JP4792988B2 - Non-magnetic one-component developing roller manufacturing method, non-magnetic one-component developing roller manufactured thereby, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a roller, a developing roller manufactured thereby, and an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, a molding method or an extrusion molding method has been used as a method for forming an elastic layer of a developing roller for electrophotography (Patent Document 1).

  When the mold forming method is used, the surface shape of the mold is transferred to the roller surface as it is, so if the mold is deteriorated after being used many times, the shape of the roller surface also deteriorates. When the dimensions such as the outer diameter and length of the are changed, it is necessary to start a new mold, which is likely to reduce productivity and increase production costs. In addition, in the case of extrusion molding, a polishing process is required to smooth the roller surface, but rubber polishing is difficult to cut with high accuracy, so there is a large variation in accuracy and there is a problem in stable productivity. There is.

  However, if an elastic layer can be formed by coating, it may be possible to easily cope with changes in the outer shape and length of the roller shaft (core metal). Further, since a liquid composition is applied, it is possible to make a smooth elastic layer using the leveling action of the liquid (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3).

  However, since the liquid composition after coating is leveled while being cured, a liquid pool is generated at the end of the roller and the end tends to rise. As a result, when used as a developing roller, the gap (gap) between the developing roller and the photosensitive member is partially different, resulting in variations in image density or charge leakage. Also, the part that has become a liquid pool dries slowly during drying, and its physicochemical characteristics such as rubber hardness may be slightly different. Even if the film thickness is the same as other parts in post-processing such as cutting, There is a tendency for the development density in the density area to decrease slightly.

In particular, when used for non-contact development, the influence of the gap variation between the developing roller and the photosensitive member is added, which greatly affects the quality of the finished image.
JP 2001-356687 A JP-A-9-297482 JP 2002-213432 A

The object of the present invention is to use a roller manufacturing method in which a liquid composition is applied to a shaft body to form an elastic layer, while the elastic layer end film thickness is partially increased or the physicochemical properties are different. The present invention provides a non-magnetic one-component developing roller, a non-magnetic one-component developing roller manufacturing method, and an image forming apparatus that are free from variations in developing density, developability of intermediate density portions, and charge leakage.

  As a result of intensive studies, the inventors of the present invention have found that the object of the present invention can be achieved by adopting the following configuration.

1.
In a method of manufacturing a non-magnetic one-component developing roller in which an elastic layer is formed by applying a liquid composition to a shaft body by a nozzle method or a roll method while rotating the roller shaft body kept horizontal, the shaft body is effective. fit the following members to the end of the application area, the liquid composition is applied to the shaft, the manufacturing method of a non-magnetic one-component developing roller the liquid composition layer to thereby remove a member fitted after curing.
0.8 ≦ R / r ≦ 1.2
Where R: outer diameter of the roller shaft
r: outer diameter of the fitting member

2 .
When the thickness of the liquid composition layer, the manufacturing method of a non-magnetic one-component developing roller 1 Symbol mounting, characterized in that it is coated as is 10 to 1000 [mu] m.

3 .
3. The method for producing a non-magnetic one-component developing roller according to 1 or 2 , wherein the liquid composition has a viscosity of 1.0 to 50 Pa · S.

4 .
The method for producing a non-magnetic one-component developing roller according to any one of 1 to 3 , wherein a main component of the liquid composition is a reactive silicone rubber.

5 .
A non-magnetic one-component developing roller, characterized in that it is manufactured by the manufacturing method of a non-magnetic one-component developing roller according to any one of 1-4.

6 .
It is equipped with a current image device using a non-magnetic one-component developing roller according to fifth image forming apparatus according to claim.

  According to the present invention, while using a method for manufacturing a roller in which a liquid composition is applied to a shaft to form an elastic layer, the problem that the elastic layer end film thickness is partially increased or the physicochemical characteristics are different is eliminated. In addition, it is possible to provide a developing roller, a developing roller manufacturing method, and an image forming apparatus that are free from variations in developing density, lower developability of intermediate density portions, and charge leakage.

  Hereinafter, the method for producing the roller used in the present invention, the compound used, the developing method using the developing roller of the present invention, the image forming apparatus and the like will be further described.

[Configuration of roller]
The configuration of the roller of the present invention includes, for example, a shaft body (shaft center) 1 and an elastic layer (base rubber layer) formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 1 as shown in a schematic sectional view in FIG. 2, and an adhesive layer 3 and a surface layer 4 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 2. The outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 2 is usually subjected to an activation process such as a plasma discharge process in order to improve the adhesion with the adhesive layer 3 formed on the outer peripheral surface.

  The shaft body 1 is not particularly limited, and for example, a metal core bar having a diameter of about 5.0 to 30 mm, a metal rod-like body, or a hollow cylindrical body is used. Examples of the metal material include aluminum and stainless steel.

  The silicone rubber as the main component of the elastic layer 2 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 1 is not particularly limited, but dimethyl silicone is added to a dimethyl silicone polymer to which a vinyl group is added as a crosslinking site. It is preferable to use an oil added.

  In the present invention, the term “silicone rubber as a main component” means that the base rubber layer 2 includes only silicone rubber.

The base rubber layer 2 includes metal oxides such as carbon black (furnace black, acetylene black), TiO ₂ , ZnO, SnO ₂ , iron oxide, graphite, potassium titanate, quaternary in addition to the silicone rubber. It is also possible to mix a conductive agent such as ammonium, borate and lithium salt.

The material for forming the adhesive layer 3 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 2 is not particularly limited, and any conventionally known material may be used. For example, hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber (hydrogenated nitrile rubber: H-NBR), ethylene-propylene diene rubber (EPDM), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile rubber, polyurethane elastomer, polyester, N-methoxy Conductive properties such as methylated nylon, carbon black (furnace black, acetylene black), TiO ₂ , ZnO, SnO ₂ , metal oxides such as iron oxide, graphite, potassium titanate, quaternary ammonium, borate, lithium salt, etc. The thing which mixed the agent is mention | raise | lifted. Among these, it is preferable to use the above H-NBR from the viewpoint of good adhesion to the surface layer 4 forming material.

  Moreover, a vulcanization accelerator, sulfur, etc. can be suitably mix | blended with the said adhesive layer 3 formation material as needed other than the said material. Examples of the vulcanization accelerator include tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD), ortho-tolyl-biguanidine, and zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Moreover, sulfur etc. are mention | raise | lifted as said vulcanizing agent.

  The material for forming the surface layer 4 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the adhesive layer 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is generally used conventionally. For example, a mixture of urethane and acrylic urethane, an acrylic silicone copolymer, etc. Can be given. And when using the mixture of the said urethane and acrylic urethane, it is preferable to set the mixing ratio of both in the range of urethane / acryl urethane = 10 / 90-90 / 10 by mass ratio.

A conductive agent may be appropriately added to the surface layer 4 forming material. Examples of the conductive agent include carbon black (furnace black, acetylene black), TiO ₂ , ZnO, SnO ₂ , metal oxides such as iron oxide, graphite, potassium titanate, quaternary ammonium salt, borate, lithium salt, etc. Is given. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The surface layer 4 needs to be set to have a thickness of 25 μm or less, preferably 14 to 25 μm. That is, when the thickness of the surface layer 4 exceeds 25 μm, the toner releasability and wear resistance are improved, but the hardness of the surface layer is too high, and the contact portion with the layer forming blade is easily deformed, This is because the restoration of the deformed portion is delayed.

