JP4779980B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a recording apparatus that obtains a color image by an electrophotographic method, a basic three primary colors are developed according to each image information, and these toner images are sequentially superimposed to obtain a color image. As a specific apparatus configuration, a four-cycle machine for obtaining a color image by developing an electrostatic latent image formed on one photosensitive drum for each color and transferring them to a transfer member, or for each color. There are known tandem machines and the like that are provided with a photosensitive drum and a developing device and transfer a toner image sequentially from the photosensitive drum by moving a transfer member to obtain a color image.

  These are at least common by having a plurality of developing devices for each color. For this reason, in normal color image formation, four developing devices in which black is added to the three primary colors are required. Further, the tandem machine requires four photosensitive drums according to each of the four developing devices, and also requires a means for matching the synchronization between the four developing devices and the photosensitive drums. Increases in cost and cost are inevitable.

  On the other hand, methods for obtaining a color image with a single developing device have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

According to these, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum by irradiation of the exposure device, this electrostatic latent image is developed with a special toner, and color development information by light is given to this toner image. A color image is formed on the photosensitive drum.
JP-A 63-131364 JP 2003-330228 A

  However, when the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum has a multi-layer structure (a laminated state in which the toner is superimposed on the toner), the surface toner layer is not formed even if the color development information is applied by light. There has been a problem that insufficient color development information is not given to the toner layer that absorbs light and becomes the lower layer (second layer, third layer,.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent poor color development of toner in consideration of the above facts.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a photosensitive member; an exposure device that forms a latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member; and a developer that includes toner controlled to maintain a colored or non-colored state. A developing device that uses the latent image as a toner image by an agent, a coloring information imparting device that imparts coloring information to the toner image by light, a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a recording medium, and a toner that has been transferred to the previous recording medium An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing color developing device that fixes an image on a recording medium by heating and developing a color ; and is arranged opposite to the photoconductor with a predetermined gap on the downstream side of the photoconductor rotation direction of the developing device. In addition, a toner layer control member is provided in which a toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor by the developing device is made into a single layer structure .

  According to the above configuration, the exposure device exposes the surface of the photoreceptor to form a latent image, and the developing device develops the latent image into a toner image with the developer. In addition, the coloring information applying device applies light coloring information to the toner image, and the transfer device transfers the toner image to the recording medium. Further, the fixing color developing device heats and fixes the toner image to develop a color corresponding to the color information.

Here, since the toner layer control member has a single-layer structure of the toner image, the coloring information applying device can apply the coloring information with a sufficient amount of light to the entire toner layer. For this reason, poor color development of the toner can be prevented.

Specifically, a toner layer control member arranged to face the photoconductor with a certain gap scrapes off the toner image passing through the certain gap to form a single layer structure. As described above, the toner image can be formed into a single layer structure by arranging the toner layer control member.

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect , wherein the toner layer control member is a layer thickness regulating roll that is rotatably supported and applied with a voltage.

  According to the above configuration, the layer thickness regulating roll to which a voltage is applied electrostatically attracts the upper layer portion of the toner image on the photoconductor to make the toner image a single layer structure. In this way, the toner image can have a single layer structure by applying a voltage to the layer thickness regulating roll.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect , wherein the toner exists in a state of being isolated from each other, and the first component and the second component that are colored when reacting with each other; A photocurable composition comprising any one of the first component and the second component, and maintaining the cured or uncured state of the photocurable composition by applying color development information by light. The reaction for color development is controlled.

  According to the above configuration, as the toner in the present invention, as described above, for example, when color development information by light called a color development portion is given in a binder resin, it is possible to develop a specific color (or non-color development). If one that has one or more continuous regions (which can maintain the state) is used, the color-developing part receives light, so the light-receiving efficiency of one toner particle can be increased, and compared with other toners As a result, the coloring efficiency can be increased.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent poor color development of toner.

  The image forming apparatus 26 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 26 is an image forming apparatus 26 that uses toner that is controlled to maintain a colored state or a non-colored state by applying coloring information by light. A photoreceptor roll 10 as an image carrier to be formed, a charging device 12 that charges the surface of the photoreceptor roll 10, an exposure device 14 that forms a latent image on the photoreceptor roll 10 whose surface is charged, and this latent image A developing device 16 for converting the image into a toner image by a developer containing toner, a color information providing device 28 for giving color information to the toner image, and a transfer for transferring the toner image to which the color information is given to the surface of the sheet material P An apparatus 18, a cleaner 20 that cleans the surface of the photoreceptor roll 10, a fixing device 22 that fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet material P by thermocompression bonding, and a color developing device; A light irradiation apparatus 24 for irradiation to the sheet material P to fix the color toner image is, is provided.

  Further, the toner held in the developing device 16 has a function of developing or not developing a color corresponding to the wavelength when each toner particle is exposed to light of a different wavelength. In other words, the toner contains a chromogenic substance (and a coloring portion including the coloring material) that can be colored by applying coloring information by light, and the toner is colored or colored by giving coloring information by light. The state of not (non-colored) is maintained.

  Here, “applying color development information by light” refers to a desired region of the toner image in order to control the color development or non-color development state or the color tone of the individual toner particles constituting the toner image. Means that one or more types of light having a specific wavelength are applied. Such a toner is not particularly limited as long as it can exert its function, and examples thereof include toners described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, toners preferably used in the present invention described later, and the like.

  In this image forming apparatus 26, such toner is mounted on one developing device, and the logical sum of image forming information of four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor roll 10, and the developing device 16 develops the electrostatic latent image with the toner described above. Thereafter, the toner image is exposed with light of a wavelength corresponding to the color information to give color development information to the toner image.

  Further, the toner image to which the coloring information is given is transferred to the sheet material P by the transfer device 18, and the toner image is heat-pressed by the fixing device 22 and fixed to the sheet material P. At this time, the color development reaction of the toner is performed by the heat of the fixing device 22 to obtain a color image.

  Accordingly, a full color image can be obtained with one photoconductor roll 10 and one developing device 16, so that the size of the image forming apparatus 26 body is as close as possible to that of a monochrome printer, and the apparatus is downsized. Is possible. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to layer toner for each color when forming a toner image, unevenness of the image surface is suppressed, the gloss of the image surface can be made uniform, and a colorant such as a pigment is used for the toner. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a silver salt-like image.

  The image forming process to which the present invention is applied is not particularly limited, such as a so-called electrophotographic process or a process (ionography) for forming an electrical latent image with ions or the like on a dielectric.

