JP2008018321A - Classification device, classification method, toner and method for producing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Dispersion can be improved by simple equipment change, classification accuracy can be improved, a desired particle size range can be obtained, and particles with a sharp distribution with little classification error can be separated with high efficiency. Provision of classification equipment and classification methods
A powder material supply port, a dispersion chamber, a classification chamber, a conical member, and a classification plate, wherein the powder material is swirled by a swirl flow formed inside the dispersion chamber. The powder material supply port provided at the upper part of the dispersion chamber is subjected to a dispersion action, and the ultrafine powder is discharged and further guided to the classification chamber, and the powder material is classified into coarse powder and fine powder by centrifugation. Has a introducing pipe, and the introducing pipe has a bent shape in which the supplied powder material hardly stays in the upper part of the dispersion chamber. It is preferable that the introduction pipe is a substantially L-shaped pipe in which a vertically downward portion of the introduction pipe is bent.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a classification device and a classification method for sieving particles to obtain a desired particle size, a toner for developing an electrostatic image in electrophotography, electrostatic recording, electrostatic printing, and the like, and the toner It relates to a manufacturing method.

  Conventionally, a classification device for separating a micron-order powder material into coarse powder and fine powder is composed of a cylindrical dispersion chamber and a classification chamber. A conical member is provided between the dispersion chamber and the classification chamber, and the powder material is supplied together with the conveying air from the powder material supply port at the top of the dispersion chamber. The powder material is dispersed by the swirling flow formed in the dispersion chamber, and further guided to the classification chamber and discharged by centrifugal separation to the fine powder discharge port or the coarse powder discharge port. And separated into fine powder.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional classification device. The classification apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a powder material supply port 1 through which primary conveyance air and powder material are supplied, an exhaust pipe 2 through which ultrafine powder is discharged together with primary conveyance air, a dispersion chamber 3, and a primary conveyance. A fine powder discharge port 5 through which fine powder is discharged together with air, a coarse powder discharge port 6 through which coarse powder is discharged together with carrier air, and a conical shape that is provided at the lower part of the dispersion chamber 3 and increases the swirl flow field in the dispersion chamber 3. A member 7, a classification plate 8 provided in the lower part thereof, a classification chamber 9 partitioned from the dispersion chamber 3 by the conical member 7 and the classification plate 8, and an air flow for supplying secondary carrier air to the classification chamber 9 And an inlet 4.

  Next, the operation of the classification device shown in FIG. 1 will be described. First, the carrier air is supplied from the powder material supply port 1 and the air inlet 4, and at the same time, the carrier air is discharged from the exhaust pipe 2, the fine powder discharge port 5, and the coarse powder discharge port 6. A swirl flow field is formed inside each of the classification chambers 9. There, the powder material is supplied from the powder material supply port 1 together with the carrier air, guided to the inside of the dispersion chamber 3, and the powder material rotates while receiving the centrifugal separation action by the swirl flow field of the carrier air. It will fall. At this time, the ultrafine powder having a very small particle size among the powder materials is guided toward the center of the dispersion chamber 3 and discharged from the exhaust pipe 2 communicating with a suction device (not shown) such as a suction fan. The powder material that has fallen while rotating in the dispersion chamber 3 passes through the annular gap A and is guided to the classification chamber 9, and here too, by being subjected to a centrifugal separation action, From the coarse powder outlet 6 that is separated from the center of the classification chamber 9 by centrifugal force, passes through an annular gap between the classification plate 8 and each inner wall surface of the classification chamber 9, and communicates with a suction device (not shown) such as a suction fan. Discharged. On the other hand, the fine powder is guided to the center of the classification chamber 9 by centripetal force and discharged from the fine powder discharge port 5 communicating with a suction device (not shown) such as a suction fan.

The problems to be solved in such a conventional classification device are roughly divided into two. One is to improve the dispersibility of the powder material supplied to the dispersion chamber. Ideally, the supplied powder material quickly passes through the dispersion chamber and is guided to the classification chamber to be separated. However, the powder material continues to swirl and stay in the upper part of the dispersion chamber. The materials interact with each other to form agglomerates, causing a reduction in classification accuracy.
The other is improvement of classification accuracy in the classification room. The powder material is guided from the dispersion chamber to the classification chamber, and all the powder material having a desired particle size or more is collected to the coarse powder collecting side, and all the powder material having the desired particle size or less is collected to the fine powder collecting side. Ideally. However, a powder material having a desired particle diameter or larger is collected to the fine powder collecting side, and a powder material having a desired particle diameter or smaller is collected to the coarse powder collecting side, resulting in classification error.

  In such a classification apparatus, in order to improve classification efficiency and classification accuracy, it has been attempted to provide dispersion improving means in the vicinity of the powder material supply port. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method in which dispersion of the powder material is promoted and classification efficiency is improved by installing a device that rectifies the airflow in the classification chamber of the classification device. However, in this proposed dispersion improving means, although the upper part of the dispersion chamber is rectified, the powder material may stay in the upper part of the dispersion chamber, so that the powder material is aggregated to reduce classification accuracy. Become one.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a compressed air supply pipe for accelerating the powder material is provided in the powder material supply pipe, and a pulverizing plate is provided to guide the powder material that is pumped to the dispersion chamber to collide to the outer periphery. By providing a compressed air supply pipe for accelerating the powder material flowing along the peripheral surface of the dispersion chamber, the accelerated powder material collides with the pulverizing plate and is pulverized, and the powder material in the classification chamber A method has been proposed in which dispersibility is improved and classification efficiency can be improved. According to this proposal, the lump of powder material is in a crushed state. However, as in Patent Document 1, the powder material may stay in the upper part of the dispersion chamber, so that the powder material aggregates. This is one of the causes of reducing classification accuracy.

