JP5292855B2 - Developer supply control method, developer supply device, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer replenishment control system, a developer supply device and an image forming apparatus, in which variation in the integration of consumed amounts of toner is decreased and integration of consumed amounts of toner with higher accuracy can be carried out by changing a calculated consumed amount depending on the non-operation conditions of a toner replenishing device, and to decrease fluctuation in the developer supply device itself so as to achieve high-accuracy calculation of a consumed amount by comparing a calculated value and an actual consumed amount and changing the replenishment ability. <P>SOLUTION: A calculated developer replenishment amount per a single driving is changed depending on a time interval when a replenishing mechanism 31 is driven. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention is a developer replenishment control how, developer supplying device using the developer supply control how, electrophotographic copying apparatus having a developer supply device, a facsimile, a printer, a plotter, an image formation such as the MFP Relates to the device.

  In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser printer, a toner image supplied by a developing device is attached to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor to make a visible image, and a sheet-like medium (hereinafter referred to as a sheet-like medium). , A recording paper), and is fixed to the recording paper by a fixing process to form a recorded material. Since the toner is consumed by the development, the consumed amount is supplied to the developing device by a toner supply device provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  The toner supply device is provided with a developer storage container (hereinafter referred to as a toner cartridge) in which toner is stored in a detachable manner. When the toner cartridge is empty, it is replaced with a new toner cartridge prepared in advance. .

  Conventionally, as a means for notifying the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge, the operation unit of the image forming apparatus displays a “full state” in which nothing is displayed, a “near end state” that will soon disappear, and an “end state” in which toner is exhausted. The remaining amount of toner is displayed by “OO%” or the like on a PC connected to the image forming apparatus over the network.

  Based on this display, the user prepares a new toner cartridge or places an order with the service station. In addition, in recent years, there are some that can be automatically ordered through a PC (so-called personal computer) connected to a network.

  However, when the remaining amount information notified to the user is different from the actual remaining amount, for example, when the actual remaining amount is large, the next toner cartridge is prepared, but the toner end is not easily reached. On the other hand, if the actual remaining amount is low, the preparation of the next cartridge may not be in time, which may hinder the user's work. Therefore, more accurate toner consumption detection is required.

  Conventionally, as a means for calculating the remaining amount of toner, a toner consumption amount is calculated from an area where an image is formed, so-called “pixel adhesion amount”, or is calculated from a driving time of a toner replenishing device.

  Further, a toner replenishing method to the developing device often becomes a problem due to the recent demand for higher image quality. For example, if a large amount of toner is replenished at once, image density unevenness or toner scattering due to insufficient stirring, poor dispersion, or the like occurs. For this reason, it is necessary to reduce the amount of replenishment once. However, if the amount of replenishment at a time is reduced, the number of times of replenishment until one toner cartridge is used up increases. When the above-described toner consumption amount detection is calculated based on the driving time of the toner replenishing device, if there is a large variation in the replenishment amount at one time, the integrated value of the toner consumption amount that integrates the replenishment amount at each time is calculated. The variation also increases.

  On the other hand, the calculation of the remaining amount of toner based on the “pixel adhesion amount” varies greatly depending on the image processing method by the scanner, for example, the degree of halftone reproduction. In addition, the calculation of the remaining amount of toner based on the “driving time” of the toner replenishing device also varies because the amount of consumption varies depending on the toner state to be replenished, dimensional variation of the driving device, and the like.

  Therefore, (1) a technique for counting the number of times printing dots are formed in order to accurately calculate the amount of consumed toner, and accumulating a value obtained by multiplying the count value by a predetermined weighting coefficient (for example, see Patent Document 1). In (2) and (2), an integrated time during which the toner replenishment amount per unit time decreases is set, and when this accumulated time is exceeded, an appropriate toner concentration can be obtained by changing the toner replenishment time calculation formula. A technique that enables this is shown (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  The above (1) and (2) are premised on [amount of dots formed = amount of toner discharged from the toner container] and [a decrease value of the toner consumption amount = constant]. However, in reality, the premise that [the amount of dots formed = the amount of toner discharged from the toner container] or [the reduced value of the toner consumption = constant] does not hold in the use environment of the user.

JP 2004-163553 A JP 2002-341640 A

  The present invention has been made under the circumstances described above, and by changing the calculated consumption amount according to the leaving condition of the toner replenishing device, the variation in the toner consumption amount integration can be reduced, and more accurate toner consumption amount integration can be achieved. Providing possible developer replenishment control system, developer supply device, and image forming device, and comparing the calculated value with the actual consumption amount to change the replenishment capability, thereby changing the variation of the developer supply device itself It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to reduce consumption and calculate consumption with higher accuracy.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a replenishment mechanism that replenishes the developing device with a developer from a developer container that contains the developer as the developer in the developing device is consumed. And a control means for controlling the driving of the replenishment mechanism. The control means determines the amount of developer replenishment per drive that the replenishment mechanism has replenished to the developing device, the replenishment amount per time of the replenishment mechanism, and Information relating to developer replenishment control is calculated by calculating the total toner replenishment amount from the developer storage container as an integrated value of the developer replenishment amount per drive time by the replenishment mechanism. in the source and forming the developer supply control how,
The calculated developer replenishment amount per drive is changed without changing the drive time per drive of the replenishment mechanism in accordance with the change in toner replenishment performance with the time interval at which the replenishment mechanism is driven. The control means determines a reference value of the replenishment amount per hour as a common replenishment amount for each replenishment time until the total toner replenishment amount is replenished, and after the replenishment mechanism is turned on, A correction coefficient corresponding to a change in toner replenishment performance according to the magnitude of the replenishment drive interval until the power is turned on is determined for each replenishment time, and each replenishment is performed by multiplying the reference value by the correction coefficient. The replenishment amount for each time is calculated, and the replenishment amount for each replenishment time is integrated to obtain the total consumption amount from the developer container.
The invention according to claim 2 is the developer supply control how according to claim 1,
A display notifying that the developer in the developer container is almost exhausted by the integrated value of the developer replenishment amount per drive that is supplied to the developing device by the replenishment mechanism calculated by the control means. I decided to do it.
The invention according to claim 3 is the developer supply control how according to claim 1 or 2, which is calculated by the control unit, the developer supply mechanism of one drive per supplemented to the developing device A display notifying that there is no developer in the developer storage container is performed based on the integrated value of the developer replenishment amount.
The invention according to claim 4, in the developer replenishment control how according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means, supply in each dispense driving interval stored in advance by the use record of the user The predicted value M of the toner consumption as the total consumption obtained by integrating the amount is compared with the actual value Ma of the replenishable toner obtained from the filling amount information of the developer storage container actually used. When there is a difference between the predicted value M and the actual value Ma, the predicted value M of the total consumption is matched with the actual value Ma by changing the correction coefficient for each replenishment time and correcting the predicted value. It was decided.
Invention provides a developer supply control how according to any of claims 1 to 4, an integrated value of the developer supply amount calculated by the control unit, the abnormal signal of the replenishing mechanism according to claim 5 It was decided to emit.
The invention according to claim 6 is the developer supply control how according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the supply mechanism is configured to include a powder pump.
The invention according to claim 7 is the developer supply control how according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the developer contains at least a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, polyester, colorant A toner material liquid obtained by dispersing an agent and a release agent in an organic solvent was used as a toner obtained by crosslinking and / or elongation reaction in an aqueous medium.
The invention according to claim 8, in the developer replenishment control how according to claim 7, wherein the toner has an average circularity of from 0.93 to 1.00.
Billing invention according to claim 9, was a developer supplying device operated by a developer replenishment control how according to any of claims 1 to 8.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the developer supply device according to the ninth aspect.

According to claim 1, 9, 1 0 SL placing the invention, in accordance with a change of the toner supply performance due to the magnitude of the time interval which supply mechanism is driven, the supply mechanism 1 once drive per driving time varying Rather, by changing the calculated developer replenishment amount per driving, the variation in developer consumption integration can be reduced, and more accurate toner consumption integration can be achieved.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to accurately notify the near-end state of the developer that is consumed based on highly accurate developer consumption accumulation.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to accurately notify the end state of the developer consumed based on the highly accurate developer consumption accumulation.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention compares the actual consumption and the calculated calculated value becomes possible to vary the supply capability, taking into account the variation of the supply capacity of the developer supply device itself, a higher Accurate consumption calculation is possible.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to notify the abnormality of the developer replenishing device, such as an excessive amount or a small amount of the replenishment amount based on the highly accurate developer consumption amount accumulation.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, an accurate discharge amount corresponding to the driving time can be obtained for the powdery developer.
According to claim 7, 8 Symbol mounting of the invention, a small particle size, particle size distribution to obtain a sharp toner, which makes it possible to obtain a high-density, high-definition image for a long time.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention can be applied to the case where a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier is used and the case where a one-component developer composed only of toner is used. In the following example, a two-component developer will be described as an example, but the same applies to the case where a one-component developer is used. When a two-component developer is used, the developer to be replenished to the developing device is a toner in any case where a one-component developer is used.