  Next, a procedure for forming a color image on the surface of the sheet material P with the above configuration will be described.

  Note that an image forming apparatus using ionography, etc., will be described as appropriate, since only the latent image forming process described later is different and the other processes are the same.

  First, a latent image forming process for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor roll 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the charging device 12 charges the upper surface of the photoreceptor roll 10 that rotates in the direction of the arrow. As this photoreceptor roll 10, any known one can be used. For example, an inorganic photosensitive layer such as Se or a-Si, or a single or multilayer organic photosensitive layer is formed on a conductive substrate. In the case of a belt-shaped photoreceptor, a transparent resin such as PET or PC can be used as the substrate, and the thickness is determined by design matters such as the diameter and tension of the roll on which the belt-shaped photoreceptor is stretched, and is approximately 10 to 500 μm. Range. Other layer configurations are the same as in the drum.

  In addition, in the step of giving color development information to a toner image, which will be described later, when exposure is performed from the back surface of the photoreceptor roll 10 (inside the photoreceptor roll 10), the base of the photoreceptor roll 10 is made of a transparent resin or the like. A transparent photoreceptor can be used. In the case of a transparent photoconductor, a material transparent to exposure light is used as the base of the photoconductor roll 10. For example, glass or plastic material is used as the base material and a conductive layer is formed on the outer surface for electrode formation. However, the base material itself may be subjected to a conductive treatment. In addition, when not using a transparent photoconductor, base materials, such as metal cylindrical bodies, such as aluminum normally used, and a nickel seamless belt other than the above-mentioned transparent base | substrate can also be used.

Further, since the exposure for providing color information, which will be described later, is performed with a considerably stronger intensity than the exposure for forming a normal latent image (the amount of light energy used for providing color information is used in a normal electrophotographic process) The exposure amount to the photoreceptor (about 1000 times the ² mJ / m ² ) is necessary, and there is a concern about damage to the photoreceptor roll 10. For example, the photosensitivity of the charge generation layer of the photoreceptor roll 10 is 1 / 1000 is not a problem because it is balanced.

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

  On the other hand, when a toner image is formed by ionography, a dielectric is used instead of the photoreceptor roll 10. This dielectric has a dielectric layer provided on a conductive substrate. Examples of the dielectric include PET, PC, Teflon (registered trademark) and other organic materials, and aluminum oxide that has been sealed. Inorganic materials can be used. For the same reason, it is preferable to use a transparent dielectric as the dielectric.

  As the transparent dielectric, a transparent dielectric layer, for example, a transparent plastic such as PET or PC can be used instead of the photosensitive layer in the transparent photoreceptor.

  Further, a known charging means can be used for charging the photoreceptor roll 10. In the case of the contact method, a roll, a brush, a magnetic brush, a blade, or the like can be used. In the case of non-contact, a corotron, a scorotron, or the like can be used. The charging means is not limited to these.

  Among these, a contact-type charger is preferably used because of its excellent charge compensation capability. In the contact charging method, the surface of the photosensitive member is charged by applying a voltage to a conductive member brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive member. The shape of the conductive member may be any of a brush shape, a blade shape, a pin electrode shape, a roll shape, and the like, but a roll-like member is particularly preferable. Usually, a roll-shaped member is comprised from the resistance layer, the elastic layer which supports them, and a core material from the outside. Furthermore, a protective layer can be provided outside the resistance layer as necessary.

  As a method of charging the photoreceptor roll 10 using these conductive members, a voltage is applied to the conductive member, and the applied voltage is preferably a DC voltage or a DC voltage superimposed with an AC voltage. As the voltage range, the DC voltage is preferably positive or negative 50 to 2000 V, more preferably 100 to 1500 V, and even more preferably 100 to 400 V, depending on the required photosensitive member charging potential. When the AC voltage is superimposed, the peak-to-peak voltage (Vpp) is 400 to 1800 V, preferably 800 to 1600 V, the frequency of the AC voltage is 50 to 20000 Hz, preferably 100 to 5000 Hz, and sine waves, square waves, and triangular waves are generated. Either can be used.

  Note that the charging potential is preferably set in the range of 100 to 1000 V in terms of the absolute value of the potential.

  A known exposure device 14 can be used for forming the electrostatic latent image. As the exposure device 14, for example, a laser scanning system, an LED image bar system, an analog exposure means, an ion flow control head, or the like can be used, and the surface of the photoreceptor roll 10 is exposed as indicated by an arrow A in FIG. Can be done. In addition to this, new exposure means developed in the future can be used as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved.

  The wavelength of the light source of the exposure device 14 is in the spectral sensitivity region of the photosensitive roll 10. Until now, the near-infrared having an oscillation wavelength near 780 nm as the wavelength of the semiconductor laser has been the mainstream, but an oscillation wavelength laser in the 600 nm range and a laser having an oscillation wavelength near 400 to 450 nm can be used as a blue laser. . A surface-emitting laser light source capable of multi-beam output is also effective for color image formation.

  The exposure to the photoreceptor roll 10 is performed at a position for developing toner, which will be described later in the case of reversal development, or at a position other than developing the toner in the case of regular development, at cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y ) And black (K) image forming information of four colors. The exposure spot diameter is preferably in the range of 40 to 80 μm so that the resolution is in the range of 600 to 1200 dpi. As the exposure amount, it is preferable that the post-exposure potential is in the range of about 5 to 30% of the charging potential. However, when changing the toner development amount according to the gradation of the image, the exposure position The exposure amount may be changed according to the development amount every time.

  On the other hand, in the case of ionography, a latent image is formed on an image carrier by an ion writing head. As an ion writing head, for example, an ion flow On / Off control using an image signal (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-122654), or an ion flow itself is controlled On / Off (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-99610). Publication) can be used.

  In this method, not only a dielectric but also a photosensitive member can be used as the image carrier.

  The details of the developing process for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor roll 10 into a toner image will be described later.

  Next, a color information providing step for giving color information by light to the toner image formed on the photoreceptor roll 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, color information by light as indicated by arrow B is given by the color information giving device 28.

  The coloring information providing device 28 may be anything as long as the toner particles to be colored at that time can emit light having a wavelength for developing a specific color with a predetermined resolution and intensity. For example, an LED image bar, a laser ROS, or the like can be used. The irradiation spot diameter of the light applied to the toner image is preferably adjusted so as to be in the range of 10 to 300 μm so that the resolution of the formed image is in the range of 100 to 2400 dpi. It is more preferable to set the range.