  The adhesive layer 3 and the surface layer forming material can be applied by various application methods such as a dipping method and a roller application method.

  In the application, the activation treatment can be performed by application of a siloxane compound, corona discharge treatment, or plasma discharge treatment.

  In the electrophotographic apparatus roller thus obtained, the thickness of the elastic layer 2 is preferably 10 to 1000 μm, more preferably 100 to 600 μm. The thickness of the adhesive layer 3 is preferably in the range of 1 to 100 μm, particularly preferably 3 to 30 μm.

  The roller for electrophotographic equipment of the present invention is not limited to the above three-layer structure, and for example, a plurality of layers may be formed as the surface layer.

(Method of detecting conductivity)
As a method for detecting conductivity, it is detected by measuring the resistivity of the developing roller. That is, when the resistivity of the developing roller is 10 ⁴ to 10 ¹⁰ Ωcm, preferably 10 ⁵ to 10 ⁸ Ωcm, it indicates that the developing roller has conductivity. It is presumed that when the resistivity of the developing roller falls within the above range, generation of a leakage current from the surface of the developing roller is suppressed, and the problem of the present invention can be easily solved.

  In this resistivity measurement method, a developing roller is placed horizontally on a metal plate, a load of 500 g is applied to each end of the shaft of the developing roller in the direction of the metal plate, and a DC voltage is applied between the shaft and the metal plate. It is a value measured by applying 100 volts.

  Further, the conductivity of the developing roller can be evaluated by surface resistivity or volume resistivity measured by the following method.

For example, when the surface resistivity is evaluated, it is determined that conductivity is exhibited when the surface resistivity of the developing roller surface is 1 × 10 ¹¹ to 1 × 10 ¹³ Ω / □. The surface resistivity of the developing roller can be measured based on JIS K6991 using a circular electrode (for example, “HR Probe” manufactured by Mitsubishi Yuka Co., Ltd., Hiresta IP). For the method of measuring the surface resistivity of the intermediate transfer belt according to the present invention, reference can be made to, for example, the description in paragraph 0047 of FIG.

Moreover, when evaluating by volume resistivity, when the volume resistivity on the surface of the developing roller is 1 × 10 ⁵ to 1 × 10 ⁹ Ω · cm, it is determined that the conductivity is exhibited. The volume resistivity of the developing roller can be measured based on JIS K6991 using a circular electrode (for example, HR probe of High Lester IP manufactured by Mitsubishi Yuka Co., Ltd.) similarly to the surface resistivity described above. . For example, reference can be made to paragraph 0048 of JP-A No. 2001-242725 and the description of FIG.

[Development Roller Manufacturing Method]
As a method for manufacturing a roller in which an elastic layer is formed by coating a liquid composition on a shaft (shaft center), there are a method of coating with a nozzle and a method of coating with a roller. The present invention is effective for both.

(Coating method of elastic layer)
For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the method of supplying the coating liquid using a roller is performed by bringing the shaft 1 of the developing roller close to the applicator roller 18 that plays a role of transferring the coating liquid. Transfer (application) to the shaft. Normally, the shaft body 1 and the applicator roller 18 rotate in the direction of rotation to carry the coating liquid 14 on the shaft body to form the coating film 13.

  However, there are various types of roller coating methods depending on the surrounding configuration and mechanism. Among them, a representative one is shown in FIG. 2 (A), and further, one having a metering roller is also used for coating a high-viscosity coating liquid.

  Further, the method of supplying the coating liquid using the nozzle is as shown in FIG.

  In forming the coating film (elastic layer in the present invention) 13, the nozzle 12 for causing the coating liquid to flow out is brought close to the surface of the shaft body while rotating the shaft body, and a liquid coating liquid is supplied. The tip of the nozzle may be in contact with the shaft surface.

  In this method, the moving speed of the dispenser 16 and the rotational speed of the shaft body 1 are adjusted so that the coating liquids spirally wound and in contact with each other form a uniform coating layer, Apply liquid rubber to the surface of the shaft without gaps. According to this method, even when the rubber layer is thin, a rubber layer having a uniform thickness can be formed on the surface of the shaft body 1.

  As the liquid rubber, those that can be applied by a nozzle of a dispenser are used, and those having a viscosity at 25 ° C. of 1.0 to 50 Pa · s are preferable. If the viscosity of the liquid rubber is too low, dripping tends to occur during drying. If the viscosity of the liquid rubber is too high, the part where the liquid rubbers wound and coated in contact with each other come into contact with each other becomes thinner than the other parts, and a coating layer having a uniform thickness can be formed. It becomes difficult.

  For the viscosity measurement, for example, with a digital rotary viscometer Viscostar Plus (manufactured by Viscotech), the standard spindle R6 is used and the spindle rotation speed is measured at 12 rpm (25 ° C.).

  The rubber hardness after curing is preferably 5 to 70 degrees, more preferably 10 to 60 degrees in terms of JIS-A hardness.

  If desired, the liquid rubber can be blended with inorganic fillers such as carbon black and titanium oxide and organic fillers such as natural resins. The blending ratio of the filler is usually 100 parts or less, preferably 80 parts or less, more preferably 50 parts or less with respect to 100 parts of the liquid rubber.

(End fitting member)
In the present invention, end fitting members are used at both ends of the portion where the elastic layer of the axial center is applied. The situation is explained by a perspective view (A) and a sectional view (B) in FIG.

  The elastic layer 2 is coated on the surface of the shaft body 1. Before the coating, the elastic member 2 is coated after the fitting members 8 are fitted in both ends of the shaft body in advance. The shape of the fitting member 8 is a cylindrical shape having the same outer diameter as the shaft body, and is attached to both ends of the shaft body as shown in FIG. 5A when the elastic layer is applied. In actuality, it is necessary to fix the shaft body at both ends, and in order to rotate together with the substrate when the elastic layer is applied, a rotating shaft 0 penetrating both of them is often required.

  The fitting member can be removed from the shaft body and reused after the coating and drying are completed. In order to remove, for example, a method may be used in which an elastic layer coated on the boundary with the shaft body is cut with a sharp blade and separated from each other.

  The fitting member only needs to be able to remove the raised portion of the elastic layer at the end, and the length of about 20 mm in the axial direction is sufficient. Further, the outer diameter is preferably equal to the shaft 1 of the developing roller, but even if there is a slight difference, there may be no problem. The standard is a range of 0.8 ≦ R / r ≦ 1.2 when the outer diameter R of the shaft body and the outer diameter r of the fitting member are set.

  FIG. 5B schematically shows a situation where the coating of the elastic layer 2 is finished and the raised portions of the end portions of the elastic layer are formed at both ends thereof.

  The material used for producing the end fitting member may be any material as long as it has processability, a certain degree of strength, and heat durability that can withstand the heating after the elastic layer is applied. For example, metals such as aluminum and stainless steel, metal alloys, or heat resistant resins can be used. Examples of the heat resistant resin include polyamide, polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polysulfone, polyether ether ketone, and polyimide.

(Process after applying elastic layer)
In the process of the present invention, after forming an elastic layer of liquid rubber, the liquid rubber is cured by heating treatment. Curing conditions such as heating temperature and warming time vary depending on the type of liquid rubber, and normal curing conditions used in each liquid rubber can be employed.

