KR101072415B1 - Image forming apparatus and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention improves the ability to clean the transfer residual toner on the image retainer image after transfer, and does not cause image quality defects such as toner streaks and uneven highlighting, regardless of image history or environment. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge capable of obtaining a stable image over a long period of time. Basic flow energy amount A when measured by powder rheometer at aeration flow rate 0ml / min is 150-600mJ, and after giving fluidization history by fluidizing at aeration flow rate 80ml / min, aeration flow rate 0ml / min Using a developer comprising a toner having a fluidization energy B measured by a powder rheometer divided by a basic fluid energy amount A from 0.3 to 0.9, and blocking the cleaning blade and the scraped transfer residual toner An image forming apparatus and a process cartridge having cleaning means having a retention control member are provided.

Photosensitive member, charging roller, drive roller, cleaning means

Description

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE}

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Method of visualizing image information through electrostatic latent image such as electrophotographic method is currently used in various fields. In the electrophotographic method, an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member by a charging and exposing step is developed by a developer containing a toner and visualized through a transfer and fixing step.

As such an image forming apparatus, a blade cleaning system has conventionally been used to remove transfer residual toner on a photoconductor.

As the blade cleaning system, the following proposals have been made.

A system is proposed in which the toner reservoir generated in the contact portion of the cleaning blade with the photosensitive member is set to 1 mm or less, and the rubber hardness of the blade is set to 70 or more (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1). 61-241777 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-239278.

A blade cleaning system has been proposed in which a shade is attached to a cleaning blade to temporarily store and pressurize the toner in a nip portion (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-147968).

A blade cleaning system has been proposed in which a downwardly installed blade, a lower seal for storing toner at a position facing the blade, and a toner blocking member are provided (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11). -161125).

In a transfer paper conveyance belt equipped with a cleaner, a blade cleaning system is proposed which forms a toner image of a non-transferred form on a transfer paper conveyance belt and supplies toner to a cleaner to form a toner reservoir in a blade nip. (See, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-258627).

There is proposed a cleaning blade having a member to temporarily block toner, and a blade cleaning system for installing a magnetic brush upstream thereof (for example, JP 2005-258044 A). And Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-10955).

There is proposed a blade cleaning system for reciprocating a cleaning blade having a toner temporary blocking member forming a toner reservoir at a tip in the direction of a rotation axis of the photosensitive member (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-10957). .

A blade cleaning system has been proposed in which a toner temporary blocking member having a wiper blade structure is provided upstream of the cleaner (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-227583).

A blade cleaning system is proposed which supplies a part of the toner after cleaning removal to the cleaner of the intermediate transfer member (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-43504, for example).

A blade cleaning system having a spherical toner containing a cleaning aid, a consultation member having a tensile modulus of 0.5 to 1.5 GPa, and a cleaning blade has been proposed (for example, in Japan). See publication 2003-140468.

The present invention improves the ability to clean the transfer residual toner on the image carrier after transfer, and image quality defects such as toner streaks and irregularities in highlights occur over a long time regardless of image history or environment. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge capable of obtaining a stable image that is not provided.

The present invention includes (1) an image holding member, a charging means for charging the image holding member, a latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holding member, and a toner; Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image on the image carrier, transfer means for transferring the toner image onto a recording medium to form an unfixed transfer image, and a recording medium. Fixing means for fixing the unfixed transfer image transferred onto the image, and cleaning means for cleaning the transfer residual toner on the image retainer, wherein the cleaning means is provided on a support made of a rigid body at one end; A cleaning blade made of an elastic body, fixed at the other end, having a scraping portion in contact with the image retainer and scraping the transfer residual toner on the image retainer; A retention control member mounted on the back side to block the transfer residual toner scraped by the scraping portion to form a toner reservoir, wherein the toner is provided with an air flow rate of 0 ml / min and a rotary vane; The basic fluid energy amount A is 150 mJ or more and 600 mJ or less, and the aeration flow rate 80 is measured by a powder rheometer under the condition of a tip speed of 100 mm / sec and an entry angle of a rotary vane of -5 °. Ml / min, the tip speed of the rotor blade 100mm / sec, fluidization under the condition of the entry angle of the rotor blade -5 ° to give a history of degassing, and then aeration flow rate 0 ml / min, the tip speed of the rotor blade The fluidization energy B and the basic fluid energy amount A when measured under the condition of 100 mm / sec and the entry angle of the rotor blade at −5 ° have a (fluidization energy B / basic fluid energy amount A) of 0.3 or more and 0.9 or less. Having a relationship An image forming apparatus is provided.

The present invention also provides the image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein (2) the toner has an external additive, and the external additive has a silane treatment or a silicone oil treatment having 10 or more carbon atoms.

The present invention also provides (3) the image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the number average particle diameter of the external additive is 15 nm to 1 m.

The present invention also provides (4) the image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the external additive has a surface coverage of 10 cov% or more and 200 cov% or less with respect to the toner particle surface area.

This invention also provides the image forming apparatus as described in (1) whose cross-sectional area of the cleaning blade, the retention control member, and the area | region enclosed by the image retention surface is 0.5 mm <2> or 5 mm <2>.

The present invention also provides (6) the image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the length from the same height as the tip of the cleaning blade to the tip of the retention control member is 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

The present invention further provides (7) the image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the length from the same height as the tip of the support made of the rigid body to the tip of the cleaning blade is 3 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

This invention also provides the image forming apparatus as described in (1) in which (8) the said developer contains a carrier.

The present invention further provides (9) the image forming apparatus according to (8), wherein the average circularity of the carrier is 0.98 or more and 1.00 or less, and the residual magnetization of the carrier is 2emu / g or more and 10emu / g or less.

The present invention also relates to (10) the image forming apparatus main body, which is capable of being detached from the main body, and developed at least an electrostatic latent image formed on the image retainer by means of a developer containing an image retainer and a toner, thereby producing a toner image on the image retainer. And developing means for forming on the substrate and cleaning means for cleaning the transfer residual toner on the image retainer after transfer, wherein the cleaning means is fixed to a support made of a rigid body at one end thereof and in contact with the image retainer at the other end. And a cleaning blade made of an elastic body having a scraping portion for scraping the transfer residual toner on the image retaining body, and the transfer residual toner mounted on the back side of the cleaning blade and scraped by the scraping portion, A retention control member for forming a toner reservoir, wherein the toner is at a flow rate of 0 ml / min and at the tip of the rotary vane; The basic fluidity energy amount A when measured by the powder rheometer under the conditions of speed 100mm / sec and the entry angle of a rotary blade of -5 degrees is 150 mJ or more and 600 mJ or less, and also the flow rate of 80 ml / min and the tip of a rotary blade After giving a history of fluidization and degassing under the condition of speed of 100 mm / sec and the entry angle of the rotary vane -5 °, aeration flow rate 0 ml / min, the tip speed of the rotary vane 100 mm / sec and the entrance angle of the rotary vane -5 The fluidization energy B and the basic fluidity energy amount A when measured under the condition of ° provide a process cartridge having a relationship in which (fluidization energy B / basic fluidity energy amount A) is 0.3 or more and 0.9 or less.

This invention also provides the process cartridge as described in (10) whose cross-sectional area of the (11) cleaning blade, the retention control member, and the area | region enclosed by the surface holding surface is 0.5 mm <2> or more and 5 mm <2>.

The present invention also provides the process cartridge according to (10), wherein the length from the same height as the tip of the cleaning blade to the tip of the retention control member is 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

The present invention further provides the process cartridge according to (10), wherein the length from the same height as the front end of the support made of the rigid body to the front end of the cleaning blade is 3 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

The present invention provides the process cartridge according to (10), wherein (14) the developer contains a carrier.

The present invention also provides the process cartridge according to (10), wherein (15) the carrier has an average circularity of 0.98 or more and 1.00 or less, and the residual magnetization is 2 emu / g or more and 10 emu / g or less.

According to the image forming apparatus of (1) to (9) and the process cartridge of (10) to (15), the ability to clean the transfer residual toner on the image retainer after transfer is improved, regardless of image history or environment. It is possible to obtain a stable image for a long period of time without causing image quality defects such as toner streaked contamination and uneven highlighting.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

The image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image holder, charging means for charging the image retainer, latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image retainer, and a toner; Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image with a developer to form a toner image on the image retainer, transfer means for transferring the toner image onto a recording medium to form an unfixed transfer image, and recording Fixing means for fixing the unfixed transfer image transferred onto the medium, and cleaning means for cleaning the transfer residual toner on the image retainer, wherein the cleaning means is provided on a support made of a rigid body at one end; A cleaning blade made of an elastic body fixed to the other end and having a scraping portion in contact with the image retaining member and scraping the transfer residual toner on the image retaining member; A retention control member mounted on the back side of the ning blade and blocking the transfer residual toner scraped by the scraping portion to form a toner reservoir, wherein the toner has a ventilation flow rate of 0 ml / min, The basic fluid energy amount A when measured by the powder rheometer under the conditions of the tip speed of the rotor blade of 100 mm / sec and the entry angle of the rotor blade of -5 ° is 150 mJ or more and 600 mJ or less, and aeration flow rate 80 ml / min, After giving a history of degassing by fluidizing under the condition of the tip speed of rotary vane 100mm / sec and the entry angle of the rotary vane -5 °, the aeration flow rate 0ml / min and the tip speed of the rotary vane 100 The fluidization energy B and the said basic fluid energy amount A when it measured on the conditions of mm / sec and the entry angle of a rotary blade of -5 degrees, (liquidization energy B / basic fluid energy amount A) become a relation 0.3 to 0.9 or less Having .

Conventionally, in order to improve cleaning property, it has been proposed to form a toner reservoir at the contact portion of the photosensitive member (image retainer) and the cleaning blade.

In the absence of this toner reservoir, the cleaning blade is easily curled, and image formation is caused by streaked contamination caused by the toner exiting the contact portion between the photoreceptor and the cleaning blade, or an abnormal rise in the drive torque of the photoreceptor. There is a problem such as stopping the device.

On the other hand, if there is a toner reservoir, the toner reservoir scrapes off the toner adhered on the photoconductor to reduce adhesion to the photoconductor, lowers the frictional resistance of the cleaning blade, and suppresses occurrence of cleaning blade flipping. It is thought that cleaning property improves.

However, even when there is this toner reservoir, when an image having a low image density is continuously output, streaked contamination occurs due to the toner coming out of the contact portion between the photosensitive member and the cleaning blade, resulting in deterioration of image quality or image formation. It is a cause of member contamination in the apparatus. This proved to be caused by the following phenomenon.

That is, the same toner continues to stay at the edge of the blade, which is the deepest part of the toner reservoir, and the photoconductor for a long time, and is subjected to high mechanical pressure and shear force to be used in the toner. External additives may be free or significantly buried. In addition, the toner is broken to generate fine powder or to expose the fixing aid component therein. Therefore, continuous continuous output of an image having a low image density results in a decrease in fluidity of the toner at the deepest portion of the toner reservoir, thereby increasing adhesion.

As a result, fixation of the toner or the aggregate of the toner component occurs at the edge of the cleaning blade, and the edge of the blade is not uniformly pressed against the photoreceptor, so that the toner escapes. That is, in order to obtain high cleaning stability stably for a long time without affecting the image density history or the like, it is necessary to properly maintain the toner reservoir and replace the toner forming the toner reservoir.

toner

First, the toner used in the present invention will be described.