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

Further, when the secondary color is developed, it is a combination of light. When red (R color) is developed, λ _A light and λ _B light are produced. When green (G color) is produced, λ _A light and λ _{When the C} light is colored blue (B color), λ _B light and λ _C light are respectively irradiated to the desired positions for color development. Further, when the black color (K color), which is the tertiary color, is developed, the λ _A light, λ _B light, and λ _C light are applied to the desired positions for color development.

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

When the secondary color is developed, it is a combination of light. When the red (R color) is developed, λ _C light is emitted. When the green (G color) is developed, λ _B light is transformed into blue (B color). ), The λ _A light is irradiated to the desired positions for color development. Further, when black (K color) which is a tertiary color is developed, exposure is not performed at a desired position where the color is developed.

  For the light from the coloring information applying device 28, a known image modulation method such as pulse width modulation, intensity modulation, or a combination of the two described above can be used as necessary.

  Hereinafter, it will be briefly described at what timing and for what position control the exposure for giving the coloring information is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the printer controller 36 includes an OR circuit 40, an oscillation circuit 42, a magenta color control circuit 44M, a cyan color control circuit 44C, a yellow color control circuit 44Y, and a black color control circuit 44K. . On the other hand, the exposure unit 38 includes an optical writing head 32 provided in the exposure device 14 (see FIG. 6) and a color information providing exposure head 34 provided in the color information providing device 28 (see FIG. 6). Yes.

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

  That is, logical sum data including all CMYK pixel data is output to the optical writing head 32, and optical writing is performed on the photosensitive roll 10 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, an electrostatic latent image based on logical sum data including all CMYK pixel data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor roll 10.

  The CMYK pixel data is also supplied to the corresponding magenta color control circuit 44M to black color control circuit 44K, and the color information providing exposure head is synchronized with the oscillation signals fm, fc, fy, and fk output from the oscillation circuit 42. 34. That is, color data corresponding to each of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) is supplied to the color information-giving exposure head 34, and the toner image developed on the photoreceptor roll 10 is developed. Corresponding to the above, light of a specific wavelength for maintaining a colored or non-colored state is irradiated. Therefore, a photocuring reaction, which will be described later, occurs in the toner that has received the irradiated light, and color development information is given.

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

  In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the color information imparting exposure may be performed from the back surface of the photoreceptor roll 10. In this way, since the coloring information applying device 28 for providing coloring information can be installed inside the photoconductor roll, the entire device can be made more compact.

  As described above, the mechanism for forming a full color image has been described with respect to the color information providing step (means) in the present invention. However, the color information providing step in the present invention is a monochromatic color that produces one of yellow, magenta, and cyan. It may be a color information providing step for forming a color image. In this case, only the light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the desired color development among yellow, magenta, and cyan is emitted from the color development information imparting exposure head 34. Other preferable conditions and the like are the same as those at the time of full-color image formation.

  Next, a transfer process in which the toner image is transferred to the sheet material P by the transfer device 18 will be described.

  The toner given the color development information is then transferred to the sheet material P in a lump. A known transfer device 18 can be used for transfer. For example, rolls, brushes, blades, and the like can be used for the contact method, and corotron, scorotron, pin corotron, and the like can be used for the non-contact method. Also, transfer by pressure or pressure and heat is possible.

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

  Next, a fixing process in which the toner image transferred to the sheet material P is fixed by applying heat and pressure, and a coloring process in which the toner image to which coloring information is given by heating are developed will be described.

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

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

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

  However, these chemical reactions that cause color development generally have a slow reaction rate due to migration and diffusion, so it is necessary to give sufficient diffusion energy to any of the above methods. It can be said that the method of promoting the reaction is the best. For this reason, it is preferable to use a fixing device 22 that serves both as a coloring process and a fixing process.

  Next, processes not described above will be described.

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

  As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the light irradiation process by the light irradiation device 24 is provided after the fixing process, but a fixing method that does not heat and melt, for example, pressure fixing for fixing using pressure. In such a case, a fixing step can be performed after the light irradiation step.

  The light irradiation device 24 is not particularly limited as long as the color development of the toner can be prevented from proceeding further, and a known lamp such as a fluorescent lamp, LED, EL, or the like can be used. Further, the wavelength includes three wavelengths of light for coloring the toner, the illuminance is preferably in the range of 2000 to 200000 lux, and the exposure time is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 60 sec.

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

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

  Next, the toner to be used will be described.

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

  There are various types of toner having the above-described functions. For example, the toner disclosed in Patent Document 2 described above has a plurality of microcapsules having capsule walls whose substance permeability is changed by an external stimulus. Particles formed by dispersing and mixing capsules in a toner resin, and one of two kinds of reactive substances (each color dye precursor) that are mixed with each other and cause a color development reaction are contained in the microcapsules. The other (developer) is contained in the toner resin outside the microcapsules.

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

  Therefore, in such a toner, the transition to the color development state is a cis-trans transition, and it is necessary to irradiate the microcapsule itself with color development information imparting light. Is small. However, the low color recording sensitivity means that the microcapsules cannot receive light sufficiently, the color development efficiency is low, and a high-definition color image cannot be obtained.

  For this reason, in the present invention, a photocurable composition containing the first component and the second component that exist in a state of being isolated from each other and that develop color when they react with each other, and the first component and the second component, The photocurable composition is maintained in a cured or uncured state by the application of color development information by light, and the reaction for color development is controlled (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “F toner”). ) Is preferably used.

  In this case, in the F toner, since the reaction for shifting to the color developing state occurs in a portion other than the microcapsule wall, the color recording sensitivity is high, and the influence of light exposure in the present invention becomes great. The application of the present invention is suitable for use of the present invention.

  The color development mechanism and simple configuration of the toner will be described below.

  As will be described later, the F toner can be colored in one specific color (or can maintain a non-colored state) when color development information by light called a color development portion is given to the binder resin. It has one or more continuous areas.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of a color developing portion in the F toner, FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of one color developing portion, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the color developing portion. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (A), the color developing section 60 is composed of color-forming microcapsules 50 containing color formers of the respective colors and a composition 58 surrounding the color-forming microcapsules 50. As shown in FIG. The product 58 includes a developer monomer (second component) 54 and a photopolymerization initiator having a polymerizable functional group that develops color by approaching or contacting with the color former (first component) 52 contained in the microcapsule 50. 56.

