JP2002107973A - Electrophotographic photoreceptor, method for manufacturing the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and process cartridge and electrophotographic device both having the electrophotographic photoreceptor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor which does not cause fogging or image contamination such as black spots even in a high temperature and high humidity environment, which hardly causes scraping of a film in a charge generating layer during repeatedly used and which has no problem such as drastic decrease in the sensitivity, increase in the residual potential and decrease in the potential stability or the like by incorporating gallium phthalocyanine as a charge generating material and by combining the optimum drying conditions for the charge transfer layer, and to provide a method for manufacturing the photoreceptor and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic device both having the above-mentioned photoreceptor. SOLUTION: In the electrophotographic photoreceptor manufactured by laminating the charge generating layer containing gallium phthalocyanine as the charge generating material and a charge transfer layer containing a charge transfer material laminated in this order on a conductive supporting body, the drying temperature of the charge transfer layer after coating is >=140 deg.C. Or, the charge transfer layer after coating is dried at a temp. of >=70 deg.C, then cooled to room temperature and than again dried at a temp. of >=140 deg.C. The method for manufacturing the photoreceptor includes the above process. The process cartridge and the e electrophotographic device have the above photoreceptor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor,
More particularly, the present invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor which can be widely used in electrophotographic applications such as an electrophotographic copying machine, a laser beam printer, and a plain paper FAX, and a method of manufacturing the electrophotographic photoreceptor. The present invention relates to a manufacturing method, a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured by the manufacturing method, and an electrophotographic apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Electrophotography is disclosed in US Pat.
As shown in the specification, a photoconductive material is used which has a change in electric resistance according to the amount of irradiation received during image exposure, and is made of a support coated with an insulating material in a dark place. The basic characteristics required of an electrophotographic photoreceptor using this photoconductive material include (1) being able to be charged to an appropriate potential in a dark place, (2) having little charge dissipation in a dark place, and ( 3) Charges can be quickly dissipated by light irradiation.

Hitherto, as an electrophotographic photosensitive member, an inorganic electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer containing an inorganic photoconductive compound such as selenium, zinc oxide and cadmium sulfide as a main component has been widely used. However, these are (1) to
The condition (3) is satisfied, but is not always satisfactory in terms of thermal stability, moisture resistance, durability, productivity, and the like. For example, when selenium is crystallized, the characteristics of the electrophotographic photosensitive member deteriorate. Cadmium sulfide has problems in moisture resistance and durability, and zinc oxide has problems in smoothness, hardness and abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the photosensitive wavelength of many inorganic electrophotographic photoreceptors is limited. For example, the photosensitive wavelength region of selenium is the blue region, and the red region has little sensitivity.

Therefore, various methods have been devised to extend the photosensitivity to a long wavelength region, but there are many restrictions on the selection of the photosensitive wavelength region. Even when zinc oxide or cadmium sulfide is used as an electrophotographic photosensitive member, the photosensitive wavelength range of the photosensitive member itself is narrow, and it is necessary to add various sensitizers. In order to overcome the disadvantages of these inorganic electrophotographic photoreceptors,
Electrophotographic photoreceptors containing various organic photoconductive compounds as main components have been actively developed.

For example, US Pat. No. 3,838,851 discloses an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a charge transport layer containing triallylpyrazoline, and US Pat. No. 3,871,882 discloses a charge generating layer comprising a derivative of perylene pigment. 3-
An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a charge transport layer comprising a propylene / formaldehyde condensate is already known.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor using an organic compound can be a function-separated type electrophotographic photoreceptor classified into a charge generating material for generating electric charges and a charge transporting material for transporting the same. The function separation type electrophotographic photoreceptor has a wide selection range of each of the charge generation material and the charge transport material,
It has an advantage that an electrophotographic photosensitive member having arbitrary characteristics can be relatively easily produced.

An electrophotographic photosensitive member using a bisazo pigment or a trisazo pigment as a charge generating material is disclosed in
JP-A-9-33445, JP-A-56-46237 and JP-A-60-111249 are already known.

Further, in an electrophotographic photosensitive member using an organic photoconductive compound, the photosensitive wavelength of the electrophotographic photosensitive member can be freely selected depending on the compound. For example, regarding azo-based organic pigments, see JP-A-61-27275.
As for the substances disclosed in JP-A No. 4 and JP-A-56-167759, those exhibiting high sensitivity in the visible light region are disclosed, and JP-A-57-195767 and JP-A-61-228453 are disclosed. Some of the substances disclosed in the publication have sensitivity up to the infrared region.

Among these materials, those having sensitivity in the infrared region are used in laser beam printers (hereinafter abbreviated as LBP), LED printers, and the like, which have been making remarkable progress in recent years, and the demand frequency is increasing.

Apart from azo pigments, phthalocyanine compounds such as copper phthalocyanine as disclosed in JP-A-50-38543 have been attracting attention as those having sensitivity in the infrared region. JP-A-61-2705, JP-A-61-239248, and JP-A-64-17066 as materials having high sensitivity in the region.
Oxytitanium phthalocyanine compounds and the like disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei.

The prior art of the hydroxygallium phthalocyanine compound of the present invention is disclosed in JP-A-5-236.
007, JP-A-5-279591, JP-A-6-93203, JP-A-6-279698 and JP-A-7-53892.