[Developer, image forming method and image forming apparatus]
(Developer)
An example of a non-magnetic one-component developing method using the toner of the present invention will be described, but it is not necessarily limited thereto.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a developing device for developing non-magnetic one-component toner.

  A latent image holding member (photosensitive drum) 10 is formed by an electrophotographic process means or an electrostatic recording means (not shown). Reference numeral 32 denotes a developing roller, and an elastic layer such as silicone rubber is coated on a shaft body made of aluminum or stainless steel.

  The toner T is stored in the hopper 6 and is supplied onto the developing roller by the supply roll 4. The supply roll is made of a foam material such as polyurethane foam, and rotates with a relative speed in the forward or reverse direction with respect to the developing roller 32. Together with the toner supply, the developed toner on the developing roller (undeveloped toner) We are also stripping off. The toner supplied onto the developing roller 32 is uniformly and thinly coated by a toner regulating blade 5 which is a kind of a member that performs toner thinning and charging.

  The contact pressure between the toner regulating blade and the developing roller is 3 to 250 N / m, preferably 10 to 30 N / m, as the linear pressure in the developing roller bus direction. When the contact pressure is less than 3 N / m, it is difficult to uniformly apply toner, and the toner charge amount distribution becomes broad, which may cause fogging and scattering. On the other hand, if the contact pressure exceeds 250 N / m, a large pressure is applied to the toner and the toner deteriorates, which is not preferable because toner aggregation occurs. Further, it is not preferable because a large torque is required to drive the developing roller. That is, by adjusting the contact pressure to 3 to 250 N / m, it is possible to effectively loosen the aggregation of the toner of the present invention, and it is possible to instantaneously raise the charge amount of the toner.

  Examples of the member for thinning and charging the toner include an elastic blade and an elastic roller, which are formed of a material capable of charging the toner to a desired polarity by frictional charging.

  Specific examples include metal elastic materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and phosphor bronze, and rubber elastic materials such as silicone rubber, urethane rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. Alternatively, a composite layer in which a polyamide resin, a polyimide resin, a melamine resin, a phenol resin, a fluorine resin, a silicone resin, a polyester resin, a urethane resin, a styrene resin, or the like is laminated on the above-described material layer may be formed. Furthermore, it is also possible to improve the charge imparting property by adding a conductive rubber or conductive resin, or a filler such as metal oxide, carbon black, inorganic whisker, or inorganic fiber, or a charge control agent to the elastic material described above. It is.

  In the present invention, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber and the like are suitable. Furthermore, an organic resin layer such as polyamide, polyimide, nylon, melamine, melamine cross-linked nylon, phenol resin, fluorine resin, silicone resin, polyester resin, urethane resin, styrene resin may be provided. In addition, conductive rubber, conductive resin, etc. are used, or fillers such as metal oxides, carbon black, inorganic whiskers, inorganic fibers, and charge control agents are dispersed in blade rubber and resin. It is preferable because it imparts charge imparting properties and can charge the toner appropriately.

  In non-magnetic one-component development in which a thin layer of toner is coated on the developing roller with a blade, the thickness of the toner layer on the developing roller is set to be opposite between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in order to obtain a sufficient image density. It is preferable that the gap length is smaller than that of the so-called non-contact development method, and an alternating electric field is applied to the gap. A gap of 50 to 500 μm, more preferably 100 to 300 μm, is provided between the photoreceptor surface and the developing roller surface. On the other hand, the toner layer provided on the developing roller overlaps with about 1 to 3 toner particles. A toner layer of ˜30 μm is preferable. The film thickness of the toner layer on the developing roller can be obtained by microscopic observation.

  That is, the developing cartridge loaded in the actual image forming apparatus is irradiated with parallel light from the cross-sectional direction of the developing process, and a high-speed, high-resolution camera (for example, Phototron: FASTCAM MAX, photographing speed 100,000 (FPS)) It can measure from what image | photographed by and visualized the behavior of the image development part.

  The film thickness (a) of the toner layer on the developing roller is determined by the gap (b) between the toner layer on the developing roller and the photosensitive member in the area close to the photosensitive member, and the center of the developing nip between the developing roller and the photosensitive member. Is obtained from the difference (a = c−b).

  3 is applied between the developing roller 32 and the photosensitive drum 10 by applying a developing bias in which an alternating electric field or a DC electric field is superimposed on the alternating electric field, from the developing roller to the photosensitive drum. Therefore, it is possible to easily move the toner and to obtain a high-quality image.

(Image forming method and image forming apparatus)
An example of a full-color image forming apparatus that forms a full-color image using each of the above toners will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  In the full-color image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4, a charging brush 111 that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 to a predetermined potential around the photosensitive drum 10 that is rotationally driven, and the photosensitive drum 10 A cleaner 112 for scraping off the remaining toner is provided.

  Further, a laser scanning optical system 20 for scanning and exposing the photosensitive drum 10 charged by the charging brush 111 with a laser beam is provided. The laser scanning optical system 20 includes a laser diode, a polygon mirror, and an fθ optical element. As is well known, print data for each of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is transferred from the host computer to the control unit. The laser scanning optical system 20 sequentially outputs the laser beam as a laser beam based on the print data for each color, scans and exposes the photosensitive drum 10, and thereby the static image for each color is formed on the photosensitive drum 10. Electro latent images are sequentially formed.

  Further, the full-color developing device 30 for supplying full-color toner to the photoconductive drum 10 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed in this way performs full-color development around the support shaft 33 in yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Four color-developing units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31Bk each containing a non-magnetic one-component toner are provided. The developing units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31Bk are rotated about the support shaft 33, and the developing units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31Bk are rotated. It is guided to a position facing the photosensitive drum 10.

  Further, in each of the developing devices 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31Bk in the full-color developing device 30, as shown in FIG. 4, the toner is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the developer carrier (developing roller) 32 that rotates and conveys the toner. A regulating member is in pressure contact, and the toner regulating member regulates the amount of toner conveyed by the developing roller 32 and charges the conveyed toner. In the full color developing device 30, two toner regulating members may be provided in order to appropriately regulate and charge the toner conveyed by the developing roller.

  Then, whenever the electrostatic latent image of each color is formed on the photosensitive drum 10 by the laser scanning optical system 20 as described above, the full-color developing device 30 is rotated around the support shaft 33 as described above. Then, the developing devices 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31Bk containing toner of the corresponding colors are sequentially guided to positions facing the photosensitive drum 10, and the developing rollers 32 in the developing devices 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31Bk are moved. The development is carried out by sequentially supplying charged toners of the respective colors onto the photosensitive drum 10 in which the electrostatic latent images of the respective colors are sequentially formed as described above in contact with the photosensitive drum 10. It has become.

  Further, an endless intermediate transfer belt 40 that is rotationally driven is provided as an intermediate transfer body 40 at a position downstream of the full-color developing device 30 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 10. Is driven to rotate in synchronization with the photosensitive drum 10. The intermediate transfer belt 40 is pressed by a rotatable primary transfer roller 41 so as to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 10, and a portion of a support roller 42 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 40 includes: A secondary transfer roller 43 is rotatably provided, and the recording material S such as recording paper is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 40 by the secondary transfer roller 43.

