Irregular External Additives for Toner Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic charge image developing toners suffer from the generation of color streaks due to uneven distribution of external additives, which can lead to abnormal noise, scratch, and curling of the cleaning blade, particularly in low-image-density and low-humidity environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electrostatic charge image developing toner with external additives having an average particle diameter of 70 nm to 420 nm, an average circularity of equal to or less than 0.9, and a standard deviation of circularity greater than 0.2, which suppresses the passing through the cleaning blade and ensures even distribution, thereby preventing local frictional coefficient variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external additives with high circularity (spherical shape) are used, then the toner has good flowability and charging characteristics, but the additives pass through the cleaning blade causing color streaks and abnormal noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally creating irregular-shaped external additives with circularity of 0.85 or less (deviating from perfect spherical shape). This asymmetric shape prevents the additives from passing through the cleaning blade while maintaining sufficient flowability and charging characteristics, thereby eliminating color streaks and abnormal noise without sacrificing operational performance
2Stability of the object's composition
If external additives with uniform shape are used, then the distribution is even, but the cleaning blade experiences uneven friction causing scratch and curling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating external additives with controlled irregularities in specific locations. The additives have circularity of 0.85 or less, meaning they possess localized shape variations that prevent passage through the cleaning blade while maintaining overall distribution uniformity. This localized asymmetry eliminates blade scratch and curling without compromising distribution evenness
3Productivity
If conventional external additives are used in low-image-density and low-humidity environments, then the toner forms images, but color streaks and abnormal noise occur due to uneven distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the shape parameter (circularity) of external additives to 0.85 or less. This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction between additives and cleaning blade, preventing passage and eliminating color streaks and abnormal noise in low-image-density and low-humidity environments while maintaining image formation capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively suppresses the generation of color streaks, abnormal noise, and blade-related issues by ensuring uniform distribution of external additives, enhancing the reliability and quality of image formation.
Implementation Method 1
preventing local frictional coefficient variations
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes: toner particles; and an external additive having an average particle diameter of from about 70 nm to about 420 nm, an average circularity of equal to or less than about 0.9, and a standard deviation of the circularity of greater than 0.2.