[1] Outline of image forming apparatus:
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printer as an image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, four developers corresponding to each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) are stored in an upper portion of a developer supply device 31 as a powder supply device at the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 100. Toner cartridges (toner containers) 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K as containers are detachably (replaceable). A portion other than the toner cartridge in the developer supply device 31 is a powder conveying device that conveys toner, which is a powdery image forming agent (powder) discharged from the toner cartridge, to a developing device, which will be described later. Replenishment mechanism (powder pump), pipes constituting a replenishment path, and the like.

  An intermediate transfer unit 15 is disposed below the toner supply device 31. Image forming portions 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K corresponding to the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are arranged in parallel so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 8 as an intermediate transfer member of the intermediate transfer unit 15.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the image forming unit 6Y. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow includes a photosensitive drum 1Y as a latent image carrier, a charging unit 4Y disposed around the photosensitive drum 1Y, and a developing device 5Y (developing unit). ), A cleaning unit 2Y, a charge eliminating unit (not shown), and the like. Then, an image forming process (charging process, exposure process, developing process, transfer process, cleaning process) is performed on the photosensitive drum 1 </ b> Y, and a yellow image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1.

  The other three image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K in FIG. 1 have substantially the same configuration as the image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow except that the color of the toner used is different. An image corresponding to the toner color is formed. Hereinafter, description of the other three image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K will be omitted as appropriate, and only the image forming unit 6Y corresponding to yellow will be described.

  In FIG. 2, the photosensitive drum 1Y is rotationally driven in the clockwise direction in the drawing by a drive motor (not shown). Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y is uniformly charged at the charging position by the charging unit 4Y (“charging process”).

  Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches the irradiation position of the laser beam L emitted from the exposure device 7 (see FIG. 1), and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to yellow is formed by exposure scanning at this position. ("Exposure process").

  Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing the cleaning unit 2Y. At this position, the untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1Y is mechanically scraped and collected by the cleaning blade 2a (“cleaning step”).

  Finally, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches a position facing a neutralization unit (not shown), and the residual potential on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed at this position. Thus, a series of image forming processes performed on the photosensitive drum 1 is completed.

  The image forming process described above is performed in the other image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K similarly to the yellow image forming unit 6Y. That is, the laser beam L based on the image information is emitted from the exposure device 7 disposed below the image forming unit toward the photosensitive drums of the image forming units 6M, 6C, and 6K. Specifically, the exposure device 7 emits laser light L from a light source and scans the laser light L on a photosensitive drum through a plurality of optical elements while scanning with a polygon mirror that is a rotationally driven rotary polygon mirror. Irradiate.

  Thereafter, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the respective photosensitive drums through the development process are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in an overlapping manner (“primary transfer process”). In this way, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer unit 15 includes an intermediate transfer belt 8, four primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K, a secondary transfer backup roller 12, a cleaning backup roller 13, and a tension roller. 14 and the intermediate transfer cleaning unit 10. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is stretched and supported by the three rollers 12 to 14 and is endlessly moved in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  The four primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K respectively sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 8 with the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K to form a primary transfer nip. A transfer bias having a polarity opposite to the polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K.

  The intermediate transfer belt 8 travels in the direction of the arrow, and sequentially passes through the primary transfer nips of the primary transfer bias rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K. In this way, the toner images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are primarily transferred while being superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

  Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 on which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred in a superimposed manner reaches a position facing the secondary transfer roller 19. At this position, the secondary transfer backup roller 12 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 8 with the secondary transfer roller 19 to form a secondary transfer nip. Then, the four color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are transferred onto the recording paper P which is a transfer material (recording material) conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip (“secondary” Transfer process ").

  At this time, untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the recording paper P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8. Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer cleaning unit 10. At this position, the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is collected. Thus, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is completed.

  Here, the recording paper P conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip is conveyed from the paper supply unit 26 disposed below the apparatus main body 100 via the paper supply roller 27, the registration roller pair 28, and the like. It is a thing. Specifically, a plurality of recording papers P are stored in the paper supply unit 26 in a stacked manner. When the paper feed roller 27 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 1, the uppermost recording paper P is fed between the rollers of the registration roller pair 28.

  The recording paper P conveyed to the registration roller pair 28 temporarily stops at the position of the roller nip of the registration roller pair 28 whose rotation drive has been stopped. Then, the registry roller pair 28 is rotationally driven in time with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the recording paper P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip. Thus, a desired color image is transferred onto the recording paper P.

Thereafter, the recording paper P on which the color image is transferred at the position of the secondary transfer nip is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 20. At this position, the color image transferred to the surface is fixed on the recording paper P by heat and pressure generated by the fixing roller and the pressure roller. Thereafter, the recording paper P is discharged outside the apparatus through a pair of paper discharge rollers 29. The recording paper P discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the paper discharge roller pair 29 is sequentially stacked on the stack unit 30 as an output image.
Thus, a series of image forming processes in the printer is completed.

<Configuration and operation of developing device in image forming unit>
Next, the configuration and operation of the developing device 5Y in the image forming unit 6Y will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The developing device 5Y includes a developing roller 51Y that faces the photosensitive drum 1Y, a doctor blade 52Y that faces the developing roller 51Y, and two transport members disposed in two developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y that communicate with each other. And a density detection sensor 56Y for detecting the toner density in the developer composed of toner and carrier, and the like. When a one-component developer is used, a toner remaining amount detection sensor is used instead of the density detection sensor 56Y. As is well known, the developing roller 51Y includes a magnet fixed inside, a developing sleeve rotating around the magnet, and the like.

  In the developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y, a two-component developer G including a carrier and toner is accommodated. The developer accommodating portion 54Y communicates with a toner conveying tube 43Y as a path forming member forming a powder conveying path through an opening formed thereabove.

  The developing device 5Y having the above configuration operates as follows. The developing sleeve of the developing roller 51Y rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The developer G carried on the developing roller 51Y by the magnetic field formed by the magnet moves on the developing roller 51Y as the developing sleeve rotates.

  Here, the developer G in the developing device 5Y is adjusted so that the ratio of toner in the developer (toner concentration) is within a predetermined range. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the toner cartridge 32Y shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is instructed by the control means 101 according to the toner consumption in the developing device 5Y (detection output of the density detection sensor 56Y). The toner accommodated in the toner is replenished into the developer accommodating portion 54Y through the pipes 43Y, 70, 71 and the powder pump constituting the toner replenishing mechanism 38Y. The configuration and operation of the supply mechanism 38Y and the toner cartridge 32Y will be described in detail later.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2, the toner replenished in the developer accommodating portion 54Y is mixed and stirred together with the developer G by the two conveying screws 55Y, and between the two developer accommodating portions 53Y and 54Y. (A movement of drawing a rectangular loop connecting the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2 along the axial direction of the two conveying screws 55Y and the lateral direction). The toner in the developer G is attracted to the carrier by frictional charging with the carrier, and is carried on the developing roller 51Y together with the carrier by the magnetic force formed on the developing roller 51Y.

  The developer G carried on the developing roller 51Y is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 and reaches the position of the doctor blade 52Y. The developer G on the developing roller 51Y is conveyed to a position facing the photosensitive drum 1Y (development area) after the developer amount is made appropriate at this position. The toner is attracted to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 by the electric field formed in the development area. Thereafter, the developer G remaining on the developing roller 51Y reaches above the developer containing portion 53Y as the developing sleeve rotates, and is detached from the developing roller 51Y at this position.

<Toner supply route>
Next, the pipes 43Y, 70, 71 and the supply mechanism 38Y constituting the powder transfer (replenishment) path for guiding the toner in the toner cartridge 32Y installed in the developer supply apparatus 31 to the developing apparatus 5Y as the transfer destination are configured. The powder pump 62 and the like will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the tubes 43Y, 70, 71, the supply mechanism 38Y, the holding unit 34Y, and the like constituting the developer supply device 31. In FIG. 3, for ease of understanding, the arrangement direction of the toner cartridge 32Y, the tubes 43Y, 70, 71, the supply mechanism 38Y, and the developing device 5Y is changed. In practice, in FIG. 3, the toner cartridge 32Y and a part of the toner replenishment path are arranged such that the longitudinal directions thereof are perpendicular to the paper surface (see FIG. 1).

