JP2003098779A - Endless belt traveling device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endless belt which is prevented from meandering even in a state where image forming speed is high, that means, on a condition that the linear velocity of the endless belt is high and can form a high-quality image, and an endless belt traveling device and an image forming apparatus using them. SOLUTION: In this endless belt traveling device constituted so that a plurality of rollers are inserted in the endless belt so as to make the endless belt travel by the rotation of the rollers, a boltlike elastic body is fixed on the more outside than the roller by an adhesive on the inner surfaces of the edges on both sides of the endless belt, and the elastic modulus of the adhesive is 6×10<3> to 5×10<5> dyne/cm<2> .

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endless belt running device and an image forming apparatus using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional technique, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-230.
950 discloses an endless belt in which a guide such as a hot melt adhesive is directly adhered to provide a detent guide, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 04-190280 discloses a specific rubber hardness and thickness. An endless belt is described in which a flexible substance is attached to both inner edges of the endless belt to serve as a detent guide.
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 237 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-289823, there is disclosed an endless belt in which a reinforcing tape to which an elastomer guide is adhered is adhered to both inner edges of the endless belt by using an adhesive as a detent guide. Have been described.

In recent years, there is a strong demand for higher-definition and higher-resolution image formation because of the demand for highly accurate reproducibility of image information. Further, there is an increasing need for colorization, high-speed image formation, downsizing of an image forming apparatus, and high durability. Especially for the photoconductor, it is possible to reduce the load on the photoconductor by increasing the circumference of the photoconductor in response to the demand for high speed image formation and high durability. In the photoconductor used, increasing the peripheral length of the photoconductor leads to increasing the diameter of the photoconductor, resulting in a conflict with the demand for miniaturization of the image forming apparatus. The endless belt photoconductor can be freely changed in shape by inserting multiple rollers into the photoconductor, increasing the degree of freedom in arranging the photoconductor in the image forming apparatus. Can contribute to.

Generally, an endless belt photosensitive member has a structure in which a photosensitive layer is provided on a conductive polymer film or metal film substrate. In particular, an endless belt photosensitive member using a metal film substrate is The expansion and contraction of the endless belt is low and the shape retention against tension is high.Therefore, even if the peripheral speed of the endless belt photoconductor is increased, deformation of the endless belt photoconductor does not occur in order to speed up image formation. High quality image formation is possible.

Normally, the running of the endless belt in the image forming apparatus is carried out by inserting a plurality of rollers inside the endless belt and rotating the rollers. However, the roundness, straightness, parallelism, etc. of the rollers are not affected. Due to the problem of uniformity, the endless belt will meander in the width direction.

When the endless belt is meandering severely, the endless belt falls off from the drive roller and is damaged. Even if the endless belt does not fall off or break,
The meandering greatly deteriorates the quality of the formed image, and when a plurality of image formations are combined to form one image, as in the case of color image formation, color misregistration and image unevenness are noticeable. This causes a significant deterioration in image quality.

To prevent the endless belt from meandering,
An endless belt is disclosed in which guides such as hot melt adhesives are directly bonded to both inner edges of the endless belt to provide detent guides (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-230950). However, there is a drawback that the hot melt adhesive is likely to be deformed during the cooling after the hot melt adhesive is melted and applied to the endless belt, and as a result, meandering is likely to occur.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 04-190280 discloses an endless belt in which a flexible substance having a specific rubber hardness and thickness is attached to both inner edges of the endless belt to serve as a detent guide. ing. This endless belt has excellent performance with almost no deformation of the belt even after running for a long time. However, if the linear speed of the endless belt is increased due to the demand for speeding up the image formation, the deviation prevention guide may be deformed, peeled off, or the endless belt may be deformed, resulting in deterioration of the image quality. Often. In particular, in a high-resolution image forming apparatus for a written image, the tendency is large, and in a color image forming apparatus, color misregistration is likely to occur, which often results in further deterioration of image quality.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2000-1237 and 20
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 00-289823 discloses an endless belt in which a reinforcing tape to which an elastomer guide is adhered is adhered to both inner edge portions of the endless belt using an adhesive to form a detent guide. Due to the presence of the reinforcing tape, the offset guide of the endless belt hardly separates from the endless belt due to an external force particularly in the longitudinal direction of the offset guide. However, due to the presence of the reinforcing tape, the adhesive layer of the anti-slip guide becomes thicker, and the amount of deformation of the adhesive layer with respect to the external force from the side of the anti-slip guide increases, exposing the adhesive layer and contacting the drive roller. To do more. When the adhesive layer of the anti-slip guide comes into contact with the drive roller, the adhesive layer adheres to the drive roller, which makes it difficult to drive a smooth endless belt, causing so-called banding and color misregistration, and lowering the image quality. Since there is a portion where the adhesive strength of the guide is weakened, meandering is likely to occur, which is also likely to cause deterioration in image quality.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention has a high image quality without causing the endless belt to meander even when the image forming speed is high, that is, even when the endless belt has a high linear velocity. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endless belt capable of forming an image, an endless belt running device, and an image forming apparatus using the same.

[0011]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION As a result of detailed analysis of the cause of deterioration of image quality when the linear velocity of the endless belt is high, the present inventors have found that It is unavoidable that the endless belt moves in the width direction, and the drive roller and the stop guides fixed to the inner surfaces of both side edges of the endless belt come into contact with each other, so that the drive roller keeps applying the stop guide sideways. We found that the deformation of the anti-slip guide was a problem with respect to the force from the direction, and as a result of further analysis, if the elastic body used for the anti-slip guide had a certain hardness, the deformation of the elastic body It has been found that almost no deformation occurs, and most of the deformation of the anti-stop guide occurs in the adhesive layer.

In the endless belt running device having poor image quality, the deformation amount of the adhesive layer is large with respect to the lateral force of the anti-stop guide. In many cases, the adhesive layer deformed by the lateral force of the anti-stop guide returns to its original state when the lateral force is released. However, since the lateral force applied to the anti-stop guide is due to the drive roller, if the amount of deformation of the adhesive layer is large, a part of the adhesive layer contacts the drive roller and the adhesive layer adheres to the drive roller. Therefore, it becomes difficult to drive the smooth endless belt, so-called banding, and the image quality is deteriorated due to color misalignment, and there are places where the adhesive strength of the anti-stop guide is weakened, so that meandering easily occurs, It was also found that this is likely to cause deterioration in image quality. The lateral force of the non-stop guide is stronger when the linear speed of the endless belt is faster, so it was not a problem with the conventional endless belt traveling device with a slow linear speed, but it is extremely problematic with a fast endless belt. It becomes a big problem.

As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have examined the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer used for the anti-stop guide, and have a high quality even in a state of high linear velocity. The inventors have found that an endless belt running device capable of forming an image can be provided, and have completed the present invention.