  As the color former 52 encapsulated in the color developable microcapsules 50 in the color development portion 60 constituting the toner particles, a triaryl leuco compound having excellent color hue is suitable. As the developer monomer 54 for coloring the leuco compound (electron donating property), an electron accepting compound is preferable. In particular, phenolic compounds are common, and can be appropriately selected from color developers used for heat-sensitive and pressure-sensitive paper. The color former develops color by an acid-base reaction between the electron donating color former 52 and the electron acceptor developer monomer 54.

  As the photopolymerization initiator 56, a spectral sensitizing dye that generates a polymerizable radical that is exposed to visible light and serves as a trigger for polymerizing the developer monomer 54 is used. For example, a reaction accelerator of the photopolymerization initiator 56 is used so that the developer monomer 54 can cause a sufficient polymerization reaction to undergo the three primary color exposures such as R color, G color, and B color. For example, by using an ion complex composed of a spectral sensitizing dye (cation) that absorbs exposure light and a boron compound (anion), the spectral sensitizing dye is photoexcited by exposure and electron transfer to the boron compound causes a polymerizable radical to be generated. To initiate polymerization.

By combining these materials, a color recording sensitivity of about 0.1 to 0.2 mJ / cm ² can be obtained as the photosensitive color developing portion 60.

  Depending on the presence / absence of light irradiation for color forming information on the color forming part 60 having the above-described configuration, some of the color forming part 60 has a polymer developer compound that has been polymerized and a developer monomer 54 that has not been polymerized. . In the color development unit 60 having the developer monomer 54 that has not been polymerized by a subsequent color development device such as heating, the color developer monomer 54 migrates due to heat or the like, and migrates through the pores of the partition walls of the color developable microcapsules 50. Passes through and diffuses into the chromogenic microcapsules. The developer monomer 54 and the color former 52 diffused in the microcapsule 50 are, as described above, the color former 52 is basic and the developer monomer 54 is acidic, so that the color developer 52 is acid-base. The reaction will cause color development.

  On the other hand, the developer compound that has undergone the polymerization reaction cannot pass through the pores of the partition walls of the microcapsule 50 due to the bulk due to the polymerization in the subsequent color development step by heating or the like, and the color former 52 in the color development microcapsule. Color cannot be developed because it cannot react. Therefore, the chromogenic microcapsule 50 remains colorless. In other words, the coloring portion 60 irradiated with the specific wavelength light exists without color development.

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

  In the F toner, the color developing portions 60 (for example, Y color, M color, and C color) that perform such different color development interfere with the color formers other than the intended color formers by the respective developer monomers 54. It can be configured and used as one microcapsule in a state where they are not in a state of being separated from each other. In this F toner, the space other than the microcapsules containing the electron-donating color former is filled with the electron-accepting developer and the photocurable composition, and the color-developing portion constituted thereby receives the light. The light receiving efficiency of the toner particles is overwhelmingly higher than that of the toner disclosed in Patent Document 2. Therefore, it is possible to obtain stable color development efficiency for exposure with a wide incident angle range as compared with other toners.

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

  The configuration of the F toner will be further described in detail.

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

  In order to facilitate color control, two types of reactive components that develop color when they react with each other are used as color-developing substances. However, these reactive components can be easily diffused even when no color-developing information is given by light. If they are present in the same matrix, spontaneous color development may progress during storage or production of the toner.

  For this reason, it is necessary for the reactive component to be contained in different matrices (separated from each other) that are difficult to diffuse into each other region unless coloring information is given. .

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

  In order to arrange two types of reactive components in the toner using such a partition wall, it is preferable to use microcapsules.

  In this case, the F toner preferably includes, for example, the first component of the two types of reactive components inside the microcapsule and the second component outside the microcapsule. In this case, the inside of the microcapsule corresponds to the first matrix and the outside of the microcapsule corresponds to the second matrix.

  This microcapsule has a core part and an outer shell that covers the core part, and inhibits diffusion of substances inside and outside the microcapsule and external stimulus applied unless external stimulus such as heat is applied. In this case, there is no particular limitation as long as it has a function that enables diffusion of substances inside and outside the microcapsule according to the type, intensity, and combination of the stimulus. The core part contains at least one of the reactive components.

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

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

  Next, a preferable configuration when the F toner includes microcapsules will be described.

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

  That is, the F toner includes a first component and a second component that develop color when they react with each other, a photocurable composition, and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition, and the first component is a microcomponent. A mode (first mode) in which the second component is contained in the capsule and contained in the photocurable composition, a first component and a second component that develop color when they react with each other, and a micro that includes the photocurable composition An embodiment in which the first component is contained outside the microcapsule and the second component is contained in the photocurable composition (second embodiment), or the first component that develops color when reacted with each other, and It is one of the aspects (third aspect) including the second component, one microcapsule containing the first component, and another microcapsule containing the photocurable composition in which the second component is dispersed. Is preferred.

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

  In addition, it is particularly preferable that the F toner using a combination of the above-described thermoresponsive microcapsule and the photocurable composition is one of the following two types.

  (1) Even if the photocurable composition is heat-treated in an uncured state, the material diffusion of the second component contained in the uncured photocurable composition is suppressed, and light is emitted by irradiation with the color forming information providing light. When the heat treatment is performed after the curable composition is cured, a toner of a type that promotes material diffusion of the second component contained in the cured photocurable composition (hereinafter, referred to as “photochromic toner”). is there).

  (2) When the photocurable composition is heat-treated in an uncured state (a state where the second component is not polymerized), the material diffusion of the second component contained in the uncured photocurable composition is promoted. When the photocurable composition is cured by irradiation with the color forming information imparting light (after the second component is polymerized), the material diffusion of the second component contained in the cured photocurable composition is caused. The type of toner to be suppressed (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “light non-color developing toner”).

  The main difference between the photochromic toner and the non-photochromic toner is in the material constituting the photocurable composition. In the photochromic toner, the photocurable toner is not in the photocurable composition (has no photopolymerizability). Whereas the second component and the photopolymerizable compound are included at least, the non-photochromic toner includes at least the second component having a photopolymerizable group in the molecule in the photocurable composition.

  The photocurable composition used in the photochromic toner and the non-photochromic toner preferably contains a photopolymerization initiator, and various other materials are contained as necessary. May be.

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

  Therefore, in the photochromic toner, before the heat treatment (coloring step), the coloration information imparting light having a wavelength for curing the photocurable composition is irradiated in advance, so that the first color contained in the photocurable composition. The two-component material diffusion becomes easy. Therefore, when the heat treatment is performed, a reaction (coloring reaction) between the first component in the microcapsule and the second component in the photocurable composition occurs due to dissolution of the outer shell of the microcapsule or the like.