The toner used in the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as toner) is applied to the powder rheometer under conditions of aeration flow rate of 0 ml / min, tip speed of rotary vane 100 mm / sec, and entry angle of rotary vane -5 °. The amount of basic fluidity energy A at the time measured by 150 mJ or more and 600 mJ or less, and it fluidized and degassed on conditions of air flow rate 80 ml / min, the tip speed of a rotary blade 100mm / sec, and the entrance angle of a rotary blade -5 degrees. After giving the hysteresis, the fluidization energy B and the basic fluidity energy amount A measured under the conditions of aeration flow rate 0 ml / min, the tip speed of the rotary blade 100 mm / sec, and the entry angle of the rotary blade -5 ° are (fluidization energy B / Basic fluidity energy amount A) is characterized by having a relationship of 0.3 to 0.9.

As a result of earnest consideration by the inventors, in order to maintain the toner reservoir and to properly replace the toner to form the toner reservoir, the toner degassing at the same time as the retention control member for forming the toner reservoir is provided to the cleaning blade. The behavior of the poem proved to be important. In addition, it has also been found that the cleaning blade preferably has a slight vibration (microscopic behavior). The cleaning blade vibrates minutely when the photosensitive member is attracted, and by virtue of the minute vibration, the cleaning blade gradually opens the skew of the cleaning blade, thereby suppressing the curling, and stably presses the cleaning blade edge and the photosensitive member. Keep it.

On the other hand, the slight vibration of the cleaning blade also affects the behavior of the toner remaining in the toner reservoir. Toner placed in a vibrating environment is degassed by vibration or contains air and fluidizes. The inventor's review revealed that the toner behavior in the toner reservoir can be represented by the degassing test using the following powder rheometer.

Here, the degassing test is performed by applying air flow to the toner layer in the vessel to fluidize it, and then extracting air in the toner layer with the stirring blade under a predetermined condition (degassing operation), and then applying a load to the stirring blade. By measuring, the air from the fluidized toner layer is extracted and the movement of the toner layer at that time as powder is easily measured.

In the degassing test, after degassing, air is degassed, and the scraping (= fluidizing) of the toner adhered in the form of layers on the photoconductor is reproduced, and micro vibration is applied (= degassing) to the scraped toner reservoir. I think.

If this deaeration is too low, the toner is likely to move in the toner reservoir of the blade nip and becomes unstable, and is likely to flow out of the toner reservoir or to fly off. Toner spilled or blown out of the toner reservoir may contaminate the inside of the image forming apparatus and cause a malfunction, or may directly contaminate the recording medium, resulting in contamination of the output image.

On the other hand, if the deaeration is too high, the dense movement of the toner easily decreases in the toner reservoir of the blade nip, so that the same toner remains in the toner reservoir and the toner under excessive stress continues to the edge of the cleaning blade. It sticks and it causes the scraping property fall which scrapes a toner. When the scraping property of the blade is degraded, untransferred toner or transfer residual toner on the photoreceptor leaves the cleaning blade nip, contaminates the charger, causes color mixing of the developer, or contaminates the output image, causing deterioration of image quality. do.

As in the present invention, the cleaning means is provided with the retention control member, and the micro-vibration of the cleaning blade and the degassing properties of the toner are in the suitable region, whereby the toner reservoir and the toner replacement are appropriately performed. . Further, since the cleaning means is a cleaning blade made of an elastic body, one end of which is fixed to a support made of a rigid body, and the other end thereof has a scraping portion in contact with the image retainer and scraping the transfer residual toner on the image retainer. When the image retainer is driven, minute vibrations are generated efficiently at the tip of the cleaning blade, so that it is possible to suppress the flipping and obtain an appropriate toner retention state.

The degassing property can be evaluated by obtaining the basic fluidity energy amount A and the fluidization energy B as described later.

Here, the basic fluid energy amount A and the fluidization energy B will be described. These are the amounts of flowable energy obtained by the flowability measurement by a powder rheometer.

In the case of measuring the fluidity of the particles, the fluidity of the particles is more precisely determined by conventionally used parameters such as particle size and surface roughness, because they are affected by many factors than when measuring the fluidity of liquids, solids or gases. It is difficult to specify. In addition, even when determining a factor to be measured (e.g., particle size, etc.) for specifying the fluidity, in practice, the factor has a small influence on the fluidity, or the significance of measuring the factor only by combination with other factors occurs. In some cases, it is difficult to determine the measurement factor.

In addition, the fluidity of the powder is remarkably different depending on external environmental factors. For example, in the case of a liquid, even if the measurement environment fluctuates, the fluctuation range of the fluidity is not so large. However, the fluidity of the particles fluctuates greatly depending on external environmental factors such as humidity and the state of the gas to be flowed. Since it is not clear which measurement factor these external environmental factors affect, even if it measures under severe measurement conditions, it is actually lacking in the reproducibility of the obtained measured value.

In addition, although the fluidity | liquidity when a developer (toner) stays in a toner reservoir has taken the angle of repose, the volume density, etc., these physical property values are indirect with respect to the fluidity of a developer, and are vibrating. It was difficult to quantify and manage the fluidity under the dynamic environment of the developer accumulated on the blade.

However, in the powder rheometer, since the amount of fluidity energy applied to the rotary vanes of the measuring device can be measured from the toner, it is possible to obtain the sum of the factors attributable to the fluidity. Therefore, in the powder rheometer, the items to be measured are determined for the toner obtained by adjusting the physical property value and the particle size distribution of the surface as in the conventional art, and the fluid properties are not determined by finding and measuring the optimum physical property value for each item. Can be measured directly.

As a result, by checking whether the powder rheometer falls within the numerical range, it is possible to determine whether it is suitable as a toner to be used for electrostatic image development. The manufacturing management of such toner is an extremely practical method compared with the conventional indirect value management method in keeping the fluidity of the toner constant. Moreover, it is also easy to make a measurement condition constant, and the reproducibility of a measured value is also high.

That is, the method of specifying the fluidity by the value obtained by the powder rheometer is simpler, more accurate, and more reliable than the conventional method.

Next, the fluidity | liquidity measuring method by a powder rheometer is demonstrated.

The powder rheometer is a fluidity measuring device which measures the rotational torque and the vertical load obtained by rotating the inside of the filled particle in the spiral shape at the same time and directly obtains the fluidity. By measuring both the rotational torque and the vertical load, the fluidity including the characteristics of the powder itself and the influence of the external environment can be detected with high sensitivity. In addition, since measurement is carried out after the state of filling of particles is made constant, data having good reproducibility can be obtained.

Measured using FT4 (trade name, product of freeman technology) as a powder rheometer. In addition, in order to remove the influence of temperature and humidity before measurement, the toner is used after being left for 8 hours or more at a temperature of 22 ° C. and a humidity of 50% RH.

First, the toner was placed in a split container having an inner diameter of 50 mm and a height of 51 mm in a container having a height of 51 mm mounted on a 160 ml container having a height of 89 mm and separated up and down. Charge the excess amount of toner.

After the toner is filled, an operation for homogenizing the sample is performed by gently stirring the filled toner. This operation is hereinafter referred to as conditioning.

In conditioning, the rotor blades are gently stirred in a rotational direction that is not subjected to resistance from the toner so as not to stress the toner in the charged state, so that most of the excess air or partial stress is removed, and the sample is made homogeneous. Specific conditioning conditions carry out stirring at the entry speed of -5 degrees and the tip speed of the rotary blade of 60 mm / sec.

At this time, since the propeller-type rotary vanes also move downwards at the same time as the rotation, the tip is drawn in a spiral, and the angle of the spiral path drawn by the propeller tip at this time is called an entry angle.

After repeating the conditioning operation four times, the container upper end of the split container is slowly moved, and at a position of 89 mm in height, all of the toner inside the vessel is used to obtain a toner filling the 160 ml container. Conditioning operation is because it is important to always obtain a stable volumetric powder in order to stably obtain the flowable energy amount.

The toner thus obtained is transferred to a 200 ml container having an inner diameter of 50 mm and a height of 140 mm. After transferring the toner to a 200 ml container and performing this conditioning operation five times again, the tip speed of the rotor blade was moved while the inside of the container was moved from a height of 110 mm to 10 mm from the bottom surface at an entry angle of -5 °. The rotational torque and the vertical load when rotating at mm / sec are measured. At this time, the direction of rotation of the propeller is in the reverse direction of conditioning (right turn from above), and this measurement is a "basic fluid energy A" measurement.

The relationship of the rotational torque or the vertical load with respect to the height H from a bottom face is shown to FIG. 1 (a) and FIG. 1 (b). It is FIG. 2 which calculated | required the energy gradient (mJ / mm) with respect to height H from rotation torque and a vertical load. The area obtained by integrating the energy gradient of FIG. 2 (the oblique line portion in FIG. 2) is the fluid energy amount mJ. The amount of fluid energy is calculated by integrating the section of the height from 10 mm from the bottom to 100 mm.

In addition, in order to reduce the influence by an error, the cycle of this conditioning and energy measurement operation is performed 5 times, and the average value obtained is called fluid energy amount mJ.

As the rotary blade, two blade propeller blades (manufactured by freeman technology) having a diameter of 48 mm as shown in Fig. 3 were used.

And after measuring the rotational torque and the vertical load of the said rotary blade after conditioning, it carried out on the conditions of the ventilation flow volume of 0 ml / min, the tip speed of a rotary blade of 100 mm / sec, and the entrance angle of a rotary blade of -5 degrees. The amount of fluidity energy measured by "fluid energy A" measurement is "basic fluid energy amount A".

Furthermore, after conditioning, air having a flow rate of 80 ml / min was introduced from the bottom of the vessel, fluidized under conditions of a tip speed of 100 mm / sec of the rotary blade and an entry angle of -5 ° of the rotary blade, and then a degassing history was given. Subsequently, the amount of fluidity energy measured on the conditions of 0 mL / min of ventilation flow volume, the tip speed of 100 mm / sec of a rotary blade, and the entrance angle of -5 degrees of a rotary blade is "fluidization energy amount B". Here, the degassing history indicates that the conditioning operation is repeated four times under the condition of an air flow rate of 0 ml / min. The toner layer fluidized by imparting air flow and agitation gradually carries out air conditioning by performing a conditioning operation. As a method of degassing, there are also methods such as applying vibration and tapping, but all of the basic effects of degassing are the same. In the present invention, a history of degassing was given by performing a conditioning operation using a powder rheometer having stable degassing conditions and excellent reproducibility.

In addition, in FT4 (above), the inflow state of the airflow amount is controlled.