That is, according to the present invention, the endless belt has multiple layers.
Insert a number of rollers and rotate the rollers to end
It is an endless belt running device that runs a belt.
The endless belts have elastic strips on the inner surfaces on both side edges.
Fix the body outside the roller with an adhesive and
The elastic modulus of the agent is 6 × 10^Three~ 5 x 10⁵dyne / cm ^Two
It is an endless belt running device characterized by
It

The elastic modulus of the pressure-sensitive adhesive is 6 × 10 ^{3 to} 5 × 10.
⁵ dyne / cm ² , preferably 8 × 10 ³ to 4 × 10
⁵ dyne / cm ² , more preferably 10 × 10 ³ to
It is 3 × 10 ⁵ dyne / cm ² . When the elastic modulus of the pressure-sensitive adhesive is 6 × 10 ³ dyne / cm ² or less, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is too soft, so that the deformation of the pressure-sensitive adhesive is large with respect to the lateral force of the anti-stop guide at a high linear velocity, and the image is This is not preferable because it significantly deteriorates the quality. 5 x 10 ⁵ dyne / c
If it is m ² or more, the flexibility of the adhesive is lacking, so that peeling of the anti-stop guide or deformation of the endless belt base near the drive roller at a bent portion of the endless belt is likely to occur, which is not preferable.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the anti-stop guide used in the endless belt traveling device of the present invention. The thickness of the adhesive of the non-stop guide used in the endless belt running device of the present invention is 10 to 50 μm, preferably 15 to 45 μm.
m, and more preferably 20 to 40 μm. When the thickness of the adhesive is 10 μm or less, it may not be possible to follow the elastic body of the anti-slip guide or the unevenness of the surface of the seamless belt base, and the adhesiveness of the anti-slip guide tends to be partially deteriorated. It is not preferable because it easily leads to When the thickness of the pressure-sensitive adhesive is 50 μm or more, the deformation amount of the pressure-sensitive adhesive increases with respect to the force from the lateral direction of the anti-slip guide, which undesirably deteriorates the image quality.

The adhesive used for the endless belt running device of the present invention for fixing the elastic body which is the offset guide of the endless belt has sufficient adhesiveness to the endless substrate and the elasticity, and is used in the image forming apparatus. It is not particularly limited as long as it does not deteriorate due to the environment of, for example, acrylic-based, natural rubber-based, synthetic rubber-based, silicone-based, thermosetting adhesives can be exemplified, among them adhesiveness over time, An acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive is preferable from the viewpoint of easy fixing. Acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives are preferable, because by halogenating a part of the structure or introducing a phenyl group, the elastic modulus of the pressure-sensitive adhesives can be controlled relatively easily while ensuring adhesiveness. .

In FIG. 1, a primer is provided at the interface between the elastic body of the anti-slip guide and the pressure-sensitive adhesive, but it is not necessary if the adhesiveness between the elastic body and the pressure-sensitive adhesive is sufficient. However, since the elastic body and the adhesive have completely different mechanical properties, if the primer is not present, peeling easily occurs at the interface between the elastic body and the adhesive with the use over time, so that the primer is preferably used. In addition, the primer has an effect of covering excessive irregularities on the surface of the elastic body. The thickness of the primer is 0.5 to 20 μm, preferably 1 to 15 μm, more preferably 2 to 12 μm.

As the primer, for example, a reaction-curable polyurethane primer, urethane-based resin or the like is applied to the surface of the elastic body or mixed with an adhesive to form an adhesive layer, whereby the adhesiveness between the elastic body and the adhesive layer is improved. The urethane-vinyl chloride copolymer resin as a primer has a perfect adhesion to both the pressure-sensitive adhesive and the elastic body, and its mechanical characteristics are intermediate between those of the elastic body and the pressure-sensitive adhesive. Even if it is used, the anti-stop guide can be completely fixed.

The rubber hardness (JISA) of the elastic body which is the offset guide of the endless belt used in the endless belt running device of the present invention is 65 to 90, preferably 66 to 8.
5, and more preferably 67-80. If the elastic body has a rubber hardness of 65 or less, it is not preferable because it is too soft and is easily deformed by an external force, which may cause a meandering.
When the rubber hardness of the elastic body is 90 or more, the repulsive force of the elastic body becomes large at the portion on the drive roller, so that the endless belt base and the adhesive layer are easily peeled off or the endless belt base is deformed, so that the meandering occurs. It will be easier.

The material of the elastic body, which is the non-stop guide of the endless belt used in the endless belt running apparatus of the present invention, has a proper rubber elasticity and is not particularly deteriorated due to the environment in the image forming apparatus. Examples of the rubber include, but are not limited to, synthetic rubber such as polyurethane rubber, neoprene rubber, urethane rubber, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, and silicone rubber, or rubber such as one kind or a mixture of two or more kinds of natural rubber. Of these, urethane rubber is most preferable because it has excellent stability against temperature and humidity, low abrasion resistance, and excellent ozone resistance.

Further, for the purpose of improving the mechanical strength of the elastic body, a filler such as carbon body, calcium silicate, calcium carbonate or glass fiber may be mixed. Among the fillers, the inclusion of a carbon body such as carbon black not only improves the mechanical properties of the elastic body, but also reduces the frictional force between the drive roller and the anti-slip guide due to the lubricating effect of the carbon body. Since the force such as frictional force applied from the endless guide becomes small, the meandering of the endless guide hardly occurs, which is very preferable. The content of the filler is not particularly limited, but is 1 to 50% of the total weight of the elastic body, preferably 3 to 40.
%, Particularly preferably 5 to 30%.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the endless belt running device of the present invention. The endless belt running device of the present invention can be manufactured by inserting a plurality of driving rollers into the endless belt and rotating the driving rollers to run the endless belt. Although the number of driving rollers is three in FIG. 2, the number of driving rollers may be any number as long as the tension of the endless belt and the size and shape of the endless belt running device can be desired.

In the endless belt traveling device of the present invention,
As described above, the drive roller contacts the detent guide and pushes the detent guide in the lateral direction, but it is preferable that the end of the drive roller be chamfered. This is because it is unavoidable that the anti-slip guide will deform the adhesive with respect to the force from the side, but if the end of the drive roller is chamfered, the adhesive will not be deformed very slightly. Since the driving roller does not come into contact with the adhesive that is deformed and exposed, it is possible to form a four-dimensional image without causing meandering or partial deterioration of the adhesiveness of the anti-stop guide. The end surface of the drive roller in the endless belt traveling device of the present invention, which comes into contact with the offset guide of the endless belt, may be the drive roller itself or a so-called collar formed of a resin having excellent abrasion resistance such as a fluororesin. good.

