = (true density−tap density) / true density

The toner is charged by friction in a state of being packed mainly with the toner regulating blade of the toner carrier. Therefore, the degree of the packing state of the toner greatly affects the charging of the toner. The porosity at tap, which is one of the indicators of the packing state, is 0.4 as in the range of the present invention.
The fact that the value is 5 to 0.70 means that the toner is frictionally charged in a state where the packing of the toner is larger than in the conventional case. The state having a large porosity facilitates the toner to be easily moved on the toner carrier, and makes the toner charging opportunities of each particle size uniform, thereby promoting the unique charging of the toner to suppress the formation of the fine powder layer, It is believed that both the suppression of "sleeve ghost" and the high image density are improved.

Therefore, the toner of the present invention has the above-mentioned specific particle size distribution, whereby the effect of suppressing the dispersion of the triboelectric charge of the toner particles due to the particle size difference, and the heat absorption in a specific temperature region. By having a peak, it is possible to suppress the variation in the amount of triboelectric charge of each toner particle based on the surface properties of the toner particles, and further, by having a porosity at a specific tap, it is possible to charge each toner particle. Due to the combination of effects that can suppress the variation in the amount of triboelectric charge of each toner particle based on the uniformity of the opportunity, the toner has a unique charging characteristic,
It is considered that sleeve ghost is significantly suppressed.

The above effect is particularly remarkable in the case of a magnetic toner.

That is, as described above, the toner of the present invention has a particle diameter of 3.17 μm, which is particularly likely to have a high triboelectric charge.
m, the difference in triboelectric charge based on the difference in particle size between the fine toner having a particle size of 3.17 μm or less and the entire toner is reduced, and the surface of the toner particles is further reduced. Since the variation in the triboelectric charge amount of each toner particle can be suppressed by suppressing the variation in the triboelectric charging characteristics in each part, each magnetic toner particle constituting the ear of the magnetic toner formed on the surface of the developing sleeve in the developing device The variation in the triboelectricity of the toner is reduced, and the ratio of the magnetic toner particles having the proper triboelectricity at the time of development is increased, so that the magnetic toner particles not having the appropriate triboelectricity have the proper triboelectricity. Of the magnetic toner particles having a high proportion of the magnetic toner particles having a high degree of behavior, such that the magnetic particles behave well and are developed. More improved, it is considered that the sleeve ghost is suppressed.

Amount of fine powder in toner (3.17 μm or less) Y
If (%) is less than -5X + 35, the amount of toner coating on the toner carrier tends to be excessive, and "wavy unevenness" tends to occur.

Amount of fine powder in toner (3.17 μm or less) Y
When (%) is more than −25 × + 180, the effect of suppressing the formation of the toner fine powder layer on the toner carrier is not obtained, and “sleeve ghost” is likely to occur.

The weight average diameter (D ₄ ) X (μm) is 3.5 μm
If it is less than m, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient image density.

The weight average diameter (D ₄ ) X (μm) is 6.5 μm
If it is larger than m, the effect of suppressing the formation of the toner fine powder layer on the toner carrier cannot be obtained because the particle diameter of the entire toner is different from the particle diameter constituting the fine powder, and “sleeve ghost” occurs. It's easy to do.

Further, the toner of the present invention has a particularly small particle size of 2.52 μm among fine powder having a small particle size of 3.17 μm or less.
It is more effective to suppress the sleeve ghost that the following ratio of the ultrafine powder in the number distribution of the toner particles has a specific relationship with the weight average particle size.

[0044]

[0045]

The ultrafine powder toner having a particle size of 2.52 μm or less has a small particle size and a high triboelectric charge, and has a high ability to develop a halftone image in which a large particle size toner is difficult to develop. It is considered that the developability of the halftone image after the formation of the white image was enhanced to make the sleeve ghost more difficult to appear.

In the case of a halftone image, in the case of an analog latent image, the developing contrast is small, and the toner having a large particle diameter and a small amount of triboelectric charge is difficult to be developed. In the case of a digital latent image, the dots of the latent image are minute. A toner having a large particle diameter and a small amount of triboelectric charge is difficult to be developed, and in any case, a toner having a large particle diameter and a small amount of triboelectric charge has low developability of a halftone image.

[0048]

Further, the toner of the present invention is 5.04 μm
It is preferable that the content of toner particles having the following particle diameters is 62% by number or more, more preferably 62 to 95% by number, from the viewpoint of better “sleeve ghost”.

When the content of the toner particles having a particle size of 5.04 μm or less is less than 62% by number, the ratio of the toner particles having a relatively large particle size becomes large, and the toner fine powder layer on the toner carrier is formed. The effect of suppressing formation is slightly reduced.

When the endothermic peak in the differential thermal analysis of the toner exists only in the temperature range higher than 110 ° C., the difference from the triboelectric charge amount of the fine powder toner is difficult to be reduced.
The effect of suppressing the formation of the toner fine powder layer on the toner carrier is not obtained, and “sleeve ghost” is likely to occur.

In order for the toner to have one or more endothermic peaks in the differential thermal analysis in the region of 110 ° C. or less, the endothermic peak in the differential thermal analysis of the toner is 110 ° C. or less, preferably 60 ° C. to 110 ° C. Can be realized by including one or more low-melting substances in the region.

The endothermic peak in the differential thermal analysis was 110 ° C.
Examples of the low-melting substance in one or more of the following regions include a resin and a wax.

Examples of the resin include a polyester resin and a silicone resin having crystallinity.

Examples of the wax include paraffin wax and its derivatives; montan wax and its derivatives; microcrystalline wax and its derivatives; fischer Tropsch wax and its derivatives; polyolefin wax and its derivatives; and natural waxes such as carnauba wax and candeli wax. Derivatives Alcohols such as higher aliphatic alcohols; fatty acids such as stearic acid and palmitic acid or compounds thereof; acid amides and derivatives thereof; esters and derivatives thereof; ketones and derivatives thereof; hydrogenated castor oil and derivatives thereof; Mineral wax; petrolactam. Derivatives also include oxides, block copolymers with vinyl monomers, and graft-modified products. In the present invention, the wax is not limited to the above exemplified wax, and any wax having an endothermic peak in a region of 110 ° C. or less in differential thermal analysis can be used.

Further, in the present invention, a wax having an endothermic peak in a region of 110 ° C. or less in differential thermal analysis and a wax having no endothermic peak in a region of 110 ° C. or less may be used in combination.

If the porosity of the toner at the time of tapping is less than 0.45, it is impossible to suppress sleeve ghost and achieve high image density at the same time. The layers become non-uniform and image uniformity is reduced.

The particle size distribution of the toner of the present invention is measured using a Coulter Counter TA-II or Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter Co., Ltd.), and a 1% aqueous NaCl solution is prepared by using primary sodium chloride as an electrolytic solution. As the electrolyte, for example, ISOTON R-II (manufactured by Coulter Scientific Japan) can be used. As a measuring method, the electrolytic aqueous solution 100 to 150
0.1 to 5 ml of a surfactant, preferably an alkylbenzene sulfonate, is added as a dispersant to each ml, and 2 to 20 mg of a measurement sample is further added. The electrolytic solution in which the sample is suspended is subjected to dispersion treatment for about 1 to 3 minutes by an ultrasonic disperser, and the volume and number of toner particles having a size of 2 μm or more are measured by using the measuring device using a 100 μm aperture as a volume distribution. Was calculated.

