JP2000137345A - Electrophotographic photoreceptor, method of maintenance of electrophotographic photoreceptor, and electrophotographic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having excellent wear resistance, contamination resistance, gas resistance, being capable of preventing abnormal sound generation or the like, to obtain a method of maintenance to keep these functions of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and to obtain an photographic device of high reliability in which high picture quality can be obtd. for a long time. SOLUTION: This electrophotographic photoreceptor has at least a photosensitive layer and protective layer on a conductive supporting body. The protective layer contains wax and preferably further at least one kind of synthetic resin, surfactant and polishing material. After the components of the protective layer described above are applied and dried, the layer is wiped in a dry state for the maintenance of the photoreceptor. The electrophotographic device is equipped with the electrophotographic photoreceptor described above.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor, a method for maintaining the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and an electrophotographic apparatus. The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a simple maintenance method thereof, and an electrophotographic apparatus capable of maintaining the photosensitive member at a favorable level.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an electrophotographic method, a Carlson process and various deformation processes thereof are known, and are widely used in copiers and printers. The electrophotographic photosensitive member used in such an electrophotographic method includes:
There are those using an organic photosensitive material and those using an inorganic photosensitive material.

[0003] Organic electrophotographic photoreceptors include a photoconductive resin represented by polyvinyl carbazole (PVK), P
VK-TNK (2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone)
A charge-transfer complex type represented by, a pigment dispersion type represented by a phthalocyanine-binder, a function-separated type photoreceptor using a combination of a charge generating substance and a charge transporting substance, and the like are known, inexpensive, and in large quantities. It has begun to be used in recent years because of its advantages such as productivity and pollution-free properties.

As an inorganic electrophotographic photoreceptor, a photoconductive layer mainly composed of selenium or a selenium alloy is provided on a conductive support, and an inorganic photoconductive material such as zinc oxide or cadmium oxide is used in a binder. And those using amorphous silicon are generally known.

[0005] The demand for reliability of maintaining high image quality for a long time for these photoconductors is increasing year by year. However, if the photoconductive layer is exposed, damage due to corona discharge during the charging process and physical or chemical damage due to contact with other members during the copying process will impair the life of the photoconductor, resulting in long-term high image quality. Was difficult to keep.

As a method of solving such a defect, a technique of providing a protective layer on the surface of a photoreceptor is known. Specifically, a method of providing an organic film layer on the surface of the photosensitive layer (Japanese Patent Publication No. 38-15446), a method of providing an inorganic oxide layer (Japanese Patent Publication No. 43-14517), and providing an adhesive layer A method of laminating insulating layers (JP-B-43-275)
No. 91) or an a-Si layer, a-Si: N: H layer, a-S
A method of laminating an i: O: H layer (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-1798)
No. 59, JP-A-59-58437) and the like. However, if the protective layer becomes electrophotographically high in resistance (1 × 10 ¹⁴ Ω · cm or more), there are problems such as an increase in residual potential and accumulation of electric charge during repeated use, which is not preferable in practical use.

As a technique for compensating for such a defect, a method of using a protective layer as a photoconductive layer (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 48-38427, 49-10258, and 43-16)
198, U.S. Pat. No. 2,901,348), a method of adding a dye or a transfer agent typified by a Lewis acid to a protective layer (JP-A-44-834, JP-A-53-133444), or metal or metal oxidation. A method of controlling the resistance of the protective layer by adding fine particles (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 53-3338) has been proposed. However, in such a case, light is absorbed by the protective layer, and the amount of light reaching the photoconductive layer is reduced. As a result, the sensitivity of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is reduced.

From such a viewpoint, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-308
No. 46, the average particle size is 0.3 μm.
There is a method of dispersing gold layer oxide particles having a particle size of m or less in a surface protective layer as a resistance control agent to make the layer substantially transparent to visible light. The electrophotographic photoreceptor having the surface protective layer has a small decrease in sensitivity, increases the mechanical strength of the surface protective layer, and improves durability. However, when this photoreceptor is incorporated in an actual copying machine, there is a disadvantage that a residual potential is generated and an abnormal image such as a background stain is generated on the image. This residual potential is generated by residual charges accumulated on the surface protective layer, and increases remarkably particularly at low temperature and low humidity.

In view of the above, a method has been proposed in which a low-molecular charge transporting substance and a metal or metal oxide fine powder are added to the protective layer (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-281461). Certainly, the addition of a low-molecular charge transport material to the protective layer has a remarkable effect on reducing the residual potential, but the image of the photoreceptor having a metal oxide dispersed protective layer during repeated use is held. The blurring problem has not been completely avoided. As described above, a technique for providing a protective layer on the surface of a photoreceptor and continuously maintaining high image quality has not yet been established.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve such problems, reduce the friction coefficient of the surface, improve the abrasion resistance, and improve the releasability from toner and other foreign substances. Improved electrocontamination characteristics with improved gas resistance, improved gas resistance, and reduced occurrence of resonance with members that contact the photoreceptor. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor having no problem, a maintenance method for the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and an electrophotographic apparatus that maintains high image quality for a long period of time.

[0011]

As a result of various studies, the present inventor has found that by forming a protective layer containing at least a wax on the surface of the photosensitive layer, the friction coefficient of the surface of the photosensitive member can be significantly reduced, and the wear resistance of the photosensitive member can be reduced. An improved electrophotographic photoreceptor can be obtained, the releasability of toner and other foreign substances can be improved, and an electrophotographic photoreceptor having excellent contamination resistance can be obtained, and the amount of gas that can pass through the photosensitive layer can be reduced. New knowledge such as obtaining an electrophotographic photoreceptor with improved gas resistance, and obtaining an electrophotographic photoreceptor with reduced generation of resonance noise with cleaning blades, contact chargers, etc. that contact the photoreceptor. Obtained. Furthermore, a suitable wax, a suitable protective layer thickness, a protective layer forming method, and the like were examined, and a technique was found in which image quality was dramatically improved and the persistence was excellent, and the present invention was reached. did.

That is, according to the present invention, (1) an electrophotographic photosensitive member having at least a photosensitive layer and a protective layer formed on a conductive support, wherein the protective layer contains wax. (2) The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the above (1), wherein the protective layer further contains at least one of a synthetic resin, a surfactant and an abrasive. (1) or (2), wherein the synthetic resin is a natural wax or a synthetic hydrocarbon wax, (4) the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to (2), wherein the synthetic resin is a fluororesin or a silicone resin. (5)
The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the above (2), wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant or a fluorine surfactant, (6) the abrasive has an average particle diameter of 0.5 μm or less. (7) The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the above (2), wherein (7) the protective layer has a thickness of 0.5 μm.
m or less, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of the above (1) to (6), (8) the wax in the protective layer, or the wax, the synthetic resin and / or the surfactant, The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of the above (1) to (7), wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor is diffused into the photosensitive layer.
(9) Wax or at least one of a wax, a synthetic resin, a surfactant and an abrasive is applied to the outermost surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member having at least a photosensitive layer formed on a conductive support, dried, and then dried and wiped. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of the above (1) to (8), wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor is used repeatedly in an electrophotographic apparatus. A method for maintaining an electrophotographic photoreceptor, comprising applying at least one of a wax or a wax and a synthetic resin, a surfactant, and an abrasive, drying and wiping the dried, and (11) the above (1) to (1). 9) An electrophotographic apparatus using the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of the above, or the electrophotographic photosensitive member subjected to the maintenance described in (10) above, and (12) an electrophotographic photosensitive member in the electrophotographic apparatus. A mechanism is provided for applying at least one of wax or wax and a synthetic resin, a surfactant and an abrasive to the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor at any time, and performing a dry wiping on the photographic photoreceptor. An electrophotographic apparatus is provided.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention will be described in more detail. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present invention.
A photosensitive layer 2 and a protective layer 3 are laminated on a conductive support 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of another configuration according to the present invention. The photoreceptor has a charge generation layer 4 and a charge transport layer 5 laminated on a conductive support 1 in this order. A layer 2 is formed, and a protective layer 3 is laminated on the photosensitive layer 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an electrophotographic photosensitive member having another configuration according to the present invention.
On the photosensitive layer 2, a charge transport layer 5 and a charge generation layer 4 are laminated in this order, and a protective layer 3 is laminated on the photosensitive layer 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of still another configuration according to the present invention, in which an intermediate layer 6 is provided between a conductive support 1 and a photosensitive layer 2, and a photosensitive layer 2 is provided. Is overlaid with a protective layer 3. Although not shown, a second intermediate layer having a charge holding function may be formed between the photoreceptor and the protective layer in the layer structure shown in FIGS.

The present invention is characterized in that the protective layer contains at least a wax. Further, when the protective layer of the present invention further contains at least one of a synthetic resin, a surfactant and an abrasive together with wax, the effect of the present invention is further improved, and the effect is maintained for a longer period. It is very preferable. For example,
Wax / synthetic resin system, wax / surfactant system, wax / abrasive system, wax / synthetic resin / surfactant system,
Examples include wax / synthetic resin / abrasive system, wax / surfactant / abrasive system, and wax / synthetic resin / surfactant / abrasive system.

Examples of the wax used in the protective layer of the present invention include natural waxes such as plant, animal, mineral and petroleum, synthetic hydrocarbons, modified waxes, hydrogenated waxes, and other synthetic waxes. and so on. Examples of the vegetable wax include candelilla wax, carnauba wax, rice wax, wood wax, jojoba oil, and the like.Examples of the animal wax include beeswax, lanolin, and spermaceti. Examples include montan wax, ozokerite, and ceresin, and examples of petroleum waxes include paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, and petrolatum. Examples of the synthetic hydrocarbons include Fischer-Tropsch wax and polyethylene wax, and examples of the modified waxes include montan wax derivatives, paraffin wax derivatives, and microcrystalline wax derivatives. , Hardened castor oil, hardened castor oil derivatives and the like. Other examples of the synthetic wax include 12-hydroxystearic acid,
Examples thereof include stearamide and phthalic anhydride. The melting point of the wax is preferably 60 ° C. or higher from the viewpoint of the actual use temperature.

Of the above-mentioned exemplified waxes, carnauba wax, montan wax and polyethylene wax, which are natural waxes, are particularly suitable from the viewpoints of stain resistance, abrasion resistance and gas resistance. Carnauba wax,
Montan wax has a hue (brown to black). For example, in the case of montan wax, it can be bleached with nitric acid or chromic acid, and if it finally has a white or yellow hue, it is a material for a protective layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor. Can be used as well.