Further, the charge transporting material which is another component of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the function-separated type will be described. For example, pyrazoline compounds described in JP-B-52-4188 and JP-B-55-42380 are disclosed. Gazette, JP 5
Hydrazone compounds such as JP-A-4-150128, JP-A-57-101844 and JP-A-59-15251; JP-B-58-32372;
Triphenylamine compounds such as -123955,
JP-A-54-151955 and JP-A-58-19
Stilbene compounds and the like disclosed in JP-A-8043 and the like are known.

As examples of combinations of these charge generation materials and charge transport materials, a combination of oxytitanium phthalocyanine and a hydrazone compound having a specific structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 55860/1994 is known.
No. 4502 discloses a combination of hydroxygallium phthalocyanine and a triarylamine compound having a specific structure.

As described above, although an electrophotographic photosensitive member having improved characteristics by combining a charge generating material having a specific structure and a charge transporting material having a specific structure has been supplied, a change in the use environment has occurred. There is a problem that image deterioration such as fogging and black spots occurs at high temperature and high humidity, and that the charge transport layer film is easily scraped, especially at high temperature and high humidity.

Although the clear cause of such a problem is not clear, it is believed that some effect is involved such as a decrease in the amount of residual solvent in the charge transport layer and a change in the interface state between the charge generation layer and the charge transport layer. Seem. Drying after application of the charge transport layer is usually performed at 110 to 120 ° C. for about 1 hour, but the charge transport layer is dried at a higher temperature, or the charge transport layer is dried twice to perform the second drying. The above-mentioned problem is improved by performing the treatment at a high temperature.

However, by drying the charge transport layer at a high temperature, or drying the charge transport layer twice and performing the second drying at a high temperature, the charge generation layer on which the film has been formed is also dried at the same time. Therefore, the charge generation material is naturally affected by high-temperature drying. In general, charge generation materials have low thermal stability, and when affected by such high-temperature drying, characteristics such as extreme decrease in sensitivity, increase in residual potential, and decrease in potential stability deteriorate.

Accordingly, image deterioration due to a change in the use environment,
In particular, when attempting to solve problems such as generation of image stains such as fogging and black spots at the time of high temperature and high humidity, and easy removal of the charge transport layer film, extreme decrease in sensitivity, increase in residual potential and decrease in potential stability. A new problem arises.

As described above, there is a problem in actual use, and it is hard to say that an electrophotographic photosensitive member achieving these characteristics at a high level has yet been supplied. Electrophotographic photoreceptors satisfying a higher level have been studied.

The inventors of the present invention have conducted a number of experimental studies on combinations of various charge-generating materials and drying conditions for the charge-transporting layer. As a result, the present inventors have found that the charge-generating material is more thermally active than other phthalocyanine-based pigments such as titanyl phthalocyanine. Problems such as extreme decrease in sensitivity, increase in residual potential, decrease in potential stability, etc. when a hydroxy gallium phthalocyanine compound such as gallium phthalocyanine with high stability is contained and the optimal drying conditions of the charge transport layer are combined. It is possible to manufacture an electrophotographic photoreceptor having no problems such as image deterioration due to a change in a use environment, in particular, generation of image stains such as fog and black spots at high temperature and high humidity, and easy removal of a charge transport layer film. And achieved the present invention.

[0020]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a charge-generating material containing a hydroxygallium phthalocyanine compound such as gallium phthalocyanine and combining the optimal drying conditions for the charge transport layer to provide a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. Electrophotography that does not cause image stains such as fogging and black spots, has little film abrasion of the charge transport layer during repeated use, and has no problems such as extreme decrease in sensitivity, increase in residual potential and decrease in potential stability. An object of the present invention is to provide a photoconductor and a method for manufacturing the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having the above electrophotographic photosensitive member.

[0022]

According to the present invention, an electron is obtained by laminating a charge generation layer containing gallium phthalocyanine as a charge generation material and a charge transport layer containing a charge transport material on a conductive support in this order. The present invention provides an electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein the charge transport layer has a drying temperature of 140 ° C. or higher after coating, and a method for producing the same.

According to the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a charge generating layer containing gallium phthalocyanine as a charge generating material and a charge transporting layer containing a charge transporting material laminated in this order on a conductive support. And an electrophotographic photoreceptor characterized by being dried at a temperature of 70 ° C. or higher after coating of the charge transport layer, cooled to room temperature, and then dried again at a temperature of 140 ° C. or higher, and a method for producing the same. You.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having an electrophotograph produced by the above-described method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention always contains gallium phthalocyanine as a charge generating material in a charge generating layer, and preferably contains a hydroxygallium phthalocyanine compound. Among the hydroxygallium phthalocyanine compounds, those having the following crystal forms exhibit more preferable characteristics of the present invention.

That is, the hydroxygallium phthalocyanine compound is composed of a crystalline pigment having strong peaks at 7.4 ° and 28.2 ° of Bragg angles (2θ ± 0.2 °) in characteristic X-ray diffraction of CuKα. You.

In the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, as the charge transporting material used in the charge transporting layer, at least one of the compounds represented by the following general formulas (1), (2) and (3) is used. The inclusion exhibits the more preferable characteristics of the present invention.

[0028]

Embedded image

(Wherein R ¹ and R ² represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent or an aryl group which may have a substituent. , A
r ¹ and Ar ² represent an aryl group which may have a substituent. N is either 0 or 1)

R ¹ and R ² are a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group or a butyl group which may have a substituent, a benzyl group or a phenethyl group which may have a substituent. And an aryl group such as a phenyl group and a naphthyl group which may have a substituent. In addition,
R ¹ and R ² may be closed to form a ring. Ar ¹ and Ar ²
Represents an aryl group such as a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, an anthracenyl group and a pyrenyl group which may have a substituent.