  In Patent Document 3, a plurality of flat plates parallel to the inflow direction and parallel to a vertical plane are provided at equal intervals in the powder material supply pipe to dissociate the powder material or to generate agglomerates. There has been proposed a method of preventing the agglomeration from being mixed into the classification chamber by suppressing the above. However, although the proposed means for providing a flat plate has an effect of preventing aggregation of the powder material conveyed from the upstream side, as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the powder material is placed at the upper part of the dispersion chamber. Since the stagnation may occur, the powder material aggregates and becomes one of the causes for reducing the classification accuracy.

  In this way, in an actual classifier, powder material having a desired particle size or larger is collected to the fine powder collection side, and powder material having a desired particle size or less is collected to the coarse powder collection side, resulting in classification error. Has occurred. Therefore, at present, provision of a classification device and a classification method capable of obtaining a powder having a sharp distribution with little classification error is required.

JP 2000-157933 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-39687 JP-A-9-225407

  An object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems in response to the above-mentioned demands and achieve the following object. That is, the present invention makes it possible to improve dispersibility by simply changing the equipment, achieve improvement in classification accuracy, obtain a desired particle size range, and provide highly efficient particles with a sharp distribution with little classification error. It is an object of the present invention to provide a classification device and a classification method that can be separated, a toner using the classification device, and a method for producing the toner.

Means for solving the problems are as follows. That is,
<1> A powder material supply port through which the powder material is supplied together with the carrier air;
A dispersion chamber for dispersing the powder material by giving a swirl flow to the powder material supplied from the powder material supply port;
A classification chamber which is continuously provided below the dispersion chamber and centrifugally classifies the powder material flowing from the dispersion chamber into fine powder and coarse powder;
A conical member separating the dispersion chamber and the classification chamber;
A classification plate that divides the classification chamber;
The powder material is subjected to a swirling and dispersing action by a swirling flow formed inside the dispersion chamber, so that the ultrafine powder is discharged and further guided to the classification chamber, and the powder material is made into coarse powder by centrifugation. A classification device for classifying into fine powder,
The powder material supply port provided in the upper part of the dispersion chamber has an introduction pipe, and the introduction pipe has a bent shape in which the supplied powder material does not easily stay in the upper part of the dispersion chamber. It is a classification device.
In the classification apparatus according to <1>, the introduction pipe provided in the powder material supply port at the upper part of the dispersion chamber has a bent shape in which the supplied powder material does not easily stay in the upper part of the dispersion chamber. The powder material passing through the introduction pipe is easily guided to the lower outer wall of the introduction pipe by inertia force, and a large amount of powder material is introduced into the dispersion chamber from the lower side of the powder material supply port. Therefore, the stagnation of the powder material in the upper part of the dispersion chamber is reduced, and the aggregation of the powder materials is less likely to occur, so that the dispersibility is improved and the classification accuracy can be improved.
<2> The classification apparatus according to <1>, wherein the introduction pipe is a substantially L-shaped pipe having a bent downward portion in the vertical direction of the introduction pipe.
<3> The classification device according to any one of <1> to <2>, wherein a bending angle of the introduction pipe is 70 to 110 ° with respect to a vertical direction.
<4> The classification device according to <3>, wherein the bending angle of the introduction pipe is 85 to 95 ° with respect to the vertical direction.
In the classification device according to any one of <2> to <4>, since the introduction pipe is a substantially L-shaped pipe having a vertically downward portion bent, the powder material passing through the introduction pipe is: The inertial force makes it easy to be guided to the lower outer wall of the introduction pipe, and a large amount of powder material is introduced into the dispersion chamber from the lower side of the supply port. This reduces and makes it difficult for the powder particles to agglomerate, so that dispersibility is improved and classification accuracy can be improved.
<5> The classification device according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the introduction pipe is separable in the length direction.
In the classification device according to <5>, by making the introduction tube divideable in the length direction, it is possible to flexibly cope with classification conditions and obtain classification efficiency of powder having a desired particle size. be able to. In addition, the cleaning switching time can be shortened.
<6> Any one of the items <1> to <5>, including a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate on at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the introduction pipe as viewed from the direction in which the powder material is supplied It is a classification apparatus as described in.
In the classifying apparatus according to <6>, (1) a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate is provided upstream of a substantially L-shaped introduction pipe having a vertically downward portion bent; (2) vertical A tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate is provided at the downstream portion of the substantially L-shaped introduction pipe whose direction downward portion is bent, or (3) upstream of the substantially L-shape introduction pipe whose vertical direction downward portion is bent. By providing a tubular member with a grid-like rectifying plate in the section and downstream, the airflow passing through the introduction pipe is rectified, and aggregation of the powder materials supplied with the carrier air can be prevented, further improving dispersibility Can be made.
<7> The classification device according to <6>, wherein the tubular member having the current plate is detachable from the introduction pipe.
In the classification device according to <7>, by making the tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate detachable, it is possible to flexibly cope with classification conditions and obtain a desired classification efficiency of the powder material. Also, the cleaning switching time can be shortened.
<8> A classification method, wherein the powder material is classified into a coarse powder and a fine powder using the classification device according to any one of <1> to <7>.
In the classification method according to <8>, by using the classification device of the present invention, a desired particle size range can be obtained, and particles having a sharp distribution with little classification error can be separated with high efficiency. it can.
<9> A toner production method comprising at least a classification step of classifying a powder material using the classification apparatus according to any one of <1> to <7>.
In the method for producing a toner according to <9>, by using the classification device of the present invention, a toner having a sharp distribution with little classification error can be efficiently produced.
<10> A toner manufactured by the method for manufacturing a toner according to <9>.

  According to the present invention, conventional problems can be solved, dispersibility can be improved by simple equipment change, improvement in classification accuracy can be achieved, a desired particle size range can be obtained, and classification error is small. It is possible to provide a classification device and a classification method capable of separating sharply distributed particles with high efficiency, a toner using the classification device, and a method for producing the toner.