  On the contrary, the second component is trapped in the photopolymerizable compound even if it is heat-treated without irradiating the color-forming information imparting light having a wavelength for curing the photocurable composition, and comes into contact with the first component in the microcapsule. The reaction between the first component and the second component (coloring reaction) does not occur.

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

  Further, in the non-photochromic toner, since the second component itself has photopolymerization property, even when irradiated with the color forming information imparting light, the wavelength of this light is not the wavelength that cures the photocurable composition, Since the second component contained in the photocurable composition can be easily diffused, if the heat treatment is performed in this state, the first component in the microcapsule and the photocurable composition are dissolved by dissolution of the outer shell of the microcapsule. Reaction (coloring reaction) with the second component in the composition occurs.

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

  As described above, in the non-photochromic toner, the first component and the second component can be applied by combining the heat treatment with the presence / absence of irradiation with color forming information providing light having a wavelength for curing the photocurable composition. Since the reaction (coloring reaction) with the components can be controlled, the color development of the toner can be controlled.

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

  In this case, the toner may have only one color developing portion including a photocurable composition and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition, but preferably has two or more. Here, the “coloring part” means a continuous region that can develop a specific color when an external stimulus is applied as described above.

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

  For example, as two or more types of color developing portions capable of developing colors different from each other, a yellow coloring portion capable of developing yellow, a magenta coloring portion capable of developing magenta, and a cyan coloring portion capable of developing cyan Combinations including these are mentioned.

  In this case, for example, when only one type of coloring portion is colored by the application of an external stimulus, the toner can be colored in one of yellow, magenta, or cyan, and any two When various types of coloring portions develop color, the colors developed by these two types of coloring portions can be combined, and various colors can be expressed with a single toner particle.

  The control of the color to be developed when the toner includes two or more types of coloring portions that can develop colors different from each other depends on the types and combinations of the first component and the second component contained in each type of coloring portion. In addition to making the wavelength different, it can be realized by making the wavelength of light used for curing the photocurable composition contained in each type of color developing portion different.

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

  For example, when the toner contains three types of color-developing parts that can develop colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan, the photocurable composition contained in each type of color-developing part has a light wavelength of 405 nm, 532 nm, and If a material that cures in response to any of 657 nm is used, the toner can be colored to a desired color by properly using these three color-developing information-giving lights (lights having specific wavelengths).

  The wavelength of the coloring information imparting light can be selected from the visible wavelength, but may be selected from the ultraviolet wavelength.

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

  The photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule has a core containing microcapsules and a photocurable composition, and an outer shell covering the core, and this outer shell is used in the toner production process described later and during toner storage. In the above, there is no particular limitation as long as the microcapsules and the photocurable composition in the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule can be stably held so as not to leak out of the photosensitive / thermal capsule.

  However, in the present invention, in the toner production process described later, the second component passes through the outer shell and flows out to the matrix outside the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule, or in the photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule capable of developing other colors. In order to prevent the second component from flowing through the outer shell, it is preferable that the second component contains a water-insoluble material such as a binder resin made of a water-insoluble resin or a release material as a main component.

  Next, the toner constituent materials used for the F toner and the materials and methods used for adjusting the respective toner constituent materials will be described in more detail below.

  In this case, at least a first component, a second component, a microcapsule containing the first component, and a photocurable composition containing the second component are used for the toner, and a photopolymerization initiator is contained in the photocurable composition. Is particularly preferable, and various auxiliary agents and the like may be included. Further, the first component may be present in a solid state in the microcapsule (core portion), but may be present together with a solvent.

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

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

Hereinafter, each material etc. are demonstrated in detail.
-1st component and 2nd component-
As the combination of the first component and the second component, the following combinations (a) to (tu) can be preferably mentioned (in the following examples, the former represents the first component and the latter represents the second component, respectively). .
(A) A combination of an electron-donating colorless dye and an electron-accepting compound.
(A) A combination of a diazonium salt compound and a coupling component (hereinafter appropriately referred to as “coupler compound”).
(C) A combination of an organic acid metal salt such as silver behenate or silver stearate and a reducing agent such as protocatechinic acid, spiroindane or hydroquinone.
(D) A combination of a long-chain fatty acid iron salt such as ferric stearate or ferric myristate and a phenol such as tannic acid, gallic acid or ammonium salicylate.
(E) Organic acid heavy metal salts such as nickel, cobalt, lead, copper, iron, mercury and silver salts such as acetic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid, and alkali metals or alkaline earth such as calcium sulfide, strontium sulfide and potassium sulfide A combination of a metal sulfide or a combination of an organic acid heavy metal salt and an organic chelating agent such as s-diphenylcarbazide or diphenylcarbazone.
(F) A combination of a heavy metal sulfate such as a sulfate such as silver, lead, mercury or sodium and a sulfur compound such as sodium tetrathionate, sodium thiosulfate or thiourea.
(G) A combination of an aliphatic ferric salt such as ferric stearate and an aromatic polyhydroxy compound such as 3,4-hydroxytetraphenylmethane.
(H) A combination of an organic acid metal salt such as silver oxalate or mercury oxalate and an organic polyhydroxy compound such as polyhydroxy alcohol, glycerin or glycol.
(G) A combination of a ferric salt of a fatty acid such as ferric pelargonate or ferric laurate and a thiocesylcarbamide or isothiocecilcarbamide derivative.
(Co) A combination of a lead salt of an organic acid such as lead caproate, lead pelargonate or lead behenate and a thiourea derivative such as ethylenethiourea or N-dodecylthiourea.
(Sa) A combination of a higher aliphatic heavy metal salt such as ferric stearate or copper stearate and zinc dialkyldithiocarbamate.
(B) Those that form an oxazine dye such as a combination of resorcin and a nitroso compound.
(Su) A combination of a formazan compound and a reducing agent and / or a metal salt.
(C) A combination of a protected dye (or leuco dye) precursor and a deprotecting agent.
(So) A combination of an oxidizing color former and an oxidizing agent.
(Ta) A combination of phthalonitriles and diiminoisoindolines. (A combination that produces phthalocyanine.)
(H) A combination of isocyanates and diiminoisoindolines (a combination that produces a colored pigment).
(Iv) A combination of a pigment precursor and an acid or a base (a combination formed by a pigment).

  The first component listed above is preferably a substantially colorless electron-donating colorless dye or a diazonium salt compound.