Examples of the synthetic resin used in the protective layer of the present invention include ionomer, aminopolyacrylamide, acrylonitrile styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer, butadiene styrene methyl methacrylate terpolymer, isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymer, ethylene- Vinyl chloride copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate vinyl chloride graft polymer, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyethylene,
Chlorinated polypropylene, carboxyvinyl polymer, ketone resin, PTFE, FEP, PFA, ETFE, PC
Fluororesins such as TFE, PVDF, PVF, ECTFE, etc., silicone resins, vinyl propionate, polyacetal, polyamide, polyamide imide, polyarylate, thermoplastic polyimide, polyether imide, polyether ether ketone, polyethylene, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene terephthalate, Polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polymethyl glutamate, polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene, polysulfone, polyparavinylphenol, polyparamethylstyrene, polyallylamine, polyvinyl alcohol,
Polyvinyl ether, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyphenylene ether, polyphenylene sulfide, polybutadiene, polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polymethylpentene, polymethyl methacrylate, epoxy resin, xylene resin,
Guanamine resin, diallyl phthalate resin, epoxy acrylate, phenol resin, unsaturated polyester resin, furan resin, polyimide, polyoxybenzoyl,
Polyurethane, maleic resin, melamine resin, urea resin, low molecular weight polyethylene, low molecular weight polypropylene, cumarone plastic, phenoxy plastic,
Examples thereof include polybutene, petroleum hydrocarbon resin, cyclopentadiene petroleum resin, low molecular weight polystyrene, polyhydroxypolyolefin, and α-methylstyrene oligomer.

When the fluorine resin and the silicone resin among the above synthetic resins are incorporated into the protective layer together with the wax, the abrasion resistance, stain resistance, gas resistance, and the like of the electrophotographic photosensitive member are improved.
This is preferable because the noise prevention can be dramatically improved. The mixing ratio of wax to synthetic resin is 1/5 to 5
/ 1 is preferred.

Surfactants used in the protective layer of the present invention include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, fluorine surfactants, and reactive surfactants. And anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and fluorine-based surfactants are particularly preferable. Examples of the anionic surfactant include fatty acid soap, N-acyl amino acid salt, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether carboxylate, carboxylate such as acylated peptide, alkyl sulfonate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, and naphthalene sulfonic acid. Salt (N
a, H, Li, Ca) formalin polycondensate, melamine sulfonic acid salt (Na, Ca) formalin polycondensate, dialkyl sulfosuccinate ester salt, sulfosuccinate alkyl disalt, polyoxyethylene alkyl sulfosuccinate disalt, alkyl Sulfonates such as sulfoacetate, α-olefin sulfonate, N-acylmethyltaurate, sodium dimethyl-5-sulfoisophthalate, sulfated oil, higher alcohol sulfate, and secondary alcohol sulfate Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, secondary higher alcohol ethoxy sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether sulfate, monoglycol sulfate, fatty acid alkylol amide sulfate salt, etc. Telluric acid salts, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether phosphates, phosphoric acid ester salts such as alkyl phosphate can be exemplified.

Examples of the cationic surfactant include aliphatic amine salts, aliphatic quaternary ammonium salts, benzalkonium salts, benzethonium chloride, pyridinium salts, imidazolinium salts and the like. Examples of the amphoteric surfactant include carboxybetaine, aminocarboxylate, imidazolinium betaine, lecithin, alkylamine oxide and the like.

Examples of the nonionic surfactant include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, single-chain length polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene secondary alcohol ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene sterol ether, polyoxyethylene sterol ether. Ethylene lanolin derivatives, ethylene oxide derivatives of alkylphenol formalin condensates, ether types such as polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene castor oil and hydrogenated castor oil,
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene fatty acid alkanolamide sulfate and other ether ester type, polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester,
Ester types such as ethylene glycol fatty acid ester, fatty acid monoglyceride, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, propylene glycol fatty acid ester, and sucrose fatty acid ester, and nitrogen-containing such as fatty acid alkanolamide, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amide, and polyoxyethylene alkylamine. Examples include a type.

Examples of the fluorinated surfactant include fluoroalkyl (C2 to C10) carboxylic acid, disodium N-perfluorooctanesulfonylglutamate,
Sodium [fluoroalkyl (C6-C11) oxy] -1-alkyl (C3-C4) sulfonate, 3- [ω
-Fluoroalkanoyl (C6-C8) -N-ethylamino] -1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt, N- [3
-(Perfluorooctanesulfonamido) propyl]
-N, N-dimethyl-N-carboxymethylene ammonium betaine, fluoroalkyl (C11-C20) carboxylic acid, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (C7-C
13), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid diethanolamide, perfluoroalkyl (C4-C12) sulfonate (Li, K, Na), N-propyl-N- (2-
Hydroxyethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide), perfluoroalkyl (C6-C10) sulfonamidoprosyltrimethylammonium salt, perfluoroalkyl (C6-C10) -N-ethylsulfonylglycine salt (K), bis (N- Perfluorooctylsulfonyl-N-ethylaminoethyl), monoperfluoroalkyl (C6-C16) ethyl phosphate, and the like.

Examples of the reactive surfactant include polyoxyethylene allyl glycidyl nonyl phenyl ether sulfate, polyoxy ethylene allyl glycidyl nonyl phenyl ether, polyoxy ethylene nonyl propenyl phenyl ether, and polyoxy ethylene nonyl propenyl phenyl ether sulfate. Examples thereof include ammonium salts. The mixing ratio of the surfactant to the wax is not more than 20% by weight, preferably 1 to 10% by weight.

The abrasive used for the protective layer of the present invention includes:
At the time of forming the protective layer coating film, a polishing force for the photosensitive layer is required. Specific examples include MgO, CeO ₂ , Fe ₂ O ₃ , S
iO ₂ , Cr ₂ O ₃ , Al ₂ O ₃ , SiC, MoSi ₂ , Si
₃ N ₄ , BN, AlN, diamond, ultra-hard glass (N
_{a 2 O-B 2 O 3} -Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2), fine particles can be exemplified such as a crystallized glass _{(Li 2 O 3 -Al 2 O} 3 -SiO 2). These may be used as a mixture of two or more.
The shape of the particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably spherical from the viewpoint of uniform polishing force, and the surface irregularities may be porous.

The abrasive particles preferably have an average particle diameter of 0.5 μm or less. When the average diameter of the fine particles exceeds 0.5 μm, fine scratches are generated on the surface of the photoreceptor, and white streaks and black streaks may be generated on an image. Further, when the average particle diameter of the abrasives exceeds 0.5 μm in the contact charging process, discharge breakdown of the photosensitive layer may occur depending on the abrasives to be selected, which may cause a problem. When the thickness of the protective layer is 0.5 μm or less, the range of resistance allowed for the protective layer is quite wide, so that the content of the abrasive in the protective layer can be set arbitrarily. When the content is 10% by volume or less, the effect of the present invention is sufficiently exhibited.

In order to form the protective layer of the present invention, a solid containing at least one or more of the above-mentioned waxes, and optionally one or more of synthetic resins, one or more of surfactants and / or one or more of abrasives. Alternatively, it can be formed by rubbing or applying a semi-solid or liquid material onto the photosensitive layer, drying the photosensitive layer for a while, and wiping off excess solids. In order to facilitate the finishing process of wiping excess solids, the above-mentioned wax or the like may be formed by diluting the above-mentioned wax or the like with a petroleum-based solvent such as mineral spirit, coating on the photosensitive layer, and wiping after drying. I don't care. It is also possible to form an emulsion with a wax, an abrasive, a synthetic resin, a solvent, water, a surfactant and the like, and to apply the emulsion on the photosensitive layer. The thickness of the protective layer can be arbitrarily set within the range of 5 μm or less, but is preferably 0.5 μm or less from the viewpoint of electrostatic electrophotographic characteristics and image uniformity.

In the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, the same materials and constitutions as those of the related art other than the protective layer can be used. Examples of the conductive support 1 include those exhibiting a conductivity of 1 × 10 ³ Ωcm or less, for example, metals such as aluminum, nickel, chromium, nichrome, copper, silver, gold, and platinum;
Metal or metal oxides such as tin oxide and indium oxide coated by vapor deposition or sputtering on a film or cylindrical plastic, paper, or the like; or a plate of aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, stainless steel, etc .; I. , I .; I. After forming into a tube by a method such as extrusion, drawing, or the like, a tube or the like whose surface is treated by cutting, superfinishing, polishing, or the like can be used.

The photosensitive layer 2 may be either a single-layer type photosensitive layer or a laminated type photosensitive layer in which a charge generating layer containing a charge generating substance and a charge transporting layer containing a charge transporting substance are laminated. Hereinafter, the laminated photosensitive layer will be described first.

The charge generation layer 4 is a layer containing a charge generation substance as a main component, and a binder resin is used as necessary.
As the binder resin, polyamide, polyurethane,
Epoxy resin, polyketone, polycarbonate, silicone resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl ketone, polystyrene,
Poly-N-vinyl carbazole, polyacrylamide and the like are used. These binder resins can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more.

As the charge generating substance, either an inorganic material or an organic material can be used. Examples of the inorganic material include crystalline selenium, amorphous selenium, selenium compounds such as selenium-tellurium, selenium-tellurium-halogen, and selenium-arsenic, and amorphous silicon. As the amorphous silicon, a material obtained by terminating a dangling bond with a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, or a material doped with a boron atom, a phosphorus atom, or the like is preferably used.

On the other hand, as the organic material, a known material can be used. For example, phthalocyanine pigments such as metal phthalocyanine and non-metal phthalocyanine, azulhenium salt pigment, methine squaric acid pigment, azo pigment having a carbazole skeleton, azo pigment having a triphenylamine skeleton, azo pigment having a diphenylamine skeleton, dibenzothiophene skeleton Azo pigment having an oxadiazole skeleton, azo pigment having a fluorenone skeleton, azo pigment having a bisstillene skeleton, azo pigment having a distyryl oxadiazole skeleton, azo pigment having a distyrylcarbazole skeleton, perylene Pigments, anthraquinone-based or polycyclic quinone-based materials, quinone imine-based pigments, diphenylmethane and triphenylmethane-based pigments, benzoquinone and naphthoquinone-based pigments, cyanine and azomethine-based pigments, Goido based pigments, bisbenzimidazole pigments.
These charge generating substances can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds. Further, a charge transport material may be added to the charge generation layer as needed.

The method of forming the charge generation layer 2 is roughly classified into a method of forming a vacuum thin film and a method of casting from a solution dispersion system. Vacuum thin film forming methods include vacuum deposition, glow discharge decomposition, ion plating, sputtering, reactive sputtering, and CV
The charge generation layer can be favorably formed using the above-mentioned inorganic material or organic material. Also,
To provide the charge generation layer by a casting method, a ball mill, an attritor, and a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, cyclohexanone, dioxane, dichloroethane, butanone, and the like, together with the inorganic or organic charge generation material described above, if necessary, with a binder resin. The dispersion may be dispersed by a sand mill or the like, and the dispersion may be appropriately diluted, coated and dried. Application is dip coating, spray coating,
It can be performed using a bead coating method or the like. The thin film of the charge generation layer provided as described above has a thickness of 0.01
About 5 μm is appropriate, and preferably 0.05 to 2 μm.
m.