Then, the weight-based weight average particle diameter (D ₄ : the median value of each channel is a representative value for each channel) obtained from the volume distribution according to the present invention, and the number-based 5 μm or less obtained from the number distribution And 3.17 μm or less, 2.5
Each ratio of 2 μm or less was determined.

The endothermic peak in the differential thermal analysis according to the present invention is measured by a high-precision internal heating type input compensation type differential scanning calorimeter. For example, DSC- manufactured by PerkinElmer, Inc.
7 can be used.

The measurement is performed according to ASTM D3418-82. The DSC curve used in the present invention uses a DSC curve measured when the temperature is raised once, a pre-history is taken, and then the temperature is decreased and raised at a temperature rate of 10 ° C./min and a temperature range of 0 to 200 ° C. .

In the present invention, the endothermic peak temperature is defined as D
In the SC curve, it is a peak temperature in the positive direction, that is, a point at which the differential value of the peak curve becomes 0 when it changes from positive to negative.

In the present invention, the true density of the toner is measured as follows.

1 g of the toner is placed in a tableting machine for 1R measurement, and molded by applying a true pressure at a pressure of about 1.96 MPa (200 kgf / cm ² ) for 1 minute. The true density is determined by measuring the volume and overlap of this sample.

In the present invention, the tap density of the toner is measured using a powder tester manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Co., Ltd., using a container attached to the powder tester, and following the procedure described in the instruction manual for the powder tester. It refers to the measured value.

The toner (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention has a "sleeve" when the acid value of the binder resin is 15 (more preferably 12) or less (KOH mg / g). Ghost ", fog suppression and image density are better.

The reason is that the acid value of the binder resin is 15
(KOH mg / g) or less, the charge-active acid group is in a relatively small state. The chargeability of the binder resin having a relatively low charge activity stabilizes the specific charge characteristic of the toner of the present invention at an appropriate level, thereby improving "sleeve ghost", fog suppression and image density. thinking.

The acid value of the binder resin is the number of mg of potassium hydroxide required to neutralize the acid contained in 1 g of the sample.

The acid value of the binder resin is measured as described below. About 2 g of a crushed sample is precisely weighed (W (g)). 2
A sample is placed in a 00 ml Erlenmeyer flask, 100 ml of a mixed solution of toluene / ethanol (2: 1) is added, and the mixture is dissolved for 5 hours. Add phenol phthalene solution as indicator. 0.1N KOH is also titrated with an alcohol solution using a burette. KOH at this time
Let the amount of the solution be S (ml). A Frank test is performed, and the amount of the KOH solution at this time is defined as B (ml).

The acid value is calculated according to the following equation.

Acid value = [(SB) × f × 5.61] / W (f: KOH solution factor)

As the binder resin used in the present invention, in the case of a toner for heat fixing, for example, a homopolymer of styrene such as polystyrene, poly-p-chlorostyrene and polyvinyltoluene and a substituted product thereof: styrene- Vinyl naphthalene copolymer, styrene-acrylic acid ester copolymer, styrene-methacrylic acid ester copolymer, styrene-maleic acid ester copolymer, styrene-acrylic acid copolymer, styrene-methacrylic acid copolymer, styrene -Maleic acid copolymer, styrene-α-chloromethyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-vinyl methyl ether copolymer,
Styrene-vinyl ethyl ether copolymer, styrene-
Styrene-based copolymers such as vinyl methyl ketone copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-isoprene copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile-indene copolymer; polyvinyl chloride; phenolic resin; Resin-modified maleic resin; acrylic resin; methacrylic resin; polyvinyl acetate; silicone resin; polyester resin; polyurethane; polyamide resin; furan resin; epoxy resin; xylene resin; polyvinyl butyral; terpene resin; Can be used.

Among them, when the binder resin is a styrene copolymer, the image density in a high humidity environment is high.
preferable.

As the comonomer for the styrene monomer of the styrene copolymer, the following vinyl monomers can be used alone or in combination. As the vinyl monomer, for example, acrylic acid, methyl acrylate,
Ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, methacryloyl Monocarboxylic acid having a double bond such as nitrile and acrylamide or a substituted product thereof: for example, dicarboxylic acid having a double bond such as maleic acid, butyl maleate, methyl maleate and dimethyl maleate, and substituted products thereof Vinyl esters such as vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate and vinyl benzoate; ethylene olefins such as ethylene, propylene and butylene; vinyls such as vinyl methyl ketone and vinyl hexyl ketone Ton like; for example, vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl ethers such as vinyl isobutyl ether; and the like.

In the styrene-based copolymer, a compound having two or more polymerizable double bonds is mainly used as a crosslinking agent. Examples of the compound include aromatic divinyl compounds such as divinylbenzene and divinylnaphthalene; for example, having two double bonds such as ethylene glycol diacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and 1,3-butanediol dimethacrylate. Carboxylic acid esters; divinyl compounds of divinylaniline, divinyl ether, divinyl sulfide, and divinyl sulfone; and compounds having three or more vinyl groups can be used alone or as a mixture.

As monomers for adjusting the acid value of the binder resin, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, α-ethylacrylic acid, crotonic acid, acrylic acid such as
-Alkul derivatives; unsaturated dicarboxylic acids such as fumaric acid, maleic acid, citraconic acid and its monoester derivatives or maleic anhydride. Such a monomer can be used alone or as a mixture and copolymerized with another monomer to produce a desired polymer.

Among these, it is particularly preferable to use a monoester derivative of an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid.

More specifically, for example, monomethyl maleate, monoethyl maleate, monobutyl maleate, monooctyl maleate, monoallyl maleate,
Monoesters of α-, β-unsaturated dicarboxylic acids such as monophenyl maleate, monomethyl fumarate, monoethyl fumarate, monobutyl fumarate, monophenyl fumarate; monobutyl butenylsuccinate, monomethyl n-octenylsuccinate, n Monoesters of alkenyl dicarboxylic acids such as monoethyl butenylmalonate, monomethyl n-dodecenylglutarate and monobutyl n-butenyladipate; such as monomethyl phthalate, monoethyl phthalate and monobutyl phthalate Aromatic dicarboxylic acid monoesters;

Examples of the binder resin for toner used for pressure fixing include low molecular weight polyethylene, low molecular weight polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-acrylate copolymer, higher fatty acid, poamide resin,
Polyamide resin and polyester resin are mentioned. These are preferably used alone or as a mixture.

When the toner (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention contains an azo-based metal complex, it particularly suppresses “sleeve ghost”, suppresses fog, and achieves high image quality. Better in that a concentration is obtained.

Examples of the azo metal complex include those represented by the following general formula.

[0082]

[Outside 1] (Wherein, M represents a coordination center metal, and Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Mn or Fe
Ar represents an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group; examples of the aryl group include a phenyl group and a naphthyl group; and examples of the substituent include a nitro group, a halogen group, a carboxyl group, an anilide group, and a carbon atom. X, X ', Y, Y' are -O-, -CO-, -NH-.
Or -NR- (R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; K ⁺ represents hydrogen, sodium, potassium, ammonium, aliphatic ammonium or none).

The toner (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention is particularly effective in suppressing "sleeve ghost" when the central metal of the azo metal complex is iron.
It is more favorable in that fog is suppressed and a high image density is obtained.

The toner (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention contains an azo-based metal complex whose central metal is iron in the toner in an amount of 1.1% by mass or more (based on the mass of the toner). (More preferably 1.3% by mass or more), the “sleeve ghost”, the fog, and the image density are particularly good.