Examples of the substituent which R ¹ , R ² , Ar ¹ and Ar ² may have include an alkyl group such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group and a butyl group, a benzyl group and a phenethyl group. Examples include an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group such as a methoxy group, an ethoxy group and a propoxy group, a halogen atom such as a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a trifluoromethyl group.

In particular, in the general formula (1), R ¹ and R ² represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, and Ar ¹ and Ar ² represent a phenyl group, a 3,4-dimethylphenyl group, and a 4-methylphenyl group. , A 3-methylphenyl group or a 4-methoxyphenyl group is preferred.

[0033]

Embedded image

(Wherein, R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ and R ⁶ represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent or an alkoxy group which may have a substituent)

R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ and R ⁶ are a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group or an butyl group which may have a substituent, a methoxy group, an ethoxy group and a propoxy group. And the like.

The substituents which R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ and R ⁶ may have include alkyl groups such as methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group and butyl group, benzyl group and phenethyl group. Examples include an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group such as a methoxy group, an ethoxy group and a propoxy group, a halogen atom such as a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a trifluoromethyl group.

In particular, in the general formula (2), R ³ and R ⁴ are preferably a hydrogen atom, 4-methyl group, 2-methyl group or 4-methoxy group, and R ⁵ and R ⁶ are preferably a hydrogen atom. .

[0038]

Embedded image

(Wherein R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ and R ¹² represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent or an alkoxy group which may have a substituent. Show)

R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ and R ¹² are an optionally substituted alkyl group such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group and a butyl group, a methoxy group and an ethoxy group. And an alkoxy group such as a propoxy group.

R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ and R
Examples of the substituent which ¹² may have include an alkyl group such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group and a butyl group, an aralkyl group such as a benzyl group and a phenethyl group, and an alkoxy group such as a methoxy group, an ethoxy group and a propoxy group. , A fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a halogen atom such as a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a trifluoromethyl group.

In particular, in the general formula (3), R ⁷ and R ¹¹ represent a hydrogen atom, a 3-methyl group or a 4-methyl group, R ⁸ and R ¹²
Is preferably a hydrogen atom or a 4-methyl group, and R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ are preferably a hydrogen atom, a 2-methyl group or a 3-methyl group.

Next, specific examples of the compounds represented by the general formulas (1), (2) and (3) are shown in Tables 1 to 3. However, it is not limited to these specific examples.

[0044]

[Table 1]

[0045]

[Table 2]

[0046]

[Table 3]

[0047]

[Table 4]

The structure of hydroxygallium phthalocyanine used in the present invention is represented by the following general formula (4).

[0049]

Embedded image

(Wherein X ¹ , X ² , X ³ and X ⁴ represent Cl or Br, and r, s, t and u are integers from 0 to 4)

Next, a production example of the charge generation material used in the present invention will be described below. However, it is not limited to these production examples.

<Production Example 1 Production of chlorogallium phthalocyanine> 72.6 g of o-phthalonitrile, 25 g of gallium trichloride and 375 ml of α-chloronaphthalene were reacted at 200 ° C. for 4 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere. After the reaction, the precipitated product was cooled to 130 ° C. and filtered. The obtained product is dispersed and washed with N, N-dimethylformamide at 130 ° C. for 1 hour, and filtered. After washing on a filter with methanol, the filtrate was dried under reduced pressure to obtain 39.8 g of chlorogallium phthalocyanine (yield: 45%). The results of elemental analysis of the obtained chlorogallium phthalocyanine are shown below. FIG. 1 shows an infrared absorption spectrum (KBr tablet method) of this crystal, and FIG. 2 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern.

[0053]

<Production Example 2> Production of hydroxygallium phthalocyanine 35 g of the chlorogallium phthalocyanine obtained in Production Example 1 was gradually added to and dissolved in 1050 g of concentrated sulfuric acid cooled to 0 ° C, followed by stirring at 0 ° C for 30 minutes. Then, the mixture was slowly dropped into 5250 g of ice water with stirring to reprecipitate. After reprecipitation, filtration is performed, and the obtained powder is dispersed and washed in 2500 g of ion-exchanged water, and filtered again. Furthermore,
The obtained powder is dispersed and washed in 2500 g of 2% aqueous ammonia, and further thoroughly washed with ion-exchanged water, and the obtained solid is dried under reduced pressure. 33.9 g of low crystalline hydroxygallium phthalocyanine was obtained (yield: 97%). The results of elemental analysis of the obtained hydroxygallium phthalocyanine are shown below. Infrared absorption spectrum of this crystal (KB
r tablet method) is shown in FIG. 3, and the powder X-ray diffraction pattern is shown in FIG.

[0055]

<Production Example 3> Next, 7 g of the hydroxygallium phthalocyanine obtained in Production Example 2 and N, N-
210 g of dimethylformamide was milled with a sand mill together with 300 g of 1 mmφ glass beads at room temperature (2
2 ° C.) for 5 hours. The pigment was separated from this dispersion by filtration, washed with tetrahydrofuran, and dried under reduced pressure to obtain a Bragg angle (2θ ± 0.2 °) of 7.4 ° and 28.2 ° in the characteristic X-ray diffraction of CuKα. A crystalline form of hydroxygallium phthalocyanine having a strong peak was obtained. FIG. 5 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of this crystal.

The hydroxygallium phthalocyanine compound of the present invention can be produced as described above.
It is not limited to these production examples.

The layer constitution of the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention is such that a charge generation layer containing a charge generation material and a charge transport layer containing a charge transport material are laminated on a conductive support in this order. is there.