The charge transporting layer 5 is a layer containing a charge transporting substance as a main component. The charge transporting substance and, if necessary, a binder resin are mixed with a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran.
It can be formed by dissolving or dispersing in dioxane, toluene, monochlorobenzene, dichloroethane, methylene chloride, cyclohexanone, or the like, applying a solution or dispersion thereof, and drying. Further, if necessary, a plasticizer, a leveling agent, and the like can be added to the charge transport layer.

The charge transporting material includes an electron transporting material and a hole transporting material. Examples of the electron transporting material include chloranil, bromoanil, tetracyanoethylene, tetracyanoquinonedimethane, 2,4,7-trinitron. -9
-Fluorenone, 2,4,5,7-tetranitro-9-
Fluorenone, 2,4,5,7-tetranitroxanthone, 2,4,8-trinitrothioxanthone, 2,6
8-trinitro-4H-indeno [1,2-b] thiophen-4-one, 1,3,7-trinitrodibenzothiophenone-5,5-dioxide, 3,5-dimethyl-
An electron accepting substance such as 3 ′, 5′-ditertiary butyl-4,4′-diphenoquinone can be used. These electron transport materials can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more.

Examples of the hole transport material include oxazole derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, triphenylamine derivatives, 9- (p-diethylaminostyryl) anthracene, and 1,1-bis-
(4-dibenzylaminophenyl) propane, styryl anthracene, styryl pyrazoline, phenylhydrazones, α-phenylstilbene derivatives, thiazole derivatives, triazole derivatives, phenazine derivatives, acridine derivatives, benzofuran derivatives, benzimidazole derivatives, thiophene derivatives, etc. No. These hole transport materials can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more.

As the binder resin used for the charge transport layer, polycarbonate (bisphenol A type, bisphenol Z type), polyester, methacrylic resin, acrylic resin, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene, phenol resin, epoxy resin, Polyurethane, polyvinylidene chloride, alkyd resin, silicone resin, polyvinyl carbazole, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyamide, phenoxy resin and the like are used. These binders can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more.

Further, as the binder resin, a polymer charge transporting substance having a function as a binder resin and a function as a charge transporting substance can also be used. Examples of such a polymer charge transport material include (a) a polymer having a carbazole ring in the main chain and / or side chain, for example, poly-
N-vinylcarbazole, JP-A-50-82056, JP-A-54-9632, JP-A-54-117
No. 37, JP-A-4-183719, and the like. (B) a polymer having a hydrazone structure in the main chain and / or side chain, for example, JP-A-57-7
Compounds described in JP-A-8402 and JP-A-3-50555 can be exemplified. (C) a polysilylene polymer,
For example, JP-A-63-285552,
Compounds described in JP-A-194497 and JP-A-5-70595 can be exemplified. (D) a polymer having a tertiary amine structure in the main chain and / or side chain, for example, N, N-
Bis (4-methylphenyl) -4-aminopolystyrene, JP-A-1-13061, JP-A-1-1904
9, JP-A-1-1728, JP-A-1-10
Compounds described in JP-A-5260, JP-A-2-167335, JP-A-5-66598, and JP-A-5-40350 can be exemplified.

(E) Other polymers, for example, a formaldehyde polycondensate of nitropyrene, JP-A-51-738.
No. 88, JP-A-56-150749 and the like. Further, in addition to the above polymers, known copolymers, block polymers, graft polymers, or star polymers of monomers, or electron donors as disclosed in, for example, JP-A-3-109406. It is also possible to use a crosslinked polymer having a functional group. The amount of binder resin used is 100
0 to 150 parts by weight with respect to parts by weight is suitable.

As the plasticizer that may be added to the charge transport layer, those used as general plasticizers for general resins such as dibutyl phthalate and dioctyl phthalate can be used as they are, and the amount of the plasticizer used is based on the binder resin. 0 to
About 30% by weight is appropriate. As the leveling agent, silicone oils such as dimethyl silicone oil and methyl phenyl silicone oil, and a polymer or oligomer having a perfluoroalkyl group in a side chain are used. About 1% by weight is appropriate. The thickness of the charge transport layer is
About 5 to 100 μm is appropriate. Further, as the laminated photosensitive layer, a laminate of two or more inorganic photoconductive material layers may be used.

Next, the single-layer type photosensitive layer will be described.
The inorganic photosensitive layer of a single layer type is amorphous selenium described above,
A selenium alloy, amorphous silicon, or the like can be formed by a vacuum thin film formation method such as a vacuum evaporation method, a glow discharge decomposition method, an ion plating method, a sputtering method, a reactive sputtering method, and a CVD method.

When the single-layer photosensitive layer is formed by the casting method, most of the layers include a charge generating substance and a charge transporting substance. As the charge generation substance and the charge transport substance, the above-described materials can be used. In order to form such a single-layer type photosensitive layer, a charge generating material, a charge transport material and a binder resin are mixed with a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, cyclohexanone, dioxane, dichloroethane, butanone and the like with a ball mill, an attritor, What is necessary is just to dissolve or disperse it by a sand mill or the like, dilute it appropriately, apply and dry it. The coating can be performed by a dip coating method, a spray coating method, a bead coating method, or the like. As the binder resin, the binder resin exemplified as the binder resin for the charge transport layer can be used as it is, or may be used by mixing with the binder resin exemplified as the binder resin for the charge generation layer. If necessary, a plasticizer or a leveling agent may be added to the single-layer type photosensitive layer. Further, a single-layer type photosensitive layer in which a charge transporting substance is added to a eutectic complex formed from a pyrylium-based dye and a bisphenol A-based polycarbonate can also be formed by a coating method similar to the above using an appropriate solvent. . The thickness of the single-layer type photosensitive layer is 5 to 5.
About 100 μm is appropriate.

In the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention, an intermediate layer can be provided between the conductive support and the charge generation layer. The intermediate layer is provided for the purpose of improving adhesiveness, for example, and is made of an inorganic material such as SiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent, a chromium coupling agent, a polyamide resin, or an alcohol. For example, a soluble polyamide resin, water-soluble polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl butyral, and a binder resin having good adhesiveness such as PVA are used. In addition, a resin in which ZnO, TiO ₂ , ZnS, or the like is dispersed in the above resin having good adhesiveness can also be used. As a method of forming the intermediate layer, a method such as sputtering or vapor deposition is used when an inorganic material is used alone, and a normal coating method is used when an organic material is used. The thickness of the intermediate layer is suitably 5 μm or less.

Further, an antioxidant can be added to the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention for the purpose of improving environmental resistance, particularly for the purpose of preventing a decrease in sensitivity and an increase in residual potential. The antioxidant may be added to any layer as long as it is a layer containing an organic substance, but a particularly good effect can be obtained by adding it to a layer containing a charge transporting substance.

Examples of the antioxidant include 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, butylated hydroxyanisole, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, and stearyl-β- ( 3,5-di-t-butyl-4
Monophenolic compounds such as -hydroxyphenyl) propionate, 2,2'-methylene-bis- (4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis- (4-ethyl-6-t -Butylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis- (3-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), 4,4'-butylidenebis- (3-
Bisphenol compounds such as methyl-6-t-butylphenol) and 1,1,3-tris- (2-methyl-4)
-Hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl) butane, 1,
3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris (3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) benzene, tetrakis- [methylene-3- (3 ′, 5′-di-t-butyl) -4'-hydroxyphenyl) propionate] methane, bis [3,3'-bis (4'-hydroxy-3 '
-T-butylphenyl) butyric acid] glycol esters, high molecular weight phenolic compounds such as tocopherols, N-phenyl-N'-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine, N, N'-di-sec-butyl-p
-Phenylenediamine, N-phenyl-N-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, N, N'-di-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine, N, N'-dimethyl-N, N'-di-t-butyl Para-phenylenediamines such as -p-phenylenediamine, 2,5-di-t-octylhydroquinone, 2,6-didodecylhydroquinone, 2-dodecylhydroquinone, 2-dodecyl-5
-Chlorohydroquinone, 2-t-octyl-5-methylhydroquinone, 2- (2-octadecenyl) -5-
Hydroquinones such as methylhydroquinone, dilauryl-3,3'-thiodipropionate, distearyl-3,3'-thiodipropionate, ditetradecyl-
Organic sulfur compounds such as 3,3'-thiodipropionate, triphenylphosphine, tri (nonylphenyl)
Organic phosphorus compounds such as phosphine, tri (dinonylphenyl) phosphine, tricresylphosphine, and tri (2,4-dibutylphenoxy) phosphine.
These compounds are known as antioxidants for rubbers, plastics, oils and the like, and can be easily obtained as commercial products. The amount of the antioxidant to be added is as follows.
0.1 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight is preferable,
Particularly, 2 to 30 parts by weight is preferable.

Hereinafter, the maintenance method of the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present invention will be described. The maintenance method of the present invention is used repeatedly in an electrophotographic apparatus, and is intended to refresh an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a deteriorated surface state, and a wax, or a wax and a synthetic resin, an interface, The object is achieved by applying, drying, and wiping at least one of an activator and an abrasive (hereinafter may be simply referred to as wax or the like). As a method of applying wax or the like, the electrophotographic photosensitive member or a unit including the photosensitive member may be removed from the electrophotographic apparatus, and wax or the like may be applied or rubbed on the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member using a cloth or the like. If wax or the like is diluted or emulsified with a solvent or the like, it can be more easily applied. As a method for drying the applied wax or the like, heat drying may be performed using a drier or the like, but usually only natural drying is sufficient. Dry wiping of wax or the like can be achieved by using a cloth or the like to wipe off excess wax or the like that has been applied.

The surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member maintained as described above is cleaned, and the
m or less of wax, etc., and as a result,
The coefficient of friction on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is reduced, the abrasion resistance is improved, the releasability of toner and other foreign substances is improved, and the contamination resistance can be improved. In addition, the surface layer of a normal electrophotographic photoreceptor is not completely dense and is microscopically porous, so that wax or the like enters the holes, and the gas entering the inside of the electrophotographic photoreceptor The amount of transmission will be reduced. As a result, ozone, NOx, ammonia and the like cannot enter the photosensitive layer, thereby improving gas resistance and stabilizing electrical characteristics. Further, it is possible to prevent the generation of resonance noise with the cleaning blade, the contact charger, etc., which are in contact with the photoconductor.