  Further, a cleaner 50 that scrapes off the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 40 is provided in a space between the full-color developing device 30 and the intermediate transfer belt 40 so as to be able to contact with and separate from the intermediate transfer belt 40. ing.

  Further, the paper feeding means 60 that guides the recording material S such as plain paper to the intermediate transfer belt 40 includes a paper feeding tray 61 that accommodates the recording material S and the recording material S that is accommodated in the paper feeding tray 61 one by one. The recording material S fed in synchronization with the paper feed roller 62 for feeding paper and the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 40 is sent between the intermediate transfer belt 40 and the secondary transfer roller 43. The recording material S sent between the intermediate transfer belt 40 and the secondary transfer roller 43 in this way is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 40 by the secondary transfer roller 43. The toner image is pressed and transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 40 to the recording material S.

  On the other hand, the recording material S on which the toner image is pressed and transferred as described above is guided to the fixing device 70 by the conveying means 66 constituted by an air suction belt or the like, and is transferred by the fixing device 70. The toner image is fixed on the recording material S, and then the recording material S is discharged onto the upper surface of the apparatus main body 100 through the vertical conveyance path 80.

  Next, the operation of forming a full color image using this full color image forming apparatus will be specifically described.

  First, the photosensitive drum 10 and the intermediate transfer belt 40 are rotationally driven in the respective directions at the same peripheral speed, and the photosensitive drum 10 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging brush 11.

  The photosensitive drum 10 thus charged is exposed to a yellow image by the laser scanning optical system 20 to form an electrostatic latent image of the yellow image on the photosensitive drum 10. The yellow image is developed by supplying the yellow toner charged by the toner regulating member as described above from the developing device 31Y in which the yellow toner is accommodated in the photosensitive drum 10, and the yellow toner image is thus formed. The intermediate transfer belt 40 is pressed against the body drum 10 by the primary transfer roller 41, and the yellow toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40.

  After the yellow toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40 in this way, the full-color developing device 30 is rotated around the support shaft 33 as described above, and the developing device 31M containing magenta toner is exposed to light. As in the case of the yellow image described above, the magenta image is exposed to the photosensitive drum 10 charged by the laser scanning optical system 20 to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 31M containing magenta toner, and the developed magenta toner image is primarily transferred from the photosensitive drum 10 to the intermediate transfer belt 40. Black image exposure, development, and primary transfer are sequentially performed, and yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 40. To form a full color toner image.

  When the final black toner image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 40, the recording material S is fed between the secondary transfer roller 43 and the intermediate transfer belt 40 by the timing roller 63, and the secondary transfer roller. The recording material S is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 40 by 43, and the full color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 40 is secondarily transferred onto the recording material S.

  When the full-color toner image is secondarily transferred onto the recording material S in this way, the recording material S is guided to the fixing device 70 by the conveying means 66, and the full-color toner transferred by the fixing device 70 is transferred. The image is fixed on the recording material S, and then the recording material S is discharged onto the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1 through the vertical conveyance path 80.

[Non-magnetic one-component developer (toner)]
The toner according to the present invention is not particularly limited in its production method, composition and the like. Here, an example is shown as a representative example.

  The developer that can be used in the present invention is preferably a non-magnetic one-component developer. As the toner constituting the non-magnetic one-component developer, a chemical toner typified by a polymerized toner obtained through a step of polymerizing a polymerizable monomer in an aqueous medium to form resin particles is preferably used.

  The particle diameter of the developer (toner) used in the present invention is preferably 3 to 9 μm in terms of volume-based median diameter (volume D50% diameter). The ratio of the developer (toner) having a volume-based median diameter of 4 μm or less is preferably 25% or less, and the ratio of the developer (toner) having a volume of 12 μm or more is preferably 1% or less.

  The volume-based median diameter, the ratio of the developer (toner) whose volume-based median diameter is 4 μm or less, and the ratio of the developer (toner) whose volume is 12 μm or more are the same as those of Coulter Multisizer II (manufactured by Beckman Coulter). It can be measured and calculated using a device connected to a computer system for data processing (manufactured by Beckman Coulter).

  As a measurement procedure, 0.02 g of toner is blended with 20 ml of a surfactant solution (for example, a surfactant solution obtained by diluting a neutral detergent containing a surfactant component 10 times with pure water for the purpose of dispersing the toner). After that, ultrasonic dispersion is performed for 1 minute to prepare a toner dispersion. This toner dispersion is injected into a beaker containing ISOTON II (manufactured by Beckman Coulter) in a sample stand with a pipette until the measured concentration becomes 5% to 10%, and the measurement is performed with a measuring machine count of 30000. To do. The aperture diameter of the Coulter Multisizer is 100 μm.

  In the present invention, a developer (toner) having a particle size and a particle size distribution within the above range is filled in a developing device or a process cartridge by a known filling method, and when these units are used to form an image. A good toner image without image unevenness can be stably obtained. In this way, by setting the particle size distribution of the developer (toner) within a specific range, the same level of fluidity is imparted to each developer (toner particle) when the developer is fluidized when the developer is filled. Thus, the toner is always put into the unit under the same conditions, and the quality of the developer is maintained.

[Method for producing developer (toner)]
Next, a method for producing a developer (toner) that can be used in the present invention will be described.

  Here, as a preferred toner for the present invention, a polymerized toner formed through a process of aggregating resin particles in an aqueous medium is taken as an example.

  Resin particles having a mass average particle diameter of 20 to 500 nm can be used. Resin particles having such a size can be prepared by emulsion polymerization to be obtained.

  The step of agglomerating the resin particles in the aqueous medium is performed by adding a salting-out agent having an alkali metal salt, an alkaline earth metal salt, or the like in water in which at least the resin particles, the colorant particles, and the wax particles are dispersed at a critical aggregation concentration or more. Then, it is a step of performing fusion at the same time as agglomeration (hereinafter also referred to as salting out) is advanced by heating to a temperature higher than the glass transition point of the resin particles. This aggregation process is hereinafter referred to as a salting out / fusion process.

  Unlike the method in which the toner used in the present invention is fused after forming aggregated primary particles of resin particles, colorant particles and wax particles, the formation of particles by salting out and the fusion proceed simultaneously, and the toner Since the particles can be prepared, it is presumed that the uniformity of the toner particles is not impaired, and a toner having a uniform chargeability can be stably obtained.

  Here, examples of alkali metal atoms of alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts that are salting-out agents include metal atoms such as lithium, potassium, and sodium, and examples of alkaline earth metal atoms include magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium. And metal atoms such as Of these, metal atoms such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and barium are preferable.

  Examples of constituents of alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts include chlorine salts, bromine salts, iodine salts, carbonates, sulfates, and the like.

  Furthermore, examples of the organic solvent that is infinitely soluble in water include methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, ethylene glycol, glycerin, acetone, and the like, but preferably methanol having 3 or less carbon atoms, ethanol, 1- Alcohols such as propanol and 2-propanol are preferable, and 2-propanol is more preferable.

  When performing salting-out / fusion, it is preferable to make the time allowed to stand after adding the salting-out agent as short as possible. The reason for this is not clear, but if it is left for a long time after salting out, the aggregation state of the particles may change, the particle size distribution may become unstable, or the surface properties of the fused toner may change. appear.