The relationship between the chamfered size of the driving roller and the thickness of the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the offset guide will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, the chamfer size of the drive roller (a)
Is 4 to 20 of the thickness (c) of the adhesive of the anti-stop guide.
Times, preferably 5 to 18 times, more preferably 6 to 15 times
Double. The chamfer is the thickness of the adhesive of the non-stop guide 4
If it is less than twice, it is difficult to secure the processing accuracy of chamfering, and the adhesive may come into contact with the driving roller due to a slight deformation of the adhesive, which is not preferable. If the chamfering is 20 times or more the thickness of the adhesive of the detent guide, the adhesive will not contact the drive roller due to a slight deformation of the adhesive, but the chamfered part of the drive roller and the detent guide will not contact each other. Since the contact area is small, the pressure at that portion becomes large, and the elastic body of the anti-slip guide is easily deformed or damaged, which is not preferable.

Further, the chamfering size (a) of the driving roller is 75% or less, preferably 20 to 73% or less, and more preferably 30 to 70% of the thickness (b) of the elastic body.
Is. If the chamfering size of the drive roller is 75% or more of the thickness of the elastic body, the area where the drive roller does not chamfer and the detent guide is small, so the pressure at that part becomes large, and the detent guide This is not preferable because the elastic body is easily deformed or damaged.

The endless belt running device of the present invention can form an excellent image even in a state where the linear velocity is slow, but the linear velocity is 80 mm / sec or more, preferably 100 m.
m / sec or more, more preferably 120 mm / sec
Even in the above-mentioned use, meandering does not occur, and high-resolution and high-quality image formation is possible. At a high linear velocity of 80 mm / sec or more, weak endless belt tension makes it difficult to drive the endless belt smoothly.
In addition to drive rollers, tension rollers are often used. To reduce the size and weight of the device, small diameter drive rollers and tension rollers are used.
When a small-diameter roller was used at a high linear velocity, the endless belt was strongly bent, and the adhesion of the anti-slip guide was often partially reduced. However, the endless belt running device of the present invention can form a high quality image even when the endless belt is bent to have a curvature radius of 12 mm or less, preferably 8 to 11 mm.

The endless belt running device of the present invention can be used for running devices such as a photoconductor, an intermediate transfer belt, a fixing belt, and a conveyor belt. The endless belt of the present invention is particularly effective when applied to a photoconductor. Since the life of the photoconductor is determined by the number of times the image formation on the photoconductor is repeated, it is effective to increase the surface area of the photoconductor to extend the life of the photoconductor. Then, the diameter of the drum is increased, but it is difficult to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus if a photoconductor having a large diameter is used. On the other hand, the endless belt photoreceptor can change its shape freely by inserting a plurality of rollers into the photoreceptor, which increases the degree of freedom in arranging the photoreceptor in the image forming apparatus. Even if the size becomes large, it is possible to contribute to downsizing of the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus using the endless belt running device of the present invention can form excellent images in both single color and color. Particularly, in color image formation, more faithful image formation is required. Since toners of different colors are laminated to form a color image, color misregistration is likely to occur even if an extremely slight meander occurs, but the image forming apparatus of the present invention does not cause the meander and is extremely high. Image formation with high image quality can be performed.

As a color image forming method in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a method of forming images by forming toner images of a plurality of colors on a photoreceptor and then sequentially transferring the toner images to an output medium (paper in many cases), or After forming the toner images of a plurality of colors on the photosensitive member, the toner images of the respective colors are sequentially stacked on the intermediate transfer member, and the stacked toner images are transferred to an output medium to form an image. However, after image formation via an intermediate transfer body that can improve image quality when high image density, prevent color misregistration, improve transfer efficiency, and support output media flexibly, especially as an intermediate transfer body The image quality of the image formed via the transfer belt is high, which is preferable. In particular, when the intermediate transfer belt has elasticity, the transfer efficiency is high even when the image density is high, and abnormal images such as so-called prints and dust are not generated, which is preferable.

The resolution of the image forming apparatus using the endless belt running device of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is usually 1000 dpi, preferably 1200 dpi.
At the high resolution, even if an extremely slight meandering occurs, the image quality is greatly deteriorated. However, since the endless belt running device of the present invention does not cause the meandering, it is possible to form a high resolution image.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 4, (1) is a flexible belt-shaped photoconductor that is a belt-shaped image carrier, and the photoconductor belt (1) is installed between rotating rollers (2) and (3),
It is conveyed in the direction of arrow A (clockwise) in the figure by the rotational drive of the rotating roller (2). In the figure, (4) is a charging charger which is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photoreceptor belt (1), and (5) is a laser writing system unit which is an electrostatic image exposing means. In addition, (6) in the figure
This is a color developing device in which four developing devices having yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners described later are integrally formed.

In the figure, (10) is an intermediate transfer belt which is an intermediate transfer member, and the intermediate transfer belt (10) is installed between rotating rollers (11) and (12), and the rotating roller (11) is provided. ) Is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow B (counterclockwise) in the figure. The photoconductor belt (1) and the intermediate transfer belt (10) are in contact with each other at the rotating roller (3) portion of the photoconductor belt (1). A bias roller (1) having conductivity is provided on the intermediate transfer belt (10) side of the contact portion.
3) is in contact with the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt (10) under predetermined conditions. Unlike the contact type charging roller, the charging charger does not come into contact with the surface of the photosensitive belt to cause scratches, which is particularly advantageous in a color image forming apparatus.

The image forming operation of the color image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. In FIG. 4, a belt-shaped photoconductor (latent image carrier) (1) is uniformly charged by a charging charger (4) and then scanned and exposed based on image information by a laser optical device (5) to be surface-exposed. An electrostatic latent image is formed on. Here, the image information to be exposed is monochromatic image information obtained by decomposing a desired full-color image into yellow, cyan, and magenta color information, and a laser beam (L) generated by a semiconductor laser (not shown) by this information. Are those whose scanning and optical paths have been adjusted by an optical device (not shown).

The electrostatic latent image formed here is a one-component non-magnetic toner of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black whose respective laser exposure portions are predetermined by a developing device (6) of a rotary reversal developing system described later. Each color is developed, and each color image is sequentially formed on the photoconductor belt (1). By using the one-component non-magnetic toner, it is possible to obtain a color image excellent in gradation of a highlight image and density uniformity of a solid portion.

Further, each monochromatic image formed on the photosensitive belt (1) rotating in the direction of arrow A in the figure is an intermediate transfer belt rotating in the direction of arrow B in the figure in synchronization with the photosensitive belt (1). The yellow, cyan, magenta, and black single colors are sequentially transferred onto the surface of (10) by a predetermined transfer bias applied to the bias roller (13).

Here, the length of the intermediate transfer belt (19) is twice the size of the photoconductor belt (1), so that the specific position of the intermediate transfer belt is always in contact with the same position of the photoconductor. The position is strictly controlled. Further, rod-shaped zinc stearate (not shown) is applied to the intermediate transfer belt (10).