Hereinafter, an electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention will be described. The first embodiment of the electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention can be obtained by incorporating the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention into a normal electrophotographic apparatus. In this case, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is excellent in abrasion resistance, stain resistance, gas resistance, and noise prevention properties, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is tough against physical or chemical hazards in the electrophotographic apparatus. Therefore, a highly reliable electrophotographic apparatus that can obtain high image quality can be obtained.

As a second embodiment of the electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic apparatus provided with a mechanism for applying a wax or the like to the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member at any time and performing a dry wiping. is there. Although there are various specific examples of this embodiment, the outline will be described with reference to the example of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanism for applying wax or the like to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member in the electrophotographic apparatus and performing dry wiping. In the figure, 7 is an electrophotographic photosensitive member, 8 is a dry wiping unit, and 9 is a coating unit of wax or the like. In a normal electrophotographic process, a dry wiping unit 8 and a coating unit 9 for wax or the like are used.
Is held apart from the electrophotographic photoreceptor and is not involved in the electrophotographic process. However, the figure shows a dry wiping unit 8 applied to the electrophotographic photoreceptor during the application of wax or the like after an arbitrary copying process and the dry wiping process. FIG. 2 is a diagram in which a coating unit 9 for wax or the like abuts. In the illustrated example, the electrophotographic photosensitive member rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure. At this time, the wax or the like applying brush 12 in the wax or the like applying unit 9 receives the wax or the like from the wax or the like supply roller 13 and applies the wax or the like to the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7. next,
The electrophotographic photosensitive member reaches the dry wiping unit 8, and excess wax and the like are removed by the dry wiping roller 10. Excess wax and the like removed by the dry wiping roller 10 are scraped off by a discharge screw brush 11 for the wax and the like, and discharged outside the unit.

The above is a typical operation example of FIG. 5, and the unit configuration, the operation mechanism and the like are not limited to this. For example, even in an apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. 5, the wax or the like coating unit 9 first contacts the electrophotographic photosensitive member to continuously apply the wax or the like, and after a predetermined time, the dry wiping unit is applied to the electrophotographic apparatus. Excessive wax and the like may be removed by contact. In this case, diffusion of wax and the like into the electrophotographic photoreceptor and natural drying progress, which is preferable for the purpose of the present invention.

[0050]

EXAMPLES Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. All parts shown below are based on weight.

Production Example 1 An undercoat layer coating solution, a charge generation layer coating solution having the following composition was placed on an aluminum drum having a diameter of 100 mm and a length of 350 mm.
The coating liquid for the charge transport layer was sequentially applied by dip coating and dried to form an undercoat layer having a thickness of 3.0 μm, a charge generation layer having a thickness of 0.2 μm, and a charge transport layer having a thickness of 25 μm. Fifteen electrophotographic photosensitive members on which the photoconductive layer was formed were prepared.

<Coating solution for undercoat layer> 7.5 parts of oil-free alkyd resin (manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc .: Beckolite M6401) 5 parts of melamine resin (manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc .: Super Beckamine G- 821) 13.5 parts of titanium oxide powder (TP-2, manufactured by Fuji Titanium Co., Ltd.) 20 parts of 2-butanone

<Coating Solution for Charge Generating Layer> 1.5 parts of a charge generating material of the following structural formula (1)

Embedded image 1.5 parts of a charge generating substance of the following structural formula (2)

Embedded image Polyvinyl butyral resin (manufactured by Nippon Monsanto: BR-76) 1 part Cyclohexanone 250 parts Cyclohexane 50 parts

<Charge Transport Layer Coating Solution> 7 parts of a charge transport material of the following structural formula (3)

Embedded image Polycarbonate resin 10 parts (Teijin Chemical: Panlite L-1250) Silicone oil (Shin-Etsu Chemical: KF50) 0.02 parts Methylene chloride 80 parts

Example 1-1 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 1 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax was rubbed as uniformly as possible over the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Then, an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a carnauba wax layer (2 μm thick) formed on the outermost surface was obtained.

Example 1-2 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 1 was formed was prepared, and montan wax was rubbed as uniformly as possible over the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Then, an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a montan wax layer (thickness: 3 μm) formed on the outermost surface was obtained.

Example 1-3 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 1 was formed was prepared, and polyethylene wax was rubbed as uniformly as possible over the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Then, an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a polyethylene wax layer (2 μm thick) formed on the outermost surface was obtained.

Example 1-4 One electrophotographic photosensitive member having the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 1 was prepared, and paraffin wax was rubbed as uniformly as possible over the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Then, an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a paraffin wax layer (2 μm thick) formed on the outermost surface was obtained.

Example 1-5 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 1 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax was rubbed as uniformly as possible over the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Soak at room temperature
After natural drying for a long time, excess carnauba wax was uniformly wiped off with a dry cloth to obtain an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a carnauba wax layer (0.3 μm thick) formed on the outermost surface.

Example 1-6 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 1 was formed was prepared, and montan wax was rubbed as uniformly as possible over the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After natural drying at room temperature for 1 hour, excess montan wax was wiped off evenly with a dry cloth to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a montan wax layer (0.3 μm thick) formed on the outermost surface.

Example 1-7 One electrophotographic photosensitive member having the photoconductive layer formed in Production Example 1 was prepared, and polyethylene wax was rubbed as uniformly as possible over the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After natural drying at room temperature for 1 hour, excess polyethylene wax was wiped off evenly with a dry cloth to obtain an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a polyethylene wax layer (0.2 μm thick) formed on the outermost surface.

Example 1-8 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 1 was formed was prepared, and paraffin wax was rubbed as uniformly as possible over the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. At room temperature
After natural drying for a long time, excess paraffin wax was uniformly wiped off with a dry cloth to obtain an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a paraffin wax layer (0.4 μm thick) formed on the outermost surface.

Example 1-9 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 1 was formed was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After drying at room temperature for 1 hour, the excess active ingredient of the protective layer is evenly wiped off with a dry cloth, and a carnauba wax layer (0.3 μm thick) is formed on the outermost surface.
Was formed and carnauba wax was diffused in the photosensitive layer to obtain an electrophotographic photosensitive member.

<Protective layer forming liquid> Carnauba wax 4.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1.0 parts Water 50.0 parts

Example 1-10 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 1 was formed was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After drying for 1 hour at room temperature, the excess active ingredient in the protective layer was wiped off evenly with a dry cloth, and a polyethylene wax layer (0.3 μm
Was formed, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which polyethylene wax was diffused in the photosensitive layer was obtained.

<Protective layer forming liquid> Polyethylene wax 4.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1.0 parts Water 50.0 parts

Comparative Example 1-1 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 1 was formed was prepared, and the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member was subjected to no treatment. Electrophotographic photoreceptor.

<Evaluation> Example 1 obtained as described above
The following characteristics were evaluated for the electrophotographic photoreceptors of Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-10 and Comparative Example 1-1 by the following methods. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Maximum static friction coefficient: Measured by Euler belt method. Initial electrical characteristics: Ricoh copier IMAGIO DA3
The charging potential at the position of the first developing unit and the potential after exposure were measured in 25 units. Repeated electrical characteristics: After storing an electrophotographic photoreceptor as a sample in a 50 ppm NOx gas atmosphere for 5 days, a 5 × Ricoh copier IMAGIODA 325 machine was used.
000 sheets were repeatedly copied, and the charged potential and the post-exposure potential at the first developing device position after copying were measured. Image characteristics: Ricoh copier IMAGIO DA325
5,000 copies were repeatedly made in the machine to evaluate the image uniformity and abnormal images during copying. However, IMAGIO DA
In the case of the 325 machine, the cleaning conditions were changed so that cleaning failure was likely to occur.

[0069]

[Table 1]

[0070]

[Table 2]

As is clear from Tables 1 and 2, the electrophotographic photosensitive members of Examples 1-1 to 1-10 of the present invention have a lower maximum static friction coefficient than the comparative products, It can be seen that the properties and abrasion resistance are improved. Further, it can be seen that the initial electrical characteristics are good without causing any side effects. Further, in the product of the present invention, since the WAX is applied and held from the surface, the gas permeability of the photosensitive layer is lowered, and for example, the charging potential decreases due to the deterioration of the charge generating material due to the ingress of NOx gas, and the potential increases after exposure. Is unlikely to occur. In addition, a sample to which a dry wiping step was added after WAX coating (Examples 1-5 to 1-
10) is excellent in image uniformity and is extremely practical. In Examples 1-9 and 1-10, since the WAX was diffused into the photosensitive layer at the time of the WAX coating, it was found that extremely good electrophotographic quality was exhibited.

Example 1-11 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 1-10 was incorporated in a copying machine IMAGIO DA325 manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd. to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 1-12 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 1-1 was incorporated in a copier IMAGIO DA325 machine manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd. to provide an electrophotographic apparatus for evaluating a maintenance method of the present invention. For the maintenance of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the same protective layer forming solution as in Example 1-9 was prepared, and the protective layer forming solution was applied to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member once every 60,000 copy cycles, dried, and wiped dry. And how to do it.

Example 1-13 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 1-1 was installed in a copying machine IMAGIO DA325 manufactured by Ricoh, and a dry wiping unit and a wax coating unit similar to those in FIG. 5 were installed. And 1 in 10,000 copy cycles
An electrophotographic apparatus in which wax was periodically applied to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member by operating the dry wiping unit and the wax applying unit at a certain rate. The wax used at this time was the same protective layer forming liquid as in Example 1-9.

Comparative Example 1-2 The electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 1-1 was incorporated into a copying machine IMAGIO DA325 manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd. to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

<Evaluation> The electrophotographic apparatus obtained in Examples 1-11 to 1-13 and Comparative Example 1-2 was subjected to 20,000
A copy test was performed on 0 sheets, and the repetition electrical characteristics, image characteristics, and abrasion resistance (abrasion film thickness of the photosensitive layer) after 200,000 copies from the initial stage were evaluated. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0077]

[Table 3]

[0078]

[Table 4]

As is clear from Tables 3 and 4, an electrophotographic apparatus incorporating the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention (Example 1-
In the case of 11), the abrasion film thickness of the photosensitive layer was reduced to half or less as compared with the electrophotographic apparatus of Comparative Example 1-2, and it can be seen that the electrical characteristics (potential fluctuation) of repetition were greatly improved. It was found that the maintenance method of the embodiment 1-12 according to the present invention can obtain substantially the same effects as those of the embodiment 1-11. The electrophotographic apparatus of Example 1-13 according to the present invention has the same effect as that of Example 1-11, and the frequency of wax application and wiping is high, so that the electrophotographic apparatus exhibits extremely good quality. I understand. In addition, in the present embodiment, since maintenance by hand is unnecessary, it is understood that the device is extremely useful. Further, in the electrophotographic apparatus of Comparative Example 1-2, resonance noise between the cleaning blade and the electrophotographic photosensitive member sometimes occurred during the copying test of 200,000 sheets.
In the electrophotographic apparatus of -11 to 1-13, such abnormal noise was not generated at all.