  The temperature for adding the salting-out agent needs to be at least the glass transition temperature of the resin particles. The reason for this is that if the temperature at which the salting-out agent is added is equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin particles, the salting-out / fusion of the resin particles proceeds rapidly, but it becomes difficult to control the particle size. There arises a problem that particles having a particle size are generated. The range of the addition temperature may be not higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin particles, but is generally 5 to 55 ° C, preferably 10 to 45 ° C.

  It is also possible to add a salting-out agent below the glass transition temperature of the resin particles, then raise the temperature as quickly as possible, and heat it above the glass transition temperature of the resin particles.

  The time until this temperature rise is preferably less than 1 hour. Furthermore, it is necessary to quickly raise the temperature, and the rate of temperature rise is preferably 0.25 ° C./min or more and 5 ° C./min or less. The upper limit of the temperature rising rate is not particularly clear, but by setting the temperature rising rate within the above range, the progress of salting out and the control of the particle size can be appropriately performed.

<Polymerizable monomer>
Resin particles prepared by emulsion polymerization can be used as the resin particles. As the polymerizable monomer for preparing the resin particles, the radical polymerizable monomer (1) is an essential constituent, and a crosslinking agent (2) can be used as necessary. Further, it is necessary to contain at least one radical polymerizable monomer (3) having the following acidic group. Furthermore, you may contain the radically polymerizable monomer which has a basic group (4).

(1) Radical polymerizable monomer The radical polymerizable monomer component is not particularly limited, and a conventionally known radical polymerizable monomer can be used.

  For example, aromatic vinyl monomers, (meth) acrylic acid ester monomers, vinyl ester monomers, vinyl ether monomers, monoolefin monomers, diolefin monomers, etc. are used. I can do it.

  Examples of the aromatic vinyl monomer include styrene, o-methyl styrene, m-methyl styrene, p-methyl styrene, p-methoxy styrene, p-phenyl styrene, p-chloro styrene, p-ethyl styrene, p. -N-butyl styrene, p-tert-butyl styrene, pn-hexyl styrene, pn-octyl styrene, pn-nonyl styrene, pn-decyl styrene, pn-dodecyl styrene, 2, Examples thereof include styrene monomers such as 4-dimethylstyrene and 3,4-dichlorostyrene and derivatives thereof.

  Examples of (meth) acrylic acid ester monomers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, and methacrylic acid. Methyl, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, ethyl β-hydroxyacrylate, propyl γ-aminoacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate Etc.

  Examples of vinyl ester monomers include vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, and vinyl benzoate.

  Examples of vinyl ether monomers include vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl isobutyl ether, vinyl phenyl ether, and the like.

  Examples of the monoolefin monomer include ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene and the like.

  Examples of the diolefin monomer include butadiene, isoprene, chloroprene and the like.

(2) Crosslinking agent A radical polymerizable crosslinking agent may be used as a crosslinking agent in order to improve the properties of the resin particles.

  Examples of the radical polymerizable crosslinking agent include those having two or more unsaturated bonds such as divinylbenzene, divinylnaphthalene, divinyl ether, diethylene glycol methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and diaryl phthalate.

  The radical polymerizable crosslinking agent is preferably used in the range of 0.1 to 10 parts with respect to 100 parts of the total radical polymerizable monomer, although it depends on the characteristics.

(3) Radical polymerizable monomer having an acidic group As the radical polymerizable monomer having an acidic group, for example, a carboxyl group or a sulfone group-containing monomer can be used.

  Examples of the carboxylic acid group-containing monomer include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, cinnamic acid, maleic acid monobutyl ester, maleic acid monooctyl ester and the like.

  Examples of the sulfonic acid-containing monomer include styrene sulfonic acid, arylsulfosuccinic acid, octyl arylsulfosuccinate, and the like.

  These may have a structure of an alkali metal salt such as sodium or potassium, or an alkaline earth metal salt such as calcium.

(4) Radical polymerizable monomer having a basic group Examples of the radical polymerizable monomer having a basic group include primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines, and quaternary ammonium salts. An amine compound such as can be used.

  Examples of amine compounds include dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diethylaminoethyl acrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and quaternary ammonium salts of the above four compounds, 3-dimethylaminophenyl acrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-methacrylic acid. Oxypropyltrimethylammonium salt, acrylamide, N-butylacrylamide, N, N-dibutylacrylamide, piperidylacrylamide, methacrylamide, N-butylmethacrylamide, N-octadecylacrylamide, vinylpyridine, vinylpyrrolidone, vinyl N-methylpyridinium chloride, Vinyl N-ethylpyridinium chloride, N, N-diarylmethylammonium chloride, N, N-dia Lumpur ethyl chloride and the like.

<Radical polymerization initiator>
The radical polymerization initiator used for emulsion polymerization can be used as appropriate as long as it is water-soluble. Peroxide compounds such as potassium persulfate persulfate, ammonium persulfate, etc., 4,4′-azobis-4-cyanovaleric acid and its salts, 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane) salt, etc. Etc.

  Further, the radical polymerization initiator can be combined with a reducing agent and used as a redox initiator, if necessary. By using a redox initiator, the polymerization activity increases, the polymerization temperature can be lowered, and the polymerization time can be further shortened.

  Any temperature may be selected as long as the polymerization temperature is equal to or higher than the lowest radical generation temperature of the polymerization initiator, but a range of 50 to 90 ° C is preferable. However, it is also possible to perform polymerization at room temperature or higher by using a polymerization initiator that starts at room temperature, for example, a combination of hydrogen peroxide and a reducing agent (ascorbic acid or the like).

<Surfactant>
A surfactant is preferably used for the emulsion polymerization of the radically polymerizable monomer. The surfactant that can be used in this case is not particularly limited, but the following anionic or nonionic surfactants can be mentioned as preferable ones.

  As an anionic surfactant, for example, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate sulfonate, sodium arylalkyl polyether sulfonate, etc., sodium sulfate dodecyl sulfate, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, sodium pentadecyl sulfate, sodium octyl sulfate, etc. Examples of the fatty acid salts include sodium oleate, sodium laurate, sodium caprate, sodium caprylate, sodium caproate, potassium stearate, calcium oleate and the like.

  Examples of the nonionic surfactant include polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, a combination of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, alkylphenol polyethylene oxide, ester of higher fatty acid and polyethylene glycol, ester of higher fatty acid and polypropylene oxide, sorbitan ester, and the like. I can list them.

  These are mainly used as emulsifiers during emulsion polymerization, but may be used in other steps or for other purposes.

<Colorant>
As the colorant, it is preferable to use an inorganic pigment or an organic pigment.

  Examples of inorganic pigments include conventionally known black pigments and magnetic pigments.

  As the black pigment, for example, carbon black such as furnace black, channel black, acetylene black, thermal black, and lamp black can be used.

  These inorganic pigments can be used alone or in combination as required. The amount of the inorganic pigment added is preferably 2 to 20 parts, more preferably 3 to 100 parts by weight of toner (parts by mass, and “parts” means “parts by mass” unless otherwise specified). 15 parts.

  A conventionally well-known organic pigment can be used as an organic pigment. Any organic pigment can be used, but specific organic pigments are listed below.