(Classification device and classification method)
The classification device of the present invention includes a powder material supply port, a dispersion chamber, a classification chamber, a conical member, and a classification plate, and further includes other configurations as necessary.
In the classification method of the present invention, the powder material is classified into coarse powder and fine powder using the classification apparatus of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the details of the classification method of the present invention will be clarified through the description of the classification device of the present invention.

  Here, the classification device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the classification device of the present invention. The classifying apparatus shown in FIG. 6 disperses the powder material by a powder material supply port 1 that is an opening of a supply pipe that supplies the powder material together with the primary conveyance air and a swirl flow formed by the primary conveyance air. A dispersion chamber 3; an exhaust pipe 2 that exhausts a part of the carrier air; and a classification chamber 9 that is continuously provided below the dispersion chamber 3 and applies centrifugal force to the powder material flowing from the dispersion chamber 3. A conical member 7 separating the classifying chamber 9 and the dispersing chamber 3, a classifying plate 8 disposed at the lower part of the classifying chamber 9 and classifying the powder material to which centrifugal force is applied, and the dispersing chamber 3 It has an air inlet 4 for supplying secondary carrier air, a fine powder outlet 5 for discharging fine powder below it, and a coarse powder outlet 6 for discharging coarse powder. The classifier main body is composed of a substantially cylindrical casing.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the classifier of the present invention is configured so that the powder material supplied together with the carrier air from the powder material supply port 1 provided in the upper part of the dispersion chamber 3 is a swirl flow formed in the dispersion chamber. In response to the swirling and dispersing action, the ultrafine powder is discharged, and further guided to the classification chamber 9 where the powder material can be classified into coarse powder and fine powder by centrifugation.

In the classifying apparatus, the powder material supply port has an introduction pipe, and the introduction pipe has a bent shape in which the supplied powder material hardly stays in the upper part of the dispersion chamber.
Here, “the powder material to be supplied is less likely to stay in the upper part of the dispersion chamber” means that the powder material is supplied to the upper part of the dispersion chamber relatively less than other parts than the upper part of the dispersion chamber. This means that the powder material can be prevented from staying in the upper part of the chamber, and an introduction pipe parallel to the inflow direction of the powder material, which will be described later, and a vertically upward part where the supplied powder material stays in the upper part of the dispersion chamber. This means that a bent substantially L-shaped introduction pipe or the like is not included.
This can be determined by measuring the locus of the powder material supplied together with the carrier air from the powder material supply port.
Here, the measurement of the locus of the powder material is performed by, for example, manufacturing the dispersion chamber and the introduction pipe of the classification device with a transparent vinyl chloride resin or the like, and passing through the dispersion chamber and the introduction pipe. Or a means for analyzing the flow of the air flow inside the classifier by computer simulation analysis and further analyzing the locus of the powder material.

  The size, material, and the like of the introduction pipe are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, the size is set according to the size of the powder material supply port. As the material, for example, vinyl chloride resin, acrylic resin, and the like are preferably used when measuring the locus of the powder material.

As the introduction pipe having such a bent shape that the powder material to be supplied does not easily stay in the upper part of the dispersion chamber, a substantially L-shaped pipe in which a vertically downward portion of the introduction pipe is bent is preferable.
The bending angle of the introduction pipe in which the vertically downward portion is bent is preferably 70 to 110 °, more preferably 85 to 95 °, and particularly preferably 90 ° with respect to the vertical direction. When the bending angle is less than 70 °, not only the pressure loss increases, but also the connection with the previous step of the classifier may be difficult. When the bending angle exceeds 110 °, the powder material passes through the introduction pipe. May be reduced in the effect of being guided to the lower outer wall of the introduction pipe by inertial force.

The introduction pipe is preferably separable in the length direction. There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the number of division | segmentation of the length direction of this inlet tube, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 2-5 are preferable. In this way, by allowing the introduction pipe to be divided in the length direction, the length of the introduction pipe can be adjusted flexibly in accordance with the classification conditions. Further, the cleaning switching time can be shortened by dividing and cleaning the introduction pipe. The means for dividing the introduction tube in the length direction is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include clamping and bolting.
In FIG. 8, two dividing means 11 are provided in the introduction pipe 14 whose vertical downward portion is bent, and the introduction pipe can be divided into three by the dividing means.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the introduction pipe is detachable from the powder material supply port. Thereby, the introduction pipe can be removed and cleaned, and the cleaning efficiency can be improved. Further, it is possible to easily replace the pipe with an introduction pipe having a different bending angle according to the classification condition.

  Next, in the classifying apparatus shown in FIG. 6, the powder material supply port 1 is provided with a substantially L-shaped introduction pipe 14 (bending angle = 90 °) whose vertical downward portion is bent. As shown in FIG. 7, the powder material 15 passing through the introduction pipe is easily guided to the lower outer wall of the introduction pipe 14 due to inertial force, and a large amount of powder material 15 enters the dispersion chamber 3 from the lower side of the powder material supply port. Powder material will be charged, and the retention of the powder material in the upper part of the dispersion chamber will be reduced, making it difficult for the powder materials to agglomerate with each other, improving dispersibility and improving classification accuracy. Can do.

On the other hand, in the conventional classification apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the introduction pipe 14 parallel to the inflow direction of the powder material is provided in the powder material supply port 1 at the upper part of the dispersion chamber, and passes through this introduction pipe. As shown in FIG. 3, since the powder material is charged mainly at the upper part of the dispersion chamber 3, the powder material stays in the upper part of the dispersion chamber, and the powder material is agglomerated and the dispersion state is reduced. It deteriorates and causes the classification accuracy to decrease.
Further, in the classifying apparatus shown in FIG. 4, a substantially L-shaped introduction pipe 14 (bending angle = 90 °) in which a vertically upward portion is bent is provided in the powder material supply port 1 above the dispersion chamber. As shown in FIG. 5, the powder material passing through the introduction tube is easily guided to the upper outer wall of the introduction tube by inertia force, and therefore, a large amount of powder material enters the dispersion chamber 3 from the upper side of the powder material supply port. As a result, the powder material stays in the upper part of the dispersion chamber, and the powder materials agglomerate with each other. The dispersion state deteriorates, and the classification accuracy is lowered.