Preparation Example 2 In Preparation Example 1, 3 parts of Y-type titanyl phthalocyanine were used as the charge generating substance in the coating solution for the charge generating layer instead of 1.5 parts of each of the compounds represented by the structural formulas 1 and 2. Except that 7 parts of the compound represented by Structural Formula (4) were used instead of 7 parts of the compound represented by Structural Formula (3) as the charge transport material in the charge transport coating solution. In the same manner as in Example 1, 25 electrophotographic photosensitive members having a photoconductive layer formed on an aluminum drum were prepared.

[0081]

Embedded image

Example 2-1 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax and styrene-methyl methacrylate resin were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An emulsion of water and water was rubbed as uniformly as possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (2 μm thick) of carnauba wax and styrene-methyl methacrylate resin formed on the outermost surface.

Example 2-2 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax and fluororesin (polytetrafluoroethylene) were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An emulsion of fluoroethylene) and water was rubbed as uniformly as possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (1.5 μm thick) of carnauba wax and a fluororesin formed on the outermost surface.

Example 2-3 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax and silicone resin (alkoxy group) were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An emulsion of polysiloxane (containing polysiloxane) and water was rubbed as uniformly as possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (2 μm thick) of carnauba wax and a silicone resin formed on the outermost surface.

Example 2-4 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member was mixed with polyethylene wax, polyurethane resin and water. Rub the emulsion as evenly as possible, and apply a layer consisting of polyethylene wax and polyurethane resin on the outermost surface (2.5 μm thick)
Was formed to obtain an electrophotographic photosensitive member.

Example 2-5 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member was covered with polyethylene wax and a fluororesin (ethylene fluoride). An emulsion of (polypropylene) and water was rubbed as uniformly as possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (2.5 μm thick) composed of polyethylene wax and a fluororesin formed on the outermost surface.

Example 2-6 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and a polyethylene wax and a silicone resin (containing an alkyl group) were formed on the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An emulsion of polysiloxane) and water was rubbed as uniformly as possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (2.0 μm thick) composed of a polyethylene wax and a silicone resin formed on the outermost surface.

Example 2-7 One electrophotographic photoreceptor on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax and styrene-methyl methacrylate resin were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor. Rub the emulsion with water as evenly as possible.
After natural drying for a long time, excess carnauba wax and styrene-methyl methacrylate resin are uniformly wiped off with a dry cloth, and a layer (0.4 μm) of carnauba wax and styrene-methyl methacrylate resin is formed on the outermost surface.
(Thickness) was obtained.

Example 2-8 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax and fluororesin (polytetrafluoroethylene) were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After rubbing the emulsion of fluoroethylene) and water as evenly as possible and allowing it to dry naturally at room temperature for 1 hour, wipe off excess carnauba wax and fluororesin evenly with a dry cloth, An electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (0.3 μm thick) formed of carnauba wax and a fluororesin was obtained.

Example 2-9 One electrophotographic photoreceptor on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax and silicone resin (alkoxy group) were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor. After rubbing the emulsion with water as much as possible and allowing it to dry naturally for 1 hour at room temperature, the excess carnauba wax and silicone resin are evenly wiped off with a dry cloth, An electrophotographic photoreceptor was obtained in which a layer (0.4 μm thick) composed of carnauba wax and a silicone resin was formed.

Example 2-10 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member was mixed with polyethylene wax, a melamine resin and water. After rubbing the emulsion as evenly as possible and allowing it to dry naturally at room temperature for one hour, the excess polyethylene wax and melamine resin are wiped off evenly with a dry cloth, and the outermost surface is composed of polyethylene wax and melamine resin. An electrophotographic photoreceptor on which a layer (thickness: 0.3 μm) was formed was obtained.

Example 2-11 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and a polyethylene wax and a fluororesin (tetrafluoroethylene) were formed on the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. -Perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether) and water as much as possible, rub it as evenly as possible, allow it to air dry at room temperature for 1 hour, and then wipe off excess polyethylene wax and fluororesin evenly with a dry cloth. Layer consisting of polyethylene wax and fluororesin on the surface (thickness of 0.3 μm)
Was formed to obtain an electrophotographic photosensitive member.

Example 2-12 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and a polyethylene wax and a silicone resin (containing an amino group) were formed on the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After rubbing the emulsion of polysiloxane) and water as evenly as possible and allowing it to dry naturally at room temperature for 1 hour, wipe off excess polyethylene wax and silicone resin evenly with a dry cloth. An electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (0.3 μm thick) composed of wax and silicone resin was obtained.

Example 2-13 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After drying for 1 hour at room temperature, the excess active ingredient of the protective layer is evenly wiped off with a dry cloth to form a layer (0.4 μm thick) of carnauba wax and polyamide on the outermost surface, and An electrophotographic photosensitive member in which carnauba wax and polyamide were diffused in the photosensitive layer was obtained.

<Protective layer forming liquid> Carnauba wax 4.0 parts Polyamide 3.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1.0 parts Water 50.0 parts

Example 2-14 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Then, after drying at room temperature for 1 hour, the excess protective layer active ingredient is evenly wiped off with a dry cloth, and a layer (0.4 μm thick) made of carnauba wax and fluororesin is formed on the outermost surface, In addition, an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which carnauba wax and a fluororesin were diffused in the photosensitive layer was obtained.

<Protective Layer Forming Liquid> Carnauba wax 4.0 parts Tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene 3.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1.0 parts Water 50.0 parts

Example 2-15 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Then, after drying for 1 hour at room temperature, the excess active ingredient of the protective layer is evenly wiped off with a dry cloth to form a layer (0.3 μm thick) of carnauba wax and a silicone resin on the outermost surface, In addition, an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which carnauba wax and a silicone resin were diffused in the photosensitive layer was obtained.

<Protective Layer Forming Liquid> Carnauba wax 4.0 parts Hydroxy group-containing polysiloxane 3.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1.0 parts Water 50.0 parts

Example 2-16 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After drying for 1 hour at room temperature, the excess protective layer active ingredient is evenly wiped off with a dry cloth to form a layer (0.3 μm thick) of montan wax and polyvinyl butyral on the outermost surface, and An electrophotographic photosensitive member in which montan wax and polyvinyl butyral were diffused in the photosensitive layer was obtained.

<Protective Layer Forming Liquid> Montan wax 4.0 parts Polyvinyl butyral 3.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1.0 parts Water 50.0 parts

Example 2-17 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After drying at room temperature for 1 hour, the excess active ingredient of the protective layer is wiped off evenly with a dry cloth to form a layer (0.3 μm thick) of montan wax and fluororesin on the outermost surface, and An electrophotographic photosensitive member in which montan wax and a fluororesin were diffused in the photosensitive layer was obtained.

<Protective Layer Forming Liquid> Montan wax 4.0 parts Polytetrafluoroethylene 3.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1.0 parts Water 50.0 parts

Example 2-18 One electrophotographic photosensitive member having the photoconductive layer formed in Production Example 2 was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After drying for 1 hour at room temperature, the excess protective layer active ingredient is evenly wiped off with a dry cloth to form a layer (0.3 μm thick) of montan wax and silicone resin on the outermost surface, and An electrophotographic photosensitive member in which montan wax and silicone resin were diffused in the photosensitive layer was obtained.

<Protective layer forming liquid> Montan wax 4.0 parts Alkyl group-containing polysiloxane 3.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1.0 parts Water 50.0 parts

Comparative Example 2-1 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 2 was formed was prepared, and the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member was subjected to no treatment. Electrophotographic photoreceptor.

<Evaluation> Example 2 obtained as described above
With respect to the electrophotographic photoreceptors of Comparative Examples 2-1 to 2-18 and Comparative Example 2-1, the maximum static friction coefficient, the initial electrical characteristics, the repeated electrical characteristics, and the image characteristics were the same as those in Examples 1-1 to 1-10. Was evaluated. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 5 and 6.

[0108]

[Table 5]

[0109]

[Table 6]

As is clear from Tables 5 and 6, the electrophotographic photoreceptors of Examples 2-1 to 2-18 of the present invention have a lower maximum static friction coefficient than the comparative products, Further, it can be seen that the friction resistance is improved. Further, it can be seen that the initial electrical characteristics are good without causing any side effects. Further, in the product of the present invention, the WAX is applied and held from the surface, so that the gas permeability of the photosensitive layer is reduced, and for example, the charging potential is reduced due to the deterioration of the charge generating material due to the entry of NOx gas, and the potential after exposure is increased. Is unlikely to occur. In addition, a sample to which a dry wiping step was added after WAX coating (Examples 2-7 to 2-1)
8) shows that the image uniformity is excellent and the practicability is extremely high. In Examples 2-13 and 2-18, since the WAX was diffused into the photosensitive layer during the application of the WAX, it can be seen that extremely good electrophotographic quality was exhibited.

Example 2-19 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 2-16 was incorporated into a copier IMAGIO DA325 machine manufactured by Ricoh Company to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 2-20 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 2-17 was incorporated into a copier IMAGIO DA325 machine manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd. to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 2-21 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 2-18 was incorporated into a copying machine IMAGIO DA325 manufactured by Ricoh to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 2-22 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 2-1 was obtained.
An electrophotographic apparatus for evaluating a maintenance method was incorporated into a Ricoh copier IMAGIO DA325 machine. For maintenance of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the same protective layer forming solution as in Example 2-14 was prepared, and the protective layer forming solution was applied to the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor once every 50,000 copying cycles, dried, and wiped dry. And how to do it.

Example 2-23 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 2-1 was obtained.
Incorporated into Ricoh's IMAGIO DA325 copying machine, as well as the same dry wiping unit and wax application unit as in Fig. 5, and the dry wiping unit and wax application unit operate once every 10,000 copy cycles. Thus, an electrophotographic apparatus was used in which wax or the like was periodically applied to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The wax and the like used at this time were the same protective layer forming liquid as in Example 2-15.

Comparative Example 2-2 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 2-1 was obtained.
It was incorporated into a Ricoh copier IMAGIO DA325 to make an electrophotographic apparatus.

<Evaluation> The electrophotographic apparatus obtained in each of Examples 2-19 to 2-23 and Comparative Example 2-2 was evaluated for 20000.
A copy test was performed on 0 sheets, and the repetition electrical characteristics, image characteristics, and abrasion resistance (abrasion film thickness of the photosensitive layer) after 200,000 copies from the initial stage were evaluated. Tables 7 and 8 show the evaluation results.