  The toner in each of the toner cartridges 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K installed in the developer supply device 31 of the apparatus main body 100 is a toner provided for each of four toner colors according to the toner consumption in each color developing device. Each developing device is appropriately replenished through a replenishment route. The four supply mechanisms and toner supply paths have substantially the same structure except that the color of toner used in the image forming process is different.

  Specifically, when the toner cartridge 32Y is set in the developer supply device 31 of the apparatus main body 100, one end portion of the toner transport tube 70 (nozzle) of the developer supply device 31 is connected to the holding portion 34Y of the toner cartridge 32Y. . At this time, the plug member 34d (opening / closing member) of the toner cartridge 32Y opens the toner discharge port 34c of the holding portion 34Y. As a result, the toner accommodated in the container main body 33Y of the toner cartridge 32Y is discharged into the toner conveying tube 70 through the toner discharge port 34c.

  The other end of the toner conveying tube 70 on the side opposite to the toner discharge port 34c is connected to one end of a tube 71 which is a toner conveying member. The tube 71 is made of a flexible rubber material having low toner affinity. The other end of the tube 71 opposite to the toner conveying tube side is connected to a powder pump main body 62 that forms a main part of the replenishing mechanism 38Y that sucks toner. The powder pump main body 62 is a uniaxial eccentric screw pump commonly called “Mono pump”.

  The replenishing mechanism 38Y includes a rotor 61, a stator 60, a suction port 63, a universal joint 64, a motor 66 that drives the powder pump main body 62, and the like that form the powder pump main body 62. The rotor 61 is formed such that a shaft made of a metal material is spirally twisted. One end of the rotor 61 is rotatably connected to a motor 66 that is a rotational drive source via a universal joint 64. The stator 60 is made of a rubber material, and its hole portion is formed such that an oval cross section is twisted in a spiral shape. A rotor 61 is inserted into the hole of the stator 60.

  In the replenishing mechanism 38Y configured in this way, the rotor 61 in the stator 60 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction by the motor 66, whereby the powder pump main body 62 causes the toner in the toner cartridge 32Y to pass through the tube 71. And sucked into the suction port 63. The toner sucked up to the suction port 63 is fed into the gap between the stator 60 and the rotor 61, and is sent to the other end side along the rotation of the rotor 61. The delivered toner is discharged from the delivery port 67 of the powder pump 62, and is replenished into the developing device 5Y through the toner conveying tube 43Y (movement in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3).

The replenishment mechanism 38Y mainly comprising the screw pump as the powder pump calculates a necessary toner replenishment amount for each image and converts it into a drive time, thereby obtaining a required drive time until the toner cartridge 32Y is emptied. . However, if a large amount of toner is replenished at a time, a toner dispersion failure or the like occurs, and image density unevenness due to toner density unevenness or toner scattering due to poor charging occurs. Therefore, driving is performed in a plurality of times. In addition, it is better to improve the dispersibility of the toner by making the driving interval as long as possible as long as possible.
[2] Examples corresponding to claims:

  As described above, the toner replenishing device 31 having the above-described configuration is a yellow developer as a powder conveying device that discharges powder from the toner cartridge 32Y and conveys it to the developing device 5Y for yellow as a conveying destination as described above. The yellow developer conveying device includes a holding unit 34Y that holds the toner cartridge 32Y, a toner conveying tube 70, tubes 71 and 43Y, a supply mechanism 38Y, and the like. In addition to the yellow developer transport device, the toner replenishing device 31 includes a developer transport device similar to yellow for each of magenta, cyan, and black.

  In FIG. 2, the control means 101 having a CPU as an element performs a collation operation with the toner density information from the density detection sensor 56Y (56M for magenta, 56C for cyan, 56K for black) and the data held in its own memory. Equally, the replenishment mechanism 38Y (38M for magenta, 38C for cyan, 38K for black) is individually instructed, and the display means 102 is operated to cause a color that is nearly lost or disappears. A warning is issued to prompt the supply of the developer of a different color and to prompt the necessary response. For each color toner, a warning is issued when an abnormality of the replenishment mechanism for that color is detected from the integrated value of the replenishment amount.

  The developer replenishment control system of the present invention can be executed by a combination of the toner replenishing device 31, the control means 101, the density detection sensor 56Y (56M, 56C, 56K) and the like. Further, the display means 102 and the like can be combined to achieve an effect. A combination of the toner replenishing device 31 capable of executing such a developer replenishing control method, the control unit 101, the density detection sensor 56Y (56M, 56C, 56K), etc. constitutes a developer supplying device and is mounted on the color image forming apparatus. be able to. In that case, it is needless to say that the display means 102 and the like may be configured together.

<Example 1>
This example is a control method in which toner is supplied to the developing device 5Y from the developer storage container (toner cartridge 32Y) containing toner using the supply mechanism 38Y, and the toner per drive supplied to the developing device 5Y. In the toner replenishment control method in which the replenishment amount is calculated from the replenishment amount per hour of the replenishment mechanism 38Y and the driving time per time, and the total toner replenishment amount from the toner cartridge 32Y is calculated as an integrated value thereof, the replenishment mechanism 38Y is driven. It is characterized in that the calculated replenishment amount per time is changed in accordance with the temporal change related to the toner conveyance performance and is calculated according to the time interval.

  Each time a signal is output from the density detection sensor 56Y that detects toner shortage in the developing device 5Y, the result of integrating the state in which the toner in the toner cartridge 32Y is replenished and consumed by the developing device 5Y, that is, the toner replenishing mechanism 38Y. The relationship between the drive time integrated value (replenishment drive integrated time) T and the toner consumption integrated value (consumption approximate value) W is shown in FIG. For convenience, the consumption amount and the replenishment amount are treated as synonymous and equivalent. The proportional relationship between the driving time integrated value and the toner consumption integrated value is ideal, and this inclination α (consumption per unit time (= replenishment amount)) is stored in the control means 101, and the toner in the toner cartridge 32Y is stored. It is used as a material for predicting the replacement time by calculating the integrated value of consumption until it disappears.

The toner consumption integrated value is obtained by the following equation (1).
Toner consumption integrated value [g] = consumption per drive time (replenishment amount) [g / sec] x integrated drive time [sec] (1)
That is, in FIG. 5 , if the replenishing mechanism 38Y replenishes w [g] in one driving time t [sec], the consumption per driving time is w / t [g / sec]. By multiplying the drive integration time T, an approximate value W of consumption can be obtained.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows an actual relationship between the drive interval (replenishment drive interval) of the replenishment mechanism 38Y and the toner consumption amount (toner replenishment amount). Here, the driving interval refers to the time from when the replenishing mechanism 38Y is turned on to when it is turned on next time. Ideally, it is preferable that the replenishment amount per driving time is constant regardless of the length of the driving interval. However, in actuality, the toner state changes with respect to the conveyance performance depending on the time during which the replenishing mechanism 38Y is left undriven. For this reason, if the drive interval is long to some extent, a phenomenon occurs in which the replenishment amount decreases. In other words, a phenomenon occurs in which the slope of the proportional relationship shown in FIGS. 4, 5, etc. varies depending on the length of the drive interval. This phenomenon generates an error between the ideal integrated consumption amount used for toner consumption prediction and the actual integrated consumption amount.

  FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the amount of replenishment per hour when the replenishment drive interval by the replenishment mechanism 38Y is short (FIG. 7A) and when it is long (FIG. 7B) to supplement FIG. FIG. The replenishment drive interval t2 in FIG. 7A is shorter than the replenishment drive interval t3 in FIG. 7B and has a relationship of t3> t2. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the replenishment amount per hour is larger in FIG. 7A where the replenishment drive interval is shorter than in FIG. 7B where the replenishment drive interval is longer, even though the drive time t1 is the same. As is apparent from FIG. 6, this tendency becomes close to a fixed replenishment state regardless of the time interval when a predetermined time elapses.

  In the present invention, the error due to the drive interval is reduced by calculating the replenishment amount (consumption amount) in advance by taking into account the change in the replenishment amount due to the change in the toner replenishment performance due to the length of the drive interval. Enables consumption accumulation.

For example, by calculating a function of a change in consumption due to a change in the driving time interval of the replenishment machine in advance, the consumption for each replenishment is corrected and integrated to obtain a consumption integrated value.
The consumption per driving time (consumption per hour at the slope α when the driving interval is set to a certain value) in the equation (1) is used as a reference value, and each time when the driving interval is changed to this. A drive interval correction function β is calculated from the ratio of consumption, and the consumption for each replenishment is calculated by multiplying the reference value by the correction coefficient β, and these are integrated to obtain the total consumption. It is.