In the classifying device of the present invention, it is preferable to have a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate in at least one of the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the introduction tube as viewed from the direction in which the powder material is supplied. By providing such a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate, the airflow passing through the introduction pipe is rectified, and aggregation of powder particles conveyed together with the airflow can be prevented, thereby further improving dispersibility. it can.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the material and magnitude | size of the said tubular member, According to the objective, it can select suitably. The material of the grid-like rectifying plate and the size of the grid are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples of the material include SUS303 and SUS304. The size of the lattice is preferably 1/10 or less of the cross-sectional area of the tubular member, for example.
9 and 10, the tubular member 12 having the lattice-shaped rectifying plate 16 is disposed so that the lattice-shaped rectifying plate 16 of the tubular member is parallel to the inflow direction of the powder material in the introduction pipe. It is preferable.

In addition, the tubular member having the grid-like rectifying plate can be detachably attached to the introduction pipe, can flexibly cope with the classification conditions, obtain the desired classification efficiency of the powder material, or shorten the cleaning switching time. It is preferable because it can be realized.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a method to detach | desorb the tubular member which has the said grid | lattice-like baffle plate, Although it restrict | limits suitably according to the objective, For example, it is preferable to provide by a desorption means. Examples of the detaching means include means for connecting by clamping, means for connecting by bolting, and the like.
In FIG. 11, a tubular member 12 having a grid-like rectifying plate is detachably provided by a detaching means 13 at an upstream portion of a substantially L-shaped introduction pipe 14 whose vertical downward portion is bent. In FIG. 12, a tubular member 12 having a grid-like rectifying plate is detachably provided by the detaching means 13 in the downstream portion of the substantially L-shaped introduction pipe 14 whose vertical downward portion is bent. In addition, in FIG. 13, tubular members 12 having lattice-shaped rectifying plates are detachably provided by the detaching means 13 at the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the substantially L-shaped introduction pipe 14 whose vertical downward portion is bent. Yes.

  The classification apparatus and classification method of the present invention enable improvement of dispersibility by simple equipment change, can achieve improvement of classification accuracy, have a desired particle size range, and have a sharp distribution particle with little classification error. Can be used in various fields, and is particularly suitable for the toner production method described below.

(Toner production method)
The toner production method of the present invention includes at least a classification step, and includes a melt-kneading step, a pulverization step, and other steps as necessary.
The said classification process is performed using the said classification apparatus of this invention mentioned above.

<Melting and kneading process>
In the melt kneading step, toner materials are mixed, and the mixture is charged into a melt kneader and melt kneaded. The melt kneader is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, a uniaxial continuous kneader, a biaxial continuous kneader, or a batch kneader using a roll mill can be used. . For example, KTK type twin screw extruder manufactured by Kobe Steel, TEM type extruder manufactured by Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd., single screw extruder manufactured by Casey Kay Co., Ltd., PCM type twin screw extruder manufactured by Ikegai Iron Works, Conyder manufactured by Buss Etc. are preferably used. The melt kneading is preferably performed under appropriate conditions that do not cause the molecular chains of the binder resin to be broken. Specifically, the melt-kneading temperature is determined with reference to the softening point of the binder resin. If the temperature is higher than the softening point, cutting becomes severe, and if the temperature is too low, dispersion may not progress.

  The toner material contains at least a binder resin, a colorant, a release agent, and a charge control agent, and further contains other components as necessary.

-Binder resin-
Examples of the binder resin include styrenes such as styrene and chlorostyrene; monoolefins such as ethylene, propylene, butylene, and isoprene; vinyl esters such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl benzoate, and vinyl butyrate; acrylics Α-methylene aliphatic monocarboxylic acid esters such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate Vinyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether and vinyl butyl ether; homopolymers such as vinyl ketones such as vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl hexyl ketone and vinyl isopropenyl ketone; It is.
Particularly representative binder resins include, for example, polystyrene resins, polyester resins, styrene-acrylic copolymers, styrene-alkyl acrylate copolymers, styrene-alkyl methacrylate copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene. -Butadiene copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