The reason is that in the toner having a specific chargeability (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention, an azo-based metal complex (particularly, the central metal is iron, and (When the amount is as large as 1.1% by mass or more) and the charge controllability thereof stabilize the unique charging characteristics of the toner of the present invention to an appropriate level. It is considered that fog suppression and image density are improved.

In the present invention, the form of a magnetic toner containing a magnetic substance in the toner is preferable.

As the magnetic substance, an alloy or compound powder containing a ferromagnetic element is preferable. Examples of powders of alloys or compounds containing ferromagnetic elements include iron oxides such as magnetite, maghemite, and ferrite; iron, cobalt,
Conventionally known magnetic materials such as alloys and compounds of nickel, manganese and zinc; other ferromagnetic alloys;

The magnetic powder preferably has a BET specific surface area determined by a nitrogen gas adsorption method of 1 to 4 m ² / g, more preferably 2 to 4 m ² / g.
It is preferably 30 m ² / g.

When the BET specific surface area of the magnetic powder is less than 1 m ² / g, dispersion of the magnetic powder in the binder resin is poor, and fogging occurs. If it exceeds 40 m ² / g, the image density in a high temperature and high humidity environment will be low.

The average particle size of the magnetic powder is 0.05 to 1
μm, preferably 0.1 to 0.6 μm.

When the average particle size of the magnetic powder is less than 0.05 μm, the image density in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment becomes low,
If it exceeds μm, dispersion of the magnetic powder in the binder resin is poor, and fogging occurs.

The magnetic material is preferably contained in the toner in an amount of preferably from 60 to 200 parts by mass, more preferably from 80 to 150 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the binder resin.

When the content of the magnetic substance in the toner is
When the amount is less than 60 parts by mass with respect to 0 parts by mass, the magnetic force of the toner particles is small and fogging easily occurs. When the amount exceeds 200 parts by mass, the magnetic force of the toner particles is too large,
Image density is low.

The toner (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention contains a magnetic iron oxide containing a silicon element or an aluminum element.
It is more favorable in that "sleeve ghost" can be suppressed, fogging can be suppressed, and high image density can be obtained.

The reason is that the action of the silicon element or the aluminum element contained in the magnetic iron oxide improves the releasability of the toner from the toner carrier, so that the developability is improved and each particle is improved. The chance of charging toner particles having a diameter becomes uniform.

Therefore, in the toner having a specific chargeability (having a specific particle size distribution and a specific thermal characteristic) of the present invention, silicon or silicon contained in the magnetic iron oxide exposed on the toner surface is used. Due to the action of the aluminum element, the difference between the triboelectric charge amount of the finely divided toner of 3.17 μm or less and the triboelectric charge amount of the entire toner is reduced, thereby making it difficult to form a fine powder layer on the toner carrier. Ghost ", fog suppression and better image density.

The content of the silicon element is preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass based on the iron element. The content of the aluminum element is set at 0.
It is preferably from 01 to 2% by mass.

The form in which the silicon element or the aluminum element is present on the surface of the magnetic iron oxide is more preferable because the controllability of charging by the magnetic iron oxide is more effectively exhibited.

The presence and amount of the silicon element or the aluminum element in the magnetic iron oxide can be measured by a fluorescent X-ray analyzer.

In the toner (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention, when a magnetic substance having a substantially spherical shape is contained, particularly, "sleeve ghost" and image density are more improved. Good.

The reason is that in the toner (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention, a magnetic material having a spherical shape is hard to be exposed on the toner surface, and the toner has a triboelectricity. Since the charge amount is further improved, the unique charging characteristics of the toner of the present invention are stabilized at an appropriate level, and the difference between the triboelectric charge amount of the fine powder toner and the triboelectric charge amount of the entire toner can be further reduced. It is considered that the "ghost" is suppressed and the image density is improved.

The “substantially spherical” shape of the magnetic material is defined as the average of the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis (major axis / single diameter) of each particle (measured at least 100 particles) using an electron micrograph of the magnetic substance. Means 1.0 to 1.2.

When the toner (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention contains a silicone oil-treated inorganic fine powder, the "sleeve ghost"
This is more favorable in terms of suppression of fog, suppression of fog, and high image density.

The p of the above-mentioned inorganic fine powder treated with silicone oil
When H is 7 or less (more preferably 6.7 or less), it is more favorable in that "sleeve ghost" can be suppressed, fogging can be suppressed, and high image density can be obtained.

The reason for this is that, in the toner having the specific charge characteristic of the toner of the present invention, the pH of the silicone oil-treated inorganic fine powder is particularly controlled by the appropriate negative charge control by the silicone oil-treated inorganic fine powder. The specific charge characteristics of the toner of the present invention can be stabilized at an appropriate level by controlling the negative chargeability by controlling the acidity of the toner of the present invention below (more preferably 6.7 or less).
It is considered that fog is suppressed and image density is improved.

It is preferable that the silicone oil-treated inorganic fine powder is contained by stirring and mixing the toner with a mixer such as a Henschel mixer. By being present on the toner surface, the negative charge controllability of the silicone oil-treated inorganic fine powder can be more effectively exerted.

The inorganic fine powder used in the present invention includes:
Inorganic fine powders such as silicic acid fine powder, titanium oxide and aluminum oxide are preferred, and silicic acid fine powder is particularly preferred because it has a particularly negative chargeability. For example, such silicic acid fine powder is a so-called dry process or a fumed silica produced by a vapor phase oxidation of a silicon halide,
And both the so-called wet silica is a usable produced from water glass, less silanol groups on the inner surface and the silica fine powder, also Na ₂ O, SO ₃ ^-, such as less dry silica of manufacture residues of Is more preferred. In the case of fumed silica, in the production process, for example, by using aluminum chloride, titanium chloride, and other metal halide compounds together with a silicon halide compound, it is also possible to obtain a composite fine powder of silica and other metal oxides, In the present invention, they are also included.

Preferred silicone oils include 25
C. 0.5 to 10,000, preferably 1 to
Those having 1000, more preferably 10 to 200 centistokes are used, and for example, dimethyl silicone oil, methylphenyl silicone oil, α-methylstyrene modified silicone oil, chlorophenyl silicone oil, and fluorine modified silicone oil are particularly preferred.
As a method of the silicone oil treatment, for example, a method in which silica fine powder treated with a silane coupling agent and silicone oil are directly mixed using a mixer such as a Henschel mixer; A method of spraying; or a method of dissolving or dispersing silicone oil in an appropriate solvent, adding silica fine powder, mixing and removing the solvent, can be used.

The inorganic fine powder treated with silicone oil is obtained by treating the inorganic fine powder in an inert gas after the treatment with silicone oil.
It is more preferable to heat the coating to a temperature of at least 00 ° C. (more preferably at least 250 ° C.) to stabilize the surface coat.

In the present invention, the inorganic fine powder is treated with a coupling agent and then treated with silicone oil, or the inorganic fine powder is treated with a coupling agent and silicone oil at the same time. Fine powders are preferred.

Examples of the coupling agent include a silane coupling agent and a titanium coupling agent.