  Examples of the magenta or red pigment include C.I. I. Pigment red 2, C.I. I. Pigment red 3, C.I. I. Pigment red 5, C.I. I. Pigment red 6, C.I. I. Pigment red 7, C.I. I. Pigment red 15, C.I. I. Pigment red 16, C.I. I. Pigment red 48: 1, C.I. I. Pigment red 53: 1, C.I. I. Pigment red 57: 1, C.I. I. Pigment red 122, C.I. I. Pigment red 123, C.I. I. Pigment red 139, C.I. I. Pigment red 144, C.I. I. Pigment red 149, C.I. I. Pigment red 166, C.I. I. Pigment red 177, C.I. I. Pigment red 178, C.I. I. And CI Pigment Red 222.

  Examples of the pigment for orange or yellow include C.I. I. Pigment orange 31, C.I. I. Pigment orange 43, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 12, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 13, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 14, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 15, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 17, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 93, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 94, C.I. I. And CI Pigment Yellow 138.

  Examples of the pigment for cyan or green include C.I. I. Pigment blue 15, C.I. I. Pigment blue 15: 2, C.I. I. Pigment blue 15: 3, C.I. I. Pigment blue 16, C.I. I. Pigment blue 60, C.I. I. And CI Pigment Green 7.

  These organic pigments can be used alone or in combination as required. The addition amount of the pigment is preferably 2 to 20 parts, more preferably 3 to 15 parts with respect to 100 parts of the toner.

<wax>
The wax that can be used for the toner includes conventionally known waxes. Specific examples include polyolefin waxes such as polyethylene wax and polypropylene wax, long-chain hydrocarbon waxes such as paraffin wax and sazol wax, dialkyl ketone waxes such as distearyl ketone, carnauba wax, montan wax, and trimethylolpropane. Tribehenate, pentaerythritol tetramyristate, pentaerythritol tetrastearate, pentaerythritol tetrabehenate, pentaerythritol diacetate dibehenate, glycerin tribehenate, 1,18-octadecanediol distearate, trimellit Ester waxes such as acid tristearyl and distearyl maleate, ethylenediamine dibehenyl amide, trimellitic acid tristearyl amide, etc. Such as amide waxes.

<Additive>
In addition to the colorant and wax, the toner usable in the present invention can be added with additives such as a known charge control agent that imparts various functions.

<Filtration and washing process>
Toner particles formed by agglomerating resin particles in the salting-out / fusion process are filtered from an aqueous medium, washed with washing water, and impurities such as surfactant and salting-out agent adhering to the toner particles are removed. Remove. The filtration and washing machine used in this step is not particularly limited, and for example, a centrifuge, a Nutsche, a filter press or the like is used.

<Drying process>
The toner particles after filtration and washing are dried. The dryer used in this step is not particularly limited. For example, spray dryer, vacuum dryer, vacuum dryer, stationary shelf dryer, mobile shelf dryer, fluidized bed dryer, rotary dryer, stirring A type dryer or the like is used. The water content in the toner after drying is preferably 5% by mass or less, and more preferably 2% by mass or less.

<Crushing process>
This process may not be particularly necessary, but the toner particles may become weakly aggregated after drying. In this case, for example, a crushing device such as a jet mill, a Henschel mixer, or a coffee mill may be used. Aggregation may be crushed.

<Tonerization process>
In the toner forming step, the toner particles obtained above may be used as they are, but it is preferable to add an external additive described later for the purpose of improving fluidity, chargeability, and cleaning properties, for example.

  The equipment for adding the external additive is not particularly limited. For example, a known mixer such as a Turbuler mixer, a Henschel mixer, a Nauter mixer, or a V-type mixer can be used.

  The toner of the present invention is preferably used as a non-magnetic one-component developer, but may be used as a magnetic one-component developer in some cases.

<External additive>
The external additive is not particularly limited, and various inorganic fine particles, organic fine particles and lubricants can be used.

  A conventionally well-known thing can be used as an inorganic fine particle. Specifically, fine particles such as silica, titanium, and alumina are preferable, and hydrophobic silica fine particles are more preferable.

  Examples of the silica fine particles include commercial products R-805, R-809, R-812, R-972, R-974, R-976 manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd., commercial products HVK-2150, H- 200, commercial products TS-530, TS-610, TS-720, H-5, MS-5, etc. manufactured by Cabot Corporation.

  Examples of the titanium fine particles include commercial products T-604 and T-805 manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd., commercial products MT-100B, MT-100S, MT-500BS, MT-600, MT-600SS, and JA- 1. Commercial products TA-300SI, TA-500, TAF-130, TAF-510, TAF-510T manufactured by Fuji Titanium Co., Ltd. Commercial products IT-S, IT-OA, IT-OB, IT- manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. OC etc. are mentioned.

  Examples of the alumina fine particles include commercial products RFY-C and C-604 manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd. and commercial products TTO-55 manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd.

  As the organic fine particles, it is preferable to use spherical organic fine particles having a number average primary particle diameter of about 10 to 2000 nm. Specific examples include homopolymers such as styrene and methyl methacrylate, and copolymers thereof.

  As the lubricant, for example, a metal salt of a higher fatty acid is preferably used. Specific examples include zinc stearate, such as zinc, aluminum, copper, magnesium, calcium, zinc oleate, manganese, iron, copper, magnesium, etc., zinc palmitate, copper, magnesium, calcium, etc. Salts, salts of zinc linoleic acid, calcium and the like can be mentioned.

  The amount of these external additives added is preferably about 0.1 to 5 parts with respect to 100 parts of toner.

  Next, representative practical aspects of the present invention will be shown, and the configuration and effects of the present invention will be further described. However, of course, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

Example 1
[Production of Elastic Layer Coating Roller (Part 1)]
As the shaft of the elastic layer coating roller, a fitting member (aluminum, 15.0 mm outer diameter × 20 mm length) shown in FIG. 5 at both ends of a rotating shaft of a stainless steel core (15.0 mm diameter × 350 mm length). 2) and rotating the core metal, using a nozzle coating device having the configuration as shown in FIG. 2B, the dispenser nozzle (coating width 2.5 mm) is 1 mm from the surface of the core metal. An elastic layer was applied to the end of the fitting member attached to both ends with a gap.

  As the liquid rubber coating liquid, addition-type liquid silicone rubber (50 parts by mass of each of the viscosity = 20 Pa · s and the viscosity = 20 Pa · s mixed and dispersed) was used. While rotating the mandrel at a rotation speed of 45 rpm, liquid rubber was supplied at a constant rate of 1.5 g / min from the dispenser nozzle, and the dispenser nozzle was moved in the axial direction at a moving speed of 55 mm / min.

  As a result, the liquid rubber was spirally wound and coated on the surface of the core metal, and a coating layer having a uniform thickness was formed. Next, the coating layer was heated at 120 ° C. for 10 minutes while maintaining the rotation speed of the cored bar at 45 rpm, and then heated at 200 ° C. for 4 hours to be cured. Thereby, an elastic layer coating roller having a rubber layer having a thickness of 0.5 mm (500 μm) was obtained.

  This is the elastic layer coating roller of Example 1-1.

  The outer diameter of the fitting member of Example 1-1 was changed as described in Table 1, and the elastic layer coating roller elastic layer of Example 1-2 to Example 1-7 and Comparative Example 1-1 was applied. Then, it was heated and dried in the same manner as in Example 1-1.