  As the electron-donating colorless dye, conventionally known dyes can be used, and any dye that reacts with the second component and develops color can be used.

  Specifically, phthalide compounds, fluoran compounds, phenothiazine compounds, indolylphthalide compounds, leucooramine compounds, rhodamine lactam compounds, triphenylmethane compounds, triazene compounds, spiropyran compounds, pyridine Examples thereof include various compounds such as phosphines, pyrazine compounds, and fluorene compounds.

  The second component is a substantially colorless compound having a photopolymerizable group and a site that reacts with the first component in the same molecule in the case of a non-photochromic toner, and has a photopolymerizable group. Any one that has both functions of reacting with the first component such as an electron-accepting compound or a coupler compound having a photopolymerizable group to develop color and reacting with light to be polymerized and cured can be used. it can.

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

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

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

  Next, the photopolymerization initiator will be described.

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

  The photopolymerization initiator can be appropriately selected from known ones, and among them, contains a spectral sensitizing compound having a maximum absorption wavelength at 300 to 1000 nm and a compound that interacts with the spectral sensitizing compound. It is preferable that

  However, if the compound interacting with the spectral sensitizing compound is a compound having both the structure of the dye part and the borate part having the maximum absorption wavelength at 300 to 1000 nm in the structure, the spectral sensitizing dye must be used. Also good.

  As the compound that interacts with the spectral sensitizing compound, one or more compounds are appropriately selected from the known compounds that can initiate a photopolymerization reaction with the photopolymerizable group in the second component. can do.

  By making this compound coexist with a spectral sensitizing compound, it is sensitive to the irradiation light in the spectral absorption wavelength region, and can generate radicals with high efficiency. The generation of radicals can be controlled using an arbitrary light source.

  The “compound that interacts with the spectral sensitizing compound” is preferably an organic borate salt compound, a benzoin ether, an S-triazine derivative having a trihalogen-substituted methyl group, an organic peroxide, or an azinium salt compound. A salt compound is more preferable. By using this “compound that interacts with the spectral sensitizing compound” in combination with the spectral sensitizing compound, it is possible to generate radicals locally and effectively in the exposed exposed portion, thereby increasing the sensitivity. Can be achieved.

  In addition, the photo-curable composition has a reducing agent such as an oxygen scavenger or an active hydrogen donor chain transfer agent for the purpose of accelerating the polymerization reaction, and other agents that promote polymerization by chain transfer. These compounds can also be added.

  Oxygen scavengers include phosphines, phosphonates, phosphites, primary silver salts or other compounds that are easily oxidized by oxygen. Specific examples include N-phenylglycine, trimethyl parbituric acid, N, N-dimethyl-2,6-diisopropylaniline, and N, N, N-2,4,6-pentamethylanilic acid. Furthermore, thiols, thioketones, trihalomethyl compounds, lophine dimer compounds, iodonium salts, sulfonium salts, azinium salts, organic peroxides, azides and the like are also useful as polymerization accelerators.

  In the F toner, a first component such as an electron-donating colorless dye or a diazonium salt compound is encapsulated in a microcapsule.

  A conventionally known method can be used as a microencapsulation method. For example, a method using coacervation of hydrophilic wall forming materials described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,800,547 and 2,800,458, U.S. Pat. No. -446, No. 42-771, etc., an interfacial polymerization method described in US Pat. Nos. 3,418,250 and 3,660,304, and an isocyanate polyol wall material described in US Pat. No. 3,796,669 are used. A method using an isocyanate wall material described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,511, a method using a urea-formaldehyde system, a urea formaldehyde-resorcinol wall forming material described in U.S. Pat. US 402 No. 455, a method using a wall-forming material such as melamine-formaldehyde resin, hydroxybrovir cellulose, etc., Japanese Patent Publication No. 36-9168, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 51-9079, in situ method by polymerization of monomers, British Patent No. No. 952807, No. 965074, electrolytic dispersion cooling method, U.S. Pat. No. 3,111,407, British Patent No. The method of 9-263057 gazette etc. are mentioned.

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

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

  The photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule may contain a binder, and this is the same for a toner having one color developing portion.

  Examples of the binder include the same binders used for emulsifying and dispersing the photocurable composition, water-soluble polymers used for encapsulating the first reactive substance, polystyrene, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl butyral, and polymethyl. Acrylic resins such as acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate and copolymers thereof, solvent-soluble polymers such as phenol resin, styrene-butadiene resin, ethyl cellulose, epoxy resin, urethane resin, or these Polymer latex can also be used. Of these, gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol are preferred. Moreover, you may use the binder resin mentioned later as a binder.

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

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

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

  Next, a method for manufacturing F toner will be briefly described.

  The F toner is preferably prepared using a known wet manufacturing method such as an aggregation coalescence method. In particular, the first component and the second component that develop color when reacted with each other, the photocurable composition, and the microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition, the first component is included in the microcapsule, The wet manufacturing method is suitable for producing a toner having a structure in which the second component is contained in the photocurable composition.

  The microcapsule used for the toner having the above structure is particularly preferably a thermoresponsive microcapsule, but may be a microcapsule that responds to other stimuli such as light.

  For the production of toner, a known wet manufacturing method can be used. Among the wet manufacturing methods, the maximum process temperature can be kept low, and the toner having various structures can be easily produced. It is particularly preferable to do this.

  Compared to conventional toners mainly composed of pigments and binder resins, toners having the above structure contain more photocurable compositions containing low-molecular components as the main component. Although the strength of the particles obtained by the above method tends to be insufficient, the aggregation and coalescence method does not require a high shearing force, and it is preferable to use the aggregation and coalescence method in this respect as well.

  In general, the aggregation and coalescence method includes an aggregation step in which a dispersion of various materials constituting a toner is prepared, and then aggregated particles are formed in a raw material dispersion obtained by mixing two or more types of dispersions. And a coalescing step for fusing the agglomerated particles formed on the surface of the agglomerated particles to form a coating layer between the agglomeration step and the fusing step. The adhesion process (coating layer formation process) to form is implemented.

  Also in the production of the F toner, although the types and combinations of the various dispersions used as raw materials are different, the toner can be prepared by appropriately combining the adhering step in addition to the aggregation step and the fusion step.

