Toner Particle Diameter Distribution and Circularity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the electrophotographic process, achieving high image quality and uniformity in halftone images of multiple colors is challenging due to issues with toner particle distribution and fluidity, leading to suboptimal gradation properties and image unevenness.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrostatic charge image developing toner with specific particle diameter distribution indices (GSDv and GSDp) and average circularity, which enhances fluidity and charging characteristics, ensuring even dispersion and improved gradation properties in multicolor halftone images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional toner particles with broader size distribution are used, then manufacturing is easier and cost is lower, but image quality and gradation properties deteriorate due to poor fluidity and non-uniform dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the particle diameter distribution parameters (GSDv(90/50) ≤ 1.26, GSDp(50/10) ≤ 1.28, and their ratio between 0.96-1.01) to achieve uniform particle sizes. This narrow distribution ensures excellent fluidity and charging characteristics while maintaining manufacturability through controlled particle formation processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If toner particles with irregular shapes are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but image uniformity deteriorates due to poor dispersion and charging characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the average circularity parameter to be between 0.95-1.00, ensuring particles are extremely close to perfect spheres. This high circularity uniformity improves fluidity, charging characteristics, and dispersion uniformity, while the controlled particle formation process maintains manufacturing feasibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If toner with broader particle distribution is used, then material usage is more flexible, but gradation properties and image quality worsen due to non-uniform toner dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by ensuring extremely uniform particle characteristics through narrow particle diameter distribution (GSDv(90/50) ≤ 1.26, GSDp(50/10) ≤ 1.28) and high circularity (0.95-1.00). This homogeneity in particle size and shape ensures uniform dispersion, fluidity, and charging characteristics, directly improving gradation properties and image quality.
4Reliability
If conventional toner is used in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, then manufacturing and usage are simpler, but image quality deteriorates due to poor toner stability and uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing particle diameter distribution (GSDv(90/50) ≤ 1.26, GSDp(50/10) ≤ 1.28) and circularity (0.95-1.00) to enhance toner stability. These parameter optimizations ensure consistent fluidity, charging characteristics, and dispersion uniformity even in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, improving reliability without requiring complex environmental controls.
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
The toner achieves excellent gradation properties and prevents image unevenness by ensuring uniform toner distribution, even in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, thereby enhancing the quality of multicolor halftone images.
Implementation Method 1
electrically forming an electrostatic charge image on a photoreceptor (image holding member) utilizing a photoconductive substance
Implementation Method 2
developing the electrostatic charge image by using a developer containing a toner
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a toner including toner particles. The toner particles has a volume particle diameter distribution index on a side of the largest diameter (GSDv (90/50)) of 1.26 or less; a number particle diameter distribution index on a side of the smallest diameter (GSDp (50/10)) of 1.28 or less; GSDv (90/50)/GSDp (50/10) of from 0.96 to 1.01; and an average circularity of 0.95 or more and 1.00 or less.