Examples of the silane coupling agent include hexamethyldisilazane, trimethylsilane, trimethylchlorosilane, trimethylethoxysilane, dimethyldichlorosilane, methyltrichlorosilane, allyldimethylchlorosilane, allylphenyldichlorosilane, and benzyldimethylchloro. Silane, bromomethyldimethylchlorosilane, α-chloroethyltrichlorosilane, β-chloroethyltrichlorosilane, chloromethyldimethylchlorosilane, triorganosilylmercaptan, trimethylsilylmercaptan, triorganosilyl acrylate, vinyldimethylacetoxysilane, dimethyldiethoxysilane Dimethyldimethoxysilane, diphenylethoxysilane, hexamethyldisiloxane, 1,3
-Divinyltetramethyldisiloxane, 1,3-diphenyltetramethyldisiloxane, and 2 to 12 siloxane units per molecule, each of the terminal units having one hydroxyl group bonded to one silicon atom. Contained dimethylpolysiloxane.

Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane having a nitrogen atom, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, dimethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, diethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, dipropylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, dibutylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, monobutylamino Propyltrimethoxysilane, dioctylaminopropyldimethoxysilane, dibutylaminopropyldimethoxysilane, dibutylaminopropylmonomethoxysilane, dimethylaminophenyltriethoxysilane, trimethoxysilyl-γ
Silane coupling agents such as -propylphenylamine and trimethoxysilyl-γ-propylbenzylamine are also used alone or in combination. As a preferred silane coupling agent, hexamethyldisilazane (HMD)
S).

The treated inorganic fine powder used in the present invention has a specific surface area by nitrogen adsorption of 50 as measured by the BET method.
m ² / g or more, particularly preferably in the range of 70~400m ² / g.

When the inorganic fine powder is a fine silica powder, the toner 1
More than 1.0 (particularly 1.2) parts by mass, more preferably 1.2 to 5.0 parts by mass, more preferably 1.2 to 3.0 parts by mass with respect to 00 parts by mass. .

In the present invention, the pH is measured using a pH meter using a glass electrode. 4 g of the sample is placed in a beaker, 50 cm ³ of methanol is added to wet the sample, 50 cm ³ of pure water is added, and the mixture is sufficiently stirred with a homomixer. Thereafter, the pH is measured using a pH meter.

The toner of the present invention includes a lubricant powder such as Teflon powder, zinc stearate powder and polyvinylidene fluoride powder; an abrasive such as cerium oxide, silicon carbide and strontium titanate; and a fluid such as titanium oxide and aluminum oxide. An agent; a caking inhibitor; a conductivity-imparting agent such as carbon black, zinc oxide, and tin oxide may be used.

In the production of the toner according to the present invention, the above-mentioned constituent materials are mixed using a Henschel mixer, a ball mill, a V-type mixer or other mixers,
Heat roll kneader, kneading step using a hot kneader such as an extruder, and after cooling and solidifying the kneaded material, it is preferable to be manufactured through a manufacturing step having at least a pulverizing step using a pulverizer such as a jet mill. . Further, if necessary, it is preferable to go through a classifying step of the pulverized material.

Through the above manufacturing process, the toner of the present invention (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) has a colorant,
It is considered that a composition such as a charge control agent or a magnetic substance can be realized in a special state with a method of exposing the composition to the toner surface.

The toner of the present invention can be used as either a one-component developer mainly composed of a toner or a two-component developer mainly composed of a toner and a carrier. When used, the effect of suppressing the above-mentioned "sleeve ghost" is high, which is preferable.

That is, in the case of a two-component developer, problems such as "sleeve ghost" are essentially unlikely to occur due to the difference in the developing mechanism. However, even in the case of a two-component developer, the conventional toner has a problem that the fine powder toner selectively adheres to the carrier surface to form a fine powder toner layer, thereby lowering the chargeability of the toner and causing fog. However, a toner having a specific diameter distribution according to the present invention and having at least one endothermic peak in a region at a temperature of 110 ° C. or lower in differential thermal analysis is a method in which fine powder toner is selectively formed on the carrier surface. The toner has good chargeability because the formation of the fine powder toner layer due to the adhesion is difficult to occur, and the surface of the colorant such as the pigment exposed from the surface of the toner is appropriately covered. Therefore, the present invention has a remarkable effect that generation of fog can be suppressed and a high image density can be obtained.

The image forming method, developing device and process cartridge using the toner of the present invention will be described in detail.

The image forming method using the toner of the present invention includes a method using a magnetic toner and a method using a non-magnetic toner.

First, a developing method using a magnetic toner will be described.

In FIG. 2, the substantially right half peripheral surface of the toner carrier 102 is always in contact with the toner reservoir in the toner container 106, and the toner near the surface of the toner carrier is included in the toner carrier on the toner carrier surface. Magnetism generating means 1
03 and / or by electrostatic force. Toner carrying member 102 is advice service as a thin layer T ₁ of the Components uniform thickness in the process of magnetic toner layer when it is rotated and the toner carrying member surface passes the position of the doctor blade 104. The magnetic toner is charged mainly by frictional contact between the surface of the toner carrier and the magnetic toner in a toner reservoir near the toner carrier along with the rotation of the toner carrier 102, and the magnetic toner carried on the toner carrier 102 is Photoconductor 10 as Latent Image Holder with Rotation of Carrier
1 and the toner carrier 102 are conveyed to the developing area A which is the closest part. In the process of passing through the developing area A, the toner is carried on the toner carrier 102. Magnetic toner is photoconductor 1
Flying due to a bias electric field caused by, for example, a direct current and an alternating voltage applied between the photoconductor 101 and the toner carrier 102, reciprocate between the surface of the photoconductor 101 in the developing area A and the surface of the toner carrier 102 (gap α). Finally, the toner carrier 102
The magnetic toner on the side toner image T ₂ are sequentially formed by selectively migrate adhere according to the potential pattern of the latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member 101 surface.

After passing through the developing area A, the thin toner layer on the surface of the toner carrier where the magnetic toner has been selectively consumed returns to the toner reservoir of the toner container 106, and the toner carrier again supplies the magnetic toner. receiving a magnetic toner thin layer T ₁ carried on the toner carrying member 102 to the developing area a is conveyed, repeatedly developing process is performed.

The toner layer thickness regulating member used in the present invention may be a metal blade, a magnetic blade (for example, 104 shown in FIG. 2) disposed at a predetermined distance from the toner carrier, or the surface of the toner carrier. Any of the elastic blades elastically abutting on the blade can be used. The toner (having a specific particle size distribution and a specific thermal property) of the present invention is particularly "sleeve ghost" when the regulating method is based on an elastic blade abutting the surface of the toner carrier.
Is more favorable.

The following can be considered as the reason.

As described above, the packing state of the toner is a major factor that determines the charged state of the toner. When an elastic blade in contact with the surface of the toner carrier is used as the toner layer thickness regulating member, a more uniform contact charging opportunity between the toner particles of the toner carrier surface and the particles having different particle diameters. I believe that

In the toner of the present invention, the packing state of the toner is appropriate for the purpose of the present invention, and the specific charge is promoted so as to suppress the formation of the fine powder layer on the toner carrier. Is considered to be better.

As the elastic blade, silicone rubber,
A rubber elastic body such as urethane rubber or NBR; a synthetic resin elastic body such as polyethylene terephthalate; a metal elastic body such as stainless steel or steel can be used, and a composite body thereof can also be used. Preferably, a rubber elastic body is good.