[0118]

[Table 7]

[0119]

[Table 8]

As is clear from Tables 7 and 8, an electrophotographic apparatus incorporating the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention (Example 2)
19 to 2-21), the abrasion film thickness of the photosensitive layer was reduced to half or less compared to the electrophotographic apparatus of Comparative Example 2-2, and the electrical characteristics (potential fluctuation) of repetition were greatly improved. You can see that. According to the maintenance method of Example 2-22 according to the present invention, it was found that substantially the same effects as those of Examples 2-19 to 2-21 were obtained. In the electrophotographic apparatus of Example 2-23 according to the present invention, Examples 2-19 to 2
Since the same effect as -21 is obtained and the frequency of wax application and wiping is high, it can be seen that the electrophotographic apparatus exhibits extremely good quality. In addition, in the present embodiment, since maintenance by hand is unnecessary, it is understood that the device is extremely useful. Further, in the electrophotographic apparatus of Comparative Example 2-2, a resonance sound between the cleaning blade and the electrophotographic photosensitive member sometimes occurred during the copy test of 200,000 sheets, but Examples 2-19 to 2 according to the present invention. In the electrophotographic apparatus of -23, no such abnormal noise was generated.

Production Example 3 An undercoat layer coating solution, a charge generation layer coating solution, and a charge transport layer coating solution having the following compositions were successively immersed and coated on an aluminum drum having a diameter of 30 mm and a length of 340 mm. A 2.0 μm thick undercoat layer, a 0.2 μm thick charge generation layer,
A charge transport layer having a thickness of 30 μm was formed, and 28 electrophotographic photosensitive members having a photoconductive layer formed on an aluminum drum were prepared.

<Coating solution for undercoat layer> 10 parts of alcohol-soluble polyamide (CM-8000, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) 13.5 parts of titanium oxide (TP-2, manufactured by Fuji Titanium Co., Ltd.) 20 parts of 2-butanone

<Charge Generating Layer Coating Solution> τ-type metal-free phthalocyanine 3 parts Polyvinyl butyral resin (manufactured by Monsanto Japan Limited: BR-76) 1 part Cyclohexanone 250 parts Cyclohexane 50 parts

<Coating Solution for Charge Transport Layer> 7 parts of a charge transport material of the following structural formula (5)

Embedded image Polycarbonate resin (Z300, manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Ltd.) 10 parts Silicone oil (KF50, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) 0.02 parts 80 parts of methylene chloride

Example 3-1 One electrophotographic photosensitive member having the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was prepared, and carnauba wax and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An emulsion of water and water was rubbed as uniformly as possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (2 μm thick) composed of carnauba wax and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether formed on the outermost surface.

Example 3-2 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax, acylated peptide and water were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Was rubbed as uniformly as possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (1.5 μm thick) composed of carnauba wax and acylated peptide formed on the outermost surface.

Example 3-3 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax and an aliphatic quaternary amine were formed on the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An emulsion of water and water was rubbed as uniformly as possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (2 μm thick) composed of carnauba wax and an aliphatic quaternary amine formed on the outermost surface.

Example 3-4 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax and fluoroalkylcarboxylic acid were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The emulsion with water was rubbed as uniformly as possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (2 μm thick) composed of carnauba wax and fluoroalkylcarboxylic acid formed on the outermost surface.

Example 3-5 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and polyethylene wax and polyoxyethylene allyl glycidyl nonyl were coated on the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After rubbing the emulsion of phenyl ether and water as evenly as possible and allowing it to dry naturally at room temperature for 1 hour,
Excess polyethylene wax and polyoxyethylene allyl glycidyl nonyl phenyl ether were uniformly wiped off with a dry cloth, and a layer (2.4 μm thick) composed of polyethylene wax and polyoxyethylene allyl glycidyl nonyl phenyl ether was formed on the outermost surface. An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained.

Example 3-6 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and polyethylene wax and N-acylmethyltaurine salt were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After rubbing the emulsion with water and water as evenly as possible and allowing it to air dry at room temperature for 1 hour, the excess polyethylene wax and N
The acylmethyltaurine salt was uniformly wiped off with a dry cloth to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (0.3 μm thick) composed of polyethylene wax and N-acylmethyltaurine salt formed on the outermost surface.

Example 3-7 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and polyethylene wax, benzalkonium salt and water were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After rubbing the emulsion as evenly as possible and allowing it to air dry at room temperature for 1 hour, wipe off excess polyethylene wax and benzalkonium salt evenly with a dry cloth. An electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (0.3 μm thick) made of a ruconium salt was obtained.

Example 3-8 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and polyethylene wax and N-perfluorooctanesulfonyl were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After rubbing the emulsion of disodium glutamate and water as evenly as possible and allowing it to dry naturally at room temperature for 1 hour, the excess polyethylene wax and N-perfluorooctanesulfonyl glutamate disodium are evenly distributed with a dry cloth. To the surface, polyethylene wax and N on the outermost surface
An electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (0.5 μm thick) composed of perfluorooctanesulfonyl glutamate disodium was obtained.

Example 3-9 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax and aminocarboxylate were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After rubbing the emulsion of styrene methyl methacrylate resin and water as uniformly as possible and allowing it to dry naturally at room temperature for 1 hour, the excess carnauba wax, aminocarboxylate and styrene methyl methacrylate resin were dried. And wipe it evenly with
On the outermost surface, a layer composed of carnauba wax, aminocarboxylate and styrene methyl methacrylate resin (0.4
(thickness: μm) was obtained.

Example 3-10 One electrophotographic photosensitive member having the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was prepared, and carnauba wax and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After rubbing the emulsion of sulfate, polyvinyl butyral resin and water as uniformly as possible and allowing it to dry naturally at room temperature for 1 hour, excess carnauba wax, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate and polyvinyl butyral resin Is uniformly wiped off with a dry cloth, and the outermost layer is composed of carnauba wax, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, and polyvinyl butyral resin (thickness: 0.3 μm)
Was formed to obtain an electrophotographic photosensitive member.

Example 3-11 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax, a pyridinium salt, and styrene methyl were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Rub the emulsion of methacrylate resin and water as evenly as possible, allow it to dry naturally at room temperature for one hour, and then wipe off excess carnauba wax, pyridinium salt and styrene methyl methacrylate resin with a dry cloth. Then, an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (0.3 μm thick) made of carnauba wax, a pyridinium salt and a styrene methyl methacrylate resin formed on the outermost surface was obtained.

Example 3-12 One electrophotographic photosensitive member having the photoconductive layer formed in Production Example 3 was prepared, and carnauba wax and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid were applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After rubbing the emulsion of diethanolamide, polyvinyl butyral resin and water as uniformly as possible and allowing it to dry naturally at room temperature for 1 hour, excess carnauba wax, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid diethanolamide and polyvinyl butyral resin Was uniformly wiped off with a dry cloth to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (0.3 μm thick) composed of carnauba wax, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid diethanolamide, and polyvinyl butyral resin formed on the outermost surface.

Example 3-13 One electrophotographic photosensitive member having the photoconductive layer formed in Production Example 3 was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After drying at room temperature for 1 hour, the excess protective layer active ingredient is evenly wiped off with a dry cloth, and the outermost surface is composed of polyethylene wax, N-perfluorooctanesulfonyl glutamate disodium and a fluorine-containing resin. A layer (0.4 μm thick) is formed,
In addition, an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which carnauba wax, disodium N-perfluorooctanesulfonylglutamate and a fluorine-containing resin were diffused in the photosensitive layer was obtained.

<Protective layer forming liquid> Polyethylene wax 4.0 parts N-perfluorooctanesulfonyl glutamate disodium 0.9 part Polytetrafluoroethylene 3.0 parts Kerosene 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1 0.0 parts water 50.0 parts

Example 3-14 An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 3-13 except that polytetrafluoroethylene was changed to polysiloxane containing an alkyl group.

Example 3-15 One electrophotographic photoreceptor on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the photoreceptor. After natural drying at room temperature for 1 hour, the excess protective layer active ingredient is evenly wiped off with a dry cloth, and the outermost layer is made of a layer of montan wax, an aliphatic quaternary ammonium salt and a fluororesin (0.3 μm Was formed, and carnauba wax, an aliphatic quaternary ammonium salt and a fluororesin were diffused in the photosensitive layer to obtain an electrophotographic photosensitive member.

<Protective Layer Forming Liquid> Carnauba wax 4.0 parts Aliphatic quaternary ammonium salt 0.9 parts Polytetrafluoroethylene 3.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1. 0 parts Water 50.0 parts

Example 3-16 An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 3-15, except that polytetrafluoroethylene was changed to polysiloxane containing an alkyl group.

Example 3-17 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which up to the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After drying at room temperature for 1 hour, the excess active ingredient of the protective layer is evenly wiped off with a dry cloth, and the outermost layer is made of a layer composed of carnauba wax, N-acylmethyltaurine salt and polytetrafluoroethylene ( (Thickness of 0.3 μm) was formed, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in which montan wax, N-acylmethyltaurine salt and polytetrafluoroethylene were diffused in the photosensitive layer.

<Protective Layer Forming Liquid> Montan wax 4.0 parts N-acylmethyl taurine salt 0.7 parts Polytetrafluoroethylene 3.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1.0 Part water 50.0 parts

Example 3-18 An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 3-17 except that polytetrafluoroethylene was changed to polysiloxane containing an alkyl group.

Comparative Example 3-1 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 3 was formed was prepared, and the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member was subjected to no treatment. Was obtained.

<Evaluation> Example 3 obtained as described above
With respect to the electrophotographic photoreceptors of -1 to 3-18 and Comparative Example 3-1, the same method as in Examples 1-1 to 1-10 for the maximum static friction coefficient, initial electric characteristics, repetitive electric characteristics and image characteristics. Was evaluated. Tables 9 and 10 show the evaluation results.

[0148]

[Table 9]

[0149]

[Table 10]

As is clear from Tables 9 and 10, the electrophotographic photoreceptors of Examples 3-1 to 3-18 of the present invention have a reduced maximum static friction coefficient as compared with the comparative products, and are resistant to foreign matter adhesion. It can be seen that the properties and abrasion resistance are improved. Further, it can be seen that the initial electrical characteristics are good without causing any side effects. Furthermore, in the product of the present invention,
Since the WAX is applied and held from the surface, the gas permeability of the photosensitive layer is lowered, and for example, a problem of a decrease in the charging potential due to deterioration of the charge generating material due to the invasion of the NOx gas and an increase in the potential after the exposure hardly occur. . In addition, a sample to which a dry wiping step was added after WAX coating (Examples 3-5 to 3-3)
-18) shows that the image uniformity is excellent and the practicability is extremely high. Examples 3-13 and 3-18
It was found that in Example 1, the diffusion of the WAX into the photosensitive layer was carried out during the application of the WAX, so that extremely good electrophotographic quality was exhibited.

