Patent ID: 7241547
Filing Date: 2007-07-10
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A method for forming an image, comprising the step of: charging an image bearing member by applying a voltage on a charging member being in contact with the image bearing member; forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged image bearing member; developing a toner image by transferring toner carried on a toner carrying member to the electrostatic latent image retained on the surface of the image bearing member; and transferring the toner image formed on the image bearing member to a transfer material directly or through an intermediate transfer member, wherein: the toner comprises at least toner particles; and non-magnetic metallic-compound fine particles and inorganic fine powder both existing on the surface of the toner particles; the toner particles comprise at least a binder resin and a colorant; a weight-average particle diameter A of the toner is 3.0 μm to 12.0 μm; the metallic-compound fine particles are: conductive metallic-compound fine particles which have a specific surface area (cm the image bearing member comprises at least a photosensitive layer and a charge injection layer on a conductive support; a flexible charging member being abutted against the image bearing member performs a direct injection charging on the surface of the image bearing member; at least the metallic-compound fine particles are placed on the abutting portion between the charging member and the image bearing member; and the metallic-compound fine particles in the toner remaining on the image bearing member after the transfer are fed to the abutting portion between the charging member and the image bearing member.