The material of the elastic blade greatly affects the charging of the toner on the toner carrier. Therefore, an organic or inorganic substance may be added to the elastic body, may be melted and mixed, or may be dispersed. As a substance to be added, for example, metal oxide, metal powder, ceramics,
Examples include carbon allotropes, whiskers, inorganic fibers, dyes, pigments, and surfactants. Further, a charge control substance such as resin, rubber, metal oxide, or metal may be applied to an elastic support such as rubber, synthetic resin, or metal elastic body in order to control the chargeability of the toner. May be used. When durability is required for the elastic body and the toner carrier, it is preferable that a resin and a rubber be stuck to the metal elastic body so as to contact the toner carrier abutting portion.

When the toner is negatively chargeable, the elastic blade and the charge control substance are preferably those which are easily charged to positive polarity such as urethane rubber, urethane resin, polyamide resin and nylon resin. When the toner is positively chargeable, the elastic blade and the charge control substance are easily charged to a negative polarity such as urethane rubber, urethane resin, silicone rubber, silicone resin, polyester resin, fluororesin, and polyimide resin. Is preferred.

In the case where the contact portion of the toner carrier is a resin or rubber molding, metal oxides such as silica, alumina, titania, tin oxide, zirconia, and zinc oxide are used to adjust the chargeability of the toner. Object, carbon black,
It is also preferable to include a charge control agent generally used for toner.

The base on the upper side of the elastic blade is fixedly held on the toner container side, and the lower side is bent in the forward or reverse direction of the toner carrier against the elastic force of the blade to carry the toner. It is brought into contact with the body surface with an appropriate elastic pressing force. 3 and 4 show examples of the image forming apparatus.

The contact pressure between the blade and the toner carrier is
0.98 N / m as the linear pressure in the toner carrier bus direction
(1 g / cm) or more, preferably 1.27 to 245 N
/ M (3-250 g / cm), more preferably 4.9-
118 N / m (5 to 120 g / cm) is effective. If the contact pressure is less than 0.98 N / m (1 g / cm), it becomes difficult to apply the toner uniformly, causing fogging and scattering. Contact pressure is 245N / m (250g / cm)
Exceeding the range is not preferable because a large pressure is applied to the toner and the toner is likely to deteriorate.

The gap α between the photosensitive member and the toner carrier is preferably set to, for example, 50 to 500 μm.

The thickness of the magnetic toner layer on the toner carrier is
It is preferable to make the gap smaller than the gap α between the photoconductor and the toner carrier in that fogging hardly occurs. However, it is also possible to use a mode in which a part of the toner layer contacts the photoconductor surface.

In the present invention, it is preferable that an electric field containing an AC component is applied as a developing bias between the toner carrier and the photosensitive member. It is preferable that the peak-to-peak magnitude (Vpp) of the electric field at the nearest part of both the AC component between the toner carrier and the photoconductor is 2 to 8 MV / m or more. The AC bias frequency is 1.0k
Hz to 5.0 kHz, preferably 1.5 kHz to 3.0
Used at kHz. The AC bias waveform is a square wave,
Sine, saw and triangle waves can be applied. Asymmetrical AC biases with different times of forward / reverse voltage can also be used.

In the present invention, the toner carrier is made of a metal,
Materials such as ceramics are used, but non-magnetic conductive metals such as aluminum and SUS are preferable from the viewpoint of charging property to the toner. The toner carrier can be used as it is drawn or cut, but it is polished, roughened along the circumferential or longitudinal direction, and blasted or coated to control the toner transportability and triboelectricity. Will be In the present invention, it is good to perform a blast treatment, regular particles, irregular particles are used as a blast agent, each used alone and in combination,
Overstrikes are also available.

The toner (having a specific particle size distribution and specific thermal characteristics) of the present invention is particularly useful when a resin coating layer containing conductive fine particles is formed on the surface of a toner carrier. [Sleeve ghost] is more effectively suppressed. This is thought to be because the resin has a low dielectric constant, which further promotes the specific charging of the toner of the present invention.

The conductive fine particles contained in the resin coating layer covering the surface of the toner carrier include carbon black,
A conductive metal oxide such as graphite and conductive zinc oxide and a conductive metal double oxide are preferably used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of the resin in which the conductive fine particles are dispersed include a phenol resin, an epoxy resin, a polyamide resin, a polyester resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyolefin resin, a silicone resin, a fluorine resin, a styrene resin, and an acrylic resin. Resin is used. Particularly, a thermosetting or photocurable resin is preferable.

Next, a developing method using a non-magnetic toner will be described.

FIG. 5 shows an apparatus for developing an electrostatic image formed on a photosensitive member. Reference numeral 401 denotes a photoconductor as a latent image holding member, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by an electrophotographic process unit or an electrostatic recording unit (not shown). Reference numeral 402 denotes a toner carrier, which is formed of a non-magnetic sleeve made of aluminum or stainless steel.

As the toner carrier, a rough tube of aluminum or stainless steel may be used as it is, but preferably, the surface thereof is uniformly roughened by spraying rough particles such as glass beads, and the surface is mirror-finished. Alternatively, the surface thereof is coated with a resin, which is similar to that used in a method for developing a magnetic toner.

The toner 406 is contained in a toner container 403, and is supplied onto a toner carrier by a supply roller 404. The supply roller is made of a foamed material such as polyurethane foam, and rotates in a forward or reverse direction with respect to the toner carrier at a non-zero relative speed. Toner). The toner supplied onto the toner carrier is uniformly and thinly applied by a toner application blade 405 as a toner layer thickness regulating member.

The material of the blade, the abutting means, the material of the toner carrier, the distance between the photosensitive member and the toner carrier, and the bias applied to the toner carrier are the same as in the case of the magnetic toner developing method.

The image forming method of the present invention using the above-described developing device using the magnetic toner of the present invention or the developing device using the non-magnetic toner as a developing means is shown in FIG. A description will be given using a schematic configuration of a transfer type electrophotographic apparatus.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a drum type photosensitive member as a latent image holding member, which is driven to rotate at a predetermined peripheral speed in the direction of an arrow around a shaft 1a. The photoreceptor 1 receives a uniform charge of a predetermined positive or negative potential on its peripheral surface by a roller charger 2 as a charging means during the rotation process, and then, in the exposure section 3, an optical image by a latent image forming means (not shown). Exposure L (slit exposure, laser beam scanning exposure, etc.) is received. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the exposure image is sequentially formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor.

The electrostatic latent image is then developed with toner by the developing means 4 and the developed toner image is transferred between the photosensitive member 1 and the transfer means 5 from a paper feeding unit (not shown) by a roller transfer charger 5 as a transfer means. The transfer material P is sequentially transferred onto the surface of the transfer material P fed in synchronization with the rotation of the photoconductor 1.

The transfer material P having undergone the image transfer is separated from the photoreceptor surface, introduced into the image fixing means 8 and subjected to image fixing to be printed out of the machine as a copy.

The surface of the photoreceptor 1 after the image transfer is cleaned and cleaned by removing the untransferred toner by the cleaning means 6, and is further subjected to a static elimination treatment by the pre-exposure means 7 to be repeatedly used for image formation. You.

As the uniform charging means 2 for the photoreceptor 1, it is preferable to use a contact charging means such as a roller charger which contacts and charges the photoreceptor because the amount of ozone generated during charging can be suppressed. After providing a filter, it is also possible to use a corona charger generally used widely.