-Colorant-
The colorant is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known dyes and pigments according to the purpose. For example, carbon black, nigrosine dye, iron black, naphthol yellow S, Hansa yellow (10G, 5G, G), cadmium yellow, yellow iron oxide, ocher, yellow lead, titanium yellow, polyazo yellow, oil yellow, Hansa yellow (GR, A, RN, R), pigment yellow L, benzidine yellow (G, GR), Permanent Yellow (NCG), Vulcan Fast Yellow (5G, R), Tartrazine Lake, Quinoline Yellow Lake, Anthrazan Yellow BGL, Isoindolinone Yellow, Bengala, Lead Red, Lead Red, Cadmium Red, Cad Muum Mercury Red, Antimon Zhu, Permanent Red 4R, PA Red, Faise Red, Parachlor Ortho Nitroaniline Red, Resol Fast Scarlet G, Brilliant Fast Scarlet, Brilliant Carmine BS, Permanent Red (F2R, F4R, FRL, FRLL, F4RH), Fast Scarlet VD, Belkan Fast Rubin B, Brilliant Scarlet G, Risor Rubin GX, Permanent Red F5R, Brilliant Carmine 6B, Pigment Scarlet 3B, Bordeaux 5B, Toluidine Maroon, Permanent Bordeaux F2K, Helio Bordeaux BL, Bordeaux 10B, Bon Maroon Light, Bon Maroon Medium, Eosin Lake B, Rhodamine Lake Y, Alizarin Lake, Thioindigo Red B, Thioindigo Maroon, Oh Lured, Quinacridone Red, Pyrazolone Red, Polyazo Red, Chrome Vermilion, Benzidine Orange, Perinone Orange, Oil Orange, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Alkaline Blue Lake, Peacock Blue Lake, Victoria Blue Lake, Metal Free Phthalocyanine Blue, Phthalocyanine Blue, Fast Sky Blue, Indanthrene Blue (RS, BC), Indigo, Ultramarine Blue, Bitumen, Anthraquinone Blue, Fast Violet B, Methyl Violet Lake, Cobalt Purple, Manganese Purple, Dioxane Violet, Anthraquinone Violet, Chrome Green, Zinc Green, Oxidation Chrome, Pyridian, Emerald Green, Pigment Green B, Naphthol Green B, Green Gold, Ash Examples include green lake, malachite green lake, phthalocyanine green, anthraquinone green, titanium oxide, zinc white, and lithobon. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a color of the said coloring agent, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, the thing for black, the thing for color, etc. are mentioned. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
Examples of the black material include carbon black (CI pigment black 7) such as furnace black, lamp black, acetylene black, and channel black, copper, iron (CI pigment black 11), and titanium oxide. And organic pigments such as aniline black (CI Pigment Black 1).
Examples of the magenta color pigment include C.I. I. Pigment Red 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 30, 31, 32, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 48: 1, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 53: 1, 54, 55, 57, 57: 1, 58, 60, 63, 64, 68, 81, 83, 87, 88, 89, 90, 112, 114, 122, 123, 163, 177, 179, 202, 206, 207, 209, 211; C.I. I. Pigment violet 19; C.I. I. Bat red 1, 2, 10, 13, 15, 23, 29, 35, etc. are mentioned.
Examples of the color pigment for cyan include C.I. I. Pigment Blue 2, 3, 15, 15: 1, 15: 2, 15: 3, 15: 4, 15: 6, 16, 17, 60; I. Bat Blue 6; C.I. I. Acid Blue 45, copper phthalocyanine pigments having 1 to 5 phthalimidomethyl groups substituted on the phthalocyanine skeleton, green 7 and green 36, and the like.
Examples of the color pigment for yellow include C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 55, 65, 73, 74, 83, 97, 110, 151, 154, 180; C.I. I. Bat yellow 1, 3, 20, orange 36 and the like.

  The content of the colorant in the toner is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose, but is preferably 1 to 15% by mass, and more preferably 3 to 10% by mass. When the content is less than 1% by mass, a reduction in the coloring power of the toner is observed. When the content exceeds 15% by mass, poor dispersion of the pigment in the toner occurs, the coloring power decreases, and the electrical characteristics of the toner. May be reduced.

  The colorant may be used as a master batch combined with a resin. The resin is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known ones according to the purpose. For example, styrene or a substituted polymer thereof, styrene copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate resin, polybutyl Methacrylate resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin, epoxy polyol resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, polyacrylic acid resin, rosin, modified rosin, terpene Examples thereof include resins, aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, alicyclic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic petroleum resins, chlorinated paraffins, and paraffins. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  Examples of the polymer of styrene or a substituted product thereof include polyester resin, polystyrene resin, poly p-chlorostyrene resin, and polyvinyl toluene resin. Examples of the styrene copolymer include a styrene-p-chlorostyrene copolymer, a styrene-propylene copolymer, a styrene-vinyltoluene copolymer, a styrene-vinylnaphthalene copolymer, and a styrene-methyl acrylate copolymer. Polymer, styrene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-octyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-ethyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene- Butyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-α-chloromethyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-vinyl methyl ketone copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-isoprene copolymer, styrene An acrylonitrile-indene copolymer, Styrene - maleic acid copolymer, styrene - like maleic acid ester copolymer.

  The masterbatch can be produced by mixing or kneading the masterbatch resin and the colorant under high shear. At this time, it is preferable to add an organic solvent in order to enhance the interaction between the colorant and the resin. Also, the so-called flushing method is preferable in that the wet cake of the colorant can be used as it is, and there is no need to dry it. The flushing method is a method of mixing or kneading an aqueous paste containing water of a colorant together with a resin and an organic solvent, and transferring the colorant to the resin side to remove moisture and the organic solvent component. For the mixing or kneading, for example, a high shear dispersion device such as a three-roll mill is preferably used.

-Release agent-
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said mold release agent, According to the objective, it can select suitably from well-known things, For example, waxes, such as carbonyl group containing wax, polyolefin wax, and long-chain hydrocarbon, are mentioned. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

Examples of the carbonyl group-containing wax include polyalkanoic acid esters, polyalkanol esters, polyalkanoic acid amides, polyalkylamides, and dialkyl ketones. Examples of the polyalkanoic acid ester include carnauba wax, montan wax, trimethylolpropane tribehenate, pentaerythritol tetrabehenate, pentaerythritol diacetate dibehenate, glycerin tribehenate, and 1,18-octadecane. Examples thereof include diol distearate. Examples of the polyalkanol ester include tristearyl trimellitic acid and distearyl maleate. Examples of the polyalkanoic acid amide include dibehenyl amide. Examples of the polyalkylamide include trimellitic acid tristearylamide. Examples of the dialkyl ketone include distearyl ketone. Of these carbonyl group-containing waxes, polyalkanoic acid esters are particularly preferred.
Examples of the polyolefin wax include polyethylene wax and polypropylene wax.
Examples of the long chain hydrocarbon include paraffin wax and sazol wax.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content in the said toner of the said mold release agent, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 0-40 mass% is preferable and 3-30 mass% is more preferable.
When the content exceeds 40% by mass, the fluidity of the toner may be deteriorated.