  The film thickness characteristics of the produced elastic layer coating roller are shown in Table 1 below.

(End swell)
In order to see the situation of the edge bulge (thickening) of the silicone rubber elastic layer, the elastic layer was cut from the surface of the shaft, and the condition of the edge bulge was determined by observing the situation of the edge with a microscope. Moreover, it observed and evaluated visually.

◎: Edge bulge is not seen at all and good ◯: Edge bulge is not so good △: The edge appears to be thick when observed closely: The edge bulge is clear

[Production roller development]
Particles (Burnock CFB100 Dainippon Ink & Chemicals) consisting of 100 parts by weight of urethane resin (Nipporan 5199: manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd.), 6 parts by weight of Ketjen Black and 20 μm of mixed dispersion average particle diameter on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer coating roller A coating solution was prepared by mixing and dispersing 40 parts by mass of Kogyo) and 400 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), applied to a film thickness of 10 μm, and heat-treated at 100 ° C. for 1 hour.

  Thereafter, a coating solution in which 100 parts by mass of urethane resin (Nipporan 5199: manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane), 20 parts of furnace black (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) and 400 parts by mass of MEK are mixed and dispersed on the outer peripheral surface is prepared. It apply | coated to 5 micrometers and heat-processed at 100 degreeC for 1 hour.

[Preparation of non-magnetic one-component developer (one-component toner)]
(1) Production of Colorant Particle Dispersion Solution Adeka Hope LS-90 (Na-dodecyl sodium sulfate manufactured by Asahi Denka Co., Ltd.) (0.90 kg) and 10.0 L of pure water are stirred and dissolved in a resin container having an internal volume of 20 L. To this solution, 1.20 kg of Legal 330R (Carbot Black manufactured by Cabot) is gradually added while stirring, and the mixture is stirred well for 1 hour. Subsequently, it is continuously dispersed for 18 hours using a sand grinder (medium type disperser).

  After dispersion, the particle size of the dispersion was measured using an electrophoretic light scattering photometer ELS-800 manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. As a result, the particle size was 118 nm in terms of mass average diameter. Further, the solid content concentration of the dispersion measured by a mass method by standing drying was 16.5% by mass. This dispersion was designated as “colorant dispersion Bk”.

  In the step of preparing the colorant particle dispersion liquid, C.I. I. “Colorant dispersion C” was prepared in the same manner as in C.I., except that Pigment Blue 15: 3 was used. I. “Colorant Dispersion Liquid M” was added to C.I. I. “Colorant dispersion Y” was prepared using Pigment Yellow 74.

(2) Preparation of wax particle dispersion 1.05 kg of acid-modified low molecular weight polypropylene (number average molecular weight = 3,000) was added to 2.45 kg of an aqueous solution of a surfactant (nonylphenoxyethanol), and potassium hydroxide was used. Adjust the pH to 9.

  This system is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the softening point of the acid-modified low molecular weight polypropylene under pressure and is subjected to an emulsification dispersion treatment of the acid-modified low molecular weight polypropylene, thereby releasing a release agent particle having a solid content of 30% by mass. A dispersion is prepared. This dispersion was designated as “release agent particle dispersion 1”.

  When the average particle size of the release agent particles in the obtained “release agent particle dispersion 1” was measured using an electrophoretic light scattering photometer ELS-800 manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd., the number average primary particle size was obtained. Was 122 nm.

(3) Preparation of resin particle dispersion 1 56 g of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) is added to a 10 L stainless steel pot, 4.0 L of ion-exchanged water is added, and the mixture is stirred and dissolved at room temperature. This was designated as “anionic surfactant solution A”.

  In a 10 L stainless steel pot, 15 g of New Coal 565C (manufactured by Nippon Emulsifier Co., Ltd.) is added, 4.0 L of ion exchange water is added, and the mixture is dissolved under stirring at room temperature. This was designated as “nonionic surfactant solution B”.

  In a 20 L enamel pot, 226.5 g of potassium persulfate (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) is added, 12.0 L of ion-exchanged water is added, and the mixture is stirred and dissolved at room temperature. This was designated as “initiator solution C”.

  “Anionic surfactant solution A” and “nonionic surfactant solution B” are placed in a 100 L glass-lined reaction kettle equipped with a temperature sensor, a cooling pipe, and a nitrogen introducing device, and stirring is started. Next, 44.0 L of ion exchange water is added.

  Next, heating is started, and when the liquid temperature reaches 75 ° C., “initiator solution C” is added. Thereafter, while controlling the liquid temperature at 75 ° C. ± 1 ° C., 12.70 kg of styrene, 3.20 kg of n-butyl acrylate, 96 g of methacrylic acid, and 554.1 g of t-dodecyl mercaptan are added.

  Further, the liquid temperature is raised to 78 ° C. ± 1 ° C., and the mixture is heated and stirred for 7 hours.

  Thereafter, the liquid temperature is cooled to 40 ° C. or lower, and stirring is stopped. This liquid was filtered through a pole filter to prepare “resin particle dispersion 1”.

  A portion of “Resin Particle Dispersion 1” was taken and the acid value of the resin particles in the dispersion, the peak of the molecular weight distribution by GPC, and the mass average particle diameter were measured. 800, mass average particle size = 119 nm.

(4) Preparation of resin particle dispersion 2 56 g of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) is added to a new 10 L stainless steel pot, and 4.0 L of ion-exchanged pure water is added and dissolved at room temperature. This was designated as “anionic surfactant solution D”.

  In a 10 L stainless steel pot, 15 g of New Coal 565C (manufactured by Nippon Emulsifier Co., Ltd.) is added, and 4.0 L of ion-exchanged pure water is added and dissolved at room temperature. This was designated as “nonionic surfactant solution E”.

  Add 207.0 g of potassium persulfate (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) to a 20 L enamel pot, add 12.0 L of ion-exchanged water, and dissolve at room temperature. This was designated as “initiator solution F”.

  Into a 100-liter glass-lined reaction kettle with a temperature sensor, a cooling pipe, a nitrogen introducing device, and a comb baffle (the wing is a Faudler wing), put “anionic surfactant solution D” and “nonionic surfactant solution E”. Start stirring the solution. Next, 44.0 L of ion exchange water is added.

  Next, heating of the solution is started, and when the liquid temperature reaches 70 ° C., “initiator solution F” is added. Thereafter, 13.50 kg of styrene, 2.40 kg of n-butyl acrylate, 100 g of methacrylic acid and 9.26 g of t-dodecyl mercaptan are added in advance.

  Thereafter, the liquid temperature is controlled to 72 ° C. ± 2 ° C., and heating is performed for 6 hours. Further, the liquid temperature is raised to 78 ° C. ± 2 ° C. and heating is performed for 13 hours.

  Then, after cooling the liquid temperature to 40 ° C. or lower, this solution is filtered with a pole filter to produce “resin particle dispersion 2”.

  A portion of “Resin Particle Dispersion 2” was taken, and the acid value of the resin particles in the dispersion, the peak of the molecular weight distribution by GPC, and the mass average particle diameter were measured, and the acid value = 4.1, GPC peak position = 239. 700, mass average particle size = 115 nm.

(5) Association process 5.36 kg of sodium chloride (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) as a salting-out agent and 20.0 L of ion-exchanged water are dissolved in a 35 L stainless steel pot. This was designated as “sodium chloride solution G”.