Further, it is preferable to use a contact transfer unit such as a roller transfer charger for transferring the image by contacting the photoreceptor with a transfer material therebetween via a transfer material because the amount of ozone generated during transfer can be suppressed. After providing the ozone filter, it is also possible to use a corona transfer charger generally used widely.

FIG. 7 shows a specific example of the process cartridge of the present invention.

In the following description of the process cartridge, components having the same functions as the components of the image forming apparatus described with reference to FIG. 6 will be described using the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

In the process cartridge of the present invention, at least the developing means and the latent image holding member are generally formed into cartridges, and are attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body (for example, a copying machine, a laser beam printer, a facsimile machine). It is configured to be possible.

In the embodiment shown in FIG.
A process cartridge C in which a drum-shaped latent image holding member (photosensitive drum) 1, a cleaning unit 6 having a cleaning blade 61, and a corona charging unit 2 as a primary charging unit are exemplified.

In the present embodiment, the developing means 4 has an elasticity regulating blade 41 as a toner layer thickness regulating means and a one-component developer 43 having a toner in a toner container 42. At the time of development, a predetermined electric field is formed between the photosensitive drum 1 and a developing sleeve 44 as a toner carrier by a developing bias voltage from a bias applying unit, and a developing process is performed. The distance between the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing sleeve 44 is very important for suitably executing the developing step.

In the above, the embodiment in which the four components of the developing means 4, the latent image holding member 1, the cleaning means 6, and the primary charging means 2 are integrally formed as a cartridge has been described. It is sufficient that at least two components of the image forming apparatus and the latent image holding member are integrally formed into a cartridge. It is also possible to integrally form a cartridge by adding three components of primary charging means or other components.

In FIG. 6, when the electrophotographic apparatus is used as a copying machine or a printer, the light image exposure L is a light reflected from or transmitted from the original, or the original is read and converted into a signal. It is performed by scanning, driving an LED array, driving a liquid crystal shutter array, or the like.

When used as a facsimile printer, the light image exposure L is an exposure for printing received data. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of this case.

The controller 11 controls the image reading section 10 and the printer 19. The whole controller 11 is CP
It is controlled by U17. The read data from the image reading unit is transmitted to the partner station through the transmission circuit 13. Data received from the partner station is sent to the printer 19 through the receiving circuit 12. Predetermined image data is stored in the image memory. The printer controller 18 is the printer 1
9 is controlled. 14 is a telephone.

The image received from the line 15 (image information from a remote terminal connected via the line) is demodulated by the receiving circuit 12, and then the CPU 17 performs a decoding process on the image information and sequentially executes the image memory 16 Is stored in Then, when the image of at least one page is stored in the memory 16,
The image of the page is recorded. The CPU 17 is a memory 1
6, one page of image information is read out and the combined one-page image information is sent to the printer controller 18. The printer controller 18 receives 1
When the image information of the page is received, the printer 19 is controlled to record the image information of the page.

The CPU 17 receives the next page during recording by the printer 19.

As described above, image reception and recording are performed.

[0167]

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described specifically with reference to Examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following Examples.

The parts in the following formulations are parts by mass.

Example 1 100 parts of styrene-n-butyl acrylate-monobutyl maleate copolymer (acid value: 5.2, Tg: 60 ° C.) 100 parts of magnetic iron oxide (shape: almost spherical, major axis / minor axis: 1) .0
5, containing 0.7% by mass of silicon element) 120 parts ・ Higher aliphatic alcohol (melting point: 106 ° C.) 5 parts

[0170]

[Outside 2]

After premixing the above materials, melt kneading was performed by a twin screw extruder set at 130 ° C. After cooling the kneaded material, the mixture was roughly pulverized, finely pulverized by a pulverizer using a jet stream, and further classified using an air classifier to obtain black fine powder (magnetic toner particles).

A solution obtained by diluting 10 parts of dimethyl silicone oil (having a viscosity of 50 cSt at 25 ° C.) by 4 times with n-hexane was synthesized by a dry method, and then subjected to hydrophobic treatment with 20 parts of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS). 100 parts of silica (specific surface area: 300 m ² / g) was sprayed with stirring, and after the spraying was completed, the temperature was raised to 300 ° C. in a nitrogen gas atmosphere, and the mixture was maintained while stirring for 50 minutes and had a pH of 5.7. The treated silica 1 was obtained.

To 100 parts of the above black fine powder, 1.5 parts by mass of the above-mentioned dry silica treated with dimethyl silicone oil was stirred and mixed with a Henschel mixer to obtain Toner 1.

The particle size distribution of Toner 1 was measured using a Coulter Multisizer (manufactured by Coulter), and the data was converted into 16 channels as shown in Table 1.
The particle size distribution was as shown in FIG. The weight average particle size is 5.6
9 μm, 5.6 for 2.52 μm or less in the number distribution
%, 3.17 μm or less was 16.7%, 5.04 μm or less was 66.9%, and the porosity was 0.57.

[0175]

[Table 1]

As the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus having the following configuration using the developing device shown in FIG. 3 in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 6 was used.

As a toner carrier, carbon black and graphite were dispersed at a ratio of 1: 9 parts in 10 parts of a phenol resin on the surface of an aluminum cylindrical (16 mm outer diameter) sleeve previously blasted with irregular-shaped abrasive grains. A resin-coated sleeve 1 coated with a resin coating layer was used.
The magnetic flux density of the developing pole is 75 m inside this cylindrical sleeve.
A T (750 G) 4-pole magnet is built in.

A urethane rubber blade was used as a toner layer thickness regulating member, and a 19.6 N
/ M (20 g / cm).

An organic photoconductor having a diameter of 30 mm was used as the photoconductor, and the closest distance between the toner carrier and the photoconductor was 30 mm.
It was set to 0 μm.

As a primary charger, a roller charger as contact charging means was used, and a laser beam was used as an exposure means, and a latent image was formed at 600 DPI. As the transfer charger, a roller transfer charger as contact transfer means was used.

A blade cleaning device was used as a cleaning device for removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive member in the transfer step, and a urethane rubber blade was used as a cleaning blade.

The potential of the latent image on the photosensitive member is -7
The voltage was set so as to be 00 V and the bright portion potential was -150 V.

The photosensitive member was rotated at 72 mm / s. The toner carrier was also rotated at 72 mm / s.

As a developing bias, a DC voltage: -500 V, an AC partial pressure: 1600 V (peak)
, A rectangular wave having an alternating frequency of 1800 Hz was applied.

The developer 1 was applied to the image forming apparatus, and 1000 images were printed in an environment of 15 ° C./10% RH. Image density, fog, sleeve ghost image quality and image uniformity were evaluated. went.

The image density was measured by forming a solid black image and using a “Macbeth reflection densitometer” (manufactured by Macbeth).

Fog was evaluated from the difference between the whiteness of unused transfer paper measured by a reflectometer (manufactured by Tokyo Denshoku Co., Ltd.) and the whiteness of the transfer paper after printing a solid white image.

"Sleeve ghost" was evaluated at 15 ° C./1.
After continuous printing of 10 solid white images in an environment of 0% RH, a solid black black portion: B and a solid white white portion: W as shown in FIG. An image in which a toned portion is formed is printed, and the halftone portion has a difference in image density (B'-A ') between a black portion: a portion B' adjacent to B and a white portion: a portion A 'adjacent to A. evaluated.