-Charge control agent-
The charge control agent is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known ones according to the purpose. However, since a color tone may change when a colored material is used, a colorless or nearly white material may be used. Preferably, for example, triphenylmethane dyes, molybdate chelate pigments, rhodamine dyes, alkoxy amines, quaternary ammonium salts (including fluorine-modified quaternary ammonium salts), alkylamides, phosphorus alone or compounds thereof, tungsten Examples thereof include a single substance or a compound thereof, a fluorine-based activator, a metal salt of salicylic acid, and a metal salt of a salicylic acid derivative. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

Commercially available products can be used as the charge control agent. Examples of the commercially available products include quaternary ammonium salt Bontron P-51, oxynaphthoic acid metal complex E-82, and salicylic acid metal complex. E-84, phenolic condensate E-89 (all manufactured by Orient Chemical Industries), quaternary ammonium salt molybdenum complex TP-302, TP-415 (all manufactured by Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.), Quaternary ammonium salt copy charge PSY VP2038, triphenylmethane derivative copy blue PR, quaternary ammonium salt copy charge NEG VP2036, copy charge NX VP434 (both manufactured by Hoechst); LRA-901, boron complex LR-147 (manufactured by Nippon Carlit Co., Ltd.); quinacridone, azo pigment A sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group, and the like and polymeric compounds having a quaternary ammonium salt or the like.
The charge control agent may be melted and kneaded with the master batch and then dissolved or dispersed, or may be added together with the toner components when directly dissolving or dispersing in the organic solvent, or the toner. You may fix to the toner surface after particle manufacture.

  The content of the charge control agent in the toner varies depending on the type of the binder resin, the presence / absence of an additive, a dispersion method, and the like, and cannot be generally specified. On the other hand, 0.1-10 mass parts is preferable, and 0.2-5 mass parts is more preferable. When the content is less than 0.1 parts by mass, the charge controllability may not be obtained. When the content exceeds 10 parts by mass, the chargeability of the toner becomes too large, and the effect of the main charge control agent is reduced. As a result, the electrostatic attractive force with the developing roller increases, which may lead to a decrease in developer fluidity and a decrease in image density.

-Other ingredients-
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said other component, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, an external additive, a fluid improvement agent, a cleaning property improvement agent, a magnetic material, a metal soap etc. are mentioned.
The external additive is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known ones according to the purpose. For example, silica fine particles, hydrophobized silica fine particles, fatty acid metal salts (for example, zinc stearate, And aluminum oxide stearate); metal oxides (for example, titania, alumina, tin oxide, antimony oxide, etc.) or their hydrophobized products, fluoropolymers, and the like. Among these, hydrophobized silica fine particles, titania particles, and hydrophobized titania fine particles are preferable.

<Crushing process>
The pulverization step is a step of performing fine pulverization and coarse powder classification using at least one pulverizer and at least one cyclone, and in particular, at least one pulverizer, at least one cyclone, and at least one cyclone. It is preferable to perform fine pulverization and coarse powder classification using a classifier.

It is preferable that at least one crusher used in the crushing step is provided, and two or more crushers are provided. The pulverizer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include an impact pulverizer and a jet pulverizer.
Examples of the impact pulverizer include a turbo mill manufactured by Turbo Industry Co., Ltd. and a kryptron manufactured by Earth Technica Co., Ltd.
Examples of the jet crusher include a supersonic jet mill PJM-I type manufactured by Nippon Pneumatic Industry Co., Ltd., an IDS type, a counter jet mill manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation, and a cross jet mill manufactured by Kurimoto Sako Co., Ltd. It is done.

(toner)
The toner of the present invention is manufactured by the toner manufacturing method of the present invention. The toner is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. The content of fine powder having a particle size of 4.0 μm or less is preferably 15% by number or less, and more preferably 0 to 10% by number. . Moreover, it is preferable that the coarse powder content rate with a particle size of 12.7 micrometers or more is 5.0 mass% or less, and 0-2.0 mass% is more preferable. The volume average particle diameter of the toner is preferably 5.0 to 12.0 μm, and more preferably 6.0 to 10.0 μm.
Here, the particle size distribution and the volume average particle size are measured using, for example, a particle size measuring device particle size measuring device (Coulter Counter TA-II, Coulter Multisizer II, or Coulter Multisizer III, manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.). Can do.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

(Comparative Example 1)
-Production of powder material-
A mixture composed of 85 parts by mass of a styrene-acrylic copolymer and 15 parts by mass of carbon black was melt-kneaded, cooled and solidified, and then coarsely pulverized with a hammer mill to produce a powder material.

-Classification-
As shown in FIG. 2, the powder material is supplied to the powder material supply port 1 at the upper part of the dispersion chamber by using a classification device in which an introduction pipe 14 parallel to the inflow direction of the powder material is provided. Classification was performed under the condition of a pressure of 15.9 kPa (1,620 mmAq) so that the volume average particle diameter of the powder was 7.5 μm. At that time, as shown in FIG. 3, most of the locus of the powder material is put into the upper part of the dispersion chamber 3, so that it is recognized that the powder material 15 stays in the upper part of the dispersion chamber. The trajectory of the powder material was measured by making the dispersion chamber and the introduction tube of the classification device made of transparent vinyl chloride resin and visualizing the powder material passing through the dispersion chamber and the introduction tube.
As a result of classification, the volume average particle size of the powder measured as follows with respect to the feed amount of 10.0 kg / h is 7.70 μm, the content of fine powder having a particle size of 4 μm or less is 12.3% by number, The content of coarse powder having a diameter of 12.7 μm or more was 1.70% by mass.