The yellow, cyan, magenta, and black images superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt (10) are fed from the paper feed tray (paper feed cassette) (17) to the paper feed roller (1).
8), the transfer rollers (19a) and (19b), the registration roller pairs (20a) and (20b), and the transfer roller (14) collectively transfers the transfer paper (17a) onto the transfer paper that has been transferred to the transfer unit. After the transfer is completed, the transfer paper (17a) is fixed by the fixing device (80) to complete a full-color image, and the print image is printed on the paper discharge stack section (82) through the paper discharge roller pairs (81a) and (81b). Discharge.

Reference numeral (15) in the drawing is a cleaning device including a cleaning blade (15a) which is always in contact with the photosensitive belt (1) and cleans the toner on the photosensitive belt (1). 16) is a cleaning device for the intermediate transfer belt (10), and the cleaning blade (16a) of the cleaning device (16) is held at a position separated from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt (10) during the image forming operation. The formed image is the transfer paper (17a) described above.
After being transferred on, it is brought into contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt (10).

The photoconductor belt (1), the charger (4), the intermediate transfer belt (10), the cleaning devices (15) and (16) are the process cartridge (31).
And a waste toner collecting device (15
c) is replaceably incorporated in the process cartridge (31). The case exterior part of the process cartridge (31) on the side of the registration roller (20b) also has a function as a sheet conveyance guide. By taking the form of a process cartridge, downsizing of the electrophotographic apparatus,
It is easy to attach and detach as an electrophotographic unit.

The waste toner scraped off by the cleaning blade (16a) from the intermediate transfer belt (10) is conveyed in the front direction of the drawing by the auger (16b) provided in the cleaning device (16). Further, it is conveyed to a waste toner collecting device (15c) by a conveying unit (not shown) provided on the front side surface of the process cartridge (31). By replacing the process cartridge (31) with a predetermined amount or more of waste toner stored in the waste toner collecting device (15c), the life of the process cartridge (31) can be extended.

When the endless belt of the present invention is used as a photoconductor, the endless photoconductor is formed of an endless belt-shaped substrate and a photosensitive layer, and an intermediate layer can be provided between the substrate and the photosensitive layer. A protective layer may be provided on the photosensitive layer.

The substrate of the endless photoreceptor of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has sufficient mechanical strength and conductivity, but aluminum,
Metals or alloys such as nickel, chromium, nichrome, copper, gold, silver and platinum, metal oxides such as tin oxide and indium oxide laminated on resin films such as polyester and polyimide, or aluminum, nickel and chromium, Examples thereof include metal films or alloy films of nichrome, copper, gold, silver, platinum and the like, and metal foils are particularly preferable from the viewpoint of durability, processability in them, mechanical properties, chemical stability, economy. From the aspect of properties, a metal film containing nickel as a main component is preferable. In addition, especially, JP-A-5
JP-A-2-36016, JP-A-3-219259, JP-A-63-127250, and JP-A-63-1.
Since the nickel seamless belt produced by electroforming plating disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 27249, etc. has no joints, it is possible to freely form an image without limiting the place where the image is formed on the photosensitive member. This is preferable because the size of the forming apparatus can be reduced and the speed of image formation can be improved.

When the linear velocity of the photoreceptor is 80 mm / sec or more, the nickel seamless belt has a Vickers hardness of 400 to 650, preferably 450 to 600, and a nickel purity of 98% or more, preferably 99% or more. From the viewpoint of durability of the photoconductor, it is preferable. If the Vickers hardness of the nickel seamless belt is 400 or less,
Since the restoring force against the arc-shaped deformation of the photoconductor in the vicinity of the driving roller is small, an abnormal image having a streak-like image is likely to occur, and when the Vickers hardness is 650 or more, the photoconductor is hard.
Since the deformation itself is difficult, the load on the drive roller is increased and both ends of the photoconductor are likely to be permanently deformed, which is not preferable. If the purity of nickel is 98% or less,
The mechanical strength and chemical stability of the nickel seamless belt are likely to be lowered, and abnormal images such as stripes and spots are likely to occur.

The endless photoconductor of the present invention basically comprises a substrate and a photosensitive layer, and an undercoat layer can be provided between the substrate and the photosensitive layer. The photosensitive layer may be either a laminated type in which a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer are sequentially laminated or a single layer type in which a charge generation agent and a charge transport agent are mixed and used. Furthermore, a protective layer can be provided.

The undercoat layer is provided for the purpose of improving the adhesiveness, preventing moire, improving the coatability of the upper layer, and reducing the residual potential. The undercoat layer generally contains a resin as a main component, but considering that the photosensitive layer on the resin is applied using a solvent, these resins are resins having high solubility in general organic solvents. Is desirable.

Examples of such resins include polyvinyl alcohol, casein, water-soluble resins such as sodium polyacrylate, copolymerized nylon, methoxymethylated nylon,
Examples thereof include alcohol-soluble resins such as polyurethane, melamine resin, alkyd-melamine resin, and epoxy resin, and curable resins that form a three-dimensional network structure.

Further, fine powders of metal oxides such as titanium oxide, silica, alumina, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, etc., or metal sulfides, metal nitrides, etc. may be added. These undercoat layers can be formed using an appropriate solvent and coating method.

Further, as the undercoat layer of the present invention, a metal oxide layer formed by, for example, a sol-gel method using a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent, a chromium coupling agent or the like is also useful. In addition to the above, the undercoat layer of the present invention includes aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide provided by anodic oxidation, organic substances such as polyparaxylylene (parylene), SnO ₂ , TiO ₂ , ITO and Ce.
An inorganic substance such as O ₂ provided by a vacuum thin film manufacturing method can also be used favorably. The thickness of the undercoat layer is suitably 0.1 to 5 μm.

The charge generating layer is a layer containing a charge generating substance as a main component, and a binder resin may be used if necessary. An inorganic material and an organic material can be used as the charge generating substance. Examples of the inorganic material include crystalline selenium, amorphous selenium, selenium-tellurium, selenium-tellurium-halogen, and selenium-arsenic compounds.

On the other hand, known materials can be used as the organic material. For example, phthalocyanine-based pigments such as metal phthalocyanine and metal-free phthalocyanine, azurenium salt pigment, squaric acid methine pigment, azo pigment having a carbazole skeleton, azo pigment having a triphenylamine skeleton, azo pigment having a diphenylamine skeleton, dibenzothiophene skeleton Having azo pigment, azo pigment having fluorenone skeleton, azo pigment having oxadiazole skeleton, azo pigment having bisstilbene skeleton, azo pigment having distyryl oxadiazole skeleton, azo pigment having distyryl carbazole skeleton, perylene Series pigments, anthraquinone series or polycyclic quinone series pigments, quinone imine series pigments, diphenylmethane and triphenylmethane series pigments, benzoquinone and naphthoquinone series pigments, cyanine and azomethine series pigments, Jigoido pigments, bisbenzimidazo - such as Le based pigments. These charge generating substances can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds.