The image quality was evaluated by printing out the pattern shown in FIG. 10 and evaluating the dot reproducibility based on the following criteria. ：: Very good (2 or less defects / 100) ○: Good (3 to 5/100 defects) △: Normal (6 to 10/100 defects) ×: Bad (11 or more defects / 100 Pieces)

The uniformity of the image was evaluated by visually observing a solid black image for measuring the initial image density. Table 2 shows the results.
Shown in

Comparative Example 1 100 parts of styrene-n-butyl acrylate-monobutyl maleate copolymer (acid value: 20, Tg: 60 ° C.) 100 parts of acidic iron oxide (shape: octahedral, major axis / minor axis: 1.4) )
90 parts ・ 5 parts of low molecular weight polyethylene (melting point: 130 ° C.) ・ 2 parts of chromium salicylate complex

A fine black powder (toner particles) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the above materials were used.

Example 1 for 100 parts of the above black fine powder
Dimethylsilicone oil treated fumed silica used in
Stir and mix 1.2 parts with a Henschel mixer to form toner 2
Was obtained and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1.

The obtained toner 2 has a weight average particle size of 7.
5 μm, and 2.52 μm or less in the number distribution is 1.3.
%, 3.17 μm or less was 5.2%, 5.04 μm or less was 40.5%, and the porosity was 0.41.

Examples 2 to 10 and Comparative Examples 2 to 8 A toner was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the particle size distribution and the wax of the toner in Example 1 were as shown in Table 2. It was evaluated similarly. Table 2 shows the results.

In the remarks column of Table 2, only those having inferior image uniformity to the level of being impractical were described.

[0197]

[Table 2]

Examples 11 to 14 The particle size distribution shown in Table 3 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the binder resin having the acid value shown in Table 3 was used instead of the binder resin of the toner of Example 1. Example 1
Was evaluated in the same way as Table 3 shows the results.

[0199]

[Table 3]

Examples 15 to 17 In the same manner as in Example 1 except that the charge control agent shown in Table 4 was used instead of the charge control agent for the toner of Example 1, Table 4 was used.
Was obtained and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. Further, the image density under a high temperature / high humidity environment was also evaluated by the following evaluation method. Table 4 shows the results.

Evaluation of Image Density in High Temperature and High Humidity Environment In an environment of a temperature of 32.5 ° C. and a humidity of 85%, 2,000 images were printed, and after standing for one day, images were printed. Evaluation was made based on the density of the black image.

[0202]

[Table 4]

Examples 18 to 25 In the same manner as in Example 1 except that the magnetic substance having the content and shape of silicon or aluminum element shown in Table 5 was used instead of the magnetic substance of the toner of Example 1, A toner having a particle size distribution shown in FIG. 5 was obtained and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 5 shows the results.

Further, the image density under a high temperature and high humidity environment was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 15.

[0205]

[Table 5]

Examples 26 and 27 Instead of the silica 1 treated with silicone oil of the toner of Example 1, the silica 2 treated with dimethyl silicone oil having a pH as shown in Table 6 was prepared by changing the production conditions.
A toner was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except for using 3, or 3, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 6 shows the results.

[0207]

Comparative Examples 9 and 10 The particle size distribution of the toner of Example 1 was changed as shown in Table 6, and the silica 1 treated with dimethyl silicone oil was changed to the treated silica 5 or 6 prepared as follows. In the same manner as in Example 1, a toner was obtained and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1.
Table 6 shows the results.

Dimethyl silicone oil-treated silica 4 Dimethyl silicone oil (having a viscosity of 50 at 25 ° C.)
cst) 20 parts diluted 4 times with n-hexane was mixed with silica synthesized by a dry method (specific surface area was 300 m ^2).
/ G) Sprayed to 100 parts with stirring. After the spraying was completed, the temperature was raised to 300 ° C. in a nitrogen gas atmosphere, and the mixture was maintained while stirring for 50 minutes to obtain Silica 4 treated with dimethyl silicone oil having a pH of 5.3.

Silica treated with dimethylsilane coupling agent
A solution obtained by diluting 20 parts of 5- dimethylsilane coupling agent four times with n-hexane is sprayed onto 100 parts of silica (specific surface area: 300 m ² / g) synthesized by a dry method while stirring, and after the spraying is completed, nitrogen is added. The temperature was raised to 300 ° C. in a gas atmosphere, and the mixture was held with stirring for 50 minutes to obtain silica 5 treated with a dimethylsilane coupling agent at pH 5.4.

Dimethyl silicone oil-treated silica 6 Dimethyl silicone oil (having a viscosity of 50 at 25 ° C.)
cst) Silica synthesized by a dry method obtained by diluting 10 parts by 4 times with n-hexane (specific surface area: 100 m ² /
g) Spraying to 100 parts with stirring. After the spraying was completed, the temperature was raised to 300 ° C. in a nitrogen gas atmosphere, and the mixture was held with stirring for 50 minutes to obtain silica 6 treated with dimethyl silicone oil having a pH of 5.2.

[0212]

[Table 6]

Examples 28 and 29 Table 7 shows that, instead of the toner carrier of the image forming apparatus of Example 1, carbon black and graphite were dispersed at a ratio of 1: 7 parts in 10 parts of phenol resin. As shown in the drawing, the resin coat sleeve 2 formed in the same manner as in Example 1 or the surface as an alundum (# 40
0) A toner was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the aluminum sleeve 3 roughened with particles was used, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 7 shows the results.

[0214]

[Table 7]

Embodiments 30 and 31 Instead of the toner regulating member of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1,
As shown in Table 8, a urethane rubber blade (elastic blade 2) was brought into contact with the toner carrier at 29.4 N / m (30 g / cm) as shown in FIG. 200μm gap between body
A toner was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the toner set as described above was used, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 8 shows the results.

[0216]

[Table 8]

[0217]

According to the present invention, the toner has a specific particle size distribution, has at least one endothermic peak in the differential thermal analysis at a temperature of 110 ° C. or lower, and is determined from the tap density. By having the porosity of the specific toner, an increase in the proportion of fine powder in the particle size distribution of the toner in the non-image portion on the toner carrier is suppressed, sleeve ghost can be prevented, and a high-quality copy image can be obtained. You can do it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the particle size distribution ranges of formulas (A) and (B).

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus and a developing apparatus using a magnetic one-component developing method for explaining the image forming method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a developing device using an elastic blade used in the image forming method of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a developing device using an elastic blade used in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus and a developing device using a non-magnetic one-component developing method for explaining the image forming method of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus for explaining an image forming method of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a specific example for explaining the process cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a case where the image forming method of the present invention is applied to a printer of a facsimile machine.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an image pattern used for evaluating a sleeve ghost.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image formed to evaluate dot reproducibility.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Latent image holder 1a shaft 2 Charging means 3 Exposure unit 4 Developing means 5 Transfer means 6 Cleaning means 7 Pre-exposure means 8 Image fixing means 10 Image reading unit 11 Controller 12 Receiving circuit 13 Transmission circuit 14 Telephone 15 Line 16 Memory 17 CPU Reference Signs List 18 printer controller 19 printer 41 toner layer thickness regulating means 42 toner container 43 developer 44 toner carrier 101 photoconductor (latent image carrier) 102 toner carrier (developing sleeve) 103 magnetism generator 104 doctor blade 105 stirring member 106 toner Containers 201, 301 Latent image holder 202, 302 Toner carrier 203, 303 Doctor blade 401 Latent image holder 402 Developing sleeve 403 Hopper 404 Supply roller 405 Developer coating blade 406 Toner A Development area C Process Scan cartridge L light image exposure P transfer material a drum and the gap T ₁ thin toner layer T ₂ toner image S ₀ of the sleeve, _{S 1} bias applying means