  Toner consumption m [g / sec] = Driving interval correction coefficient β × Reference value of consumption per driving time (α equivalent value) [g / sec] (2)

  The drive interval correction coefficient β in the equation (2) is different for each different drive interval, and exists, for example, β1, β2, β3,. Using this, the control unit 101 changes the driving interval data that can be grasped from the usage state of the image forming apparatus for the user to the driving interval correction coefficient (β) that matches the driving interval in the replenishment cycle. The toner replenishment amount m [g / sec] is obtained, and the sum of these is multiplied by the drive time for one replenishment mechanism to obtain the integrated consumption amount as shown in (3).

Toner consumption integrated value M [g] = driving time for one replenishment mechanism x Σ (toner consumption m [g / sec] for each time) (3)

  By taking into account the correction based on the driving interval of the replenishing mechanism, it is possible to predict the replacement timing close to actual accuracy for the toner cartridge 32Y (the same applies to toner cartridges of other colors).

<Example 2>
In this example, since the current toner consumption amount integrated value M [g] is obtained from the equation (3), the control unit 101 determines the toner cartridge from the difference from the initial toner filling amount in the toner cartridge 32Y. The amount of remaining toner in 32Y can be grasped. Accordingly, the display means 102 is made to function according to the calculated integrated value of the toner consumption amount, and it is close to the state in which the toner in the toner cartridge 32Y is exhausted, thereby indicating that the toner cartridge 32Y is about to be replaced or is about to be replaced. The toner near end to be notified can be turned on. By promptly preparing for replacement of the toner cartridge 32Y, the user can avoid running out of toner in the developing device 5Y.

<Example 3>
Even when the toner cartridge 32Y is not exchanged even though the display unit 102 lights the toner near end, or even when the toner near end display function is not provided, the control unit 101 can calculate the current toner consumption from the equation (3). Since the amount integrated value M [g] is grasped, it can be grasped that there is no remaining toner amount in the toner cartridge 32Y from the difference from the initial filling amount of the toner in the toner cartridge 32Y. Therefore, it is possible to turn on the toner end that informs that the toner cartridge 32Y is out of toner by causing the display means 102 to function based on the calculated integrated value of the toner consumption. The user promptly replaces the toner cartridge 32Y to avoid running out of toner in the developing device 5Y and continuously obtain a smooth image forming state.

<Examples 4 and 5>
In this example, the control means 101 calculates the replenishment capability of the toner replenishing device 31 based on the integrated value of the toner replenishment amount (consumption amount) calculated from the above equation (3), and further calculates the integrated toner replenishment amount. The replenishment capability of the toner replenishing device is changed according to the value.

  The control means 101 multiplies the consumption per unit driving time (replenishment amount) in each driving interval stored in advance according to the usage record of the user by the frequency executed in the driving interval, and calculates the toner consumption. Is calculated.

Toner consumption integrated value M = (β 1 · P 1 + β 2 · P 2 + β 3 · P 3...) × consumption amount per drive time (α equivalent value) [g / sec] (4)
In equation (4), β is a drive interval correction coefficient, and P is a frequency depending on each drive interval. Further, the toner cartridge 32Y to be used has the filling amount information previously inputted to the nonvolatile memory or the like, and the usable toner weight Ma is known.

  Here, the replenishment capability Q is calculated using the toner weight actually used and the toner consumption obtained from the calculation. That is, the replenishment capability Q is calculated by comparing the toner consumption amount calculated from when the toner cartridge 32Y is full immediately after replacement to the empty state and the actual consumption amount, and the predicted value is calculated. The replenishing ability Q is obtained by the equation (5) by the controller 101.

  Q = M / Ma (5)

The following determination is made using equation (5).
(A) When Q> 1, more driving is performed than intended, so the replenishment capability as a device is small.
(B) When Q≈1, the replenishment capacity is as designed.
(C) When Q <1, since the drive is executed less than the target, the replenishment capability as a device becomes large.

If the replenishment capability (replenishment amount per one time) is not aimed, not only the consumption amount can be predicted, but also an abnormal image such as toner density unevenness can occur.
In the present invention, a new replenishment coefficient or the like is set to calculate the toner replenishment amount based on the above determination of the calculated replenishment capability Q. For example, by changing this replenishment coefficient, the difference is caused by individual differences in the replenishment mechanism or the like. Change the replenishment ability so that the prediction matches the actual. As a result, it is possible to improve oversupply, shortage of supply amount, and accompanying deviations in the integrated amount of consumption.

  By performing the replenishment amount correction, which shows the effect of this example in FIG. 8, it is possible to reduce the variation between the actual replenishment amount and the calculated consumption amount. In the figure, the circled chain curve shows the approximate value (calculation) of the toner consumption when the correction shown in Example 1 is performed. In the figure, the triangle curve shows the correction curve shown in this Example 4. An approximate value (calculation) of toner consumption when it is performed is shown. In this example, by incorporating toner replenishment control, the reliability of toner consumption prediction can be improved, and an image forming apparatus that transmits accurate toner remaining amount information to a user can be provided.

<Example 6>
In this example, the display unit 102 determines whether the toner replenishment mechanism has an abnormally small or large replenishment amount based on the integrated value of the toner consumption calculated in any of the above examples. A signal will be emitted.

  By performing consumption correction in Examples 1, 4, 5, etc., accurate consumption prediction can be performed particularly in Examples 4, 5. For example, the near-end threshold value of the toner cartridge 32Y, the end threshold value, and the abnormal threshold value of the replenishing mechanism 38Y are set in advance for the accumulated consumption amount, so that accurate information can be transmitted to the user. The toner filling amount in the toner cartridge may be stored in the control unit 101 in advance, or information may be input to a nonvolatile memory or the like attached to each toner cartridge.

  The near end displays a message such as “Toner will soon be exhausted” when the remaining amount is OOg. Accordingly, the user can order or prepare toner. Also, by making this value variable, it is possible to notify at a timing according to the user's usage environment.

  “End” displays a message such as “no toner” when the remaining amount is less than OOg. Accordingly, the user replaces the toner cartridge. In conventional machines, this function is performed by using a toner end sensor. Of course, a space for the arrangement is also required, which increases the cost.

  When the remaining amount is less than or equal to OOg (abnormal value, minus value), a serviceman call such as "It is a failure, please call a serviceman" is issued to stop the machine. In the present invention, it can be used even after displaying the toner end. However, when the consumption is obviously abnormal (the actual consumption is small compared to the calculation), a failure of the replenishment mechanism is considered. Damage to parts can be prevented in advance.

<Example 7>
The replenishing mechanism 38Y includes a powder pump. In this example, a powder pump is used for the toner replenishment mechanism. However, since the powder pump is susceptible to changes in the state of the replenished toner, the replenishment amount integration tends to vary. The problem can be solved by performing correction such as an interval correction coefficient.

<Example 8>
In each of the examples so far, the toner used as the developer is a toner material liquid in which at least a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, a polyester, a colorant, and a release agent are dispersed in an organic solvent. Is a toner obtained by crosslinking and / or elongation reaction in an aqueous medium.

  Hereinafter, the toner will be described in detail.

(polyester)
The polyester is obtained by a polycondensation reaction between a polyhydric alcohol compound and a polycarboxylic acid compound.
Examples of the polyhydric alcohol compound (PO) include dihydric alcohol (DIO) and trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol (TO). (DIO) alone or a mixture of (DIO) and a small amount of (TO) preferable. Examples of the dihydric alcohol (DIO) include alkylene glycol (ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, etc.); alkylene ether glycol (diethylene glycol) , Triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene ether glycol, etc.); alicyclic diols (1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, hydrogenated bisphenol A, etc.); bisphenols (bisphenol A, bisphenol) F, bisphenol S, etc.); alkylene oxide (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, etc.) adduct of the above alicyclic diol; Alkylene oxide bisphenol (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, etc.), etc. adducts. Among them, preferred are alkylene glycols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols, and particularly preferred are alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols and alkylene glycols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. It is a combined use. The trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol (TO) includes 3 to 8 or higher polyhydric aliphatic alcohols (glycerin, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, etc.); trihydric or higher phenols (Trisphenol PA, phenol novolak, cresol novolak, etc.); and alkylene oxide adducts of the above trivalent or higher polyphenols.