In the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, the charge generation layer contains as much charge generation material as possible to obtain a sufficient absorbance, and has a thin film for shortening the range of generated charge carriers. Layer, preferably 5 μm or less,
In particular, a thin film layer having a thickness of 0.01 to 1 μm is preferable.

The charge generation layer can be formed by dispersing a charge generation material in an appropriate binder resin and applying the same to a conductive support.

The binder resin used in the formation by coating can be selected from a wide range of insulating resins, and can be selected from organic photoconductive polymers such as poly-N-vinylcarbazole, polyvinylanthracene and polyvinylpyrene. Preferably, polyvinyl butyral,
Examples include polyarylate (polycondensate of bisphenol and aromatic dicarboxylic acid), polycarbonate, polyester, phenoxy resin, polyvinyl acetate, acrylic resin, polyurethane, epoxy resin, casein, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The amount of the binder resin contained in the charge generation layer is preferably 80% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 50% by mass or less.

The solvent for dissolving these resins differs depending on the type of the resin, and is preferably selected from those which do not dissolve the charge transport layer or the undercoat layer. In particular,
Alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and isopropanol; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and cyclohexanone; amides such as N, N-dimethylformamide and N, N-dimethylacetamide; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide; tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and ethylene Ethers such as glycol monomethyl ether; esters such as methyl acetate and ethyl acetate; aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons such as chloroform, ethylene chloride, dichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, and trichloroethylene; or benzene, toluene, xylene, ligroin, and chlorobenzene. And aromatic compounds such as dichlorobenzene.

The application method includes a dip coating method,
Spray coating method, spinner coating method,
Bead coating method, Meyer bar coating method,
A method such as a blade coating method, a roller coating method or a curtain coating method can be employed. Drying is preferably performed by touch drying at room temperature and then heating and drying. Heat drying is in the range of 30 ° C to 200 ° C for 5 minutes to
Perform for 2 hours in a stationary or blasted condition.

The charge transport layer has a form laminated on the charge generation layer, is electrically connected to the charge generation layer,
It has a function of receiving charge carriers injected from the charge generation layer in the presence of an electric field, and transporting these charge carriers to the surface. The charge transporting material used in the charge transporting layer can be formed by dissolving a compound having a specific structure represented by any of the general formulas (1) to (3) together with a suitable binder resin, and applying the resulting solution.

Examples of the binder resin include acrylic resin, polyarylate, polyester, polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polysulfone, polyacrylamide, polyamide and chlorinated rubber. Examples thereof include insulating resins and organic photoconductive polymers such as poly-N-vinylcarbazole, polyvinylanthracene, and polyvinylpyrene.

The charge transport layer cannot be made unnecessarily thick because it has a limit for transporting charge carriers. However, the thickness is preferably 3 to 50 μm, and particularly preferably 8 to 30 μm.
Is preferred.

As a coating method, a dip coating method,
Spray coating method, spinner coating method,
Bead coating method, Meyer bar coating method,
A method such as a blade coating method, a roller coating method or a curtain coating method can be employed. Drying is performed by heat drying after touch drying at room temperature. Heat drying is carried out at 30 ° C to 200 ° C, preferably 140 ° C to 180 ° C.
C., more preferably in the range of 150.degree. C. to 170.degree. C., for 5 minutes to 4 hours, preferably in the range of 10 minutes to 3 hours.

A photosensitive layer having a laminated structure of a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer is provided on a conductive support. As the conductive support, those having conductivity on the support itself, for example, metals and alloys such as aluminum and aluminum alloys are used. In addition, aluminum, aluminum alloys, indium oxide, tin oxide and indium oxide-tin oxide are used. Plastic having a layer in which an alloy or the like is formed by a vacuum deposition method, or a conductive support in which conductive particles (for example, carbon black and silver particles) are coated on a plastic or the metal support together with a suitable binder resin. For example, a plastic, a conductive support having conductive particles impregnated in plastic or paper, or a plastic having a conductive polymer may be used.

An undercoat layer having a barrier function and an adhesive function can be provided between the conductive support and the photosensitive layer. The undercoat layer is made of casein, polyvinyl alcohol, nitrocellulose, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, polyamide (nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 61).
0, copolymerized nylon and alkoxymethylated nylon), polyurethane, gelatin or aluminum oxide. The thickness of the undercoat layer is 0.1 to 5 μm.
m is preferable, and 0.3 to 3 μm is particularly preferable.

Further, the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention may be provided with a surface protective layer as required.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic apparatus provided with a process cartridge having the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 denotes a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention, which is driven to rotate around an axis 2 in a direction of an arrow at a predetermined peripheral speed. In the rotation process, the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is uniformly charged at a predetermined positive or negative potential on its peripheral surface by the primary charging means 3, and then is exposed from exposure means (not shown) such as slit exposure or laser beam scanning exposure. It receives exposure light 4 that is emphasized and modulated according to a time-series electric digital image signal of target image information to be output. In this way, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the target image information is sequentially formed on the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1.

The formed electrostatic latent image is then transferred to developing means 5
Is transferred to the transfer material 7 taken out of the paper supply unit (not shown) between the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 and the transfer means 6 in synchronization with the rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 and fed. The toner image formed and carried on the surface of the photoconductor 1 is sequentially transferred by the transfer unit 6.

The transfer material 7 to which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, introduced into the image fixing means 8 and subjected to image fixing, thereby being printed out of the apparatus as an image formed product (print, copy). Be out.