The toner used in the present invention has a basic fluid energy amount A of 150 mJ or more and 600 mJ or less (preferably 150 mJ or more and 400 mJ or less, more preferably 180 mJ or more and 350 mJ or less). When the basic fluidity energy amount A is less than 150 mJ, the toner easily enters into the nip of the cleaning blade because the fluidity is excessive, and it is easy to exit the cleaning blade. As a result, the toner leaks out and contaminates the output image or contaminates the charger. On the other hand, if the basic fluidity energy amount A exceeds 600 mJ, the fluidity of the toner is lowered and it is easy to aggregate at the front of the cleaning blade nip, so that the toner or the external additive component of the toner reaches the part where the cleaning blade and the photoreceptor are in contact. It is difficult to do. Therefore, the frictional force generated when the cleaning blade and the photosensitive member are brought into contact with each other, excessive stress is applied to the scraping portion of the cleaning blade tip, leading edge defects of the cleaning blade occur, and streaked toner leakage occurs. Toner leakage may cause image contamination or charger contamination.

In addition, the toner used in the present invention has a value obtained by dividing the fluidization energy amount B by the basic fluidization energy amount A (fluidization energy amount B / basic fluidity energy amount A, hereinafter referred to as "B / A" and referred to as a degassing index). 0.3 or more and 0.9 or less (preferably 0.5 or more and 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.6 or more and 0.8 or less). If the B / A is less than 0.3, the toner is likely to move and become unstable, and easily flows out of the toner reservoir or flies away. Toner that has easily come out or has flown out of the toner reservoir may contaminate the inside of the image forming apparatus, causing a malfunction, or appear as contamination of the output image. On the other hand, if the degassing index B / A exceeds 0.9, the movement of tightening the toner easily decreases, so that the same toner remains in the toner reservoir, and the toner under excessive stress adheres to the edge of the cleaning blade, Scraping the toner causes a decrease in scraping property. When the scraping property of the blade is degraded, untransferred toner or transfer residual toner on the photoreceptor leaves the cleaning blade nip, contaminates the charger, causes color mixing of the developer, or contaminates the output image, causing deterioration of image quality. do.

The toner used in the present invention comprises at least toner particles and external additives, for example, and the basic fluid energy amount A and fluidization energy B are the types of external additives to be externally added to the toner particles and the external additives to the toner particles. Control by controlling non-electrostatic adhesion of the toner particles, controlling the shape and particle size of the toner particles, adding a cleaning aid to the toner particles, controlling the particle size distribution on the finer side of the toner particles, which controls the adhesion structure It is also possible to combine and control the basic fluidity energy amount A and fluidization energy B by combining these.

External additives

The external additives that can be used in the present invention are for controlling the controllability of transferability, fluidity, cleaning property and charge amount, together with the control of the basic fluidity energy amount A and fluidization energy B. As the external additive, both inorganic particles and organic particles can be used. Moreover, a lubricant, an abrasive | polishing agent, etc. can also be used together.

As inorganic particles, for example, silica, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, meta-titanic acid, barium titanate, magnesium titanate, Calcium titanate, strontium titanate, zinc oxide, quartz sand, clay, mica, wollastonite, diatomaceous soil, cerium chloride, bengalla bengala), chromium oxide, cerium oxide, antimony trioxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, zirconium oxide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, or other metal oxides or ceramic particles, or the like. Can be.

Examples of the organic particles include vinyl polymers such as styrene polymers, (meth) acrylic polymers, and ethylene polymers, various polymers such as esters, melamines, amides, and arylphthalates, and vinyl fluorides. The particle | grains which consist of fluorine-type polymers, such as a lidene, and higher alcohols, such as Unilin, are mentioned.

Especially as an external additive, an inorganic particle is preferable, Among these inorganic particles, it is preferable that it is at least one type selected from a silica particle, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, metatitanic acid, and zinc oxide, and silica and titanium oxide It is more preferable that it is and it is further more preferable that it is silica.

Here, as a method for controlling the basic fluidity energy amount A and fluidization energy B by an external additive, the amorphous external additive which gives a silane treatment of 10 or more carbon atoms, a silicone oil treatment, or controls the particle diameter of an external additive to an external additive. And a method of externally adding a release external additive (inorganic particles of silica, titanium oxide and aluminum oxide) to the outside may be appropriately mentioned.

Specific examples of the silane treatment having 10 or more carbon atoms (preferably 10 to 20, more preferably 10 to 18) include, for example, decylsilane, phenyltriethoxysilane, diphenyldiethoxysilane, and decyltrimethoxy. It is the process using silane, hexamethyldisilazane, etc. In addition, the throughput of silane is suitably in the range of 5 to 50 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the amorphous external additive.

As the silicone oil treatment, specifically, for example, dimethyl silicone oil, methylhydrogen silicone oil, methylphenyl silicone oil, alkyl modified silicone oil, α-methyl sulfone modified silicone oil, crawlphenyl silicone oil, amino modified silicone oil , Epoxy modified silicone oil, carboxyl modified silicone oil, carbinol modified silicone oil, methacryl modified silicone oil, mercapto modified silicone oil, phenol modified silicone oil, polyether modified silicone oil, methylstyryl modified silicone oil, higher fatty acids It is the process using ester modified silicone oil, fluorine modified silicone oil, etc. Moreover, the range of 5-50 mass parts is suitable for the throughput of silicone oil with respect to 100 mass parts of amorphous external additives.

Examples of the external additives include inorganic particles of silica, titanium oxide and aluminum oxide. Among them, silica is suitably used, and specifically, for example, vapor phase silica (method by high temperature vapor phase hydrolysis of halogenated silicon (flame hydrolysis method), silica and coke in the arc in the electric furnace Anhydrous silica obtained by a gas phase method such as heat reduction and vaporization and oxidation to air (arc method) can be used.

Moreover, it is preferable that the number average particle diameter of an external additive exists in the range of 15 nm-1 micrometer, It is more preferable to exist in the range of 20-800 nm, It is still more preferable to exist in the range which is 30-500 nm. Moreover, it is 0.830-0.960 in average circularity in an external additive. As a suitable shape as an external additive, phosphorus shape, disk shape, fine grain shape, etc. are mentioned, A particle of a titanium oxide or a metatitanic acid can be illustrated.

The external additive is preferably externally added at a surface coverage of 10 cov% or more and 200 cov% or less (preferably 15 cov% or more and 100 cov% or less, more preferably 25 cov% or more and 70 cov% or less) with respect to the toner particle surface area.

In addition, the surface coverage of the external additive with respect to the surface area of the toner particles can be calculated according to the following formula. Here, Dt represents the volume average particle diameter of the toner particles, ρt represents the specific gravity of the toner particles, Da represents the number average particle diameter of the external additive, and ρa represents the specific gravity of the external additive.

[Equation 1]

By externally adding the above external additives to the toner particles, the above-mentioned basic fluidity energy amount A and fluidization energy B can be appropriately defined. In addition, examples of the toner particles include a volume average particle diameter of 3 to 12 µm and a particle size distribution D _84v / D _50v on the large particle size side of _1.05 to 1.3 and a particle size distribution D _50p / D on the small particle size side. By applying toner particles having a small diameter of ₁₆ to 1.35 and a small particle size distribution of _16p , the basic fluidity energy A and the degassing index can be more appropriately achieved.

Here, the number-average particle diameter of the external additive is 300 external additive particles by observing the external additive dispersed on the toner particles using a scanning electron microscope (trade name: S-4100, manufactured by Hitachi Co., Ltd.), and using the photographed image. Can be obtained by measuring the diameter of

In addition, two or more types of external additives having different particle sizes, such as combining an external additive having a large particle size (for example, a volume average particle diameter of 80 to 300 nm) and an external additive having a small particle size (for example, a volume average particle diameter of 5 to 20 nm). By controlling the fine irregularities on the surface of the toner particles and adjusting the adhesion between the toner particles and the ease of rolling the toner particles, the amount of fluidity energy in the powder rheometer can be appropriately controlled. For example, the toner is prepared by adding an inorganic particle having a large particle size externally before the inorganic particle having a small particle size, so that the small particle inorganic particle covers the surface of the toner particle and at the same time a large particle external additive surface. The minute unevenness of the surface can be controlled, thereby ensuring the desired fluidity.

It is preferable that the usage-amount as an external additive whole is 0.5 mass% or more and 10 mass% or less with respect to toner particle, It is more preferable that they are 0.6 mass% or more and 8 mass% or less, It is more preferable that they are 0.8 mass% or more and 6 mass% or less.

Cleaning aid

The toner used in the present invention can control the amount of basic fluidity energy A and fluidization energy B by adding a cleaning aid. Examples of the cleaning aid include fatty acid metal salt powders, higher alcohol powders, fatty acid powders, wax powders, fluorine compound particles, graphite powders, boron nitride powders, mica powders, fatty acid amides such as ethylenebisstearyl acid amide and oleic acid amide. In particular, fatty acid metal salt powders, higher alcohol powders and fatty acid powders are preferable.

Moreover, it is preferable that the addition amount of a cleaning adjuvant is 0.05 mass% or more and 5 mass% or less with respect to toner particle, It is more preferable that they are 0.1 mass% or more and 3 mass% or less, It is more preferable that they are 0.15 mass% or more and 1 mass% or less.

The toner (toner particles) used in the present invention is composed of a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent.

Binder resin

The binder resin contained in the toner particles can be appropriately selected from known ones that can be used for the toner particles. Specifically, For example, styrene, such as styrene and chloro styrene, monoolefins, such as ethylene, propylene, butylene, and isobutylene, vinyl esters, such as vinyl acetate, a vinyl propionate, a vinyl benzoate, and a vinyl butyrate, and acrylic acid, for example. Esters of α-methylene aliphatic monocarboxylic acids such as methyl, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate and dodecyl methacrylate Homopolymers and copolymers such as vinyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether and vinyl butyl ether, vinyl ketones such as vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl hexyl ketone, and vinyl isopropenyl ketone, and the like. In particular, typical binder resins include polystyrene, styrene-alkyl acrylate copolymers, styrene-alkyl methacrylate copolymers, and styrene-acrylic acid. Acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polyethylene, propylene-butadiene copolymers, styrene. Moreover, polyester, polyurethane, an epoxy resin, a silicone resin, polyamide, modified rosin, etc. are mentioned.

Among these, styrene- (meth) acrylic acid ester copolymer resin and polyester resin are used preferably.

Although the molecular weight of binder resin changes with kinds of resin, it is preferable that the weight average molecular weights (Mw) generally are 10,000-500,000, It is more preferable that it is 15,000-300,000, It is more preferable that it is 20,000-200,000. It is preferable that number average molecular weight (Mn) is 2,000-30,000, It is more preferable that it is 2,500-20,000, It is more preferable that it is 3,000-15,000.

The value of the said weight average molecular weight and the number average molecular weight points out what was measured using the gel permeation chromatography (GPC). GPC uses HLC-8120GPC, SC-8020 (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation), the column uses two TSKgel and SuperHM-H (Tosoh Corporation, 6.0 mm ID x 15 cm), and an eluent (溶 離 液). THF (tetrahydrofuran) is used. As experimental conditions, the sample concentration was 0.5 mass%, the flow rate was 0.6 ml / min, the sample injection amount was 10 µl, the measurement temperature was 40 ° C, and an IR detector was used.

It is preferable that it is 40 degreeC-80 degreeC, and, as for the glass transition temperature of binder resin from a viewpoint of prevention of deterioration of fluidity under high temperature environment, and compatibility of low temperature fixability, it is more preferable that it is 45 degreeC-75 degreeC.