  For example, in the case of a toner having a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion structure in a resin, first, (a1) a microcapsule dispersion in which microcapsules containing a first component are dispersed and a photocurable composition containing a second component A first aggregating step for forming first agglomerated particles in a raw material dispersion containing a photocurable composition dispersion in which a product is dispersed; and (b1) a raw material dispersion in which the first agglomerated particles are formed. Adding a first resin particle dispersion in which resin particles are dispersed in the liquid to attach the resin particles to the surface of the aggregated particles; and (c1) an aggregated particle having the resin particles attached to the surface One or more types of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersions capable of developing colors different from each other through a first fusion step in which the raw material dispersion is heated and fused to obtain first fused particles (photosensitive / thermal capsules). To prepare.

  Subsequently, (d1) a second aggregated particle is formed in a mixed solution obtained by mixing one or more types of photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion and a second resin particle dispersion in which resin particles are dispersed. And (e1) a toner having a photosensitive / thermosensitive capsule dispersion structure by passing through a second fusing step of heating a mixed solution containing second agglomerated particles to obtain second fused particles. Can be obtained.

  In addition, the kind of photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsule dispersion used in the second aggregation step is preferably two or more. Alternatively, the photosensitive / heat-sensitive capsules obtained through the steps (a1) to (c1) may be used as they are as toner (that is, toner including only one color developing portion).

  In the case of producing a toner including only one color developing portion, a release agent dispersion in which a release agent is dispersed in a raw material dispersion in which the first aggregated particles are formed, instead of the above-described adhesion step. And adding a first resin particle dispersion in which resin particles are dispersed in the first adhesion step of attaching the release agent to the surface of the aggregated particles and the raw material dispersion after the first adhesion step. And you may implement the 2nd adhesion process of making resin particles adhere to the surface of the aggregation particle which made this mold release agent adhere to the surface.

  The volume average particle size of the F toner that can be used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately adjusted according to the structure of the toner and the type and number of color developing portions contained in the toner.

  However, there are about 2 to 4 types of coloring portions that can be developed in different colors contained in the toner (for example, when the toner includes three types of coloring portions that can develop colors of yellow, cyan, and magenta) ), The volume average particle diameter corresponding to each toner structure is preferably within the following range.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  More preferably, the volume average particle size distribution index GSDv is 1.25 or less, and the ratio (GSDv / GSDp) of the volume average particle size distribution index GSDv and the number average particle size distribution index GSDp is 0.97 or more. Is more preferable.

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

  In the present invention, the volume average particle diameter of the toner and the values of the volume average particle size distribution index GSDv and the number average particle size distribution index GSDp are measured and calculated as follows.

First, individual particle size distributions (channels) of the toner particle size distribution measured using a measuring instrument such as Coulter Counter TAII (manufactured by Nikka Machine Co., Ltd.), Multisizer II (manufactured by Nikka Kisha Co., Ltd.) A cumulative distribution is drawn from the small diameter side with respect to the volume and number of the toner particles, and the particle diameter at which accumulation is 16% is defined as volume average particle diameter D16v and number average particle diameter D16p, and the particle diameter at which accumulation is 50%. , Volume average particle diameter D50v and number average particle diameter D50p. Similarly, particle diameters that are 84% cumulative are defined as volume average particle diameter D84v and number average particle diameter D84p. In this case, the volume average particle size distribution index (GSDv) is defined as (D84v / D16v) ^1/2 and the number average particle size index (GSDp) is defined as (D84p / D16p) ^1/2. Can be used to calculate the volume average particle size distribution index (GSDv) and the number average particle size index (GSDp).

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

  The toner of the present invention preferably has a shape factor SF1 represented by the following formula (1) in the range of 110 to 130.

SF1 = (ML ² / A) × (π / 4) × 100 (1)
[In the above formula (1), ML represents the maximum length (μm) of toner, and A represents the projected area (μm ² ) of toner. ]
When the shape factor SF1 is less than 110, the toner tends to remain on the surface of the image carrier in the transfer process during image formation. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the residual toner. The cleaning performance at the time of cleaning tends to be impaired, and as a result, image defects may occur.

  On the other hand, when the shape factor SF1 exceeds 130, when the toner is used as a developer, the toner may be destroyed due to collision with a carrier in the developing device. At this time, as a result, the fine powder increases or the release agent component exposed on the toner surface may contaminate the surface of the image bearing member and the like to impair the charging characteristics, and the occurrence of fog caused by the fine powder. May cause problems.

The shape factor SF1 was measured as follows using a Luzex image analyzer (manufactured by Nireco Corporation, FT). First, an optical microscope image of the toner dispersed on the slide glass is taken into a Luzex image analyzer through a video camera, and the maximum length (ML) and projected area (A) of 50 or more toners are measured. (ML ² / A) × (π / 4) × 100 was calculated, and a value obtained by averaging the values was determined as the shape factor SF1.
<Developer>
From the viewpoint that a color image can be formed with one type of developer, the developer has (1) two types of color developing portions including a photocurable composition and microcapsules dispersed in the photocurable composition. A developer of the type having one kind of toner as described above and capable of developing two or more kinds of coloring portions contained in the toner into different colors, or (2) a photocurable composition and the light Two or more types of toner having one color developing portion including microcapsules dispersed in the curable composition are mixed, and the color developing portions of the two or more types of toner can develop colors different from each other. A type of developer is preferred.

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

  Next, the developing process and developer for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor roll 10 into a toner image will be described in detail.

  In the first embodiment, as the developer, a nonmagnetic one-component developer made of only nonmagnetic toner is used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the nonmagnetic toner T stored in a predetermined amount in the developing device 16 is stirred by the paddle 84 and further conveyed toward the developing roll 16 </ b> A by the supply roller 82.

  The toner T supplied onto the developing roll 16A rotates together with the developing roll 16A, is regulated by the charging blade 86 so that the amount of toner is in a single layer state, and is given a negative polarity. The negatively charged toner T is conveyed to the surface of the photoreceptor roll 10 by the developing roll 16A, and the toner T is supplied to the surface of the photoreceptor roll 10 to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor roll 10 into toner development.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 26 is provided with a peripheral speed control unit 88 as toner layer control means for controlling the peripheral speeds of the photosensitive roll 10 and the developing roll 16A. The peripheral speed V1 of 16A and the peripheral speed V2 of the photoreceptor roll 10 are rotated at the same peripheral speed.

  For this reason, the toner T having a single layer structure formed on the developing roll 16A develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor roll 10 while maintaining the single layer structure.