After the transfer of the image, the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is cleaned by removing the untransferred toner by the cleaning means 9, and is further subjected to a charge removal treatment by the pre-exposure light 10 from the pre-exposure means (not shown). After that, it is repeatedly used for image formation. When the primary charging unit 3 is a contact charging unit using a charging roller or the like, the pre-exposure is not necessarily required.

In the present invention, among the above-mentioned components such as the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1, the primary charging means 3, the developing means 5 and the cleaning means 9, a plurality of components are housed in a container and integrally combined as a process cartridge. The process cartridge may be configured to be detachable from an electrophotographic apparatus body such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer. For example, at least one of the primary charging unit 3, the developing unit 5, and the cleaning unit 9 is integrally supported with the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 to form a cartridge, and is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body by using a guide unit 12 such as a rail of the apparatus main body. A flexible process cartridge 11 can be provided.

When the electrophotographic apparatus is a copier or a printer, the exposure light 4 is reflected light or transmitted light from the original, or the original is read by a sensor, converted into a signal, and a laser beam is emitted in accordance with the signal. Beam scanning, LED
The light is emitted when the array is driven or the liquid crystal shutter array is driven.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention can be used not only for an electrophotographic copying machine but also for a laser beam printer,
It can be widely used in electrophotographic applications such as CRT printers, LED printers, faxes, liquid crystal printers, and laser plate making.

[0079]

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. In the examples, “parts” means “parts by mass”.

First, Table 4 shows charge generation materials used in Examples and Comparative Examples.

[0081]

[Table 5]

Example 1 4.2 parts of N-methoxymethylated 6 nylon resin (weight average molecular weight: 45000) and alcohol-soluble copolymerized nylon resin (weight average molecular weight: 5000) were placed on an aluminum sheet support having a thickness of 50 μm.
0) A solution prepared by dissolving 8.8 parts in 90 parts of methanol was applied by a Meyer bar to form an undercoat layer having a dried film thickness of 0.45 μm.

Next, a hydroxygallium phthalocyanine compound 4 having a crystal form of Pigment No. P-1 shown in Table 4 was prepared.
Part and polyvinyl butyral resin (trade name: Esrec B
X-1 (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) (2 parts) was added to 90 parts of cyclohexanone, dispersed together with glass beads by a sand mill for 4 hours, and 90 parts of ethyl acetate was added thereto to dilute the dispersion. Coated with a Meyer bar so that the film thickness after drying becomes 0.23 μm, and after touch drying at room temperature,
The resultant was dried by heating at 110 ° C. for 10 minutes to form a charge generation layer.

Next, as a charge transporting material, exemplified compound No. 1 represented by the general formula (1) was used. 1-74.5 parts and bisphenol Z type polycarbonate (viscosity average molecular weight 2000
0) 5 parts were dissolved in 38 parts of monochlorobenzene, and this solution was applied on a charge generation layer with a Meyer bar so that the film thickness after drying was 25.0 μm.
The resultant was dried by heating at 0 ° C. for 60 minutes to form a charge transport layer, thereby producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor (photoreceptor 1).

Example 2 An undercoat layer and a charge generation layer were formed on an aluminum sheet support having a thickness of 50 μm in the same manner as in Example 1.

Next, as a charge transporting material, exemplified compound No. 1 represented by the general formula (2) was used. 2-34.5 parts of bisphenol Z type polycarbonate (viscosity average molecular weight 2000
0) 5 parts were dissolved in 38 parts of monochlorobenzene, and this solution was applied on a charge generation layer with a Meyer bar so that the film thickness after final drying was 25.0 μm.
It was dried by heating at 110 ° C. for 60 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was cooled to room temperature, and further dried by heating at 150 ° C. for 60 minutes to form a charge transport layer, thereby producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive member 2).

Example 3 An undercoat layer and a charge generation layer were formed on an aluminum sheet support having a thickness of 50 μm in the same manner as in Example 1.

Next, as a charge transporting material, exemplified compound No. represented by the general formula (3) was used. 3-14.5 parts and bisphenol Z type polycarbonate (viscosity average molecular weight 2000
0) 5 parts were dissolved in 38 parts of monochlorobenzene, and this solution was applied on a charge generation layer with a Meyer bar so that the film thickness after final drying was 25.0 μm.
It was dried by heating at 110 ° C. for 60 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was cooled to room temperature, and further dried by heating at 150 ° C. for 60 minutes to form a charge transport layer, thereby producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive member 3).

Comparative Example 1 Example 1 was used as a charge generating material.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 1) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that Comparative Pigment No. Q-1 shown in Table 4 was used instead of Pigment No. P-1.

Comparative Example 2 Example 1 as a charge generating material
An electrophotographic photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 2) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that Comparative Pigment No. Q-2 shown in Table 4 was used instead of Pigment No. P-1.

Comparative Example 3 Example 1 was used as a charge generating material.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 3) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that Comparative Pigment No. Q-3 shown in Table 4 was used instead of Pigment No. P-1.

Comparative Example 4 Example 1 was used as a charge generating material.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 4) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that Comparative Pigment No. Q-4 shown in Table 4 was used instead of Pigment No. P-1.

Comparative Example 5 Example 1 was used as a charge generating material.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 5) was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that Comparative Pigment No. Q-5 shown in Table 4 was used instead of Pigment No. P-1.

Comparative Example 6 Example 2 was used as a charge generation material.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 6) was produced in the same manner as in Example 2, except that comparative pigment number Q-1 shown in Table 4 was used instead of pigment number P-1.