A glass transition point (Tg) points out the value calculated | required by measuring on the conditions of the temperature increase rate of 10 degree-C / min using the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC-50 from Shimadzu Corporation). In addition, a glass transition point is made into the temperature of the intersection of the extension line of a base line and a rise line in a heat absorption part.

coloring agent

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a coloring agent contained in toner particle, The coloring agent well-known by itself is mentioned, It can select suitably according to the objective. Examples of the colorant include carbon black, lampblack, DuPont Oil Red, Orient Oil Red, Rose Bengal, and C.I. Pigment Red 5, 112, 123, 139, 144, 149, 166, 177, 178, 222, 48: 1, 48: 2, 48: 3, 53: 1, 57: 1, 81: 1 or CI Pigment Orange 31, 43, quinoline yellow, chrome yellow, C.I. Pigment Yellow 12, 14, 17, 93, 94, 97, 138, 174, 180, 188 or Ultramarine Blue, Aniline Blue, Calco Oil Blue, Methylene Blue Chloride, Copper Phthalocyanine, CI Pigment Blue 15, 60, 15: 1, 15: 2, 15: 3 or C.I. Pigment Green 7, malachite green oxalate, nigrosine dye, etc. are mentioned, These can also be used individually or in combination. These may have been flushed out beforehand.

Moreover, as a coloring agent, a magnetic component can also be used. Here As the component, a known magnetic material, such as iron, cobalt, metal and alloys thereof, such as _{Ni, Fe 3 O 4, γ-} Fe 2 O 3, metal oxide such as cobalt-added iron oxide, MnZn ferrite, NiZn ferrite, etc. Powders such as ferrite, magnetite, hematite, etc. may be used, and the surfaces thereof are treated with surface treatment agents such as silane coupling agents and titanate coupling agents, and coated with inorganic materials such as silicon compounds or aluminum compounds. It may be one, or coated with a polymer.

It is preferable to add a coloring agent in the range of 3 mass%-15 mass% with respect to toner particle, and it is more preferable to add in 4 mass%-10 mass%. However, when using a magnetic component as a coloring agent, it is preferable to add in 12 to 48 mass% with respect to toner particle, and it is more preferable to add in 15 to 40 mass%. By appropriately selecting the type of the colorant, respective color toners such as yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, black toner and green toner can be obtained.

Release Agent

As the release agent contained in the toner particles, for example, paraffin wax and its derivatives, montan wax and its derivatives, microcrystalline wax and its derivatives, Fischer-Tropsch wax and its derivatives, polyolefin wax and its derivatives, and the like can be used. . Derivatives include oxides, polymers with vinyl monomers, graft modified substances and the like. In addition, alcohols, fatty acids, vegetable waxes, animal waxes, mineral waxes, ester waxes, acidamides and the like can also be used.

Specifically, hydrocarbon waxes such as low molecular weight polypropylene and low molecular weight polyethylene, microcrystalline wax, silicone resin, rosin, ester wax, rice wax, carnauba wax, and Fisher- Fischer-Tropsch wax, montan wax, candelilla wax, and the like.

It is preferable that the ratio of a mold release agent exists in the range of 0.1-10 mass% with respect to toner particle, More preferably, it exists in the range of 1-8 mass%. When the content of the releasing agent is less than the lower limit, the release performance of the toner may decrease and an offset may occur. On the other hand, when the release agent exceeds the upper limit, the charge performance of the toner may decrease or the heat storage performance may occur. have.

Other additives

In addition to the composition described above, well-known materials used in the developer can be appropriately added to the toner of the present invention. Examples thereof include internal additives, charge control agents, inorganic solids, organic solids, lubricants, abrasives, and the like.

Examples of the internal additives include magnetic materials such as metals such as ferrite, magnetite, reduced iron, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, alloys, and compounds containing these metals.

As a charge control agent, the dye which consists of complexes, such as a quaternary ammonium salt compound, a nigrosine type compound, aluminum, iron, and chromium, a triphenylmethane type pigment, etc. are mentioned, for example. As the charge control agent in the present invention, when wet preparation methods such as suspension polymerization method, emulsion polymerization method, emulsion polymerization flocculation method, and dispersion polymerization method are used for the toner production method, It is preferable to be a material which is difficult to dissolve in water in terms of controlling ionic strength and reducing wastewater pollution, which affect the stability at the time of fusion.

Examples of the inorganic solids include all particles used as external additives on the surface of a normal toner such as silica, alumina, titania, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, and cerium oxide. As said organic solid, all the particles used as an external additive of the normal toner surface, such as a vinyl resin, a polyester resin, a silicone resin, are mentioned, for example. In addition, these inorganic solids and organic solids can be used as a fluid aid, a cleaning aid, etc.

As said abrasive, the silica, titanium oxide, alumina, cerium oxide, etc. which were mentioned above are mentioned, for example.

quite

The toner of the present invention is a toner particle by applying a mechanical impact force to the toner particles and the external additives with a stirring device such as a sample mill, a Henschel mixer, a hybridizer or a Nobilta, It can be obtained by attaching or fixing an external additive to the surface. At this time, the attachment state of the external additive can be controlled by controlling the temperature, mechanical impact force, and time.

Toner particles can be produced according to a known production method. There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said manufacturing method, According to the objective, it can determine suitably.

For example, after pre-mixing a binder resin, a coloring agent, a mold release agent, a charge control agent, etc. as needed, melt-kneading in a kneader, grind | pulverizing after cooling, and vibrating a sieving or wind sieve as mentioned above. It can manufacture using the kneading grind | pulverization system which classifies using a branch etc .. Moreover, it can manufacture by the wet spheronization method, suspension granulation method, suspension polymerization method, emulsion polymerization aggregation method, etc.

Properties

Volume average particle diameter of toner particles

The volume average particle diameter of the toner particles is preferably 3 µm to 12 µm, more preferably 3.5 µm to 10 µm, and still more preferably 4 µm to 9 µm. If the volume average particle diameter of the toner particles is less than 4 µm, the fluidity is significantly lowered, so that the formation of the developer layer by the layer regulating member or the like becomes insufficient, and fogging and dirt may occur in the image. . On the other hand, when it exceeds 12 micrometers, a resolution may fall, a high quality image may not be obtained, the charge amount per unit weight of a developer may fall, and the layer formation retention property of a developer layer may fall, Cloudiness and dirt may occur.

As a measuring method of the volume average particle diameter of toner particles, 0.5-50 mg of the measurement sample was added to 2 ml of 5 mass% aqueous solution of surfactant, preferably sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate as a dispersing agent, and this was added to 100-150 ml of said electrolyte solution. . The electrolyte solution in which the measurement sample was suspended was subjected to dispersion treatment for about 1 minute in an ultrasonic dispersion machine, and an aperture diameter of 50 µm was used by Coulter multisizer-II type. The particle size distribution of the particles having a particle size in the range of 1.0 to 30 µm is measured. The number of particles to be measured is 50,000.

The particle size distribution obtained by subtracting the volume cumulative distribution from the small particle size side for the divided particle size range (channel) is referred to as a volume average particle diameter D _50v .

Particle Size Distribution of Toner Particles

As a preferable particle size distribution of toner particles, the proportion of toner particles having a particle size of 4 µm or less is 45% or less, more preferably 40% or less, and even more preferably 35% or less.

In addition, as in the case where the volume average particle diameter D _50v is obtained, a particle size that becomes 84% cumulative when the volume cumulative distribution is subtracted from the small particle size side is referred to as D _84v and is accumulated when the number cumulative distribution is subtracted from the small particle size side. When the particle diameter to be D _16p and the particle size to 50% are D _50p (number average particle diameter), it is preferable that D _84v / D _50v is 1.35 or less, and more preferably 1.30 or less. Moreover, it is preferable that _D50p / _D16p is 1.45 or less, and it is more preferable that it is 1.40 or less.

To obtain toner particles having such a particle size distribution, it is possible to match the desired particle size distribution by sorting by a wind classifier, a centrifugal classifier, an inertial classifier, or a sieve.

When the particle size distribution of the toner particles is wider than the above range, the amount of fluid energy by the above-described powder rheometer tends to deviate from the prescribed range.

In addition, the particle size distribution of the toner particles is obtained by subtracting the volume cumulative distribution from the small particle size side with respect to the particle size range (channel) obtained by dividing the particle size distribution obtained by the same method as the measurement of the volume average particle size. _{When 84v} , the cumulative distribution of the number from the small particle side, subtracted the 50% cumulative particle size D _50p and the cumulative 16% particle size D _16p , the coarse particle size distribution index is the volume average particle size (D _84v) / the volume average particle diameter as D _50v, and the differential-side particle size refers to a value determined by the distribution index as the number average particle diameter (D _50p) / number average particle diameter (D _16p).

In addition, using these, the volume average particle size distribution index GSDv is calculated from (D _84v / D _16v ) ^1/2 , and the number average particle size distribution index GSDp is from (D _84p / D _16p ) ^1/2 . Points to the calculated value.

Average Roundness of Toner Particles

The average circularity of the toner particles is preferably in the range of 0.950 to 0.998 (preferably in the range of 0.955 to 0.980). If it is less than the above range, the shape becomes an indeterminate side, and developability, transferability, durability, and fluidity deteriorate, resulting in in-air contamination due to toner overflow. On the other hand, when this average circularity exceeds the said range, the ratio of spherical particle may increase, and cleaning property may become difficult.

Here, the average circularity is determined by (circle equivalent perimeter) / (peripheral length) [(peripheral length of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image) / (peripheral length of the particle projection image), Flow type particulate analysis device (e.g., FPIA-2100 (trade name, Sysmex) which picks up the toner to be measured by suction, forms a very flat flow, and sequentially strobes light to receive particulates as still images, and image analyzes the particulates. Corporation), and the number of samples when obtaining the average circularity is 3500 pieces.

In addition, the measurement of average circularity can also be used for an external additive, In the case of an external additive, a still image is produced from the electron micrograph of the surface of a toner, and can be measured similarly to a toner.

Electrostatic latent developer

The electrostatic latent image developing toner of the present invention can be used as a one-component developer or as a two-component developer. When used as a two-component developer, it is mixed with a carrier and used.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a carrier which can be used for a two-component developer, Although a well-known carrier can be used, Average circularity is 0.98 or more and 1.00 or less (more preferably 0.98 or more and 0.99 or less), and residual magnetization is 2 emu / g It is preferable that it is more than 10 emu / g or less (more preferably 2 emu / g or more and 8 emu / g or less).

Here, the measurement of the residual magnetization of a carrier uses the vibration sample type magnetic measuring apparatus VSMP10-15 (brand name, Toei Kogyo Co., Ltd. make). The measurement is applied with an applied magnetic field and stamped up to 1000 oersted. Next, the applied magnetic field is reduced, and a hysteresis curve is created on the recording paper. The residual magnetization is obtained from the curve data. In the present invention, the residual magnetization once sweeps the applied magnetic field up to 1000 ersted, and then reduces the applied magnetic field to put the magnetic force at the time when the application of the magnetic field is finished. Specifically, the Y segment at the end of the measurement of the hysteresis curve created on the recording paper is read out to find.