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI G03G 15/08 504 G03G 9/08 346 507 15/08 507L (72) Inventor Motoki Hisaki 3-30 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo JP-A-2-284158 (JP, A) JP-A-2-284163 (JP, A) JP-A-4-162048 (JP, A) JP-A-6-284 110249 (JP, A) JP-A-6-332228 (JP, A) JP-A-6-11885 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 9/08

Claims (28)

(57) [Claims] 1. A binder resin and a toner for developing electrostatic images having toner particles containing a colorant, the toner has a weight average diameter of toner (D ₄₎ X _(μm)
When the ratio of toner particles having a particle size of 3.17 μm or less in the toner number distribution is represented by Y (number%), the following conditions (1) and (2) −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −25X + 180 (1) 4.0 ≦ X ≦ 6. 3 having a particle size distribution satisfying (2), having at least one endothermic peak in a temperature range of 110 ° C. or less in differential thermal analysis, and having a porosity of 0.45 of the toner obtained from the tap density. A toner for developing an electrostatic image, characterized by having a particle size of 0.70 to 0.70. 2. The electrostatic image developing toner according to claim 1, wherein the toner has a particle size distribution satisfying the following condition (3): −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −12.5X + 98.75. Wherein the toner is the electrostatic according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by containing a low melting point substance having at least one endothermic peak in a zone temperature 110 ° C. in differential thermal analysis Charge image developing toner. Wherein said toner is an electrostatic image developing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a porosity 0.5 to 0.7 of the toner obtained from the tap density For toner. 5. A toner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the acid value of the binder resin is 15 or less. Wherein said toner particles are toner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it contains the azo metal complex. 7. The toner particles The toner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it contains the azo-type iron complex 1.1 wt% or more. 8. The toner particles The toner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by containing a magnetic material. 9. The toner according to claim 8 , wherein the magnetic material contains a magnetic iron oxide containing silicon atoms, aluminum atoms, or both. 10. The magnetic material has a ratio of a major axis to a minor axis (major axis / major axis /
The toner according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the minor axis) is within the range of 1.0 to 1.2. 11. The toner, toner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that pH contains 7 or less of the silicone oil-treated silica. 12. The toner, static according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that is obtained through a step of melt-kneading and pulverizing at least the binder resin and colorant Charge image developing toner. 13. A step of applying a voltage to the latent image holding member to charge it, a step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged latent image holding member, and forming a latent image on the latent image holding member to form a toner image. an image forming method having the step of developing the toner carried an electrostatic latent image on the toner carrier, the toner has a weight average diameter of toner (D ₄₎ X _(μm)
When the ratio of toner particles having a particle size of 3.17 μm or less in the toner number distribution is represented by Y (number%), the following conditions (1) and (2) −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −25X + 180 (1) 4.0 ≦ X ≦ 6. 3 The toner has a particle size distribution satisfying (2), has at least one endothermic peak in the differential thermal analysis in a region at a temperature of 110 ° C. or lower, and has a porosity of 0.45 of the toner obtained from the tap density. An image forming method comprising: 0.70 to 0.70. 14. The image forming method according to claim 13 , wherein the toner forms a toner layer on the toner carrier by a toner layer thickness regulating member. 15. The image forming method according to claim 14 , wherein the toner layer thickness regulating member is an elastic blade that comes into contact with the surface of the toner carrier. 16. The toner carrying member according to claim 13 to 15, wherein a resin layer containing a formed in the conductive sleeve and conductive on the sleeve conductive fine particles
The image forming method according to any one of the above. 17. A latent image holding member is charged by applying a voltage.
Forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged latent image carrier
Formed on the latent image holding member to form a toner image.
Electrostatic latent image is transferred to the toner carried on the toner carrier.
An image forming method comprising a step of further development, the toner is, images formed how to being a toner for electrostatic image development according to any one of claims 2 to 12. 18. A toner including toner particles containing a binder resin and a colorant, a toner container for containing the toner, and a toner carrier for supporting and transporting the toner contained in the toner container. a developing apparatus, the toner has a weight average diameter of toner _{(D 4)} X (μm)
When the ratio of toner particles having a particle size of 3.17 μm or less in the toner number distribution is represented by Y (number%), the following conditions (1) and (2) −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −25X + 180 (1) 4.0 ≦ X ≦ 6. 3 having a particle size distribution satisfying (2), having at least one endothermic peak in a temperature range of 110 ° C. or less in differential thermal analysis, and having a porosity of 0.45 of the toner obtained from the tap density. Developing device characterized by having a value of 0.70 to 0.70. 19. The developing device according to claim 18 , wherein said developing device has a toner layer thickness regulating member for forming a toner layer on said toner carrier. 20. The developing device according to claim 19 , wherein the toner layer thickness regulating member is an elastic blade provided on a surface of the toner carrier. 21. The toner carrier, claims 18 to 20 characterized by having a resin layer containing a formed in the conductive sleeve and conductive on the sleeve conductive fine particles
The developing device according to any one of the above. 22. A toner containing a binder resin and a colorant
Toner containing particles, toner container containing the toner, and
Carrying and transporting toner contained in the toner container
A developing device having a toner carrying member for in, the toner, the current image device you being a toner for electrostatic image development according to any one of claims 2 to 12. 23. An image forming apparatus main body having a latent image holding member for holding an electrostatic latent image and a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image held on the latent image holding member. a process cartridge, the toner developing means including toner particles containing a binder resin and a colorant, the toner container and to convey carrying vital the toner contained in the toner container housing the toner The toner has a weight average diameter (D ₄ ) of X (μm)
Assuming that the ratio of toner particles having a particle diameter of 3.17 μm or less in the toner number distribution is Y (number%), the following conditions (1) and (2) −5X + 35 ≦ Y ≦ −25X + 180 (1) 4.0 ≦ X ≦ 6. 3 The toner has a particle size distribution satisfying (2), has at least one endothermic peak in the differential thermal analysis in a region at a temperature of 110 ° C. or lower, and has a porosity of 0.45 of the toner obtained from the tap density. A process cartridge having a thickness of 0.70 to 0.70. 24. The process cartridge according to claim 23 , wherein said developing means has a toner layer thickness regulating member for forming a toner layer on said toner carrier. 25. The process cartridge according to claim 24 , wherein the toner layer thickness regulating member is an elastic blade that contacts the surface of the toner carrier. 26. The toner carrying member according to claim 23 or 2, characterized by having a resin layer containing a formed in the conductive sleeve and conductive on the sleeve conductive fine particles
5. The process cartridge according to any one of 5 . 27. The process cartridge according to claim 23 , wherein at least one of a charging unit and a cleaning unit is integrated into a cartridge in addition to the latent image holding member and the developing unit. To 26
The process cartridge according to any one of the above. 28. A latent image holding member for holding an electrostatic latent image
Developing the electrostatic latent image held by the latent image holding member
Detachable to image forming apparatus main body with developing means for
Process cartridge, wherein the developing means is a toner particle containing a binder resin and a colorant.
, A toner container containing the toner, and the toner
For carrying and transporting toner contained in a toner container
Has a toner carrying member for, the toner is characterized and to pulp b Seth cartridge that is toner for electrostatic image development according to any one of claims 2 to 12.