Comparative Example 7 Example 2 was used as a charge generation material.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 7) was produced in the same manner as in Example 2, except that Comparative Pigment No. Q-2 shown in Table 4 was used instead of Pigment No. P-1.

Comparative Example 8 Example 2 was used as a charge generating material.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 8) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that Comparative Pigment No. Q-3 shown in Table 4 was used instead of Pigment No. P-1.

Comparative Example 9 Example 2 was used as a charge generating material.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 9) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that Comparative Pigment No. Q-4 shown in Table 4 was used instead of Pigment No. P-1.

(Comparative Example 10) Electrons were prepared in the same manner as in Example 2 except that Comparative Pigment No. Q-5 shown in Table 4 was used instead of Pigment No. P-1 of Example 2 as a charge generating material. A photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 10) was prepared.

(Comparative Example 11) An electron was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3 except that Comparative Pigment No. Q-5 shown in Table 4 was used instead of Pigment No. P-1 of Example 3 as a charge generating material. A photoreceptor (comparative photoreceptor 11) was prepared.

The electrophotographic photosensitive members of photosensitive members 1 to 3 and comparative photosensitive members 1 to 11 were mounted on a modified machine of a laser beam printer (trade name: LBP-SX: manufactured by Canon Inc.), and the dark area potential was reduced. -Charged to 700 V, and irradiated with a laser beam with a wavelength of 780 nm-
The amount of light required to reduce the potential of 700 V to -200 V was measured and defined as sensitivity. Further, a potential when a light amount of 20 μJ / cm ² was irradiated was measured as a residual potential Vr.
Table 5 shows the results.

[0101]

[Table 6]

Next, these 14 types of electrophotographic photosensitive members were mounted on a remodeled laser beam printer (described above).
Humidity 10% / air temperature 5 ° C (L / L), humidity 50% / air temperature 1
8 ° C (N / N) and humidity 80% / air temperature 35 ° C (H / H)
An image forming test was performed in the three environments. The conditions are as follows. Bright part potential: -700 V, bright part potential: -20
0 V, transfer potential: +700 V, developing polarity: negative polarity, process speed: 54 mm / sec, developing bias: -4
50 V, image exposure scan method: image scan, exposure before primary charging: 6.50 lux · sec red overall exposure,
The image was formed by line scanning with a laser beam according to a character signal and an image signal.

In the photoreceptors 1, 2, and 3, a satisfactory image was obtained in all environments, and a satisfactory image free from image stains such as fogging and black spots was obtained. However, in Comparative Photoreceptors 1 to 11, there was no image stain such as fogging or black spots, but as can be seen from Table 5, due to lack of sensitivity, images were not obtained with sufficient density in any environment. .

As described above, from Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 11, the charge transport layer was dried at a high temperature or the charge transport layer was dried twice as a measure against image stains such as fog and black spots.
It can be seen that when the second drying is performed at a high temperature, it can be used only when gallium phthalocyanine is contained as a charge generation material without causing a decrease in sensitivity or an increase in residual charge.

Example 4 4.2 parts of N-methoxymethylated 6 nylon resin (weight average molecular weight 45,000) and alcohol-soluble copolymerized nylon resin (weight average molecular weight 5000) were placed on a 50 μm thick aluminum sheet support.
0) A solution prepared by dissolving 8.8 parts in 90 parts of methanol was applied by a Meyer bar to form an undercoat layer having a dried film thickness of 0.50 μm.

Next, hydroxygallium phthalocyanine compound 4 having a crystal form of pigment No. P-1 shown in Table 4 was prepared.
Part and polyvinyl butyral resin (trade name: Esrec B
HS (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) (2 parts) was added to 90 parts of cyclohexanone, dispersed together with glass beads by a sand mill for 4 hours, and 90 parts of ethyl acetate was added thereto to dilute the dispersion. Coat with a Meyer bar so that the film thickness after drying becomes 0.20 μm, and after touch drying at room temperature, 1
The resultant was dried by heating at 10 ° C. for 10 minutes to form a charge generation layer.

Next, as an example of the charge transporting material, No. 1 compound represented by the general formula (1) is used. No. 1-182.5 parts and the exemplified compound No. represented by the general formula (3). 3-15 2.5 parts and bisphenol Z-type polycarbonate (viscosity average molecular weight 40000) 5 parts are dissolved in monochlorobenzene 38 parts, and this solution is dried on the charge generation layer to a film thickness of 15.0 μm.
m was applied by a Meyer bar, touch-dried at room temperature, and dried by heating at 150 ° C. for 60 minutes to form a charge transport layer, thereby producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor (photoreceptor 4).

(Examples 5 to 13) An electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive members 5 to 13) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 4 except that the drying temperature and the drying time of the charge transport layer in Example 4 were changed as shown in Table 6.
13) was produced.

These electrophotographic photosensitive members were mounted on a remodeled laser beam printer (described above) in the same manner as in Example 1 and charged so that the dark area potential was -700 V. Irradiate laser light and -7
The amount of light required to lower the potential of 00 V to -200 V was measured and defined as sensitivity. Further, a potential when a light amount of 20 μJ / cm ² was irradiated was measured as a residual potential Vr.

These electrophotographic photosensitive members were mounted on a modified machine of a laser beam printer (described above), and were subjected to three environments: humidity of 10% / temperature of 5 ° C., humidity of 50% / temperature of 18 ° C. and humidity of 80% / temperature of 35 ° C. An image forming test was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 6 shows the results.