Examples of the polyvalent carboxylic acid (PC) include divalent carboxylic acid (DIC) and trivalent or higher polyvalent carboxylic acid (TC). (DIC) alone and (DIC) with a small amount of (TC) Mixtures are preferred. Divalent carboxylic acids (DIC) include alkylene dicarboxylic acids (succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, etc.); alkenylene dicarboxylic acids (maleic acid, fumaric acid, etc.); aromatic dicarboxylic acids (phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid) And naphthalenedicarboxylic acid). Of these, preferred are alkenylene dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 20 carbon atoms and aromatic dicarboxylic acids having 8 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of the trivalent or higher polyvalent carboxylic acid (TC) include aromatic polycarboxylic acids having 9 to 20 carbon atoms (such as trimellitic acid and pyromellitic acid). In addition, as polyhydric carboxylic acid (PC), you may make it react with polyhydric alcohol (PO) using the above-mentioned acid anhydride or lower alkyl ester (Methyl ester, ethyl ester, isopropyl ester, etc.).

  The ratio of the polyhydric alcohol (PO) to the polycarboxylic acid (PC) is usually 2/1 to 1/1, preferably as the equivalent ratio [OH] / [COOH] of the hydroxyl group [OH] and the carboxyl group [COOH]. Is 1.5 / 1 to 1/1, more preferably 1.3 / 1 to 1.02 / 1.

  The polycondensation reaction between polyhydric alcohol (PO) and polycarboxylic acid (PC) is heated to 150 to 280 ° C in the presence of a known esterification catalyst such as tetrabutoxytitanate or dibutyltin oxide, and reduced in pressure if necessary. The produced water is distilled off to obtain a polyester having a hydroxyl group. The hydroxyl value of the polyester is preferably 5 or more, and the acid value of the polyester is usually 1 to 30, preferably 5 to 20.

By giving an acid value, it tends to be negatively charged, and furthermore, when fixing to a recording paper, the affinity between the recording paper and the toner is good and the low-temperature fixability is improved. However, when the acid value exceeds 30, there is a tendency to deteriorate with respect to the stability of charging, particularly environmental fluctuation.
The weight average molecular weight is 10,000 to 400,000, preferably 20,000 to 200,000. A weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 is not preferable because offset resistance deteriorates. On the other hand, if it exceeds 400,000, the low-temperature fixability is deteriorated.

  In addition to the unmodified polyester obtained by the above polycondensation reaction, the polyester preferably contains a urea-modified polyester. The urea-modified polyester is obtained by reacting a terminal carboxyl group or hydroxyl group of the polyester obtained by the above polycondensation reaction with a polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC) to obtain a polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group. It is obtained by cross-linking and / or extending the molecular chain by the reaction of the amine with amines.

  Examples of the polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC) include aliphatic polyisocyanates (tetramethylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,6-diisocyanatomethylcaproate, etc.); alicyclic polyisocyanates (isophorone diisocyanate, cyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, etc.) ); Aromatic diisocyanates (tolylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, etc.); araliphatic diisocyanates (α, α, α ′, α′-tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate, etc.); isocyanates; phenol derivatives, oximes, polyisocyanates; Those blocked with caprolactam or the like; and combinations of two or more of these.

  The ratio of the polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC) is usually 5/1 to 1/1, preferably as an equivalent ratio [NCO] / [OH] of the isocyanate group [NCO] and the hydroxyl group [OH] of the polyester having a hydroxyl group. 4/1 to 1.2 / 1, more preferably 2.5 / 1 to 1.5 / 1. When [NCO] / [OH] exceeds 5, low-temperature fixability deteriorates. When the molar ratio of [NCO] is less than 1, when a urea-modified polyester is used, the urea content in the ester is lowered and hot offset resistance is deteriorated.

  The content of the polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC) component in the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group is usually 0.5 to 40 wt%, preferably 1 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 20 wt%. . If it is less than 0.5 wt%, the hot offset resistance deteriorates, and it is disadvantageous in terms of both heat-resistant storage stability and low-temperature fixability. On the other hand, if it exceeds 40 wt%, the low-temperature fixability deteriorates.

  The number of isocyanate groups contained per molecule in the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group is usually 1 or more, preferably 1.5 to 3 on average, more preferably 1.8 to 2 on average. Five. If it is less than 1 per molecule, the molecular weight of the urea-modified polyester will be low, and the hot offset resistance will deteriorate.

  Next, as amines (B) to be reacted with the polyester prepolymer (A), a divalent amine compound (B1), a trivalent or higher polyvalent amine compound (B2), an amino alcohol (B3), an amino mercaptan (B4) ), Amino acid (B5), and amino acid block of B1 to B5 (B6).

  Examples of the divalent amine compound (B1) include aromatic diamines (phenylenediamine, diethyltoluenediamine, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, etc.); alicyclic diamines (4,4′-diamino-3,3′-dimethyldicyclohexyl). Methane, diamine cyclohexane, isophorone diamine, etc.); and aliphatic diamines (ethylene diamine, tetramethylene diamine, hexamethylene diamine, etc.) and the like.

  Examples of the trivalent or higher polyvalent amine compound (B2) include diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetramine. Examples of amino alcohol (B3) include ethanolamine and hydroxyethylaniline. Examples of amino mercaptan (B4) include aminoethyl mercaptan and aminopropyl mercaptan.

  Examples of the amino acid (B5) include aminopropionic acid and aminocaproic acid. Examples of the compound (B6) obtained by blocking the amino group of B1 to B5 include ketimine compounds and oxazolidine compounds obtained from the amines of B1 to B5 and ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, etc.). Among these amines (B), preferred are B1 and a mixture of B1 and a small amount of B2.

The ratio of amines (B) is equivalent to the equivalent ratio [NCO] / [NHx] of isocyanate groups [NCO] in the polyester prepolymer (A) having isocyanate groups and amino groups [NHx] in amines (B). Is usually 1/2 to 2/1, preferably 1.5 / 1 to 1 / 1.5, more preferably 1.2 / 1 to 1 / 1.2.
When [NCO] / [NHx] is more than 2 or less than 1/2, the molecular weight of the urea-modified polyester is lowered, and the hot offset resistance is deteriorated.

  The urea-modified polyester may contain a urethane bond together with a urea bond. The molar ratio of the urea bond content to the urethane bond content is usually 100/0 to 10/90, preferably 80/20 to 20/80, and more preferably 60/40 to 30/70. When the molar ratio of the urea bond is less than 10%, the hot offset resistance is deteriorated.

  The urea-modified polyester is produced by a one-shot method or the like. Water produced by heating polyhydric alcohol (PO) and polyhydric carboxylic acid (PC) to 150-280 ° C. in the presence of a known esterification catalyst such as tetrabutoxytitanate, dibutyltin oxide, and if necessary, reducing the pressure. Is distilled off to obtain a polyester having a hydroxyl group. Next, at 40 to 140 ° C., this is reacted with polyvalent isocyanate (PIC) to obtain a polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group. Further, this (A) is reacted with amines (B) at 0 to 140 ° C. to obtain a urea-modified polyester.

  When reacting (PIC) and when reacting (A) and (B), a solvent may be used if necessary. Usable solvents include aromatic solvents (toluene, xylene, etc.); ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, etc.); esters (ethyl acetate, etc.); amides (dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, etc.) and ethers And those inert to isocyanates (PIC), such as tetrahydrofuran (such as tetrahydrofuran).

  In addition, in the crosslinking and / or extension reaction between the polyester prepolymer (A) and the amines (B), a reaction terminator can be used as necessary to adjust the molecular weight of the resulting urea-modified polyester. Examples of the reaction terminator include monoamines (diethylamine, dibutylamine, butylamine, laurylamine, etc.), and those obtained by blocking them (ketimine compounds).

  The weight average molecular weight of the urea-modified polyester is usually 10,000 or more, preferably 20,000 to 10,000,000, and more preferably 30,000 to 1,000,000. If it is less than 10,000, the hot offset resistance deteriorates. The number average molecular weight of the urea-modified polyester or the like is not particularly limited when the above-mentioned unmodified polyester is used, and may be a number average molecular weight that can be easily obtained to obtain the weight average molecular weight. When the urea-modified polyester is used alone, its number average molecular weight is usually 2000-15000, preferably 2000-10000, more preferably 2000-8000. When it exceeds 20000, the low-temperature fixability and the glossiness when used in a full-color apparatus are deteriorated.

  By using the unmodified polyester and the urea-modified polyester in combination, the low-temperature fixability and the gloss when used in the full-color image forming apparatus 100 are improved. Therefore, it is preferable to use the urea-modified polyester alone. The unmodified polyester may include a polyester modified with a chemical bond other than a urea bond.