Example 3-19 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 3-8 was used.
It was incorporated into a Ricoh copier IMAGIO MF250 to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 3-20 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 3-12 was incorporated into a copying machine IMAGIO MF250 manufactured by Ricoh to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 3-21 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 3-13 was incorporated into a copying machine IMAGIO MF250 manufactured by Ricoh to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 3-22 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 3-18 was incorporated into a copying machine IMAGIO MF250 manufactured by Ricoh to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 3-23 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 3-1 was incorporated into a copying machine IMAGIO MF250 manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd. to prepare an electrophotographic apparatus for evaluating a maintenance method. For maintenance of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the same protective layer forming liquid as in Example 3-8 was prepared, and the protective layer forming liquid was applied to the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor once every 50,000 copy cycles, dried, Dry wiping was used.

Example 3-24 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 3-1 was used.
It was incorporated into a Ricoh copier IMAGIO MF250 to provide an electrophotographic apparatus for evaluating a maintenance method.
For the maintenance of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the same protective layer forming liquid as in Example 3-13 was prepared, and the protective layer forming liquid was applied to the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor once every 50,000 copy cycles, dried, Dry wiping was used.

Example 3-25 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 3-1 was used.
Incorporated into the Ricoh IMAGIO MF250 copier, with the same dry wiping unit and wax application unit as in Fig. 5, and the dry wiping unit and wax application unit operate once every 10,000 copy cycles. Thus, an electrophotographic apparatus was used in which wax or the like was periodically applied to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The wax used at this time was the same protective layer forming liquid as in Example 3-8.

Example 3-26 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 3-1 was prepared.
Incorporated into the Ricoh IMAGIO MF250 copier, with the same dry wiping unit and wax application unit as in Fig. 5, and the dry wiping unit and wax application unit operate once every 10,000 copy cycles. Thus, an electrophotographic apparatus was used in which wax or the like was periodically applied to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The wax and the like used at this time were the same protective layer forming liquid as in Example 3-13.

Comparative Example 3-2 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 3-1 was used.
An electrophotographic apparatus was installed in a copier IMAGIO MF250 manufactured by Ricoh Company.

<Evaluation> The electrophotographic apparatus obtained in each of Examples 3-19 to 3-26 and Comparative Example 3-2 was evaluated for 20000.
A copy test was performed on 0 sheets, and the repetition electrical characteristics, image characteristics, and abrasion resistance (abrasion film thickness of the photosensitive layer) after 200,000 copies from the initial stage were evaluated. Tables 11 and 12 show the evaluation results.

[0161]

[Table 11]

[0162]

[Table 12]

As is clear from Tables 11 and 12, the electrophotographic apparatus incorporating the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention (Examples 3-19 to 3-26) was different from the electrophotographic apparatus of Comparative Example 3-2. The wear film thickness of the photosensitive layer has been reduced to less than half,
It can be seen that the repetitive electrical characteristics (potential fluctuations) are also significantly improved. Example 3-23 according to the present invention,
In the maintenance method of 3-24, Examples 3-19 to 3
It turned out that the same effect as -22 can be obtained. In the electrophotographic apparatuses of Examples 3-25 and 3-26 according to the present invention, the same effects as in Examples 3-19 to 3-22 are obtained.
Since the frequency of wax application and wiping is high, it can be seen that the electrophotographic apparatus exhibits extremely good quality. In addition, in the present embodiment, since maintenance by hand is unnecessary, it is understood that the device is extremely useful. In the electrophotographic apparatus of Comparative Example 3-2, a resonance sound between the cleaning blade and the electrophotographic photosensitive member sometimes occurred during the copying test of 200000 sheets. However, Examples 3-19 to 3 according to the present invention were performed. In the electrophotographic apparatus of -26, no such abnormal noise was generated.

Production Example 4 An undercoat layer coating solution, a charge generation layer coating solution, and a charge transport layer coating solution having the following compositions were successively immersed and coated on an aluminum drum having a diameter of 30 mm and a length of 340 mm. A 2.0 μm thick undercoat layer, a 0.2 μm thick charge generation layer,
A charge transport layer having a thickness of 30 μm was formed, and 27 electrophotographic photosensitive members having a photoconductive layer formed on an aluminum drum were prepared.

<Coating solution for undercoat layer> Methoxymethylated nylon 12 parts Titanium oxide 10.0 parts Zirconium oxide 3.5 parts 1-butanol 20 parts Methyl alcohol 180 parts

<Charge Generating Layer Coating Solution> Titanyl phthalocyanine 2 parts τ-type metal-free phthalocyanine 1 part Polyvinyl formal resin 1 part Cyclohexanone 250 parts Cyclohexane 50 parts

<Charge Transport Layer Coating Solution> 7 parts of a charge transport material of the following structural formula (3)

Embedded image Polyarylate resin 2 parts Polycarbonate resin 8 parts Silicone oil 0.02 parts Tetrahydrofuran 80 parts

Example 4-1 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 4 was formed was prepared, and carnauba wax and an average particle diameter of 3 μm were coated on the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An emulsion of Al ₂ O ₃ and water was rubbed as uniformly as possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a layer (2 μm thick) of carnauba wax and Al ₂ O ₃ formed on the outermost surface.

Example 4-2 In Example 4-1, the average particle diameter of Al ₂ O ₃ was changed to 1.0.
An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-1 except that the thickness was changed to μm.

Example 4-3 In Example 4-1, the average particle diameter of Al ₂ O ₃ was changed to 0.3.
An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-1 except that the thickness was changed to μm.

Example 4-4 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 4 was formed was prepared, and polyethylene wax and an average particle diameter of 0.4 μm were formed on the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Rub the emulsion of SiO ₂ and water as uniformly as possible, and apply a layer (2 μm) of polyethylene wax and SiO ₂ on the outermost surface.
(Thickness) was obtained.

Example 4-5 An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-4, except that the thickness of the surface protective layer was changed to 1 μm.

Example 4-6 In Example 4-4, the thickness of the surface protective layer was changed to 0.4 μm.
The electrophotographic photoreceptor was obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-4, except for replacing the above.

Example 4-7 Electrophotography in which up to the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 4 was formed
One photoconductor is prepared, and the entire surface of the electrophotographic photoconductor is
Tonwax and CeO with an average particle size of 0.2 μm _TwoAnd water
Rub the emulsion as evenly as possible,
Wax and CeO_TwoLayer (0.3 μm thick)
The formed electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained.

Example 4-8 Electrophotography in which up to the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 4 was formed
One photoconductor is prepared, and the entire surface of the electrophotographic photoconductor is
Tonwax and CeO with an average particle size of 0.2 μm _TwoAnd water
Was rubbed and allowed to air dry at room temperature for 1 hour.
After that, surplus montan wax and CeO_TwoWith a dry cloth
Wipe off at first and put montan wax and CeO on the outermost surface_TwoWhen
Electrophotography with a layer (0.3 μm thick) made of
I got a body.

Example 4-9 Electrophotography in which up to the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 4 was formed
Prepare one photoconductor and cover the entire surface of the electrophotographic photoconductor.
Nauba wax and Al with an average particle size of 0.1 μm _TwoO_ThreeAnd su
Emulsion rubbing of sodium disulfonyl glutamate with water
After drying naturally for 1 hour at room temperature,
Nauba wax, aminocarboxylate and styrene methyl
Wipe the methacrylate resin evenly with a dry cloth.
Carnauba wax and Al on the surface_TwoO_ThreeAnd sulfonyl gluta
The layer (0.4μm thick) consisting of disodium silicate
The obtained electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained.

Example 4-10 An electrophotographic photoreceptor was prepared in the same manner as in Example 4-9, except that the surfactant was changed from disodium sulfonylglutamate to an aliphatic quaternary ammonium salt. I got

Example 4-11 An electrophotographic photoreceptor was prepared in the same manner as in Example 4-9, except that the surfactant was changed from disodium sulfonylglutamate to N-acylmethyltaurate. I got

Example 4-12 Electrophotography in which up to the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 4 was formed
Prepare one photoconductor and cover the entire surface of the electrophotographic photoconductor.
Nauba wax and Al with an average particle size of 0.1 μm _TwoO_ThreeAnd po
Rubbing an emulsion of vinyl butyral resin and water at room temperature
Air-dry for 1 hour, then use excess carnauba water
And Al_TwoO_ThreeAnd dry cloth with polyvinyl butyral resin
Wipe evenly with Carnauba wax and Al
_TwoO_ThreeAnd a layer composed of polyvinyl butyral resin (0.4
(thickness: μm) was obtained.

Example 4-13 An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-12, except that the polyvinyl butyral resin was replaced with a fluororesin.

Example 4-14 An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-12, except that the polyvinyl butyral resin was replaced with a silicone-containing resin.

Example 4-15 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 4 was formed was prepared, and a protective layer forming solution having the following composition was applied to the entire surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. After drying for 1 hour at room temperature, the excess active ingredient in the protective layer is evenly wiped off with a dry cloth, and carnauba wax, Al ₂ O ₃ and N-perfluorooctanesulfonyl glutamate disodium are applied to the outermost surface. An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in which a layer (0.4 μm thick) composed of a fluororesin was formed and carnauba wax, disodium N-perfluorooctanesulfonylglutamate and a fluorine-containing resin were diffused in the photosensitive layer.

<Protective Layer Forming Liquid> Carnauba wax 4.0 parts Al ₂ O ₃ (average particle diameter 0.1 μm) 0.6 parts N-perfluorooctanesulfonyl glutamate disodium 0.9 part Polytetrafluoroethylene 3 0.0 parts White spirit 15.0 parts Silicone oil 0.5 parts Diethylaminoethanol 1.0 parts Water 50.0 parts

Example 4-16 In Preparation Example 4-15, except that polytetrafluoroethylene was replaced by an alkyl group-containing polysiloxane and disodium N-perfluorooctanesulfonylglutamate was replaced by polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, An electrophotographic photosensitive member was obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-15.

Comparative Example 4-1 One electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the photoconductive layer obtained in Production Example 4 was formed was prepared, and the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member was subjected to no treatment. Was obtained.

<Evaluation> Example 4 obtained as described above
Regarding the maximum static friction coefficient, initial electric characteristics, repetitive electric characteristics, and image characteristics of the electrophotographic photoreceptors of -1 to 3-16 and Comparative Example 4-1, the same method as in Examples 1-1 to 1-10. Was evaluated. Tables 13 and 14 show the evaluation results.