[0111]

[Table 7]

Comparative Examples 12 to 15 An electrophotographic photosensitive member (Comparative photosensitive member 12) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 4 except that the drying temperature and the drying time of the charge transport layer in Example 4 were changed as shown in Table 7. To 15).

The sensitivity and residual potential of these electrophotographic photosensitive members were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. Further, image forming tests in three environments were performed in the same manner. Table 7 shows the results.

[0114]

[Table 8]

Further, for the photosensitive members 4 to 13, N / N
Environment, L / L environment, H / H environment 100 in each of 3 environments
A total of 3,000 images were successively output for each of the 0 images, but a good initial image was stably obtained.

As described above, Examples 4 to 13 and Comparative Examples 12 to 1
5 indicates that when gallium phthalocyanine is contained as the charge generating material, the charge transport layer can be dried at a sufficient concentration in any environment and can obtain a good image free from image stains such as fog and black spots. It can be seen that there are optimal ranges for temperature and drying time.

Example 14 4.2 parts of N-methoxymethylated 6 nylon resin (weight average molecular weight: 45000) and alcohol-soluble copolymerized nylon resin (weight average molecular weight: 5000) were placed on an aluminum sheet support having a thickness of 50 μm.
0) A solution obtained by dissolving 8.8 parts in 90 parts of methanol was applied by a Meyer bar to form an undercoat layer having a dried film thickness of 0.60 μm.

Next, hydroxygallium phthalocyanine compound 4 having a crystal form of pigment No. P-1 shown in Table 4 was prepared.
Part and polyvinyl butyral resin (trade name: Esrec B
HS (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) (2 parts) was added to 90 parts of cyclohexanone, dispersed together with glass beads by a sand mill for 4 hours, and 90 parts of ethyl acetate was added thereto to dilute the dispersion. Coat with a Meyer bar so that the film thickness after drying becomes 0.20 μm, and after touch drying at room temperature, 1
The resultant was dried by heating at 10 ° C. for 10 minutes to form a charge generation layer.

Next, as the charge transporting material, exemplified compound No. 1 represented by the general formula (1) was used. No. 1-44 parts and the exemplified compound No. represented by the general formula (2). 2-3 1 part and bisphenol Z-type polycarbonate (viscosity average molecular weight 40,000)
5 parts were dissolved in 38 parts of monochlorobenzene, and this solution was applied on a charge generation layer with a Meyer bar so that the film thickness after final drying was 15.0 μm.
Heat drying at 0 ° C. for 60 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was cooled to room temperature, and further dried by heating at 140 ° C. for 60 minutes to form a charge transport layer, thereby producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive member 14).

(Examples 15 to 20) The same procedures as in Example 14 were carried out except that the first drying temperature, the second drying temperature and the second drying time of the charge transport layer in Example 14 were changed as shown in Table 8. Electrophotographic photoreceptors (photoreceptors 15 to 20)
Was prepared.

These electrophotographic photosensitive members were mounted on a modified laser beam printer (described above) in the same manner as in Example 1 and charged so that the dark area potential was -700 V. Irradiate laser light and -7
The amount of light required to lower the potential of 00 V to -200 V was measured and defined as sensitivity. Further, a potential when a light amount of 20 μJ / cm ² was irradiated was measured as a residual potential Vr.

These seven types of electrophotographic photosensitive members were mounted on a modified machine of a laser beam printer (described above), and were subjected to a humidity of 10%.
% / Temperature 5 ℃, humidity 50% / temperature 18 ℃ and humidity 80%
An image formation test was performed in the three environments of 35 ° C./air temperature in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 8 shows the results.

[0123]

[Table 9]

(Comparative Examples 16 to 18) The same procedures as in Example 14 were carried out except that the first drying temperature, the second drying temperature and the second drying time of the charge transport layer in Example 14 were changed as shown in Table 9. Similarly, an electrophotographic photosensitive member (comparative photosensitive members 16 to 1)
8) was produced.

The sensitivity and residual potential of these electrophotographic photosensitive members were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. Further, image forming tests in three environments were performed in the same manner. Table 9 shows the results.

[0126]

[Table 10]

Further, with respect to the photoconductors 14 to 20, N /
N environment, L / L environment, H / H environment
A total of 3000 images were successively output on a 00-sheet basis, and a good initial image was stably obtained.

As described above, Examples 14 to 20 and Comparative Examples 16 to
As can be seen from FIG. 18, when gallium phthalocyanine is contained as the charge generating material, it is possible to maintain a sufficient density in any environment and obtain a good image free from image stains such as fog and black spots. Second drying temperature,
It can be seen that there is an optimum range for the second drying temperature and the second drying time.

(Example 21) In order to examine the mechanical strength of the charge transport layer of the photoreceptor 4, a Taber abrasion tester using a polishing tape was used for 15 minutes of abrasion, and the mass loss at that time was measured. Table 10 shows the results at that time.

(Comparative Examples 19 and 20) Comparative Photoconductor 1
In order to examine the mechanical strength of Nos. 3 and 14, a Taber abrasion tester using a polishing tape was used for 15 minutes of abrasion, and the mass loss at that time was measured. Table 10 shows the results at that time.

[0131]

[Table 11]

[0132]

As described above, according to the present invention, problems such as extreme decrease in sensitivity and increase in residual potential do not occur, image stains such as fogging and black spots do not occur, and the charge is further reduced. Electrophotographic photoreceptor with less film abrasion of transport layer,
It has become possible to provide a method for producing the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process cartridge having the electrophotographic photosensitive member produced by the method, and an electrophotographic apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an infrared absorption spectrum (KBr tablet method) of chlorogallium phthalocyanine obtained in Production Example 1.