For the measurement of the average circularity of the carrier used for the present invention, for example, FPIA-3000 (trade name, manufactured by Sysmex Corporation) is used. In this apparatus, a method of measuring particles dispersed in water or the like by a flow image analysis method is employed, and the sucked particle suspension is guided to a flat sheath flow cell, whereby a flat sample flow is carried out by the sheath liquid. Is formed. By irradiating strobe light to the sample stream, the passing particles are picked up as a still image by a CCD camera through an objective lens, and the captured particle image is subjected to two-dimensional image processing to obtain a circle equivalent diameter and circularity from the projected area and the surrounding length. Calculated. The circle equivalent diameter calculates the diameter of a circle having the same area from the area of the two-dimensional image as the circle equivalent diameter for each particle photographed. At least 5,000 or more particle | grains image | photographed in this way are image-analyzed, and circularity is calculated | required by the following formula with respect to each particle | grains photographed. Moreover, an average circularity is calculated | required by image analysis and statistical processing about 5,000 or more particle | grains photographed.

Roundness = Circle equivalent diameter Perimeter length / perimeter length = [2 × (Aπ) ^1/2 ] / PM

In the above formula, A represents the projection area and PM represents the ambient length. In the measurement, the LPF mode is used to cut and analyze a particle having a particle size of less than 10 µm and more than 50 µm, or that the plurality of carrier particles are imaged in a unified manner without being dispersed. It is preferable.

In addition, preparation of a measurement sample is performed as follows, for example. That is, 0.03 g of carriers may be added and stirred in a 25% by weight aqueous solution of ethylene glycol to disperse to prepare a dispersion of carriers, and the carrier dispersion may be used as a measurement sample.

When forming an image using a two-component developer, a carrier made of magnetic particles such as metal oxide can be used, but at the time of development, the carrier particles are also a small amount, but are transferred to the photosensitive member. The magnetic particles of the carrier are very hard, and the carrier, which has migrated to the photoconductor, is strongly rubbed against the photoconductor when it reaches the contact portion with the cleaning blade, which may cause scratches on the photoconductor.

In addition, since the carrier also stays in the toner reservoir, the photoconductor scratches become more prominent, which may cause image contamination due to latent image leakage.

However, this problem can be solved by using a carrier having an average circularity of 0.98 or more and 1.00 or less and residual magnetization of 2 emu / g or more and 10 emu / g or less. This is because the scratches of the photoconductor caused by the carrier become the starting point of the carrier, so that the occurrence of scratches can be suppressed by bringing the carrier closer to the spherical shape. On the other hand, since the spherical carrier has high fluidity, it is easy to enter into the nip portion where the blade edge and the photoconductor are in contact with each other, and it is difficult to remain in the toner reservoir and be discharged. When a large amount of carriers accumulate in the toner reservoir, the carrier has a larger particle size than the toner, so that the nip may be pushed to widen, so that a proper nip shape for scraping and removing the toner may not be maintained. As a result, the scraping property of the blade decreases, resulting in poor cleaning, and the untransferred toner or transfer residual toner on the photoconductor leaves the cleaning blade nip to contaminate the charger, to become mixed in the developer, or to contaminate the output image. This may cause deterioration of image quality.

In addition, when the residual magnetization of the carrier is set to 2 emu / g or more and 10 emu / g or less, the carriers transferred on the photoconductor continue to have magnetic properties and the carriers agglomerate, so that the carriers tend to be discharged from the toner reservoir and continue to accumulate in the toner reservoir. It can prevent.

Since the carriers having residual magnetization are affected by the magnetic field of the developer conveying roll of the developing machine and maintain the magnetic force even after the transfer on the photoconductor, the carriers agglomerate with each other even in the toner reservoir. When the residual magnetization is too low, the cohesion force of the carrier is lowered, so that the ejectability from the toner reservoir is lowered and it is easy to accumulate in the toner reservoir. If the residual magnetization is too high, the cohesiveness of the carrier inside the developer is too high, the miscibility with the toner is lowered, the toner which is poor in charging is generated, and the toner may be ejected from the developer.

Examples of carriers having a residual magnetization of 2 emu / g or more and 10 emu / g or less include magnetite carriers, magnetic powder dispersed carriers in which magnetite fine particles are dispersed in a resin matrix, and these magnetite or magnetic powder dispersed carriers are used as a core again. The coated resin coating carrier is mentioned, The resin coating carrier which re-coated with resin using a magnetite and a magnetic powder dispersion | distribution type carrier as a core is preferable.

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

Cleaning means

The cleaning means of the present invention includes a cleaning blade made of an elastic body, one end of which is fixed to a support made of a rigid body, and the other end of which has a scraping portion in contact with the image retainer and scraping the transfer residual toner on the image retainer; And a retention control member mounted on the back side of the cleaning blade and blocking the transfer residual toner scraped by the scraping portion to form a toner reservoir. Hereinafter, the cleaning means in the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning means 6 in this invention is arrange | positioned close to the image holding body (photosensitive member) 1, and the cleaner housing which opens to the side which opposes the image holding body 1 (cleaner) housing 40).

In addition, the cleaning blades 42 are arranged in the cleaner housing 40, and the cleaning blades 42 remain on the surface of the image retention body 1 in a state where the tip portion 44 contacts the image retention surface. The toner T is scraped off (scraped). The rear end of the cleaning blade 42 is fixed to the cleaner housing 40.

On the back side of the cleaning blade 42 (the side opposite to the side where the image retainer 1 is disposed), the residual toner T scraped off by the cleaning blade 42 is retained, and the A plate-shaped retention control member 46 is formed which forms the toner reservoir 50 in contact with the tip and the image retention body 1. The stay control member 46 is fixed at the lower end to the cleaning blade 42. The longitudinal width of the retention control member 46 is substantially the same as the longitudinal width of the cleaning blade 42. In order to reduce the retention property of the scraped toner, the longitudinal width of the retention control member 46 is shorter than the longitudinal width of the cleaning blade 42 so that the toner is easily discharged from the edge of the retention control member, or the retention control member Controls such as opening the hole on the slit to facilitate toner discharge can be performed.

The waste toner 48 overflowing from the toner reservoir 50 is stored in the cleaner housing 40. In addition, in the configuration of the present invention, since there is no member in contact with the untransferred toner image before cleaning and the transfer residual toner, there is no worry of adhesion and accumulation of toner to those members, and leakage from those members. No pollution occurs.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cross-sectional area C of the toner reservoir formed of the tip of the cleaning blade 42, the image retaining member 1, and the retention control member 46 is preferably 0.5 mm 2 or more and 5 mm 2 or less, and is 1 mm 2. It is more preferable that it is more than 4.5 mm <2>, and it is more preferable that they are 2 mm <2> or more and 3 mm <2> or less. If the cross-sectional area C of the toner reservoir is less than 0.5 mm 2, the ability to store toner is low, so that a sufficient toner reservoir may not be formed, and if it exceeds 5 mm 2, a large amount of toner accumulates in the toner reservoir. When the means or the photoconductor are removed or replaced, a large amount of accumulated toner may spill out and contaminate the surroundings.

In addition, the cross-sectional area C of the toner reservoir is a cross section viewed from the axial direction of the image retainer 1, and the tip of the cleaning blade 42, the image retainer 1, the retention control member 46, and the retention control member 46 It points to the area enclosed by the straight line which extended the tip of (). In addition, the cross-sectional area C of the toner reservoir was made by pouring silicone rubber into the toner accumulating portion, and after leaving it solidified, it was taken out and cut, and the cross-sectional area of the toner reservoir was measured using the cross section. The cutting was performed by cutting the blade into six equal parts in the longitudinal direction, measuring the respective cross sections to obtain an average value, and making the cross-sectional area of the toner reservoir (moreover, from the same height as the tip of the cleaning blade 42 described below, the stay control member 46 The length from the same height as the tip to the tip of the cleaning blade 42 and the tip of the mounting portion of the cleaning blade 42 of the cleaner housing 40 is also measured at the same measurement location (six equal parts in the length direction). Average of one measurement).

The length D from the same height as the tip of the cleaning blade 42 to the tip of the retention control member 46 is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, more preferably 1.5 mm or more and 2.5 or less. It is more preferable that it is mm or less. If the length D is less than 0.5 mm, the ability to accumulate toner is low, and a sufficient toner reservoir may not be formed. If the length D exceeds 5 mm, a large amount of toner accumulates in the toner reservoir, so that the cleaning means or the photoconductor When toner is removed or replaced, a large amount of accumulated toner may spill out and contaminate the surroundings. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the length D indicates the distance between the line extending the tip of the cleaning blade 42 and the tip of the stay control member 46 at the center line in the width direction of the stay control member 46. .

From the same height as the tip of the mounting portion (the tip of the support made of rigid body) of the cleaning blade 42 of the cleaner housing 40, the length E from the tip to the tip of the cleaning blade 42 is preferably 3 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and 5 It is more preferable that they are mm or more and 13 mm or less, and it is more preferable that they are 6 mm or more and 12 mm or less. If the length from the same height as the tip of the support body made of the rigid body to the tip of the cleaning blade is less than 3 mm, the micro-vibration does not sufficiently occur, and the photosensitive member driving torque may be increased. Flipping of the blade 42 may occur easily. This causes the cleaning blade 42 to vibrate microscopically at the time of the holding of the upper retainer 1, and by virtue of the microscopic oscillation, the cleaning blade 42 is gradually opened to suppress the curling of the cleaning blade 42, thereby remaining in the cleaning blade 42. It is because it maintains the stable press contact state of the retardation 1. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the length E indicates the distance between the line extending the tip of the cleaner housing 40 and the tip of the cleaning blade 42 at the center line in the width direction of the cleaning blade 42.

The cleaning blade 42 preferably has a corner of the contact portion 44 of the image retaining member 1, and the material thereof is preferably hard. Specifically, the Young's modulus is preferably a rubber blade of 50 kg / cm 2 or more and 220 kg / cm 2 or less, and more preferably 100 kg / cm 2 or more and 160 kg / cm 2 or less. If the Young's modulus is less than 50 kg / cm 2, there is a problem in the durability of the edges (blade edges) of the edges of the rubber blades having the action of scraping the surface of the image retainer 1, and the blade edges are abraded when image formation is repeated. When it exceeds 220 kg / cm 2, the elastic deformation of the blade edge is insufficient, and the micro vibration of the blade which stabilizes the scraping state is less likely to occur. It may become impossible to remove and may cause other member contamination, or it may cause image contamination.

Next, an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Fig. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a full tandem type full color image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus shown in Fig. 6 is an electrophotographic method for outputting an image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) based on color-decomposed image data. Fourth image forming unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K (image forming means) is provided. These image forming units (hereinafter, simply referred to as "units") 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged side by side at a predetermined distance from each other in the horizontal direction. In addition, these units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K may be process cartridges that are detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

In the upper part of each unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K, the intermediate transfer belt 20 as an intermediate transfer body is extended through each unit. The intermediate transfer belt 20 is wound around the drive roller 22 and the support roller 24 in contact with the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a left to right direction in the drawing, and are provided with a first unit 10Y. ) Is traveling in the direction toward the fourth unit 10K. In addition, the support roller 24 is pressurized in the direction away from the drive roller 22 by a spring (not shown) etc., and predetermined tension is given to the intermediate transfer belt 20 wound by both. . In addition, the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 30 is provided on the side face of the intermediate transfer belt 20 so as to face the driving roller 22.