[0187]

[Table 13]

[0188]

[Table 14]

As is clear from Tables 13 and 14, the electrophotographic photoreceptors of Examples 4-1 to 4-16 of the present invention have a lower maximum static friction coefficient than the comparative products, It can be seen that the properties and abrasion resistance are improved. Also,
It can be seen that the initial electrical characteristics are good without causing any side effects. Further, in the product of the present invention, the WAX is applied and held from the surface, so that the gas permeability of the photosensitive layer is reduced, and for example, the charging potential is reduced due to the deterioration of the charge generating material due to the entry of NOx gas, and the potential after exposure is increased. Is unlikely to occur. Also, WAX
Sample to which a dry wiping step was added after coating (Examples 4-8)
To 4-16) and the sample in which the film thickness of the surface protective layer is 0.5 μm or less (Examples 4-5 to 4-16) are excellent in image uniformity and extremely practical. I understand. In Examples 4-15 and 4-16, diffusion of the WAX into the photosensitive layer during the application of the WAX was attempted, so that it was found that extremely good electrophotographic quality was exhibited.

Example 4-17 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-5 was used.
It was incorporated into a Ricoh copier IMAGIO MF250 to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 4-18 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-8 was used.
It was incorporated into a Ricoh copier IMAGIO MF250 to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 4-19 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-11 was incorporated into a copying machine IMAGIO MF250 manufactured by Ricoh to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 4-20 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-18 was incorporated into a copying machine IMAGIO MF250 manufactured by Ricoh to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 4-21 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-20 was incorporated into a copying machine IMAGIO MF250 manufactured by Ricoh to obtain an electrophotographic apparatus.

Example 4-22 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 4-1 was incorporated into a copying machine IMAGIO MF250 manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd. to prepare an electrophotographic apparatus for evaluating a maintenance method. For the maintenance of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the same protective layer forming liquid as in Example 4-8 was prepared, and the protective layer forming liquid was applied to the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor once every 50,000 copy cycles, dried, Dry wiping was used.

Example 4-23 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 4-1 was prepared.
It was incorporated into a Ricoh copier IMAGIO MF250 to provide an electrophotographic apparatus for evaluating a maintenance method.
For maintenance of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the same protective layer forming liquid as in Example 4-15 was prepared, and the protective layer forming liquid was applied to the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor once every 50,000 copy cycles, dried, Dry wiping was used.

Example 4-24 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 4-1 was prepared.
Incorporated into the Ricoh IMAGIO MF250 copier, with the same dry wiping unit and wax application unit as in Fig. 5, and the dry wiping unit and wax application unit operate once every 10,000 copy cycles. In this way, an electrophotographic apparatus was used in which a wax mixture was periodically applied to the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member.
At this time, the wax mixture used in the coating unit for the wax and the like was the same protective layer forming liquid as in Example 4-8.

Example 4-25 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Comparative Example 4-1 was prepared.
Incorporated into the Ricoh IMAGIO MF250 copier, with the same dry wiping unit and wax application unit as in Fig. 5, and the dry wiping unit and wax application unit operate once every 10,000 copy cycles. In this way, an electrophotographic apparatus was used in which a wax mixture was periodically applied to the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member.
At this time, the wax mixture used in the wax and the like coating unit was the same protective layer forming liquid as in Example 4-15.

Comparative Example 4-2 An electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained in exactly the same manner as in Example 4-1 was obtained.
An electrophotographic apparatus was installed in a copier IMAGIO MF250 manufactured by Ricoh Company.

<Evaluation> The electrophotographic apparatus obtained in Examples 4-17 to 4-25 and Comparative Example 4-2 was subjected to 20000
A copy test was performed on 0 sheets, and the repetition electrical characteristics, image characteristics, and abrasion resistance (abrasion film thickness of the photosensitive layer) after 200,000 copies from the initial stage were evaluated. Tables 15 and 16 show the evaluation results.

[0201]

[Table 15]

[0202]

[Table 16]

As is clear from Tables 15 and 16, the electrophotographic apparatus incorporating the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention (Examples 4-17 to 4-21) is different from the electrophotographic apparatus of Comparative Example 4-2. The wear film thickness of the photosensitive layer has been reduced to less than half,
It can be seen that the repetitive electrical characteristics (potential fluctuations) are also significantly improved. Example 4-22 according to the invention,
In the maintenance method of 4-23, Examples 4-17 to 4
It was found that almost the same effect as -21 was obtained. In the electrophotographic apparatuses of Examples 4-24 and 4-25 according to the present invention, the same effects as those of Examples 4-17 to 4-21 are obtained, and the frequency of wax application and wiping is high. It can be seen that the electrophotographic apparatus shows quality.
In addition, in the present embodiment, since maintenance by hand is unnecessary, it is understood that the device is extremely useful. In the electrophotographic apparatus of Comparative Example 4-2, a resonance sound between the cleaning blade and the electrophotographic photosensitive member sometimes occurred during the copying test of 200000 sheets. However, Examples 4-17 to 4 according to the present invention were performed. In the case of the -25 electrophotographic apparatus, no such abnormal noise was generated.

[0204]

According to the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, since the protective layer contains wax, the following effects can be obtained. The friction coefficient of the surface can be reduced, and the wear resistance is improved. The releasability of toner and other foreign matters is improved, and the stain resistance is excellent. The amount of gas that can pass through the photosensitive layer can be reduced, and the gas resistance can be improved. This reduces the occurrence of resonance noise with the cleaning blade, the contact charger, and the like that come into contact with the photoconductor.

In the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the second aspect, since the protective layer further contains at least one of a synthetic resin surfactant and an abrasive, the abrasion resistance, the stain resistance, the gas resistance, and the noise. The prevention is more improved.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor of claim 3 uses natural wax or synthetic hydrocarbon wax as the wax, so that the abrasion resistance, stain resistance, gas resistance and noise prevention are further improved. Become.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor of claim 4 uses a fluorine resin or a silicone resin as the synthetic resin.
Abrasion resistance, contamination resistance, gas resistance, and noise prevention properties are further improved, and the effect is highly durable.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor of claim 5 uses an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or a fluorine-based surfactant as a surfactant, so that it has abrasion resistance, stain resistance, and gas resistance. In addition to the properties and anti-noise properties, the cleaning properties of the surface coated with the protective layer, the antistatic properties of the protective layer itself, and the penetration of the protective layer into the photosensitive layer are improved.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor of claim 6 uses an abrasive having an average particle diameter of 0.5 μm or less, so that the electrophotographic photoreceptor inherent in the photosensitive layer and the image quality are not impaired. The abrasion resistance, the stain resistance, the gas resistance, and the noise prevention property are improved. In addition, since the surface to which the protective layer is applied is polished, there is no occurrence of an abnormal image caused by the adhered substance on the applied surface.

In the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, since the protective layer has a thickness of 0.5 μm or less, the uniformity of image quality can be achieved without impairing the original electrophotographic photoreceptor characteristics and image quality of the photosensitive layer. It is excellent and has improved abrasion resistance, contamination resistance, gas resistance, and noise prevention.

According to the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, the wax in the protective layer or the wax and the synthetic resin and / or the surfactant are diffused into the photosensitive layer.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor having improved abrasion resistance, stain resistance, gas resistance, and noise prevention properties, and the effect thereof is highly durable.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the ninth aspect, wherein at least one of a wax or a wax and a synthetic resin, a surfactant and an abrasive is provided on the outermost surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor having at least a photosensitive layer formed on a conductive support. After coating and drying, it was obtained by dry wiping, so that the thickness of the protective layer can be made uniform by dry wiping and the uniformity of image quality becomes excellent, and especially the coating liquid contains an abrasive. In this case, the surface coated with the protective layer is washed / polished to provide an additional effect that no abnormal image is generated due to surface adhesion or the like.

[0213] The maintenance method of the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the tenth aspect is characterized in that at least one of wax or a synthetic resin, a surfactant and an abrasive is used on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member repeatedly used in the electrophotographic apparatus. Is applied, dried, and then wiped dry, so that the electrophotographic photoreceptor repeatedly used in the electrophotographic apparatus can have a reduced surface friction coefficient and impart abrasion resistance. In addition, it can impart releasability to toner and other foreign substances, and can impart stain resistance, reduce the amount of gas that can pass through the photosensitive layer, improve gas resistance, and generate resonance noise. Can be reduced.

Since the electrophotographic apparatus of claim 11 uses the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention or the electrophotographic photosensitive member subjected to the maintenance of the present invention, the abrasion resistance and the stain resistance of the electrophotographic photosensitive member are improved. Since it is excellent in gas resistance and noise prevention, it is hardly affected by a physical or chemical hazard in an electrophotographic apparatus, and high image quality and high reliability are obtained.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic apparatus, at least a wax or a wax and a synthetic resin, a surfactant, and an abrasive are provided on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member at an arbitrary time. Since a mechanism for applying and dry-wiping at least one of the following is provided, the abrasion resistance, contamination resistance, gas resistance, and noise prevention of the electrophotographic photoreceptor can be maintained at a favorable level. Less susceptible to physical or chemical hazards in electrophotographic equipment,
The reliability of obtaining high image quality over a long period of time is high, and the maintenance of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is unnecessary.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a layer configuration of an electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the layer configuration of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the layer configuration of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the layer configuration of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mechanism for applying a wax or the like to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member and performing dry wiping.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Conductive support 2 Photosensitive layer 3 Protective layer 4 Charge generation layer 5 Charge transport layer 6 Intermediate layer 7 Electrophotographic photoreceptor 8 Dry wiping unit 9 Application unit of wax etc. 10 Dry wiping roller 11 Discharge screw brush such as wax 12 Wax etc. Application brush 13 Supply roller for wax etc.

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An electrophotographic photosensitive member having at least a photosensitive layer and a protective layer formed on a conductive support, wherein the protective layer contains a wax. 2. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein the protective layer further contains at least one of a synthetic resin, a surfactant and an abrasive. 3. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein said wax is a natural wax or a synthetic hydrocarbon wax. 4. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 2, wherein said synthetic resin is a fluororesin or a silicone resin. 5. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 2, wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or a fluorine-based surfactant. 6. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 2, wherein the abrasive has an average particle size of 0.5 μm or less. 7. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the protective layer is 0.5 μm or less. 8. The electrophotograph according to claim 1, wherein the wax in the protective layer or the wax and the synthetic resin and / or the surfactant are diffused into the photosensitive layer. Photoconductor. 9. Applying at least one of wax or a wax and a synthetic resin, a surfactant and an abrasive to the outermost surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member having at least a photosensitive layer formed on a conductive support, drying, and wiping dry The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor is obtained by performing the following. 10. Applying at least one of wax or at least one of wax, a synthetic resin, a surfactant and an abrasive to the surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor repeatedly used in an electrophotographic apparatus, followed by drying and wiping. A maintenance method for an electrophotographic photoreceptor, comprising: 11. An electrophotographic apparatus, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1 or the electrophotographic photosensitive member subjected to maintenance according to claim 10 is used. 12. Applying at least one of wax or a wax and a synthetic resin, a surfactant and an abrasive to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member at an arbitrary time on the electrophotographic photosensitive member in the electrophotographic apparatus; An electrophotographic apparatus comprising a mechanism for performing dry wiping.