  The unmodified polyester and the urea-modified polyester are preferably at least partially compatible with each other in terms of low-temperature fixability and hot offset resistance. Therefore, it is preferable that the unmodified polyester and the urea-modified polyester have a similar composition.

  The weight ratio of unmodified polyester to urea-modified polyester is usually 20/80 to 95/5, preferably 70/30 to 95/5, more preferably 75/25 to 95/5, and particularly preferably 80 /. 20-93 / 7. When the weight ratio of the urea-modified polyester is less than 5%, the hot offset resistance is deteriorated, and it is disadvantageous in terms of both heat-resistant storage stability and low-temperature fixability.

The glass transition point (Tg) of the binder resin containing unmodified polyester and urea-modified polyester is usually 45 to 65 ° C, preferably 45 to 60 ° C. When the temperature is lower than 45 ° C, the heat resistance of the toner is deteriorated. When the temperature is higher than 65 ° C, the low-temperature fixability becomes insufficient.
In addition, since the urea-modified polyester is likely to be present on the surface of the obtained toner base particles, the heat-resistant storage stability tends to be good even when the glass transition point is low as compared with known polyester-based toners.

(Coloring agent)
As the colorant, all known dyes and pigments can be used. For example, carbon black, nigrosine dye, iron black, naphthol yellow S, Hansa yellow (10G, 5G, G), cadmium yellow, yellow iron oxide, ocher , Yellow lead, titanium yellow, polyazo yellow, oil yellow, Hansa yellow (GR, A, RN, R), pigment yellow L, benzidine yellow (G, GR), permanent yellow (NCG), Vulcan fast yellow (5G, R), Tartrazine Lake, Quinoline Yellow Lake, Anthrazan Yellow BGL, Isoindolinone Yellow, Bengala, Red Dan, Lead Zhu, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Mercury Red, Antimon Zhu, Permanent Red 4R, Para Red, Phi Sayred, Parachlor Ortonito Aniline Red, Resol Fast Scarlet G, Brilliant Fast Scarlet, Brilliant Carmine B, Permanent Red (F2R, F4R, FRL, FRLL, F4RH), Fast Scarlet VD, Belkan Fast Rubin B, Brilliant Scarlet G, Resol Rubin GX, Permanent Red F5R , Brilliant Carmine 6B, Pigment Scarlet 3B, Bordeaux 5B, Toluidine Maroon, Permanent Bordeaux F2K, Helio Bordeaux BL, Bordeaux 10B, Bon Maroon Light, Bon Maroon Medium, Eosin Lake, Rhodamine Lake B, Rhodamine Lake Y, Alizarin Lake, Thio Indigo Red B, Thioindigo Maroon, Oil Red, Quinacridone Red, Pyrazolone Red Polyazo Red, Chrome Vermillion, Benzidine Orange, Perinone Orange, Oil Orange, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Alkaline Blue Lake, Peacock Blue Lake, Victoria Blue Lake, Metal Free Phthalocyanine Blue, Phthalocyanine Blue, Fast Sky Blue, Indanthrene Blue (RS, BC), indigo, ultramarine blue, bitumen, anthraquinone blue, fast violet B, methyl violet lake, cobalt purple, manganese purple, dioxane violet, anthraquinone violet, chrome green, zinc green, chromium oxide, pyridian, emerald green, pigment Green B, Naphthol Green B, Green Gold, Acid Green Lake, Malachite Green Lake, Lid Russian nin green, anthraquinone green, titanium oxide, zinc white, litbon and mixtures thereof can be used. The content of the colorant is usually 1 to 15% by weight, preferably 3 to 10% by weight, based on the toner.

  The colorant can also be used as a master batch combined with a resin. As a binder resin to be kneaded together with the production of the master batch or the master batch, a polymer of styrene such as polystyrene, poly-p-chlorostyrene, polyvinyl toluene or the like, or a copolymer of these and a vinyl compound, Polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, epoxy resin, epoxy polyol resin, polyurethane, polyamide, polyvinyl butyral, polyacrylic acid resin, rosin, modified rosin, terpene resin, fat Aromatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic petroleum resins, chlorinated paraffins, paraffin waxes and the like can be mentioned, and these can be used alone or in combination.

(Charge control agent)
Known charge control agents can be used, such as nigrosine dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, chromium-containing metal complex dyes, molybdate chelate pigments, rhodamine dyes, alkoxy amines, quaternary ammonium salts (fluorine-modified 4 Secondary ammonium salts or compounds, tungsten simple substances or compounds, fluorine activators, salicylic acid metal salts, and metal salts of salicylic acid derivatives. Specifically, Bontron 03 of a nigrosine dye, Bontron P-51 of a quaternary ammonium salt, Bontron S-34 of a metal-containing azo dye, E-82 of an oxynaphthoic acid metal complex, E-84 of a salicylic acid metal complex , Phenol-based condensate E-89 (above, manufactured by Orient Chemical Industries), quaternary ammonium salt molybdenum complex TP-302, TP-415 (above, manufactured by Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Quaternary ammonium salt copy charge PSY VP2038, triphenylmethane derivative copy blue PR, quaternary ammonium salt copy charge NEG VP2036, copy charge NX VP434 (from Hoechst), LRA-901, boron complex LR-147 (manufactured by Nippon Carlit), copper phthalocyanine, perylene, quinacridone, azo pigments, and other polymer compounds having functional groups such as sulfonic acid groups, carboxyl groups, and quaternary ammonium salts. Of these, substances that control the negative polarity of the toner are particularly preferably used.

  The amount of charge control agent used is determined by the type of binder resin, the presence or absence of additives used as necessary, and the toner production method including the dispersion method, and is not uniquely limited. Preferably, it is used in the range of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the binder resin. The range of 0.2 to 5 parts by weight is preferable. When the amount exceeds 10 parts by weight, the chargeability of the toner is too high, the effect of the charge control agent is reduced, the electrostatic attraction with the developing roller is increased, the developer fluidity is lowered, and the image density is lowered. Invite.

(Release agent)
As a release agent, a low melting point wax having a melting point of 50 to 120 ° C. works more effectively as a release agent in the dispersion with the binder resin between the fixing roller and the toner interface, thereby fixing. Effective against high temperature offset without applying a release agent such as oil to the roller. Examples of such a wax component include the following. Examples of waxes and waxes include plant waxes such as carnauba wax, cotton wax, wood wax, rice wax, animal waxes such as beeswax and lanolin, mineral waxes such as ozokerite and cercin, and paraffin, microcrystalline, And petroleum waxes such as petrolatum. In addition to these natural waxes, synthetic hydrocarbon waxes such as Fischer-Tropsch wax and polyethylene wax, and synthetic waxes such as esters, ketones, and ethers can be used. Furthermore, fatty acid amides such as 12-hydroxystearic acid amide, stearic acid amide, phthalic anhydride imide, chlorinated hydrocarbon, and low molecular weight crystalline polymer resin, poly-n-stearyl methacrylate, poly-n- A crystalline polymer having a long alkyl group in the side chain such as a homopolymer or copolymer of polyacrylate such as lauryl methacrylate (for example, a copolymer of n-stearyl acrylate-ethyl methacrylate, etc.) can also be used. .

  The charge control agent and the release agent can be melt-kneaded together with the master batch and the binder resin, and of course, they may be added when dissolved and dispersed in the organic solvent.

(External additive)
Inorganic fine particles are preferably used as an external additive for assisting the fluidity, developability and chargeability of the toner particles. The primary particle diameter of the inorganic fine particles is preferably 5 × 10 −3 to 2 μm, and particularly preferably 5 × 10 −3 to 0.5 μm. Moreover, it is preferable that the specific surface area by BET method is 20-500 m < ² > / g. The use ratio of the inorganic fine particles is preferably 0.01 to 5 wt% of the toner, and particularly preferably 0.01 to 2.0 wt%.

Specific examples of the inorganic fine particles include, for example, silica, alumina, titanium oxide, barium titanate, magnesium titanate, calcium titanate, strontium titanate, zinc oxide, tin oxide, quartz sand, clay, mica, wollastonite, diatomaceous earth. Examples include soil, chromium oxide, cerium oxide, bengara, antimony trioxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, barium sulfate, barium carbonate, calcium carbonate, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride. Among these, as the fluidity imparting agent, it is preferable to use hydrophobic silica fine particles and hydrophobic titanium oxide fine particles in combination. In particular, when stirring and mixing are performed using particles having an average particle size of 5 × 10-2 μm or less, the electrostatic force and van der Waals force with the toner are remarkably improved. Even when stirring and mixing inside the developing device is performed, a fluidity-imparting agent is not detached from the toner, a good image quality that does not cause fireflies and the like is obtained, and a reduction in residual toner is further achieved. .