  Next, 20.0 kg of the “resin particle dispersion 1” prepared above was added to a 100 L stainless steel reaction kettle (the wing is an anchor wing) with a temperature sensor, a cooling pipe, a nitrogen introducing device, and a comb-shaped baffle. Disperse 5.0 kg of “dispersion 2”, 0.4 kg of “colorant dispersion Bk”, 6.50 kg of “release agent particle dispersion 1” and 20.0 L of ion-exchanged water, and stir. Next, the mixture is heated to 40 ° C., and 25 kg of “sodium chloride solution G” and 6.00 kg of isopropanol (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) are added in this order. Then, after leaving to stand for 10 minutes, the temperature rise is started and the temperature is raised to a liquid temperature of 85 ° C. over 60 minutes. The liquid temperature was controlled to 85 ° C. ± 2 ° C., heated for 6 hours, and aggregated / fused to produce “colored particles 1Bk”.

  Thereafter, the liquid temperature is cooled to 40 ° C. or lower, and stirring is stopped. Subsequently, the solution was filtered through a sieve having an opening of 45 μm to obtain an “association liquid” containing colored particles.

(6) Washing and drying of colored particles Next, the “wet cake-like colored particles 1Bk” were taken out from the “association liquid” using Nutsche, and then washed with ion-exchanged water.

  The “wet cake-like colored particles” that had been washed were dried with a flash dryer. The drying temperature of the flash dryer was set to 35 ° C. and a drying process was performed for 100 minutes to obtain colored particles 1Bk.

(7) Preparation of toner 1 (Bk) 0.8 parts of hydrophobic silica having a number average primary particle diameter of 12 nm was added to 100 parts of the obtained colored particles 1Bk, and the volume-based median diameter was 5.0 μm. Toner 1 was produced.

(8) Preparation of toners 2 (Y), 3 (M), and 4 (C) In the association step of the colored particles 1Bk, “colorant dispersion Y” and “colorant dispersion” are used instead of “colorant dispersion Bk”. Colored particles 1Y, 1M, and 1C were prepared in the same procedure except that “Liquid M” and “Colorant dispersion C” were used. Then, 0.8 parts of hydrophobic silica having a number average primary particle size of 12 nm was added to each of the obtained colored particles to prepare toners 1 (Y), 1 (M), and 1 (C). All of these toners had a volume-based median diameter of 5.0 μm.

[Performance evaluation method]
(Image characteristics)
Using a practical machine having the configuration as shown in FIG. 4, a real copy test of 2,000 copies (A4 paper) was performed and evaluated.

  The closest distance between the developer carrying member (developing roller) surface and the photosensitive member surface was 200 μm, and the layer thickness of the developer layer was 20 μm.

Density Difference An initial image and an image portion having a density of 0.5 of a real photograph sample after 2,000 copies were observed and visually evaluated.

◎: Density unevenness is not seen at all in the initial stage and after the actual shooting is good. ○: Density is seen slightly after the actual shooting, but it can be put to practical use. In addition, the density unevenness was clearly observed after the actual shooting. Charge leak The initial image and the image portion having a density of about 0.75 (about) in the actual shooting sample after 2,000 copies were observed and visually evaluated.

◎: White spots are not seen at all in the initial stage and after the live action is good ○: Slight white spots are seen after the live action but can be put to practical use △: There are 3 or less white spots in either the initial stage or after the live action ×: Initial stage There are 4 or more white spots after shooting

  As is apparent from the results in Table 2, when the developing roller (Examples 1 to 7) in the present invention was used, it showed good characteristics without developing defects and image defects due to charge leakage. It was found that the outer developing roller (Comparative Example 1) causes uneven development and charge leakage.

Example 2
[Production of elastic layer coating roller (Part 2)]
As the shaft body of the elastic layer coating roller, the fitting members (made of aluminum, 15.0 mm diameter × 20 mm length 2) shown in FIG. 5 are attached to both ends of the rotating shaft of a stainless steel core (15.0 mm diameter × 350 mm length). 1), using a roll coating device (applicator roller diameter: 100 mm) having the configuration as shown in FIG. 1A, rotating the core metal at 60 rpm and applying the applicator roller at 40 rpm. Set up.

  As the liquid rubber coating liquid, addition-type liquid silicone rubber (50 parts by mass of each of the viscosity = 20 Pa · s and the viscosity = 20 Pa · s mixed and dispersed) was used. As a result, the liquid rubber was coated on the surface of the core metal, and a coated surface having a uniform thickness was formed.

  Subsequently, the coating layer was heated at 120 ° C. for 10 minutes while maintaining the rotation speed of the cored bar at 60 rpm, and then heated at 200 ° C. for 4 hours to be cured. Thereby, an elastic layer coating roller (Example 2-1) on which a rubber layer having a thickness of 0.5 mm (500 μm) was formed was obtained.

  The outer diameter of the fitting member of Example 2-1 was changed as described in Table 3, and the elastic layer coating roller elastic layer of Example 2-2 to Example 2-7 and Comparative Example 2-1 was applied. Then, it was heated and dried in the same manner as in Example 2-1.

  When performance evaluation was performed, the result was exactly the same as in Example 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a roller of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Outline explanatory drawing of the manufacturing method of the roller which applies a liquid composition to a shaft body (shaft center), and forms an elastic layer. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a developing device for developing non-magnetic single component toner. 1 is a configuration cross-sectional view of an example of a full-color image forming apparatus. The perspective view and sectional drawing explaining the fitting member of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Shaft (axis)
2 Elastic layer (base rubber layer)
3 Adhesive layer 4 Surface layer 10 Photosensitive drum 12 Nozzle 13 Coating layer (elastic layer in the case of the present invention)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Coating liquid 15 Metalling roller 16 Dispenser 18 Applicator roller 20 Laser scanning optical system 30 Full color developing device 31, 31C, 31M, 31Y, 31Bk Developing device 32 Developer carrier (developing roller)
33 Support shaft 40 Intermediate transfer belt 50 Cleaner 60 Paper feed means 70 Fixing device 80 Vertical conveyance path S Recording material

Claims (6)

In a method of manufacturing a non-magnetic one-component developing roller in which an elastic layer is formed by applying a liquid composition to a shaft body by a nozzle method or a roll method while rotating the roller shaft body kept horizontal, the shaft body is effective. fit the following members to the end of the application area, the liquid composition is applied to the shaft, the manufacturing method of a non-magnetic one-component developing roller the liquid composition layer to thereby remove a member fitted after curing.
0.8 ≦ R / r ≦ 1.2
Where R: outer diameter of the roller shaft
r: outer diameter of the fitting member 2. The method for producing a non-magnetic one-component developing roller according to claim 1, wherein the liquid composition layer is coated so as to have a thickness of 10 to 1000 [mu] m. The method for producing a non-magnetic one-component developing roller according to claim 1, wherein the liquid composition has a viscosity of 1.0 to 50 Pa · S. The method for producing a non-magnetic one-component developing roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a main component of the liquid composition is a reactive silicone rubber. A non-magnetic one-component developing roller manufactured by the method for manufacturing a non-magnetic one-component developing roller according to claim 1. An image forming apparatus equipped with a developing device using the non-magnetic one-component developing roller according to claim 5.

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