Patent ID: 8357481
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming method comprising: forming an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor; developing the electrostatic latent image with a developer including a toner using a center-feed developing device to prepare a toner image on a surface of the photoreceptor, wherein the center-feed developing device includes at least two developing rollers, which are opposed to the photoreceptor while opposed to each other and rotated in different directions and each of which has a magnetic force, and a developer layer thickness controlling member, which is located on an upstream side from an opposed position of the two developing rollers relative to rotation directions of the rollers and which is configured to control thicknesses of developer layers formed on surfaces of the developing rollers to develop the electrostatic latent image; transferring the toner image onto a receiving material optionally via an intermediate transfer medium; fixing the toner image on the receiving material with a fixing member, on which a silicone oil is applied; and cleaning the surface of the photoreceptor after transferring the toner image, wherein the toner comprises: a binder resin; a colorant; and a quaternary ammonium salt having the following formula (1): wherein each of R1 to R4 represents a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group having 1 to 25 carbon atoms, which is optionally branched, wherein when the toner is dispersed in ethanol using ultrasonic waves, the dispersion has a turbidity (Th) of from 0.4 to 1.0 when the turbidity (Th) is determined from the following equation: wherein Tt represents a transmittance of the dispersion measured with a haze meter, and wherein the quaternary ammonium salt is included in the toner in an amount of from 1.0 to 2.5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the binder resin.