  Titanium oxide fine particles are excellent in environmental stability and image density stability, but have a tendency to deteriorate the charge rise characteristics. Therefore, if the amount of titanium oxide fine particles added is larger than the amount of silica fine particles added, this side effect is affected. It can be considered large.

  However, when the added amount of the hydrophobic silica fine particles and the hydrophobic titanium oxide fine particles is in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 wt%, the charge rising characteristics are not greatly impaired, and the desired charge rising characteristics can be obtained, that is, repeated copying. Stable image quality can be obtained even if

  Next, a toner manufacturing method will be described. Here, although a preferable manufacturing method is shown, it is not limited to this.

(Toner production method)
1) A toner material solution is prepared by dispersing a colorant, unmodified polyester, a polyester prepolymer having an isocyanate group, and a release agent in an organic solvent.
The organic solvent is preferably volatile with a boiling point of less than 100 ° C. from the viewpoint of easy removal after toner base particle formation. Specifically, toluene, xylene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, chloroform, monochlorobenzene, dichloroethylidene, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl isobutyl ketone and the like can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In particular, aromatic solvents such as toluene and xylene and halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride are preferable. The usage-amount of an organic solvent is 0-300 weight part normally with respect to 100 weight part of polyester prepolymers, Preferably it is 0-100 weight part, More preferably, it is 25-70 weight part.

2) The toner material liquid is emulsified in an aqueous medium in the presence of a surfactant and resin fine particles.
The aqueous medium may be water alone or an organic solvent such as alcohol (methanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, etc.), dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, cellosolves (methyl cellosolve, etc.), lower ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.). It may be included.

  The amount of the aqueous medium used relative to 100 parts by weight of the toner material liquid is usually 50 to 2000 parts by weight, preferably 100 to 1000 parts by weight. If the amount is less than 50 parts by weight, the dispersion state of the toner material liquid is poor, and toner particles having a predetermined particle diameter cannot be obtained. If it exceeds 20000 parts by weight, it is not economical.

Further, in order to improve the dispersion in the aqueous medium, a dispersant such as a surfactant and resin fine particles is appropriately added.
As surfactants, anionic surfactants such as alkylbenzene sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, phosphate esters, alkylamine salts, amino alcohol fatty acid derivatives, polyamine fatty acid derivatives, amine salt types such as imidazoline, Quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactants such as alkyltrimethylammonium salts, dialkyldimethylammonium salts, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salts, pyridinium salts, alkylisoquinolinium salts, benzethonium chloride, fatty acid amide derivatives, polyhydric alcohols Nonionic surfactants such as derivatives, for example, amphoteric surfactants such as alanine, dodecyldi (aminoethyl) glycine, di (octylaminoethyl) glycine and N-alkyl-N, N-dimethylammonium betaine And the like.

Further, by using a surfactant having a fluoroalkyl group, the effect can be obtained in a very small amount. Preferred anionic surfactants having a fluoroalkyl group include fluoroalkyl carboxylic acids having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and metal salts thereof, disodium perfluorooctanesulfonyl glutamate, 3- [ω-fluoroalkyl (C6-C11 ) Oxy] -1-alkyl (C3-C4) sodium sulfonate, 3- [ω-fluoroalkanoyl (C6-C8) -N-ethylamino] -1-propanesulfonic acid sodium, fluoroalkyl (C11-C20) carvone Acids and metal salts, perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids (C7 to C13) and metal salts thereof, perfluoroalkyl (C4 to C12) sulfonic acids and metal salts thereof, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid diethanolamide, N-propyl-N- ( 2-Hydroxyethyl) Perful Olooctanesulfonamide, perfluoroalkyl (C6-C10) sulfonamidopropyltrimethylammonium salt, perfluoroalkyl (C6-C10) -N-ethylsulfonylglycine salt, monoperfluoroalkyl (C6-C16) ethyl phosphate, etc. Can be mentioned.

  Product names include Surflon S-111, S-112, S-113 (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.), Florard FC-93, FC-95, FC-98, FC-129 (Sumitomo 3M Co., Ltd.), Unidyne DS-101. DS-102 (manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.), Megafac F-110, F-120, F-113, F-191, F-812, F-833 (manufactured by Dainippon Ink, Inc.), Xtop EF-102, 103, 104, 105, 112, 123A, 123B, 306A, 501, 201, 204 (manufactured by Tochem Products), and Fgentent F-100, F150 (manufactured by Neos).

  In addition, examples of the cationic surfactant include aliphatic quaternary ammonium salts such as aliphatic primary, secondary or secondary amine acids having a fluoroalkyl group, and perfluoroalkyl (C6-C10) sulfonamidopropyltrimethylammonium salts. , Benzalkonium salt, benzethonium chloride, pyridinium salt, imidazolinium salt, trade names include Surflon S-121 (manufactured by Asahi Glass), Florard FC-135 (manufactured by Sumitomo 3M), Unidyne DS-202 (Daikin Industries) Manufactured), MegaFuck F-150, F-824 (Dainippon Ink Co., Ltd.), Xtop EF-132 (Tochem Products), Footgent F-300 (Neos), and the like.

  The resin fine particles are added to stabilize the toner base particles formed in the aqueous medium. For this reason, it is preferable to add so that the coverage existing on the surface of the toner base particles is in the range of 10 to 90%. For example, polymethyl methacrylate fine particles 1 μm and 3 μm, polystyrene fine particles 0.5 μm and 2 μm, poly (styrene-acrylonitrile) fine particles 1 μm, trade names are PB-200H (manufactured by Kao), SGP (manufactured by Soken), Techno Examples include polymer SB (manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.), SGP-3G (manufactured by Sokensha), and micropearl (manufactured by Sekisui Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.).

  In addition, inorganic compound dispersants such as tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, colloidal silica, and hydroxyapatite can also be used.

As a dispersant that can be used in combination with the above resin fine particles and inorganic compound dispersant, the dispersed droplets may be stabilized by a polymer protective colloid. For example, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, α-cyanoacrylic acid, α-cyanomethacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid or maleic anhydride and other (meth) acrylic monomers containing hydroxyl groups Bodies such as acrylic acid-β-hydroxyethyl, methacrylic acid-β-hydroxyethyl, acrylic acid-β-hydroxypropyl, methacrylic acid-β-hydroxypropyl, acrylic acid-γ-hydroxypropyl, methacrylic acid-γ-hydroxy Propyl, acrylic acid-3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl, methacrylic acid-3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl, diethylene glycol monoacrylate, diethylene glycol monomethacrylate, glycerol monoacrylate, glycerol monomethacrylate Luric acid esters, N-methylol acrylamide, N-methylol methacrylamide, etc., vinyl alcohol or ethers with vinyl alcohol, such as vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl propyl ether, or compounds containing vinyl alcohol and a carboxyl group Esters such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, acrylamide, methacrylamide, diacetone acrylamide or their methylol compounds, acid chlorides such as acrylic acid chloride, methacrylic acid chloride, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl Homopolymers or copolymers such as nitrogen-containing compounds such as imidazole and ethyleneimine, or those having a heterocyclic ring thereof,
Polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxypropylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene alkylamide, polyoxypropylene alkylamide, polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene lauryl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl Polyoxyethylenes such as phenyl ester and polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ester, and celluloses such as methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used.

  The dispersion method is not particularly limited, and known equipment such as a low-speed shear method, a high-speed shear method, a friction method, a high-pressure jet method, and an ultrasonic wave can be applied. Among these, the high-speed shearing method is preferable in order to make the particle size of the dispersion 2 to 20 μm. When a high-speed shearing disperser is used, the rotational speed is not particularly limited, but is usually 1000 to 30000 rpm, preferably 5000 to 20000 rpm. The dispersion time is not particularly limited, but in the case of a batch method, it is usually 0.1 to 5 minutes. The temperature during dispersion is usually 0 to 150 ° C. (under pressure), preferably 40 to 98 ° C.

3) At the same time as the preparation of the emulsion, the amines (B) are added to cause a reaction with the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group.
This reaction involves molecular chain crosslinking and / or elongation. The reaction time is selected depending on the reactivity of the isocyanate group structure of the polyester prepolymer (A) with the amines (B), but is usually 10 minutes to 40 hours, preferably 2 to 24 hours. The reaction temperature is usually 0 to 150 ° C, preferably 40 to 98 ° C. Moreover, a well-known catalyst can be used as needed. Specific examples include dibutyltin laurate and dioctyltin laurate.