The binder resin used in the charge generation layer as required includes polyamide, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyketone, polycarbonate, silicone resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl ketone, polystyrene, poly-N-. Vinylcarbazole, polyacrylamide, etc. are used. These binder resins may be used alone or 2
It can be used as a mixture of two or more species.

A charge transport material may be added if necessary. Further, as the binder resin for the charge generation layer, a polymer charge transport material is favorably used in addition to the above-mentioned binder resin.

As a method for forming the charge generating layer, a vacuum thin film forming method and a casting method from a solution dispersion system can be largely cited. The former method includes vacuum deposition method, glow discharge polymerization method, ion plating method, sputtering method,
A reactive sputtering method, a CVD method, or the like is used, and the above-mentioned inorganic material or organic material can be formed favorably. Further, in order to provide the charge generation layer by the casting method described below, the above-mentioned inorganic or organic charge generation substance is used together with a binder resin, if necessary, tetrahydrofuran,
It can be formed by using a solvent such as cyclohexanone, dioxane, dichloroethane or butanone to disperse with a ball mill, attritor, sand mill or the like, and diluting the dispersion liquid appropriately and coating. The coating can be performed by using a dip coating method, a spray coating method, a bead coating method, or the like. The thickness of the charge generation layer provided as described above is appropriately about 0.01 to 5 μm, and preferably 0.05 to 2 μm.

The charge transport layer is a layer intended to retain a charged charge and to move the charge generated and separated in the charge generation layer by exposure to combine with the retained charge. The charge transport layer also contains an adsorbent. A high electric resistance is required to achieve the purpose of retaining the charged electric charge, and a low dielectric constant and good charge mobility are required to achieve the objective of obtaining a high surface potential with the retained charged electric charge. Is required.

The charge transport layer for satisfying these requirements comprises a charge transport material, a binder resin and an adsorbent. It can be formed by dissolving or dispersing these in an appropriate solvent, applying and drying the same. As the solvent, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, toluene, dichloromethane, monochlorobenzene, dichloroethane, cyclohexanone, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone or the like is used.

If necessary, a suitable amount of a plasticizer, an antioxidant, a leveling agent, etc. can be added in addition to the charge transport material and the binder resin. The charge transport material includes a hole transport material and an electron transport material. Examples of the electron transport material include chloranil, bromanil, tetracyanoethylene, tetracyanoquinodimethane, 2,4,7-
Trinitro-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] Thiophene-4one, 1,3,7-trinitrodibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide, and other electron-accepting substances. These electron transport materials can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds.

Examples of the hole-transporting substance include the electron-donating substances shown below, which are preferably used. For example, oxazole derivative, oxadiazole derivative, imidazole derivative, triphenylamine derivative, 9-
(P-diethylaminostyrylanthracene), 1,1
-Bis- (4-dibenzylaminophenyl) propane,
Styrylanthracene, styrylpyrazoline, phenylhydrazones, α-phenylstilbene derivatives, thiazole derivatives, triazole derivatives, phenazine derivatives,
Examples include acridine derivatives, benzofuran derivatives, benzimidazole derivatives, thiophene derivatives and the like. These hole transport materials can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds.

Further, the polymer charge transport layer material has the following structure. (A) Polymers having a carbazole ring, for example, poly-N-vinylcarbazole, JP-A-50-
82056, JP 54-9632, JP 54-11737, JP 4-175337, JP 4-183719, JP 6-23.
Examples thereof include compounds described in Japanese Patent No. 4841. (B) Polymer having a hydrazone structure, for example, JP-A-57-78402 and JP-A-61-
20953, JP-A-61-296358,
JP-A-1-134456, JP-A-1-17916
4, JP-A-3-180851, and JP-A-3-180851.
180852, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-50555, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-310904, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-234840.
Examples thereof include the compounds described in JP-A No. (C) Polysilylene polymer For example, JP-A-63-285552 and JP-A-1-
88461, JP 4-264130 A, JP 4-264131 A, JP 4-264132 A.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-264133 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-2.
Examples thereof include compounds described in Japanese Patent No. 89867. (D) Polymer having a triarylamine structure, for example, N, N-bis (4-methylphenyl) -4-aminopolystyrene, JP-A-1-134457, JP-A-2-28264, and JP-A-2- 304456
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-133065, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-1304
Examples thereof include compounds described in JP-A-33066, JP-A-5-40350, and JP-A-5-202135. (E) Other polymers, for example, formaldehyde condensation polymer of nitropyrene, JP-A-51-73888, JP-A-56-15074.
No. 9, JP-A-6-234836, JP-A-6-
Examples thereof include the compounds described in Japanese Patent No. 234837.

The polymer having an electron-donating group used in the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned polymers, but copolymers of known monomers, block polymers, graft polymers, star polymers, and Further, for example, a cross-linked polymer having an electron donating group as disclosed in JP-A-3-109406 can be used.

Further, as the polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyester and polyether having a triarylamine structure which are more useful as the polymer charge transporting material used in the present invention, the following compounds are exemplified. For example, JP-A-64-1728 and JP-A-64-13
061, JP 64-19049, JP 4-11627, JP 4-225014, JP 4-230767, and JP 4-320.
No. 420, No. 5-232727, No. 7-56374, No. 9-127713, No. 9-222740, No. 9-265.
197, JP-A-9-212877, JP-A-9-304956 and the like.

As the binder resin which can be used in combination with the charge transport layer, polycarbonate (bisphenol A type, bisphenol Z type), polyester, methacrylic resin, acrylic resin, polyethylene, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, polystyrene, phenol resin, epoxy resin is used. , Polyurethane, polyvinylidene chloride, alkyd resin, silicone resin, polyvinyl carbazole, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, phenoxy resin and the like are used. These binders can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds. As the photoreceptor belt, bisphenol A type polycarbonate is preferable because of cracks in the photosensitive layer. The thickness of the charge transport layer is
About 5 to 100 μm is suitable.

As the antioxidant, for example, the following ones are used. Monophenol compounds 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol, butylated hydroxyanisole, 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-ethylphenol, stearyl-β- (3,5-di-t −
Butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate, 3
-T-butyl-4-hydroxynisol and the like.

Bisphenol compounds 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'-butylidene bis- (3-methyl-6-t-butylphenol) and the like.

Polymer phenolic compound 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 ester, tocophenols and the like.

Paraphenylenediamines 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-p-phenylenediamine and the like.

Hydroquinones 2,5-di-t-octylhydroquinone, 2,6-didodecylhydroquinone, 2-dodecylhydroquinone, 2-dodecyl-5-chlorohydroquinone, 2-t
-Octyl-5-methylhydroquinone, 2- (2-octadecenyl) -5-methylhydroquinone and the like.