Further, in each of the developing devices (developing means) 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K of each unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K, the yellow, magenta, and the like contained in the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K, Four toners of cyan and black can be supplied.

Since the above-described first to fourth units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K have an equivalent configuration, the first units 10Y for forming a yellow image arranged on an upstream side in the intermediate transfer belt traveling direction are described here. Representatively. In addition, 2nd-4th unit is attached | subjected to the part equivalent to 1st unit 10Y by attaching the reference code which added magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) instead of yellow (Y). The description of (10M, 10C, 10K) is omitted.

The 1st unit 10Y has the image retention body 1Y which acts as a latent image holder. Around the image holding member 1Y, a charging roller (charging means) 2Y for charging the surface of the image holding member 1Y to a predetermined potential, and the laser beam 3Y based on the image signal in which the charged surface is color-decomposed. The exposure apparatus (delay image forming means) 3 which exposes the electrostatic latent image by exposure, and the developing apparatus (developing means) 4Y which supplies the toner charged to the electrostatic latent image to develop the electrostatic latent image, and the developed toner image as an intermediate A primary transfer roller 5Y (primary transfer means) to be transferred onto the transfer belt 20, and a photosensitive member cleaning device (cleaning means) for removing toner remaining on the surface of the image retainer 1Y after the primary transfer ( 6Y) are arranged in sequence.

In addition, the primary transfer roller 5Y is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 20 and is provided at a position facing the image retaining member 1Y. In addition, a bias power supply (not shown) to which a primary transfer bias is applied is respectively connected to each primary transfer roller 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. Each bias power supply changes the transfer bias applied to each primary transfer roller by control by a control part (not shown).

Hereinafter, an operation of forming a yellow image in the first unit 10Y will be described. First, prior to the operation, the surface of the image holding member 1Y is charged to a potential of about -600V to -800V by the charging roller 2Y.

The image retaining member 1Y is formed by stacking a photosensitive layer on a substrate of electroconductivity (volume resistivity at 20 ° C .: 1 × 10 ⁻⁶ Ωcm or less). This photosensitive layer is usually a high resistance (resistance of a general resin degree), but has a property of changing the specific resistance of the portion to which the laser beam is irradiated when the laser beam 3Y is irradiated. Therefore, the laser beam 3Y is output through the exposure apparatus 3 according to the yellow image data sent from the control unit (not shown) to the surface of the charged image retainer 1Y. The laser beam 3Y is irradiated to the photosensitive layer on the surface of the image holding member 1Y, whereby an electrostatic latent image of a yellow printing pattern is formed on the surface of the image holding member 1Y.

The electrostatic latent image is an image formed on the surface of the image holding member 1Y by charging, and the specific resistance of the irradiated portion of the photosensitive layer is lowered by the laser beam 3Y, and the charged charge on the surface of the image holding member 1Y On the other hand, it is a so-called negative latent image formed by remaining of the electric charge of the part to which the laser beam 3Y was not irradiated.

In this way, the electrostatic latent image formed on the image retaining member 1Y is rotated to a predetermined developing position as the image retaining member 1Y travels. At this developing position, the electrostatic latent image on the image retaining member 1Y is visualized (developed) by the developing apparatus 4Y.

In the developing apparatus 4Y, for example, a yellow toner having a volume average particle diameter of 7 µm containing at least a yellow colorant and a binder resin is accommodated. The yellow toner is triboelectrically charged by stirring inside the developing apparatus 4Y, and has a charge of the same polarity (minus polarity) as that of the charged charge charged on the image retainer 1Y, and is held on the developer roll (developer retainer). It is. Then, the surface of the image retention member 1Y passes through the developing apparatus 4Y, so that yellow toner is electrostatically attached to the static latent image on the surface of the image retention member 1Y, and the latent image is applied by the yellow toner. Develop. The image holding member 1Y on which the yellow toner image is formed is then driven at a predetermined speed, and the toner image developed on the image holding member 1Y is conveyed to a predetermined primary transfer position.

When the yellow toner image on the image retainer 1Y is conveyed by primary transfer, a predetermined primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 5Y, and an electrostatic force directed from the image retainer 1Y toward the primary transfer roller 5Y. It acts on this toner, and the toner image on the image retaining member 1Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20. The transfer bias applied at this time is a positive polarity that is opposite to the polarity of the toner (+), and is controlled to about +10 kPa by the controller (not shown) in the first unit 10Y, for example. .

On the other hand, the toner remaining on the image retention member 1Y is removed by the cleaning device 6Y and recovered. In addition, the composite particles remaining on the photoconductor are also removed and recovered by the cleaning apparatus 6Y. The above-described effects of the present invention are exerted in the cleaning by the cleaning device 6Y.

In addition, the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers 5M, 5C, and 5K after the second unit 10M is also controlled in accordance with the first unit.

In this way, the intermediate transfer belt 20 to which the yellow toner image is transferred in the first unit 10Y is sequentially conveyed through the second to fourth units 10M, 10C, and 10K, and the toner images of each color are overlapped and multiplexed. Is transferred.

The intermediate transfer belt 20 in which the toner images of four colors are multiplexed through the first to fourth units has a support roller 24 and an intermediate transfer belt 20 in contact with the inner surfaces of the intermediate transfer belt 20 and the intermediate transfer belt 20. It reaches the secondary transfer part comprised of the secondary transfer roller (secondary transfer means) 26 arrange | positioned at the side of the holding surface. On the other hand, the recording paper (recording medium) P is fed at a predetermined timing into a gap where the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 20 are press-contacted through a supply mechanism, Is applied to the support roller 24. The transfer bias applied at this time is a polarity (+) that is reverse polarity of the toner, and an electrostatic force directed from the intermediate transfer belt 20 toward the recording paper P acts on the toner, and the intermediate transfer belt 20 The toner image of the image is transferred onto the recording paper P. FIG. The secondary transfer bias at this time is determined in accordance with the resistance detected by the resistance detecting means (not shown) for detecting the resistance of the secondary transfer portion, and is under voltage control.

Thereafter, the recording paper P is sent to the fixing apparatus (fixing means) 28, and the toner image is heated, the toner images overlapped with color are melted, and fixed on the recording paper P. The recording paper P on which the fixing of the color image is completed is carried out toward the discharge portion, and the series of color image forming operations is completed. On the other hand, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 which transferred the toner image is cleaned by the intermediate transfer member cleaning device 30. The composite particles remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 20 are removed by the intermediate transfer member cleaning device 30 and recovered. The above-described effects of the present invention are also exhibited in the cleaning by the intermediate transfer member cleaning device 30.

The above-described image forming apparatus is configured to transfer the toner image to the recording paper P via the intermediate transfer belt 20. However, the image forming apparatus is not limited to this configuration, and has a structure in which the toner image is transferred directly from the photosensitive member onto the recording paper. It may be.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention uses the toner used in the present invention as described above, and includes cleaning means in which a toner reservoir is formed, so that image quality such as toner streaks, uneven highlights, etc., can be long-term regardless of image history or environment. A stable image can be obtained in which no defect occurs.

Process cartridges

The process cartridge of the present invention is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and at least, the electrostatic latent image formed on the image retainer is developed by an image retainer and a developer containing toner, and the toner image is formed on the image retainer. And developing means for forming and cleaning means for cleaning the transfer residual toner on the image retainer after transfer, wherein the cleaning means is fixed to a support made of a rigid body at one end thereof and in contact with the image retainer at the other end thereof. A cleaning blade made of an elastic body having a scraping portion for scraping a transfer residual toner on an image retaining body, and attached to the back side of the cleaning blade, and retained the transfer residual toner scraped by the scraping portion, And the toner is rotated at aeration flow rate of 0 ml / min, wherein The basic fluid energy amount A is 150 mJ or more and 600 mJ or less, and the aeration flow rate 80 ml / min and the rotor blade when measured by the powder rheometer under the condition of the tip speed of 100 mm / sec and the entry angle of the rotor blade -5 °. The flow rate was 0 ml / min, the tip speed of the rotor blades was 100 mm / sec, the tip angle of the rotor blades was 100 mm / sec, and the flow angle was degassed under the condition of -5 °. The fluidization energy B and the basic fluid energy amount A when measured under the condition of -5 ° are a process cartridge characterized in that (fluidization energy B / basic fluid energy amount A) is 0.3 or more and 0.9 or less.

The developer used for the process cartridge of the present invention is the same as the developer used for the image forming apparatus of the present invention described above. The other image retainers and the respective means are preferably the same as the image retainers and the respective means of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

When the process cartridge of the present invention is used, the toner used in the present invention described above is used, and a cleaning means for forming a toner reservoir is provided. A stable image can be obtained in which image quality defects such as nonuniformity do not occur.

[Example]

Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention, this invention is not limited to these Examples. In addition, in a writing, a "part" means a "mass part."

Measurement method of various characteristics

First, the physical property measuring methods, such as the developer used by the Example and the comparative example, are demonstrated.

Measurement of particle size distribution of toner

The measuring method of the volume average particle diameter of toner particle was performed as follows.

As a dispersing agent, 0.5-50 mg of measurement samples were added in 2 ml of 5 mass% aqueous solution of surfactant, Preferably sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate, and this was added to the said electrolyte solution 100-150 ml. The electrolyte solution in which the measurement sample was suspended was subjected to dispersion treatment by an ultrasonic disperser for about 1 minute, and according to the Coulter Multisizer-II type, the aperture diameter was 1.0 to 30 µm using an aperture having a diameter of 50 µm. The particle size distribution of the particles in the range is measured. The number of particles to be measured is 50,000. The particle size distribution obtained by subtracting the volume cumulative distribution from the small particle size side with respect to the obtained particle size distribution (channel) is referred to as a volume average particle diameter D _50v . In addition, when obtaining the volume cumulative distribution from the small particle size side, when the volume average distribution diameter D _50v is calculated | required, the particle diameter which becomes 84% of cumulative is called D _84v , and it accumulates when the number cumulative distribution is produced from the small particle size side. If the particle size of 16% is D _16p and the cumulative number distribution is made from the small particle diameter side, the particle size of the cumulative 50% is D _50p (number average particle diameter), and the particle size distribution of the large particle size side is D _84v / D _50v . , Particle size distribution on the small particle size side is represented by D _50p / D _16p .

Measurement of the number average particle diameter of the externally added particles

The number-average particle diameter of the external additive was measured by using an electron microscope S-4100 (described above) to observe the external additive dispersed in the shape of toner mother particles, and using the captured image, the diameter of 300 external additive particles. Was calculated and calculated based on it.

Preparation of Toner Particles 1

Preparation of Resin Fine Particle Dispersion (1)

Styrene: 330 parts

N-butyl acrylate: 30 parts

Acrylic acid: 10 parts

Ion exchange water: 550 parts

Anionic surfactant Dowfax (trade name, product of Dow Chemical Company): 1.4 parts

50 parts of ion-exchanged water which melt | dissolved 4.5 parts of ammonium persulfate was prepared, stirring and mixing the said composition under nitrogen atmosphere, emulsion polymerization was carried out at 72 degreeC for 10 hours, and the resin fine particle dispersion which resin particle with weight average molecular weight (Mw) = 28200 was disperse | distributed. (1) was prepared.