  As described above, the non-magnetic one-component developer is employed, and the peripheral speed control unit 88 easily rotates the peripheral speed V1 of the developing roll 16A and the peripheral speed V2 of the photoconductor roll 10 at the same peripheral speed, so that the photosensitive member can be easily obtained. The toner image on the roll 10 can have a single layer structure. For this reason, the coloring information providing device 28 can expose the entire toner layer with a sufficient amount of light, and can prevent toner coloring failure. A case where 90% or more of the toner image in the entire toner image is in a single layer state is referred to as a single layer structure.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the exposure amount received by the toner corresponding to the second layer is about 20% of the exposure amount received by the toner corresponding to the first layer. Therefore, it is preferable that the exposure amount of light from the color information providing device 28 is set so that the light received by the toner at the position corresponding to the second layer is equal to or greater than the color saturation light amount.

  Next, a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus 26 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In addition, about the same member as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, a non-magnetic one-component developer is not used, and a two-component developer containing a conductive carrier and toner T is used instead.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the developing roll 16 </ b> A includes a thin-walled cylindrical nonmagnetic sleeve 90 having conductivity that is rotatable, and a fixed columnar magnet roll 92.

  As a result, the developing roller 16 </ b> A attracts the conductive carrier to which the toner T contained in the developer G adheres to the periphery by a magnetic force, and forms a magnetic brush of the developer G on the surface of the sleeve 90. Further, the sleeve 90 rotates to convey the developer G to a position facing the photoreceptor roll 10. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor roll 10 is visualized as a toner image by the developer G on the sleeve 90.

  Furthermore, by applying a voltage of −600 V to the developing roll 16A and −200V to the photoreceptor roll 10 and using a two-component developer containing a conductive carrier, charges are injected from the developing roll 16A into the conductive carrier. Therefore, the electric field inside the two-component developer layer between the developing roll 16 and the photoreceptor roll 10 becomes low. As a result, only the toner T adhering to the conductive carrier approaching the photoconductor roll 10 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor roll 10.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 26 is provided with a peripheral speed control unit 94 as toner layer control means for controlling the peripheral speeds of the photosensitive roll 10 and the developing roll 16A. The peripheral speed V1 is rotated at a peripheral speed 1.3 to 1.6 times the peripheral speed V2 of the photoreceptor roll 10. The developer magnetic brush is formed at an interval on the developing roll 16A, but the peripheral speed control unit 94 increases the peripheral speed V1 of the developing roll 16A from the peripheral speed V2 of the photosensitive roll 10, whereby the photosensitive roll. The toner T supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the toner 10 can be made non-uniform, and the toner image can have a single layer structure.

  As described above, by reducing the internal electric field, only the toner T adhering to the conductive carrier close to the photoreceptor roll 10 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor roll 10, and the peripheral speed of the developing roll 16A is further increased. By making V1 faster than the peripheral speed V2 of the photoreceptor roll 10, the toner image on the photoreceptor roll can be made into a single layer structure.

  For this reason, the coloring information providing device 28 can expose the entire toner layer with a sufficient amount of light, and can prevent the coloring failure of the toner.

  The carrier is preferably formed by coating the surface of the core material with a resin. The core material of the carrier is not particularly defined as long as the above conditions are satisfied, for example, magnetic metals such as iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, alloys of these with manganese, chromium, rare earth, ferrite, magnetite, etc. From the viewpoint of the surface property of the core material and the resistance of the core material, ferrite, particularly an alloy with manganese, lithium, strontium, magnesium or the like is preferable.

  Further, the resin for covering the surface of the core material is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a matrix resin, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

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

  Next, a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus 26 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In addition, about the same member as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the toner supplied from the developing roll 16 </ b> A to the photosensitive roll 10 has a peripheral speed V <b> 1 of the developing roll 16 </ b> A of the photosensitive roll 10. Since it is faster than the peripheral speed V2, it has a multilayer structure. However, a layer thickness regulating roll 96 that makes the toner image on the photoreceptor roll 10 having this multilayer structure a single layer is provided downstream of the facing portion between the photoreceptor roll 10 and the developing roll 16A.

  Specifically, a voltage of −200 V is applied to the photoreceptor roll 10 and a voltage of 1000 V is applied to the layer thickness regulating roll 96, and a constant gap of 0.4 mm is set between the photoreceptor roll 10 and the layer thickness regulating roll 96. Further, the layer thickness regulating roll 96 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow D, and the toner of the second and third layers of the multi-layered toner image is electrostatically adsorbed on the surface of the layer thickness regulating roll 96, and the photoreceptor roll 10 The upper toner image is made into a single layer structure. The toner attached to the layer thickness regulating roll 96 is scraped off by the blade 98.

  In this way, the toner image on the photoreceptor roll 10 can have a single layer structure. For this reason, the coloring information providing device 28 can expose the entire toner layer with a sufficient amount of light, and can prevent the coloring failure of the toner.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a developing roll, a photoreceptor roll, and the like of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a toner layer thickness of a toner used in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a relative exposure amount. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams for explaining a toner color development mechanism according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a color information providing device of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a developing roll, a photoreceptor roll, and the like of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a developing roll, a photoreceptor roll, and the like of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Photosensitive roll 12 Charging apparatus 14 Exposure apparatus 16A Developing roll 16 Developing apparatus 18 Transfer apparatus 22 Fixing apparatus (fixing color developing apparatus)
26 Image Forming Device 28 Coloring Information Giving Device 88 Peripheral Speed Control Unit (Toner Layer Thickness Control Unit)
94 Peripheral speed controller (toner layer thickness regulating means)
96 layer thickness control roll

Claims (3)

A photoconductor, an exposure device that forms a latent image on the surface of the photoconductor, and a developing device that uses the latent image as a toner image by a developer containing toner that is controlled to maintain a colored or non-colored state. A color development information imparting device for imparting color development information by light to the toner image, a transfer device for transferring the toner image to the recording medium, and fixing the toner image transferred to the previous recording medium to the recording medium by heating. In an image forming apparatus comprising a fixing color developing device for color development,
A toner layer which is disposed downstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photoconductor and is opposed to the photoconductor with a certain gap, and a toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor by the developing device has a single layer structure An image forming apparatus comprising a control member . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the toner layer control member is a layer thickness regulating roll that is rotatably supported and to which a voltage is applied. The toner is
A first component and a second component that exist in a state of being isolated from each other and that develop color when reacted with each other;
A photocurable composition containing any one of the first component and the second component,
3. The image according to claim 1 , wherein the reaction for color development is controlled by maintaining the cured or uncured state of the photocurable composition by providing color development information by light. Forming equipment.

Images