Organic sulfur compounds Dilauryl-3,3'-thiodipropionate, distearyl-3,3'-thiodipropionate, ditetradecyl-3,3'-thiodipropionate and the like.

Organophosphorus compounds Triphenylphosphine, tri (nonylphenyl) phosphine, tri (dinonylphenyl) phosphine, tricresylphosphine, tri (2,4-dibutylphenoxy) phosphine and the like.

As the plasticizer, those used as a plasticizer for general resins such as dibutyl phthalate and dioctyl phthalate can be used as they are, and the amount thereof is 0 to 30 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the binder resin. Some parts are appropriate.

A leveling agent may be added to the charge transport layer. As the leveling agent, silicone oils such as dimethyl silicone oil and methylphenyl silicone oil, and polymers or oligomers having a perfluoroalkyl group in the chain are used, and the amount thereof is 100 parts by weight of the binder resin. 0 to 1 part by weight is suitable.

The protective layer is a layer in which fine particles of metal or metal oxide are dispersed in a binder resin. It is desirable that the binder resin be transparent to visible light and infrared light and excellent in electrical insulation, mechanical strength and adhesiveness. As the binder resin for the protective layer, ABS resin, ACS resin, olefin-vinyl monomer copolymer, chlorinated polyether, allyl resin, phenol resin, polyacetal, polyamide, polyamide imide, polyacrylate, polyallyl sulfone, polybutylene, poly Butylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, acrylic resin, polymethylpentene, polypropylene, polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polystyrene, AS resin, butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polychloride Examples of the resin include vinylidene and epoxy resin. Examples of the metal oxide include titanium oxide, tin oxide, potassium titanate, TiO, TiN, zinc oxide, indium oxide, antimony oxide and the like.

For the protective layer, a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene, a silicone resin, and aluminum oxide are added to the protective layer for the purpose of improving abrasion resistance.
A dispersion of an inorganic material such as titanium oxide can be added. As a method for forming the protective layer, a usual coating method is adopted. The protective layer preferably has a thickness of about 0.1 to 10 μm.

When the endless belt of the present invention is used as an intermediate transfer belt, the intermediate transfer belt has a conductive support such as a metal or alloy belt made of aluminum, iron, copper or stainless steel, carbon or metal particles dispersed therein. Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NB
R), styrene butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, chloroprene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, acrylic rubber, fluororubber, urethane rubber, etc. and carbon (Ketjen black) as a conductive material, An elastic layer in which graphite, carbon fibers, metal powder, conductive metal oxide, organic metal oxide, organic metal compound, organic metal salt, conductive polymer, etc. are dispersed to control the volume resistivity, PFA, FEP, etc. As a type formed from a surface release layer coated with a fluororesin and a base material,
Polyethylene (high density, medium density, low density, linear low density), propylene ethylene block or random copolymer, rubber or latex component such as ethylene / propylene copolymer rubber, styrene / butadiene rubber, styrene / butadiene / Styrene block copolymer or its hydrogenated derivative, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, polyamide, polyamideimide, polyacetal, polyarylate, polycarbonate, polyphenylene ether, modified polyphenylene ether, polyimide, liquid crystalline polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polysulfone, polyether Sulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polybisamide triazole,
Polybutylene terephthalate, polyetherimide, polyetheretherketone, acrylic, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene Perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluororubber, acrylic acid alkyl ester copolymer, polyester ester copolymer, polyether ester copolymer, polyetheramide copolymer, olefin copolymer, polyurethane One of copolymers or a mixture thereof, particularly polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polychlorotrifluoro Styrene, tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer,
A type in which an electric resistance is adjusted by adding a conductive filler to a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene or a fluororubber is used. The resistance value of the intermediate transfer belt is 10 ⁶ Ω · c
It is preferably m to ^{10 10} Ω · cm (when 1 kV is applied).

In the intermediate transfer belt having the elastic layer and the release layer, the thickness of the elastic layer is preferably 0.5 to 5 mm in view of the formation of the transfer nip, color misregistration due to rotation, material cost, and the like. The film thickness of is preferably thin in order to convey the flexibility of the lower elastic layer to the surface of the photoreceptor, and specifically 50 to 200 μm is desirable.

Further, the transferability of the toner image is improved by coating the surface of the intermediate transfer belt with zinc stearate in order to improve the transferability of the image onto the transfer paper and making the friction coefficient of the belt surface lower than that of the transfer paper. The coefficient of friction of the transfer paper is usually about 0.35 to 0.7, though it depends on the type. On the other hand, by applying zinc stearate to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt, the coefficient of friction of the intermediate transfer belt is about 0. 15 ~
It can be maintained at 0.3.

When the endless belt of the present invention is used as a transfer paper conveying belt, metals and alloys such as aluminum, iron, copper and stainless steel, conductive resin belts in which carbon and metal particles are dispersed, metals such as nickel and stainless steel, etc. A belt can be used. In addition, the transfer paper transport belt is configured to apply a voltage, and the transfer paper is electrostatically adsorbed to the transfer paper transport belt to reduce the disturbance of the toner image, the lateral displacement of the transfer paper, and the occurrence of wrinkles. .

When the endless belt of the present invention is used as a fixing belt, a heat resistant resin film of polyimide, polyamide, polyester or the like, a metal film or the like can be used.

[0079]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples. In addition, "part" means a weight part. <Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1> A urethane rubber sheet (made by Maruyoshi Polymer) having a thickness of 0.8 mm and a rubber hardness of 70.5.
A solution of a urethane-vinyl chloride copolymer resin dissolved in ethyl acetate was applied to one surface of the above, and dried to laminate a urethane-vinyl chloride copolymer resin of about 4 μm on the urethane rubber. The elastic modulus was 1.2 × 10 ⁴ dyn on the surface on which the urethane-vinyl chloride copolymer resin was laminated.
e / cm ² , 5.9 × 10 ⁴ dyne / cm ² , 1.8
× 10 ⁵ dyne / cm ² , 5.0 × 10 ³ dyne /
cm ² with a thickness of 40 μm and an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet that are bonded together under pressure, width 4 mm, length 285 mm
A non-stop guide was punched out with a Thomson blade to a length of 5 to prepare five anti-stop guides for each lot.

A mixture having the following composition was placed in a ball mill pot and subjected to ball milling for 72 hours using φ10 mm alumina balls. Titanium oxide (CR-60: made by Ishihara Sangyo) 50.0 parts Alkyd resin (Beckolite M6401-50, made by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals) 15.0 parts Melamine resin (Super Beckamine L-121-60, Dainippon Ink) Chemical industry) 10.0 parts Methyl ethyl ketone (Kanto Chemical) 31.7 parts

Cyclohexanone (manufactured by Kanto Kagaku Co., Ltd.) (105.0 parts by weight) was added to this milling solution, and ball milling was further performed for 2 hours to prepare an undercoat layer coating solution. A nickel seamless belt (Vickers hardness: 480-510, purity: 90.3 mm, peripheral thickness: 290.3 mm, thickness: 30 μm)
9.2% or more) by spray coating and at 25 ° C at 25 ° C
After drying for a minute, an undercoat layer having a film thickness of 6.5 μm was formed.