Preparation of Resin Fine Particle Dispersion (2)

Styrene: 300 parts

N-butyl acrylate: 100 parts

Acrylic acid: 20 parts

1,10-decanediol: 7 parts

Anionic surfactant Doughfax Dowfax (above): 4.5 parts

While stirring and mixing the said composition under nitrogen atmosphere, 50 parts of ion-exchange water which melt | dissolved 6 parts of ammonium persulfate was thrown in, emulsion polymerization of 72 degreeC was performed for 10 hours, and the resin fine particle dispersion which resin particle with weight average molecular weight (Mw) = 26800 was disperse | distributed. (2) was prepared.

Preparation of Colorant Dispersion

Carbon black Mogul L (trade name, Cabot product): 60 parts

Nonionic surfactant (trade name: Nonipol 400, Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd.): 10 parts

Ion exchange water: 250 parts

The above components were mixed, stirred for 10 minutes using a dissolving, homogenizer (trade name: ultra turrax T50, manufactured by IKA Corporation), and then dispersed in an optimizer and averaged. A colorant dispersant in which colorant (carbon black) particles having a particle diameter of 220 nm were dispersed was prepared.

Preparation of Release Agent Dispersion

Paraffin wax (trade name: HNP0190, manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd., melting point 85 ° C): 100 parts

Cationic surfactant (trade name: Sanisol B50, manufactured by Kao Corporation): 8 parts

Ion exchange water: 250 parts

The above components were dispersed in a round stainless steel flask with a homogenizer (ultra Turax T50 (described above)) for 10 minutes, and then dispersed in a pressure discharge homogenizer and the average particle diameter was The release agent dispersion liquid in which the release agent particle | grains of 498 nm was disperse | distributed was prepared.

Preparation of Toner Particles 1

The resin fine particle dispersion (1) and the resin fine particle dispersion (2) are mixed in a ratio of 2: 1 (resin fine particle dispersion (1): resin fine particle dispersion (2) (mass ratio)), and the mixed resin particle dispersion: 300 parts , Colorant dispersion: 70 parts, release agent dispersion: 120 parts, polyaluminum hydroxide (trade name: Paho2S, product of Asada Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.): 0.4 part, ion exchange water: 60 part, cyclic stainless steel After mixing and dispersing in a steel flask using a homogenizer (ultra-turax T50 (above)), it heated to 50 degreeC, stirring the inside of a flask in a heating oil bath. After hold | maintaining at ₅₀ degreeC for 30 minutes, the temperature of the heating oil bath was further raised, it hold | maintained at 60 degreeC for 1 hour, and the dispersion liquid which D50v contains the aggregate particle of 6.1 micrometers was prepared. Then, after further adding 100 parts of resin fine particle dispersions (1) to the dispersion liquid containing this aggregate particle, the temperature of the heating oil bath was raised to 55 degreeC and hold | maintained for 30 minutes. The dispersion containing this aggregate particle and 1N sodium hydroxide were added, the pH of the system was adjusted to 7.0, the stainless flask was sealed, and heated to 80 ° C while continuing stirring using a magnetic seal. 4 hours was maintained. After cooling, the toner particles were filtered out, washed four times with ion-exchanged water, and then freeze-dried to obtain dry powder.

This dry powder was classified using a classifier (brand name: EJ30, product of Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd.). The conditions for classification are 0.1 MPa for ejector pressure, 50 kg / H for feed of raw materials, and the location of classification edges. The distance between the Coanda block and the F edge is 15 mm, and the M edge and nose Toner particles (1) were obtained by setting the distance of the know blocks to be 22 mm and performing blower air flow rates of fine powder, coarse powder, and medium powder at 5.1, 3.0, and 9.0 Nm ³ / min, respectively. The obtained toner particles (1) had a volume average particle diameter of D _50v of 6.8 µm, a D _84v / D _50v of 1.15, and a D _50p / D _16p of 1.19.

Preparation of externally added particles (1)

A spray dry in which dimethyl silicone oil having a viscosity of 65 cs is suspended in a sol gel method silica particle having a number average particle diameter of 135 nm in a gas phase, and sprayed a solution containing dimethyl silicone oil with respect to 100 parts of the sol gel method silica particle. It processed 10 parts by the method and obtained the external addition particle | grains (1).

Preparation of externally added particles (2)

Three parts of n-decyl trimethoxysilane was processed with respect to 100 parts of metatitanic acid of 22 nm of number average particle diameters, and external addition particle | grains (2) were obtained.

Preparation of Toner 1

100 parts of toner particles (1 part) and 5 parts of externally added particles (1) by a powder processing apparatus (brand name: Nobilta NOB130, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Group), clearance of 3 mm, circumferential speed After 20 minutes of blending while cooling water was flowed at 1000 rpm and a jacket, coarse particles were removed using a sieve having a pore size of 45 µm to obtain composite particles (1). 100 parts of the composite particles (1) were added, and 2 parts of the externally added particles (2) were added to the Henschel mixer and treated for 10 minutes under a circumferential speed of 15 m / sec while flowing coolant through the jacket, and the sieve was 45 µm. The coarse particles were removed by (sieve) to obtain the toner (1).

Preparation of Toner Particles 2

The resin fine particle dispersion (1) and the resin fine particle dispersion (2) were mixed in a ratio of 2: 2 (resin fine particle dispersion (1) and resin fine particle dispersion (2) (mass ratio)), and this mixed resin particle dispersion: 300 parts , Colorant dispersion: 70 parts, release agent dispersion: 120 parts, polyaluminum hydroxide (Paho2S (above)): 0.4 part, ion-exchanged water: 60 part in a circular stainless steel flask homogenizer (ultra Turax T50 (above)) ) Was mixed and dispersed, and then heated to 50 ° C while stirring the inside of the flask in a heating oil bath. After hold | maintaining at 50 degreeC for 30 minutes, the temperature of the heating oil bath was further raised, and it hold | maintained at 60 degreeC for 1 hour. After cooling, the toner particles were filtered out, washed four times with ion-exchanged water, and then freeze-dried to obtain toner particles (2). The obtained toner particles 2 had a volume average particle diameter D _50v of 6.6 µm, a D _84v / D _50v of 1.21, and a D _50p / D _16p of 1.27.

Making of toner 2

100 parts of toner particles and 2 parts of externally added particles (2) were added to the Henschel mixer and treated for 10 minutes at a circumferential speed of 15 m / sec while flowing coolant through the jacket. The coarse particles were removed to obtain the toner 2.

Making of toner 3

100 parts of toner particles (1 part) and 3 parts of externally added particles (2) were added to the Henschel mixer, treated with a cooling water for 10 minutes at a circumferential speed of 15 m / sec. The coarse particles were removed to obtain the toner 3.

Preparation of Toner 4

After blending the toner particles 2 to 100 parts and the externally added particles 1 to 8 parts with a powder processing apparatus (Nobilta NOB130 (described above)) for 20 minutes with a cooling water of 3 mm, a circumferential speed of 1000 rpm, and a cooling water flowing through the jacket, Coarse particles were removed using a sieve having a pore size of 45 µm to obtain composite particles (B). 100 parts of this composite particle (B) was added, and 1 part of externally-added particle | grains 2 were added, it thrown into a Henschel mixer, and it processed for 10 minutes under 15 m / sec conditions, flowing a cooling water to a jacket, and a 45 micrometer sieve The coarse particles were removed to obtain the toner 4.

Preparation of Toner Particles 3

Terephthalic acid, bisphenol A, shaped polyester line obtained from the glycerin (number average molecular weight (M _n) = 3,000, weight-average molecular weight (M _w) = 10,500) 90 parts Carbon black (mogeol L (described above)): 3 parts of paraffin After premixing 7 parts of wax, the mixture was kneaded with an extruder, and the obtained slab was pulverized with a jet mill after rolling, cooling, and crushing. Furthermore, by classifying with a classifier (EJ30 (described above)) to remove coarse powder and fine powder, toner base particles (C) were obtained. The obtained toner base particles 1 had a volume average particle diameter D _50v of 5.3 µm, a D _84v / D _50v of 1.35, and a D _50p / D _16p of 1.42.

Making of Toner 5

100 parts of toner particles (3), 10 parts of externally added particles (1) and 4 parts of externally added particles (2) were added to the Henschel mixer, and the cooling water flowed through the jacket at a circumferential speed of 15 m / sec. After processing for 10 minutes, the coarse particles were removed by a 45 µm sieve to obtain a toner (5).

Making of Toner 6

Blending the toner particles 3 to 100 parts and the externally added particles 1 to 5 parts with a powder processing apparatus (Nobilta NOB130 (described above)) for 3 minutes with a clearance of 3 mm, a circumferential speed of 1000 rpm, and cooling water flowing through the jacket for 20 minutes. After performing, coarse particles were removed using a sieve having a pore size of 45 µm to obtain a composite particle (B). 100 parts of this composite particle (B) was added, and 2 parts of externally added particles (2) were added to a Henschel mixer and treated for 10 minutes at a circumferential speed of 15 m / sec while flowing coolant through the jacket, and a 45 μm sheave. The coarse particles were removed to obtain the toner 6.

Production of the carrier 1

Production of the carrier

Preparation of Magnetic Powder Dispersion Resin Particles (1)

50 parts of phenols, 75 parts of formalin, magnetite (volume average particle diameter 0.3 μm, spherical) of magnetite (Toda Kogyo Corporation) 1.0 mass% silane coupling agent KBM403 (brand name, Shin-Etsu Kagaku Corporation (Shin-Etsu) Chemical Co., Ltd.)) 550 parts, 13 parts of ammonia water, and 100 parts of ion-exchanged water were added, and it heated up gradually to 90 degreeC, mixing and stirring, reaction and hardening for 4 hours, and cooling and filtering It wash | cleaned and dried, and obtained magnetic powder dispersion resin particle (1).

Production of the carrier 1

The following components were used.

"Magnetic powder dispersion resin particle (1)": 100 parts,

As the "coating layer forming solution (1)",

Toluene: 150 parts

Styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer (styrene: methyl methacrylate mass ratio 70:30, weight average molecular weight 60,000): 5 parts

Carbon black (trade name: Regal330, manufactured by Cabot): 0.3 parts

The said component which removes the magnetic powder dispersion resin particle (1) was stirred / dispersed for 60 minutes with the stirrer, and also ultrasonic dispersion was performed for 10 minutes, and the coating layer formation solution (1) was prepared. Next, the solution 1 for forming the coating layer and the magnetic powder dispersion resin particles 1 were placed in a fluidized bed (trade name: MP-01SFP, manufactured by Powrex Corporation), and the rotation speed of the root was 1000 rpm and the air volume. The carrier 1 was produced by coating at 1.2 m 3 / min, solution extrusion rate 10 g / min, 70 ° C., and passing a mesh having a pore size of 75 μm. The average particle diameter of the carrier (1) was 40.5 micrometers, the average circularity was 0.987, and the residual magnetization was 5.2 emu / g.

Production of the carrier 2

Preparation of Metal Oxide Particles (2)

80 parts of Fe ₂ O ₃ , 20 parts of MnO ₂ , and 7 parts of Mg (OH) ₂ are mixed and mixed / pulverized with a wet ball mill for 25 hours to assemble with a spray dryer. ), And after drying, plasticity 1 was performed at 750 ° C. for 10 hours using a rotary kiln, thereby obtaining a plastic product 2.