<Measurement of volume average particle size and particle size distribution>
As an apparatus for measuring the volume average particle size and particle size distribution of particles by the Coulter Counter method, there are Coulter Counter TA-II, Coulter Multisizer II, or Coulter Multisizer III (both manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.). The average particle size and particle size distribution were measured.
First, 0.1 to 5 mL of a surfactant (alkylbenzene sulfonate) was added as a dispersant to 100 to 150 mL of the electrolytic aqueous solution. Here, 1 mass% NaCl aqueous solution was prepared using 1st grade sodium chloride as electrolyte solution, for example, ISOTON-II (Coulter company make) can be used. Next, 2 to 20 mg of a measurement sample is added. The electrolytic solution in which the sample is suspended is subjected to a dispersion treatment for 1 to 3 minutes with an ultrasonic disperser, and the volume, mass, and number of powders are measured with the measurement device using a 100 μm aperture as an aperture, Distribution was calculated. From the obtained distribution, the volume average particle size and particle size distribution of the powder were determined.
The channel has a particle size of 2.00 μm to less than 2.52 μm, a particle size of 2.52 μm to less than 3.17 μm, a particle size of 3.17 μm to less than 4.00 μm, and a particle size of 4.00 μm to 5.04 μm. Less than, particle size is 5.04 μm or more and less than 6.35 μm, particle size is 6.35 μm or more and less than 8.00 μm, particle size is 8.00 μm or more and less than 10.08 μm, particle size is 10.08 μm or more and less than 12.70 μm, Particle size is from 12.70 μm to less than 16.00 μm, particle size is from 16.00 μm to less than 20.20 μm, particle size is from 20.20 μm to less than 25.40 μm, particle size is from 25.40 μm to less than 32.00 μm, particle size 13 channels with a particle size of 32.00 μm or more and less than 40.30 μm were used, and particles with a particle size of 2.00 μm to 40.30 μm were targeted.

(Comparative Example 2)
As shown in FIG. 4, comparison was made using a classification device in which a substantially L-shaped introduction pipe 14 (bending angle = 90 °) in which the vertically upward portion was bent was installed in the powder material supply port 1 above the dispersion chamber. The same powder material as in Example 1 was supplied, and classification was performed under the conditions of an exhaust blower pressure of 15.9 kPa (1,620 mmAq) so that the volume average particle diameter of the powder was 7.5 μm. At that time, as shown in FIG. 5, the locus of the powder material is easily guided to the upper outer wall of the introduction pipe by the inertial force, so that a large amount of the powder material 15 is introduced into the dispersion chamber 3 from the upper side of the supply port. It was observed that the powder material stayed in the upper part of the dispersion chamber. The trajectory of the powder material was measured by making the dispersion chamber and the introduction tube of the classification device made of transparent vinyl chloride resin and visualizing the powder material passing through the dispersion chamber and the introduction tube.
As a result of classification, the volume average particle size of the powder measured in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1 with respect to the feed amount of 10.0 kg / h is 7.74 μm, and the content of fine powder having a particle size of 4 μm or less is 12.6% by number, The content of coarse powder having a particle size of 12.7 μm or more was 1.78% by mass.

(Example 1)
As shown in FIG. 6, comparison was made using a classification device in which a substantially L-shaped introduction pipe 14 (bending angle = 90 °) with a vertically downward portion bent at the powder material supply port 1 above the dispersion chamber was installed. The same powder material as in Example 1 was supplied, set to 15.9 kPa (1,620 mmAq), and classified so that the volume average particle diameter of the powder was 7.5 μm. At that time, as shown in FIG. 7, the locus of the powder material is easily guided to the lower outer wall of the introduction pipe 14 by inertial force, and a large amount of powder enters the dispersion chamber 3 from the lower side of the powder material supply port. It was confirmed that the material was charged and the retention of the powder material in the upper part of the dispersion chamber was reduced. The trajectory of the powder material was measured by making the dispersion chamber and the introduction tube of the classification device made of transparent vinyl chloride resin and visualizing the powder material passing through the dispersion chamber and the introduction tube.
As a result of classification, a coarse powder having a volume average particle diameter of 7.59 μm, a fine powder content of 10.1% by number and a particle diameter of 12.7 μm or more with respect to a feed amount of 10.0 kg / h. The content rate was 1.47% by mass, and a sharp particle size distribution was obtained as compared with Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2.

(Example 2)
In Example 1, except that a classifying apparatus in which a substantially L-shaped introduction pipe 14 (bent angle = 70 °) in which a vertically downward portion is bent is installed in the powder material supply port 1 in the upper part of the dispersion chamber is used. Classification processing was performed in the same manner as in 1.
As a result of classification, the volume average particle size of the powder is 7.63 μm, the content of fine powder having a particle size of 4 μm or less is 11.0% by number, and the coarse particle having a particle size of 12.7 μm or more with respect to a feed rate of 10.0 kg / h. The powder content was 1.53 mass%, and a sharp particle size distribution was obtained as compared with Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

(Example 3)
In Example 1, except that a classifying apparatus in which a substantially L-shaped introduction pipe 14 (bending angle = 110 °) having a vertically downward portion bent at the powder material supply port 1 above the dispersion chamber was installed was used. Classification was performed in the same manner as in Example 1.
As a result of classification, the volume average particle size of the powder is 7.60 μm, the content of fine particles having a particle size of 4 μm or less is 10.5% by number, and the coarse particle size is 12.7 μm or more with respect to a feed amount of 10.0 kg / h. The powder content was 1.50 mass%, and a sharp particle size distribution was obtained as compared with Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

Example 4
In Example 1, except that a classifying apparatus in which a substantially L-shaped introduction pipe 14 (bending angle = 60 °) having a vertically downward portion bent at the powder material supply port 1 above the dispersion chamber was installed was used. Classification was performed in the same manner as in Example 1.
As a result of classification, the volume average particle size of the powder is 7.66 μm, the content of fine particles having a particle size of 4 μm or less is 11.6% by number, and the coarse particle size is 12.7 μm or more with respect to a feed amount of 10.0 kg / h. The powder content was 1.60% by mass, and a sharp particle size distribution was obtained as compared with Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