Subsequently, 1.5 parts of a charge generating substance of the compound (I) having the following structural formula (manufactured by Ricoh) and the compound (I having the following structural formula
I) (manufactured by Ricoh), 1.5 parts of a charge generating substance, 1.0 part of polyvinyl butyral resin (S-REC BLS; manufactured by Sekisui Chemical), and 80.0 parts of cyclohexanone (manufactured by Kanto Chemical) were placed in a ball mill pot. It was taken and subjected to ball milling for 120 hours using an agate ball of φ10 mm, and then 78.4 parts of cyclohexanone and 237.6 parts by weight of methyl ethyl ketone were added to prepare a charge generation layer coating solution.
After applying this coating solution onto the undercoat layer by spray coating, 13
It was dried at 0 ° C. for 20 minutes to form a charge generation layer having a thickness of 0.12 μm.

[0083]

[Chemical 1]

[0084]

[Chemical 2]

Next, a charge transport layer coating liquid having the following composition was prepared, and this coating liquid was spray-coated on the charge generation layer by spray dip coating, dried at 140 ° C. for 30 minutes, and then dried to a thickness of 2
A 5 μm charge transport layer was formed. 7 parts of charge-transporting substance of the following structural formula (III) (manufactured by Ricoh)

[0086]

[Chemical 3] Polycarbonate resin (C-1400, Teijin Chemicals) 10 parts Silicone oil (KF-50, Shin-Etsu Chemical) 0.002 parts Tetrahydrofuran (Kanto Chemical) 841.5 parts Cyclohexanone (Kanto Chemical) 841.5 parts 3- t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (Tokyo Kasei) 0.04 parts

This photosensitive belt was cut into a width of 367 mm. The detent guides were attached and fixed to the inner surfaces of both side edges 5 mm from the end of the photoconductor substrate while peeling the release paper, and five photoconductors were prepared for each of the five types of the detent guides.

The linear velocity of the produced photosensitive member was 96 mm.
/ Sec, the chamfering of the driving roller end (color) in contact with the detent guide of the photoconductor is 0.5 mm, and the resolution of the written image is 600 dpi (IPSIO C
It was mounted on color 5000 (manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) to form a grid image of a 1 cm square grid-shaped color image. 200
The image was evaluated for the 0th sheet. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0089]

[Table 1]

<Example 4, Comparative Example 2> In the five image forming apparatuses of Example 2 and the two image forming apparatuses of Comparative Example 1, which had no abnormality after image formation of 2000 sheets, the linear velocity of the photoconductor was 150 m.
Further, 2000 grid images of 1 cm square grid-shaped color image were formed in the same manner except that the grid image was modified to m / sec. Elasticity of the anti-slip guide is 5.9 × 10 ⁴ dyne / cm ²
The image forming apparatus using the non-stop guide was able to form a high-quality image without any abnormality in all five units, but the non-stop guide has an elastic modulus of 5.0 × 10 ³ dyne / cm ^2. With respect to the image forming apparatus using, by the time 1000 sheets of images have been formed, the anti-slip guides of both of them have peeled off from the photoconductor and the photoconductor has fallen off from the drive roller, so that the image formation has become impossible.

<Examples 5 and 6 and Comparative Example 3> Example 1
In, the elastic modulus of the adhesive is 4.5 × 10 ⁴ dyne /
cm ² , 7.3 × 10 ⁴ dyne / cm ² , 5.1 × 1
^Five photoconductors were produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the rate was set to 0 ⁵ dyne / cm ² . An image forming apparatus similar to that of Example 1 was prepared except that the diameter of the driving roller was set to 25 mm by using the prepared photoreceptor, and an image forming test similar to that of Example 1 was performed. The image was evaluated on the 2000th image formed. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0092]

[Table 2]

<Example 7 and Comparative Example 4> Five photoconductors were prepared in the same manner as the photoconductors used in Example 2 and Comparative Example 1. Using the photoconductor prepared, the chamfering of the driving roller end (color) in contact with the anti-slip guide of the photoconductor is 0.1.
An image forming apparatus similar to that in Example 5 was prepared except that the thickness was set to mm, and the same image forming test as in Example 1 was performed. The image was evaluated on the 2000th image formed. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0094]

[Table 3]

Example 8 A photoconductor was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that urethane rubber (hardness 71) in which 30% of carbon black was kneaded was used. In the image forming apparatus of Example 2, using the produced photoconductor,
An image forming test was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the linear velocity of the photoconductor was set to 160 mm / sec. All of the five image forming apparatuses were capable of forming high-quality images without any abnormality.

<Embodiment 9> One image forming apparatus was manufactured in the same manner as in Embodiment 8 except that the resolution of the written image was modified to 1200 dpi. A grid image of a 1 cm square grid-shaped color image was formed on 30,000 sheets, but no color shift was felt. Furthermore, when a color animation cel image was read with a scanner and output as an image, it could be almost indiscernible without staring, but if you magnify the area around the high image density area with a magnifying glass, the part of the image that is overlaid Although there were some, it was possible to form an image with no problems in actual use.

Example 10 Polyvinylidene fluoride (P
VDF) 100 parts carbon black 18 parts, dispersant 3 parts, toluene 400 parts are uniformly dispersed, a cylindrical mold is dipped in the dispersion liquid and gently pulled up at 10 mm / sec, and dried at room temperature to 75 μm. A uniform film of PVDF was formed. Repeat the mold with a 75 μm film formed on it and immerse the cylindrical mold in the solution under the above conditions for 10 mm / sec.
Was gently pulled up at room temperature and dried at room temperature to form a 150 μm PVDF belt. To this, polyurethane prepolymer 1
00 parts, curing agent (isocyanate) 3 parts, carbon black 20 parts, dispersant 3 parts, and MEK 500 parts are uniformly dispersed, and the cylindrical mold having 150 μm PVDF is immersed in the dispersion liquid and pulled up at 30 mm / sec. It was naturally dried. Repeat after drying, aim 1
A urethane polymer layer of 50 μm was formed. Further, 100 parts of the polyurethane prepolymer, 3 parts of the curing agent (isocyanate), 50 parts of the PTFE fine powder powder, 4 parts of the dispersant, and 500 parts of MEK were uniformly dispersed for the surface layer. 15 above
A cylindrical mold on which a 0 μm urethane prepolymer was formed was dipped, and pulled up at 30 mm / sec for natural drying. Repeated after drying 5μm PTF
A surface layer of a urethane polymer in which E was uniformly dispersed was formed. After drying at room temperature, carry out crosslinking at 130 ° C for 2 hours,
Resin layer 150 μm, elastic layer 150 μm, surface layer 5 μm 3
A layered transfer belt was obtained. An image forming apparatus was produced in the same manner as in Example 8 except that this elastic intermediate transfer belt was used, and image formation was performed in the same manner as in Example 9. The periphery of the high image density portion was magnified with a magnifying glass. However, no image defects were found and an extremely high quality image was obtained.