4) After completion of the reaction, the organic solvent is removed from the emulsified dispersion (reactant), washed and dried to obtain toner base particles.
In order to remove the organic solvent, the temperature of the entire system is gradually raised in a laminar stirring state, and after giving strong stirring in a certain temperature range, the solvent base is removed to produce spindle-shaped toner base particles. . Further, when an acid such as calcium phosphate salt or an alkali-soluble material is used as the dispersion stabilizer, the calcium phosphate salt is dissolved from the toner base particles by a method such as dissolving the calcium phosphate salt with an acid such as hydrochloric acid and washing with water. Remove. It can also be removed by operations such as enzymatic degradation.

5) A charge control agent is injected into the toner base particles obtained above, and then inorganic fine particles such as silica fine particles and titanium oxide fine particles are externally added to obtain a toner.
The injection of the charge control agent and the external addition of the inorganic fine particles are performed by a known method using a mixer or the like.

Thereby, a toner having a small particle size and a sharp particle size distribution can be easily obtained. Furthermore, by giving strong agitation in the process of removing the organic solvent, the shape between the true spherical shape and the rugby ball shape can be controlled, and the surface morphology is also controlled between the smooth shape and the umeboshi shape. be able to.
When the particle size is small and the particle size distribution is sharp, not only a high image and a high-definition image can be obtained, but also the amount of toner used can be reduced. Further, since the bulk of the toner is likely to change when left unattended, variations in the replenishing amount after being left can be suppressed according to the present invention.

<Example 9>
In each of the examples so far, the toner used has an average circularity of 0.93 to 1.00. Here, the circularity is expressed by the following equation (6).

Circularity a = Lo / L (6)
(However, Lo represents the perimeter of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image, and L represents the perimeter of the projected image of the particle.)

  The circularity is an index of the degree of unevenness of the toner particles, and indicates 1.00 when the toner is a perfect sphere, and the circularity becomes smaller as the surface shape becomes more complicated.

A method for measuring the circularity will be described.
The circularity can be measured using a flow type particle image analyzer FPIA-1000 manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics. As a specific measuring method, 0.1 to 0.5 ml of a surfactant, preferably alkylbenzene sulfonate is added as a dispersant to 100 to 150 ml of water from which impure solids have been removed in advance, and further measurement is performed. Add about 0.1-0.5g of sample. The suspension in which the sample is dispersed is subjected to dispersion treatment with an ultrasonic disperser for about 1 to 3 minutes, and the shape of the toner is measured by the above apparatus with the dispersion concentration being 3000 to 10000 / μl.

  When the average circularity is in the range of 0.93 to 1.00, the surface of the toner particles is smooth, and the toner particles and the contact area between the toner particles and the photosensitive member are small, so that the transferability is excellent. Since the toner particles have no corners, the developer agitation torque in the developing device is small, and the agitation drive is stabilized, so that no abnormal image is generated. Since there are no angular toner particles in the toner that forms the dots, when the pressure is brought into contact with the transfer medium during the transfer, the pressure is uniformly applied to the entire toner that forms the dots, and the transfer is not easily lost.

  Since the toner particles are not angular, the abrasive power of the toner particles themselves is small, and the surfaces of the photoreceptor, the charging member and the like are not damaged or worn. For the above reasons, high-density and high-definition images can be obtained over a long period of time.

<Example 10>
The toner (developer) supply device that operates according to the toner (developer) replenishment control method is described at the end of “[1] Outline of Image Forming Apparatus” immediately before “<Example 1>”.

<Example 11>
The image forming apparatus including the toner (developer) supply device has been described in the section “[1] Outline of image forming apparatus”.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming unit using a control system and yellow toner. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a pipe, a supply mechanism, a holding unit, and the like constituting the developer supply device. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an integrated driving time value (supplemented driving integrated time) and a toner consumption integrated value (consumed amount approximate value) of a toner supply mechanism. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for predicting a toner consumption integrated value by calculation from toner consumption per hour. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a driving mechanism driving interval (supply driving interval) and a toner consumption amount (toner supply amount). (A) is the figure which compared and illustrated the replenishment amount when the drive interval of a replenishment mechanism is short, (b) is the case where the drive interval of a replenishment mechanism is long. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a comparison between a calculated toner consumption amount and an actual toner consumption amount when a supply amount correction is performed.

Explanation of symbols

1Y Photosensitive drum 2a Cleaning blade 2Y Cleaning unit 4Y Charging unit 5Y Developing devices 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K Image forming unit 7 Exposure device 8 Intermediate transfer belts 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K Primary transfer bias roller 10 Intermediate transfer cleaning unit 12 Secondary transfer backup roller 13 Cleaning backup roller 14 Tension roller 15 Intermediate transfer unit 19 Secondary transfer roller 26 Paper feed unit 27 Paper feed roller 28 Registration roller pair 29 Paper discharge roller pair 30 Stack unit 31 Developer supply devices 32Y and 32M , 32C, 32K toner cartridge (developer storage container)
33Y Container body 34Y Holding part 34d Plug member 38Y (38M, 38C, 38K) Replenishment mechanism 43Y, 70, 71 Pipe 51Y Developing roller 52Y Doctor blade 53Y, 54Y Developer container 55Y Conveying screw 56Y (56M, 56C, 56
K) Concentration detection sensor 60 Stator 61 Rotor 62 Powder pump main body 63 Suction port 64 Universal joint 66 Motor 67 Delivery port 100 Image forming apparatus main body 101 Control unit 102 Display unit G Two-component developer L Laser beam P Recording paper

Claims (10)

As the developer in the developing device is consumed, there is a replenishment mechanism that replenishes the developing device with a developer from a developer container that contains the developer, and a control unit that controls driving of the replenishment mechanism. The control means calculates the amount of developer replenishment per drive that the replenishment mechanism has replenished to the developing device based on the replenishment amount per time of the replenishment mechanism and the drive time per run, and stores the developer. in the developer supply control how that forms an information source according to the developer supply control calculates the as the integrated value of the developer supply amount per each driving times by the total toner supply amount of the supply mechanism from the container,
The calculated developer replenishment amount per drive is changed without changing the drive time per drive of the replenishment mechanism in accordance with the change in toner replenishment performance with the time interval at which the replenishment mechanism is driven. I mean,
The control means sets a reference value of the replenishment amount per hour as a common replenishment amount for each replenishment time until the total toner replenishment amount is replenished, and is turned on next after the replenishment mechanism is turned on. A correction coefficient corresponding to a change in toner replenishment performance associated with the replenishment drive interval until the time of refilling is determined for each replenishment time, and the reference value is multiplied by the correction coefficient to obtain a correction coefficient for each replenishment time. calculating a supply amount, the developer supply control how, characterized in that the total consumption from the developer accommodating container by integrating the supply amount of each of these respective replenishment times. In the developer supply control how according to claim 1,
A display notifying that the developer in the developer container is almost exhausted by the integrated value of the developer replenishment amount per drive that is supplied to the developing device by the replenishment mechanism calculated by the control means. developer supply control how, characterized in that to perform. In the developer supply control how according to claim 1 or 2,
A display informing that the developer in the developer storage container has been exhausted by the integrated value of the developer replenishment amount per one drive replenished to the developing device by the developer replenishment mechanism calculated by the control means. developer supply control how, characterized in that to perform. In the developer supply control how according to any of claims 1 to 3,
The control means includes a predicted value M of the toner consumption amount as the total consumption amount obtained by integrating the replenishment amount at each replenishment drive interval stored in advance according to the user's usage record, and the developer actually used. Compare the actual value Ma of the replenishable toner obtained from the filling amount information of the storage container,
If there is a difference between the predicted value M and the actual value Ma, the predicted value M of the total consumption is matched with the actual value Ma by changing the correction coefficient for each replenishment time and correcting the predicted value. developer supply control how, characterized in that to. In the developer supply control how according to any of claims 1 to 4,
Developer supply control how that an integrated value of the calculated developer supply amount, characterized in that issuing an abnormality signal of the supply mechanism by the control unit. In the developer supply control how according to any of claims 1 to 5,
Developer supply control how, wherein said supplying mechanism is configured to include a powder pump. In the developer supply control how according to any of claims 1 to 6,
The developer includes a toner material solution in which at least a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, polyester, a colorant, and a release agent is dispersed in an organic solvent, and is crosslinked and / or elongated in an aqueous medium. developer supply control how, wherein it is a toner obtained by reacting. In the developer supply control how according to claim 7,
The toner developer supply control how, wherein the average circularity of from 0.93 to 1.00. Developer supply apparatus characterized by operating with the described developer supply control how to any one of claims 1 to 8.   An image forming apparatus comprising the developer supply device according to claim 9.

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