Toner Elastomer Particle Distribution for Cleaning Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming processes, existing toners often experience cleaning failures due to the inefficient distribution of elastomer particles, leading to incomplete oil supply and aggregation forces, resulting in image defects and cleaning failures.
Innovation Solution
The toner formulation includes elastomer particles with a wider volume particle size distribution index compared to the toner particles, ensuring that elastomer particles effectively reach and supply oil across the entire toner dam, enhancing cleaning efficiency and preventing cleaning failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomer particles are used in conventional toner formulations, then cleaning function is provided, but inefficient distribution of elastomer particles occurs leading to incomplete oil supply and aggregation forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size distribution parameters of elastomer particles, specifically setting a volume particle size distribution index (D50/D16) of 1.05 or greater. This parameter change ensures efficient distribution of elastomer particles throughout the toner dam, enabling complete oil supply and adequate aggregation forces to prevent cleaning failures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific particle size distribution profile where smaller elastomer particles (relative to conventional formulations) are present in sufficient quantities. This local optimization of particle size characteristics ensures that elastomer particles are distributed throughout the entire toner dam including peripheral regions, providing consistent cleaning function across all areas
2Productivity
If toner formulation is optimized for particle size distribution, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the formulation approach by focusing on a single key parameter - the volume particle size distribution index of elastomer particles (D50/D16 ≥ 1.05). By optimizing this one parameter rather than multiple formulation variables, the patent achieves improved cleaning efficiency while avoiding excessive formulation complexity
Data Source
AI summary
According to one example of the present application, there is provided a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image, containing: a toner particle containing a binder resin; a particle adhering to a surface of the toner particle; and an elastomer particle containing one or more kinds of oil, wherein a volume particle size distribution index GSDT (D50T/D16T) on a small diameter side of the toner particle and a volume particle size distribution index GSDE (D50E/D16E) on a small diameter side of the elastomer particle satisfy Formula (1):GSDE/GSDT≧1. Formula (1):