FIG. 2 is a powder X-ray diffraction diagram of chlorogallium phthalocyanine obtained in Production Example 1.

FIG. 3 is an infrared absorption spectrum (KBr tablet method) of hydroxygallium phthalocyanine obtained in Production Example 2.

FIG. 4 shows 6.8 ° and 2 Bragg angles (2θ ± 0.2 °) in characteristic X-ray diffraction of CuKα obtained in Production Example 2.
FIG. 3 is an X-ray diffraction pattern of hydroxygallium phthalocyanine having a crystal form having a strong peak at 6.2 °.

FIG. 5 shows 7.4 ° and 2 ° Bragg angles (2θ ± 0.2 °) in characteristic X-ray diffraction of CuKα obtained in Production Example 3.
FIG. 3 is an X-ray diffraction pattern of hydroxygallium phthalocyanine having a crystal form having a strong peak at 8.2 °.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic apparatus including a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 electrophotographic photoreceptor 2 axis 3 charging means 4 exposure light 5 developing means 6 transfer means 7 transfer material 8 fixing means 9 cleaning means 10 pre-exposure light 11 process cartridge 12 guide means

(72) Inventor Hidetoshi Hirano 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Miki Tanabe 3-30-2, Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Kazue Asakura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2H068 AA19 AA20 AA21 AA34 AA35 BA12 BA13 BA14 BA39 EA19 EA36 FA27

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a charge generating layer containing gallium phthalocyanine as a charge generating material and a charge transporting layer containing a charge transporting material laminated on a conductive support in this order. An electrophotographic photoreceptor wherein the drying temperature after coating of the layer is 140 ° C. or higher. 2. An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a charge generating layer containing gallium phthalocyanine as a charge generating material and a charge transporting layer containing a charge transporting material laminated in this order on a conductive support. 70 after layer coating
After drying at a temperature of over ℃ and cooling to room temperature,
An electrophotographic photosensitive member that has been dried again at the above temperature. 3. The drying temperature according to claim 1, or the drying temperature according to claim 1.
2. The electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein the second drying temperature is 150 ° C. or higher. 4. The drying temperature according to claim 1, or the drying temperature according to claim 1.
2. The electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein the second drying temperature is 170 ° C. or lower. 5. The drying time according to claim 1, or the drying time according to claim 2.
2. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to item 2, wherein the second drying time is 10 minutes or more and 3 hours or less. 6. The charge generating material according to claim 1, wherein said charge generating material has a Bragg angle (2θ ± 0.2 °) of 7.4 ° in characteristic X-ray diffraction.
The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is hydroxygallium phthalocyanine having a strong peak at 28.2 °. 7. The charge transport material according to the general formula (1),
The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one of the compounds represented by (2) and (3). Embedded image (Wherein, R ¹ and R ² represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent or an aryl group which may have a substituent, and Ar ¹ And Ar ²
Represents an aryl group which may have a substituent. Also, n is either 0 or 1. (Wherein, R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ and R ^{6 each} represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent or an alkoxy group which may have a substituent) (Wherein, R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ and R ¹² represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent or an alkoxy group which may have a substituent) 8. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a charge generating layer containing gallium phthalocyanine as a charge generating material and a charge transporting layer containing a charge transporting material laminated on a conductive support in this order. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein the drying temperature after the application of the charge transport layer is 140 ° C. or higher. 9. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a charge generating layer containing gallium phthalocyanine as a charge generating material and a charge transporting layer containing a charge transporting material laminated on a conductive support in this order. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, comprising drying at a temperature of 70 ° C. or higher after coating the charge transport layer, cooling to room temperature, and drying again at a temperature of 140 ° C. or higher. 10. A method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the drying temperature according to claim 8 or the second drying temperature according to claim 9 is 150 ° C. or higher. 11. A method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the drying temperature according to claim 8 or the second drying temperature according to claim 9 is 170 ° C. or lower. 12. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein the drying time according to claim 8 or the second drying time according to claim 9 is not less than 10 minutes and not more than 3 hours. 13. The characteristic X of the charge generation material is CuKα.
7.4 of the Bragg angle (2θ ± 0.2 °) in X-ray diffraction
The method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of claims 8 to 12, which is hydroxygallium phthalocyanine having strong peaks at 0 ° and 28.2 °. 14. The charge transport material according to the general formula (1),
The method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of claims 8 to 13, comprising at least one of the compounds represented by (2) and (3). Embedded image (Wherein, R ¹ and R ² represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent or an aryl group which may have a substituent, and Ar ¹ And Ar ²
Represents an aryl group which may have a substituent. And n is either 0 or 1. (Wherein, R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ and R ⁶ represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent or an alkoxy group which may have a substituent) (Wherein, R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ and R ¹² represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent or an alkoxy group which may have a substituent) 15. An electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor is charged with a charging unit, and the electrophotographic photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed is developed with toner. Developing means, and at least one means selected from the group consisting of a cleaning means for collecting residual toner on the electrophotographic photoreceptor after the transfer step, are integrally supported together, and are detachably attached to the electrophotographic apparatus main body. Characteristic process cartridge. 16. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member,
Exposure means for exposing the charged electrophotographic photosensitive member to form an electrostatic latent image, developing means for developing the electrophotographic photosensitive member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed with toner, and toner image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member An electrophotographic apparatus, comprising: a transfer unit that transfers a sheet onto a transfer material.