(Example 5)
In Example 1, as viewed from the direction in which the powder material is supplied, except that a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate is provided at the upstream portion of the substantially L-shaped introduction pipe whose vertical downward portion is bent, Classification processing was performed in the same manner as in Example 1.
As a result of classification, the volume average particle size of the powder is 7.48 μm, the content of fine particles having a particle size of 4 μm or less is 9.97% by number, and the coarse particle size is 12.7 μm or more with respect to a feed amount of 10.0 kg / h. The powder content was 1.41% by mass, and a sharp particle size distribution was obtained as compared with Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

(Example 6)
In Example 1, as viewed from the direction in which the powder material is supplied, except that a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate is provided in the downstream portion of the substantially L-shaped introduction pipe whose vertical downward portion is bent, Classification processing was performed in the same manner as in Example 1.
As a result of classification, the volume average particle size of the powder is 7.46 μm, the fine powder content of the particle size of 4 μm or less is 9.95% by number, and the coarse particle size is 12.7 μm or more with respect to the feed amount of 10.0 kg / h. The powder content was 1.31% by mass, and a sharp particle size distribution was obtained as compared with Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

(Example 7)
In Example 1, as viewed from the direction in which the powder material is supplied, except that a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate is provided in the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the substantially L-shaped introduction pipe whose vertical downward portion is bent. Were classified in the same manner as in Example 1.
As a result of classification, the volume average particle size of the powder is 7.43 μm, the content of fine particles having a particle size of 4 μm or less is 9.70% by number, and the coarse particle size is 12.7 μm or more with respect to a feed amount of 10.0 kg / h. The powder content was 1.20% by mass, and a sharp particle size distribution was obtained as compared with Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

(Example 8)
In the first embodiment, instead of the substantially L-shaped introduction pipe in which the downward portion in the vertical direction shown in FIG. 6 is bent, the introduction pipe capable of dividing the introduction pipe in the length direction by the dividing means 11 as shown in FIG. The classification treatment was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that was used. Thereafter, when cleaning switching was performed, the introduction pipe could be divided by the dividing means, so that the cleaning switching time could be shortened by about 30% compared to Example 1.

Example 9
In the first embodiment, instead of the substantially L-shaped introduction pipe having a bent downward portion in the vertical direction shown in FIG. 6, the introduction of the tubular member 12 having the current plate as shown in FIG. Classification was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a tube was used. Thereafter, when cleaning switching was performed, the introduction tube could be detached by the detaching means, so that the cleaning switching time could be reduced by about 30% compared to Example 1.

  The classification apparatus and classification method of the present invention enable improvement in dispersibility by simple equipment change, achieve improvement in classification accuracy, obtain a desired particle size range, and have a sharp distribution particle with little classification error. In particular, the toner is suitable for producing a toner for developing an electrostatic image in electrophotography, electrostatic recording, electrostatic printing, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional classification device. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the classification device of Comparative Example 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the locus of the powder material in the classifying device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a classification device of Comparative Example 2. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the locus of the powder material in the classification device of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the classification device of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the locus of the powder material in the classification device of FIG. FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which the dividing means is provided in the introduction pipe. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lattice-shaped rectifying plate of a tubular member having a lattice-shaped rectifying plate. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate. FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate is attached to the upstream portion of the introduction pipe. FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate is attached to the downstream portion of the introduction pipe. FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which tubular members having a grid-like rectifying plate are attached to the downstream portion and the upstream portion of the introduction pipe.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Powder material supply port 2 Exhaust pipe 3 Dispersion chamber 4 Air inlet 5 Fine powder discharge port 6 Coarse powder discharge port 7 Conical member 8 Classification plate 9 Classification chamber 11 Dividing means 12 Tubular member 13 Desorption means 14 Introducing pipe 15 Powder Material 16 Current plate A A Gap

Claims (11)

A powder material supply port through which the powder material is supplied together with the carrier air;
A dispersion chamber for dispersing the powder material by giving a swirl flow to the powder material supplied from the powder material supply port;
A classification chamber which is continuously provided below the dispersion chamber and centrifugally classifies the powder material flowing from the dispersion chamber into fine powder and coarse powder;
A conical member separating the dispersion chamber and the classification chamber;
A classification plate that divides the classification chamber;
The powder material is subjected to a swirling and dispersing action by a swirling flow formed inside the dispersion chamber, so that the ultrafine powder is discharged and further guided to the classification chamber, and the powder material is made into coarse powder by centrifugation. A classification device for classifying into fine powder,
The powder material supply port provided in the upper part of the dispersion chamber has an introduction pipe, and the introduction pipe has a bent shape in which the supplied powder material does not easily stay in the upper part of the dispersion chamber. Classifying device.   The classifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the introduction pipe is a substantially L-shaped pipe having a bent downward portion in the vertical direction of the introduction pipe.   The classification apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the bending angle of the introduction pipe is 70 to 110 ° with respect to the vertical direction.   The classification apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the bending angle of the introduction pipe is 85 to 95 ° with respect to the vertical direction.   The classifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the introduction pipe is separable in the length direction.   The classification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the introduction tube is detachable from the powder material supply port.   The classification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a tubular member having a grid-like rectifying plate in at least one of an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the introduction pipe as viewed from a direction in which the powder material is supplied.   The classifying apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the tubular member having the current plate is detachable from the introduction pipe.   A classification method comprising classifying a powder material into a coarse powder and a fine powder using the classification apparatus according to claim 1.   9. A toner production method comprising at least a classification step of classifying a powder material using the classification apparatus according to claim 1. A toner manufactured by the method for manufacturing a toner according to claim 10.