[0098]

As is apparent from the detailed and specific description above, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 1, there is almost no extension of the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the anti-slip guide against the lateral force of the anti-slip guide. Therefore, it is possible to provide an endless belt traveling device capable of forming a high-quality image in which the adhesive is not exposed and meandering does not occur. Further, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 2, since the adhesive of the anti-slip guide hardly expands against the lateral force of the anti-slip guide, the adhesive is not exposed and a high-quality image in which no meandering occurs. An endless belt traveling device that can be formed can be provided. Further, according to the present invention described in claims 3 and 4,
The adhesive is not exposed to the lateral force of the anti-stop guide, and the adhesiveness between the elastic body of the anti-stop guide and the adhesive is extremely excellent, which enables high-quality image formation without meandering. An endless belt traveling device can be provided. Further, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 5, an endless belt running device capable of forming a high quality image without causing meandering can be provided because the anti-slip guide has excellent flexibility and high mechanical strength. . Further, claims 6 and 7
According to the present invention described in (1), even if the adhesive of the detent guide moves slightly due to the lateral force of the detent guide due to the chamfering of the end of the drive roller, the detent that is slightly exposed with the drive roller. Since the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the guide hardly contacts, it is possible to provide an endless belt running device capable of forming a high-quality image without causing meandering. Further, according to the present invention described in claim 8, it is possible to provide an endless belt running device capable of high-speed image formation without causing meandering. Further, according to the present invention described in claim 9, it is possible to provide a small endless belt traveling device capable of forming a high quality image without causing meandering.
Further, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a photoconductor traveling device capable of forming a high quality image. Further, according to the present invention described in claim 11, it is possible to provide a photoconductor traveling device which is excellent in durability of the photoconductor even when an image is formed in a state where the linear velocity is high. Further, according to the present invention of claim 12, it is possible to provide a photoconductor capable of forming an image of high quality even when the image is formed in a state where the linear velocity is high. In addition, claim 1
According to the present invention described in No. 3, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a high quality image. Further, according to the present invention described in claim 14, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a high quality color image. Further, according to the present invention of claim 15, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a high-quality color image capable of supporting a wide range of output media. According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus having high transfer efficiency and capable of forming a high-quality color image without abnormal images such as color shift, prints, and dust. Further, according to the present invention described in claim 17, there is an extremely excellent effect that an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image with high resolution can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an endless belt of the present invention and its vicinity, which is an anti-slip guide.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of an endless belt traveling device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a chamfered size of a driving roller and a thickness of an adhesive agent of a deviation prevention guide.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

[Simple explanation of symbols]

1 photoconductor belt 2 rotating rollers 3 rotating rollers 4 Charger 5 Laser optical device 6 rotary developing device 8 front frame 9 Body frame 10 Intermediate transfer belt 11 rotating roller 12 rotating rollers 13 Bias roller 14 Transfer roller 15 Cleaning device 15a cleaning blade 15c Waste toner recovery device 16 Cleaning device 16a cleaning blade 16b auger 17 Paper feed stand (paper feed cassette) 17a transfer paper 18 Paper feed roller 19a, 19b Transport roller pair 20a, 20b Registration roller pair 31 Process cartridge 80 Fixing device 81a, 81b Paper ejection roller pair 82 Paper output stack section L laser beam

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G03G 15/04 111 G03G 15/04 111 3F023 15/16 15/16 3F049 21/00 350 21/00 350 3J049 // B65G 15/60 B65G 15/60 (72) Inventor Hideo Nakamori 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Ricoh Co., Ltd. (reference) 2H030 BB02 BB24 BB42 BB63 BB71 2H035 CA05 CB06 CF02 2H071 BA42 DA09 DA16 EA18 2H076 AB05 AB09 2H200 FA16 FA19 FA20 GA16 GA17 GA24 GA34 GA36 GA46 GA47 GA59 GB12 GB25 HA02 HB12 HB13 HB22 JA02 JB10 JC03 JC10 JC12 JC13 JC15 JC17 LA19 LA02 MA01 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 MA02 3F049 BB11 3J049 AA01 BE01 BE08 BE09 BF01 BF07 BH04 CA08

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of rollers in an endless belt
Insert and run the endless belt by rotating the roller
An endless belt traveling device for running, the end
A belt-shaped elastic body is used as a roller on the inner surface of both sides of the belt.
It is fixed to the outer side with an adhesive, and the elastic modulus of the adhesive is 6
× 10^Three~ 5 x 10⁵dyne / cm ^TwoSpecially
An endless belt running device to collect. 2. The endless belt running device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive has a thickness of 10 to 50 μm. 3. The endless belt running device according to claim 1, wherein a primer layer is provided on an interface between the elastic body and the adhesive. 4. The endless belt running device according to claim 3, wherein the primer layer is a urethane vinyl chloride copolymer resin. 5. The endless belt running device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body has a rubber hardness of 65 to 90. 6. A chamfer having a thickness of 4 to 20 times the thickness of the adhesive is applied to the surface of the roller inserted into the endless belt, which comes into contact with the belt-shaped elastic bodies fixed to the inner surfaces of both side edges of the endless belt. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The endless belt traveling device according to any one of 1. 7. The chamfered size of the surface of the roller inserted into the endless belt, which is in contact with the belt-shaped elastic body fixed to the inner surface of both side edges of the endless belt, is 75% or less of the thickness of the elastic body. The endless belt traveling device according to claim 6, wherein 8. The linear velocity of the endless belt is 80 mm
/ Sec or more, the endless belt running device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. The endless belt has a radius of curvature of 15
The endless belt running device according to claim 8, wherein the endless belt running device is used by being bent to a length of not more than mm. 10. A photoconductor traveling device, wherein the belt used in the endless belt traveling device according to claim 1 is a photoconductor. 11. The photoconductor traveling device according to claim 10, wherein the substrate of the photoconductor is a nickel seamless belt. 12. A photoconductor, which is used in the photoconductor traveling device according to claim 10. 13. An image forming apparatus using the endless belt running device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or the photoconductor running device according to claims 10 and 11. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a color image can be formed. 15. A toner image of each color is formed on a photoconductor, the toner of each color is transferred to an elastic intermediate transfer belt, and the toner laminated on the intermediate transfer belt is secondarily transferred to an output medium. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the image is formed according to the following. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the intermediate transfer belt is an elastic body. 17. The resolution of the image written on the photoconductor is 1.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the image forming apparatus has a surface area of 000 dpi or more.