The obtained plastic product 2 was pulverized with a wet ball mill for 10 hours, the average particle diameter was 5.9 µm, and then granulated and dried again by a spray dryer, after which the main firing was conducted at 1100 ° C. for 4 hours using a rotary kiln. After the main firing, Mn-Mg ferrite particles (metal oxide particles (2)) were obtained through a disintegration step and a classification step.

Production of the carrier 2

As in the carrier (1), a coating layer was formed on the metal oxide particles (2) to obtain a carrier (2). The average particle diameter of the carrier 2 was 39.2 micrometers, the average circularity was 0.969 and the residual magnetization was 0.6 emu / g.

Production of developer

The toners and carriers of the combination of Table 1 were mixed so that the carrier: toner was 91: 9 (mass ratio) to obtain a developer.

Fabrication of cleaning member

Fabrication of cleaning member 1

1,9-nonanediol and 2-methyl-1,8-octanediol (1,9-nonanediol: 2-methyl-1,8-octanediol (molar ratio) = 68: 32) and adipic acid having a molecular weight of 2800 Polyester polyol was obtained. The ester concentration of this polyester polyol is 6.8 mmol / g. As this polyester polyol and a chain extender, the mixture of 1, 3- propanediol and trimethylol ethane was made to react, and the rubber for cleaning blades was produced. The Young's modulus of this rubber was 142 kg / cm 2. The rubber plate was molded to a thickness of 1.2 mm, a width of 15 mm, and a length of 325 mm, and was called a cleaning blade 1 '.

A polyurethane resin sheet having a thickness of 30 μm, a width of 5 mm, and a length of 325 mm was attached to one end of the cleaning blade 1 ′ so as to protrude 2 mm from the tip of the cleaning blade 1 ′. 1) was obtained.

1 cm which prepared the same side as the surface on which the urethane resin sheet of the cleaning blade 1 was affixed, and the end opposite to the end to which the urethane resin sheet was affixed as a rigid body so that it might become the structure similar to the cleaning means shown in FIG. It adhered on the plate surface (1 cm x 34 cm) of the plate-shaped stainless steel plate 1 of * 34 cm x 0.3 cm, and was called the cleaning member 1. The cleaning member (means) 1 was obtained so that the tip of the cleaning blade 1 might protrude 8 mm from the stainless steel plate.

Fabrication of cleaning elements (2)

In the preparation of the cleaning blade 1, the cleaning member 2 was obtained in the same manner as the cleaning member 1, except that the polyurethane resin sheet was attached so as to protrude 1 mm from the tip of the cleaning blade 1.

Fabrication of cleaning elements (3)

In the preparation of the cleaning blade 1, the cleaning member 3 was obtained in the same manner as the preparation of the cleaning member 1 except that the polyurethane resin sheet was protruded 0.4 mm from the tip of the cleaning blade 1.

Fabrication of cleaning member 4

In the preparation of the cleaning blade 1, the cleaning member 4 was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the cleaning member 1 except that the polyurethane resin sheet protruded 5.5 mm from the tip of the cleaning blade 1.

Fabrication of cleaning member 5

In the preparation of the cleaning blade 1, the cleaning member 5 was obtained in the same manner as the preparation of the cleaning member 1 except that the polyurethane resin sheet was not attached.

Fabrication of cleaning member 6

In the preparation of the cleaning member 1, the cleaning member 6 was obtained in the same manner as the preparation of the cleaning member 1 except that the tip of the cleaning blade 1 protruded 5 mm from the stainless steel plate 1. .

Fabrication of cleaning members 7

In the preparation of the cleaning member 1, the cleaning member 7 was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the cleaning member 1 except that the tip of the cleaning blade 1 protruded 14 mm from the stainless steel plate 1. .

Examples 1-9, Comparative Examples 1-6

In the copier Docu Center Color 400 (trade name, manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.), the cleaning member shown in Table 1 was assembled, and the toner and carrier shown in Table 1 were combined with the developing device under test. The mixed developer was stored in a diffusion developer container. In addition, the Docu Center Color 400 is adapted to output images even in a single color, the developer for testing is installed in the yellow position, the remaining Magenta position, the Cyen position, In the Kuro (black) position, an empty developer was installed. In addition, a computer for controlling image formation was connected to the Docu Center Color 400 to produce a modified Docu Center Color 400.

Each cleaning member was mounted so as to have the same configuration as in FIG. 4. Specifically, the stainless steel plate 1 of the cleaning member was fixed to the cleaner housing, and the side where the urethane resin sheet was not attached was brought into contact with the photosensitive member (image retainer) and mounted so as to have the same configuration as in FIG. 4.

Assessment Methods

The Docu Center Color 400 remodel was installed in an environment of a temperature of 7 ° C. and a humidity of 12% RH to form images. Up to 100,000 copies of the highlight image with 35% image area coverage were outputted to the appropriate toner replenishing container until a significant image degradation was observed, and the number of occurrences of image quality defects was observed. Specifically, the number of sheets in which image quality defects such as toner streaks and unevenness of highlight portions began to occur was confirmed. In addition, the presence or absence of toner contamination in the image forming apparatus after the test and the occurrence of significant scratches on the photoconductor were confirmed. In addition, during the test, the test was carried out by confirming the presence or absence of a noise other than a normal sound such as a motor sound or a paper conveyance sound of the image forming apparatus. The results are shown in Table 1. In addition, in Table 1, "(A)" shows the basic fluid energy amount A, "(B) / (A)" shows fluidization energy B / basic fluid energy amount A, and "(C)" shows a cleaning blade. And the cross-sectional area of the retention control member and the region surrounded by the surface of the retainer.

TABLE 1

From Table 1, it turns out that an image quality defect does not generate | occur | produce for a long time in an Example.

1 (a) and 1 (b) are diagrams for explaining a method of measuring flowable energy amount in a powder rheometer.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the vertical load and the energy gradient obtained by the powder rheometer.

3 is a view for explaining the shape of the rotary blade used in the powder rheometer.

4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram in which the main portion of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is enlarged. FIG.

6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K: Photosensitive member (Reservoir) 2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K: Charging roller

3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K: laser beam 3: exposure apparatus

4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K: Developing apparatus (developing means)

5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K: Primary transfer roller 6: Cleaning means

6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K: Photosensitive member cleaning device (cleaning means)

8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K: Toner Cartridge 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K: Unit

20: intermediate transfer belt 22: drive roller

24: support roller 26: secondary transfer roller (transfer means)

28: fixing device (fixing means) 30: intermediate transfer member cleaning device

40: cleaner housing 42: cleaning blade

44: tip 46: retention control member

48: waste toner 50: toner reservoir

Claims (15)

Phase retainer, Charging means for charging the retaining body; Latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image retainer; Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image with a developer containing toner to form a toner image on the image retainer; Transfer means for transferring the toner image onto a recording medium to form an unfixed transfer image; Fixing means for fixing the unfixed transfer image transferred onto a recording medium; Cleaning means for cleaning the transfer residual toner on the image retaining member, The cleaning means is formed of an elastic body, one end of which is fixed to a support made of a rigid body, the other end of which has a scraping portion in contact with the image retainer and scraping the transfer residual toner on the image retainer. And a retention control member mounted on a rear side of the cleaning blade and blocking the transfer residual toner scraped by the scraping portion to form a toner reservoir, 150 mJ of basic fluidity energy A when the toner is measured by a powder rheometer under conditions of aeration flow rate of 0 ml / min, tip speed of rotary vane 100 mm / sec, and entry angle of rotary vane -5 °. Aeration flow rate 0 after providing fluidization flow rate of 600 mJ or less, fluidization flow rate 80 ml / min, tip speed of rotary vane 100 mm / sec, and rotation angle of rotation blade -5 degree, and giving dehydration history. Fluidization energy B and the said basic fluid energy amount A when measured on the conditions of ml / min, the tip speed of a rotary blade of 100 mm / sec, and the entrance angle of a rotary blade of -5 degrees are (fluidization energy B / basic fluid energy amount) A) has a relationship of 0.3 or more and 0.9 or less, characterized in that the image forming apparatus. The method of claim 1, And the toner has an external additive, and the external additive has a silane treatment or a silicone oil treatment having 10 or more carbon atoms. The method of claim 1, And the toner has an external additive, and the number average particle diameter of the external additive is 15 nm to 1 m. The method of claim 1, The toner has an external additive, and the external additive has a surface coverage of 10 cov% or more and 200 cov% or less with respect to the toner particle surface area. The method of claim 1, An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the cleaning blade, the retention control member, and the region surrounded by the surface of the image retainer is 0.5 mm 2 to 5 mm 2. The method of claim 1, The length from the same height as the front end of the cleaning blade to the front end of the stay control member is 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The method of claim 1, An image forming apparatus, wherein the length from the same height as the tip of the support made of the rigid body to the tip of the cleaning blade is 3 mm or more and 15 mm or less. The method of claim 1, And the developer comprises a carrier. The method of claim 8, And an average circularity of the carrier is 0.98 or more and 1.00 or less, and the residual magnetization of the carrier is 2 emu / g or more and 10 emu / g or less. Detachable to the image forming apparatus main body, at least, Retention, Developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image retainer by using a developer containing toner to form a toner image on the image retainer; Cleaning means for cleaning the transfer residual toner on the image retaining body after transfer; The cleaning means, wherein the cleaning means is fixed to a support made of a rigid body, and at the other end, the cleaning blade made of an elastic body having a scraping portion in contact with the image retainer and scraping the transfer residual toner on the image retainer; A retention control member mounted on the back side of the cleaning blade and blocking the transfer residual toner scraped by the scraping portion to form a toner reservoir, The amount of basic fluidity energy A when the toner is measured by the powder rheometer under conditions of aeration flow rate of 0 ml / min, tip speed of rotary vane 100 mm / sec, and entry angle of rotary vane -5 ° is 150 mJ or more and 600 mJ or less And aeration flow rate of 80 ml / min, a tip speed of a rotary blade of 100 mm / sec, and an entrance angle of the rotary blade of -5 ° to give a history of degassing. The fluidization energy B and the basic fluid energy amount A when measured under the condition of the tip speed of 100 mm / sec and the entry angle of the rotor blade -5 ° have a (fluidization energy B / basic fluid energy amount A) of 0.3 or more and 0.9 or less. A process cartridge characterized by having a relationship of. 11. The method of claim 10, A process cartridge, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the cleaning blade, the retention control member, and the area surrounded by the surface of the retainer is 0.5 mm 2 to 5 mm 2. 11. The method of claim 10, A process cartridge, wherein the length from the same height as the tip of the cleaning blade to the tip of the retention control member is 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less. 11. The method of claim 10, A process cartridge, wherein the length from the same height as the tip of the support made of the rigid body to the tip of the cleaning blade is 3 mm or more and 15 mm or less. 11. The method of claim 10, And the developer comprises a carrier. The method of claim 14, And the mean circularity of the carrier is 0.98 or more and 1.00 or less, and the residual magnetization of the carrier is 2 emu / g or more and 10 emu / g or less.

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